Obituaries

Updated 2/3/12

Alvina Katherine Haas
1923 ~ 2012

Alvina Katherine Haas, 88, died Jan. 26 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born Nov. 21, 1923 at Hoisington, the daughter of Jacob and Salamena (Radke) Boger. She married Rufus Haas July 26, 1945 at Hoisington.
Alvina was a homemaker and worked along side of her husband on the dairy farm. She also was employed by the Galatia School District #66 as a cook for 18 years and was also employed by the Bierock Shop in Hoisington and as a seamstress for Stricker Farms in Milberger. She was a lifetime Hoisington area resident, a member of United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington. Alvina loved her grandchildren and enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking and polka dancing.
She is survived by her husband, Rufus Haas of the home; one son, Larry Haas and wife Lois of Phillipsburg; one daughter, Sharon Kampe and husband Lanny of Apopka, Fla.; two sisters, Irene Kimpler of Ellinwood and Clara Cook of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two brothers, Emanuel Boger of Great Bend and Armen Boger of Marysvile, Wash.; grandchildren Michelle Haas, Bradley Haas, and Kimberly Kampe; great-grandchild, Mackenzie Haas; two step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three grandchildren, twins, Travis and Trevor Haas and Trisha Dawn Haas; three sisters, Wilma Krug, Othelia Krug, and Mary Louise Holmes.
Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Visitation was Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Prayer service was Sunday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Paster Amy Truhe and Pastor Amy Austin officiating. Interment at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorials are to United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger or Kans For Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Leora Anna Simpson
1918 ~ 2012

Leora Anna (Reese) Simpson, resident of the Owasso Baptist Village, passed away Saturday, Jan. 28 at the age of 93. Leora was born June 15, 1918 to Arthur James and Beulah (Cody) Sammons at Kellyville, Okla. She was raised and received her education in Oklahoma. On March 17, 1933, Leora and Everett Marion Reese where united in marriage. He preceded her in death in 1984. On March 3, 1986 she married Horace Gene Simpson, and he also preceded her in February of 1998.
Leora was an accomplished artist and enjoyed painting, often giving them to others. Some of her art is displayed at the Baptist Village. She could also be counted on to be of help to others, and while living at the Village, was active with the Baptist Village Choir.
Leora is survived by her children – Donald Reese and wife Beverly of Casper, Wyo., Carolyn Wilson and husband Don of Owasso, Okla., Billy Ray Reese and wife Leonida of Tehachapi, Calif., Lloyd Reese and wife Mary of Columbia, SC, Karen Hudson of Port Orchard, Wash.; beloved daughter-in-law, Telia Reese of Paducah, KY; 22 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 38 great-great-grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, children Sue Laine, Mary Ruth Hendrix, Michael Howard Reese, two brothers, two sisters and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Leora were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 in the Alsup Chapel at the Owasso Baptist Village with Chaplain Steve Williams officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Burrton Cemetery, Burrton, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, please send your donation to your favorite charity or to the Adams Fund at Owasso Baptist Village, 7410 N. 127th East Ave., Owasso, OK 74055. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com

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.

www.beckwithmortuary.com

Claudine F. Vanley
1934 ~ 2012

Claudine F. Vanley went home to the Lord on Dec. 10, 2011. She was born in Tribune to Leslie J. Miller and Myrtle J. Smith on Feb. 14, 1934.
She leaves cherished memories her loving sons, Jim (Colleen) Foster of Appleton, Wis., William Foster of Napa, Calif., Fred (Helen) Vanley, Jr., of Tucson, Ariz., Pete (Shari) Vanley of Fairfield, Calif.; daughter, Cheryl (Larry) Hill of Krum, Texas; loving sisters, Martha (Lonnie) McCarty of Ellinwood, Sharron Lane of Bay Town, Texas, Bobbie (Chuck) Shannon of Salina; brothers, Curtis (Carmen) Miller of Pagosa Springs, Colo., Denny Joe of Hoisington, Warren (Elaine) Miller of Derby and Steven (Consetta) Miller, of Grain Valley, Mo.; many grandchildren and nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Charles Durand of Yountville.
Claudine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Fred (Curley) N. Vanley; a brother, Roger Miller, and a sister, Janice Manley.
She loved her church and volunteering weekly at the Meadows and California Veterans Home at Yountville, where her smile and infectious laughter lit up wherever she was. It is impossible to express how much she will be missed by her family and large circle of friends.
Memorial service was held Friday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at Grace Church, 3765 Solano Avenue, Napa, Calif. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Napa Valley. Arrangements are under the direction of Napa Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, Napa, California.

Updated 1/5/12

Bonnie Lou Deitsch
1942 ~ 2011

Bonnie Lou Deitsch, 69, died Jan. 3 at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center at Wichita. She was born Feb. 7, 1942 at Wilsonville, Neb. The daughter of Earl and Evelyn (Martin) Kinne, she was the second of 11 children.
She married Lloyd Deitsch, Jr. April 7, 1980 at Beaver City, Nebraska.
Mrs. Deitsch was a homemaker and a certified nurses aid working at various hospitals and nursing homes. In the past, she worked as a child provider for the state of Nebraska.
She was a Hoisington resident since 2003, coming from Great Bend. She was a member of Seventh-day Adventist Church at Great Bend. She loved to quilt, specializing in baby blankets.
She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Deitsch Jr. of the home; one daughter, Elea Durr of Hoisington; several brothers and sisters, Peggy Sitzman of McCook, Neb., Edgar Kinne and his wife Sandy of Mt. Horeb, Wis., Bryan Kinne and his wife Lois of Grand Island, Neb., Lelia Kinne of Nicholasville, Ky., Verlie Young and husband Bill of Nicholasville, Ky., Ginger Cousins and her husband Si of Kansas City, Kan., Roger Kinne and his wife Joyce of Williamsburg, Ky., Howard Kinne and his wife Carla of McCook, Neb., Ken Kinne and his wife Amy of Pella, Iowa, Ricky Kinne and his wife Lynne of McCook, Neb.; and one granddaughter, Ashley Durr.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Great Bend. Pastor Terry Ruebush will officiate. Interment will be at the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation is planned for 1p.m. until 5 p.m., Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington and at 12:30 p.m. until time of the service on Saturday at the church.
Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to the Hoisington EMS in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Rachael Diane Stueder
1991 ~ 2011

Rachael Diane Stueder, 20, died Dec. 28 in Barton County. Born February 24, 1991 at Great Bend, she was the daughter of William (Bill) and Patricia D. (Smith) Stueder.
Rachael was a lifetime Claflin resident. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Claflin, a graduate of Claflin High School in 2009, and was attending Kansas State University majoring in Interior Architecture and Product Design, and a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.
She is survived by her parents: William (Bill) and Patricia D, (Patty) Stueder of the home; one brother, Michael Stueder of the home; paternal grandparents, Elmer and Mary Ellen Stueder, Great Bend; maternal grandmother, Janet Smith of Hoisington; uncle Alan Stueder and wife Rita of Claflin; uncle Terry Stueder and wife MelEesa of Great Bend; aunt Becky Griffith of Overland Park; aunt Cindy Schrader and husband Keith of Sturgis, Mich.; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Raleigh Verlin Smith and an uncle, David Stueder.
Funeral service was Dec. 31 at 10:30 a.m. at Claflin High School Gymnasium with Pastor Daniel Harders officiating. Visitation was Thursday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington and Friday, 6 p.m. at the Claflin High School with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Interment at Claflin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church or The School of Architecture at KSU or Multiple Sclerosis Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Ruby F. Phillips
1921 ~ 2011

