It is with sadness that the family of Lois Charlyne Wilt announces her passing after a brief illness on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at the age of 92 years. She will be greatly missed by her devoted and loving husband, Warren, of almost 72 years, her children, and grandchildren. Charlyne and Warren were married on August 8, 1946 in the Abbyville Methodist Church. They had four children and lived most of their married life in Abbyville, Kansas.

Charlyne was the oldest child of six, born to Leonard and Edith Bridgeman on January 2, 1926 at Abbyville. She took the role of oldest sibling very seriously. It was her house where the family of over 50 members met for holiday dinners. Long before dishwashers and microwaves, she was often busy prepping meals for her beloved sisters, brother, and their children. Many of her nieces and nephews still recall her playing 'Puff the Magic Dragon' on the piano and helping the children learn the words to perform for the adults after the holiday meal had been devoured.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson and was involved with numerous church activities such as a member of the hand bell choir. In addition to the choir, the church would often ask members to bake cookies and prepare baskets for those who had to work on Christmas and Thanksgiving. She would load the baskets in the cars, then pick up her two local grandchildren (Erica and Zach) and begin deliveries to the firemen, hospitals, prison reformatory, and policemen. Charlyne loved doing this holiday activity.

Charlyne loved children and spent her working life as a teacher at Elreka Grade School in the Haven School District. She spent most of her working life teaching fourth grade students and shared with them her passion for the subject of science. Charlyne often recounted her students' eagerness to learn, and reminisced about her experiences as a teacher until the final days of her life.

She is survived by: husband, Warren Wilt, son Brad Wilt (Penny Wilt) of Hutchinson, daughter Dr. Susan Holsapple (Dr. James Holsapple) of Boston, MA, daughter Judy Polson (John Polson) of Overland Park; grandchildren, Emily Bush, Nicholas Holsapple, Erica York, Zachary Wilt, Zachary Polson, Lucas Polson, Sophie Polson and two great grandchildren, Will and Ben Bush; siblings, Rose Marie Holcomb (Theron) of Plevna, Milbry Ruth Haag (Ron) of Hutchinson, Marge Garrett (Reed) of Woodbine, Duane Bridgman (Helen) of Loveland, CO, and Connie Depew (Bill) of Hutchinson.  Charlyne was preceded in death by her parents; son Nolan; twin grandchildren Haley and David Wilt; and brother-in-law, Clifford A. 'Pinky' Busick Jr.

A celebration of Charlyne's life will be 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Jeanine I. Rishel presiding. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until service time at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Hutchinson Public Library, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson Kansas 67501.