Olene Tilley

****Memorial Services for Olene will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Stull United Methodist Church.*****

A memorial visitation for Olene Tilley, 65, Lawrence will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2015 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Stull United Methodist Church in Stull, KS. She passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015 at her home. Olene was born March 6, 1950 in Farlington, KS the daughter of Dale and Emaline (Matson) Stiteler. She received her BS from Pittsburg State University and was the first female Cooperative Education Teacher for the State of Kansas. She was a member of and former president of the Lawrence Lions Club, a member of the Stull United Methodist Church, Lawrence Chamber Envoy’s, Kiwanis Club, and was a Master Gardner through Purdue University. She was a Realtor for a number of years. She married Gary Tilley December 11, 1999 in Gatlinburg, TN. He survives of the home. Other survivors include her daughter, Samantha Brummell and husband, Jamie, Lawrence, and Gary’s children, Danielle Tilley, Huntington Beach, CA, Travis Tilley, Charleston, SC; her grandson, Chase Brummell, Lawrence, and Gary’s grandchild, C.J. Tilley, Shawnee, KS; and three sisters, Darlene Hightower, Katy, TX, Sandra Lowe, Louisburg, KS, and Donna Bennett, Adrian, MO. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Stull United Methodist Church and American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

11 Condolences

  1. Dennis Knipfer on June 8, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    This comes as such a shock to Jeanie and me.
    Olene was a great friend.
    Our condolences to Gary and Sam in this time of grief and trial.
    We know God is welcoming Olene with open arms to her eternal home.
    Rest in peace dear Olene.



  2. Kathi & Bill Fair on June 8, 2015 at 6:47 pm

    We knew Olene for many years. We remember she always had a kind word whenever we’d meet.



  3. Ginger on June 8, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    Love to you, Gary. So sorry that your beautiful wife has gone ahead and also know that she’s showering you with all that possibly could comfort you at this time.



  4. Brenda Kappelman on June 9, 2015 at 9:27 am

    So very sorry for your loss. God’s peace to you and your family. Brenda Kappelman



  5. Verna Fellman on June 9, 2015 at 10:13 am

    Gary, my thoughts and prayers to you and your family! Olene was a wonderful person, cherish all the beautiful memories of her.



  6. Linda Trotter on June 9, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Gary, what a shock this was. Olene and I were Realtors together for a number or years. I will be out-of-town and unable to attend the memorial service, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.



  7. Gary & Camille Lechliter on June 9, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    Gary, we still have the roses that meant so much to Olene.
    In these times of loss I think of the words of W.S. Merwin:
    “Those who believe in death have their worship cut-out for them. As for me, we continue.” Gary & Camille Lechliter



  8. Dan & Deb Rukes on June 11, 2015 at 10:02 pm

    Gary, Deb and I are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dan Rukes



  9. Kimberly Williams on June 12, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    Olene always had a smile on her face and was such a bright spirit. She will be missed. Thinking of you, Gary.



  10. chris copp on June 15, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Olene and I were in the hospital together when we had our daughters. Our daughters have been friends over the years and I was so sorry that we never kept in touch. My best wishes for you all.



  11. Becky Mondi on June 21, 2015 at 12:26 am

    To Gary and Sam & family,
    Olene was such a genuine soul whom I so enjoyed working with as a colleague in Real Estate. A head of hair like none other…she complained about it..I dreamed for it!! She was always so outgoing and friendly and although our paths lost connection over the years, I am honored to have had her in my life. May God envelop you all with His comfort in the days ahead..At times like these we are so needy..and He is so faithful. Rest in His presence, dear Olene, and in His peace, the family.



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