Surrounded by her family, Edna Ruth Fowler, 91, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital St. Francis in Wichita. She was born July 1, 1929 on a farm near Council Grove, Kansas, the daughter of Victor and Gladys White.
Edna worked for Haven USD 312 for 14 years as the head cook at Haven High School. Upon retirement, she spent time loving on her grandkids and helping care for them.
On Edna’s third date with John Fowler, he told her that he was going to marry her. And he did just that on May 1, 1949 in Council Grove, Kansas. John and Edna shared nearly 71 years of marriage.
She was a 70-year member of Haven Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher and social chair lady. She took an active role in assisting wherever she was needed in church activities. Edna served on the Haven Community Food Bank for many years as well as the Election Board. Her favorite pastime was being with her family, especially the grandchildren. Her wonderful sense of humor kept the entire family entertained and her kindness showed them that they were always loved. Edna was highly respected by all of her relatives and will be greatly missed.
Edna is survived by three daughters, Kathy (Vic) Edwards of Hutchinson, Susan (Les) Banman of Haven, and Merri (Phillip) Reece of Haven; eight grandchildren Dr. Derek (Natalie) Long of Maumelle, Arkansas, Leah (Mike) Winkler of Hutchinson, Matt (Brooke) Stewart of Lawrence, Ryan Stewart of Haven, Zac (Lindsay) Reece of Louisville, Kentucky, Abbi (Ian) Arndt of Haven, Dr. Jed (Katie) Reece of Andale, and Isaiah (Shea) Reece of Springfield, Missouri;15 great-grandchildren and several step grandchildren; sister, Joyce (Wayne) Gossett of Pratt; sisters-in-law, Gladys Dodds of South Hutchinson and Jo Shuyler of Valley Center; and several nieces and nephews.
Edna was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; sisters, Marie Holscher, Bonnie Gardner, and Betty Jean White; and brothers, Orland White, Raymond White, and Leonard White.
A memorial service honoring both John and Edna will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Haven Baptist Church, Haven. Burial will follow at Laurel Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 28, at Ott Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Community Food Bank or the Haven Community EMS in care of Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Haven KS 67543.
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