HOLYROOD — Lois Melva Wenz, 71, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, May 3, 2026. She was born Sept. 12, 1954 in Ellsworth, Kan. to Dale and Mabel (Choitz) Anschutz. Lois graduated from Ellsworth High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Southwestern College. She taught in the Bennington and Wilson school districts. Lois married Gilbert Wenz on June 4, 1977 in Ellsworth. Together, they owned and operated Wenz Interiors, Inc. She was a faithful member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Holyrood.
Lois lived a life defined by love, service, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and her faith. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome, offering kindness, wisdom, and comfort to all who knew her.
Above all, Lois was an extraordinary mother and devoted wife. She poured her heart into raising her children, instilling in them the values of compassion, resilience, and integrity. Her love was constant and unconditional, and her guidance shaped the lives of those she cherished most. Through both everyday moments and life’s greatest challenges, she remained a steadfast source of strength and encouragement. She built a legacy that will live far into the future.
Lois enjoyed traveling, volunteering, spending time with loved ones, gardening, attending community and sporting events, and reading. She gave generously of her time through her involvement with Ellsworth Tourism, Economic Development, the Arts Council, St. Peter church organizations, the Holyrood Santa Fe Depot, community events, and many other local groups.
Lois is survived by her husband Gilbert of Holyrood; daughters, Amy Vibbert (Robert) of Arkansas City, Kan. and Melissa Taylor (Matt) of Hutchinson, Kan.; grandchildren, Adelyn and Colton Vibbert and Sydney, Olivia, and Kiptyn Taylor; brothers, Alan Anschutz (Kim) of Bella Vista, Ark. and Gale Anschutz (Lisa) of Rose Hill, Kan.; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear family and friends who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister Connie Dickinson and her husband Will.
Memorial Service: 11 a.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Holyrood, Kan. Memorial contributions may be made to the SAOCK Benevolent account at the Bank of Holyrood, which Lois lovingly established for her grandchildren, or to St. Peter Lutheran Church of Holyrood, in care of Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Condolences may be left at parsonsfh.com.
Though she is no longer with us and leaves a void that can never be filled, her love and cherished memories will remain in our hearts forever. Her life was a beautiful testament to what it means to love deeply and live fully. Her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched, and we find comfort in knowing that her soul now rests in eternal peace, embraced in the loving arms of Jesus. Her final journey was not another earthly adventure, but a sacred passage home, guided by her faith and trust in her Lord and Savior and His promise of everlasting life.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Parsons Funeral Home
P.O. Box 37
Lincoln, KS 67455
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 12, 2026
