KENSINGTON—Mary Ann Theresa Margaret Dreiling, age 79, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the Arbor Court Retirement Community in Salina, KS.
She was born the daughter of Sabina Weigel Jones on July 21, 1940, in Russell, KS. She attended Russell High School and graduated in the class of 1958. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Music Education at Bethany College at Lindsborg, Kansas, graduating with the class of 1962. Her first teaching position was in Gorham, KS where the secretary set her up on a blind date with her future husband, and love of her life, James J. Dreiling.
She was united in marriage to James J. Dreiling on December 28th, 1963 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell, KS. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Sharon Marie and Jamie Lynn while residing in Hays, KS. In 1974, the family moved to Kensington, KS where they purchased the infamous pool hall. As mom got tired of “flipping hamburgers”, she got back into teaching music by taking a position at Downs, KS for 2 years. Soon after, she became the band and vocal teacher at USD 238 for the next 17 years, in Kensington and Kirwin. Jim and Mary Ann were blessed with 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mary Ann enjoyed attending their birthdays, programs, ball games, and graduations. Hobbies she enjoyed were sewing nearly every Halloween costume for the grandchildren over the years, crocheting, reading, playing cards at the Senior Center, and of course her 4 o’clock coffee time at the Corner. Other activities she enjoyed included getting her hair done, shopping, riding her bike at rehab, and attending Blues and Jazz concerts in Salina. Despite Mary Ann’s declining health, she never let it spoil the good stuff. Everyone loved this little lady for her sweet spirit, positive attitude, and her sass!
Mary Ann was a member and/or served on the board of many organizations such as KMEA, MENC, KNEA, NEA, AHSGR, Retired Teachers Association, and the Kensington Public Library Board.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Keith) Kresin and Jamie (Jack) Jackson; Grandchildren Vincent (Megan) Kresin, Vaughn, and Vanessa Kresin: Adam (Jessie) Jackson and Abby (Danial) Martinez; Great Grandchildren Colton, Ryan and Deklan Jackson; Tucker and Hudson Kresin; and Emmit Martinez.
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