Linda ‘Lyn’ Kay Deisher
1944-2012

Linda Kay Deisher of Ellinwood entered into Heaven on Saturday January 21, 2012. She was born September 8, 1944.
She is survived by her two children: Kathy Reh and husband John of Ellinwood; Patrick Beaton and wife Nicole of Denver, CO. Two grandchildren: Katelyn Reh and Colin Beaton. Her sister, Monnie Scheel and brother-in-law Scott, and niece Melissa Scheel. Her loyal companion, Zoe the dachshund.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Lavona Meyers, her nephew Timothy Scheel, and her life-long friend, Dana Deisher.
Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch presiding.
Memorial donations may be made to the Beatrice (NE) Humane Society, in care of Kimple Funeral Home of Ellinwood.

Updated 1/20/12

George Dennis Martin
(April 15, 1948 - January 21, 2012)

George Dennis Martin, 63, passed away January 21, 2012 at the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.

He was born April 15, 1948 at Great Bend. The son of George Earl and Maxine Salmans Martin. A lifetime area resident; except for 17 years when he was a warehouse manager for Houghton Mifflin Publishing Co., Batavia, IL. He also assisted with the formation of Riverside Publishing Co. Chicago, IL. He was the Managing Editor for the Tiller and Toiler Newspaper.

He was born of the Baptist faith and attended the Sts Mary and Martha Episcopal Church, Larned. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Shriners, Scottish Rite, Blue Lodge, Rotary International, Sons of the American Revolution, TKE, Pawnee County Economic Development, Larned Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Press Association and Fort Hays State University Alumni Association.

Survivors include; his mother, Larned, his fiancé, Dolores Wren, Larned, a brother, Robert Earl Martin and wife Janet, Prairie Village, KS six nieces and nephews, and fifteen great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by; his father and a brother Thomas Leslie Martin.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with Father Mark Cowell presiding. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial with Masonic graveside rites will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society or the Larned EMS, both in care of the Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Janet Marie Griffin
1949 - 2012

ELLINWOOD — Janet Marie Griffin, 62, died Jan. 14, 2012 at Salina Regional Health Center.
Born May 16, 1949 in Sterling, she was the daughter of Roy M. Griffin and Dorothy M. Owens.
She graduated from Ellinwood District High School in 1967 and attended Fort Hays State University. A longtime resident of Ellinwood, she was retired from Sunflower Diversified Services in Great Bend.
Ms. Griffin was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Auxiliary, both in Ellinwood.
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Ritterhouse, Ellinwood, and Brandi Smith, Haysville; a brother, Larry Griffin, Shawnee; two aunts, Louise Hellinger, Waggoner, Okla., and Norma Jurratt, Lyndon, Texas; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kimple Funeral Chapel in Ellinwood with the Rev. Don Paden officiating. Burial was at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Janet Griffin Fund.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple, Inc. Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 1/13/12

Maurice Winkelman
1922 - 2012

ELLINWOOD — Maurice Winkelman, 89, died Jan. 5, 2012 at Ellinwood District Hospital.
He was born June 15, 1922 in Rice County, the son of Carl Winkelman and Lydia Sewing Winkelman.
He attended OK Grade School and graduated from Chase High School. He was a farmer before serving 30 years in the U.S. Postal Service as a mail clerk and rural mail carrier. He was a hunter and fisherman, gardener and woodworker.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood where he served as trustee and elder, and for 30 years was the church’s grounds-keeper and custodian.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He married Eloise Suhler on Jan. 18, 1948 in Ellinwood.
He is survived by his wife, Eloise Winkelman of the home; sons, Bruce (Jeanette) Winkelman of Tulsa, Okla., Monte (Marlana) Winkelman of Sioux City, Iowa, Tim (Karen) Winkelman of Great Bend; daughter, Lois Sierra of Lawrence; brother, Ralph Winkelman of Rockport, Texas; sister, Verda Everett of Van Wert, Ohio; sister-in-law, Joan Winkelman of Wichita; brother-in-law, Norman Rice of Wichita; six grandchildren, Kirk and Joel Winkelman, Alison Moore, Justin Winkelman, and Philip and Emma Sierra; three great-granddaughters, Octavia Winkelman, Simone Winkelman and Addyson Moore.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Lavern, Lovell and Steve Winkelman, and a sister Doris Rice.
The service was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeff Frakes officiating. Burial was at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials can be made to the St. John Child Development Center or to St. John Lutheran Church.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 1/6/12

Sharion Ann Simpson
1943 - 2012

Hutchinson - Sharion Ann Simpson, 68, died January 3, 2012 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson.
She was born May 30, 1943 in Florida, the daughter of Vernon and Dorothy Scott Ellis. She was a graduate of Ellinwood High School and had attended Brown Mackie Business College, Salina. A resident of Hutchinson most of her life, she was a nurse’s aide.
She married James Simpson in 1973 in Maize. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include a brother, Eric Roof (Nicki), Pawnee Rock, a sister, Diana Weiser (Britt), Lincoln, NE, step children, and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation is planned. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hutchinson. To leave a message for the family, visit: www.PenwellGabelHutchinson.com.

Updated 12/30/11

Mildred Lucille (Ricker) Domey
1924 - 2011

WICHITA — Mildred Lucille (Ricker) Domey, 87, died Dec. 21 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
She was born March 29, 1924, at rural Preston, the daughter of John and Anna Miller Ricker.
She married Raymond L. Domey on Feb. 21, 1943, at Junction City. A former Boeing Company and Cessna Aircraft employee, she had been a Wichita resident for 12 years.
Mrs. Domey was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wichita.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; a son, John Domey of Plainfield, Vt.; two daughters, Bonnie Bonnell of Douglass, and Patricia Ducharme of Williamstown, Vt.; two brothers, Alvin Ricker of Nashville, Kan., and Franklin Ricker of Chase; a sister, Maryann Schrag of Hutchinson; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard and J. Harold Ricker, and a sister, Betty Nestler.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood, with the Rev. Terry Wiechman officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church in Wichita.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Charles Edward Hendricks
1927 - 2011

Bartlesville, Okla. — Charles Edward Hendricks, 84, resident of Bartlesville, died at 1:47 AM on Saturday December 24, 2011, at the St. John Hospital in Tulsa surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday December 28, 2011 in the Eastern Heights Baptist Church with Dr. Michael Vallandingham officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the James H. Teel American Legion Post # 105 honors team of which Mr. Hendricks was a member for many years. Entombment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory.
Memorials have been established and those who wish to make a contribution in memory of Mr. Hendricks may do so to: Post 105 Honor Guard C/O Bill Lubensky 4418 Grandview Pl. Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006 or Eastern Heights Baptist Church 1331 Swan Drive, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006.
Charles Edward Hendricks was born September 3, 1927 at Hominy, Oklahoma to John L. and Myrtle Pearl (Lipe) Hendricks. He was raised and received his early education in Hominy graduating high school there in 1946. He attended college at Tonkawa, and continued education while working in Borger, Texas at Phillips Junior College. Charles entered the U.S. Army in September 1950 and served for two years, where he was deployed to Korea during the Korean War and received his honorable discharge in 1952. After his military services he returned to work for Phillips Petroleum Company in Borger Texas and in Great Bend, Kansas.
He was married to Jimmie Inez Harville on May 22, 1953 at Clayton, New Mexico. They made their home in Borger, Texas until 1963 when they moved to Ellinwood, Kansas. Mr. Hendricks retired from Phillips Petroleum Company in 1987. They moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 1992. He was an active member of the Eastern Heights Baptist Church, the James H. Teel American Legion Honor Guard, Frank Phillips Men’s Club and Phillips Social Exercise Group.
Survivors include; his wife Jimmie Inez Hendricks of the family home in Bartlesville; two daughters Cindy A. Schartz and her husband Chris of Raymore, Missouri and Teri Lynn Nichols and her husband Earl of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; his sister Geraldine Parker of Fritch, Texas; grandchildren Ryan Schartz and his wife Darci and their children Luke and Cole; Trisha Moulder and her husband Todd and their children Riley and Kara; Andrew Nichols, Ian Nichols and his wife Stephanie and their son Tycen. Mr. Hendricks was preceded in death by his parents, a great-grandchild Ryker Aiden Nichols and one brother Sherman Ray Hendricks.

Lindamood, Ruth Rebecca (Schrepel)
1914 - 2011

COATS — Lindamood, Ruth Rebecca (Schrepel), 97, died Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Services were held Wednesday, December 21, at First Presbyterian Church Chapel. The graveside service took place at Coats Cemetery, Coats Kansas.
Ruth was born November 8, 1914 on a farm near Coats, KS, the daughter of Daniel J. Schrepel and Emma Schrepel. She taught 28 years and substituted for 15 years in the Wichita public Schools and previously taught in Hudson, Great Bend, and Manhattan. Ruth received her Life Certificate from Emporia State Teachers College and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Wichita and Kappa Kappa lota (teachers sorority).
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Lindamood, her brothers, John W. Schrepel and Dan F. Schrepel.
Survivors include her son, James H. Lindamood and wife Hedeko, and grandson, and one step-grandson.

Updated 12/23/11

Larry Dean Ward
1944 - 2011

GREAT BEND - Larry Dean Ward, 67, died December 21, 2011 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS.
He was born October 25, 1944 in Great Bend, KS, the son of Ephreum W. and Millie (Horine) Ward.
He was a machinist at Farley’s Machine and later worked at Cashco. He was a lifetime Barton County resident and enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family.
He married Mary Gonsalez on April 27, 1963 at Great Bend. She survives.
Survivors are wife Mary Ward, of the home, two sons, Lawrence Duane “Jake” Ward of Ellsworth, KS, and fiance Connie Stucky Ward of McPherson, KS, and Kenneth Lynn Ward and wife Kary of Ellinwood, KS; three daughters, Shelley Ward Elsen of Ellinwood, Melissa Schremmer and husband Tim of Hoisington, KS, and Melinda Petz and husband Carl of Olathe, KS; three sisters, Marilyn Gilmore of Texas, Beverly Partridge of Russell, KS, and Sybil Diana Wheling of Great Bend, KS; one brother, Ed Ward of Chase, KS.
He was preceded in death by a son, Edgar Willis Ward, three brothers, Kenneth Ward, Lavern Ward, and Leonard Ward; four sisters, Margaret Krom, Betty Jean Ward, Hazel Turley, and Frances Brown.
Memorial service will be held Monday, December 26, 2011 a 10:00 a.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor Mike Joiner officiating. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
Memorials can be made to the Larry Dean Ward Memorial Fund in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condelences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Patrick J. Schartz
1945 - 2011

Ellinwood – Patrick J. Schartz, 66, died December 20, 2011 at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City, KS.
He was born December 8, 1945 at Great Bend, the son of Nicholas Albert and Aileen A. (Kimpler) Schartz. He was a lifetime resident of Ellinwood. He was retired owner/operator of the Dairy Queen. Former Volunteer Fireman, 1963 EHS grad, and graduate of Friends University.
He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood. K of C. #1187. President of Ellinwood Commission On Aging. Served on the Parish Council & School Council.
On July 19, 1969 he married Kathleen A. Heinz in Ellinwood. She survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Theede and husband Mitch, Columbia, MO.; a son Patrick L. Schartz and wife Monica, Nashville, TN.; sister DeSales Feist, Ellinwood; brother Thomas Schartz of Phoenix, AZ.; grandchildren Ryan and Erin Theede, Carter and Ava Schartz
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Charles, Leon, Loren, Kenneth, Vernon, Norbert and Gerald; sisters, Celesta Bennett and Mary Bowes.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch. Friends may call from 1p.m. until 6p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Alter Society Rosary at 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Vigil at 7p.m. Thursday at church followed by K of C rosary. Burial will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood, KS.
Memorials are to the Church or St. Joseph’s School of Living Legacy Fund.

Updated 12/9/11

Rosella A. “Rosie Dozie” Smith
1913 - 2011

GREAT BEND - Rosella A. “Rosie Dozie” Smith, 98, of Great Bend, died Nov. 28 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood.
She was born Sept. 6, 1913, at Barton County, the daughter of Henry and Katherine (Both) Ideker.
She married Lloyd Smith Oct. 19, 1934, at Larned. He died Jan. 24, 1987. A lifetime Barton County resident, she was a homemaker.
Mrs. Smith formerly attended First Church of the Nazarene, Great Bend, and enjoyed crocheting, sewing, needlework and gardening.
Survivors include a son, Al Gene Smith and wife Pat, Great Bend; a daughter, Nelda Faye Blackwell and husband Dean, Scott City; a sister, Mildred Brauer, La Crosse; a brother, Lester Ideker, La Crosse; six grandchildren, Deana Long and her husband Bruce; David Blackwell and his wife Alicia; Lynette Axtell and her husband Todd; Todd Smith and his wife Theresa; Michele O’Neil; and Charles Jean and his wife Patty; 23 great-grandchildren, Joel, Jonah, and Lydia Long; Krysta, Tessa and Devin Blackwell; Creighton Lahman; Chelsea and Caleigh Doerr; Trevor, Logan, Landen, and Reece O’Neil; Trenton and Tyler Jean; Bianca Mendoza; Alexis Cooper; Austin, Tallen and Aryiah Smith; and Sarah, Robyn, and Rachael Axtell; and one great-great-grandchild, Jair Ordonez.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Vernon Ideker and Velmer Ideker; and a sister, Evelyn Blattner.
Funeral service was at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 at the Bryant Funeral Home with Officiant Pastor Richard Bunn and the Rev. Loyce Clay. Interment was at the Larned Cemetery.
Memorials can be sent to Woodhaven Care Center or CKMC Foundation for the benefit of the Heartland Cancer Center, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.

Bruce Standlee
1947 - 2011

HUDSON - Bruce Wayne Standlee, 64, died December 3, 2011 at his home in Hudson, Kansas.
Bruce was born March 13, 1947 in Great Bend, KS to R.D. and Betty (Kastrup) Standlee.
Bruce married JoAnn (Tillotson) Standlee on June 12, 1967 in Columbus, GA.
Bruce attended school in Bristow, OK where he graduated in 1966.
Bruce was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Great Bend, KS. Bruce was self-employed as a contract pumper for 30 years. He also worked in Hayes Township, running the maintainer in Stafford County for 18 years.
His father, R.D. Standlee preceded him in death.
Survivors are his wife, JoAnn of the home; two sons, Ron and his wife Lisa Standlee, Bixby, OK and Bob and his wife Stacy Standlee, Ellinwood, KS; and his mother Betty Standlee, St. John, KS; 5 grandchildren, Katie, Hunter, Sam, Malcolm and Levi.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 10 at the Central Baptist Church 3301 Lakin Ave in Great Bend, KS.
Condolences can be sent to bobnstacystandlee@yahoo.com.
Memorial funds may be sent to: Farmers National
Bank, P.O. Box 130 Stafford, KS 67578, in care of the Standlee Family.

Updates 12/2/11

Irene E. Harper
1923 - 2011

OTHELLO, Wash. — Irene E. Harper, 88, died Nov. 20, 2011 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Wash.
She was born April 8, 1923 in Ellinwood, the daughter of Frank Wendel and Maggie Britenbach Wendel.
She married Elmer Harper. Together they farmed until 1961 when they moved to Basin, Wyo., and purchased the Landmark-Markham Hotel where Irene catered dinners and lunches. They sold the hotel in 2003 and moved to Othello, Wash., where she has lived since. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed gardening.
Mrs. Harper was of the Catholic faith.
Survivors include a son, James Harper, Moses Lake, Wash.; a brother Ambrose Wendel, Great Bend; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating.
Memorials are suggested to a favorite charity.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple, Inc. Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Doris A. Starkey
1919 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Doris A. Starkey, 92, died Nov. 16, 2011 at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
Born Oct. 20, 1919 in Burlington, she was the daughter of William L. Graybeal and Mary Ann Finney Graybeal.
An Ellinwood resident for nearly 50 years, formerly of Houston, Texas and Burlington, she was a bank teller and secretary.
She was a member of the Ellinwood United Methodist Church and Eastern Star of Ellinwood.
Survivors include a son, Nolan Starkey, of Ellinwood; a sister-in-law, Margaret Towry of Burlington; five grandchildren, Jess Starkey of Hoisington, Shawn Starkey and Michelle Starkey, both of Kansas City, Mary Feemster of Ellinwood, and Angela Clawson of Lewis; several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by two brothers; and two sisters.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday at the United Methodist Church in Ellinwood with the Rev. Ryan Lynch officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood United Methodist Church.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple, Inc. Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

William D. Witcraft
1924 - 2011

GREAT BEND - William D. Witcraft, 87, died Nov. 26, 2011 at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend.
Born April 21, 1924, at Fairfax, Ok, he was the son of Chauncey and Mattie Smith Witcraft.
A long-time resident of Barton County, he was a retired oilfield perforator. He enjoyed playing golf.
Mr. Witcraft was graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy, serving on numerous ships during World War II in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean-Middle East war zones. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, both in Great Bend.
He married Marian
McAfee. They later divorced. He then married Betty Schiewe. She died in July of 2009.
Survivors include a son, William Paul Witcraft and wife Carol, of Kansas City, Mo.; two daughters, Debra Witcraft of Ellinwood and Pamela Witcraft of Sheridan, Wyo.; and a brother, Donald and Ruby Witcraft, of Chandler, Ariz.
No services are planned. The body was cremated.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Arrangements provided by Kimple, Inc. Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Robert J. Hammer
1940 - 2011

LOVELAND, Colo. — Robert Jude Hammer, 71, passed away on Nov. 20, 2011 at his home in Loveland, Colo.
Born on Oct. 23, 1940 at Great Bend, he was the son of Carl and June (Keenan) Hammer.
He grew up on a farm west of Ellinwood. In 1958, he graduated from Ellinwood High School. He attended Fort Hays State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts in Political Science. He then attended the University of Kansas University where he received his Judicial Degree. He practiced law for 31 years in Bloomington, Ill., Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo. and Houston, Texas. He specialized in oil and gas law. Bob served in the Air Force Reserves and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved the mountains and retired to Loveland, Colo.
In 1982, he married Helen Wilcot in Kansas City, Mo. She survives.
Other survivors include: two sons, Thomas Trussell of Kansas City, Mo. and Timothy Jones of Denver, Colo.; two daughters, Julie Pickard and Bart, of Dallas, Texas, and Aimee Bambace of Loveland, Colo; five grandchildren; two brothers, Lawrence Hammer of San Antonio, Texas and Denis Hammer of Ellinwood; two sisters, Patricia McKibben of Muskegon, Mich., and Shelly Hammer of Cleveland, Ohio; two aunts, Ada Koop of Ellinwood and Gloria Ball of Seattle, Wash.; and four uncles, Larry Keenan, Pat Keenan and Dennis Keenan, all of Great Bend, and Terry Keenan of Ness City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four uncles; and two aunts. Bob was one of 55 first cousins.
Funeral mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Dec. 17 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Loveland, Colo.
Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. John the Evangelist Adornment Chapel, in care of Allnutt Funeral Home, 2100 North Lincoln, Loveland, Co., 80538 or online at www.allnuttfuneralhome.com.

Updated 11/23/11

Kathleen Kimpler
1925-2011

Kathleen Kimpler, 85, died November 15 at Great Bend Rehabilitation Center. Born July 8, 1926 in Ellinwood, she was the daughter of George Peter and Mary Ann (Kramer) Kimpler. A resident of Great Bend since 1975, coming from Ellinwood, she was a principal and teacher in the Wichita and Dodge City Diocese Catholic Schools for 34 years.
Ms. Kimpler was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Altar Society and a life member of the National Teachers Association.
Survivors include a brother-in-law, Lawrence Liebl, of Claflin; a sister-in-law, Irene Kimpler of Ellinwood; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, George Norman Kimpler; and two sister, Evelyn Heinz and Mary Ann Liebl.
Altar Society Rosary was held on Friday, November 18 followed by vigil service at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, November 19 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Reginald A. Urban officiating. Interment was held at the Sister’s Resurrection Cemetery in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the Holy Family School Endowment Fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant
Funeral Home, Great Bend.

Rufus F Howard
1933 - 2011

LYONS - Rufus F. Howard, 78, died Nov. 17, 2011 at his home in Lyons.
He was born March 6, 1933 in Gainesville, Texas, son of Roy Franklin and Mary Evelyn (Sanford) Howard.
He was a resident of Lyons since 1955. He was a retired oil field pumper.
He married Beverly A. “Mike” Harrelson in Medford, Okla. on May 4, 1952.
He is survived by three sons, John Howard of Great Bend, Terry Howard of Denton, Texas and Bobby Howard of Evergreen, Colo.; daughter, Susan Long of Hutchinson; brother, LeRoy Howard of Ogden, Utah; 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Mickey Alan Howard.
Graveside service was at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 at Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood with Rev. Dick Ogle officiating. Burial was at Lakin Comanche Cemetery. Visitation was from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21 at Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Memorials can be made to Friends of Animals in care of the funeral home.

