Josephine Katherine Baucom

Josephine Katherine Baucom

Josephine Katherine Baucom, formerly of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Jan. 2, 2023 in Poway, Calif. Josephine was born on Sept. 21, 1936, to Rita and Quinto Borello in Arma, Kan. She attended grade school and high school in Arma. Josephine married Joe Van Leeuwen in 1957. They owned and operated Van’s Grocery and Locker in Uniontown with Josephine’s sister and her husband, Irene and Leroy Van Leeuwen. She was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Fort Scott. Josephine worked in the commercial insurance office at Mercy Hospital. After retiring from Mercy Hospital, she was employed by SECAP where she helped senior citizens find jobs in a four-county area. Josephine retired at age 77. She moved to San Marcos, Calif. in 2018.

Josephine enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also had fun playing cards, dancing, fishing, and oil painting. She really enjoyed taking care of her cat, Tudy, and her flowers.

Josephine has two daughters, Debbie Elliott of San Diego, Calif., and Kim (Ron) Pendill of Spencer, Ind. She has seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic church in Arma at 10:30 a.m. on June 5, 2023. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Pittsburg.