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Marcia Lynn Bell

September 23, 1963 ~ January 16, 2026

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Marcia Lynn Bell, age 62, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on January 16, 2026, after a graceful and courageous battle with cancer.

Marcia was born on September 23, 1963, in Wichita, Kansas, to John A. and Carolyn Bell. She spent her early years in Topeka growing her family before later making her home in Wichita. She graduated from Washburn Rural High School and dedicated her life to caring for others, building a long and meaningful career in nursing. Marcia deeply loved and enjoyed caring for the elderly and veterans, and she truly loved her work at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, where she proudly finished her career and cherished the many friendships she built during her time there.

Marcia was a strong, resilient, hardworking, loving, and kind woman whose faith guided her throughout her life. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Church of the Magdalen, where she found strength, comfort, and community.

She is survived by her partner, Darren Sanstra; her children, Tim (Jennifer) O’Mara, Jamie (Ty) Hysten, Michael O’Mara, and Dayton Sanstra; her cherished grandchildren, Kaden, Mila, Miles, Hunter, and Zoey; her brother and sisters; her nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Sammy and Bill, who were a special part of her daily life.

Marcia loved the beach—especially South Carolina—and found peace in gardening and creating her own backyard oasis. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking long daily walks, staying active, and moving her body. She also loved to zip around in her Mustang, Journey, which perfectly matched her free spirit. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family.

Marcia’s strength, compassion, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., at the Catholic Church of the Magdalen, 12626 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67206.

Interment will immediately follow at Ascension Cemetery, 7200 E. 45th St. N., Bel Aire, KS 67226.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

Services

Rosary: Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:30 am

Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church
12626 E. 21st N.
Wichita, KS 67206


Funeral Mass: Saturday, January 31, 2026 11:00 am

Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church
12626 E. 21st N.
Wichita, KS 67206


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Marcia Lynn Bell 's name.

Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice

313 S. Market

Wichita,

KS

67202

www.hynesmemorial.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I can remember interviewing Marci for her position at the VA! She made a huge first impression and I found her to be a tower of strength, courage, encouragement and faith through out the years I have known her. She will be greatly missed, but we know where she went and will see her again!

  2. I miss you, I miss your smile,I miss your love, I miss your hugs, I miss your voice

    I miss everything about you

    I know you are with me, I just wanna see you

    I miss and love you so much Marcy

  3. ” This is the day the Lord has made , Let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118.24 . This is your favorite verse. And you always remind me on our good and bad days. I know your are happy now and pain free. I thank the Lord for our friendship , it short and sweet. I love you and thank you for everything.
    P.S. I used your hair dryer that you gave me this morning … thank you for all your love ,words of encouragement and inspiration of strength…..’till we meet again…

  4. I’m so sorry for your loss. Marcy brought light with her wherever she went. She had a true zest for life. One that was rooted in her strong faith and the deep peace she had in knowing where she was going. She spoke with such love and pride about her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her parents. I always knew how central family was to her heart in every story she shared. I will always cherish her laughter, the kind that filled the room and made everyone feel at ease, and her hugs, which were so warm, genuine and full of care. As her coworker and friend, Marcy made the days brighter simply by being herself. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, joy, and kindness that will continue to live on in all of us who were blessed to know her.

      • I’m am so sorry Marcys life was cut short by this horrific disease. Though I didn’t know her as much as others, I know she was a kind, spiritual and loving person. Even while she struggled with her illness, she would call and check on my husband, almost weekly, while he was fighting his own cancer battle. She was always there to lend an ear and I won’t forget her kind thoughts and words. She always said how much she loved you Darren, you were the love of her life. May the angels wrap their loving arms around you all and bring you peace.

        • Thank you for the beautiful words you spoke about Marcy. She always loved texting with you about life in general

  5. The Most nicest kindfull sweetest lady I ever knew. We had great conversations. Rest in heaven Marcia. Prayers to Darren and family

  6. Marcy was always one of the most kind and generous people I have ever met. She never judged others harshly and always looked for the best within people. I will miss my Aunt Marcy dearly and hope and pray to meet her again one day in Heaven and hear all about the time she has been having while she’s been away. Rest in peace Marcy.


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