ELLINWOOD — Marian J. Witcraft, 101, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood, Kan. on Jan. 13, 2026. Born in Staunton, Ill. on Sept. 10, 1924 she was the daughter of Walter Paul and Edna Bley (Williams) McAfee. 

Marian graduated from high school in Fairfax, Okla. before moving to Kansas where she lived in Russell and Great Bend before making her home in Ellinwood where she stayed for over 70 years. Throughout the years Marian worked at Marlette Mobile Homes and the Sears store in Great Bend before finding her calling as a babysitter. She developed close ties with these children throughout the years and came to be an honorary Grandmother or “Mimi” to many kids. Marian also loved to read, needle working, and chocolate. She loved to root on her beloved Jayhawks, Chiefs, Royals, and Wildcats. 

Former memberships include Grove Park Golf Club, former Methodist Church in Ellinwood and former UCC Church in Ellinwood.

Survivors include son, William P. Witcraft (Carol), Dallas, Texas; daughters, Debra L. Witcraft, Ellinwood, Kan. and Pamela K. Witcraft (Jim Harrison), Sheridan, Wyo. Other survivors include many beloved honorary grandchildren. She was preceded in death by siblings, Helyn M. Haun, Donald E. McAfee, and Oseil McAfee.

Funeral service will take place 10:30 a.m., Sat., Jan. 17 at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Visitation will take place 1-7 p.m. Fri., Jan. 16 with family present from 5-7 p.m. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Hospital ER or Ellinwood Public School and Library Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 15, 2026