Delores Kay Mages

Delores Kay (Weesner) Mages, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully from dementia on January 11, 2026, in Murrieta, California. Born on October 1, 1943, in Halstead, Kansas, she was the cherished daughter of Melvin and Gladys Weesner.

Delores attended Halstead High School, where she was an active participant in various clubs, including the pep club, girl’s glee singing group, band, and forensics, graduating with the class of 1961. After high school, she obtained her beautician license and worked in a salon in Peabody, Kansas. In 1963, Delores married Ronald Dean Mages, and together they welcomed a son, Christopher Mark Mages.

Delores moved to California, where she continued to pursue her passions. She learned the art of dog grooming, a trade she cherished for many years. Fueled by her commitment to helping others, she furthered her education by graduating from Southwestern College in 1987 with an Associate in Science Degree. With her new degree, Delores dedicated her career to serving her community as a social worker for the County of San Diego.

Delores’s life was shaped by the values instilled in her by her family and her faith. She was a devoted member of the Santa Sophia Catholic Church in Spring Valley, California. Her family circle included her son Christopher and his wife, Barbara Mages of Hemet, California, along with her grandchild, Amber Alden of Spring Valley, and two great-grandchildren, Evan and Elizabeth Alden. She is also survived by her brother, William (Bill) Weesner of Wichita, Kansas, and sister-in-law, Linda Weesner of Colwich, Kansas, as well as Paulette Weesner of Halstead, Kansas.

Delores’s zest for life extended beyond her professional and family commitments. She found joy in gardening and working in her yard. Each year for nearly 25 years, she shared memorable experiences traveling to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai with her beloved son, Chris. Delores’s adventurous spirit was evident in her courageous decision to go skydiving in her thirties, a thrilling experience shared with her lifelong friend, Peg Terrill.

She was preceded in death by Ronald Dean Mages, who served in the Kansas STA2 US Navy during the Vietnam War, and her brothers, Donald, Eugene, and Everett Reed Weesner, as well as her beloved parents, Melvin and Gladys Weesner.

A graveside service will be held 12pm, Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Mount Calvary Cemetery located at 1310 E Logan St, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. A reception will take place after the graveside services at Smoked Creations, 222 E. Logan Street, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

Delores is remembered for her boundless kindness and the lasting impact she made on those fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and cherished memories.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, 3173 K-68 Hwy, Ottawa, Kansas 66067 or Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901.

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