Jeannice Walters, age 93, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at her home in Ulysses. She was born on October 23, 1932, in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, the daughter of Benjamin and Leona (Kidwell) Spruce.
Jeannice grew up in Mangum, Oklahoma, where she graduated high school. She married Lavon Walters on June 9, 1951, in Mangum. Lavon and Jeannice & small family moved to Ulysses in 1954.
Lavon and Jeannice lived and worked in Ulysses and Hugoton, KS and eventually settled in Ulysses. Jeannice was involved in the community she called home as a homemaker and was employed in different capacities within the community. She worked with her husband, Lavon, at Walters Standard Service Station for many years as well as the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Ansel Manufacturing, KULY and the Grant County Senior Center. She was also a member of the Ulysses branch of Business and Professional Women’s Club beginning in 1968 and was awarded the BPW Woman of the Year in 1983.
Jeannice was a professional woman as well as a talented, creative person. She learned to paint, was always decorating her home for the different seasons and holidays; as well as creating beautiful wire wrapped jewelry. She had a great “eye” for the arts and created beauty from minimal materials.
Following retirement from the Senior Center in 2000 Jeannice and Lavon took to the road and were camp hosts for Lake Scott State Park for 4 years as well as a stint in Indiana and Texas. The trips to Texas eventually landed them at TOT (Tip of Texas) RV resort in Pharr, TX where they both served in the capacity of activity directors. Retirement from “TOT” brought them back to Ulysses in April 2023 to be closer to family.
Jeannice is survived by Lavon, her husband of 74 years; daughter, Teresa Hammond of Ulysses, sons, Dennis Walters of Jackson, Mississippi, Steve Walters and wife Helen of Hutchinson and Jim Walters and wife Lori of Hugoton; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Jeannice is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Leona Spruce; brothers, Frank, Tom and Bobbie; Son and daughter-in-law, Terry Don and Denise Walters; granddaughter, Leah Heldman; son-in-law, Phil Hammond.
Memorial service will be Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Ulysses with Pastor Steve Walters officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Grant County Senior Center in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Avenue, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.