Kathleen Anne “Annie” Whalen, 71, passed away August 24, 2026, at her home in Wichita, KS. She was born May 13, 1955, in Hutchinson, KS, to Edward “Bud” Joseph and Jane Anna (Butler) Whalen.

In 1973, Annie graduated from Hutchinson High School. She began her career with the Reno County Sheriff’s Department, where she worked as a dispatcher, and later worked in the Parole Office at the Kansas Department of Corrections in Hutchinson. Annie eventually decided to pursue a career in nursing and enrolled at Hutchinson Community College, where she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing in May 1997. As a nurse, Annie dedicated many years of service to Hutchinson Hospital, where she compassionately cared for others and made a lasting impact on the lives of her patients and colleagues. Her work included being a telemetry nurse, care manager, and a house supervisor. She continued her nursing role as a case manager, working for BCBS of Kansas in Wichita before retiring in 2015.

During her retirement, Annie enjoyed going to baseball games, watching her favorite movies, reading, and keeping up with current events. She also worked part time at Ascencion Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, as a badge clerk, making badges for new employees, and at the Wichita Wind Surge, selling tickets at the ticket booth. In addition, Annie lovingly cared for her sister, Jane, until her passing, a proof of her compassionate nature and generous heart. Above all, Annie cherished her children and family. She made it a priority to stay connected with them, checking in every day and always making sure they were all doing okay.

Annie is survived by: her children, Katie (Craig) Baskins of Wichita, KS, Emily (Chris Dickson) Calvillo of Owens Cross Roads, AL, Michael (Lauren) Calvillo of Overland Park, KS, and Patrick Calvillo of Wichita, KS; brother, Pat Whalen of Hutchinson, KS; and grandchildren, Rachael Baskins, Sarah Garcia- Godwin, Jacob Baskins, Bobby Graves, Brenden Calvillo, Peyten “PJ” Calvillo, Kylan Dickson, and Landyn Dickson.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Bud and Jane Whalen; brother, Tim Whalen; and sisters, Nancy Sherman, Jane Miller, and Mary Lou Griffin.

Rosary will be at 10 a.m., followed by funeral liturgy at 10:30 a.m., both Saturday August 29, 2026, at Elliott Chapel, with Father Jerome Spexarth officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign her book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present to receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association (for the nursing program), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.