Alvena I. Dewey

Alvena I. Dewey, age 72, of Syracuse, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at her home in Syracuse. She was born April 18, 1946, in Lakin, Kansas, the daughter of Jim and Irene (Hanson) Zahnter.

Alvena grew up in Syracuse and had worked as a waitress, cook, and machinist. She enjoyed reading, watching old western movies, crocheting, sewing, baking, and making homemade noodles. She raised chickens, farm animals, and cared for any stray animals or people that need special attention. Alvena loved nothing more than spending time with her family.

She is survived by her significant other of 32 years, Thomas Simpson of Syracuse; children, Pamela LaCost and husband Duane of Kendall, Wade Dewey of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Kimberly Dewey of Garden City, and Daniel Dewey of Syracuse; brothers, Sonny Murphy of Florida, Chad Zahnter of Kansas, Gordon Zahnter of Great Bend, and Alvin Zahnter of Russell; sisters, Beverly Beer of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Louetta Edwards of Mesquite, Nevada, and Laura Beesley of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Shawn, David, Brandon, Colby, Daniel, and Erin; and one great-grandchild, Nicholas.

Alvena is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ron, Herman, and Jimmy; and sister, Wilma.

Memorial service will be at 2:00 PM (MT) on Monday, February 11, 2019, at New Life Fellowship Church in Syracuse, Kansas, with Pastor Bill Roberts officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to Alvena Dewey Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, Kansas 67855.