Dr. Margaret Pluckhan, 75, died Dec. 31, in Denver. She was an assistant professor from March 1970 to August 1973. Dr. Pluckhan was instrumental in the creation of the baccalaureate nursing program at WSU in 1971. With colleague Patricia VanderLeest, she also introduced a research emphasis in the program. The two were the first nurses with doctorates in Wichita. Survivors include brother Jack of Madison, Ga., and sister Lois Pluckhan of Madison, Wis. Memorials have been established with Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver, Hospice of Metro Denver and Four Mile Historic Park in Glendale, Colo.
Mary Blowers, 83, retired philosophy secretary, died Dec. 28 in Mesa, Ariz. She had worked at WSU from September 1965 to August 1982. Her survivors include son George of Springfield, Mo., daughters Sally Blowers Muma of Houston, Kathryn Blowers Richard of Tempe, Ariz., and grandson Rick Muma, associate professor and assistant director, physician assistant department. A memorial has been established with the School of Music, in care of the WSU Foundation.
