Elma L. DeWald, 89, of Salina and former Russell resident, died on Friday, November 6, 2009 at the Dignity Care Home of Salina, Kansas.

Elma was born on December 25, 1919 on the family farm in rural Russell County, Kansas.  She was the daughter of Carl and Susanna (Dumler) Miller.  She attended Russell public schools and graduated from Russell High School in 1938.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Doran Diel DeWald on October 29, 1939 in Russell. Doran preceded her in death on December 20, 1991.  From this union they were blessed with four daughters Julia, Charlotte, Margaret and Linda and three sons Richard, Stephen and Thomas.  Elma was a dedicated homemaker and farmer’s wife who not only took care of all the children but helped tend to the farm as well.  She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Eastern Star and V.F.W. Post #6240 Women’s Auxiliary.  Elma enjoyed many different activities which included quilting, bowling, gardening, baseball and fishing.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  She was a kind and gentle natured Christian woman who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Surviving family include daughters Julia Sitz and husband Ernest of Nevada, Missouri, Charlotte Wilson and husband James, Margaret Vosburg and husband Kelly all of Salina; sons Richard DeWald and wife Pat of Russell and Stephen DeWald and significant other Shilah of Gladstone, Missouri and brother Bill Miller of Arvada, Colorado; 16 grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter Linda Austin and infant son Thomas; brothers Lawrence and Robert Miller and infant brother Lewis.