Stephanie Gilmore

Stephanie Gilmore, 83, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026.

Born on December 19, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James A. Shields and Aileen M. (Fenske) Shields, Stephanie lived a life defined by faith, love, hard work, and a genuine appreciation for life’s simple joys. She graduated from East High School in 1960 and continued her education at Wichita Business College, graduating in 1961.

Stephanie built an extensive career in the accounting and tax profession, serving as an office administrator and retiring from Puthoff & Farmer, CPA. She was known for her dedication, professionalism, strong work ethic, and the many relationships she built throughout her career. In the 1970s and 1980s, she and her beloved husband, Wayne Gilmore, owned and operated a small business in the Wichita community, where they built lasting relationships and served those around them.

Stephanie embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She was an avid bowler and a devoted member of the choir at Ascension Lutheran Church, where she shared her faith and love of music. She loved traveling the world, with New York City holding a particularly special place in her heart. She especially enjoyed attending Broadway shows and experiencing the magic of live theater. She cherished camping trips in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and the memories made with family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, shopping, arts and crafts, and was an avid moviegoer. Stephanie had a special love for animals and cherished the many pets who were part of her life, including Lexie, Cosmo, Max, Kit Kat, and many others who brought her companionship and joy.

While Stephanie had many interests, nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family. She cherished family game nights, treasured every opportunity to gather with those she loved, and especially looked forward to family outings. She was one of her grandchildren’s biggest supporters, proudly attending their sporting events and dance performances whenever she could. Whether cheering from the sidelines, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying time together, Stephanie found her greatest joy in creating memories with the people she loved most.

Stephanie was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, caring sister, and loyal friend. Her warmth, generosity, gentle spirit, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne E. Gilmore; her father, James A. Shields; her mother, Aileen M. (Fenske) Shields, and her brother-in-law Arthur Tucker.

She is survived by her sister, Jaleen Tucker; her children, Kimberly Runft (Roger), Jeffrey Gilmore (Bridgette), and Kirsten Bartel (Jason); her cherished grandchildren, Courtney Runft, Nicholas Gilmore, Bradley Gilmore, Zachary Gilmore, Caleb Bartel, and Colby Bartel; her nephew, Troy Tucker (Dawn); her nieces, Jayme Tucker and Shannon Cathey (Vernon); and her grand nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends during a visitation on Monday, July 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Broadway Mortuary.

A funeral service celebrating Stephanie’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church. A graveside service will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery. A luncheon with family and friends will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church following the graveside service.

Stephanie’s legacy is one of faith, love, kindness, and devotion to family. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched, the traditions she created, and the love she shared so freely with her family and friends.

A memorial has been established with:
Ascension Lutheran Church - Music Program
842 N. Tyler 
Wichita, KS 67212