Maidene Rutschmann

Edna Maidene (Ellis) Rutschmann, 91, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and great aunt passed away May 1st, 2017 of natural causes, in Topeka at her daughter's home, where she had resided the past few years. She was born April 8, 1926 in Peabody, Kansas to Harry and Vina (Keyes) Ellis. Maidene spent her childhood in Peabody and moved to a farm west of Maple Hill as a freshman in high school where she later graduated. She was united in marriage to George Rutschmann on May, 8, 1949 and spent the next years as a hardworking farm wife and mother. During George's illness, she went back to work for the State of Kansas, Department of Revenue, and following his death in 1981, moved to Topeka. She retired from her job at the State in 2009 at the age of 83. Maidene very much enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, playing cards, crocheting and especially, her little poodles. More than anything, she adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they loved her in return. Left to mourn her loss are her 5 children: Steve (Joyce) Rutschmann, Daryl (Leslie) Rutschmann, Jan (Rob) Eichman, Jim (Melody) Rutschmann and Carole (Cliff) Sadler. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and her beloved poodle, Cooper. She also leaves behind her loving caregivers, Darcy Crow, Sherry McDaniel, and Stacy Spilker. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, her sisters, Vesta Carlisle and June Gray, brothers, Lyman and Lyle Ellis, and great-grandson, William Burkholder. Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys, KS. Mrs. Rutschmann will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery. The family would like to invite you to a luncheon at the George Perry Armory following the burial. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Helping Hands Humane Society or Midland Hospice and sent in care of the funeral home.