01/02/2026
Delores (Pauly) Paney-Clark, 95, of Wichita, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Sunflower Z Homes, in Garden Plain.
A Rosary will be held Monday, January 5 at 6PM and Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, January 6 at 10:30AM, both at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Clonmel, KS. Interment in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
Delores was born November 20, 1930 to Werner P. Orth and Margaret (Halfmann) Orth on what was known as the Forsha Ranch near Castleton, KS.
She attended grade school in Andale, and later moved with her family to a home near Conway Springs where she graduated from Conway Springs High School.
On December 28, 1949, Delores was united in marriage to Donald Francis Pauly at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs. They made their home near Clonmel where they raised their family. Delores worked side by side with Don in operating Don’s Packing House from 1955 to 1967. She also worked hard helping Don with the family farming. She was active in St. John’s Altar Society and other parish activities. Don preceded her in death on May 10, 1976.
Delores later married Sylvester “Ves” Paney. She moved to his farm north of St. Joe, Ost, where she helped with the farming and cattle operations. Ves preceded her in death in February of 1999.
Later she married Paul Clark of Wichita, KS and lived in west Wichita, for 23 yrs until moving to the care home in October 2025. Paul preceded her in death of April 2013.
Delores was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Pete Orth, and her sister Armella Pohl; daughter Cathy Howell; and five grandchildren.
Delores is survived by her children, Connie (Jim) Armour of Clearwater, KS, Marsha (Barry) Rudy of the Villages, FL, Dennis (Lynette) Pauly of Greensburg, KS, Faye (Gary) Ast of Conway Springs, KS, Lisa (Larry) Hastings of Clearwater, KS, Randy (Alma) Pauly of Viola, KS; step-daughter Patty Clark and step-son Alan Clark, both of Wichita.
She is also survived by 40 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; along with many other relatives and dear friends.
Delores found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially a good card game, the company of friends, and indulging in her sweet tooth. She loved chocolate and held a special fondness for cardinals and the color red, which always brought her comfort and joy. She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to God and to her family. Her warm and friendly smile will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Building Fund) 18630 W. 71st St S, Viola, KS 67149, or to support Masses offered in her memory.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who helped Delores remain at home as long as possible, and the staff at Sunflower Z Homes for bringing joy and laughter to her final months.
