Neita Bahnmaier Obituary

Neita Bahnmaier passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 95, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. She was born on April 2, 1929, in Arvonia, Kansas to George Wesley Atchison and Lula Anna (Carr) Atchison. Her father was a mechanic and owned and operated his own auto repair garage while her mother was a stay-at-home mom. She lived in Arvonia through first grade and in 1935 the family moved to Eskridge, Kansas. Neita attended Eskridge Grade School and High School graduating in 1946.

Shortly after graduation, she married PFC John H. Wright of East Holden, Maine. They met at the Lake Wabaunsee POW camp where he was stationed as a POW guard. From this union, son Richard W. Wright was born. John and Neita were divorced in 1951 and Neita returned to Topeka, Kansas. She met and married Joe W. Bahnmaier of Lecompton, Kansas on March 22, 1952. From this union she had two sons, Michael and Donald. Joe and Neita lived 71 years on the family farm until the death of Joe in 2023.

Neita was known for 57 years as the "Avon Lady". She especially enjoyed visiting with her friends on her sales route. She loved music and playing the piano and organ. She was a member of the N.E. Kansas Old Time Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers Association for over 50 years. While a member she held offices of President and Secretary. She was a member of the Lecompton United Methodist Church and a life member of the Lecompton Historical Society. With her love of music, she formed a country dance band named "Neita and the Drifters" performing for over 20 years at venues all over northeast Kansas. The group also produced a record circa 1975 entitled "Introducing Neita and the Drifters".

Neita was a joy to be around and will be sorely missed by countless friends and family.

Neita was preceded in death by her father and mother, George and Lula Atchison, her brother, George Atchison, Jr., her son Richard Wright, her husband of 71 years, Joe Bahnmaier, her Great Grandson's Foster Grant and Thomas Berry. She is survived by her sister, Nadine Latham of Topeka, her sons Mike of Wichita and Don of Glenpool, OK, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great- great granddaughter.

Neita will be laid to rest at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Lecompton, Kansas next to her son Richard and husband Joe.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church, 402 Elmore St., Lecompton, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lecompton Historical Society or the Lecompton United Methodist Church.