Lovie Louise Childers left her earthly life on January 29th, 2024 in Junction City, Kansas at the age of 59.
Miss Lovie, as she was affectionately known, was born on November 16, 1963 in Muskegon, Michigan where she attended local schools and grew up with two brothers she loved deeply and surrounded by a large extended family. After high school Miss Lovie joined the United States Army where she served honorably for twenty years as an automated logistics clerk. During that time she deployed to Africa, Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan and served in Operation Desert Storm. Miss Lovie was awarded multiple metals during her military service, retiring as a Staff Sergeant . She was very proud of our country and her time in the military.
While stationed at Ft. Bliss she dove deeper into her Christian faith and became very involved with her church. That love of Christ continued throughout her life, leading her to pray over those who would allow it and to give generously. She purchased equipment for her church in Junction City and often financially supported friends, and strangers, in need.
After retirement she worked briefly at the commissary on Ft. Riley and in fast food. However, struggles with mental illness dating back to her military service made life difficult for Miss Lovie. The past twenty years of her life were spent living in her little red car, a constant seen around Junction City and in the Walmart or Planet Fitness parking lot. While homeless, Miss Lovie continued to give from her heart. She helped other homeless neighbors complete government paperwork, advocated for them, offered food and assistance, and always had a kind word and prayer. She assisted her family with unexpected expenses and took care of her aging mother as best she could from Kansas.
It would be safe to say that in her retirement, Miss Lovie still served as a guardian and friend. Since her passing stories have poured in of her kindness, including driving alongside female employees at Walmart as they walked to their cars at night to ensure their safety and doing daily checks on sick or elderly friends. Yet she never asked for anything for herself, often turning down assistance.
If you had the privilege of meeting Miss Lovie, you can be assured she would not forget your face and she would have a bright smile for you upon your next meeting. She loved her “numbers,” visiting with store employees, discussing the Bible, sharing stories, playing Spades, and good ‘ole soul food. She will be missed by the community whom she adopted twenty years ago and her many friends.
A Christian Celebration of Life will be held at the Junction City, Ks American Legion on March 2nd at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon following. The community is invited to attend and send Miss Lovie on to her heavenly home together. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alma Louise Childers-Stegall, and two brothers, Kenneth and Jeffery. Her body has been transported back to Michigan where a military burial will take place.