Nancy "Kathy" Wood

Nancy “Kathy” Wood passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. Born on November 17, 1942, in El Dorado, Kansas. Kathy lived a life rich with love, adventure, grace, and kindness that touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

A proud graduate of El Dorado High School’s Class of 1960, Kathy’s spirited enthusiasm shone brightly as a cheerleader. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from the University of Kansas in 1964. For twenty adventurous years, she served as a flight attendant for TWA, embracing the elegance and excitement that would remain hallmarks of her life.

In 1975, Kathy married the love of her life, Robert “Sam” Wood. Their 40-year marriage was marked by deep love, devotion, and shared joy. Kathy was a loving and devoted wife who stood by Sam with unwavering care, grace, and loyalty throughout their life together. His passing was a profound loss that she carried with remarkable strength and grace.

Though Kathy entered the lives of Jeff, Becky, and Scott as young children, she became their mother in every way that mattered. She was the steady rock and the glue that held the family together, never missing a birthday, holiday, or special occasion. Her thoughtful cards, loving gestures, and unwavering presence were constant reminders of her devotion. Kathy’s love extended far beyond words; it was felt in every detail, every tradition, and every moment she so carefully made special.

Kathy was a gifted gourmet cook, inheriting her mother’s culinary finesse and creating unforgettable meals with elegance and love. Her home was often filled with the warmth of home-cooked dinners, where her children and grandchildren were welcomed to a beautifully set table adorned with candlelight.

Her love for animals was legendary and boundless. Dogs and horses were among her dearest companions, and it was often said that anyone would be lucky to come back as one of Kathy’s beloved dogs. She spoiled them with extraordinary care, even preparing home-cooked meals that many people would have envied.

Kathy also found joy in photography, gardening, classic films, music, and travel. Her home and gardens reflected her beauty, care, and nurturing spirit, blooming with flowers, warmth, and hospitality.

Kathy cherished her many dear friendships and was an active member of her Book Club and Shakespeare Club, where laughter and a love of learning flourished. Kathy’s generous heart never ceased giving, through her many years of devoted volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, she served her community with the same warmth, compassion, and kindness that defined every aspect of her life.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Sandy Williams, whose devoted friendship, steadfast companionship to Sam and Kathy for 56 years was a rare and beautiful gift. Sandy remained a constant source of comfort, love, and loyalty throughout Kathy’s life and especially during her later years.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam; her parents, Mickey and Gladys Wiley; her brothers, Mike and Rod Wiley; and her nephew, Sam Wiley.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted children, Jeff (Shana) Wood and Scott (Tana) Wood of Houston, Texas, and Becky (Robert) Kipperman of Morristown, New Jersey; her cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey (Crystal) Wood, Elizabeth (Jason) Edgeworth, Connor (Madeline)Wood, Carter Wood, Max Kipperman, and Sam Kipperman; her treasured great-grandchildren, Madison and Brady Wood; William and Luke Edgeworth; and Annie, Margaret, Caroline, and Robert Wood; her brother, Greg Wiley; her step-sister, Cindy (Mike) Wilson; her step-mother, Lorena Wiley, all of El Dorado, Kansas; and her nephew, Jay (Charity) Wiley of Morgan Hill, California.

A Celebration of Life honoring Kathy will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 11:30 a.m. at Cozine Life Events Center. Friends and loved ones are invited to celebrate a life beautifully lived—marked by grace, kindness, elegance, and unwavering love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Meals on Wheels (please indicate on check "Kathy Wood Memorial"), 200 S. Walnut St., Wichita, KS 67213 or the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside St., Wichita, KS 67219 in Kathy’s honor.