Orlene Joan Fisher
On February 6, 1941, Orlene Joan (Hodgden) Fisher, who I called mom, was born in a small home in Stark, Kansas to Enola and Ora Hodgden. Little did they know, that tiny little baby would grow up to be a strong, beautiful, smart woman, who was brave to venture out into a hard world to obtain an education in Occupational Therapy at the University of Kansas. This difficult feat was during a time of raising two little boys on your own. However, life being full of unexpected surprises, when you thought you were only cooking a chicken dinner for a friend, on the hopes of conversational catching up, it turned out your friend, Darrell Eugene Fisher, attracted to the beautiful light your heart carried said you were the love of his life and you gave him the gift of a lifetime by saying “yes” with you two being married on June 10, 1966.
Your wonderful husband forged his way to heaven on December 11, 2021 ahead of you to create a home for the two of you there. Your union saw the birth of two wonderful, thrill seeking, boys creating a master quilt of a family of six. Mom, how you kept a beautiful home with four boys, God only knows. Your eldest son, Shirazi “Raz” Jeremy Fisher, is still enjoying motorcycles and camping with his lovely wife Denise Fisher. Their son, your first grandchild, Shirazi Lee Fisher held the door, in heaven, open for you on January 19, 2024. His smile and laughter can be found in your great-granddaughter’s Olivia’s smile and laughter. Your second son, Amir Karl Fisher, who also entered heaven July 2, 2014, but he left his love behind for his beautiful daughters Mariah and Michaela along with his grandson, who he knew in heaven, Benjamin. All are enjoying life in their hometown of Halstead, Kansas creating beautiful gardens and caring for many wonderful pets. Your third son, David Christopher Fisher, his lovely wife Jennifer Watkins-Fisher and their children Daisy, Aiden, Calvin, Maggie, step daughter Lexa and step son Ryan are all enjoying life eating delicious food, enjoying their horses, dogs, and chickens on their ranch in beautiful Elizabeth, Colorado. Then of course there is your youngest son, sweet and wonderful, Michael Christian Fisher, his lovely wife Julie Fisher and their children Hannah, Katie, Nathan, Autumn, granddaughter Brinley, step son Ryan, step daughter Savannah, daughter in law to be Tori and step granddaughter Kyndal who are all keeping your memory alive along the yellow brick road in Wichita, Kansas.
It seems we start life early with the words “bye mom, I’ll see you later.” Like when, mom, you used to drop me off at school, but I was ready to play with my friends and I said with such hurriedness “bye mom, I’ll see you later” or when I was teenager thinking I had a social life to live and I would always say with a sigh, “sorry mom I have to meet the guys, I’ll see you later.” Then there was during that time when I became a young 20 something adult with an entire world to conquer, and you asked me to stay for a while but you could see that same old “no” was coming, mom I swear I saw you smile at me with that understanding forgiveness in your eyes as I said once again, “bye mom, I’ll see you later.”
Finally, the day came when I grew into a mature man, understanding the gift of spending time with you, and I truly began to enjoy spending those precious moments with you, mom. How I enjoyed just sitting with you by your favorite tree enjoying the sunshine and talking about days gone by full of happy memories, or when I would fly into town to surprise you. As I walked into the house, you not knowing I was coming for a visit, how I enjoyed seeing how happy you were to see me standing there. Sadly, as all days do, they come to an end, with that dreaded sand timer always seeming to drain too fast, with time for me to go, and I would have to say “bye mom, I’ll see you later.”
I didn’t realize, that on a hot summer Tuesday on June 10, 2025 at 6:31 pm dad would decide he wanted you back, in heaven, with him where he awaited you with a bottle of wine to celebrate your anniversary in a beautiful cabin in the Minnesota sky where the two of you will spend eternity, with your precious dog Molly working on your latest quilt, waiting to hide all of car keys so we can join you, I would say for the last time, ‘bye mom, I will see you later.”
Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Central Community Church in the Chapel. Graveside Service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, KS.
