Margaret Ann Wessler, 89, died Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Bartlesville, Okla.
She was born Sept. 27, 1936, in Auburn, Neb. to Thurl and Leone (Simpson) Rogge.
Margaret graduated from Liberal High School.
On March 29, 1952, Margaret and Richard Lee “Bud” Wessler eloped to Clayton, N.M. They raised three children and were married for 72 years until Bud’s passing on July 23, 2024.
Margaret spent many years as a recovery nurse at Southwest Medical Center, caring for others with the compassion and kindness that came so naturally to her. She was involved in many civic organizations, sororities, and clubs, and her faith was an important part of her life. She was deeply involved at First Christian Church and treasured the friendships and fellowship of her beloved Friday Night Group.
But to so many people, Margaret was simply “Mom.” She had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged. Her home was always open, there was always a seat at her table, and somehow there was always enough food for one more person. She loved to cook for her family and friends, but what she really loved was having them gathered around her. She welcomed people into her home and into her heart, and many people who were not family by blood became family because of Margaret.
Margaret loved to travel and see the world, but what made her adventures so special was the people she shared them with. She was always ready to pack a bag and go wherever someone invited her. Whether it was across town or across the world, Margaret was rarely one to say no to an adventure. She believed in enjoying life, making memories, and saying yes to opportunities to spend time with the people she loved. Her generous spirit, infectious warmth, and ability to make everyone feel at home will remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is survived by her son, Richard Wessler and Debra Stewart of Granbury, Texas; daughter, Betsy Lawrence and husband, Roger, of Bartlesville, Okla.; honorary daughters, Denise Davis and husband, Leighton, of Bartlett, Debbie Lee Jens-Wessler of McHenry, Ill., and Karen Perry of Keller, Texas; grandchildren: Chad Lawrence and wife, Yasmin, Hannah Lawrence and Wade Sturges, Paige Meyer and husband, Cameron, Garrison Wessler, Ryan Wessler and wife, Chloe, Erin Roberts and husband, Matt, Kailey Williams and her husband, Lee, and Jake Bullock; honorary grandchildren: Tyler Davis and wife, Stephanie, Jonathon Davis and his wife, Camille, Brendan Finley, Paige Davis and husband, Nic Lopez; nine great-grandchildren: Johnny White, Peyton Meyer, Harper Meyer, Kaydence Roberts, Scarlett Roberts, Elliott Williams, Max Williams, Ady Bullock, and Hazel Bullock; eight honorary great grandchildren; and sister, Bert Brown and husband, Gayle, of Hardesty, Okla.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sharon Kay Wessler; son, Robert Wessler; brother Thurl “Rocky” Rogge Jr.; brothers-in-law, Edward Wessler and Gerald Wessler; sisters-in-law, Caroline Wessler, and Alison Wessler; and many nieces and nephews.
• Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 at the Hornung Family Funeral Home Chapel at 1212 W. 2nd Street in Liberal. The family will be present to greet friends.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 at the First Christian Church at 920 N. Jordan Ave. in Liberal, with Reverend Rex Petty presiding.
Burial will follow at the Kismet Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Journey Home Hospice, in care of Hornung family Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd Street, Liberal, KS 67901
Condolences may be left at www.hornungfuneralhome.com.
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