Emma A. Olberding

Emma A. Olberding, 94, of Rt.1, Seneca, Kansas, in the St. Benedict Community, died early morning on Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at Crestview Manor Care Home in Seneca. She was admitted there July 26, 2002.
     She was born December 16, 1907, the daughter of Frank and Agnes Runnebaum, on a farm southwest of St. Benedict. She grew up there and attended St. Mary's School at St. Benedict. Emma did domestic work at homes in the area before her marriage.
     On April 25, 1939, she married Albert F. Olberding at St. Mary's Church in St. Benedict. They farmed, raised cattle, and operated a dairy southwest of St. Benedict. Emma continued to live on the farm after her husband, Albert, died on December 8, 1980. Her daughter-in-law, Betty, and her son, Albert, Jr., took care of her during her failing health.
     Her memberships include St. Mary's Church and the Altar Society, where she had held offices. Emma kept a large garden and took great pride in giving her home-canned goods to friends and family. She also enjoyed crocheting, bingo, visiting with her friends in person or on the phone, and following her grandchildren in sports.
     Survivors include a son, Albert F. Olberding, Jr. of Rt. 1, Seneca; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
     Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Olberding on February 27, 1941 and a granddaughter, Mary Ann Olberding on September 27, 1973. Emma was also preceded in death by four brothers, Bernard, Edward Vernice, and Henry Runnebaum and two sisters Marcella Runnebaum and Catherine Tanking.
     The mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 A.M. Friday at St. Mary's Church in St. Benedict. The rosary will be prayed at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Thursday at 2 P.M. and at 7 P.M. The burial will be in the church cemetery.
     Memorials may be given for St. Mary's Church or for the St. Benedict Baseball Association, and sent in care of the family.

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