Ruby F. Phillips, 90, died Dec. 31 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. She was born Feb. 15, 1921, the daughter of Frank and Cora (Wardlaw) Asher.
She married Oren L. Phillips on Dec. 24, 1943, at San Francisco, Calif.. He died March 9, 1993. Mrs. Phillips had lived in Great Bend since 1992, coming from Hoisington. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, in both Hoisington and Great Bend. She was a member of the Civic Club in Hoisington, the Hoisington Jets 4-H Club and was a Cub Scout Pack leader for packs 130, 140 and 177. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Great Bend and Hoisington. She had worked for Maude’s Cafe, Duckwall’s, and Banner, all of Hoisington.
She is survived by two sons: Dale Phillips and wife Rhonda of Great Bend and Loren Phillips and wife Cindy of Great Bend; one daughter Maritta “Marty” Schloemer and husband Darwin of Great Bend; one sister, Esther Moeller of Sun City, Ariz.; one brother Carlos “Bud” Asher of Troy, Ohio, one daughter-in-law, Rose Phillips, Great Bend; five grandsons: Damon Schloemer, Devin Schloemer, Anthony Phillips, Sam Phillips, and Justin E. Heggemeier; three granddaughters: Anita Phillips, Angela Grunewald, and Jenni Schaefer; three great-grandsons: Colton Schloemer, Justin J. Heggemeier and Cody Heggemeier; six great-granddaughters: Deborah Schloemer, Darian Schloemer, Breanne Schloemer, Avery Schaefer, Aidan Schaefer and Bailey Heggemeier. She was preceded in death by one son, Darrell Phillips, one brother Lloyd Asher; four sisters: Marie Asher, Mildred Tournear, Doris Miller and Ellen Doonan.
Funeral service was Thursday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, with Reverend Tom Sheldon officiating. Interment at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4 with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Memorial fund suggested to First United Methodist Church or Southwind Hospice in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Updated 12/30/11

Cecilia “Cec” McClure
1932 ~ 2011

Cecilia “Cec” McClure, 79, was born July 17, 1932 in Odin. She passed away on December 21 at Hutchinson Hospice House after a brave battle with kidney failure. She was the youngest child of William and Hattie (Frenzl) Klug of Odin. She was preceded in death by 13 siblings and was loved by the families of Marie Beck, Helen Gerber, Teresa Meyeres, Hattie Stos, Odee Murphy, May Demel, Ann Demel, Joe Klug, Rose Jacobs, Ida Neises, Leo Klug, Eddie Klug and Red Klug. Three siblings died in their youth and she lost an infant son at birth.
She married Larry McClure in 1961 and was a long-time resident of Wichita. She is survived by her daughter, Kim Wilson and husband Skip, Hutchinson, her son Doug McClure, Wichita, and her sister, Dottie Mayer, Mass.
She worked for Edminston Oil company for 22 years and 16 years at Wesley Medical Center where she retired at age 75. She said working kept her young and involved in life. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church , Wichita, but most often attended daily mass at the hospital chapel. Her faith gave her comfort and strength.
Cec cherished her children, large family and friends. She was a wonderful Mother who shared a lifetime special “best friend” bond with her daughter Kim and dedicated herself to the happiness of her special needs son Doug. She enjoyed close relationships and gatherings with her large family of siblings, nieces and nephews. She treasured her many wonderful friends who brought her life great joy. She was a classy, petite, kind person who enjoyed life and was loved by many. She listened with her heart and offered comfort and encouragement to all who knew her. Cec was truly special and will always be remembered in our thoughts, actions and prayers. We are so grateful that god blessed our lives with her.
Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, December 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Odin, with Father Charles Mazouch as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Holy Family Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday December 27 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a vigil at 6 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to the Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson or the Holy Family Cemetery Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544 Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Margie Lynn Wondra
1947 ~ 2011

Margie Lynn Wondra, 64, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Evergreen Community of Johnson County in Olathe, Kansas. She was born January 30, 1947 in Ellsworth, the daughter of Laborious (Bob) and Amelia (Kraft) Miller.
Margie, a long-time resident of Barton County, graduated from Dorrance High School and attended the Dominican School of Nursing in Great Bend. She worked at Central Kansas Medical Center for many years as a CNA. In 2004 Margie moved to Kansas City to be closer to her children. She was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and the Holy Family Altar Society both in Odin. She enjoyed cooking, animals and spending time with her grandchildren.
On August 21, 1971 she married Ambrose Wondra in Great Bend.
Survivors include Ambrose Wondra, one son, Mike Wondra and wife Angela of Overland Park; two daughters, Mellisa Miller and husband Justin of Hutchinson, Mindy Burkhalter and husband Paul of Kansas City, Mo.; two brothers, Larry Miller of Oklahoma City, Okla., Bob Miller of Norman, Okla.; one sister Val Heinze and husband Dale of Parkville, Mo.; five grandchildren, Morgan and Brooke Miller, Andy, Aubrie and Allie Burkhalter.
She was preceded in death by her parents and infant sister Betty Ann Miller.
Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Odin with Father Charles Mazouch as celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery. Friends may call Monday Dec. 26, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a vigil service and Altar Society rosary starting at 6 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Holy Family Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

John D. Kruckenberg
1974 ~ 2011

John David Kruckenberg, 37, died Dec. 24 at Great Bend. He was born Sep. 13, 1974 at Great Bend, the son of Homer Andrew and Joyce LaVon (Graham) Kruckenberg.
He married Lyndsay Clutter on Oct. 15, 2005 at Hoisington. He was Director of Technology for USD #354, and worked in the IT Department at Parrish Hotel, Topeka. Mr. Kruckenberg was a Hoisington resident since August 2011 coming from Topeka and Claflin. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, Hoisington. He was passionate about computers. He loved and adored his family, especially his children.
Mr. Kruckenberg is survived by his wife, Lyndsay Kruckenberg, of the home; father, Homer Andrew Kruckenberg of Great Bend; one son Keaton Kruckenberg of the home; one daughter, Sydney Kruckenberg of the home; two sisters, Gretchen Titus-Schmidt of Prairie Village, and Kaydene Truitt of Turon; one brother, Kyle Kruckenberg of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his mother, LaVon Kruckenberg.
Memorial service was held Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend with Pastor Don Fisher and the Reverend Arlyn Thielenhaus officiating. Inurnment at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. The register book was available to sign from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 at Bryant Funeral Home. The family received friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial fund to Children’s Education Fund in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Donald K. Spaeny
1925 ~ 2011

Donald K. Spaeny, 86, of Hutchinson, died Dec. 21, 2011 at Hospice House. He was born Nov. 16, 1925, at Lyons, the son Ernest C. & Ora Kathryn Runkle Spaeny. He graduated from Lyons High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII. Donald was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, and was a life member of both the Lysle Rishel Post # 68 of the American Legion, where he was Past Commander, and the Hoisington V.F.W. Post # 7428. He was a retired automotive industrial equipment representative for Stewart-Warner.
Donald married Alberta J. Humphrey on Jan. 4, 1948 in Hoisington. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, Michael C. Spaeny and wife Twila, Hutchinson, Mark A. Spaeny and wife Reja, Springfield, Mo., and Matthew J. Spaeny and wife Mykl, Yukon, Okla.; 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 at Elliott Mortuary with Rev. Jim Rhaesa presiding. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard from Fort Riley, Kansas. Friends may sign a book from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and the family will greet friends 7 p.m.-8 p.m. all on Thursday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Prairie Honor Flight, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501. Friends may visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave the family a condolence.

