Elaine Lierly Jones 64 passed away on September 15th 2018 after a 6 year struggle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband of 36 years Pat Jones of Gardner, Ks, Mother Patty Lierly of Overland Park, Ks and Brother Glen Lierly of Dallas, Texas. Elaine was a special light in this world. Her spirit touched everyone she met. She was a member of the Warrior Women Kansas City and they supported her until the end of her life. From as early as she could remember she loved to draw and loved art. She studied her passion her entire life. I will let her tell you in her own words. From a very young age I wanted to be an artist. Schools included Kansas University and Fort Hays State University where I earned a BA in art therapy. In 2000, after going to an open studio event in Kansas City, I talked with an artist who encouraged me to join a local art group. The first workshop I attended was in pastels. It was love at first "touch" and began taking classes in 2001. I believe rhythm is life as in a heartbeat, in music, and in design. I want to somehow feel the rhythm in my paintings, totally immersed and totally in sync with something greater than myself. Gaining skill and confidence led to entering juried shows. Her beautiful art work can be seen on her website http://elainelierlyjones. com/ Some notable life events include: 2015, Rogue Guirey Simpson Memorial Award for outstanding wildlife artwork, AWA National Juried Exhibition, Scottsdale, AZ 2014, Prairie Art winning entry for the Symphony in the Flint Hills commemorative poster 2013, Grand Prize in the Pastel Journal Magazine's 14th Annual Pastel 100 Art Competition, First Place (Animal/Wildlife category) and Honorable Mention (Landscape category) 2012, diagnosed with Stage IIIc Ovarian Cancer 2011, Honorable Mention in the Pastel Journal Magazine's 12th Annual Pastel 100 Art Competition (Animal/Wildlife category) 2009, Grand Prize Purchase Award in the Paint the Parks Mini Top 50 2008, Juror's Choice Award in the Paint America Mini Top 50 2008, Finalist in The Artist's Magazine 25th Annual Art Competition (Animal/Wildlife category) Art Memberships: Midamerica Pastel Society Pastel Society of America American Women Artists Missouri Valley Impressionists Society She has been involved in the Raymer's Red Barn Studio artist-in-residence program since 2010. Olathe Visual Artists Service: Her life will be celebrated on October 21st from 2-4 pm at the Irene B French Community Center 5701 Merriam Drive Merriam Ks 66203. Contributions: In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Vicki Welsh Fund for Ovarian Cancer at https://vickiwelshfund. org/, in her honor.