Erma “Jeannie” Jean (Jackson) Pyles

Erma Jean Pyles “Jeannie”, age 88, of Goodland passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Colby Health and Rehab.

Erma Jean Jackson was born July 31, 1936 to Edgar W. and Ella Vera (Lamb) Jackson at home in Penokee, Kansas.  She moved with her parents to Goodland when she was in the 5th grade. This was where they ran the Vanway Cabins at the Y.  Her Mama and Daddy as she lovingly called them raised her to be a hard worker, and she worked even at a young age keeping the cabins cleaned and ready for families that came and stayed nightly.  She attended school in Goodland and graduated from Sherman County High School in 1954.  On June 21, 1956 Jeannie and Halcyon “Hal” Pyles drove to Raton, New Mexico, arriving at 4:30 a.m. They were married there in a quiet ceremony at the Methodist Church and drove back home the same day. Hal passed away August 28, 1990.  Jeannie missed him terribly.

Before her career at the ASCS office, Jeannie worked at the Sherman Theater, Mulheim Jewelers, and for Delmer Smith. She then worked at the ASCS USDA office in Goodland for 42 years before retiring in 1986.

Jeannie always kept busy.  She was active in her retirement group, National Active and Retired Federal Employees. Jeannie loved bowling on several leagues and enjoyed many trips to the state and national tournaments with friends. Many people have items that she crocheted for them, as she spent a lot of time creating so many things to give to others. Jeannie was known for her cooking ability and often made potato salad or chili for different events.  She coordinated the American Red Cross Blood drives for several years and no one could turn away her sloppy joes after their blood donation.

Jeannie was a faithful member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Goodland, Kansas, where she was an Elder Emeritus.  She served on the Board of the church, spent many years as the Church Treasurer, attended women’s fellowship, cooked many batches of chili, fed families who lost loved ones, and up until recent years attended church nearly every Sunday.

Jeannie is survived by her brothers Lionel Jackson (Judy), Valley Center, KS; Larry Jackson, Greeley, CO; niece, Carol Meriman; nephews Randy Jackson (Rosey) and Rod Jackson (Shannon); niece, Robin Jackson (Greg) and nephew Ronnie Jackson (Jeannie); 10 great nephews and nieces, and great-great nephews and nieces; and granddaughter Emily Yarbrough (Kaleb)

She is preceded in death by her brother Lyle Jackson and infant sister Delores, her parents Edgar and Ella, and husband Halcyon.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church, Goodland and may be left at the service or sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735.

Services will be held at First Christian Church, 711 Arcade on Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 a.m. with a meal to follow.  A private family inurnment will be held after the Celebration of Life at the Goodland Cemetery.