Gordon R. Brantley
1942 ~ 2011

Gordon R. Brantley, 69, passed away Dec. 26 at Scott County Hospital at Scott City. The son of Herbert K. and Wilma F. Walters Brantley, he was born Feb. 11, 1942 at Almena. In May of 2011 he moved to Scott City.
He was a 1960 graduate of Scott Community High School at Scott City. He received a degree in mortuary science after attending Kansas City Kansas Community College and Fort Hays State University.
Mr. Brantley was the owner and operator of three funeral homes throughout his career. They were located at Atwood, Great Bend and Dodge City. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner.
Survivors include one daughter, Sherri Brack of Great Bend; one son, Scott Brantley of Great Bend; one brother Keen Brantley of Scott City; five grandchildren, TeeJay Janousek, Cayton Janousek, Steele Brack, Austin Brantley and Gracie Brantley all of Great Bend.
He was proceeded in death by his parents.
Graveside services were scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 at the Scott County Cemetery at Scott City. The Pastor Arlen Ankle officiated. Interment was at the Scott County Cemetery. Visitation was scheduled from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Thursday at the Price & Sons Funeral Home at Scott City.
Suggested memorials can be made to Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, KS 67871.
E-Condolences may be given at www.priceandsons.com or pricefh@wbsnet.org

Updated 12/23/11

Juanita Marie
(Woydziak) Brower
1936 ~ 2011

Juanita Marie (Woydziak) Brower, 75, died Friday, Dec. 16 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Mrs. Brower was born September 1, 1936, in Hoisington, Kansas to Arsenius and Mathilda Woydziak.
She attended St. Joseph’s elementary school in Beaver. Her freshman and sophomore years she attended Sacred Heart Academy in Wichita and graduated high school in Hoisington in 1954. She married Bobby Lindsey Brower on Jan. 17, 1955 in Beaver, Kansas. He preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 2002 after 48 years of marriage She moved to Alex, Okla. in 1960, then to Beaver, Okla. in 1961 where she resided until 1973 before moving to Moore, Okla. In 1976, she and Bob moved to Pampa. She was an active member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church where she was involved in many ministries such as the Women’s Altar Society, Women of the Cloth, her prayer group, and the Elizabeth Ministries. She was active in the Amarillo Diocese ACTS Community, the TDCJ Rufe Jordan Unit Prison Ministry, Kyros and the Queen Bunko group. Over the past 30 years she had held the positions of Youth Director, secretary, and Religious Education Director at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church. In addition, she enjoyed connecting with others through selling AVON over the years in the community.
A woman of many talents that she freely shared with others. A love of God and a faith so deep that it permeated every aspect of her daily life. She opened her heart and home to all. Her table was never too crowded to squeeze in an unexpected guest. An Angel with a kind word, a ready smile, a genuine laugh, and arms wide open to welcome anyone and everyone. Hugs and kisses generously bestowed on all especially her precious grandchildren. She was always willing to try something new and push for all of us to do the same. She was always looking for ways to make people feel good, needed, and loved. She was a role model to all she came in contact with and was a mom and mimi to many. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will truly be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by two daughters: Linda Trimble and husband Jeff of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Janice Miner and husband Jimmy of Pampa, Okla.; two sons: Rick Brower and wife Vicki of Missouri City, Texas and Roy Brower and wife Patti of Moore, Okla.; 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mrs. Brower was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Bernard and James Woydziak, and by a grandson, Roy Leon Brower, Jr.
Vigil service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church with Father Francisco Perez, pastor of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church in Pampa, officiating. Burial in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.
Memorials to BSA Hospice of Pampa, 600 N. Tyler, Amarillo, Texas 79107. ACTS Community, c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1200 S. Washington, Amarillo, Texas 79102. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 810 W. 23rd Avenue, Pampa, Texas 79065. Sign the online register book at
www.carmichael-whatley.com.

Don L. Clutter
1946 ~ 2011

Don L. Clutter, 65, died Dec. 17 at Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita. He was born February 22, 1946 at North Tonawanda, N.Y., the son of Elmer and Elsie Ruth (Sellers) Clutter.
He married Angie Kaiser June 14, 1986 at Great Bend. He was a lifetime resident of Hoisington, and a retired maintenance employee for Natural Gas Pipeline, Albert. He served as a Drill Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He was of the Christian faith, loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and his dog, Ruger, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycles.
He is survived by his wife, Angie of the home, one son, Chance Clutter and wife Amanda of Hooksett, N.H.; two daughters, Kelly Battiston and husband Matt of Alexandria, Va., and Lyndsay Clutter Kruckenberg and husband John of Hoisington; grandchildren Sydney Kruckenberg and Keaton Kruckenberg; and mother-in-law Marilyn Kaiser of Claflin. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Dale Clutter and father-in-law, Leo Kaiser.
Funeral service was Thursday, December 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Reverend Don Fisher officiating. Visitation was Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. to service time, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Interment at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Don wishes to continue to help his grandchildren through life. A memorial has been established, Don Clutters Grandchildren Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Larry Dean Ward
1944 ~ 2011

Larry Dean Ward, 67, died Dec, 21 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born Oct. 25, 1944, at Great Bend, the son of Ephreum W. and Millie (Horine) Ward. He married Mary Gonsalez, April 27, 1963, at Great Bend. He was a machinist at Farley’s Machine and later worked at Cashco. Mr. Ward was a lifetime Barton County resident. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ward, of the home; two sons: Lawrence Duane “Jake” of Ellsworth and fiance Connie Stucky Ward of McPherson; Kenneth Lynn Ward and wife Kary of Ellinwood; three daughters: Shelley Ward Elsen of Ellinwood; Melissa Schemmer and husband Tim of Hoisington; Melinda Petz and husband Carl of Olathe; three sisters: Marilyn Gilmore of Texas, Beverly Partridge of Russell, and Sybil Diana Wheling of Great Bend; and one brother, Ed Ward of Chase. 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 Monday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, Pastor Mike Joiner officiating. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial fund to Larry Dean Ward Memorial Fund in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

James G. “Jimmy” Roat
1961 ~ 2011

James G. “Jimmy” Roat, 50, died Dec. 17 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned. He was born Nov. 13, 1961, at Phillipsburg, the son of James Andrew and Doris Verlea (Lemon) Roat.
He attended Great Bend High School and graduated from Salina Vocational Technical College specializing in auto body. He was employed for many years by R and S Repair and Transportation and recently worked for Central States Thermo King of Dodge City as a refrigeration technician. He married Karla Weatherman on Jan. 21, 1981, and were later divorced. He spent many years working on diesel refrigeration units and was a specialist in that field. He was an avid car and antique collector.
He is survived by his mother, Doris Verlea Road, rural Seward; one son, Jesse Roat and companion Brittany Van Scyoc, Hoisington; one daughter, Kayla Roat of Hoisington; one sister, Diane Roat of rural Seward; one brother, David Roat and wife Brenda of Hoisington; one grandson, Preston Roat; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. He was also survived by his beloved dogs, Thunder and Dottie. He was preceded in death by son, Travis Roat, father, James A. Roat, brother, Darin Roat, grandparents, Mervin and Fern Lemon and Gilford and Florence Roat.
Funeral service was Tuesday Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend with Pastor Mike Joiner officiating. Interment in Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation was 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Memorials to Preston Road education fund in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Updated 12/16/11

