Sigma Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta
P.O. Box 3796
Lawrence, KS 66046
Address Service Requested
SIGMA NEWS
@KU_GammaPhi
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Welcome,
New Members!
McCall Smith '21 | Overland Park, Kan.
Britney Wilkins '21 | Osage City, Kan.
Remembering Housemother Esther Werling
E
sther Agnes Meyer Werling, former housemother of Sigma
Chapter, passed away on September 9, 2020, at the age of
98. A er gradua ng from St. John's College in 1941, Esther was
a primary teacher at St. James Lutheran School in Quincy, Ill.
She married her husband, Dick, who served in the U.S. Navy,
on November 21, 1943. A er World War II, they se led in
Hill City, Kan., and had seven children.
As a loving and devoted wife and mother, Esther excelled in
her role as homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and her
children s ll describe her cherry pie as "the best in the world!"
She played the organ for Sunday church services and on Saturdays
led a Bible class for children and adults with intellectual disabili es. Esther was also a
spokesperson for assis ng Lutheran churches throughout the state of Kansas in star ng Sunday
School classes for children with disabili es.
Following Dick's death in 1975 and prior to her re rement, Esther spent eight years as Gamma
Phi's beloved housemother. In 2009, she moved to an independent living facility in the Kansas
City area, followed by Olathe.
Esther is survived by four daughters, 14 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren. Our hearts
are with them and we are thankful for Esther's me with Gamma Phi Beta.
IN MEMORIAM
T
he KU cheerleading team was crowned
na onal champions in April a er
compe ng in the UCA College Virtual Na onal
Championships. Congratula ons to Gamma Phi
members Violet Bartle '20, Alexis Keller '19,
and Grace Ludwick '20.
GAMMA PHI
CHEERLEADERS!
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