Lori Lynn Cordell, 58, passed away the morning of August 6, 2022, surrounded by her close friends and family.
Lori was born on January 28, 1964 to Janet and Robert Guthrie in Larned, KS. While she might have been born in a small town, Lori had a big childhood filled with adventure. At a young age, Lori and her two sisters explored the world by living in Singapore, Iran and Greece. Lori loved to play softball and was known for her outgoing, social personality.
When she was 18 and back in Wichita, Lori met her soulmate Jeff Cordell at the local race track. Lori knew instantly that he would be her best friend, telling her mom the next morning that she had just met the man she was going to marry. Jeff and Lori were inseparable ever since, marrying on December 1, 1984. Jeff and Lori simply enjoyed being with one another, which was evident during their 37 years of marriage. Even when they were married, Jeff felt like he was pursuing her. Every moment they spent together felt perfect, and they dedicated each day to building a happy home for their family.
Lori’s true passion was being a mother. She was known as a super mom, teaching her three children, Megan, Justin and Sammy, the importance of loving one another. Lori was protective at heart, always putting her family first. She worked hard and kept busy, passing her active lifestyle on to her kids by taking them to every practice, game and school musical possible. Lori was also mother to Chloe, her nine-year-old Shih Tzu who never wanted to leave her side even until the very end. Not only was Lori a wonderful mother, but she also took on the role of grandmother just as well. She would tell you that “Memaw” was the most important title she ever received. She loved being a grandmother and cherished every minute she got to play the game of Sorry with her four grandsons.
Lori was the life of every party. She knew how to celebrate birthdays, treated everyone to their favorite dessert and would mark special occasions by surprising family and friends with hand-crafted cards, shirts, signs and koozies. It was impossible to not have fun around Lori – her smile was bright and her laugh was contagious.
You could often find Lori out on the water, where she was truly at peace. Ever since she was a young girl, Lori wanted to be on the lake. She loved to ride on her father’s boat, go tubing and water ski. Lori passed her love of the water on to Jeff, teaching him how to master the wake, and later to her children, who joined her each summer at their house at Table Rock Lake. Lori was her happiest when she was on the water and there’s no question that she is sitting on a dock right now, Michelob in hand.
Lori showed her true character when she learned of her cancer diagnosis – she fought from day one, only ever thinking of her husband and family. It was evident what a strong woman she truly was. Lori’s smile and positive attitude never faded and she remained her cheerful self despite the battle.
Lori was preceded in death by her father Robert Guthrie, whom she is now enjoying boat rides with again.
She is survived by her beloved husband Jeff and their three children: Megan Cordell (David), Justin Cordell (Stefanie), and Sammy Quinn (Roman). She is also survived by her mother Janet Guthrie, her sisters Nicole Copeland and Julie Jarnagin, and her four grandsons Owen, Logan, Kamdyn and Roman.
In remembrance, the family will be hosting Lori Fest at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12 at the home that Jeff and Lori Cordell built together. There is no better celebration of Lori’s life than bringing the lake life home and sharing stories among her loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kansas State University Johnson Cancer Research Center in memory of Lori Cordell.
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