Jill Diane Hershey

Jill Diane Hershey, 56, died January 21, 2021 just 1 week before her 57th birthday. She was born January 29, 1964 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas to parents Joseph W. “Jay” Hershey and Donna Male Hershey. Following surgery at 7 days old and release from the hospital a week later, she joined her family. Jill was diagnosed at 3 months with Down syndrome. This was in the “dark ages” of intellectual and developmental disabilities before testing for this condition was available. Jill began her schooling at the age of 3 at Lilac Lane Preschool, being transported across town every day by her mother or grandparents. At age 7, she entered public school at Park Elementary, followed by Bridgeport Elementary, Arkansas Avenue Elementary, Earhart Elementary, and Hadley Junior High; graduating from East High School in 1985 with a Special Education diploma. Jill attended Sunday school and church at First Mennonite Brethren with her family until about the age of 15, then attended the Religious Nurture Center at First United Methodist Church for many years. It was there that she learned to read proficiently and was asked to read scripture several times for their morning church services. Jill was baptized by Pastor Roland Reimer on August 30, 1981 upon her confession of faith by playing the piano and simply saying, “I love Jesus very much.” Jill started taking piano lessons at the age of 16 and became quite proficient. She had the opportunity to play all over Kansas as a member of the Pride Performers of The Arc of Sedgwick County. She also performed at many area schools as part of “Awareness Through the Arts,” played for several wedding receptions, banquets, Special Education graduations, and for several years at the Kansas State Fair. Jill worked hard at performing, practicing at least 30 minutes per day, 6 days a week. Very rarely did she have to be reminded to practice. She was able to memorize her music, resulting in a repertoire of about 30 pieces. In 2007, she gave a 1-hour recital at First Mennonite Brethren Church, playing non-stop, followed by a reception. Jill also flew by herself several times to visit her sister in Fresno, California and later in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Following high school graduation, Jill worked at Starkey and KETCH. She enjoyed “dressing up” and riding the city bus downtown by herself to her job at a bank. Other activities she enjoyed were softball and track with Special Olympics; bowling, dancing, skating, and traveling with The Arc, especially to Branson twice a year. Jill loved life, was very outgoing, friendly and had many “best friends”. Jill was predeceased in 2017 by her father, Jay Hershey. Jill is survived by her mother, Donna Hershey, and brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Tracey Hershey all of Wichita; sister Julie Hershey of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; nieces Alyssa Hershey of Kansas City, Kansas and Natasha Bergen of Saskatoon; aunt Maxine Male of Wichita; honorary sister and nephew, Mieka and Jesse Dueckman of Saskatoon; and many cousins. Memorial service at 2PM on Wednesday, February 3, at First Mennonite Brethren Church and live streamed at www.firstmbchurch.org/funeral. Memorials have been established with The Arc of Sedgwick County, 2919 W. 2nd Street, Wichita, KS 67203 and First Mennonite Brethren Church, 8000 W. 21st Street N., Wichita, KS 67205. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.