Mary Witman

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Our beautiful mother, Mary Jeanette Witman, affectionately known to her loved ones as Jeanette, and lovingly called Janey by her father, passed away peacefully on the 5th of February 2026. She was born on April 9, 1936, in Garden City, KS, and lived a life defined by love, loyalty, faith, and quiet strength.

Mary was the steadfast rock of her family—a reliable and supportive presence who could always be counted on. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith in God and her unconditional love for her family.

She dedicated her career to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medication Aide (CMA), work that reflected her compassionate and giving spirit. When she wasn't tending to her patients, Mary found solace in her garden, cooking up a storm in her kitchen, and sewing in her younger years. Even as dementia brought challenges in her later years, she remained determined to stay active and engaged, a true reflection of her resilient spirit and unwavering determination.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lena Borst and Herman Ernest, and her dear siblings, Pauline Gottsch, Maxine Melton, LaVonne Dickens, Georgia Ware, and Boyd Ernest; her devoted husband, Richard Witman; her cherished daughter, Linda Witman; her beloved son-in-law, George Wehkamp; and her treasured grandson, Matthew Markel.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving children: Patricia (Steve) Classen, Randy (Cleo) Witman, Brenda Wehkamp, Mike (Trang) Witman, Pam (Don) Markel, Greg (Ramona) Earnest, Mark (Marilyn) Witman, and Susan (Dan) Carter; twenty-six grandchildren; forty-one great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. Each carries forward Mary’s enduring spirit of love, loyalty, and unwavering support.

A graveside service will be held at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 am. Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to leave memories of Mary and upload photos to her memorial page. Through these remembrances, we honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Mary Jeanette Witman, whose love will forever remain in our hearts.