Obituaries

Ory Christopher Smith

Ory Christopher Smith

Oct 27, 2025

Ory Christopher Smith, 38, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025. He was born to Jimmy and Debra Smith in Wichita, KS. 

He enjoyed building cars and going to car shows with his dad, and anything car related. He also enjoyed building and painting models, and trains. He loves God, his family and friends and dogs and tried to take care of...

Phonesay "Cruise" Rasbandith

Phonesay "Cruise" Rasbandith

Oct 22, 2025

Phonesay "Cruise" Rasbandith, 50, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025. He was born February 1, 1975 to Inpanh and Khamsay Rasbandith in Vientiane, Laos.

Turn down for whatzzz? Cruise was a pillar of the local Lao community. He'll be remembered as the life of any party and someone that could always be depended on. Cruise loved music and singing karaoke. He...

Thoeun Pho

Thoeun Pho

Oct 21, 2025

Thoeun Pho, age 79, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on April 3, 1946, in Battambang, Cambodia, to Keo and Thao Pho.

Thoeun’s life was a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Alongside her devoted husband, Chhom Chan, she endured and overcame unimaginable hardships—surviving the...

Koulap Somchay

Koulap Somchay

Oct 18, 2025

Koulap Somchay, 88, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025. She was born January 1, 1937 in Nakong Mayok, Thailand, the fourth child of Sang and Jalong Somchay.

She was preceded her parents; husband, Bounmy Ratsavong in 2005; and son Latry Somchay in 1983.

Koulap is survived by her children, Kongla and his wife, Phayvane and their children, Coby and Lexi Somchay, Ott...

Đoàn Thị Út

Đoàn Thị Út

Oct 10, 2025

Ut Thi Doan, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025. She was born December 1, 1934 to Tu Van Doan and Loan Thi Truong in Hue, Vietnam.

Our grandma lived a full and beautiful life surrounded by family. She was the heart of our home, always caring for everyone, making sure we were fed, loved, and looked after. She...

Nok Phommachanh

Nok Phommachanh

Sep 10, 2025

Nok Phommachanh, 95, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Nok loved caring for his garden, watching the Chiefs, listening to music, and spending time with his family. His family fondly remembers his stories about growing up in Laos before the war.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maniphet Phommachanh. Nok is survived by his children, Michael Phommachanh, Vanpranom Xayavong, Sin...

Sue Creegan

Sue Creegan

Sep 8, 2025

Sue Creegan, 78, of Wichita, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 3:53 p.m., surrounded by love.

Sue, my mom, spent her career helping others through SRS (Social and Rehabilitation Services), now the Department for Children and Families. She began as a phone operator and, through her determination and love for helping others, she was promoted to...

Carmeleta Wares

Carmeleta Wares

Sep 4, 2025

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...

Nhom Danh

Nhom Danh

Sep 3, 2025

Nhom Danh, 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He was born on December 31, 1949 in Kien Giang, Vietnam, and built a life filled with love, resilience, and laughter.

Nhom was a man who never stopped learning. He especially loved practicing his English and asking for “word of the day” lessons from his family. He had a deep...

Richard "Ricky" Folgate

Richard "Ricky" Folgate

Aug 29, 2025

Richard "Ricky" Folgate, 39, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 31, 1986 to Ricky "Rick" and Katherine "Kathy" (Long) Folgate at Landstuhl Army Base, Germany.

Ricky worked as a freelance computer technician. He had a huge, lifelong love for computers and tech, whether he was doing repairs for family and...

Phillip James Otto

Phillip James Otto

Aug 29, 2025

Phillip James Otto, 67, passed away August 29, 2025. he was born July 31, 1958 to John R. and Joan L. (King) Otto in St. Louis, Missouri.

Phillip loved his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ and his family. He loved traveling, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents; daughter, Desiree Otto; and brothers, Paul Otto,...

Phouy Ounarom

Phouy Ounarom

Aug 23, 2025

Phouy Ounarom, 73, passed away August 23, 2025. She was born December 12, 1951 to Pheng and Csy (Manithip) Soukhaphonh in Luangprabang, Laos.

She was a nurse, seamstress, community leader. She really enjoyed swimming, traveling, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Xaysana Ounarom.

Phouy is survived by sons, Naphouminh (Julie) Ounarom and...

Trần Luật

Trần Luật

Aug 16, 2025

Luat Tran, 87, passed away August 16, 2025. He was born December 31, 1937 in Hue, Vietnam.

Luat is survived by his wife, Lai Thi Truong; children, Tap Tran, Hien Tran, Yen Tran, Lanh Tran, and Julie Tran; several daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, and grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson.

Visitation: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 11:00am traditional Buddhist ceremony and 12:30 to 8:00 pm visitation...

David L. Brown

David L. Brown

Aug 13, 2025

David L. Brown, 68, passed away August 13, 2025. He was born March 13, 1957 to William Charles and Barbara Ann (Neifert) Brown, Sr. in Marysville, KS.

David enjoyed hunting, shooting, and reloading ammunition. He will be remembered for his master grilling skills, guitar playing, and enthusiasm around fireworks. David's greatest pride was his grandchildren and family.

He was preceded in death...

Mercedes Suzanne Sandoval

Mercedes Suzanne Sandoval

Aug 12, 2025

Mercedes “Cedes” Suzanne Sandoval, 32, passed away on August 12, 2025. She was born February 15, 1993, in Murrieta, California.

Cedes was a vibrant soul whose laughter, empathy, and kindness touched everyone she met. Even if she wasn’t speaking directly to you, she had a way of noticing when someone needed help and stepping in with love and compassion. She had...

James "Jim" Kerschen

James "Jim" Kerschen

Aug 5, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for his life, we announce the passing of Jim Kerschen, who departed this world peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on July 14, 1943, Jim lived a life defined by dedication, humor, and kindness. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Jim loved the simple joys...

Shonelle Theyda Thach

Shonelle Theyda Thach

Aug 3, 2025

Shonelle Theyda Thach, 35, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on August 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on May 4, 1990, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Shonelle was the heart of every gathering - known for her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and magnetic personality. She loved cooking for her family, gardening in the sunshine, dancing to her favorite music,...

Jerry R. Oliver

Jerry R. Oliver

Jul 23, 2025

Jerry R. Oliver, 83, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025. He was born February 2, 1942 to Woody and Fanny (Dale) Oliver in Cedar Vale, Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Deanna; his parents, Woody and Fanny Oliver; and by his siblings, Charles, Marge and Lois. Survivors, daughter,...

Tho Phuoc Tran

Tho Phuoc Tran

Jul 17, 2025

Tho Phuoc Tran, age 68, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by loved ones. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, whose legacy of hard work, resilience, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Born on August 17, 1956 in Saigon, Vietnam,...

Trần Kim Cúc

Trần Kim Cúc

Jul 9, 2025

Cuc Kim Tran, 81, passed away July 9, 2025 surrounded by her family in Emporia, KS. She was born December 31, 1943 in Saigon, Vietnam.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Hui Nguyen and husband, Ech Danh.

Cuc is survived by her children, Hoa Kim Thi, Hong Danh, Ut V. Tran, and Ha Tran; 2 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Friday,...