Mary Frances Light

Mary Frances Chambers Light passed away on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born on June 5, 1928, the youngest of three sisters, on her family’s farm just north of Rolla. Growing up during the Dust Bowl years, she developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for family that stayed with her throughout her life.

After graduating as salutatorian from Rolla High School, where she played the clarinet in the school band, Mary Frances attended business college in Denver. While she got to experience big city life, she got homesick and returned to Rolla, where she started dating a handsome farmer.

In 1947, she married that handsome farmer, James Light, with whom she would ultimately share 76 years of a deep love that was visible to all who knew them. They built a life together in Rolla, where they raised six children. She planned carefully, stretched meals, kept a large garden, canned fruits and vegetables, and made sure everyone was well-fed and cared for.

In January of 1961, Mary Frances and James were members of the Morton County band which represented Kansas in the Kennedy inauguration parade in Washington D.C. It was an honor they reflected on for the rest of their lives.

Mary Frances was known for her kindness and generosity. Her love for Jesus was evident in the way she loved others. She helped with many funeral dinners, bridal and baby showers. Her love for her church was clear in how she helped in any area. She was the church organist for 50 years, as well as a Sunday school teacher and church secretary. She loved to sing hymns her entire life.

Mary Frances was a creative lifelong learner. She learned to play the piano at 30. Even after her children were grown, she pursued new interests with enthusiasm. She took up painting landscapes in her 50s and, in her 80s, taught herself how to use a computer to stay connected with others. Mary Frances enjoyed learning new things while attending her two clubs - Richfield Study and Social Club and EHU. Mary Frances loved being a grandmother. She taught piano and sewing, played games, wrote letters in her beautiful cursive handwriting, and stood on the porch waving until you were out of sight. She and James showed up to nearly every school event. They welcomed their grandchildren over after school for cookies and milk or cold chocolate from the special can in the fridge. They provided a fun place for the cousins to gather for sleepovers, game nights, prom and graduation prep, and any other reason to be together.

Mary Frances was preceded in death by her husband, James, and by a son, Nathan. She was also preceded by her father, Robert Harvey Chambers; her mother, Mary Gertrude Helfrich Chambers; her sisters Coral Bucher and Hope Anderson, and many other loved ones.

Mary Frances is survived by six of her children: Ronald Light and wife Sharon of Oklahoma City; Courtney Light and wife Karen of Rolla and Amarillo; Marcus Light and wife Beverly of Rolla, Kansas; Kevin Light and wife Jackye of Hugoton, Kansas; Nolan Light of Bethany, Oklahoma; and Megan Tucker and husband Michael of Edmond, Oklahoma. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Her grandchildren are: Ashton Light of Oklahoma City; Shari Light of Ocoee, Florida; Jamee Floyd and husband Justin of Amarillo, Texas; Jacob Light and wife BethAnn of Southern Shores, North Carolina; Tyler Light of Amarillo, Texas; Kelsey Merker and husband Andrew of Amarillo, Texas; Whitney Stilwell and husband Larry of Norman, Oklahoma; Steffan Light and wife Tara of Norman, Oklahoma; Lyndsay Sprecher and husband Dillyn of Norman, Oklahoma; Meredith Light of Norman, Oklahoma; Robert LeNeve and wife Shome of Hugoton, Kansas; Erica Salazar and husband Robert of Hugoton, Kansas; Sterling Light of Hugoton, Kansas; Nicole Dickie and husband Daniel of Taipei, Taiwan; Andrew Tucker and wife Jen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Kathryn (Katy) Tucker of Kilauea, Hawaii.

A memorial has been established for Rolla Pentecostal Holiness Church, in the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Hugoton, Kansas 67951.

Book signing will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 3 P.M. until 5 P.M. at Robson Funeral Home of Hugoton.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at Rolla Methodist Church, Rolla, Kansas. Burial to follow at Rolla Cemetery, with Pastor Patty Lahey presiding. Funeral service will be livestreamed on Robson Funeral Home's Facebook page and underneath Mary's obituary on the www.robsonfuneralhome.com website.

Robson Funeral Home of Hugoton is overseeing the arrangements.