DEATH NOTICES

Doris A. Starkey

ELLINWOOD - Doris A. Starkey, 92, died Wednesday at Ellinwood District Hospital.
Survivors and arrangements will be announced by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Irene Elnor Harper

OTHELLO, WA - Irene Elnor Harper, 88, died Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Othello, WA.
Funeral services are pending with Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 11/18/11

Lorin L. Peter
1926 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Lorin L. Peter, 84, died Nov. 12, 2011, at Ellinwood.
He was born Dec. 22. 1926, in rural Rice County (near Raymond), the son of Albert Jr., and Cleda Mirtus Christiansen Peter.
He was a lifetime Barton County resdient. He was a farmer and rancher and a veteran of World War II serving in the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Division, United States Marine Corps. He was a part of the first landing forces at Nagasaki, Japan, after the dropping of the atom bomb. He maintained an interest in veteran and Marine affairs and was a participant in the Emporia Veterans Day festivities for many years. He actively followed the activities of his children and grandchildren. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and taught many of his grandchildren how to hunt and fish.
He was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Hines-Gossman American Legion Post 320, and VFW, all of Ellinwood. He also served on numerous advisory committees for Barton Community College, the Ellinwood school system, his church and other organizations.
He married Thelma Jean Reed Aug. 22, 1949. Their marriage was truly a marriage of partnership and support.
Survivors include: wife Jean, of the home; sons Robert (Julie) Peter, Ellinwood; Rollie Wayne (Sue Ann) Peter, Raymond; and Brad (Vickie) Peter, Hutchinson; seven grandchildren, Lindsay (Dennis) Cox, Kelly (Mason) Fann, Kelli (Slayton) Rous, Cody (Stephanie McNorton, Joey (Erin) Kaufman, Kerrie Brewer, and Roxanne Flores; and 12 great-grandchildren; sister Jo-Ann (Frank) Kipple, Pueblo, Colo.; brother Mick (Marge) Peter, Tribune; sisters-in-law Maxine Peter and Margaret Peter, Ellinwood. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family all of whom were very important to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Duane Peter and Larry Peter.
A funeral service is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Immanuel United church of Christ, 7th and Fritz Streets, in Ellinwood with Rev. Katrina Palan officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Commanche Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the church or the Hines-Gossman Post 320 Scholarship fund.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 11/11/11

Helen Mae Berscheidt Tomberlin
1917 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — After a long life filled with love for her family and devotion to the land from which she came, Helen Mae Berscheidt Tomberlin passed away Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 at Sterling House in Great Bend.
Mae or “Aunt Mae” as she was lovingly called both by her nieces and nephews and others who were close to her, was born March 7, 1917 in Ellinwood, the third child of Peter and Mayme Berscheidt.
Mae was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Grade School and Ellinwood High School. After graduating from Franklin Business School in Wichita, she worked for Republic Natural Gas in Ellinwood for many years, first as a secretary and later as a field clerk.
Mae was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society.
Mae lived on the family farm with her parents until they moved into Ellinwood in the mid 1950s. She was known for, and took great pride in, the many flowers and plants which she tended so carefully in the yard around the farmhouse — and later in the yard in town.
The extended Berscheidt family would always gather for all the holidays, with the yearly highlights being the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. After the meals were eaten, the afternoons would be spent with everyone playing Bingo, with Mae first reading the numbers and then passing out the often-silly items that she provided as prizes.
Among all her other attributes, Mae was known as the family photographer. Her photos, and those taken by other members of the family, filled the many photo albums which Mae painstakingly assembled through the decades.
Mae married C.J. (Tom) Tomberlin October 21, 1961, and began a new and wonderful phase of her life with Tom and her new stepchildren, Bill and Bonnie. With Tom, Mae traveled to many new places, but also acquired a new yard to cultivate and make beautiful with her attention to the soil and to the wonderful things she could make spring from it.
Tom’s untimely passing in May of 1978 was a burden that Mae always felt, but she nevertheless carried on with great spirit with which she enriched the lives of those around her.
Among other activities, Mae resumed her professional career, working for many years as a bookkeeper in Great Bend, first for Gunn’s Clothing and later for Gallery of Brides.
As the years passed, Mae remained devoted to the Berscheidt family farm. For many years with her sister Margaret, and then for years on her own, she would regularly drive out to the farm, examine the crops, and give reports to the many family members scattered around the country. With her business training and experience, she also meticulously kept the books, always staying on top of the wheat prices and providing counsel to others about farm matters.
Except for her studies in Wichita, Mae was a lifelong resident of Ellinwood until she entered Sterling House in 2007. As a resident, she continued to work on farm business, update the photo albums, and send a steady stream of notes and cards to all her relatives everywhere. She was a constant, loving presence in the lives of everyone in her family, and she will be forever missed.
Mae is survived by her stepson, Bill, El Paso, Texas; her stepdaughter, Bonnie, Ellinwood; her nieces, Myrna, Norwich, N.Y.; Ann, Austin, Texas; Jane, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and her nephews, Gordon, Wichita; Paul, Great Bend; Tim, Houston, Texas; and Jim, Stillwater, Oklahoma.
A funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Altar Society Rosary and a Vigil Service were held Monday at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood. Burial was in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Kimple Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are invited to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Remodeling Fund, and the Arthritis Foundation of America.

Willie Edwin Schultz
1932 - 2011

LITTLETON, Colo. — Willie Edwin Schultz, 78, died on July 7, 2011 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. surrounded by his wife, children and grandson.
Born July 26, 1932 in Russell, he was the son of Alexander David Schultz and Mollie Weimaster Schultz. He grew up on a farm in southeast Russell County and attended a one room school house for the first eight grades. In 1950, he graduated from Russell High School and was involved in football, track and played on the 1949 Russell High School state championship basketball team. In 1990 the team was inducted in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and their 1949 team photo now hangs in the Sports Arena in Hutchinson.
After graduation, he went to work in the oil fields for the Isern Brothers and served in the Army for two years in Texas and Germany during the Korean War. He moved to Ellinwood in 1956 after being discharged from the Army and lived in Ellinwood for 40 plus years before moving to Littleton, Colo. He was in Crude Oil Production.
Mr. Schultz served on the Ellinwood city council; the Peoples State Bank board of directors; the First National Bank & Trust Company board of directors in Great Bend and Ellinwood; as Sunday school superintendent for 10 years at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. He was a Wheat Bowl founder; and served as president and co-owner of Isern-Schultz Oil and Gas, Inc. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and St. Philip Lutheran Church in Littleton, Colo. He enjoyed doodle-bugging, farming, fishing, flying his airplanes, traveling abroad and annual family trips.
On Jan. 16, 1999 he married Marietta (LeBlanc-Shadley) Schultz in Littleton, Colo.
Survivors include his wife, Marietta Schultz, Littleton, Colo.; two sons, Thomas Schultz, Flower Mound, Texas; and Brian Schultz and his wife Jenny, Grapevine, Texas; a daughter, Susan Wilson and her husband Daniel, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; a sister, Esther Rassett, Russell; and three grandchildren, Derek Wilson, Plano, Texas; and Jacqueline and Sophia Schultz, Grapevine, Texas.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Kirk Edwin Schultz and Curtis Lee Schultz; a daughter, Holly Diane Schultz; a brother. Julius Schultz; and a sister, Gladys M. Shadley.
A “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with Pastor Jeffrey Frakes officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association, Ellinwood Area Health Care Foundation or to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 11/4/11

Ruby L. North
1929 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Ruby L. North, 82, died Oct. 30, 2011 at Great Bend Regional Hospital.
She was born Jan. 30, 1929, at Cookeville, TN, to Marion and Elizabeth Dunham Grider.
She was an Ellinwood resident for the past three years, formerly of Baldwin City. After high school, she trained to become a registered nurse in Nashville, TN. After moving to Baldwin City she took the job of school nurse for the school district, where she served for nearly 25 years. She saw this as perhaps her most fulfilling job as she loved working with children and was always willing to help family and friends in the community.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, both in Baldwin City.
On June 19, 1952, she married Lyle W. North at Ottawa. He died Oct. 28, 2007.
Survivors include: a son, Eric and wife Pam North, Topeka; a daughter, Sheila and husband Kurt Rugan, Ellinwood; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Ruth Flatt and Jean Nardini.
After a lengthy illness, Ruby’s faith in the Lord has led her to her heavenly home.
Prayer service 7 p.m. Thursday at Kimple Funeral Chapel, Ellinwood with Rev. Jeff Frakes. Funeral service 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Baldwin City with Rev. Richard Austin. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Kimple funeral home and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Lamb-Roberts, Baldwin City. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City.
Memorials to American Diabetes Association, Gideons International or Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary in care of the funeral homes.

Updated 10/21/11

Dorothy Kirmer
1916 - 2011

MCPHERSON — Dorothy Kirmer, 95, died Oct. 14, 2011 at The Cedars in McPherson.
She was born July 16, 1916 at McCracken, the daughter of Peter Moeder and Martha Werner Moeder.
A McPherson resident, she formerly resided in Ellinwood for more than 50 years. She worked as a receptionist for Dr. E.E. Slough of Ellinwood. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, Ellinwood.
She married John J. Kirmer Aug. 2, 1937 at Odin. He died Oct. 6, 1975.
Survivors include: her daughters, Patricia Herter and husband James, McPherson, and Elaine Kreie and husband William, Ulysses; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Sylvester and Ben Moeder, a sister, Salome Reif, and her husband John.
A funeral service was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Officiant Father Charles Mazouch. Visitation was scheduled from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood. An Altar Society rosary was held at 3 p.m. Monday with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Monday, both at the funeral home. Burial was at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials can be sent to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to The Cedars, McPherson.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple
Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Ronald C. Langel
1940 - 2011

ALDEN - Ronald C. Langel, 71, died Oct. 15, 2011, at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson.
He was born May 21, 1940, in Sterling to Charles Yates and Carolyn Berblinger Langel. He was a lifetime Alden resident. He graduated from Alden High School in 1958. He was a farmer and stockman. He was a member of United Methodist Church, Alden, Kansas Livestock Association and Ducks Unlimited. He was a U.S. Army 82nd Airborne veteran.
On Aug. 4, 1961, he married Carol Harrison in Alden.
Survivors include: his wife, Carol of the home; a daughter, Christine and Todd Oden, Sterling; stepmother, Goldie Harrison, Alden; three grandchildren, Guy, Jill and Brett Oden; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Scott Langel; a sister, Carol McCleskey; and stepfather, Norman Harrison.
Funeral was at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at United Methodist Church, Alden, with the Rev. Amy Slater officiating. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling. Burial was in Alden Valley Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to Alden United Methodist Church or Sterling High School Athletic Dept., in care of the funeral home.

Updated 10/14/11

Richard (Dick) Elsen
1942 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Richard (Dick) Elsen, 68, died Oct. 9, 2011 at his home in Ellinwood.
He was born Nov. 14, 1942 in Colwich, the son of Nicholas Elsen and Emelia Schwartz Elsen.
He was an Ellinwood resident for over 45 years and worked in manufacturing at Marlett Coach in Great Bend.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood.
He married Goldie Staggs on Nov. 14, 1964 in Great Bend.
Survivors include wife, Goldie Elsen of the home; sons, Tim Elsen and wife Shawn of Leon, Todd Elsen and wife Loretta of Ellinwood; daughter, Teri White and husband Scott of Ellinwood; brothers, Ralph Elsen of Dennis, Nick Elsen of Great Bend, Jerome Elsen of Great Bend, and Stan Elsen of Timken; sisters, Vera Henning of Great Bend, Betty Staudinger of Hoisington, and Connie Watts of Great Bend; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Julitta Dyer.
Funeral service was at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. The altar society rosary was at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood. The vigil service was at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Church. Burial was at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary or to Ellinwood EMTs in care of the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple
Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Viola Eggers
1929 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Viola Eggers, 82, died Oct. 10, 2011 at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
She was born Feb. 9, 1929 at Catherine, the daughter of Ludwig and Julia Leiker Staab. She has been a Barton County resident since 1943, formerly of Ellis County.
She was a homemaker; and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Altar Society, Heritage Club, Canasta Club, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and RSVP volunteer, all of Ellinwood.
She married Willis Eugene (Gene) Eggers on Sept. 1, 1951 at Claflin. He died May 6, 1988.
She is survived by sons, Rick and wife Linda Eggers of Great Bend and Gordon and wife Pam Eggers of Ellinwood; daughter, Julia and husband Bill Clemons of Ellinwood; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Alex, Danny and Donald Staab, and sisters, Alvina Randal and Mary Herrman.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Calling time will be 1-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The altar society rosary will be at 3 p.m. Thursday and the vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, both at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Ellinwood Heritage Club or to St. Joseph Church in care of the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple
Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 9/30/11

Guy Anthony Caton
1968 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Guy Anthony Caton, 43, died Sept. 23, 2011 at his home in Ellinwood.
Born May 27, 1968 in Petaluma, Calif., he was the son of Andy Leroy Caton and Valorie Downing Caton. A seven year resident of Ellinwood, formerly of Santa Rosa, Calif., he was employed by L & H Unit Repair.
Survivors include a daughter, Jennifer Caton of Santa Rosa, Calif.; a brother, Andy Caton, of Ellinwood; two sisters, Loretta Jennett and Carol Langham, both of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and a grandmother, Vera Caton, of Ellinwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Brian Caton.
Services are pending at a later date in California.
A Memorial fund has been started at Sunflower Bank.
Arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Linda Irene Bradley
1952 - 2011

Linda Irene Bradley (Veach) the daughter of George and Irene (Slitter) Veach was born July 27, 1952 in Great Bend, Kansas and died on September 23, 2011 in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 59 years, 1 months, and 27 days.
Linda went to great school at St. Joseph Catholic School in Ellinwood, Kansas and went to High School at Ellinwood High. She attended Barton Community College in Great Bend where she completed her associate’s degree. She was confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, Kansas.
On May 24th, 1980 she married Doman Bradley at the Saint Mary Catholic Church in Naponee, Nebraska. This union was blessed with two sons Joshua William and Jacob Lyle. They lived in various places before settling and making their home in Naponee, Nebraska. Linda worked the past 20 years at Franklin County Memorial Hospital as a Laboratory Technician and Supervisor.
Preceding her in death were her mother and father, a brother Don, and father-in-law Lyle Bradley.
Surviving are her husband Damon Bradley of of the home, sons Joshua and wife Kathryn of Minden, Nebraska. Jacob and wife Samantha Bradley of Holdrege, Nebraska. Grandchildren Brandon, Chayce, Caden, Gracelyn, Karsten, Kaitlyn, and Jaelyn, brother Bob and his wife Pat of Bella Vista, Arkansas, mother-in-law Doris Bradley of Wichita, Kansas, Stepmother Florence Veach of Hebron, Nebraska, Sister-in-law Deana and her husband Mike Losey of Wichita, Kansas, brother-in-law Wendell and his wife Paula of Atlanta, Georgia, brother-in-law Todd and his wife Amy Bradley of Naponee, Nebraska along with a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Linda’s wishes were to be cremated and a celebratation service of her life will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to go to Memorials may go in care of a fund set up for Linda’s Grandchildren’s Education.
Condolences may be sent to Hutchins Funeral Home, 1402 M Street, Franklin, Nebraska 68939 or in care of www.hutchinsfh.com Hutchins Funeral Home of Franklin, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.

James Dennis (JD) Sheldon
1979 - 2011

CHASE — James Dennis (JD) Sheldon, 31, died Sept. 26, 2011 at Ellinwood District Hospital.
Born Nov. 26, 1979 in Great Bend, the son of Dennis L. Sheldon and Karen K. Spring-Norwood Sheldon. A resident of Chase, he was a truck driver for Barton County Feeders in Ellinwood and a mechanic for Straub International in Great Bend and for Ochs, Inc. in Otis.
He was a member of the National Songwriters Association.
Survivors include a brother, Robert and wife Susanne Spring, of Derby; two sisters, Debbie Glenn and husband Kirk and Deadra Schlotthauer and fiance Larry Cook, all of Ellinwood; father, Dennis Sheldon and wife Sue of Chase; four nieces; two nephews; and four great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother; and a brother, Edward Paul Sheldon.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Calvary Baptist Church in Ellinwood with the Rev. Mike Joiner officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to EMS or the Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Ryan Joseph Bealer
1989 - 2011

Great Bend-- Ryan Joseph Bealer, 21, died September 20, 2011 at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center, Topeka.
He was born September 25, 1989 at Great Bend, the son of Richard T. and Ruth Anne (Schiller) Bealer. Ryan was a lifetime Great Bend resident. He was a member of Golden Key Honor Society. He was an honor student at Kansas State University, majoring in computer information systems.
Surviviors include his parents, Rick and Ruth Bealer, Great bend; twin brother, Zachary Bealer, Great Bend; a sister, Nicole Jacks, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and uncle and an aunt, Paul and Lynn Schiller, Great Bend; cousins, Lisa Gwin, Jenni Bauer, and Loretta Kirmer and numerous friends.
He was proceeded in death by his materal grandparents, Joseph and Joyce Schiller; and his paternal grandparents, Raymond and Helen Bealer.
A funeral service was scheduled for 2 PM, Saturday, September 24, at Grace Community Church in Great Bend with Officiant Pastor Roy Savage. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery North. Visitation was scheduled from 9 AM- 9 PM. Friday, with the family receiving Memorial funds are established at the Golden Belt Humane Society or Golden Belt Community Foundation for the Ryan Joseph Bealer Memorial Scholarships, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Evelyn May Miller
1931 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Evelyn May Miller, 80, died September 27, 2011 at Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita.
She was born March 17, 1931 at Great Bend, the daughter of Ralph Lester and Ida Panning Bryant. She was a lifetime Barton County resident and a homemaker. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellinwood; past officer in Church Youth League; Lutheran Women’s Missionary League; Ellinwood Ladies Quilting Club; Past 4-H superintendent.
She married Carl George Miller on April 9, 1950 at Ellinwood. He died April 10, 2011.
Survivors include: sons, Maurice (Lila) Miller, Garden City, Keith (Connie) Miller, Great Bend, and Don (Julie) Miller, Geneseo; eight grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by five brothers, Melvin, Vernon, Ralph Orville, Donald and Glenn Bryant; and a sister, Edith Bryant.
Funeral service will be Friday, Sept. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellinwood, with Rev. Jeff Frakes officiating. Friends may call Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m. at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Lakin-Commanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials to St. John’s Building Fund or to the Barton County 4-H Council.

Dale Wilson Ballard
1920 - 2011

LYONS — Dale Wilson Ballard, 91, died September 28, 2011 at Rice County District Hospital, Lyons.
He was born May 27, 1920 at Beloit, the son of Clinton Myrl Ballard, Sr. and Lela May Wilson Ballard. A resident of Lyons since 2004, formerly of Ellinwood, he was a retired farmer. He was an U.S. Army veteran, serving in WWII and the Korean War. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus #1187, VFW, and the Ellinwood Lions Club, all of Ellinwood.
He married Marjorie Clare Grant on April 18, 1941 at Beloit. She died October 26, 1990.
Survivors include: daughter, Margaret and husband Mark Chain, Lyons; two grandchildren: Jeannie and husband Brian Unruh, Louisburg, and Christie and husband Tom Flynn, Andover; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marjorie; daughters Kathleen Ann and Judith Clare; three brothers, Clinton Myrl Jr., Virgil Wayne and Billie Dean Ballard; and a grandson, Matthew John Chain.
Funeral service will be Saturday, Oct. 1, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Friends may call Friday from 1 to 8 p.m. at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood. Altar Society Rosary will be at 3 p.m. Friday. Vigil Service will be Friday at 7 p.m., both at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials to Good Samaritan Society, Lyons or to St. Joseph’s School Living Legacy Fund.

Updated 9/23/11

Helen Mae Frees
1924 - 2011

GREAT BEND — Helen Mae Frees, 86, died Sept. 20, 2011, at Rehabilitation Center of Raymore in Raymore, Mo.
She was born Dec. 28, 1924, in rural Ellinwood, the daughter of William and Bertha E. Bayer Peters.
She was a longtime resident of Great Bend, living in Arizona and Missouri for the last eight years. She was a 1942 Ellinwood High School graduate; volunteer with both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; active in forming an EHU Bridge club and women’s Cosmopolitan Club.
She was a homemaker, secretary for Wolf Mill in Ellinwood and business manager and part owner of Frees/Dunlap Pharmacy in Great Bend.
On Dec. 3, 1945, she married Lynwood P. Frees at Ellinwood. He died on Aug. 5, 1999.
Mrs. Frees was a member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood.
Survivors include a son, Jerry Lynn Frees and wife Carol, Ellinwood; a daughter, Janice Lynette Hildebrand and husband Steve, Lees Summit, Mo.; and two grandchildren, Lacy Frees, Shawnee; and Austin Frees, Raymond.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Immanuel United Church of Christ of Ellinwood with the Rev. Katrina Palan officiating. Burial will be in the Lakin-Commanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may visit from 1-8 p.m. Friday, with family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m., at Kimple Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood or Heart of America Alzheimer’s Association Team: Helen Mae Hope.

Majorie M. Detmer
1928 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Majorie M. Detmer, 83, died Sept. 14, 2011 at Ellinwood District Hospital.
She was born Aug. 7, 1928 at Willowdale, the daughter of Andrew Peter Ziegler and Katherine Thimesch Ziegler.
She was a 35 year Ellinwood resident, previously of Great Bend, Turon and Willowdale. She was the retired dental assistant for Dan Davis DDS and was a clerk for Grace’s Fabric in Great Bend.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Altar Society of Ellinwood.
She was married to Andrew L. Detmer on Sept. 25, 1951 at Willowdale.
She is survived by her husband, Andrew L. Detmer, of the home; daughters, Vicki and Dan Haselhorst of Great Bend, Debbie and Ken Debes of Hays, Linda and Mark Ille of Ellinwood; brothers, Albert Ziegler and Levi Ziegler, both of Kingman; and sister, Joan Boor of Attica; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Wilfred, John and Leo Ziegler; a sister, Lucille Vierthaler; and a son-in-law, Dennis Axman.
Service was at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Calling time was from 1-8 p.m. on Friday at Kimple Funeral Home. Altar Society rosary was at 3 p.m. and the vigil was at 7 p.m., both on Friday at Kimple Funeral Home. Burial was at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Ellinwood Area Health Care Foundation and St. Joseph School Living Legacy Fund.

