Mary C. Kasten

Mary C. Kasten, 96, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri died Saturday, October 12, 2024 at her residence. She was born June 6, 1928 in Matthews, MO to Clarence A.and Ruth (Hill) Critchlow. She and Melvin Charles Kasten were married June 19, 1949 in Matthews, MO. Mary Kasten was an amazing woman. She was a Cape Public School Board member for 21 years, President of the Missouri School Board Association, served on the SEMO Board of Regents, and Missouri State Representative for 19 years. Her sphere of influence was enormous. The list of accomplishments is too long for this writing. Yet, fame was never goal. A servant's heart is what she manifested throughout her career. She was known for Always having a positive, caring and can-do attitude. Even as she was in her last hours, it was reported that she asked one of her caretakers, "how her day was." Always thinking of others to the very end. One of her often used statements when we appeared to be unable to accomplish something was "Where there is a will, there is a way." We are extraordinarily proud of our mom and what she was done. But most of all, because she was a loving, caring mother who taught us a great work ethic. She encouraged us to succeed and be the best we could be. We will miss her tremendously, as will many others whose lives she has touched. She was a very devoted Christian. A founding member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. There was never any doubt as to her final accomplishment. She would want everyone to Rejoice and be Happy that she was won her race. Survivors include two sons, Mark C. (Lois) Kasten of Chaffee, MO, Mike C. (Percilla) Kasten of Cape Girardeau, MO; daughter, Margaret "Meg" Sexton of Moberly, MO; six grandchildren, Heather (Jered) Angelle of Richmond, TX, Ben (Lindsey) Kasten of Baton Rouge, LA, Ryan (Audrey) Frenz of Jackson, MO, Caroline Kasten of Nashville, TN, Drew Anna Kasten of Columbia, MO, Emma Sexton of Cape Girardeau, MO; five great-grandchildren, Evelyn Kasten, Lillian Kasten, Caden Angelle, Julianne Angelle, Piper Frenz. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Bill Wm. and Wanda Critchlow; sister, Beatrice Depro. Visitation will be 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 pm Saturday, October 19, 2024 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. John Dehne officiating. A lunch will follow the service, with a social time immediately after. A private burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau at a later date. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be given to Samaritan's Purse or St. Andrew Lutheran Church. A special thanks of appreciation goes to the ladies who cared for mom 24 hours a day, Helen Baker, Chelsey Bird, Georgia Reily, Debbie Graham, Bonnie Boyd, Chelsea Jenkins, Mashanda Reed, Cosandra Reed, Vercorea Cooper. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Mary C. Kasten

June 6, 1928 - October 12, 2024