Anita Ellen Fischer, 68, passed away March 12, 2022, KU Med Center, Kansas City, Kan.  She was born September 18, 1953, in Hutchinson, to Arthur Wilson and Frankie Lea (Watkins) Keffer.  Ellen married Dennis Fischer Feb. 1, 1975, at Peace Church, Hudson.

Ellen, a longtime resident of Great Bend coming from Hutchinson, had been the personal property/appraisal clerk for the Barton County Appraiser’s Office for nearly 30 years, retiring in Dec., 2021.  She previously worked as a senior draftsperson for Welex, Halliburton.  Ellen was a graduate of Great Bend High School Class of 1971 and she graduated from Barton Community College with an Associates in Music. She was a member of Peace Church of Hudson, Barton County Sheriff’s Reserve, Kansas County Appraisers Association and Kansas Traditional Muzzleloading Association.  Her zest for life led to activities such as Mountain Men Rendezvous and teaching line dancing for the Great Bend Recreation Commission.  She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking, and above all, time with her grandson, Braxton.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis of the home; one son, Tom Fischer (Jennifer) of Hudson; three brothers, Arthur E. Keffer (Terri) of Ellinwood, William G. Keffer (Vicki) of Kansas City, Mo., and Lee A. Keffer (Brenda) of Russell; two sisters, Jean Herrman (Larry Partridge) of Great Bend and Anna Donecker (Craig) of Great Bend; one grandson, Braxton Fischer; mother in law, Donna Fischer, brother in law, Galen Fischer, sister and brother in law, Tammy and Bill Milton, all of Hudson; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; many friends; and her many adopted children of the heart.  She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Jayne Wapelhorst; one niece, Jayne Lea Shumate; twin grandsons, Austin Lee and Wyatt Allen Fischer; and father in law, Gerald Fischer.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Peace Church, Hudson, 492 NE 140th St., Hudson, KS 67545, with Pastor Tonya Andrews and Pastor Wade Russell presiding.  Interment will follow at Peace Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home.  Memorials may be given to Kans for Kids or Barton County Sheriff’s Office Reserves Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 16, 2022