Harold Edward Boepple
1940 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Harold Edward Boepple, 70 died Sept. 19, 2011 at St. Francis Via Christi Hospital in Wichita.
He was born Oct. 29, 1940 in Great Bend, the son of Ed and Dorothy Roelse Boepple.
A lifetime Ellinwood resident, he was an oilfield worker at Weatherford Services, retiring in 1998. He graduated in 1959 from Ellinwood High School. He was also co-owner of G&H Insurance in Great Bend.
Mr. Boepple married Carol Standlee. She died in 1963. He then married Gwyn Moreland on June 19, 1966 at Hoxie.
Survivors include wife Gwyn, of the home; sons, Eddie Boepple of Ellinwood and Clay Boepple of Great Bend; daughter, Lisa and Bruce Taylor of Great Bend; step-daughter Cindy and Don Oswald of Alva, OK; and brothers, Jerold Boepple of Monahans, TX, Fred Boepple of Weatherford, OK, and Dennis Boepple of Salina; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jannette Kistler.
Celebration service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church in Ellinwood. The officiant will be Rev. Dr. Melvin York. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials can be made to Turningpoint Ministries or donor’s choice.
Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth Dale Eiland
1935 - 2011

CAMDEN, Arkansas - Kenneth Dale Eiland, 76, went to be with the LORD on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 while in Ouachita County Medical Center, Camden, Arkansas, after being diagnosed with cancer in February, 2010.
He was born to J.D and Ruby Dale (Ball) Eiland on August 10, 1935 in Gurdon, AR. He attended Camden-Fairview High School.
He is survived by a brother, Freddie Don Eiland of the family home.
Kenny met Darlene Shultz in 1957. They married on March 23, 1958 in the United Methodist Church of Ellinwood, Kansas. She survives.
They spent much of their married life in Kansas, but also lived in Lockport, LA and Camden, AR. He worked for many years in the oilfield both on land and off shore.
Together they reared six children: Onita Jones and late husband, Roy of Longville, LA, Darrell and wife Michele of Hays, KS, Jeff and wife Michelle of Camden, AR, Amanda Schwab and husband John of Liberal, KS, Teresa Bates and husband Brett of Dallas, TX and Angela Webb and husband Everette of Lebanon, MO. They have been blessed with 21 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
In 2004, the couple moved from Ellinwood, KS to Camden, AR where they currently reside.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Durwood and Rufus and one sister, Sybil Young.
Services will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., Proctor Funeral Home, Camden, and on Saturday, September 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Interment will be in Wildemead Cemetery, Nickerson, KS.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Ouachita County Medical Center Hospice, P.O. Box 797, Camden, AR 71701.
Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register visit
www.proctorfuneralhome.com

Arlene Lois Barber
1930 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Arlene Lois Barber, 81, died Sept. 12 at SeniorCare Home in Overland Park.
Born July 8, 1930, at Ellinwood, she was the daughter of William and Bertha Elizabeth Bayer Peters.
A longtime Ellinwood resident, moving to Kansas City in 2007, she was a business graduate of Fort Hays State University where she was an active alumnus for many years. She also held degrees in psychology, elementary education, sociology and social work with an emphasis in drug and alcohol counseling.
She was a member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood. She was active with the Ellinwood schools, her woman’s circle and Barton County Community College.
On June 1, 1952, she married Roy Jesse Barber in Ellinwood. He died on Oct. 3, 2006.
Survivors include her son, Rex A. Barber of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three daughters, Renee M. Button of Wichita, Rhonda K. Groves of Kansas City, Mo., and Kristie B. LeMond of Tempe, Ariz.; a sister, Helen Mae Frees of Raymore, Mo.; and six grandchildren, Seren LeMond, Haley Button, Matthew Groves, Samuel Groves, Sara Barber and Madeline Barber.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood with the Rev. Katrina Palan officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Commanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Kimple Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel United Church of Christ, Fort Hays State University or EMI.

Edward Albert Swanson

Taylors, SC. - Edward Albert Swanson, 74, of Taylors, SC., husband of Evelyn Heckele Swanson, died Monday, August 8, 2011 at St. Francis, Downtown.
Born in Chicago, IL., he was the son of the late Paul and Sadie Egerter Swanson.
Mr. Swanson was retired from the United States Air Force, following 24 years of service, and was later employed with Michelin Tire for 16 years and Flour Daniel for 5 years. He was of the Catholic faith.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Lee Ann Swanson of Mauldin; and a grandson, Timothy Steven Swanson of the home. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Lester and Robert Swanson.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1209 Brushy Creek Roak, Taylors, SC 29687 or the Greenville, County Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29609.
The funeral service was held Thursday, August 11, 2011 in the downtown chapel. Burial was in Wood Memorial Park.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com

Gary D. Dannebohm
1944 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Gary D. Dannebohm, 67, died September 1 at the Kansas Soldiers Home in For Dodge. Born May 11, 1944, in Great Bend, he was the son of Stanley Dannebohm and Lillian Irene Parker Dannebohm. A longtime resident of Ellinwood, moving to the Kansas Soldier’s Home in Fort Dodge, he was truck driver.
Mr. Dannebohm served in the United States Army for two years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ellinwood.
Survivors include on son, Scott Dannebohm of South Texas; a daughter, Stacy Dannebohm of Great Bend; three brothers, Larry Dannebom, Donald Dannebohm and Robert Dannebohm, all of Ellinwood; a sister Marilyn Meyer and Bob of Garden City; and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Kimple Funeral Chapel in Ellinwood with the Rev. Dave Wesner officiating. Burial was at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie or the Kansas Soldiers’ Home in Dodge City.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home Inc., Ellinwood.

Jerry L. Kaiser
1950 - 2011

ELLINWOOD – Jerry L. Kaiser, 61, died Sept. 3, 2011, at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood.
He was born April 3, 1950, in Great Bend, the son of John and Leona Blazek Kaiser. A lifetime Elliwnood resident, he was retired from law enforcement.
He married Dana Fischer on Sept. 8, 1979, in Great Bend.
Survivors include: a son, Chad L. and Kendra Kaiser of Great Bend; two daughters, Christa J. and Charlie Chesmore of Topeka, and Cami S. and Josh Thomas of Ellinwood; a brother, Marvin and Linda Kaiser of Great Bend; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Funeral was at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Emergency Medical Services or the Wetlands at Cheyenne Bottoms.
Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, in charge of arrangements.

Bill Nelson
1934 - 2011

SAN SABA, TX – Bill Nelson, 77, passed away on September 1, 2011 at his ranch in San Saba, TX, surrounded by his family and his beloved dog Maggie.
Bill was born on January 8, 1934 in Great Bend, Kansas. He grew up in Ellinwood, Kansas, graduated from Ellinwood High School then followed his high school sweetheart, Nancy Olson, to Texas. He graduated from the University of Houston and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
He and Nancy were married on August 5, 1956 in Houston, TX.
He worked for Brown Oil Tool putting himself through college, worked in the treasury department of Cameron Iron Works and did financial consulting work for several companies. In 1969, Bill and Nancy moved to Katy, Texas where they raised their family. In 1993, he moved to Cedar Park, TX, and started Nelson’s Landscape Services with Nancy and daughter Jami. In 1996 he and Nancy bought their ranch in San Saba. Bill loved to hunt and fish, loved his neighbors and friends and he especially loved his family.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Nelson of San Saba, TX; son, Ken Nelson and his wife Kathy of Bryan, TX; daughters, Jami Nelson of Liberty Hill, TX and Jennifer Repass and her husband Rob of Austin, TX; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Nelson, Drew Nelson, Wes Repass and Ryleigh Repass; sisters, Rita Miller of St. John, Kansas and Candy Faske and her husband Alan of Katy, TX.

Eugene ‘Gene’ R. Starnes
1930 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Eugene (Gene) R. Starnes, 80, died Aug. 27, 2011, at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood.
He was born Sept. 30, 1930, at Kansas City, KS, to Walter Johnson Starnes and Julia Catherine Bush Starnes.
A longtime resident of Ellinwood and Chase, he had been a policeman in Ellinwood and retired from Fuller Brush in Great Bend.
Mr. Starnes was a tail gunner for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the U.S. Air Force Air Police in the Korean War. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post No. 3011.
He married Edna Kathryn LeManske on Feb. 18, 1952, at Stonypoint, KS.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Gregory Starnes of Natoma, and Kelly Starnes and companion Roxie Edwards of Ellinwood; two daughters, Kathy Cowley and husband Terry of Natoma, and Lori Starnes and longtime companion Gregg Kowalsky of Ellinwood; three brothers, Jim, Phillip and Russell Starnes; four sisters, JoAnn, Mary, Alice and Dorothy; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kimple Funeral Chapel in Ellinwood, with the Rev. Rick Standlee officiating. Burial was at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice Care of Kansas or to Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home Inc., Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 8/23/11

Victoria E. Miller
1921 ~ 2011

Victoria E. Miller, 89, died August 15 at Via Christi-St. Joseph Medical Center, Wichita. Born October 20, 1921, she was the daughter of John and Olive (Huddelston) Moore. On April 7, 1945 she married Leslie J. Miller at Great Bend. He died April 7, 1993. She was a homemaker and a Hoisington resident since 1945 coming from Tribune. She enjoyed spending time with family, going to the lake with her husband, playing cards, quilting and scrap booking.
She is survived by four sons: Curtis Miller and wife Carmen, Pagosa Springs, CO; Denny Miller of Hoisington; Warren Miller and wife Elaine, Derby; and Steven Miller and wife Concetta, Grain Valley, MO. Four daughters, Martha McCarty and husband Lonnie, Ellinwood; Claudine Vanley, Napa Valley, CA; Sharron Lane, Salina; and Roberta Shannon and husband Charles, Salina; one brother Don Moore, Greeley, CO; 23 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter Janice Manley, son, Roger Miller, three sisters, Velma Graves, Fern Wertz, and Vesta wall, and a grandson, Eric Brewer.
Funeral service was Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington with the Reverend Don Fisher officiating. Interment at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorial fund suggested to the Glaucoma Foundation in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 8/12/11

Luetta Mae ‘Lu’ Jenisch
1929 - 2011

GREAT BEND — Luetta Mae ‘Lu’ Jenisch, 81, died August 3, 2011 at the Ellinwood District Hospital.
She was born Dec. 1, 1929 at Ellinwood, the daughter of Joseph ‘Joe’ Ferdinand and Kathryn Theresa (Heinz) Jenisch.
Miss Jenisch attended St. Joseph Grade School, Ellinwood, and was a 1947 graduate of Ellinwood High School. She attended St. Rose School of Nursing, earning her Registered Nurse license in 1950. She was a registered nurse for Dr. Findley Law, Ellinwood. Miss Jenisch was a lifetime Ellinwood and Great Bend resident. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Altar Society.
Survivors include two brothers: Dan Jenisch and wife Gail, Billings, Mo.; Richard Jenisch and wife Judy, Sublette; four nephews, Bryan Jenisch, Gregory Jenisch, Andrew Jenisch and Jason Jenisch; four nieces, Julie Corbett, Sarah Jane Harter, Jill Stout and Jamie Immediato, and numerous great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Wally Jenisch; and a sister, Jeanette Haak.
A Mass of Christian burial was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 6 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with Celebrant Father Don Bedore. Interment took place at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Parish, in care of the Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.

Willie Edwin Schultz
1932 - 2011

LITTLETON, Colo. - Willie Edwin Schultz, 79, died July 7, 2011 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., surrounded by his wife, children and grandson.
Born July 26, 1932, in Russell, he was the son of Alexander David Schultz and Mollie Weimaster Schultz.
He grew up on the farm in southeast Russell County, and attended a one-room school house for the first eight grades. In 1949 he graduated from Russell High School, where he was involved in football, track and played on the 1949 State Championship basketball team. In 1990 the team was inducted in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and their 1949 team photo now hangs in the Sports Arena in Hutchinson. After graduation, he went to work in the oil fields for the Isern Brothers. He moved to Ellinwood in 1956, where he lived for more than 40 years before moving to Littleton. He was in crude oil production, and was president and co-owner of Isern-Schultz Oil & Gas Inc. Mr. Schultz served in the Army for two years in Texas and Germany during the Korean War. He served on the Ellinwood City Council, the Peoples State Bank Board of Directors, the First National Bank & Trust Co. Board of Directors in Great Bend and Ellinwood, as Sunday School Superintendent for 10 years at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. He was a Wheat Bowl Founder. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and St. Philip Lutheran Church in Littleton, Colo. He enjoyed doodle-bugging, farming, fishing, flying his airplanes, traveling abroad and annual family trips.
On Jan. 16, 1999 he married Marietta (LeBlanc-Shadley) Schultz, in Littleton, Colo.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Thomas Schultz of Flower Mound, Texas, and Brian Schultz and his wife Jenny of Grapevine, Texas; a daughter, Susan Wilson and her husband Daniel of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; a sister, Esther Rassette of Russell; three grandchildren, Derek Wilson of Plano, Texas, and Jacqueline and Sophia Schultz of Grapevine, Texas.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Kirk Edwin Schultz and Curtis Lee Schultz; and a daughter, Holly Diane Schultz; a brother, Julius Schultz; and a sister, Gladys M. Shadley.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 12 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with Pastor Jeff Frakes officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association, Ellinwood Area Health Care Foundation, or to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 8/8/11

Jerry R. Reames
1949 - 2011

Jerry Ronald Reames, 62, died June 28, 2011, at Kenwood View Nursing Home in Salina, Kansas. He was born June 18, 1949, at Paris, Arkansas, to Roy Lee and Mathilda Kowalsky Reames. Jerry grew up in Ellinwood, Kansas, attending St. Joseph School and Ellinwood High School. He married Teresa Kincaid on June 15, l973, in Boomer, West Virginia. They were divorced. He later married Reiko Yukawa on August 1, 1991, in Fukuoka, Japan. They also divorced.
Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September of 1968 and retired in August of 1994, an ABFC (Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Chief Petty Officer). His tours of duty included: the USS Iwo Jima; USS Independence; Naval Air Station/Lakehurst, NJ; Mobile Aviation Fuels Team/Norfolk, VA; USS Inchon; Naval Station Brig/Norfolk, VA; Marine Corps Air Station/Iwakuni, Japan; and Naval Air Station/Agana, Guam. During his career, he earned the Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, (6 awards), Overseas Service Ribbon (6 awards) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Survivors include sons Jerry, Jr., of Clarksburg, WV, and Chad of Charleston, WV; daughters Shelly Gillenwater of Griffithsville, WV, and Sarah Reames of Casselberry, FL; stepfather Ray Kincaid of Hutchinson, KS; sisters Rena Spanier of Colorado Springs, CO, and Mary Ann Zink of Larned, KS; grandchildren Christian Quinonez, Jeri Paige, Tobias, Chad, Jr., Jazmin, Damion, Brandon and Isaic Reames, and Triston and Hayley Gillenwater; and longtime companion, Hope Biles of Salina, KS. He was predeceased by his mother, Mathilda Kowalsky Kincaid, his father, an infant brother, Roy, Jr., and grandson, Justin.
Graveside service with military honors will be held Monday, August 8th at 9 a.m., at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood, KS, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Visitation will follow at St. Joseph Parish Hall in Ellinwood.
The family, in gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of America’s military and their families, suggests memorials to the USO: online at www.uso.org, or by mail to USO, Department WS, P. O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860. Condolences may be sent to the family at 108 E. 15th Street, Larned, Ks 67550, or online at www.valleyoflife.com/Jerry_Reames.

Gladys T. Muller
1916 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Gladys T. Muller, 94, died July 30, 2011, at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood.
Born Oct. 3, 1916, in rural Seward, she was the daughter of Wilbert William Dewey and Josephine Sims. A resident of south Great Bend, moving to Ellinwood in 1938, she was a homemaker and Certified Nurse Aide at Ellinwood District Hospital for over 20 years.
On Aug. 6, 1938, she married Adolph Muller at Howard. He died Feb. 5, 1989.
Mrs. Muller was a member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ and the Sunshine Club, both of Ellinwood.
Survivors include a son, Gary Ray Muller of Ellinwood; a sister, Marie Rogers of Phoenix, Ariz.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers, Devon, Harold and Wayne Dewey; and two sisters, Venita Neulin and Marjorie Keller.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Kimple Funeral Chapel in Ellinwood with the Rev. Katrina Palan officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may visit from 1-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood.

John ‘Luebbs’ Luebbers
1943 - 2011

John Luebbers (Luebbs), 67, passed away on August 1, 2011 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington.
John Luebbers was born on September 11, 1943. He married Joan Boor on August 16, 1969 in Odin, Kansas.
He worked for Hartman Oil Company as a pumper and was a lifelong resident of Ellinwood. He also was a member of the Ellinwood Knights of Columbus #1187 and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
He enjoyed working in the oil field, spending time with family as well as hunting.
Survivors include, wife Joan Luebbers, of the home, one daughter, Staci Urban and husband Travis of Hoisington, KS, two sisters, JoAnn Bieberle and husband Clarence of Hoisington, KS and Alice Smith of Garber, OK, one brother, Borbert Luebbers and wife Ann of Ellinwood, KS, numberous nieces and nephews as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, John and Josephine Boor, and four sisters, Annette Mall, Bea Mooney, Dorothy Mae Bishop and Louise Schreifles.
Services were held on Thursday, August 4th at 10 AM at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington. Following the services interment was at the Holy Family Cemetery in Odin, KS.

Updated 7/29/11

Helen Mae Standlee

Helen Mae Standlee, 81, passed away at the Ellinwood District Hospital on July 22, 2011.
Helen married Kenneth Carl Standlee on June 29, 1946 in Hays, Kansas. He died September 11, 2008.
She was a homemaker. She also did painting and papering. Mrs. Standlee was an Ellinwood, Kansas resident since 1964, coming from Plainville, Kansas. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Ellinwood. She enjoyed fishing, garage sales, and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include two sons; Jerry Standlee and wife Mary of Ellinwood and Rick Standlee and wife Jacci of Ellinwood, KS, ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Helen was preceded in death by son, Curtis Standlee; two brothers, Don Berryhill and Bud Berryhill; two sisters, Opal Berryhill and Erma Reeves; and one grandson, Kenneth M. Standlee.
Services for both Kenneth and Helen were Tuesday, July 26 at Bryant Funeral Home at 11 AM with Officiant Pastor Rick Standlee. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Frederick Lawrence Hiss
1929 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — Frederick (Lawrence) Hiss, 81, died July 25 at the Rice County District Hospital in Lyons.
Born Oct. 26, 1929 in Great Bend, he was the son of Fred Hiss and Mary Janne Hiss. A lifetime resident of Barton County and Rice County, he worked at Merring’s Inc. as an appliance repairman from 1956-57 and was a farmer. He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1947.
Mr. Hiss served in the Korean War. He was active in Grace Lutheran Church in Lyons, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, financial secretary, choir and elder. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood, was in Lutheran Laymen’s League serving on local, zone and state boards including LLL -LWML Family Retreat for five years, LLL Reporter, Electricity Project Leader for Fairplay 4-H, Electricity Superintendent for the Rice County 4-H Fair, Holyrood American Legion #320 Hines-Grossman Ellinwood in 2004, Veterans of Foreign War of Lyons and Ellinwood, president of the Rice County Farm Bureau and served on the board of Rice County Pork Producers, board of directors of the Bushton Grain Coop 1983-89, Ellinwood Historical Society, Barton County Historical Society, Retired Senior Volunteer program, and Men’s Prayer Breakfast.
On Aug. 26, 1956 he married Elinor Bryant in Ellinwood.
Survivors include, his wife, Elinor Hiss of the home; a son, Richard Lee and wife Sharon Hiss of Great Bend; a daughter, DeAnn Marie and husband Alan Hauser of Humboldt; a brother, Loren Hiss of Great Bend; two sisters, Verna Hewitt of Ellinwood and Marilyn Button of Great Bend; three granddaughters; and one great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bryan Hiss; and a brother, Edwin Hiss.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with the Rev. Jeff Frakes officiating. Burial was at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or the Ellinwood Fire/Ambulance Department.

Updated 7/15/11

F. William (Bill) Koop
1919 - 2011

ELLINWOOD — F. William (Bill) Koop, 91, died July 7 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood. Born Nov. 5, 1919, near Mitchell, S.D., he was the son of Ferdinand and Mary Winter Koop. In 1937, he graduated from Mitchell High School in Mitchell, S.D. In 1948 and 1950 he graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Washington, Seattle. He was awarded a Carnegie Fellowship in 1949.
A resident of Ellinwood since 1990, he was employed for two years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Lincoln, Neb., and for 33 years with the U.S. Department of Interior in Boise, Idaho; Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colo.; and Washington, D.C. While with the Interior Department, he served for 16 years as Executive Officer of the Office of Water Research and Technology. That office was the leading developer of the reverse osmosis desalting technology that is now used worldwide for water purification. He also served 17 years as a management analyst and senior contracting officer in the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation. In 1973, he was named a Meritorious Service Award recipient.
On June 2, 1990, he married Ada E. Hammer in Ellinwood.
Mr. Koop served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corps, B-17 bombers, during World War II, with service in England, Africa and Italy as well as air bases at locations in the United States. In August 1942, his 97th bomb group was the first U.S. bomb group to fly against Germany.
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. He served in leadership positions in Lutheran Churches in Seattle, Wash.; Boise, Idaho; and Arlington, Va. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and Heritage Club, both in Ellinwood.
Survivors include his wife, Ada E. Koop, of the home; a sister, Lorraine Lazerus of Moorpark, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Jane Koop of Basking Ridge, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lawrence Koop and Arthur Koop; and a sister, Mildred Metzger.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with the Rev. Jeff Frakes officiating. Burial was at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to the church.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home, 113 N. Main P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 7/1/11

Anneliese B. Graham
1944 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Anneliese B. Graham, 66, died June 21, 2011 at Hays Medical Center.
She was born July 25, 1944 in Bischofsheim Hessen, Germany, the daughter of Jacob Dragon and Sofie Dragon. She was a retired medical records tech at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood.
She was married to Freddie VanSteenburgh and later, on Aug. 15, 1975 she married Richard Dwayne Graham. He died on March 19, 1997.
Survivors include a son, Jason Graham, Manhattan; a daughter, Tatjana Chace, Towanda; a stepson, Devin Graham; two stepdaughters, Abby Carpenter and Venissa McMillian; two brothers in Germany; a sister in Germany; and three grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Darren Clint VanSteenburgh; and a stepson, Bland Graham.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 24 at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood, with the Rev. Jason Winget officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Anneliese Graham Memorial Fund.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple, Inc. Funeral Home, P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS, 67526.

Updated 6/24/11

Anneliese Brigette Graham

ELLINWOOD - Anneliese Brigette Graham, 66, died June 21, 2011 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS.
Arrangements are pending at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Doris M. McCullah Fair
1920 - 2011

Doris May McCullah Fair, 91, died June 13, 2011, in Federal Way, Washington. She was born February 7, 1920 in Mariposa County, California, to John D. and Mary G. Swope McCullah.
She married Harry Eugene (Gene) Fair on August 23, 1941, near Alden, Kansas. He died November 14, 1973.
Survivors include two daughters: Jean and Dennis Dody of Federal Way, Washington, and Nancy and Ron Ricker of Raymond, Kansas; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Steven A. Fair, her parents, and five brothers: Jack W., Melvin W., Glenn A., Bob L., and Duke D. McCullah.
She was a longtime resident of Alden, Kansas, working as a homemaker and helper on the family farm. She was a member of the Alden Baptist Church. She attended San Jose State College where she was a member of the Black Masque Honorary, and then graduated from Kansas State University in 1973 with a degree in social work. She was employed by Meals on Wheels in Wichita, then moved and worked in the Seattle, Washington area. Upon retirement, she traveled and read extensively, and enjoyed hobbies of photography and doll-making.
Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, at the Alden Baptist Church, with Rev. Bob Bethell officiating. Private burial in Alden Valley Cemetery will take place prior to the service. Memorials to Alden Baptist Church or charity of choice in care of the funeral home are suggested in lieu of flowers.

