2019 Legacy Pearls Honorees
2018 Legacy Pearls Honorees
2017 Legacy Pearls Honorees
2016 Legacy Pearls Honorees
Marge Kirby
2019 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memorium
In 1957, Wichita’s Cowtown was in trouble. Rumors were swirling that
the City Commission wanted to shut down the fledgling attraction.
There was very little funding, no paid staff, and the grounds were
only open on special occasions. There was a real possibility that
Historic Wichita, Inc. would disband and Cowtown would close. But
Marge Kirby saddled up the Girl Scout Cavalry and rode to the rescue!
In the summer of 1958, she organized 45 Girl Scout troops to staff
each of the Cowtown buildings with 2 Girl Scouts and an adult for the
entire summer. As a result, 20,000 people showed up. Cowtown was saved
and so began the museum’s most enduring and fondly remembered
partnership.
For the next 18 years, every summer, Marge
Kirby, her famous whistle at the ready, commanded legions of Girl
Scouts at the museum. Some remember Marge as being sweet and loving
and some remember her as being more demanding and exacting, but there
was absolutely no doubt that she loved being part of the Girl Scout
program at Cowtown. The girls wore their full uniforms and learned
short historical scripts (or elocutions as the Victorians would have
called them) to share with visitors who came from every state and more
than 40 foreign countries to get a taste of the rough and tumble Old
West.
The Girl Scouts brought life and vitality to
Cowtown and as it prospered and grew into a world class living history
museum, the girls became costumed reenactors portraying young ladies
on the Victorian frontier. The building that housed the Girl Scout
program was renamed Kirby House in Marge’s honor, and in 2008, to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cowtown/Girl Scout partnership,
there was an accounting of the number of service hours donated by Girl
Scouts over the years. The total: 1,650,000 hours!
Jayne Sheils Smith
2019 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memorium
Jayne Sheils Smith was once described as a “fiery red-head” with a
quick wit, a knack for leadership, and savvy in financial management.
She was born in Rochester, New York on June 25, 1911. Jayne grew up
and was educated in Rochester and that is where she learned about
volunteerism and leadership. During World War II, Jayne was the
Director of the Rochester USO (United Service Organization) making it
the most popular place for servicemen to meet and eat, from Toronto to
Buffalo.
Through USO, Jayne met the love of her life,
George W. Smith. At the conclusion of World War II, Jayne and George
were married and moved to Wichita, Kansas, where George returned to
his work in law enforcement. This debutante from Rochester enjoyed her
life in Wichita. In February of 1951, Jayne Smith was selected to be
the Executive Director of the Wichita Area Girl Scout Council. This is
a position that she held until her retirement in 1979. During those 28
years of leadership, her focus was primarily on providing services for
girls, so it was no wonder that the overall membership increased by
250%. She shared her leadership skills by serving on many other
community boards and even encouraged men to participate as Board
Members on the Wichita Area Girl Scout Council Board.
Jayne Smith’s leadership acumen and her progressive goals also brought
numerous honors from the National and Regional Girl Scout Boards and
many other organizations. In 1979, Jayne was honored as a Woman of
Achievement by the Wichita Chapter of Professional Women in
Communications.
To carry on her legacy, Jayne established
the George W. and Jayne Smith College Scholarship Fund that has
enabled many graduating High School Senior Girl Scouts to live their
dreams of attending college. For the rest of her life, it brought
Jayne great pride to hear of the successes of “her girls.”
Beverly Fiedler
2018 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memorium
Beverly lived a life full of compassion, humor, persistence, and
commitment. During World War II, she was the first female window clerk
in the Wichita Post Office. At the age of 20, she opened and operated
a restaurant, with her father, in downtown Wichita named “Beverly’s
Cafeteria”. She successfully operated this business until her marriage
to Edmond Fiedler in 1950. Together they had three children, Ellen,
Ann, and Fritz. Bev’s greatest joy centered around raising these three
children.
When Beverly’s daughters, Ellen and Annie,
became Brownies, she became involved and enlisted her neighbor, Joann
Kamas, to help as well. Beverly was a Troop Leader for many years and
especially provided guidance to the members of Senior Mariner Troop
#178, while letting the Troop Members sand and varnish the paddles,
rudder and running board for their Troop’s sailboat in her garage.
