Hedwig “Hedy” Niedens, 93, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026. She was born on August 16, 1932, to Henry Sr. and Amalia (Fabrizius) Deines. She shared many treasured memories growing up with her brothers and sister on the family farm south of Trego Center. Hedy attended Liberty Country School and was a graduate of Trego Community High School Class of 1950. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church. Her faith was a steadfast presence throughout her life.

On October 8, 1950, Hedy married her high school sweetheart Jerry Niedens at Immanuel Lutheran in WaKeeney. They shared more than 70 years of marriage together in WaKeeney building a life grounded in faith, family, and farming. Hedy was a devoted mother, farmer, bookkeeper for Niedens Trucking and Niedens Custom Cutting, and a school bus driver (Bus #16) for many years. Her love, strength, and determination helped her family and home thrive. She and Jerry enjoyed being snowbirds for 25 years, especially to Mission, TX.

As a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hedy taught Sunday School, Bible School, participated in the Women’s Group, and took pride in being part of the Bethlehem Daughters. She was active in the Big Creek Women’s Golf Association, a Busy Kansans 4-H Leader, and enjoyed her Golden Girls Card Club. Hedy will be remembered for her sense of humor and her baking, especially her lemon meringue pies and cinnamon rolls. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing her own clothes and those outfits of her girls, plus thoughtful gifts for her grandchildren and friends

Survivors include her daughters Debra Niedens, Salina, and Janelle Harshberger (Kevin), Louisburg; son Verl Niedens (Karen), Goddard; grandchildren Luke Thompson (Erin Koch), Joel Thompson (Alicia Greene), Allison Harshberger (Ben Hessney), Jacob Niedens (Lesley), Will Niedens, Shellie Brandt, Heidi Brandt (Ivo Barata), and Linsey Floyd (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Brayden Niedens, Jace Koch, Logan Thompson, Helena Thompson, Ivan Barata, Izac Barata, Scottie Floyd, and Karter Floyd; sisters-in-law Bonnie Deines (Topeka) and Stephanie Niedens (Dodge City) and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jerry; brothers Henry Jr., Edwin, and Rudolf Deines; and sisters, Hilda Deines and Esther Schartz.

A memorial service will be Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, burial in WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, in care of the church or Ryan Mortuary, Salina.