Marlyn Stemmons

Marlyn June Slaughter Stemmons, 77, died Thursday, February 13, 2025. She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Allen. She is survived by her husband Duane, four daughters: Elise (Darrell) Mashburn of Lenexa, Stacy (Michael) Christie of Wichita, Laura Stemmons and Karen Stemmons of Wichita and two sons: Andrew (Sheryl) Stemmons of McLouth, and James (Virginia) Stemmons of Topeka as well as 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A lifelong resident of Wichita, Marlyn was born June 9, 1947 at 622 S. Laura. She was a member of the inaugural kindergarten class at Henry J. Allen elementary. A proud Golden Buffalo, she graduated from Wichita Southeast High School in 1965. She was a founding member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. She studied piano and dance. She was a Bluebird and Camp Fire Girl, earning their highest honor—The WoHeLo Award. She attended Southwestern College in Winfield, where she worked at the State Hospital. She graduated from Wesley School of Nursing in 1969. As a Registered Nurse, she both worked and taught at Wesley. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kansas Newman University in 1976. She maintained her nursing licensure until she became physically disabled in 2021.

She married Duane Gene Stemmons on June 5, 1969, at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. Her life’s work was raising six children, enabling their education, and encouraging their pursuits. All six of her children attended Kansas State University. Elise holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Women Studies. She is a Circuit Design Engineer. Andy holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration. He is a Software Architect. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. He is a Senior Software Developer. Stacy holds a Bachelor of Architecture and is a licensed architect. She is the Director of Special Projects, Facilities Planning at Wichita State University. Laura studied English Literature. She is a talented ceramics artist and teaches art to children of all ages. Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and is a licensed social worker. Karen also graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wichita State University and works as a Registered Nurse. In addition to their career pursuits, each of her children carries on her legacy by raising families of their own and volunteering with a variety of church and community organizations.

She enjoyed sewing, photography, music, baking, quilting, calligraphy, journaling, and Bible study. Over the years, she volunteered with many organizations including March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Campfire Girls, Wichita Area Girl Scouts, Relief Society and United Methodist Women. She was a member of Woodland United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. She collected vintage and modern dolls, Crayola crayons, and Corelle.

She will be remembered for her brilliant smile, wise counsel, sarcastic wit, infectious laugh, exquisite handwriting, steadfast faith, and resilient spirit. She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a caring and compassionate friend and neighbor. Her influence will live on for generations through the countless people whose lives she touched.

A visitation for Marlyn will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1:00 following the visitation with a graveside service immediately to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in the Garden of Friends.