Edward Murray
1944 ~ 2011

Edward Murray, 67, died December 6 at his home in Hoisington. He was born January 18, 1944 at Hamilton, Ohio, the son of Christopher and Stella (Thompson) Murray. He married Theresa Schwartz on September 2, 1978 at Missouri City, Tex. He was a resident of Hoisington since 1995. He worked as a security guard for Great Bend Packing, was a truck driver and recently worked at Town and Country Supermarket in Hoisington as a stocker. He was a member of the Claflin Methodist Church. He enjoyed camping, fishing, cookouts, traveling, collecting John Wayne memorabilia, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa Murray of the home; two sons, James Holt Jr. of Ellinwood and Tim Holt and wife Donna of Longview, Tex.; four daughters, Mary Ferguson and husband Johnny of Spring, Tex., Brenda Christensen and husband Don of Grand Junction, Colo., Tina Rumold and husband Shawn and Claudia McCollum and husband Shaun, both of Claflin; 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Norval, Norman and Frank Murray; two sisters, Juanita and Norma.
Memorial service will be Friday, December 16 at 11 a.m. at the Claflin United Methodist Church in Claflin, Reverend Gene Langhofer officiating. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Shawn Alan Ney
1977 ~ 2011

Shawn Alan Ney, 33 died December 10 at Great Bend. He was born December 16, 1977 at Hoisington, the son of Michael and Debra (Bennett) Ney. He was a lifelong Barton County resident and a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He graduated from Barton County College with an associates degree in Science from the LPN program. A sports fan, he liked the Yankees and the Chiefs, the outdoors and woodworking.
He is survived by his father, Michael Ney of Hoisington; two daughters, Caitlin Ney of Great Bend and Nicole Davis of Ellinwood; an adopted son, Dakota Ney of Great Bend; one sister, Heather Marsh and husband Gary of Great Bend; one brother, Heath Ney and wife Afton of Hoisington; paternal grandmother, Margaret Ney of Hoisington; maternal grandfather, Charles Bennett of Hoisington; and maternal grandmother Mary Orton of Council Grove. He was preceded in death by his mother, Debra Ney, paternal grandfather, Francis Ney, step grandfather, Buzz Orton and uncle, Max Taylor.
Funeral service was Wednesday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington, the Reverend Dick Ogle officiating. Visitation was Tuesday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Burial at St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to St. John Cemetery Fund or Shawn Ney Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Priscilla Ann Benignus
1931 ~ 2011

Priscilla Ann (Engel) Benignus was born in Herington on Oct. 9, 1931, the daughter of Oscar and Hortense (Ehrsam) Engel and was raised in Enterprise. She graduated from Kansas State University with a teaching certificate and taught at Simpson. On May 25, 1952 she married Robert M. Benignus. They lived in Alton for several years before moving to Hoisington in 1955. Robert preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 2009. While raising her family, Priscilla substitute taught in Hoisington and then worked for the Central Kansas Girl Scout Council, training and supporting Girl Scout leaders in Barton and surrounding counties. Priscilla took coursework during two summers at the University of Wyoming and through Barton County Community College, earning her bachelors’ degree in accounting from Fort Hays State University. She then worked in the accounting departments at a number of firms in the area before formally retiring.
Priscilla was an avid reader, a skilled baker, and possessed an extensive vocabulary developed from her love of word puzzles and other intellectual pursuits. Mrs. Benignus also enjoyed painting, playing bridge and other card games, and outdoor activities – including hunting and fishing with her husband in her younger years.
Mrs. Benignus was a strong supporter of many organizations, particularly those promoting environmental, historical, humanitarian, and health-related issues. She was a member of Hoisington First United Methodist Church, a patron member of the Heritage Center of the Dickinson County Historical Society, Delta Delta Delta sorority, the order of Eastern Star, Friends of the Eisenhower Foundation and a member of the Smithsonian Institute.
Priscilla died in Hoisington on Dec. 6, 2011. Survivors include three daughters: (Elsbeth) Beth Locke and her husband Alan of Johannesburg, South Africa, Nancy Benignus of the Bronx, NY and Sara Benignus of San Diego, Calif.; two grandchildren Melissa Ann and Benjamin Alan Locke, South Africa; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Rosemary McGee.
Visitation will be at the Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 6 – 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Hoisington at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. Burial will be handled by Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home, Abilene and the graveside service at Mt. Hope Cemetery at Enterprise will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Hoisington Public Library or The Nature Conservancy of Kansas in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 12/8/11

Marguerite M. Schneider
1935 ~ 2011

Marguerite M. Schneider, 76, died December 3 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. She was born September 28, 1935 at LaCrosse, the daughter of William O. and Clara (Bush) Maneth.
She married Marvin L. Schneider October 4, 1955 at LaCrosse, they were married 56 years. She was a homemaker and a lifetime resident of Olmitz. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, a church organist for 46 years, a member of the St. Ann’s Church Centennial Committee, a writer for the Hoisington Dispatch, worked for the Rush County News, was a “Reading Grandma” at the Otis-Bison Elementary School, a blood donor, avid quilter and seamstress and farmed in both Barton and Rush Counties.
She is survived by her husband, Marvin L. Schneider of the home; sons Steve Schneider and wife Tammie of Olmitz, and John Schneider and wife Stacy of Otis; daughters Donna Huff and Don Bradbury of Ellis, Rita Pivonka of Great Bend, Sharon Royer of Otis, Karen Pechanec and husband Jim of Timken, Susan Myrick and husband Rick of Hutchinson, Paula Tammen and husband Reggie of Timken; sisters, Lorraine Schneweis of Hoisington, Justina Hlavaty of Olmitz, Gertrude Staab of Victoria, Gloria Bieker of Oklahoma City, Okla; brother Francis Maneth of Sioux Falls, SD; 21 grandchildren, 7 great-grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Fritzler.
Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, December 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz with Father Ultan Murphy and Father Nicholas Voelker as celebrants. Interment at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Olmitz. Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Rosary was at 8 p.m. at the church in Olmitz with a wake service starting at 6:30 p.m. Memorials in lieu of flower are suggested to St. Ann’s Church, Rush County Fair Association, Kans For Kids, or Donor’s Choice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Bruce Standlee
1947 ~ 2011

Bruce Wayne Standlee, 64, died Dec, 3 at his home in Hudson, Kansas. Bruce was born March 13, 1947 in Great Bend to R.D. and Betty (Kastrup) Standlee.
Bruce married JoAnn (Tillotson) Standlee on June 12, 1967 in Columbus, GA.
Bruce attended school in Bristow, Okla. where he graduated in 1966.
Bruce was a Vietnam Veteran. He was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Great Bend. 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, Okla. and Bob and his wife Stacy Standlee, Ellinwood and his mother Betty Standlee, St. John, 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.
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.

Harold E. Stalker
1960 ~ 2011

Harold E. Stalker, 50, died December 1 at this home in St. John. He was born December 4, 1960 at Hutchinson, the son of Harold D. and Carroll S. (Mings) Stalker-Farrow. A long time resident of St. John, he was an oil field worker. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, St. John.
Survivors include a daughter, Jessica J. Polzin, Hoisington, a step-brother, Raymond L. Farrow, Moore, Okla.; a sister, Donna Willerton, Ness City, his mother of St. John, and two grandchildren.
Funeral service was Monday, December 5 at 2 p.m. at Minnis Chapel, St. John with Tom Harrison presiding. Burial was at the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John., Visitation was from 10 a.m. until service time on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Sunflower Senior Center or Make a Wish Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, P. O. Box 34, St. John, KS 67576.

