Alice Ann (Biggs) Wiggins

Alice Ann (Biggs) Wiggins, 85, of Wichita passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, with her family by her side. She was a beloved wife and mother and loved by many. Alice was born on September 30, 1939, in Kingman, Kansas as the oldest daughter of Raymond and Cora Biggs’ 5 children. She spent her youth in Lyons, Kansas where she graduated from Lyons High School and met the love of her life Dale Wiggins. She attended St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, KS where she received her nursing certificate in 1959. She later received her BSN from Newman University in 1985. In 2012, she and Dale were awarded Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa degrees from Newman University. She and Dale were married on June 11, 1960, in Lyons. They joyously welcomed their four children - Joni, Chris, Julie, and Jill. She instilled in them a lifelong commitment to family and causes outside of themselves. She practiced as a nurse in a variety of settings including hospitals, doctor’s office, and finally the Wichita public schools. She was very active in the Wichita community, and alongside her husband, were generous supporters of both time and resources to many charitable organizations. They played a significant role in the development of Guadalupe Clinic with Alice volunteering utilizing her nursing skills shortly after they opened in 1985. Her service to the community also included the Lord’s Diner, A Better Choice, Newman University, Wichita State University St. Paul Newman Center, Club Parkinson’s, Rainbows United, Wichita Habitat for Humanity, Holy Savior Catholic Academy, St. Vincent de Paul at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, among others. She was a devout Catholic and active at her parish St. Francis of Assisi, and then was a founding member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Alice also served on a number of boards of directors and was an active member of Legatus. Alice and Dale were early collaborators on the concept of “stewardship”, as it was developed by Monsignor Thomas McGread of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the stewardship way of life - giving of time, talent, and treasure. They recognized and received God’s gifts and shared these gifts in love of God and neighbor in gratitude. Alice made an impression on many and stayed busy up until her passing. In addition to her volunteering, she was passionate about her golf game - playing often at Reflection Ridge and Rolling Hills Country Clubs. Other hobbies that she enjoyed to the end included bridge, book club, traveling with her husband, and spending time with family and friends. Alice and Dale developed deep bonds with each of their grandchildren by taking each of them on a trip of their choosing in the continental US when they turned 12 years of age. Alice had the gift of connecting with people in a joyful and intensely caring way and naturally made those around her feel loved, seen, and happy. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Cora Mae (Hayden) and Raymond Biggs and her brother P. Dean Biggs. She is survived by her husband of 64 years Dale; her children Joni (Dan) Rundle, Dale Christopher (Amy) Wiggins, Julie (Mike) Lewis, and Jill (Mark) Clements; 13 Grandchildren: Allisa (Chris) Prokopanko, Chris Rundle, Nick Rundle, Shanna (Nick) Torres, Jessica (Jimmy) Vigiano, Allison Wiggins, Nicole Wiggins, Kristin Lewis, Tony (Danielle) Lewis, Ben (Katie Hayward) Lewis, Hayden Clements, Page Clements, and Oliver Clements; 5 Great Grandchildren: Cora and Elliot Prokopanko, Teddy and Graham Lewis, and Jacqueline Vigiano; and siblings Mary Nelson, Dennis (Sheila) Biggs, and Sam (Erin) Biggs. We will celebrate Alice’s remarkable life with a Rosary at 7:00 pm on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Wichita, KS. A Celebration of Life with Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 10:30 am also at St. Catherine’s followed by a luncheon provided by the parish. Private family burial to follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery Natural Burial Area, St. Francis Garden in Bel Aire, KS. Alice requested that we celebrate her life with joy and not sadness, because she believed that upon death she would attain eternal happiness with our God, and we should be celebrating alongside her in eternal life. There were many charities that were near and dear to Alice’s heart. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you choose one of the following charities of your choosing to donate time or resources in her memory: Guadalupe Clinic, 940 South St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67211, The Lord’s Diner, 520 North Broadway Street, Wichita, KS 67214, Club Parkinson’s, P. O. Box 771269, Wichita, KS 67277 or The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 3642 North Ridge Road, Wichita, KS 67205. Services in care of: Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.