Leita C. (Meador) Foster, 86, passed away November 8, 2011 after a brief stay at the Tri-County Manor in Horton, Kansas.

She was born north of Valley Falls, Kansas in her grandparent's home on January 3, 1925 to Jesse Calvin and Nellie Margret (Nevins) Meador. Leita graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1942. After attending Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison she taught for eight years at Old Huron, Coal Creek, Effingham and Muscotah Elementary schools in Atchison County.

On November 11, 1944 she married the love of her life, Raymond T. Foster. They began their married life in Monrovia, and then lived in Effingham before moving to Horton in 1956.

A tireless volunteer, Leita rarely said no. She was a Methodist Youth Fellowship sponsor, FHA "mother", Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She supported her community through her leadership and work for the American Cancer Society, Horton Auxiliary Hospital, Women's Chamber of Commerce, and as a supervising judge for elections. She made a difference at her church through chairing the bereaved family dinner for 14 years, teaching at Vacation Bible School for almost 20 years, delivering the tape of the church service to those who could not attend on Sunday mornings and serving as secretary for the administrative board. She generously drove many cancer patients to Topeka for therapy. Through delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering at The Manor she "adopted" several people who were blessed to be cared for by her.

Leita enjoyed socializing as a Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, being a Charter Member of the 48'ers Club and a founding member of the Effingham Canasta Club. Bridge was a passion of hers and she was an excellent player. She and Ray were two of 18 couples that played monthly in Horton. Leita also played bridge in a ladies afternoon bridge club and taught anyone that was willing to learn.

Leita is mourned by her husband, Raymond Foster and their four children: Scott (Susan) Foster of Holton, Kansas, Penny Foster of Horton, Kansas, Pamela (Mark) Ottaway of Overland Park, Kansas and Kimberly Foster of Oakland, California along with her four grandchildren, Kelsey Ottaway, Lindsey Foster, Jordan Foster and Maddie Foster. She was preceded in death by her only sibling, her sister Theresa Taliaferro.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to The Salvation Army or First United Methodist Church of Horton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Horton, Kansas with inurnment at the Evergreen Cemetery in Effingham, Kansas. The family will greet friends on Thursday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com