Updated 12/2/11

Elizabeth A. Pivonka
1929 ~ 2011

Elizabeth A. Pivonka, 82, died November 29 at Country Place Senior Living, Hoisington. She was born March 17, 1929 at Great Bend, the daughter of Ed and Rachel (Brack) Stenzel. She married Myron D. Pivonka on July16, 1950 at Hoisington. He died May 25, 2005.
Mrs. Pivonka was a homemaker and a lifetime Hoisington resident. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, OES UNA Chapter 119, and Cameo Club of Hoisington, Isis Nomads, and a past member of daughters of the Nile, and also enjoyed playing bridge.
She is survived by one daughter, Myra A. Gasser and husband Don of Fort Worth, Tex. and one grandson, Nathan Gasser and wife Phanessa of Irving, Tex. She was preceded in death by one sister, Laura Jean Weber.
Funeral service will be held Friday, December 2 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington with the Reverend Steven Little and Rhonda Templing PMA officiating. Visitation was held Thursday, from 9 a.m., to 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington and Friday 10 a.m. until service time at the church with interment at Hoisington Cemetery in Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to Kans For Kids, Hoisington Food Bank, or Emmanuel Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 11/24/11

Lyle E. Stout
1936 ~ 2011

Lyle E. Stout, 75, died November 15 at Hoisington. He was born April 26, 1936 at Laird, Kan., the son of Harold Lee and Myrtle Louise (Farris) Stout. He was a life-long Hoisington resident and graduated from Hoisington High School in 1954. He was a hard worker, loyal friend, enjoyed horseback riding, camping, boating and fishing, gardening, yard work and helping others. He was a Jeff Gordon fan and enjoyed discussing NASCAR with his son Wayne. He loved and cared for animals.
He is survived by two sons: Wayne Stout and wife Susan of Hoisington and Dennis Stout of Wichita; three daughters: Jaye Lynn Keil, Russell, JoAnn Martin, Oklahoma City, Okla. and Sara Stout, Kansas City, Mo.; one brother, Dean Stout, Hoisington, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Francis Stout, two sons, John Stout and Roy Stout, and one grandson, Zachary Stout.
Funeral service was November 19 at 11 a.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Reverend Dick Ogle officiating. Visitation was November 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to service time. Interment at Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorial fund to Kansas For Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 11/18/11

V. Lenora Musgrove
1927 ~ 2011

V. Lenora Musgrove, 84, died November 11 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood., She was born May 20, 1927 at Leedey, Okla., the daughter of William Brackston and Bertha (McKay) Yarbrough.
She married J. C. Musgrove on February 23, 1952 at Tucumcari, N.M., he died March 26, 1999. Mrs. Musgrove was a homemaker, had worked for Southwestern Bell Phone Company and as a salesperson for J. C. Penney. She was a Claflin resident since 1993 coming from Great Bend. She loved to cook, sew quilts, and spend time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by two sons; Jim Musgrove and wife Barbara of Claflin, Steve Musgrove and wife Brenda of Great Bend; one daughter, Brenda Gross and husband Kevin of Great Bend; two sisters, Alene Scott of San Antonio, Tex., and Launa Sharp of El Paso, Tex.; two brothers, Verdi Yarbrough and Vernon Yarbrough, both of Amarillo, Tex.; grandchildren Clint and Erica Musgrove, Luke Musgrove, Bobbi and John Cuffe, Spencer Musgrove, Jodi Musgrove, Trent Musgrove, Tasha Gross, Brandon Gross, and Jacy Gross; and one great grandchild, Ella Musgrove. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Lee, Cecil, Clarence, Lewis and infant brother Troy Yarbrough, and one sister, Omega Woodward.
Funeral service was Nov. 15 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with the Reverend Don Fisher officiating. Visitation was at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Interment was in the Claflin Cemetery. Memorial suggested to Lenora Musgrove Scholarship Fund, or the American Diabetes Association in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 11/11/11

Mary Catherine Weeks
1928 ~ 2011

Mary Catherine Weeks, 83, died November 2 at her residence in Hoisington. She was born January 5, 1928 at Dubuque, the daughter of Henry and Philomena (Eckart) Casey.
She married John E. Weeks on June 4, 1947 at Dubuque. He died December 22, 1990. Mrs. Weeks worked for Barton County Community College as an Administrative Assistant, office manager for Roxanna Oil, and at Verna's Clothing store in Hoisington, She was a Hoisington resident since 1952 coming from Russell and Ellinwood, and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society, Hoisington.
She is survived by four sons: Curtis Weeks and wife Cherri of Milton, Ga., Craig Weeks and wife Shari of Burlingame, Brent Weeks and companion Nicole Kaempfe of Wichita, and Brian Weeks and wife Karla of Salina; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother Donald Casey and two sisters, Vivian Cates and Loretta Ross.
A mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, November 5 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Celebrant, Father Francis Oroffa. Visitation was Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. followed by Altar Society rosary, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Interment was at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Barton County. Memorial fund suggested to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 11/4/11

Buddy Ray Messick
1935 ~ 2011

Buddy Ray Messick, 76, died Oct. 28 at his home in Kingman with his wife and children by his side.
He was born Oct. 28, 1935, near Raymond, the son of Clarence and Dora Belle Hughbanks Messick. A Kingman resident since 1984, previously of the Raymond, Lyons and Claflin communities, he was a retired oil field employee.
He was a member of the Raymond Baptist Church, the V.F.W., formerly of the Lyons American Legion, and was a U.S. Army veteran.
On April 2, 1955, he married Anna Belle Manwarren at Sterling. Other survivors include son, Clarence and his wife Lori, two daughters and their husbands, Clairissa and Steve Maddy and Cynthia and Lynn Lannon; brother Jack; sisters Kaye Fore and Bobbie Schultz, nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services were Tuesday at the Raymond Baptist Church. Burial was in the Raymond Cemetery.
Memorials may be made with the Hospice Care of Kansas, the Wichita VA Hospital, or to the donor's choice, all in care of the Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman, KS 67068.

Paul Maier
1943 ~ 2011

Paul Maier, 68, died Wednesday Oct. 25 at Pinnacle Park in Salina. He was born Feb. 13, 1943 at Hays, the son of Henry and Tabea (Dietz) Maier.
Paul, a lifelong resident of Barton County, graduated from Otis High School. He worked at Thies Packing Plant in Great Bend for many years. He later worked various oil field jobs, retiring from Magellan. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church at Galatia. He enjoyed fishing, nature, bird watching and loved animals.
He married Nadine Nolte Sept. 3, 1963 at Ellinwood. They later divorced but remained friends. Survivors include one son, Rodney Maier and wife Cherlyn of Claflin, one sister, Shirley Hartwick and husband Stewart of Smolan; one brother, Harlan Maier and wife Rebecca of Hoisington; five grandchildren, Rebecca Maier, Ashlee Maier, Aimee Maier, Aaron Maier, and Andrew Maier. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 29 at St. Paul Lutheran Church at Galatia with Pastor Adam Wutka officiating. Burial followed at Fairview Cemetery at Galatia.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P. O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 10/28/11

Wilma K. Morgenstern
1920 ~ 2011

Wilma K. Morgenstern, 91, died Oct. 25 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born March 7, 1920 at Otis, the daughter of William and Teresa (Brack) Moore. She married Martin Morgenstern on December 26, 1938 at Otis. She was the owner of Wilma's Antiques in Hoisington for 14 years and was a life long Barton County resident. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, VFW Auxiliary, and enjoyed auctions, bingo, fishing and traveling.
She is survived by her husband Martin Morgenstern, of the home and one sister, Twila Irwin and husband Harold of Topeka. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Woodrow Moore.
Funeral service was Thursday, October 27 at 1 p.m. at Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home. The Reverend Kris Brinlee officiating. Visitation was Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. to service time, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Interment in the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorials suggested to First United Methodist Church or American Diabetes Association in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Keith D. Bieberle
1951 ~ 2011

