Tamara Ritchey, 55, passed away on January 3, 2026 at her home in Wellington, Kansas. She was born on January 24, 1970, in Wellington, Kansas. She was a truly remarkable woman that lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, love, and loyalty. Tamara had an infectious zest for life and a resilience that was nothing short of inspiring. As a department manager at the local Dillons Store #63, she devoted 30 years of her life, managing the bakery, deli, and dairy departments with an unwavering dedication that earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

Tamara was a lover of life, who found joy in the simple pleasures. She delighted in shopping trips, playing pool, and collecting Bud Light and Budweiser items. She was a familiar face in the local pool leagues and looked forward to demolition derbies and mud runs with a childlike excitement. Tamara had a special place in her heart for animals. From her youthful days of caring for horses at home and calves during her 4H years to her affection for cats and dogs, her compassionate spirit was evident. What mattered most to Tamara, however, was her family. A loving Nana to her granddaughter, Harper, she was a beacon of warmth and love.

Tamara is survived by her parents, Harold and Judith Spencer, her daughters; Lee Anna and Ariel Brooker, and her beloved granddaughter, Harper Brooker all of Wellington. Additional survivors include her brother Marcus Spencer of Lindsborg, Kansas; nieces, Cassidy, Logan, and Avery; aunt and uncle, Marta and Dennis Rohrback of Valley Center; an uncle, Kenny Spencer of Texas; and a large extended family.

She was widowed from her beloved husband, Zachary Ritchey, whose memory she held dear. Additionally, she was preceded in death by an uncle, Bill Spencer and an aunt, Phyllis Lemon.

A viewing and visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 8, 2026. A memorial service to celebrate Tamara's life will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:00am at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be given in her name to the Wellington Humane Society. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

We invite you to share your memories, condolences, and photos of Tamara on her digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Let us remember and celebrate her life together. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.