Lisa Ann Lucas

Lisa Ann Lucas, 44, of Shawnee, KS, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, November 12, 2023, surrounded by family and friends. She was born to Dennis and Linda Rush in Smithville, MO, on July 30, 1979. Lisa graduated from Kearney High School and received a Bachelors in Education from Baker University in 2002. She earned a Master of Arts in Education from Baker in 2004.

In high school, Lisa was involved in the Chamber Choir, played doubles on the tennis team, and was a Golden Girl on the Kearney dance team. She was in school plays, the National Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At Baker, she was on the dance team and served as President of Tri Delta Sorority.

She married Luke Lucas on March 6, 2010. Two daughters survive Lisa, Lily (11), Landry (9), and their sweet dog Daisy; sister Jennifer (Scott) Douglas; twin sister Lori (Mike) Haney; nephews Alex Haney, Corey (Mea) Haney, Trevor Haney, Brayden Haney, Gavin Haney, and Thomas Wilkinson; nieces Hope Douglas and Hailey Wilkinson; great niece Casteel Haney; in-laws Steven and Sharon Lucas; sister-in-law Angie (Zerek) Wilkinson; close cousin Melanie Soetaert; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by grandparents Ervin & Clara Rush, Russell & Hazel Bennett, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Luke was Lisa's greatest adventure, and they found each other at just the right time. Their first date set the tone for how fun and exciting their life would be. Let's just say there were Sumo suits involved. Lisa told everyone that she knew right away that Luke was the one. A few months after getting married, Luke's job allowed them to move to Sydney, Australia. Together, they lived the adventure fully. While in Australia, they frequented local coffee shops and their favorite Thai restaurants, discovered a love for sparkling red Shiraz wine, started their family, formed lifelong friendships, and grew their love and trust for one another exponentially. Eight months before returning to the States, Lily was born, and exactly two years later, Landry was born.

Lisa was a natural mother; her two greatest joys were her daughters. She loved her role as mom and soaked in every moment, from cuddling them as babies to reading books and tucking them in at night to watching them play sports, make friends, and create their path. As a family, they loved to laugh, play games (especially Skip-Bo!), and go on adventures. Watching her daughters grow into kind, smart, confident, and beautiful young women made Lisa's heart glow with pride and joy.

Lisa loved to teach. Her enthusiasm for helping others learn continued with nine years of teaching at Blue Jacket Flint Elementary, substitute teaching while living in Australia, and most recently through her Norwex business. She had an easy way about her, making learning accessible to her students and clients. Lisa loved seeing her past students graduate and move into new seasons in their lives, often coming back to thank her for impacting them meaningfully and positively. She had a way of igniting a passion for learning in her students, and those flames live on.

Lisa loved the water, especially spending time with friends at the lake during summer and traveling to Cabo with their neighborhood friends. Their backyard pool became another gathering place, with friends and family joining. Being in the sunshine with Lisa, whether it was the lake, pool, or ocean, was the place to be, and nobody wanted to leave. Besides the water, she loved music, singing, dancing, running, going to concerts and musicals.

Lisa was a generous spirit, always making it a point to support others. She was a friend to everyone. She intentionally reached out with a kind note, showed up to hug you, and jumped in to help with whatever needed doing. Although Lisa had hundreds of friends and connections through her many different seasons of life, each person felt a special bond with Lisa. She was always kind, remembered your birthday, and kept up with your life however she could. Everyone had a best friend in Lisa, and the warmth of her friendship will continue to comfort those who were so fortunate to know her.

A Celebration of Life will occur at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023, at Westside Family Church, 8500 Woodsonia Dr, Lenexa, KS 66227. A private interment will be held.

The family would like to express gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. Teaching and education were essential parts of Lisa's life. A college fund has been established for her daughters in honor of Lisa's legacy. Contributions can be made through First National Bank and Trust of Phillipsburg, ℅Kent Culbertson, 225 State Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661. Please make checks payable to Luke Lucas. Or contributions can be made directly to the college fund account through Venmo ( Lucas-Family ).

Lisa founded 'A Chance for Children' 5K Race, benefiting KU Healing Place and KU Medical Center's pediatric palliative care program. Memorial contributions can be made to KU Healing Place . Please send checks to A Chance for Children, ℅ Beth Roller, 8333 Douglas Ave, Kansas City, MO 64114.