Bessie M. Mumford

Bessie M. Mumford, 96, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, February 18, 2013 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka with loved ones by her side. She was born January 9, 1917 in Glade, KS, the daughter of Ed and Jenny VanAllen-Hoover. She was one of four siblings, all of which preceded her in death. She attended schools in Phillipsburg, KS and had lived in Topeka since March of 1950.

Bessie was a homemaker and worked in the school lunch program from 1967 to 1975. She volunteered at the Topeka Public Library which led her to volunteer as a special friend to several nursing home residents. She also volunteered for years at her church's fellowship hall, being a member of East Topeka United Methodist Church until it's closing. Her passion was the Lord, family and her beloved pets. Bessie felt her most important purpose was being a wife and mother. She treasured each of her grandchildren that left loving memories for all. She will be greatly missed by many, but always in our hearts.

Bessie married Robert P. Mumford on December 31, 1937 in Littleton, CO. He preceded her in death on January 30, 1995. Survivors include their children, Lawrence Edward Mumford, Kenneth Paul Mumford and Mary Helen (Bud) Brooks, all of Topeka, eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66604 or to the Cat Association of Topeka, 1719 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66604.