Eloise M. Lichty

Eloise Marie McKnight Lichty, 98, passed away peacefully at Angel Arms, in McPherson, KS, on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

Eloise was born in Quinter, Kansas, on January 26, 1925, to Verna (Long) and John D. McKnight.  Following graduation from Quinter High School, she attended McPherson College, McPherson, Kansas, where she met D. Eugene Lichty from Waterloo, Iowa.  They were married on August 20, 1944, and enjoyed nearly 70 years together.  From 1946-1948 this young couple volunteered in Carrara, Italy, under church auspices, helping orphans after wartime.

Being part of the Church of the Brethren was important throughout Eloise’s life.  She lived faithfully as a pastor’s wife, bringing her gift of music, of directing plays and children’s musicals, the art of being a hostess, and her concern for others to every church they served, in Oklahoma, Missouri, Ohio, and Arizona.  In 1979, she and Eugene made their home in McPherson, KS, where they enjoyed participating in the McPherson Church of the Brethren and being part of McPherson College cultural events.  And in her 60s decade, Eloise completed her own college education at Mac!

Eloise and Eugene hosted three year-long high school exchange students, from three different continents.  Whenever foreigners arrived in town, the Lichtys wanted to help them feel welcomed. They also had a habit of inviting any newcomers to church, either to their home for a meal or out for Sunday lunch.  Eloise had a fine soprano voice and sang in church and civic choirs for many years.  To supplement a pastor’s income, she gave piano lessons, taught Kindergarten, and worked in a doctor’s office.  She will also be remembered for her fine culinary skills, including a short while in a private catering service with her friend ImoJean Frantz.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marlys Bengston, and her husband Eugene.  Survivors include two daughters and three sons:  Jean (Francis) Hendricks, McPherson; Marilyn (Rob) Rosenow, Beaverton, OR; Dan (Lynne) Lichty, McPherson; Kent (Lori) Lichty, Lee’s Summit, MO; Lyle (Ilona) Lichty, Mt. Vernon, IA; 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 25, 11:00 a.m. at the McPherson Church of the Brethren, McPherson, Kansas.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, please click on the following link: https://youtube.com/live/ES_p49ETHbA?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to McPherson College, Heifer International, or the McPherson Church of the Brethren in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.