Carrie A. Penka, age 45, of Wichita, Kansas, died March 1, 2025.  She was born to David and Rosanne Dechant on May 9, 1979, in Wichita, Kansas.  Carrie was raised in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 1997.

She married John Penka on June 7, 2003.  They reside in Wichita, calling it home.

Throughout her life, Carrie worked for Wichita Public Schools.  She was a beloved educator who inspired students through kindness, wisdom, and passion. She believed in every student's potential.  Unfortunately, she was forced to retire from teaching in January 2024 due to Parkinson's Disease.  Retiring was very difficult for her.

Carrie had multiple passions. Two of her favorites were running and crafts. Through the running community, she befriended a group of individuals. This group prioritized early morning runs together. They also trained and traveled together for running events. When Carrie was forced to stop running, this group still made time to hang out.

Carrie also had a deep desire for crafts. When she wasn't teaching or training, you would find her in front of her Cricut. She spent endless hours making everything from home decorations to shirt prints. Even when Parkinson's disease prevented her from enjoying her other hobbies, she continued with crafts until her passing.

However, her greatest joy in this world was her family. She had two daughters, Breckyn and Abby, and watching them grow up brought her the most joy. She considered them a gift from God and enjoyed supporting them in every aspect of their lives.

Carrie is survived by her husband, John Penka, of 21 years; daughters Breckyn and Abby Penka; Parents David and Rosanne Dechant of Wichita; brother Justin Dechant (Delaney) of Seattle; sister, Lori Dechant of Wichita; and brother Chris Dechant (Paige) of Wichita.

Carrie was preceded in death by her grandparents Richard and Betty Dechant of Hays and Elmer and Opal Wolke of Wichita.

Memorials:

St. Catherine of Siena

Parkinson's Research Foundation

5757 Waterford District Drive Suite 310

Miami, Florida

33126

A Rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church 3642 N Ridge Rd, Wichita, KS 67205. The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 8, 2025 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church with the burial to follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery 1640 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67212.