Wilma Karstetter

Wilma G. Karstetter, age 87 of Independence, Kansas formerly of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Mercy Hospital in Independence, Kansas. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the New Hope Christian Church in Cherryvale, Kansas under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale, Kansas. Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2011 with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the Arthritis Foundation and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Cherryvale, Kansas. Wilma G. Karstetter was born on March 26, 1924 at Okeesa, Oklahoma to Cecil P. and Edna Nickoly Fish. She was united in marriage to Melvin L. Karstetter on August 10, 1947. He preceded her in death on December 12, 1991. Wilma was an elementary school teacher, retiring after a long career in education. She had a masters degree in education from Pittsburg State University. She was a loyal member of the New Hope Christian Church in Cherryvale, PEO and Order of the Eastern Star. Wilma was known for her prolific lettercard writing and beautiful penmanship. Wilma enjoyed traveling. In the mid 1960s she and Melvin started a summer trip to Northeastern Minnesota which became a family tradition that continues to this day. Survivors include two sons Tim wife Marlyn of McPherson, Kansas, Stan wife Mary Jo of Cherryvale, Kansas 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren two sisters Norma Gragg of Bedford, Texas and Donna Cox husband Gordon of Carl Junction, Missouri one brother Cecil and wife Bonnie Fish of Baldwin City, Kansas and many nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by a grandson and great granddaughter.