Florence Babcock

Florence "Babe" Babcock, 87 of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away, November 17, 2016 at her home with family by her side. She was born southwest of Coffeyville on a farm just a quarter mile from her present home on February 26, 1929 to John and Claribel (Knox) Kurtz. She married Rolland D. Babcock, Jr., August 22, 1965 and they had a home built in view of the family farm where they shared many wonderful years together and Florence resided at the time of her death.

Florence began her schooling at Ringo District 75 Grade School, graduated from Field Kindley High School and Coffeyville Jr. College before completing her B.S. And M.S. At Kansas State College Pittsburg, Kansas. She started teaching at age 18 with an emergency certificate in the Ringo District school where she had received her elementary education. She taught seven years in rural schools beginning with Ringo District 75, moving on to Old Parker District 1 followed by Bates District 48. She continued her teaching career in Coffeyville School System 445 for the next 33 years. During that time she taught at Longfellow, Lowell and McKinley. She retired from teaching in 1988 after completing 40 years in the classroom.

In 1950 she became a charter member of NU chapter Alpha Delta Kappa. As an active member for sixty-six years, she held offices on the State, Regional and International levels. At the time of her death she was a life member of NEA and KNEA, Coffeyville Area Retired Teachers and Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority. She is a former 4-H leader, Campfire Camp Director and Sunday school teacher. Her church home for many years has been Grace Fellowship. We are grateful for the support of Pastor Gerald Morris and current Pastor Doug Mund.

Florence was recognized for her excellence in the field of education. She received many awards including the following: Kodak Cameras in Curriculum Award in 1983, Distinguished Educator Award in 1984, Uniserve Southeast Create Award in 1984, placed first with teacher-made materials at Kansas State Kindergarten Fair, was runner up in the Instructor Space Curriculum Contest, Kansas Alpha Delta Kappa Woman of Distinction in 1988 and received Certificate of Merit from USD 445 in 1988.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, one sister and one great-grandchild. She is survived by a son, Roger Babcock and his wife, Gail of Oak Grove, Missouri and a daughter, Adell Nellis and her husband, Kirk of Tulsa, Oklahoma, five grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and her neighbor and dearest friend, Ginny Barrett, who has been a tremendous blessing to the family.

Celebration of Life Services will be held Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11:00 am at Grace Fellowship Church, Coffeyville, Kansas under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, officiated by Doug Mund. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Florence has requested that memorial gifts be made to the Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation. Gifts may be left with the funeral home or mailed directly to 1615 West 92nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114-3210. On line condolences may be left for the family at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

Visitation

Grace Fellowship Church
2455 Woodland Ave
Coffeyville, KS  67337
Monday, November 21, 2016
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Service

Funeral Service

Grace Fellowship Church
2455 Woodland Ave
Coffeyville, KS  67337
Monday, November 21, 2016
11:00 am

Cemetery

Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery
2000 Woodland Ave.
Coffeyville, KS  67337

Memorial Contributions

Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation
1615 West 92nd Street
Kansas City, Missouri 641114-321, MO  64114