Mary Kirchenbauer

Mary Jane Russell Kirchenbauer passed away on February 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, education, and devoted love for her family.

Mary Jane was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she grew up and later attended Oklahoma State University. It was there that she met her future husband, John Kirchenbauer. Together, they began a life rooted in purpose and service.

Mary Jane and John moved to Holtville, California, where John accepted a teaching position and became a wrestling coach at Holtville High School. Holtville became home, and Mary Jane became a beloved and active member of the community.

She was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her three children: Kerry Kirchenbauer (married to Erika) of San Jose, CA; Karin Chambers (married to Paul) of Holtville, CA; and Amy Travis (married to Chad) of Imperial, CA.

Her greatest joy was being “Grammy”! She is survived by her cherished grandchildren: Kate and John Henry Kirchenbauer; Caleb, Rachel, John, and Luke Chambers; Taylor, Tanner, and Chase Travis. She delighted in each of them — countless games, attending activities, and showering them with love and encouragement. She believed deeply in each of her grandchildren and celebrated their unique gifts.

Mary Jane loved working with the school kids and ran the computer lab for Holtville Unified School District for over 20 years. She was involved in her church community and faithfully participated in women’s groups. She had a generous heart and was especially passionate about supporting scholarships to help young people pursue a college education. Her quiet acts of service and steady faith made a lasting impact on many lives.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her commitment to family, her community spirit, and the grace with which she lived her life. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched in Holtville and beyond.

A gravesite service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Friday, March 27, at 12:00 PM and is open to the public. A reception will follow at the Women’s Club in Holtville.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary Jane’s honor to Holtville Women’s Club or Holtville Green and Gold Hall of Fame.