Eldon Dewayne Sholtess

Eldon Sholtess, age 77, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025. He was born on June 27, 1947, in Fairview, Oklahoma, the son of the late Wayne and Rubiene (Martens) Sholtess. Eldon spent his childhood in the Fairview, Oklahoma area. During middle school, his parents moved the family to care for his late grandfather Marten’s farm outside of Orienta, OK. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1965 and then took classes at Bethany College.

Eldon married his wife, Beverly (Ratzlaff) Sholtess on April 12th, 1969, in Wichita, KS. They were married for nearly 47 years before she passed in February 2016. Eldon and Beverly had two children, Kendall and Indy. Together, he and Beverly enjoyed singing in the church choir, road trips, and finding new places to eat.

Eldon worked at Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, KS, for 38 years as a welder and tool and die maker until his retirement in 2010. He took pride in doing things well and being dependable. He was not a stranger to working hard and several times in his life, he had part-time jobs or worked overtime to give his family the best. Outside of work, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing games with his family. He also took great satisfaction tending to his garden, mowing his lawn, and decorating the house for Christmas.

Above everything, Eldon will be known for his faith in God. He was dedicated to leading his family with faith. His steadfast commitment to living out his beliefs and his unwavering devotion to God left a lasting legacy for his children and grandchildren.

Eldon is proceeded in death by his wife Beverly (Ratzlaff) Sholtess (2016) and his second wife Donnelle (Cottrill) Sholtess. He is survived by he and Beverly’s two children: Kendall (Lillian) Sholtess of Beijing, China, and Indy (Jefferson) Fairbanks of Belle Plaine, Kansas; grandchildren: Sabryna Jones of Wichita, Kansas, and Katriel Sholtess of Beijing, China; step-grandsons: Matthew Fairbanks of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Ethan (Emily) Fairbanks of Salina, Kansas; his brother, Merl (Nancy) Sholtess of Yukon, Oklahoma; and many cousins, friends, and extended family.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday at Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, 115 S. Seneca, Wichita, KS. A celebration of Life will be 1:00 pm, Monday at Westview Baptist Church, 1325S. Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS. A graveside service will follow at El Paso Cemetery in Derby, KS.

Memorial donations may be made to Westview Baptist Church, 1325 S. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67213.