Hurmely Elson celebrated her 80th birthday with a surprise birthday party hosted by her family, from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 21 at 5949 Birchwood in Great Bend.
Hurmely was born in Snyder, Colo., on Oct. 19, 1937, to Fred and Elizabeth Peters. She was a Wal-Mart door greeter and a pre-school teacher at Berean Christian School prior to retiring in October 2015. Her husband Richard Grant Elson died in February 2015. They had five children, Richard E. Elson and wife Nina of Great Bend, the late Betty and the late Craig Barnett, Nancy and Carlos Pennington of Garden City, Mary and Ron Anderson of Northglen, Colo., and Bobbie Elson of Great Bend; 10 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Cards may be sent to 5949 Birchwood, Great Bend, KS 67530.