Gwen M. Lingenfelter, 45, passed away Dec. 31, 2013, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born June 1, 1968, in Emporia, to Mike and Patricia (Aufleger) Brown.

Gwen graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1986 and from Sidney's Hairdressing College in 1987. She was a dedicated cosmetology instructor at Sidney's. She loved her dogs, Lilly and Teddy, very much. Gwen had a passion for her friendships, camping, jet skiing, and spending time with her friends. On Dec. 4, 2004, she married Lance Lingenfelter in Hutchinson. He survives. Other survivors include: sons, Josh Lucero of Bennett, Colo., Dustin and Austin Lingenfelter of Emporia; mother, Patricia Smith of Emporia; father, Mike Brown of Redmond, Wash.; brother, Jaime Brown of Denver, Colo.; sister, Kerry Foster of Hutchinson; and grandmother, Ethal Aufleger. Gwen was preceded in death by her grandfather, Paul Aufleger.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Paul Thurston officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gwen Lingenfelter Memorial Scholarship at Sidney's Hairdressing College, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.