Mary G. Guse, 70, of rural Waseca, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at the Faribault Commons Rehabilitation Center.

Mary Gladys was born to Arthur and Lois (Vasey) Ryther in Austin on May 4, 1940. As a child, she attended Austin Public Schools where she graduated in 1958. She went on to attend Austin Junior College taking secretarial classes. Mary was active in 4-H, showing her animals and later becoming a 4-H leader for the Palmer Sunbeams of Waseca.

She was married to Dale Phelps and later divorced. She was united in marriage to Paul Guse on March 1, 1974. Mary raised her children and worked hard farming with her husband, Paul. She also worked for many years in hospitality at Waseca Area Hospital. She made many friends during her time there and retired from the hospital in 2004.

Her needs always came after the needs of her children. She was always telling them she loved them and was often heard telling them to drive carefully when heading out with friends. Mary was a kind-hearted person, always helping others get involved in 4-H. She would often, lovingly, push the youth beyond their limits. Her children, grandchildren and animals meant the world to her.

She is survived and will be greatly missed by her husband, Paul Guse; her children: Leslie (Marty) Smith, Jodi (Robert) Huss and Daniel Guse; her step-children: Mark Guse and James Guse; grandchildren: Devon, Christopher, Timothy, Parker, Jonathan, Jackson, Aliza, Henry and George; brother, Bill (Bonnie) Ryther; sister, Peggy (Roger) Kraft; brother’s and sister’s-n-law: Herbert (Mavis) Guse, Clarence (Bev) Guse, Marvin (Kathy) Guse, Lyle (Paulette) Guse, Carl Guse, Robert Gillie, Ruth Schoenfeld, Grace (Larry) Viovit, Lila (Richard) Karr, Ruby (Dave) Isenbrand and Vera (Marvin) Stolt; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Scott Phelps on Oct. 24, 2010.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville with Rev. Dr. Larry Griffin and Vicar Michael Schuette officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home and Crematory in Janesville and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in the St. John’s Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Iosco Township, Waseca County.