Mabel Remmers

Mabel Johnine Ray Remmers, Topeka, celebrated her 97th birthday on Sept. 23. She died near midnight on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, at McCrite Plaza Retirement Community. She was born Sept. 23, 1908, the daughter of Inez Ellis and James A. Ray in Marion, Kan. Mrs. Remmers worked for many years as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist at Menninger. She was active in establishing and managing the Family Care Program there. She also was well-known as an actress in local theater. She appeared in plays from age 5 until she reached 90 years. Mrs. Remmers was a member of the Topeka Civic Theatre and elected to the TCT Hall of Fame, Washburn Players, Players Company of Topeka, Dale Easton Players, The Minerva Club, and Dr. Karl Menningers study group. Before becoming a social worker, she played roles in summer stock theater throughout the Midwest and taught drama and journalism in Kansas and Colorado. She attended Southwestern College in Winfield and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in English. She attended the Bush Conservatory of Music and Drama in Chicago. She earned a social work certificate from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. Her training in psychotherapy was at the Menninger School of Psychiatry. Survivors include her son and his wife, Dr. Bill and Ruth Remmers, and granddaughter Juliet Remmers, all of Lawrence; nieces and nephews, Jeff Longhofer of Ohio, David Longhofer of Missouri, Darold Longhofer of Florida, Ann Ray Bunn, Jack Ray, Walkie Ray, Mike Ray, Roxanne Ray Bordelon and Ellis Ray, all of California, and Kathy Ray Braun of Arizona. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 S.W. 21st. Mabel wanted everyone to enjoy themselves with singing, dancing, stories, poetry, performance, lots of laughs and smiles. After the service, there will be lunch and socializing. Bring your musical instruments, your stories, your poems and your creativity. Contributions may be made in her honor to the Topeka Civic Theatre, 3028 S.W. 8th, Topeka, 66606, attn: Carole Ries. To leave a message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.