Stephanie M. Wells, born on January 11, 1966, in Kansas City, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on October 26, 2026, surrounded by family, after a courageous fight against liver failure. She was a beacon of love and laughter, whose presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Stephanie was the cherished daughter of Dolores J. Wells and the late Thomas F. Wells Jr. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Anna "Gigi", and her twin brothers, Thomas and Gerald. Her legacy of love and kindness continues through her mother, Dolores, her devoted daughter, Samantha, son-in-law, Chris, and her adored grandchildren, Mya and Bradford. She also leaves behind her sisters, Vicki, Linda, and Susan, along with her niece, Taylor (Chaise), nephews, Chris (Shawna), Dustin, Josh and Dalton, and her great-niece, Makenzie. Not to mention countless cousins and friends who were touched by her warmth and generosity.
A proud alumna of Shawnee Mission North High School, Stephanie graduated in 1984 and furthered her education at Platt College in 1985, Johnson County Community College in 1992, and Mid-American Nazarene University in 1994, where she garnered a Bachelor's degree in Management and Human Relations. She dedicated her career to the fields of Human Resources and Accounting, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to professionalism and excellence.
Stephanie was a long-time parishioner of Saint Pius X Catholic Church in Mission, Kansas, where she found solace and strength in her faith. Her compassion extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was an ardent supporter of numerous charitable organizations, with a particular fondness for the ASPCA and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Stephanie's life was richly adorned with simple joys and heartfelt connections. She delighted in spending time with her family, whether it was cheering at her grandchildren's sporting events or savoring the festive spirit of holiday shopping and cookie baking. Her radiant smile and joyous laughter were the threads that wove her family together, and she had a special knack for spoiling those she loved, including her cherished grand doggies, Moby, Bella, Diesel and Loki. Stephanie was known for making silly faces and always trying to make people laugh, and she did so up until her final moments. Thanks to Stephanie and her constant state of happiness, all the children and grandchildren are professionals at making spitballs out of straw wrappers and having the perfect aim when blowing the wrapper off a straw.
A celebration of Stephanie's life will be held on November 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with a Catholic Service to follow at 3:00 PM, both at Porter Funeral Home, located at 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS, 66215. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a remarkable woman who touched so many lives with her kindness and love.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Great Plains SPCA in Merriam, Kansas, in Stephanie's honor, to continue her legacy of compassion for animals.
Stephanie's memory will forever be a guiding light to those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.