Lois M. McLeish, age 86, of Ness City, KS passed away June 16, 2016 at Hays Medical Center. She was born in Altamont, Kansas on October 18, 1929 to Howard and Ethel (Hauck) Billington. Lois attended Kansas State University and was a member of Clovia House. There she met Thomas Edwin McLeish and married in 1950. She moved to their farm in rural Beeler and together they had two sons; Bill McLeish of Ness City and Ed McLeish of Stafford. While keeping all the men fed at the farm, she stayed with her passion of learning and teaching, attending classes at Fort Hay State College where she received her degrees.
Lois taught English and Home Economics at Beeler High School until 1966 then began teaching Home Economics at Ness High School until she retired in the early 1990’s. She enjoyed being a class sponsor, FHA sponsor and 4-H Leader as well as a member of the United Methodist Church, PEO and several other organizations. She loved taking care of and spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them to cook and sew, playing cards with friends, bowling and traveling. While in the Beeler community she was involved in most of the local activities and EHU. In 2006, Lois moved to Ness City. She continued playing cards, socializing and volunteering at the thrift store. She appreciated spending time with and catching up on all of her former students, which she took great pride in.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Juanita Johnson Payne.
Survivors include two sons: Bill McLeish (Annette Speer) of Ness City and Ed McLeish of Stafford; three grandchildren: Amanda McLeish of Fairway, KS, Lindy McLeish Bridgewater (Monte) of Mission Viejo, CA and Justin McLeish of Stafford, KS.
Funeral Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Ness City on June 30th at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at the Ness City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and plants, please send Memorials to Ness City Leisure Center.