Mary Katherine Werner

Life Sketch for Mary Katherin Werner
On July 7, 2017, while her family was at her side, Mary Katherin Werner peacefully slipped away on her final journey to her heavenly home. She was residing at the Presbyterian Manor, Newton, KS.  Because of declining health, Mary moved from her home in Bronson, KS in March, 2015.  

Mary K. was born on November 4th, 1917 to Henry William (Harry) & Helen Ralston Grewing. She was born in Capioma Twp., Nemaha Co., Ks.  After graduating from grade school, Mary quit her formal education to help her family on the farm, a beginning of her love & respect of the outdoors & nature.  In May, 1935, Mary married Martin J. Werner also of the Fidelity, KS area.  This union was blessed with five sons & three daughters. They resided in the Fidelity/Sabetha area until approximately 1943 when they moved to rural Kincaid, KS. 

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 went to work in the meat department at Whiteside’s IGA in Ft Scott, KS. later retiring from there.  Mary’s retirement years were busy. She loved gardening; flowers; attending church, embroidery, quilting, cooking, and watching sports on TV. 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.  Her family made many happy memories at “Granny’s House'”.

Grandkids loved her fried chicken and her beef -noodles & grandma loved the loud, noisy laughter that her home came to represent especially during the holidays & Werner reunions.  Mary had a deep faith in God and his goodness. She always knew he was there through her good times and her sad times, and truly felt “we are here to help one another in this life”.  She will be missed & loved by many.

Mary is survived by two sons; Thomas R, Russell, KS; Leo (Vicki) Newton, KS, daughter Delores Smith, Topeka, KS and, Son-in-law, Lyle Osborn, Lenexa, Ks. Daughter-in-laws; Leona Werner , Chanute, KS and Sheryl Werner , Parsons, KS. She also is survived by several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. Mary was predeceased by three sons; Maurice W.(Bill),Martin Jr.(Pete) and Kenneth(Kenny); Daughters Martha Joann & Cynthia Jane.; Great-grandson  Malik Werner; Sons-in-law Joseph Houk and Gary Smith.; her parents; her two brothers &  their wives Edwin (Shirley) & Harry (Shirley) Grewing and  her former husband Martin J. Werner. 

Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Sat July 22 at St. John Catholic Church, Iola, KS.  Prior to Mass, a Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM.   Burial will be in St. Augustine Church cemetery, Fidelity, KS. at 8:00 PM, on July 22.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to any charity set up for children or the elderly.

From the family, a heartfelt “Thank You” to those who took the time to add happiness in our Mother’s/Grandmother’s ninety-nine plus years. She never forgot that kindness shown to her and her family from the early years in Kincaid, ending with the loving care she received at the 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 memories she shared with each of us.