Jacqueline Converse

WHITEWATER - Jacquelyn Ann Converse, 87, of Whitewater, Kansas, passed away Dec. 10, 2015, at Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado, Kansas.  Jackie was born July 17, 1928, in Butler County, Kansas, the daughter of Ed & Fern (Ullum) Strasser.  She attended school in the Whitewater & Potwin areas. Jackie was a cosmetologist, graduating from Vernon’s School of Cosmetology in Wichita, Kansas. She owned and operated salons in Wichita and Missouri. Jackie was an avid flower gardener, was an animal lover and enjoyed shopping on the jewelry channel. Her Grandchildren thought she was a “fun” grandmother and loved her “big hair”.  Jackie and Jim Converse were married in St. Louis on November 29, 1971. They lived most of their married life in the Houston, Texas area. Upon retirement they moved to Whitewater, to be closer to family.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Chip Ellis; brothers, Floyd “Buddy” and Blake Strasser; sisters, Lorene Watts and Sandra Matzenbacher; and a great-granddaughter Faith Johnston.  She is survived by her husband, Jim of the home; a daughter, Julie Johnston and husband Joe of Albert Lea, Minnesota; her grandsons: Alex Johnston and wife Angie of Albert Lea, Minnesota; Blair Johnston and wife Emily of St Paul, Minnesota; and Chad Ellis of Cambridge, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law Robin Ellis of Chicago, Illinois; and her great-grandchildren: Hayden, Adler, Bryant, Maeve, Jameson and Nolan Johnston.  She is also survived by her sisters: Vicki Cook and husband Dick of Hutchinson; Sherry Edwards of Whitewater, and Candy Elting and husband Jim of Whitewater; her brothers: Dennis Strasser of Peabody; and Larry Strasser of Potwin; and her beloved Yorkie, “Alfie”.  Cremation has taken place. In Celebration of Jackie’s life, the family will receive friends and neighbors from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2015, at Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater.  A Memorial Fund has been established for Wheat State Manor, in care of Lamb Funeral Home, 120 S Main, Whitewater, KS, 67154.  Online condolences may be left at:  www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.