Chester Eli “Chet” Maranville, 91 of Russell died Monday, January 24, 2011 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Chet was born November 3, 1919 in Holyoke, Colorado.  He grew up in Eastern Kansas and graduated from high school.

Chet served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer 1st Class where he was a machinist during WWII in the South Pacific.

Chet married the love of his life “His Sunshine” Bessie M. Scott on June 28, 1941 in Russell.  While courting Bessie, Chet would play his guitar and sing “You Are My Sunshine” to her.  This union was blessed with three children; Billy, Cherry and Lynn. 

Chet was a farmer early in life.  Then Chet and his family moved to Denver, Colorado in 1957 where he worked for Montgomery Wards.  In 1962 they moved to Washington state where he worked for Keen & Howard’s Lumber Company as a salesman.  When he retired in 1989, Bessie and him purchased a motorhome and traveled the country over.

Chet enjoyed family and friends, playing cards, going to auctions and a “good argument”.

Surviving family include his wife of 69 years, Bessie of the home; children, Cherry Noel (Jim) and Errol Lynn (Jo) all of Tacoma, Washington; five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Billy, five brothers and one sister.

Celebration of Chet’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 31, 2011 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Visitation will be from Noon to 8 PM Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the mortuary with Family present to greet visitors from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday evening.  A memorial has been established as the Chet Maranville Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.