Obituary of Mary Kay Tyson

Mary Kay Tyson, 63, passed away unexpectedly on February 10, 2019 at Tucson Medical Center from stroke complications. On June 12, 2016 Mary suffered a massive stroke that resulted in debilitating health issues including paralysis, intubation, insertion of a feeding tube, and being hooked up to a respirator. During the last 2 1/2 years Mary had made incredible strides through her grit and determination. At her time of death Mary was looking forward to attending therapy sessions that would bring her closer and closer to the independence she so desired. Mary had an incredible spirit and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Mary grew up in Wichita, KS and was the fifth child of 8 and first girl born to Geraldine and Jack Vossen on October 25, 1955. She attended Christ the King grade school, Wichita West High School and later in life obtained a Business Administration degree with an Accounting major from Wichita State University. In her teens Mary was formally adopted by her stepfather, Charles Dyer, and carried the name Dyer until her marriage to Jerry on January 14, 1978. Mary and Jerry settled in Tucson, AZ and lived in Tucson for 11 years until Jerry's transfer back to Wichita. They lived in Wichita for 11 years until Jerry's job required them to once again return again to Tucson. Mary and Jerry's home became the "go-to" destination for all of Mary's siblings and her nieces and nephews. The hospitality the family received in Mary and Jerry's home resulted in her home being named "The Tyson Bed and Breakfast". Mary delighted in having guests at her home and all who entered were treated like royalty. Comfortable accommodations, delicious home cooked meals, late night tribal fire discussions and so much love and laughter -- just a few of the things all who entered her home were able to experience. She was hostess extraordinaire. Unmatched by anyone. Mary worked for 14 years at Pima County most recently as a Program Manager in the Finance Department and was looking forward to soon retiring and spending time with Jerry. Mary is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jerry Preston Tyson, her father, Charles Dyer, of Goddard, KS, her siblings, Helen Enns of Tucson, AZ, Rose (Neil) Rausch, John (Debby) Vossen, David Vossen, Paul Vossen, Mark (Mary Jo) Vossen and Pat (Barb) Vossen all from Wichita, KS, and her 4 grandchildren Brittany Latawiec, Brianna Latawiec, Tyson Latawiec and Dray Latawiec and 1 great granddaughter, River and a multitude of nieces and nephews who counted Aunt Mary as their "favorite". Mary was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine, "Jerry", her daughter, Heather Latawiec and son-in-law, Jeff Latawiec. The family would like to thank all of Mary's special caregivers who tended to her while at Foothills Rehabilitation Center. A very special thanks to the person who took extra special care of her working on her joints and limbs on a regular basis many times after putting in long hours at his regular job - Mr. Sundar Injeti. Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 15, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at the Adair Funeral Homes, Inc. Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave., Oro Valley, AZ. Memorials are suggested to The Salvation Army salvationarmytucson.org