Mary Elizabeth Elzea
Share
Mary Elizabeth (Wiesendanger) Elzea, age 102, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Medicalodges Eudora. Mary was born July 17, 1921, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of J.J. and Marie E. Peterson Wiesendanger. Her family moved from Randolph, Kansas to Salina, Kansas when she was 5 years old. She attended Salina schools, graduating from Salina High School in 1940. She later attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.
Mary married Bill Elzea on January 19, 1943 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. They were married for 64 years until he passed away on March 18, 2007. Survivors include a son, Mark and wife Susan, Lawrence; three grandsons, Eric, Evan and Patrick and wife Amy; a great-grandson, Oscar; a special grandniece, Abby Coble; one brother, James H. Wiesendanger, Salina and seven nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a son, Michael, in April 1993, and a sister, Emma, in February 2018.
Mary worked at JC Penny’s in Salina and Laramie, WY, Western Union in Salina and Denver, CO, at Harry S. Manchester Department Store in Madison, WI, and as bookkeeper for the Smoky Hill Army Air Field Officer’s Club in Salina.
She was a tireless community volunteer, serving on the Lawrence Red Cross board for nine years and helping in the city and KU blood drives, as well as joyfully serving in many volunteer capacities at Haskell, Watkins Museum, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Trinity Lutheran Church, including as librarian, for many years. Mary also volunteered in the Douglas County Master Gardener program for many years and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. She was an active volunteer in Lawrence schools, both in classrooms and in school libraries, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother during the period from the mid 1950’s through the early 1970’s.
Mary belonged to the former Ingleside Club, Trinity Lutheran Church groups and the special Phenix Club.
The family suggests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church Library, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary. A graveside service will be held at a later date.
Mary was loved by many friends here at Monterey village and will be missed and continued loved from many we pray for the peace for the family
Patrick,
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandma. 102 years! Wow! It sounds like she had a great life. You look just like her! 😊 You and your family are in my prayers. Take care. We miss you at Scanning America!
Our condolences to the Elzea family. My father Andy Girty worked with Mr. Bill Elzea at Haskell JUCO. Our parents were fond of your mother and father. We pray for peace during this difficult time.
My condolences to the Elzea family. I am the former Helen Pendleton, and was a year behind Mike Elzea in school. I didn’t realize that he had died earlier. May the Lord Jesus comfort all who mourn. Hold tight to Jesus, who gives us His peace, which passes understanding.
Dear Mark, Susan and Family,
I’m sorry to hear about your Mom/Grandma.
I never met her but I do know how cherished she was in your family and Susan shared many stories about her with me. She loved you all so much and you all loved her right back which is beautiful to see in a family.
I know you will miss her.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy and Understanding,
Sue Glatz
Mrs. Elzea was a great supporter of kids, like myself, who grew up bowling in Lawrence. And over the years, she was always just as supportive and interested in all of us, even as we had our own families and aged ourselves. Mary, and Bill, both were so very kind to me, and were also good friends with my parents. Her long life of caring for and about others enriched so many. My heart goes out to the Elzea family, and her friends.