Muriel Ann Maness

Memorial service for Muriel Ann (Hunter) Maness, 93, Topeka, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the service at 11. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. Muriel passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Rolling Hills Assisted Living in Topeka, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marie Hunter, her five sisters (Atha Jones, Wilma Maness, Lila Maloney, Shirley Johnson, and Barbara Brecheisen), by her husband, Melvin Maness, and subsequent companion Maury Wustefeld.

Survivors include her daughters Patty Anderson (Larry, deceased) and Donna Linton (Marc), grandchildren Kristi Myer (Leland), Tiffany Gomel (John), Andrew Linton (Emily), and Dean Linton (Ashley Puderbaugh), 5 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Muriel was born July 16th, 1931 in Lawrence, the 4th of 6 daughters to William and Marie Hunter, She grew up on a farm south of Lawrence and attended the Baldwin City schools. Muriel married Melvin Maness, establishing a home on a ranch beween Lawrence and Lecompton where she lived for many decades, first with Melvin, then subsequently with Maury and later on her own. Lastly, she moved to Meadowlark Estates in Lawrence.

Muriel was a beautician, but also raised cattle, both for many years. Also for many years she was active in 4-H leadership, White Star, White Shrine, and Kanwaka Literary Club. She also was recognized as 1972 Jaycee Jaynes “Woman-of-the-Year”.

She loved dogs and a variety of farm pets. She and Maury enjoyed many years fishing at Clinton Lake with family and friends. She was a fine seamstress, making both daughters’ wedding gowns and attendants’ dresses. She was an excellent cook, a self- proclaimed “tough old bird”, but most of all, a loving, compassionate person. She will be missed by friends and family.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Muriel to the Lecompton Methodist Church or Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.