Agnes M. Holthaus, 97, of Seneca, Kansas, died early Friday morning, June 19, 2009 at Life Care Center in Seneca, where she had been a resident since June of 2007.

Agnes was born on May 15, 1912 on a farm west of St. Benedict, the daughter of Frank and Agnes Tangeman Olberding. Her mother died when she was six, so she helped take care of the family and home. She graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School at St. Benedict.

On August 18, 1936 she married Edwin H. Holthaus at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They lived and farmed northwest of Kelly on the Holthaus homestead until 1939 when they bought a farm southwest of St. Benedict. Edwin died on June 3, 1958. In 1964 Agnes moved into Seneca.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, St Ann’s Altar Society, and the quilters’ group, all in Seneca. She was also a member of the Perpetual Adoration group for many years. Agnes was also a former member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. She had a special love for knitting, especially making afghans and bedspreads for family and friends. She also enjoyed her grandchildren, quilting, doing ceramics, and playing cards.

She is survived by two sons, Jerome and Leon, both of Seneca, nine grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one step great-grandchild and three step great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her son Dennis E. on June 17, 2000; five brothers, Ed, Lawrence, George, Albert, and Ben Olberding; and two sisters, Sister Annella and Rosemary Holthaus.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday, June 21, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM Monday, June 22, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in St. Benedict.

Memorials may be given for St. Mary’s Church Grotto or Sts. Peter & Paul Building Fund, and sent in care of the family.