Updated 6/17/11

Doris May Fair

FEDERAL WAY, Washington -- Doris May Fair, 91, died June 13, 2011 at Tuscan Adult Family Home in Federal Way, WA.
Survivors and arrangements are pending with Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Fred W. Meyer

YUMA, Ariz. -- Fred W. Meyer, 87, formerly of Ellinwood and Great Bend, passed away June 7, 2011 at his home in Yuma, Ariz.
A memorial service will be held in Kansas at a later date. The Yuma Mortuary and Crematory is handling arrangements.

Updated 6/14/11

Ellen Dasher
1944 - 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH - Ellen Dasher, 66, passed to heaven June 4, 2011. She fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma for 7.5 years.
She is survived by her loving husband, Al Dasher; three children, Meredith Cornwall, Will Dasher and Steve Dasher; four grandchildren, Logan Dasher (12), Alexander Cornwall (10), Riley Dasher (9), and Elizabeth Cornwall (8), all residing in Virginia Beach. She is also survived by two sisters, Lovina Freed of Rockledge, Fla., and Jerry Stout of Wichita, Kan. Also surviving is her aunt, Ida Belle Combs, aged 100 years (formerly of Ellinwood) in Lakepoint of Wichita, KS.
Ellen Dasher was born in the Great Bend Hospital on November 24, 1944 as Bertha Ellen Kinnear and attended elementary and high school in Ellinwood, KS.
Ellen had a career of 23 years at Trans World Airlines as a flight attendant. Many of her friends were bridge players, golfers, tennis players and church goers. Ellen had been a member of Spring Branch Community Church for more than 11 years. She participated in numerous volunteer activities at SBCC.
A celebration memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Spring Branch Community Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC Box 3624 Durham NC 27710. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Sara Ann Riffel Ames
1917 - 2011

Sara Ann Riffel Ames, 93, died June 1, 2011 at Good Samaritan Center in Lyons.
She was born December 12, 1917 in Wakeeny to Jacob and Mary Hanhardt Riffel. She moved to Ellinwood in 1956, from the family farm and resided there for 55 years. She was a farm wife and licensed practical nurse. She graduated Hich School and attended Ft. Hays College. She transferred to St. Rose Nurses Training in Great Bend where she received her Practical Nurses License. She was a member of United Methodist Church in Ellinwood. She was a member of the Bridge Group and Sunflower Polka Club both of Great Bend.
She married Wilbur Russell Ames II on May 18, 1939 in Larned. He proceded her in death on August 8, 1982.
Survivors include: three sons, Wilbur “bill” Russell and Gayle Ames, Kansas City; John Leland Ames and David Charles Ames, both of Ellinwood; daughter, Karolyn Sue & John Bellamy, Escondido, California; special friends, Frank Roesler & Vicki Morris; five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren two step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2011 at Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Reverend Robert Friesen officiated. Burial was at Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Visitation was from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, June 5, 2011 and 9-10:45 a.m. Monday at Birzer Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers Ellinwood United Methodist Church or Ellinwood Emergency Medical Service in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Warren “Swanee” Oliver Johnson
1921 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Warren “Swanee” Oliver Johnson, 90, died June 4 at Country Place Senior Living in Ellinwood.
Born May 27, 1921 in Ellinwood, he was the son of Edward John Johnson and Della Unruh. He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo. A longtime resident of Ellinwood, formerly of Oklahoma and Texas, he was an independent petroleum geologist. On Sept. 13, 1948 he married Helen Dowdy in Phoenix, Ariz. She died on Sept. 12, 2009.
Mr. Johnson was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. He was a member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ, Rotary Club, Grove Park Golf Club, all of Ellinwood, the Kansas Geological Society, and the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association.
Survivors include his two sons, Wade and Denise Johnson of Reno, Nev. and Mark Johnson of San Jose, Calif.; a daughter, Jan and Phil Roth of Topeka; a Cypriot Exchange student son, Tomas Constantinides; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. today at the Immanuel UCC in Ellinwood with the Rev. Debbie Rains officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to the church or the Ellinwood Rotary Club.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple, Inc. Funeral Home, 113 N. Main, P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Chad W. Henkle
1974 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Chad W. Henkle, 37, died June 2, at Ellinwood District Hospital. Born April 25, 1974, in Great Bend, he was the son of Robert Henkle and Karen Rehme Herrenbruck. He attended Ellinwood High School. An Ellinwood resident for the past 25 years, formerly of St. John, he was employed by Pawnee County Co-op as the ag fertilizer terminal manager in Ellinwood. On April 30, 1999, he married Denise Dietz in Great Bend.
Survivors include his wife, Denise, of the home; a son, Wyatt Henkle of the home; a daughter, Shelby, of the home; his father, Robert Henkle of Newton; his mother Karen Herrenbruck of Ellinwood; a brother, Shane Herrenbruck of Ellinwood; a sister, Melissa Mead of Larned; and his grandfather, Walter (Norms) Rehme of Miami, Okla.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Peace Church north of Hudson with the Rev. Wade Russell officiating. Burial will be at the Peace Church cemetery near Hudson. Friends may call from 1-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested the Henkle Children Education Fund.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc., Funeral Home, 113 N. Main, P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, Ks. 67526.

Ellen Dasher
1944 - 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH - Ellen Dasher, 66, passed to heaven June 4, 2011. She fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma for 7.5 years.
She is survived by her loving husband, Al Dasher; three children, Meredith Cornwall, Will Dasher and Steve Dasher; four grandchildren, Logan Dasher (12), Alexander Cornwall (10), Riley Dasher (9), and Elizabeth Cornwall (8), all residing in Virginia Beach. She is also survived by two sisters, Lovina Freed of Rockledge, Fla., and Jerry Stout of Wichita, Kan. Also surviving is her aunt, Ida Belle Combs, aged 100 years (formerly of Ellinwood) in Lakepoint of Wichita, KS.
Ellen Dasher was born in the Great Bend Hospital on November 24, 1944 as Bertha Ellen Kinnear and attended elementary and high school in Ellinwood, KS.
Ellen had a career of 23 years at Trans World Airlines as a flight attendant. Many of her friends were bridge players, golfers, tennis players and church goers. Ellen had been a member of Spring Branch Community Church for more than 11 years. She participated in numerous volunteer activities at SBCC.
A celebration memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Spring Branch Community Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, DUMC Box 3624 Durham NC 27710. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Updated 6/3/11

Jerry Lynn Griffith
1931 - 2011

Derby - Jerry Lynn Griffith, 80, died May 25, 2011 in Derby, Kansas.
Jerry was born January 26, 1931 in Tulsa, OK. He grew up primarily in Ellinwood, Kansas until he moved to Winfield, Kansas his junior year and graduated from Winfield High School in 1949. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Southwestern College in 1953. He served his country in the United States Army, Counter Intelligence Corps from 1953 to 1955. After his service, Jerry earned his Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in 1957 and moved to Derby, Kansas where he practiced as an attorney until his retirement in 2001. He served the people of Derby as City Attorney for over seventeen years and as a state representative from 1960 to 1968. He was a lifetime member of the American, Kansas, and Sedgwick County Bar Associations and belonged to numerous civic organizations.
He is survived by his children Jeffrey (Christine) of Derby, Scot (Suzanne) of Glendale, AZ, Lynn (Nelson) Robertson of Edmond, OK, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Corinne Griffith, his brothers, Bert and Floyd and two sons, Bruce and Mark.
Visitation with the family was held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at Smith Mortuary - Derby. Funeral service was 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, Derby.
A memorial fund has been established with the Derby Community Foundation, P.O. Box 372, Derby, KS 67037. www.smithfamilymortuaries.com

Updated 5/27/11

Wayne Elden Hanna
1938 - 2011

Wayne Elden Hanna, 73, passed away May 7 at his home in Ellinwood.
He married Marilyn Boerger, December 31, 1959, she survives.
Graveside Services will be held Saturday, June 4th at 11 am at Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Bentley, Ks with US Army Military Honors.
Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church in Great Bend or Ellinwod Area Health Care Foundation, c/o Kimple Funeral Home. P.O. Box 246 Ellinwood, Ks 67526.

Updated 5/20/11

Willadean Blehm
1934 - 2011

Guymon, OK - Willadean Blehm, 76, of Guymon, passed away Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 at the Memorial Hospital of Texas County.
Willadean was born in Pawnee County, Oklahoma to Lloyd and Eula (Collins) Stephens on October 3, 1934. She was baptized on Easter in 1945 at the age of 11. She graduated from Plainville, Kansas High School in May 1954. A friend of hers, Donna Adams, casually introduced her to her brother, John S. “Jack” Blehm at a social gathering. Jack fell in love with Willadean’s smile and her happiness of life. They were married at the Plainville First Christian Church on August 27, 1959. They started a family and raised five children together: Paula A., John S., Jr., Joseph S., Janel S. and James D. Blehm.
She was a native Oklahoman and was a part of the Guymon community since 1985. Willadean had a love for life and was always a happy person and had a smile and kind words for EVERYONE. She had a love for all people and always enjoyed sitting on the porch in the summer, welcoming anyone that wanted to come visit, including her mail carrier, Ron. Paper routes were a part of the Blehm family since the kids were young, and even after they became busy with school, Willadean continued on with the route, which was a great opportunity for her to greet and socialize with her patrons and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, John III and Joseph.
Survivors include her husband, Jack of the home; three children: Paula Ann Yandle and husband, James of Noble, Oklahoma, Janel Bowers and husband, Robert of Thornton, Colorado and James Blehm of St. Paul, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Jessica Yandle, Sarah Yandle and Keelie Hoffman; and two brothers: Lloyd Stephens, Jr. and wife, Betty Lou of Yukon, Oklahoma and Gary Stephens, and wife, Katie of Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life service was held Saturday morning, May 14th at 10:00 a.m. at the New Life Christian Center in Guymon, 405 N. Main, with Rev. John Henry officiating. Graveside services was conducted Monday afternoon, May 16th at 3:00 p.m. at the Kolb Cemetery in Spencer, Oklahoma with Rev. Dale Kirkhuff officiating. Services were under the care of the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon.
The Blehm family suggests that memorials in Willadean’s memory be made to the New Life Christian Center. Memorials are accepted at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.

Updated 5/13/11

June Hammer Klepper
1916 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - June Hammer Klepper, 94, died at Woodhaven in Ellinwood on Friday. She was born Dec. 30, 1916 in Seward, the daughter of Patrick L. Keenan and Mary Hall.
She was a long-time Ellinwood resident and housewife. Mrs. Klepper was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and Alter Society and Christmas Cookie Club all in Ellinwood; and Dartmouth Women’s Club, card club and Barton County Democratic Women.
She married Carl F. Hammer on Aug. 19, 1936. He died Dec. 23, 1965. She then married Norman Klepper on Nov. 27, 1981.
Survivors include Norman of the home; sons, Lawrence and wife Connie Hammer of San Antonio, Texas, Robert and wife Helen Hammer of Loveland, Colo., Denis and wife Lois Hammer of Ellinwood; daughters, Patricia Carlene McKibben of North Muskegon, Mich, Erna Michelle Hammer of Cleveland, Ohio; stepsons, Larry and wife Jean Klepper of Ellinwood, Richard and Connie Klepper of Ellinwood; stepdaughters, Joyce and husband Jerry Ware of Wichita, Marlene and husband David Panning of Great Bend, and Diane and husband Edward Nemnich of Ellinwood; brothers, Larry Keenan and Pat Keenan, both of Great Bend; sister Gloria Ball of Seattle, Wash.; half-brothers, Dennis and wife Eileen Keenan of Great Bend, and Terry and wife Gloria Keenan of Ness City; stepbrother, David and wife Cecile Folkerts of Great Bend; stepsisters Evelyn Mazurriewicz of Los Alamos, N.M., Georgiann Bauer of Pawnee Rock and Glenna Rose and husband Alvin Row of Overland Park; sister-in-law Ada and husband Bill Koop of Ellinwood; six step-grandchildren; nine grandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Paul, Russell, Ora and Robert Keenan; sisters, Louise Dale and Sylvia Chadd-Langer; and stepbrother Don Folkerts.
The service was at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. The calling time was held from 1-6 p.m. Monday at Kimple Funeral Home. The Alter Society Rosary was at 3 p.m. Monday at Kimple. Vigil was at 7 p.m. on Monday at the church. Burial took place at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home* 113 N. Main Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Hiram J. ‘Hi’ Baxter, Jr.
1923 - 2011

GREAT BEND - Hiram J. ‘Hi’ Baxter, Jr., 87, died May 9, 2011 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood.
He was born May 28, 1923 at Larned, the son of Hiram Henry and Katherine ‘Mae’ (Simmons) Baxter.
Mr. Baxter was a Great Bend resident since 1947. He married Patricia Ida Mae Younkin January 25, 1947 at Great Bend. He was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 32 years and was a mailman for 10 years at Barton Community College following his retirement from the USPS.
He was a World War II veteran serving as a medical corpsman with the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church and American Legion Argonne Post 180, Great Bend; and past president of Great Bend Evening Lions Club and was business manager for the Lions State Convention. The Sublette High School graduate was a member of the 1941 Class B State Championship basketball team. He enjoyed big band dances, yard work, walking, being outside and vacationing in the mountains. He always made his family a priority.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ida Mae Baxter, of the home; three sons, Jeffrey Lynn Baxter and wife, Connie, Leavenworth; Charles Joseph Baxter and wife, Karen, Bonner Springs; Alan Eric Baxter, Great Bend; two daughters, Nancy Kathryn Baxter, Great Bend; Lori Anne Underwood and husband, Jeff, Great Bend; a brother, Bill Baxter and wife, Sarah, of Canon City, Colo; 13 grandchildren: Dustin Baxter, Tara Talley and husband, Trent; Olivia Baxter, David Baxter, Jonathan Baxter, Lindsay Baxter, Megan Berger and husband, Chris; Patrick Underwood and wife, MaKenna, Kelly Underwood, Chelsea Underwood, Robbie Underwood, AnnaLeesha Baxter, Addison Baxter; and a great-grandchild: Hunter Talley.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hiram Baxter; his mother and step-father, Fred and Katherine ‘Mae’ Higgins; two sisters, Mary LaVonne ‘Bonnie’ Batchman and Benita Doherty; and a grandson, Jordan Lance Baxter.
A funeral service is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 12 at the First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, with officiant The Reverend Tom Sheldon. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery with military rites by United States Marine Corps.
Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 11 at the Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials can be sent to the First United Methodist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by *Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS, 67530.

Wayne Elden Hanna
1938 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Wayne Elden Hanna, 73, died May 7, 2011 at his home in Ellinwood.
He was born Jan. 16, 1938 in Wichita, the son of Bernard Bryce Hanna and Louise Marie Nicholson. He was a graduate of Mt. Hope High School.
On Dec. 31, 1959 he married Marilyn Boerger in Bentley. He was a resident of Barton County since 1981 and lived in Ellinwood since 2000. Formerly of Great Bend and Ransom, he owned a small-engine repair business in Ellinwood. He retired in 2002 after 37 years as a gauger/measurement technician for Clear Creek/NCRA.
Mr. Hanna was a veteran of the United States Army with the 28th Missile Battalion. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Great Bend and the American Legion in Ellinwood.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, of the home; a son, Dale Allen Hanna and wife, Teresa, Ellinwood; a daughter, Deborah Lee Rabago, Ellinwood; a brother, Robert Hanna and wife, Zelma, Burrton; four grandchildren Chas Hanna, Brian Hanna, Elizabeth Louise Gunther; and Pamela Lee Gunther Siefers and husband, Ben; and two great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside service will be held at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Bently officiated by the Rev. Bill Johnson. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church in Great Bend or the Ellinwood Area Health Care Foundation.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home* 113 N. Main P.O. Box 246 Ellinwood, Ks. 67526.

John William ‘Papa John’ Skinner
1932 - 2011

Great Bend - John William “Papa John” Skinner, 78, died May 10, 2011 at Kansas Medical Center, Andover, Kansas
He was born October 1, 1932, at Baxter, Missouri, the son of Wesley Alexander and Thelma Irene (Reinecke) Skinner.
He was a lifetime Great Bend area resident and operated Skinner Appliances.
He served during the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force.
He was faithful in his belief to Jesus.
Survivors include two sons: John C. Skinner and wife Reneé of Great Bend, KS, and Daniel I. Skinner of Burdett, KS; two daughters: Shelly Penny and husband Steve of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Amy Schmitt and husband Bill of Burdett, KS; stepson: David Goldsmith of Hartford, KS; four sisters: Ersell Tiede of Great Bend, KS, June Yahne of Great Bend, KS, Bernadine Sullivan of Great Bend, KS, and Carol Larkin of Enid, OK; Five grandchildren: Steven Penny, Sam Penny, Justin Schmitt, Jonathon Skinner, and Alyssa Skinner.
He was preceded in death by one infant son, two infant daughters; three brothers, Bud, Ray, and Gene Skinner; two sisters, Donna Schroeder and Betty Hopkins; and by one granddaughter, Amber Rose Schmitt.
Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 16, 2011, 10:00 a.m., at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, KS. Officiants will be Brad Stuefen and Doug Ogden. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas, with Air Force honors conducted by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2011 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Fund to John William Skinner Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Updated 5/6/11

Mildred Schiewe Holmgren
1917 - 2011

BUHLER - Mildred Schiewe Holmgren, 93, passed away April 27, 2011 at Sunshine Home in Buhler, Kansas. A Buhler resident for the past 3 months, she was formerly of Ellinwood, KS. She was born December 11, 1917 at Ellinwood to Reinhold Schiewe and Adella (Panning) Schiewe. A graduate of Adale Hale Business School in Hutchinson, Mildred was a Boeing worker during WWII, dorm mother at Grace School of Nursing in Hutchinson, a telephone operator, and bookkeeper for Dover Drilling of Ellinwood.
She was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood.
She married Louis John Schiewe Sept. 6, 1943 at Paducah, KY. He died July 6, 1962. She then married Eldred M. (Swede) Holmgren October 18, 1969. He died in 1982.
She is survived by a son Larry (Susan) Schiewe, daughter Janice (Victor) Cross, Buhler, KS, a step-son Larry (Jenny) Holmgren, Ellis, step-daughters Ann (David) Eldridge, Emporia, KS, and Linda (Bob) Wilhelm, Olathe, KS, a sister Lucille McLaughlin, Lynwood, WA, sister-in-law Wilma Schiewe of Pratt, 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
Services will be 10:30 AM Monday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with Rev. Jeff Frakes officiating. Visitation will be Sunday 1 PM to 8 PM with family receiving friends from 6 to 7 PM at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood.
Burial will be in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery In Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 4/29/11

Jean Doris Galliert
1920-2011

Pratt, KS - Jean Doris Galliart, 90, died Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at South Wind Hospice Home in Pratt, Kansas. She was born July 4, 1920 in Great Bend, KS., the daughter of Curtis and Catherine (Coman) Stephan. A resident of Pratt since 1946 coming from Ellinwood, she was a secretary for Stanion Electric Co. in Pratt. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pratt, Ks.
On October 31, 1943 she married Eddie L. Galliart in Wichita, KS. He died June 12, 1999. Survivors include a son Steve and wife Jennie, Cimarron, KS.; a daughter Jeannie and husband Ed Laging, Harrison, AR.; four grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Shirley Ann Summers and a brother Paul Stephan.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, April 15, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pratt, KS, with Rev. Floyd McKinney officiating. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Great Bend, KS. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or South Wind Hospice, both in care of the mortuary, Larrison Mortuary, Ltd., 300 Country Club Road, Pratt, KS. 67124. Condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com

Updated 4/22/11

Corbin Dean Edmisson
1988 -- 2011

Stillwater, Oklahoma -- Corbin Dean Edmisson, 22, died April 16, 2011, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
He was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on April 23, 1988, the son of Robert Dean Edmisson and Gina Jo (Gagnebin) Edmisson.
He was a 2006 graduate of Stillwater High School, and earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was a member of the OCU men’s basketball team that won the 2007 National Championship. He was passionate about basketball, his friends, OSU football, and OKC Thunder basketball. He was recently hired as the video coordinator at Tulsa University for the women’s basketball program. He was so excited, and hoped it was the first step to living his dream of becoming a basketball coach. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and his many, many friends.
Survivors include: one sister, Cierra Jo Edmisson, Stillwater; grandparents: Russell and Shirley Gagnebin, Abbyville, Kansas; Dean and Sherra Brigman, Hutchinson; and Bud and Jo Edmisson, Blackwell, Oklahoma; great-grandparents: Robert and Beulah Edmisson, Johnson, Kansas; aunts and uncles: Vicki (Gagnebin) and Theron Barton, Shawnee, Kansas; Brandon Gagnebin, Shawnee, Kansas; and Greg and Julie Edmisson, Johnson, Kansas; and cousins: Peyton and Presley Barton, Shawnee, Kansas; and Cole and Alex Edmisson, Johnson, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Lawrence and Emmaline Lambert, Hutchinson.
Funeral service was April 21, 2011, at Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson.
Memorials are suggested to the Corbin Dean Edmisson Basketball Scholarship Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main Street, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Proceeds will be used to send underprivileged kids to the Kevin Durant Basketball camp this summer.
Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for Corbin’s family.

