Arlois McLay passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025 in the arms of her beloved daughter, Kristi, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. She was 88 years old.
Born September 19, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Arlois (Sherwood) and Edward Van Dyke, she grew up in Dearborn, Michigan as the eldest of four. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, where she forged lifelong friendships. While she worked as an HR manager for the latter half of her life, she always felt that her first job, teaching first grade in Metro Detroit, was her true calling.
Arlois gave her love, support, and devotion to many generations of children. Her daughters fondly recall snowy days in wintery Michigan filled with laughter, silly nursery rhymes, and ice skating. She was also a boundless source of love and guidance to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, spoiling them with unwavering devotion. Known for her love of the holidays, each Christmas she transformed her house into a wonderland, surrounding the tree with a mountain of thoughtfully selected gifts.
She wed the love of her life, James Buckley, on October 1, 1988, after her then five year old grandson, Brian, demanded to know when the two of them were getting married. For the next 35 years they showed the world what true love looks like—complete with laughter, mischief, and unbreakable devotion.
She moved to Lawrence in 2001, where she quickly established a wide circle of friends at church and in her neighborhood. Wherever she went, she was deeply loved, surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends that she cherished and held tight. She delighted in pampering her dogs, watching backyard birds, traveling, boating on the Great Lakes, and savoring Mackinac Island cherry fudge by the pound. Witty, humorous, and mischievous, she carried a quiet wisdom that will be profoundly missed.
Survivors include her daughter Kristi Black, stepdaughter Janine (James) Owens, stepson Steven (Nelda) Buckley, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Darlene Doorlag, brother James (Anne) Van Dyke and her dear nieces and nephews
Arlois was preceded in death by her husband James Buckley, daughter Kerry McLay, brother Edward VanDyke, and brother-in-law Bob Doorlag.
A memorial service will be 10:00 am Saturday, December 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, Kansas.
Arlois & Jim provided supportive love to each other, family , & friends. It was my pleasure to have known them and to share fellowship with meals at their home. Black Cherry Chocolat ice cream was a staple for dessert. Arlois stayed positive through many years of health challenges. Praying her spirit infected folks & they continue the tradition of smiles with a compassionate caring attitude.
She a dear lady. Enjoyed our our visits and laughs. So glad I got to know her. Suzy