Jolene Marie Lopez
July 29, 1950 ~ February 23, 2021
Jolene Marie Lopez passed on to Eternal Life on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. She was born in Quinter, Kansas, on July 29, 1950, to Mildred Baalman and Eldon Bechard. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jon, and her grandson Trenton. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-three years, Frank; children, Keith, Jeremy (Trena) and Jennifer (Scott) Hill. She is also survived by a crew of grandchildren, Lauren, Lindsay (Ryan) Tarletsky, Tyler (Megan), Kole, Tanner, Shelby, Ethan, Eliot and Nicholas; great-grandchildren, Paxton, Dawson, Aubree and Tatum; her sister, Connie Reese; nieces, nephews, dozens of cousins, and a wonderful array of extended family. Jolene was a homemaker and provided in-home daycare over the years to the babies lucky enough to be in her care.
Jolene enjoyed everything culinary with a cookbook collection in the hundreds. She was a gifted cook with many memories tied to the love she put in her meals-including winning a nationwide recipe contest from one of her favorite magazines, Taste of Home. Jolene loved all holidays and family traditions, but she especially enjoyed hosting and celebrating Christmas. Her sugar cookies were a little taste of heaven.
Jolene never met a baby she didn’t love and she connected to very young children naturally and respectfully, always getting sincere and thoughtful responses from the littlest people.
Jolene was a devout woman of Catholic faith. She was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church for over fifty years, working with the Altar Society, as an instrumental founding member of the prayer line and cleaning the church. She cooked for large church gatherings and contributed to many of the social and spiritual functions with her wonderful food for many years. Jolene prayed incessantly for everyone and everything and took requests for prayers no matter how insignificant.
Jolene and Frank started dating 55 years ago. Jolene was a devout and loving spouse to Frank supporting him in every job and adventure of life. They shared an incredible love of music, family and relaxing good times.
Rosary will be March 2, 2021 at 7:00 pm at Downing and Lahey West, 10515 West Maple, Wichita, KS 67209; Funeral Mass will be March 3, 2021 at 10:00 am, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
A memorial has been established with: The Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas, 2340 E. Meyer Blvd, Bldg. 1, Suite 300B, Kansas City, MO 64132 https://efmk.networkforgood.com/projects/45956-2018-giving
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I am Jolene’s cousin and spent many nights at her house with my mom and dad. Jolene’s and Frank were wonderful to us and great to my parents. I remember one time spying her Barbie doll case in the garage packed away. She was kind enough to let me play with her Barbie, clothes and all the accessories. The reason this was so special because she trusted me with her treasures that were in prime condition. Her love for family and her courage in times of sadness always showed me what a strong soldier of Christ she was. Love you Jolene tell mom, dad and Don I love them. ❤️❤️
Frank, Keith, Jeremy, Jennifer and Family, I have so many wonderful memories of babysitting the boys when I was in high school. And of Jolene babysitting my own son when he was little! She was such a blessing to me! I know she is with our Good Lord! May God hold you in your time of mourning! She was special person! God Bless!!
My sister Jolene always lead with her heart. And endeared herself to all she encountered. I will never forget her or stop missing her.