Alma Janette McDill, 87, entered into rest on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Beloit, Kansas. She was born on October 16, 1937, in Beloit, Kansas to Joseph and Gladys (Blacker) McDill. Alma graduated from Mankato High School in 1955. After high school, she attended Fort Hays State University and later transferred to Emporia State College and earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.After college, Alma had wanderlust and satisfied it by traveling to Hawaii and Europe. She also spent a period living in Puerto Rico. After traveling, Alma pursued a career as a 2nd-grade teacher in Manhattan, Kansas, where she spent a few years nurturing the minds of young children.
In 1977, she relocated to Mankato to assist her mother with managing the family farm. Alma was active in her church and spent many years singing in the choir and performing as a pianist. Alma was a history buff who enjoyed studying Genealogy. When she wasn't traveling or learning about her family tree, she spent time with her foster cats, whom she adored. Before her cats, she had another 'baby'—her 1983 Oldsmobile." She was meticulous when it came to her Oldsmobile. She not only kept records of oil changes and maintenance but gas consumption too!
Alma was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Twila Schafer and Letha Lowdon; and nephews, Dennis Schafer and Rodney Schafer.Her memories will be forever cherished by her nephews, Corey (Judith) Lowdon and Kelly (Pam) Lowdon; niece, Jane (Mark) Cironi; niece-in-law, Kathy Schafer; great-nephews, Mark Jr. Cironi, Christopher (Joan) Lowdon and Tyler (Jennifer) Lowdon; great-nieces, Stephanie Cironi and Vanessa Lowdon; and a host of great-great nieces and nephews.
A visitation with fellowship and refreshments will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas.Funeral services for Alma will follow at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Melby Mortuary with Pastor Jim Rice officiating.
Burial will follow at the Jewell City Cemetery, Jewell, Kansas.Memorials are requested to the Mankato Harmony United Methodist Church or Meals on Wheels and may be mailed to Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas, 66956.