Alverta “Sis” Seelye

May 6, 1903 – May 21, 2003

Publication Date: May 24, 2003 – Hutchinson News, Hutchinson, Kansas

Alverta “Sis” Seelye, aged 100, of La Crosse, KS, died May 21, 2003 at the Rush County Nursing Home, La Crosse. She was born May 6, 1903 on a farm near the Ellis-Rush County line near Dutch Hollow, the daughter of Christian Benjamin and Sophia Marie Doerr. She was a lifetime resident of Ellis and Rush counties, attended a one-room school in Ellis County. She was a homemaker and farm wife. She was a member of the Dames Club at Fort Hays State University and a past president of the What Not Club.

On September 5, 1925, she married Arthur G. Seelye in Scott City, KS. He died December 14, 1949. Survivors include one daughter, Ruthetta Hansen of McCracken, KS; a sister-in-law, Freda Doerr of Yuma, AZ; two grandchildren, John Hansen of McCracken, and Steven Hansen and his wife Bonnie of Garden City, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Alfred Arthur Seelye and Leland Keith Seelye; one son-in-law, Charles Hansen; four brothers, Leonard W. Doerr, William H. Doerr, Benjamin A. Doerr and Herbert G. Doerr.

Obituary prepared by her daughter Ruthette Hansen

Alverta Carolina Doerr Seelye (Sis)

Born to Christian Benjamin Doerr and Sophia Marie Doerr on May 6, 1903. On a farm near the Ellis-Rush County Line near Dutch Hallow.

She went to school in a one-room school, Riverside Dist #30 in Ellis County. Where she and her brothers walked the two miles to school every day. When her parents boarded a teacher she walked with them also.

She was the only girl with four brothers. She was the second to the oldest. Her brothers were Leonard Wenner, William Henry, Benjamin Albert, and Herbert George.

She married Arthur Grant Seelye on September 5, 1925 at Scott City. They were married 24 years.

To this union were born three children, Alfred Arthur, Leland Keith, and Ruthetta Marie.

She was active in sveral organizations such as: In the early 50’s she belonged to the Dames Club at Fort Hays State, HDU, and What Not Club, being president at one time.

She was of the Methodist faith.

In the early 50’s she provided room and board for a couple of college girls. Was a homemaker, baby sitter, substitute cooks helper at a school, also a friend to many and opening her home to nurse a sick friend. Her nieces and nephews were very special people to her and they always new they had an extra home if needed. She loved to cook for a couple of high school boys during their lumch hour when they were permitted to go to her home to eat.

She enjoyed her grandchildren very much especially when they took her fishing or riding in a canoe…. Also many cookies were needed.

She was noted for her wonderful home made bread, pies and cakes. Her son-in-law would always call her meals a banquet. She loved to entertain. She was cooking and entertaining at the age of 97.

After a short illness she entered the Rush county Nursing Home in July 20, 2000.

She is survived by her daughter Ruthetta Hansen, McCracken. Her grandchildren John Hansen, McCracken, Steven Hansen and his wife Bonnie, Garden City.

Nieces Nancy Allen, Bison. Elaine Barker, Topeka, Patricia Raikes, Topeka, Charlotte Biays, Timken, and Brenda Stephens, Yuma Arizona.

Also several cousins and friends.

She lost her husband Arthur; sons: Alfred and Leland; son-in-law: Charles Hansen; two nieces: Thelma Jean Bizek and Sherla Lee Ferguson. One nephew: Dennis Doerr.

Brothers: Leonard, William, Benjamin, and Herbert. Sister-in-laws: Faye Doerr, Thelma Doerr, Esther Butler, and Edith Bizek. Two brother-in-laws: Charles Bizek and Wesley Butler.

She left this world on May 21, 2003.

Her services will be at 2:00 Saturday May 24, 2003 at the Janousek Funeral Home. Visitation from 12:00 until 1:45 Saturday May 24, 2003.