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The Life of Ada Helen Mahaffie

Ada Mahaffie, 101 years old, January 2013, entered into Heaven on Thursday, September 26th, 2013. Ada was such a wonderful woman to family and friends. She was often described as humorous, wonderful, elegant, classy, and such a good person to her core. Those of us that had the opportunity to spend time with her know those things were true. Ada was certainly one of God’s children and remained faithful throughout her life, as she was hungry to learn more about God and his word. Chaplain Tinch, Olathe Good Samaritan, shared that Ada attended service each Sunday and “amen” was clear as a bell. Ada also sprinkled in her humor along her lifetime path. Sometimes it drove a funny story, or she used it to make a point without hurting anyone’s feelings. Ada truly was our one of a kind.

After high school in Olathe, she went to work as a receptionist for Dr. CW Jones (and his wife, Ruby) and they knew she was a diamond in the rough. Dr. and Mrs. Jones mentored her, for she was destined for so much more. Ada wanted a career, and her passion was to make a difference. She was a pioneer at that time. Ada went on to Topeka and worked in the State Capitol in 1950 where she met and was hired by Senator Frank Carlson as his Senior Aide. Ada and Senator Carlson worked together in Washington, DC from 1950-1969. When Senator Bob Dole took office in 1969-1974 she worked as his Senior Aide. There were many wonderful times and stories that Ada cherished and would share freely. When Ada retired, she resided in Scottsdale, Arizona. Topeka kept calling her name and she returned to Topeka for a number of years. Olathe, Ks was her next stop to complete a full circle, where she lived the remainder of her life. Ada, too, was active to share her interest in seeing the Mahaffie House become a reality for thousands of children and adults to learn Olathe’s history and enjoy how the Mahaffie House played a big part in Olathe prospering.

The Olathe Good Samaritan Center has been her “home” for the past several special years. Ada loved the professionals of all capacities at the center. She would share how wonderful they were to her, compassionate and kind. Ada also grew many, many close friendships. The staff and many friends at Olathe Good Sam showed their love and respect to Ada by streaming through her room to share what she meant to them. Many of the professionals were not scheduled to work, but they did not want to miss an opportunity to say good-bye. The Olathe Chapter of Hospice assisted with Ada’s transition and we, as a family were so grateful to the professionals at the Center and Olathe Hospice. Ada’s family would also like to thank Cathy Chartrand, DO, for her excellent care.

Ada was born to Levi and Maddie Mahaffie. She was one of many siblings: Ruel, Herman, Arthur, Faye, Ira, and Frances which predeceased Ada. There are also a multitude of Nieces/Nephews to Great Great Great!

Memorial Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Activity Center- 20705 W. 151st Street, Olathe, KS. Burial will be in Olathe Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting a consideration of the Olathe Good Samaritan Nursing Center: 20705 W 151st St, Olathe, KS 66061. OR to the Olathe Medical Center Hospice: 20333 W 151st St, STE 301, Olathe, KS 66061. Offer condolences at www.mcgilley-frye.com

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2018.01.22
Obituary

Obituary
Posted by Norman P on 01/22/2018