Rae Ann Cuda, 78, died April 25, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born on September 27, 1946, in Pittsburg, KS, to John Harman and Coral Arline (McClure) Chastain.
Rae graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1964. She attended Fort Hays State University and earned her Master of speech-pathology from Wichita State University. Rae worked as a speech therapist for USD 308 and surrounding schools. After her retirement, she continued her passion in speech therapy by working at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and local nursing homes. Rae enjoyed photography; she used her talents to publish a set of photo-based speech therapy flashcards. She also liked to write and was an author of many books, including mysteries and children’s books. Rae was a friend to everyone; she was instrumental in high school class reunions and monthly get-togethers. She was a former member of Park Place Christian Church, and current member of Calvary Chapel.
On February 26, 1972, Rae married Donald Wayne “Don” Cuda, in Hutchinson. They shared almost 43 years of marriage, prior to his death on February 10, 2015.
Rae is survived by: her son, Jason (Trisha) Cuda; grandchildren, Aidyn and Scarlett Cuda, all of Avondale Estates, GA; brothers, Jim (Pam) Chastain of South Hutchinson and John (Sharon) Chastain of Hutchinson; nieces, Amy Chastain of Alva, OK and Kayla Salas of Hutchinson; as well as several extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don Cuda; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Chastain.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Luke Helmuth officiating. Graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Crocker Cemetery, 8892 NE Highway 171, Pittsburg. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.