Mary Kay Vaith, 80, of Owatonna, died peacefully in her home with family by her side on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

She was born May 20, 1943 in Austin, Minnesota the daughter of Clayton "Mike" and Marion (Roby) Jones. She grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1961.

After high school, she worked at Jostens in Owatonna. On June 20, 1964, she married Ronald Vaith in Austin. The couple made their home in Owatonna where they raised their family.

Mary began a Daycare in her home in 1976 and provided childcare for 36 years. She had a sense of humor that stayed with her until the end. She could be a bit stubborn at times and was a person of order…she enjoyed things a particular way. She loved flower and vegetable gardening, bird watching, Wheel of Fortune, taking drives with Ron, and followed Minnesota sports especially the Timberwolves.

She is survived by daughter, Shanie Vaith (and fiancé, Kris Armstrong) of Owatonna; sons, Michael Vaith of Owatonna and Randy Vaith of Owatonna; grandson, Brandon Distad; sister, Judy (Delbert) Karsjens of Clarks Grove and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Marion and husband, Ronald Vaith (2019).

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 6th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and on Thursday from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with Pastor Ernie Schmidt and Pastor Joel Stauffer officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna followed by a lunch reception at the funeral home.