Ethelyn Fern Branum
1927 - 2016
Obituary
Ethelyn Fern Branum, 88, died Sunday
(Feb. 21, 2016) at her Newton residence. She was born May 16, 1927 in
Hanston to Pete W. and Frieda M (Ewy) Bachman. One brother, Donald
Eugene, preceded her in death in 1984.
She married Marion Branum on Nov. 21,
1947, in Moundridge and they made their home in Newton. Marion
preceded her in death Aug. 10, 2007.
Ethelyn attended school in Moundridge
from third grade through high school, graduating in 1945. She
graduated from Salt City Business College in 1946 and was employed by
Western Food Prouducts Co. in Hutchinson until her marriage. She
served as church secretary for the First Baptist Church approximately
30 years and four years with the Evangelical United Brethren Church
(now Salem United Methodist).
She was active in the American Baptist
Womens's Ministries locally, and in the Association and Region. She
served 23 years as secretary, treasurer, president and historian on
the Region board. She also served on several committees for the
American Churches of Central Region. She taught first and second
grade in the weekday Bible program for 11 years. She served as Sunday
School Supt. for the Senior High Dept. for 15 years.
In her retirement years she was a
volunteer with AB Men's Disaster group on several work projects. She
enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities to serve her Lord in so
many various ways including many capacities at her beloved First
Baptist Church. In 1980, she was elected Woman of the Year in
Religion in Newton. She was an active member of the Newton Ladies
Golf Club, serving as secretary, treasurer, president and tournament
chairman and enjoyed the game.
She is survived by three sons: Scotty
and Denice of Wichita; Alan and Cathy of Wichita; and Larry and
Lessie of Ocala, Fla.; grandchildren Travis and Amy Branum of Colby:
Lance Branum of Corpus Christi, Texas; Tara and Chase Branum of Ft.
Worth, Texas; Amanda and Garret Meller of Wichita; and Audra and Nick
Arambaru of Haysville; and eight great grandchildren: Rex, Tucker,
Mallory, Tyson, Tanner, Trenton, Eleana, and Reese.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Friday
(Feb. 26, 2016) at First Baptist Church in Newton with Pastor Chip
Bungard presiding. The family wishes to invite their church family to
join them for a lunch and fellowship prior to the service at noon in
the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Visitation will be 5 to 9
p.m. Thursday (Feb. 25, 2016) evening at Petersen Funeral Home with
the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral
Home. Burial will be in Restlawn Gardens of Memory in Newton.
Memorials are suggested to First
Baptist Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
