Lawanda Joanne Gorton

LaWanda Joanne (Enyart) Gorton was born June 17, 1933, at Worden, Kansas. She was the daughter of George Lyle and Sarah Marie (Flory) Enyart. LaWanda made her home in Ottawa until her death on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the age of ninety years. She graduated from Ottawa High school with the class of 1952. LaWanda was united in marriage to Garry Gorton November 8, 1953, in Ottawa. They shared sixty-five years of marriage. He preceded her in death on January 21, 2019.

For sixty-two years, LaWanda has been a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, on several committees, with the W.P.W (Westminster Presbyterian Women), and also a Sunday school teacher and den mother.

LaWanda worked for Dr. Lyman Sr., D.D. in 1960s as a dental assistant and King Radio in Ottawa from 1973, until her retirement in 1995.

LaWanda loved spending time with her family, that made her truly happy. She loved cooking and baking, always looking for new recipes. She enjoyed watching the cooking shows, and also Hallmark movies. LaWanda liked doing crafts, sewing and quilting. Family and friends received many quilted items. She was a member of the Kansas Sunflower Quilters Guild for many years. LaWanda was a member of the Red Hatter’s and enjoyed socializing with friends at club meetings. She also loved to travel. LaWanda and Garry enjoyed seeing places and learning the history of old barns and taking pictures and creating scrapbooks of their adventures. They were also members of the Power of the Past Antique Tractor Shows. They really enjoyed that time together. LaWanda was also an avid Chiefs fan, always excited to watch and cheer for her team on game days,

LaWanda was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters Marylou Lou Laughlin and Betty Harlow; and a great grandson Skyler Gorton.

She is survived by her sons Chris Gorton and wife Jane of Emporia; Brent Gorton and wife Christy of Princeton; Craig Gorton of Ottawa; Brian Gorton and wife Tammy of Pomona; ten grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

LaWanda will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 am, Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Family will greet friends from 5:30-7:30 pm., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa.

Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Westminster Presbyterian Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.