Catherine M. Scheffler

1924 - 2015

Catherine M. Scheffler, 91, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at Newton Medical Center in Newton, Kansas. Catherine was born July 13, 1924 in Colwich, Kansas to Balthasar and Katherine (Girrens) Lies. She married Arthur J. "Art" Scheffler on November 26, 1946 in Newton, Kansas. He preceded her in death on November 30, 1999. In her retirement, Catherine moved to the Newton Presbyterian Manor where she enjoyed making new friends, playing cards, gardening and entertaining her many family and friends that came to visit.

Catherine was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was lovingly known as "Grandma Bird" to her family. Catherine, along with her husband, Art, were widely known for their dancing skills and enjoyed attending many dances held around Newton throughout the years. Her most favorite holiday was Christmas and she enthusiastically enjoyed all sports, but was an avid Royals and Kansas State Wildcat sports fan. She worked for many years as a seamstress at the former Katherine's Clothing in downtown Newton, Kansas.

Catherine possessed a great sense of community and was an unfailing and dedicated volunteer. She was honored by being awarded the prestigious Newton's Woman of the Year award in 1975. She enjoyed volunteering at Northview Development and other charitable events and organizations in Newton and the surrounding area. She was exceedingly proficient in sewing and possessed an amazing green thumb at gardening, providing her family and friends throughout the years with beautiful handmade clothing and amazing fresh vegetables and flowers. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Newton, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and St. Mary's Altar Society.

Catherine had an enormous spirit, energy and wit. She was a gracious lady whose deep faith and continued service to the Lord was forever evident in her daily life. Above all, she valued her loving family and she fondly looked forward to spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous family members and friends. She left an invaluable legacy and will be greatly missed.

Catherine is survived by her children: Barbara and Charles Schuster of Overland Park, Kansas, Jody and Doug Meier of Lawton, Oklahoma, Ross Scheffler of Newton, Kansas and Leon and Lisa Scheffler of Southlake, Texas. One sister: Mary Dolores Gatz of Emporia, Kansas. Grandchildren: Justin and Lisa Schuster, Stacey and Ryan Zahn, Angie and John Hackley, Luke and Kelly Meier, Natalie and JP Johnson and Emma, Caroline and Sara Scheffler. And great grandchildren: Austin and Alaina Schuster, Lauren and Brady Zahn, Mark, Molly and Mack Meier and Jay, Josie, and Georgia Johnson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Adelaide Schroeder and brothers Fred and George Lies.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newton, Kansas with The Reverend Nick Voelker presiding. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening at Petersen Funeral Home with the Legion of Mary leading Rosary. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to The American Legion Auxiliary or KSU Art and Catherine Scheffler Harvey County Scholarship Fund in care of Petersen Funeral Home.