Cledythe Elmira Brandon

Cledythe Elmira Brandon of Wichita, Kansas, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. She lived 99 amazing years. Cledythe was born on November 4, 1915 in Santa Fe, KS to Clyde and Ethel Beymer. Spending the majority of her youth in Lakin, KS she loved to roam the wheat fields with her four belovedly “mischievous” brothers and spend time with her family which was always treasured. She cherished from her upbringing the importance of being an honest, caring person and living each day guided by the Ten Commandments. Cledythe attended Fort Hayes State College where she received a teaching certificate. During this time she also volunteered for the USO greeting the soldiers' trains serving them homemade cookies and helping them write letters to loved ones. On August 4, 1939 she married the love of her life, David Soderberg and they moved to Wichita to start a life together. David and Cledythe were blessed with two daughters; Linda Jeanne (McKay) and Martha Jayne (Cusick). Sadly, tragedy struck and David was killed while helping to change a tire on December 25, 1945. Bravely, Cledythe gathered strength through her Faith and was able to move on for her young daughters. Many years later she found happiness with (Robert) Bob Brandon whom she married in 1949. They were together for over 50 years until his passing. Cledythe was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, member of Triad, Ester Circle, 50/50 Class and a founding member of the First Quilters . She was a dedicated member of PEO Chapter DJ (still actively attending meetings this past year), 20th Century Club and her cherished book club for over 50 years. She was a master gardener of roses, an avid bridge player and loved to challenge all family members at Skipbo. She was also a devoted KU and Shocker basketball fan never missing a game. Above all, her favorite pastime was spending time with her beloved grandchildren; many memories were made at "Gam's" house on Rutland with summers in the pool, trips to Lakin and Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. She is predeceased by her parents and her brothers: Elton, Dick, Clyde and Gail Beymer and their spouses. Cledythe leaves behind a blessed and loving family: her daughters Linda (Mike) McKay of St. Louis and Martha (fiancé Jack Connor) Cusick of Wichita. Grandchildren Kimberly (Scott) Penning of Kansas City, MO; Kerri (Jeff) Hirsch of Newport Beach, CA; Molly McKay (Joe Webster) of Arlington, VA; Mia (Matt) Tiefenbrunn of Sullivan, MO; Scott (Janna) Cusick of Andover, KS; Jenny Cusick of Fayetteville, AR; Spencer (Heather) Cusick of Wichita, KS and Christy (Orion) Anderson of Seattle, WA; twenty-one Great Grandchildren, two Great Great Grandchildren and her devoted nephews, nieces and many dear friends. Cledythe’s family would like to thank Dr. Ray Fischer, his staff and all the wonderful “angels” at Larksfield Place for their years of dedication and love. You were all so special to her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 5-7:00pm at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, 201 South Hydraulic Street, Wichita, KS. Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10:00am at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67202.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cledythe’s name to First United Methodist Church; Downtown Alive - Television Ministries Program.