Cora Marie McCartney, 84, passed away on August 15, 2026, surrounded by a lifetime of love and leaving behind a family and many friends who will miss her more than words can say.

Cora was born on August 10, 1942, at her family’s farm, Irish Creek Hereford Ranch, near Fairport, Kansas, to Alois “Bert” Joseph Breit and Pauline Jacobs Breit. She graduated from Natoma High School and went on to build a life filled with the things she valued most, family, faith, friendship, laughter, and enjoying all that life had to offer.

On June 9, 1962, Cora married Jerry McCartney in Gorham, Kansas, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span more than 64 years. Together, they raised their family, shared many adventures, and built a life full of memories.

For 56 years, Garden City, Kansas, was home. It was where Cora and Jerry raised their family, established deep roots, and made friendships that lasted a lifetime. More recently, they made their home in Salina, Kansas, where Cora lived for the past 14 months.

Above all else, Cora loved her family. Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by the people she loved. She treasured the big celebrations, but just as much, she loved the ordinary moments, being together, sharing stories, laughing, and simply enjoying one another’s company. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and happiness throughout her life.

Cora had a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine love for life. She loved to laugh and had a way of bringing laughter to those around her. She enjoyed SHOPPING , photography, gardening, sewing, decorating, and attending local junior college basketball games. She especially loved spending time with family and friends and rarely passed up an opportunity for good conversation, a neighborhood Happy Hour, or simply having fun with the people she cared about.

Cora also dedicated many years to her work as a secretary with the Kansas Highway Patrol. After 19 years of service, she retired, leaving behind not only a long career but also the friendships and connections she made along the way.

Friendship was important to Cora, and many of hers spanned decades. She was a member of the Laureate Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for 61 years, forming friendships and memories she treasured throughout her life.

Photography was another special passion. Cora and Jerry spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona, for more than 10 years, and while there, Cora served as director of a photography

club. It was a perfect fit for someone who appreciated both creativity and the beauty found in everyday life.

Cora’s faith was an important part of who she was. Word of Life Church in Garden City held an especially meaningful place in her heart, and for more than 20 years she was deeply devoted to the church and its community. Her faith brought her strength, purpose, fellowship, and many cherished friendships. She later attended Cornerstone Church in Garden City and First Covenant Church in Salina.

Cora is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; her sons, Brad (Monica) McCartney of Garden City, Kansas, and Mark (Pam) McCartney of Salina, Kansas; her daughter, Jennifer (Shawn) Brown of Atlanta, Georgia; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Judy (Richard) Strecker of Wichita, Kansas, and her brother, Ed (Maryann) Breit of Hays, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughters, Alyssa McCartney and Callie McMillan; her sister, Nila Winder; and her brother-in-law, Larry Winder.

Cora’s passing leaves a profound absence in the lives of those who loved her. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a treasured sister, and a loyal friend. But those titles only begin to describe what she meant to the people closest to her. Cora was someone who made life more fun simply by being part of it.

There is tremendous sadness in saying goodbye, but Cora’s family wants her life to be remembered with the same joy with which she lived it. They will remember her laughter and sense of humor, her love for her family, her faith, her friendships, and her enthusiasm for life. Most of all, they will remember the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were shared with her.

A celebration of Cora’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at First Covenant Church in Salina, Kansas. A luncheon and reception will follow the service at the church, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather, share stories and memories, laugh together, and celebrate a woman who was so deeply loved.

Burial will take place at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas, at a later date.

Cora will be greatly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. The laughter, love, faith, and memories she shared throughout her life will remain with her family and friends for generations to come.

In honor of Cora, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Support and Education Group, in care of Ryan Mortuary 137 N 8th St Salina, KS 67401