Marguerite Atchison

Marguerite (Schnoor) Atchison, 93, long-time resident of Osage City, KS, passed away on May 10, 2024, at Downs Care & Rehab where she had been a resident for a short time. She moved to Beloit, KS in January 2020 to be closer to her daughter Vanessa, just before the COVID pandemic.

Marguerite was born October 15, 1930, in Burden, KS. The daughter of Theodore G. and Sarah Elizabeth (Gray) Schnoor, she was the first born of 4 children.

Marguerite married Andrew Elias Ashby to which 2 children were born, Sarah & Richard. They divorced. She later married John Atchison to which 2 more children were born, John & Vanessa. They later divorced, eventually remaining friends, and looking out for one another in their later years.

Sewing had always been something Marguerite loved to do and often made clothes for Vanessa when she was little. Marguerite worked at the sewing factory in Burlingame, KS for a few years alongside her sister Helen. Later, she worked at Luce Press Clipping in Topeka, KS. When she applied for the job, she was told that she was overqualified, but that didn’t stop her from applying again, to which she was hired! After several years of employment, when Marguerite was more than old enough to retire, they bribed her with a new office chair, as she had often complained of hers being uncomfortable. The new chair was enough that she continued to work for Luce another year or two, until it was time the company was down-sizing, and she took a small buy-out.

After retirement, Marguerite began going to the Senior Citizen Center in Osage City, which she quite enjoyed. While there, she played cards and dominoes, helped make quilts, put together puzzles, and made new friends. Marguerite also helped with the collection and counting of money for Meals-On-Wheels. In addition to all her activities at the senior center, Marguerite was a member of the F.O.E #3890 Auxiliary in Osage City.

Marguerite was an avid bowler. Over the years she competed in many state tournaments and regularly bowled in local leagues 2-3 evenings a week. Crocheting was another favorite hobby. Marguerite made beautiful afghans for family as well as stocking hats for her grandchildren. Crocheted dishcloths were given out as gifts, as well as to anyone who might have knocked on her door.

Marguerite was preceded in death by a daughter, Sarah Stubby; brother, John Schnoor; and two sisters, Helen Atchison and Loucille Moucha. She is survived by two sons, Richard Ashby (Kathy) of Garden City, MO and John Atchison, III (Cathy) of Branson, MO; one daughter, Vanessa Burkdoll (Brett) of Beloit, KS; 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held for Marguerite on Saturday, July 13th, 2024 from 10:00-11:30 AM at the Osage City Senior Center, 604 Market St, Osage City, KS 66523. Marguerite’s wishes were to be cremated. Memorial contributions may be made out to the Osage City Senior Center sent c/o VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N 6th St, Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences may be expressed at www.vanarsdalefs.com.