Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Wichita, Kansas

Toni Marie Tackett

Toni Marie Tackett

Oct 1, 2026

Toni Marie Tackett passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 68.

Toni was born on May 17, 1958, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Joe and Patricia Zachary. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Zachary, and brother Ray Zacahry. She is survived by her mother, Patricia Zachary.

On October 15, 1983, Toni married Steve Tackett. Together, they...

Bobby Dohle

Bobby Dohle

Oct 1, 2026

Bobby Allen Dohle, 73, passed away October 1, 2026. He was born on June 23, 1953, to parents, Joseph P. Dohle, and Nadine (Dohle) Burnett. Bobby spent most of his working career recycling scrap and turning it for a profit. Outside of his job, he was a very talented mechanic. No matter how long it had been since an engine...

James C. "Jim" Baker

James C. "Jim" Baker

Oct 1, 2026

James Connett Baker known as Jim to most, and Jimmy Pa to the grandchildren he adored more than anything, joined Jesus in heaven on October 1, 2026.

In one of his favorite songs, the lyrics state "come on in, the door is open" and while this song is talking about entering heaven, it also highlights the life and legacy of Jim....

Jo-Ann Reesman

Jo-Ann Reesman

Sep 29, 2026

Jo-Ann Reesman, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on September 29, 2026. Born on May 20, 1952, in Providence, Rhode Island, Jo-Ann was known for her unwavering kindness, acceptance, and unconditional love.

Jo-Ann was the cherished daughter of Stanley and Alice Michen and was predeceased by her parents, her brother Stan, sister...

Joyce McBride

Joyce McBride

Sep 29, 2026

Joyce (Joy) Elaine McBride, 96, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026. She was born on July 31, 1930 to parents, John and Jennie Bell. Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James McBride; son, Paul Leth; and brother, Keith Bell. She is survived by her children, Carl Leth, Linda High, and Michael Leth; sister, Verla Allen; 13...

Doris Rush

Doris Rush

Sep 29, 2026

Doris was raised on a farm near Amsterdam, Missouri. At a young age, she was already caring for elderly relatives and neighbors. Her willingness to help friends and family remained with her for life.

She married Howard Rush in 1956, and they shared 62 wonderful years together. Together they had three boys who were the joy of her life. Doris was...

Cynthia M Lowe

Cynthia M Lowe

Sep 28, 2026

Cynthia Marie LoweJune 11, 1949 - September 28, 2026Cynthia "Cindy" Marie Lowe, 77, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. A Catholic Rosary will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 124 N. Roosevelt St., Wichita, KS...

Robert "Bob" Michlitsch

Robert "Bob" Michlitsch

Sep 28, 2026

Robert “Bob” Michlitsch was born on December 13, 1946 in Eden, South Dakota. His family moved to Wichita, Kansas when he was six years old.

From an early age, he developed a strong work ethic and a determination to make his own way. He would ride his bicycle to work, taking on whatever jobs he could find to earn money. He...

Ray Alexander Pyles

Ray Alexander Pyles

Sep 27, 2026

Ray Alexander Pyles, 85, passed away on September 27, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born June 19, 1941, to Dr. Ralph and Murlee Pyles in Sterling, Illinois. The family moved several times, with summers spent in Mississippi where his mother was raised. The family eventually settled in Wichita where Ray began his schooling at Riverside Elementary and finished at...

Barbara Jo Tanner

Barbara Jo Tanner

Sep 26, 2026

Barbara Jo (Bigler) Tanner passed away on September 26, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, the city where her life began on July 29, 1944. She was 82.

A 1962 graduate of Wichita Southeast High School, Barbara built a remarkable career marked by dedication, warmth, and lasting relationships. She worked as an orthodontic assistant for Rogers, Duncan, and Dillehay for 25 years, and...

Nina Porter

Nina Porter

Sep 25, 2026

Nina Faye Porter, 92, of Wichita, Kansas, went home to her heavenly Father on Friday, September 25, 2026. Born on April 2, 1934, in Cord, Arkansas, she was the cherished second daughter of Rupert “Buster” and Mary Melton.

