Daisy E. Atkinson

  Daisy E. Atkinson, 86, Manhattan, died Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Mercy Regional Health Center of natural causes.

  She was a long-time resident of Manhattan and worked as a nutritionist for the Kansas State University Extension Service. Her job entailed conducting training of women's groups throughout Kansas in the essentials of healthy nutrition, and how to achieve good nutrition through proper meal planning and preparation.

  Ms. Atkinson was born in Centerville, Iowa, on March 3, 1916. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1938 with a B.A. degree. She taught home economics in various Iowa high schools until entering the University of Alabama in 1952, where she obtained her M.S. degree in nutrition in 1954. She was an associate professor at Mississippi State College for Women until 1959. At that time she started her career with Kansas State University.

  In 1966, she was elected by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization to conduct an 18-month program in India to train teachers in establishing and conducting local nutrition programs. This work involved travel throughout the entire country. Her exemplary effort in this program resulted in her being recognized in the "Who's Who of American Women" publication.

  Surviving family members include her brother, Dwight Atkinson of Ridgecrest, Calif., and loving nieces and nephews.

  Ms. Atkinson was a long-time member of the First Lutheran Church of Manhattan. She was active in church affairs while her health permitted.

  Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the First Lutheran Church in Manhattan with the Rev. Dr. Keith Wiens officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Oakland Cemetery, Centerville, Iowa.

  A memorial fund has been established to the Meadowlark Hills Foundation Good Samaritan Fund. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, 66502.