Joyce Eileen (Boatright) Hemphill, 80, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.
Eileen was born February 14, 1943 in Junction City, Kansas. The daughter of Lawrence M. and Beatrice (Deines) Boatright. Lawrence worked in the oil fields in central Kansas so they moved around during her childhood. She graduated from Russell High School in the Class of ’61.
Eileen was united in marriage to Earl M. Hemphill on September 2, 1962 in Russell. This union was blessed with three children; Larry, James and Audra. They made their home in Russell. Earl preceded her in death on April 11, 2002.
Eileen was a devoted wife and homemaker for her children. She did odd jobs throughout her life and really enjoyed running auto parts for Dean’s Auto Repair. She was an active member of the Bible Baptist Church. She also was a member of the Fire Fighters Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Kansas City Royals. She also loved attending her grandchildren’s events.
Eileen’s surviving family include her two sons; Larry Hemphill (Bethena) of Gypsum, Kansas and James M. Hemphill of Russell, Kansas; her daughter, Audra McCall (Keith) of Florida; two sisters, Diana Boxberger (Ron) of Russell, Kansas and Deloris Wegele (Allen) of Concho, Arizona; sister-in-law, Andy Martin of Clyde, Texas; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents and husband Earl.
Celebration of Eileen’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, August 28, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Bible Baptist Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.