Marie Elizabeth (Deines) Mai was born September 3, 1913, on the family farm in Trego County, KS. She was the daughter of John George, Jr. and Eva Margaret (Maier) Deines. She passed away Monday, December 21, 2009, in the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care at WaKeeney, at the age of 96.


She was baptized and confirmed in Immanuel Lutheran Church in WaKeeney. She graduated from rural Excelsior Grade School. In addition to family farm work, she also worked in WaKeeney as a nanny and housekeeper before her marriage.


On September 12, 1937, Marie married Emil Mai in WaKeeney. Together they farmed southwest of WaKeeney for forty years until they retired to their new home in town. They had one child, Norman E. Mai.


Marie was a devoted wife and mother and worked hard as a 'farm hand' and homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, fine needlework and gardening. She was especially fond of growing indoor and outdoor flowers. In 1956, there was a medical emergency in her brother-in-law's family. As a result, Marie gladly volunteered to care for the family's little girl, Janice Mai, and lovingly did so until she was able to rejoin her own family.


Small children always delighted her, and she was especially happy to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always wished they could have lived closer to her. Near the end of her life, she would still reach out and want to hold small children who visited the long term care facility.


Marie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and often participated in church, teaching Sunday School and working with the ladies' group activities. She found great strength through her faith as she and her husband worked through hard times farming and as they both endured many painful medical problems. She was also a member of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.


Survivors include a son, Norman and wife, Yoko, of Ogden, UT; granddaughter, Anita and her husband, Reid Collins, of Flowery Branch, GA; grandson, Andrew Mai and his wife, Haily; their sons, Jordan and Braden, all of Clinton, UT; a sister, Alvena Dietz of Voda; and many cherished sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.


Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Emil; eight sisters; and three brothers.


Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney with Pastor Jon Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 until time of service on Saturday. Interment is in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Trego Center.


Memorials are suggested to the TCLMH Long Term Care or the Zion Lutheran Church and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.