Yesterday we attended Jean Kunkler's funeral. What a dear sweet lady she was! Rusty took care of her so lovingly for over 60 years, but especially the last 5 when she was so sick. The funeral was actually quite nice--a true celebration of a well-lived life and rejoicing that she is finally free. The minister told a wonderful story about her integrating the city pool in Iola KS in 1954. She had a Girl Scout troop that included 2 black girls (which in itself is pretty amazing). One hot summer day she took them all to the city pool and they wouldn't let the black girls in. So Jean told them if they couldn't all swim, then none of them would. She went to City Hall, talked to the Mayor, went before City Council, and talked them into opening the pool to anyone regardless of race. Quite an accomplishment in 1954!
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