Sylvia Lukes, 54

Sylvia Barbra Lukes, 54, passed away at her home in Lawrence, Kansas on January 21, 2010.

Sylvia was born May 18, 1955 to Melvin and Mathilda (Klimek) Lukes, the only girl in a family with six brothers. She was baptized into the Catholic faith in June 1955. She graduated in 1973 from Jefferson High School in Alexandria.

As a young woman, Sylvia was employed by Kansas University with a vending machine route. She enjoyed being among the people and sharing her humor with all. She later was employed by Quest Diagnostics as a route driver. Her employer and fellow employees thought highly of her and because of this she won numerous recognition awards.

Sylvia was a survivor. She was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones). She fought and won a battle with breast cancer and was a survivor for more than 15 years.

When weather allowed, she could be found outside bicycling for miles upon miles and enjoying the great outdoors. She also had a passion and talent for gourmet cooking. It was such a joy just to be in her company, as her sense of humor along with her boisterous and infectious laughter was very contagious.

Sylvia is survived by her father, Melvin Lukes; brothers, Mark (Betty) Lukes, Peter (Theresa) Lukes, Francis Lukes, Kevin Lukes, Leonard Lukes and Loren (Diane) Lukes.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mathilda Lukes; her paternal and maternal grandparents; and a nephew.

Funeral services for Sylvia were held February 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Steve Binfield officiating. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

A00009B2010FB19

Tags: sylvia lukes, obituaries, lukes