Jan. 30, 1927– Oct. 27, 2025
Lydia Oringderff, 98, died Monday, October 27, 2025, at St. Catherine’s of Dodge City.
She was born January 30, 1927, at Colony, Oklahoma, the daughter of John and Katharina (Nuefeldt) Thiessen. She graduated in 1945 from Corn High School. She married Paul Kliewer September 28, 1945, and moved to Sayre, Ok and had Lonnie Wayne Kliewer. They moved to Ingalls, KS in 1960 and added Scott Thiessen Kliewer to their family in 1962.
Paul preceded her in death on February 12, 1974. On August 16, 1981, she married John “Johnny O” Oringderff and they moved to Dodge City, KS. After a few years John’s job moved them to Liberal, KS for the next 28 years, and upon his retirement in 2015 they moved back to Dodge City, KS. John preceded her in death on June 28, 2019.
She was a member of St. Cornelius Episcopal Church and Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.). She gave her life to Jesus and was baptized at age 16. She loved cooking for her family and baking zwieback for all special occasions. She enjoyed arts and crafts as well as being an avid reader and card player.
She was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into caring for her family and friends. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and love where everyone felt welcome and known. With a joyful spirit and a servant’s heart, she supported those she loved through every season of life. Always well dressed and impeccably kept, she carried herself with grace and joy in all she did. Her radiant smile and big brown eyes could light up any room, reflecting the kindness and warmth she so freely shared. Her days were filled with simple acts of love, quiet strength, and unwavering faith, leaving a legacy of warmth, beauty, and love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Lydia was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Paul Kliewer, and second husband, John Oringderff, son, Scott Kliewer, and her 8 siblings.
She is survived by her son, Lonnie (Karen) Kliewer, Wichita, KS and their children, Tamara (Scott) Mink, Dodge City, KS, Dixie (Mike) Kiser, Wichita, KS, Paul Kliewer-Ricke (Ralph Kliewer-Ricke), Wichita, KS, and Meagan (Curt) Higgins, Wichita, KS. Pam Kliewer and children Paula Kliewer, Wichita, KS, Andrew Kliewer, Wichita, KS, Brianna (Justin) Law, Greenfield, IN, and George Kliewer, Wichita, KS. Stepdaughters, Sharon Oringderff, Boynton Beach, FL her children Adam Smith, Houston, TX, and Evin Smith, New Orleans, LA and Carol and (Chris) Schuetze, Cimarron, KS and their children Sarah (Tyler) Montgomery, Almena, KS, Rachel (Aaron) Ross, Ensign, KS, 13 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Inurnment will be at 9:30 am Saturday, November 15, 2025 in the Cimarron Cemetery. Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Cornelius Episcopal Church, Dodge City, with Fr. Jeff Mitchell and Fr. John Seatvet officiating. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.
The family suggests memorials to St. Cornelius Episcopal Church in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel. com