Alma Elizabeth Gordon

Alma Elizabeth (Simons) Gordon, 100, died peacefully on November 9, 2024, in Hesston, Kansas. 

Alma was born on August 14, 1924, in Sparks, Nebraska, the fourth out of nine children born to Joseph and Elizabeth Mae (Hayford) Simons. She grew up in Nebraska and South Dakota. 

Alma married Charles Patrick Marshall on June 17, 1942, in Nenzel, Nebraska. Together they had seven children, Carmelita, Marie, Pat, Bill, Martha, Patricia, and Mike. Charles passed away in 1957 at the early age of 43, leaving Alma to raise her six children. 

During the Vietnam War Alma helped with the war effort by making bombs and shells at an ammunition depot in Grand Island, Nebraska. After the war ended Alma would move to Hesston, Kansas, where she would find work as an A Machinist at Hay & Forge (now known as AGCO). 

After several years Alma returned to Neligh, Nebraska, where she would open and own a restaurant. Through this restaurant she would meet Willis Gordon, and in January of 1979, the couple was united in marriage. They shared 12 years before Willis passed away in August of 1991. 

Alma enjoyed crocheting afghans, placemats, tea cup holders and giving them as gifts to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During the warm seasons she could be found planting and tending to flowers in her garden, though in the 70’s she did have an Easter lily make an appearance through the snow. While she enjoyed many activities and things, the greatest joy in Alma’s life was time spent with her family. They were her whole world. 

In 2012 Alma moved to Salina, Kansas, to be closer to family. During the pandemic she moved into Schowalter Villa. 

Alma is survived by her children, Carmelita (Buck) Barrett of Newport News, Virginia, Marie (Denny) Bartlett of Lakewood, Colorado, Bill (Mary) Marshall of Valentine, Nebraska, Martha Jarchow of Newton, Kansas, Patricia Marshall of Daytona Beach, Florida, and Mike (Mary) Marshall of Salina, Kansas and Dade City, Florida; sister, Stella (Jack) Nash of Cassville, Missouri; 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Simons; husband and father of her children, Charles Patrick Marshall; husband, Willis Gordon; son, Patrick Marshall; brothers, Edward, Bernard, and Andrew Simons; sisters, Gladys Jones, Leola Osterman, Mary Ann Kehr, and Catherine Weber.

A memorial in Alma’s memory has been suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary’s Church, 106 East 8th Street, Newton, Kansas 67114.