Melodie K (Amos) Latas, 61, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

She was born on April 17, 1963, to Lyle and Marie (Brewer) Amos in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Melodie married Billy Lynn Latas of Pawnee City on February 27, 1981, and to that union one child was born, Phalisady (Latas) Bowhay. Melodie was baptized on October 22, 2022, in Beatrice, Nebraska.

“Everybody is a teacher. For some you learn what to do; for some you learn what not to do.” Melodie was a teacher in both senses of the word.

Melodie had friends and was a friend. She read her Bible and attended church.

Although she was flawed, she continued to be a child of God and was loved. She loved her family even though her caring was imperfect.

Highlighted on a paper in Melodie’s Bible, she listed John 1:4-5 which reads “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” In this reading, light implies revealing.  Jesus not only exposes our sinfulness, but He also illuminates a way to be saved from it.  Light implies knowledge and awareness.  Darkness is ignorance.  For some, darkness is a deliberate choice. Melodie was held hostage by challenges and struggles in her life, but now she is free!

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marie (Brewer) Amos and father, Lyle Amos.

Melodie is survived by her daughter Phalisady (Terry) Bowhay of Du Bois, grandsons Garrison, Brogan and Stratton, a brother Ric (Vicky) Amos of Pawnee City, a niece Angela Bowhay and family of Glenwood, Iowa, and a nephew Chris Amos of Riverton, Wyoming.

Following her wishes, Melodie has been cremated and there will be a family celebration of Melodie’s life at a later date.  Friends & family are welcome to share a remembrance with the family by sending them to Lauer Funeral Home 212 South 4th Street Seneca, KS 66538.  This will help the family reminisce, grieve, and support each other as we navigate this time. The family appreciates the kindness you have extended to us. Memorial contributions may be sent to the State Bank of Table Rock – Dubois Branch 301 Miner Street Du Bois, NE 68345 where a memorial fund has been established and will be used for final expenses and a memorial of family choice at a later designation.