LaDeene Wickersham
https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/LaDeene-Wickersham
February 29, 1940 ~ January 29, 2023 (age 82)
SALINA- LaDeene Wickersham passed away peacefully on January 29, 2023, in Salina, Kansas, after suffering from congestive heart failure. LaDeene was born on February 29, 1940, in Attica, KS, to Willard D. McClaflin and Glorina M. (Roach) McClaflin.
LaDeene married John Thomas Wickersham on September 21, 1957, in Salina.
LaDeene graduated from Salina High School in 1957 and received an award from the National PTA for creating the first school fair in Salina. The proceeds were used to create a library at Huesner Grade School in Salina which inspired other schools to do the same.
She was an active member at University United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years and bought and donated the church bell system that is still in use today.
LaDeene had a passion for reading that lead her to work at nearly every library in Salina, except Kansas Wesleyan. Her favorite library was the Salina Public Library, which her grandfather's cousin, Thomas Roach, helped build with money from Andrew Carnegie and citizen donations. She was also a proud member of the Saline County Genealogical Society where she held numerous club offices as well as authored several books.
LaDeene was highly dependable and instilled this trait into her sons, Patrick, and Bradford. In addition to being an avid reader, LaDeene also worked for several companies including Sears & Roebuck, School Specialty Supply, and ran the direct marketing division at Market Aid Inc.
LaDeene was preceded in death by her sisters Ruth Oltmans of Mound Ridge, Carol Campbell of Wichita, and Deloris Meye, of Meyer Ranch, TX, and brothers Clyde McClaflin of Kingman, and Donald McClaflin of Topeka.
LaDeene is survived by her husband John Thomas Wickersham of Salina; sons Patrick and Bradford Wickersham, both of Wichita, and her granddaughter Hunter B. Elliott (Donald Jacob Elliott) of South Haven.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery north of New Cambria.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pinnacle Park, care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina. The family extends their appreciation to Pinnacle Park staff for making their mother’s last days comfortable during her illness.
She will be remembered fondly for her numerous wonderful qualities such as, her dependability as well as her love for reading that had no bounds or limits. We will miss you dearly, LaDeene!
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