Edna Faith Wendland

Faith Wendland, 95, passed away March 27, 2022, at The Gardens at Aldersgate, Topeka. Faith was born July 6, 1926, daughter of Albert and Edna Erffmeyer Schwab, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She graduated from Holton High School and from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Christian Education. Faith married Lowell Wendland on June 22, 1948, at Holton, Kansas. Following Lowell’s graduation from seminary and his being appointed to local churches, Faith taught church school classes, participated in vocal and bell choirs, in women’s and youth work and organizing mission study tours. Faith served in many elected or appointed positions in the General Church, the Conference and the District. She was elected Conference President of United Methodist Women in 1980 for a four-year term. Following that she served eight years as Conference Secretary of Global Ministries, teaching and training congregations in missional outreach. She also served as a Conference Trustee. Faith was appointed to the Committee on Program of the denominational women’s society as she helped plan and write programs for women of the church. She also evaluated books for the women’s Reading Program. In 1984 in Kansas East Conference Faith was elected second alternate delegate to General Conference in Baltimore and a delegate to Jurisdictional Conference. She attended seven Quadrennial Assemblies of United Methodist Women and many Schools of Mission, later then organizing Schools of Mission for local churches. She and her husband co-taught many mission studies following trips to Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico and the Holy Land. In retirement she was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Topeka, Faith Circle of United Methodist Women, Crusader’s Church School Class and Senior Day Out. Faith was devoted to her husband and family. She enjoyed traveling, scrapbooking, and many family activities including hosting dinners on special occasions. Faith was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Harvey Schwab, and two sisters, Ethel Vauck and Lola Brand. Faith is survived by her husband; daughter, Constance “Coni” Walters (Bill) of Kansas City, MO; son, Mark Wendland (B.J.) of Reisterstown, MD; three grandchildren, Christopher Walters (Jordan), Amber Wendland and Tyson Wendland; two great-granddaughters, Dilynn Walters and Lorelai Walters; and nephews and nieces. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western Avenue, Topeka KS 66611, where visitation will be one-hour prior. Burial will follow in West Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be sent to Grace United Methodist Church, Topeka, KS, for mission projects, or Red Bird Mission, Beverly, KY. The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff of Elara Caring Hospice and The Gardens at Aldersgate for their compassionate care for Faith. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Edna Faith Wendland

July 6, 1926 - March 27, 2022