Twilla L. Eisele

Twilla L. Eisele, a cherished member of her community and beloved family matriarch, passed away on December 18, 2025, at The University of Kansas Hospital Health System in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born on January 24, 1941, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Herbert and Blanche (Votaw) Knabe. A lifelong resident of the Eudora and Wellsville areas, Twilla's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to family, education, and her community.

Twilla earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics with Psychology from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Her passion for learning and teaching led her to work as a substitute teacher in various local schools, where she inspired many young minds. Additionally, she engaged residents as an activities director at Baldwin Vintage Park.

In her personal life, Twilla was united in marriage on December 30, 1962, to Karl W. Eisele. Their enduring love story began during their college years, and they spent nearly sixty-three wonderful years together.

Twilla was deeply committed to her community and to her church, the Cherry Street Wesleyan Church in Ottawa. Her volunteer work reflected her generous spirit. She delivered Meals on Wheels, participated as a 4-H judge in Franklin and Douglas Counties, taught cooking for the Eudora 4-H club, was an active member of Power of the Past, and served on the Women's Committee in Farm Bureau. Notably, Twilla and Karl were appointed as the "Kansas District Church Family of the Year" and named the District 2 Farm Bureau Family of the Year in 2006.

Her interests included gardening and cooking, where she found joy and creative expression. She had a profound impact on those around her and was a guiding light for many. Her contributions to the church, especially as a Sunday school teacher and Kids’ Club instructor, demonstrated her commitment to nurturing others' faith and growth.

Twilla is survived by her husband, Karl, who resides at home; son Russell (and Stacey) Eisele of Overland Park, Kansas, and son Loren (and Yami) Eisele of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Edwin (further survived by Casee) Eisele. She is also survived by her brother Richard Knabe and family of Eudora, Kansas. Twilla leaves behind a rich legacy of love, service, and dedication.

Twilla's legacy continues through her grandchildren Hogan and Cortlyn (Eisele) Spencer, Tyler and Faith (Eisele) Collins, Brin, Spenser, Lance, and Trent Eisele, as well as her great-grandchildren, Rosemary and Clove Collins. Her memory will endure in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Visitation services will be held on January 2, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa, Kansas. The funeral service will be held at Cherry Street Wesleyan Church in Ottawa on January 3, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Hesper Friends Cemetery in Eudora, Kansas.

The family kindly requests memorial donations be made in Twilla Eisele’s name to Cherry Street Wesleyan Church or Life Care Center c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

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