Lorraine Wilcox

Lorraine Bruner Wilcox, age 84, of Paola, Kansas passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at her home in Paola, KS. She was born on January 6, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Walter Eberlee and Agnes Mackie Bruner. She grew up near Mapleton, KS, attending the one room school house next door to her family farm in "Mud Hollow" with her 8 brothers and sisters. The family often boarded the school teacher in their already crowed home, to the delight of Lorraine and her brothers and sisters. She started school at the age of 4, and loved the treats that came from "taking the teacher home", such as piano lessons, singing, and story time at home. At age 14 Lorraine moved to town to work as a nanny and housekeeper for a beautician in Blue Mound, KS who ran beauty shop in her home, while she attended Blue Mound High School. She graduated in 1947, and went on to fulfill one of her life long dreams, attending Templeton School of Cosmetology in Kansas City, MO, where she graduated in December of 1947. After working in Kansas City, MO for 2 years, she moved back home to Mud Hollow and worked in a salon in Kincaid, KS. Having met W.H. Wilcox Jr. at the age of 14 and falling immediately and irrevocably in love, on June 5, 1949, they were married at the Federated Church in Blue Mound, Kansas, and made their home on a farm near Blue Mound. They were blessed with 3 children, Kenneth Gene, Willis Dean and Rosemary. In 1957, the family moved to Paola, KS. Lorraine worked in a beauty salon in the home of Floyd and Carrie Fickel before she and Rose Windler opened the LaRose Beauty Salon in 1960. Lorraine became the sole owner of her shop when Rose moved out of state a few years later. She moved her shop to 2 other locations over 25 years, and had a faithful following. Many of her customers planned their vacations around hers so they wouldn"t have to have anyone else do their hair. She loved her work, her employees and customers, an enjoyed an uncountable circle of friends. When her family came to visit, Sunday afternoons were often spent with her sisters and nieces in the beauty shop giving perms. She loved being able to do that for them, and for anyone who couldn"t afford her services. After her retirement in 1985, Lorraine and W.H. enjoyed many memorable trips throughout the US, Canada, and Europe where they made countless lifelong friends. In their retirement, they spent many years at the family farm near Blue Mound, KS, restoring it to its original beauty and function. They also enjoyed regular attendance at country music shows in Fort Scott, KS, Louisburg, KS, Westline, MO, and several other communities in the area. Lorraine and W.H. celebrated 65 years of marriage in June of this year. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Agnes Bruner; two sisters, Mary Josephine Bruner and Pauline Badders; and one brother, Virgil Bruner; and most recently her twin sister, Leora Ross on September 09, 2014. She is survived by her husband W.H Wilcox; three children Ken Wilcox of Houston, TX, Bill Wilcox (Colleen) of Olathe, KS; and Rosemary Watson (Charlie) of Blue Mound, KS. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren (and their spouses) and 14 great grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren (and their spouses) and 4 step great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Venita Miller of Kincaid, Kansas, Shirley Ball of Garnett, KS, and Marilyn Bruner of Fort Scott, KS; sister-in-law, Freda Bruner of Mound City, KS; and two brothers, Willard Bruner and wife Darla, and Joe Bruner, all of Fort Scott, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Lorraine requested donations to Autism Speaks or St. Jude"s Children"s Hospital. Contributions may be left at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. To share a special memory of Lorraine or to leave a condolence message for her family, please click the "Share Memories" tab.