Mary E. Dreiling, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the age of 92.
She was born on December 20, 1932, in Hays, Kansas, to Peter M. and Catherine (Pfannenstiel) Younger. On August 11, 1952, she married the love of her life, Robert Nick Dreiling, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, and together, they shared 71 wonderful years of marriage.
Mary was a dedicated custodian and instructor for USD 270 in Plainville, retiring in 2002 after 30 years of service. She then worked part-time for Clean-Rite in Ellis for ten years.
Mary had a passion for family, faith, and community. She was an avid Kansas City Royals fan, enjoying both attending games with her family and watching them on TV. Family gatherings were always special, as she took great joy in cooking for the holidays. Her homemade cabbage rolls were a family favorite.
A talented seamstress, Mary created bridesmaid dresses, flower girl gowns, and expert alterations. She upholstered many chairs and drapes for homes, and loved crafting, especially creating polka-themed gifts for loved ones.
Mary and her husband were longtime members of the Sunflower Polka Club, where they enjoyed dancing for over 35 years. She also participated in the Pinochle Club and served as a board member for 17 years, helping with advertising efforts. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for family and friends. A dedicated Sudoku enthusiast, she completed a puzzle daily as part of her routine.
Mary was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and an active participant in the Daughters of Isabella Circle #254. As a faithful servant of her church, Mary was active in the funeral committee, often baking desserts for services and other church events.
Survivors include her three children, Doris Cline of Gorham, Denise Pywell and husband Terry of Wichita, and Dennis Dreiling and wife Kathie of Medicine Lodge, her cherished grandchildren, Adam Cline and wife Tammy of Great Bend, Joshua Cline and wife Rachal of Norfolk, Virginia, Larame Cline and wife Britney of Wichita, Preston Pywell of Wichita, Crystal Pywell of Wichita, Samantha Dreiling of Garden City, and Cassandra Dreiling of Wichita, and her five precious great-grandchildren, Danica and Brody Cline of Great Bend, Mary-Elizabeth Cline of Norfolk, Virginia, Jackson and Wyatt Cline of Wichita. Additionally, she leaves behind two step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren, as well as her brother Frank Younger of Hays.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; an infant son, Darrel, an infant daughter, Mary; her sister Cora Sawazhki; and her brothers, Severin, Victor, Alvin, Joe, Richard, Sylvester, Eddie, and Norman Younger. She was also preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Bette, Henrietta, Rosie, Betty, Dorothy, Norma, and Mary Younger; and her brother-in-law, Richard Sawazhki.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until service time on Wednesday, all at the church in Ellis. A Hays Daughters of Isabella rosary will be will at 5:30 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30, all on Tuesday at the church. Memorials are suggested for family wishes that will be decided at a later date, and checks are payable to Doris Cline. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences and memories of Mary may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com.