Benjamin Hedges
March 21, 1953 - January 2, 2021
Valley Center, Kansas - Benjamin Richard Hedges lost his battle with cancer on January 2, 2021. He was born on March 21, 1953 in Topeka, KS to Eldon Thomas and Mary LaVon Hedges. He grew up in Topeka where family and friends knew him as 'Dick'. He was a versatile athlete at Topeka High, participating in track, basketball, and football. Football was his true love; after high school he played offensive and defensive tackle for Fort Scott Community College. In 1973, he moved to Wichita to play offensive tackle at W.S.U. until 1976. Here he was known as "Ben". In 1977, he graduated with an associates and bachelor degree in health science. He pursued his career as a registered respiratory therapist. He worked many years at St. Francis and St. Joseph Hospitals, and one year at Wesley Rehab. From 2009-2019, he served a Director of the Respiratory Care Department at Kansas Heart Hospital, retiring in March of 2019.
He married his wife, Betty, on August 21, 1982, moved from Wichita to Valley Center in 1986 where they raised their six children.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include: his wife; daughters Katie (Derek) Stoll of Andale, KS and Kelly (Greg) Stoskopf of Wichita; son Bradley (Kayla) Hedges, Benjamin (Liz) Hedges, Blair (Shelby) Hedges, all of Wichita and Blaine (Ashley) Hedges of Valley Center; grandchildren Tori and Riley Stoll, Sullivan Stoskopf, Brooklyn Hedges and one more on the way; brother Thomas (Nancy) Hedges of Topeka; sister Carol (John) Hedges Toaspern of Denver, Colorado.
One phrase often uttered during Ben's life was "everyone loves Ben". He was fun loving, kind and gentle; never met a stranger and treated everyone like family.
A private memorial for the immediate family will be held at Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center. A celebration of Ben's life is being planned for spring/summer 2021 for all other family and friends.
Ben was an outdoorsman who "lived to fish" and enjoy nature. In his memory, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to "Wild Trust", KDWPT, 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wichita Eagle on Jan. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Hedges

19 Entries

Margaret Radiel

February 5, 2021

Betty so sorry to hear of your loss.

Joni Bradley

January 13, 2021

My condolences to the family and friends of Ben. Thinking of all of you as you remember your precious husband, father, and friend. Sending love and prayers for peace and comfort.

Marcia Malone-Tedder

January 12, 2021

Betty, my sincere condolences. I know it’s been a long time, but I still think of you often.

Sandra Groene

January 10, 2021

Betty, I was saddened to see that your husband died. It has been several years since you (PACU) and I (OR) worked at "St Francis". As kind as you are I'm sure your husband was the same. Praying for you and your families.

Tom and Deidra Thomas

January 7, 2021

Betty, so sorry to hear about Ben passing. My family and I have always thought the world of you and Ben. My Prayers are with you and your family. My little brother Bradley will be glad to meet him I'm sure, his birthday was January 2nd. Love you guys.

Missy Hampel

January 7, 2021

Betty and family, my deepest sympathy. Ben was great to work with and the description that "everyone loved Ben" is so true! I got to know Ben in MICU, he was fun and very respected. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Shoemaker

January 7, 2021

He was a great person, always. Carrington about. Everyone.i dear lucky love Ed him as. He was my. Son in law. Ben, you are at peace now. God bless you,your mother in law, Darlene.

Clara Robinson

January 7, 2021

Betty I am so sorry to hear about your husband! He was a great man, friend to many. I remember him at Wesley Rehab. Prayers for you and your family!

Angie Fischer

January 7, 2021

I am blessed an honored to have worked and known Ben since 1977. He was a kind a generous soul and I wish his family peace at this difficult time. Ben is only as far away as our memories. Go with God Ben.

Deb Goepfert

January 7, 2021

Betty and family- my deepest sympathy to you all. Ben was one of a kind and I am grateful that I had the pleasure of working with him years ago. He always put a smile on my face. Prayers for you all.

Jane VanSkike

January 6, 2021

I’m so sorry to hear of this. Ben was a good team player at work, and a very hard worker. My deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones.

Nancy Bacon

January 6, 2021

Ben believed in spreading joy. He is gone too soon. Deepest sympathy to his family.

Galaxy Brittain

January 6, 2021

What a great guy. So sorry.

Janet Miller

January 6, 2021

So sorry to hear of Ben's passing. What a great guy. I always loved working with him. The best RT ever!!

Larry Thummel

January 6, 2021

Good memories of Dick when our family visited Uncle Tom and his family in the early 1950's and at subsequent Hedges family reunions. He was always in good spirits, even when he was battling his illness in later years.
May he rest with God and may God comfort his family as they mourn his loss.

Sondra Ferguson

January 6, 2021

Betty and family so very sorry for your loss.

Ken and Jane (Shaffer) Clouse

January 6, 2021

Dick was an outstanding person and a true friend. Our high school reunion won't be the same without him. He will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with the family.
Ken and Jane Clouse

Linda Essmiller

January 6, 2021

Only met Ben a few times and he was a very friendly gentleman; although I heard many stories about how wonderful he was as a Dad. He will surely be missed.

Joe Bermudez

January 5, 2021

I knew him as Dick back in late 60s and early 70s but I can remember him as always in a great mood and always happy to see you To his family my sincere condolences

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