BUCKLIN, KANSAS - Vesta M. Seacat Fields Strader, age 98, died on June 18, 2024.  Born on July 7, 1925 in Bucklin, KS she was the second of four children of C. Noble and Gladys (Stockwell) Seacat.

Vesta attended the Bucklin schools, graduating in 1943.  She attended KSTC (now Emporia State) where she received a 60 Hr. Life Certificate in 1945.  She taught school in Minneola, KS and later did substitute teaching in Bucklin.  She was employed by Cossell-Rader Ins. Agency for 9 years.

Vesta and Don Fields were married in her family home in Bucklin on May 22, 1946.  Living on the farm southeast of Bucklin where they raised their family, she was a homemaker, farm wife and was involved in school, church and community activities.  Don died on October 16, 1972.  Later, Vesta married James L. Strader on March 5, 1978 in Wellington, KS where they made their home.  James died October 29, 1995.

A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church both in Bucklin and Wellington, Vesta held numerous offices in the UMW, and was active in the music of the church.  She enjoyed playing piano/organ duets with her daughter and granddaughter, Melissa, as well as other pianists and organists.  While living in Wellington she was one of the original members of The Bellaires Handbell Choir of the church, where she rang with this group for 20 years.  She moved back to Bucklin in 1998.

South Fork, Colorado was a seasonal home for Vesta and Jim, where she continued to enjoy the summers after his death.  She attended the Ecumenical Chapel of the South Fork where she contributed her talents in the music of the church.  Vesta enjoyed quilting in her later years before her eyesight failed.  She always enjoyed playing the piano for the enjoyment of the residents of Hilltop House in Bucklin, before and even after she became a resident of HTH in 2016.

Vesta actually memorized music several years ago because she knew one day she wasn't going to be able to see the music notes, due to her macular degeneration which robbed her of sight.   Music brought comfort to her, as well as to those listening. Vesta's main interests were always her family, friends and church.

Surviving are two sons:   Ken Fields (Patti), Athens, TX, Galen Fields (Dee), Ozawkie, KS, one daughter Jane Baker (Roy), Bucklin, KS, one step son, Mike Strader (Deeta,) Southlake, TX, one step daughter-in-law, Nancy Strader, Wellinton, KS.   Twelve grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.   Also surviving:  two brothers:  Dale Seacat (Bert), Gilbert, AZ and Max Seacat (Joleen), Greensburg, KS and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death, besides her two husbands were her parents, an infant son in 1948, a sister, Doris Neves in 2006, step son, Jim Strader, II and 2 great granddaughters.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Bucklin Bible Fellowship Church, Bucklin, with Pastor Sam Lufiyele officiating.  Burial will follow in the Bucklin Cemetery.  Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Minnis Mortuary, Bucklin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hill Top House or Bucklin Bible Fellowship Church both in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.