Wynette Hardy, beloved mother, and educator, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024, at the age of 86, at Regent Park Assisted Living and Memory Care, Wichita, KS. She was born on August 2, 1937, in Great Bend, KS to the late Preston Stanley McCarter and Birdie Leona Hollis.
Wynette spent most of her life in Kansas, both in her early years and ultimately settled in Manhattan, Kansas in 1970. Wynette attended Great Bend High School and graduated in 1955. She went on to attend the University of Kansas where she met and married her husband, Ronald George Hardy on August 10, 1957. She supported her husband through medical school and endured the many demands of military life and as they traveled and raised their 5 children. When her children were in their teens she followed her passion for education and earned her degree in elementary education from Kansas State University in 1978. She later obtained her master’s degree in education from the same institution.
After obtaining her degree, Wynette taught elementary education, first at Dwight Elementary and then ultimately at Ogden Elementary from 1979 to 2002, from which she retired. During her years of teaching, she affected the lives of many of her students, some who kept in touch with her well into their adult years.
Wynette was the devoted mother of five children: Stephanie Duley (Richard), Cynthia Fraser (Barry deceased), Brian Hardy (Mary Denier), Bruce Hardy (Lisa), and Jennifer Hardy.
She was a woman of many talents and passions. In her youth, she was a drum majorette in Great Bend and excelled as a baton twirler, even competing at the national level.
Wynette had a gift for cooking, particularly Southern cuisine and was known for her exceptional culinary skills. She also found joy in creating stained glass art and was actively involved with her church community, where she taught Sunday School and cherished her church family and friends.
Described as strong, straightforward, and nurturing at the same time, Wynette will be remembered fondly by all who knew her for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and friends.
Wynette is survived by her 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings (Wanda Watson and Valton McCarter).
A celebration of Wynette’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024 at College Heights Baptist Church, located at 2320 Anderson Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.