In Memory Of
Twila Davis
1929
2023
Twila Davis
July 9, 1929 — May 19, 2023
The family of Twila Jane Davis celebrates her unselfish life. Twila was born in rural Seward County, Kansas on July 7, 1929, the oldest child of three to Paul and Nettie (Hileman) Rhiness. At the age of 93, Twila died on May 19. 2023.
Twila is survived by her daughter ZoAnn Torrey and husband Don, daughter-in-law Vickie (Kassik) Deaton with Walter Robbins, Vickie's sons and Twila's grandson Kevin Davis with Alex Seleznev; grandson Stacey and Angela (Peckham) Davis and their children, Twila's great-grandson Evander Davis (17), and great-granddaughter Marley Davis (15). Her family lives in the Topeka and Kansas City area. Twila's niece, Shelly (Rhiness) O'Gara held a special place in Twila's heart as Shelly lived in their home. A sister-in-law, Minnie (Wyer) Rhiness; one first cousin, Sy Hileman; and many nieces and nephews survive.
Clarence Davis and Twila Rhiness were married on July 7, 1947. They were married 56 years before Clarence's death in 2001. Their son Clarence Sherrill's death at 24 was devasting and life-changing for Twila and Clarence. Twila's parents and siblings preceded her in death, sister Phila McQuitty and brother Paul Eugene Rhiness.
Twila lived in Seward and Haskell County, Kansas, until age 73, when she moved to Topeka with Don and ZoAnn. Twila Rhiness, 1947 Valedictorian; her two children and grandsons graduated from Satanta High School.
One of Twila's proudest achievements was working with Betty Mitchell and a dedicated Board of Directors to start the Happy Age Senior Center in Satanta. Twila was the Senior Center Director for the first 26 years. Under the capable leadership of others, the Happy Agers continues to thrive and provide a wonderful benefit to the community: https://www.facebook.com/satanta.happyagers?_rdr
Twila and Clarence lived and led with their hearts. Their home was open to young people who lived with them for days to years, and they helped with several fundraisers for families and the community. Twila was recognized as Satanta's Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year in 1988, and Clarence received this honor in 1995.
Twila belonged to the Woman's Club of Topeka, Pleasant Prairie Church of God, and Stitch & Chatter Club. She was a Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging board member.
The immediate family will hold a private celebration of Twila's life. Her ashes will be taken to Banner Cemetery, Seward County. Suggested memorials are the Woman's Club of Topeka or the Happy Age Senior Center, Satanta. The family expresses their appreciation for the excellent care and support provided by Phoenix Hospice and Brookside Retirement Community.
Twila taught her family to give more than they take. She taught by example and by including us in their work for others. But, alas, none of us make pie crusts and BBQ sauce as well as Twila! Her love is in our hearts.
In the Garden, Anne Murray:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search&q=anne+murray+in+the+garden&view=detail&mid=FDFB54D3258412D32D93FDFB54D3258412D32D93&FORM=VDRVRV&ajaxhist=0
Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
To leave a message of condolence for Twila's family or to share a special memory of Twila, visit the guestbook below.
Twila is survived by her daughter ZoAnn Torrey and husband Don, daughter-in-law Vickie (Kassik) Deaton with Walter Robbins, Vickie's sons and Twila's grandson Kevin Davis with Alex Seleznev; grandson Stacey and Angela (Peckham) Davis and their children, Twila's great-grandson Evander Davis (17), and great-granddaughter Marley Davis (15). Her family lives in the Topeka and Kansas City area. Twila's niece, Shelly (Rhiness) O'Gara held a special place in Twila's heart as Shelly lived in their home. A sister-in-law, Minnie (Wyer) Rhiness; one first cousin, Sy Hileman; and many nieces and nephews survive.
Clarence Davis and Twila Rhiness were married on July 7, 1947. They were married 56 years before Clarence's death in 2001. Their son Clarence Sherrill's death at 24 was devasting and life-changing for Twila and Clarence. Twila's parents and siblings preceded her in death, sister Phila McQuitty and brother Paul Eugene Rhiness.
Twila lived in Seward and Haskell County, Kansas, until age 73, when she moved to Topeka with Don and ZoAnn. Twila Rhiness, 1947 Valedictorian; her two children and grandsons graduated from Satanta High School.
One of Twila's proudest achievements was working with Betty Mitchell and a dedicated Board of Directors to start the Happy Age Senior Center in Satanta. Twila was the Senior Center Director for the first 26 years. Under the capable leadership of others, the Happy Agers continues to thrive and provide a wonderful benefit to the community: https://www.facebook.com/satanta.happyagers?_rdr
Twila and Clarence lived and led with their hearts. Their home was open to young people who lived with them for days to years, and they helped with several fundraisers for families and the community. Twila was recognized as Satanta's Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year in 1988, and Clarence received this honor in 1995.
Twila belonged to the Woman's Club of Topeka, Pleasant Prairie Church of God, and Stitch & Chatter Club. She was a Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging board member.
The immediate family will hold a private celebration of Twila's life. Her ashes will be taken to Banner Cemetery, Seward County. Suggested memorials are the Woman's Club of Topeka or the Happy Age Senior Center, Satanta. The family expresses their appreciation for the excellent care and support provided by Phoenix Hospice and Brookside Retirement Community.
Twila taught her family to give more than they take. She taught by example and by including us in their work for others. But, alas, none of us make pie crusts and BBQ sauce as well as Twila! Her love is in our hearts.
In the Garden, Anne Murray:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search&q=anne+murray+in+the+garden&view=detail&mid=FDFB54D3258412D32D93FDFB54D3258412D32D93&FORM=VDRVRV&ajaxhist=0
Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
To leave a message of condolence for Twila's family or to share a special memory of Twila, visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Twila Davis, please visit our flower store.
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