Nancy Lee Bohnenblust, age 86 of Riley, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at her home.
She was born on April 4, 1937, in Jewell, Kansas, the daughter of LeRoy and Hazel (Owen) Foulke. She grew up on her parents’ farm north of Jewell and was a 1955 graduate of Jewell High School. She then attended college at Brown Mackie in Salina, Kansas. While living and working in Manhattan she met the love of her life Arlan Bohnenblust while on a group date with friends.
They were married in Jewell on October 25, 1959. Nancy and Arlan were life and business partners. They were involved in a farming and ranching operation at rural Riley. The couple raised four children Jeffrey, Jay, Lynn & Karla. They have 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren with more on the way.
Nancy was a role model for her children, they learned from a young age about the benefits of hard work, discipline, and a strong faith in our Lord. She could always be found at the various activities her kids were involved in from sports, band and vocal music to 4-H, FFA & FHA events. She served many years as a community leader for the Leonardville Hustlers 4-H Club. Most summer evenings were spent at the ballpark either keeping score or running the concession stand while Arlan was coaching.
Nancy’s Christian faith was a very important part of her life, and her servant attitude guided her volunteer activities. She served on various committees within the church and could always be counted on to assist with the funeral dinners. She enjoyed providing snacks for the youth of the community at the Wednesday Cornerstone and Vacation Bible School Events.
Nancy was a wonderful cook. Her family especially enjoyed it when it was apple pie time. She enjoyed sewing, cross stitch and other fabric crafts. In her younger years she had a large garden, and this past summer was very proud of her tomato plants and flowers. Her favorite activities were family events with her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Nancy loved her family.
She is survived by her husband Arlan Bohnenblust of Riley; two sons, Jeff Bohnenblust and wife Dee of Altamont and Jay Bohnenblust and wife Brenda of Clay Center; one daughter, Karla Reisner and husband Doug of Hoisington; one daughter-in-law, Becki Bohnenblust of Leonardville; three brothers, Jerry Foulke and wife Carol of Stockton, Richard Foulke and wife Judy of McPherson and Roger Foulke of Longview, Texas; thirteen grandchildren, Bethany Parker (Morgan), Bradley Bohnenblust (Cori), Ashley Bornholdt (Cody), Whitney McGee (Nick), Heidi Weir (Jesse), Katelyn Pinkston (Benjamin), Krista Moore (Branden), Kascha Johnson (Anthony), Zachary Bohnenblust, Danielle Espinosa (Ethan), Drew Reisner (Alex), Kayla Thompson (Mat) and Kirk Reisner, and fifteen great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Lynn Bohnenblust; her brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Nancy Foulke, and her sister-in-law, Delores Foulke.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Leonardville Community Church with Pastor Sandy Ferguson officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Leonardville United Methodist Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leonardville Women in Mission or the Leonardville Community Church. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
