Marilyn Jean Werner

Marilyn Jean (Buchmeier) Werner, Topeka, KS, Age 83, died Thursday, November 20, 2014. She was born in Paxico, KS on May 29, 1931, the daughter of Bob and Faye Buchmeier. She was married to Gene Werner on September 6, 1952 in Topeka, KS. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gene, and grandson John Aldridge III. Survivors include a son, Matthew (Julie) of Topeka; four daughters, Michelle Lucy, (Wayne) Longmont, CO, Stephanie Aldridge, (John) Lafayette, CO, Kim Pruitt, (Steve) Wichita, and Rachel LaHue, (Colby) Mission Hills; two sisters, Joyce Buchmeier of Topeka and Joan Bronaugh of Wamego, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

The Werner's started their family in the mid 1950's and lived several places while Gene was in the Air Force. In 1959 they settled in Topeka for 12 years before moving to Emporia where they resided for 30 years. They returned to Topeka 14 years ago.

Marilyn fulfilled her passion of giving back and working with babies when she started as a volunteer Child Home Visitor with the Lyon County Healthy Start Program. This passion for helping mothers with their new babies soon became a part time job which she continued for more than 15 years.

In Emporia, Mrs. Werner was an active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Altar Society, Didde Catholic Campus Center, Etude Study Club, Emporia State University Women, Chapter ES of the PEO Sisterhood and Emporia City Women's Club. She also was very active in helping at her children's schools and after she retired continued helping by becoming a tutor for students in the Emporia Elementary schools.

Cremation is planned. A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 2nd from 6-8 p.m. at Dove Cremation and Funeral Service in Topeka. A Rosary will be recited at the beginning of the visitation. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 3rd at Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka. A private burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Newbury, Kansas later that afternoon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter.