Gwendolyn “Gwen” Marlene Towle, 83, of Overland Park, KS and formerly of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Friday, September 1, 2023 at the KC Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.

She was born August 17, 1940 on the family farm in Valley Falls, KS, the daughter of Elmer Clarence and Veryl Gwendolyn (Pratt) Reichart. She graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1958. On August 29, 1958 at the Coal Creek United Methodist Church, Gwen married Maurice Lee Towle. They shared over 18 years of marriage before they divorced in 1976; Maurice passed away on August 23, 1998.

Gwen was employed for over 21 years at the Shawnee Mission USD 512 in the Food Service Department from 1971 - 1992. She worked for over 13 years as a Dental Assistant for Dr. Burton Holmes from 1992-2005. Gwen worked fulltime for the Homestead Country Club as a waitress from 1976 - 2016. She also managed the Snack Bar for Homestead Country Club in the summers from 1976 - 1983.

She was very active in her community, where she served on the Gardeners of America board for 10 years, Pathfinders Sunday School at Old Mission U.M.C., Overland Park Historical Society, Waiting Wives Club (while Maurice was in Vietnam) while Governor Robert Docking in 1969, Walnut Creek U.N.I. and Prosperity 4-H Club.

She is survived by her daughter, Paula Leigh Gutow of Corpus Christi, TX; son, Kirn Michael Towle of Overland Park, KS; sister, Lois Elaine Beames of Topeka, KS; 2 brothers, Francis LeRoy Reichart (Lilian) of Overland Park, KS and Galen Elmer Reichart of Tonganoxie, KS; 4 grandchildren, Amanda Cardella, Connor Towle, Kelli Gutow and Robin Gutow; and 4 great grandchildren, Alex, Cam, Poppy and Finn

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Veryl Reichart; son, Maurice “Duane” Towle; daughter, Pamela Jo Towle and sister-in-law, Joan Joyce Reichart.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 7, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with the burial to follow at the Coal Creek Cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Coal Creek United Methodist Church or to the Coal Creek Cemetery c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave the family a condolence, please visit www.mercerfunealhomes.com