Mary Kathryn Thowe

Alma- Kathryn Thowe, 84, died September 11, 2008 at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka. Born at home on June 5, 1924 in Alta Vista, Kansas she was the daughter of Leonard and Esther (Neal) Johnson. She graduated from Alta Vista High School and later attended Kansas State University. She then started teaching and taught for several years in the area schools including Hinerville. In 1951, she married Leland Thowe in Alma, Kansas. She then became a full time mother and farmer’s wife. Her survivors include: her husband, Leland Thowe of Alma, KS; her daughter, Lela Riley and husband Michael of Columbia, MO; her sons, Merle Thowe and wife Debbie of Loveland, CO, Ron Thowe and wife Sheryl of Alma, KS and Glen Thowe and wife Stacy of Topeka, KS; her brothers, Ben Johnson of Springfield, IL and Art Johnson of Oskaloosa, KS; her sister, Helen Grensing of Alta Vista, KS; 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has been effected and memorial services are pending with Stewart Funeral Home and will be announced as final arrangements are made.