Piper Leigh (Ewing), 47, of Arkansas City, KS, passed from this world into Glory on Thursday, April 30, 2026, while in Hospice care at Presbyterian Manor, Ark City.

Piper was born in Arkansas City on August 17, 1978, to Doug and Dejon Ewing. She is survived by her precious sons, Jess (20) and Jack (17), and her devoted mother, Dejon Ewing, all of Ark City, stepdaughter, Kelsey Hawkinson, and many beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins. In spite of being born with congenital heart disease and hip dysplasia, Piper always had a spunky personality, innate musical talent, a capacity to love people, a smile that lit up the room, and a joyous, contagious laugh.

Piper attended Ark City schools and graduated from Ark City High School in 1997. While in high school, she and three close friends - Lindsay, Deanna, and Steffani - formed the gospel quartet One Light. A recording of their work was taken to HIS Studios in Hendersonville, TN where producer and former Elvis pianist Nick Bruno signed the group for a debut album. Piper attended Cowley College on vocal music and presidential scholarships where she studied voice with Connie Donatelli and starred on stage under the direction of her mom through the Act One Theatre program. She was actively involved in Phi Theta Kappa scholars fraternity and Campus Christian Fellowship. She was Student of the Month, a finalist for Student of the Year, and finalist for Arkalalah queen. Piper subsequently attended Oklahoma City University, Dallas Baptist University where she was a member of the college tennis team, and Wichita State University where she received a BA in Communications. While living in Wichita, she broke into the live music scene first as a soloist before beginning a career-long collaboration with notable musicians Jim Sanders, Ben Russell, and Tim Durham.

Among career highlights, Piper traveled to Ireland to appear with renowned recording artist Gerry O’Bierne, commanded Stage 5 at her beloved Bluegrass Festival, recorded at Mannheim Steamroller Studios/Omaha, starred at the Cabaret Old Town Theatre in a sold out Eva Cassidy Tribute concert, opened for recording artist Robert Cray, recorded Sail On Sailor with legendary musician Rudy Love, and took on the title role of Patsy Cline for Winfield and Ark City’s community theatres She wrote her original song Hallelujah! to sing and play at her favorite uncle Jack’s memorial service and appeared and directed with Ark Valley Players. For many years, she was active in the Wichita music scene with a large following of fans.

Piper’s personal highlights include traveling to England, Wales, Disneyland and Alaska with family, taking Jess and Jack to Las Vegas to see the Eagles in concert at the Sphere, and riding her motorcycle. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church where she served on the Praise Team and participated in a small group Bible study. She donated performances for area charities and shared her testimony at area churches. She was a loyal friend to many people and loved her precious sons with all her heart and soul. When asked about her best achievement, she would reply without hesitation “Jess and Jack” and her renewed commitment to Jesus her Savior.

First diagnosed with aggressive melanoma in 2020, Piper sought treatment and later underwent emergency open-heart surgery at KU Med. In 2024, along with Dejon, she moved to Phoenix to work with world renowned oncologist, Dr. Gordon Grado. He gave her invaluable added years that she filled with love for her young sons, her family, her friends, and service to her Lord. She was overwhelmed with gratitude for each. Piper lived a Remarkable Life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jess and Jack Fund in care of Union State Bank, or to Interim Hospice/HealthCare in Wellington, KS. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Brown Center on the campus of Cowley College, under the direction of Miles Funeral Service. Private family interment will take place at Parker Cemetery at a later date.