Lura Maye Wagnon

is honored with a Brick from Soroptimist International Of Wichita , Inc.

Lura Mae Ricketts was born in Texola, Oklahoma in 1920. Lura married, had her family, then divorced and was on her own. She is the mother of three very successful children: Kenneth Wagnon and Gayla Wagnon Coulter of Wichita and Robert Wagnon of Dallas.


After her divorce, Lura formed her own interior design business called Wagnon Design. She soon welcomed her son, Robert, into the business as a partner. Together, they have had many satisfied clients: synagogues, churches, various businesses, especially Cessna's Client Center, and decorated many distinguished homes. Upon Lura's retirement, Robert manages the business and continues it success.

Lura has given back a great deal of time and effort to the community. She has been active in Heartspring, Wichita Symphony, Music Theatre, Stage One, Friends of Hospice, Arthritis Foundation, Sedgwick County Zoo and Soroptimist's International of Wichita.

Lura has been a leader in Soroptimist's International of Wichita. She joined in 1975 and was Soroptimist President in 1969-70. As a Soroptimist, she became a close friend and companion of Olive Ann Beech, founder of Beech Aircraft, now Raytheon Aircraft Company.

Lura has donated her creative time and materials to fund-raising efforts for Soroptimist scholarships. She has enhanced many events with her decorating skills and promoted and helped with sales projects. She has invited many wonderful women into Soroptimist membership. She has donated generously to assist disadvantaged women attend Wichita State University through the Soroptimist endowment fund.

Lura can be characterized as a woman of great generosity, enthusiasm, and total support of Soroptimist projects. Lura is a warm, kind and loving person, loved by her family, her community, and loved by her many Soroptimist friends.

In her honor, a brick is being placed in the Plaza of Heroines for Lura Mae Wagnon. A true Soroptimist Woman of Distinction!

September 3, 2000