Lillian F. Whitsel Barger Claphan, 84, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend. She was born Oct. 14, 1930, at Great Bend, the daughter of George and Frances (Koelsch) Whitsel, Sr.
Claphan had been a waitress for Homer’s Cafe, Mayflower Cafe, Jay hawk Cafe, Starlite Club, and Ralph Wallace. She later worked as a CNA for Great Bend Manor. She was a lifetime Great Bend resident, and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, rural Albert.
Survivors include: Four sons, Steven W. Barger and wife Brenda of Great Bend, David E. Barger of Hoisington, Darrell Claphan and wife Gina of Wichita, and Charles L. Claphan of Rose Hill; two daughters, Martheda “Marty” Hanhardt and husband Don of Albert and Ronalda “Roni” Chastin and husband Roger of Hillsboro; two sisters, Norma Smith of Hoisington and Dora “Jeanie” Gregory of Great Bend; foster son, Paul Divine of Oklahoma City, Okla.; 20 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: one son, Melvin LeRoy Claphan; three brothers, Franklin Whitsel, Melvin Whitsel, and George Whitsel Jr.; four sisters, Meda Rankin, Sarah “Sue” Suchy, Josephine “Jody” Young, and infant Edna Mae Whitsel; one grandson; and one granddaughter
Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, Peace Lutheran Church, rural Albert, with the Rev. Patricia Reep officiating. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church or Elder Care, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by Delete - Merge Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 2, 2015