Lois Helene Huffman

Lois Helene Schenke Huffman died peacefully in her home on Monday, April 1, 2019. She was 88 years old. Born September 7, 1930 in Kansas City, Kansas, Lois lived in the metropolitan area for her entire adult life.

Lois was preceded in death by Errol Nine Huffman, her husband of 52 years; her parents Alfred and Mabel Schenke; brothers Robert and Paul, and sister Leta. She is survived by her son, Warren Robert Huffman, and her daughter, Brenda Lynn Huffman. Also surviving her are two nieces, six nephews, and twelve great nephews/nieces and twelve great-great nephew/nieces. Her beloved dog Sheila also survives her.

Lois often remarked that she had two aspirations in life. She wanted to be a mother. She wanted to be a nurse. She relished both. To her children she was a tireless advocate. She encouraged Warren and Brenda to follow their passions. To countless cousins, friends, neighbors, and Sunday school students, she was a second mother, grandmother, aunt, and mentor. It seemed she never left a room without a big hug and a lilting “I love you.” Even in her last days when she was too weak to talk, she found ways to let you know she loved you.

Lois graduated Trinity Lutheran’s Nurses Training in 1951. She spent the next 42 years at Menorah’s Alfred Benjamin Clinic and later the Medical Center itself. At home she was the family caregiver from bandaging kids bumps and scrapes to holding hands at end of life vigils. Through the years, she inspired her niece, Kristen, and others to pursue a career in nursing.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family encourages gifts in Lois’ memory to One Good Meal, a local charity which Lois supported, that provides meals for shut-ins and the elderly. Gifts may be donated on the charity’s website, Onegoodmeal.org .

A memorial service will be held for Lois at Martin Luther Lutheran Church. Lois’ strong faith in God was always at the forefront of her daily life. She was a member of the church for many years and enjoyed donating her voice to the choir and teaching Sunday School. The service will be Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Martin Luther Lutheran Church is located at 1200 SW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit. An informal coffee hour will follow the service.

Warren and Brenda would like to thank the following for their help and care of Lois over the past few months: neighbor, Patti Fogarty; Dr. Neil Erikson, the staff from Interim Health, the staff from Visiting Angels and the staff from St. Joseph Medical Center

Your kind words and shared memories of Lois are a solace to family and friends.