Emma Brunson

is honored with a Medium Paver from the Brunson/Hampton families.

Emma Brunson was born on March 27, 1903 in Hillsboro, Kansas. Emma was the seventh of 12 children raised by George and Sara Funk. After living in Hillsboro for a time, her father decided to pick up roots and take the family to Wolfpoint, Montana, in order to homestead there. While living in Montana, Emma learned to ride a horse, shoot a gun and snow ski. She was always adventurous and willing to try anything new. After three hard Montana winters, the family decided to return to Hillsboro to a house that was purchased before leaving Kansas.

As an adventurous young woman in the 1920s, she attended Tabor College and then traveled to California with a friend, working in the orange groves and at odd jobs. She returned to McPherson, Kansas and operated a beauty shop before marrying Howard D. Brunson, a prominent Kansas oilman, on June 25, 1932. They lived in McPherson, Hays and Claflin, Kansas over the next decade, before settling in Wichita where they raised three children: Bill Brunson, Jim Brunson and Floreen Brunson Hampton. She had seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Emma was active at East Heights Methodist Church, the American Red Cross, Booth Memorial and other charities. Her kindness and generosity reached beyond just her family. She was known for her great Mennonite cooking and opened her kitchen to provide a meal to both friends and strangers. Many time she and her husband, Howard, entertained Governor and Mrs. George Docking and others in their home. At times when people were down on their luck, they would enjoy a meal from this gracious lady. Known by many as Mom and Granny, Emma Brunson was an excellent role model to her family and to those who were around her. She enjoyed giving of herself to others and living a Christian example for all.

Contributors: Bill and Dorothy Brunson, Pam Brunson, Paul and Linda Brunson, Chuck and Karen Brunson Hohman, Jim and Marilyn Brunson, Bill and Brittmarie Brunson, Richard and Marianne Brunson Frisch, George and Floreen Brunson Hampton, Susan Hampton, Greg and Annette Hampton, and great-grandchildren. Also Sandra Rall, Arpha Schroeder, LaIlla Cutsinger and Miriam Mann.

October 2000