Jean Erma Wright

Jean Erma (Rudiger) Wright, 80, of Sabetha, Kansas passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

Jean was born on February 26, 1944, in Clay Center, Nebraska, to Lawrence “Rudy” Arthur and Rosa Jane (Hoyt) Rudiger. She came to know Jesus as her Savior at a young age, influenced by her mother's dedication to Child Evangelism. She was baptized at 12 years of age, marking a significant milestone in her faith journey. Jean attended and graduated from Central Christian High School in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

In the summer of 1963, Jean met and fell in love with her husband, John Alvin Wright. They were married on June 26, 1965, and were blessed with three children, John Richard, who was born on January 10, 1968, Deborah Jean, born on February 13, 1970, and Elizabeth Christine, who arrived on October 25, 1977. Last year, Jean and John celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. 

Jean served in the ministry alongside her husband, Reverend John Wright, for 40 years throughout Kansas, including Mound City, Abilene, Atchison, Topeka, Garnett, and Horton. Her greatest joys were singing and teaching Vacation Bible School, church musicals, and Sunday School.

In 1988, Jean graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Ottawa University. In 1989, she and John moved to Horton, Kansas, where she taught special education at the Horton Elementary School while also attending Kansas State University to pursue her master’s degree. 

Jean enjoyed painting, scrapbooking, and spending quality time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved attending women's conferences with friends and helping her friend, Theola Carter, with her prayer retreats.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her eight siblings including her twin brother, Jimmy, her two grandchildren, Hope Wright and Zachary Samuel Shaddick; eight aunts; six uncles; four nephews; and two nieces.

Jean is survived by her husband, John of Sabetha; her three children, Rick (Kerry) Wright of Topeka, Kansas, Deborah (Mike) Watson of Lampe, Missouri, and Elizabeth (Ty) James of Protection, Kansas; her six grandchildren; and her eleven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Horton 1st Baptist Church in Horton, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be made to a memorial fund established in Jean’s honor at the Horton 1st Baptist Church sent in care of the Horton 1st Baptist Church, 400 E. 16th Street, Horton, Kansas 66439. Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha is assisting the family with arrangements.