ALMA L. BAINTER, 88, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2009 at her home in Grenola.

Born January 17, 1921, in Leeds, Kansas, she was the daughter of Silas Russell and Mamie Anne (Lambert) Burdett. She was raised in Leeds and Cedar Vale and graduated from Cedar Vale High School.

Alma was united in marriage to Albert LeRoy "Roy" Gilliam in 1940 in Sedan, Kansas. To this union, three children were born. Roy preceded her in death.

She married Cleo D. Bainter on November 17, 1980 in Arkansas City, Kansas. They made their home on a farm 10 miles east of Winfield. In 1996, the couple moved to Grenola, Kansas. Cleo preceded her in death on June 13, 2001.

Alma worked as a CNA and a CMA for several years. She later owned and operated several restaurants. She was an artist. She enjoyed ceramics, porcelain painting, and all kinds of arts and crafts. She loved cooking for and taking care of her family and friends. Alma never stopped living for the future.

Her family includes:
Her son: Harold LeRoy Gilliam and wife, E. Colleen of Springdale, Arkansas;
Her daughter: Deloris Jean Sutton and husband, Joe of Sedan, Kansas;
Her brothers: James Alfred Burdett of Sedan, Kansas; and Lambert Allen of Grenola, Kansas;
Her sister: Mary Alice Allison of Grenola, Kansas;
Her 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Alma was preceded in death by an infant son, Larry David Gilliam, and a brother, Samuel Edward Burdett.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday morning, May 28, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery north of Arkansas City. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5 to 9. The family will greet friends from 5 to 6:30 P.M.

Memorials have been established in Alma's name for the American Diabetes Foundation, Grenola Christian Church and for the American Heart Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.