Jessie R. Lerma

Jessie R. Lerma, born on February 9, 1941, in Indio, California, to Felipe and Justa (Rios) Rodriguez. She peacefully passed away on May 12, 2026, in Dodge City, Kansas. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, whose presence brought warmth and joy to all who knew her.

Jessie dedicated much of her working life to retail sales at Walmart, where she built many cherished relationships and touched the lives of countless customers and colleagues. Beyond her career, she found delight in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid puzzle enthusiast and a passionate reader, always seeking to engage her mind and explore new stories. Jessie also enjoyed watching game shows, with Family Feud being a particular favorite. Jessie also enjoyed spending time with her precious (grand-dog) Dutch. Additionally, she found a bit of fun and hope playing Lotto Tickets, embracing each ticket with a spirit of optimism.

She was a lifelong member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church. Her faith was deeply important to her and helped shape the woman and mother she became.

Her family was the cornerstone of her life. Jessie is survived by four devoted sons: Raul Ryan of Hugo, Oklahoma; Roberto Lerma and his wife Sheila Stone of Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Oscar Lerma of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Adrian Lerma of Corpus Christi, Texas. She is also deeply loved by her two daughters, Maria Davila and her husband Alfredo of Orange, Texas, and Raquel Flores and her husband Craig Renick of Garden City, Kansas. Jessie’s family circle extends to one caring brother, Felipe Rodriguez, and his wife Rose, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as well as one sister, Ofelia Orlow, residing in Nashville, Tennessee. Her legacy continues through thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom cherished her guidance and affection.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, whose memories she held dear throughout her life. Also gone before her are a brother, Miguel Rodriguez; a sister, Oralia Terriquez; and a grandson, Alexander Flores, whose passing left a profound impact on her heart.

A memorial service to honor Jessie’s life will be held on May 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic's Church in Garden City, Kansas, located at 620 N. Main Street. Following the service, Jessie will be laid to rest at Valley View Cemetery, 2901 N 3rd Street, in Garden City, with burial services commencing at 11:00 a.m.

Jessie R. Lerma’s life was marked by her steady presence, her love of family, and her gentle spirit. She will be remembered with respect and gratitude by all who had the privilege to know her. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply loved.