Mary Lushenko , 97, Max, ND, died Monday, June 15, 2015 in a Minot hospital.

Mary was born June 28, 1917, in Highland Township of Sheridan County, near Kief, ND to Lovrenty and Agnes (Perkerstenko) Kizima. She was raised and educated in country schools through grade eight.

Mary was united in marriage to Gordon Lushenko on July 9, 1939 in Oakland, CA. They continued to reside in Oakland, where they were both employed in the shipyards for a number of years.

Mary completed beauty school training prior to their move to Max, ND in 1946. She started her beauty shop out of her home in 1952 and continued to operate the business for the next 53 years until her retirement in 2012.

Gordon and Mary enjoyed traveling together and separately to foreign countries. They also visited their kids and grandkids in Alaska, Arizona, and Florida as well as relatives in other states. Throughout the years they also could be found bowling or enjoying the outdoors while fishing or camping with family. Mary enjoyed the role of entertainer, hosting meals for friends and new educators in Max on a yearly basis.

Mary\'s doll collection was a source of great enjoyment to her. She also maintained a passion for gardening and growing flowers for many years. She loved using apples from her 6 trees and fruit from her juneberry bushes to make many pies and other sweets. They were a favorite of her grandchildren and great grandkids.

Mary made many quilts and other crafts which she gave as gifts, sold in her beauty shop and donated to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) auction sale for mission projects. Mary actively participated in the MCC sales for over 30 years.

In 2008, Mary began spending winters in Jacksonville, FL with her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and John, where she could visit her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was involved in volunteer service for Gleaners Dispatch when she was able.

Mary was a charter member of the Mennonite Brethren Church. She was a woman of faith that lived life as a shining example of God\'s love to her community and family. Mary left a legacy of faith to her family that will continue for generations to come. Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

Surviving family includes: Children: Shirley (John) Sizemore, Jacksonville, FL, LaVoun Campbell, North Pole, AK, and Lorn Lushenko, Minot, ND; Grandchildren: Adrienne (Bryan) McNeely, Jonathan (Suzanna) Sizemore, Joshua (Melissa) Sizemore and Christopher (Julie) Campbell; Great-Grandchildren: Sasha Eladel, Ana, Jacob, and Joseph Sizemore, Jonathan and Jared Sizemore, Lillie McNeely and McNeely Rockwell and Maverick and Phoenix Campbell.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters: Lena Vinarskai, Annie Rovenko, Violet McGrew, and Gladys Clark and brothers, Lawrence, Jack, William and Peter Kizima.

Funeral: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the Bible Fellowship Church, Minot, ND.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND
Visitation: Monday, June 22, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Child Evangelism Fellowship, Mennonite Central Committee, or Bible Fellowship Church of Minot. All donations would be much appreciated.