Neva Belle Adamson

Neva Belle (Kaufman) Adamson,  84 died Fri., May 16, 2014 at  Kidron Bethel Village.  She was born in Newton, KS, March 27, 1930 to Menno S. and Alma Nilla (Schrag) Kaufman.  Neva married Billie Lee Adamson, who died in 1991. In 2000, she married N. Paul Stucky. N. Paul died in 2011.  After graduation from Bethel College in 1952, she took advanced studies at Stetson U. (Fla.), Wichita St., and Emporia State U.

Known as an excellent teacher and caring friend, she enjoyed enrichment and the nurturing of students- teaching elementary grades and H.S. English and Home Economics in public schools in Fla. and KS for 40 years.  Neva’s creative writing skills were used in co-editing “Gift Rapping”- a manual for parents involved in gifted education,  “Schweitzer Salt” a Swiss heritage periodical, and “Empowering Women”- an American Assoc. of University Women bulletin. She was active on local and state levels in education and religious associations.

A source of enrichment was travel to Europe and the Holy Land, as well as tracing family ancestral roots in South Dakota, Switzerland, France, Ukraine, Poland and Russia.  Of great satisfaction was the beauty of nature- bird watching, stargazing, Kansas sunsets, as well as her pet Weimaraners.

Neva’s caring presence abides in the hearts and minds of those who knew her.  Her love of family extended to two German exchange students residing in her home.

Survivors include sister Donna  (Harry) Neufeld, brother Arlan (Linda) Kaufman; nieces and nephews Kristi (Jonathan Slemmer) Neufeld, Cheryl (Brian) Mast, Scott (Mary Beth) Neufeld-Wall, Mike (Sonja) Kaufman, David (Sydney) Stigge Kaufman; 4 step-children and 12 grand nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), 121 E 30^th Ave., NN, KS 67117.  Memorial Service:  July 5, 2014 at 11:00 am, Bethel College Mennonite Church, North Newton, KS.