Keitha Ruth Bohlander

Keitha Ruth Bohlander, 86, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at her home. She was born Nov. 15, 1923, in Walnut, Kan., the daughter of Frederick K. Bohlander and Fern Martin Bohlander. She was a graduate of Walnut High School and received her bachelor's degree from Pittsburg in 1951. She obtained her master's degree in history in 1952. Keitha continued her education at the University of Wyoming and worked on her Doctoral degree at the University of Kansas. She was retired as history professor and counselor from Fort Scott Community College. She also taught developmental psychology, geography, economics and genealogy. Keitha was active in many local organizations. She founded the Fort Scott Genealogical Society and began a Masonic organization in Fort Scott, the Order of Amaranth. In addition, she was active in the American Association of University Women. She was elected the first president of the Fort Scott Community College Teacher Association the year the college moved to its current site. Her many awards include Outstanding Educator, World's Who Who of Women, and Community Leaders of America. She served as past state president of American Association of University Women, past state president of Kansas State Council of Genealogical Societies, past Royal Grand Matron of Kansas Order of Aramanth, and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Eta Chapter. She was a 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star and was a member of the Walnut United Methodist Church.

Keitha was the last of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Frank Martin Bohlander, and two infant sisters, Bernodine Fern Bohlander and Gwendolyn Maxine Bohlander. Survivors include cousins and many friends.

The Rev. Lillie J. DeMetz will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 14, in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery at Walnut, Kan.

Memorials in her honor may be given to the Keitha Bohlander Scholarship Fund at the Fort Scott Community College.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.