In Memory of Delores Gunther

Delores Searcy Gunther passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the age of 98.

She was born in Emporia, Kansas on March 23, 1927 and was predeceased by her husband Jean, parents Lonnie and Alice and her brother, Dale. She is survived by her two sons, Greg (Sue) and David (Jacqueline), and she was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with another arriving next spring.

Delores grew up in Emporia and graduated from Emporia State Teachers College. She moved to Kensington, Kansas to begin her career teaching children spanning in age from high school to preschool, enriching the lives of many students and families. She met Jean when her teaching brought her to Topeka and their marriage of almost 70 years began.

Delores never met anyone she didn’t consider a dear friend, as proved by her expansive address book. She enjoyed not just meeting people, but truly getting to know about them and their lives. She treasured spending time with her family and was generous in word and deed. Delores loved traveling, and she and Jean were fortunate to take some wonderful trips both here at home and abroad. She made detailed and descriptive scrapbooks of each trip and they were able to reminisce and enjoy those memories as the years passed. Delores took great pleasure in getting together with family and friends to play cards and table games and share a meal, she was a wonderful cook. She and Jean both liked to spend time outdoors, whether boating or fishing, simply sitting on the porch or taking a walk to enjoy nature’s beauty.

Delores and Jean had moved to Wichita several years ago to be closer to family and there was a small pond and walking path next to her home that brought hours of joy watching wildlife and the changing seasons,it was a hidden gem and a little gift from God.

Delores was active in Garden Club, Shepherds Center, Washburn Walkers, Celiac Support Group and numerous church activities, where she and Jean were active church members for over 60 years. Delores especially loved being part of the quilting group at United Methodist and had many dear friends there.

Delores was a loving and generous person and she will be tremendously missed by those who knew her.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025 (with visitation at 10:00 a.m.) at Topeka First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Delores’s name to Topeka First United Methodist Church, P.O Box 8005 Topeka, KS, 66608-0005