Florence Rosa (Steinert) Metheny, 91 of Russell died Friday, August 5, 2011 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Florence was born October 16, 1919 on the family farm in Rush County, the daughter of Fred S. and Katie (Strecker) Steinert.  She grew up in the Milberger and Galatia area.

Florence was united in marriage to Howard Matheny on August 17, 1940 in Russell.  This union was blessed with six children; Joanna, Ruth, Bonne, Frank, Jeanette and Annette.  They made their home in the Russell area.  Howard preceded her in death on January 13, 1987.

Florence worked for the U.S.D. 407 school district for many years.  She was extremely proud of being a Senior Companion for many years.  She also sold Avon in her spare time.

She was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church and church Circle.  She also was a life member of the Russell Elks Lodge as a Doe.  She enjoyed quilting, baking especially cinnamon rolls, during ceramic figures for family and friends, but was always willing to care for others.

Surviving family include her son, Frank and wife Sara of Osprey, Florida; five daughters, Joanna Copeland of Wichita, Kansas, Ruth Steinle and husband Leonard of Russell, Kansas, Bonnie Boys and husband Leonard of Haysville, Kansas, Jeanette Wilke and husband Scott of Frankston, Texas and Annette Look and husband Chet of Stockton, Kansas; 20 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four sisters Alma Heckman, Alvina Hertel, Lydia Bennett, and Alice Kersey and son-in-law Jim Copeland.

Celebration of Florence’s Life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. John Lutheran church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A memorial has been established with the St. John Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.