Connie Sue (Holder) Ishman , 68, of Valley Center passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital after a short illness. She was surrounded by her family and friends at the time of her passing. Connie was born on June 19, 1951, to Robert and Marguerite (Gosch) Holder in Norwich, Kansas. After graduating from Norwich High School in 1969, she attended Emporia State University where she graduated in 1973 with her teaching degree. Her first teaching job was in Norwich, KS, then got a job at Towanda. After 2 years in Towanda, she left and started teaching in Valley Center schools in 1979 where she met Terry Ishman, who also started teaching at Valley Center in 1979. In June of 1981, she and Terry married. They were married for 39 years. Growing up in Norwich and late into her life, Connie was described as a gifted athlete. She played competitive fast-pitch softball for many years.  From the marriage, son Chase and daughter Lauren were born, who both attended Valley Center Schools. One of her greatest pleasures was having her own children in her physical education classes where she taught at Wheatland Elementary. Connie taught for a total of 35 years before retiring in 2008. Additionally, after both Chase and Lauren left Valley Center and moved away after their college years, they moved back home to Valley Center. Having the daily calls and visits from her children and grandchildren gave her the greatest joy.

Connie is survived by husband Terry, children Chase (Rachel) Ishman, daughter Lauren (Adam) Ishman, grandchildren Hadley Ishman, Sylas and Slayde Spaulding, new granddaughter Saylor (due in February), brothers Bradley and Dell (Deena) Holder of Norwich, KS, sister-in-law Beverly Holder of Wichita, sister-in-law June (Larry) Harp, brother-in-law Roger (Rose) Ishman of Punxsutawney, PA and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by both Bob and Marguerite Holder, sister Gayle Asbury, Norwich, and brother Wayne Holder, Wichita.

Some of her greatest joys were socializing and entertaining family and friends, holiday family gatherings, and taking trips to Terry & Connie's cabin on Tablerock Lake. She earned the title "Captain Connie" because when boating she never let Terry drive during the boat outing, as well drive the car. She was such a caring person who was deeply respected for her frank and stubborn opinion about issues and never at a loss to let you know her feelings. She was a great organizer, communicator, and a great friend to many, many close friends who will greatly miss her.

Funeral services will be at the First United Methodist Church in Valley Center. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 29 from 5-7 pm and the Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, January 30 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, Connie's family is asking that you make a memorial donation to the First United Methodist Church, 560 N. Park, Valley Center, Kansas 67147. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com