Search by Name

Search by Name

Missy Nobo Obituary

Amazing mother, wife, and teacher, Missy Nobo, 67, died on August 8th 2018, at her home in Lawrence, KS after a long but fierce battle with breast cancer. As was true for more than 45 years of her life, Missy's devoted family attended to her in the final hours.

Missy was born Melissa Dorn Lummus in Tulsa, OK, on December 29, 1950 to parents James and Dorothy Lummus. She lived in Tulsa until leaving for college at the University of Arkansas. Unsettled with the racist environment in Arkansas, Missy transferred to University of Oklahoma after her freshman year for a more tolerant community. It was at OU that she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and the yearbook club. She met her husband, Joe, a charming gentleman from Havana, Cuba during her sophomore year.

Missy and Joe were married in Tulsa on December 29, 1971 (Missy's 21st birthday!). They promptly moved to Ponce, Puerto Rico for three years so that Joe could pursue his career with Josten's. Upon leaving Puerto Rico, they ventured north to Topeka, KS where they put down roots and started a family. They were blessed with three children who joined them as they made their final move to Lawrence in 1995, where Missy taught and completed a fulfilling 25-year career as a special education teacher.

She earned both bachelor's and master's degrees, summa cum laude, in education from Washburn University. Missy applied her exceptional skills in Lawrence teaching for Prairie Park, Quail Run, Wakarusa, and Broken Arrow schools; where she piloted a therapeutic class room and met an amazing group of close friends with whom she cherished many happy memories.

Upon her retirement, she took time to travel with her children; spend quality time with her sweet granddaughters; enjoy girls' nights with her friends from school; and sit comfortably at home with Joe, in their matching chairs, watching their favorite shows.

But most of all, Missy was a mother. She was tough yet supportive, compassionate yet pragmatic, silly but stern. Missy was a fan of good music and loved to dance with a Bloody Mary in her hand.

She is survived in life by her parents, James and Dorothy Lummus; brothers Jamie, John, and Jeff, and sister Laurey Lummus-White; her loving husband, Joe Nobo; and their three children, Peter Nobo, Lana Nobo-Garcia and Caroline Sarnoff; children-in-law, Torri Nobo, Mike Garcia, and Jesse Sarnoff; beloved granddaughters Ella, Addeline, Graci, Lawson, and Havana. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and grateful students. She will meet her son Joshua and her Nana in Heaven.

Missy's family would like to acknowledge and thank the compassionate and extremely competent team of professionals at Visiting Nurses who cared for Missy at home during the final days of her life.

Friends and family are encouraged to attend a service celebrating Missy's life on Monday, August 13th, 2018 at 3:00pm, Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Aug. 11, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Missy Nobo

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

our thoughts and prayers Joe and family -

Serena Anderson

August 15, 2018

To the Nobo family, our hearts goes out to you. We are praying for comfort for all of you. We are so sorry for your loss. - Nick and Stephanie Avey

Stephanie Avey

August 15, 2018

To my wonderful Teacher and friend Missy Nobo. You were Awesome. You will always share a place in my heart! May all Your family find PEACE at this time. As well as Missy's granddaughter who I had the privilege of going to school with. You will be missed! ....Love, Tabatha Peters from Quail Run....☺

Tabatha Peters

August 15, 2018

MY son is 32 yrs old. When he was in second grade at India school, he had some learning disabilities. He kept falling through the cracks. Missy was so great. She was his para and helped him learn to read and gain confidence. She is one of two educators during my son's life who had a HUGE impact on him. We loved her so much that when he graduated high school and college, we sent her invitations. What a great lady.

Phyllis Saler-Stadley

August 13, 2018

Mr. Nobo and Caroline-I remember with a smile Ms. Nobo coming out of Quail Run to tell me to pick up after my dog. Always and ever the children's advocate. My sincere sympathy for your loss. Paula Hatcher

Paula Hatcher

August 11, 2018

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Missy Nobo's name

Memorial Events
for Missy Nobo

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

How to support Missy's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Missy Nobo's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more