Ava Marie Prochaska

Ava Marie Prochaska, 90, Emporia, Kansas, died Monday evening, March 30, 2009 at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kansas. Ava Marie Simmons was born on the family farm near Hall Summit, Kansas on June 27, 1918, the daughter of Fred and Aretha (Fann) Simmons. She married Harold William Prochaska at Topeka, Kansas on September 19, 1946. He died at Emporia, Kansas on October 5, 2001. Surviving family members include: Daughters: Teresa Weaver, Emporia, Kansas; Benita Richards, Wichita, Kansas; Regina Gieswein, Emporia, Kansas; Son: Richard Prochaska, Hiawatha, Kansas; Sister: Elinor Kinder, Clarksville, Georgia; Brother: James Simmons, Camarillo, California; Eleven grandchildren; Ten Great-grandchildren; One Step-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her son, Philip Prochaska, who died November 13, 2002, and sisters; Ina Merle Williams, Kathryn Koppenhauer, and Ora Wagaman, and brothers; Earle Simmons and Ellis Simmons. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Emporia, celebrated by Father Darren Henson, of the church. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Emporia. The Rosary will be recited Thursday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service until 8:30 P.M. Memorials have been established with the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery or the American Diabetes Association, with gifts sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801