Carmeleta Wares

Carmeleta Kay Wares, 85, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 21, 1939 to Marvin and Freda E (Hoskinson) Shepherd in Liberal, Kansas. Carmeleta graduated from Liberal High School in 1957 where she met Bruce, the love of her life. They married on October 4th, 1957, beginning a loving union that spanned the next 68 years.

Together Carmeleta and Bruce raised 5 children: Christopher, Pamela, Jeffrey, Kimberly and Timothy. Their family journey took them across Wichita, Sedalia, Topeka and Las Vegas before settling again in Wichita upon Bruce’s retirement from the Air Force. Carmeleta’s employment included Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Builders Inc and Slawson Oil Company.

Carmeleta loved attending high school class reunions and took great joy in planning trips and traveling with Bruce and their friends. Her many hobbies included sewing, shirt painting, crossword puzzles, cooking and doll collecting.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Deanna G. Donart, and brother Danny L. Shepherd. Carmeleta is survived by her husband, Bruce; children Christopher (Tammy) Wares, Pamela Hall, Jeffrey (Marie) Wares, Kimberly (Michael) Garvey, Timothy (Kelly) Wares. 9 Grandchildren, Tawny, Carly, Traci, Jennifer, Joshua, Kristina, Amanda, Matthew and Ashley. 9 Great grandchildren Zoey, Mathias, Izabelle, June, Jayla, Jonah, Jacob, Aspen, Weston and Great-great grandchildren Joely and Jasper (on the way).  She is also survived by her beloved in-laws, Mary Ann and Stanley Kirk; and loving nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service: 11 am, Monday, September 22, 2025 with family greeting time 30 minutes prior at Reflection Pointe Funeral & Cremation Services, 3201 S. Webb Rd., Wichita, KS 67210. Graveside Service: 1 pm, Monday, September 22, 2025 at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, 1208 N. College St., Winfield, KS 67156.

Memorials suggested to the Salvation Army or your favorite charity. Special thanks to Amy and Rachel and their staff at Credo Senior Living and Gentiva and Heartland Hospice for the care they provided Carmeleta in her final weeks.