Amaryllis (Amy) Specht

Amaryllis L. "Amy" Specht, 97, of Piqua, Kansas, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Amy was born October 9, 1929, in Iola, Kansas, the only child of Clifford and Mabel (Stout) Geer. She graduated from Iola High School in 1947 and went to work as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell. On December 22, 1951, she married Archie E. Specht at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Piqua. In 1959, they moved to their farm north of Piqua, where they raised their six children.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Amy dedicated her life to her family, helping on the farm and creating a warm and welcoming home. Cooking was one of her greatest pleasures, and she especially loved hosting holiday meals and family gatherings. Amy had a sense of style and always took pride in looking her best. Her creativity and artistic flair could be seen throughout her home, in the clothes she wore, and in the many projects she created. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needlework, and other crafts. She had a deep love of reading and was rarely seen without a book nearby. She also enjoyed shopping, flowers, her daily crossword puzzles, gardening, music, her beloved cats, and collecting decorative dishware. With a naturally inquisitive spirit, Amy remained a lifelong learner, always eager to expand her knowledge and explore new interests. Perhaps her greatest joy was found in bringing happiness to others. She had a smile and a kind word for everyone she met and lived with an open heart, offering kindness, encouragement, and warmth to all who crossed her path.

Amy was actively involved in St. Martin's Church, serving in leadership roles in the Altar Society and holding fond memories of the annual Thanksgiving dinners. While her children were young, she kept books for Rural Water District #1. She later worked for Allen County State Bank, Allen County Bank & Trust, and Piqua State Bank.

Amy remained active and engaged throughout her life, pursuing her many interests and giving generously of her time. She played drums with the Iola City Band, mentored young readers at Jefferson Elementary School, and volunteered countless hours with the Allen County Historical Society, Iola Public Library, Bowlus Fine Arts Center, and Allen County Regional Hospital. She was also a founding member of the annual Buster Keaton Celebration. Her love of genealogy was especially meaningful to her, and she took great pride in researching and preserving her family's history.

Known for her independent spirit, generosity, and unwavering optimism, Amy approached life with gratitude and faith. A devout member of St. John's Catholic Church, she often remarked that God had blessed her beyond measure with good health, a cherished family, and lasting friendships.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie, in 2015; her parents; her son, Michael F. Specht, in 1974; and her daughter, Nancie L. Wilson, in 2006.

Survivors include her children: Brian (Sarah) Specht; Michelle (Tim) DiLisio; Lisa (Dave) Fontaine; and Carla (Tom) Mueller; son-in-law Larry (Reina) Wilson; nine grandchildren: Josh (Jerrica) Mueller; Drew (Brie) Mueller; Brooke (Chris) Heffern; Bryan Mueller; Megan (Derrick) Heslop; Briana Specht (Shane Stewart); Archie Specht; Maggie (Ethan) Jirak; and Mira Wilson; step-grandchildren: Morgan (Isaiah) Macias and Krista (Evan) Cunningham; and sixteen great-grandchildren: Jaxen, Jonas, Jentry and Jaren Mueller; Graham, Brecken, Callen and Marley Mueller; Mackenzie, Sadie, Bristol and Kristin Heffern; Ryker Heslop; and Nancie, Cyril and Atticus Jirak.

Her family will forever cherish her example of faith, strength, resilience, optimism and love.

A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at St. John's Catholic Church, Iola, Kansas, followed by a visitation from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the St. John Parish Hall.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Martin's Oratory, Piqua, Kansas. Burial will follow in St. Martin's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Martin's Cemetery, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com