Edith Gustafson

Edith (Bradford) Gustafson, of Moran, Kansas, died December 22, 2007, at Moran Manor Nursing Home in Moran, Kansas. She was born July 15, 1902 at a farm near Elsmore, Kansas, the daughter of Charles Bradford and Anna (Carter) Bradford. In 1935 she married M. H. Bock, who preceded her in death on March 5, 1940. She married Captain C. W. Gustafson in 1942, and he preceded her in death in 1968. She graduated from Kansas State University, Pittsburg University Diploma Business College, National Underwriters, and Arts in Oil, and was awarded many certificates and plaques of honor and achievements. Due to an unstable economy during the 30 Depression, she had diversified employment. She was a teacher in Allen County for ten years, a substitute teacher at Pittsburg University for one semester and a substitute teacher at El Dorado High School. She was also a freelance writer and columnist, and an Advertising Manager for the Kansas Medical Journal. The Iola Register gave her employment in the Job Department where she was taught many skills in printing, layouts, proof reading, bookbinding, and authentic reporting, all which was very rewarding for later employment with the Wichita Eagle and Wichita Beacon and an extra proof reader for Manhattan Mercury. Also, while living in Wichita, she assisted in research and compiling information at the Wichita Police Department and making them into a book for student police to study state, nationally and abroad. At the age of 93 she wrote and published the Cuesta Touchstone, a pioneer documentary in Allen County. She won the Kansas Authors award and the Lyons Cash award. She has written many short essays and stories of human interest and the wildlife near her home to be relevant to man. The winters were spent in Texas where she painted special Texas landscapes and was recognized by the Texas Arts Association. Many of her large paintings were purchased for homes and offices in Corpus Christi and Dallas. In 1930 she donated a financial gift for her parents to purchase a farm and in 1960 she gave up a career as an underwriter to give personal care to an aged and ill parent. She attended the Moran Methodist church and was a member of the Woman Society, a former member of University Women, Business and Professional Women, Texas Community Arts, the Teachers and Secretaries Association, National Underwriters, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Auxiliaries, Moran Eastern Star and Republican Club. She is survived by two grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two sons, an adopted grandson, three sisters, her parents, two husbands and four brothers.