Mary Cleo Wittman

Mary Cleo Wittman, 101, of Topeka, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008 at the McCrite Plaza Health Care Center. She was born Sept. 6, 1906 in Richmond, MO, the daughter of Austin and Lucy Larkey Bellis. Cleo attended Ottawa High School. In 1935 she married Leo Wittman, and together they owned and operated their family farm while raising their children. She was known for her piano playing and love of music. Cleo was also a life member of the Rebekah Lodge. Throughout her life, her children, church and music remained the most important part of her life. She married Leo C. Wittman on Dec. 1, 1935 in Ottawa. He preceded her in death in April, 1995. A granddaughter, Jennifer Badsky, as well as two sisters, Vergie Rumford and Ethel Rector also preceded her in death. Survivors include two daughters, Deanna Sponamore and husband Tom of Topeka, Elaine Schlaefle and husband Ralph of Des Moines, IA; a son, Warren Wittman and wife Sue of Auburn, AL; four grandchildren, Robin Badsky of Topeka, Kim Sponamore of Overland Park, Greta Strief and husband Mike of Des Moines, Greg Schlaefle of Des Moines and two great grandchildren, Jared Schlaefle and Dylan Strief, both of Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at the Pomona United Methodist Church in Pomona with burial to follow in the Pomona Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pomona United Methodist Church and sent in care of the Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka, KS 66614. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com. Mary Cleo Wittman