Maria De Jesus Resendez, 51, of Wichita passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born on June 25, 1974 in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Enrique and Ana (Ramirez) Villa. The family moved to Wichita when Maria was a child, she graduated from Wichita Northwest High School. For 14 years she worked at Spirit AeroSystems as a Sheet Metal Mechanic in Wichita.

Maria enjoyed peaceful moments in her garden, bird watching, listening to music, singing, and dancing, but most of all being a mother. She demonstrated unconditional love to those in her presence, and approached life with resilience, courage, and strength. Maria was the true definition of a "momma bear", she was protective, caring, and loyal.

She is survived by her children, Anthony Resendez Jr. and partner Veronica Perez, Lena Resendez and partner Stacy Fisher Jr., Adrian Resendez and partner Alina Dawson, Brianna Resendez and partner Wade White Jr.; her granddaughter Ava Grace Resendez; her parents Enrique and Ana Villa; and her sisters Sandra Resendez and Veronica Martinez all of Wichita.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 10 at the Word of Life South in Wichita.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.