Imogene Quinlan

Imogene Quinlan, 89, of Topeka, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Thursday, August 13, 2015 at her home.

She was born November 17, 1925 in Auburn, Kansas, the daughter of William "Luther" and Nell Vera (Taylor) Ransdell. She attended grade school in Auburn and was a graduate of Washburn Rural High School and attended Washburn University where she was crowned the Beauty Queen.

Imogene was employed by the Kansas Highway Commission and worked in two Governor's offices, Edward F. Arn's and Andrew F. Schoeppel. She was active in the Legislative Wives Group, serving as Vice-President. She campaigned for Jack Quinlan Senate Seat in 1964. She also served on the Shawnee County Election Board for many years.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church and former member of Seabrook Congregational Church. She was also a member of Topeka Country Club, Shawnee Country Club, Zeta Tau Alpha and an active supporter of Washburn University. She served as the First Lady of Potentate Jack Quinlan of Arab Shrine Temple and supported her husband's service to many civic organizations. She was active in a Lady's Sewing Club in Topeka until her passing.

Imogene married Jack A. Quinlan on October 19, 1946 in Topeka. He preceded her in death on March, 1, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents and an infant son, Michael July 8, 1947. Survivors include Sherri Heath, Sandy Hill and husband, Daryl, all of Topeka and Sally Canaday and husband, John, Golden Colorado; six grandchildren, Brian Williams and wife, Brenda, Courtney Williams, Ashleigh Heath, Ryan Hill and wife, Jennifer, Kirstin Canaday and husband, Jeremiah Brodeur and Emily Canaday, seven great-grandchildren, Madison, Brooke, Tyler, Canyon, Austin, Blakelee and Alex; a sister, Dena Fink, Media, PA; and cousins, Dr. David Nelson, Virginia, Jim Nelson, Kansas and Jan Gordinier, California.

Imogene loved spending time with her family, gardening, sewing, cooking, golfing, sending cards to people and was a care giver for family and others in need. She loved spending time in the family cabin in Colorado. She was an athlete and participated in Softball, Basketball, Golf and Bowling. She enjoyed socializing and attending Washburn University and Kansas State Sporting Events.

Imogene's family is grateful for the comfort and care that was provided to her by the staff of Brewster Place, Comfort Keepers and Midland Hospice.

A funeral ceremony will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Imogene will lie in state after 3 pm, Monday, at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Brewster Place, 1205 SW 29th St., Topeka, KS 66611, Shriner's Hospital Travel Fund, c/o Arab Temple, 1305 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66612 or First Congregational Church, 1701 S.W. Collins, Topeka, KS 66604.

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