Audrey Ann (Knutson) McGinness, 86, of Wichita (formerly of WaKeeney) passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018 in Wichita.
She was born January 1, 1932, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to Clarence and Othelia (Meisner) Knutson and died on June 27, 2018. She attended Valley Rural School and was Trego County Rural School valedictorian. She graduated from Trego Community High School in 1949. She attended Brown Mackie School of Business in Salina, Kansas, where Harlen McGinness was her accounting teacher. Harlen and Audrey were married June 10, 1951, at the Presbyterian Church in WaKeeney by the Rev. John Kellison.
Audrey Ann was a life-time member of the Presbyterian Church in WaKeeney where she served as Sunday school teacher, helped with Bible School, and served as deacon and elder. She was a 64-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, having served as Worthy Matron and District Aide. She was Kansas State Chapter Grand Electa in 1978 and Bethel Guardian of Job’s Daughters. She was involved in Girl Scouts for 25 years: as leader of Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors; served on Sunflower Girl Scout Council, and received a “Scouter of the Year” award. She was a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs for 40 years, a past president of Locust Club and a District Chairman. She received the first “Woman of the Year” award for GFWC in 1981. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter CT for 44 years. After Harlen became manager of the Western Coop Electric, she was involved in the National Rural Electric Women’s Assoc. (NREWA). She was Regional Chairman (Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming & Colorado) in 1978-1979. She was asked to give the Invocation at the Women’s breakfast at the National RECA meeting in Houston, TX in 1979.
Audrey Ann enjoyed cooking, trying new recipes (even compiled her own cookbook for family members), quilting, flower and vegetable gardening, bridge & pinochle, crafts, and camping & travelling with family and friends. Harlen and Audrey always enjoyed entertaining, including hosting four family reunions, two school-class reunions, and a luau for their 35th wedding anniversary.
Neighborhood children enjoyed coming to their back yard to play games, frying pancake bunnies, bobbing for apples, sack racing, and snow sledding.
Harlen and Audrey were blessed with 64 years of marriage. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Othelia Knutson, and her husband, Harlen. She is survived by their three daughters, Terri Ann (Tom) Smiley of Kansas City, Kathi Sue (Steve) Clavin of Wichita, and Conni Lea (Terry) Steininger of Salina; grandchildren, Tara (Bryan) Yancey, Chris (Jill) Clavin, Traci (Heather) Smiley, and Cody (Charla) Steininger; one great grandson Boston Steininger; and brother John Knutson of Bayfield, CO; and her two nieces Audra and Amber.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 2, at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. After the burial at the WaKeeney City Cemetery, a reception will be held in the chapel at the WaKeeney Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney. Contributions made to the church may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be sent to www.schmittfuneral.com.