Marie Leta Ehlers Wright

Marie Leta Ehlers Wright, 83, of Topeka, died Sunday, July 17, 2005, at Aldersgate Village. She was born Nov. 20, 1921, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of John F. and Marry Steffen Ehlers. She grew up in Kansas City, Mo., attended public schools (E.C. White, Southwest High School and Kansas City Junior College) until transferring to North Central College in Naperville, Ill., where she graduated witha bachelors degree in 1942. Following brief employment at CB&Q offices in Chicago, she returned to Kansas with her husband and began their ministry at Bern in May 1944. Together, she and her husband lived and served churches in Bern, Yates Center, Holton, Topeka (Grace UMC and Highland Park UMC), Independence, and Shawnee, retiring in 1985 to live at Aldersgate Village in Topeka. Leta served alongside her husband in the ministry for 44 yeras plus as partner, mother, vocalist, choir director, Sunday school teacher, substitute high school teacher, and in retirement, as manager of The Sundry Shop (now known as Lous Place) at Aldersgate Village for six years. In 1988, she was awarded Church Musician of the Year at the state convention of the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs. She loved music and was involved in vocal music wherever she lived. She married M. Max Wright on Sept. 5, 1943, in Kansas City, Mo. He survives of the home. Other survivors include two sons, Dr. Kendall M. Wright and his wife, Margaret, Emporia, and Dr. Keith A. Wright and his wife, Sue Ann, Manhattan; a daughter, Kathleen M. Brittenham and her husband, Steve, South Milford, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. Cremation is planned. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service time at Crestview United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church with inurnment to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Aldersgate Village, 7220 S.W. Asbury Drive, Topeka, 66614, or to Midland Hospice House, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topkea, 66606. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.