Maryann Papke

Maryann was born November 27, 1929 in Wichita, Ks. to Clarence and Bess (Thompson) Reed. She was found dead in her home Wednesday morning, February 8, 2017. She was 87 years old. She died peacefully and at home, which was an answer to her prayers! Funeral services are at First Evangelical Free Church on Thursday February 16, 2017 at 10:30am. Lunch is provided after the service for all who can attend in the multi-purpose room at the church. Maryann was one of 7 children having 4 sisters and 2 brothers. She graduated from Wichita East High school on May 27, 1947 and the University of Wichita (now WSU) Sunday June 3,1951 from the College of Fine Arts. While attending she won the title of May Day queen and that celebration was May 11, 1951. After graduating she worked for several businessmen/insurance agents in administration and on December 11, 1954 she married Elden A. Papke, a young man she had met through Thornton Anderson. She lived in Wichita, Kansas her entire life and the two of them raised 2 children, Karen L. (Papke) Cooper and Karl Reed Papke. Maryann has 6 grandchildren, Austin, Mallory and Reed by Karen and Danette, Morgan and Jordan by Karl. In 1965 Maryann’s children received an invitation to vacation Bible school at First Evangelical Free Church, which at that point in time met at Robinson junior high. Looking forward to some free babysitting, she took them and while attending the closing program, she asked Jesus Christ to be her personal Savior! That changed the course of her life and began a 52 year journey with the Lord. In her many years of attending First Free, Maryann taught third and fourth grade Sunday school, attended many prayer meetings, was an AWANA leader, started a support group for widowed and divorced women, sent countless notes of encouragement and sang in the choir for over 45 years. Her husband passed away 12/31/75 and her son on 11/3/92. She has lived with much sorrow and God has used it for good! She loved music and attended many choir concerts, musicals and orchestra performances with Karen and friends. She also loved to watch basketball and golf. Her daughter catered to the music and her son to the basketball! He played at WSU. She also loved to travel and has been all over the world. She volunteered for years at the Union Rescue Mission and the Art Museum, in addition to her church. In the last 15 years you would find her making meals for family and friends, baking goodies for church events and entertaining her family members and friends. She prepared many special lunches for nieces, grandchildren and friends. She loved to cook, bake, shop, decorate her home and eat and hand out dark chocolates. She adored fresh flowers, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and a good laugh! She was feisty even at 87! She died fulfilled and content and loved by many and there is a void in our lives that only God can fill!

Celebration of Life

Time: 10:30am, Thursday, February 16, 2017 Place: First Evangelical Free Church
1825 N. Woodlawn St., Wichita, KS 67208

Memorials

First Evangelical Free Church Choir
1825 N. Woodlawn
Wichita, KS 67208

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
701 Amidon
Wichita, KS 67203

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