RUSSELL — Mary Jane (Janie) Townsley, 95, passed away Jan. 2, 2017, at Main Street Manor in Russell.
She was born Oct. 30, 1921, to Walburga (Riedl) and Emanuel “Monte” Krug in Hoisington. The family moved to Great Bend where she attended school, being named Homecoming Queen in 1939.
She married Russell T. Townsley on Aug. 21, 1942, in Great Bend where she worked at the high school and Phillips Petroleum. After stints in Champaign, Ill.; Boston, Mass.; and Boca Raton Fla. while Russ was in the service, they returned to Great Bend where Russ’ family ran the Great Bend Tribune and KVGB. They moved to Russell in 1948 when the Townsleys acquired the Russell Daily News. She played bridge and encouraged and supported activities of her children as well as those of her friends and family.
A child in the depression and Dust Bowl and a new wife and mother during World War II, Mary Jane possessed a positive, warm spirit that did not falter through her final days. Cherishing her spirit are a daughter, Alice Bair (Mike); grandson, Trevor Bair (Sarah) and great grandsons, Connor and Caleb Bair, Longmont, Colo.: and son, Russell W., Overland Park. Her parents and husband preceded her in death.
A Celebration of Janie’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 at the First Congregational Church with Pastor Ron Wedel officiating. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later date. Visitation is scheduled Monday morning at First Congregational Church with the family present to greet friends from 9:30 a.m. to service time.
Memorials have been established with First Congregational Church or Artist Helping The Homeless. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.

Funeral arrangements provided by Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary & Monuments
610 N. Maple, Russell, Ks. 67665
Maple, Russell, Ks. 67665
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune Jan. 3, 2017