Jean M. Larson, of Garden City, Kansas, died peacefully in her home early Wednesday morning, May 21, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 7, 1910 on Cape Cod in Harwichport, Massachusetts to Rev. & Mrs. Gordon B. Thompson.
Jean graduated from Topeka High School in 1928 and from Baker University in 1932, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and was a lively member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.
On October 1, 1933, Jean married Andrew E. Larson in Oklahoma City, OK. He passed away on May 7, 2000 after 67 years of loving marriage. Upon moving to Garden City in 1941, the Larsons continued to build their farming business and Jean spent the rest of her life as a devoted farmer's wife.
Mrs. Larson was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and many of its organizations, which included the Hearthstone and Builders Sunday School classes, UMW (formerly WSCS), Harder-Lee Circle and the Godmothers. She was also a member of Chapter X PEO and Fortnightly. During World War II, she was an active Red Cross volunteer and continued her years of service after the war as a Gray Lady. Her hobbies included crossword puzzles, reading, table games, quilting & traveling, especially to their Colorado cabin.
Survivors include two children, daughter, Karin married to Richard Henkle, a son, Andrew Larson, Jr. married to Jean Ann, all of Garden City; six grandchildren, Doug Henkle, Kristin Johnson, Allyson Whittle, Andrea Tauscher, Karl Larson & Kenyon Larson; many great-grandchildren and five great-great grandsons. She is also survived by eight nieces and nephews including Linda Oakes of Garden City.
Mrs. Larson was preceded in death by her husband, their son, Jon in 1957, her parents, her brother, Gordon S. Thompson, and a grandson, Keith Henkle, in 1986.
A funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Garden City with Rev. David Bell officiating. The burial will follow at the Valley View Cemetery. Visitation will be from Noon-6pm on Sunday and 10am-8pm on Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 3-6pm on Sunday.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund in care of the church, and may be mailed to Price & Sons Funeral Home.