Jo Lynn Lunsford
June 14, 1943 ~ June 24, 2023
Jo Lynn Lunsford passed peacefully at the age of 80 on June 24, 2023. She was born June 14, 1943, in Duncan OK to Wendell and Maxine (George) Smith. Lynn graduated from Duncan High School in 1961. She married Hugh Caros Hilburn on Dec. 21, 1963, and they had 2 daughters, Kim and Stacy, who were born in Phoenix, AZ. Lynn and her daughters moved to Wichita in 1983. It’s there that she met the love of her life, Ronald “Ron” G. Lunsford in 1999, and they were married on June 23, 2001. They celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary this year. Lynn was an award-winning quilt designer and quilter and quilted over 50 beautiful pieces, many of which were loving gifts to family members.
Lynn is survived by her husband Ron, daughter Kim Hilburn Rippel with her spouse, Doug Rippel, and daughter Stacy Hilburn Jones of Wichita. Her favorite name was “Grandma”, and she is survived by her three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Rippel with spouse Tommy Schoder, Amanda Rippel, and Ryan Jones. She is survived by her sister Kay Smith Holladay along with her husband and family; and the family of her late sister Anne Smith Patton. Her love extended far beyond her immediate family, and she is survived by three stepsons and their families of the greater Seattle area, John and Joni Lunsford, Charles and Becca Smith, Ronald M. and Ara Lunsford, and Natalia Clower; seven grandchildren of love, Zachary Lunsford, Breanna Lunsford, Michaela Lunsford, Cara Lewis, Evalyn Lunsford, Alex Smith and Tiffany Clower; and 2 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 1 at the First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway in Wichita at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 171335, Kansas City, KS 66117 or by using the link below and First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
Services will be live streamed through the church's youtube page, link is below.
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Lynn was my friend, confidant, and Hair client. We were both Members of First United Methodist Church and originally met in Solid Rock Sunday School Class.
Lynn was passionate about her love and beliefs which she shared abundantly. She will be deeply missed by me and all who loved her. To Ron and the family, I pray God will hold you tightly in your grief. To Lynn, your job is done now and you did it well! Rest in God’s arms now. I love you!
My memories of Lynn will always be our love for each other and our mutual love of quilting. I remember our many visits to quilting shops looking for the perfect fabric for those special quilts we were making. I will remember the enjoyment of the quilt shows we attended in Kansas and Washington state when we would visit each other, never often enough. I will miss you Lynn and love you always. Your cousin, Karen
Godspeed Lynn. A kind, caring and loving and soul that will be dearly missed, and lovingly remembered.
My sympathies to Lynn’s family, friends and loved ones.