Ellen M. Solter

Solter, Ellen M., 93, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, of cancer. Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Ellen was an alumna of Ohio State University and a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She and Donald Duane Solter were introduced by mutual friends and married in 1940. Following his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, they moved to Wichita, his hometown, where they raised their family of three children. She was a clerk in the financial aid office at Wichita State University, retiring in 1982. Ellen was devout in her faith and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, book club, and her Bible study group. Ellen had a wonderful green thumb, especially with her indoor collection of blooming plants. As a volunteer, she knitted hundreds of caps and booties for premature babies at St. Francis Hospital. Ellen and Duane celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2000, three months before he passed away. She also was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, and daughter-in-law. Survivors include her son, Donald Solter Jr. of Tulsa, OK; daughter, Barbara Ashcroft and husband, Richard, of Hookstown, PA; son, Lee Solter and wife, Anita, Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren, Doug, Bobbi, Jamie, David, Suanne, and John; and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation with the family, 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 25, Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Service, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 26, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The family thanks the staffs of Bright Star and Hospice for the tender care during her last days and suggests donations to Amedisys Hospice Services, 250 W. Douglas, Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67202. Visitation with the family, 5:00-7:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 25, Downing Lahey Mortuary West