Lois was born in Junction City KS on November 8, 1933, to Warren and Agnes (Roessler) Hildebrand, the youngest of two daughters. Growing up, Lois enjoyed spending time at her uncle’s farm, vacationing in Minnesota, celebrating family Christmases at her aunt’s house, and nostalgic pastimes like roller skating and listening to the radio.
During her sophomore year of high school, Lois started dating Don Filby. Special date nights included walking downtown to Meske’s for a coke. They dated through high school, then long distance after Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After graduating from Junction City High School in 1951, Lois attended Kansas State University in Manhattan KS. There she enjoyed activities with her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, and became a life-long Wildcat fan.
On June 15, 1952, Lois and Don were married in Junction City. After a two-day honeymoon in Kansas City, they set up their first home in Geneva NY—near Sampson Air Force Base where Don was stationed—with “two knives, two spoons, two forks, salt, pepper, and sugar.” Their downstairs neighbor, Mrs. Spina, took Lois under her wing, teaching her Italian cooking such as how to make pizza, which became a Filby favorite.
They returned to Junction City where Lois worked for the state Welfare Office. Ultimately, they settled in Wichita in 1963. The couple had four children: Debbie, Jeff, Tim, and Matt. After several years as a dedicated homemaker, Lois returned to college in her late 30s. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wichita State University with a bachelors of arts in education in 1976. Having summers off, the family explored the country, often on camping adventures in beautiful places such as Colorado, New Mexico, and New York’s Finger Lakes area. They also traveled to Table Rock Lake many summers. There wasn’t anything Lois couldn’t fix, make, learn, or teach. When the couple bought their first car, a 1948 Studebaker Champion, Lois taught Don how to drive. She was as handy with a hammer or screwdriver as she was in the kitchen. She was also a gifted seamstress, avid reader, and put together countless puzzles.
Lois spent 18 years teaching second, third, and fourth grades at Payne Elementary in Wichita, retiring in 1994. During retirement, Lois was active with Trinity Presbyterian Church, Meals on Wheels, Wichita’s Project Beauty, and book club. She and Don enjoyed checking sites off their bucket list such as the Epcot Center, Indianapolis 500, Albuquerque Balloon Fest, and military battle fields. Lois was grateful to spend time caring for their grandchildren. She treasured time with family, her greatest love.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, her parents, daughter, and sister and best friend Lorraine. She is survived by her children, Jeff (Roxanne) Filby, Tim (Katie) Filby, Matt (Julie) Filby; along with 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 1 on the way.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 2258 Marigold, Wichita, KS 67204. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wichita-ks/lois-filby-11623433
The family suggests memorials donations to Meals on Wheels at
https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20001694?tab=home
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