Tracey Gould

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Tracey Gould on April 17, 2025, at the age of sixty.

Raised in Oakley, Kansas, Tracey carried small‑town warmth wherever she went. After high school she earned her cosmetology license in Hays and co‑founded CheckHers & His Beauty Shop in Grinnell. She later built a successful insurance career, serving clients in Oskaloosa, Wichita, and Kansas City—most recently with PHR–RPS Benefits by Design.

Tracey’s résumé, though impressive, reveals only a fraction of who she was. Quick to laugh and never upset, she welcomed everyone—family, friends, coworkers, and animals alike—with the same open heart. Whenever life got messy she’d smile and say, “It’s just Jello,” reminding us not to sweat the small stuff. She knew exactly when to offer a hug, a quiet word of encouragement, or a perfectly timed joke. She was wonderful in every way.

Her final months were spent confronting cancer with characteristic grace and grit, determined to share more time with those she cherished. Though she is gone, her example urges us to live generously, laugh loudly, hug fiercely, and meet the world with kindness.

Tracey is survived by her mother, Donita Sparks (Ed Mildenberger); her partner and true companion, Greg Becker; children Dusten (Monica) Baalmann, Jamie (Andrea) Baalmann, and Lauren Gould; Greg’s children Leslie (Quentin) Coffman, Kelly Becker, Stefanie Becker (Adam Pettjohn), and Adam Becker; grandchildren Harper, Teague, Peyton, Brooks, and Jack Baalmann; and Greg’s grandchildren Logan, Sydny, Lincoln, Troy, Zayden, and Georgianna. She is also survived by sister Angie (Mike) Farha; brothers Jon (Cris) Sparks, Tom (Melissa) Sparks, and Matt (Misty) Mildenberger; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her beloved sister, Stephanie Sparks.

A celebration of Tracey’s life will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, 2:00–4:00 p.m. (remarks at 2:30) at Cozine Life Event Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Wichita Treehouse, 151 N. Volutsia, Wichita, KS 67214 (CLICK HERE) or the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715 (CLICK HERE)

There will be a private interment service in Oakley, Kansas, on May 24, 2025.

Tracey taught us to be kinder, braver, and better; her light will continue to shine in every life she touched.