Lakian Elizabeth Lehenbauer

Lakian Elizabeth Lehenbauer, 25, of Palmyra, formerly of Monroe City, Mo., was greeted into paradise on Sept. 15, 2022, by her Lord and Savior as well as her youngest sibling; her paternal grandfather, Bud Lehenbauer; great-grandparents, John and Isabelle Ritter, Lewis and Arilla Thompson, and Ilean Warren; aunt, Jan Thompson; all of Monroe City, her nephew, Hawk Doyle, Palmyra; and several 2015 classmates.

Lakian blessed her parents, Curt, and Kara Lehenbauer, of Monroe City, with her presence on May 5, 1997, in Hannibal, Mo. She was their precious princess from day one. She loved to make people laugh and she quickly became the boss. 

Lakian welcomed her three younger brothers, Gavin, Mexico, and Ethan, and Owen, Monroe City, into the fold with great excitement and sisterly love. She was the best older sister, always teaching, always bossing and always protecting. She was their best friend whether they liked it or not.

Lakian graduated Monroe City High School in 2015 where she took great pride in her participation in basketball, National Honor Society, FFA and Science Club. 

Lakian loved spreading the gospel while on mission trips with the First Baptist Church of Monroe City. Her faith in God was a big part of her youth and in her young adult life. She was a proud member of The Crossing Church in Quincy, Ill. 

Before she got sick, Lakian started a woman’s prayer group where she sent out prayer books and Bible passages and elaborated on her thoughts of the passages. 

She tried to continue the practice after her diagnosis, but it proved too difficult. She felt like she had failed the group, but in truth, she was just beginning to show the true meaning of being a follower of Christ and to a much wider audience than her little group. Lakian Strong became her platform for sharing her faith. She was the epitome of a ‘good and faithful servant.’

Lakian loved to hunt and fish and loved hanging out with her friends and her family, especially her brothers. Their sibling bond was something every parent dreams of for their children. She loved to cook with her grandmothers and do creative artsy things. 

Lakian graduated Gem City College in 2019. She absolutely loved being a beautician at H&Co. where she met so many wonderful clients. Talking with each of them as she did their hair created a special bond to many, especially with the children she serviced. She had a knack for relaxing children in the beauty chair.

Lakian found the love of her life, Case Doyle, Palmyra, in 2018. Together they were building a home and a family with their loves, Ridge, Goose and Ritz (their dogs). 

Lakian and Case loved to hunt, cook and entertain friends and family at their home. She loved big to all those around her. Case was the embodiment of a caregiver. His love for Lakian never faltered throughout her last year. Although not married in deed, through sickness and health he carried her. A young woman could not have experienced a better partner in life.

Lakian leaves behind all those who loved and cared for her. She leaves behind so many friends who cherished her friendship. She leaves behind so many clients whom she hoped to one day get back to. She leaves behind her grandparents, Viola Lehenbauer and John and Jane Thompson, all of Monroe City. She leaves behind so many aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves behind her parents, Curt and Kara; and her siblings, Gavin, Ethan and Owen. She leaves behind the love of her life, Case. But most of all, Lakian leaves behind the legacy that God is still good. He built a place for her and has welcomed her home. 

Early on in her cancer journey she said if one person could be changed and find a love for Christ through her pain and suffering then there was her purpose. Her hope, and our hope, for you reading this obituary is that you might be that person. God is still good!

Friends and family are invited to Lakian’s life celebration at a visitation that will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept.19, at the First Baptist Church in Monroe City.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20, at The Crossing in Quincy. Pastor Clayton Hentzel will officiate. 

The family is requesting everyone wear their Lakian Strong shirt for the visitation and memorial service. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Gavin Lehenbauer, Ethan Lehenbauer, Owen Lehenbauer, Colt Doyle, Casch Doyle and Gage Shivley.

Memorials may be made to The Lakian Lehenbauer Memorial Scholarship in care of Kara Lehenbauer or Case Doyle.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellThurman.com.

The family was served by the O’Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home in Monroe City.