Michele Rena Hockett

Michele Rena Hockett, 51, of Yates Center, Kansas, passed away on September 26, 2026, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born on March 14, 1975, in Chanute, Kansas, to Michael Olson and Gwenda Runer.

Michele devoted her life to her family and her work, but her greatest investment was always her three children. Michele was united in marriage on April 19, 1997, to Aaron Hockett at Maple Grove Methodist Church.

Michele poured her heart and energy into their three children, Jacody, Jerica, and Jarynn Hockett. She instilled in her children the same compassion for others and determination to persevere through life's challenges that guided her own life. In the lifetime of parenting, Michele could simultaneously cook up a meal, wipe away a tear, and set her children straight. Her love for her family gave her the strength and resilience to keep fighting, even on the hardest days.

She graduated from Altoona Midway in 1993, continued her education at Neosho County Community College, and then earned her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State. In 2014, she completed her Master’s degree at Wichita State University, a reflection of her dedication to her professional growth. Michele’s willingness to advocate for children, support families in crisis, and her integrity made her leadership essential to child welfare.

Outside of her professional life, Michele enjoyed treasure hunting at auctions, the quietness of puzzles, working in the garden, going for a bike ride, bargain shopping, and sewing. She especially cherished family trips to Branson and Colorado, where the planning, chaos, and laughter all came together to create the memories and stories her family would share for years to come.

She is survived by her husband, Aaron, and their children, Jacody Hockett, Jerica Hockett, and Jarynn Hockett. She is also survived by her mother, Gwenda Runer; her father, Michael Olson; her brother, Darrin Olson, and sister, Kimberly Ward; sisters-in-law, Alison Morris, Skye (Chip) VanHouden, and Chelsea (Robbie) Reed. Nieces and nephews: Adalynn and Brilynn Ward. Landon and Lane Olson. Abi (Zach) Callagahan. Savanna, Chae, and Tristen VanHouden. Bobby and Jaden Reed. And dear friend, Brian Morris.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dwight and Evelyn Olson; Elpha Hall, cousin; Blathan Olson; uncles, Victor Runer and Raymond Yarnell; and Tom and Helen Cloke.

The love she shared with her family was central to her life, and her presence will remain in their hearts always. But her memory lives on each time her family shares a meal of her favorite recipes, a friend finds a treasure at an auction, a coworker stands up for what is right, even when it isn't easy, or someone fights like hell against an impossible challenge. Michele will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Memorials are suggested to Cherry Street Youth Center or Friends of the First Presbyterian Church, and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave, Chanute, Kansas 66720.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Buffalo Cemetery, Buffalo, Kansas.