Mary Ann Spellmeier, 70, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.

Mary Ann was born on July 31, 1951 to Glen E. and Eleanor (Mergenmeier) Rusche in Seneca, Kansas. She graduated from Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca in 1969. Mary Ann then attended beauty school in Topeka, Kansas. She was united in marriage to Reuben Spellmeier on February 5, 1972. They made their home in Sabetha, Kansas and were blessed with five children. Mary Ann was a devoted and selfless wife and mother.

Mary Ann owned and operated her own beauty salon for over forty years. In addition, she supported Reuben in their trucking company, Spellmeier & Sons, and various business ventures. She and her daughter, Virginia, operated Buzz Café in Sabetha where they shared their love of cooking and serving others. Mary Ann continued to work in the food industry for many years, but she especially loved her role in the Sabetha school kitchen. It was her opportunity to see and visit with her grandchildren as they came through the school lunch line each day. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy and they will miss her very much.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her father, Glen E. Rusche; her husband, Reuben, in December, 2019; and her three brothers, James M. Rusche, Daniel J. Rusche, and Von E. Rusche.

Mary Ann is survived by her beloved mother, Eleanor Rusche; and her two brothers, Glen L (Mary Ellen) Rusche and David (Gladys) Rusche. She leaves her legacy with her five children, Mark (Rhonda) Spellmeier, Virginia Russell, Luke (Leslie) Spellmeier, Beth (Eric) Swick, and Danielle (Charles) Fischer; and her ten grandchildren, Garrett, Mason, and Gavin Spellmeier, Chad and Abbi Russell, Claire and Coen Spellmeier, Emily and Mia Swick, and Hadley Fischer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha, Kansas. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. Interment will be made in the Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Seneca, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Ann’s memory to the Lunch Lady Angels Fund or Nemaha County Home Health & Hospice. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com