Jeris Leneal Coffelt

Jeris' family encourages everyone to wear their Chief's gear to the service as Jeris loved the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jeris Leneal Coffelt age 87 of Osawatomie, KS died Monday December 11, 2023 at Vintage Park of Osawatomie.

Jeris was born October 2, 1936 in Paragould, Arkansas. She was the 3rd of 6 children born to Mervin Lowell and Agnes Emmaline (Hendrix) Dial. When Jeris was 11 years old her mother passed away.  Six more siblings were born to her dad and stepmom Dorothy. In 1950, when family moved to Osawatomie she was part of the Class of 1955 and she was a proud Osawatomie Alumni.

On September 19, 1953, Jeris and Basil Dean Coffelt were married in Garnett, Kansas. They made their home in Osawatomie and became the parents of five children.

Jeris was in the home until her children were in school. She then worked in downtown Osawatomie for 25 years.  After retirement, she and Basil enjoyed traveling and camping with friends. Jeris was active in all of her children’s activities. She loved to listen to music and dance. Jeris was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She loudly rang a cowbell every time the Chiefs scored a touchdown. In her later years, Jeris would crochet and knit with a group of ladies at the local café. She was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Osawatomie and was active in the church dinners.

She was preceded in death by her husband Basil, her parents, step mom Dorothy Dial, two grandchildren; Michelle Pruett and Joshua Coffelt, son-in-law Tim Cresse, one sister Bobbie Whitney and three brothers; Ray Dial, Don Dial and John “PeeWee” Dial.

Survivors include her children; Stephen (Cara) Coffelt, Philip (Jolene) Coffelt, Cathy Coffelt, Karen Cresse and Kim Coffelt all of Osawatomie. Siblings; Mervin “Danny” Dial (Julie), Rick Dial, David Dial (Johnna), Debbie Ellsworth (Jim), Jackie Hauber (Bill), Jane Manchester (Brett) and her longtime best friend Donna. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren with two on the way.