Jolene Robson-Laing passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Abilene Memorial Hospital at the age of 82 years. She was born November 8, 1939 in Abilene, the daughter of Otis and Doris Manion. Jolene was a 1957 graduate of Abilene High School. In 1961, she earned her nursing diploma from Stomont-Vail School of Nursing in Topeka, Kansas. On June 9, 1961, Jolene married fellow Abilene native, David J. Robson and the two of them moved to Pueblo, CO, where she launched her nursing career. After a couple of years, they returned to Abilene when David had opportunity to enter the family title business. Jolene spent the duration of her career at Abilene Memorial Hospital primarily as an emergency room nurse, in addition to spending several years as Director of nursing in the 1980s. She retired in 2006 after 45 years of nursing. After a brief time, Jolene once again returned to Abilene Memorial Hospital as a nurse for Memorial’s Rose Unit. Jolene’s life of service to the community was a true labor of love.
Jolene loved working in her home and garden where her creativity really shined! Blessed with the gift of hospitality, Jolene loved sharing her home with family, friends and those who just needed a place to stay. From spring until fall, flowers bloomed in abundance under her persistent care as she created a garden on par with any “Master Gardener”!
Jolene exemplified a servant’s heart whether she was helping to heal those in the ER, pouring love into her family, or creating beauty in her garden. She was in God’s restoration business, touching each life with compassion as she sought to show God’s love to all she encountered.
Jolene was active in a variety of community organizations, particularly those of her faith such as Christian Women’s Club, and the Gideons International Auxiliary. Jolene attended Emmanuel Church from her childhood on, volunteering for many roles, perhaps most notably in caring for the lawn and gardens of the facility for many years.
Jolene is survived by her daughter Debra Price and husband, Chris of Manhattan, KS, together with her three children, Samantha, Jakob, and Abbegale Tech; her son Craig Robson and wife, Adrienna of Millbrae, CA, together with their two sons Ethan and Jimmy Robson; her son Guy Robson of Tulsa, OK; her daughter Jenn Martin and husband, Brent of Emporia, KS, together with their children Madilyn and Hayden Martin; and one great-grandchild, Elijah Tech the son of Samantha Tech; her brother Kent Manion and wife, June of Topeka, KS; her sister Trudy Furbeck and husband, Richard of Loveland, CO; and her brother Kirk Manion and wife, Carol of Branson West, MO; and eleven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, David Robson and Harris Laing; and her parents Otis and Doris Manion.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate her extraordinary life at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2022 at Emmanuel Church with Pastor Gordon McClure officiating. Burial will follow at the Abilene City Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Martin, Becker, Carlson Funeral Home, in Abilene, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials be given to establish the Jolene Robson Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third St., Abilene, KS 67410.