Former Clay Center resident Mary Ellen Wenske, 99, passed away Saturday, Nov.9, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society- Hastings Village.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel in Clay Center, with Pastor Arick Johanson officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Clay Center Cemetery in Clay Center. In honoring her wish to be cremated there will not be a visitation or viewing. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later. Condolences may be left at www. mclaughlinchapel.com. Mary Ellen Wenske was born March 29, 1925, in Clay Center to Charles and Alma (Milegar) Smith. She received her education in Clay Center and graduated from Clay Center High School in 1944. She married Alvin C. Wenske June 15, 1947, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clay Center. After their marriage, they moved to California briefly before returning to Clay Center. She was employed with the Clay County Farm Service Office in Clay Center for many years. Mary Ellen was very generous and giving and always had time for those in need.

Mary Ellen enjoyed sewing and was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clay Center, Women of the ELCA, American Legion Auxiliary, YMCA, and the Red-Hot Hatters.

She is survived by her sister, Jeannette and husband, Ron Nall, of Grand Island; sister-in-law, Shirley Smith, of Hastings; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; and brother, Darrel Smith.

She will be in our hearts forever.