John 14:1-3 (NKJV)“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Services
Memorial Service: Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:30 am
Central Community Church
6100 W. Maple St.
Wichita, KS 67209
316-943-1800
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Orlene was a special friend to our whole family and we will never forget her kind, thoughtful, cheerful personality. Her beautiful garden and her wonderful cooking are wonderful memories. It was a privilege to know Orlene and Darrel.
Leslie Pearson Bissell
Daughter of Betty and Charlie Pearson
We will all miss our dear friend and longtime neighbor. When we arrive at the cabin we were always greeted by Orlene’s smiling face. She made us feel good and welcome. We shared many meals and time sitting on the deck watching the wildlife and beautiful waters. I remember she always had dog bones handy. Our daughter Anne’s dog Zoey would go over and Orlene would get her a bone. That dog would stash them in the woods for later. Orlene fed all the animals and they loved her dearly. Rest in peace our beautiful friend. Love Brian, Lydia, Alex, and Anne Pearson
I know Orlene would love this idea. Love Brian
So many fond memories of our neighbors and church family, the Fischers! One especially fun time was a call from Orlean – “Do come right over! Our Corpse Flower is blooming!” It was our first ever Corpse Flower party complete with wine and snacks! Orlean, we miss your earthly life but we wish you many parties with Darryl and your treasured family.
In memory of special friend and nature lover, Orlene Fisher.
I so enjoyed my visits with Orlene and Darrell when I vacationed at Lutsen and worshiped at Lutsen Lutheran. I would also stop at Cross river Museum to chat with Darrell when he worked there. Wonderful couple. Blessed be their memory.
On behalf of the Schroeder Area Historical Society, I would like to share a memory of both Orlean and Darrell. Our board of directors at SAHS had the privilege of their presence in our lives for a long while.
Orlean served on our Board of Directors with distinction. She focused her attention on collaboration with local artists and bringing their work to our visitors. She was always willing to join a committee and help out any way she could.
Darrell worked as our docent for many years as well. Boy, could he communicate with our visitors and guests! There isn’t anyone who has been better at that job.
Thank you Orlean and Darrell for all you contributed and brought to our organization, and God bless you both.
Sewing with Orlean at Lutsen church on Wednesdays and for many years traveling to “Peace Lutheran for our Piece makers retreat “was blessed with many drives when Orlean and I would talk all the way up the Shore. Our Bible study time meant everything to us. So happy to remember her and Darrel so fondly. We will plant a tree in our line-up of Loved ones trees to honor them on our property.
Anna and Jeff Latz
What a delightful lady and dear friend. We were all “Kansas grown” but it took Minnesota to get the Fishers and the Hunters connected. So many wonderful memories of getting together with Darrel and Orlene, either for margaritas on their Lake Superior deck, Friday fish dinners at “Our Place” in Finland, MN or for Sunday chicken dinners at our place or theirs during their interim time back in Kansas.
Orlene had such a love of the details in nature, something we shared. I especially remember our drives from Lutsen to Finland constantly observing and sharing the textures and colors we loved in the landscape. With her artistic eye, she built that love of beauty into many of her incredible quilts. What a talent! I will cherish always the quilt she crafted so beautifully for our wedding and Wichita home (featuring loons, trees and a lake). That’s how she was about so much…sharing her talents and love with others. Jay often told the story of the time he came from Kansas to work on our cabin in Lutsen and got very ill (a rarity for him). The Hospital took care of his dehydration but he always said it was Orlene’s loving embrace and hot cup of tea when he arrived at the Fisher home that truly helped him heal.
I also remember how much she (and Darrel too) contributed to the Cross River Heritage Center. She served as a board member, helped with historical displays, assisted with just about anything including the hard work associated with an annual opening event and exhibit of local artists’ work. It was only because of her (and Darrel’s) encouragement that I began displaying/selling my watercolor paintings. Again, there she was…always helping others be a part of the community. She leaves such a legacy for all her work and love that she contributed to that North Shore community.
Orlene always loved a “good read” and would often share a book with me. Now I will always remember our last visit just days before her passing. I asked her what she was currently reading. In her peaceful, thoughtful way she said that recently she was focusing on and enjoying just one book that she had always loved…the Bible. Although we’re never ready to lose our loved ones and she will be sorely missed, I think Orlene was ready to join Darrel and her Lord.