Vera Warren

Vera May (Pickens) Warren, 82, died peacefully at her home on July 25, 2026. Born on January 12, 1944, in Wichita, she was the youngest of four children born to Murriel (Hamilton) Burrows and Homereis Pickens.

A proud 1961 graduate of Belle Plaine High School, Vera went on to complete cosmetology school. On February 24, 1962, she married the love of her life, Richard Warren. After a brief time in Wichita, they settled in Wellington, where they built a beautiful life and raised their two daughters. To be closer to family, Vera and Richard spent the last year residing at the Sedgwick Plaza Senior Living Community in Wichita.

Vera dedicated 28 years of compassionate service to the Cedarview Good Samaritan Center. She began her career in 1976 as a Certified Nursing Assistant, later becoming a Certified Medication Aide, and even utilized her cosmetology skills part-time for the residents.

Her life was defined by her love for her family and community. While raising her daughters, Vera expressed her creativity by sewing and baking beautifully decorated birthday cakes each year. She was a constant fixture in their lives, volunteering with the elementary school PTA and serving as a Girl Scout leader.

Known for her cheerfulness and positive attitude, Vera loved connecting with people. She was deeply involved in the women’s ministry at the Wellington Methodist Church. Following her retirement, she proudly served as a “Shepherdess” with the United Methodist Women, a communication and mentorship role that allowed her to encourage local groups in their mission goals.

Above all, Vera loved researching family genealogy, attending reunions, and hearing about the lives and activities of her six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings, Joan Leonard, Keith Pickens, and Dale Pickens.

Vera is survived by her devoted daughters, Tammy Hager (Kevin) of Wichita, and Donna Fierbaugh (Chris) of Fayetteville, Georgia; and her six beloved grandchildren: Cameron, Cole (Jillian), and Carson Hager, and Paige, Andrew, and Hannah Kate Fierbaugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Heifer USA. Contributions can be mailed, left with the funeral home or made online at heifer.org.

Joint funeral services will be held for both Vera and her husband, Richard, at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026 at the Wellington Methodist Church, 202 West Harvey Avenue, Wellington. Following services, a private interment will be held in the Belle Plaine Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

All are invited to share stories, photos, or leave condolences on her memorial page at www.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington 67152.