Mary Ellen Janzen

Mary Ellen (Matthies) Janzen, 94, died on September 9, 2026, in Newton, Kansas. She was born on November 30, 1931, in Newton.

Mary attended Fairview Grade School and Zion Grade School and later attended Halstead High School. During her school years, she was active in Pep Club and Y-Teens, and she played in band and sang in musical groups. Those interests in music, service, and community remained part of her life for many years to come.

On May 21, 1950 Mary married Willard Janzen at First Mennonite Church in Halstead. From 1951 to 1955, Mary lived in Amarillo, Texas, while her husband was serving in the U.S. Air Force. During her working years, she was employed at several grocery stores in Texas and later at Dillon's in Newton. She then worked full-time at Hankins Jewelers for 17 years and also worked part-time for Rohr Jewelry before retiring in 2008.

Mary was a devoted member of First Mennonite Church in Newton, which she joined in 1958. She was an active member of the church’s Christian Co-workers Class and served as an officer numerous times. She also served on several church committees, including caring for flowers and watering plants. In the wider community, she liked delivering Meals on Wheels for many years. She enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and traveling, and she especially loved planning trips that included golf. Among her favorite travels were trips to Palm Springs, California. She also loved sweet treats and was remembered as being friendly, feisty, and frugal.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Janzen; her son, Dana Janzen; her brother, Lester Matthies; and her sister, Vera Unruh.

She is survived by her son, Doyle Janzen and his wife, Sandy; daughter-in-law, Julie Janzen; grandchildren, Ashley Janzen, Ross Janzen and his wife Krista, and Samantha Cerney and her husband Shane. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Charley Janzen, Cruz Janzen, Darryll Cerney, Rovan Cerney, Sawyer Janzen, and Griffin Janzen. Mary also treasured her times with nieces, nephews, and their families. Her family will carry forward the memory of her warmth, energy, and steadfast spirit.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Petersen Family Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, Newton, Kansas. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and may be left in the care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.