Lois Hershey

Lois Leona Hershey, 96, of Coffeyville, Kansas, passed away during the early hours of August 27 with loving family at her side.

Mrs. Hershey was born June 26, 1924, to Milton Rice Todd and Blanche Lovett Todd in Perryton, Texas, the next to youngest of 7 children. She attended school in Perryton and later Goodwell, Oklahoma where she met her first husband, John W. (Jack) Thurmond. After they married, she accompanied him to Flight School in Texas. Their daughter, Oteka was born in 1944 followed by VeAnne in 1945. Jack died a hero in 1946 from burns received trying to rescue his co-pilot from a burning airplane.

Lois later married Ralph Hershey and they resided in Hooker, Oklahoma, where their first son, MR was born. After a short time in Oregon, they settled in Coffeyville and welcomed Jim and later David. She concentrated her time raising their 5 children, participating in activities serving her children and family, including 4-H, a Cub Scout Den Mother, Home Demonstration Unit, Daughters of the American Revolution, and church activities.

Ralph and Lois were charter members of Westside Christian Church which was very important to them. She remained active until her death. She will be remembered by many things, but possibly most for her coconut cream pies and her love of flowers and was ruthless playing games with family and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, husband Ralph, daughter Oteka Aude, sisters Essa Hoover, Blanche Marxsen, Millie Cowan, and brothers Jack and Milton Todd. She is survived by daughter, VeAnne Stowell from Temple, Texas, MR (Christy) Hershey of Coffeyville, Jim (Rhonda) of Belton, Texas, and David (Kathy) Hershey of Coffeyville, sister Alta Wood of Perryton, Texas, sister-in-law Jeanne Hershey, Hooker, Oklahoma, grandchildren J.T. (Chris) Aude and son Christian, Katherine Aude and son Todd, Stacy (Curtis) Marti and sons Max and Mitchell and daughters Adia and Sophia, Amy (Andy) Oyler, daughters Marley and Macy, Micah (Lindsay) Hershey and daughters Adelynn and Delaney, Jason (Cacey) Hershey and sons Ollie and Gus, Lauren Hershey Givens and daughter Cecily, Michelle (Zach) Baker, sons Zane and Daks, daughters Mylea, Quinnlea, and Zoey, Elijah (Glynna) Hershey, sons Jaxin and Eli, daughter Hattie, Zachary Hershey, Quinton (Bailey) Hershey, and Bradly Hershey, many nieces and nephews, church friends, and her Bridge Club ladies.

Services will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, September 1 at Westside Christian Church, 402 N. Ohio, Coffeyville, Kansas with Pastor Mike Elrod Officiating; burial will follow at Robbins Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Funeral Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave. Memorials may be made payable to Westside Christian Church in Lois’s name and left in care of the chapel.  For the protection of the family and guest mask are encouraged for both gatherings.  Join us just prior to the service on FaceBook Live to view the service for those unable to attend.To leave a message of condolence for the family visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com