Madeline Doris Farris, age 96 years and 11 months, of Protection, Kansas, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, Kansas. She was born January 29, 1927, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Emmett Lyman Bush and Irene Alberta (Schmitt) Bush Merhoff.
Madeline was raised in Great Bend, Kansas, where she completed high school. She married Clarence E. Farris on October 16, 1950, in Kansas City, Kansas. Clarence worked in the oil field which gave the family the opportunity to live in many places. Madeline supported her husband in his career and often times would help him when needed. Madeline was funny, witty, cantankerous, smart, ornery, an escape artist, and full of life. Her hobbies included listening to country music, singing and dancing around the house, reading the Bible, and her family. She was happiest when she was at a family reunion with all the family there. She made everyone feel special by remembering their birthday. Madeline loved to challenge the nursing staff at the care homes by trying to escape or having her sons sneak her in a beer during their visits.
Madeline is survived by her son, Dale Farris of Woodward, Oklahoma; daughters, Linda Wooten and husband Bobby of Ada, Oklahoma, Sondra Wilhelm and husband Don of Waverly, Nebraska, and Jo Thompson and husband Phillip of Hugoton, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Donna Farris of Liberal, Kansas; 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
Madeline is preceded in death by her parents, Emmett Bush and Irene Merhoff; husband, Clarence Farris; son, Robert Farris; twin sister, Maxine Pucket; grandchildren, Tera Lee Thompson, Ricky Tharp, Jr., Isaac Brown, and Angela Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Meilani and Ryleigh Carter.
The family will have a private inurnment at the Liberal Cemetery and memorial celebration at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 920 E. 11th St. Hugoton, KS 67951. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.