Iva Suarez, 99, was reunited in heaven with the love of her life, Herman Suarez, when she passed away at her home Sunday, March 16th, 2014. She was born April 4, 1914, in Jetmore, KS. She was the last living relative of her family. Iva married Herman Suarez, in Hutchinson, KS, on November 17, 1935. Herman’s funeral was November 17, 2001 on their 66th wedding anniversary.
Iva is survived by her two daughters: Mary Lou Westman and husband Bill of Hutchinson, and Marty Hopkins and husband, Frank of Pratt. Grandsons: Brent Hilgenfeld, Brian Hilgenfeld and wife Michelle; Wade Westman and wife Melissa. Granddaughter: Holly O’Brien and husband Jason. Great-Grandchildren: Emma Hilgenfeld, Jacob Hilgenfeld, Lily Hilgenfeld, Eva Hilgenfeld, Andrew Westman, Haleigh Westman, Jordan Westman, Kaden Westman, Rylan Chapman and Atticus O’Brien.
Iva worked at the Kansas Power & Light Company (Westar) for 27 years. After retiring at KP&L, she was the bookeeper at the First Christian Church for 10 years where she was also the Sunday School teacher of 3,4 & 5 year olds for 57 years. She was a guardian for mentally handicapped adults. She also did hospital visits for the church for several years. She loved to cook, garden and sew. She truly loved her family and her many friends.
Her funeral will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 22, 2014, at the First Christian Church, 15 East 5th, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Bob Phipps officiating. Friends may call Thursday-Friday from 9 am to 9 pm at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 Friday, March 21st.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church.