Obituary

Frances Elizaabeth Gehne was born December 22, 1903 at Newton, the daughter of Lyman R. and Flora Bachmann Hall. She died at age 103 Monday, January 15, 2007 at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.

She married Sherman F. Gehne on November 3, 1927 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newton. Survivors include a brother, Harold S. Hall and wife, Miriam of Rolla, Missouri; nephew, Ralph L. Hall, Gainesville, Florida and two nieces, Mary Dee Brown and Flora Ann Klenklen of St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo., respectively.

Mr. & Mrs. Gehne operated a photographic studio in Halstead for many years until shortly before Mr. Gehne's death on May 25, 1970. It was their privilege to have photographed many of the Halstead War II service men and women and many from the graduating classes of nurses trained at the Halstead Hospital.

Frances was a dedicated pianist. As a high school student she played "Mood" music in a theater during the silent film era followed by several years in the 20's as a pianist in a jazz band. She served many years as organist for Sacred Heart Church and she enjoyed playing for many community activities and for the residents of several of the retirement homes in the Halstead-Mewton area.

Frances was a Halstead booster from the start of her residency in 1927. She received the Harold Rae Award for outstanding community service and the Old Settlers Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society; Halstead Hospital Auxiliary; American Legion Auxiliary and the Halstead Historical Society.

Rosary was Friday 19 followed by Mass. Burial was at the Halstead Cemetery.