Areta M. Latimer

Areta Mae Latimer, 83, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015, at Vintage Park. Family will meet with friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at Wellsville Cemetery, Wellsville, Kansas. Areta was born Monday, April 11, 1932, on a farm north of Wellsville, the daughter of John Lester and Dorothy (Barnett) Cramer. She was a lifelong Franklin County resident, raised in Wellsville, moving to Ottawa after graduating high school. She graduated from Wellsville High School. Areta was united in marriage with Ralph Latimer, Jr. June 15, 1952, in Wellsville. He preceded her in death in 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Dorothy Cramer; and great granddaughter, Elaina Black. Survivors include her two children, Cheryl Black and husband Lyle of Ottawa and Steve Latimer of Yates Center, Kansas; two sisters, Shirley Papps of Ottawa and Carolyn Beeler also of Ottawa; five grandchildren, Angie Hook and husband Jay, Betsy Hedges and husband Jason, Casey Black and wife Beth, Bethany Gregory and husband Derek, and Kari Latimer; seven great grandchildren, Audrey Hook, Evelyn Hook, Addison Hedges, Jacelyn Hedges, Keondre Gregory, Quentin Gregory, and Nyasia Latimer. Areta was a hard working devoted homemaker who also continued helping her parents on the family farm near Wellsville. She was also employed with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service of Ottawa. She enjoyed cooking for family gatherings and canning produce from her vegetable garden. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Areta’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com