Obituary

Unilda V. Moffatt, 81, died Thursday (Sept. 2, 2010) in Hospice Care at Halstead Health and Rehabilitation.

She was born on July 19, 1929, to Abraham and Helena (Franz) Bestvater. She grew up in McPherson County and attended school at Emma Valley grade school. After high school graduation, she worked at the Harvey County Courthouse as a secretary and bookkeeper for 7 1/2 years. She then went to work for King Construction Co. in Hesston in 1956 as a bookkeeper, secretary and office manager for 20 years. She greatly enjoyed her time working at King Construction.

Unilda married Harry L. Moffatt on Feb. 19, 1971, at First United Methodist Church in Newton. She joined her husband at Moffatt’s Jewelry in downtown Newton. Harry preceded her in death on June 20, 2003, after 32 years of marriage. Unilda was a longtime active member of the First United Methodist Church, Rachel Circle of the church and the treasurer of the Priscilla Circle, also of the church. She also was a member and past president of the American Business Women’s Association, a member of the National Secretaries and Office Managers Association, and a member of Red Hat. Unilda also was active in the Democratic Party at all levels and parliamentarian for the 4th Congressional District.

Survivors include brothers, John and Henry Bestvater of Newton; sisters, Christine Peters of Hesston, Mildred Rickenburg of Lincoln, Grace Kasitz of Newton, and Mary Spencer of Wichita; very special friends, Sylvia Kelly, Jennifer Flaming, Janell and Ken Walsh and Jennifer Hammett; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Frank Bestvater; sisters, Elizabeth Andrews and Martha Promenshakel; and three nieces.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. today at First United Methodist Church in Newton with the Rev. Dr. Doug Tofteland presiding. Visitation was Monday at Petersen Funeral Home. Memorials may be left with Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home.