Florence Mae Caldwell, 101 years young, of Salina, Kansas passed away January 1, 2025. She was born in Ness City, Kansas on January 27, 1923, the daughter of Floyd and Margery (Eibert) Temple. She was the eldest of 11 children, having 9 brothers and 1 sister. Florence married Raymond Lee Kline, Sr. after high school on October 10, 1941. Raymond Lee Kline, Jr. was born in 1943. Tragically, Raymond Sr. lost his life in action during World War II while fighting at the Battle of the Bulge on December 16, 1944.
After his passing, Florence and Ray Jr. moved to Salina, Kansas.
Florence attended school at Brown Mackie College and became a secretary at Long McArthur Ford. It was during this time that Florence met Raymond Earl Caldwell. They married on May 7, 1955. Florence and Raymond welcomed their daughter Lovina Mae Caldwell in 1956, and moved to Culver, Kansas where they built a home and enjoyed the family farm. After Lovina grew up, they embarked on exciting trips across the United States with Raymond’s trucking company with Florence by his side as his trusted copilot. After 49 years of marriage, Raymond Earl Caldwell passed away on December 26, 2004. Throughout her life, Florence remained incredibly active in her church and enjoyed organizing events for family, friends, and neighbors. She also found great joy in playing cards, everything from Pitch to Hand and Foot, even up to the very end of her life.
Florence is survived by her children Raymond Kline, Jr. and wife Joann of Salina, Kansas and daughter Lovina Mae (Caldwell) Jordan and husband Johnny of Belle Plaine, Kansas. She is also survived by grandchildren Brent (Marla) Kline, Brenda (Bill) Sheridan, Amie Jo (Tim) Walton, Dustin (Scharlotte) Jordan and her brothers Francis (Judy) Temple of Salina, Kansas and Raymond (Mary) Temple of Elmore City, Oklahoma. Florence had 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, & 4 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Ruby Lamer, brothers Bob, Harry, Ted, Lee, Vernon, Delbert, and Lonnie and grandson Bart Kline.
A celebration of life will be held for Florence on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N Eighth St., Salina, Kansas. A luncheon will follow the service for friends and family.
A memorial has been established with the United Methodist Church, Salina, Kansas and Council Hill Christian Church, 1268 N. Seneca Rd., Peck, Kansas. Memorials can be sent to Ryan Mortuary at 137 North Eighth Street, Salina, Kansas.