Lela Atherton

Lela Marie Atherton, daughter of Marcus and Emma Krouse, was born on a farm in Overbrook, Kansas on October 12, 1912 and went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, May 6, 2005, She graduated from Overbrook High School, and in 1932 married James S, Atherton who passed away November 2001. Lela worked side by side for over 40 years with Jim in their neighborhood grocery store known as Atherton Grocery, Their first store was on West 10th where Whitehall's is now located. After two years, they bought a grocery store at 2401 Wisconsin in Highland Park, Later they built a new store at 2347 Wisconsin where she retired 30 years ago.
Lela has two daughters, Mary Lou Knapp and Fulva M, Seufert, Mary Lou and her husband, John, live in Littleton, Colorado, and Fulva Marie Seufert and her new husband, Herm Simon, live in Topeka, Lela is survived by three grandchildren: Jeanne Brandom of Scottsdale, Arizona; Jeffrey Knapp of Overland Park, Kansas and Scott James Seufert of Jacksonville, Oregon. Grandson Steven J. Seufert passed away September 6, 2000. Five great granddaughters survive, Jalene and Janelle Brandom and Ashley, Ryleigh, and Annie Knapp. She is also survived by her brother Everett Krouse, Hutchinson, KS.
Lela's hobbies included nurturing and growing beautiful prize winning roses and working in her flower garden, Several times she and Jim won the Topeka Beautification Award for their outstanding lawn and flower garden, She also liked to sew, hook rugs, crochet, knit, travel, cook and entertain family, fish, and read. During her working years, Lela loved spending weekends camping out, fishing and boating with Jim, After retirement, she and Jim joined the Top Kan Square Dance Club and rarely missed a dance, They traveled to Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico, and wintered one year in Brownville, Texas, Lela enjoyed living at Aldersgate Village and especially liked to play Bingo, She was a 50year plus member of the Highland Park Methodist Church,
Funeral services will be held at the Highland Park Methodist Church Chapel, 2914 SE Michigan Ave on Tuesday May 10th at 10:00 a.m.. Mrs. Atherton will lie in state from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Memorials may be made to The Good Samaritan Fund, 7200 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka, Ks, 66604 or to The Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St, Topeka, Ks, 66614. To leave a message for the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com.