Muriel Ann Lantow

Muriel Ann Lantow, 86, of Emporia, KS, passed away on December 19, 2024, at the Flint Hills Care Center in Emporia. Muriel was born on October 29, 1938 in Emporia, KS; the daughter of Justin John and Mary Agnes (Baker) Groundwater. In her early childhood years, Muriel lived in Denver, CO, where her father enlisted in the Army during WWII. He was killed in action on December 16, 1944. 

She graduated from Hartford High School in 1956.  She started working at Crawford Furniture and went on to start her 34-year career as an office clerk at Dolly Madison, where she primarily focused on payroll. Beyond her professional life, she played an important role in supporting her husband, John, on their farm, handling everything from record-keeping to working cattle. Muriel and John were united in marriage on December 16, 1972, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Emporia, KS, of which she was a member. They celebrated 41 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 25, 2014. 

Also preceding her in death is her mother, Mary A. (Baker) Schaefer; step-father, Fred R. Schaefer; her father, Justin J. Groundwater; Paternal grandparents, Arthur C. & Minnie M. (Harris) Groundwater; Maternal grandparents, Jessie Gillum & Etta Mae (Wright) Baker; 2 sisters, Norlene Ruth Bower (husabnd Don) and Mary Justina Crisp (husband L.E."Gene"); step-brother, Richard Schaefer (wife Darlene), and son-in-law, W.R. "Raymond" Smith.

In her spare time, Muriel found joy in a variety of hobbies. She was an avid knitter and crocheter, creating numerous beautiful pieces. Additionally, Muriel loved challenging herself with crossword puzzles and word searches, activities that provided her hours of enjoyment.

Muriel is survived by her daughter, M. Lorraine (Lorrie Groundwater) Smith of Wichita, KS; son, Dustin Marc Lantow of Emporia, KS; sister, Juanita Karen Comp (husband Jon) of White City, KS; aunt, Laola Burke of Kansas City, KS; and uncle, Clayton Baker of Liberty, MO; and countless other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 am, Friday, January 3, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1101 Neosho St, Emporia, KS. Visitation will take place the evening before, also at the church, from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Inurnment will follow the services Friday at Chicago Mound Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Muriel's memory to Hartford High School Alumni Association or the Messiah Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, sent c/o Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 43, Lebo, KS 66856. Condolences may be expressed by visiting Muriel's memorial page at www.vanarsdalefs.com.