Beryl Mae Hobbs

Beryl Mae Hobbs, 101, of Ottawa, Kansas, died Friday, November 7, 2014, at Baldwin City, Kansas. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, Kansas. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas Beryl was born Monday, June 2, 1913, in Syracuse, Kansas, the daughter of William Joseph and Rose Mae (Else) Swords. She has lived in Ottawa since 1927, moving from Brownell, Kansas. Beryl graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1932. On August 9, 1934, Beryl was united in marriage with Clifford R. Hobbs. He preceded her in death on June 6, 1990. Survivors include her daughter, Judy Briscoe and husband Gerald of Virginia Beach, Virginia; three grandchildren, Cathy Allred and husband Neil of Virginia Beach, Kara Patchin and husband David of Cary, North Carolina, and Ronald Briscoe and wife Debby of Virginia Beach; seven great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers, Willie, Ralph J. and Stephen R. Swords; two sisters, Margaret Bryant and Martha Swords. Beryl was employed at The Ottawa Herald since high school, working in many capacities including mailroom supervisor, retiring in 2003. In 2001, Beryl was honored in Washington D.C., by Green Thumb, as the outstanding older employee for the state of Kansas. Beryl was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ottawa. She enjoyed reading, embroidery and especially loved time with her family at home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Samaritan House, Virginia Beach, Virginia c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Mrs. Hobbs’ Celebration Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.