Florence Kern

Florence E. Kern, age 95, of Neodesha, passed away at her home on March 6, 2012. She was born August 5, 1916 in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Charles A. Anderson and Signa Bergsten Anderson. She graduated from Chanute High School in 1934, then took post graduate courses. She was united in marriage to Omer A. Kern on April 21, 1935 at Grant Avenue Baptist Church in Chanute, Ks where they were members. She and her family resided in Chanute until 1962, when they purchased the Davis Paint Store in Neodesha, Ks. After retiring from the store in 1977, they traveled in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma as KK Distributors. Omer preceded her in death February 3, 1992, after nearly 57 years of marriage. She was united in marriage to Gene Nichols, June 23, 1996. He preceded her in death on June 8, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Lois Jean Phillips and grandson, Lanny L. Phillips. She is survived by daughter Carol A. Marion Pember, Shawnee, Ks., son Charles W. Shirley Kern, Plevna, Ks., 8 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. Stepdaughter, Jeanie Heimberger, Independence, Ks. Stepsons, Bob Reeta Rumfelt, Dick Cheryle Rumfelt, and Jerry Donna Rumfelt. 7 step grandchildren and 16 step great grandchildren. Sisters Jewel James, Olathe, Ks and Nadine Kenison, Winchester, Ks., many friends and her church family. She was a past member of First Baptist Church of Neodesha where she taught Sunday School classes and worked with the American Baptist Ministries. She would use her Sunday afternoons visiting nursing homes and shutins. She was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi and a member of Grace Baptist Church, Neodesha. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Grace Baptist Church with the Reverend Jim Logan officiating under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Neodesha, Kansas. Graveside Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Elmwood Cemetery in Chanute, Kansas under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Neodesha, Kansas. Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2012 at the Grace Baptist Church with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friends may also sign the online register book at www.pottsfuneralhome.com. The family has suggested memorials to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice or the Grace Baptist Church and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Neodesha, Kansas.