DODGE CITY - Mary K. (Creswell) Trotter, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born June 3, 1945, San Diego CA to Edwin and Margaret (Peggy) Shryock. Following the early loss of her father, her mother married Andrew Creswell, a seminary student whose calling to missionary service would shape much of Mary's childhood. The family lived in Pennsylvania and Minneola, Kansas, before moving overseas for missionary work.

Beginning in eighth grade, Mary lived in Sudan and later attended an American high school in Alexandria, Egypt. Her years abroad fostered a lifelong sense of adventure and curiosity. She spent her time sailing on the Red Sea, riding camels, climbing the pyramids, and exploring countries throughout Europe and the Middle East, experiences she would recount with joy for the rest of her life.

Returning to the United States, Mary pursued a career devoted to caring for others. She earned her Registered Nursing degree from Grace School of Nursing in Hutchinson, Kansas, and later completed her bachelor's degree at Sterling College. Throughout her nursing career, she served in schools, hospitals, a Young Life camp in Colorado, and alongside her husband's medical practice. Wherever she worked, Mary brought both skill and compassion to those entrusted to her care.

On August 16, 1969, Mary married the love of her life, R.C. "Corky" Trotter, in Minneola, Kansas. Together they built a remarkable partnership that spanned more than 57 years. Their journey took them to Lawrence, Kansas City, Muncie, Indiana, and Minneola, KS as Corky completed pharmacy school, medical school, and residency training. They eventually settled in Dodge City, Kansas, where together they established a medical practice and raised their family.

Mary poured her heart into her faith, her family, and her community. She taught Sunday school, chaperoned youth trips, coordinated countless carpools, volunteered in her children's classrooms, and invested deeply in the lives of young people. Having experienced the kindness of others throughout her missionary childhood, she became known for her generous hospitality. Her home was a gathering place where friends, missionaries, neighbors, medical staff, and youth groups always found an open door, a welcoming smile, and a meal to share.

Through her involvement with Dodge City Days Rodeo, Mary discovered a passion for supporting women facing cancer, leading local fundraising efforts for Tough Enough to Wear Pink and ensuring that assistance went directly to local patients and families. Her dedication to her community was recognized in recent years when she and Corky were inducted into the Miss Rodeo Kansas Hall of Fame and were honored as the 2026 Dodge City Days Parade Marshals.

Of all her accomplishments, Mary's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Corky Trotter; her daughter Shannon Hare and grandchildren Gayvn, Teagan, and Hayden; her daughter Courtney Bauer and husband Dave Bauer and their children Cael and Finn; and her son Seth Trotter and wife Jennifer Trotter and their children Maia and Max.

She was preceded in death by her fathers, Edwin Shryock and Andrew Creswell; her mother, Peggy Creswell; and her beloved grandson, Ike Bauer.

Mary's life was marked by faith, adventure, service, hospitality, and love. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue through the countless lives she touched, the community she served, and the family she cherished beyond measure. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 am Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, with Jeff Hiers officiating. Pink attire can be worn in honor of Mary’s involvement in Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the register book from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday, September 18, 2026 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.

The family suggests memorials to Tough Enough to Wear Pink in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.