Marvel Maxine Foster

Marvel Maxine Foster, 92, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at her daughter’s home. Born on May 23, 1933, in Corning, Kansas, to Elmer Ernest and Gertrude Edwina (Broadbent) Johnson, Marvel lived a full life rooted in family, hard work, and quiet creativity. A longtime resident of Meriden before moving to Topeka in 2013, she graduated from Topeka High School in 1952 and went on to drive a school bus for Jefferson West USD 340 from 1969 to 1980 and again from 1999 to 2005. She also worked at Hallmark Cards for 16 years, retiring in 1997.

Marvel married Marvin “Fuzz” Foster on July 12, 1954; the couple later divorced in 1979. She found great joy in sewing, crocheting, and knitting, and she lovingly made keepsake blankets for her family and friends. One of her cherished KU blankets even found its way to Coach Bill Self. In her leisure time, she enjoyed watching the Chiefs, Royals, and Kansas Jayhawks, as well as programs on the Hallmark Channel. She was a longtime member of Grantville United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughters Suzy (Bruce) Turpin of Topeka and Stacey (Danny) Erdman of Meriden, her son Steven Foster of Topeka, her daughter-in-law Kathy Foster of Ozawkie, ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, her brother Glenn (Marie) Johnson of Dedham, Massachusetts, her sister Marilyn Mainey of Topeka, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Marvel was preceded in death by her parents, two sons Randy Foster in 2001 and Jeff Foster in 2025, a grandson Ryan Turpin in 2009, and a brother Gary Johnson in 1997.