Marilyn J. Flanders

MARILYN JOYCE FLANDERSMarilyn J. Flanders, 77, of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away at 1:25 A.M. Thursday May 15, 2014 at Elm Haven East Nursing Home in Parsons, Kansas.Marilyn Joyce Flanders was born December 30, 1936 in Parsons, KS the daughter of Harry and Maurine (Henderson) Tipton. She attended Cherryvale Schools from 4th grade until graduation in 1954. She then graduated from Independence Community College. Kansas State Teachers College (Pittsburg State University) receiving a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education Degree.She was united in marriage to Dr. Donald Arthurs in Cherryvale and he preceded her in death in 1969. In 1971 she was united in marriage to Floyd Flanders in Cherryvale and he preceded her in death December 31, 1998.Her first teaching position was in Chambley, France on the United States Air Force Base. She also taught in Winfield, Kansas, Olathe, Kansas, and Independence, Kansas from 1974 until 1981 teaching primary grades first and second. Marilyn later taught 5th grade at Cherryvale Elementary School from 1981 until May of 1999 when she retired.Marilyn served on the Cherryvale USD #447 School Board two different times from 1971 until 1977 and from 1999 until 2007. She also served on the Independence School Board as well.She was a caring and compassionate person, looked out for the betterment of other people and believed in taking advantage of any experience. Her favorite phrase was "Make memories."Marilyn loved traveling, cooking, family outings, entertaining and hosting parties especially at Christmas time. She was an avid collector of Santa Claus figurines.She was a member of the Cherryvale United Methodist Church since 1944 where she taught VBS and Sunday School. Marilyn also belonged to AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma, Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel, Coffeyville Shriner Motorcycle Group, Eastern Star and P.E.O, and Cherryvale Civic Club. She was active in the Cherryvale community having roles in establishing the Cherryvale Clinic the Methodist Church Annex, and the Diploma Center.Survivors include daughters, Liz Hucke and her husband Randy of Cherryvale, Patty McWhirter and her husband Preston of Allen, Texas, son, Randy Flanders of Cherryvale, five grandchildren, Mitchell, Andrea, Lauren, Mandy and Carrie, three great grandchildren, Mason, Morgan and Emma.Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at the Cherryvale United Methodist Church with Reverend Susan Brown, officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book from 12 Noon until 8:00 P.M. Monday at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th Street, Cherryvale, Kansas with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M.Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Cherryvale Alumni Association, Cherryvale Methodist Church, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or the Alzheimer"s Association and they may be left or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home.