Neysa Cecelia Koehler Eberhard 93, died on November 4, 2015 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro, KS. She was born December 28, 1921 at the homestead of her parents Walter and Rachel Perrin Koehler in Elbon, South Dakota. Neysa was the only child of her parents who preceded her in death.
Moving to Huron, South Dakota, at the age of 6, she attended the Huron schools until 1937. After the death of her mother, she moved to Emporia, Kansas to become part of her Mother’s sister’s family: Ruth and John Breukelman and their daughter’s Anne and Betty.
Neysa received from Emporia State University her high school diploma, Bachelor of Science and Masters of Library Science degrees. She earned a Doctorate in Education of Oklahoma State University.
Her career of 35 years included teaching and Librarianship in Peabody, Marion, Newton and at Oklahoma State University. Her final 16 years of work was spent as Director of the Newton Public Library.
During her first teaching assignment in Peabody, she met Charles Louis Eberhard. They were married at the Breukelman home in Emporia on April 22, 1946 by the minister who also married Anne and Betty, as well as baptized all their children. Charles and Neysa had one son Terrill Lynn Eberhard of Peabody who survives his parents.
Survivors include her son Terrill Lynn Eberhard of Peabody, KS, sister by choice Betty Breukelman Schelske and her husband Claire of Gainsville, FL, as well as a host of nieces and nephews and cousins that make up her extended family.
Neysa was a member of the Congregational Church until she joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship.
Cremation has taken place. No services will be held.
Memorial donations may be made in her memory to Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home 215 North Main Newton, Kansas 67114
Neysa was a neighbor in rural Peabody, Kansas, and a great teacher at Peabody High School in the 1950s. She was a spirited and interesting person and will be missed by those of us who counted her as a friend.
Stanley (Gene) Manahan
Peabody High School
Class of 1956
Neysa was my sophomore English teacher and wonderful teacher and friend. She along with 3-4 other great teachers resulted in a farm boy from Peabody receiving a PhD in Psychology in “75 and a career that was satisfying and helpful to others. Forever grateful.
I worked for Neysa Eberhard will at Bethel College in North Newton from 1975 thru 1976. It was a pleasure to work with her. She showed the whole staff much kindness. She will be missed.