Lorraine Mildred Gaskell, 94, of Derby, Ks, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, September 13, 2024.
She was born on a farm near Clifton, Kansas, on December 5, 1929, to Gilbert and Mary Piper. At the age of 12, she moved to a farm near Overbrook, Kansas. She graduated from Overbrook Rural High School in 1948 and then attended Kansas State University for two years. On August 13, 1950, she married Luther James Gaskell at Overbrook Methodist Church and went on to have a daughter, Barbara Kay Parker of Wichita, Kansas and Daniel Kent Gaskell of Tyler, Texas. They lived in various places, including Altamont, Kansas and Horton, Kansas, before settling in Chanute, Kansas, in 1971. She was a devoted member of Westview Baptist Church, where she spent many years volunteering in the church library and nursery. She was actively involved in the Mary/Martha Sunday School class, the Holly Study Club, the F.C.E., and NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association). As a dedicated mother and wife, she spent her time sewing, participating in 4-H and Girl Scouts with her daughter, and introducing her son to tennis —a passion he still pursues today. Her hobbies included doll and teddy bear collections. One of her most cherished qualities was her thoughtful tradition of remembering the birthdays of friends and family. She always made sure to send a card with a heartfelt note, brightening their special days with her warmth and affection.
Lorraine is survived by her devoted husband of 74 years, Jim; her two children, Barbara and Dan (married to Cindy); and seven grandchildren: Tony Parker of Kansas, Jason Phillips (married to Heather) of Minnesota, Brenda Perdue of Kentucky, Candace Showalter (married to Justin) of Kansas, Kat Phipps of Kansas, Candace Carlson (married to Kevin) of California, and Chelsea Reiswig (married to Jason) of Kansas. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Ady and Ainsley Phillips (parents Jason and Heather), Alexander and Jack Perdue (parents John and Brenda), Connor and Gavin Showalter (parents Candace and Justin), and Brecken and Maddox Reiswig (parents Chelsea and Jason). She was predeceased by her parents, Gilbert H. and Mary J. Piper, and her sister, Wilma Mabel Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, Lorraine requested that contributions be made to Westview Baptist Church, a place that held a special place in her heart. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 20 th at 11:00 am at Neosho County Memorial Park Cemetery, (aka, Greenlawn, or Restlawn). Funeral services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home.
