Joetta M. (Nuss) Mai, 87, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.
Joetta was born May 30, 1937 at her family home in Milberger, Kansas. She was the daughter of Reuben and Elsie T. (Boxberger) Nuss. She grew up on the family farm in Barton County near Milberger. She attended Liberty School in Barton County, then graduated from Russell High School.
Joetta was united in marriage to Howard E. Mai on August 19, 1956 at the American Lutheran Church in Milberger. This union was blessed with two children; Mona and Michele. They made their home in rural Milberger area until 1970 when they moved to Russell. Howard preceded her in death in 2017.
Joetta worked in the financial departments of the Russell State Bank and UMB, retiring after 31 years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Russell VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Russell American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed fishing, bowling when she was younger, a good round of golf, and spending time with family and friends.
Joetta’s surviving family include her two daughters, Mona Grady of Russell, Kansas and Michele Clark and husband Jeff of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother, Kenneth Nuss of Russell, Kansas; sister, Jolene Mayers of Lawrence, Kansas; five grandchildren, Jerrod Mai (Kelli), Brett Mai (Ashley), Kayla Myers (Dustin), Kaitlyn Clark and Caleb Clark; and five great grandchildren, Barrett Mai, Owen Mai, Elsie Mai, Adeline Myers and Emmalynn Myers.
Joetta was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Howard;
Celebration of Joetta’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 31, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, August 30, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial has been established with Bronco Foundation or Russell Play Park. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.