Mary Alice (Newman) Martin, 87 of Russell, Kansas died Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Main Street Manor in Russell.

Mary was born February 13, 1926 in Douglass, Kansas, the daughter of Virgil F. and Ora J. (Wares) Newman.  She grew up and attended school in Douglass and Madison, Kansas.

Mary was united in marriage to Troy Harold Martin on November 5, 1941 in El Dorado, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; Donnie and Terry.  They made their home in Wichita before Troy went off to war.  After the war, they made their home in Lyons, Kansas before moving to Russell in 1952.  In 1967 they moved to Wichita and then returned to Russell in 1976.  Troy preceded her in death on October 29, 2005.

Mary was a devoted wife and homemaker.  She also worked in Wichita as a manager of an IGA Store where she was recognized by a trade journal for her work at the store.  Later when she returned to Russell, she worked over 15 years as a cook for Bickerdyke School.

Mary was an active member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church and their mission program.  She also was a member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary.  She enjoyed spending time in her garden and canning, raising Brittney Spaniels and cooking.  She was known for her pies and peanut brittle.  She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving family include her daughter, Donnie J. Miller and husband Irvin D. of Russell, Kansas; son, Terry H. Martin and wife Kristine of Cartwright, Oklahoma; brother, Gean Newman and wife Lois of Lyons, Kansas; four grandchildren, Dru Miller, Micah Becker, Kevin Martin and Vincent Martin; and 10 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Robert Newman, sister Betty Howard and grandson David Miller.

Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, February 18, 2013 at Otterbein United Methodist Church with Pastor Dennis Finch officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from Noon to 8 P.M. Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A memorial has been established with the Russell Regional Hospital.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.