Cimarron - Mary Alice Wendel, 78, died January 2, 2021 at Baylor Hospital in Waxahachie, Texas.  She was born on August 28, 1942 in Greer County, Oklahoma, the daughter of Charlie Samuel and Pauline (Collins) Rogers.

Mary spent her childhood in the Mangum and Russell, Oklahoma areas.  She graduated from Mangum High School in 1961.  Mary went on to further her education at Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma where she majored in elementary education.  After obtaining her Bachelor's Degree, Mary moved to Ingalls for her first teaching position as a kindergarten teacher.

Mary met Robert Wendel in Ingalls and the two were married on February 4, 1967 in Dodge City. The newly married couple moved to Cimarron and Mary taught at Cimarron Elementary, teaching second, fourth, and fifth grades as well as reading.  The couple later welcomed a daughter, Kristi, and their family was complete.  After Mary retired from teaching, she went to work at Wal-Mart in the photo lab and as a greeter.  In 2010, she moved to Texas to be with her daughter and granddaughter.  Mary enjoyed sewing, quilting, and telling stories.  She loved being "Grammy" to Allyson.  First and foremost to Mary was her love for Christ.  Christ was the center of her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristi Wendel of Red Oak, Texas; a granddaughter, Allyson Fugett of Red Oak, Texas; and a nephew, Joe Kelting and wife Dia and their children, Hobie, Darien, Abel, and Abraham all of Portales, New Mexico.  Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Robert; and a sister, Rhonda Kelting.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Tom Boese presiding. The service will be live streamed via the funeral home Facebook page.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City on Thursday, January  7, 2021 from noon to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Samaritan Purse for Operation Christmas Child in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.