Amber D. Mannel

Amber Dawn Mannel, 47, of McPherson, Kansas passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, at her home.

Amber was born on January 9, 1979, at Memorial Hospital in McPherson, Kansas, to Dutch and Stacey (Shadduck) Mannel.

Her sister, April, was two years old at the time of her birth. When Amber was nine months old, she began receiving services through the Early Education Center Home-Based Program. When she was nearly three, she transitioned to the center-based program with the Reno County Education Cooperative.

While attending Elreka Grade School, a placement in residential care was recommended when she reached the age of six. Although her parents worked diligently to meet the additional demands of her care, they recognized that she would benefit from a structured setting designed to provide the supervision she required, and they agreed to a placement at Winfield State Hospital. According to stories shared, even in a highly supervised setting, Amber was quick and determined, and at times would leave her group unexpectedly. She remained there until she turned thirteen.

At that time, she moved into foster care with Stuart and Sheree Leppke and attended McPherson Special Education, beginning at Roosevelt Elementary and later continuing at McPherson Middle School and McPherson High School.

M.C.D.S. provided Supportive Home Care Workers, who supported Amber in participating in community activities, often alongside the families of her caregivers. During several summers, she also enjoyed spending a week at the Kansas Jaycees Cerebral Palsy Ranch near Augusta.

When Disability Supports was formed in 1996, Amber began receiving services through the organization. She moved into an apartment at age twenty.

After graduating from McPherson High School in 2000, she attended the Disability Supports Community Enrichment Center, where she enjoyed day trips and a full schedule of activities.

Amber enjoyed spending time in the warmth of the sun, as well as walking, swimming, outings, amusement rides, and time with friends and family.

Amber experienced various health challenges. Following a recent hospital stay, she began receiving hospice services through Gentiva Hospice, which allowed her to return to her apartment. She was lovingly supported by her Disability Supports Family, who provided compassionate care during her final days.

Amber is survived by her sister, April Mannel of Great Bend, and her foster parents, Stuart and Sheree Leppke. She was preceded in death by her mother, Stacey (Shadduck) Mannel, and her father, Dutch Mannel.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 8, at City Church, 601 S. Gildersleeve, McPherson, KS 67460.

Memorial donations are suggested to Disability Supports and can be sent to Stockham Family Funeral Home.