Marylee Mauk

Marylee (Ripper) Mauk, 97, of Augusta, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026.

Marylee was born on December 29, 1928, in Canton, Kansas, to Leslie Edward Ripper and Grace Louise Schultz. She lived through nearly a century of history and change, carrying herself with determination, resilience, and more than a little bit of grit. An entrepreneur by the age of 19, she owned and ran Lee's Cafe in Canton, KS where she met her husband.

On March 13, 1948, she married William D. "Bill" Mauk Sr. in Marion, Kansas. Together they built a life filled with hard work, adventure, family, and countless memories. Bill preceded her in death in 2007.

She was also preceded in death by her infant daughter, Adonna Lee Mauk; her daughter, Leslie "Renee" Mauk; her parents; and all of her siblings, Ronald Ripper, Patsy Unruh, Portia Martin, Jeannette Widerstein, and Gloria Richardson.

She is survived by her son, William D. Mauk Jr. (Karen); her grandchildren, William D. "Donnie" Mauk III (Jolyn), Monica Swartley (Mike), Courtney Hummel, and Mason Roberts (Brandi); and her great-grandchildren, Dylan Mauk, Leah Swartley, Shea Swartley, Reece Swartley, Ashlyn Hummel, Trevin Hummel, Taylor Biggart, Lana Wood, Carson Wood, Peyton Roberts, and Owen Roberts.

Marylee was a self-employed beautician, operating her beauty shops from home. She loved gardening, traveling in the RV, camping, fishing, bowling, shopping, playing bridge, watching tennis, debating politics, dancing and listening to country music from the 1960s. She was a proud member of the former Elks Club and was always ready to enjoy a good cocktail with family and friends.

She appreciated beautiful things and rarely stepped out the door without looking her best. In her later years, she enjoyed being involved in every activity at Lakepoint. Bingo and Blackjack were her favorites. Rarely in her room, you could find her playing games, entertaining the staff or visiting with friends. Yet nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who called her Gigi.

To know Marylee was to know a woman who was strong-willed, direct, insightful, fiercely independent, impeccably put together, and wonderfully funny. She could be sarcastic, stubborn, opinionated, quirky, and endlessly entertaining, all while making it abundantly clear exactly where she stood on any subject.

Through every challenge life placed before her, Marylee remained resilient. Even in her final years, her determination never waivered. She lived life according to her own rules, and those fortunate enough to know her wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Her family will remember her laugh, her sharp wit, her strength, and the deep love she showed in countless ways throughout her long life. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void, but the memories she created will continue to live on in the stories that will be told for years to come.

In accordance with her wishes, no formal service will be held. The family will gather for a private graveside service at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice and Lakepoint Nursing Home in gratitude for the love and compassionate care they provided for nearly a decade.