Lois Arlene McConkey

Lois Arlene Tuschoff McConkey, age 94 of Topeka, KS, formally of Lewistown, MT, died peacefully Sunday March 9, 2025 at Midland Hospice House. She was surrounded by her four children and their spouses.

Lois was born in Clay County, IA to Chris and Ora Tuschoff on December 16, 1930. Lois and her four siblings grew up on the family farm near Moneta, IA. She graduated from Gillett Grove High School where she was involved in student leadership, played on the girls 6 on 6 basketball team and won a trophy for being the best free throw shooter. This was the beginning of her lifelong love of sports.

After high school, she attended Minnesota Bible College, where she met her husband Ronald McConkey. They married June 24, 1951 at Storm Lake, Iowa. From this union four children were born. Pamela Ann and Timothy Lynn, while ministering in Illinois. Ruth Eileen and Stephen Ronald in Lewistown, MT.

Ron often commented that Lois was his greatest asset. She was his lifelong encourager and served alongside his daily ministry. She kept detailed records of baptisms, weddings, funerals, sermons and special events during their many years of pastoral ministry. Her steadfast faith was an inspiration to all who knew her. As the children began leaving for college she also worked at Lewistown Coast to Coast Hardware. After moving to Norfolk, NE, she established an in-home daycare where she continued to influence the lives of many families. Lois had a gift of hospitality, providing pans of brownies for the ranchers during wheat harvest, weekly spaghetti feeds for college students, and to the unexpected guests that Ron would bring home for dinner. She could always be found behind the scenes planning and cooking meals for church camps and church events. She annually hosted Leadership dinners and a Christmas open house in her home where all were invited. Everyone who visited (including family), were required to sign Lois’s Guest Book as their home was always open to friends and guests.

She was happiest when her children and grandchildren visited. All looked forward to Grandma’s cookies and cherish the recipes she left behind. She never tired of evening drives through the beautiful Montana countryside. A competition of counting wildlife often ended with a drive through the Dash Inn for ice cream. She also enjoyed the many family gatherings at Spring Creek Fish Hatchery.

Lois is survived by her children Pamela (John) Swedburg of East Wenatchee, WA, Tim (Susan) McConkey of Lewistown, MT, Ruth (Rich) Mohr of Topeka, KS, and Steve (Deb) McConkey of Houston, TX. Grandchildren; John Marc (Erica) Swedburg, Tiffany (Eamonn) Carolan, Erica (Jared) Schmautz, Justin (Kisha) Arnold, Jessica (Mike) Dean, Kyle (Amy) McConkey, Sarah (Tim) Fain, Christina McConkey, Tyler (Shana) Arnold, Bryan (Angie) Mohr, Darren (Kate) Mohr, Kevin Mohr, and Adya (Robert) White. Great Grandchildren; Gracelin, Jack, Graham Swedburg; Enzo, Greenlee, Theo Schmautz; Liam, Kegan Carolan; Micah, Ruthie Fain; Theodore, Grayson White; Perry, Llewyn Arnold; Max, Jack Mohr; Willa, Maren Mohr; Nolan, Caleb McConkey; and Oliver Dean. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Florine Vick, Marcia McConkey and brother-in-law Robert Griffiths. Lois’s nieces and nephews were important to her and she enjoyed each visit and conversation.

She was preceded in death by husband Ron in 2015, parents Chris and Ora Tuschoff, siblings and spouses; Merle (Alice) Tuschoff, Gerry Griffiths, Virginia (Logan) Dunham, Ardyce (Bill) Stevenson; sister-in-law Norma (Norman) Maynard, and brothers-in-law Duane McConkey and Russell Watts.

“Her children arise and call her blessed...” Prov 31:28

The family extends their gratitude to Lexington Park Independent Living and to Midland Care Home Hospice & The Hospice House.

A memorial service will be held May 17, 2025 at First Christian Church, Lewistown MT.

Memorial gifts are suggested to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606 or donate online at https://midlandcare.org/support-us/donate-online/.