Gwen Schroll

Gwendolyn Ruth Schroll , 60, passed away quietly at her home and entered into eternal rest with her heavenly father on Wednesday, November 19, 2003, after a short battle with liver cancer. Gwen was born on October 29, 1943 in Lawrence, KS to Joseph E. and Ruth (Fisher) Davis. Gwen was preceded in death by her father, Joseph E. Davis. Survivors include two daughters, Margaret Schroll, Topeka, and Mary Schroll, Forth Worth, TX; mother, Ruth Davis, Lawrence, KS, brother Joseph E. Davis, Jr,, Topeka and sister, Joyce Virtue, Scammon, KS.
Gwen grew up in Lawrence, KS and graduated from Emporia State Teachers College in 1965, with a degree in Vocational Home Economics. Upon graduation from college, Gwen taught Home Economics at Clyde Rural High School for one year. In 1968, she began her employment career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KS. Gwen worked at Blue Cross & Blue Shield in a variety of capacities for nearly 34 years, until her retirement in February, 2003, as Director of Marketing Administration.
Gwen was also actively involved in many charitable, community and civic organizations during her lifetime. She was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority from 1961 until the present. In 1986, she became a member of the National Association of Insurance Women. While in NAIW, she was presented with numerous awards: KS Member of the Year (1991), Public Relations Chair and Membership Chair for the KS Council of NAIW, Elected Director of KS Council of NAIW (1996), NAIW Member of the Year (1994, 1995, 1996), Served as Assistant to Regional VP of NAIW (1997), Runner-Up Communicate with Confidence Regional Competition, Insurance Woman of the Year (1991, 2000, 2001), Insurance Professional of the Year (1997, 1998, 2001-2002), NAIW Association Achievement Award 2001. Gwen was also actively involved in the Topeka Railroad Days committees, serving as Exhibits Chair for numerous years, the Topeka Cat Association, and the Master Gardener Club.
Gwen was a very loving and giving person, who liked to meddle in the garden and spend time with all of her dear friends. She will be remembered fondly and sadly missed, as she has left behind a legacy of kindness and warmth to others.
A celebration of Gwen's life will be held at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel on Saturday, November 22, 2003 at 1: 00 pm. The family requests that donations be made to the following: Topeka Cat Association and Heart of America Hospice sent in care of Penwell-Gabel Mid- Town. On line condolences may be made at; www.penwellgabel.com