It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ilene Briggs, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, who left us on Aug 2nd, 2024.Born to Luetta and Everett Lake on June 28th, 1959, Ilene lived a life full of love and devotion to her family and friends.
Ilene graduated from Manhattan High School in 1977. In 1983, she married the love of her life, Russell Briggs, and together they embarked on a shared adventure of building a life and family. In 1988, they founded Briggs Auto Group, a testament to their hard work and dedication. The joy of expanding their family came with the birth of their first child, Kent Briggs, in 1988, followed by their daughter, Amber (Briggs) Emley, in 1991.
Ilene’s greatest passion was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was one to always offer their home to host a gathering of any kind if it meant getting family or friends together. She also had a deep and abiding love for flowers and her garden was proof of her nurturing spirit.
Ilene is survived by her husband, Russell Briggs; her children, Kent Briggs and Amber Emley (Ryan); and her grandchildren, Deacon and Grayson Emley. She also leaves behind her loving siblings: Karen Davin (DeWayne), Steve Lake (Joy), Barb Brown (Dan), Kenny Lake, Tommy Lake (Jeanne), and Debbie Swart (Bill).
The Briggs family will greet friends during a visitation from 6:00 until 8:00pm on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 23,2024 at 2:00 p.m.at University Christian Church (2800 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS 66502), where family and friends will gather to honor and remember a truly remarkable woman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Congregation Church or Kansas State University College of Business in Ilene’s memory. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Ilene will be deeply missed, but her warmth, kindness, and the cherished memories she created will remain in our hearts forever.