Kristi Ann “Kris” Ekum

Kristi Ann “Kris” Ekum, 72, died January 5, 2026, at her home in Dodge City. She was born December 25, 1953, in McPherson, to Thomas Roy “Tom” and Gwendolyn Osa “Gwynn” (Roth) Ekum.

Kris graduated from McPherson High School in 1972; she went onto Fort Hays State University and received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education. She was a special education teacher for over 45 years, working in the Dodge City school system. Having no children of her own, she referred to all her students as “my kids”. Kris was an impactful teacher who touched the lives of many students. She looked forward to students coming back and visiting her after graduation. A few times a year she would dress up as “Cat in the Hat”, which brough smiles to many people’s faces in her school. Reading brought Kris great joy, she enjoyed reading children’s books by Dr. Seuss as well as other books in her free time. Kris passed down the love of reading to her nieces and nephews. She collected items related to the “Wizard of Oz” and had a room dedicated to the books and movies. Kris also enjoyed crafting, especially counted cross stitch. Her family was gifted many crafts that she made. Kris volunteered at the Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame, Dodge City, and was active with the McPherson Opera House. She enjoyed going to the Dodge City Dinner Theater. Kris was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for both the VFW and the American Legion in McPherson. Kris’ parents were active members in both organizations, inspiring her to join. She was also a member of the KNEA (Kansas National Education Association) and KARSP (Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel). Kris was a lifelong Lutheran.

Kris is survived by: her siblings,  Kimberly (Mike Harris) Ekum-Anthony of Kansas City, MO, Craig (Jolene) Ekum of McPherson, Richard (significant other, Mary) Ekum of Augusta; nieces and nephews, Michelle Shelton, Eric Ekum, Jessica (Corrinne Smith) Anthony, Haley (Adam) Cowan, Benjamin (Angeline) Anthony, Jay (Megan) Harris, Kylie (Levi) Koehn, and Cody (Kimberly) Ekum; 14 great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as a host of extended family, teaching friends and students.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Emanuel Lutheran, 140 E. 30th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Lisa Simmelink officiating. Burial will follow in the McPherson City Cemetery. Friends may sign her book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, Dodge City, or McPherson Opera House, McPherson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.