Marian May (Skaggs) Droegemeier , 90, of Russell, KS, formerly of Valley Center, passed away on March 20, 2015 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, KS. Marian was born December 16, 1924 in rural Hastings, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Frances (Crouse) Skaggs. She grew up and attended schools in Glenwood, Iowa and later completed her college degree in Sociology and Psychology at Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS. Marian was united in marriage to Elvyn Davidson, an Ensign in the Navy, in December of 1945, prior to him going off to war. He lost his life shortly after departure, due to his ship being lost at sea. After his death, Marian was able to attend Ottawa University, where she met and fell in love with Lynn Droegemeier. They were married on July 27, 1947 in Frederick, KS. This union was blessed with four children; Douglas, Gaye, Carol, and Ann. They made their home in Geneseo, Salina, Syracuse, Wichita, and Valley Center. Marian was always a hard worker and accomplished everything she put her mind to. One of her first jobs was working in a radio station, while Lynn finished his degree. Afterwards, she was a home maker and mother. At this time, being a wife and mother was the most important thing in her life. Once her children were well into their schooling, Marian decided to go to work. She was the assistant librarian for 20 years at West and Abilene Elementary in Valley Center, KS. She was known as "Marian the Librarian" to many of the children at school. She was passionate about books and children, and continued to be this way until her passing. Even though Marian put her heart and soul into her family, she was also a woman of many hobbies. Her hands were always busy, whether it be canning vegetables from the garden, sewing clothes for her children, baking treats that were enjoyed be her children and grandchildren, filling out crosswords, or an evening of dominos and scrabble. These hobbies were not only hers but became a tradition with her family. Marian was also an avid Christian. Her faith was apparent in many ways and she came by it naturally. She was a believer and shared her beliefs with her children, grandchildren, and friends. Marian was a godly woman that believed in the power of prayer and reading from the bible. She was a member of The First Baptist Church in Valley Center and was very active in sharing her beliefs within the church and being involved wherever she was needed. Marian's surviving family include her son Douglas Droegemeier of Wichita; Daughter Gaye (Allen) Friess of Kechi, KS; Carol Funk of Russell, KS; Ann (Alan) Johnson of Seattle, WA.; six grandchildren Drew and Chad Droegemeier; Alex Funk and Karly Funk-Standley; and Adam and Meredith Johnson; and three great-grandchildren Grant, Claire, and Noah Droegemeier; sister June McMahill; Sister-in-Law Lois Boy; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, and a niece.

Celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Valley Center, KS. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Bentley, KS. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center, KS. In lieu of flowers memorial may be designated in her name to the Valley Center Public Library or the Marian Droegemeier Fund for children's books at Abilene and West Elementary Schools Library. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Baker Funeral Home, who is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com