Lois Emma Fink Spohn

Lois Emma Fink Spohn, 96, a longtime resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. She was born September 12, 1910 in Lafontaine, Kansas, the daughter of Alonzo Garfield and Clara Mina (Bobbitt) Fink. She was a 1928 graduate of Lafontaine High School and continued her education at Emporia State Teachers College. Following college, she taught school in the Farm Ridge School District until she married W. Lee Spohn in Elk City, Kansas on June 27, 1930. He preceded her in death March 5, 1990. She had many interests during her life that filled her daily activities. Quilts were very important to her. Her first attempt at quilting was when she was six years old and she pieced a number of blocs together so that her mother could make a quilt. During her life she accumulated family quilts and made a number herself. The last quilts she made were for each of her five grandchildren. She derived a great deal of satisfaction in teaching quilting to anyone who was interested. In the later years she was particularly interested in her garden and yard. Anyone who visited her on third street usually got a tour of the flowers she grew. Each morning she would get up early and work in the yard before the Kansas sun got too hot. The First United Methodist Church was an important part in her life and she served as a teacher and other offices of the church, as well as being an active member of United Methodist Women. Her love of Jesus Christ was always a positive influence in her life and a great source of strength. Her favorite activity though was the historical aspect of the church and she spent many hours documenting the history so that future members could see their legacy. Fredonia was always a love of hers and she was very proud of the city and its citizens. Certainly one of the highlights was being chosen with her sister, Helen Hedrick, to be the Grand Marshalettes for the Homecoming Parade in October 2004. She talked often about how much fun it was to be in the parade. Over the years, she accumulated and kept clothes that were hers as a child and into her adulthood and some that had belonged to her mother. These, along with lots of hats, held a special place in her life. When it became necessary to give up her home on third street, she gave these items to the Wilson County Historical Society in Fredonia, where they are on display today. She was one of the original members of the 1910 Club and recently retired after having being a member for 75 years. She was also a charter member of the Fredonia Arts Council and held the biggest rummage sale ever seen in Fredonia to raise money for the Arts Council. She was a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau Social Sorority through Emporia State Teachers College; a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star; a member of the Rebecca Lodge; served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for 12 years; and served as president of the Mound School PTA. Her Survivors include: Son & daughter-in-law: Dwane and Janice Spohn of Sanibel, Florida Daughter-in-law: Lois Borland Spohn of Belle Haven, Virginia Sister: Helen Hedrick of Fredonia, Kansas Sister-in-law: Lois Fink of Cincinnati, Ohio Grandchildren Gregory Spohn, Jeffrey Spohn, Pamela Murphy, Phillip Spohn, Kristen Runk Great Grandchildren: Michael Spohn, David Spohn, Meredith Spohn, Brian Spohn, Michelle Murphy, Daniel Murphy, Christopher Murphy. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Marvin Edward Spohn and Andrew Gerald Spohn and one brother, Austin Fink. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Charlotte Coates officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. Friends may call at Timmons Funeral Home on Friday, 2:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. A memorial has been established in her name with the Lee and Lois Spohn Scholarship Fund, which is administered by the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia, located at 8th and Madison Sts. Family condolences may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.