Masel Irene Fellows, age 92, died Thurs., June 20, 2013 at Cloud County Health Center , Concordia. She was born on July 23, 1920 to Willis & Myrtle (Carlson) Overmiller of Rural Smith Center, KS. Masel remembered and told stories about the depression, dust storms and grasshopper destructions. She had to wait a year before going to high school because her parents did not have the money to send her to school.

Masel's early years centered around church and community events. She was a pitcher for her local softball team. On game days, her father would make her rest. This made her feel really special, because one didn't rest often on the farm. She loved talking about time shared with cousins and extended family.

After graduating high school, Masel worked at various jobs. She taught country school, but could make more money working at the munitions plant in Lincoln , NE.

In 1942, she married Dwight Pitzer in California until Dwight had to go overseas, where he was a pilot in WWII. At that time, she moved back home with her parents. Dwight was killed during the war and their baby daughter, Roene, died shortly after birth.

In 1946, she married John Fellows and they farmed north of Smith Center . To this union was born, Phyllis, James (Bill), John & David. They moved to Concordia in 1962 so that David's special education needs could be met. Within a year after the move to Concordia, Masel purchased the franchise dress shop known as Mode-O-Day. She won numerous sales awards. Once, she won a trip to Minnesota and also a trip to California . In Kansas City , she toured the warehouses to pick out items for her store. She truly enjoyed her store and didn't know a stranger. Her customers became her friends. She retired after being in business for 27 ½ years.

Masel was very active in the NCK Downs Syndrome Assoc., Cloud County ARC and with OCCK. She was a member of the VFW & American Legion Auxiliaries.

She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Grotz; sons, James (Bill) Fellows & wife Cindy & John Fellows & wife Marylu, all of Concordia; brother, John Overmiller & wife Joan of Smith Center; 7 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; sisters in law, Elinor Wiles & hus. Roy, West Fork, AR & Loretta Saunders & hus. John, Hutchinson; several nieces, nephews, cousins & a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Dwight Pitzer & John Fellows; daughter, Roene K. Pitzer; son, David Fellows; parents; brothers, Carroll Overmiller & wife Pearl & Ernest Overmiller & brothers in law, Edward Fellows & wife Evelyn & Jim Fellows.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Sat., June 22, 2013 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Lambert officiating. Burial will follow the services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery , Concordia. Visitation will be from 10 am to 9 pm with family greeting friends from 7-8 pm, Friday, June 21, 2013 all at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to NCK Downs Syndrome Society in care of the funeral home.