Gerald F. Menges
1929 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Gerald F. Menges, 81, died April 15 at Ellinwood District Hospital. He was the son of Fred Menges and Martha Watson, born on April 28, 1929 in Wichita.
He has been a resident of Ellinwood since 1953. He retired as asst. director of maintenance at Barton Community College in 1994.
He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Ellinwood Area Enterprises, VFW and American Legion all of Ellinwood. He was chosen as Ellinwood’s Distinguished Citizen Award for 2011. He was a U.S. Army Veteran.
Mr. Menges married Geraldine Ann Bousser on Oct. 8, 1951 in Wichita.
Survivors include his wife of the home; four sons, Mike (Belinda) Menges, Mark (Tracy) Menges, Mitch Menges, all of Ellinwood, and Matt Menges, Scott City; five daughters, Mary (David) Tudor, Millie Menges, all of Ellinwood, Margaret Ferguson, Kinsley; Melinda Adams, Leavenworth, and Michelle (Donavon) Jones, Wichita; a sister, Carol (John) Henderson, Pratt; 26 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Fred Jr.; sisters, Maxine Menges and Joyce Shad; grandchildren Monika Menges, Jeremy Adams; and great-grandchild Maleah Menges.
The service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. The calling time will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday at Kimple Funeral Home. The Alter Society Rosary will be at 3 p.m. Monday at Kimple. The Vigil will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Parish Center followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery. Memorials made be made to St. Joseph’s remodeling fund in care of the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Updated 4/15/11

Carl George Miller
1924 -- 2011

Ellinwood, Kansas -- Carl George Miller, 86, died April 10, 2011, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood.
He was born October 22, 1924, in rural Barton County, the son of Conrad and Anna Reints Miller. A lifetime resident of Barton County, he was a retired farmer.
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and a church council member, both of Ellinwood; a 19-year member of the Midwest Energy Board of Directors; an 11-year member of the Great Bend Co-Op Board of Directors; a three-year member of the Barton County 4-H Holding Board; and an 11-year Community Leader with the Lakin Go-Getters 4-H Club.
On April 9, 1950, he married Evelyn May Bryant; she survives.
Other survivors include three sons: Maurice (Lila) Miller, Garden City, Kansas; Keith (Connie) Miller, Great Bend, Kansas; and Don (Julie) Miller, Geneseo, Kansas; two brothers: Louis Miller, Bloomington, Illinois; and John Miller, Albert, Kansas; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: Abbe, Edward, Martin, and Eilt Miller; and one sister, Tena Marshall.
Funeral service was April 13, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellinwood, with the Rev. Jeff Frakes officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to the Barton County 4-H Council, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Eunice E. Harrelson
1936 -- 2011

Ellinwood, Kansas -- Eunice E. Harrelson, 75, died April 5, 2011, at her home in Independence, Louisiana.
She was born February 24, 1936, at Tanga Pahoa, Louisiana, the daughter of Henry Devoe Spillman and Ada Belle Jenkins. A resident of Baptist and Independence, Louisiana, for the past 16 years, she had also lived in Valley Center, Kansas, for 36 years.
She married Bobbie Glen Harrelson on November 23, 1966, in New Orleans, Louisiana; he died July 13, 2010.
Survivors include two sons: Robert Dale Harrelson, Independence, Louisiana; and Andrew Keith Harrelson, New Orleans, Louisiana; one daughter, Cheryl Yvonne Caskey, Albany, Louisiana; and four grandchildren.
Funeral service was April 9, 2011, at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, with pastor Jason Winget officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 3/25/11

Marlene K. Robl
1931 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Marlene K. Robl, 79, died March 20, 2011 at Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson. She was born Dec. 27, 1931, at Spearville, the daughter of Wilbert “Bill” and Irene (Kern) Schawe. A homemaker, she had been an Ellinwood resident since 1956, coming from Great Bend.
She was a loving mother and grandmother, devoting her life to her family.
Survivors include seven sons, Vince Robl and wife Terry of Broken Arrow, Okla., Lawrence Robl and wife Norma of Ellinwood, Dale Robl and wife Judy of Salina, Quentin Robl and wife Christine of Salina, Phillip Robl and wife Cassindra of Wichita, Mark Robl and wife Sally of Coweta, Okla., and Charles Robl of Ellinwood; one daughter, Rita Angione and husband Jeffrey of Morrisville, Vt.; two sisters, Merna Dilldine of Craig, Colo., and Rosemary Robl and husband Roy of Ellinwood; two brothers, Ronald A. Schawe of Great Bend, and David A. Schawe and wife Jan of Dallas, Texas; 25 grandchildren, Justin, Lucas and wife Amie, Kimber, Brad and wife Kala, Chris and wife Dana, Lisa and husband Josh, Nick, Jennifer and husband Chris, Stephanie, Kaitlyn, Alex, Peter and wife Sarah, Jordan, Adam, Jill, Megan, Jared, Tanner, Garret, Olivia, Seppe, Mia, Louis, Katie, and Brady; and 16 great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Hailey, Tyler, Keaton, Taryn, Brayden, Taegan, Landon, Caleb, Connor, Ethan, Isaiah, Abby, Kenna, Isaac and Ryan.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Josh Wesner officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Sunflower Diversified Services Foundation, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530, (620) 793-3525.

Ruth L. Banks
1914 -- 2011

Ellinwood -- Ruth L. Banks, 96, died March 22, 2011, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
She was born December 18, 1914, at Ellinwood, the daughter of Frank Tullis and Beary Mustain Tullis Waddle. A lifetime Ellinwood resident, she was a retired telephone operator and homemaker.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church and Eastern Star, Ellinwood.
She married Harry French on August 8, 1937; C. W. Schnurr on March 5, 1948; and W. F. (Bill) Banks on May 26, 1972. All preceded her in death.
Survivors include two sons: Roger French, Frisco, Texas; and Vernon Schnurr, Ellinwood; one daughter, Verna Schnurr Ploutz, Hutchinson, Kansas; one sister, June Fosdick, Iola, Kansas; three step-children: Pat Sharp, Garvettsville, Ohio; and Sally Marrva and Larry Banks, both of Garland, Texas; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; her parents; one sister, Dorothy Myers; three brothers: Harold Tullis, Lee Hunter, and Billy Dean Schnurr; and two stepsons, Chris and Jimmy Banks.
Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., March 26, 2011, at United Methodist Church, Ellinwood, with Rev. John Schmitt presiding. Calling time will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., March 25, 2011, at Kimple Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood District Hospital--ISB or to the Great Bend Humane Society, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Oliver Bryant, Jr.
1925 -- 2011

Ellinwood -- Oliver Bryant, Jr., 86, died March 15, 2011, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
He was born January 23, 1925, in rural Ellinwood, the son of Oliver Ray and Rosa W. (Burchart) Bryant. A lifetime rural Ellinwood resident, he was a retired farmer and a graduate of Ellinwood High School.
He was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, the Heritage Club, and Eagles Lodge. He was a pilot and enjoyed bowling for many years.
He married Patricia Joelene Cossman on September 2, 1949, at Larned, Kansas; she survives.
Other survivors include one son, Darwin Bryant, Ellinwood; one daughter, Sandra Bryant, Ponca City, Oklahoma; two grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was March 17, 2011, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Ellinwood, with Rev. Larry Young presiding. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Immanuel United Church of Christ or to the donor’s choice, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 3/11/11

Wilma G. Dannebohm
1935 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Wilma “Sis” Dannebohm, 75, died March 7 at Stafford County Hospital in Stafford. She was born May 3, 1935, at Midian, the daughter of Ted and Irene Waterman Zimmerman. She graduated from Ellinwood High School. A lifetime Ellinwood resident, she was a nurse at Ellinwood District Hospital, a florist at Flowers and Things and a secretary at Immanuel United Church of Christ, all of Ellinwood.
She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, and an avid collector of Garfield memorabilia and her beverage of choice was Dr. Pepper.
Survivors include two sons, Roger Dannebohm and Steve Dannebohm, daughter Cindy Dannebohm and a brother, Bob Zimmerman, all of Ellinwood, along with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who call her Nana. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jay Zimmerman.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Kimple Funeral Chapel in Ellinwood, with Jeremy Dannebohm, officiant. Burial will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Calling time will be from 1-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary or the Stafford County Hospital Foundation.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home, 113 North Main; P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526 (620) 564-2300.

Edward Donald Wilson
1929 - 2011

Edward Donald Wilson, 81, of Tulsa, passed away, Thursday, March 3, 2011. Born July 29, 1929 in Glade, KS, son of the late Edward and Zela (Elliott) Wilson. He was a US Navy Veteran of the Korean War. Edward attended Ft. Hays Kansas State University graduating in 1958 with a Master’s Degree in accounting. In 1986 he retired from Amoco with 28 years of service. His two brothers, Robert (Pete) and Danny Wilson preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, of 57 years, Dorothy (Thill) Wilson; son, Kevin Donald Wilson; daughters and son-in-law, Judith Therese Chernicky, and Janice Kay and Jeff Nowka all of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Jessica Orlicek, Matthew Pason, Shannon Henderson; great grandchildren, Luke Orlicek and several nieces and nephews. A Rosary is scheduled for 4PM, Sunday, March 6, 2011 with the Funeral Service were held 10:30AM, Monday both at the Church of St. Mary. US Navy Military Honors and interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.freemanharris.com Freeman Harris Funeral Home, Tulsa 918-749-3333

Tom L. Berscheidt
1951 - 2011

Tom L. Berscheidt dedicated his life to family, friends, and serving God. On Friday, Feb. 11, surrounded by many people who loved him, Tom passed away from complications associated with esophageal cancer just 17 days before his 60th birthday.
A rosary was held at Holy Angels Catholic Church in San Angelo, Texas on Wednesday, Feb. 16 with a funeral mass at the church on Feb. 17. Burial followed at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Tom was born on Feb. 28, 1951 in Ellinwood, Kan., the second child of Ray and Dorothy (Wess) Berscheidt. He spent his early years in Ellinwood and Great Bend, surrounded by the extended families of both his parents, working during the summer months on his grandparents’-Pete and Mayme Berscheidt-farm located a few miles east of Ellinwood. When Tom’s father took a position with Mitsubishi Aircraft International in 1968, the family moved to San Angelo. Tom graduated from Central High School the following year. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business four years later from Angelo State University.
Tom worked for Mitsubishi Aircraft until the company closed the San Angelo manufacturing facility in the mid 1980s. He then began a successful career as an independent businessman, operating from offices in San Angelo and Dallas. Among his other ventures, Tom founded and headed an aviation consulting business which brought him into contact with clients and customers throughout the world, many of whom became his friends as well.
Tom was an active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church throughout his years in San Angelo. He was the co-director of the Holy Angels Youth Organization (HAYO) for more than 20 years beginning in the 1970s. He also led a Boy Scout troop for several years. His dedication to God and his love of the youth he served touched the lives of hundreds of young people and their parents.
Blessed with an outgoing personality and a generous heart, Tom was a supporter of countless civic and charitable organizations as well as a frequent benefactor to many individuals in need. With members of his family and his many friends, Tom regularly pursued his twin passions for entertaining and travel.
Tom is survived by his brother Tim of Houston, Texas; his sister Jane of Thousand Oaks, Calif; his brother Jim and sister-in-law Jennifer of Denver, Colo; nephews and nieces Stephen, Michael, Meghan, Kelly, Austin, and Jordan; and an aunt, Helen Mae Tomberlin, formerly of Ellinwood who now lives in Great Bend.
Funeral arrangements were handled through Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Updated 3/1/11

Lawrence Birzer
1927 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Lawrence Birzer, 83, died Feb. 17 at Promise Regional Hospital in Hutchinson.
Born Oct. 24, 1927 near Ellinwood in rural Barton County,he was the son of John Birzer and Isabell Frenzl. A lifetime resident of Ellinwood he was a retired farmer and oilfield pumper. He retired from Ladd Oil Company in 1987 after 34 years as a pumper. On April 27, 1948 he married Catherine Esfeld in Great Bend. Mr. Birzer was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus #1187, both in Ellinwood
Survivors include two sons, Melvin and Twila Birzer of Great Bend and Steve and Brenda Birzer of Ellinwood; two daughters, Jane and Bob Carr of Edmond, Okla. and Connie and Keith Miller of Great Bend; two sisters, Ursline Penka of Cunningham and Marguerite Birzer of Wichita; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Krier, Florence Parsons and Gerry Westfall.
Altar Society will be at 3 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday followed by Knights of Columbus rosary, both at the church. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s School Living Legacy Fund, K of C or Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple, Inc. Funeral Home* P.O. Box 246 Ellinwood, Ks. 67526

Doretta W. Richardson
1921-2011

Doretta W. Richardson, 89, died February 21, 2011, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. She was born October 10, 1921 at Gorham, Kansas, the daughter of John and Clara Warehime Small. She was an Ellinwood resident for over 70 years. She was a homemaker and former part owner of Ellinwood Packing Plant.
She was a member of the United Church of Christ, Grove Park Golf Club, both of Ellinwood and the China Painters Group.
She married Melvin E. Richardson III on June 24, 1938 at Russell, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 4, 1999.
She was preceded in death by her husband, brothers, Clifford Hiram, Edwina and Herchel Small, sisters, Leota Graham, Eunice Schwartzkopf, Gladys Sims.
She was survives by daughters, Janice Dvorak, St. James Mo.: Ginger Thomas, Ellinwood; sister Thelma Rein, Kansas City, KS; 8 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service is Saturday, February 26, 2011, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, KS. Father Charles Mazouch will be officiating. Burial at Sterling Community Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Wetlands Educations Center, Cheyenne Bottoms in care of Birzer Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 89, Lyons, KS 67554.

Updated 2/18/11

Stephen Allen Whelan
1958 -- 2011

Ellinwood, Kansas -- Stephen Allen Whelan, 52, died February 14, 2011, at his home in Ellinwood.
He was born July 10, 1958, at Marshall, Texas, the son of Daniel E. Whelan II and Jan Allen Whelan. He was an Ellinwood resident for over 30 years, formerly of Texas. He was a graduate of Marshall High School and Tyler Juco, Tyler, Texas, and attended the University of Texas. He was in oilfield sales for National Oilwell Supply Co. and M & M Equipement of Great Bend, Kansas.
He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and attended First Baptist Church, both of Ellinwood.
He married Jodi Clawson on November 11, 1989, in Ellinwood; she survives.
Other survivors include one son, Brett Allen Whelan, of the home; one brother, Daniel Whelan III, Tyler, Texas; mother-in-law, Carol Clawson, Ellinwood; three brothers-in-law: Kirk (Barbara) Clawson, Kyle (Lori) Clawson, and Kraig (Sloan) Clawson, all of Ellinwood; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Larry Clawson.
Funeral service was February 17, 2011, at First Baptist Church, Ellinwood, with Rev. David Wesner presiding. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Brett Whelan Education Fund, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Otis Blackburn
1923 -- 2011

Otis Blackburn, 87, died Feb. 12 at Raymond. He was born Aug. 31, 1923, at Cushing, Okla., the son of Thomas Jefferson and Willie Mae Lowe Blackburn. He married Altus Higgins May 16, 1941, at Pawnee, Okla. (1st marriage) He married Jenny Melton in 1964. She died in 1994. A Raymond resident most of his life, he was a retired truck driver and mechanic and a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a Sgt. in the 2nd Battalion 342 Infantry during World War II, where he received a Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was a member of Raymond Baptist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Pam Wornkey of Ellinwood; three sons, Dwight Blackburn of Cleveland, Okla., Dee Blackburn of Nardin, Okla; and Kevin Blackburn of Hoisington; two brothers, W. A. Blackburn and Delma Blackburn, both of Raymond; two sisters, Pauline Coldwater of Ellinwood and Gearldine Long of Raymond, 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, David Blackburn, his parents and one brother, Harold Blackburn.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 17 at Raymond Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Handricks officiating. Burial will be at Raymond Hilltop Cemetery with full military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons. Memorials are suggsted to Raymond Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

Updated 2/11/11

June Schiewe
1930 -- 2011

Ellinwood, Kansas -- June Schiewe, 80, died February 6, 2011, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
She was born June 16, 1930, at Sylvia, Kansas, the daughter of Herry Merwin and Electa Lee (Strawn) Shultz. She attended Nickerson schools. She was an Ellinwood resident since 1963, formerly of San Diego, California, and Nickerson, Kansas. She was a sales clerk at Litwin’s and Brown’s in Great Bend, Kansas, and the manager of the American Legion and VFW.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, VFW and American Legion Auxiliary, Grove Park Golf Club, and Ellinwood Garden Club, all of Ellinwood.
She married Harold E. Schiewe on September 12, 1977, in Ellinwood; he died December 9, 2008.
Survivors include two sons: Vernon L. (Helen) Dunlap, Claflin, Kansas; and Michael Schartz, Cleveland, Arkansas; two daughters: Beverly Gray, Thornton, Colorado; and Sheila Kay (John) Jones, Ramona, California; one step-daughter, Kristi Hillshafer, Ellinwood; three brothers: Delbert Shultz, Hutchinson, Kansas; Darrell Shultz, Raymond, Kansas; and Douglas Schultz, Nickerson; three sisters: Dorothy Wall, Hutchinson; Darlene Eiland, Camden, Arkansas; and Diana Parsons, Pratt, Kansas; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two grandsons, David Quincy Dunlap and Douglas Johnson Gray.
Funeral service was February 10, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellinwood, with Rev. Jeffrey Frakes presiding. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary, or Ellinwood Garden Club, all in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

William “Bill” Ross
1938 - 2011

Malvern, AR - William “Bill” Ross, age 72, of Malvern, AR passed away February 7, 2011 at Arbor Oaks Nursing Home. He was born October 4, 1938 in Malvern the son of the late William and Inez (George) Ross. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a LPTN. Bill loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also spent much of his time playing cards at the VFW in Ellinwood where he lived from 2004 - 2008. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the VFW, and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors are his sons, William Ross of Malvern, and James Ross and wife, Julie of Judsonia; daughter, Darlene Schulz of Malvern; brothers, James and Jerry Conklin of Malvern, and Craig Ross of Bangor, Maine; sister, Pat Wilson of Carlsbad, New Mexico; step-father, J.A. Conklin of Malvern; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The family is honoring Bill’s request that there be no services. Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home in Malvern, AR.

Updated 1/28/11

Ora Jewell Kenway
1931 -- 2011

Ellinwood, Kansas -- Ora Jewell Kenway, 79, died January 20, 2011, at home in Ellinwood.
She was born December 4, 1931, at Hickman, Kentucky, the daughter of Amos Andrew Stokes and Vinnie Lou Jackson. An Ellinwood resident since 2002, formerly of Lindsay, Oklahoma, and Brawley, California, she was a waitress, a cotton gin waymaster, and a truck driver.
She was a Protestant.
She married Harry A. Kenway, June 24, 1948, at Charlston, Missouri; he died March 29, 1991.
Survivors include two sons: Thomas (Kathy) Allen, Sunray, Texas; and Richard David (Cindy Garrett) Kenway, Ellinwood, Kansas; four daughters: Cynthia (Elvin) Horner, Lindsay, Oklahoma; Dorothy Ann Orduno, Lockhart, Texas; Alice Maxine (Dennis) Rogers, Lockhart, Texas; and Tina Reanee (Chester) Daffern, Aquila, Arizona.
She was preceded in death by two daughters, Vinnie Magdalene and Jeweldene Mary; three brothers: W.T., Amos Andrew, and Jerry Wayne; and three sisters: Betty Sue Porter, Reva Lou Beachem, and Mary Ann Freeman.
Graveside service and burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Brawley, California. The date and time will be announced. There will be no visitation.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 1/14/11

Robert L. Rebein
1930 - 2011

Robert L. Rebein, 80, of Scottsville, VA and formerly of Springfield, VA, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 9, 2011, at home surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Ellinwood, KS on December 4, 1930, to life-long residents Joseph and Louise Rebein.
A native of Ellinwood, Bob graduated from the University of Kansas in 1952 with a BA in Accounting and in 1954 with a JD in Law. During law school, Bob served as a writer and editorial board member of the Kansas Law Review. After a tour of duty with the U.S. Army, he was appointed a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1957. Following assignments in Miami and Sarasota, FL, and New York City, Bob was transferred in 1960 to FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC.
In 1969, Bob served as an attorney and investigator in the U.S. House of Representatives. He joined the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1971, and was appointed its Managing Director a year later. In 1976, he was appointed to the executive staff of the Internal Revenue Service, serving as Assistant Commissioner (Inspection) from 1979 until his retirement in 1985. During his government career, Bob received numerous commendations and awards for superior performance, including the 1985 Presidential Rank Award in the Senior Executive Service for sustained superior performance in management.
Following retirement, Bob remained active professionally, serving as an investigator for the U.S. House of Representatives, and a number of other government agencies, including the FBI. Bob also was an active member of St. George’s parish and Bread of Life, a non-denominational program that provides healthy food to those in need.
Bob was a loyal friend. He had a sharp wit and an amazing sense of humor. He loved to travel and enjoyed the outdoors throughout his life, spending time camping, hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Visitors to his farm were always enamored with his ability to “call” catfish to the water’s surface. Bob was generous and honest, but most of all, he devoted his life to what gave him his greatest joy-his family. Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather and is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Grace; two daughters, Cynthia A. Myers and her husband Fred, Oakton, VA, and Karen L. McGann and her husband Kenneth, Dublin, OH; two sons, Mark J. and his wife Julia, Kansas City, MO, and Scott F. and his wife Lori, North Potomac, MD; and 13 beautiful grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister K. Phillys Bartels, Olathe, KS, one nephew and three nieces.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at The Church of St. George, Scottsville, VA, followed by interment and a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Church of St. George, P.O. Box 9, Scottsville, VA, the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville is handling the arrangements. Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.

