Eunice R. Padgett, age 92, passed away Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2025, at the Lone Tree Retirement Center, Meade, Kansas.
She was born July 16, 1933, in rural Gray County, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer and Lula (Nichols) Gardner and was the youngest of six children. As a girl, she attended the Cave School in rural Gray County near Ensign, KS. Later she attended Fowler High School, graduating in 1950. While in high school, Eunice developed a love for art and had her design for the Fowler Goldbug chosen for the yearbook cover. In her early years Eunice worked for Vera Water’s textile and wax stencil shop, where she used her artistic talents to create beautiful designs for stencils.
On September 22, 1950, she married Kenneth R. (Kenny) Padgett at Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. After their marriage the couple made their home at rural Fowler, Kansas. A longtime resident of Fowler, she was a homemaker, farm wife, and a volunteer for many local organizations and her church. Farm life kept Eunice busy as she made many harvest meals, drove the grain truck and helped with cattle and farm animals.
She was a devout member of the First Christian Church of Fowler and the Christian Matrons. Eunice served by teaching Sunday school, leading worship songs and helping with the youth programs. She enjoyed growing a big vegetable and flower garden each year and would enter her best into the county fair. A talented seamstress, Eunice would sew outfits for loved ones as well as make quilts and doll clothing. Painting also became a beloved hobby as Eunice spent time learning from local expert artists and would go on to create many oil and acrylic paintings that her family will cherish. She also served on the Meade County Extension, was a part of the CCC Club, bridge club, and loved a good game of cards or round of Scrabble.
Despite her many hobbies and accomplishments, Eunice’s love and devotion to her family were unmatched. You would always find her hosting a family party or reunion, sitting in the audience at events to support her kids and grand kids, and planning big family meals or holiday gatherings. Her family will forever cherish her commitment to them and her faith in her Lord Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her sons, Larry Padgett and wife Sonya of Meade, Kansas, Jeff Padgett and wife Marshan of Meade, and Mike Padgett of Abilene, Kansas; a sister Ardith Hansen of Cunningham, Kansas; eight grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband on March 20, 2018; her parents; two brothers, Orel and Carrol (Red) Gardner; and two sisters, Gevene Sutton and Grace Wegley.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the First Christian Church, Fowler. Interment will follow in the Fowler Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.
The family would welcome memorials to the Vera Waters Art Center in care of the funeral home.
Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary,com
