Alpha Lusk

Funeral services for Alpha Lusk, 96, Lawrence will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Private family burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. She passed away Monday, June 15, 2015.

Alpha was born July 6, 1918 in Boise City, OK the daughter of Thomas Oscar and Sarah (Strickler) Tate.

Alpha graduated from high school in Keys, OK. She was the president and valedictorian of her senior class. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK.

She was an elementary school teacher for 20 years in Reno, KS and Basehor KS elementary schools until she retired in 1980.

She was a member of the Douglas County Retired Educators Association, Lawrence Flower Club, and the Alpha Delta Kappa (Teacher’s Sorority).

She married Jerome K. Lusk December 23, 1940 in Liberal, KS. He preceded her in death July 28, 1986.

Survivors include daughter, Linda Norman, Lawrence; son, John Lusk, Lawrence; nine grandchildren; two step grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Walter Lusk and Jerry Lusk; her twin brother, Alfred C. Tate and three other brothers, Mac Tate, Dean Tate and William Oscar Tate; and two sisters, Lois James, and Nettie Lawson.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Kriz Charitable Fund, Inc. and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

4 Condolences

  1. Nancy Whedon on June 18, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Linda and Hannah, I was so surprised when I heard the news. Alpha seemed as though she would live forever, such a strong and intelligent woman. I enjoyed her every time I was with her, and respected her physical and mental strength. She was a wonderful teacher and parent and grand parent. I will see you both on Saturday. If there is anything I can do for you both, please let me know. I lost my phone and so lost all phone numbers, so please know I was thinking about you both and praying for all of your family!! Love , Nancy



  2. Pattie Johnston on June 18, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Mrs. Lusk was such a lovely lady. It was a pleasure to have known her.



  3. Carolyn M.Ray on June 19, 2015 at 12:22 am

    Sorry for your loss… My mother was Meredith P. Tate. She has long past and I have been since trying to search for members of her family. My thoughts and prayers go to you and everyone she touched…



  4. Marilyn Anderson on July 12, 2015 at 4:23 pm

    I have just learned the sad news of Alpha’s passing. She was a fellow teacher in the Basehor school district and also a member of the Beta Esilon chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary teachers’ organization. I remember Alpha as a bright, elegant, gracious woman. Please accept my condolences.



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