Genevieve "Jenny" L. Elder

Our dear mother, Genevieve (Jenny) Lea (Frakes) Elder, 87, of Havensville, Kansas passed away from heart failure on April 3, 2026 at the Community Hospital Onaga. Jenny was born at home in Valley Falls on October 8, 1938 the fourth of eight children born to Charles Leonard Frakes and Margaret Lucille (Wenzl) Frakes.

A lifelong resident of northeastern Kansas, she graduated from Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison in 1956 and began employment at Merchants National Bank in Topeka. There, she met and married Don Charles Elder in 1959. They were married for 63 years and raised 8 children in the Havensville community. Jenny also worked at the Community Hospital Onaga for over 10 years in the lab and central supply departments. Jenny loved baking and was well known for making cinnamon rolls and buns for family and friends. She enjoyed reading, embroidery, dancing, and playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jenny was a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church where she and Don taught pre-marriage classes to many young couples over the years.

Jenny was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, and siblings, Lucy Frakes, Donald Frakes, and Joseph Frakes. She is survived by her two sisters: Betty Reichart, Plattsmouth, NE; Annie Hosler, Winchester, KS; two brothers: Edmund Frakes, Fremont, CA; Ralph Frakes, Albuquerque, NM; four daughters: Dona Flowers (Shannon), Havensville, KS; Edana McSweeney (Arthur) Westwood, KS; Denise Sweet (Delbert) Holton, KS; Mary Theis (Chris) Lees Summitt, MO; four sons: Brad Elder (Farrah), Olathe, KS; Greg Elder (Donna) Seneca, KS; Mark Elder (Annette) Topeka, KS; Matt Elder (Lisa) Lawrence, KS; 21 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 308 E 3rd Street, Onaga, KS from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm with Rosary at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church with Inurnment at a later time. Memorials are suggested to Fairview Cemetery (at Havensville) or St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church care of Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66426 

“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” Jenny’s deep love of family and sense of humor continues to be shared by her family and many friends who will dearly miss her energetic spirit.