Berniece L. Scanlan

Berniece (Lorson) Scanlan was born on the family farm on May 2, 1931, outside Dillon, KS. Her parents were John O. and Minnie (Hoffman) Lorson.  She died on August 11, 2026, at Catholic Care Center, in Bel Aire, KS at the age of 95.

She grew up on a farm and attended local schools, then worked as a clerk typist in Kansas City. She met Richard J. Scanlan in Chapman, KS at a Labor Day dance in 1954, and they married at St. Columba Catholic Church in Elmo, Kansas on May 7, 1955.  They moved to Topeka, KS, where Richard began working for the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA).   They later relocated to Wichita where he was employed as an accountant at KTA for 31 years.

Berniece was a homemaker, mother of 7 children and longtime member of Church of the Magdalen and then All Saints Catholic Church.  Strong in her Catholic faith, she was active in Guild, Altar Society and Serra Club Metro.

She is survived by 2 daughters and 4 sons: Julie Walsh (Tony), Claire Oxler (Steve), John Scanlan (Juanita), Paul Scanlan (Diana), Mark Scanlan (Jane), and Bill Scanlan (Tatiana); 18 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.  Berniece was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; son, Patrick; one brother and 3 sisters.

The Scanlan family would like to give special appreciation to the staff at Catholic Care Center and Phoenix Hospice for their loving care of our mother.

Mom’s greatest wish was (in lieu of flowers and plants) for a memorial to benefit children with donations directed to: All Saints Catholic School, 3205 East Grand St., Wichita, KS 67218 write “Berniece Scanlan memorial” in the memo.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.