Paula Theresa Kunkle

Paula Theresa (Winter) Kunkle, age 84, passed away on June 17, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. Paula was born on January 15, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas, to Allen Winter and Leona (Kinsley) Winter.

Throughout her life, she was known for her spirited personality, cheerful outlook, resilience, boundless energy, and unwavering devotion to her family and those she loved.

Paula built her career in real estate. In retirement, she discovered a new passion and began working for a local funeral home, caring for families and honoring those who had passed with compassion, dignity, and respect.

She valued family deeply and created lasting memories with family and friends. Paula especially enjoyed traveling to Colorado and Texas to spend time with loved ones. She appreciated life’s simple pleasures – sharing food, enjoying a margarita or a glass of chardonnay, and making memories with family and friends. She shared an especially deep bond with her border collie, Maggie, whose loyal companionship brought her unconditional love, comfort, happiness, and endless joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Kunkle; her parents, Allen and Leona Winter; and her siblings, Jim Winter, Mike Winter, and Mary White.

Paula is survived by her fur baby, Maggie; sister, Barbie (Dale) Rieger; sons, Greg (Vicky) Gegen and Steve Gegen; stepdaughter, Sherry (Kelly) Looney; stepsons, Kenneth (Shannon) Kunkle and Frank Kunkle; grandchildren, Tyler Gegen, Kylee (Caleb) Ellis, Leslie Looney, Amber (Nathan) Doty, and Abby Kunkle; great-grandchildren, Hudson Ellis, Luke Doty, Lily Doty, and Caleb Doty; and extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

A graveside service for Paula will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Kansas Veterans Cemetery, 1208 N College Street, Winfield, Kansas, followed by a celebration of life at Park Villa at Riverside Park, 1029 N Bitting, Wichita, Kansas, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.