Reta Louise Allen French Brunton, 77, Topeka, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at Clare Bridge. She was born in 1936 in Topeka, the daughter of Glen and Velma Louise (Fischer) Allen. She was a proud graduate of Seaman High School and Washburn University.
She was married to Robert A. French in 1956; they were divorced in 1990. They had three children: Louise French Johnson of Topeka, Allen G. French of Mesa, AZ, and Bob A. French, Jr. of Topeka; two grandchildren: Schuyler A. Johnson and Samuel T. Johnson both of Topeka; and six nieces and nephews.
She was married to Estle E. "Bud" Brunton in 1994. He survives of Clare Bridge of Topeka. Together they traveled the world and enjoyed raising their grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Glen G. Allen; and sister: Maxine Allen Hobble.
She was a teacher, and when her children were at home she tutored. She also taught night school at Clark's Business College. She taught herself court-reporting skills and became the Federal Bankruptcy Court Certified Shorthand Reporter for Judge James Pusateri. She retired and taught court reporting at Washburn University.
Reta volunteered at West Side Christian Church, Habitat for Humanity, Safe Streets, and various other organizations.
As a young girl she loved to help her Dad on the farm on Lower Silver Lake Road. She loved to be outdoors: golfing, sailing, gardening, walking, swimming, biking, and lots of travel with Bud and her family. She loved cards and dominoes with her friends, playing the piano, hand bell choir at church and driving her Mazda Miata.
Reta was a caring, giving, hard-working, fun-loving wife and mother, who always had a smile on her face.
She triumphed during Alzheimer's Disease and was very content and loved seeing people.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 PM, Saturday, August 3, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue. Cremation will follow with private interment of cremains in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Perry. Reta will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Friday, at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave., Topeka, KS 66606 or Habitat for Humanity, 2907 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66611.