Winnie Redawn “Wendy” Stude, 61, of Nickerson, died October 21, 2025, at her home. She was born May 9, 1964, in Hutchinson, to Donald B. and Retha L. (Killian) Starnes.
Wendy graduated from Hutchinson High School and Butler Community College. She was the owner/operator of Blume Kennels in Nickerson from 1991-2003. Wendy then became a substance abuse counselor at the Women’s Recovery Center in Hoisington for 10 years and then at Larned State Hospital before her health began to decline. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and family and her dog. Wendy also loved to do diamond painting and collecting crystals.
She is survived by: her children, Austin Riley of Great Bend, Lacey Brown of Nickerson, Christopher Blume of Nickerson; grandchildren, Chanler Riley, Tessa Riley, Trista Riley, Auto Koeppen, Aura Brown; nephews, Mikeal Starnes (Hollie), Kyle Stewart (Chelcee) and their children of Hutchinson; loving companion, Gary Presley of Nickerson; son-in-law, David Brown of Hutchinson; stepfather, Everett Graber of Hutchinson; and beloved Pitbull, Ruby.
Wendy was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Becky Starnes-Corley.
A Celebration of Life service will be 10 a.m. Monday, October 27, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, with Chaplain Tom Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in Arlington Cemetery.
The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it will be active beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the service. Click here to view the service
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-8 p.m., with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.