Woven throughout Nina’s life were the qualities that defined her: a determined will, a creative and resourceful nature, and above all, a deep...

Shude Victors

Shude Victors

Sep 25, 2026

Shude Gaxe (Smoke Maker" in Ponca Language") lived his life as a Native American Artisan. He was a dedicated son, father, brother and uncle.

Our beloved son left this earth September 25, 2026. The Funeral Mass date is pending confirmation.

He was born on March 27, 1974 in Phoenix, Arizona. Shude was a member of the Tohono O'Odham and Ponca Nations. His...

Kristi Dody

Kristi Dody

Sep 24, 2026

Kristi Diane Dody was born on July 30th, 1960 in Wichita, Kansas to Gail and Sandra Dody. Kristi was born with special needs but lived an amazing life because of her wonderful parents. She was a competitor in the Special Olympics for many years and was active in sports including  basketball, swimming, roller skating and dancing. Kristi attended Starkey Developmental Center and worked there for 45 years. She especially enjoyed...

Mary Martha Stevens

Mary Martha Stevens

Sep 22, 2026

In loving memory of Mary Martha Stevens:

Mary Martha Stevens, age 81 passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026 with Letty Seidl at her side, after a life defined by love, strength, kindness and inspiration.

Mary Martha was born in Wichita, Kansas on March 8, 1945. Mary Martha was preceded in death by her parents Keeney and Helen Stevens. Mary Martha leaves...

Katie Coverdale

Katie Coverdale

Sep 22, 2026

Kathleen (“Katie”) Renee Coverdale 33, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

The funeral service will be October 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 2209 East Pawnee, Wichita, Kansas 67211.

Katie was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. Although her life was far too...

Christopher Rust

Christopher Rust

Sep 22, 2026

Chris was born in Wichita on October 19, 1967, to Richard Rust and Marilyn Rust Travis. As a youth, he loved soccer, hiking, camping, and canoeing with his Boy Scout troop. He worked in the restaurant industry in Wichita and Great Bend, Kansas. He earned a CDL license and drove semis for several years. He lived in Great Bend for...

Tarah L. Nietfeld

Tarah L. Nietfeld

Sep 21, 2026

Tarah Lynn Nietfeld, 35, passed away in Wichita, Kansas on September 21, 2026.

She was born on July 7, 1991, at Wesley Hospital, Tarah truly lived up to the meaning of her name: a guiding star, a goddess, and a protector. She was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, and friend who possessed the rare gift of providing strength to others who...

Larry L. Bontrager

Larry L. Bontrager

Sep 19, 2026

Larry Bontrager, 79, of Wichita, Kansas, entered into Glory on September 19, 2026 surrounded by his daughters. 

Larry was born on November 14, 1946, in Thomas, Oklahoma, to Alvin and Anne Bontrager. His family moved to Belle Plaine, KS, where he spent the remainder of his school-age years. Larry is survived by his daughters, Lori Fisher (Matt), Lisa Meyer (David), and...

Roger Smeltzer

Roger Smeltzer

Sep 18, 2026

Roger Wright Smeltzer Sr., age 73, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving family in Wichita, Kansas on September 18, 2026.

Roger was born the son of the late Kenneth Wright and Dorothy Clark Smeltzer on November 30,1952 in Warren, Ohio and is survived by his wife: Marcia Reed; sons: Roger Smeltzer Jr/Claudia Dosamantes Smeltzer of Fort Worth, Texas & Brandon...

Ernest M. "Ernie" Drowatzky

Ernest M. "Ernie" Drowatzky

Sep 16, 2026

Ernest Milton Drowatzky

February 22, 1939 - September 16, 2026

Ernest Milton Drowatzky, a dedicated husband and father. He was a captain in the US Army, an educator, esteemed coach, and All-American swimmer. He passed away on September 16, 2026. Born on February 22, 1939, Ernie's passion for the Lord, family, swimming and teaching shaped countless lives throughout his life.

Ernie attended College...