Mary Virginia (Stauffer) Coleman

Mary Virginia Stauffer Coleman, 85, died Monday (May 20, 2002) at her residence in Newton.

She was born Feb. 11, 1917, to Mahlon R. and Lucy Jane (Oliver) Stauffer in Duluth, Minn. They preceded her in death. She married Jean W. Coleman Dec. 22, 1940. He survives of Newton.

She was a graduate of The University of Kansas and taught vocal music in the Moundridge, Halstead and Newton public school systems. She was a member of First United Presbyterian Church as well as choir director, member of the board of directors of the Newton Community Theatre, and a member of the Treble Clef Club and P.E.O. Chapter EQ, all of Newton. She was actively involved in the Newton Community Theatre for a number of years.

Other survivors include: a son, Jon W. Coleman and wife Linda of Noblesville, Ind.; a daughter, Virginia Jean Johnson and husband Delbert of Wichita; a brother, Mahlen Roy Stauffer Jr. of Oakley, Calif.; a grandson, Matthew J. Coleman of Noblesville, Ind.; two granddaughters, Amanda Bradley and husband Scott of San Francisco and Eliza Rausch and husband Christopher of Wichita; a great-grandson, Connell Christopher Rausch of Wichita; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Holland Bradley of San Francisco.

Friends may sign the register book until 5 p.m. today at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First United Presbyterian Church with the Rev. James Anderson officiating.

A private family burial will follow the memorial service.

Memorials have been established with the Virginia Coleman Music Scholarship Memorial at Newton High School in care of the funeral home.