Beverly also helped the Troop members write, edit, and produce
“Spotlight on Seniors”. This publication, printed on a mimeograph
machine, highlighted all of the current activities of every Senior
Girl Scout Troop in the Wichita Area. Beverly served on the Wichita
Area Girl Scout Council’s Board of Directors, as a Wider Opportunities
Selection Committee Member, and she accompanied the Senior Girl Scouts
from the Wichita Area attending the last National Girl Scout Roundup
in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho in 1965. Bev and her friend, Donna Dilsaver,
enjoyed a flying excursion over the Wiedemann property in the Flint
Hills that would eventually be known as Girl Scout Camp Wiedemann.
In 1980, when Beverly questioned why a ticket drive was not being
held for the Wichita State Women’s Basketball Team, she told them that
she would be the first Season Ticket Chairperson. Beverly launched
into supporting WSU Women’s Basketball with fervor. Years later, at
Beverly’s funeral, many WSU players and Scouts spoke and sang in her
honor.
Beverly was a charter member of Girl Scout Alumni
and Friends, as well as Botanica. She was active in Eastern Star and
the Wichita Symphony Women’s Association. She established the Wichita
Chapter of Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays and answered
their helpline for many years out of her home. In 1990, Beverly
traveled with her family to Oklahoma to see the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
She was instrumental in bringing the Quilt to Wichita in 1991. If you
knew Beverly Fiedler, you knew love.
As a Troop Leader,
Board Member, Camper, Chaperone, Sailboat Navigator, Committee Member,
Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Friend, Confidante, Sports
Enthusiast, and Community Leader…Beverly Fiedler truly embodied the
Girl Scout Promise and inspired us all!
Shirley Mosher
2018 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
Make New Friends but Keep the Old,
One is Silver and the
Other Gold…
This is one of the first songs Shirley learned when she joined
Girl Scouts in 1941 at age 7. Shirley was a Girl Scout during World
War II and remembers going door to door to collect items for the war
effort. She continued through Intermediate and Senior Girl Scouts.
Shirley attended Turkey Creek Camp for two years. Her mother, Marjorie
Coombs, was one of her co-leaders and was also on the Girl Scout Board
of Directors.
Shirley was married in 1956 to Richard
Mosher. Together they have three children, Sandy, Ron, and Sheryl.
When Sandy began 2nd grade, Shirley volunteered to be her Brownie
leader. She continued on with both daughters as Brownie, Junior, and
Cadette Leader. The troops enjoyed many Girl Scout activities,
including frequent camping outings starting with Little House and Camp
Seikooc. After the girls became seasoned campers, they enjoyed the
ultimate challenge, “roughing it”, at Land’s End at Camp Wiedemann.
During these years, she also volunteered in the Girl Scout
Neighborhood as Troop Organizer, Neighborhood Chairman, Cookie
Chairman, and Camp Promoter.
As the children got older,
Shirley made the decision to seek employment. The Girl Scout Office
heard of her decision and it wasn’t long before she received a call
from them. They offered her a paid position as a part-time Field Aide.
She accepted. Thus began Shirley’s Professional Girl Scout
career.
During her Scouting career she has held many,
many positions:
Field Director, Older Girl Program and
Planning Board Director, Camp Director for Camp Seikooc for eight
years, Program Director and Trainer, Membership Director supervising
the Field Staff, Special Needs Coordinator, Camp Coordinator, and Old
Cowtown Coordinator. Shirley also had the opportunity to serve as
Interim Executive Director between Karen McQuigan and Joann
Kamas.
Shirley was employed by the Wichita Area Girl
Scout Council in 1974 and retired, after 22 years, in 1996. But that
was not the end of her Girl Scout career. Since retirement, she has
remained active and worked with Girl Scout Alumni & Friends in
many different ways, including holding the position of President of
this dedicated group of Girl Scout supporters.
Shirley
spent countless hours working with Dolores Crum on our Council’s
Historical Collection. The collection began in the basement of the
Girl Scout Office and was moved to its current location at Starwoods
Outdoor Center. Shirley spent at least 10 years gathering and
organizing various historical Girl Scout artifacts collected locally
and statewide.
