Lorna Faye Wiegert Stover, 92, a longtime resident of Valley Center, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Lorna was born on December 16, 1933, in Osborne, Kansas, to John Ernest and Beula Eva (Kissell) Wiegert. She was the youngest of eight siblings, however, her life of distinction started early when she was recognized as a Sears National Baby Contest Prize Winner in 1934. A naturally gifted student, Lorna proudly earned the distinction of being the 1951 Kansas State Spelling Bee Champion. This milestone achievement earned her a coveted spot as the regional representative from Kansas to compete on the nationally at the 24th Scripps National Spelling Bee.
On November 21, 1952, Lorna married the love of her life, Charles R. “Chuck” Stover, at Osborne Christian Church. Following their wedding, the newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Colorado before beginning married life in St. Charles, Louisiana, where Chuck was stationed while serving in the United States Air Force with Strategic Air Command. After his honorable discharge in 1955, they settled in Wichita. In June 1959, they built the family home in Valley Center, where they lovingly raised their daughters and shared many happy years together. Chuck preceded her in death on December 7, 2005. Lorna remained in her Valley Center home until November 2019, when she moved to Larksfield Place in Wichita. In 2022, Lorna moved to Regent Park Assisted Living in Wichita, where she resided until her passing.
Although Chuck was the love of her life, she always held a special, lighthearted fondness for George Strait, happily attending many of the country music legend’s concerts over the years.
Faith and deep friendships were the cornerstones of Lorna’s life. While living in Valley Center, the family were active members of First United Methodist Church. Later, she and Chuck transferred their membership to Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church in Wichita. Lorna possessed a wonderful gift for developing lifelong, meaningful relationships. She deeply cherished the fellowship she found through her women’s Bible Study with the “Muffin Group,” and she was blessed with an extraordinary friendship with Doris Riggs that spanned over 60 years.
Lorna had a passion for sports and was a dedicated, long-time supporter of the Wichita State Men’s Basketball team. She loved watching and attending all kinds of sporting events, but nothing compared to the joy of watching her own grandchildren compete. Whether it was football, basketball, or cross country, Lorna was always their biggest cheerleader. She took immense pride in her role as “Grandma.” Her capacity for love extended well beyond her immediate family; the children of the McClellan and Lefto families held a very special place in her heart, and she was honored to step in as their honorary Grandma for special events when their own grandparents were unable to attend.
At home, she showered love on her beloved furry dogs, Sam and Dexter. She also shared a unique bond with her daughter Tracey, and the two shared a playful, daily tradition mimicking the famous nightly news sign-off used by the NBC co-anchors: “Good night, Chet,” “Good night, David.” Friends and family fondly noted that whenever she was parting ways or ending a phone conversation, she would always replace “goodbye” with a warm and familiar “later.”
Lorna was an avid seamstress who created clothing for her daughters and Barbie dolls, selling her crafts at the Valley Center Fall Festival. Before her marriage, Lorna worked for Deming Investment Company in Wichita. After dedicating several years to raising her family, she returned to the workforce as librarian at the Valley Center Library. During her tenure, she oversaw the library’s transition to the Dewey Decimal System, helping modernize its organization. She later enjoyed working at Moore’s Flower Shop in Wichita’s Riverside neighborhood, where she combined her love of people with her appreciation for beauty and flowers.
Lorna is survived by her daughters, Tracey Stover of Wichita (David Morris) and Teresa “Teri” Hernandez and her husband, Larry, of Salina; grandchildren, Laresa Williamson (Scott), Lawrence “Trey” Hernandez III (Amanda), Elisia Hernandez Arnold (Cory), Charles Hernandez, Cole Hernandez and Ty Hernandez; and great-grandchildren Peyton Williamson, Victor Hernandez, Isabel Hernandez, Ryker Arnold, Kyler Arnold, Parker Arnold, and Emery Arnold.
Lorna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles; her parents; and her seven older siblings, Grace Amelia Enix, Evelyn “Toni” Ernestine Wiegert, Blanche Maxine Emerson, LaVonne Elizabeth Ramsay, Cora Helen Darling, Alta Mae Owens, and Harold Glenn Wiegert.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 17 at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, 1600 W. 27th Street, North, Wichita, Kansas 67204. The visitation with family and friends will be at 10:00 A.M. followed by the services at 11:00 A.M.
Inurnment will take place at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas.
Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to:
Pals Animal Rescue, Inc.
PO Box 4732 Wichita, Ks 67201
Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church
1600 W 27th St. North Wichita, Ks 67204
Valley Center Historical & Cultural Society