Inez Mezger, died Sept. 16, 2012, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence, Kan.
She was born Aug. 15, 1919, in Prattsville, Ark. to Grover Cleveland Sides and Clara Mason Sides. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Morley Howard Lawellin. She graduated from Attica High School in 1937, and Bethel College in 1941. She taught high school English, drama and music in Langdon, Plains and Page City.
She married Harold E. Mezger on Jan. 14, 1944. They moved to Wichita in 1950. She was an active member of Hyde Park United Methodist Church and volunteered extensively in the community. She was a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, youth choir director and a long time church choir member. She was also PTA president at Washington and Linwood Elementary Schools, a Cub Scout den mother and a Camp Fire leader.
Peace and Justice issues were important to her. She held local and state offices in United Methodist Women, was president of Church Women United when their national assembly was held in Wichita in 1971, was a founding member of Interfaith Ministries, was on the board of directors for Crop Walk and visited the United Nations as an observer.
She loved crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, writing poetry and embroidery.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Joyce Lawellin and Jeanne Gilmore.
She is survived by her husband, Harold of Lawrence; daughter, Dee Ann Mezger (George Berlin) of Lawrence; daughter, Dena Mezger of Lee's Summit, Mo.; son, David Mezger of Olathe; grandson, David Zanoni (Sarah) and great-grandson, Logan of Lee's Summit, Mo.; 15 nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Alzheimer's Association , Interfaith Ministries or Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in care of the mortuary.
Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Old Mission Mortuary, 3424 E. 21st, Wichita; with visitation one hour prior.