Obituaries

CHARLOTTE FAYE LUNT

Charlotte Faye Lunt, age 70, resident of 512 S. Judson, Fort Scott, Kansas, died unexpectedly Thursday, September 27, 2007, at Mercy Health Center after being admitted earlier in the day. She was born March 13, 1937 in Monarch, Oklahoma, the daughter of Edward Trusdell and Hazel Tanner Trusdell. Following graduation from high school she attended Wichita State University. Charlotte married Kenneth Lunt in 1955 in Wichita. She was a legal secretary and worked as a secretary to the vice-president of KG&E Company in Wichita prior to moving to Fort Scott.

In 1979, Ken and Charlotte began their life in Fort Scott. Throughout the years, Charlotte was involved in countless community activities but first and foremost, her family was the centerpiece of her life. As a wife, mother and grandmother, nothing delighted Charlotte more than the time spent with them. Her family also included two beloved schnauzers, Gunner and Skotshie. Charlotte was known as the consummate hostess opening their home to countless groups and activities. From the children who looked forward to trick or treating at their home each year, to receptions honoring Commandants, Governors and Senators, or simply a group of close friends gathered around the dining room table, Charlotte enjoyed creating memorable experiences for others.

Soon after moving to Fort Scott, Charlotte became involved in the Historic Preservation Association and founded the Annual Homes for the Holidays tour and served as chairman of several individual homes including the homes of Judge Fisher, Grace Moore and the Catholic Rectory. Charlotte was involved in Daffodil Days in Arkansas City, Kansas prior to moving to Fort Scott and assumed a similar position as chairwoman of the Daffodil Days fundraiser in Fort Scott. She chaired the annual benefit for 14 years and was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by the American Cancer Society for the four state region. Charlotte was also an avid gardener and her yard was featured twice on the Annual Garden Tour. Among her other hobbies, Charlotte enjoyed creating stained glass works of art. In 2001, Charlotte and Ken were honored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce with the Keystone Award recognizing their exemplary service to the community. For the past 18 years, Charlotte devoted her time and energy to the Mercy Health Center Foundation, creating one of the largest benefits in southeast Kansas. She served as decorating co-chairman of the annual Capture the Spirit Gala for all 18 years. Through her creative talents, each year 600 plus guests have marveled at the decorations. Those who worked with her also marveled at her unrivaled creativity. In recent years, Charlotte developed a special friendship with the late Gordon Parks. Gordon, who called the family on a regular basis, would often ask to speak to Charlotte first, and then Ken. It was a mutual friendship of great admiration for each other.

Survivors include her husband. Ken of the home; one daughter, Becky Anderson, Joplin, Missouri; her mother, Hazel Trusdell, Wichita; two brothers, Scott Trusdell, Wichita, and Karl Trusdell, Las Vegas; and one sister, Edna Scott, Wichita. Also surviving are two grandsons, Kenneth Anderson and James Anderson both of Joplin, Missouri, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and three brothers, Buddy Trusdell, Jim Trusdell and Byron Trusdell.

Following cremation. The Rev. Steve MacArthur will conduct memorial services at 10 a. m. Wednesday in the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. Tuesday in the Cheney Witt Chapel and also from 9: 30 a. m. until service time in the church parlor prior to the memorial service. Memorials are suggested to the Mercy Health Center Foundation and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P. O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@ cheneywitt. com