Mary Ann Wendel

Mary Ann Wendel’s life began as Camden County Missouri’s first birth of the year on January 1, 1946. She was born to Don and Wilda Hill. She spent the first two years of her life in Illinois until being adopted by her mother’s parents, Arthur and Cordia Huber who from then on became “Momma and Daddy”. Mary Ann grew up in the Ozark Hills of Macks Creek, Missouri. She was the youngest of seven siblings and attended school in Macks Creek until she graduated in 1963. Later that year she enrolled in a nursing program at Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. After receiving a two-year degree from Drury, she met and married Wayne Wendel. Together they raised four children Douglas, Dawn, Daniel and David.

Mary Ann never lost her passion for nursing and while raising a family, she went back to school at Kansas University, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1985. Mary Ann worked at several hospitals where she worked in many departments although working with babies was always her favorite.

Mary Ann ended her career as a Home Health Inspector for the State Of Kansas. She retired to a home in Council Grove, Kansas which she affectionately called, “Journeys End”.

Mary Ann was a member of Council Grove Christian Church, where she remained active and serving in any capacity that she was able to until the good Lord called her home. She passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on March 1, 2026.

She is survived by her sister, Vera Galvan of Shawnee, KS, son Douglas Wendel of Council Grove, daughter Dawn Zarlengo of Lawrence, KS, sons Daniel Wendel and David Wendel of Council Grove, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 13th, at 11:00AM, at the Council Grove Christan Church, with Pastor John Messer officiating.

To leave a special message for the family, visit www.sawyerchapel.com.