Lottie Hardesty

Lottie Maxine Stephenson Hardesty, 81, Topeka, died Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at a local care center.

Mrs. Hardesty was born February 21, 1926 at her parent's home at rural West Buffalo, Kansas. She was the youngest daughter of William and Gertrude Mae Easley Stephenson. She attended grade school at Rural West Buffalo. Mrs. Hardesty attended high school at Yates Center.

She attended college at Iola Junior College and Chanute Junior College. Mrs. Hardesty taught elementary grades for 3 years.

Mrs. Hardesty was a retired employee of the State of Kansas. She worked for the Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicles, for 20 years. Mrs. Hardesty also worked for Local #307 of the United Rubbers Workers Union for several years. She was a charter member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Goodyear V.F. W. Post #2187 of Topeka.

She married Benjamin Eugene Hardesty on June 4, 1947 at her parent's rural home. They came to Topeka on that date and have made Topeka their home. To this union 4 children were born. Her beloved husband, Benjamin E. and their oldest beloved daughter, Susan Elaine Raikes preceded her in death. Her husband died January 14, 1982 and her daughter died August 7, 2000. Survivors include sons, Glenn Eugene Hardesty, and Benjamin William Hardesty, Topeka; daughter, Charlotte Rose Shirley, Albuquerque, NM; 10 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Campbell, Yates Center; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will be in Topeka Cemetery. Mrs. Hardesty will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Monday and visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, Kansas 66604.

To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com