Ruth Alverda Mai, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, December 30, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Ruth was born on October 12, 1924, in Russell County, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Amelia (Karst) Nuss.  She grew up in the Russell area and attended local schools.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Bernard Mai on February 06, 1944, in Russell, Kansas.  Her beloved husband passed away on April 02, 2003.  She was the owner and operator of Star Cleaners for over 20 years.  She also was owner and operator of B & R Tailors as a seamstress.  She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.  She was also a member of the Russell V.F.W. and America Legion Auxiliaries and was also a past president of the V.F.W. auxiliary.  She enjoyed polka music, dancing with her husband, yard work, cooking and sewing.

Surviving family include her brother Leland Nuss and wife Francis of Russell, Kansas; sister in-laws Deloris Nuss and Velda Nuss of Russell, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Delmar, Earlin and Eugene Nuss.

A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 03, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis Officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. Wednesday, January 02, 2019, at the mortuary.  Family will greet guests the day of the funeral.  Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.