Shirley Mosher has been involved with Girl
Scouting for more than 70 years. She is a Lifetime Member of Girl
Scouts. During her years in Girl Scouting, she has met many wonderful
people, and thus she personifies the song, Make New Friends but
Keep the Old.
Dolores Crum
2017 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memoriam
Mary Dolores Collins Crum retired after 47 
remarkable
years of service to the Wichita Area Girl Scout Council. To Girl
Scouting and in every phase of her life, Dolores has brought warmth,
devotion, and enthusiasm.
It was said at her retirement, “Dolores has worn so many hats in her tenure with Girl Scouting, it is safe to assume that she knows every facet of what it means to offer Girl Scouting to thousands of girls and adults.” She has served as Director of Camping, Program, Training, Adult Recruitment, and Special Events. The National Association of Girl Scout Executive Staff inducted Dolores into its Hall of Fame. Dolores’ influence continued for a number of years with one of the Girl Scout Alumni and Friends annual scholarships being named the Dolores Collins Crum Scholarship. Her expert writing and research skills came in handy when Dolores penned our Girl Scout Council’s history book entitled For The Girls. This book chronicles the Council’s 75 year history, from 1925 to 2000.
Dolores’ committed citizenry extends through Girl Scouting and into the community. Her care for her church, her family, and her community is reflected in her service to the Governor’s Commission on Juvenile Delinquency, United Way Committee to Offer Camping to Low Income Children, Model Cities Task Force on Recreation, The Junior League of Wichita, St. Thomas Aquinas Altar Society, Delta Delta Delta Alumnae, and League of Women Voters, to name a few. She has been married to Charles Crum for 57 years, and together they are passionate fans of Wichita State and KU Basketball.
Dolores Crum personifies the Girl Scouting movement and we are truly
grateful for her generous service
Joann Kamas
2017 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memoriam
Joann Kamas served as the Executive 
Director of the
Wichita Area Girl Scout Council from 1987 to 1999, during which time
she was known for her high-energy style of leadership, combined with a
wonderful love for Girl Scouting and Girl Scout volunteers. She
inspired many to make the Council an exceptional example of what Girl
Scouting can be for all girls.
Joann put a premium on the importance of volunteering; she truly practiced what she preached. Prior to taking the position as Executive Director, Joann served as a member of the council’s Board of Directors, as well as two terms as President. Joann was active as a council committee member and troop leader. She also served in many other community and professional organizations.
Joann took the initiative to work with the City of Wichita to establish the current network of bike trails, and to educate the public about the importance of water conservation.
Joann once said, "I would like to leave a small mark. Sometimes I think people are afraid to give of themselves, but once they know what it feels like, they're hooked. You feel like a valuable person when you're giving."
In fact, many in this room today were “hooked” by Joann’s ability to bring together volunteers with shared talents and their love for Girl Scouts. In return many friendships were made that have lasted a lifetime.
Joann died suddenly March 26, 1999 after suffering a heart attack while vacationing in Amman, Jordan with her family.
Joann Kamas left more than a small mark on our community. We will
well remember her love of Girl Scouting, her commitment to helping
girls become the leaders of tomorrow, her strong example, her tireless
energy, and her ability to make all she knew feel welcomed, valued,
and a friend.
Gladys Wiedemann
2017 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memoriam
Gladys Gardner and Karl T. (K.T.) Wiedemann were married on July 22, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota where Gladys was born and raised. K.T. was originally from El Dorado, Kansas. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Wichita to be closer to their business interests. Together they shared a deep love for the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas.
To help support the place in which they lived and operated their business, the couple established the K.T. Wiedemann Foundation, Inc. in 1959. Mrs. Wiedemann was extremely active in the Foundation, with the vision for a finer quality of life in Wichita and the state of Kansas. The Foundation supported many organizations, but Gladys took a special interest in youth and particularly in the Girl Scouts.
In 1959, a campsite of 120 acres near Beaumont, Kansas was purchased from the Wiedemanns and became the council’s first resident camp. In 1961 it was named Camp Wiedemann. The camp welcomed its first campers in 1967 and served thousands of girls and adults over the next 37 years. Mrs. Wiedemann enjoyed visiting the camp during the summer program, and the campers were excited to visit with the camp’s namesake, too.
