Ann Van Nahmen

The Kinsley community lost a long time and treasured member when Ann Lucille (Mehringer) VanNahmen passed away on March 21, 2026. She was born August 23,1934 in Garfield, KS. She departed peacefully at Trinity Manor Nursing Home, Dodge City, KS with her daughter, Janet, by her side.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and true soulmate Ralph VanNahmen on September 1, 2024, daughter Rebecca VanNahmen Keller, parents Joseph and Iva (Bingaman) Mehringer; brothers Lawrence, James, Daniel, and John Mehringer as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ann is survived by daughters Theresa (Mike) Rinehart, Flemingsburg, KY and Janet Strawn, Kinsley, KS; grandsons Cody (Abbie) Rinehart, Cincinnati, OH; Clint (Kelley) Rinehart, Crescent Springs, KY; Nicholas (Hailey) Strawn, Ellsworth, KS; Ryan Keller, Salina, KS and Kevin Strawn, Hutchinson, KS. Her precious great grandchildren Emma and Cole Rinehart; Kendall and Charlie Rinehart; Kinsey and Zoey Strawn and Baron and Embrie Keller will continue her legacy. She is also survived by sister, Katherine (Mehringer) Arney, Cedar Point, TX, brother Richard Mehringer, Colorado Springs, CO and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Ralph and Ann were married on August 8, 1953, in St. Nicholas Church, Kinsley and were life-long members of St. Joseph Church in Offerle, KS. They spent their 71 years together as the quintessential “other half” to make the whole.

She enjoyed working by Ralph’s side. Both especially loved the cattle part of farming. For many years she raised bucket calves to grow their herd and loved every minute of it. She thrived when she was assisting with any activity involving the animals that eventually grew into a predominantly black angus herd.

Although she filled many roles over her 91 years, she was most proud and joyful of that of mother to their 3 daughters, Theresa, Rebecca and Janet. Followed by doting over her grandsons and great grandchildren.

Ralph and Ann loved going to rodeos and the state fair, first with their daughters, then in later years with friends. Most Saturday evenings would find them watching The Grand Old Opry and numerous polka shows. They also enjoyed watching Jayhawk basketball together.

Ann took great pleasure in traveling. She and Ralph traveled to and through many states with daughters and grandsons, relatives and friends. Special travel partners were Dan and Suzy Mehringer and Donnie and Pat Houseman.

She was a deeply religious person. She would spend hours in her rocking chair in the living room praying and reading her Bible. She implicitly believed in God’s love and providence and instilled this Faith in her children. Her grandsons spoke of her holiness. Over the years she taught adult Bible studies and religion classes to young people.

Ann touched lives in a myriad of other ways. When she was active in the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, she guided St. Joseph grade school children in making shrines for their farms and yard. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella for many years. She served the church and school with St. Joseph Altar Society, including holding many offices.

When her family was raised, she embarked on a second rewarding career, again based on family. For several years Ann was a Family Support Worker under the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS)

Following that, she poured her heart into being a Healthy Start Visitor for the Edwards County Health Department. She reveled in visiting newborn babies and mothers offering support and encouragement. In 2009, she was incredibly proud to win the Kansas Healthy Start Visitor of the Year Award. Even after retiring (at 80 years of age!) women would come up and thank her and share how much they appreciated her. She loved those babies!

She thoroughly enjoyed gardening. Because of the work and care, her harvest was typically bountiful and preserving the vegetables was part of the package. Ralph enjoyed helping as time would allow and they were ever so proud of their beautiful flowers and trees. She had a small garden up until they had to leave their beloved farm for health reasons. Then she planted in the Courtyard of the Assisted Living facility! Her green thumb also provided a house full of lovely plants and flowers.

Ann was a kind and caring person who loved and lived life to the fullest. She will be missed by many. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, Kinsley is handling arrangements. Visitation is Thursday March 26, 10 am to 5 pm at the Funeral Home with Rosary at St. Joseph Church, Offerle at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Tim Hickey at 10:30 am Friday March 27 at the Church with burial at New St. Joseph Cemetery. Lunch will be served following in the Church Hall.

Memorials may be made to Arrowhead West, Inc, 1100 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801; St. Joseph Church, Offerle, KS; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or the Food Pantry of Donor’s Choice.