Lorna Wright

Lorna Mae Wright, the daughter of Earl H. Knarr, and Addie (Crouch) Knarr, was born on Sept 22, 1927 on a farm northwest of Beloit, KS.  Our lord called her to heaven on October 3, 2023.

Lorna attended multiple schools in both Jewell and Beloit, graduating from Beloit High school in 1944. Following graduation, she worked at the local high school and then at the Probate Judge's office in the Beloit Court House.  During this time, she met Warren "Bud" Wright, a young service man, who would sweep her off her feet.  They were married on OCT 27, 1946.

They started their married life on farms in Mitchell and Jewell counties. They welcomed their first son, Leon, (born in Beloit in 1949).  Lean years of farming took its toll. They left the farm in September of 1956 to try their luck in the big city of Hays.

Beloit called with a job opportunity, so Lorna and Bud moved back in the summer of 1957. They enjoyed being closer to family, and this is where their second son, Larry, was born in 1958. Finally, they moved to Glen Elder, KS in 1962 so that Bud could manage the Baily and Lynch grain elevator.  They enjoyed this simple small-town life for many years. After Bud passed away, Lorna continued to reside in the family home in Glen Elder until May 1998, upon which she moved to Hilltop Lodge in Beloit, KS. When she became unable to care for herself, she eventually was transferred to a memory care facility in Lawrence where her eldest son could assist with her care.

She worked part time at the Trader's State bank from 1973-1984 while taking care of the home. Her bank customers appreciated her efficiency and friendliness. Her husband and sons enjoyed the love she showed them every day.  She would pack their lunches, have dinner on the table at the end of the day, and always have a cup of hot coffee ready for Bud.  One of her friends reported "I remember when Bud used to say Lorna did the best job packing his coffee thermos. She would bring the coffee almost to a boil and the put it in the thermos. He had it to enjoy all day."

Lorna believed in faith and family. She was an avid member of the United Methodist Women quilting circle, and belonged to both the American Legion Auxiliary and the Mitchel County Hospital Auxiliary. She was an active member of the Methodist church, both in Glen Elder and in Beloit. She spent many hours quilting or assisting in the church. Lorna was in charge of the Pink Lady program at the Mitchell County Hospital and brought much joy to patients and families who visited the gift shop.

Lorna doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved having her family gather for holidays in her house, or at the Sportsman's Café after church on Sundays.  She liked playing cards and taught her grandchildren how to play Pinocle, Pitch and frequently engaged them in a game of Rummikub.

Lorna lived a simple, but full life. She loved reading the Salina journal, watching Wheel of Fortune on TV, and going for walks. The Daily Devotional magazine was always nearby to remind her to say her prayers and stay strong in her faith.  Her hobbies included quilting, crocheting, and having coffee with friends.

She opened her heart to others in her community and church, helping those who were home-bound.  She was strong in her convictions; providing a great model for her family to follow.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Although she was petite, her presence was large. She will be missed by so many.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Leon and wife Shirley, Lawrence, KS; Larry and wife Carla, Tumwater, WA. Grandsons include Eric and wife Allyson, Bay City, TX; Andy and wife Ann, Lawrence, KS; Taylor and Grayson Wright, Tumwater, WA. Great grandchildren include Hudson Wright, Bay City, TX; Lucy and Hank Wright, Lawrence KS.

Lorna was preceded in death by her husband, Warren ("Bud"), her parents, and brother.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Beloit Methodist Church followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery in Glen Elder. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family present from 5-7 PM Friday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Beloit Methodist Church, Glen Elder Methodist Church, Salvation Army, or St. Jude's Hospital for Children.