Anita Sue Harding

Anita “Sue” (Umbarger) Harding, born October 5, 1944, in Chanute, Kansas, to Orville (Jack) and Eula Watt Umbarger, went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2026, in the very same town that had cradled her beginnings. A lifelong Kansan, Sue’s journey is remembered not only for its milestones and achievements but for the radiance she brought to every life her path touched.

An alumna of Thayer High School, Sue was known for her love and dedication to her family. While her children were young, she had a daycare in her home, then joined the workforce at Cobalt Boats for 30 years until retirement, a period during which she delighted in the joys that came from being surrounded by family and indulging in her favorite pastimes.

Sue was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Harding on September 23, 1965.

Sue’s heart belonged, above all, to her children and grandchildren. She loved them deeply, with a passion and devotion that shaped the very atmosphere of her home and extended across generations. Her evenings were often spent with puzzles and reading, finding peace and stimulation in quiet challenges and good stories. Sundays and many other days were reserved for family dinners and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

She possessed a truly beautiful soul and made the world a better place simply by being in it. Sue’s life was defined by compassion, grace, and unwavering love. Her kindness was boundless, her generosity effortless; those who knew her will always remember her as a source of comfort, strength, and joy. Her presence could brighten even the darkest moments; her love felt like sunshine on a cloudy day, bringing hope and warmth when it was needed most. Sue lived with a selfless heart, putting others before herself and extending her kindness to all without hesitation.

Sue’s legacy is carried on by a loving family and a wide circle of friends and loved ones. Among her survivors are her children, Kelsey (Candace) Harding, Kalene (Jeff) Rice, Kim (Randy) Berg, and Koralyn (Justin) Barkman. Her grandchildren, Kelly Harding, Kory (Jordan) Harding, Kordell Harding, Kody (Summer) Dannelley, Kyler Dannelley, Keesha (Levi) Carrico, Ashleigh Berg, Kourtney Berg, Gavan (Alex) Berg, Katie Berg, Kenzli (Joshua) Underwood, Drey (Kylie) Barkman, Zoe Barkman, Kole (Rhylee) Barkman, Kaia Barkman. Her great-grandchildren Kayle and Kyler Harding, Karoline and Karrington Harding, Karter and Kinnleigh Harding, Savanna Dannelley, Chloe Hernandez, Landon Gamblain, Zander Tellez, Aubrianna Simonton, Iris and Jasper Barton, and Sunny Barkman. Her beloved siblings, Colleen Ferguson, Lynn (Karen) Umbarger, Janis Snavely, her brother-in-law Doug (Jan) Harding, and multiple nieces and nephews.

She now rests with those who have gone before her: her parents, Jack and Eula Umbarger; her husband, Richard (Dick) Harding; her mother and father-in-law, Shirley and Don Harding; her daughter-in-law, Lois Harding; her grandchildren, Konley Harding and Kendall Harding; Charles Fergusen, Jim Snavely, and her nieces Janae Johnson, Janee Umbarger, and Melissa White.

Sue’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her. The light she brought into this world will continue to shine through her family and the countless lives she touched. Her compassion, grace, and strength leave an enduring imprint, ensuring that her legacy of love will endure for generations.

To love Sue was to feel the steadfast warmth of the sun, even on the cloudiest days. Those who had the privilege of knowing her will forever be grateful for the time, wisdom, and boundless affection she shared so freely.

Memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital for Children and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

A visitation for Sue will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Thayer Community Methodist Church, Thayer, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10 a.m., also at the church.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas 66720