Celeste (Nano) Efaw, 97, passed away in Topeka on February 17, 2012. Born October 5, 1914, in Milo, Missouri to G.E. and Zefphia Sims Baer, she moved with her family at a young age to El Dorado. She married E.C. “Chick” Efaw; they had one daughter, Beverly. They lived in Wichita before moving to Russell, Kansas in 1944 where she remained until 2008 when she moved to Topeka to be near her daughter.

Celeste was a homemaker who enjoyed reading, bowling, knitting, baking, working crossword puzzles and playing cards with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Methodist Church and The Order of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Probasco, Topeka; grandchildren Paula Freeman (Ray), Castle Rock, Colorado, Jeff Probasco, Dallas, Texas, Kristi Hellmuth (David), Alexandria, Virginia; ten great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew who treasure her legacy of love, strength, acceptance and a contagious sense of humor.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Russell City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hope’s Promise, 309 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.