Lila Swanner

Lila Swanner, 82, Lawrence, died July 31, 2010, at Kansas University Hospital, Kansas City.

She was born July 23, 1928, in Hartford, the daughter of Paul and Opal Grace Spencer Baysinger.

She was a bookkeeper for Truzillo Construction Co. She was a member of the North Lawrence Christian Church.

She married E.W. “Bill” Swanner July 28, 1945, in Hutchinson. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include three daughters, Rita Hardesty, Oskaloosa, Jo Fietkau, Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Jan Klienow, Edwardsville; one sister, Pauline Johnston, Wyoming; one brother, Dean Baysinger, Madison; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marvel CiAnne; one sister, Janet Walker; and one brother, Duane Baysinger.

A memorial service was held Aug. 5 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence. Burial will be at a later date at Hartford Cemetery.

Memorials can go to the North Lawrence Christian Church, sent in care of the mortuary.

Isa Faust

Isa Louise Noel Faust, 96, Topeka, died Aug. 6, 2010.

She was born in rural Wilson County, the daughter of Guy and Hazel French Noel. She was a graduate of Bloomfield Elementary, Rock Creek High School, and Johnson Hospital Training School.

She was employed by C.F. Menninger Memorial Hospital as a registered nurse from 1962 to1972.

She was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church and held several offices in the United Methodist Women.

She married Harry K. Faust Oct. 20, 1934, north of Valley Falls. He preceded her in death Dec. 1, 1987. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, two sisters, and a daughter, Martha Crandall.

Survivors include her children, Bob Faust, Dr. Ron Faust, Lila Dallas, Don Faust, Janice Hartwich; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral ceremonies were Aug. 11 at Lowman United Methodist Church, 4000 SW Drury Lane, Topeka, 66604. Interment was in Lynn Creek Cemetery, Berryton.

Memorial contributions can be made to the church. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Gardner Sr.

Joseph H. Gardner Sr., 78, rural Valley Falls, died Aug. 6, 2010, at his home.

He was born Dec. 28, 1931, the son of Carl Eugene and Maggie Bell Gabriel Gardner.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked as a farmer and union carpenter for Local 168 in the Kansas City and surrounding area until he retired in 1992.

He married Shirley Thomas May 17, 1952. She preceded him in death in 2005.

Survivors include three sons, Joseph Gardner Jr. and Larry Gardner, Valley Falls, and James Gardner, Wichita; two daughters, Linda Kerr and Shirley Leach, both of Lawrence; two brothers, James Gardner, Shawnee, and Jack Gardner, Kansas City, Mo.; a sister, Jessie Yulich, Bonner Springs; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene “Cork” Gardner, a sister, Henrietta Matthews, a son, Johnny Gardner, a granddaughter, Melissa Gardner, and a great-granddaughter, Lily Wires.

Graveside services were Aug. 9 at Rosehill Cemetery, Valley Falls.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of the donor’s choice and sent in care of Lawrence Chapel Oaks, 3821 W. 6th St., Lawrence, 66049.

Dorothy M. Heller

Dorothy M. Heller, 90, Valley Falls, died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, at the LinnWood Home Plus care facility in Valley Falls.

She was born on Oct. 3, 1919, near Valley Falls, the daughter of Albert R. and Verna McDonald Steinmetz.

She graduated from Atchison County Community High School at Effingham in 1937. Dorothy taught for several years at Prairie Hall and North Cedar rural grade schools in Jefferson Co.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls and the Altar Society of the church. She was also a member of local bridge clubs and the Kanza Study Club.

She married John C. Heller on July 1, 1940, at Hiawatha. He died on Dec. 28, 1980. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Leonard Steinmetz, Albert Steinmetz and Virgil Steinmetz, and a sister, Lila Dutton.

Survivors include two sons, Gary (Marjorie) Heller, Lebo, and Dennis (Claudia) Heller, Hoyt; a daughter, Beverly Jennings, El Paso, TX; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to Jefferson County E.M.S., District 11, and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, 810 Broadway, Valley Falls, KS 66088.

Online condolences are at mercerfuneralhomes.com

Paid obituary