Edna Isabella (Deines) Mai, 99, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, April 23, 2021 at the Homestead Assisted Living in Russell.
Edna was born on November 21, 1921 on the family farm. She was one of five children born to Ferdinand and Amalia “Mollie” (Mai) Deines. She grew up on the farm south of Russell near the Smokey River. She attended country schools, achieved her GED and had college credits in Accounting.
Edna was united in marriage to Edward Mai on Feb. 16, 1941 in Russell. During WWII, Edna lived with his and her parents until Edward returned home and then in 1946, they moved to the farm. This union was blessed with four children: Gerald, Robert, Linda and Marilyn. Edward preceded her in death on February 6, 1984.
Edna was a devoted farmer’s wife and homemaker. Her cooking skills were unequaled. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude made her the lady so many loved and respected. Her life was guided by her unwavering faith and positive attitude. She was active in St. John Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church Women, Altar Guild and the Quilters group. She made hundreds of quilts throughout her life, making her last one at the age of 97. She was past President of American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the F.C.E., the Garden Club of Russell, and the Russell County Saddle Club.
Edna’s surviving family includes her son, Gerald Mai (Mary) of Russell, Kansas; daughters, Linda Dunekack (Larry) of Pittsburg, Kansas and Marilyn Haffner (Doug) of Shattuck, Oklahoma; sister, Rosetta King of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband Edward; son Robert Mai; brother Palmer Deines; sisters, Delma Dumler and Estella Boxberger; and infant grandson, Timothy Gerald Mai.
Celebration of Edna’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday, April 26, 2021 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Homestead Assisted Living. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.