Dorothy M. (Blattner) Ideker

Dorothy was born December 24, 1916 at Rozel, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Haun Blattner and the fourth of ten children. She graduated from Rozel High School in 1934, went to Fort Hays College for one year and then returned to Rozel to help at the Blattner grocery store. She was baptized in the Rozel Baptist Church where she was active until her marriage to Lester Ideker in 1940. Four children were born to this union, including: Vergie Lou, Lester Jr (Sonny), Johnny Ray and Lisa Kay. This marriage dissolved in 1981.

Living north of Rozel, Dorothy enjoyed farm life. Although she never actively worked in the field, she played an important role preparing meals for the family and a number of farmhands, maintaining her lovely flowers, tending her garden and large strawberry bed and running many farm errands as needed. She was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, Rush Center. Along with several of her neighbors, Dorothy was an organizer of Lincoln Banner EHU and the Lincoln Livewires 4-H Club. She also volunteered at Larned State Hospital, participated in Lincoln Hall literaries and completed the 4-year Menninger Bible Class.

In 1969, Lester and Dorothy moved to Rozel and began attending Grace Lutheran Church at Larned. During this time, she enjoyed quilting with the Golden Rule Quilters, hosting patients from Larned State Hospital for holiday meals, attending school activities and serving on the Rozel Park Committee where she was instrumental in creating a Centennial history book and Rozel Cookbook. During these years, many family gatherings were held at her home. At such times, it was not uncommon for 30 or more persons to sit around the tables she provided, partaking of a smorgasbord of food and enjoying family time.  Her door was always unlocked day and night (much to the chagrin of family) and persons were always welcome to drop in without invitation. This, to her, made for a happy life. It was also during this time that Dorothy returned to active membership in the Rozel Baptist Church.

In 1980 her beloved grandchildren, Jason and Brooke Meckfessel, died. Without the love of Christ, family and friends, the loss would have been unbearable. She experienced His love and garnered strength from Him and thus was upheld and sustained.

Over time, Dorothy spent many months with Sonny, his wife, Janel, and granddaughter, Ashley in the U.S. and a number of foreign countries. An extremely enthusiastic traveler, she traveled extensively, having visited a number of countries in Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. Part of the joy she got from her journeys was purchasing gifts large and small for family and friends. She loved adventure and other cultures and was especially “welcomed” by street vendors, bargainers and panhandlers as she plied them with money and candy.

In 1998, Dorothy moved to Kinsley and quickly became part of the community. She took pleasure in the companionship of others at the Senior Citizen’s Center and Ladies Birthday Brunch Club. She enjoyed life, often saying that “Every day is a good day; some are just better than others!” and frequently reminded others that every day was a gift from God so appreciate it! It was during her “Kinsley years” that she began attending the Congregational Church.

After living in an apartment in Kinsley for some time, Dorothy determined that it would be better if she had the availability of on-going assistance and made the decision to move to the Grand Villas at Medicalodges. With the aid of special women on staff, she lived happily there for several years, enjoying the companionship of a number of cherished friends who also resided there. The last years were spent at the Edwards County Medical Center where she was assisted and cared for by loving, caring, compassionate staff.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Vergie and Mark Anderson, Kinsley; a son and daughter-in-law, Lester Jr. (Sonny) and Janel, Alpharetta, GA; granddaughter, Ashley Charlton (Joel); great grandchildren Hunter Cutts, Olivia Jane Joyce and Paloma Jade Quijano; sister, Charlotte Becker, Hays; sisters-in-law Ellen Herrman, Ensign and Glendoris Blattner, Rozel; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; her beloved babies Lisa Kay and Johnny Ray and grandchildren Jason and Brooke Meckfessel, siblings and spouses, including: Ellen Bentley (Ross), Sanford (Martha) Blattner, Joe (Theresa) Blattner, Lt Leroy Blattner (killed in WWII), Eugene (Evelyn) Blattner, Vernon (Mildred) Blattner, Calvin (Lois) Blattner and Charles Blattner.

She passed into eternity on Friday, November 23 at Edwards County Medical Center surrounded by loved ones and loving, compassionate staff. -

Memorial services are at 10:30am Nov. 28, 2018 in the Kinsley Congregational Church.

Graveside service is at 3:00pm At the Fairmont Cemetery in Jetmore.

Memorials are suggested to Hospital Aux. the Congregational Church or Kansas 4-H Foundation in care of McKillip Memorial Funeral Home.