Mary Kathryn Russell

Mary Kathryn (Bloomer) Russell, 85, of Newton, Kansas, entered her Savior’s presence on July 5, 2026. She was born on August 4, 1940, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, to Henry and Caroline (Peterson) Bloomer, the third of eleven children.

Mary graduated from Peabody High School in 1958. On December 7, 1963, she married Jesse Russell, in Plainville, Kansas. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and serving others.

Throughout her life, Mary worked in a variety of roles, including the City Clerk’s Office in Plainville, as a waitress and carhop, and later as head cook at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. Wherever she worked, she was known for her strong work ethic, warm smile, and caring spirit.

The defining moment of Mary’s life came on November 11, 1971, when she, Jesse and daughter, Ronda, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. From that day forward, her faith guided every aspect of her life. She faithfully served her church as a Sunday School teacher, nursery helper, volunteer, Chairman of the Hostess Committee, and in many other capacities. She also served for several years as head cook at Camp Good News in Hutchinson, where she lovingly prepared meals for countless campers and staff.

Mary’s greatest gifts were hospitality and service. She found immense joy in cooking, baking, and quilting. Her kitchen was a place where family and friends always found a warm meal and a welcoming heart. Her quilts became treasured family heirlooms, as she lovingly created one for every member of her family. She also generously shared her talents by donating handmade quilts to organizations including the Heartland Pregnancy Care Center, the Community Chaplain Response Team, and other nonprofit ministries, blessing many people she would never meet.

Above all else, Mary cherished her family. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, generous hospitality, and countless treasured memories.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jesse Russell; daughters Julie (Todd) Koerner and April “Annie” (Jason) Reynolds, son-in-law Anthony Baker, all of Newton; grandchildren Gillian (Tyler) Giles, Zachary (Elaine) Baker, Whitney (Anthony) Adams, Veronica (Tanner) Merritt, Eden (Cody) Maccombs, Malee (Jeremiah) Howington, Lauren Koerner, and Don (Courtney) Reynolds; 20 beloved great-grandchildren; sisters Shirley Solomon, Sharon (Mike) Smith, and Karen Voth; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter, Ronda Baker; her grandson, Brady Koerner; brothers John Bloomer, Don Bloomer, and Leonard Bloomer; and sisters Barbara Evans, April Deichen, Dorothy Brown, and Carol Piland.

A Come and Go Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at First Missionary Church, 1300 Berry Avenue, Newton, Kansas. A light buffet meal will be provided.

In keeping with Mary’s heart for hospitality and fellowship, this nontraditional gathering will resemble a casual family reunion, welcoming all whose lives she touched to share memories, laughter, and stories together. Many of Mary’s handmade quilts and other handcrafted items will be displayed, celebrating the beautiful legacy she stitched into the lives of her family, friends, and community.

Mary’s life was beautifully woven together with threads of faith, service, generosity, and love. Though her hands have now been laid to rest, the warmth they created through every meal she prepared, every quilt she stitched, and every life she touched will continue to comfort those who knew and loved her.