Elva May Durham

Elva May Durham, 92, a resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Saturday, December 3, 2005 at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater, Kansas. She was born February 15, 1913 in Fredonia, the daughter of Howard Earl and Ollie (Googan) Mellen. She was a lifelong resident of Fredonia until moving to Whitewater in 2001. On July 10, 1930, she married Charlie Thomas Durham. He preceded her in death July 25, 1988. Before Elva married, she walked two miles into town to assist Edgar C. Duncan, M.D. at his office. After her children were older, she worked a the "Cozy Cafe" on the square in Fredonia. Elva retired from St. Margaret"s Mercy Hospital at the age of 65, where she worked for 16 years, mostly in the nursery. Elva was a wonderful housekeeper and took pride in her work. In later years, she enjoyed embroidery, needlework, bingo and playing cards; however, she was always the happiest when surrounded by her family, whom she adored. Before moving from Fredonia, she attended the First Assembly of God Church in Fredonia with her son, Ed and wife, June Durham. Her Survivors include: One son & daughter-in-law, Edward L. & June Durham of Fredonia, KS Three daughters & sons-in-law, Lola L. & Jim Thurman of Wichita, KS; Barbara L. & Richard Crumley of St. Joseph, MO; Peggy L. & Ken Pyles of Cushing, OK Son-in-law, Vic Metzger of Stillwater, OK 18 Grandchildren & spouses:Bob & Bev Durham; Tom & Synda Durham; Dan & Pam Durham; Mike & Lisa Thurman; Amy Cole; Gail & Allen Tabor; David & Janet Crumley; Angela Crumley; Tracy & Doris Pyles; Kendra & Kevin Laufer; Darla & Dan Holden; Vicki & Ron Stockton; Tim & Liz Metzger; Debra & Gary Higgins; Chuck Durham; Chris Durham; Eric Durham; Misty Durham 47 Great Grandchildren; 24 Great-Great Grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dorothy L. Metzger; her son, Charles L. Durham; four brothers, Earl, Edwin, Howard Jr. and Roy Mellen; four sisters, Eva Cherry, Eilene Mellen, Alma Culbertson and Phyllis Hann; eight grandchildren, Larry, Thomas Ray and Patricia Ann Metzger; Brian Scott and Mark Edward Durham; Amy Jo Pyles, Paula Durham, Rick Cole. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at Timmons Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Sherman of the First Assembly of God Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Timmons Funeral Home on Thursday morning, 9:00 A.M.-Noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Wheat State Manor, which was her home for five years or the Hospice Care of Kansas and can be sent to the funeral home.