Florence Marie Marple, 95, a lifelong resident of the Buffalo area, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 at Heritage Health Care in Chanute. She was born April 2, 1916 west of Buffalo, the daughter of Cloyd and Lucy Crumrine Gillispie. Florence attended grade school at West Buffalo School and graduated from Yates Center High School in 1934. She attended and was baptized at the West Buffalo Christian Church.

On June 30, 1935 in Walnut, she was united in marriage to Don Marple. He preceded her in death June 14, 1982.

Following her marriage to Don, she joined and was a very active member of the High Prairie United Methodist Church and her community. She loved music and she and Don sang in a quartet for many years. She was a homemaker for her family and also worked several years as a cook at Altoona-Midway Schools. Florence will always be remembered as a loving and giving mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend.

Her survivors include three sons, Larry and Carolyn Marple, Benedict, David Marple, Buffalo, Max and Elaine Marple, Altoona; six grandchildren, Todd Marple, Troy Marple, Kris Marple, Brandon Marple, Debbie Shivers and Robin Peugh; 12 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, Don, daughter Patricia Mickey, daughter-in-law Rhonda Marple, and sisters, Ora Burton and Elsie Chapman ,preceded her in death.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12 at the High Prairie United Methodist Church with Pastor Jose Miranda officiating. Burial will be in the High Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call at Timmons Funeral Home on Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m. A memorial has been established in Florence’s name with the High Prairie United Methodist Church and donations can be sent to Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736. Words of condolence for the family may be left at www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.