Martha Ruth Chaney

Martha dedicated over 30 years of her life to caring for children as a preschool teacher at Topeka Highland Park Daycare. With endless patience, kindness, and compassion, she opened her heart and home to anyone in need. Her daycare children held a special place in her heart, and she loved them as her own.

Martha was the heart of her family - a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, cherished sister, aunt, and loyal friend. She found joy in the simple things: fishing for spoonbill (especially the time she caught a 175-pounder in Warsaw), family-filled Fourth of Julys, and giving hugs that could fix almost anything. One of her favorite sayings, "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck," will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Pat Ragan; daughters Jodell Chaney, Billie Jo Chaney, and Joyce Chaney; brothers J.D. Beach and Jimmy Beach; cousin Dorothy Vogel; seven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandbaby.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Leslie Beach and Ruth Nadine Northern; her children, Johnny Chaney and Janet Riley; and her brother, Eddie Beach.

Martha had a radiant smile that could light up any room and a spirit that made the world a little brighter. She was a blessing to be around and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A visitation for Martha will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Patrick's Church Kansas, 1086 N 94th St, Kansas City, KS 66112. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.