Mary E. Wendell, 89, of rural Axtell, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Mother Hull Home in Kearney. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the Keene Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Matt Snell officiating. Interment will be held following the service at the Keene Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Mary's honor are kindly suggested to the Axtell Public Library or to the Keene Evangelical Free Church. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Mary Elizabeth (Reynolds) Wendell was born May 4, 1934 in Kearney, Nebraska to Florence (Wright) and Eugene Carl Reynolds. Mary was raised in Buffalo County and attended the one room Buda School from the 1st to 8th Grade. She moved to Kearney to live with her aunt to attend Kearney High School where she graduated in 1952. She attended Kearney State College and worked many jobs including telephone operator and bank teller prior to her marriage.

Mary was wed to Milford Ernest Wendell on June 11, 1955 in Kimball, Nebraska. They made their home in Hildreth and Wilcox until they moved to their family home south of Axtell in 1963.

Mary was involved in many organizations including the National Federation of Women's Clubs where she served as National President and was involved in the Axtell Women's Club for many years. Mary served on the Axtell Library Board as well as countless hours serving on election boards. She was a Mary Kay consultant for many years as well as a representative for Leiter's fabrics where she met and made many lasting friendships. She was also a member of the Keene Evangelical Free Church for many years.

Mary was a beautiful seamstress and was always striving to find the "right fit" for every piece she made. Mary was active in the Sewing Guild where she travelled around the country filling her fabric stash. The motto was whoever has the biggest stash wins! Her handiwork is enjoyed by the lucky few who had the honor of wearing her creations. It was once said that Mary's outfits were very cosmopolitan and of the highest quality. Mary loved playing bridge, reading, gardening and spending time with her family. She had a love of sports and watching her beloved Cornhusker volleyball team. Mary and Mif enjoyed traveling and were able to visit many amazing places in and out of the country.

Mary is survived by her sons, Todd (Rhona) Wendell of Axtell, and Kerry (Mary) Wendell of Axtell; daughter, Veneé (Andrew) Tysler of San Clemente, California; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Eugene Reynolds; her husband, Milford Wendell; and her grandchildren, DJ Wendell, Brooke Wendell and Amanda Wendell.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .