Gaynell McKenzie Polston Lowry

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Obituary- Lowry, Gaynell

Gaynell ‘Nell’ Lowry
Gaynell “Nell” Lowry, 94, formerly of Holton, passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 6, 2012, at Valley Vista Good Samaritan Center in Wamego.

Gaynell was born Dec. 17,1917, in Union City, Tenn., the daughter of Jessie H. and Idella (Smith) McKenzie. Nell attended Reel Foot School in Calton,Tenn. When she was 15, the family moved to Graves County, Kentucky. At the age of 17 she accepted Christ at Free Will Baptist Church in Pea Ridge, Ky. She attended First Baptist Church in Holton until moving to Wamego to be closer to family. She then attended the First Baptist Church in Wamego.

On Jan. 17,1938, she married Ralph Polston in Mississippi County, Mo. To this union, a daughter, Juanita Joanne, was born. On Dec. 15, 1951, Nell married Oren W. Lowry in Memphis, Tenn. In September of 1958 the couple moved to Wetmore, Kansas. Gaynell operated a cafe in Wetmore, worked at the garment factory in Holton until its closing, and was an Avon distributor for many years.

Oren preceded her in death Oct. 15, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Juanita Simpson in 1989, her granddaughter Debbie Simpson in 1984, and her brothers, Lois H. McKenzie, J.W. McKenzie, Jessie McKenzie.

Nell is survived by her grandson, Pat Manning and his wife Hanna of Wamego; her four great-grandchildren, Nicholas Manning, Phil Manning, Pamela Manning and James A. Manning; her great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as her beloved First Baptist Church family and friends.

It was Gaynell’s wish to be cremated. Memorial services and internment will be held at a later date. Memorials may sent in Gaynell’s name for the First Baptist Church of Wamego and may be left in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.