Deloris C. (Parsons) Landis

Deloris Landis, 96, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully January 7, 2024, at the Baldwin Healthcare Center in the company of family.  She was born on April 17, 1927, at the farm in Edmond, Kansas, to Alfred and Esther Parsons.  The family moved numerous times during her youth, finally settling in Lawrence, where she graduated from Liberty Memorial High School.

After marrying Warren Landis on February 4, 1947, they enjoyed life on their farm in Douglas County, raising their children and spending countless summers entertaining very active, much-loved grandchildren. She also participated for many years in the Pleasant Valley Extension Homemaker Unit. Being on the receiving end of one of Deloris’ pies was a delicious privilege.  She also was a member of and enjoyed attending Lone Star Church of the Brethren.

Deloris was employed at Sears for nearly two decades.  She then engaged her sewing skills and worked for The Shop, a tailoring business, and Aneita’s Alterations until her retirement.

Deloris was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, and a brother, Percy Parsons of Smith Center, KS.

Survivors include son, Larry, of Lawrence, daughter Patti (David) Cooper, Troy, Michigan, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Deloris also lost a special needs child, Keith, in 2001.  Keith enjoyed support from Cottonwood, Inc., an organization providing services to individuals with intellectual/developmental difficulties.  Deloris also became an active volunteer at Cottonwood.  A Cottonwood staff member wrote the following about Deloris’ involvement.

“Deloris was such a friend to Cottonwood.  When her son, Keith, graduated from high school, he began to receive wrap around services from Cottonwood.  Deloris was an involved parent whose humorous, calm, and practical perspective was much appreciated. She never blamed or lost her sense of humor when dealing with the challenges that come with parenting an adult son with a cognitive disability and working with a service provider like Cottonwood.

When Keith passed away in 2001, Deloris continued her involvement with Cottonwood. In and of itself a rare occurrence.  Throughout Keith’s time at Cottonwood, she had staff and friends and housemates of Keith’s out to the farm for picnics.  This continued for a time after Keith’s passing.  A coveted invitation indeed!  Deloris was a volunteer charter member of Cottonwood’s Human Rights Committee and participated long after Keith’s death.  She was an ambassador for Cottonwood in her community and in Lawrence at her longtime job as a seamstress. (She often volunteered to alter clothes for individuals supported by Cottonwood).”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cottonwood, Inc, 2801 W. 31^st Street, Lawrence, KS  66047 or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 19, 2024, at Warren McElwain Mortuary, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.  Graveside services will be 10:00am, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Pleasant Grove, KS.