Elsie Marie Richmond

Elsie Marie Richmond, of Plainville, passed away on December 23, 2024, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 97. 

She was born on March 1, 1927, to Joseph and Adeline (Stiverson) Weldon in Natoma, Kansas. She married Lee “Pops” Richmond, who was from Codell, Kansas, in 1959. They were happily married for 15 years until he passed away in 1975.

Elsie grew up in Natoma where she attended 12 years of schooling. Throughout her high school years, Elsie’s first job was babysitting. She graduated during World War II, when there was a shortage of teachers. At just 18 years old, Elsie began her teaching career in the fall of 1945 despite only having a high school diploma and nine college credit hours. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1963, followed by a Master of Science in Education specializing in Reading Interventions in 1971 from Fort Hays State University.

Elsie’s teaching career spanned over 42 years. Her first 11 years were in Natoma, where she would often walk to the one-room schoolhouse or borrow her sister’s bicycle. Elsie went on to teach for many years at USD 270 in Plainville, where she was a beloved first-grade teacher. She retired in 1987, receiving a bell engraved with the years 1959-1987, a cherished gift she displayed next to her first whistle. Elsie was known for her unwavering dedication to her students, always making each child feel special and unique. She earned a lifetime teaching certificate in recognition of her commitment to education. Elsie financially supported many organizations.

After retiring, Elsie enjoyed traveling with one of her best friends, Dorothy Reed. The two friends traveled extensively across the country, visiting places such as a church camp in Nebraska, the Dakotas, and various historical sites with Dorothy driving. Their adventures also included a tour in Colorado and through the Indian ruins where they had to do some climbing. Elsie never singled out a favorite destination; for her, the joy was in the shared experiences and the fun they had together.

Elsie also enjoyed attending the Natoma Alumni meetings. She also attended the Nazarene Church and First Christian Church in Plainville. In her free time, she was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing.

Elsie is survived by her nephews, Kenny (Patty) Pruter and Dale (Sherry) Pruter, and niece JoDell Glick, all of Great Bend; nieces Sheri (John) Rice, Grand Island, Neb., Pam (David) Dickinson, Kearney, Neb.; and nephew, Don (Marion) Richmond, Kearney, Neb. She loved her nieces and nephews dearly and often spoiled them.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Richmond, her parents, her sister, Norva Pruter, and niece, Connie Shell.

As requested by Elsie, private family services will be held. She will be laid to rest at the Shilo Cemetery near Codell, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.