Mary Ann (Christiansen) Ulrich, 69, of Russell, Kansas, was called home Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital.
Mary was born August 9, 1952, in Great Bend, Kansas. She was one of four daughters born to Jesse and Imogene (Nolte) Christiansen. She grew up in Great Bend and graduated from Great Bend High School. She then attended Barton County Community College and Fort Hays State University.
Mary was united in marriage to Wayne Ulrich on May 21, 1972 in Great Bend. This union was blessed with five children: Doug, Matt, Lisa, Jeremy and Emily Jo. They made their home south of Russell.
Mary was a wife, and fantastic mother, and grandmother. She worked as a homemaker and all around farmhand/farmwife when her children were young. After her children were raised, she then attended Ft. Hays State University and obtained a degree in Social Services. She began her career at Gatewood in Russell. She also worked at Southwind Hospice and Wheatland Nursing Center. She loved encouraging and helping her clients, their families and her coworkers. Mary retired from Russell Regional Hospital in the fall of 2020. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Church Alter Guild, Women in Fellowship, and taught Sunday School. Mary enjoyed reading, long fast paced walks, watching her grandkids participate in activities, and spending time with family and friends. Mary will be remembered for her strong faith, positive mind set and sense of humor.
Mary’s surviving family include her husband of 49 years, Wayne of the home; daughter, Lisa Ulrich (Adam) of Hays, Kansas; sons, Doug Ulrich (April) of Russell, Kansas, Matt Ulrich (Debbie) of Russell, Kansas and Jeremy Ulrich (Mindie) of Russell, Kansas; mother, Imogene Christiansen of Great Bend, Kansas; sisters, Joan Klein of Russell, Kansas, Dana Cheney (Greg) of Shawnee Mission, Kansas and Kim Light (Stan) of Texas; and three grandchildren, Josalyn Ulrich, Briar Ulrich and Gunnar Ulrich.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Christiansen and infant daughter, Emily Jo Ulrich.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 7, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, January 6, 2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Russell Regional Hospital. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.