Berniece A. Shank passed peacefully to her Father in Heaven on July 25, 2025. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and highly skilled RN.
She was born on a farm near Ogallah, Kansas September 4, 1933, to her parents William and Frances Thesing along with one sister and three brothers.
Her father passed away from blood poisoning when she was only 4 years old and a day later her mother gave birth to her brother Bill. Her Mother Frances nearly died from pneumonia during the pregnancy and remained in the hospital for 75 days.
Relatives from Graham County, the Goeverts stepped up to the plate, at the request of Frances and promised to raise the children and keep the family together. Frances moved her family to WaKeeney, Kansas after 3 years of recovery and aid from the Goevert family.
Berniece attended Trego County High School in WaKeeney and received a full music scholarship from Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. She was a rudimental snare drummer but chose a path of medical service after entering Marymount College. She graduated from Marymount College with a BS degree in Nursing and shortly after was married to Robert E. Shank, Sr. They raised 4 sons on a farm north of Salina, Kansas. Berniece truly enjoyed her four sons always teaching them to work hard and do their best.
Berniece continued helping others through her nursing vocation her entire life. She was a travel Hospice nurse for children during the last years of her career.
She loved teaching and playing the piano. She taught her sons the joy of music and they all participated in high school Band.
Berniece was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW for 50 years.
She loved the 'Lord' with all her heart and was a true prayer warrior.
Survivors include three sons: David R. Shank (Lincoln, Nebraska), Mark E. Shank (Lisa, Ft. Scott, Kansas.), and Doug W. Shank (Ann, Mandeville, Louisiana).
12 Grandchildren: Jason Shank (Julie), Jacob Shank (Jessica), Justin Shank (Shaina), Jamie Shank (Nathen), David Shank (Lydia), Heather Cockfield (Noah), Stephanie Shank, Ryan Shank, Saraya Shank, Angela Shank (Wes), Christina Shank (Josh), Robert E. Shank, III, (Nitasha) and 25 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.
Berniece was preceded in death by her son, Robert E. Shank, Jr., and Granddaughter, Sarah Faison.
Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday August 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church - Ellis. Burial will follow the mass in the parish cemetery.
Viewing and Visitation will be from 10:30 AM until service time at the church.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary's Church.
Memories and words of comfort can be shared with Berniece's family on her tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400. E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.