Marcella May Hermstein
January 25, 1925 ~ January 17, 2024
Marcella’s life began on January 25, 1925, near Clark’s Creek in eastern Geary County, Kansas. She was the daughter of Peter and Ellen (Olsen) Turnbull. Marcella attended the Wetzel Rural School through 9th grade. Marcella returned home after that to help her mother with farming as her father had passed away when she was just 11. She and her two brothers Melvin and Roy, helped their mother keep the farm and helped with the cooking, gardening, and hauling water to the thrashing crew, and one of her humorous memories, she and Roy were paid a penny a fly to kill the flies around the livestock. Marcella married Ralph Heller on September 10, 1944, at the First United Methodist Church in Junction City and continued to farm. After Ralph’s health failed, they moved to town, and she remained active in the church. Ralph passed away on May 16, 1979. Marcella worked for Leedy’s Drug Store and as a ward attendant at the Irwin Army Hospital, and eventually retired from Safeway Grocery in 1985. Marcella married again on January 1, 1987, to Earl Hermstein at the First United Methodist Church chapel in Junction City. The couple moved back to the farm in White City, and she loved helping Earl with the cattle and the farm. She enjoyed attending the rodeos in the area and she and Earl travelled extensively. They travelled to Jerusalem and Bethlehem as well as many other wonderful destinations. Marcella loved to entertain the family at their home for all the holidays and she was especially fond of playing cards and card parties. Marcella and Earl became members of Zion Lutheran Church in Latimer where she was confirmed on May 3, 1987, and they later transferred their membership to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Herington. Marcella’s faith was the center of her life and loved the Lord with all her heart. Marcella was the last of her immediate family and is survived by great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Marcella passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2024, at Diversacare in Council Grove. Her family will gather with friends on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. for a prayer service at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington, and her funeral service will be held Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the church led by Reverend Jaron Melin. Marcella will be laid to rest in Highland Cemetery, Junction City following the service. Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington is serving the family. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, Salina. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Marcella at www.yazelmeglifh.com.