DODGE CITY - Edna Mae Moomaw, 93, died November 18, 2011 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. She was born on August 20, 1918 in Ford County the daughter of Edward and Sadie B. (Bealmear) Archer.

Living her life in the country made her the person she was. She experienced the "dirty thirties' which brought to her an appreciation for only having and using what you need to live each day. Both the Archer and the Moomaw Families have been in the area for 100 years. Moving west, the Archer's settled here from Iowa locating to Ford County and the Moomaw's from Missouri locating to Gray County.

Edna Mae got her teaching certificate and after teaching for several years she began working at Casterlines. While she was single Edna Mae joined her friends, Pauline, Edna & Edred Allen, Ella Gonder and Blanche Stauth in summer adventures traveling to Yellowstone and Estes Park, Colorado.

Prior to the war she met and dated Andy Moomaw. Andy went to serve in World War II, once peace was declared, he returned from the service and wasted no time in making Edna Mae his bride. He proposed on St. Patrick's Day and they were married a month later on April 18th, 1946 at Dodge City. After a honeymoon to the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Rocky Mountains, and Denver they started a lifetime together farming and running cattle south of Ensign. Andy was the love of her life and she advised her daughters "never pass up a chance to spend time with your husband, the cleaning and laundry can wait till tomorrow". In August 1986 Andy and Edna Mae were fortunate to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. The day was filled with memories shared by family and friends.

Edna Mae kept busy with all three children making sure they had the opportunity to participate in a multitude of activities, lessons, 4-H, and sporting events. Spending time shopping for the grandchildren and spoiling them with treats was a big part of her role as Grandma. It didn't matter if it was events of Bob's children, traveling to New Mexico to visit Peggy's family or spending time with Ann's family in Montana. She enjoyed and took pride in each of them and their place in life. Even from a distance she made sure to know what was taking place in her families lives and enjoyed hearing about the great grandchildren.

Her most special moments were spent when she got all her kids, their families and her extended family together for what some of her grand kids fondly called "The Do". We're not talking about a bouffant hair do, but rather the Saturday evenings after some shopping and a quick trip to Dillons for a loaf of french bread and making a steaming pot of spaghetti sauce. She delighted in everyone gathering around her kitchen table.

On December 1, 2003, following open heart surgery, she moved to Manor of the Plains independent living and then in 2007 became a resident of assisted living at the Manor. She enjoyed visiting with all of the residents, helping and participating in various activities. She would help with Bingo in healthcare, made quilts and was active with the New Comers. Each spring she thoroughly enjoyed helping gardening in the courtyard and visiting with friends in the warm Kansas sun. Nothing brightened her day more than a rousing game of pitch or winning at Bingo.

As her life started to slowdown the past few months she did her best to stay busy, enjoy each day with her friends at the Manor, being in touch daily with family members and always wearing her jewelry to be fully dressed. She loved color in her life. In celebrating her life, wear your brightest attire, put on your favorite piece of jewelry, carry a bright red purse, and know you will be making her smile.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Dodge City and was active in the Church Circle. Mrs. Moomaw was also actively involved in the Gray County Extension Board, Ensign Keenagers and was a4-H Leader.

Edna Mae is survived by a son, Bob Moomaw of Ensign; two daughters, Peggy Soice and husband Phil of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Ann Graff and husband Marlin of Great Falls, Montana; sister-in-law, Deloris Archer of Dodge City; eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, B.B. Archer and sister, Margaret Thompson

Funeral service will be held at First Christian Church on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:30 AM with Mr. Phil Scott presiding. Burial will follow at Ensign Cemetery in Ensign. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from noon to 8:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Presbyterian Manor of the Plains in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.