Lily Georgene Johnson, born March 27, 1921, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Via Christi Village in Hays.
She was the daughter of George and Adeline B. Johnson, well-known farmers southwest of Hays. Lily attended Washington Grade School, and graduated from Hays High School and Kansas State University, with a degree in home economics, now known as human ecology.
After teaching high school home economics, band and biology at Norcatur in Decatur County during World War II for two years, Lily began her 42-year career as a home economist.
This involved introducing new appliances for the home, such as the first electric clothes washers and driers, electric ranges, home freezers and dishwashers. Later, when the industry started to introduce small appliances, such as the toaster oven, food processor, electric skillets and home hair dryers, her work expanded to 48 of the 50 states as she traveled for General Electric, demonstrating the capabilities of small electric appliances for the public.
Before moving back to Hays in 2007, Lily lived in Hollywood and Pasadena, Calif. Upon her retirement from General Electric, Lily worked at Bearly Stitchin’ Quilt and Sewing Center and was active in the Pasadena POPS Orchestra as their business manager.
Lily was a member of the National Home Economist in Business, American Women in Radio and Television, Hays Book Guild, and Hays Trinity Lutheran Church. She was awarded the National Hall of Fame for her work as Home Economist in Business during her career. She also received in June 2014, her 75-year membership pin from the Hays Order of Eastern Star.
Upon returning to Hays, Lily was a receptionist at the Hays Welcome Center until 2014. Because of her passion for world travel and meeting new people, the Welcome Center was a great fit for Lily as she directed newcomers to all the historical sights and fun things to do in the area.
She is survived by three nieces: Kathryn Johnson of Las Vegas, Olivia Rogers of Wichita, and Lauren Johnson of Albuquerque, N.M., two nephews: Bruce Johnson (Deborah) of Colby and Peter Johnson of Abilene, a great-nephew: Timothy Lawnicki of Long Beach, Calif., and three cousins: Douglas Kingsley (Debbie) of Hays, Roger Kingsley (Jody Patten) of Ellis, and Tim Kingsley (Lilly) of Hays.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Peter White Johnson and wife, Georganna, and Norman Johnson and wife, La Rene, a nephew, Brian Johnson, a niece, Barbara Lawnicki, a niece-in-law, Rhonda Johnson, and three cousins, Mahlon Kingsley and wife, Addie B., Margaret Bochsowitzky, and Darthula Keen.
Funeral service will be at 10 am Friday, June 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church. A private family burial will follow in Mt. Allen Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Hays Symphony Orchestra Guild.
Condolences and memories of Lily may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.