Mandy Lynn Buckwalter, 43, of Wichita, died October 28, 2024, as the result of a car accident. She was born September 5, 1981, in Hutchinson, to David Wayne and Gale Lynn (Smith) Buckwalter.
Mandy graduated from Buhler High School in 2000, attended Hutchinson Community College, and graduated from Kansas University with a major in anthropology and minor in psychology. For over three years, Mandy worked with autistic children at Heartspring, in Wichita, as a home assistant supervisor in their therapeutic school. She was adventurous, independent, humble, and beautiful, both inside and out. In her short 43 years, Mandy lived life to its fullest as a world traveler, visiting various countries, many times for pleasure, but also to teach students how to speak English, which she did in both China and South Korea. In addition, Mandy traveled to numerous places of interest throughout the United States. As a life-long learner, before traveling or embarking on a new job or adventure, Mandy would read multiple books and articles, to be sure she knew as much as she could about her next endeavor. Mandy was a gifted listener, but when she spoke everyone listened as she was a book of knowledge. Mandy left an imprint on everyone she met, and will be missed immensely.
Mandy is survived by: her mother, Gale Buckwalter (Alan Janzen); father, David Buckwalter (Kelly); brothers, Brandon Buckwalter, Bryan Buckwalter, Christian Buckwalter, all of Hutchinson, Clancy Janzen (Jacque) of Salina, and Jeremy Janzen of Newton; sisters, Angela Arnold (Jason) of Hutchinson, Helena Klassen (Mitch) of Inman and Hope Mitchell of Hutchinson; grandmothers, Beverly Smith of Hutchinson and Beverly Willems of Newton; nieces, Madison and Mackenzie Buckwalter of Hutchinson; her cousin, Jody Redinger (who was more like a sister) of Hutchinson; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by: her paternal grandparents, Allan and Betty Buckwalter; grandfather, Fay Smith; and uncle, Troy Smith.
Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 4, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Quintin Moore officiating. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Heartspring, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.