Updated 1/7/11

Maurice Francis Thul
1923 - 2011

Ellinwood, Kansas -- Maurice Francis Thul, 87, died January 1, 2011, at his home in Ellinwood.
He was born April 16, 1923, in Ellinwood, the son of John and Ida Dorothea (Mayer) Thul. A lifetime Ellinwood resident, he retired in 1988 after 35 years with the City of Ellinwood (retiring as Superintendent of the Water & Sewer Department) and was a volunteer fireman for 28 years (serving 12 years as Fire Chief) in Ellinwood.
He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #1187.
On February 14, 1949, he married Maxine W. Strodtmann at Ellinwood; she survives.
Other survivors include two sons: Mark (Nancy) Thul, Great Bend, Kansas; and Marion (Sara) Thul, McPherson, Kansas; one daughter, Maureen (Steve) Bohlander, Ottawa, Kansas; one son-in-law, Bob (Cheryl) Stucky, Moundridge, Kansas; ten grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Marla Stucky; four brothers, Norbert, Wilbur, Arthur, and Raynal; and two sisters, Bernice Faimon and Dorothy Chiles.
Funeral service was January 4, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s School Living Legacy Fund or to the Ellinwood Fire Department, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Clifford M. Bellinger
1926 - 2010

Great Bend, Kansas -- Clifford M. Bellinger, 84, died December 30, 2010, at Cherry Village, Great Bend.
He was born August. 6, 1926, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of John Semple and Bonnie Gretchen (McCargar) Bellinger. A resident of Barton and Rush counties for 21 years, residing in Great Bend, Otis, Kansas, and Denver, Colorado, he was a retired engineering draftsman after working 35 years with Boeing.
He was a member of the First Christian Church, Great Bend.
He married Sallly Fox in 1955 in Wichita, Kansas; she died in 1972.
Survivors include one son, CH “LTC” Ken (Patty) Bellinger, Stuttgart, Germany; one daughter, Claudia (Tim) Wyatt, Albert, Kansas; one stepbrother, Darrell (Cheryl) Bellinger, Wichita, Kansas; one sister, Virginia Faye (Steve) Lauthen, Georgetown, Texas; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A casual time of remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. January 8, 2011, at the First Christian Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. Bill Johnson officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church, Great Bend, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

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Updated 12/31/10

Lila L. Young
1926 - 2010

Lila L.Young, 84, died Dec. 25 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood.
She was the seventh child born, March 16, 1926 at Vader Washington, to Douglas and Alline Eaton Towers. She grew up in the small towns of Joseph and Milton-Freewater, Oregon. She married Charles “Norman” Young on Sept. 14, 1947 at the Federated Congregational Church in Milton-Freewater. They were married for fifty-three years at the time of his death in December 2000.
The Youngs lived in Eugene, Springfield & Cottage Grove, Oregon; Chama, New Mexico; Los Gatos and Hollister, California before moving to Atascadero in 1959.
Norman worked for California Department of Transportation for 32 years upon his retirement in 1988. Both of their children, Larry and Cheryl Young grew up in Atascadero.
Lila worked in a Western Auto store in Atascadero in the 1960’s and then later owned a Western Auto store in Morro Bay, California, which she ran with the help of her husband in the early-mid 1970’s. She also worked in retail in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, retiring in the 1970s.
Lila was an active member of the Toastmasters International and held various offices locally and regionally, along with her husband. She was also a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood, Kansas.
After her husbands death she moved from Atascadero, California to Great Bend in 2002 and then in 2003 she moved to the Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood.
She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse, Norman Young; siblings, Gladys Wright, Kenneth Towers, Betty Wells, Leland Towers, Elva Hector and Douglas Towers.
She is survived by her sisters, Coral Jean Clark of Springfield Oregon. And Edna Mae Meador of San Jose, California; sister-in-law, Janet Black, of Atascadero, California; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Dean Young of Ellinwood, Kansas; daughter, Cheryl Young of Santa Barbara, California; granddaughter, Heather Young, of Atascadero, California; grandson and granddaughter-in-law Tyler and Jen Gray-Young, of Fitchburg, Wisconsin; and great-granddaughter, Amalia Young, of Atascadero, California.
A memorial service was held at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Ellinwood, December 30, 2010.

Updated 12/10/10

Dixie L. Link
1932 – 2010

Ellinwood –Dixie L. Link, 78, died December 2, 2010, at Clare Bridge Assisted Living, Wichita, Kansas.
She was born August 5, 1932, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Lester Simpson and Bessie Erdman. A Wichita resident for the past two years, formerly of Salina, Kansas; Hays, Kansas; Plainville, Kansas; Henderson, Nevada; and Stillwater, Oklahoma, she was a homemaker.
She married Paul Maurice Link on September 14, 1950, at Chase, Kansas; he died January 14, 2001.
Survivors include one son Randy Link, Wichita; two daughters, Vicki Black, Wichita; and Paula Link, Salina; two sisters: Shirley Hiller, Janesville, Iowa; and Sondra Gross, Manhattan, Kansas; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one son, Stephen.
Funeral service was December 6, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Chapel, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 12/3/10

Marcella Angeline Stitt
1916 – 2010

Hutchinson – Marcella Angeline Stitt, 94, died November 28, 2010, at Wesley Towers, Hutchinson.
She was born August 23, 1916, at Mitchell, Rice County, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Grace (Troyer) Nodurft. A Hutchinson resident since 2001, she was formerly of Lyons, Ellinwood, LeRoy, and Sterling upon returning to Kansas after World War II. She was a graduate of Sterling College and received her master’s degree in Latin from the University of Kansas.
She was a Latin teacher at Ellinwood High School for 20 years prior to retiring in 1976; National Board of Junior Classical League; President of the Classical Association of Kansas and Western Missouri in the 1960’s; won the Alumni Award at Sterling College in 1977; was awarded the U.S. Fulbright Scholarship to study Latin in Rome, Italy in 1962; and was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Teaching Sorority.
Other memberships included Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson; Eastern Star and Modern Literature Club, both of Ellinwood; United Methodist Women; and Retired Teachers of Barton County. She was a Lay Speaker for the Methodist Church and a church organist for 50 years.
She married Sam C. Stitt December 23, 1938, in Topeka, Kansas; he died April 3, 1991.
Survivors include one son, Sam C. (Cindy) Stitt, Jr., Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; one daughter, Marcia (Jim) Wheatcroft, Winfield, Kansas; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Cecil Nodurft.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. December 11, 2010, at United Methodist Church, Ellinwood, with Rev. John Schmitt officiating. There will be no viewing as the body was donated to the KU Medical Center for educational research and will be buried at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood School & Library Foundation, Sterling College, or the Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Towers in Hutchinson, all in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

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Updated 11/19/10

Jeffrey S. Jensen
1949 – 2010

Great Bend – Jeffrey S. Jensen, 61, died November 13, 2010, at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.
He was born August 2, 1949, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Donald W. and Jean (Bowker) Jensen. A lifetime Ellinwood, Kansas, and Great Bend resident, he was the owner of Jensen & Associates Insurance in Ellinwood. He was a former Kansas State President of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) and a Casualty Insurance Counselor.
Memberships include Faith Community Church, Great Bend; and Rotary Club, Grove Park Golf Club, Sons of the Legion, former EAE (Chamber) Board President, and Ellinwood Area Health Care Foundation Board, all of Ellinwood.
He married Sally J. Scheutz on April 10, 1969, at Great Bend; she survives.
Other survivors include one son, Justin Jensen, Santa Barbara, California; one daughter, Jennifer (Brian) Graves, Hood River, Oregon; three grandchildren, Morgan, Michelle, and Maxwell Graves; two brothers: Jon J. Jensen, Topeka, Kansas; and Josh A. Jensen, San Diego, California; two sisters: Kristin Weis, Richardson, Texas; and Kathryn L. Jensen, Hays, Kansas; his mother, Jean Jensen, Ellinwood; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Scheutz, Great Bend; and one brother-in-law, Perry (Nancy) Scheutz, Great Bend.
He was preceded in death by his father, and one sister, Karen Ann Ireland.
Funeral service was November 18, 2010, at Faith Community Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Sandy Kennedy officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested
to Faith Community Church or to the Ellinwood Area Health Care Foundation, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Mary Eileen McQuade
1923 – 2010

Ellinwood – Mary Eileen McQuade, 87, died November 9, 2010, at Leisure Homestead, St. John, Kansas.
She was born July 10, 1923, at Frontenac, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Charles Lavery and Anne Virginia Kelly Lavery. She was an Ellinwood resident since 1958. She was a homemaker, worked at a munitions plant in southeast Kansas during World War II, and was a secretary for Mount Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg and for Kan/Colo Credit Union in Ellinwood.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, its Altar Society, and the Legion of Mary.
Survivors include five sons: Michael and Mark, both of Ellinwood; Timothy, Hoisington, Kansas; Owen, Russell, Kansas; and Dennis, O’Fallon, Missouri; four daughters: Patricia Engelhardt, Winslow, Arizona; Kathleen Mass, Ralston, Nebraska; Elaine Kallaus, South Hutchinson, Kansas; and Maureen Schwartz, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; brother: Thomas Lavery, Baxter Spring, Kansas; sister: Rita White, Nashville, Tennessee; 21 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son, Kevin; one daughter, Mary Anne; three brothers, Jim, Joseph and Robert Lavery; and one sister, Margaret Caruso.
Funeral service was November 13, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Joseph’s School Foundation, Public School and Library Foundation or the Hospice Health Care of Kansas, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 11/12/10

Mary Eileen McQuade

Mary Eileen McQuade of Ellinwood died November 9th, 2010 at St. John Leisure Homestead in St. John.
Funeral information is pending with Kimple Funeral Home of Ellinwood in charge or arrangements.

Dolores Keenan Bryant
1928 - 2010

Dolores Keenan Bryant, 82, died November 5th, 2010 at Overland Park, Kansas. Mrs. Bryant was born September 5th, 1928 at Great Bend, Kansas. She was the third child and second daughter of eight children born to Thomas and Martha Sheils Keenan. She was a longtime Ellinwood resident and owner of Bryant TV & Radio in Ellinwood for 40 years and later owned & operated the Riverside Petroleum for 20 years. Mrs. Byrant graduated from Meade High School. On November 24th, 1949 she married Lloyd W. Bryant in Seward Kansas he died July 12th, 2006. Dolores was a devout lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Altar Society and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary all of Ellinwood.
Survivors include: 2 sons, Robert & Lynn Bryant, Poulsbo, Washington, Patrick & Lisa Bryant, Derby, Kansas; daughter, Dr. Cindy Hoss, Overland Park, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Jereny & Heather Hoss, Kansas City, Mo., Chris Bryant, San Diego, Ca., Rachel Hoss, Overland Park, Ks., Megan & Katlin Bryant, Derby, Ks., 3 great-grandchildren, Taylor Hoss, Derby, Ks., Logan & Zoe Hoss, Kansas City, Mo.; 3 sisters and families, Carol & Melvin Thomspon, Arlington, Ks., Lois & Jim Daniels, Wichita, Ks., Mary Lynn Tesar, Bellevue, Ne.; 1 brother John & Marie Keenan, Seward, Ks. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years; parents, Thomas and Martha Keenan; sister, Helen Friesen; 2 brothers, Kenneth and Maurice Keenan.
Funeral was Monday November 8th at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, Kansas.

Updated 11/5/10

Darrell C. Mayhew
1934 - 2010

Darrell C. Mayhew, 76, of Pauls Valley, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus, on October 28, 2010. He was born May 25, 1934, in Plainville, Kansas to Chalmer & Ann (Cerrow) Mayhew. He married Beverly (Collis) Mayhew on April 20, 1957 in El Paso, Texas. Darrell served in the US Army in Fort Bliss, Texas 1956-1957, serving two TDY tours in Puerto Rico, in 1957-1958. After an honorable discharge he worked in the oil field supply business. This took him from Kansas to Oklahoma, to Colorado, Texas and back to Oklahoma. He retired from Oilwell Supply in 1988 and M & M Supply in 1999.
He enjoyed many years of fishing and hunting with family and friends. He also enjoyed camping and boating, in which he taught many church kids to water ski during summer camp while a member of Central Baptist Church in Great Bend, Kansas. He also enjoyed gardening and sharing his bounty with friends. The Mayhews were former residents of Ellinwood, Kansas for many years until 1980, when they returned to Oklahoma.
He was a current member of Trinity Baptist Church in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, where he had a loving church family and enjoyed working for the church. He enjoyed spreading the word of God with everyone he came into contact with.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, of 53 years, one son, Creig and his wife Mary, of Oklahoma City, OK and one daughter, Tammy and her husband Duane Hiss, of Hoehne, CO. He had five grandchildren, which were pure joy to his heart, Amanda Hiss, Megan Hiss, Taylor Hiss, Stephanie Mayhew and Clinton Mayhew, also surviving are four sisters, Jean Wright of Winnetka, IL, Jennie and her husband Paul Longnecker, Santa Rosa, CA, Betty Edson, Plainville, KS and Charlotte Hays, Plainville, KS, one brother, Delmer and his wife Bonnie Mayhew, Damascus, MD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chalmer and Ann Mayhew, sister, Gladys Cerrow and brother, Roy Mayhew. He was also preceded in death by infant Eula LaRee, baby Corrinne, and infant triplets, Dorothy Ann, Doris Mae and Donald Dean.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 1, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church officiated by Bro. Tim Bowen and Ryan Willis. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Interment and professional services are under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity Baptist Church in Darrell’s name.
Notes of Remembrance and/or Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stufflebeanfuneralhome.com.

Updated 10/22/10

Virginia L. Pangburn Bayer
1931 – 2010

Ellinwood – Virginia L. Pangburn Bayer, 79, died October 17, 2010, at Good Samaritan Center, Lyons, Kansas.
She was born September 3, 1931, at Lyons, Kansas, the daughter of Virgil L. and Vera P. (Misner) Pangburn. A lifetime Rice County resident, she was a farm wife; a secretary at Conoco Oil Co., Lyons; a former Rice County Probate Judge; and an amateur anthropologist.
She was graduated from Sterling College, and was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Ellinwood; a member of Eastern Star #32, Lyons; a member of the Daughters of the Revolution; and a member of the Worthwhile Club, Lyons.
She married Merrill D. Bayer on November 8, 1953, at Lyons; he died November 13, 2003.
Survivors include two brothers: Donald E. Pangburn, Lyons; and Gerould W. Pangburn, Staunton, Virginia; four nephews; and one niece.
Funeral service was October 20, 2010, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Ellinwood, with Rev. Larry Young officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel United Church of Christ, Elllinwood, or to the Good Samaritan Center, Lyons, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Margaret Lou
(Molder Arnold) Schreck
1932 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Margaret Lou Molder Arnold Schreck, 78, died October 15, 2010, at St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.
She was born June 23, 1932, at Mulberry, Arkansas, the daughter of Jim and Mary Molder. She was a graduate of Mulberry High School. She was an Ellinwood resident since 1951, and retired in 1976 as a nurse at Great Bend Manor, Great Bend, Kansas.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and its Altar Society, Ellinwood.
She married Maurice Schreck on August 2, 1969, in Ellinwood; he survives.
Other survivors include two sons: Terry Don Arnold, Weatherford, Texas; and Patrick Schreck, Wichita; one daughter, Donna (Curt) Klusener, Great Bend; one sister, Sue McDoulett, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and two grandchildren, Curtis Klusener and Corey Don Arnold.
Funeral service was October 18, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Joseph’s School Living Legacy or to the Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary, both in charge of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Frederick W. Feist
1927 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Frederick W. Feist, 83, died October 14, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend, Kansas.
He was born September 29, 1927, in rural Claflin, Kansas, the son of Anthony L. and Eva (Christoph) Feist. A lifetime Barton County resident, he was a retired welder and a partner in Rollins Bit Service, Ellinwood, and was a driver for the senior citizens’ bus, Ellinwood.
He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, all of Ellinwood. He served as a US Army medic during the Korean War.
He married Katherine Kimpler on Nov. 11, 1952, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ellinwood; she survives.
Other survivors include three sons: Peter, Raymore, Missouri; Greg (Sharon), Great Bend; and Phillip (Donna), Gardner, Kansas; four daughters: Joan (Douglas) Panning and Donna (Dan) Mason, both of Ellinwood; Karen (Wayne) Habiger, Bushton, Kansas; and Nancy (Craig) Schartz, Denver, Colorado; five brothers: Richard, Claflin; Marvin, Oskaloosa, Iowa; Martin, Austin, Minnesota; Lawrence, Denver; and Sam, Arkansas City, Kansas; two sisters: Marilee Huslig, Ellinwood; and Catherine Doll, Garden City, Kansas; 14 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Linus and Junior Feist; and one sister, Elva Rose Feist.
Funeral service was October 16, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood Emergency Medical Service, to the St. Joseph School Living Legacy, or to the church, all in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 10/15/10

Sarah Rachel Wille
1908 - 2010

Sarah Rachel Wille, 102, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2010 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka.
She was born Sarah Rachel Griffin to James B. and Sarah Ellen Anway Griffin in Mason City, Illinois on April 11, 1908.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Wille, four sons; Richard, William, Berlin, Charles A. and a nephew, Henry Griffin. Survivors include one daughter, Lois (Jay) Roberts of Tecumseh, KS, two nieces who she raised; Velma Atwood of Tecumseh, KS and Carolyn Noia of Seattle, WA, her daughter-in-law, Lois Wille of Flora, IL and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her dear friend, Rosa Ransom of Topeka.
She lived in Noble, IL, Ellinwood, KS, Clay City, IL and Tecumseh, KS. She was a member of the Amaranth Lodge in Ellinwood, KS. She enjoyed gardening, music, sewing, Bible studies and her family.
Services and burial will take place in Noble, IL. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is assisting the family in Topeka. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.

Raymond Petz
1928 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Raymond Petz, 82, died October 5, 2010, at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kansas.
He was born October 5, 1928, at Ellinwood, the son of Edwin A. and Margaret (Klepper) Petz. A lifetime Ellinwood resident, he was owner of Ray Petz Interior/Exterior Decorating in Ellinwood.
He married Bernice Moos on December 30, 1947, at Ellinwood; she survives.
He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood.
Other survivors include four sons: Kenneth (Jean Ann) Petz, El Dorado, Kansas; Tom (Susan) Petz, Lawrence, Kansas; and Merle (Sarah) Petz and Carl (Melinda) Petz, both of Olathe, Kansas; three daughters: Kay (Larry) Thompson, Garden City, Kansas; Carmen (Francis) Flax, Salina, Kansas; and Melba (Dan) Detmer, Raleigh, North Carolina; one brother, Robert (Wilma) Petz, Ardmore, Oklahoma; one sister, Lorraine Petz, Ellinwood; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Elmer (Bud), Edward, and Frank; and one sister, LaVerna Herdt.
Funeral service was October 9, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the School Living Legacy Fund or Family’s Choice, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 10/8/10

Ruth Lorraine Duncan
1912 – 2010

Ellinwood – Ruth Lorraine Duncan, 97, died September 27, 2010, in Irvine, California.
She was born December 18, 1912, in Ellinwood, the daughter of DeWitt and Florence M. Johnson. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Long Beach Junior College in Long Beach, California. Formerly of Ellinwood, Dartmouth, and Great Bend, Kansas, and Long Beach and Indian Wells, California, she was a homemaker and piano teacher, and a violinist with the Desert Symphony Orchestra.
On June 12, 1937, she married Charles Duncan Jr. in Long Beach; he died November 18, 2005.
Survivors include one daughter, Lorraine Schmidt, Santa Ana, California.
Funeral service was October 2, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Chapel, Ellinwood, with Bishop Greg Perez officiating. Burial was in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of America, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

John Calvin Voth
1926 – 2010

Ellinwood – John Calvin Voth, 83, died September 30, 2010, at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, Kansas.
He was born November 11, 1926, in Ellinwood, the son of J. Milo and Esther (Schermuly) Voth. A lifetime resident of Ellinwood, he was self-employed as an upholsterer and shoe repairman in Ellinwood.
He served in the U.S. Navy and was a World War II and Korean War veteran. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Lions Club, all of Ellinwood.
On July 17, 1946, he married Eileen Ecker in Marion, Kansas; she survives.
Other survivors include one son, Jan Voth, Palm Beach, Florida; two sisters: Joan Voth, Great Bend, and Jacque Gegen, Wichita, Kansas; two grandsons, Chris and Corey Clayton-Voth; two granddaughters, Jennifer Voth and Janelle Pooler; and two great-granddaughters, Sami Jo and Allie.
He was preceded in death by two sons, John and Jim Voth.
Graveside service was October 6, 2010, at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Emergency Medical Services, the Ellinwood Library Foundation, or the American Cancer Society, all in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 10/01/10

Mary Lee Koch
1943 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Mary Lee Koch, 66, died September 25, 2010, at Promise Regional Hospital, Hutchinson, Kansas.
She was born December 11, 1943, in Claflin, Kansas, the daughter of Frank and Clemantine (Tyson) Straub. She was a longtime Ellinwood resident, formerly of Great Bend, Kansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a homemaker; a waitress at J.C. Penney Coffee Shop; worked at Fuller Brush; the owner of Kookies Lounge in Great Bend; and a waitress at Sheridan Lanes in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
She was active with the Disabled American Veterans and the Diabetes Association.
On February 29, 1972, she married Marvin Koch at Salina, Kansas; he survives.
Other survivors include one brother, Chuck Straub, Wichita, Kansas; two sisters: Karen (Rick) Fischer, Great Bend; and Nancy (Mike) Martin, Pratt, Kansas; her close friend, Carolyn Leigan, Great Bend; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ronnie and Conrad Straub; and one nephew, Frankie Ille.
Funeral service was September 28, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Chapel, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or to the Disabled American Veterans, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 9/24/10

Sam W. Mays, Jr.

JENKS, Okla. - Sam W. Mays, Jr., 65, passed away peacefully at his home in Jenks, Oklahoma from pancreatic cancer, on Sept. 14. He was born in Pryor, Okla., July 6, 1945, the eldest child of Sam W. and Marcine McGouldrick Mays. Sam attended St. Rose Catholic School and graduated from Great Bend High School in 1963. In 1966 he married Cammy McCray of Great Bend. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Kansas State University in 1972.
Sam served in Vietnam during 1967 as a tank captain in the 11th Armored Cavalry, Vietnam-Cambodia Black Horse Division. While in Vietnam, he earned two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal for Heroism in Action. In honor of his service, he will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery.
Sam was a lifelong supporter of the Kansas oil and gas industry. He owned and operated Pro-Chem, Inc. and Sam Mays Petroleum Services, operating out of Great Bend in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a proud, independent oil and gas producer in several areas of Kansas and recently in Oklahoma.
Sam was a member of the Fraternal Order of Free Masons and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Member. He was active in the Sunflower Shrine Club in Great Bend, where he served in many capacities including president. He served as the 1987 president of the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors and was the 1991 Potentate of the Isis Shrine Temple in Salina.
In 2001 Sam moved to Tulsa, Okla., where he operated Sam W. Mays, Jr., LLC Oil and Gas Production. In 2002 he married Jan Kowalsky, formerly of Ellinwood, and the couple built a home in south Jenks, Oklahoma, where they still reside.
Sam is survived by Jan as well as two sons, Sam W. Mays III and fiancée Kendra of Tulsa and Patrick and Alexandra Mays; two stepchildren, Penny and husband Scott Zimmerman and Kris and wife Michelle Kowalsky of Ellinwood; two granddaughters, two stepgranddaughters, one grandson, three stepgrandsons, and one great-grandson. Also surviving are brothers Pat of Emporia, Mike of Edmond, Okla., and Mark of Tulsa, Okla.
Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, both in Fitzgerald’s Southwood Colonial Chapel at 3612 East 91st St. South, Tulsa, Okla. Military burial rites will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, with the time and date to be determined. In honor of Sam’s longtime endorsement of the Shriners’ Crippled and Burned Children’s Hospitals, a memorial has been established to the Great Bend Sunflower Shrine Children’s Travel Fund. Anyone desiring to make a contribution to that fund in Sam’s memory may do so in care of Fitzgerald’s Southwood Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family at 501 East 119th Street South, Jenks, OK 74037.

