Elaine Scheele

Gladys Elaine Scheele, age 96, of Marysville, Kansas, passed away on January 7, 2026, at Country Living in Marysville.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville, with a rosary service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The pallbearers will be her grandsons, Justin Scheele, Travis Scheele, Jeremy FitzGerald, Russell FitzGerald, Damen Scheele and Jacob Zutterman.

Elaine was born on October 23, 1929, in Tecumseh, Nebraska, to George B. and Gladys Eva (McKee) Morrissey. She grew up on a farm in rural Cook, Nebraska, where feeding the pigs and gathering eggs were part of her daily chores. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Lincoln, Nebraska.

She met her future husband, Donald R. Scheele at the wedding of their mutual friends. On February 14, 1952, she married the love of her life at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln, Nebraska. To this union, six children were born. Raising six children kept Elaine very busy, but once they were in school, she went to work for City Sewing.

She was also very active in St. Gregory’s Altar Society as well as the American Legion Auxiliary, serving at the local, district, and state levels. She was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

Over the years, Elaine fed thousands of people while serving as kitchen manager at the Marysville American Legion. One of her favorite groups to cook for was the Marysville High School football team. Many young men were well fed with a home-cooked meal before football games at the “Bulldog Café” and her specialty was fried chicken. Elaine also welcomed many of her children’s friends into her home—there was always room for one more around the table.

Everyone knew the rule: when you were finished eating, you took your plate to the sink! Neighborhood kids were often found playing in her yard and they were always welcome. She found great joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in school programs and sporting events. She loved going to all the ball games! Elaine enjoyed embroidery and lovingly made many quilts for her family.

Elaine will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her devotion to her family, and the countless meals she prepared with love. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and family that will be cherished for generations.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Donald; her parents; sisters, Donetta, Geraldine and Kathryn; and infant grandson, Tyler.

Survivors include her sons, David (Maralee) Scheele, Steven Scheele, Gregory Scheele, all of Marysville, Mark (Chris) Scheele of Leesburg, GA, and Tim Scheele, Marysville; and daughter, Susan (Kelly) FitzGerald, Home, KS; twelve grandchildren, Justin, Travis, Damen, Jensen, Jacque, Shalena, Sara, Jeremy, Russell, Cassi, Sheridan and MaKenna; twenty-four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Baker and Shirley Scheele; and brother-in-law, Bob Scheele.

A memorial fund has been established for St. Gregory’s Catholic Church or Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.