Elrene Helen Stowe

     Elrene Helen Stowe, 94, of McPherson, Kan., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River, Kan.
     Elrene was born in rural Ellsworth, Kan. on Nov. 3, 1921, a daughter of the late Helen Libby (Doubrava) and Ferdinand “Fred”  Barta.
     Elrene attended the Cass Ridge country school in Ellsworth County, Golden Bell country school in Lincoln County, and graduated in 1939 from Ellsworth High School.
     Elrene was a 71-year member of First Presbyterian Church, McPherson. Through the years Elrene served her church in many capacities. Elrene was a homemaker, she worked as a stenographer for Rice County Extension Office and later for Farmers Alliance Insurance Company and she was a local artist. Elrene was a member of the McPherson Opera House, McPherson Art’s Council, and Ladies Reading Circle.
     Elrene was united in marriage to Reginald Albert “Reggie” Stowe on May 6, 1943 at the First Congregational Church in Little River. Reggie died Sept. 5, 2008.
     Elrene was also preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Rejene Stowe and Yolanda Donnelly, and a sister, Thelma Sporn.
     Elrene is survived by her brother, Fred Barta and his wife Patricia, of Little River; her sister, Marianne Gawith, of Salina; her son-in-law, Tom Donnelly, of Arizona; her granddaughter, Sheilah  Donnelly, of Arizona; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
     The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the First Presbyterian Church, McPherson, with Reverend Ted Weis officiating.
     The graveside service be at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, at the McPherson Cemetery, McPherson.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the McPherson Opera House and they can be sent in care of the Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home, 222 West Euclid Street, McPherson, Kan. 67460.