Updated 9/17/10

Max Eddie Berger

Max was born on the 24th of September, 1929 to Max Berger Hasenbein and Mary Miller. They lived at 1338 Holmes St. in Kansas City Missouri. Max senior was from Switzerland and was 38 at the time of his birth. His mother, originally from Germany, was 28 when Max was born.
Max was 3 years and 4 months old when his mother passed at the age of 31 in 1933. Two months later, Max and his four siblings; Freda (12), Katherine (10), Ernie (8) and Emile (6) were sent to the Elmwood Presbyterian Home.
In 1935, the church fell on hard times, and Max, along with siblings Katie, Ernie, and Emil were sent to live on a farm owned by a distant uncle near Ellinwood, Kansas. His sister Freda was sent to a separate farm. Child labor laws were non-existent at this time and they were treated as free labor. During this time, his sister Katie was his caregiver, all the mother he really knew, and was very important in his life.
In 1943 the family left Kansas and moved to Inglewood, Ca. In 1945, Max moved back to Ellinwood Kansas to live with his older brother Ernie and to attend High School. He was very determined to stay in school and studied hard. Max graduated from Ellinwood High School at the age of 17.
At age 17, Max enlisted in the U.S. Army and took his basic training in Fort Hicks, Kansas. After basic training the was shipped out to Guam and Saipan. When he returned to the states he was assigned to the Illinois’ Military Police in Chicago, where he met and married Carmella (Candy) Minervino on November 21st 1950. When he saw Carmella for the first time she became the love of his life and they went on to have 6 children together.
In 1951 Max’s oldest daughter Maxine was born.
In 1952, Max was assigned to Shape Headquarter under General Eisenhower’s Security where he met a young SP4 named Ted Kennedy, who later became Senator of Massachusetts.
In 1955, Max was transferred to the Provost Marshals office at Fort Macarthur. In 1956, Max’s first son Bruce was born and shortly afterward he was transferred to overseas to La Rochelle, France.
While in France, Max and Candy had three daughters, Katherine Marie, Candance Irene & Marion Gene.
Then in 1962, Max was transferred to Fr. Leavenworth, Kansas as a training officer for the 1st Guard, where his youngest son Anthony was born.
In June 1967, Max received orders to the 1st infantry division in Vietnam.
In July 1968, he was assigned back to Fort MacArthur California Provost Marshal’s Office for retirement and discharge. Max spent 21 years in the service and was awarded The Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in the Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces. He also received a Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Service Medal, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal.
On September 23, 1969, Max received a commission in the U.S. Secret Service, and after training was assigned to the Presidential Protection Service. Max’s first assignment was at the Western White House protecting President Richard Nixon. After Nixon left office, Max was assigned to protect President Gerald Ford in Palm Springs, California. Max also had the great pleasure to work for George and Barbara Bush. During his service to the Bush’s, Max became very close to Barbara Bush and when he had a heat attack, Mrs. Bush sent him a personal hand written not of well wishes. His last assignment with the Secret Service was for President Ronald Regan at this Ranch in Santa Barbara. Max gave 21 years of service to the U.S. Secret Service. He retired and moved to Santa Maria, California.
Max had a very exciting life and he will be missed by his loving family and many friends.

Updated 9/10/10

Terry Craig Whiting

Terry Craig Whiting age 52 of Ellinwood died Sunday September 5th 2010 at Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. Terry was born January 25th, 1958 at Webb City, Missouri to Carl & Alta May (Britt) Whiting.
On November 11th, 1978 he married Cheryl Brandt in Great Bend Kansas. She survives.
Mr. Whiting was employed as a driller, working for various oil and gas production companies. He was an Ellinwood resident since 1977 coming from Great Bend. He attended the UCC Church, Ellinwood, Ks.
Survivors include his wife Cheryl of the home, three sons, Jason Whiting of Great Bend, Justin Whiting of Dodge City and Chris Whiting of Ellinwood. Three sisters, Susan Keenan of Great Bend, Lori Carris of Pawnee Rock and Cathy Gahn of McPherson. Two brothers, Tony Whiting of Great Bend and Joe Whiting of Hutchinson and one grandchild, Caidyn Whiting.
Service will be Friday September 10th, 2010 at 10:30am with Pastor Larry Young presiding at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Visitation was Thursday September 9th from 9am to 9pm at Bryant Funeral Home. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Great Bend. Memorials/Donations can be made to the Terry C. Whiting Expense Fund in care of the funeral home.

Dorothy G. Bowman

PAWNEE ROCK - Dorothy G. Bowman, 89, died September 6, 2010 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood, Kansas.
She was born May 29, 1921 at Walnut Township, Pawnee County, Kansas, the daughter of Friedrich Heyen and Anna Elisabeth (Gerdes) Hanken.
She married Edward Alan Bowman February 24, 1983 at Great Bend, Kansas. He died September 25, 1999.
An Ellinwood resident since 2001, coming from Pawnee Rock, Mrs. Bowman was a feature story journalist at the Great Bend Tribune from the 1950’s to the 1970’s and was an antique dealer at Pawnee Rock.
Mrs. Bowman was a member of the United Methodist Church, Pawnee Rock; American Legion Auxiliary past president; and Kansas Press Women. She was a former mayor of Pawnee Rock and was active with and served on many local and state-wide committees.
Survivors include two sons: Brent Bowman and wife Lorie, Manhattan, Kansas; and James Bowman and wife Debbie, Albert, Kansas; one sister, Elda Schroeder, Albert; two grandchildren: Brandon Bowman and Stephine Bowman; and two great-grandchildren: Brett Bowman and Elliott Bowman.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Bryant Funeral Home. The Reverend William F. Johnson officiated. Burial was in Pawnee Rock Cemetery.
Memorials are requested to the Barton County Community College Foundation, in care of the funeral home.

Updated 8/13/10

Linda Sue Sunley
1942 ~ 2010

Linda Sue Sunley died August 7, 2010 at the Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson, KS. She was born December 9, 1942, in Hill City, KS. She was the daughter John William Tebo and Alta Lorene Depew Tebo.
She graduated Hill City High School in 1960. She lived in Hays, Kansas before moving to Lyons in 1971. She went to work for the Lyons News in 1975 where she was employed until her recent retirement last month. She worked in many capacities at the newspaper, but had been a reporter and the Sports Editor for the past several years. While employed there, she was a member of the Associated Press and was awarded the Kansas State High Athletic Stauffer Award, among many other accomplishments.
She was a member of the Lyons United Methodist Church, and the Lyons Town and Country Club.
She married Terry Dean Johnson in September, 1960, and later married Roger Sunley in June of 1971.
Survivors include two daughters, Susan Kay Clark of Lyons, Janet Linn Wadel and her husband Jim of Foster, MO; one son, Chad William Johnson and wife, Beth, of Lawrence, KS; three step-children, LaFonda Sharp of Healy, KS, Rhonda Koehn of Henderson, NE, Byler Sunley, Healy, KS; three brothers, Ronnie Tebo of Lawrence, KS, Stephen Tebo of Boulder, CO; Kent Tebo of Bennington, KS; Nine grandchildren, Brooks Clark, Blaine Clark, Brennan Clark, Jonathan Fairbanks, Jamie Rogers, Jessica Staton, Jeffery Fairbanks, Spencer Johnson, Haylee Johnson, five great-grandchildren and eight step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, John David Tebo.
The Funeral Service will be today, August 10, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Lyons, Rev. Dr. Quentin Bennett officiating. Interment will be 3:00 p.m. August 10, 2010 at Hill City Cemetery, Hill City, KS.
Memorials may be given to the Lyons High School Athletic Department in care of Birzer Funeral Home.

Luella M. Schnurr
1934 ~ 2010

Luella M. Schnurr, 76, Hugoton, Ks., died Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at Bethel Home Inc., Montezuma, Kansas.
The daughter of Clyde & Vivian (James) Carver, she was born May 27th, 1934, at Eureka, Kansas.
She and Billy Dean Schnurr were married May 2nd, 1952, at Ellinwood, Kansas. She moved from Santa Fe, NM to Sublette in 1970. She worked as a secretary for Farm Bureau in Sublette.
She enjoyed her family. Her many hobbies were cooking, painting, quilting, she was an excellent seamstress and collecting antiques. She was in several quilting organizations and a member of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her husband, Billy Dean Schnurr, Hugoton, Ks.; two sons, Troy Schnurr & wife, Pamela, Grand Junction, CO., Todd Schnurr, Elkhart, Ks.; three daughters, Terry Kehr, Colorado Springs, CO., Tammy French & husband, Russell, Amarillo, TX., Gwen Kerth & husband, Robbin, Ottawa, Ks.; 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bill Carver and a sister, Virginia Grubb.
A memorial has been established fro Bethel Home Inc., Montezuma, Ks. Memorials may be mailed to Paul's Funeral Home-Box 236-Hugoton, Ks. 67951.
Memorial service was held on Saturday, August 7th, 2010 at Paul's Funeral Home Chapel, Hugoton, Kansas.

Updated 8/6/10

Jack Richard Flenner, Jr.
1937 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Jack Richard Flenner, Jr., 73, died July 30, 2010, at Richmond, Virginia.
He was born March 23, 1937, the son of Jack Richard Flenner, Sr. and Wilma E. Bare. A resident of Chester, Virginia, for the past 20 years, he was a retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. and a retired Civil Servant with the Defense Commissary Agency.
He was a 1956 graduate of Ellinwood High School; Chief Election Officer at C C Wells Precinct; and a volunteer tax preparer for soldiers at the Fort Lee Tax Center.
He married Janice Carr; they have been married 51 years. She survives.
Other survivors include one son Jarret and his fiancée Nancy, Richmond, Virginia.
Graveside service with Full Military Honors will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday August 6, 2010, at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood, with Rev. Jason Winget officiating. Burial will be in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood Public Schools and Library Foundation, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 7/16/10

Vivian M. Archer
1911 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Vivian M. Archer, 98, died July 7, 2010, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
She was born December 7, 1911, at Ellinwood, the daughter of Charles Quincy and Margaret Mae (Ewers) Archer, and was a lifetime Ellinwood resident. She graduated in 1929 from Ellinwood High School, and attended Salt City Business College, Hutchinson, Kansas. In 1929 she was a bookkeeper for Candy Company, Lyons, Kansas; from 1931-1934 a secretary for Ellinwood High School; from 1934-1945 a clerk/cashier for the City of Ellinwood as; from 1945-1967 a bookkeeper for Wolf Mill; and retired in 1967.
She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Ellinwood; and a member of Eastern Star since 1930.
Survivors include one nephew, Bob Archer, Spanaway, Washington; and cousins.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Vida and Dorothy Archer; and three half brothers, Wayne Ward, Loyal Ward, and Leonard Archer.
Funeral service was July 9, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Chapel, Ellinwood, with Rev. Larry Young officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood School & Library Foundation or to the Ellinwood Area Health Care Foundation, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.
Vivian Archer was a person who did it her way. What a difference her life made to so many people. We thank God for the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Elma C. Brandes
1918 – 2010

Moundridge, Kansas – Elma C. Brandes, 92, died July 10, 2010 at Memorial Home, Moundridge.
She was born April 13, 1918, in rural Seward County, Kansas, the daughter of Herbert B. and Alta (Sessler) Brown. A Moundridge resident for the past five years, formerly of Dodge City, Kansas, and Liberal, Kansas, she was a homemaker. She graduated from Liberal High School in 1937.
She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene.
On June 8, 1941, she married Robert H. Brandes in rural Seward County, Kansas; he died August 29, 1994.
Survivors include one son, Robert W. Brandes, Ellinwood, Kansas; two daughters: Janice Eileen Johnson, Hesston, Kansas; and Lora Joyce Dockum, Mays Lick, Kentucky; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Clyde Mitchell, McPherson, Kansas; and one sister-in-law, Erna Brown, Liberal.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Marlin Brown and Uriel Brown; and four sisters: Helen Guttridge, Edna Packer, Betty Mitchell, and Margaret Holt.
Funeral service was July 13, 2010, at Kitch-Brenneman Funeral Chapel, Liberal, with Rev. Jason O’Neal officiating. Burial was in Restlawn Cemetery, Liberal.
Memorials are suggested to Memorial Home, Moundridge, or Hospice Care of Kansas, Newton, Kansas, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, 113 North Main, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

DEATH NOTICES

Bobbie Glen Harrelson
Ellinwood, Kansas – Bobbie Glen Harrelson, 76, formerly of Ellinwood and Valley Center, Kansas, died at his home in Independence, Louisiana, on July 13, 2010. Services and survivors will be announced by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Opal Farris Salem
Ellinwood, Kansas – Opal Farris Salem died July 13, 2010, at Cherry Village, Great Bend, Kansas, after a long illness. Survivors and arrangements will be announced by Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

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Updated 7/9/10

Dewey Leeyon Compton
1923 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Dewey Leeyon Compton, 87, died July 1, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born January 12, 1923, at Turon, Kansas, the son of Oscar Leonard and Donnie Katherine (Alexander) Compton. An Ellinwood resident since 1977, formerly of Turon and Great Bend, he was a custodian for the KDOT Highway Department and for the Street Department of the City of Great Bend. He served in the U.S. Army; and he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Great Bend. On July 8, 1972, he married Margaret Watson in Stafford, Kansas; she died July 31, 2009. Survivors include one son, Milton Whitaker, Ellinwood; two daughters: Margo Harris, Ellinwood; and Maretha Washington, Ellinwood; four brothers: Chet Compton, Oklahoma; Bob Compton, Kinsley, Kansas; Ora Compton, Hutchinson, Kansas; and Compton J. Compton, Arkansas; one sister, Edna Harrison, Burrton, Kansas; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: Leonard, Marvin, James, and Ward Compton; and two sisters: Fern Keller and Eva Clough. Funeral service was July 5, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, with Bishop Greg Perez presiding. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Jorgann (Missy) Immediato
1942 – 2010

Great Bend, Kansas – Jorgann (Missy) Immediato, 67, died July 6, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend.
She was born October 24, 1942, at Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of George and Delma (Christianson) Ihle. A Great Bend resident for the past three years, formerly of Ellinwood, Kansas, she was a cook at the Barton County Jail.
She was a member of the American Legion, and had served in the U.S. Army.
She is survived by three sons: Richard D. Immediato, Great Bend; Chris Immediato, Spring Hill, Kansas; and Todd Gunderson, Great Bend; one daughter, Nikki Capps, Ellinwood; one sister, Nancy Muramoto, Phoenix, Arizona; thirteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Chapel, Ellinwood, with Rev. Andy Keltner officiating. Calling times are from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Sons of The American Legion, Ellinwood, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 7/2/10

Marian Southern
1920 – 2009

Ellinwood, Kansas – Marian Southern, 88, died April 18, 2009, at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.
She was born October 14, 1920, in rural Ellinwood, the daughter of William Peter and Catherine Teresa (Strothman) Roth. A lifetime Ellinwood resident, she was a former partner of Yarn Plus (a retail yarn shop) and a retired teller at People’s State Bank, both in Ellinwood.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society in Ellinwood.
On July 21, 1956, she married Robert E. Southern at Great Bend; he died September 28, 1999.
Survivors include four sons: James (Kehau) Hershey, Kailua, Hawaii; Rob (Kim) Southern, Wichita; Stephen Southern, Wichita; and Stuart (Linda) Southern, Buffalo, New York; one brother, Don Roth, Ellinwood; one sister, Dorothy Dueser, Breckenridge, Texas; and eight grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son, Patrick Hershey; five brothers: Bob, Leon, Walter, Eugene, and William Roth; and one sister, Lucille Malone.
Graveside memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery north of Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch and Father Jack Maes officiating.

Tommy J. Crosswhite
1964 - 2010

Tommy Crosswhite, age 45 of Harrison, passed away at his home on Friday, June 25, 2010.
The son of Jesse and Bertha (Hancock) Crosswhite, he was born December 14, 1964 at Little Rock, Arkansas.
He was employed at Ben Eddings Automobile Agency as a warranty clerk. He enjoyed rock crawling and working in his yard.
His parents preceded him in death along with brothers, Earl Dean Crosswhite, Kirby Crosswhite, and Bob Crosswhite; his sisters, Rosa Nell Knight and Veta Anderson.
Surviving is his wife, Gloria (Lang) Crosswhite of the home formerly of Ellinwood; sisters, Barbara Durham of Springfield, MO., Rita Raney of Harrison, Jackie Sharp of Trenton, MO., and Polly Thurmond of Paragould, MO., brothers, Don Crosswhite of Augusta, GA., and Wendell Crosswhite of Branson, MO.; his mother-in-law, Carol Lang of Ellinwood, KS.; brothers-in-law, Rick Lang of Kansas and Jeff Lang of California; also several nieces and nephews.
Service was Wednesday, June 30 at Coffman Chapel with Don Crosswhite officiating. Cremation by Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison.
Memorials may be sent to the Ozark Humane Society in his memory.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coffmanfh.com.

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Updated 6/25/10

Anna Maria Breford
1928 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Anna Maria Breford, 82, died June 21, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend, Kansas.
She was born March 2, 1928, at Schaesberg, Holland, the daughter of Peter Johannes and Ida Maria (Meijers) Gootzen. A United States resident since March 1946, she was an Ellinwood resident since 1954, formerly of Hoisington. She was a homemaker and the manager of Fashion Corner Women’s Clothing Store, Ellinwood.
She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Ellinwood.
On September 18, 1982, she married Glenn Breford at Ellinwood; he survives.
Other survivors include one daughter, Lynda Hauser, Ellinwood; one stepson, Mark Breford, Holyrood; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one brother and five sisters.
Funeral service was June 23, 2010, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Debbie Rains officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Immanuel United Church of Christ or to the Renal Care Group, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 6/11/10

Dorothy Mary Kimble
1920 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Dorothy Mary Kimble, 90, died June 6, 2010, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
She was born May 4, 1920, at Galva, Kansas, the daughter of Harvey and Elizabeth (Aelmore) Elmore. An Ellinwood resident for over 50 years, she was an elementary teacher. She taught in Ellinwood, Nickerson, Kansas, and Alden, Kansas, retiring after 17 years in Ellinwood, and was also a piano teacher.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church; United Methodist Women; and the Barton County Retired Teachers Association. She was a church organist for over 50 years; a graduate of Galva High School; and a graduate of Sterling College.
On January 24, 1942, she married Chester Kimble at Salina, Kansas; he survives.
Other survivors include two sons: Dr. James (Jan) Kimble, Birmingham, Alabama; and Kirk (Virginia) Kimble, Wichita, Kansas; one daughter: Kathy (Harold) Harris, Winfield, Kansas; one brother: Paul (Carolyn) Elmore, McPherson, Kansas; two sisters: Virginia Allen, Clearwater, Florida; and Pauline (Jimmie) Schnorr, Bethany, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren: Karen, Steve, Andrew, and Katelyn Kimble; Andrea Merrigan; Shawn Harris; and Amy Fix; one step-grandson: Kent Harris; two great-grandchildren: Wilder and Story Harris; and two step-great-grandsons: Cale and Tanner Harris. She was preceded in death by one brother, William Elmore.
Funeral service was June 10, 2010 at the United Methodist Church, Ellinwood, with Rev. John Schmitt officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood United Methodist Church or to the American Cancer Society, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 6/4/10

LeRoy G. Schartz
1927 - 2010

ELLINWOOD — LeRoy G. Schartz, 82, died May 26 at his home in Ellinwood. He was born June 4, 1927, at Great Bend, the son of Leo Nicholas and Catherine (Wurm) Schartz. He married Viola Marie Herrman on May 1, 1950, at Great Bend. She died Oct. 17, 1954. On Dec. 31, 1955, he married Theresa C. Herrman, a sister to Viola Marie, at Great Bend. She survives. He was a lifetime family farmer, stockman and entrepreneur. Mr. Schartz was an Ellinwood resident since 1995, coming from rural Great Bend. He was proud and blessed to be a part of what is now a fifth-generation farm. The family raised cattle and had a custom business for cutting wheat, putting up alfalfa, cutting silage and dirt work including bulldozing, tree removal, land levelling and installing underground irrigation pipe. They also ran concrete and erected steel buildings. He enjoyed roller skating and traveling with his family. One of LeRoy’s mottos was “if we could not buy it, we would build it.”
“Can’t” was not in LeRoy’s vocabulary — ”can’t” never did do anything, but “I can, I will, and I did.” Also one of the biggest commodities man has besides God is common sense, if only you would use it. Always think positive. LeRoy’s advice is “Get back on our Constitution, the Ten Commandments, and prayer — keep God in everything and take your children to church.”
Mr. Schartz was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Seward. He was involved in the American Agriculture Movement and was past vice president and director of Alfalfa Pellets, Inc.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, of the home, include five children, Betty M. Riggs and husband Dale of Great Bend and their children: Brent, Brian and Breanne Riggs; LeRoy George Schartz Jr. and daughter-in-law Sharon (Holcomb) Schartz and their children: Joseph, Christy, Shannon and Leslie Schartz; Kevin L. Schartz and wife Rhea (Applegate) of Ellinwood and their children: Aaron and Seth Schartz; Kyle D. Schartz and wife Bonny (McLeland) of Great BEnd and their children: Bailey and Kaleb Schartz; and Lana R. Schartz-Brown and husband Greg of Great Bend and their children: Tanney, Kaycee, Marcus and Layton Brown; one daughter-in-law, Carol D. (Salmans) Schartz of Great Bend and her children: Justin, Derek, Andrea and Nicole Schartz; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by two sons, Dale Eugene Schartz and infant Joseph LeRoy Schartz; two brothers, Norman Schartz and Arlin Schartz; and two sisters, Helen Wandell and Leola Nordman.
A vigil service with Knights of Columbus Rosary was at 7 p.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Reginald A. Urban and Father Charles Mazouch celebrants. Interment was at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Donations are suggested to a memorial fund for St. Joseph Catholic Church, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

J.D. Gilmer
1928 ~ 2010

Memorial Services for J.D. Gilmer, 81, Ellinwood, KS. were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Ellinwood, KS. Private inurnment will be at a later date in the Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, KS. He died in Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Topeka, KS.
He was born on August 3, 1928 in Lamar County, AL., the son of Bernice and Ruby Lee Woods Gilmer. He was a 1946 graduate of Ellinwood High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was stationed in Okinawa. He later attended the University of Alabama and the University of Kansas.
Mr. Gilmer was the retired owner of Pride International (import/export) Janitorial Supple. He founded this company in 1990. He was the former president and general manager of the Misco International Chemicals. Throughout the 1950's and 60's, he worked in the oil field supply business in central Kansas. He worked for Mid-Continent Supply in Great Bend and the Mountain Iron Supply. Following his retirement, he served as a business consultant throughout the country.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Wichita, KS., the American Legion of Ellinwood, KS. and the Rotary of Ellinwood. He was the founder of the Gathering of Eagles, which was an Ellinwood High School Alumni Group, and was the Founder and President of the Wheat Bowl, Inc. for thirteen years. This bowl was for the NAIA college football teams and the games were played in Barton County.
He was married to Donaleigh Rensch. They later divorced.
Survivors include two daughters; Leslie Wayman, husband Tom, of Burlington, Iowa, Lindsey Pendry, husband John, of Lawrence, KS., a brother, Bernie Gilmer, of Indianapolis, IN, four grandchildren, Lauren Wayman, Brandon Wayman, Matthew Pendry, and Ryan Pendry, and many nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials in his name to the Parkinson Disease Research Foundation or the the American Legion Club Room in Ellinwood, KS. and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th, Lawrence, KS. 66044.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com

Virginia Nadine
Cunningham
1918 ~ 2010

Virginia Nadine Cunningham, 91, died at the Mennonite Manor Nursing Home in South Hutchinson on May 27, 2010. She was born October 24, 1918 in Sedan, Kansas, to Della Irene (Giles) and James Royal Barnes.
She graduated from Sedan High School. She and Kedric Bogue Cunningham were married on August 17, 1937. They followed the oil business with Halliburton to Winfield, Medicine Lodge, Great Bend, McPherson and El Dorado in Kansas, Marion, Wooster and Dayton in Ohio and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. They retired to Moundridge, McPherson and Hutchinson.
For many years she was an AVON lady, and also enjoyed bridge, including duplicate, and bingo. After retirement, the couple had a booth at area craft shows.
She was a member of the First Christian Disciples of Christ Church and participated in Elk activities. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi social sorority.
Her husband of 70 years and son John preceded her in death. She is survived by one son Ronald of Ellinwood, three daughters Karen Base of Moundridge, Linda Gardner of Hayesville, Ohio, and Vicky Poleis of Nickerson, ten grandchildren, several great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Marie Cunningham, and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bob and John Barnes, and three sisters, Dorothy (infant), Bonnie Hinshaw and Mildred Reynolds.
Services were June 1st at the First Christian Church in McPherson. Inurnment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Great Bend.
Arrangements were by Stockham Family Funeral Home of McPherson.

