Versene Kolter

Versene Strahm Kolter, 99, of Wichita, went to her heavenly home on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Catholic Care Center. Versene was born in Gridley, KS., the first of seven children born to Lawrence and Celia Wilson. A woman of strong faith, she was a longtime member of Calvary United Methodist Church. She had a gift of putting into practice the ideals of her Christian beliefs. A retired Wesley Medical Center LPN, Versene worked hard to provide a healthy start for numerous premature infants. She had a passion for plants(particularly roses) and was a skilled arranger. A member of the Wichita Rose Society and the American Rose Society, she volunteered at Botanica The Wichita Gardens for 20 years. Versene particularly enjoyed activities with her extended family at the Highland House and later at Sedgwick Plaza. Her friends at those facilities brought her much joy. She was preceded in death by husbands Herman Strahm and Glen Kolter; brothers Clayton Wilson, Donald Wilson, Richard Wilson; and sisters Doris Wilson and Genevieve Whitlock. Survivors include her son Dr. Norman (Patti) Strahm of Glenview, IL; daughter Nelda (Dr. Tom) Hickey of Mt. Vernon, IN; sister Rosemary Fritts of Adrian, MO; stepson Dale Kolter of Douglass, KS, stepdaughters Glenda Benoit of Haysville, KS and Janice Hunt of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Douglas (Beverly) Hickey of Glen Carbon, IL; Joella Stiles of Newburgh, IN; and Erik Strahm of San Francisco, CA; and five great grandsons. Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Rd., with Rev. Michael Marion officiating and burial to follow at White Chapel Cemetery. Visitation: Monday, February 1, from 3-6pm at Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, 115 S. Seneca and prior to service time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church or Botanica Gardens.