Lois M Larsen

Lois M. Larsen, age 89, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at Golden Heights Living Center, Garnett. Lois was born on May 28, 1921, at Harveyville, Kansas, the daughter of William J. and Birdie M. (McPherson) Betts. She graduated from Harveyville High School in 1939. She received her Teaching Certificate from Baker University. On May 18, 1947 Lois was united in marriage to Clyde L. Larsen in the Baldwin First United Methodist Church, Baldwin City, Kansas. This union was blessed with three children. In 1941 Lois began teaching at a country school near Baldwin City. She also taught in Burns, and Edna, Kansas. She taught until 1948, and then as a substitute for several years. She then worked as the Burns public librarian for 15 years. Lois was a member of the Burns United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and played the piano for church services. In 1982 she and Clyde moved to Garnett, where she was a member of the First United Methodist Church; a member of the Anderson County Hospital Auxiliary and a hospital volunteer; she was also a Blood Drive volunteer, serving as the local coordinator. Lois was a 60+ year founding member of the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed her collection of cat figurines. She also loved the outdoors, camping and traveling with Clyde. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Amelia J. Betts and Myrtis M. Betts; three brothers, Frederick H. Betts, Cleo J. Betts, and Donald M. Betts; an infant daughter, Leah Fay; and one granddaughter, Amy Carey. She is survived by her husband, Clyde Larsen, of the home; one son, Bruce Larsen and wife Joyce of Wichita, Kansas; one daughter, Phyllis Ericson and husband Ted of Lincoln, Nebraska; five grandchildren; Jennifer L. Knake; Christina L. Nguyen; Travis L. Larsen, Nick Harder, and Eric Vaughn; and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church in Garnett, Kansas. The family will greet friends following the service. A private family inurnment will be held at the Burns Cemetery, Burns, Kansas at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and left in care of the funeral home.