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Updated 5/28/10

James R. Roth
1941 ~ 2010

James R. Roth, 68, of Wichita, died May 19, 2010, at his home in Wichita. He was born November 4, 1941 in Great Bend, Kansas to June and Walter Roth and was raided in Ellinwood, KS.
Jim was a 1963 graduate of Emporia State University, where he majored in business and was a member of the golf and debate teams. He was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Jim went on to graduate from Washburn University School of Law in 1966. He practiced law in Topeka from 1966-1969 and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1966-1972. In 1969, Jim moved to Wichita where he remained in private practice for more than 40 years. In 1992, Gov. Joan Finney appointed Jim to the Washburn University Board of Regents. He continued to serve on the Board of Regents for 18 years at the request of two subsequent governors. Jim was Chairman of the Board of Regents for four years. Jim was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Washburn Law School (2005) and from the Washburn University Alumni Association (2010).
Survivors include his wife, Sally; daughter Amy (Chris) Tillery of Prairie Village, Kans.; son Drew Roth of Wichita; grandson Jack Tillery; three brothers, Tom (Frank Cox) Roth of Denver, Colo., Randy (Susie) Roth of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Kent (JoAnn) Roth of Ellinwood. Jim is preceded in death by his parents June and Walter Roth.
Funeral services were held on Monday, May 24, 2010 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Andover, KS. Memorial are suggested to Washburn University c/o Washburn Endowment Association, 1729 SW MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, KS. 66604. Tributes my be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com.

Mary Virginia Loewenthal
1945 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Mary Virginia Loewenthal, 64, died May 25, 2010, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood.
She was born November 16, 1945, at Lyons, Kansas, the daughter of Louis Lysle and Evelyn Artis (Woerner) Trimble. A longtime Ellinwood resident, she was a librarian, having retired after 14 years at the Ellinwood School/Community Library.
She was a graduate of Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, Order of the Eastern Star, and Modern Literature Club, all of Ellinwood; and was a former member of Sweet Adelines, Grand Junction.
Survivors include one son, Ronald (Ivy) Loewenthal, San Diego, California; one daughter, Teresa (Brian) Kronvall, Rock Hill, South Carolina; four grandchildren; and one sister, Mildred (Dale) Burroughs, Ellinwood.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by one brother, Joseph Trimble.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 28, 2010, at Calvary Baptist Church, Ellinwood, with Rev. David Wesner officiating. Burial will be in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood School Library Foundation, the Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary, or Calvary Baptist Church, all in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 5/21/10

Matilda M. Prosser
1917 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Matilda M. Prosser, 93, died May 12, 2010, at Ellinwood District Hospital.
She was born March 24, 1917, at Odin, Kansas, the daughter of Alois and Barbara (Probst) Birzer. A lifetime resident of Barton and Rush counties, she was a homemaker.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and its Altar Society, Ellinwood, and a former member of St. Catherine’s Church, Dubuque, Kansas.
She married William F. Prosser on April 15, 1941, at Odin; he died February 5, 2005.
Survivors include two sons: Gerald (Leona) Prosser, Great Bend, Kansas; and Fred (Murine) Prosser, Claflin, Kansas; four daughters: Luetta (John) Haynes, Liberal, Kansas; Wilma Stroud, Olathe, Kansas; Elaine (Bill) Trantham, Sharon, Kansas; and Charlotte (Barry) Schartz, Manhattan, Kansas; one sister, Anne Dreiling, Odin; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by seven brothers and one sister.
Funeral service was May 15, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Joseph’s Building Fund or to the Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 5/7/10

Joyce Caroline Bavuso
1934 – 2010

Rockaway Beach, Missouri – Joyce Caroline Bavuso, 75, died April 27, 2010, at Point Lookout Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hollister, Missouri.
She was born October 13, 1934, in Buffalo, Kansas, the daughter of Orville and Willmetta (Ellis) Dame. In 2000 she moved from Great Bend, Kansas, to Rockaway Beach.
She was a former member of Sweet Adelines Great Bend Chapter.
She married Samuel Kenneth Bavuso; he preceded her in death.
Survivors include three sons: Kenneth J. Bavuso, Rockaway Beach; David A. Bavuso, Kirbyville, Missouri; and Samuel D. Bavuso, Forsyth, Missouri; one daughter: Joyce W. Schnittker, Forsyth, Missouri; two sisters: Nancy Brown, Eldorado, Kansas; and Carol Dame, Houston, Texas; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was May 1, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Chapel, Ellinwood, Kansas, with the Rev. Loren Dyke officiating. Burial was in the Great Bend Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimers Association, SW Missouri Chapter, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 4/16/10

George A. Meyer
1914 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – George A. Meyer, 96, of Ellinwood, passed away into the arms of Jesus, Sunday, April 11, 2010, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.
He was born March 20, 1914, to J.F. Gerhardt and Wilhelmine H. (Brandt) Meyer, on the family farm at Tampa, Kansas. He was the last surviving sibling of their 12 children.
George was a humble, compassionate man who loved his family and cared deeply for his friends and family. Before his recent illness you would see him downtown at the Post Office, taking his daily walks, working in his yard on his flower beds, or driving his pickup.
After high school George went to Business College in Wichita, Kansas, and after graduation accepted a position with Keyes drilling, later working for Isern Drilling Company and its successors until his retirement in 1984 at the age of 70.
George was a decorated WWII veteran, and in October 2008 he was honored to be able to take the honor flight to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC.
He married the love of his life, Millicent Noel Meyer, in June 1947, and they made their family home in Ellinwood. George also sold World Book Encyclopedias, and did accounting for private individuals as well as having Registered Hereford cattle and a wheat farm in Tampa, Kansas. His Hereford cattle were nationally renowned.
George was a charter member of the Lions Club and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW. He was a founding member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and was instrumental in the building of the current church in the early 1950's. He served as an elder and was very active in the church, serving as an usher and teaching Sunday school. Up until his recent illness last year, he still served as a lector and greeter for Sunday services.
George coached little league baseball for many years when his sons were young, and he was an active leader for the Boy Scout troop. He also loved to take his family hunting and fishing.
George was on the Ellinwood school board and was treasurer for over 30 years. He enjoyed meeting with the guys for coffee at the Wheat Bowl office until he was unable to attend due to his illness, and he enjoyed being a member of the ROMEOS (retired old men eating out).
In February of this year George was honored to be awarded the distinguished Citizen of Ellinwood 2010 award at the annual Rotary Club's Sweetheart Banquet.
George is survived by his wife, Millicent Noel Meyer, Ellinwood, five children: Madeline (Frank) Gabriel, Studio City, California; Elaine (Peter) DeTour-Spronken, Tucson, Arizona; Natalie (Kenneth) Windholz, Gorham, Kansas; Edward (Barbara) Meyer, Wichita, Kansas; and Richard (Nicolette) Meyer, Wichita; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law Alma Meyer, Tampa, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle George.
The family extends their gratitude to the Ellinwood Hospital and clinic doctors, nurses, and staff for their kind, compassionate care of their father during his recent illness. We are so thankful for Pastor Frakes and for all of his friends who visited him and kept him in their thoughts and prayers this past year. He is now at peace with his Lord and Savior after completing his journey here on Earth. What a wonderful life.
Visitation will be held at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2010. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, Ellinwood, at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 17, 2010, with Rev. Jeff Frakes officiating, with a small luncheon to follow at the Family Life Center. A burial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. that afternoon at St John's Lutheran Cemetery 3 1/2 miles north of Tampa, Kansas.

Updated 4/2/10

Sophie A. Miller
1914 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Sophie A. Miller, 95, died March 27, 2010, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood.
She was born December 21, 1914, at Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Sophie E. (Sievering) Hurrelbrink. An Ellinwood resident for the past eight years, formerly of Kansas City, Kansas, she was a homemaker.
She graduated from Washington Rural High School, Kansas City, Kansas; and was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Kansas City, Kansas.
She married Benjamin D. Miller on August 17, 1944, at Kansas City, Kansas; he died May 25, 1989.
Survivors include one daughter, Sharon (Ron) Rugan, Ellinwood, Kansas; one son-in-law, Ray Brassfield, Basehor, Kansas; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Glenna Brassfield; two brothers; and three sisters.
Funeral service was March 30, 2010, at Zion United Church of Christ, Kansas City, Kansas, with Rev. Kevin Olsen and Rev. Larry Young officiating. Burial was in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to Zion United Church of Christ, Immanuel Church of Christ, or Woodhaven, all in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 3/26/10

Catherine
Schulte-Hamilton

Providence, RI - Catherine Schulte-Hamilton, 49, passed away Thursday, Feb, 25, 2010 at Women & Infants Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
She was the wife of George W. Hamilton and the daughter of Myrna M. (Schneider) Schulte and the late Bernard J. Schulte. Besides her husband and mother, Cathy is survived by her daughter Emily M. Hamilton and her brother Mark J. Schulte. She is also survived by 11 nieces and three nephews.
A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Cathy was employed as an account manager with Amerinet, Inc. Cathy had previously been employed by Jordan Marsh Company as sales manager, assistant buyer and buyer. In addition she had been employed by Kasper A.S.L. and Liz Claiborne Sportswear Co. as a merchandise coordinator.
Cathy was an active member of St. Sebastian's parish and was a past president and secretary of the R.I. Catholic School Parents Federation and founding member of the board of directors of JUMP! Inc. a youth dance company.
A Mass and Christian Burial was held at St. Sebastian Church.
Should friends desire, donations in Cathy's memory can be made to the Breast Health Center, Women and Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, R.I. attn: Leslie Nuey. Condolences may be left at monahandrabblesherman.com

Updated 3/19/10

Cleo B. Thomason
1915 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Cleo B. Thomason, 95, died March 15, 2010, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center, Wichita, Kansas.
She was born January 3, 1915, at Burlington, Kansas, the daughter of Leonard Easton and Neva Pearl (Cayot) Winn. She was a long-time Ellinwood resident, residing in Andover, Kansas, and Wichita for several years.
She graduated from Westphalia High School in 1932; took classes at Pittsburg State Teachers College to complete her teaching certificate; and attended Adele Hale Business School, Hutchinson, Kansas. She taught grades 1-8 for four years at both Steen Rural School and Mt. Joy School near Westphalia. She was a clerk and bookkeeper at Montgomery Ward in Great Bend, Kansas; worked as a secretary at Kelley Milling Company in Hutchinson; and was secretary to superintendent of schools in Ellinwood, retiring in 1983. She was also co-owner of Thomason Dairy.
On August 7, 1938, she married George Thomason in Great Bend; he died April 18, 1974.
She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Ellinwood, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include two daughters-in-law: Lydia Thomason, Andover; and Carolynn Thomason, Cary, North Carolina; two grandsons: Bryan Thomason, Cary, North Carolina; and Andrew Severson, Lovingston, Virginia; two granddaughters: Sarah Thomason, Asheville, North Carolina; and Jessica and husband Slim Sassi, Boston, Massachusetts; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald G. Thomason and Robert C. Thomason; two brothers, Carl Winn and Delbert Winn; and one sister, Dorothy Gunn.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 19, 2010, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Larry Young officiating. Burial will be in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Immanuel United Church of Christ or to the Ellinwood School/Library Foundation, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Krisy Elizabeth Welker
1979 ~ 2010

Krisy Elizabeth Welker (Freeman) Born September 24, 1979 Passed March 6, 2010 Attended Ellinwood Grade School and High School.
She moved to Springfield MO. Where she was a proud mother of two young boys Justin Lee Welker and Nathaniel Malone. She is survived by her boyfriend Nathan Malone of Springfield Mo. Parents Samul and Joan Freeman of Ellinwood Ks, Donna Levan of Ozark Mo, Brothers Stephen Freeman of Ellinwood, Doug Freeman of Great Bend, Aaron Freeman of Great Bend and Mark Freeman of Hays, Sister Crystal Freeman of Ozark. Services where held in Springfield Mo at the Cornerstone Church on March 10,2010

Mary Bowes
1935 – 2010

Ellinwood, Kansas – Mary Bowes, 75, died March 16, 2010, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center, Wichita, Kansas.
She was born February 11, 1935, in rural Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Nicholas A. and Aileen (Kimpler) Schartz.
Formerly of Hillsboro, Kansas, she was an Ellinwood resident for the past 13 years. She was a retired expeditor for the Hesston Corporation and a pie baker for Burgers Plus in Ellinwood.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and its Altar Society, Ellinwood.
Survivors include one daughter, Eileen Smith, Wichita, Kansas; two brothers: Thomas Schartz, Phoenix, Arizona; and Patrick Schartz, Ellinwood; one sister, DeSales Feist, Ellinwood; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by seven brothers: Kenneth, Vernon, Norbert, Gerald, Charles, Loren, and Leon; and one sister, Celesta.
An altar society Rosary will be at 3 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:30 p.m., both Friday, March 19, 2010, at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial will be in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Joseph’s School Living Legacy Fund, in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

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Updated 3/12/10

Martin E. Harshberger
1937 – 2010

Sequim, Washington – Martin E. Harshberger, 72, died March 4, 2010, at Sequim, Washington.
He was born October 24, 1937, at Wichita, Kansas, the son of Donald and Isabel (Benedict) Harshberger Streit. A fifteen-year resident of Sequim, he was a retired Regional Vice President of Trans America Insurance. He was a captain in the Army Reserves, and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both in Sequim.
On July 6, 1963, he married June I. Spacil at Ellinwood, Kansas; she died October 6, 2009.
Survivors include one son, Michael Harshberger, Kansas City, Missouri; one daughter, Judith (Reed) Alewel, Henderson, Nevada; one sister, Kathy Marchetti, Wichita, Kansas; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Bernard Streit; and his brother, Donald Harshberger.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 12, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Calling time will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at Kimple Funeral Home, 113 North Main, Ellinwood. Altar Society Rosary is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., and Vigil Service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., both on Thursday, March 11, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to the Promise of Hope Foundation in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

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Updated 2/19/10

William Henry Ernsting

William Henry Ernsting was born May 31, 1932 in Great Bend, Kan. to Louis and Oma Ernsting. He died suddenly at his home February 12, 2010. He was preceded in death by a brother, Virgil. A sister, Elizabeth Garnett, resides in Butler, Mo. He was a third generation resident of Barton County, his paternal family settling in Barton County in 1866.
He graduated Ellinwood High School in 1950, and Fort Hays State University in 1957 with a bachelor of science in botany.
He married Marlene Fern Lungwitz June 27, 1953 in Wichita, sharing 56 of his 77 years with his wife, best friend, and love of his life. He leaves three sons (Guy William, Mathew John, and Andrew Louis) and five grandchildren (Levi, Rebeka, Jena, Drew, and Jake.)
He served in the U.S. Army, 1953-1955, at Fort Riley, Kan. After graduating college he relocated to LaLima, Honduras as a banana plantation manager for the United Fruit Company, 1958-1960. He returned to Barton County in 1960 as a farmer and stockman on the family farm south of Ellinwood. During this time he was president of the Ellinwood Co-op; founding member of the Barton County Sheep Association; and member of the Irrigators Association.
In 1971, he founded Ernsting's Inc., manufacturing radiators for the oilfield and agriculture industries, employing several in the community and giving many youth their first job. He retired in 1993. In retirement he remained active in the community, was a board member of the Barton County Historical Society Foundation, co-founder of the Santa Fe Trap Club, and member of the Kansas Trap Shooters Association.
He was an active member and leader at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ellinwood for 40 years, serving terms as elder, president, and Sunday School superintendent, and teacher. He also served as director of the Peoples State Bank in Ellinwood, and as Barton County Commissioner.
He worked hard and enjoyed a hard day of work. He taught his boys to appreciate nature, respect the land, and catch a fish. He was honest and fair. A loving husband, father and friend who never refused a favor asked.
He could not tell a joke. However, upon hearing a joke that found his delight, he would take a step back, bend at the waste, clap his hands, and laugh like a child.
He loved to see the world and never stopped learning. He saw every corner of the United States: from New York City, to the emerald water of Florida, to New Orleans, and his favorite of all - the giant Redwoods of the Northwest. He visited the castles and halls of Germany, the island of Cuba, the lands and peoples of China, the pyramids of the Maya, and canyons of Mexico. He took his family to Honduras in 1958 and ventured to Argentina with his sons in 2009.
He loved to learn and yearned for adventure and the wonder of what might be over the next hill. An adventure we know he is enjoying still.

Updated 2/12/10

Evelyn E. Schartz

ELLINWOOD — Evelyn E. Schartz, 88, died Feb. 3 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born May 31, 1921, in Stafford County, the daughter of Paul and Bertha (Langrehr) Burhenn. She married Malvern P. Schartz July 18, 1940, in Barton County. He died Dec. 22, 1987. She was a homemaker and a lifetime resident of Barton County.
Mrs. Schartz was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella, all of Ellinwood.
Survivors include four daughters, Darlene Jenisch of Ellinwood, Joan Brown and husband Gary of Raymond, Connie Grossardt and husband Roger of Claflin and Karen Jamison of Bothell, Wash.; two brothers, Irvin Burhenn of El Dorado and Virgil Burhenn of Great Bend; a sister, Flossie Dewey of Great Bend; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Alvin Schartz, one brother, Vernon Burhenn, one sister, Luella Schwager and one great-granddaughter, Makinna Krebaum.
Funeral service were held Feb. 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiant. Interment will be at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Donations to a memorial fund for the church may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home

Omer Bieberle

BUSHTON — Omer Bieberle, 72, died Feb. 7 at his Bushton residence. He was born Jan. 30, 1938, in rural Rice County, the son of Joe and Rose (Huslig) Bieberle. He married Mary Ann Maier on Nov. 4, 1961, at Bushton. She survives. He was a contract pumper, farmer and stockman.
Mr. Bieberle was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church, Bushton, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1187, Ellinwood, and enjoyed hunting, the out of doors and sports. He was a lifetime resident of the Bushton area.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons, Joe Bieberle of Claflin and Jerry Bieberle and wife Audria, of Bushton; two daughters, Connie Weber and husband Tim, and Karen Riggs and husband Doug, all of Bushton; a brother, Willis Bieberle of Great Bend; three sisters, Alice Jenisch of Odin, Dorothy Moeder of Ellinwood and JoAnn McGlinn of Great Bend; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Clarence Bieberle; and a son-in-law, Terry Musil.
Funeral service were held February 10, at the Holy Name Catholic Church with a celebrated Mass conducted by Father Eric Weldon and Father James Roth. Burial will be at the Holy Name Cemetery, Bushton. Memorials are suggested to the Holy Name Cemetery Fund or to Bushton First Responders in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www. nicholsonrickefh.net.

Jewell O. Horst

Jewell O. Horst, 92, Hugoton, Ks. died Monday, February 1st, 2010, at Pioneer Manor, Hugoton, Ks.
She was born May 27th, 1917 at Yardelle, AR, the daughter of Hance & Kathryn Wheeler Hill. She graduated from Blackwell, OK in 1934.
On June 11th, 1938, she married Paul Horst in Salina Ks, he died March 14th 2002.
She previously lived in Ellinwood. Sylvia and Anthony, Ks, Pauls Valley, Ok. Cami, Il. and Casper, WY.
She was a member of the Hugoton United Methodist Church, UMW, Ulysses Chapter #471 of Eastern Star, PEO, and the Red Hat Society at Pioneer Manor.
Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Reidel and husband Jim, Eagle Rock, MO. Janice Cutter and husband David, Garden City, Ks.; Barbara Morris and husband Steve, Hugoton, Ks.; a sister Geraldine Fink, Russell, Ks.; seven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Earl, Ernest, and Hance, Jr. Hill; two sisters Myrtley Benso and Lu Strada.
Funeral services were held Friday Feb. 5th at the Hugoton United Methodist Church with Rev. Harry Cross presiding.
Interment was at the Hugoton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted to Hugoton United Methodist in care of the mortuary.