Laura Jean Davis

Haviland-Laura Jean McNames Davis, age 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family in her home on January 15, 2021. She was born in Claremore, Oklahoma on September 6, 1936 to Luther and Lorene (Webb) McNames. Laura attended college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma in 1958. She taught high school home economics in Ellis and Russell, Kansas. After receiving her Master’s degree in home economics education from Oklahoma State University in 1960, Laura taught home economic classes at Southern Nazarene University (Bethany Nazarene College) and Barclay College (Friends Bible College). Laura married Elmer E. Davis on June 10, 1961, and they lived in Haviland, Kansas for the majority of their 59 years of marriage. Laura partnered with Elmer in building their farm business together in Kiowa County Kansas. She assisted Elmer by driving the grain truck during corn, wheat, and soybean harvests, feeding the harvest teams, supervising summertime roguing crews, and helping with many clerical tasks in the office as well. Laura served at Haviland Friends Church for many years as a Jr. High Sunday School Superintendent and a member of the board of church trustees. She served as president of the Education Board of Mid-America Yearly Meeting of Friends for several years. Additionally, she was a member of the board of education for USD #474, Haviland, Kansas, for 17 years. Laura took joy and delight in growing dahlias, roses, and bountiful gardens every year. She loved bowling on a league team, traveling to visit family and friends, ceramic painting, snow skiing, watching and cheering for the Kansas University men’s basketball, sewing, hosting parties, graciously opening her home to many visitors and guests, and most of all attending her grandchildren’s birthday parties, athletic and musical events. Laura was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Elmer, her two sisters, Florence (Curtis) Rohr, Judy (Harold) Akin, daughters Melanie (Ken) Kendall, and Marlieta (Steve) Davis, grandchildren Nathan (Julianna) Kendall, Natalie (Jeff) Willems, Nolan, Neal Colson, Nicolyn, Nadia, Noelle, and Noble Kendall, Jessica (Aaron) Steiger, Caleb (Kelli) Davis, Landon and Alisyn Davis, great-grandchildren Ashlyn, Arthas, and Ansem Kendall, Riley Steiger, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give special thanks to Christy Jacks, Lucy Jacks, Sierra Jacks, and granddaughter Kelli Davis for the loving, tender care shown to Laura during her last few days at home. A memorial service and celebration of Laura’s life will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, January 17, 2021 at Haviland Friends Church, 201 N. Kingman, Haviland, Kansas, with Pastor Todd Follette presiding. Visitation with the family will be held following the service at the Youth Building, across the street west from the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are sent to Barclay College or Haviland Friends Church, care of Fleener Funeral Home, PO Box 41, Greensburg, Kansas 67054.