Maurine Fritzler was born Leila Maurine Haynes on October 13, 1923. All of her life she went by her middle name, Maurine, rather than her first name. She passed away on 1/13/2010, at her home.^ She is survived by her elder sister, Jean, two sons, Max and Mike, four grandsons, two step-grandsons, and six step great grandchildren. Maurine and Jean grew up in Frederick, Oklahoma, part of a large extended southern family, with many cousins whom they loved and kept in touch with over the years.
Always bright and curious, with a love of reading and writing, she completed a degree in Journalism at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma in 1947. She put her education to work with jobs at the Frederick newspapers, the Menninger Clinic in Topeka , and finally as sportswriter at the Hays Daily News. There she met LeRoy Fritzler. They married on November 6, 1951. They had three sons, Max in 1955, Mike in 1956, and Mark in 1957.
Maurine and her husband settled into the farming life in Alexander, and for 35 years went through the life of raising a family, being active in the community, and sharing many good times with their friends and neighbors. But along with its many joys her life had its tribulations and tragedies. Just as her marriage had failed, a sudden accident killed her youngest son, Mark.
These double blows were heavy, but those who knew her also knew that she was both personally very tough, and an unfailing optimist. She soon began a new life in Ness City. In a few months she had extended her friendships in the community. All found that she could be relied upon to be cheerful and to lend a hand, whether at church, in a reading group, an investment club, at the history museum, or any other good cause. She developed a passion for genealogy. For years she faithfully visited the sick and the shut-ins on her own. Also for years she was with the home health service, and took care of many elderly people in their declining years.
Maurine cared about people. She cared for them. And she never, ever gave up on anybody!
All through these years her health was good. Though she grew slight, she prided herself on living healthily, and never needing prescription medicines. But finally, the caregiver needed care. Cancer made her waste away, and she passed away January 13, 2010. Now she is in the Lord's loving arms, where she will be cared for forever - and where, somehow, she will still care for others.
Visitation will be at Fitzgerald Funeral home, Friday, January 15th, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Services will be at Fitzgerald Funeral home, Saturday, January 16, at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Ness County bank building, and all are welcome.
Internment will be at the Ness City cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Ness County Historical Society, or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Ness City.