Ilene T. (Oakleaf) Bussman

Ilene T. (Oakleaf) Bussman, 89, of Blue Springs, Missouri, and formerly of Mound Valley, Kansas, passed away at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Parkway Senior Living in Blue Springs, Missouri.

She was born April 17, 1929 (along with her twin sister, Arlene) in rural Mound Valley, Kansas to Joseph Benjamin and Myrtle Anna (Hucke) Oakleaf.  As a young girl, Ilene grew up on the family farm and attended Elmwood School.  She graduated in 1947 from Labette County Community High School in Altamont and in 1949 earned an Associate degree from Coffeyville Community Junior College.

On November 10, 1951, she and Ralph Bussman were married at the First Methodist Church in Mound Valley.  At the time of their marriage, they purchased a farm southwest of Mound Valley that adjoined her family homestead from the 1800s.  For a time, Ilene worked at Continental Can in Coffeyville before becoming a full-time homemaker and assistant to her husband in their farming operation.  He preceded her in death on May 12, 2002.

She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Coffeyville.  Ilene was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Extension Homemakers Unit (EHU).  She enjoyed painting, gardening, accompanying her husband when hunting and fishing, and spending time with her family.  Ilene especially enjoyed genealogy and was an integral part of the Mound Valley Historical Society.  She volunteered countless hours in establishing the history and culture of Mound Valley and was always willing to share her knowledge of the area with others.  While her husband served as State Representative in the Kansas House, Ilene enjoyed making new friends and spending time with the other legislative wives.

Survivors include:

Two Nieces – Deborah Knox of Westcliffe, CO

Jill Orth of Arlington, TX

Two Nephews – Douglas Knox of Selah, WA

Russell Bussman of Fairmont, MN

Seven Great-Nieces and Nephews – Matthew Knox, Joseph Knox, Samuel Knox, Michelle Dulock, Daniel Orth, Jenna Bussman-Wise, and Sara Elwell

Twelve Great-Great-Nieces and Nephews

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her twin sister, Arlene Knox, on June 4, 2015; and a great-great-nephew, Mason Knox.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 18, 2019 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Coffeyville.  Burial will be in Mound Valley Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 3-4:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont.  Friends may call at their convenience from 1-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Coffeyville or Kindred Hospice in Independence, Missouri.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.