Leatrice Eileen (Clark) Kilian, 96, Johnson City, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the Stanton County Hospital. She was born August 14,1928 in Moulton Iowa, to Artie and Myrtle (Severs) Clark. Eileen was the youngest of four children. When she was four years old the family moved to Iola, Kansas where she graduated high school at the age of 16. Eileen then attended and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in education. On October 07, 1950, she was united in marriage to James (Jim) Kilian in Iola, Kansas. The couple moved to Johnson in August of 1956. This union was blessed with three children.

Eileen began her career teaching Home Economics in Hill City and ending her career in 1988 teaching elementary school in Big Bow, Kansas. She made many great memories with her colleagues and students. Eileen was an avid reader and seamstress. She enjoyed bridge and played with the same bridge club for many years. After retirement she and Jim traveled the country, camping, digging for gold and creating memories with brother Raymond Clark and wife Sugar of Liberal, Kansas. After losing her sight to Macular Degeneration her book adventures came in the form of books on tape from recordings for the blind. After Jim’s passing in 1998 Eileen moved into the Memorial Living Center in Johnson. For the next 17 years she made many great friends. Scotty Walkenshaw was one she was particularly close to. She loved to play Phase 10, Pitch and Chicken Foot.

Eileen was a member of UMW, The Rebeccas, Futorum Club and VFW Auxiliary. She was a member of the Johnson First United Methodist Church. Eileen valued education and instilled this in her three children and many students she taught over the years. She loved and was loved by many, especially nieces and nephews to whom she never missed a birthday. She was kind, patient and showed unconditional love to all.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Jim; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Sugar Clark; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Chuck Frodsham; brother and sister-in-law, Cliff and Marge Clark.

Survivors include children, Jim and wife Jean Kilian, Tyngsborough, MA, Susan and husband Gary Ellsaesser, Hugoton, KS, and Robert, Bridger MT, grandchildren; Alyx Ellsaesser and Connor Kilian; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Johnson with Reverend Jacques Kambol and Pastor Mary Courtney officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Memorial Living Center in Johnson City, KS or the charity of their choice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.