She was born on Nov. 20, 1919, in Kimball, Neb., to Monroe H. and Ruby (Fowler) Harden. The family moved several times before settling in Oklahoma City, Okla.
She graduated from Central State College (now Central State University, Edmond, Okla.), received a master’s degree from Oklahoma University in 1941 and a doctorate in bacteriology at Kansas State University.
She taught biology and chemistry at Idabel High School in Idabel, Okla. Later, she taught biology courses at Central State and worked as a clinical bacteriologist in Oklahoma City and Chicago.
She became a Baha’i in 1959 and moved to Bangkok, Thailand, to serve the Baha’i faith as a “pioneer.” She served her faith there, while teaching English, for 17 years.
Throughout her life, she traveled extensively and made friends wherever she went.
After retiring, she moved to St. Paul, where she lived for 10 years and served as a volunteer at the historical museum in St. Paul.
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Paula Harden of Dallas; two great-nieces, Judith Wheeler and Marietta Sypniewski, who helped with her care; and numerous friends all over the world.
She was preceded in death by her parents and an older brother, W.H. (Bill) Harden.
The memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the home of Kathryn Currae-Kilby, 2702 Illinois Street, Joplin. Burial was in Hope Cemetery at St. Paul. Carson-Wall Funeral Home in St. Paul is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Audubon Society and may be left at the funeral home, P. O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.
Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com.
Post a Comment