Laura Ann (Steinbacher) Schenkel, 83, passed away Oct. 31, 2023, at Bridge Haven Memory Care, Lawrence, Kan. She was born Aug. 2, 1940, at Great Bend, to Charles and Eulalia (Brehm) Steinbacher. She married Ray S. Schenkel Aug. 12, 1959, at Great Bend. He died Dec. 15, 2012. 

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Ann started her long time career in banking shortly after graduating from Great Bend High School. Her commitment to the community began at First National Bank, spanning over 30 years, then finally retiring as the Senior Vice President of Community Bank of the Midwest. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Altar Society, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and served on the Cedar Park Place board of directors. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking and baking, drawing and painting with water colors and Hallmark Christmas movies. Ann especially loved spending time with her family. 

Survivors include two sons, Scott Schenkel and wife Leilani of Great Bend and Todd Schenkel and wife Michelle of Topeka; two brothers, Jerry “Pete” Steinbacher of Great Bend, and Jim Steinbacher (Debra) of New Braunfels, Texas; three sisters, Jolene Romme of Lawrence, Jeanne Hollembeak (Bruce) of Lee’s Summit, Mo. and Mary Lou Steinbacher of Denver, Colo.; one sister-in-law, Anne Steinbacher of Kansas City, Mo.; four grandchildren, Evan Schenkel, Cory Schenkel (Jessica), Taylor Christopher (Andy), and Tate Schenkel; five great grandchildren with one expected in May, 2024; and 13 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray S. Schenkel; two brothers, Charlie F. Steinbacher and Larry “Bones” Steinbacher; and brother-in-law, Leon Romme. 

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m., and Vigil service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Dominican Sisters of Peace or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Rd. 

Great Bend, KS.  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 2, 2023