Shala Jen Lunt, 74, of Coffeyville, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Shala was born on June 23, 1951, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, while her family was on vacation, to Wayne and Inez (Lundgren) Holmstrom. She spent her early years in Kinsley, Kansas, where her father taught school, before the family moved to Wichita. There, she graduated from Wichita Heights High School and went on to attend Wichita State University.
On August 21, 1971, Shala married Douglas A. Lunt in Wichita, Kansas. As high school sweethearts, their marriage of 55 years was a true partnership built on love and shared devotion to family. Together, they began their life in Ames, Iowa, while Doug completed his education at Iowa State University. They later lived in Leoti, Kansas, before settling in Coffeyville in 1978, where they built a life filled with cherished memories.
Shala was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She cherished time spent with her family, particularly during holidays when her home was filled with laughter, traditions, and togetherness. She also loved traveling to Colorado, where she enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and the peace of being surrounded by family in a place that always held special meaning to her.
Professionally, Shala served as the Insurance and Billing Manager at Coffeyville Family Practice for more than 33 years. There she met wonderful, lifelong friends that she valued and loved.
Outside of work, Shala was an avid quilter whose passion brought her both joy and lasting friendships. She spent countless hours sewing, often alongside her quilt guild, where she shared in the creativity and camaraderie of others who loved quilting as much as she did. She enjoyed attending quilting camps, where days were spent laughing and creating beautiful pieces that reflected her skill and love. Many of her quilts and wall hangings have become treasured gifts for family and friends.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Doug Lunt; her children, Wade (Susan) Lunt and Sara (Jeremy) Cyr; her grandchildren, Amanda (Michel) Gates, Hannah Lewman, Wrenn Lunt, Jackson and Morgan Cyr; and her great-grandchildren, Jensen Gates, and Trevor and CJ Encarnacion. She is also survived by her sisters, Signee (Garry) Walker and Dawn (Russ) Rosenquist.
Shala was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Inez Holmstrom.
Her legacy of generosity continues through her decision to donate her organs, offering the gift of life to others. Following cremation, the family will announce details for a memorial at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in Coffeyville.
Shala will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness and love for her family will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A Memorial service celebrating Shala's life will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 506 W. 9th St. in Coffeyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church and can be left at or mailed to David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Rd., Coffeyville, Kansas 67337.
The family invites you to share memories and upload photos on Shala’s memorial page at www.dwbfh.com as a tribute to a beautiful life well lived.