Keith D. Bieberle, age 60, died Oct. 17.  He was born Sept. 7, 1951 at Great Bend, the son of Gilbert and Dolores (Frances) Bieberle.  Keith was a resident of St. John since 1978 where he was a Telecommunications Service Technician for Century Link phone company.
He graduated from Hoisington High School in 1969, attended Barton County Community College,  Vocational Technical School in Salina, and served in the Army National Guard for six years. His memberships include, St. John The Apostle Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. 
On May 19, 1973 he married Mary E. (Stephens) in Hoisington, she survives of the home.  Other survivors include, a son, Maj. Joel K. Bieberle and wife Sheri, Colorado Springs, Colo., a daughter, Sarah D. Britton and husband Josh, Ulysses, two brothers, Glen Bieberle, Hoisington, Darin Bieberle, Fayetteville, Ark., two sisters, Janiece Klenda, LaCrosse, Kay Demel, Hiawatha, his mother, Dolores Westbrook, Augusta, and 3 grandchildren, Grace, Brody and Ava.
Funeral mass was Oct. 22 at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, St. John, with Fr. Floyd McKenney presiding.   Memorials may be given to St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 34, St. John, Kan. 67576.

Ronald Wayne Webb
1940 ~ 2011

Ronald Wayne Webb was born September 29, 1940 in West Plains, Missouri, the son of Howard Olney and Pearl Marie (Smith) Webb. He departed this life on October 21 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 71 years.
He was united in marriage to Linda Ann Gilbert on May 1, 1959 in Second Baptist Church, West Plains, Missouri. Four daughters were born to this union, Sandy, Debbie, Rhonda, and Pam.
Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Linda, of the home in Mountain View; stepmother, Elnora Webb of West Plains; daughters, Sandy Martin and husband, Mark, of Hoisington, Kans, Debbie Spencer and husband, Jack, of Mountain View, Rhonda Henry and husband, Mike, of Mountain View, and Pam DeBolt and husband, Chris, of Coral Springs, Fla.; one brother, Harold Webb and wife, Ernestine, of Willow Springs; one sister, Anna Owen and husband, Earnie, of West Plains; nine grandchildren, Amber David, Justin Martin, Wayne Spencer, Kala Chambers, Valene Hines, Angie Miller, Ronnie Henry, Jaren DeBolt, and Chance DeBolt; and two great grandchildren, Mason Martin and Landon Hines.
Ronnie was saved at an early age. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Mountain View. He was instrumental in the growth of the church’s bus ministry.
Ronnie was employed by, and later co-owner of the cheese plant in Mountain View, while also owning and operating a cattle farm. He worked for USDA for approximately seven years and then had become a real estate appraiser for the last 15 years.
Ronnie served on many boards in the Mountain View community. He had a great heart for promoting and supporting his community.
He loved attending his grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed golf and bowling.
Ronnie will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but also by the community that he loved.
Funeral services were held October 26, at First Baptist Church, Mountain View, with Dr. John Noble officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Mountain View, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Bus Ministry. Condolences may be made at www.yarbermortuary.com.

Kenneth Ira Sellens
1917 ~ 2011

Kenneth Ira Sellens, 94, passed away October 23 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. Kenneth was born January 14, 1917, the son of Henry and Florette (Overholt) Sellens.
He married Berdena B. Bangerter on May 28, 1938, at Hoisington. She died January 19, 2010. Kenneth worked at the Star Meat Market in Hoisington in the early 40’s, then was a pumper in the oil field and retired as parts and service manager after many years for Murdy Motors, Hoisington. Kenneth was a life-time Hoisington resident until the tornado in 2001, moving to Great Bend. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He volunteered for the police auxiliary, Hoisington, was a champion blue rock competitor, and an avid bowler. He taught Hunter Safety Course and auto mechanics at Barton County Community College. During his retirement, he filled it as an avid sportsman, hunter and helped farm with his long time close friend, Ray Bradshaw.
Survivors include one son, Jim Sellens and wife Sharon of Wasilla, Alaska; four daughters, Judy Harmon and husband Roger of Round Rock, Texas Janice Westrum and husband Gordon of Monument, Colo., Jolene Boys and husband Mike of Great Bend, and Demarise Jayne Klir and husband Steven of Denton, Texas; one brother, Howard Sellens of Hoisington and sisters Marilu Delano, McCook, Neb., Beula Earnest, Attica, and Carolyn Huffman, Attica; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.
Funeral service will be Friday, October 28 at 10:30 at First United Methodist Church, Hoisington. The Reverend Kris Brinlee officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. till service time at the church, Hoisington. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Jesus L. Torrez
1925 ~ 2011

Jesus L. Torrez, 85, died October 25 at Hays Medical Center, Hays. He was born December 23 at Hoisington, the son of Pablo Martinez and Candelaria (Lopes) Torrez. He married Lucy Mancha, March 24, 1949 at Great Bend and later divorced. He married Wanda Ritter, she survives. He was a Great Bend resident coming from Albert and Dodge City and liked to garden.
He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad.
His is survived by his wife Wanda Ritter of Great Bend; two sons, Roger Torrez and wife Joy of Great Bend and Joseph Torrez and wife Darlene of Albert; one daughter, Loretta Trapp of Great Bend; grandchildren, Joshua Cape, Laurie Kurtz, Jessica Davis, Michael Torrez, Kelsey Torrez, Vanessa Torrez, Abby Prescott, and Corey Torrez. He was preceded in death by six brothers, John, Fidel, Salvador, Tony, Juan and Tommy Torrez and by an infant sister, Lupe Torrez.
Funeral service will be Friday, October 28 at 2 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Father Ultan Murphy, celebrant. Visitation was Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to service time, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Interment at St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorials to St. John Cemetery Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Clara R. Steiner
1916 ~ 2011

Clara R. Steiner, 95, died Oct. 26 at Cherry Village Nursing Home at Great Bend. She was born June 9, 1916 at Odin, the daughter of Peter J. and Louisa (Korkish) Meyeres.
She married Alfred R. Steiner October 28, 1938 at Odin. He died July 19, 1991.
Mrs. Steiner was a homemaker and lifetime resident of rural Hoisington.
She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society at Hoisington.
Survivors include one son, Darrell Steiner and wife Karen of Overland Park; one sister, Ann Hitschmann of Odin; five grandchildren, Roger Steiner, Cary Steiner, Jill Scaletty, Nicole Oblepias, and Thad Steiner; sister-in-laws, Viola Meyeres and Frances Blazek.
She was preceded in death by a son, Melvin Steiner; three brothers, Frank, Steve and Bill Meyeres; four sisters, Sophia Habiger, Marie Marquis, Tillie Luerman and Teresa Prosser.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. John Evangelist Catholic Church at Hoisington. Father Francis Oroffa will officiate. Visitation was scheduled for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday with a vigil at 7 p.m. followed by Altar Society rosary, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington. Interment will be at the St. John Church Cemetery at Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to the St. John Cemetery Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 10/7/11

