Cora May Bloomer, 84, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in her room at Kansas Christian Home on Sunday, May 3, 2026, entering into the presence of her Lord and Savior after a life defined by steadfast faith, enduring love, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to family.

Born January 26, 1942, in a farmhouse northwest of Elbing during a winter snowstorm, Cora May Bloomer was born to Elmo and Margie Clithero. Her early life was marked by both profound loss and remarkable love. Her infant brother, Melvin Clithero, passed away as a baby, and Cora later experienced the sudden loss of her father, Elmo, in a plane crash near Peabody while she was still a young child.

In the years that followed, Cora and her mother went to live with her great-grandmother, Cora M. Padgett, whose love, strength, and steady presence played a deeply significant role in shaping her early life. Later, her mother married Charles Seymour, who became an important part of the family’s story. These early experiences of both heartbreak and resilience helped form the compassionate, quietly strong woman so many came to know and love.

Cora was raised in Peabody, Kansas, where she built lifelong roots in the community she cherished and was proud to call home.

It was there, while still a teenager, that she met the love of her life, John L. Bloomer, affectionately known to many as JB. Their love story became one family and friends would speak of often, a beautiful example of steadfast love and true partnership. At just sixteen years old, with John six years her senior, and despite doubts from others, Cora and JB were certain of the love they had found. The two were married on December 19, 1958, in Newton, Kansas.

What began as young love became a remarkable 54-year marriage built on faith, laughter, hard work, loyalty, unwavering devotion, and the kind of enduring affection their family still smiles to remember, including long kisses in the kitchen after church.

Together, Cora and JB built a beautiful life one season at a time. They enjoyed their early years as newlyweds before welcoming their first daughter, Faunetta, followed by Carnella. With the arrival of their youngest, JoLonna, their home was filled with even more love, laughter, and purpose. The family they created became Cora’s greatest earthly joy.

Later, after attending cosmetology school in Wichita, Cora pursued another calling by opening and operating her own beauty shop for 22 years. For many, her salon chair became far more than a place for appointments. It became a place of friendship, comfort, honest conversation, laughter, and care.

Her hands and heart were rarely still. She found joy in tending flowers and gardens, creating crafts, playing cards, gathering with dear friends, and enjoying spirited games of Mexican dominoes. She was especially known for her playful sense of humor, often teasing those she loved with a familiar smirk that could say everything without a single word.

Above all else, Cora cherished her family.

One of her greatest joys in life was caring for her grandchildren during their early years, helping shape countless cherished memories. In her presence, her grandchildren always knew they were seen, heard, valued, and deeply loved. She had a remarkable gift for making each person feel important and fully known.

Her Christian faith was not merely something she believed, but something she lived. It shaped the way she loved, served, endured hardship, and extended grace. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life and now offers comfort to those grieving her absence.

And for those who witnessed the extraordinary love between Cora and JB, there is peace in imagining the joyful reunion that awaited her in heaven. Some love stories are simply too enduring to end here.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John L. Bloomer; her father, Elmo Clithero; her infant brother, Melvin Clithero; her mother, Margie Clithero-Seymour; her stepfather, Charles Seymour; and her grandson, Ryan Anderson.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Faunetta Bloomer and wife Vici, Carnella Anderson and husband Bob, and JoLonna Barnes and husband Erik; grandchildren Heath Andres and wife Brittany, Jake Andres and wife Crystal, Paige Barnes, Rayna Crawford and husband Jeremiah, Kyle Anderson, and Matt Anderson; great-grandchildren Faith Andres, Evan Andres, Lainey Crawford, Wrenley Crawford, and Tesla Faber; along with many other cherished family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Peabody United Methodist Church, 403 N Sycamore St, Peabody, KS 66866.

A celebration of Cora’s life will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Peabody United Methodist Church, .403 N Sycamore St, Peabody, KS 66866 . Interment will follow at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Peabody, Kansas. The family warmly invites all who attend to remain for lunch and fellowship at the church following burial.

A proud patriot at heart, Cora deeply valued honoring those who served our country. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Peabody Avenue of Flags, a fitting tribute to a woman who held faith, country, and remembrance close to her heart. Checks may be made payable to Veteran Avenue of Flags and mailed to Vintage Bank, 201 N Walnut St, Peabody, KS 66866.

A life faithfully lived. A legacy of love carried forward through generations.

Well done, good and faithful servant, well done.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com