Edith Copenhafer

EDITH KATHRYN COPENHAFER, 91, of Topeka, passed away, Sunday, December 18, 2005 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.
Mrs. Copenhafer was a teacher for 47 years including 26 years in Topeka Public Schools. She taught at Lowman Hill Elementary School for 23 years and retired from teaching in 1978. She began her teaching career in Wabaunsee County in 1930 and taught several years in rural schools in Shawnee County. She taught two years in Omaha Public Schools in Nebraska.
She was born October l, 1914 in rural Shawnee County, the daughter of Schuyler Singer Walker and Blanche Ethel Ball Walker. She graduated from Harveyville High School and received A Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Education Degree from Washburn University of Topeka.
Mrs. Copenhafer was a 60 year member of First United Methodist Church and Yomac Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women.
She was past state president and Life member of Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators. She was past president of Kansas Epsilon Chapter, past president of City Presidents' Council and served as Qualifications Chairman of the International Convention in Washington, D.C. in 1983. In 1980 she received the first Kansas Woman of Distinction Award from Alpha Delta Kappa.
She was a member of GJ chapter of PEO Sisterhood, member of Beulah Chapter # 34 of Eastern Star and a Shriner's Lady.
Mrs. Copenhafer was a member of Topeka Area Retired Teachers Association and served as president. She is a member of the
Kansas Retired Teachers Association and served as State Corresponding Secretary. She was an Honorary Life member of the National Education Association. In 1975 she received a State Elementary Teachers Award. She received the AARP Award of Special Citation in appreciation for her Outstanding Service to the Community. In 1999 she received a Certificate of Appreciation from Washburn University for outstanding contributions to its Professional Teacher Education Programs.
She was a charter member and president of Topeka Auxiliary of Kansas Engineering Society.
She was a Life member of Washburn University Alumni Association; Life member of American Association of University Women; Life member of Friends of Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library; Life member of Woman's Kansas Day Club; member of Woman's Club of Topeka. - Topeka Symphony Society; Topeka Symphony League; Native Sons and Daughters; Washburn Walkers; Topeka Gem and Mineral Society; Friends of KTWU.

She married Lloyd M. Copenhafer June 10, 1945. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her step daughter Jane Hess. Survivors include her brother Louis Walker, Auburn, KS and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2005 in Klasse Chapel at First United Methodist Church. Entombment will follow at Mt. Hope Mausoleum. Mrs. Copenhafer will lie in state after 12:00 noon Tuesday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to First United Methodist Church, 600 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.