Lydia Johanna (Seiler) Mayfield

Lydia J. Mayfield, 99, Halsteaad, died Saturday, December 7, 2002 at her residence. She was born March 15, 1903 at Halstead, daughter of Alfred and Katie Krehbiel Seiler. On January 27, 1929 she married Archie Burdette Mayfield at Topeka. He preceded her in death November 17, 1967.

She attended grade school at rural District 47 and graduated from Halstead High School in 1921. Her husband was a custom harvester and she would go with him on the harvest run many times. The first time they were on a threshing run and later had combines. She was the cook for the crew.

She began her teaching career laater in life, teaching on a provisional certificate at rural Lake School and at Moundridge High School. She earned her BA degree from Bethel Collete at the age of 59 and her Master's Degree from Emporia State Teacher's College at the age of 65. Her major was language and history.

She taught at Burlingame grade school and Fairfield rural high school, also at Iola High School, retiring at the age of 69. After that she tutored several students to help them earn their degrees.

She was an avid reader and writer and is best known for her book "Halstead,The Early Years". She had an article published in the Capper's Weekly when she was a young girl using a fictitious name as her father would not have approved. She continued to write throughout her lifetime, having several articles published in various publications. She also wrote many letters to the editor for various newspapers in the area.

She was the Queen at Halstead's 100th Old Settlers celebration.

Survivors: two sons, Alfred Mayfield, Newkirk, Oklahoma; Bill Mayfield, Halstead; two daughters, Kathy Mayfield, Kansas City, Missouri and Beth "Piglet" VanNatta, Halstead; 21 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Carl Seiler, Snyder Seiler, Willard Seiler and Albert Seiler; sisters, Elma Seiler and Johanna Challans and grandsons, Michael Mayfield and Aaron Adamson.

Services were December 11 at Kaufman Funeral Home. Burial was in the Halstead Cemetery.