Candace Kay Hartung, 49, of Mount Hope, Kansas, passed away on May 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was a resident of the Meadowlark Assisted Care Facility in Mount Hope at the time of her death.
Candace was born on Aug. 21, 1976, to Duane Eugene and Norma Jean (Schmidt) Hartung in Glasgow, Missouri. In 1977, she and her family moved to Haven, Kansas. Candace graduated from Buhler High School in 1995. During high school, she enjoyed participating in Special Olympics.
On July 16, 2015, Candace married Timothy King in Hutchinson, Kansas. They were married one year before his passing. Candace loved her dogs, Morning Star, Scarlett O’Hara, and Snowball. She also enjoyed writing poetry and songs, as well as spending time with friends.
Candace was loved and will be missed by those who knew her. She is survived by her devoted friend, Doug Patterson; her mother, Norma Hartung of Haven; her daughter, Hanna Cruiz (Jayden) of Hutchinson; and her brother, Sean Hartung (Tina) of Haven. Her memory lives on through her grandson, Benjamin Cruiz; her nephews, Patrick Hartung (Hailey) of Burrton and Luke Hartung (friend, Maddi) of Hutchinson; her nieces, Abby Weigel (Ben) of Fort Polk, La., and Emily Hartung of Haven; and her great-niece, Ella Hartung, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Candace was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy King, as well as her father and grandparents.
Cremation has taken place, and services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 1017 N Washington St, Hutchinson. The celebration of life is scheduled for Monday, June 1, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Harry Cross presiding. A light luncheon will be served immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for Zion Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, Kansas.