Lillian H. Foster, 91, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Pine Village in Moundridge, Kansas with her son Jeff and his wife Brenda at her side.
Lillian (Lil) was born on October 29, 1932, in Shamrock, Oklahoma to Joe and Lillian Stokes (Lillian died not long after Lil was born, and she was later adopted and raised by the Downey family). Lillian moved with her family to McPherson in the late 30's where they lived south of McPherson in King City Township. There, she attended Victory country school and later graduated from McPherson High School in 1951.
While in high school, she met Wayne O. Foster, and they were later married on November 1, 1953 at the Methodist parsonage and enjoyed over 50 years together until Wayne's death on January 13, 2004. They were blessed with three sons: Michael, Jeffrey and Patrick.
Lillian was a long-time employee of Home State Bank & Trust, working under four presidents: Dr. Walter W. Jones, Richard D. Nichols, Paul K. Ediger, and Ted Odle. Many long-time friendships were established during those years.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Futurama Study Club and the MHS Class of 1951 Reunion Committee. Lillian enjoyed interior decorating and could make any room look beautiful. She also enjoyed fashion - shopping for clothes during her lunch hour was one of her favorite pastimes. Another important part of her life was her dogs - she and Wayne had many dogs over the years and each dog made an impact on both their lives. But most of all, family was the most important part of Lillian's life - her husband, their three sons and extended family were the greatest joy in her life. She will always be remembered for what a wonderful mother she was and the life she extended to each of her three children.
She is survived by her son, Jeff Foster and his wife, Brenda, of Andover, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Julie Foster of Salina, Kansas; four grandchildren: Brianna Quinley (Kevin and their son Kai) of Salina, Kansas, Cameron Smith (Shae and their son Ollie) of Aurora, Colorado, Nathan and Kaitlyn Fox of Wichita, Kansas; nephew, Joed Stokes and his wife, Susie, of Weatherford, Texas; niece, Deanna Dolloff of Wichita, Kansas; niece, Carol Foster Shepp (Jim) of Arcadia, California; and nephew, Richard Foster of Monrovia, California; and her long-time caregiver and friend, Judy Unruh (Dave) of rural McPherson, Kansas.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Jewel W. and Edna C. (Prichard) Downey; husband, Wayne O. Foster; sons, Michael D. Foster (2001) and Patrick "Pat" Foster (2016); and siblings, Bill Stokes, Woodrow Downey, Virginia Starkey, and Judy Fearheiley.
The losses of her husband and two sons were extremely hard times for Lillian, but her strength and faith helped her move forward.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Andrew Conard officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. The final resting place will be in the McPherson Mausoleum.
Memorial donations can be made to the McPherson Opera House, First United Methodist Church Education Wing, Foster Family Endowment for the President's Home at McPherson College, or the McPherson Animal Shelter, all in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.