Ann S. Conley died at the age of 81 at midnight on Christmas morning 2017. She was born on January 1, 1936 being the first baby born that year in her town. She was the daughter of Ellsworth Spencer and Margaret Ethalind Gray who were born in the Boston, MA area. They moved to Columbia, MO where Ann was born, but later moved to Lawrence, KS where her father was a professor at the University of Kansas in the Mechanical Engineering department. He passed away when she was a pre-teen and she realized the need to help support her family, so she went to work for the Castle Tea Room at the age of 11 serving coffee and water in the ballroom. She attended Lawrence High School where her class was the first to graduate from the new school at 19th and Louisiana St. She later attended the University of Kansas on an academic scholarship. She was active in many activities while at KU including being President of LaTertulia Spanish Club, President of the Christian Science organization and worked part-time in the Registrar’s office in Strong Hall while going to classes. It was there that she met her future husband, Harold L. Conley. She boasts of having Wilt Chamberlain in her biology class who sat in front of her in Lindley Hall. She also participated in ballet swimming while at KU. In the summer she was water-front counselor at Sea Pines camp on Cape Cod and while there she got to teach Gypsy Rose Lee’s son, Eric, to swim. Her grandparents had a house on Cape Cod just down the beach from the camp where she would go every Thursday on her day off.
She married Harold on November 6, 1955. They were busy travelling, attending KU basketball games, attending shows at the New Theatre in Overland Park, KS, the Lied Center in Lawrence, KS and Topeka Civic Theatre in Topeka, KS where they had season tickets to all of them. For a number of years, they also had season tickets to the College World Series of baseball in Omaha, Nebraska. They had been members of FSBC since 1978. On many of their long trips before and after their marriage, they often would sing their favorite theme song, The Bible Tells Me So. She was also a busy mother of 3 children. Harold preceded Ann in death in 2005.
She is survived by her brother, David Gray (Ella) of Ft. Worth, TX; daughter Cindy Lakey (Barry) of Overland Park, KS; son David Conley of Tonganoxie, KS; son Steven Conley (Rosalyn) of Lawrence, KS; granddaughter Sarah Conley of Lawrence, KS; step granddaughter Amy Navarro (Matt Huss) of Lawrence, KS; step grandson Erik Slan (Meredith) of Topeka, KS and two great grandsons Martin Navarro and Brian Navarro of Lawrence, KS. There are also numerous nieces and nephews from Texas, Kansas, New England and England. She leaves behind many dear friends, some of whom she has known and remained friends with since her elementary school days. She also leaves a long-time friend, Dottie Matthew whose 4 children are her God children.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Christian Higher Education Endowment Fund of the Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptist Foundation at 5410 W. 7th st., Topeka, KS 66606.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 6th at 11:00 am at the First Southern Baptist Church in Topeka, KS. That evening a Celebration of Life open house will be held at the Castle Tea Room in Lawrence, KS from 6:00-8:00 pm for friends and family to come. Beverages and snacks will be served as we share memories.
Our deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful woman. Even though she was my great-aunt, I knew her as Aunt Ann. Sad that my girls or husband will not get a chance to meet her. My brother David also sends his condolences from his overseas post with the military.
Thinking of all of you from TX! Sending prayers and hugs that my parents will deliver when they arrive.
I met Ann at 8 and she 10 when I moved to the Barker street neighborhood. We had fabulous times as children, in our school years, marriage, our family growing years, the grandchildren, the opera, the visits, the bridge table and so much more. Ahh, we were never were more than a phone call away from one another. As others mention, she was always an inspiration with wisdom and laughter, even during the difficult times we both faced. Her faith and love were gifts to others. She is a “best friend forever” to me. I miss her now but am never without my memories of those wonderful hours we had for 71 and a half years. I let her go till we meet again. May those who remain take comfort in knowing that she is now and has been at peace for a very long time.
Anne Conley was an enthusiastic supporter of missions and missionaries. She always showed interest in hearing how God was working. We are grateful for her life and are praying for her family.
Back in 1956 Ann and I began having babies together when we were neighbors on Hood Street, Wichita, Kansas. We were both stay at home Moms who shared the same back yard. We depended on each other for everything. She was always there for me especially when I lost my fifth child. Ann took her spirituality very seriously. We have been friends for more than 60 years. We kept in touch by phone over that time until recently. I will miss Ann.
We send our deepest sympathy to the Conley family ! Harold and Ann were very special people to our family back in Great Bend. They were great friends and leaders in our community. Harold arranged an interview for me 40 years ago at O’Neil Tank, which in turn trained me into a supervisory Management position that became my career in Management for the past 40 years. They have made a difference in many peoples lives everyday. What great role models of how God wants us all to live. God bless you all!
I remember well all the adventures Ann and my Mom Dottie concocted for us kids back in the sixties. She will always be one of the best influences on my life. I greive with everyone who knew her.
To one of my Besr Friends: so-so dear to all, I combed her hair & cut Harold’s hair for along time, the last time I did Harold at there Home- he said to me, Ann is running my life again, she’s looking for a place for us, she knows best, Love of my life! Such a dear man, Ann & I kept in touch, actually she called me 2 weeks before she went to sleep, probably to say good-by, we talked again about our children, whom she loved so much, she will be very much missed, my girls loved her too! Great Lady! Blessed to have knowledge her.
She was so kind and very precious and God lady and she was good family, David and Cindy and Steve Blessed and good grief for her went home with her husband, Harold. Prayer for our condolences
Ann was a very sweet person. I was privileged to know her in later life at the bridge table. She always made the day a little brighter.
What a wonderful story of such a lovely human being. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you who loved her and had the blessings of being in her presence. David, I wish you peace in knowing that she is celebrating in Heaven and watching down upon you and you.
From my perspective, her youngest son, my Momma was a God Thing, a Love Thing. Twice in my life I was DOWN AND OUT and despite, and quite possibly in contradiction to, my Fathers (she was devout wife!) advise she saw me through the predicaments. As a parent I can see only now how hard I must have been on her. Despite it all, and despite me. her Love never ceased. Kind of like a God Thing! Momma I’m going to cry like yesteryear, it hurts momma! but in the end I’m BLESSED to have been born your second son!!!!!Sorry for being so hard on ya. Give my Love to Dad. Hugs and Kisses Always!!!!!
I only met Ann about 10 years ago. It was obvious that she had a full life and so many interests. Life became very small near the end. Still, I think she was very happy being surrounded by her children and GKs. They were the most important of all to her.
I met Ann in junior high and we had many happy times together. We especially enjoyed slumber parties with friends. I played many bridge games with Ann.
She was one of the most upbeat individuals I have had the good fortune to know. She had a wonderful laugh that was infectious.
My prayers and sympathy go out to Ann’s family.
With my love,
Sandy Nease
Our prayers are with Cindy, David and Steven during this difficult time. Ann was a beautiful person and will be missed by all. Blessings during this season of grief.
What a dear and special lady. We shared some good times. We know she is now at peace with our Lord, and once again with Harold.
So sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. We were friends since 4th grade when I moved into the McAllister School district. One of the nicest people that I have ever known.
Sorry to hear of Ann’s passing