Mary "Natalie" Hutchens

Mary Natalie Hutchens ("Nat”) of Wichita, KS age 90, passed away peacefully at her home on June 4th, 2025, with her loving husband at her side.

Born on May 4, 1935, in Wichita, KS, Natalie was the fourth of five children to Eva McKiernan (Cooper), originally from Danville, Kansas, and Richard Noel Cooper, Sr., who was born in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma.

From a young age, Natalie showed remarkable independence and creativity. At the age of twelve, her parents gifted her a sewing machine, and she quickly became an accomplished seamstress, sewing all her own clothes—a talent she carried with her throughout her life.

Natalie attended Blessed Sacrament, Mount Carmel Catholic High School, graduated from East High School and was a member of the Synca-Pipers women’s quartet.

On January 21, 1952, she married the love of her life, Jim Hutchens Sr and together they shared a devoted and joyful marriage spanning 74 years.

Later in life, Natalie pursued a 30+ year career as an x-ray technician after graduating from St. Francis Hospital School Radiologic Technology, class of 1971. Natalie was a loving homemaker who enjoyed reading, researching and investing in the stock market, playing piano and swimming. When not working or furthering their education, Jim and Nat spent their time traveling together and fixing up houses, which included a cabin on Fall River Lake where they enjoyed boating, skiing and gathering with friends and family.

Natalie was preceded in death by her parents and 4 siblings, Dick Jr, John, Joe and Carol. She is survived by her beloved husband, their 3 sons: Jim Jr., Chris, and Tim Hutchens, their 6 grandchildren: Jenny McCullough, Bryce Hutchens, Tyler Hutchens, Shelby Mirzababa, Madison Rogers, Sydney Hutchens, their 5 great-grandchildren: Camdyn and Caiden McCullough, Cooper Hutchens, Railey and Ezra Mirzababa and a great, great-grandson, Alister Trowbridge.

Natalie was the heart of her family — steadfast, loving, and endlessly supportive. Her warm presence, beautiful laugh and unforgettable smile will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at Reflection Pointe, 3201 S Webb Rd, Wichita KS 67210 on June 28th at 2pm.