Ro Ann (Gifford) German, 82, of Wichita passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.
Ro Ann was born on Jan. 7, 1942, in Chanute to Gerald and Marion Gifford.
On Aug. 14, 1960, she married David Robert “Bob” German in Chanute. Bob preceded her in death on Dec. 8, 2013. Ro Ann married Bill Wiggans on July 4, 2015. He survives her in their home in Wichita.
Ro Ann drove from Chanute to Pittsburg three times a week with two elementary-age children to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught kindergarten for 14 years at Alcott Elementary in Chanute and then 13 more years in Fort Collins, Colorado.
She enjoyed tennis, softball and anything athletic as a youth. She continued as an adult, even playing softball with Stacia when she was in high school. She loved shopping, rearranging the house, her dogs, time with family and friends and helping others. She lived out her faith by loving her neighbors and the Lord. As her husband Bob said, “She provides the relational glue for our family and is the go-to person for everyone.”
She is survived by her son, David German of O’Fallon, Missouri; her daughter, Stacia Kolbeck of Wichita; nine grandchildren, Ashlynne Joyce, Courtney German, Brittainy Zarse, Madison German, Emma German, Elijah German, David Kolbeck, Caleb Kolbeck and Abbey Kolbeck; seven great-grandchildren, Cecelia Campbell, Lydia Weiland, Sylvia Weiland, Sam Joyce, Wesley Joyce, Mia Zarse and Mateo Zarse; and her brother, Fred Gifford of Reno, Nevada.
Ro Ann’s wish was to be cremated and a celebration of life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita.
In lieu of flowers, Ro asked that a donation be made to Romans 1210, 2528 Highway K, Ste. 204-2, O’Fallon, MO., 63368.
