Dahlia Ilene Wright, 84, of rural LeRoy, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, at her home.

She was born December 1, 1941, in Iola, Kansas, one of the nine children of William Ralph and Lillie Ester (Trester) McCullough. She graduated from LeRoy High School in 1959 and then in 1962 attended cosmetology school in Topeka.

On December 29, 1963, she married the love of her life John Thomas Wright, in LeRoy.

While living in Wichita, Dahlia owned and operated a beauty salon. In 1965 she earned 1st place competing in Hair Shows in Wichita and Kansas City, qualifying for an international competition in New York City, with her sister Violet as her main hair model. She competed in numerous hairstyling competitions over the years, earning many awards and recognition for her exceptional talent and creativity.

Dahlia enjoyed going hunting with her Dad and Johnny before starting their family in 1971. Dahlia and Johnny welcomed twin daughters, Steffanie and Tiffanie, and built a life centered on family, hard work, and love. In 1976 the family moved to LeRoy. Dahlia worked at Hairbenders in Yates Center for a number of years before opening her own shop, The Hair Hut, in LeRoy, which she operated until her retirement.

After retiring, Dahlia devoted her time to the things that brought her the greatest joy - painting, crafting, flower gardening, and spending time with her family. A gifted artist, she taught painting classes for many years, shared her talents with countless others, and loved traveling to craft fairs. Above all else, Dahlia treasured being "Grandma." Nothing brought her greater happiness than caring for, encouraging, and making memories with her grandchildren and, later, her great-grand children. She and Johnny loved attending their children's activities and sporting events, a tradition Dahlia continued with her grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Dahlia's home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. She welcomed family, friends, and anyone in need with open arms, never hesitating to offer a temporary home to anyone in need. One of those being her niece, Kim, who moved in at age 12 to live in the home, and stayed until the day she got married. Dahlia's kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit touched countless lives. She was truly selfless - the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back to help someone else.

Dahlia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, John Thomas Wright, on November 17, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Berton and Cloude McCullough, and brothers-in-law, John Gross and Dick Fultz.

She leaves her daughters, Tiffanie Harred (Jason), LeRoy, and Steffanie Hall (Darrin), Koloa, HI; a very special niece, Kim Beard (Kevin), Climax Springs, MO; 4 grandchildren, Walker Harred (Breanna), LeRoy, Cooper Harred (Josie), Spring Hill, KS, Avery Cowart (Cuyler), Koloa, HI, and Emersyn Hall, Manhattan, KS; 5 great-grandchildren, Kamdyn, Kinzley, and Kaylea Harred and Ainsley and Cade Cowart; siblings, Bertha Gross and Violet Fultz, Independence, KS, Gene McCullough, (Lari), Wichita, KS and Geney Peterson (Lyle), LeRoy, Jack McCullough (Jodi), Emporia, KS, and Matt McCullough (Tami), LeRoy; numerous nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate and remember the life of Dahlia Wright will be held 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington, KS. Private family inurnment will take place at LeRoy Cemetery following the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the SCC Honor Flight and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.