Elsie Lee Jenkins

Elsie Lee Jenkins, 99½ years old, passed away Wednesday, March 4th 2026 in her home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born August 19, 1926 in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She went to school until the eighth grade and worked multiple jobs throughout her life. She worked aircraft in Wichita for 12 years. She then ran their business, Chet’s Place in Belle Plaine and the Gueda Spring bar until 1979.

She lived and loved life and loved her family.

She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 136 in Mulvane. She was an avid KU fan and loved her Jayhawks! She also enjoyed traveling, camping and being at the lake house with her family during the summer to fish and be her ornery self.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle Pyeatt. Husbands, Chet Niblack & Bill Jenkins. Her sons, Ronnie Niblack & David Niblack. Brothers, Rex Pyeatt and Bill Pyeatt. Son-in-law, Gerry Crawford.

She married Chet Niblack on March 29, 1943 in Howard, Kansas and together they had 6 children. Chet passed away on January 6th, 1979. Elsie then married Bill Jenkins and they enjoyed traveling in their travel trailer and gardening until he passed on March 22, 1999.

Elsie is survived by her children, Connie (Eric) Evans, Debbie Crawford, Jerry Niblack, Bruce (Gina) Niblack; sister, Mary Hayes; 15 grand kids, 20 great grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and 3 great-great-great grandchildren.

Visitation with family is 5:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037 and funeral service is 10:00am Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Life Church of Derby, 2801 N Buckner St, Derby, KS 67037. Burial will follow at the Mulvane Cemetery and a luncheon to follow at the American Legion Post 136 in Mulvane.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Auxiliary Post 136, 410 Louis Dr. Mulvane, KS 67110.