Van Jumper

Van Lee Brown Jumper, at the age of 91, passed away quietly on Sunday eve, August 21, 2016, at the Atwood Good Samaritan Center.

The oldest daughter of Russell “Russ” and Gayle (Cloe) Brown was born September 5, 1924 at the Henneberger Hospital in Atwood.

Van grew up on a family farm SW of Atwood, attending Harmony country school, then graduated from Atwood High School in 1942. She went on to K-State for a year, before returning home, working for Fern and Ted Frye Grocery and later for Hartley Dime Store. Enjoying the outdoors, she helped on the farm and home. She spent her spare time with nearby neighbors, relatives and cousins looking after and occasionally, with their help, teasing her little sister.

She married Donald Gale Jumper in October 1944, in Norton, Kansas. To this union Benjamin Ray Jumper was born, but unfortunately he passed later, in 1977, in his adult life.

She had become a housewife and mother, and with her independent attitude always worked in numerous jobs around town. Among several were telephone operator, Ridgeway Market, Welfare Office, high school secretary, Arnies Restaurant and Prideau Liquor Store. She also gave “home perms” in her home before the days of license requirements. Van was a member of Eastern Star for over 60 years, member of city council, and various other organizations. She had years as owner/operator of Atwood Floral and Sasnak Secondhand Store. She was “never fired by any employer” and was proud of that. Their home was a popular place for their families, neighbors, and friends of all ages. She and Donald helped on the farm, and eventually upon her parents death they totally acquired the farming operation. Upon Don’s death in 1985 she continued to live in Atwood at their home. After several falls, a fractured hip ultimately prevented walking. Her time at Good Samaritan Center was less than 3 months.

Van was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 43 years; son Benny Jumper and nephew K. Russell Kocher.

Survivors include her sister, Donna J. Kocher and husband Ed; grandson Dr. Jason Jumper and wife Vicki; granddaughter Diahn Richards; great grandsons, Braxton Jumper, Blaize Steiger, Benjamin Wysock and Brogan Wysock; niece, Kara Kocher Coates and great nephews, Damien Kocher and Cody Kaker.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the First Christian Church, Atwood, with inurnment to follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to 2nd Century Fund or the Radient Chapter Eastern Star #229, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com