Lorita Margaret (Seib) Franz, 96, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026. She was born January 3, 1930, one of twin girls, in Ness County, Kansas, the daughter of Paul, Sr. and Mary (Stoecklein) Seib.

On November 13, 1950, she married Leonard C. Franz in Ness City. They celebrated 72 years of marriage in 2022, prior to Leonard's passing.

They made their home in Ness City until moving to Garden City, Kansas in 1954. They resided in Garden City until 2018.

During their 64 years in Garden City, Lorita was a homemaker, assisted Leonard in operating his business, served as a scout leader, worked for the St. Dominic Parish School, was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, and spent countless hours volunteering at St Catherine Hospital and numerous retirement and nursing homes. She was a member of St. Mary's and St. Dominic Catholic Churches in Garden City.

Lorita took great pride in hosting large family gatherings. Her angel food cakes, homemade noodles, and home baked pies were always a huge hit.

Survivors include two sons, Jim (Margaret) Franz of Beatrice, Nebraska, Richard (Carol) Franz of Sedgwick, Kansas, one daughter, Kathleen (Michael) Debes of Dodge City, Kansas, and four brothers, Robert (Joann) Seib of Castle Rock, Colorado, Tom (Ellen) Seib of Stanwood, Washington, Vern (Glenda) Seib of Denver, Colorado, and Gary (Glory) Seib, of Denver, Colorado, eleven grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. 

Lorita was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary Seib, five brothers, Tony, Eugene, Paul Jr., James, and Jerry, four sisters, Eleanor, twin sister Benita, Florence, and Mary Catherine, one son, Thomas Franz, and one grandson, Brian Debes.

Parish vigil will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Church, Friday, September 4, 2026, 11:00 a.m., followed by burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Viewing at Fitzgerald Funeral Home from 10:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday and at the church on Friday prior to the funeral.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund. Memories and words of support can be left for the family by writing in the guest book at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.