She received a BGS degree from the University of Kansas with an emphasis in textile design and was a professional weaver for 10 years. She then received a Masters of Historical Administration and Museum Studies from KU in 1986. She was the exhibits designer and collection manager of the ethnographic artifacts at the KU Museum of Anthropology until she retired in 1998. She and her husband retired to Hawaii where she was a volunteer at the Kauai Museum. She also was a volunteer for the Friends of the North Shore Library in Princeville, coordinating their quarterly book sales.

She is survived by her husband, Gunther “Jack,” of the home; sisters, Sue Gossett and husband Newton of Longmont, CO, and Lee Yost and husband William of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter, Karen Stansberry and husband Gary of Salina; sons, Michael and wife Lolly of Houston and Patrick of Kissimmee, FL; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in Hawaii.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Salina, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th, Salina, KS 67401.