W. Greenawalt Obituary

February 11, 1935 - August 23, 2024

W. Eileen Greenawalt (née McKim), 89 years old, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 23rd, 2024 with her grandchildren nearby after a long and meaningful life.

Born February 11th, 1935, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Loyal Vernor McKim and Bessie McKim (né Dunnam), Eileen went on to graduate high school in Mankato, Kansas. She moved to Lawrence, KS, in 1953 where she had an abundant life filled with family, professional achievements, and a thriving community.

On January 25th, 1957, she married Robert William Greenawalt and in 1959 gave birth to Rebecca Kessler (né Greenawalt), her only child. Eileen was the heart of her family through her devotion and unconditional love. She'll be remembered for her deep care of others-her parents, husband, daughter, grandchildren, and dear friends, who she kept in touch with always.

From 1960-1969, she worked as secretary to the Director of the State Division of Budget, as executive assistant to four University of Kansas Chancellors from 1969-1976, as the personal assistant to U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum from 1979-1983, and as an Executive Officer and Trustee Emerita for the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation in Denver, Colorado from 1983-2000. For much of her adult life, she called Lakewood, Colorado home, and loved being near the Rocky Mountains.

Eileen was an active member of the Christian Church, and she maintained an unwavering faith in God throughout her life. During the 1970s, Eileen served as president of the Lawrence, Kansas chapter of the Soroptimist International. She was an avid member of the Republican Party and was passionate about her involvement in administration and campaign work. Eileen played softball when she was young, and was always a lover of sports, especially when rooting for the Royals, Chiefs, and Jayhawks.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband Robert, daughter Rebecca, and her sisters Wilma Larson and Norma Carper.

She is survived by her grandchildren Nicolette Kessler, Cary and (Jennifer) Kessler, Barrett Kessler and (Wendy) Kessler, as well as Seven Rockhold and Edward Rockhold, and great-grandchildren Bella Kessler and Barrett Kessler II.

Memorial will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, KS, on Friday Sept. 13th at 11am. Burial services will be attended by immediate family on September 20th in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First United Methodist Church.