Marie Elizabeth Tirre, 88 was a poised and gracious woman. In 2006, she moved to a retirement home in Wichita, Kansas, and for the last few years of her life, her health was a delicate balancing act.  She was surprisingly resilient, often bouncing back to the amazement of her doctors and family.  She passed away gracefully, on Saturday, December 3, 2011, surrounded by her loving family after a life well lived.  Marie believed in prayer and placed her faith and trust in God.

She raised her family by setting an example to follow, teaching them to exercise self-discipline, pursue their goals, put forth their best efforts and be proud of their accomplishments.  The family has always supported one another in their interests and endeavors.  What is important to one, is important to all.  They will miss her wise counsel, gentle guidance and beautiful smile.

Marie was born on April 15, 1923, South of Dorrance, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Clara (Anschutz) Stoppel.  She grew up on the family farm in the Dorrance area and after graduating  from Dorrance High School in 1941, she attended Asbury Hospital School of Nursing in Salina, graduating in 1944, as a Registered Nurse.

She was united in marriage to Ralph Tittel on January 23, 1949, in Russell, Kansas and together they had three daughters. They were later divorced and in 1985, she married Chris Tirre in Hawaii.

Marie was employed as a Registered Nurse at Asbury Hospital-Salina, Russell City Hospital and in the  Russell medical clinic of Drs. Schultz, White and Pettijohn. She remained actively involved with the management of the family farming operations throughout her life.

As a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell she was involved in the ladies church circle and alter guild.  She was an active volunteer in the community as a member of the Russell R.N Club, V.F.W. Post 6240 Ladies Auxiliary, and Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Beta Sigma Phi and Alpha Gamma Delta sororities. As a passionate life member of the Girl Scouts, she served as a troop leader and held many leadership positions, receiving their highest volunteer award, the Thanks Badge.

Marie made many friends while residing in Russell, McPherson and Wichita, Kansas. She traveled extensively, enjoyed cooking, sewing garments for her daughters, reading, and had an extraordinary talent for growing house plants and flower gardens. 

Surviving family include her 3 daughters Jana DeWitt and husband Ron of Lenexa, Kansas, Lana Shults and husband Chris of  Wichita, Kansas,  Fern Hess and husband Gary of McPherson, Kansas,   along with 7 grandchildren: Brian Voos (Jenny), James Voos (Kristin), Sarah Voos Vanderweide (Mark), Heidi Bender Martin (Cory), Jeremy Bender (Misha), Hunter Hess and Meredith Hess, and eleven great-grandchildren. She was especially fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always looking forward to their visits and the times they would share together.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers Everett L. and Ralph D. Stoppel.

A celebration of Marie’s full and happy life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Dorrance City Cemetery in Dorrance, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the mortuary with family present to greet visitors from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Tuesday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Dorrance City Cemetery and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.