Louise S. Mendenhall, 86, of Grand Junction, Colo., died March 30, 2013, in Grand Junction.
She was born June 9, 1926, to Rose and William B. Stansel in Hutchinson, Ks. She attended schools in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School. From there she graduated from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Education.

It was at college where she met and married Kenneth D. Mendenhall. Her favorite saying was " I got my B.S. and Mrs. on the same day", May 31, 1951. They were married for 61 years. She and Kenneth had many adventures. Her first teaching position was in Long Island, Ks. From there they lived in Columbus, Kinsley, Hill City, and then back home to Hutchinson, Ks. The adventures didn't' stop there. The summers were spent in Yellowstone National Park where Ken was a seasonal park ranger.

After she retired as a secretary at the Hutchinson Police Department, she and Kenneth had their greatest adventure. They became full time RV'ers and traveled the USA for four years. They finally decided to settle down in Mesa, Ariz., where they lived for 12 years. From there they moved to Grand Junction, Colo., to be close to family, where she passed away at Mantey Heights Rehabilitation and Care Center from complications related to Parkinson's Disease.

Not only was her life full of travels but she was an accomplished artist, particularly china painting. She also loved playing bridge, crafting, and square/round dancing.

She is survived by her loving husband Kenneth, who took wonderful care of her up to the end; three daughters, Mindy Boehm Waithers (Phil) of Mountain Green, Utah, Merrie Huschka (Bernard) of Garden City, and Marcia Mendenhall of Grand Junction, Colo. She is also survived by her sister, Lenore Postier of Inman, Ks.; and her brother, John Stansel of Scottsdale, Ariz. She was blessed with four granddaughters and a grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Harrison Stansel.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013, in Fairlawn Cemetery, Hutchinson, with Pastor Willard Stafford presiding. Friends may sign the book at Elliott Mortuary and please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal condolence for Louise's family. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090-B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, Colo., 81506, or to the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies, 1420 Ogden Street, Denver, Colo., 80218.