Mary Lee McGinnis

Mary Lee McGinnis, 81, of Russell, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Prairie Sunset Home in Pretty Prairie, Kansas.

Mary was born on April 4, 1944, in Mansfield, Louisiana, to Willie Lee, Sr. and Ruby Louise (Colbert) Woods. As the oldest of ten children, she developed early the sense of responsibility, strength, and devotion to family that would define her life. Raised in Mansfield, she attended school there and built a strong foundation of faith, family values, and hard work that guided her throughout her years. In the early 1970s, Mary relocated to Russell, Kansas, where she became a cherished and active member of the community, she proudly called home for the remainder of her life.

On January 20, 1960, Mary married Billy Holloway in Center, Texas. From this union, four children were born: Terry, Debbie, Darren, and Sherry. Though the marriage later ended in divorce, Mary’s love and devotion to her children never wavered. She later married Edward Leon McGinnis on April 16, 1982, in Russell, Kansas, and together they welcomed their daughter, Ashley. Edward preceded her in death in 1996. Mary devoted more than 40 years to the food service industry, a career that beautifully reflected her generous spirit and love of bringing people together. She began working at Russell’s Inn Restaurant at a young age and later served as a cook at Meridy’s Restaurant and Lounge in Russell. Known for her exceptional cooking, Mary won numerous cooking contests over the years. She took great pride in preparing meals that nourished not only the body but also the heart, creating lasting memories around the table for family, friends, and her community.

A faithful and longtime member of Second Baptist Church in Russell, Mary served diligently as both a church trustee and kitchen ministry trustee. Her church family meant a great deal to her, and she used her culinary talents and servant’s heart to bless others through faithful service and leadership.

Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed playing bingo, dominoes, and card games, often sharing laughter and friendly competition with family and friends. Above all, she treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Terry Washington (Don) and Debbie Straw (Phillip), both of Russell, Kansas; her son, Darren Holloway (Mellissa) of Osborne, Kansas; her daughters, Sherry Gross of Great Bend, Kansas, and Ashley Alvarez (Israel) of Hutchinson, Kansas; her brothers, Bobby Woods and Michael Woods, both of Mansfield, Louisiana, and Donnie Woods of Great Bend, Kansas; her sister, Diane Starland of Mansfield, Louisiana; along with 16 cherished grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren who will continue her legacy of love. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward Leon McGinnis; her brothers, George, John, and Willie Lee Jr. (Mann) Woods; and her sisters, Rosemary Burrell and Ruby Pullard. Mary will be remembered for her warm smile, her servant’s heart, and the unconditional love she so freely shared. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the faith she exemplified, and the family she so deeply cherished. The family extends special thanks to Prairie Sunset Home, Gentiva Hospice, and all the exceptional caregivers who lovingly cared for Mary along her journey.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas with Reverend Eric Malone Officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Memorials may be donated to the Prairie Sunset Home and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.