EMILY KASTER MOORE, 102, lifelong Cowley County resident, passed away Tuesday evening, November 13, 2007 at the Cumbernauld Village in Winfield.

Born on April 21, 1905, southeast of Dexter near Otto, the daughter of Clark Kaster and Amelia Buch. She grew up on the prairies south and east of Dexter and remembered Indians still traveling by horseback through the Flint Hills. They would stop at the Kaster place where her parents would provide them food, water, and often shelter in the barn.

Emily graduated from Dexter High School when she was seventeen years old and began teaching immediately. She attended Pittsburg State College and Southwestern College, where she completed her education. Emily was a teacher in Cowley and Sumner counties for over 40 years. She retired from teaching in the Winfield Schools in 1960 and commenced a second career working first at Bird's Rexall Drug and then Graves Drug when she permanently "retired" in 1960.

She married David Earl Moore in 1929 in Newkirk, Oklahoma and the couple made their home in Dexter. D.E. Moore, longtime rural mail carrier and former Dexter postmaster, preceded Emily in death in 1970.

Emily was the last of the Kaster family. She had six siblings whom she survived, Ann, John, Sleamon, Reuben Fletcher, Hattie and Press.

Emily had been a member of the Grace United Methodist Church since 1947 where she was actively involved in several groups there. She was also active in local groups until the past few years, including being a volunteer at the Cowley County Museum and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Emily was an enthusiastic gardener, and although she spent her winters in San Francisco, she was returned in time to set out her garden. She also enjoyed crocheting.

Her family includes:
Her daughter: Mary-Margaret Ward and husband Lauren S. of San Francisco, CA;
Her 2 grandchildren: Patrick Ward of San Francisco, CA; and Lindsay Ann Ward of San Francisco, CA; and
Her 6 nieces and 3 nephews.

Emily had been assisted greatly in the past years by the kindness of Winfield residents Don and Diane Williams. Her family are deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Williams for their love and care of Mrs. Moore.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Miles Funeral Service in Winfield is in charge of the arrangements.

A memorial has been established in Emily's name for the Cowley County Historical Museum. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.