Mary Kathryn Britt

Mary Kathryn (Hemmen) Britt

Mary Kathryn Britt, 102 and 1/3 years old died on April 2, 2026, in Haysville, Kansas. Mary was born on Nov 22, 1923, in Maize, Kansas to George G. and Theresa H. Hemmen. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Britt, siblings: Edna Mae Evans, Mildred Seiler, Paul Hemmen; sons: Dale Britt and Glen Britt. Survived by siblings: Aretha Knoblauck, Georgianne Sargent, Leon Hemmen; children: Lois Kemp, Lyle Britt, and Lana Kassik.

Growing up Mary was raised on a dairy farm in Clonmel and Schulte, Kansas. Her parents had a farm where they raised their own meat and vegetables. She hand-milked the cows and did gardening and helped with making meals for the family of nine. Mary attended school through the eighth grade, leaving school to help in the kitchen and farm. They made their own clothes, and her first store bought dress was for her eighth-grade graduation. All the farm work was done with horses and by hand. Mary entered her fat pig and lamb in the Hutchinson State Fair in 1941, and met her future husband there, James A. Britt was also in 4-H in Junction City, Kansas. She not only met her future husband there but also won a blue ribbon for her dress. After the attack at Pearl Harbor, James enlisted in the Navy and left for the war. Mary worked at Aero Parts (Cessna/Textron) becoming a Rosie the Riveter. When James came home on leave, they married on October 28,1943 and moved to San Francisco, California. She continued supporting the war effort there by making sandwiches and pastries for workers in the shipyards. They had 3 months together before he left the Navy destroyer the USS Yarnell. At the end of the war, Mary and James moved to Junction City Kansas where they farmed with the Britt family. In September 1956 they moved to Wichita Kansas where James went to barber school and Mary worked at Dockum Drug Store until 1986 when she returned to work for Cessna Aircraft. They lived in Wichita until James’ death in 1988. Mary moved to a smaller home in Haysville in 1994, living alone until she was 99 years and 6 months old, when her youngest daughter, Lana, moved in with her and cared for her for the remainder of Mary’s life. James and Mary were married for 44 years and were blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren and 3 great-great-great grandchildren.

Her secret to keeping young was sewing, baking and cooking for family and others. She also enjoyed entertaining and telephoning. Mary drove her car until she was 96 years and 6 months old, when she gave up her car, but at 100 years old she got a new driver’s license “just because she could”. Mary always counted the months of the year when she talked about her age, because she loved life and thought every day was special. She celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded with her amazing large family and friends she that truly cherished. She was so blessed with a sound mind and wonderful memories until God called her home. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was instrumental in keeping her going in this life. She often said, “I am not afraid of dying but I am having so much fun here, I want to stay a while longer”.

If so desired, you may make donations in Mary's name to Antioch Christian Church, 3741 W. 15th St., Wichita, Kansas 67203.

Visitation: 5 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, 115 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, Kansas 67213.

Celebration of Life: 10 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Antioch Christian Church, 3741 W. 15th St., Wichita, Kansas 67203.

Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Wichita.