Kalyn Dian Jones

Kalyn passed away unexpectedly in her home on March 21, 2024. Kalyn was born at Lemoore Naval Air Station in Lemoore California on July 31st, 2001 to Julia (Hurt) Defebaugh and Travis Jones.

The family moved back to southeast Kansas in 2006 to be closer to family. Kalyn attended SonShine Preschool and Chanute Public Schools, graduating in 2019. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute. Growing up, she enjoyed going fishing, spending time with her cousins and friends, and playing rec league softball. She had a love for theater and was in several plays with the Chanute Community Theatre. These include Blue’s Clues (2012), Our Home Town: The Story of Chanute (2013), Finding Home (2014), The Big Bad Musical (2015), A Christmas Carol (2016), Shrek the Musical (2017), and Tom Sawyer in 2018. While at Chanute High School, she played the clarinet in the band and participated in drama and forensics. 

Kalyn worked as a paraprofessional for ANW Interlocal at Chanute High School. She had a huge heart and loved her job, her coworkers, and the students she worked with. She understood the importance of building relationships with the students and felt strongly about all students being included in the general education setting. She especially enjoyed taking students to work enclaves around the community. Kalyn liked being by the water and found beauty in watching the sunset. Her two cats, Jasper and Razz were very special to her. 

Kalyn is survived by her mother, Julie (Joe) Defebaugh, her father Travis (Wendy) Jones, and her brother Darron Jones, all of Chanute. Step siblings Justin (Karin) Defebaugh of Humboldt, Megan Defebaugh of Erie, Tierra (Ashley) Defebaugh of Wichita, Tiffany (Scott) Sutherland of Valley Center, Macy (Bryan) Lickteig of Wichita, and Trey Eustice of Chanute. Grandparents Ron Hurt of Chanute, Frank and Linda Springer of Chanute, Ed Jones of Frontenac, Joe Robb and Regina Dye both of Iola, and Mike and Arlynn Wawrzewski of Garnett. Aunts and Uncles Mike (Tiffany) Hurt of Buffalo, Danny (Lindsy) Hurt of Humboldt, John (Dana) Jones of Pittsburg, Jenni (Jeff) Morton of Broken Arrow, OK, Chelsi (Derek) Borjas of Chanute, Gayle (Tom) White of Winfield, Mike (Elizabeth) Wawrzewski of Wichita, Megan (Kojuan) Freeman of Wichita, Lexi Hersha, Kale King, and MaKayla Robb all of Iola. She is survived by many great aunts, great uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Kalyn was preceded in death by her grandma Marilyn Hurt, grandparents Vernon and Glenna Defebaugh, and Uncle Mikey Robb.

Memorials may be made in memory of Kalyn to Chanute Community Theater or Castaway Animal Shelter and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home. 

Visitation will be held Friday, April 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. 

1. A Private family Inurnment will take place at Leanna Cemetery, rural Chanute, Kansas. 

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