Lynda Wise

KELLER -- Lynda Joy Wise, 65, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, April 8, 2009.        Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Central Church of Christ, 225 N. Waco, Wichita, Kan.        Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in honor of Lynda be made to Carpenter Place (formerly Maude Carpenter Children's Home), 1501 N. Meridian, Wichita, Kan. 67203 ( www.carpenterplace.org).        Lynda Joy Wise was born Jan. 13, 1944, in Floydada to Joe Roberts and Alta Jewel Thurston, who instilled in their children the wonderful virtues of the West Texas farm family. Lynda graduated from Floydada High School in 1962 and attended Abilene Christian College, completing a degree in elementary education in 1966. She also completed a master's degree in administration at Texas Tech University. She was an elementary teacher and wonderful friend to many in Lubbock for several years until she met a young, handsome Air Force pilot who was stationed at Reese Air Force Base. Ken and Lynda were married in 1975 and enjoyed Air Force assignments in the Philippines and Georgia. In 1979, Ken and Lynda moved to Kansas, living in Wichita and Derby for 27 years. They were blessed with two loving daughters, Joanna Christine in 1979 and Leslie Allene in 1983.        Lynda enjoyed many friendships during her time in Kansas, through the Central Church of Christ, her children's schools, her neighborhood and community and Ken's affiliation with the Kansas Air National Guard and Learjet. She was also a selfless volunteer at church and school, serving several terms as an officer on school PTA boards. She had a special gift for counsel and advice, and an enduring concern for her family and loved ones, always putting others before herself.        Lynda and Ken relocated to Keller in 2007 to be nearer both daughters and Lynda's family. In 2008 Lynda and Ken were blessed with grandson Jack, who immediately stole Lynda's heart.        Lynda loved family and friends, children, volunteering and tolerated Ken's passion for baseball by going to countless games with him. She made friends wherever she was, whether standing in line at a check-out counter or waiting at an airport gate.        She fought a courageous 5 1/2-year battle with cancer so she could have more time with her girls and live to see her grandchild. Her passing has left a hole in our hearts, but we celebrate her victory in Christ.        She was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Robert Thurston, in 1976 and her sister, Johnnie Ward, in 1990.        Survivors: Husband of 33 1/2 years, Kenneth Wise; daughters, Joanna Reece and husband, Preston, of Keller and Leslie Wise of Houston; sisters, Anella Graig of Covington and Sandy Core of Lubbock; sister-in-law, Linda Suddeth of Columbia, S.C.; grandson, Jack Reece of Keller; and nieces and nephews, Charles Suddeth of Columbia, S.C., D'lene Andrews of Dallas, Jeff Andrews of Pampa, Alyssa O'Rear of Keller, Ashley Nelson of Lubbock, Leah Schumpert of Lubbock and Lance Ward of Austin. Lucas Funeral Home Keller, 817-753-6800 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lynda Wise please visit our Sympathy Store.