Lela Audrey Huddleston, age 94, of South Haven, KS went to her eternal rest on October 16, 2008.

Lela Huddleston, maiden name Mantooth, of South Haven was born on August 10, 1914 in Wauneta, KS to Frank and Sylvia (Straight) Mantooth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis V. Huddleston, who died in 1969, by three brothers, Ivan Mantooth of Wellington, KS, Ed Mantooth of Denver, Colorado and Donald Mantooth, who died as a child, and one sister, Teena Brown of Overland Park, KS.

She is survived by her three sons, Donald Huddleston of Wellington, Darrell Huddleston and his wife Bunny of Concord, NH and Lawrence Huddleston of South Haven, two grandchildren, Justin Huddleston of Somersweorth, NH and Sarah Dickinson of Pembroke, NH, one great grandchild Emma Grace Huddleston of Somersworth, NH, and three brothers, Kenneth Mantooth of Reno, NV, Charles Mantooth of Woodlawn Hills, CA, and Dean Mantooth of Hutchinson, KS, and two sisters, Ruth Reed of Ft. Collins, CO and Maxine Mitchell of Drury, KS, plus numerous nieces and nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Lela and Francis were married in 1933 in Leon, KS where Lela's parents lived. They first moved to a farm in the Bluff City area and then in 1936 purchased a farm three miles West of South Haven. They lived there from 1936 until 1971. After Francis died in 1969, she took care of Donald, their developmentally disabled son by herself. Eventually, she sold the farm to nephew Tom Mitchell and moved into South Haven where she lived with Donald and later Lawrence who cared for her until her health failed. In May she moved to the Countryside Home in Wellington, was then hospitalized at Sumner Regional Medical Center and placed in hospice care at the Golden Living Center nursing home in Wellington where she peacefully passed away. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care those facilities gave to Lela.

A devout and faithful Christian woman she was the pianist and organist at the United Methodist Church for over fifty years. She had been a church pianist and organist at prior churches since she was 16 years old. She and her sister Maxine Mitchell often played duets together not only for the church, but also for the enjoyment of the extended family. She was an active member of the Eastern Star in South Haven for many years having received her 50 year pin. Lela was an active member of the United Methodist Women and provided leadership and many musical programs over the years. She also enjoyed being hostess at these activities.

Lela loved to read, having especially a keen interest in history. She had an inquisitive mind and a love of learning. Tending her flower garden was one of her passions, especially iris, having raised many different varieties of that flower. If any of the children had a question about flowers, trees or shrubs she knew the answer. She was an accomplished quilter having won many grand prizes for her hand made quilts. She made special quilts for all her children and grandchildren. In addition, she enjoyed crocheting and other handiwork. Her family also remembers her as being a fine cook and pie maker.

Lela will be remembered by her family for her unconditional love, compassion, thoughtfulness, and kindness. She was a most loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in South Haven, KS. Reverend Russell McAlister will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Rose Hill Cemetery in South Haven.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 4:00 – 9:00 P.M. and on Friday, October 24, 2008 from 4:00 – 9:00 P.M. The family will be present to greet friends on Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.

A memorial has been established with the United Methodist Church in South Haven, KS. Contributions can be left at the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.