Gaynell (Nell) Lowry, 94, formerly of Holton, passed away Thursday evening December 6th, 2012 at Valley Vista Good Samaritan Center in Wamego.

Gaynell was born December 17, 1917 in Union City, Tennessee, the daughter of Jessie H. and Idella (Smith) McKenzie. Nell attended Reel Foot School in Calton, Tennessee. When she was 15 the family moved to Graves County, Kentucky. At the age of 17 she accepted Christ at the Free Will Baptist Church in Pea Ridge, Kentucky. 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 January 17, 1938 she married Ralph Polston in Mississippi County, Missouri. To this union a daughter, Juanita Joanne, was born. On December 15, 1951 Nell married Oren W. Lowry in Memphis, Tennessee. In September of 1958 the couple moved to Wetmore, Kansas. Gaynell operated a cafe in Wetmore, worked at the Garment factory in Holton, KS. until its closing and was an Avon distributor for many years.

Oren preceded her in death October 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, KS; her 4 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.