Mary Ellen (Britton) Wright, 79, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully onFebruary, 18,2025, in Salina, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 16, 1945, in Norton, Kansas, Mary was the daughter of Harrison and Leona (McKenna) Britton.
Mary grew up on a farm east of Clayton, Kansas, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community. She attended Clayton Schools graduating from Jennings High School in 1963, and beauty school in Holdrege, Nebraska, in 1964.
On June 27, 1964, Mary married her high school sweetheart, Tom Wright, and the couple settled in Salina, Kansas, where they began their life together, building careers and raising a family.
In 1976, Mary began part-time work for USD 305 Food Service, serving lunch at Whittier Elementary School. Her dedication and skill led her to a full-time position at USD 305 Kitchen II, where she eventually became the Head Baker. After 32 years of service, Mary retired in 2008, leaving a legacy of warmth and care in the meals she prepared for countless students and staff.
Mary was an active member of her community, lending her time and talents to various organizations, including the Salina Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, Cub Scouts, 4-H, and St. Mary’s Funeral Lunch Committee. She found joy in her work with the Church of the Cross Prayer Shawl Ministry, the Saline County Senior Center Sewing Group, and the Central City Street Rod Club.
Mary’s hobbies reflected her creative and nurturing spirit. She was passionate about sewing, quilting, crocheting, and cooking, teaching these skills to her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her designs and creations—whether baby blankets, fidget quilts, or ceramics—were treasured gifts to those she loved. She delighted in hosting tea parties with her granddaughters, styling hair for family and friends, and enjoying “cemetery hopping” and antique shopping adventures. Mary and Tom also shared many cherished memories attending “rod runs” with their close-knit circle of friends.
Mary’s life was devoted to raising her children and supporting the next generation, always opening her heart and home to family and friends.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Harrison and Leona Britton; her brother, Ronald Britton; and in-laws Harold and Ileen Wright, Darrel Barnett, Kay Brown, Larry Gallentine, Judy Wright, and Sam Wright.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Tom Wright; her sons Ren Wright (Kristin Scholl) of Oak Grove, MO, and Russell Wright (Greg Zouzalik) of San Antonio, TX; her grandchildren Caroline (Lou) Harmon of Pumas Lake, CA, Jameson (Megan) Wright of Austin, TX, Allison (Austin) Jett of Blue Springs, MO, and Mackenzie (Joe) Bowman of Marshall, MO; step grandchildren Tayler Scholl, Alyssa (Jose) Monterrosa, and Steven Scholl; great-grandchildren Raynor Harmon, Sawyer Wright, Revan, Ryder, and Malak Jett, and JJ Bowman. She also leaves behind her brothers Richard (Catherine) Britton and Francis (Kathy) Britton; sisters Alice Barnett and Liz (Bud) Posson; brothers and sister-in-law Frank Brown, Steve Wright, and Fay Gallentine; her aunt Leota McKenna; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The Wright family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Tammy Walker Cancer Center in Salina for over 20 years of caring and support, the nurses and aides from Gentiva Hospice, and all of Mary’s “best friends” and family who supported her with love and kindness.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday, February 23 at Ryan Mortuary. A memorial celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. Private family inurnment will be in All Saints Catholic Cemetery.
Mary’s love, creativity, and kindness will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Salina Regional Health Foundation to support the Tammy Walker Cancer Center (www.srhealthfoundation.com/donate) or to a charity of your choice.