DERBY — Lorraine Mildred Gaskell, 94, of Derby went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
She was born on a farm near Clifton on Dec. 5, 1929, to Gilbert and Mary Piper. At age 12, she moved to a farm near Overbrook. She graduated from Overbrook Rural High School in 1948 and attended Kansas State University for two years. On Aug. 13, 1950, she married Luther James Gaskell at Overbrook Methodist Church. They have a daughter, Barbara Kay Parker of Wichita, and a son, Daniel Kent Gaskell of Tyler, Texas. They lived in various places, including Altamont and Horton before settling in Chanute in 1971.
She was a devoted member of Westview Baptist Church, where she spent many years volunteering in the church library and nursery. She was actively involved in the Mary/Martha Sunday school class, the Holly Study Club, the F.C.E. and NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association). As a dedicated mother and wife, she spent her time sewing, participating in 4-H and Girl Scouts with her daughter, and introducing her son to tennis, a passion he still pursues today. Her hobbies included doll and teddy bear collections. One of her most cherished qualities was her thoughtful tradition of remembering the birthdays of friends and family. She always made sure to send a card with a heartfelt note, brightening their special days with her warmth and affection.
Lorraine is survived by her devoted husband of 74 years, Jim; her two children, Barbara and Dan (Cindy); and seven grandchildren, Tony Parker of Kansas, Jason Phillips (Heather) of Minnesota, Brenda Perdue of Kentucky, Candace Showalter (Justin) of Kansas, Kat Phipps of Kansas, Candace Carlson (Kevin) of California, and Chelsea Reiswig (Jason) of Kansas; eight great-grandchildren, Ady and Ainsley Phillips (parents Jason and Heather), Alexander and Jack Perdue (parents John and Brenda), Connor and Gavin Showalter (parents Candace and Justin) and Brecken and Maddox Reiswig (parents Chelsea and Jason).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert H. and Mary J. Piper; and her sister, Wilma Mabel Thompson.
Lorraine requested contributions to Westview Baptist Church, a place that held a special place in her heart. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Neosho County Memorial Park Cemetery, (a.k.a., Greenlawn, or Restlawn). The service has been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home in Chanute.
