Jolene Marie Deges, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and aunt, peacefully departed this world surrounded by loved ones at her home on Dec. 31, 2023, at the age of 61. Born on Dec. 25, 1962, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital to Glen and Twila (Eberle) Bliss, Jolene's journey was marked by love, dedication and unwavering commitment.
Jolene's story unfolds with her graduation from Trego Community High School in 1981, where she met the love of her life, Ed Deges, at a dance in Collyer. Their love blossomed, and they embarked on a lifelong journey together, sealing their union in marriage on Sept. 26, 1981, in WaKeeney. Their shared joys included raising two wonderful children, Justin and Nicole.
A dedicated farmwife, Jolene played an integral role in Ed's farming pursuits in Cimmaron, and later in WaKeeney. Her versatility shone through as she embraced roles first at the Western Kansas World and later at the Farm Bureau, serving as a secretary. Jolene's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own insurance company, Deges Insurance, after mastering the intricacies of the insurance business.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jolene found joy as a cook for Trego Community Schools in her later years. Her work ethic and passion for life were evident in all she did.
Away from work, Jolene reveled in moments spent at the lake, camping, boating and fishing, with family, children and grandchildren. Family was at the core of her existence, and Jolene took immense joy in attending the activities of her kids and grandkids.
Jolene is survived by her loving husband, Ed; son Justin (Nikki) Deges, Grinnell; daughter, Nicole Jacob, Colby; grandchildren, Treven Humphries, Kaitlynn, and Coltin Deges; Nevaeh and Trenten Price; Dalton and Cheyenne Jacob; mother Twila Bliss; brothers, Clarence (Conni) Bliss, WaKeeney, Glen, (Chris) Bliss, Ogallah, and Dan (Michealle) Bliss, Ogallah; and grandmother, Katie Eberle.
She was preceded in death by her father, Glen, grandfather, Alfred, and other beloved aunts, uncles, nephew and extended family members.
A memorial mass for Jolene's life will at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to Walk-A-Thon for Health and Hospice Services Inc. Contributions can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.