Mary Ellen Tefft
Jan. 21, 1946 - June 19, 2008
Mary Ellen Tefft, 62, of Neodesha, died June 19, 2008, at the Wilson Medical Center Reece Campus in Neodesha as a result of a heart attack.
Funeral services were held June 23 at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Kris Brinlee, pastor, and the Reverend Dave Cheshire of Christ’s Church of Neodesha, officiating. Interment was in the Altoona Cemetery under the direction of the Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel.
The family has suggested memorial remembrances to the 4-H Foundation. The remembrances will be received at the Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel.
Marry Ellen Tefft was born January 21, 1946, at Chanute, Kan., the daughter of Benjamin Tefft and Hazel (Michael) Tefft. She graduated from Neodesha High School in 1964. She attended Pittsburg State University where she graduated in 1968. She later received her master’s degree. She taught at Heller Elementary School from 1968 until 2001.
She was a member of First United Methodist of Neodesha, where she had served as president of United Methodist Women. She had served as president of the Business and Professional Women’s Organization, was a member of NEA and KNEA, and served as president of the local NEA and had also served as president of the Southeast Kansas NEA. Miss Tefft had been active in 4-H Clubs in the area since joining as a child. She was a 35-year county and club 4-H project leader and had served on several state 4-H committees. In 1994 she was honored by Wilson County 4-H with the County 4-H Alumni Award.
She is survived by her mother, Hazel Tefft of Neodesha; a brother, Alvin Tefft, and his wife Dorothy of Topeka, Kan.; two nephews; one great-niece; and one great-nephew.
