Lola M Blythe Ware

Lola Blythe Ware, born Lola Mae Popp on April 2, 1932, passed away on September 5, 2026 at the age of 94.

Lola was born to Ira and Amelia (Schwemmer) Popp of Tampa, Kansas. She attended grade school and high school in Tampa, where she built the foundation for a life marked by dedication, kindness, and service to others.

After graduating from high school, Lola worked at Tampa State Bank, beginning a chapter of responsibility and connection within her community.

Lola met Lawrence Duane “Larry” Blythe at the Pilson dance, and they were married on May 4, 1952. Before having children, they enjoyed traveling and visiting cousins from both sides of their families.

After nine long years of waiting, Lola and Larry were blessed with three children. Together they farmed and raised livestock on the family farm south of White City, Kansas.

Lola was a devoted member of the White City United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school, assisted with youth activities, worked alongside the church women, and helped with church dinners, skating outings, and swimming parties. For many years, she also welcomed the church community to Halloween parties and sunrise services at her home.

After Larry died in 1978, Lola remained on the farm, raised their three children and, with the help of her son, continued the farming operation.

In 1985, Lola married James U. Payne. They enjoyed family and traveling until his death in 1993. In 1997, she was reacquainted with an old friend Jack R. Ware of Junction City. They married and together loved gardening and traveling, but most of all they cherished their children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed attending the children’s activities. Jack died in 2015.

Lola took great delight in her 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Her family brought immeasurable joy to her life. The past few years she was thrilled to see her great grandchildren list grow and loved having them call her GiGi. With the assistance of her daughter Susan, she had a growing list of birthdays and anniversaries to keep track of with cards of encouragement sent to all for their special days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her three husbands, and her sister Betty Mueller of Tampa, Kansas.

She is survived by her three children, Laurie Cook and husband Doug of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Duane Blythe and Deborah of White City, Kansas and Susan Harris and husband John of Chapman, Kansas; 10 grandchildren (Randii Harrold, Ryan Cook, Kara Keith, John Harris, Kristen Becker, Meghan Shriver, Allie Cather, Trenton Blythe, Tyler Blythe and Eric Blythe) and 17 great-grandchildren (Stella & Lincoln Harrold; Ava, Emersyn, Leo & Henry Keith; Sadie Harris; Belle, Brooke & Brandi Becker; Joseph Shriver; Blythe & Robert Cather; Essie & Boone Blythe; Calvin & Annie Blythe) a stepson John Payne of France and stepdaughter Julie Ekholm and husband Richard of McPherson, Kansas; 5 step grandchildren and 2 step great-grandchildren.

Lola will be remembered for her thoughtful nature, love of community, and giving spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be scheduled on September 26, 2026 at 11:30 am. at the White City United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held the same date from 9:30 - 11:00am at the White City United Methodist Church. 

Memorial donations may be made to WCUMC and mailed to White City United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 146, White City, Kansas.