Patricia Eilene Conejo

Our family shares the news that our Lord’s faithful servant, Patricia (Tish) Eilene Conejo passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025 in Olathe, Kansas surrounded by family after complications from a long courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Tish’s life was marked by love and laughter with an unwavering devotion to her husband; and an unconditional love of her family and friends forming lifelong friendships as a cornerstone of her life.

Tish was born on April 4, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri as a beloved daughter of Pat and David Eddings. Tish was a graduate of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Doctor Conejo, PhD of Philosophy – Nursing; RN and Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) was a PhD graduate from the University of Kansas in 2010. She was passionate to educating ‘tomorrow’s’ nurses for lifelong learning and impact in the workforce as a university professor for 31 years to help nurses succeed and, in reaching their goals beginning at Park (College) University; the University of Texas/El Paso; Virginia Commonwealth University/Richmond; Germanna Community College/Virginia; Avila University; then rounded out her teaching career at MidAmerica University where she achieved the position of Department Chair, Traditional BSN Studies. Her education began with an Associate’s Degree at Kansas City Kansas Community Junior College; continued with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing then a Master of Science Degree in Nursing at the University of Kansas; and, then followed by her Doctorate of Philosophy/Nursing from the University of Kansas. She was licensed in the states of Kansas; Missouri; Texas; and, Virginia. During June 2013, Tish was instrumental in creating the Simulation Lab at MidAmerica Nazarene University: School of Nursing. She published several articles in medical journals.

Bowling was her forte sport beginning at age eight with her highest game of 278. Tish was a proud mother and grandmother. She made her children and grandchildren feel special; she was very giving and never selfish. Her happiest moments were to make recipe books for the grandkids: first the chocolate chip muffins or Mrs. Burnett’s Fudge; they were family favorites. She loved the family gatherings and especially loved the help from the grandchildren when decorating for Christmas and all the lively conversations in the home. She firmly believed every moment was a gift; she never waited for the storm to pass instead; she danced in the rain.

Tish was predeceased by her parents Pat and Dave Eddings. She is survived by her husband Carlos Conejo; children Adam Bechelmayr (Rachel) and Kelly Carlisle (Joe); stepdaughter Natalie Conejo; sisters Susan Scholler and Shelly Lowen (Ray); and her treasured grandchildren Kelsey and Ashley Carlisle; Brook; Melanie and Jack Bechelmayr; Chloe Burger; and, Erik Herera. Tish will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. O. Jawdat, MD Neurology, Neuromuscular Medicine; Dr. Shauna Gibbons, MD; Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Internal Medicine; Dr. Lori Olsen; Dr. Christine Cook, MD Pulmonary Disease and Internal Medicine; the University of Kansas Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas as well as the entire staff of the University of Kansas Neurology: Landon Center on Aging especially RN Jessica Berry, all providing compassionate care to Tish.

A visitation for Tish will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 15440 Leavenworth Rd, Basehor, KS 66007, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM. Tish will then be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 N 94th ST, Kansas City, KS 66112 followed by a lunch reception at Holy Angels Catholic Church in the parish hall next to the church.

Serving as pallbearers are Adam Bechelmayr, Jack Bechelmayr, Joe Carlisle, Denver Gardner and Vaughn Anzek.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the University of Kansas Neurology: Landon Center on Aging, 3599 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City KS 66103-2078; the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA, 22209 (ALS.org); or Supporting Kids Foundation (supportingkids.org) dedicated to helping Kansas City area families battling childhood cancer.