Mary Ann Briney

Mary Ann Briney, 90, of Goodland, KS passed away at Topside Manor in Goodland, Kansas on January 20, 2024. She was born on November 14, 1934 to Willard and Myra (Cox) Roller in Dayton, Ohio.

Mary Ann attended school in Goodland and graduated from Sherman Community High School in 1952. She was united in marriage to Russell Briney on June 6, 1954 in Goodland, KS at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. To this union they had five children Steve, Mike, Scott, Sondra, and Diane.

Mary Ann developed an enduring passion for music at a very young age. She took on the job of church organist at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in 1969. Her music became a beacon of worship and community, touching countless lives through decades of faithful service.

A proud mother and grandmother, she found her greatest happiness in attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, always their biggest cheerleader and most enthusiastic supporter. Whether at school events, sports games, or family gatherings, her presence brought warmth and encouragement.

Mary Ann and Russell shared many adventures with including cherished trips to the National Finals Rodeo. She loved traveling, especially to the mountains, where she found peace and inspiration in nature’s splendor.

Her kind heart, adventurous spirit, and unwavering faith leave a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Surviving family includes her children; Steve Briney of Goodland; Mike Briney and his wife Dianna of Hays; Scott Briney; Sondra Smith and her husband Bob; Diane Zelfer and her husband Sam, all of Goodland; eleven grandchildren Stephanie Briney, David Briney and his wife Danielle, Kristin Herl and her husband Jeremy, Allan Briney and Ashley Flowers, Chris Smith and Katie Gully, Nick Smith and Veronica Bailey, Michelle Roe and her husband Blake, Nathaniel Smith and his wife Stephanie, Brandon Zelfer and his wife Andrea, Dustin Zelfer and his wife Cathy and Kate Zelfer and Morgan Olmstead; 17 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband Russell Briney, her parents, Willard and Myra, daughter-in-law Pat Briney, granddaughter Ashley Zelfer, and great-grandson Jayden Lee Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.