Jodi L. Besthorn
December 17, 1956 ~ January 1, 2024
Jodi L. Besthorn, 67, retired Sedgwick County Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent, died Monday, January 1, 2024. Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 pm, Monday, January 8, 2024, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. A reception will be held following the service at the Sedgwick County Extension Office, 7001 West 21st St. North, Wichita, KS.
Jodi was born December 17, 1956, to Herbert L. and Joyce A. (Rathbun) Besthorn, in Great Bend, Kansas. She graduated from Claflin High School and then from Sterling College with a degree in Home Economics.
Jodi was an Extension Agent (FACS and 4-H) for 39 years serving Smith County and Sedgwick County. Her passion was in helping the youth grow as individuals, learn life skills, and develop leadership abilities. She was a member of both the state and national extension agent’s associations, Rotary Club of West Wichita and Chapter IY PEO. In every organization, Jodi held leadership positions as well as serving on committees.
In addition to loving her job, she enjoyed trying new foods, traveling, music, reading, and was an avid fan of the K-State Wildcats and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jodi was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bert Besthorn; uncle, Ted Rathbun. Survived by her sister, Elaine Besthorn of Wichita, KS; brother, Scott Besthorn of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law, Lana Besthorn of Great Bend, KS; nephew, Clark (Kyla Calhoun - finacée) Besthorn of Hutchinson, KS; aunt, Babette Rathbun and cousin, Joel Rathbun, both of Columbia, SC. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Sedgwick County 4-H Foundation, 7001 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205.
Funeral Service will be Live Streamed and available to view by clicking "Watch Event" below.
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In word and deed, Jodi was always such a great professional role model for all of us!
So sorry to hear this, deepest condolences from Linda Mirt’s family. Jodi always remembered me and so kind at 4-H events.
Elaine and Scott-was saddened to hear about Jodi. You have my deepest condolences. Hugs and prayers to you both.
Scott and Elaine, this is Roxi Pringle. I was so sorry to see Jodi’s obit in the Hutch News today. If either of you have the time, eventually, to contact me, I’m still in Tribune. Thank you. Take care of yourselves.
Jodi was the classy lady. I always try to think what would Jodi do when I’m working with 4-Her’s or youth or even difficult adults. As an adult I learned so much from her and my children were blessed to have her as their extension agent. She will be missed!
Jodi had an inestimable impact on 4H families all through Sedgwick Co. She brought a positive energy and enthusiasm to whatever was happening. She facilitated a lot of opportunities for our kids, was an amazing role model, and genuinely cared about individuals. When Jodi was with you, she gave you her full attention and made you feel like you were capable of more than you believed yourself to be capable of. She brought out the best in all of us. We have missed her terribly since she retired but will always remember her with gratitude.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jodi was so very sweet and kind. She was also such a talent with so many things, cooking, sewing, music! RIP Jodi.
Jodi always had a twinkle in her eyes and asked about our kids. She would come to the SG County Fair after she retired because she wanted to see all the kids’ projects and the families. It was always a JOY to receive her encouragement. God must have been pleased and felt that she had fulfilled her mission on earth.