Loretta Elwell

Loretta Scott Blythe Elwell

Loretta Elwell, 93, of Topeka, passed away, Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at Midland Hospice House.

She was born October 12, 1910 at Admire, KS the daughter of Samuel Clark and Nora E. (Clark) Scott, Jr.. She was a graduate of Admire High School and Wichita Business College. Loretta had attended Washburn College and the University of Wichita.

Mrs. Elwell retired in 1977 from the Santa Fe Railroad, Topeka. She had worked twenty six years in the Superintendent of Car Service Department. She had previously resided and worked in Denver, CO; Seattle, WA; and Los Angeles, CA. Loretta returned to Kansas and worked at Boeing in Wichita prior to coming to Topeka.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church, Topeka Woman's Club, Order of the Eastern Star #462, Active Prime Timers, A.A.R.P., and the Santa Fe Old Timers Club. She was a member and former president of the Santa Fe Women's Club. Mrs. Elwell was a world traveler and belonged to several travel clubs.

She married Howard O. Blythe, August 1, 1941. He died October 12, 1942 in the Philippines during World War II. She later married Walter R. Elwell January 4, 1944. He preceded her in death November 27, 1965.

Survivors include:
One son, Scott W. Elwell and wife Nancy Glenarm, IL
One granddaughter, Darla Richno and husband Rick Springfield, IL
Two great grandsons, Ryan and Dylan Richno
and two step grandchildren, Julie Kramer and husband Jim, Camden, SC Brent Forden and wife Lori, Phoenix, AZ

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, 1-30-2004 at the First Lutheran Church, Topeka. Committal services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Admire Methodist Church. Private burial will be in the Admire Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Thursday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospcie Care, 200 SW Frazier Cr., Topeka, Kansas 66606. Online condolences may be left at www.penwellgabel.com.