On July 7, 2017, Mary Katherin Werner peacefully slipped away on her final journey to her heavenly home. At this time she was residing at Presbyterian Manor, Newton,
Mary K. was born on Nov. 4, 1917, to Henry William (Harry) and Helen Ralston Grewing. She was born in Capioma Township in Nemaha County. After graduating from grade school, Mary quit her formal education to help on the family farm, a beginning of her love of the outdoors and nature. In May 1935, Mary married Martin J. Werner also of the Fidelity area. This union was blessed with five sons and three daughters.
They resided in the Fidelity/Sabetha area until around 1943 when they moved to rural Kincaid. Mary was a hardworking, loving mom. In the early ’50s Mary began working as a cook for the Kincaid school system, doing this as she and Martin farmed, raised big gardens and worked together to raise their family. In the early 1960s, Mary began working in the meat department at Whitesides IGA in Fort Scott, later retiring from there. Mary’s retirement years were spent gardening, flowers, attending church, embroidery, quilting, cooking, taking care of her birds and visiting with family and friends.
Mary had a good sense of humor; a sharp mind and never knew a stranger. Her greatest joy was her family. Many happy memories were made at “Granny’s House.” Grandma loved the loud, noisy laughter that her home came to represent, especially during the holidays and reunions. Mary had a deep faith in God and His goodness. She truly felt “we are here to help one another in this life.” She will be missed and loved by many.
Mary is survived by two sons, Thomas R. and Leo (Vicki); daughter Delores Smith; son-in-law, Lyle Osborn; daughters-in-law Leona Werner and Sheryl Werner; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by three sons, Maurice W. (Bill), Martin Jr. (Pete) and Kenneth F. (Kenny); daughters Martha J. (JoAnn) and Cynthia Jane; great-grandson Malik Werner; sons-in-law Joseph Houk and Gary Smith; her parents; two brothers and their wives, Edwin (Shirley) and Harry (Shirley) Grewing; and her husband, Martin J. Werner
Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Iola. Prior to mass a rosary will be prayed at 10 o’clock. Burial will follow at the St. Augustine church cemetery in Fidelity, at 8 p.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to any charity for children or the elderly.
From the family, a heartfelt “thank you” to those who added to the happiness in our mother’s/grandmother’s 99-plus years. She remembered that kindness from the early years in Kincaid ending with those who showed her kindness at Presbyterian Manor. We will always thank God for being truly blessed in having her for so many years and we thank Mom/Grandmother Mary for the love she shared with each of us.
Mary Werner
