In Memory Of
Elaine Barr Wilson
1930
2016
Elaine Barr Wilson
February 23, 1930 — November 11, 2016
Elaine Barr Wilson, 86, Topeka, entered eternal life on Friday, November 11, 2016.
Elaine was born February 23, 1930, at Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Carroll Francis Barr (died July 1980) and Jane E. (Shehi) Barr (died June 1992).
Elaine lived on a farm southwest of Westmoreland until the age of 10 when the Barr family moved to Tecumseh. She attended Milliken Grade School, graduated from Highland Park High School (1948), and attended one year at Washburn University.
She married Dean E. Wilson, her childhood sweetheart, on December 10, 1949.
They made their home on the family farm east of Tecumseh for 55 years. Dean preceded her in death on December 17, 2004.
Throughout her life, Elaine cherished her husband and family, lived her faith, served her community, and truly appreciated her friends.
She joined Big Springs United Methodist Church in 1957. Her stewardship included serving as Administrative Board Chairman, Sunday School Teacher, member of numerous committees, and member of the United Methodist Women.
She joined the Family and Community Education (FCE) organization in 1957. She was the first recipient of the Heart of FCE for the state of Kansas in 1995, an honor which was a highlight of her life. She held several leadership positions at the local, county, and district levels of FCE.
A member of Shawnee County Farm Bureau, she served as Women's Chairman in 1974 and 1975, and was awarded the Woman of the Year for Northeast District in 1975.
She was a youth 4-H member, and as an adult served as a Community and County Cake Decorating Leader and as a judge at the county 4-H Fair in Cake Decorating category. She participated in developing the project book and leader's guide for Cake Decorating used at that time in the state of Kansas.
An excellent cook, Elaine served up love and comfort with every morsel of food she prepared. Her fried chicken dinners were standard fare for hay crews and were her grandchildren's "most requested meal". She froze gallons of homemade ice cream every summer; baked endless dozens of fresh, warm rolls for family pot luck dinners, church dinners and bazaars; created hundreds of decorated birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends; and delivered casseroles and desserts to those who were ill, grieving, or just needed a lift.
Through the years, Elaine's work included school teacher, school bus driver, cake decorator, and partner with her husband on the farm with tasks ranging from milking to field work. After Dean's death in December 2004, Elaine traveled and continued to be involved in community and family activities. She moved to McCrite Plaza in April 2007.
Elaine wanted, as does her family, to thank the staffs of McCrite Plaza, Cotton O'Neil Cancer Center (especially Dr. Mehmood Hashmi), Stormont-Vail Infusion Center, and Midland Care Connection for the care she received during the final years and days of her life.
Elaine is survived by her children, Garnet Marie Sherman, Highland Park, IL; Marcus Dean (Kathryn) Wilson, Centerton, AR; Warren Lee (Jennifer Risetter) Wilson, Topeka, KS; Tanya Sue (Shad) Howbert, Tecumseh, KS.
Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Aaron (Jennifer), Seth and Michelle Sherman, Orlando, FL; Michael (Ilana), Becher Sherman, Highland Park, IL; Adam (Tiffany) Sherman, Tampa, FL; Brian (Felicia), Ryder, Roman, and Violet Wilson, Oviedo, FL; Greg (Holly), Preston and August Wilson, Lewis Center, OH; Elise (Blake), Elliette and Brooks Wiseman, Topeka, KS; Taylor (Caylee), Brinley Wilson, Topeka, KS; Megan Risetter, Silver Lake, KS; Madison and MacKenzie Howbert, Tecumseh, KS.
Surviving brothers are Thomas Gilbert (Joan) Barr, Carlsbad, CA; Bernard (Joyce) Barr, Topeka, KS; Robert (Elsie) Barr, Topeka, KS; and Maurice (Lesta Mae) Barr, Sultana, KS; and surviving brothers-in-law are Merlin (Barb) Wilson, Tecumseh, KS, and Walter (Lois) Nicks, Jr., Mayer, AZ. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her husband and parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her sister Esther (Barr) Chilcoat, and two brothers, Verne Barr and Deane Barr.
Services will be held at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave, Topeka, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Big Springs United Methodist Church, 96 Highway 40, Lecompton, KS 66050.
