Mary Ellen Rein, 80, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, after a short illness.
Mary was born on November 19, 1943, to Harlan and Sarah Holmes. Throughout her life, she traveled extensively both within the U.S. and internationally, ultimately settling in Salina, where she married the love of her life, Lynn Rein. Together, they cherished their large family, which included five daughters (Ann, Donna, Teresa, Angela and Mylissa) and three sons (Ronnie, Christopher and Anthony).
Mary enjoyed a long and fulfilling career at the Salina County Commission on Aging (Senior Citizen Center) until her retirement in 2010, when she chose to dedicate herself fully to caring for Lynn. Mary lived a life filled with tremendous devotion and service toward others. Her strength, nurturing spirit, and unwavering commitment to her family and community were hallmarks of her character. Mary’s greatest joy was her family, describing her children and grandchildren as the greatest blessings in her life. She also enriched the lives of those around her through her dedication to charity, her love and talent for crafting, and her passion for cooking. Mary was a consummate volunteer from Catechism teacher to Boy Scout Den Mother, always giving her time and energy to causes and individuals close to her heart.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary was also a loving daughter and a protective big sister to Kate, Helen, and Max. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lynn; her son, Ronnie; her parents, Harlan and Sarah; her sister, Helen; her daughter, Mylissa; and her grandson, Brett. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Ann (Feitel) and Jeff Harbot; Donna (Feitel) and Daryle Kirk; Christopher Feitel and Chong-Im Kim; Teresa (Feitel) and Tyrone Matthews; Angela Rein; and Anthony and Elizabeth Feitel. Her legacy lives on in her 16 grandchildren: Sarah, Matthew, Randy, Rebecca, Trenton, Travis, Tabitha, Clayton, Amanda, Samantha, Elizabeth, Katelan, Matt, Stephanie, Caden and Connor; and 21 great-grandchildren: Riley, Matthew Jr. (Alex), Anthony, Robert, Alex, Ashtyn, Braxtyn, Faylen, Silas, Leo, Max, Kaysen, Cameron, Talia, Harlan, Avery, Taryn, Zayden, Izyck, Beckett and Barrett.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the Roselawn Memorial Heights Chapel, 1920 E. Crawford, Salina, where the family will receive friends. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, also at the Chapel, with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Mary blessed the lives of many. Even in her passing, she continued to give through her final act of devotion by selflessly donating her organs. The family requests that contributions be made to the Rebecca A. Morrison House (513 S. 8th St.) an organization that was instrumental in supporting Mary’s family during her difficult time. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the compassionate care Mary received at the Salina Regional Health Center ICU and Dialysis Center, and the Holiday Resort Nursing Facility during her final days.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Roselawn Burial and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be sent to www.roselawnsalina.com.