Mrs. Wiedemann was actively involved in the Foundation until her
death in 1991. We are grateful for all the memories and opportunities
that were bestowed by Mrs. Wiedemann’s giving spirit. It has been
said that if you listen closely, you can hear girls’ voices and the
melody of the song “Welcome to Wiedemann” drifting through the
blue-stemmed grasses of the Flint Hills. Thank you, Mrs.
Wiedemann.
Bertha Milbank
2016 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memoriam
Bertha Milbank was born in 1911 in New
Mexico
Territory. Throughout her 101 years, Bertha forged her way in life
with determination and a firm direction for the future. She graduated
from Missouri Valley College with a degree in math and physical
education and supported herself through the Great Depression being
paid in scrip, not cash. She later married Dr. George Milbank and had
two daughters, Elizabeth and Sally.
As in everything, she poured herself into innumerable civic groups - often as board chair or president. These include Wichita Area Girl Scout Council, medical auxiliaries, the arts, parliamentarians (local and national), Episcopal Church groups (local and national), Daughters of the American Colonies and the American Revolution and Kansas Children's Service League.
Bertha was also focused on grooming future leaders, especially young girls. She guided others to use their talents for the greater good and to make a difference in the world. She taught by example and to give completely of oneself in time, talent and resources.
As a leader among leaders, Girl Scouts fit perfectly with the goals
and aspirations she held dear. Bertha would be proud of the newly
formed Juliette's Pearls Leadership Society, where girls will thrive
with the support of so many mentors.
Carrie May Carson
2016 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
In Memoriam
Mrs. Frank L. Carson, Carrie May, contributed
to the success and growth of Girl
Scouts in the very early years of the Wichita Girl Scout Council,
chartered in 1925. The first record we have of Carrie May’s Girl Scout
involvement is in the 1929 First Presbyterian Church records as a
committee member for Troop 1. Undoubtedly, she contributed to the
arrangements and successful convening in Wichita of delegates from
five states at the Covered Wagon Region Girl Scouts Conference in
April, 1930. This early 1930’s photograph depicts Carrie May with her
four daughters, Mary Martha, Virginia, Frances, and Caroline, all
members of Troop 1. By this time she was a First Deputy Commissioner
of the council, and she also continued to support activities of Troop
1. Early council records are sparse, but we know that Carrie May’s
active council involvement continued through at least 1935, when she
is cited for her “untiring efforts” in planning a Field Institute
gathering in January. Her daughters also remained active Girl Scout
members, with Mary Martha joining the camp staff in 1933 and leading
archery activities. Frances and Virginia are mentioned as girl leaders
during the Wichita Girl Scout Conference in 1937 celebrating Girl
Scouting’s 25th anniversary. It is thanks to the vision and efforts of
women such as Carrie May Carson, that Girl Scouts prospered from a
troop of eight girls to a council of more than 1,000 girls and 116
leaders by 1939.
Edna Mae Deines
2016 LEGACY PEARL HONOREE
Edna Mae Deines is a lifelong Girl Scout;
however, her actual scouting
experience started as a Cub Scout leader for her son Brian’s den. When
her daughter, Tracey, reached Brownie age, Edna joined as well, as a
troop leader. Together they journeyed through Tracey’s Senior Girl
Scout experience. Edna took the same tactic with her daughters Shelley
and Darcey; thus, she was a leader for 21 years and for 12 of those
years she led two troops. In addition, Edna also served as the
Neighborhood Chairman. Under Edna’s guidance the Girl Scouts were
visible in the WaKeeney community: volunteering, earning badges,
camping and being featured monthly for their accomplishments in the
hometown newspaper. Beyond her local leadership positions, Edna served
as District III Chairman (1977-1983), served on the Sunflower Council
Board (1977-1983), and participated as Girl Scout founder “Juliette
Low” at the 75th Daisy’s Diamond Celebration (1912-1987). Her active
service to the Girl Scouts totaled 32 years. Edna received the Girl
Scout Neighborhood Chairman of the Year Award (1977-1978), Scouter of
the Year Sunflower Council (1982-1983), and the Juliette Gordon Low
Girl Scout of the Year Award (1991). A native of WaKeeney, Edna is the
wife of Myron Deines, the loving mother of four children, Brian,
Tracey, Shelley and Darcey, and the grandmother of six.