Elaine will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel.
To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option listed above.
Elaine was born February 23, 1930, at Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Carroll Francis Barr (died July 1980) and Jane E. (Shehi) Barr (died June 1992).
Elaine lived on a farm southwest of Westmoreland until the age of 10 when the Barr family moved to Tecumseh. She attended Milliken Grade School, graduated from Highland Park High School (1948), and attended one year at Washburn University.
She married Dean E. Wilson, her childhood sweetheart, on December 10, 1949.
They made their home on the family farm east of Tecumseh for 55 years. Dean preceded her in death on December 17, 2004.
Throughout her life, Elaine cherished her husband and family, lived her faith, served her community, and truly appreciated her friends.
She joined Big Springs United Methodist Church in 1957. Her stewardship included serving as Administrative Board Chairman, Sunday School Teacher, member of numerous committees, and member of the United Methodist Women.
She joined the Family and Community Education (FCE) organization in 1957. She was the first recipient of the Heart of FCE for the state of Kansas in 1995, an honor which was a highlight of her life. She held several leadership positions at the local, county, and district levels of FCE.
A member of Shawnee County Farm Bureau, she served as Women's Chairman in 1974 and 1975, and was awarded the Woman of the Year for Northeast District in 1975.
She was a youth 4-H member, and as an adult served as a Community and County Cake Decorating Leader and as a judge at the county 4-H Fair in Cake Decorating category. She participated in developing the project book and leader's guide for Cake Decorating used at that time in the state of Kansas.
An excellent cook, Elaine served up love and comfort with every morsel of food she prepared. Her fried chicken dinners were standard fare for hay crews and were her grandchildren's "most requested meal". She froze gallons of homemade ice cream every summer; baked endless dozens of fresh, warm rolls for family pot luck dinners, church dinners and bazaars; created hundreds of decorated birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends; and delivered casseroles and desserts to those who were ill, grieving, or just needed a lift.
Through the years, Elaine's work included school teacher, school bus driver, cake decorator, and partner with her husband on the farm with tasks ranging from milking to field work. After Dean's death in December 2004, Elaine traveled and continued to be involved in community and family activities. She moved to McCrite Plaza in April 2007.
Elaine wanted, as does her family, to thank the staffs of McCrite Plaza, Cotton O'Neil Cancer Center (especially Dr. Mehmood Hashmi), Stormont-Vail Infusion Center, and Midland Care Connection for the care she received during the final years and days of her life.
Elaine is survived by her children, Garnet Marie Sherman, Highland Park, IL; Marcus Dean (Kathryn) Wilson, Centerton, AR; Warren Lee (Jennifer Risetter) Wilson, Topeka, KS; Tanya Sue (Shad) Howbert, Tecumseh, KS.
Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Aaron (Jennifer), Seth and Michelle Sherman, Orlando, FL; Michael (Ilana), Becher Sherman, Highland Park, IL; Adam (Tiffany) Sherman, Tampa, FL; Brian (Felicia), Ryder, Roman, and Violet Wilson, Oviedo, FL; Greg (Holly), Preston and August Wilson, Lewis Center, OH; Elise (Blake), Elliette and Brooks Wiseman, Topeka, KS; Taylor (Caylee), Brinley Wilson, Topeka, KS; Megan Risetter, Silver Lake, KS; Madison and MacKenzie Howbert, Tecumseh, KS.
Surviving brothers are Thomas Gilbert (Joan) Barr, Carlsbad, CA; Bernard (Joyce) Barr, Topeka, KS; Robert (Elsie) Barr, Topeka, KS; and Maurice (Lesta Mae) Barr, Sultana, KS; and surviving brothers-in-law are Merlin (Barb) Wilson, Tecumseh, KS, and Walter (Lois) Nicks, Jr., Mayer, AZ. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her husband and parents, Elaine was preceded in death by her sister Esther (Barr) Chilcoat, and two brothers, Verne Barr and Deane Barr.
Services will be held at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave, Topeka, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Big Springs United Methodist Church, 96 Highway 40, Lecompton, KS 66050.
Elaine will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel.
To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option listed above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elaine Barr Wilson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, November 14, 2016
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southeast
Service
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southeast
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