Alta Vista – Mary Jean McDiffett, 81 of Alta Vista, Kansas, passed away November 1, 2019, at Morris County Hospital.

She was born October 18, 1938, the daughter of Howard and Mary Peterson in rural Riley County. She married Earl McDiffett on October 26, 1957, in Alma, KS.  They had two children: Kirk and Kim.

Jean was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.  She worked at the AV Café, AV Locker Plant, AV Journal and Morris County Hospital, as well as a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, gambling, visiting, and attending grandkids sporting events. Jean loved her family and spending time with them was her greatest pleasure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings: Elmer, Peggy, Eddie and Freddie, and her grandson Chase Kniebel.

Jean is survived by  her husband Earl, of the home; son Kirk McDiffett and wife Kitt, of Augusta; daughter Kim Kniebel and husband Chuck, of Delavan;  grandchildren: Tracy Franklin (Tony), Kayli McDiffett, Ryan McDiffett (Jamiee), Mandi Julian (Thad), Chelsey Stucky (Tanner); great-grandchildren: Tavion, Taliyah, Terrick, Bentley, Conner, Jeff and another on the way. She is also survived by her brother Randy Jo Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with burial following at Alta Vista Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to AV Senior Center or St. Rose Catholic Church.  They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.