LARNED — Virginia Lee Cheely, 76, passed away July 2, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. She was born on Feb. 14, 1950, in Tribune, Kan., to Ernest and Marie (Burnett) Butler. On April 18, 1970, she married Kenneth Cheely in Tribune.

A recent resident of Larned, Virginia owned a beauty shop then worked as a secretary, including for Kansas Gas Company. She was a member of First Christian Church, as well as the Red Hat Society of Larned and a former Bison Library board member. She enjoyed quilting and target shooting, but above all, enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years; son, Michael Cheely and wife Tamiko of Bison; two grandsons, Preston Cheely and wife Riley of Belleville, and Caleb Cheely of Rush Center; two step grandchildren, Megan Schroeder of Wildwood, Mo., and Trace Schroeder of Hoisington; two great grandchildren, Aysen Cheely and Drake Cheely; three brothers, Donald Butler and wife Darla of Towner, Colo., Dale Butler and wife Gayla, and Douglas Butler, all of Holly, Colo.; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved dogs, Spike and Babe. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home. Private inurnment will follow at a later date. Memorials have been designated to the Bison Library, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 7, 2026