Doris Elaine Lyness

Doris Elaine Lyness, 84, of Schell City, Mo., passed from this life on June 10, 2015, at her home. She was born Aug. 2, 1930, in Jackson County, Mo., the daughter of Robert C. and Pearl (McCumber) Conoley. On Nov. 10, 1950, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Robert Lyness and he preceded her in death on April 18, 2007. Their union was blessed with three children, Elaine, Robert (Bobby), and Wilbur (Willie).

Doris grew up in the Independence area and just shortly after high school graduation she began employment at Southwestern Bell then eventually AT&T where she worked as an operator. She retired in the early 1980s after working in the communications industry in Kansas City, Springfield, and lastly Joplin. She and Lawrence lived in the Kansas City area and also made the Schell City area their home on weekends on the land that had been in Doris' family for many years. They permanently made this area home in the 1970s. When time allowed, Doris enjoyed horses, playing cards, traveling, raising greyhounds for racing purposes, and programs associated with the comedy of Lucille Ball. She was a faithful and longtime member of the Park Street Christian Church. But her greatest times were spent with her beloved family, especially their holiday gatherings where traditional homemade noodles were the anticipated main course of the meal.

After the death of her husband, Doris continued to enjoy travel with tour groups, Ladies Retreats with the church, and treasured friendships with Tim and Peggy Carter and others in her church family. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her children, Elaine Allen, of Schell City, Mo., Bobby Lyness and wife, Teresa, of Harwood, Mo., and Willie Lyness, of Schell City, Mo.; stepdaughter, Sherry Reaves and husband, Larry, of Blue Springs, Mo.; brother, Clarence Conoley and wife, Sue, of Leawood, Kan.; sister-in-law, Lee-Jane (Lyness) Hillard, of Independence, Mo.; and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Aside from her husband, Doris was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, James Conoley, Robert Conoley and wife, Lorna, and Ammon Conoley and wife, Daryl; and stepdaughter, Donna Jacobs.

Funeral services for Doris Elaine Lyness were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Park Street Christian Church, in El Dorado Springs, Mo., with Pastor Larry Daniel officiating. Musical selections were provided by Peggy Carter, Bud Benskin, and Brandon Watkins. Pallbearers were Jason Allen, Brian Allen, Richard Lyness, Doug Brackenridge, Dennis Willman, and Tim Carter. Interment followed in the Green Lawn Cemetery, in Schell City, Mo.

Memorials in her memory are suggested to Heartland Hospice or the Park Street Christian Church Youth Program in care of the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, in Schell City, Mo., whom were entrusted with the arrangements.