Connie Lou Schoonover Skiles

Connie Lou Schoonover Skiles was received into the arms of her Lord on June 14, 2025, while at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, Kentucky. She was born May 26, 1932, in Lyons, Kansas. Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Dean Skiles; her children Anthony Skiles, Andrew Skiles, and Deidra Diane Skiles Hagan; her parents Clara Lucille Ball Schoonover and Earl Carson Schoonover; and siblings Herbert Carson Schoonover, Marilyn Joyce Schoonover Cobb, and Wayne Royce Schoonover. She is survived by three children-Alva Skiles, Rex Shildes, and Tami Bugbee- as well as a large extended family and many friends.

Connie raised her family on the same farm where she grew up in Rice County, Kansas. That farm was "home" to her until the end of her earthly life. When Warren was called into the ministry, she lent her support through the editing and typing of many papers on an old manual typewriter. Without her help, Warren might not have earned a diploma from Sterling College. Though she may not have a formal degree, she learned through her hunger for knowledge and through constant reading. She also expanded her duties to include being a pastor's wife as well as working at a variety of jobs outside the home.

One of her gifts was the gift of music. There was always music in the home. As a High Schooler, the choir director heard her sing and asked where she had been all his life. Her high soprano voice was frequently heard in solos at church, in the choir, in programs and cantatas, and at funerals.

Another gift was her desire to raise children to be responsible adults who would contribute to society. This was one of her life goals. It included her own children and all those around her- in church, in 4H, in the neighborhood. Among the jobs at which she was employed, the one she took the most pride in was the establishment and administration of the Precious Lamb Day Care Center in Edgerton, Kansas. Her love of children was evident to all. Her heart for mentoring and for compassionate care was also seen in the work she did through Stephen's Ministries. She touched many lives during her 93 years on earth and is survived by many loving family members and friends.

The afternoon preceding her death, I asked what she wanted her family to remember about her. She replied, "I love my family and I love life because I love God."

Services will be held at Unity Baptist Church (1290 Barnes Mill Road, Richmond) on June 28 at 1 p.m. She will be placed in the cemetery at Fredrick, Kansas, at a later date.