THERESA A. WAITE

Theresa A. Waite, the daughter of Alfred Istas and Helen (Dugas) Istas O’Dare was born June 18, 1932, in Aurora, Kan., and passed away on July 17, 2019, at the Belleville Health Care Center, Belleville, Kan., at the age of 87 years and 29 days.
Theresa grew up and attended school in Concordia, Kan., graduating from Notre Dame Concordia Catholic High School in 1951.
On January 24, 1952, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Waite, and to this union 5 children were born:  Michael, Mary Ann, Melvin, Marilyn, and Maurice. Theresa was a farm homemaker and mother, living in the rural Rydal Community until 1965, later moving to the farm north of Scandia until 1994, when Bill and Theresa retired from farming and moved to Belleville.
Theresa was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church, Belleville and an active member of Altar Society. Theresa was active in 4-H Club activities with her kids and was a leader for several years.   Theresa enjoyed outdoor work, gardening, along with sewing and needle work.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Helen Istas; her husband, William “Bill” Waite, in 2010; two sisters, Helena Laman and Mary Ann Istas; stepfather Elstin O’Dare; and one brother, Al (Jess) Istas.
Theresa is survived by three sons, Michael (Connie) Waite of Wakeeney, Kan., Melvin (Mary) Waite of Ellinwood, Kan., and Maurice Waite of Belleville, Kan.; two daughters, Mary Ann (Kevin) Austin of Tonganoxie, Kan. and Marilyn (Steve) Howley of Scandia, Kan.;  17 grandchildren; 20 great- grandchildren, with three more great-grandchildren on the way; other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019, at St. Edward Catholic Church, Belleville, Kan., with Reverend Henry Baxa, celebrant.
Interment will be at the Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, Kan.
Friends may call from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2019, at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kan.
A Vigil/Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 26th, at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kan.
 Memorials are suggested to St. Edward Catholic Church, or Meadowlark Hospice.
Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kan., is in charge of the arrangements