Vonita Louise Conner's Obituary
Vonita Louise Conner, 76, of Fredonia passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Wilson County Hospital surrounded by her family and friends. Vonita was born on July 4, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of William Harrell and Vontella Belle (Harness) Cochran.
Vonita grew up in Wichita and attended the local schools. In 1969, Vonita would attend and graduate from cosmetology school in Wichita. In 1992, Vonita married Ken Conner and they would be married for two years until Ken’s passing on August 5, 1994.
Vonita loved to entertain her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren with magic; due to her amazing ability, children and everyone who knew truly believed that she was magic. Vonita also had an affinity for frogs, she had an expansive collection of frog figurines and statues, this led her to being known as Grandma Frog.
Vonita loved to dance, especially to the song Fame, and listening to music was one of her favorite hobbies. Vonita also loved to make crafts, where she could make something out of nothing, she also loved to fish, tend to her flower garden, and keep a very well manicured lawn. When it came to the holidays, Vonita loved to go all out, especially on Halloween. She won an award for best decorated yard in Fredonia multiple times.
Vonita will always be remembered as a hard working, fun-loving woman who could light up any room she walked in to, and for having a genuine love for people. Vonita is deeply loved and she will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.
Vonita is survived by her children Dale Leach and Jackie Turner (Mark), sisters Harelda Goldston, Terra Parris (Jim), Becky Grow (Beryl), and Cindy Betts (Craig), grandchildren Amanda Borjas, Katelyn Young, and Loryn Leach, six great-grandchildren, and her best friend Cathy Goodner.
Vonita was preceded in death by her parents William and Vontella, husband Ken, grandson Clayton Leach, and step-mother Jean Cochran.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Countryside Funeral Home with the service to immediately follow at 10:00 am. Burial will take place following the service at High Prairie Cemetery in Altoona. Memorials have been suggested to Footprints in the Sand Foundation and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720.
What’s your fondest memory of Vonita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vonita?
Share a story where Vonita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vonita you’ll never forget.
How did Vonita make you smile?

