Lanette Sue Mesa

Lanette Sue Mesa, 69, passed away on April 22nd peacefully surrounded by her family after a 3-year battle with cancer. Throughout her cancer journey, she taught those around her what it looks like to live bravely, always with joy and a smile. She was born on August 16, 1955 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Grant & Betty Hill. She married her soulmate, Dennis L. Mesa on November 13, 1976 and they shared nearly 50 magical years together.

Lanette is the loving & devoted mother of Krista (Aaron) Cannon of Olathe, Kansas; Andrea (Chris) Leathers of Bethalto, Illinois; Brittany (Nathan) Algarra of Portland, Oregon. She cherished her children and she embraced every moment with them. Her most memorable adventures included nature hikes in the mountains with waterfalls, kayaking trips and haunted tours. She especially loved her role as Nana to her grandchildren Jakoby & Dylan Sundahl of Great Bend, Kansas; Morgan Leathers of Bethalto, Illinois; Nicholas, Colin & Camden Cannon of Olathe, Kansas. Her favorite pastimes with her grandchildren included cooking, craft projects, playing board games, reading, visiting zoos & playgrounds, scenic walks and countless trips to the movie theater.

Growing up on a small farm in Plevna, Kansas, Lanette loved being outside in nature. She created the most beautiful gardens. Spring was her favorite season, followed closely by fall. One of her treasured annual traditions was flower shopping with her family & friends. Her favorite color was bright neon green. She also discovered a love for acrylic artwork. She made many beautiful pieces for her home. Lanette loved reading books and her favorite holiday was Halloween. Watching scary movies and decorating for her beloved holiday was enjoyed well beyond the month of October.

Lanette worked at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas for 46 years as an Inpatient Coder in Medical Records. She retired in November 2020. One of her career highlights was getting to work alongside her daughters when they volunteered in Medical Records. She spent the rest of her years traveling to beaches collecting seashells and visiting castles in the United Kingdom, all while spending quality time with her family and creating the most beautiful memories.

Lanette is survived by her parents, Grant & Betty Hill; her husband, Dennis; her daughters – Krista, Andrea & Brittany; grandchildren Jakoby, Dylan, Morgan, Nicholas, Colin & Camden; her brother, Bruce (Shirla) Hill of Mountain Home, Arkansas; her sister, Debra Crose of Hutchison, Kansas; her in-laws, Albert Mesa, Jr. (Garden City, Kansas); Alex & Beatrice Gallardo (Garden City, Kansas); Carolyn & Kenny Kornelson (Newton, Kansas), Elaine & Mike McCarthy (Rochelle Park, New Jersey), Geri & Daryl Reece (Olathe, Kansas) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her in-laws, Albert Sr. & Ann Mesa, Francine Mesa and Renita Mesa.

Lanette’s radiant spirit is carried on by her beloved daughters and her grandchildren, who were her entire world. She spread love and light to all who knew her. She was often complimented on her beautiful smile and her unique way with words. She embodied the best qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit and unending positivity in spite of the challenges placed in her way. She taught her family how to dance in the rain and to look for the rainbows after the thunderstorm. Lanette will forever be a bright guiding light to her family and loved ones.

There will be a viewing for family & friends at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas on Saturday, April 26th from 5-7p and Sunday, April 27th from 1-3p. Her family plans to host a beautiful Celebration of Life ceremony for Lanette this summer in Garden City, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to a memorial garden that will be planted in Lanette’s memory. The garden will be full of all her favorite flowers where loved ones can gather together and be surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Donations should be made to the Lanette Mesa Memorial Garden Fund in care of Golden Plains Credit Union.

To leave a special message for her family or to share a memory of Lanette, please visit the guestbook below.