Mary Louise Flowers, age 58, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Midland Hospice House, surrounded by love.
Born on August 25, 1966, in Santa Ana, CA, Mary was the cherished daughter of Raymond C. Ortega, Jr. and Maria Lira. After graduating from Highland Park High School, she worked as a registrar in the healthcare field. Mary enjoyed being assigned to different doctors as well as floating between offices in need. At the end of her career Mary’s last position was with Stormont Vail Cancer Center. She had unwavering care and dedication for anyone facing overwhelming circumstances.
On September 14, 2002, Mary married Gary Flowers at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Together about 38 years, with 19 years of marriage, Gary’s passing on July 1, 2021, left Mary heartbroken.
Both widowed, Mary met Greg Kirby, and they unexpectedly fell in love. Mary and Greg cherished every moment together and created lasting memories. Sadly, Greg entered eternal rest on June 28, 2025.
Mary was more than a sister, daughter, aunt, and friend — she was a force of love and generosity. She had a gift for making people laugh, either with a smart remark, playful tease, or sound of her own infectious, unapologetic laugh. She spoiled her nieces and nephews not only with gifts, but with her time, attention, and encouragement. Mary was a safe place, a cheerleader, and a source of light who deserved much more than the hardships she faced. Her kindness, strength, and laughter will echo in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her.
Mary leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory: her father, Ray Ortega, Jr., his wife Rebecca; her mother, Maria Ortega; her brothers, Raymond Ortega III and Christopher Ortega; and her sister, Rachael Ortega. She is also survived by her adored nieces and nephews, Joshua, Jasmine, Jessica, Trinity, Alli, and Sabre; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and cherished pets; as well as paternal surviving aunts and uncle, Rose Vega, Patricia Adame, and Rick Hernandez; and seven maternal aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 P.M. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.
A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, August 18, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.
In honor of Mary’s love for children, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Contributions may be left or mailed to the funeral home.
To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.
