Glendora A. Achten

After a valiant battle against a relentless disease, Glendora Achten (nee Donart) passed into the Lord's hands on July 4th, 2015. Although Alzheimer's disease had slowly diminished the warmth and positivity that characterized this daughter of an Oklahoma pioneer, she will be remembered as an enthusiastic, loving, and nurturing soul. Glendora lived to the age of 91 and is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, John Achten. John and Glendora formed strong friendships and enjoyed the support of the staff at Aldersgate Village Retirement Community in Topeka, Kansas, where she died peacefully around 9 am on Independence Day.

Born Glendora Ann Donart on March 2nd, 1924, she attended Stillwater High School and later attended Oklahoma A &M College in the School of Home Economics. A striking and vivacious young woman, she was an active member of the Kappa Delta social sorority, and was once crowned "Pioneer Queen" at her college. Glendora and John had an industrious and happy life together and worked together for years as owners/managers of a real estate venture. They also enjoyed a rich social life through John's membership in the Masonic Shrine and the American Legion. Glendora was an avid gardener and enjoyed traveling, however, her greatest pride and joy was the accomplishments and growth of her children, step-children, and grandchildren.

Mrs. Achten is survived by her sons of a war-time (WWII) marriage, Bobbie Motherwell (who lives in Pennsylvania), David Stewart (of Topeka), and by two children of her prior marriage to Donald F. Stewart, including Donald Stewart Jr., MD (of Fairfax, Virginia) and daughter Ann Stewart, of Topeka.

Grandchildren include Anthony Stewart of Topeka, Brady Liggett of Topeka, Scott Stewart of American Fork, Utah, and Carolyn Stewart, of McLean, Virginia. Glendora also had three great-grandsons and one great-grandaughter.

With her marriage to John Achten, a blended family was formed which included Glendora's children and John's children, including Kim, Darcy, David, Kelly, and Greg. John Achten is grandfather to six grandchildren and is a great-grandfather to 3 souls.

Memorial services will be held in the sanctuary at the First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kansas on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 AM. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at 9AM.

Interment at the cemetery in Greneda, Kansas will be attended by family members on a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66604, Grace Hospice 3715 SW 29th, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614 or Aldersgate Village Good Samaritan Fund 7220 SW Asbury Drive Topeka, KS 66614.

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