Lyn Kepley, age 89, of Ulysses, Kansas died Monday, November 12, 2012 at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas. She was born May 23, 1923 in Hart, Michigan to Arthur and Cecil Olson.
Lyn served in the United States Navy, WAVES, during World War II. In 1945, she married Cecil (Kep) Kepley in Washington D.C. in the Navy Chapel. A Ulysses resident since 1945, Lyn was a charter member of Monday Study Club; a 63 year member and past matron of Order of Eastern Star #471, she held 5 different grand appointive offices in the Grand Chapter. She was also a 61 year member of American Legion Auxiliary. Lyn was the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors for Ulysses Chamber of Commerce; she was a former Girl Scout Leader; a founding member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and served as a Sunday School Teacher.
In March 1946, the Kepley’s opened Kep’s Toggery, featuring men’s wear. The women’s store opened in 1964, joining the men’s store by an archway between the two buildings. With help from their sons, Brad and Kendall, The Kepley’s were in business for 47 years; selling out in 1993.
Mom’s gift to mankind was she always wanted to help people.
She is survived by her two sons, Kendall Kepley of Garden City, Kansas, Bradley Kepley of Olathe, Kansas; brother, George Olson and wife Virginia of Claremore, Oklahoma; nieces, Cindy Gaynor of Nantucket, Massachusetts, Marsha Frederick of Chouteau, Oklahoma; nephew, Greg Olson of Austin, Texas; two grandchildren, Casey Kepley and Carlie Simmons both of Olathe, Kansas; and three great-grandchildren all of Olathe, Kansas.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Cecil (Kep) Kepley on July 1, 2006; and a brother, Arthur Olson.
Memorial service will be held Friday, November 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Father Dale Lumley officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St. John’s Episcopal Church or The Legacy at Park View in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.