MARGARET RUTH CORBERT

Margaret Ruth Corbet, 87, died peacefully at her home in Larned, Nov. 14, 2009, after a lengthy and complicated illness.

She was born Sept. 20, 1922, in Fort Scott, Kan., to William L. and Ruth J. Keene Buzzard.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1940 and from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics in 1943.

At K-State, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.

She married Elsby B. Goffinet, an officer in the U.S. Army, March 1, 1943, in Fort Scott.

After WWII, she and her family lived in Gifu, Japan, during the occupation.

From Japan, the family moved to Evansville, IN, where she served as a Girl Scout leader, a member of the established Camp Koch Committee, and Director of Girl Scouts. She also served as president of City Pan-Hellenic.

She taught home economics in the public school system, and worked as a Registered Dietitian for Evansville State Hospital.

She was active in Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church, where she was chairman of the Christian Education Committee, taught primary children's Sunday School and was ordained an elder in the late 50's.

Margaret moved to Larned, Kan., in January, 1964 to be dietitian at Larned State Hospital.

She then worked as dietitian for five area hospitals for several years.

She married Myrl C. Corbet March 17, 1967.

A lifelong ambition was to have a restaurant. In 1972, she bought the property and had the Harvest Inn built. She successfully owned and operated the restaurant from 1973 - 1983.

After that, she

researched, compiled, and published the book Larned Cemetery, Pawnee County, Kansas "Where is Everybody", followed by two updates.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Larned, Business and Professional Women, the American Association of University Women, and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Hobbies included Kansas history, genealogy, and bridge.

An avid collector since childhood, Margaret bought the building at 513 Broadway in the early 90's, and opened Antiques and Artifacts. She actively and enthusiastically operated that business until she was no longer physically able.

She is survived by her daughter; Dorothy (Dody) Goffinet Burkey, Larned.

She was preceded in death by; her parents, and her sister, Louise Mary Buzzard Hull.

Her Memorial and Celebration of Life Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, conducted by the family, with Pastor Dennis Scheibmeir presiding.

After the service a meal will be served in Fellowship Hall. The family would appreciate your presence.

Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, at a later date.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family at beckwithmortuary.com or mailed to 415 State Street, Larned, Kan., 67550.

Memorials may be made

to the First Presbyterian Church of Larned, the Santa Fe Trail Center, or the Fort Larned National Historic Site in care of Beckwith Mortuary, 916 Main Street, Larned, Kan., 67550.