Our sister Mary Alice Ensz was born to Walter and Annie (Loewen) Ensz on October 30, 1964, in Willows, California. She departed this life on August 24, 2024, at Corterra Healthcare in Wichita, Kansas, reaching the age of 59 years.

She spent a happy childhood on the farm at Glenn, California. She received her education at Bayliss Elementary School and River Valley Christian School where she completed her eight years of education.

She gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at Glenn, California on April 4, 1978, by Jake H. Loewen. Mary Alice's mother was her anchor in life, and she was heartbroken when she passed away in February of 1993.

She spent time living and working in various locations including Winton, California; Inman, Kansas; Montezuma, Kansas; and eventually settled in Cimarron where she spent the last number of years. She was a Certified Nurse Aid and spent many years caring for the elderly, doing home health, working in dietary departments, babysitting, and other odd jobs.

Mary Alice had a golden heart of unselfishness and loved giving her time, talents, and resources for others. She loved cooking and was never happier than when she had a table surrounded by guests. She loved flowers and took great pleasure in growing and tending her flower and vegetable garden.

Having no children of her own, she dearly loved her nephews and nieces and took a keen interest in their lives, as well as all the other children, especially babies, with whom she came in contact. She treasured the time she was able to spend at Gallup, New Mexico, caring for Navajo children and making lifelong friends. Another highlight was a trip to the Philippines to visit her brother's family who were serving as missionaries.

Life held many challenges and disappointments for Mary Alice, but she was courageous and remained faithful to the Lord until the end. During her recent hospital stay she expressed her thankfulness that she didn't need to earn her own salvation because Jesus paid the price for her. She left us with a clear testimony of her salvation.

Those left to cherish her memories are stepmother Mabel (Rooks) Ensz, Louisville, GA; siblings: Robert and Barbara Ensz, Othello, WA; Marjorie and Milton Koehn, Versailles, MO; Dalen and Teresa Ensz, Muleshoe, TX; step-siblings: Robin and Jonas Bender, Hydro, OK; Edward and Michelle Unruh, Louisville, GA; Darryl and Kathryn Unruh, Avera, GA; twelve nephews & nieces, and eleven step-nephews. She claimed the Curt Ensz family, and especially Kevin and Char, as her own. She enjoyed a special friendship with Rosemary Jantzen, and they spent many hours together helping one another and enjoying each other's company.

Preceding her in death were her parents, one stepbrother Marlon Unruh, one nephew, and one niece.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Cimarron, with Ministers Karlin Koehn, David Spence and Roland Loewen officiating.  Burial will follow in the Cimarron Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the church.

The family suggests memorials to Church of God in Christ Mennonite in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.