Mary Jolene Aiken

Mary Jolene Aiken entered her heavenly home on Sunday, March 30th, 2025. She was a devoted believer in her Lord and Savior.

Mary "Jolene," as most people knew her, was born on June 17, 1936, to Joe Jasper and Leta Mae (Hopkins) McGuire. She graduated from Wayside High School in Wayside, Kansas, in 1954.

She married James Henry Aiken on August 28, 1953, in Independence, Kansas, where they made their home and raised cattle. Two children were born to this marriage: Diana Carol and Blaine Edwin.

For most of her adult life, Jolene was a farm wife, serving as a bookkeeper, parts gopher, baby calf nursery worker, and, in general, the chief cook and bottle washer for the family farm. When her youngest child entered high school, she went to work at T.G.&Y. in the fabric department, where she worked for 11 years until the store closed.

Jolene was involved in many family activities, including the Promenade Square Dancing Club, bowling leagues, 4-H fairs and activities, the Independence Saddle Club, and the Drill Team.

She enjoyed crocheting and won several awards for her work. She also enjoyed sewing and designing clothes and costumes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. If you could describe it to her, she could make it.

Jolene is survived by her husband of 72 years, Jim; her sister, Colleen Perkins of Coffeyville; her daughter, Diana Bredehoft; and daughter-in-law, Rose Dickerson, all of Independence. Her grandchildren include: Jennifer (Chris) Haley of Lexington, Oklahoma; Joshua (Misty) Obermier of Talala, Oklahoma; Kattie Bredehoft-Sacia of Winona, Minnesota; Donald Gillespie of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ashley (David) Hilson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ryan (Ashleigh) Gillespie of Alma, Arkansas; and Noah James Aiken of Independence, Kansas.

Her great-grandchildren include: Cameron and Jerrod Haley; Wyatt and Wade Obermier; Gavin and Adrian Gillespie; Aleena, Kalel, and Lynlee Hilson; and Rhett and Rory Gillespie. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

Mary Jolene was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Leta McGuire; her sister, Leta Louise Scovel; her brother, William (Bill) McGuire; her son, Blaine Edwin Aiken; her son-in-law, David Bredehoft; her great-grandson, Jacob Case Haley; and her grandson-in-law, Kyle Sacia.

Pallbearers for the services will be: Ryan Gillespie, Noah Aiken, Joshua Obermier, Christopher Haley, Michael Hall, and Chris Perkins.

The family will gather at her daughter's home in Independence, Kansas after the services. Cards may be sent to the funeral home or to Diana’s address.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Montgomery County 4-H Foundation or to the Montgomery County Rural Firefighters.