In Memory Of
Leola "Lee" Claussen
1930
2013
Leola "Lee" Claussen
September 7, 1930 — January 22, 2013
Leola "Lee" Stewart Claussen, 82, Topeka, died January 22, 2013 of complications from a stroke.
Mrs. Claussen was born September 7, 1930 in Hutchinson, the daughter of Roy and Hester Stewart.
Lee attended Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. She received her Education Degree from Kansas University and a Master's Degree in Library Science from Emporia Teachers College.
After teaching English at Jardine Middle School for two years, Lee accepted the position of Assistant Media Center Specialist at Highland Park High School. She became Head Media Specialist in 1975. Lee was instrumental in the conversion of the gymnasium in the center of the school into a larger, attractive Media Center.
Her educational honors included Phi Delta Kappa Teacher of the Year, 1986, National Education Association of School Librarians, Beta Phi Mu, first recipient of the Kansas State Board of Education Program of Excellence for Media Centers, 1984 and the 1986 Topeka Teacher of the Year.
Lee was a member of Central Congregational Church, Alpha Phi Sorority and EP Chapter of PEO. In the summer of 1949 Lee was a member of a summer stock theater group in Plymouth, MA. They performed in Boston and Martha's Vineyard, MA. Past memberships include: Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, Junior League of Topeka, Mulvane Art Center Women's Board and Mrs. 20-30. She was the first president of the Arts Council of Topeka.
While a member of Junior League she chaired and acted in their Children's Theatre. The troupe performed plays for several Topeka elementary schools.
Mrs. Claussen was also active in the theatre at Highland Park where she served as assistant drama director. She appeared in plays for Topeka Civic Theatre and performed with the Dale Easton Players at the Topeka Showcase Theatre.
Lee met her husband in the theatre department at Kansas University. She played his mother in the production of "You Can't Take It with You." She married James in Hutchinson on March 16, 1952.
Lee enjoyed her family and friends. Her interests included travel, all of the arts, antiques and reading.
Survivors include husband James; daughter Sally Reece, Centennial, CO; a son Nick, Roeland Park, KS; grandsons, Travis, Collin and Austin Reece, Dylan Claussen; granddaughter Shelby Reece; and great granddaughter, Henna Lee Claussen.
A celebration of life will be held for Lee at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. She has been cremated and private family inurnment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to the David Reece Memorial Fund, University of Kansas School of Journalism, Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045.
Mrs. Claussen was born September 7, 1930 in Hutchinson, the daughter of Roy and Hester Stewart.
Lee attended Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. She received her Education Degree from Kansas University and a Master's Degree in Library Science from Emporia Teachers College.
After teaching English at Jardine Middle School for two years, Lee accepted the position of Assistant Media Center Specialist at Highland Park High School. She became Head Media Specialist in 1975. Lee was instrumental in the conversion of the gymnasium in the center of the school into a larger, attractive Media Center.
Her educational honors included Phi Delta Kappa Teacher of the Year, 1986, National Education Association of School Librarians, Beta Phi Mu, first recipient of the Kansas State Board of Education Program of Excellence for Media Centers, 1984 and the 1986 Topeka Teacher of the Year.
Lee was a member of Central Congregational Church, Alpha Phi Sorority and EP Chapter of PEO. In the summer of 1949 Lee was a member of a summer stock theater group in Plymouth, MA. They performed in Boston and Martha's Vineyard, MA. Past memberships include: Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, Junior League of Topeka, Mulvane Art Center Women's Board and Mrs. 20-30. She was the first president of the Arts Council of Topeka.
While a member of Junior League she chaired and acted in their Children's Theatre. The troupe performed plays for several Topeka elementary schools.
Mrs. Claussen was also active in the theatre at Highland Park where she served as assistant drama director. She appeared in plays for Topeka Civic Theatre and performed with the Dale Easton Players at the Topeka Showcase Theatre.
Lee met her husband in the theatre department at Kansas University. She played his mother in the production of "You Can't Take It with You." She married James in Hutchinson on March 16, 1952.
Lee enjoyed her family and friends. Her interests included travel, all of the arts, antiques and reading.
Survivors include husband James; daughter Sally Reece, Centennial, CO; a son Nick, Roeland Park, KS; grandsons, Travis, Collin and Austin Reece, Dylan Claussen; granddaughter Shelby Reece; and great granddaughter, Henna Lee Claussen.
A celebration of life will be held for Lee at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. She has been cremated and private family inurnment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to the David Reece Memorial Fund, University of Kansas School of Journalism, Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leola "Lee" Claussen, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
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