Ro Ann (Gifford) German
January 7, 1942 ~ December 24, 2024
Ro Ann (Gifford) German, 82, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on December 24, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.
Ro Ann was born on January 7, 1942, in Chanute, Kansas to Gerald and Marion Gifford.
On August 14, 1960, she was united in marriage to David Robert (Bob) German in Chanute, Kansas. She was preceded in death by Bob on December 8, 2013. Ro Ann married Bill Wiggans on July 4, 2015 who survives her in their home in Wichita.
She is survived by her brother, Fred Gifford of Reno, Nevada; her son, David German of O’Fallon, Missouri; and her daughter, Stacia Kolbeck of Wichita, Kansas; as well as nine grandchildren, Ashlynne Joyce, Courtney German, Brittainy Zarse, Madison German, Emma German, Elijah German, David Kolbeck, Caleb Kolbeck, and Abbey Kolbeck. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, Cecelia Campbell, Lydia Weiland, Sylvia Weiland, Sam Joyce, Wesley Joyce, Mia Zarse, and Mateo Zarse.
Ro Ann drove from Chanute to Pittsburg three times a week with two elementary-age children to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught Kindergarten for 14 years at Alcott Elementary in Chanute and then 13 more years in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
She enjoyed tennis, softball, and anything athletic as a youth. She continued as an adult, even playing softball with Stacia when she was in high school. She loved shopping, rearranging the house, her dogs, time with family and friends, and helping others. She lived out her faith by loving her neighbors and the Lord. As her husband Bob said, “she provides the relational glue for our family and is the go-to person for everyone”.
Ro Ann's wish was to be cremated and a celebration of life will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, 6555 East Central, Wichita, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, Ro asked that a donation be made to Romans 1210, 2528 Highway K., Ste. 204-2, O’Fallon, MO 63368.
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RoAnn was a great friend and a wonderful teacher. She and I team taught for several years as reading specialists together. We shared the same room. RoAnn was kind, confident, and beautiful, both inside and out. She was feminine, dressed beautifully every day, and was such a champion for children. Children loved her and she loved them. She would do anything to help a little child. I never saw her get angry at any child in my life. She could get children to behave because they felt the love and affection she had for them. She really made an impact in this world for children, their parents, and teachers she supported during her career. I give her an A + !!
I love RoAnn.
Ginny Conahan
Mrs. German was my daughter’s kindergarten teacher at Bauder Elementary in Fort Collins, Colorado. Samantha adored Mrs. German and loved going to school. Mrs. German kept in touch with Sam all through elementary school. When Sam went on to junior high school, Mrs. G presented her with a Teen Study Bible, which Sam greatly appreciated. And when Sam graduated from high school in 2005, Mrs. G attended her graduation party, which thrilled Sam. RoAnn German was a loving, kind and caring teacher. I was saddened to hear of her passing. –Ann McCleery
This was a shock for me as I had just seen RoAnn at a high school class reunion last September! As usual,we had a great time reminiscing about our good old drum corps days, cheerleading, and more. We also shared shared our teaching experiences as well! Thinking of Bill and her family, may your memories sustain you.,She was a super friend and will be greatly missed by everyone! 🙏🙏🙏