Clara B. Bittner
1934 ~ 2011

Clara B. Bittner, 77, passed away October 2 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. She was born February 2, 1934 at Wood, South Dakota, the daughter of Gotlieb and Alice (Rhodes) Kline.
She married Ernest C. Bittner, Jr. on April 4, 1953 at Raton, New Mexico. He proceeded her in death on May 11, 2009.
Mrs. Bittner was a Hoisington resident since 1961 coming from Scott City. She worked for Dr. Robert Moore and Dr. Robert Warrick in Hoisington as an assistant. She was currently working for AlternaCare, also in Hoisington. She attended First Assembly of God Church, Great Bend; enjoyed reading, yard work, watching KU sports, BCCC Basketball, Hoisington sports, and spending time with grandchildren and attending their activities.
She is survived by one son, Ernest F. Bittner and wife Kimberly of Overland Park; two daughters: Debra Chubb and husband Scott of Hoisington, Theresa Smith and husband Todd of Great Bend; two sisters, Emma Hamit of Wynona, Minnesota, and Freda Weichman of Fort Worth, Texas; one brother, Dennis Kline of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren Jacob and Jadon Bittner, Austin, Tallan and Aryiah Smith, Brandi (Chubb) Apley and husband Aaron, and Hope Chubb; and great-grandchild Slayde Apley. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five brothers, Walt, Al, Fred, Dicky Dean, and David Eugene Kline, two sisters, Mae Cordrey and Georgia Russell.
Funeral service were Wednesday, October 5 at 10:30 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend, Pastor Dwight Dozier officiant. Visitation was Tuesday 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington.
Memorial fund to American Diabetes Association in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 9/20/11

Lou Ann (Weeks) Hinze
1954 ~ 2011

Lou Ann (Weeks) Hinze, 56, died September 3 at her residence in Clarkston, Michigan. She was born October 15, 1954 at Hoisington, the daughter of Glenn E. Weeks and Beulah (Woodyard) Weeks. She married Charles Hinze June 15, 1984 at Troy, Michigan. He survives. She was a Clarkston, Michigan resident since 1984, formerly of Russell County, Kansas.
She is survived by her husband, Charles, of the home; two sons, Ryan Hinze and Evan Hinze, of the home; one daughter, Kristen Hinze, of the home; sister Ruth Weeks Lanterman and husband Robert of Great Bend; two aunts, Iva May Whitemen, Atlanta, Kansas and Doris Liggett, Lincoln, Kansas. She was preceded in death by parents Glenn and Beulah Weeks and an infant sister, Sylvia Sue Weeks.
Funeral service was Wednesday, September 7 at Gramer Funeral Home, Clawson, Michigan. Interment at the White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan. Memorial fund suggested to Cross Plains Cemetery, Russell County, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544, Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.gramerfuneralhome.com or www.nicholsonsrickefh.com

Megan E. Escalante
1981 ~ 2011

Megan E. Escalante, 30, died September 6 at Reno County. Born January 13, 1981 at Russell, she was the daughter of John M. and Catherine R. (Munk) Debes.
She married Chris Escalante July 19, 2008 at Topeka. Mrs. Escalante worked for Clara Barton Hospital at Hoisington as a medical lab scientist. She grew up in Hoisington, lived in Topeka for eleven years, moving back to Hoisington in 2010.
She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at Hoisington. A 1999 graduate of Hoisington High School, she received her Associates Degree from Washburn University at Topeka and her Bachelor Degree in Clinical Science from Wichita State in 2010.
She is survived by her husband, Chris Escalante, of the home; parents, John and Catherine Debes; one brother, Captain Joshua M. Debes and wife Julia of Fairfax, Va.; parent in laws, Alex and Emma Escalante of Topeka; brother-in-laws, Anthony Escalante and wife Ann of Topeka, and Scott Escalante and wife Erin Nicole of San Antonio, Tx.; four nieces and one nephew, “the Escalante Family”, numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.
She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Saturday, September 10 at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at Hoisington. Father Francis Oroffa is the officiate.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington.
Suggested memorials can be made to the Father Don Debes Mission Fund Papua, New Guinea, Kans for Kids or the Barton Co. Humane Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 8/23/11

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 8/4/11

Johnathan Lee “John” Hopkins
1990 ~ 2011

Johnathan Lee "John" Hopkins, 20, died on Tuesday, August 2 at the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, KS. He was born September 29, 1990 at Hoisington, KS to Clarence Aumiller and Michelle Hopkins. He was a lifelong resident of Pawnee County.
Mr. Hopkins attained his GED in 2009 from Barton County Community College in Great Bend, KS and had been employed by Golden Valley Co-op, Rozel, KS as an applicator for the past two years.
He is survived by his father Clarence and companion Mary Nations, Hope, KS, his mother and step father Michelle Hopkins and Chance Noble, Larned, KS, brothers Christopher Noble and Calvin Noble of Larned, step sisters Danielle Smith and Dusty Harris of Hope, KS., grandparents Lynn and Shirley Aumiller, Great Bend and Maurice and Irene Hopkins of Larned.
Funeral service will be Monday, August 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at The Assembly of God in Larned with the Reverend Ryan Webster officiating. Interment will be at 3 p.m. at the LaCrosse City Cemetery, LaCrosse, KS.
Visitation will be Sunday, August 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Assembly of God, 921 N. Broadway, Larned, KS. Family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m.. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m.
Church visitation will be August 8 from 9:30 to 10:20 a.m. at The Assembly of God, Larned, KS.
Memorials may be made to Pawnee Valley Humane Society, Larned Kansas in care of Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine, PO Box 550, LaCrosse, KS 67548. Janousek Funeral Home of Lacrosse is in charge of arrangements.

John Luebbers
1943 ~ 2011

John Luebbers, 67, died August 1 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, He was born September 11, 1943 at Great Bend, son of Henry and Josephine (Straub) Luebbers.
He married Joan Boor August 16, 1969 at Odin. He worked for Hartman Oil Company as a pumper and was a lifelong Ellinwood resident. He was a member of Ellinwood Knights of Columbus No. 1187 and St. Joseph Catholic Church. He enjoyed working in the oil field, spending time with family and hunting.
Survivors include his wife, Joan Luebbers, of the home; one daughter, Staci Urban and husband Travis of Hoisington; two sisters, JoAnn Bieberle and husband Clarence of Hoisington, and Alice Smith of Garber, Oklahoma; one brother, Norbert Luebbers and wife Ann of Ellinwood; and numerous nieces and nephews and 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.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, August 4 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Ultan Murphy, celebrant. Interment at Holy Family Cemetery, Odin. Visitation was Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to Holy Family Cemetery Fund, Odin, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Jean Polzin
1929 ~ 2011

Jean Polzin, 81, died August 1 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born December 27, 1929 at Hoisington, the daughter of Viola Depiesse. Jean was six years old when she passe and then was raised by her grandparents, Jac and Mary Meyeres Depiesse.
She married Rom Polzin on April 16, 1952 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he died August 5, 1968. She was postmaster in Beaver for 20 years, retiring in 1991 and had been a Hoisington resident since 1998 coming from Beaver. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society, Hoisington. She was an avid fisherman and card player.
She is survived by an aunt, Elsie Hinkley and husband Vern of El Cajon, California and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by companion Wilfred (Tuff) Polzin and several aunts and uncles.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, August 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with Father Ultan Murphy, celebrant. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Beaver. Visitation was from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until service time, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Cemetery Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Virginia Cromwell Dolins
1948 ~ 2011

