Marie E. Houdyshell, 96, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Marie was born on Monday, March 15, 1915, the daughter of Martin and Lydia (Steinle) Heinitz.  She grew up and attended school in Dorrance, Kansas, and has lived in the Russell County area all her life.  Later, she met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Lloyd Franklin Houdyshell on September 4, 1940 in Russell and raised three daughters Virginia, Patricia and Sylvia.  She was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church and Senior Companions.  She loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family.  She also enjoyed cooking, flower gardening and watching baseball and Kansas University basketball.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren.

Surviving family include her three daughters Virginia Scott of Russell, Kansas, Patricia Young and husband Wayne of Overland Park, Kansas and Sylvia Hopkins and husband Ronald of Salina, Kansas; Seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lloyd on June 3, 1988; daughter Brenda; sister Leona Heinitz and brother Martin Heinitz.

A celebration of Marie’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary Chapel of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Main Street Manor and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.