Wendy J. Keplinger

We are celebrating the beautiful life of Wendy JoLynn Keplinger, 61 of Coffeyville, KS. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on the morning of October 6th, 2025 after an 8 year battle with ovarian cancer.

Wendy was born in Strong City, KS on November 18th, 1963 to Reverend Wayne and Dorothy Hett.

Wendy was a tenacious worker, teaching her boys the value and importance of hard work from an early age. Her career spanned multiple paths early on, but she ultimately honed her skills as a payroll specialist and tax expert, spending over 25 years in the profession.

Family was always at the forefront of Wendy’s mind and heart. Wendy met Paul Keplinger in Cherryvale, Kansas and they wed in 1981, sharing 44 years together in a loving and strong marriage. She cherished every moment she could spend with her family, especially her beautiful grand babies. She was an extraordinary grandmother and would move heaven and earth to be a part of their lives no matter where they were. She poured into her grandchildren all of the love and wisdom she had.

A true adventurer, Wendy had a passion for travel and thrills. From soaring in a bi-plane in Maine to cuddling up with manatees in Cancun, embarking on glacier tours in Iceland, to glow-light-paddle-boats overlooking the San Diego skyline. If there was a water feature on her travels, she was going to go see it. Wendy loved playing games and had a strong competitive side. She was an exceptional Skee-Ball player and gave you a run for your money if playing Canasta, Dominoes, or board games! She also found immense joy in seeking out and gathering beautiful glassware and travel souvenirs. She knew how to embrace joy and wouldn’t let pain stand in her way. An undeniable inspiration. The most significant lesson from her life is that she truly LIVED.

Faith was a core tenant of Wendy’s whole life. She was diligent in supporting missionaries and several churches. She loved people from all walks of life and was always careful not to judge, nor try to change one’s beliefs, but connected with and cared for them on a human level.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Paul Keplinger, her two children Joshua and Aaron & Daughter-in-law P.J. Keplinger, her three beautiful grandchildren, Paige, Olivia, and Ava, and her sisters Susan Hardesty and Markel Porter.

Wendy's services will be on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at 11 am, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave, Coffeyville, Kansas. To view the streaming of her service or leave a message of condolences visit Wendy's obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com