In Memoriam

We gather at this site to celebrate the lives of our ESA Sisters who have gone before us. Their spirit lives on in us. The memories we share will never be lost.

Thou Art My Sister; I love You

Thou are my sister because we were born of the same
Great Spirit, conceived from the same mound of earth.
We slept quietly together in the cradle of unknowing until
He in His gentleness set us in the midst of humanity.
You are my sister; I love you.

You and I are destined to be companions on the highway of life.
Together or apart you are my sister; I love you.
If the color of my skin is different from yours, it matters not,
only let the beauty of our souls be kindred.

I will honor your wisdom and understanding, as you will mine.
Together we shall seek the seeds of truth in the distant rooms
of the Great Spirit; the reflection of inner knowledge shall wear
as beauty upon our faces.
You are my sister; I love you.

I will be human and fall down in rough places, but thy
hand is near mine. I will reach for it, I shall not be alone.
I will embrace you when the reins of sorrow visit you.
I will befriend your soul as if it were my own.
You are my sister; I love you.

If death takes from the lamp of life and the veil of
eternal sleep falls across my eyes before yours
I will wait for you. I will come to lead you across the
bridge of night into the meadows of the Great Spirit.
You are my sister; I love you.

Delores Harding
December 26, 1931 – August 10, 2010

Delores Harding was a charter member of Eta Theta, Cheney. Her pledge date was November 1, 1958 and Eta Theta was chartered November 24, 1958. She had 51 years of service. Delores She went inactive in 2009 due to health problems. Delores was a very kind and lovely lady and was always willing to help her sorority sisters in anyway possible.

Shirley Fulgroat
July 31, 1934 – January 1, 2011

Shirley Fulgroat, a former member of Theta Gamma and Alpha Beta in Wichita. Shirley served as Wichita City Council Zone 5 President. She was the retired owner of Century Property Management and passed from this world on Jan. 1, 2011. Shirley was born July 31, 1934 in Fredonia, Kansas to Kenneth (Buzz) Short and Flossie (Fitzmorris) Short. She was a 1952 graduate of Fredonia High School. On February 19, 1955 Shirley married Bobby Blaire Fulgroat. Shirley enjoyed her life to the fullest and loved people. She was a lady of class and well ahead of her time in the business world. She was known for lending a hand to anyone in need. Shirley will be missed by all whom had the privilege to know her and the family she leaves behind that loved her dearly. Services were Thursday 01/06/11 at Central Community Church, with burial at Resthaven.

Beryl L. Elliot
Birthdate Unknown - November 7, 2010

Beryle L. Elliott, Topeka, died Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Topeka Presbyterian Manor.

She was born in Iola, the daughter of Charles E. and Martha L. McFarland Elliott. She moved with her parents to Arkansas City at an early age and graduated from Arkansas City High School. She received an Associate Degree from Arkansas City Junior College (now Cowley County Community College) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southwestern University, Winfield.

Beryle was a federal government employee, first working for the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C. from 1941-1943 and the Department of the Air Force at Strother Field, near Arkansas City from 1943-1945. From 1945 until her retirement in 1973, she was placement officer at the Department of the Army, Winter General Hospital and Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka where she was responsible for staffing 2800 non-medical positions.

Beryle was a 60-year member (plus) of First Presbyterian Church, was an ordained Elder, and had served as a Deacon, a Trustee, and was active in women’s organizations at the church. She was an over 60-year member and past Worthy Matron of Beulah Chapter #34 OES, and an over 60-year member and past Worthy High Priestess of Trinity White Shrine No. 7, White Shrine of Jerusalem. She served as an International Director of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, a philanthropic and cultural sorority and was a member of the local Beta Zeta Chapter. She was a member of the Topeka Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, Topeka Women’s Club, International Center at Washburn University, United Way of Greater Topeka, American Red Cross, Past President of Kansas Council of Women, and a charter board member of the Melody Brown Fun Factory. She is survived by several cousins and many ESA sorority sisters.

Doris Sherbenou
Birthdate Unknown - February 4, 2010

Doris Sherbenou died February 4, 2010 in Topeka. She belonged to Beta Zeta chapter approximately 25 years. She was a very private person who did not divulge personal information, but she was a faithful member and participated in all activities and was a pleasure to be around.

