Valentine “Mae” Telecky

Valentine “Mae” Telecky, a lifelong resident of Ritzville, died at the age 93 on Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Life Care Center.

She was born Feb. 14, 1920, to Edmond and Blanche (Maze) Meyer. After graduating from Ritzville High School in 1937, she stayed on the family farm to help her mother and in 1940, married Clyde Telecky. They farmed until 1957 when they sold their ranch and moved to Ritzville.

Mae then spent her time raising the family, and after the children left, she worked briefly at the ASCS office and Rainier Bank.

Mae was the first Adams County Fair queen. She was a charter member of the Cowbelles during their farming years and served as their second president. She enjoyed cake decorating, gardening and traveling with her husband in their RV, as well as traveling to Europe.

She was a member of the Marcellus Grange, PEO, and Womens Church Circle. Mae especially enjoyed volunteering in the community at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Ritzville Museums, and by cooking, baking and assisting at many community events. She was also a member of the Red Cross Gallon Club, Rebekahs, and the Ritzville Alumni Association. In 1990, she was honored as Beta Sigma Phi’s Lady of the Year, an award given to a person who gives of herself unselfishly to the community and its people. She was dearly loved by family and friends and will be cherished and greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 73 years Clyde, and sisters Anna Meyer and Frances Kembel.

She is survived by son Bruce (Dottie) Telecky of Ritzville; daughter Roberta (Tom) Cox of South Dakota; two granddaughters Dawn (Ryo) Olson of Ritzville and Jill (Tim) Larson of Odessa; four great grandchildren, Caleb and Jordan Olson and Elizabeth and Nicholas Larson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at Emanuel Lutheran Church at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 206 South Division, Ritzville WA 99169, or the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Research, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester MN 55905. Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.