Elinor Jean Scott, age 96, of Hays, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2022.
She was born on the family farm May 10, 1926, to Albert and Nellie (Rychel) Yost. Growing up near Downs with her two brothers, she endured the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, learning early on about hard work and thrift and perseverance. She maintained these qualities for the rest of her life.
She attended Downs High School, graduating in 1945. On August 3, 1946, she was united in marriage with Ralph W. Scott at Williams Air Base in Chandler, Arizona. Upon Ralph’s release from the Army Air Corps, both Elinor and Ralph attended the University of Kansas, where Elinor earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education, and Ralph earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Following their graduations, they raised their four children in Smith Center and Hays, Kansas.
Elinor delayed her teaching career until all four children reached grade school. She then taught fourth grade at Wilson Elementary school for 25 years, retiring in the early '90s. In retirement, she remained active with her responsibilities at the First Presbyterian Church of Hays and enjoyed bridge club, KU basketball, travel, socializing with friends and attending family gatherings.
Elinor is survived by two daughters and two sons: Barbara Lambert (Dennis) of Hutchinson, Martin Scott of Florida, Diane Scott (Dan) of Hays, Dane Scott (Nora) of Colorado Springs, grandchildren: Lance Lambert (Sarah), Meghan Carafano (Luke), Troy Lambert (Lacy), Alicia Pino (Marc), Matthew Tucker, Tyler Scott, Hope Hamlin, Grace Hamlin, and Mason Hamlin, and ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Ralph Scott, her brothers: George Yost and Larry Yost, and her parents Albert and Nellie Yost.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church, Hays, with Rev. Christine Wagner officiating. Burial will be at at 2:30 pm in the Downs Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 am until service time on Wednesday at the church.
Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or Hospice of HaysMed, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Elinor may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com