Gary Wayne Ahart

Gary Wayne Ahart, 78, of Ottawa, KS died Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 26, 1946 in Parkersburg, WV the son of of Denver Mathers and Marie (Haddox) Mathers. Gary grew up in Arizona graduating from high school with the class of 1964.

Gary was a salesman for a local Arizona food company until becoming a Baker for Fry’s bakery in Phoenix. He retired in 2000.

Gary was the ultimate sports fanatic. He took his sons to Phoenix Suns Basketball games and several NHL Hockey games when they were young. When he was older he would always have a sports game on the television and loved watching football when it was on. He also enjoyed playing slots on his phone in recent years. He loved his family especially his grandchildren. They were always close to his heart and he made sure they knew that.

On December 28, 1966 Gary was united in marriage to Glenda Lee Cheesman in Phoenix, AZ. They raised their family in Arizona, moving to Ottawa in 2006. Glenda preceded Gary in death in 2021.

Gary was also preceded in death by his parents, Denver and Marie Mathers; a brother, Paul Lee Ahart and a sister, Sharon Carter.

He is survived by two sons, Phil Ahart and Dannielle Grimes of Paola, KS and Shawn Ahart and his wife Darcie, of Ottawa, KS; daughter, Jennifer Blanton, Ottawa, KS; a sister, Sherrie Jones, Mesa, AZ; a brother, Rex Allen Ahart, Tempe, AZ; 16 grandchildren, Brandon Ahart, Nichole Engelhardt, Lori Setliff, Alan Ahart, Austin Ahart, Damien Ahart, and Kristina Ahart, Mikaela Honn, Carter Hegwald, Keaton Hegwald, Mackenzie Hegwald, Kaylin Gragg, Wade Gragg, Bryce Nabus, Kaiden Nelson, Sabrina Kasper and 14 great-grandchildren.

To celebrate Gary’s life, a graveside memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday November 5, 2024 at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Gary Ahart Memorial Fund and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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