Arla Weiss

Arla J. (Smith) Weiss, 77, long time resident of Topeka, passed away July 9, 2008 at St. Francis Hospital. She was born June 22, 1931 in Westphalia, Kansas, the daughter of Harry and Alice (Moyer) Smith.

Arla graduated from Westphalia High School in 1949 valedictorian of her class. She attended Kansas City Secretarial School and was employed by Farmers Insurance Group, later transferring to Austin, Texas where she married Norris Weiss on November 30, 1955. Together they traveled to Germany for his military service. After a number of assignments, they established a home in Wichita, Kansas. In 1976 they settled in Topeka where she went to work as a legal secretary at the law firm of Colmery, McClure, Letourneau, Marrian & Stauffer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and three brothers, Claron, Earl "Bud," and Bill.

Survivors include: A daughter, Kathryn Naples (David), Granby, CO; A brother, Carl Smith (Darlene), Westphalia, KS; two grandchildren Heidi and Katelyn Ziegler; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will greet friends from 7-8 p.m., Sunday, July 13, 2008 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Private family interment is planned at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church, 817 Harrison, Topeka, KS 66612. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be written to the First Presbyterian Church Bell Tower Fund.