She was born Feb. 7, 1909, in Overbrook, the daughter of Robert Gavin and Lottie (Andrew) Brown. She grew up in Overbrook and graduated from Overbrook High School in 1927. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 1957 from Baker University, Baldwin. She then attended Emporia State University and earned a master’s degree in library science in 1963.

Mrs. Randel taught in several schoolhouses in Douglas County, including Rock Creek, Globe and Willow Springs. She also taught at Baldwin Elementary School, where she organized the school’s first library. She taught at Baldwin Junior High School and was librarian for the new Baldwin High School that opened in 1969. She retired from the school system in 1971 after 37 years of teaching.

After retirement, she worked part time for the Baldwin City Public Library for 10 years and was instrumental in its reorganization. She also tutored students for many years.

Mrs. Randel was a member of Ives Chapel United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for 45 years. She also was active in the Baldwin community, winning the Community Woman of the Year Award in 1989 and the Ives Chapel United Methodist Woman of the Year in 1980. She also was a member of the Baldwin City AAUW, Douglas County Retired Teachers Assn., Kansas State Teachers Assn., Ives Chapel UMW and Now or Never Club of Baldwin.

She married Clarence Randel on April 30, 1936, in Lawrence. He died March 30, 1988.

Survivors include two nieces.

Friends may call after 8 a.m. Friday at Lamb-Roberts-Heise Funeral Home, Baldwin, where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The family suggests memorials to the church, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin 66006.