Sylvia Elaine Neis
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Sylvia Elaine (Gerstenberger) Neis was born on December 8, 1936, to Walter and Elsie (Dalby) Gerstenberger. She had 3 siblings: Doris (died in 1934 at the age of 4 from a farm accident), Joan (died in 1933 at the age of 18 months from measles and pneumonia), and Wayne (1934-2020). She married Clifford Raymond Neis in 1961 at St. Paul United Church of Christ. She has been a lifelong member of St. Paul.
Sylvia attended a one-room school at Hesper until the 5th grade when she joined Eudora Elementary. She graduated in 1954 from Eudora High School. Sylvia graduated on a Friday and started working as a CNA at Lawrence Memorial Hospital the next Monday. She worked all summer until the day before starting Nursing School at Stormont Vail in Topeka. In 1957, Sylvia graduated and passed boards to become a RN. Sylvia worked for 5 years at Stormont Vail and 5 years at LMH. With the birth of her first son in 1967, she prioritized family and stayed home with her 3 boys until the Eudora Nursing Home called her and asked her to come work. She worked there for 28 years, retiring in December 2005, as the Director of Nursing at the age of 69. Sylvia raised her family in her childhood home. After retirement, she continued to care for her family and grandchildren, spent time gardening and reading, and was active in her church.
Sylvia is survived by sons James Clifford (Kelly), Dale Raymond (Patricia), and Stanley Peter (Kari); 8 grandchildren: Travis, Tracy, Brett, Josh, Kaylee, Tyler, Taylor, and Pete; and one great grandchild, Foster; nieces and nephews: Stephanie, Terry, Daryl, Eric, and Jill.
Sylvia was preceded in death by parents Walter and Elsie; siblings Doris, Joan, and Wayne; spouse, Clifford; and niece, Stacie.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary-Eudora Chapel in Eudora, KS. Burial will follow at Eudora Cemetery.
The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at the Eudora Chapel.
The family suggests memorials to the Eudora 4-H or to Sylvia Neis Memorial Scholarship in care of Eudora High School or St. Paul United Church of Christ and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Jimmy & Kelly and family we are so sorry for your loss! Big hugs and prayers to all of you.
Silvia was a truly lovely person and will certainly be missed by her many friends and family.
Only good thoughts are possible when I think of Sylvia. She is a great example of a life well lived. My condolences to Jim, Dale and Stan and all of your families.
Our condolences to Sylvia’s family. Always one of my favorite cousins and influential in my sister Sharon’s decision to an RN. She was a true blessing. Mike Staples (son of Hilda Helen Gerstenberger Staples).
Sylvia was such a blessing to all who knew her. Holding the Neis family in love and prayer.
My heart is so sad today as I think of all of you. Sylvia was such a wonderful and sweet lady. She was an example of a Godly and caring woman for all of us. Jim, Kelly, Dale, and Stan ( you are the only ones who will know who I am) but my thoughts and prayers are with all of you this week. God Bless all your memories.
Amy J Johnston Reed (your friend and cousin)
My mother adored Sylvia. She was such a kind lady. Prayers to her family.
Thinking of you. May you have peace in knowing your mother was a wonderful woman. Love to all the family
What a wonderful lady, I worked with her over 30 years and loved her every year. She was a person that things did not surprise her as to what was happening. And she had a heart for everyone. She trained me on the night shift and then I worked with her on the day shift. One thing I liked (and there were many more} was she always pitched in and helped us on making rounds on the floor. She would work right along with us.
She will be missed. I will be praying for the family.
Dale and Pat, your mother sounds like she left her family with many wonderful memories. My condolences and prayers to the Neis family.
Sorry for your loss. RIP Sylvia. Love and prayers to the Neis family.
Sylvia was such a kind lady! She will be missed by so many! Condolences to her family!
Dale and Vicky Hofer
Dear Jimmy, Dale, Stan, I want to say how sorry I was to hear from Terry about Aunt Sylvia. She was always very kind to me and my children. I think of her at holidays, she will surly be missed by Me! I’m sorry, I live in Charleston SC now, so will not make the funeral. You all will be in my prayers.
Trish and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a special person…I will remember the proud look on her face when your daughter received one of the LMH nursing scholarships last year! Thinking about you. Sincerely, Sheryle
Trish, we are very sorry.
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a really great lady.
Sylvia was a kind and thoughtful person, and a blessing to her church family at St. Paul. Rest in peace Sylvia.
Sylvia was a very special woman. She always had a sweet hello and stopped for a moment to catch up. Sylvia will be remembered for her strength, humble spirit and love for people. She will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Our sympathies to all the Neis family.
Dear Jim, Stan, and Dale,
Silvia’s greatest legacy is her lovely family. That’s you. Be thankful to have had such a loving, sweet mother. I’m sure she is proud of you all. Hugs and prayers coming your way.
Love, Sue Ashcraft ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the Neis families.
Stan , Dale & Jimmy, very sorry for your loos. Your mom was a very special person. Very sorry to hear of this. Prayers to you and the rest of the family.
Shelly Buchanan & Shannon Channel
We are thankful Sylvia has been a part of the fabric of the lives of so many people both at a neighbor, friend, and a caring, confident Registered Nurse. You all have loved and cared for her as she lived out her final days with each of you. May the peace of God comfort you all as you grieve. Elizabeth and Nick Woods