Jen Ellen (Leiker) Nash
June 19, 1952 ~ September 18, 2021
Jen Ellen (Leiker) Nash, 69, died Saturday, September 18, 2021. Jen was born on June 19, 1952, in Hays, Kansas to Walter and Irene (Schukman) Leiker. She graduated from Marian High School in 1970 and Ft. Hays State University in 1973. Jen taught high school science in Lebanon, Kansas and also at Marian High School in Hays, Kansas before moving to Kennewick, Washington and marring Walter V. Nash. They later divorced and she returned to Kansas.
Her artistic talent was nurtured in Washington. Upon moving to Wichita, she worked in custom framing at Hobby Lobby and later as department head of crafts and fabric at Wal-Mart until she moved into the office. She stayed with Wal-Mart for 27 years and is still fondly remembered by many loyal customers and coworkers.
She was an accomplished quilter and has wonderful quilting friends called The Material Witnesses. They met regularly and supported her though her illness. Jen had made amazing gifts and keepsakes for many loved ones.
Jen is survived by her mother, Irene Leiker of Wichita, KS; sister, Michelle Wessling Fisher of Aurora, CO; aunt, Wilma (Leiker) Unrein of Wichita, KS; goddaughter, Nicole Edwards of Kennewick, WA; niece, Mariana (Hector Morales) Sarur of Oklahoma City, OK; step-niece, Jennifer (Sam) (Fisher) Vanourey and their son, Ron Vanourey all of St. Joseph, MO; step-nephew Matt Fisher of Kansas City, MO; and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Leiker; grandparents, Nicholas Leiker, Katie (Unrein) Leiker-Richmeier and Fred Richmeier, and Jacob and Bertha (Kohn) Schukman.
Jen requested no funeral service be held. A private burial will be held in Hays where she will be buried near her father.
A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Jen’s life will be held at the home she shared with her mother in Wichita on Saturday, September 25th from 3 - 5 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair.
Jen was a true sunflower state girl. She celebrated Kansas day by gifting friends and coworkers sunflower seed cookies or sunflower seed brittle that she and her mom made. She also has an extensive sunflower collection.
As Jen left, she made one last gift by donating the gift of sight to two people who will never know her.
Memorials are suggested to The Jen Ellen Nash Memorial, c/o Senior Services Inc. of Wichita, Orchard Park Senior Center, 4808 W. 9th St., Wichita, KS 67212. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Share tributes online at www.dlwichita.com
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I love sunflowers too 🌻 I still have my sunflower bowl huggie Jen made. I think she made and gave 100 or more to her Walmart associates 😎
Jen was one the great memories I have of our time together at Walmart. I loved working with her in the fabric department. I am sadden by her passing. I did not keep in touch thru the last 33 years, but I hope her family knows that she touched so many lives with who she was. Hold on to all the great memories of her time with us.
Michelle, we want to tell you of how sorry we are to hear of your beloved sister’s passing. What heartache you have endured. Know we are praying for you and your dearly departed. May you feel strengthened and encouraged by all your friends who love you. ❤️ Shirley and Jim Dinkel
Irene, my deep condolences for you and your family. Jen was an awesome, pretty and wonderfully talented woman. I will never forget her great candy. She did a lot for Orchard and a pleasure to talk with there. Your friend Susan Boothe❤️
Irene, I don’t know if you remember me, my name is Jo (Dinkel) Good. I was so sorry to hear of Jen’s passing. I always enjoyed her very much. I loved her humor and especially her smile. I fully expected to see her at the 50+1 reunion> I had been thinking of her when I saw her class picture and waited for her to come through the door. This was the same day she died. She will always have a place in my heart. I am glad she touched my life so many years ago.