Maebeth Walter, 97, Downs, KS. passed away October 28, 2021, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Maebeth was born to Gideon and Ruth (Goheen) Walter on April 13, 1924, in the Rose Valley community northwest of Downs.
She attended the Rose Valley one-room school and graduated from Downs High School with the class of 1941. Her college education began at Fort Hays College with years of teaching at Elm Creek, Rose Valley, and Union #4 country schools. Next she studied a business course at Westmar College, a college associated with her church. She worked at the Downs National Bank for a few years then resumed her career teaching at Oak Creek and later, the 2nd grade in Downs completing her education degree from Fort Hays, retiring in 1986.
Maebeth was a lifelong member of the Rose Valley United Methodist Church and was active in leadership roles in the youth programs and the United Methodist Women. Opportunities to serve in mission at Red Bird, KY, and a life-time auxiliary membership of Gideons International were close to her heart. This generous spirit led her to be involved in the local American Red Cross chapter and numerous other community organizations.
During retirement she enlarged her doll collection and her hobby of growing flowers. She and family members also enjoyed traveling far and wide to such places as Russia, Europe, and Alaska, and to football bowl games.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers, Chet and Lloyd (both killed in World War II), sister, Lucile Freeborn and husband, Harold, and sister, Eileen Doane and husband, Ralph.
Surviving her are nieces and nephews, Kent (Barbara) Freeborn, Keith (Marsha) Doane, Brent (Linda) Doane, Kathryn (Ron, deceased) McCary, Gary (Glennys) Doane, Karol (Jim) Gregory, Steve (Heidi) Doane; 16 great nieces and nephews and more family and friends to treasure her memory.
Services for Maebeth Walter will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 10 am at the Rose Valley UMC, 2 miles west and 3 miles north of Downs. Visitation with the family present will be at the church on Monday, November 1, 2021, 7-8:30 pm.
Suggested memorials are to the Rose Valley UMC, or The Gideons International.