Wesley Tuttle
Wesley, the oldest son of Elvin and Florence (Johnson) Tuttle, was born August 24, 1950, in Hays, KS. He gained his wings on June 8, 2025. Our hearts are broken but also joyful knowing he is in the loving arms of Jesus and family.
As a child, he lived with his parents until the age of 10, then moved to Topeka for special care. At 21, he moved to DSNWK in Hays, where he lived in a group home setting for most of his adult life. In December 2019, he moved to Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care Facility to be closer to family. He always called Quinter his “hometown.” Later, he became a resident of Logan County Senior Living until his passing. The family is grateful for all the love and care he received at these locations.
Wesley enjoyed many things in life, especially MUSIC. He had a natural rhythm, keeping beat with his foot, hand, slinky, and sometimes even playing a recorder to his favorites: Christmas music (played year-round), Johnny Cash, and Elvis. A few of Wesley’s favorites included dollar bills—which he preferred over big bills—strawberry malts, riding in a pickup pulling a trailer, riding his three-wheel bike down the driveway to get the mail, and giving his nieces and nephews rides in the basket or pulling his cart behind. When opening a card with money, he would exclaim, “Money, Money, Money!”
He carried numerous pictures in his wallet, so many that it would bulge. He always looked forward to coming home for holidays and his birthday; on the trip back to Hays, he would already be talking about his next visit home. Wesley’s sense of humor and teasing could put a smile on anyone’s face. He had many favorite sayings that will be treasured.
He helped us appreciate people with disabilities by teaching us to look at their strengths. He touched many hearts and will be missed; however, we know that even though he lived his life here with a disability, he now lives in heaven free.
Preceding Wesley in death are his beloved parents, Elvin and Florence; brother, Lester; and nephew, Lloyd. Survivors include his sister, Lesa (Ron) Ochs; sister-in-law, Mary Tuttle (Terry Cox); nieces and nephews and their children: Tyler Tuttle & daughter Journie; Renee Tuttle & son McCoy; Dwayne Tuttle & sons Asher & Archer; Ryan (Tiff) Ochs & children Rylee & Ryder; Shawna Ochs (Dallas Goetz) & daughter Wrenley. Many other extended family members are also grieving Wesley’s passing.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant St., Quinter, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DSNWK, Logan County Senior Living, or the Church of the Brethren, and sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.