Jen Ellen (Leiker) Nash, 69, died Saturday, September 18, 2021. Jen was
born on June 19, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, to Walter and Irene (Schukman)
Leiker. She graduated from Marian High School in 1970 and Fort Hays State
University in 1973. Jen taught high school science in Lebanon, Kansas, and also at Marian High School in Hays, Kansas, before moving to
Kennewick, Washington and marring Walter V. Nash. They later divorced
and she returned to Kansas.
Her artistic talent was nurtured in Washington. Upon moving to
Wichita, she worked in custom framing at Hobby Lobby and later as
department head of crafts and fabric at Wal-Mart until she moved into
the office. She stayed with Wal-Mart for 27 years and is still fondly
remembered by many loyal customers and coworkers.
She was an accomplished quilter and has wonderful quilting friends
called The Material Witnesses. They met regularly and supported her
though her illness. Jen had made amazing gifts and keepsakes for many
loved ones.
Jen is survived by her mother, Irene Leiker of Wichita, KS; sister,
Michelle Wessling Fisher of Aurora, CO; aunt, Wilma (Leiker) Unrein of
Wichita, KS; goddaughter, Nicole Edwards of Kennewick, WA; niece,
Mariana (Hector Morales) Sarur of Oklahoma City, OK; step-niece,
Jennifer (Sam) (Fisher) Vanourey and their son, Ron Vanourey all of St.
Joseph, MO; step-nephew Matt Fisher of Kansas City, MO; and many
cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Leiker;
grandparents, Nicholas Leiker, Katie (Unrein) Leiker-Richmeier and Fred
Richmeier, and Jacob and Bertha (Kohn) Schukman.
Jen requested no funeral service be held. A private burial will be held in Hays where she will be buried near her father.
A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Jen’s life will be
held at the home she shared with her mother in Wichita on Saturday,
September 25th, from 3 - 5 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair.
Jen was a true Sunflower State girl. She celebrated Kansas day by
gifting friends and coworkers sunflower seed cookies or sunflower seed
brittle that she and her mom made. She also has an extensive sunflower
collection.
As Jen left, she made one last gift by donating the gift of sight to two people who will never know her.
Memorials are suggested to The Jen Ellen Nash Memorial, c/o Senior
Services Inc. of Wichita, Orchard Park Senior Center, 4808 W. 9th St.,
Wichita, KS 67212. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Share tributes
online at www.dlwichita.com