Lillie Ann Lang passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital. She was born on July 13th, 1933, to Clara “Schuster” Augustine and John Augustine in Ellis, KS. Lillie was the middle-born daughter of nine children and raised in Ellis. She graduated with the class of ’49 from St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She attended art classes at Fort Hays State University and went on to earn her Certification in the Graphic Arts. She has donated many works of art in all mediums to aid different organizations that have benefited the community.
Lillie married Godfrey “Fred” Lang on December 30th, 1952, and together they raised four children: Stan, Kathy, Gordon, and Trish (Patty) in Western, KS, eventually settling in WaKeeney where her husband was the principal of WaKeeney Grade School and Junior High. During her years in WaKeeney she was instrumental in initiating several philanthropies that aided the town and hospital. In 1972 she was asked to start the Hospital Auxiliary and went on to serve on both the local Hospital Auxiliary Board as well as the State Board in several roles, including President and Vice-President. Following this, she was asked to be on the originating board of the Hospital Endowment Association. During this time she was also active in the Gamma Eta Sorority, a community service sorority that also raised funds to aid the community and its citizens. Mom was blessed with the gift of bringing people together to help benefit others.
As a member of the local, Christ the King Catholic Church she provided service in a number of ways while living in WaKeeney from serving as director of the CCD program for 2+ years as well as 4th grade instructor. Over the years, she also served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Parish Educator. She is a lifetime member of the Rosary Alter Society of Christ the King and the Daughters of Isabella of St. Mary’s parish in Ellis, KS.
Throughout her life she was a life-long learner, her curiosity driving her to continue her love of learning in several subjects. She mastered using technology, enjoyed playing Bridge, and was a member of the Literary Club and enjoyed traveling to visit her children living in different areas of the United States.
Lillie is survived by two siblings, Norma Lang and Gary Augustine; her son, Dr. Stanley Lang and Sheri Lang of DuBois, PA; her son, Dr. Gordon Lang and Jane of WaKeeney, KS; her daughter Trish Langley and Rick of Chandler, AZ. Eight Grandchildren, Noel DeGray and Douglas of West Haven, CT; Elizabeth West and Justin of Atchison, KS with great-grandchildren, Felicity, Kepha, Samuel, Sophia, and Josephine; Greg Lang and Alexia of Leawood, KS; Dr. Jamie Ritchie and Dr. Coleman Ritchie of Lawrence, KS, with great-grandchildren, William and Charlotte; Alexander Langley and Catherine of Irvine, CA; Maria Garcia and Silvio of Irwin, PA; Katherine Lang of DuBois, PA; and Christopher Lang and Peyton of DuBois, PA.
Lillie was preceded in death by her husband, Godfrey Lang; her daughter, Kathy Connors; and six siblings.
Lillie's life was a radiant tapestry, illuminated by a singular and deeply held moral fortitude, an indomitable and unfailing spirit of kindness, and a hopeful optimism for tomorrow that can only be described as an unbreakable, graceful, deeply fathomed faith in Jesus. She journeyed through life with a heart full of anticipation for the future, always choosing to look
forward with joy and excitement, rather than backward with regret. Her spirit, a beacon of positivity and hope, illuminated the lives of all who knew her. In this way she served as a guiding force to her loving family, cherished friends, and the community at large. So now, as we navigate the world with only the memory of that light, it is to all of us to ensure that the luminance and warmth of her spirit never fades from our lives. Her legacy beckons us to ignite it anew and continue her journey, to embrace her faith in kindness, her hopeful optimism, her moral strength and courage—and together turn our faces toward the sunlit future she always believed in for all of us.
Inurnment of Lillie's remains will be held at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery on Friday, December 8th, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. A church memorial service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with a Rosary beginning prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.
Memorial donations can be made to either TCLMH Auxiliary or TCLMH Endowment Fund. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, 67672.