Denise Renae Wheaton

Denise Renae Wheaton, Age 63, of Lewis, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at the Edwards County Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Denise was born on October 17, 1961, in Wichita, Kansas, to Richard and Bonnie Miller. She spent much of her childhood in Kinsley, Kansas, where she formed lasting friendships and developed the work ethic and compassion that would define her life.

Denise graduated from Kinsley High School in 1980 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Fort Hays State University. In 1982, she married Aaron W. Wheaton of Lewis, and together they raised a family of eight children, each of whom carries forward her legacy of love, faith, and service.

Denise was a devoted mother who put the needs of her family first. Whether it was making meals for her children or supporting her husband Aaron in the fields, she balanced the demands of farm life with grace and generosity. Denise’s love for her children was boundless, and she often shared stories of her children’s accomplishments, pride, and joys.

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. Denise was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Her source of strength was brought by attending daily Mass and praying the Rosary. She was always eager to lend a hand or a listening ear to anyone in need. She was also a member of the Daughter’s of Isabella, where she formed lasting bonds with women who shared her values. Her unwavering belief in the sanctity of life made her a passionate advocate for the unborn, a cause she supported with both her words and actions. Denise was known for her kindness and her ability to make others feel welcome, whether she knew them for years or had just met them.

Denise’s talents extended beyond her service to others; she was a gifted baker, seamstress, and gardener. Her Mary’s Garden was a testament to her love of nature and beauty, and she often spent hours in the garden, cultivating flowers that she would share with friends and family. Her homemade breads, pies, and quilts were treasured gifts, and she took great joy in passing down her recipes and skills to her children and grandchildren.

Denise was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren: Steven, Natalie, Landon, Dawson, Lillian, Wesley, and Tinley. She delighted in each of them, and they will forever cherish the time they spent with her.

In addition to her parents and grandparents, Denise was preceded in death by her infant son, Jacob Wheaton, and her father-in-law, Alvin Wheaton. She is survived by her husband, Aaron Wheaton; children Adam (Lacey) Wheaton of Lewis, Benjamin (Tracy) Wheaton of Trousdale, Charles (Brandi) Wheaton of Lewis, Abraham (Shantae) Wheaton of Lewis, Joshua (Amanda) Wheaton of Offerle, Anne Wheaton of Greeley, CO, and John Wheaton of Lewis; seven grandchildren; as well as her brothers Richard (Colleen) Miller, Mitch Miller and Donna Miller, Eric Miller, Aaron (Tricia) Miller and numerous other extended family members, friends, and loved ones.

Denise’s family finds comfort knowing that she lived a life rooted in faith, love, and service. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her, and her memory will continue to inspire them for years to come.

Memorials are suggested to the John Wheaton education fund or to the church in care of McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, Kinsley.