A memorial service for Edith Stunkel will be at 2:30 p.m. sunday, November 4, at the First United Methodist Church, Manhattan.

Memorial funds have been established for the Flint Hills Breadbasket, the Area Agency on Aging and the League of Women Voters.

At the last Manhattan City Commission meeting Mayor Bruce Snead started the meeting with this tribute to Edith Stunkel:

In memory of Edith Stunkel and in appreciation of the work she undertook on behalf of the City, the City has compiled a list of her city service and key accomplishments. In her own words delivered at the April 16, 1996 City Commission upon the occasion of last meeting as Mayor, she thanked the Commission for their assistance in helping to create a "process of good governance". This phrase sums up best Edith’s focus during her term as Mayor.

Edith Stunkel was one of the first members of the Social Services Advisory Board (SSAB). Her term on the SSAB was January 1, 1989 until she assumed her office as City Commissioner in April 1991.

Edith ran for City Commission in 1991. She served on the City Commission from April of 1991 to April of 1997 and served as the Mayor of Manhattan from April 1995 to April 1996.

Some of the key accomplishments of the City during her term were:

• Lead the Commission with the recruitment and selection process for a new City Manager. The Commission hired Gary D. Greer in 1995.

• The Manhattan Economic Development Opportunity Fund Advisory Board (MEDOFAB) Policy Manual was approved.

• The Commission formalized a new meeting format to ensure orderly meetings and the incorporation of public comment.

• During her tenure, the City purchased land for a new Northeast Community Park.

• The City, County and School District created the Community Youth Council.

• Discussion sessions of the City Commission were initiated to provide an opportunity for Commissioners to discuss calendar items and issues of general interest.

• During her tenure, the first Habitat for Humanity home was built in Manhattan.

Other initiatives she was very much involved with include:

• The Transportation Study and Transit Implementation Plan.

• She set forward the groundwork which resulted in the City’s creation of the Neighborhood Recognition Program to encourage and assist the creation of neighborhood associations throughout the City.

• She very much supported the social services.

• She was very active along with the Intergovernmental partners in the creation of the underpass under Seth Child Road to enable students from west of Seth Child Road to walk to Susan B. Anthony Middle School.

• Edith was very sensitive to the public process and wanted to ensure that all City activities involved the input and involvement of the public.