Newkirk Herald Journal Edna Kate Pappan, longtime Newkirk resident, died May 9, 2002 in Medicalodge East Healthcare Center, Arkansas City. She was 100.
The daughter of Willie and Kate (Shroyer) Cooper, she was born March 19, 1902 on the Cooper homestead four miles north of the Arkansas river east of Newkirk. She grew up on the homestead and received her education at Cooper Rural School. She later attended business school in Arkansas City.
When they were both 18, Edna married Raymond Bellmard. Jan. 1922 in Newkirk, and they made their home in Kay County and had three children.
A musician, he died at the age of 24. His last performance was playing for the dedication of the new Kay County Courthouse in Oct. of 1926.
After his death, she purchased a home in Newkirk where she lived for more than 60 years. She married Maurice Pappan March 29, 1929. An ironworker by trade, he moved his new family all over the United States coast to coast where he built bridges. Mr. Pappan died April 2, 1988.
Edna spent a year in Rome, Italy in 1963 and another year in Ankara, Turkey in 1967, visiting her daughter and grandchildren while her son-in-law was stationed with the military in those countries. During her later years, she made her home with her daughter.
A member of the First Baptist Church, Edna was the oldest member of the Kaw Tribe and the only original land allottee living.
She is survived by her daughter, Colleen Bellmard of Newkirk; a sister, Anna Brewer of Farmington, NM; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to both husbands, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Betty Bellmard in 1933, a son, Sam Bellmard in 2000, her parents and 12 brothers and sisters.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. May 11 in the Washunga Cemetery, Newkirk, with the Rev. Pernina Weatherman, minister of the Newkirk Assembly of God, officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. |