Obituary of Flora Piper

Flora Pearl (Pearlie) Warren Piper, 81, of Marquette, passed away November 22, 2010 after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Flora was born September 12, 1929, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. She was the youngest daughter of Jay and Ivy Warren. Flora was united in marriage to Charles Phillip Piper on March 16, 1952, at the First Presbyterian Church in Medicine Lodge. They were married for 58 years. Flora graduated from Medicine Lodge High School in 1947. After graduation she worked as a telephone operator. From 1969-1998, she owned and operated Home Mercantile & Hardware Company as well as Piper's Fine Foods with her husband Charles. Throughout her life, she was active in many organizations, including the Starlight Literary Club, and was a 50 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Flora was the chairperson for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, helping to raise money for McPherson County in the city of Marquette. She organized blood drives for the American Red Cross, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Marquette, where she served on the building committee that oversaw the construction of the current church. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women, where she was for many years in charge of arranging lunches for funerals. Flora was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is best remembered throughout the community for her kindness, generosity, and ability to reach out to those in need. Whether serving on the local organizations or providing care boxes during the holidays, Flora always placed the needs of others before those of herself. She was preceded in death by her parents jay Warren and Ivy Axtell Warren, a grandson, Matthew Steven Piper, three sisters, Mildred, Marjorie, Maene, and nine brothers, Robert, Marion, Ned, Ralph, Wendall, Kendall, Fred, Keith, and Donald. Flora is survived by her husband, Charles, of the home, three sons; Charles Steven and his wife Mary of Marquette, Samuel Clay and his wife Debra of Salina, Mitchell Drew and his wife Robin of Avon, Connecticut, two granddaughters; Jenny Marie and Olivia Katharine, one step-granddaughter; Alysia Holmgren, three grandsons; Levi Aaron, Alden C. Fitzgerald, and Preston Alcott, three sisters; Betty Warren Stevens of Newton, Hazel Warren Kaminska and Oma Warren Burge both of Medicine Lodge, and one brother; Tom Warren of Wagoner, Oklahoma. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, at Marquette United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Marquette City Cemetery. Memorials may be designated for Riverview Estates or Marquette United Methodist Church in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington P.O. Box 386 Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.christiansfuneralhome.com There will be no visitation.