Lydia Mai, 101, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, August 08, 2014, at the Main Street Manor in Russell.

Lydia was born on December 03, 1912, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Reinhardt and Maria “Mary” (Ehrlich) Mai.  She grew up in the Russell area and attended Russell county schools.  She was baptized as a child at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to John “Fred” Mai on June 26, 1938, in WaKeeney, Kansas.  From this union Lydia and Fred were blessed with a son, Marvin.  Lydia and Fred moved the family to WaKeeney and several other cities and moved back to Russell in 1950.  Lydia worked as a bread baker for the USD 407 schools in 1958.  She retired in 1974, but always considered being a homemaker to her family, her permanent and fulltime job.  She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, cooking and baking.  Her son was in the military and she and her husband enjoyed traveling the world to visit her son and his family.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and having the opportunity to meet her great grandchildren.

Lydia is survived by her son Marvin Mai and wife Pat of Santa Rosa, California; brother Alex Mai of Russell; sister Helen Keil and husband Glenn of Russell; grandchildren Kevin Mai of Santa Rosa and Brian Mai and wife Amy of Portland, Oregon and great grandchildren Mitchell and Kyra.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John “Fred” Mai on June 08, 2011;  3 brothers Emanuel, Edward and Paul Mai and sister Pauline Kyle.

A celebration of Lydia’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary Chapel in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, August 11, 2014, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening.  Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.