Lois Geraldine Haynes

Lois G. Haynes, 93 of Topeka, passed away in the early morning hours of December 31, 2023. Lois, also known as Gerry and/or Middy by family members, was born on July 17, 1930 in Falls City, Nebraska and the daughter of Amanda and Samuel Dykes. Lois was the oldest of three sisters, Pat Hummel, Dixie Lynn, and Judy Auza. She attended Topeka High School and Washburn University.

Lois married William G. Haynes on March 22, 1952. She is survived by her husband William, sisters Pat, Judy, and Dixie (passed away in 2021), her sons William, Michael and wife Noelia, Steven (passed away in 2009) and wife Bobbi, and her grandchildren Spencer (passed away in 2012), Bailey, Grace, Samuel, Will and wife Olivia, Sheldon and partner Chris, along with nephews, nieces, and her beloved cats- Suzy and Maddy. She was a member of the Countryside United Methodist Church.

As an at home mother, she volunteered at the Countryside Church nursery, the local Topeka hospitals, the Cancer Society, the Mental Health Social Club, Meals on Wheels, the Kansas Health Department and the Lafeyette School. In the earlier years she was a cub scout den mother and volunteered as a public-school room mother for her three sons. When her sons were older, she worked in the Pelletier's department store as the manager of the men's department. Always a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother she made certain that all celebrations and holidays were properly organized and a created a joyous and memorable occasion to her family and grandchildren by preparing all of the dinners until she was no longer physically able.

Lois had many hobbies that included painting, wood carving, pottery, cooking and in the earlier days sewing, listening to music, traveling and was an avid reader and enjoyed art books, poetry (a favorite was a poem by a Welsh poet Dylan Thomas "Do not go gentle into that good night") and novels (especially the latest John Grisham novels and her all-time favorite collection, "All Creatures Great and Small" by James Herriot). She was always proud of her ceramic Santa Clauses that she carefully hand-painted and gave away. She loved a good movie especially if it included one of her favorite movie actors with Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford or Tom Cruise.

She appreciated the city of Topeka but she also enjoyed going to the mountains in Colorado and hiking and snow skiing. She loved and respected nature, the wonders of the world, visiting the oceans, and all of the living creatures that lived in and around them. She was a bird watcher and made sure the neighborhood birds, squirrels, possums and raccoons always had food and water (even in the winter). Any stray cats that came along were always taken care of with fresh water, food and shelter with a warm bed. A true animal lover in every way imaginable, she had the utmost respect for every living creature. From baby birds, squirrels and stray cats without their mothers, to donkey and horse sanctuaries, and chickens- her favorite animal that she raised when she was young. She said that if she ever won the lottery, she would donate it to charitable organizations relating to all animals.

Even in the later years when her physical abilities were restricted and the pain from arthritis was unbearable, she was always known for her sense of humor and her sarcastic wit. She loved to hear and tell a good story, hear a humorous joke and had a contagious, quiet laugh. Never without a loss of words she had the rare ability to keep any conversation going without any awkward downtime or silence.

When her three sons were grown, her grandchildren became a priority and she enjoyed watching each one of them grow up to be adults. In the earlier years she would enjoy taking the grandchildren to garage sales, Dollar Stores, renting movies at Blockbuster, and shopping at Hobby Lobby. Never missing a birthday celebration, she made sure to let them know that she cared deeply for all of them. She loved her sons and grandchildren dearly and like most mothers and grandmothers she kept everyone informed and connected.

They say in life that there must be a purpose to either create or make some kind of positive difference and Lois did both. In her own way, she made this world a much better place and touched the lives of many. She always accepted anyone regardless of their political views or differences of opinions. In addition, she believed in God, Heaven and was convinced that because of the beauty of nature, it was related to an intelligent design that provided an afterlife that was much better than life as we know it. Although in the later years when she could no longer stand comfortably while attending Church, she continued to have a very deep religious belief. If something good happened, it was a "Wink from God". She had a heart of gold, wanted to be known as having a "Mother's Heart" and always put others before herself. She hoped that she would someday be reunited with her mother, her beloved son Steve and grandson Spencer, when she eventually crossed over (among the many other friends and family members that preceded her). There is a saying that the good die young. However, in the case of Lois, we believe God needed her to live a longer life to help as many people, family members, and living creatures as much as possible.

Her daily calls, updates, and stories will be sadly missed and we will be forever thankful to have experienced her presence and everything she accomplished. She was a "giver" and always placed herself last.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date and in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Shelter in Topeka.

Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

The family gives a special thank you to the McCrite's health care staff, Tara Hazen at Home Instead and the Interim Hospice Services for all of their help and support.

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