- Waunita Alice Perrussel Cass was born on March 15, 1904 at Neuchatel, Kansas, the daughter of Julius R. and Pauline Bonjour Perrussel. She passed away at Onaga community hospital on June 15, 2001.
She and her siblings would walk the short distance to the Neuchatel grade school and the Sunday School classes at the Congregational church at Neuchatel.
During the four years of high school, she lived in Onaga with her aunt Matilda Bensonson near the school. This residence now owned by her sister, Florence Ratcliff. Waunita's folks paid her board and room by giving garden produce to cover expenses. She graduated from Onaga high school in May 1923 as salutatorian of the class.
After high school she worked at the Onaga cafe. It was there she met her future husband, Emile F. Cass. They were married at Holton, Kansas courthouse on April 12, 1924, and lived their entire married life one and one-half miles north of Onaga. Waunita continued to live on the family farm following her husband's death on June 28, 1964.
Waunita's life has been devoted to caring for her home and family and assisting others in need. She planted a garden each year, and canned much of the harvest. During the years of World War II, she made home made soap for the Onaga hospital. She raised large patches of strawberry plants and sold many a crate to those who wished to purchase. For several years, she and her sister, Florence Ratcliff, did gardening together. Her hobbies were crocheting, sewing quilts, bibs, pot holders and other item of need. She was a favorite baby sitter for friends and neighbors; Kenneth Underwood and his brother, Chip Carl, who have kept in contact with her during their adult years.
Mrs. Cass was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ and the Ladies Aid at the church.
She also was a member of Rebekah Lodge #81, the Onaga Historical Society and the auxiliary to American Legion Post #85, all in Onaga. She also was a 50 year member of Lone Mound Grange #1626.
She is survived by her son and caregiver, Vincent M. Cass and his wife, Mary; two daughters, Genevieve Rollins and her husband, Joe, of Winchester, and Marilyn Osterberg, of Troy, Idaho; one sister, Florence Ratcliff, of Onaga; 13 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 21 great great grandchildren; and 11 step great- great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, her parents; four brothers, Levi, Russell, Vernon and Floyd; five sisters, Lillian Perrussel, Elsie Lewis, Grace Smith, Tamar Perrussel, and Helen Kuehl; one still born son and a great grandson, Daniel Stevens.
Services were held at the Onaga Congregational church on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. Burial was in the Onaga cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Onaga Congregational church and the Neuchatel Cemetery Fund.
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1904 - 2001 (97 years)
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