Lorita Pendleton
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Lorita Higginbottom Pendleton, 91, Lawrence, passed away September 10, 2017 at Brandon Woods.
She was born March 14, 1926, in Winfield, KS, daughter of Clarence and Louise Janke Higginbottom. She graduated from Winfield High School in 1944 and the University of Kansas in 1948. She was the art supervisor in the Abilene, KS, public schools for two years and in the Lawrence elementary schools for three years.
Mrs. Pendleton married Albert B. Pendleton on August 2, 1953, in Lawrence, who predeceased her. She and her husband became partners in their farming operation and were active together in church, agriculture and community projects. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her family received the Douglas County 4-H Family of the Year award in 1977 and the Kansas 4-H Family of the Year award in 1982.
She was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the Kaw Valley Extension Homemakers Unit and PEO Chapter EA. As an early member of the Lawrence Art Guild, she was on the committee that founded Art in the Park, the Guild’s annual outdoor exhibition.
Survivors include three sons and their families, James B. and Barbara, Germantown, TN, John C. and Karen, Lawrence, A. Scott and Cindy, Orlando, FL; eight grandchildren, Jared Pendleton (Erin), Melody Greene (Wyeth), Marissa Benedict (Cade), Liz Grillot (Thomas), Margaret Pendleton, Will Pendleton (Laura), Andrew Pendleton (Anna) and Jonathan Pendleton (Brittany); and nine great-grandchildren, Jonah Biklen Pendleton, Taylor Dean Pendleton, River James Pendleton, Walker Wyeth Greene, Everly Mae Greene, Jacob Lawrence Benedict, Simon Francis Grillot, Miles Theodore Grillot, and Jaxton Cooper Pendleton . She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Flottman, Winfield, KS, nieces, Becky Flottman Courtney and Hendle Rumbaut, and nephews, Bruce Gilfillan, David Gilfillan and Steven Pendleton. A daughter-in-law, Marilyn Lacey Pendleton, preceded her in death.
The family will receive friends at a visitation, followed by a prayer service on September 26th, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Inurnment will be held at 10:30 a.m., September 27th, at Oak Hill Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Douglas County 4-H Endowment Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary.
Condolences may be posted to warrenmcelwain.com.
Heaven received an Angel, she was always a Lady, Kind, Pleasant and a Very Dear Friend. I am so sorry for you loss.
Douglas county has lost a very special lady, but heaven has gained one. Douglas county 4-H has also lost strong figure. Your mom was a delightful lady, and she will be dearly missed. God bless you folks. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John: Bill and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and know your faith will see you through.
Kay and Bill Hodge
John and Karen, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
My sincere condolences to family and friends ~ what a wonderful mother and wife she must have been to have produced such beautiful offspring with such an impact on our community. Blessings to all.
The Matriarch of a great family. My thoughts are with you.
So sorry for your loss.
John and Karen,
Greg and I are so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. We are saying prayers for your family. May all the memories bring you joy.
Pam and Greg Hamill
What a delightful person she was! I so enjoyed meeting & getting to know both Lorita & Al through my Aunt Joann & Uncle Marvin Metzger. They were a lovely couple. I will treasure the memories & stories forever.
Dear Jim, John and Scott: So many memories of visiting our Lawrence cousins on the Pendleton farm through the many years — and always there with a hug and so eager to hear about our activities and what was going on in the world: Lorita. She was so dear and lovely to us and we will miss her. I am honored to be part of her legacy (and Uncle Al’s) and so proud of her life achievements and especially her very vibrant and growing family. God Bless.