Lorita Pendleton

Lorita Higginbottom Pendleton, 91, Lawrence, passed away September 10, 2017 at Brandon Woods.

She was born March 14, 1926, in Winfield, KS, daughter of Clarence and Louise Janke Higginbottom. She graduated from Winfield High School in 1944 and the University of Kansas in 1948. She was the art supervisor in the Abilene, KS, public schools for two years and in the Lawrence elementary schools for three years.

Mrs. Pendleton married Albert B. Pendleton on August 2, 1953, in Lawrence, who predeceased her. She and her husband became partners in their farming operation and were active together in church, agriculture and community projects. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her family received the Douglas County 4-H Family of the Year award in 1977 and the Kansas 4-H Family of the Year award in 1982.

She was a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the Kaw Valley Extension Homemakers Unit and PEO Chapter EA. As an early member of the Lawrence Art Guild, she was on the committee that founded Art in the Park, the Guild’s annual outdoor exhibition.

Survivors include three sons and their families, James B. and Barbara, Germantown, TN, John C. and Karen, Lawrence, A. Scott and Cindy, Orlando, FL; eight grandchildren, Jared Pendleton (Erin), Melody Greene (Wyeth), Marissa Benedict (Cade), Liz Grillot (Thomas), Margaret Pendleton, Will Pendleton (Laura), Andrew Pendleton (Anna) and Jonathan Pendleton (Brittany); and nine great-grandchildren, Jonah Biklen Pendleton, Taylor Dean Pendleton, River James Pendleton, Walker Wyeth Greene, Everly Mae Greene, Jacob Lawrence Benedict, Simon Francis Grillot, Miles Theodore Grillot, and Jaxton Cooper Pendleton . She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Flottman, Winfield, KS, nieces, Becky Flottman Courtney and Hendle Rumbaut, and nephews, Bruce Gilfillan, David Gilfillan and Steven Pendleton. A daughter-in-law, Marilyn Lacey Pendleton, preceded her in death.

The family will receive friends at a visitation, followed by a prayer service on September 26 ^th , 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Inurnment will be held at 10:30 a.m., September 27 ^th , at Oak Hill Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Douglas County 4-H Endowment Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary.

Condolences may be posted to warrenmcelwain.com.