Lillie Wheeler
Birthdate Unknown - June 17, 2010

Patt Erwin
Birthdate Unknown - October 23, 2010

Dorothy Kennedy
Birthdate Unknown - February 3, 2011

Dorothy Kennedy passed away Feburay 3, 2011. Dorothy went to a one–room school house. When Dorothy was a freshman her parents moved into Madison where Dorothy attended Madison High School, graduating in 1931. She went to Stickler Business College in Topeka for almost a year, but she learned that she was not interested in being confined to an office and she needed to be around people. She accepted a job in Lyons, Kansas in her cousin’s small thriving department store. It was here in Lyons that Dorothy was invited to join ESA in 1945. It was also here in Lyons where Dorothy met Charles Kennedy, when he returned from serving in World War II. Charlie came to the toggery for civilian clothes. He was being measured for a tailor made suit, brought over a sample color to get Dorothy’s opinion if it was a pretty color. She had no idea he was buying the suit to wear to their wedding. On April 6, 1947 in Lyons they were united in marriage. To this union was born one son, Charles Craig. Dorothy had been a resident of Manhattan since 1967. She was a member of the First Christian Church and served as a deacon. She enjoyed being involved with her circle group making blankets, and lap covers for those in need. Dorothy was a member of Gamma Lambda chapter of ESA and served with great joy and love. She loved time spent with her sorority sisters making tray favors for the hospital, lap covers for those in care and rehab homes. She loved to bake her special angle food cake and share it with many neighbors and friends. Dorothy was always about doing acts of kindness. When Dorothy and Charlie moved to Meadowlark Hills Retirement Center, she continued to serve others. She would make “house calls” to see if everything was okay with her neighbors. She would take the flowers that were left from various occasions and put them in special vases and take to someone ill or having a bad day. Dorothy brought joy and happiness to everyone around her. In Dorothy’s own words, “ESA is very special to me, thanks to each of you for your lasting friendships and bear hugs.”

Majorie Jane Metz
April 28, 1928 - January 1, 2010

Majorie Metz was the third child of George and Ethel Cooke. She was raised on the family farm near Freeport Kansas and moved with her family to Missouri after her junior year in high school. She graduated from Fulton High School in 1945. She married Robert Metz on September 30, 1946. Majorie and Bob lived in Kansas, California, and Idaho and settle permanently in Wellington in 1961. Majorie was a retired secretary from Plessy Midweste in Wellington.

Her husband, parents, and siblings Caroline Haines, Robaert Cooke, and Kenneth Cooke preceded Her in death.

Majorie was a member of Alpha Omega in Wellington. She enjoyed playing cards, gardening, and golf. She was an active member of Alpha Omega Chapter.

Other Members of Kansas ESA we lost in 2010-2011

Newt Bessie, MAL
Raz Ginder, Epsilon Pi
Barb Slizewski, MAL

Phelma Knight
1915 - 2009

Gamma Alpha chapter lost a member to death in September 2009. Phelma Knight passed away at the age of 94 on Sept 28, 2009. She was a 58 year member of ESA joining December 1, 1951. Phelma was a faithful member, having held all chapter offices, many several times over the years and worked tirelessly for so many causes in the Plainville community. Phelma was an only child and never had any children of her own. The members of our chapter miss her willing dedication to the projects of ESA and her unending fund raising for all our chapter projects.

Other Members of Kansas ESA we lost in 2009-2010

Shirley Henton - Pledged ESA 1985 - Life Active Member
Loraine Blasi, Alpha Eta - Pledged ESA in 1948 - 55 year member
Rosena Marshall, MAL - Pledged ESA in 1962 - Life Active Member
Evelyn Martin, Gamma Pi
Retha Harger, Alpha Iota
Rosena Marshall, At Large member

Wanda Maas
April 5, 1932 - November 9, 2009

Wanda Lee Mass, age 77, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. She was born April 5, 1932, in Jet, Oklahoma to “Shorty” & Agnes Curtis Randolph. On December 12, 1950, she married Vernon R. Maas in Pratt. He preceded her in death on Oct. 17, 2001. Wanda lived in Pratt and worked at several medical offices as receptionists. Vernon and Wanda also farmed in the Pratt area.

She was a long time member of Epsilon Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. Wanda served in most of the offices and committee positions over the years. She helped with the many chapter projects raising funds for charity. Her leadership and humor will be missed by her sisters. Chapter members always went to the farm where we created many wonderful memories of Wanda and Vern as the best hosts. With the chapter’s work or play it was always more fun when Wanda was around. It is sad for Epsilon Pi to say goodbye and we will miss her dearly.

Ursula "Uschi" Angle
March 3, 1940 - February 8, 2010

Medicine Lodge- Ursula "Uschi" A. Angle, 69, died Monday, February 8, 2010 at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. She was born March 3, 1940 in Zwingenberg, Germany the daughter of Hans and Elisabeth (Seehaus) Hirsch. A resident of Barber County since 1971, she was the Food Service Director for USD #254, Medicine Lodge.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Alpha Iota Chapter of ESA, Past President of the Kansas Food Service Organization, served as Past President of the Medicine Lodge Chamber of Commerce, and helped with many various organizations in Barber County.

