Lois Christine (Stickney) Thompson, 73, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on January 6, 2026 in Kansas City at Providence Medical Center, after a brief illness. She passed peacefully with her cherished children by her side.
Lois was born on October 14, 1952 in Great Bend, Kansas, to Thomas and Mabel (Scott) Stickney. She referred to herself as a treasured “only child”, until 14 months later five siblings were born in quick succession. She grew up in Ellinwood, Kansas, playing fast pitch softball, participating in 4-H, and delivering newspapers along with her siblings. They had an unwavering bond until her last breath. Lois absolutely treasured her childhood, making an effort to attend every family event possible. She also maintained friendships with many of her classmates throughout her life and never missed a class reunion.
In 1970, Lois graduated from Ellinwood High School, and then moved to Hays, Kansas, to join a secretarial program at Fort Hays State. While attending classes, she was recommended to High Plains Mental Health Center when they were looking to fill a secretarial position. She proudly accepted the role and worked there during the day and served cocktails at the Alpine Room at night.
Lois married Steven Thompson on May 8, 1976, in Ellinwood. They were married for 21 years until Steven’s death in 1997. During this time, they had two children, Jana Christine and Bradley Wayne, whom she absolutely adored. She filled their home with laughter, made intricate Halloween costumes and elaborate birthday cakes, and prepared amazing meals from her expansive garden. But most importantly, she smothered her kids with affection, endlessly giving hugs and kisses. Always keeping her promise that they would know how much she loved them.
In 1986, Lois started working as a bookkeeper for Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball. She treasured her relationships with her clients and loved teaching QuickBooks. While employed, she remained an amazing mother and kept an active social life filled with activities. She continued working for 32 years until she retired to focus on her grandsons, hobbies, and overflowing social calendar.
Lois especially enjoyed golfing, sewing, baking, quilting, crocheting, and attending her grandson’s golf tournaments, baseball and football games. She loved taking her grandson, Caleb, to his junior golf tournaments all around Kansas and was excited to start the same adventure with her grandson, Colby, this summer. She was endlessly passionate about supporting female sports and local businesses. She loved traveling, visiting friends, bestowing hugs to her nieces and nephews, and forming friendships with virtually everyone she met. She always looked forward to her family’s annual golf tournament in Chase, Kansas, held in honor of her parents who passed on their love of golf to their entire family.
Lois was member of Smoky Hill Country Club, VFW Auxiliary, Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority, Kansas Women’s Golf Association formerly serving as treasurer, and was a proud Rotarian where she also acted as treasurer.
Lois was the proudest mother of her two children; Jana Thompson and husband Craig Maleta of Kansas City, and Brad Thompson and wife Kristi of Hays. She was a doting grandma to her cherished grandson’s Caleb and Colby and wonderful bonus grandma to Kolby and Mason. She deeply treasured her five siblings; Larry Stickney and wife Lorrie of Great Bend, Leroy Stickney and wife Debra of Chase, Lyle Stickney of Ellinwood, Lila Schartz and husband Curtis of Great Bend, and Luella Zorn and husband David of Augusta. Lois also adored her 16 nieces and nephews and her best friend of over 50 years, De Roth.
Lois was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, and dear friends Judy Manning and Glenda Newell.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Celebration Community Church with Pastor Brant Rice officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 10:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in Mt. Allen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Hays High School – Golf Fund or to the Community Assistance Center. Condolences and memories of Lois may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com