Iwalani Gault Mortenson

Iwalani Gault Mortenson, age 100, passed away at her home in Vintage Park, Paola, Kansas on November 24, 2013. Iwalani was born on August 13, 1913, in Minneapolis, MN, eldest daughter of Robert S. and Elsie Dietrich Gault, both descendants of early Kansas pioneer families. Iwalani graduated from Richmond High School in 1930 and Ottawa University in 1935. Following the example of her parents, Iwalani taught in Hawaii for four years where she also met and married A.C. "Mort" Mortenson. After returning to Richmond, Kansas Iwalani moved to Paola in 1950, and spent the rest of her life living and teaching there until her retirement in 1978. She greatly enjoyed the visits by many of the hundreds of students she had during her 35 years of teaching. Iwalani was a lifelong Methodist, member of the Mayflower Society, D.A.R. and many historical societies. The Dietrich Cabin Museum in Ottawa, KS was built by her great grandparents and donated by her parents. Iwalani was preceded in death by her husband A.C. "Mort" Mortenson; daughters Lani Mortenson and Marna Mortenson Jennings and sisters Margaret Gault Young and Virginia Gault Cunningham. She is survived by daughter Joyce Mortenson Smith (Dudley) of Leawood; son Robert S. Mortenson (Rita) of Independence, MO; grandchildren Ned Smith, Patrick Smith, Daniel Mortenson, Shelley Mitchell, Scott Mortenson, and Alex Mortenson; great grandchildren Cora Mortenson, Gavin Mortenson, Leah West, A.J. Jewett, Kody Mitchell, D.J. Mortenson, Lauren Smith, Mackenzie Smith, Evan Smith, and Collin Smith; and great-great grandchildren Keeley West, Rein West, and Scarlet Mortenson (Great-mother to them all). To Tina, Cheryl and the rest of the staff at Vintage Park in Paola, KS, your care and attention over the last 13 years made it her home and she loved you all. Memorial tributes may be made to the Richmond Kansas Community Museum or the Paola School Scholarship Fund. To leave a special memory of Iwalani or a condolence message for her family please click the Share Memories button above.