Florence M Vathauer

Florence M. Vathauer, 93, of Washington, Kan., passed away Friday, January 11, 2008, at the Homestead Nursing Home in Washington. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Washington. Burial will follow in the Washington City Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 15, from noon until 8:00 p.m., at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Florence was born on September 4, 1914, near Linn, Kan., the daughter of Ernest and Marie (Rogge) Peters. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. After graduating from Linn High School in 1932, she attended beauty school. She had a beauty shop in Barnes. On August 28, 1937, she married Wilbert "Webb" Kuhlman. He preceded her in death on July 2, 1952. On November 22, 1956, she married Otto Vathauer. He preceded her in death on April 2, 1981. Florence owned and operated the Green Lantern Cafe in Washington. She then owned the Diner's Cafe until she sold it in the late 50's. She later went to work for the Washington County News until her retirement in 1985. She enjoyed going to California to spending the holidays with her daughter Diane, and grandson Matt. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies, an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxillary, and Fidelia Club. She enjoyed making quilts, especially for the annual fund raiser for the church. After suffering from a bad fall, she moved into the Homestead Nursing Home in 2006. Survivors include one daughter, Diane Cox of Garden Grove, Cal.; one sister, Jean Swiercinsky of Concordia, Kan.; and one grandson, Matt Cox, Garden Grove, Cal. Florence was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Wilbert Kuhlman and Otto Vathauer; and two brothers, Ralph and Wilber Peters. A memorial fund has been established and contributions will benefit Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Florence M Vathauer, please visit our flower store.