CARLENE STURGES WELLS

Carlene Sturges Wells, age 93, peacefully joined our Lord in heaven on October 20, 2024, in Pharr, TX, surrounded by the comforting sounds of hymns and scripture. Just days before, she expressed her excitement about seeing what God had in store for her, and now she embraces the promises of heaven. Born in 1930 in Wichita, KS, to Carl and Mildred Hunter Sturges, Carlene grew up with her sister, Patty, and attended Wichita East High School, graduating in 1948. She went on to graduate summa cum laude from Wichita State University with a BS in English, where she met the love of her life, Gene Wells, a football player at WSU. Their strong partnership led to marriage at Grace Presbyterian Church on October 16, 1952. They moved to Fort Bragg, NC, where Gene served in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps and Carlene worked for the Judge Advocate General and Joint Airborne Troop Board Offices. Upon returning to Kansas, Carlene and Gene welcomed daughters Melinda Jane “Lindy” and Pamela Jean “Pam” while Gene pursued his dental degree. Carlene worked as an administrative assistant at Locke Stove Company, providing unwavering support that allowed them to graduate debt-free. They joyfully settled in Hutchinson, KS, for 55 years, where Gene practiced dentistry, and Carlene devoted herself to family and community service. Their family grew to include Randall Sturges, Julia May, and Elizabeth Ann. Carlene's dedication shone through as she juggled the needs of five children, volunteered at Hutchinson Hospital and Trinity Methodist Church, and ensured her home was filled with love and delicious dinners. As "Grammie" to her 18 grandchildren—Tricia (Wayne) Reavis, Hunter Patton, Faith (Blake) Stouffer, Cassie (Drew) Smith, Haley (Adam) Bridge, Jake (Chelsea) Honeycutt, Hannah (Keegan) Gardner, Charlene (Matt) Callaway, Maggie Kroeker, Sam (Quyhn) Kroeker, John Kroeker, Elizabeth (Chase) Davis, Matthew Wells, Dylan Wells, Sarah (Kyle) Blackford, Zach (Meghan) Elliott, Ben (Sabrina) Elliott, and Rachel Elliott—she cherished every moment spent with them, always ready with a welcoming smile, encouraging words, and a peanut butter cookie. Carlene was also a proud great-grandmother to 23 great-grandchildren: Benny, George, and Maeve Bridge; Lindy Beth and Patton Reavis; Campbell, Hallie, and Hunt Stouffer; Julia Mae, J.W., and Hudson Callaway; Mabry, Wells, and Olivia Smith; Zoe and Jack Blackford; Marshall and Margaret Gardner; Hendricks and Holmes Honeycutt; Charlie Davis; Austin Elliott and William Elliott. A devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church and a 50-year member of PEO Chapter BY, Carlene formed lasting friendships during her time in Hutchinson. Following Gene's passing, she moved to Brook Ridge Retirement Home in Pharr, TX, to be closer to family. There, she found joy in her Bible Study Group and continued to inspire those around her with her strength, kindness, and unwavering faith. Carlene is survived by her five children: Melinda “Lindy” (Campbell) Patton, Pamela “Pam” (Tim) Honeycutt, Randall “Randy” (Cindy) Wells, Julia “Julie” (Bruce) Kroeker, and Elizabeth “Liz” (Tim) Elliott, along with her 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece Cathy Erbert, nephew Tom Oak, and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dr. Ron and Bobbi Wells and Sheryl Wells. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dr. Gene Wells, her parents, Carl and Mildred Sturges, her sister and brother-in-law Patty and Tom Oak, her infant brother Carl Jr., her granddaughter Maggie Kroeker, and her great-grandson William Elliott. She was also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law Leon Wells (Pat) and Dr. Robert Wells and sister-in-law Pat Wells. Carlene’s beautiful smile and steadfast love will forever remain imprinted on the hearts of her family and friends. Her legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who knew her. A memorial service will be held to honor Carlene’s life and faith, details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Carlene Wells to Trinity United Methodist Church (1602 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS 67501), CAMP UNIVERSITY (P.O. Box 2294, McAllen, TX 78502), the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (3025 S. Parker Rd. Suite 110, Aurora, CO 80014), or the charity of your choice.

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CARLENE STURGES WELLS

October 20, 2024