Elfrieda Shellenberger

Shellenberger. She was the oldest of six children and at 103 survived them all. Her early years were

spent in what is now Wichita’s North Riverside and Midtown neighborhoods. She attended North High School and was very active in school organizations. She attended Bethany Penial College in Bethany,

Oklahoma and graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later earned a Master of Arts

degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. It appears as though she never earned anything but an “A” in her life. Most of her teaching years were spent at East High School over a 36-year span. For

over two decades she was head of the English Department. During that time, she was named

curriculum coordinator in the secondary English field by the Board of Education. Her mission was to revise teaching methods at that level.

She attained national status when she was listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Fourth Edition, 1966-1967 (Wilmette, IL: Marquis Who’s Who, 1965). This directory serves to acknowledge “formidable women from diverse industries including education, business, the arts and communications.”

She was loved by her students. Two years ago this month Barbara Hammond wrote an article about her in the Active Age paper. She mentioned the comments she had heard about Miss Shellenberger. “She was my favorite teacher of all time,” “I found she had a quick wit which surprised at times”, and “What a gift she was to all of us who enjoyed her English literature class.” Dr. Robert Gates wrote in a personal letter to her, “Special thanks for setting high standards for us and expecting us to meet them…You also brought elegance and style to the classroom in a way that impressed and elevated us”.

She belonged to the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and Botanica. She had season tickets to Music Theater of Wichita and attended with a friend who had “connections” that allowed them to go backstage. She loved to travel both at home and in foreign countries.

She was a strong woman of faith and was very active in the First Church of the Nazarene where she was secretary of the church board for decades. She kept meticulous minutes. She also sang in the choir,

taught a Bible study class, was active in the World Missions program and at times taught a Sunday

School class.

Her relationship with her family, especially her nieces and nephews, was special. They will testify to her sense of humor, her lovely Christmas decorations, beautifully wrapped gifts, and her elegant tables. It was always special for them to go to Aunt Elfrieda’s house for the holidays. It was nearly impossible to

miss the flowers she carefully tended to make the entrance to her home warm and appealing.

To the last hours of her life, she remained a person of gratitude and grace. Over the years she was

known for her cards reflecting her thanks and appreciation. This did not diminish as her health

deteriorated and she was in the care of staff at Sedgwick Plaza and recently, Compassion Within

Hospice. They loved her and counted it a privilege to serve her because of her positive smile,

countenance and spirit that was contagious. Such is a life well lived.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Wichita First Church of the Nazarene for World Missions, 1400 E Kellogg,

Wichita KS 67211.