Phyllis A Wheaton
July 10, 1930 - January 12, 2010

Phyllis Ann Wagner, daughter of Frank and Thelma (Keller) Wagner, was born on July 10, 1930 in Salina, Kansas. She was their only child. Phyllis’s parents divorced when she was a young girl. When her mother married Paul Gaiser, Phyllis became quite close to Paul as he helped to raise her as if she was his own daughter. Phyllis grew up in Salina and graduated from Salina High School in 1948.

Phyllis married Bernard Louis Wheaton on November 27, 1948, in Salina, Kansas. Together they had six sons: Michael, David, John, Richard, Jeffrey and Kevin. Phyllis and her husband lived in Salina, Assaria, Coffeyville and Anthony, Kansas before moving to Winfield in 2005. Phyllis was very proud of her sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Never a day went by that she did not brag on one of her brood. In her eyes they were the brightest and the best. Phyllis loved to laugh and enjoyed people laughing with her. She enjoyed having the friends of her sons drop by the house at any time. Phyllis was a stay at home Mom for the majority of her sons’ growing up years. When her youngest son was ready to go to school she worked many part time jobs in Anthony including being a clerk for several stores, and doing clerical work at both the Anthony hospital and the Harper County Courthouse Treasurer’s Office.

In Anthony Phyllis joined the Delta Nu Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. Through the years she participated in various projects for local events. She actively helped to raise funds for philanthropic services including Heartspring, Goodwill Easter Seal and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Phyllis served in many offices of her local chapter. She also rose through the ranks in the Kansas State Council of ESA. Phyllis served as State President in 2002-2003 with her theme being “My Cup of Tea.”

On January 12, 2010, Phyllis passed away at Good Samaritan Society in Winfield, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bernard and her parents. Funeral services were held Monday, January 18, 2010 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas with Pastor John Schnelle officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asked that memorials be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Heartspring, or Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha.

Phyllis will be deeply missed by her immediate family and her second family of ESA. Her humor and spirit will live on in our hearts forever. She will be missed very much, but the time we spent with her will never leave our ESA memories.

JoAnn Mardis
November 28, 1932 - July 19, 2009

Jo Ann (Muecke) Mardis, age 76, passed away July 19, 2009 in Chandler, AZ. She was born November 28, 1932 in Palisade, Nebraska, the daughter of Drs. O.R. and Blanche (Ward) Muecke. Living in Pratt, KS most of her life, she graduated from Kansas State University in 1954 with a degree in child welfare. She married James E. Mardis on Sept. 5, 1954, who preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 2009. Jo Ann and James had moved to Chandler, AZ in September 2008.

Jo Ann operated a pre-school in her home for 5 years when her children were young. Later she worked 5 years as a social worker and 10 more years as a supervisor for SRS. Later, she volunteered as lead Welcome Wagon greeter. Jo Ann enjoyed active involvement throughout her life, participating in a book club, bridge clubs, and gourmet club. Friends and family benefited from her gourmet cooking, and she published a personal cookbook and taught microwave cooking classes at Pratt JUCO. The butterfly was symbolic of Jo Ann’s life, and her collection was enjoyed by many.

Jo Ann was a foundation to encourage and support her children and grandchildren. She was a volunteer and belonged to many groups including: Girl Scouts (11 lifetime friends), KSU Life Alumni, reading to elementary school students, American Association of University Women, lifetime member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority/Epsilon Pi chapter, Job’s Daughters, Eastern Star, Jaycee Jaynes (awarded the 1976 Outstanding Woman), and Pratt Regional Hospital Auxiliary.

She was a charter pledge of Epsilon Pi and was active in our chapter since its chartering in 1956. JoAnn had a wonderful sense of humor and brought this joy into our life. Epsilon Pi Chapter sisters will keep JoAnn forever in their hearts and she will be dearly missed.

Karen Sue Caputo
1945 - 2009

Chi Omega has lost one of their long time members, Karen Caputo. Karen Sue Caputo, 64, beloved wife, mother, nani, sister & friend, passed away peacefully, in her home, on Sunday, May 31, 2009. She passed surrounded by loved ones after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. Rosary service 7:30 P.M., Wednesday, June 3 and funeral mass 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 4, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Tony; daughters, Kelly (Greg) Burbach of Wichita, Jill and Jennifer, both of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, Brett and Blake Burbach of Wichita; brother, Rick (Sandra) Kinser of Bloomington, IN; sister, Becky Arthur of Stockton, NY; sister-in-law, Phyllis Kinser of Bradenton, FL; bridge buddies and sorority sisters. Karen was devoted to her family and friends and will be remembered for her sassy sweetness and generosity. She was an active member of St. Thomas and a long time member of Chi Omega sorority.

Other Members of Kansas ESA we lost in 2008-2009

Virginia Shaffer, MAL
Doris Puls, Eta Alpha
H. Joyce Storm, Alpha Rho
Elfrieda Spaugh, Alpha Rho
Marion Stroberg, Epsilon Xi

Allene Wood
1919- 2009

Allene D. Wood passed away January 13, 2009 at the Masonic Home in Wichita, Kansas. Allene was preceded in death by her husband Jack M. Wood and is survived by five nieces and two nephews.

