Amy Anette Abernathy, 47, of Topeka, KS, died Thursday, June 30, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

Amy was born on July 20, 1963 in Axtell, KS to J. Alan and Sandra McKee Ward. She grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka High in 1981.

Amy worked at the family business, Taco Casa Restaurant on 6th Street in Topeka, before becoming a manager for Dollar Tree.

Amy married Dariel Abernathy in Las Vegas, NV. They have three children, Hannah, Tyler and Bailey. The couple later divorced.

She was a former member of the Seaman Baptist Church in Topeka. Amy was a homemaker most of her life, who took pleasure in being a mother and spending time with her family. She enjoyed flowers, animals and watching sporting events.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Archie Orin and Gladys M. Bontrager Ward, and Albert B. and Dorothy Channel McKee.

She is survived by her daughters, Hannah and Bailey Abernathy, both of Topeka; her sons, Tyler Abernathy and Reno Groggins, both of Topeka; her step-children, Dennis Abernathy and Malissa Votaw, both of Topeka; her parents, Alan “Taco Al” and Sandra Ward of Topeka; a brother, Dennis Ward of Carbondale, KS; and a sister, Julie Ward of McFarland, WI.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday, July 5, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Funeral service will be 11 AM Wednesday, July 6, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Seneca City Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in Amy’s memory for Autism Speaks or the donor’s choice.