TOPEKA — Ann Casey passed away June 30, 2025, at her home in Topeka. She was born on July 18, 1939, in Peoria, Ill., to Melvin and Mary (Henning) Becker. Ann was the wife of Don W. Casey.
She moved to Topeka in 2023 to live with her daughter, Kim Casey Fertig, and son-in-law Todd Fertig.
Ann attended several schools during her youth, including Stafford, Kinsley and Great Bend before graduating from Ellinwood High School in 1957.
A Great Bend resident for nearly 66 years, Ann moved to Great Bend immediately after her high school graduation to take a job at KCKT-TV, where she co-hosted a live dance program for teenagers as part of her various responsibilities. She helped found the Great Bend Civic Theatre in the early 60s and performed in its first production, You Can’t Take It With You.
Ann married Don Casey on Sept. 26, 1964, in Hoisington. She served as executive secretary at KVGB radio station for several years before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker. She spent many hours volunteering in the classroom, collecting donations for numerous charitable organizations, and hosting legendary holiday parties for Kimberly and her friends.
A lifelong learner, Ann began taking classes part-time at Barton Community College in 1975. She eventually graduated from the school with highest honors in May 1995, with an associate degree in art. She then earned certification as an addictions counselor from Kansas Wesleyan University and worked at various local and regional treatment centers for many years, dedicating herself to helping people in the Great Bend area recover from drug and alcohol addiction. She retired from Dream, Inc., in 2006.
Ann was a talented artist who was commissioned to do several paintings for families and organizations, including a portrait of Renna Hunter that hangs in the archive room at Topeka Civic Theatre to this day. Her family celebrated her work at an art show in Topeka in 2023.
Ann is survived by her daughter Kim (Todd) Fertig; grandchildren Peyton Williams and Carter Williams; cousin/adopted brother Willis Henning; numerous stepsiblings including Doug (Cindy) Smith and Darrell (Rosie) Smith; many nieces and nephews, including nephew Michael (Wanda) Becker, “the son she never had,” who spent summers at her home during his youth. She is preceded in death by her parents; a beloved stepfather, Lance Smith; her husband; siblings Gary Becker, Gene Becker, and infant sister, Mary Ella Becker.
A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 18, 2025, at Topeka Bible Church with Pastor Connor Kraus presiding. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery in the Veterans Circle next to her husband at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society, Inc., of Topeka, or the Golden Belt Humane Society of Great Bend. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.midwest-cremation.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Midwest Cremation, Inc.
525 SE 37th Street
Topeka, KS 66605
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 5, 2025
