Elsie Fern (Follis) Mowry, 96, of Hoxie, Kansas passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care Unit. She was born December 4, 1922 in Sheridan County, Kansas, Bowcreek Township, to David and Mary Ellen “Mamie” (Neal) Follis. She married Verl Mowry on September 25, 1948 at the Presbyterian Church in Hoxie. They later divorced. Elsie and Verl had two children, a daughter, Lois Elaine who passed away at birth, and a son, Vern Ray.

Elsie grew up on a farm in rural Sheridan County. Throughout her life, she shared fond memories of living on the farm. In 1942, Elsie attended Stewart Beauty School in Topeka, Kansas. She returned to Hoxie and was owner and operator of a beauty salon for some years. Faithful to her country roots, Elsie was crowned the 1949 Hoxie Rodeo Queen. Later, she worked in the kitchen of the Sheridan County Hospital. After retirement, Elsie kept busy helping families in the community care for loved ones in their homes. Caring for and helping others was her lifelong passion. Elsie had a patient and gentle nature, combined with a steady work ethic, and brought comfort to others by simply being with them. Her family was always her greatest pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and “Mamie” Follis; brothers, James Follis and Dale Follis; a sister, Erval; infant daughter, Lois Elaine; son, Vern Mowry; grandson, Vess Mowry; daughter-in-law, Cindy Mowry; and sister-in-law, Barbara Follis.

Elsie is survived by brother, Dee Follis of Asher, Oklahoma; one grandson, Vince Mowry and wife Tara of St. George, Kansas; three great-grandsons, Cooper, Jacob and Rylan Mowry; and nieces, nephews and friends dear to her.

A Memorial Service is planned for April 26, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hoxie, Kansas at 11:00 am . Inurnment will be in the Hoxie City Cemetery immediately following the service. No family visitation is planned. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Health Complex and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.