Allene was a life active member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International joining Iota Kappa in November 1982. Her presence was felt by her engagement with her sisters at the many board and chapter meetings. She was very active in her chapter even after she entered the Masonic Home in 2001. She still sold greeting cards, calendars, saved pull tabs from cans for the Ronald McDonald House and of course, Campbell soup labels for Heartspring. Allene and sorority sister, Betty (Fiel) were known over the state membership as the “Campbell Soup Girls.”

Before entering the Masonic Home she only missed one state convention and attended several International Conventions. As a demonstration of her commitment to ESA, she had received her Fifth Degree Pallas Athene Award.

Alleen came into our lives and blessed us with her kind and gentle spirit. She was always positive and supportive of her sisters and willing to enjoy the friends that surrounded her. We will miss her deeply.

Connie Marie Hoch
January 1, 1945 - September 26, 2008

Connie Hoch, 2000-2001 State President of the Kansas State Council of Epsilon Sigma Alpha passed away September 26, 2008, in Topeka, Kansas. Her President's theme was “ESA – The Gift that Keeps on Giving” and this was exactly the way Connie lived her life. She was a gift that kept on giving. Connie was currently a member of Gamma Omicron Chapter in Manhattan. In recent years she became a professional clown known as "Pickles". Connie's greatest gift was making people laugh and smile. She entertained many with her humor and dynamic spirit.

Through her life and service in ESA, there was never a time when Connie was not willing to engage to make an event fun. One of the most recent examples was her participation in the Tricycle Races at the 2007 State Convention to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We know that Connie’s gift to ESA will keep on giving as she will continue to live in our hearts and memories of joy.

Connie was currently working as an Extension Associate, Community Development and PRIDE Programs, for the Kansas State University Alumni Center in Manhattan, Kansas. Connie began her career in Extension in 1991 as Barber County Extension Agent. In 2000, she moved to Lyon County Extension as the Family and Consumer Sciences agent. Connie began her current position as an Extension Associate in Community Development and PRIDE Programs in 2005.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband (Ernie), Ernest, one son, and one brother. Survivors include two sons: Eric and his wife, Corona, Medicine Lodge, KS; and, Brett and his wife, Michelle, Union, MO. In addition, Connie is survived by two sisters, and four grandchildren.

Memorial Services were held Tuesday, September 30, in Medicine Lodge at the Family Life Center at the First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, Ks. Graveside services were private for the family.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, October 2, 2008, at the KSU Alumni Center, Manhattan, Kansas. A Lamplighter Memorial Service was conducted by the Lamplighter President, Maureen Wells.

We celebrate the spirit and joy of our friend and sister, Connie Hoch. Connie was always ready to have fun with people around her and she will be missed from our lives.

Dorothy Albers
(Dates to be added along with obituary)

Eta Theta purchased a memorial plaque to be displayed at the St. Jude Chrildren's Research Hopsital in Memphsis, TN in honor of Dorothy. This is a picture of that plaque. Dorothy's obituary is not available at this time and will be added later.

Gaye Boley
(Dates to be added along with obituary)

Gaye Boley passed away from Breast Cancer on April 28, 1987. Gaye was a loyal member of ESA and relished in the activities and projects. She was one year short of serving 25 years when she passed away but she loved ESA, life and her friends. She was a member of Epsilon Pi in Pratt. She was a secretary for Wildlife Fish and Games in Pratt, County. Gaye is still missed by her friends and sisters today.

Lamplighters of the Kansas State Council
that have previously passed away

• Zura Crocket Ditman - President 1946-47, 1947-48
• Pauline Cowger - President 1948-49
• Grace Stoner - President 1949-50
• Mildred Doll Keller - President 1950-51
• Jessie McAdoo Little - President 1951-52
• Fay Jordon - President 1953-54
• Kay Lavelle - President 1954-55
• Irene Ramsey - President 1955-56
• Jerry Phillips - President 1957-58
• Lois Mayall - President 1960-61
• Betty Gruthrie - President 1961-62
• Bonnie Gunter - President 1963-64
• Kathleen Lutz - President 1967-68
• Gladys Shook - President 1968-69
• Lorita VonNiederhausen - President 1969-70
• Jean Wells - President 1972-73
• Mary Daniels - President 1975-76
• Florence Ellis - President 1976-77
• Opal Regier - President 1978-79
• Jean Beetem - President 1980-81

We have used Christian symbols here however; ESA is a non-denominational organization. We honor all religions of the world.
"Thou Art My Sister: I love you" is a Native American poem.

Contact the Kansas State Council:
E-mail: WEBMASTER