Treva Kerbs

Treva Mae Kerbs, 81, passed away July 5, 2013, at Wesley Hospital, Wichita, Kan., after a brief illness.

She was born Jan. 22, 1932, at Marion, Kan. She was the daughter of Earl and Blanche (Roberts) Kelsey. She was the youngest of eight children in her family. She grew up and attended school in Marion, graduating from Marion High School in 1950.

Treva was baptized on May 28, 1939, at Marion Christian Church. She was later confirmed Jan. 27, 1952, to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Durham, Kan. As an active member of the Lutheran church, she served as Sunday school superintendent, was active in Dorcas Society, and a sponsor of Walther League. She also served on the Durham election board.

On July 12, 1950, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jack R. Kerbs, at Marion Christian Church. After their marriage they lived at Durham for a number of years.

To their union Jack and Treva celebrated the birth of three daughters: Jacqueline Ann, Gwendolyn Sue, and Crystal Joy.

Their family would later grow to include their nephew, Larry Kerbs, whom they raised. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary later this month.

Jack and Treva opened their home to foster children; they would keep one to three children at a time. Over the years, they would foster nearly 20 children.

In 1970, they moved their family to rural Marion, on the north Cedar Street road. Ten years later, they purchased a home in town.

Treva was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Don Kelsey and Wayne Kelsey; and three sisters, Earline Allen, Frances Helmer, and Lois Raleigh.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Jack; her daughters, Jackie Rector and husband, Kelly, of Lawrence, Gwen Siedel of Marion, and Crystal Nahirny and husband, Dave, of Houston; a nephew, Larry Kerbs, of Ardmore, Okla.; two brothers, Keith Kelsey of Newton and Forrest Kelsey and wife, Bea, of Marion.

Also her five grandchildren, Angela May and husband, Ron, of Lawrence, Brandon Rector of Lawrence, Shawn Winter and wife, Karly, of Lamar, Iowa, Mandi Garrison and husband, Mike, of Kingman, and Nate Nahirny of Houston; her four great-grandchildren, Brealynn May, Rhett May, Tyler Garrison, and Brianne Garrison; and a host of other nieces, nephews and friends.

The visitation with family was to be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.

The funeral service was at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Marion, with the Rev. Clark Davis officiating.

Interment will be in the Marion Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established for Our Savior Lutheran Church, in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS 66861.