Ping Mar

Ping W. Mar, 97 years young, was born on December 6, 1928, in a small Chinese village in Taishan, Guangdong, China, to Zi Ling Wong and Yook Lee Gee. She passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her children; Wilbur Mar, Ann Mar-Mason, and Elaine Stolze; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ze Der and Fong Ng; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ning Mar; her daughter, Susan Bliss; her son, Carl Mar; her siblings, Qiu Mar, Fung Yee, Kang Wong, and Ne Wong; and her great-granddaughter, Avynn Juhnke.

Ping had fond memories of her childhood in China. At 18, she married Ning Mar, and together they immigrated to Wichita, Kansas, to build a new life. While Ning worked alongside family at the Pan American Cafe, Ping devoted herself to raising their five children and caring for their home. She found joy in tending her garden of asian vegetables and cooking delicious family recipes.

Ping and Ning enjoyed gatherings with their small community of close Asian friends and family. They created many wonderful memories-family picnics at Riverside Park, mahjong get-togethers, holiday and birthday celebrations, celebrations for the births of firstborn sons, weddings, and other milestone events. Ping treasured these lifelong friendships.

The joy and challenge of purchasing the Bib and Rib Barbecue restaurant came in 1969, Ping and Ning proudly owned and operated the Bib and Rib restaurant in Wichita, KS until 1996 They worked hard, often putting in 12–14 hour days. Their children helped after school, on weekends, and into their adult life. Through the years, they developed many close friendships with vendors, customers and staff.

Ping always insisted on gathering the family for a meal on their day off so they could spend time with their grandchildren. Ping expressed her love through home-cooked meals, and ensuring no one ever left the meal hungry-"Get some more eat!" she would always say with a smile. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, filling their hands with food and candy. She cherished every moment together.

After Ning passed away in 1989, Ping's strength and determination carried her forward as she continued running the restaurant until her retirement in 1996. Fiercely independent and sharp-minded, she enjoyed following the stock market, watching kung fu movies, taking trips to the casino, and above all, spending time with friends and family.

Ping was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Through decades of change, Ping remained the steadfast heart of her family. Her life was defined by sacrifice, quiet strength, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the traditions she preserved, and the meals shared around her table.

Ping will be forever remembered, deeply missed, and lovingly carried in the hearts of all who knew her.

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