Florence M. Painter

Florence Marie (Jones) Painter was born on January 21, 1923. She was married to Melvin Curtis Painter on December 25, 1947, on her family farm in Reading, Kansas. He proceeded her in death on September 23, 1986. Also proceeding her in death were her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Philip Ascher, son-in-law Jim Schalansky, and granddaughter Julie Schalansky.

Florence was born to Jessie Wood Jones and Hugh Jones. They had nine children, all who preceded her in death; Gomer Jones, Rose Hill, Kansas; Francis Jones, Reading, Kansas; Gladys Walker, Emporia, Kansas; Gerald Jones, Gillette, Wyoming; Viola Rae, Timnath, Colorado; David Jones, Huntsville, Alabama; Gene Jones, Gillette, Wyoming; and Stanley Jones, Reading, Kansas.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Janet Schalansky, and son, Richard Painter (Becky), grandchildren, Karleen Jackson and her children Vincent Moore and Erin Jackson, Jay Schalansky (Emily) and children, Campbell McGehee (Conner), Charlotte Schalansky, and Chase Schalansky, Jill Schalansky and her son Gavin Schalansky, Jessica Painter, Jake (Mila) Painter, and Cory Draves.

Florence graduated from Reading High School in 1940 and continued her education at what is now Emporia State University. She began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse. After some adventures in Denver, Colorado and Whitesville, West Virginia the family returned to Kansas and made a home in Emporia. Florence returned to teaching in 1958 at Fowler one room schoolhouse and then Allen and Cottonwood Falls. Florence received her bachelor's and master's degrees along the way, eventually retiring from Maynard Elementary as a special reading teacher in 1986.

Florence moved to Aldersgate Retirement Village in 1999, first living in a duplex and then in assisted living. In Emporia, she was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and D.A.R. After moving to Topeka she attended Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church.

Florence enjoyed time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren, she loved when they stayed the night. She loved socializing with people in all areas of her life and enjoyed traveling.

We ask that all memorials be made to the Melvin C. and Florence M. Painter Scholarship Fund at Emporia State University, Emporia State Foundation, Sauder Alumni Center, c/o Melvin C. and Florence M. Painter Scholarship Fund, 1500 Highland, Emporia, KS 66801.

Honoring her request, cremation is planned. A Celebration of LIfe will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Wesley Hall at Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka, KS. Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Topeka is assisting the family.

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