WICHITA — Jodi L. Besthorn, 67, retired Sedgwick County Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent, died Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. A reception will be held following the service at the Sedgwick County Extension Office, 7001 West 21st St. North, Wichita, Kan. 

Jodi was born Dec. 17, 1956, to Herbert L. and Joyce A. (Rathbun) Besthorn, in Great Bend, Kan. She graduated from Claflin High School and then from Sterling College with a degree in Home Economics. 

Jodi was an Extension Agent (FACS and 4-H) for 39 years serving Smith County and Sedgwick County. Her passion was in helping the youth grow as individuals, learn life skills, and develop leadership abilities. She was a member of both the state and national extension agent’s associations, Rotary Club of West Wichita and Chapter IY PEO. In every organization, Jodi held leadership positions as well as serving on committees. 

In addition to loving her job, she enjoyed trying new foods, traveling, music, reading, and was an avid fan of the K-State Wildcats and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bert Besthorn; uncle, Ted Rathbun. Survived by her sister, Elaine Besthorn of Wichita, Kan.; brother, Scott Besthorn of Charlotte, N.C.; sister-in-law, Lana Besthorn of Great Bend, Kan.; nephew, Clark (Kyla Calhoun - finacée) Besthorn of Hutchinson, Kan.; aunt, Babette Rathbun and cousin, Joel Rathbun, both of Columbia, S.C. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Sedgwick County 4-H Foundation, 7001 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com

Funeral arrangements provided by

Downing & Lahey West Mortuary

10515 W. Maple

Wichita, KS 67209

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 6, 2024