Jean Shields

Jean “Jeanie” Ann Shields, age 74, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

Jeanie was born on June 1, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, to Marge (Benjamin) and David Benjamin. She grew up in a close knit family with her brothers, John Benjamin and Tom Benjamin, and graduated from Wichita North High School in 1969—a milestone that began a lifetime devoted to her family, community, and the people she loved.

Jeanie married the love of her life, Bryan Shields, with whom she shared nearly 56 years of devotion, partnership, and cherished memories. Their story began at the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita in 1968, where a chance meeting sparked a long-distance romance when Bryan returned to the University of Arizona. They married on June 26, 1970, and began their life together in Tucson while Bryan completed his education. It was there that they welcomed their daughter, Melissa, in 1973 and their son, Benjamin, in 1977. In 1978, the family returned to Wichita, where they built their home and rooted their lives deeply in the community.

Jeanie was a true people magnet. With her million dollar smile and vibrant personality, she had a way of drawing others in and making every gathering brighter. If Jeanie was there, laughter and joy were guaranteed. Her warmth and humor made her the heart of every room.

Jeanie loved her community and gave generously of her time. She served as the leader of Girl Scout Troop 585 for eight years and was active in the Wichita Jaycees, contributing energy, creativity, and leadership. As her children grew older, Jeanie discovered her passion for photography. She began by taking school portraits with Lifetouch Photography before opening her own studio. For many years, she captured life’s most precious moments for babies, seniors, families, and friends—many of whom she photographed across generations. Her work continues to live on in the treasured memories she preserved for countless families.

In 2005, Jeanie embraced one of her greatest joys: becoming Grandma. She adored her grandchildren, Liam and Annie, and poured her heart into creating memories filled with love, laughter, whimsy, and adventure. Her relationship with them was one of the brightest parts of her life.

An animal lover with a boundless heart, Jeanie rescued dogs from difficult situations and gave them safe, loving homes. Her compassion extended to all living beings, and she believed deeply in caring for those who could not care for themselves.

Jeanie was a force of nature. When life brought illness and hardship, she met it with courage, determination, grace, and hope. She fought to remain present with her family and to live each moment fully. When her fight came to an end, she was surrounded by those who loved her most, at peace and held close.

Jeanie is survived by her devoted husband, Bryan; her brother Tom Benjamin (Candy); her daughter Melissa (Scott); her son Ben; and her beloved grandchildren, Liam and Annie.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marge and Dave Benjamin, and her brother, John Benjamin.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to:

• Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice

• Kansas Humane Society

Jeanie was deeply loved, and she loved deeply in return. Her kindness, humor, compassion, and unwavering spirit will live on in all who had the joy of knowing her. Her legacy is one of gentle strength, wholehearted love, and a life lived beautifully.