Orvalene Ann Thayer

Orvalene Ann Thayer, 79, passed away on August 24, 2024, at McPherson Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born on May 20, 1945, in Topeka, Kansas, she was the daughter of Orval and Helen McCall Sperry. Ann served as a registered nurse in the United States Army for three years, where she met and married Edward James Mark in 1966 in Eureka, California. They later divorced, and in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, she married Grover Eugene Thayer on November 23, 1979. Grover passed away on June 28, 2014.

Ann's nursing career spanned both her military service and several medical facilities in the area. She had a deep love for flowers and plants, cherished old-school country music, and loved Elvis. She was a fan of classic westerns like Gunsmoke and Walker, Texas Ranger. Ann also had a passion for cooking, particularly her homemade bread and fried chicken, which she lovingly prepared for her family. After her divorce from Edward, she raised her two children, Tony and Dawn, as a devoted single mother until she met Grover Thayer. Though she didn’t regularly attend organized church services, Ann was a believer in Christ.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Robin Mark of Wichita; her sister, Kitty Sperry; her grandchildren, Chandler Webster, Travis Leddy, Jeff Leddy, Jessica Gonzales, Katelynn Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Clark, Abel Chukwukele, and Abi Gonzales. She is also remembered by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout Kansas.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her son Grover Eugene Thayer II on March 7, 2023, and her daughter Dawn Jones on December 7, 2019.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside interment with military honors provided by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at North Inman Cemetery in Inman. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and sent in care of Inman Funeral Home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.inmanfh.com.