Mary Ellen Alexander, 89 of Leonardville, Kansas died on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the Leonardville Nursing Home in Leonardville, Kansas. She was born on November 3, 1934 in Clay County, Kansas, the daughter of Roy and Vella (Bougen) Schrum.

Mary grew up in Clay County and attended schools in Clay Center before transferring to Green, graduating high school in 1951.  She married Roy Alexander on June 17, 1951 and he preceded her in death on July 6, 2004.  Mary worked in the Clay County Clerk’s office for several years and then started working at the veterinary school at Kansas State University.  She would later transfer to the Chemical Engineering Department, where she worked until her retirement.  Mary also farmed with her husband. She was a member of the Hays United Methodist Church, where she was the children’s choir director. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son; Roger Alexander; brother Jacky Schrum; sister Shirley Stadle and son in-law, Ed Avery.

She is survived by 2 daughters; Susan and husband, Keith Schaefer of Linn, Kansas and Robin Avery of Concordia, Kansas; 20 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 10:30AM at the Clay Center United Methodist Church.

Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, Kansas. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 4-7PM at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the Leonardville Nursing Home or the Clay Center United Methodist Church and can be sent in care of the funeral home.