Jaylee Chillson

Jaylee Nicole Chillson, 14, went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 17, 2023. She was born March 11, 2009, in Manhattan, Kansas, and raised in Clay Center. Jaylee would be the first of five children, and only daughter, of Jeb and Stacie (Thomas) Chillson.

Jaylee adored being a big sister to her four little brothers. She would spend time playing with them when they were younger and found joy guiding them through sports as they got older. Some of the boy’s fondest memories with their sister include the times she played hide and seek with them, took them out into the yard to practice catching, throwing, hitting, and pitching, and when she would share an air pod with them to show them “her music.”

Aside from being a big sister, another passion of Jaylee’s was music. Her Air Pods were her prized possession as they allowed her to listen to music everywhere she went. She enjoyed listening to a vast variety of music genres, but some of her favorite artists to listen to were Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, Pecos and the Rooftops, Lauren Daigle, and Cory Asbury. It would be a rare sight to spot Jaylee not listening to music or singing out loud.

Jaylee was also very active in sports. She participated in various city rec sports such as soccer, t-ball, and softball. Once she was old enough to participate in school sports, she played volleyball and basketball. Softball was a major part of her life; she spent many hours on and off the field practicing and playing with the Clay Center B’s softball team. Her goal was to play in college for Oklahoma.

When Jaylee wasn’t playing sports, you could find her enjoying the outdoors. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with her family.

Jaylee dreamed of becoming a diesel mechanic. So, it was no surprise that she spent much of her free time riding in her father’s semi. She enjoyed reading books about mechanics where she would take notes and make diagrams of how different components worked.

Most importantly, Jaylee had a close personal relationship with Jesus. Filling several pages with Bible verses and explanations of what it meant to her. Her favorite Bible verse, Joshua 1:9, was written on her heart. She spent many years attending a local after school ministry program where she continued to grow in her faith and attended weekly youth group at the Evangelical Covenant church in Clay Center.

Jaylee was loved and adored by many. Along with her parents, brothers, and grandparents, she had many cousins, aunts, and uncles, who will all miss her deeply.

It is because of her acceptance of Christ, this isn’t a goodbye, but simply a “until we meet again.” Until that day comes, Jaylee's memory will be kept alive in the hearts of all those that knew and loved her.

Survivors include her parents, Stacie and Jeb Chillson. Brothers Kaden, Hunter, Noah and Colton. Grandmothers, Cheryl Quested and Kellie Thomas. Grandparents, Jim and Raelene Thomas.

Funeral Services are Monday, September 25, 2023, at 10:30 AM at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Clay Center with the Reverend Brad Mann officiating.

The burial is at Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center.

Visitation is 2-5 PM Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home

Memorials:  Jaylee Chillson Memorial fund c/o the funeral home