HOISINGTON — Wilmetta Katie Lee Deutsch, 88, died Monday, May 16, 2022 at Country Place Senior Living in Hoisington, Kan. Wilmetta was born Dec. 24, 1933, in Russell County, the daughter of John J. Mai and Katherina Elizabeth (Maier) Mai. She grew up in the Bender Hill area, attended Bender Hill Schools and graduated from Russell High School with the class of 1952. 

Wilmetta married Junior Lee Deutsch April 25, 1954 in rural Russell County at Bender Hill Church. They recently celebrated 68 years of marriage.  From this union they were blessed with two children, Johnny Deutsch and Kimberly (Deutsch) Emert.

Wilmetta lived all her life in the Hoisington area. She was a homemaker and worked at the Hoisington Hospital and for Dr. Robert Moore, MD and for Cardinal Pharmacy.  

Wilmetta was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and church choir. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family and spending time with her husband camping on fishing trips and attending family golf outings and tournaments. She was very fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time at gatherings with many friends and relatives and traveling to Topeka and Kansas City. She enjoyed time at KSU events especially attending football games and tailgates with friends and family.

Wilmetta was preceded in death by husband Junior; her parents; one sister Viola Bender; five brothers, Leo Mai, Walter Mai, Clarence Mai, Earlin Mai and Howard Mai. Survivors include a son, Johnny Deutsch (Carma) of Topeka, Kan.; daughter, Kimberly (Deutsch) Emert (John) of Mission, Kan.;  four grandchildren Sara (Deutsch) Jones (Chris); Ryan Deutsch (Holly); Frank Emert (Anne); Molly Ellen (Emert) Campbell (Michael); six great-grandchildren Camden and Julia Jones of Bartlesville, Okla., McKenna, Kaia and Mila Deutsch of Dodge City, Kan., and Claire Ferne Campbell of Manhattan, Kan.; many nieces and nephews.

Friends may sign the book at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place per Wilmetta’s wishes. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Hoisington with Pastor Gary Wolf presiding. Family will greet friends prior to the service starting at 1 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will follow the service in Hoisington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial  gifts may be made to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, Concordia Lutheran Church or Kindred Hospice all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS  67544. Notices may viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS  67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 18, 2022