Delores (Lay) Luedke, was born to Clarence and Flossie (Cox) Lay in rural Colony, KS on October 17, 1930. She lived a rich, full life. She always said that she never thought that she would live as long as she did, but we are sure glad that she blessed us for all these years. Delores died in Atwood, KS on the morning of February 27, 2025.
She had fond memories of being raised on a farm in Colony with her sister Marilyn. She often shared fun stories of growing up there and what life was like in southeastern Kansas in the 1930’s and early 1940’s.
It was in Colony that she met Kieth while in high school. They were married in 1948 after Kieth returned from military service. Despite the warnings of her grandfather of western Kansas being home to nothing but rattlesnakes and tarantulas, Delores and Kieth moved west and settled in Atwood. They followed Kieth’s work to southwest Kansas and on to western Texas, eventually returning to Atwood. They were blessed with four sons, Darryl, David, Don and Dwight.
Over the years Delores worked many jobs within the community, probably best known at the county treasurer and county district court offices. She was known throughout town for her smile and happiness. She enjoyed cooking for family, always making new and special desserts for everyone, especially her grandchildren. She was also well known for her homemade Halloween treats for all the trick-or-treaters! She enjoyed doing crafts and spent time on genealogical research, spending many years researching her own family and working with her sisters-in-law, Bonna Lea Luedke and Doris Finley to organize several family reunions. Delores also enjoyed helping many people to find their own family history as it connected to Rawlins County.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Kieth; her daughter-in-law Mary; son Don; brother-in-law Jeff Veteto and sister Marilyn. Remaining to cherish her memory are children, Darryl of Houston, TX , David (Pam) of Atwood, KS, daughter-in-law Bota of Houston, TX and Dwight (Lisa) of Hockley, TX; her grandchildren, Amber (David) Beard, Jill, Kara (Eric), Gustafson, Seann (Melanie), Shara, and Konnor (Drew) Worthy; and her great grandchildren, Mitchell, Carla, Evan, Star and Cyrus. She is also survived by sister-in-law Phyllis Luedke, and many nieces and nephews and extended family.
A small cemetery service for family and close friends will be held in Colony later in March.
Donations may be made in her honor to her favorite organizations, Salina Animal Services of Salina, KS, and Wreaths Across America, or a charity of personal choice.
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