Obituary of Elsie Rae Santagata

Coffeyville - Elsie Rae Santagata, 81, of Coffeyville passed away Wednesday (December 19, 2007) at Windsor Place. She was born December 8, 1926 at Pueblo, Colorado to George and Bertha (Hasket) Russell. Elsie grew up in Pueblo where she attended school graduating from Centennial High School in Pueblo. On October 26, 1947 she married Vincent Victor "Vince" Santagata at Coffeyville. Following their marriage they made their home in Coffeyville where Vince was a Police Officer with the City of Coffeyville for many years. Mr. Santagata preceded her hin death in 1974. Following her husband's death Elsie returned to college graduating from Coffeyville Community College, and continued her education at Pittsburg State University where she received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. After completing her degrees she worked as a Para-professional for U.S.D. #445 for many years until retiring. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Altar Society, Faith and Light Community and taught CCD classes for many years. She was also an active member and Past President of the D.A.V. Auxiliary, and a member of the Poetry Club. Survivors include one son, Jim Santagata of Coffeyville; two daughters, Anita Emming of Wichita, and Phyllis Santagata of Coffeyville; one sister, Darleen Bussey of Phoenix, Arizona; one brother, Sherman Sumrall of Pueblo, Colorado; nine granddaughters; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, David Russell, and Sam Sumrall A Rosary Vigil Service will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (December 26, 2007) at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday (December 27, 2007) at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville with Father Jerome Spexarth officiating. Friends may call on Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials to Holy Name Catholic Church and the American Heart Association; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Rd., Coffeyville, KS 67337 David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.