Margaret Marie Haas was born on September 3, 1924, to Charles and Pearl Niemeir in Bourbon County, Kansas. She was the eighth of ten children. Marie attended Center School through the 8th grade and graduated from Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott, Kansas in 1942. As a young girl, Marie’s family began attending church services at the First Christian Church in Ft. Scott, Kansas. At the age of 15, Marie accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized on October 29, 1939.
After graduating from high school, Marie worked as a secretary for the Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas. On June 17, 1945, Marie married Raymond G. Haas (Electrician’s Mate, Second Class Navy) at the First Christian Church in Fort Scott, Kansas, and together they had three children, Esther Ann Jenkins (Randy) of Lancaster, PA, Steven Ray Haas (Sandra) of Riley, Kansas, and Ronald Charles Haas (Sandra) of Birmingham, Alabama. Marie and Raymond were married for 64 years until his death in September of 2009.
Together, Raymond and Marie lived a full life in the Fort Scott area where they farmed and raised their children. Marie and Raymond were extensively involved in their church at Bethel Community Baptist Church. During their retirement years, Raymond spent much of his time helping his neighbors in need while Marie enjoyed babysitting and working with the Awana program at Bethel where she assisted the young children with learning Bible verses. Marie and Raymond also enjoyed traveling and visiting their children and grandchildren. In 2007, Raymond and Marie moved to Birmingham, Alabama to live with their youngest son Ron Haas due to the declining health of Raymond. After Raymond’s death, Marie remained in Birmingham until April of 2019. While in Birmingham, Marie was faithful to attend Glen Iris Baptist Church.
Marie was lovingly known as “Granny” to her family and many, many others both young and old. She was known for her sweet smile that could be easily transformed into a giggle by the antics of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Marie loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and wouldn’t miss the opportunity to be present for any sporting event or music recital in which they participated. Marie leaves a legacy of quiet faithfulness and service to her family, friends, and to her Savior. She will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her.
Marie passed away at the age of 95 on October 13, 2019. She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond G. Haas, four brothers and four sisters. Marie is survived by one sister, Lois Hixon of Denver, Colorado, three children, twelve grandchildren, forty-four great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Friday, October 18th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bethel Community Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 666701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.