Lois Janet Van Fleet

Lois J. Van Fleet passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026 at the age of 103 in Independence, Missouri. She was born January 1, 1923, in Hutchinson, Kansas to Robert and Cora (nee' Brackenbury) Wilde.

Lois graduated from East High School, Des Moines and Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa. She was an accomplished singer, pianist, seamstress, fashion model, swimmer, and tennis player. While at Graceland, Lois met William "Bill" Van Fleet. They married in Seattle, Washington, February 8, 1943, while Bill was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Lois loved music, sewing, and puzzles. Family gatherings included crafting projects for young and old. She was a soft spoken, meticulously dressed, and beautiful woman. 

Lois was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, William Burton Van Fleet (2011), sisters Carol Kellogg (1981), Merle Ferris (2009), half sister Patricia (nee' Wilde) Murphy, half brother Robert Wilde (2014) and son-in-law Stephen D. Knight (2019). She leaves behind her children, Susan Knight, Independence, Missouri, Jay (Fay) Van Fleet, Chapin, South Carolina, and Mark (Ruth) Van Fleet, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. Grandchildren include Joel, Jason (Nicole), Brett (Alexis), Aaron (Amy), Dawn, Amie, and Bradley (Samantha) and 14 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Speaks Suburban Chapel with burial at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence, Missouri at a later date.