Virginia Cromwell Dolins, age 63 of Niskayuna, NY died suddenly on Sunday July 24 at her residence. Virginia was born in Great Bend, Kansas and was a graduate of Hoisington High School and Grace Hospital School of Nursing where she received her R.N. diploma.
Virginia joined the United States Air Force in February of 1969 and earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, USAF Nursing Corps. She was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. She served active duty until February of 1970 and was later employed at Creighton St. Joseph's Hospital for Union Pacific Railroad. After discharge from the military she and her husband Richard, moved to East Greenbush, NY. Later, Virginia received her Bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany and her Master’s Degree from Sage Graduate School. While residing in the Capital District, Virginia had been employed by several hospitals and served as a school nurse at the Hebrew Academy and the Guilderland Public School District.
In 1986, Virginia started her employment with New York State Department until her retirement on June 22, 2011. She was a longtime member of Congregation Gates of Heaven and the Capital District Civil War Roundtable.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Richard Dolins, and two children, Laura Dolins of East Greenbush, NY and Matthew A. Dolins and his wife Rachel Cohen Dolins of Rancho, Cucamonga, California. She is also survived by two sisters, Jean Pettibone (Richard) of Kanorado , Kansas and Dixie Roth of Fort Worth, Texas and a brother, Larry Cromwell of Burlington, Colorado. Virginia is also survived by nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Myrl and Lucy Miller Cromwell and a sister, Judy Cromwell.
Services were held in the social hall at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Avenue Schenectady, NY on Sunday July 31 at 1 p.m. Interment followed in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Schenectady, NY. Those wishing to remember Virginia in a special way may make a memorial contribution to Congregation Gates of Heaven or Civil War Trust, 1156 Fifteenth Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005. The period of mourning was observed at the Dolins residence following the service of interment, throughout the day on Sunday as well as on Sunday evening. For directions or to sign the online family guest book, please visit our website, www.levinememorialchapel.com.

Updated 7/29/11

Walter K. Ehly
1927-2011

Walter K. Ehly, 83, died at his residence in Claflin. He was born October 17, 1927 at Claflin, the son of August and Mary (Knorr) Ehly.
He was raised in Claflin and was a graduate of Claflin High School. He served his country both in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force. He graduated from Fort Hays State College with a degree in math and science. He continued his studies to receive his Master's degree in 1956 with a major in Secondary Education. His first year of teaching was spent teaching science and math in Pawnee Rock and later spent 29 years teaching in the Wichita School District, at North High, Hamilton Junior High and Mead Junior High. After his retirement from teaching, he spent many hours enjoying farming either at Claflin or at his farm near Hoisington. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, Great Bend Knights of Columbus No. 862, and the Hoisington American Legion Post No. 286.
He is survived by one sister, Jolene Walden of Apple Valley, CA, many nieces and nephews and a special friend, Lenora Barnes, Great Bend.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held July 27 at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin with Father Charles Maszouch as the Celebrant. Friends may call Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Vigil Service was Tuesday at 7 p.m. followed by a Great Bend Knights of Columbus rosary at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin. Interment at the Claflin Cemetery with military honors by Ralph B. Praeger VFW Post No. 8668. Memorials suggested to Holy Family School Endowment Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Helen V. Harmon
1937 ~ 2011

Helen V. Harmon, 74, died July 25 at Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita. Helen was born July 23, 1937 at Geneseo, the daughter of Luis P. and Frances (Gomez) Vasquez. She married Melvin L. Harmon on March 2, 1963 at Great Bend. She was a longtime resident of Hoisington and was employed by Cheyenne Hardware and a longtime employee of Beers Hardware. Helen was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society, Hoisington, and a Hoisington High School Graduate.
Survivors include her husband Melvin L. Harmon, of the home; two sons, Mike Harmon and wife Diane of Hoisington, and Larry Harmon and wife Vicky of Hoisington; two daughters, Elena Hickey and husband Kurt of Humble, Texas, and Angie Winchell and husband Jeff of Humble, Texas; one sister, Dolores (Dee) Mietzner and husband Don of Alma, Nebraska; two brothers, Luis A. Vasquez of Hoisington and Robert Vasquez of Great Bend; seventeen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Lawrence Vasquez, Joe Vasquez, and Steve Vasquez and one sister, Louise Bohn.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, July 29, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington The celebrant will be Father Francis Oroffa. Visitation was Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with an Altar Society rosary at 7 p.m. all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Hoisington. Cremation will follow the service with inurnment at a later date at St. John Church Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Kans For Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 7/21/11

Patrick Ambrose Demel
1961 ~ 2011

Patrick Ambrose Demel, 49, died July 15 at Clara Barton Hospital. He was born September 28, 1961 at Hoisington, the son of Ambrose L. and Patricia Jean (Hancock) Demel. He married Patricia Ann DePaolo on February 7, 1986 in Great Bend. They later divorced.
He worked as a shipper for Superior Essex for 25 years and was a lifetime Hoisington resident. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council No. 1521, of Hoisington, and also a member of the NRA.
He is survived by his parents, Ambrose L. and Jean Demel of Hoisington; three sons, Leonard Demel and his wife Stephanie of Hoisington, Jonathan Demel of Hays, and Charles Demel of Hoisington; four sisters, Cheri Haberman and husband Darin of Brentwood, TN, Sandy Davis and husband Curt of Hoisington, Sue Rose and husband Tom of Hoisington, and Aimee Wyant and husband Dustin of Hoisington; four brothers, Don Demel and wife Christa of Great Bend, Sam Demel and wife Lynda of Newton, Ben Demel and wife Kathy of Hutchinson, and Joe Demel of Liebenthal, ex-wife Patricia Ann Demel, five grandchildren, 21 nieces and nephews and 11 great nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian burial was Wednesday, July 20 at 1:00 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Francis Oroff officiating. Vigil service was 6 p.m. Tuesday followed by Knights of Columbus rosary at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Visitation was 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Interment at St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1521 in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Lorraine DeWald
1927 ~ 2011

Lorraine DeWald, 83, passed away July 18 at the Rush County Memorial Hospital in LaCrosse. She was born August 27, 1927 in Galatia, daughter of Byron and Katie (Donley) Nettleingham. She married LeRoy DeWald on August 27, 1946 at Milberger. He preceded in death November 25, 1992.
She was a homemaker and a lifetime Otis resident. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, VFW Auxiliary No. 9137, ELCW, all of Otis. She enjoyed quilting, recycling, helping others, being involved in the community and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by two sons: Bob DeWald and wife Sheila of Otis and Don DeWald of Otis. Grandchildren: Lesley Gaughan and husband Doug, Laura McCarter and husband Kevin, Shane DeWald and wife Amber, Stephanie June and husband Eric, and Cole DeWald. Great grandchildren: Ainsley Gaughan, Ashlyn Gaughan, Anniston Gaughan, Hailyn DeWald, Eston Juno, Kelson Juno, Rowyn Juno. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, George Nettleingham and sister-in-law Ruthie Nettleingham.
Funeral services were Friday, July 22 at 9 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis with Rev. Bruce Adamson officiating. Interment in the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home and 8 a.m. until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to Cougar Pause Teen Center or Otis-Bison Elementary Playground Equipment Fund, both of Otis in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 7/8/11

Roger N. Berry
1949 ~ 2011

Roger N. Berry, 61, passed away June 29 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas. Mr. Berry was born September 3, 1949 at Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Everette and Daisy (Million) Berry.
Mr. Berry married Ellen Dietz on April 23, 1977 at Russell, Kansas. He was a lifetime northern Barton County and rural Russell resident. He was a member of the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, Russell FFA Alumni Association, DeKalb seed dealer, Black/Gold Chapter Pheasants Forever, VFW Post No. 6240 Men’s Auxiliary at Russell, Wheat State Morgan Horse Association, and currently serving AGCO Board of Directors at Russell, 1971 KSU graduate with a BS in agriculture, past recipient of Soil Conservation Award, Barton County and 1982 to 1988 District Supervisor for Barton County Conservation District.
Mr. Berry is survived by his wife, Ellen Berry of the home, two brothers, Daryl Berry and wife Anita of Council Grove, and Richard Berry and wife Karla of Russell and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was Saturday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with the Rev. Kris Brinlee officiating. Burial was at the Cross Plains Cemetery, Russell County. Visiting hours were Friday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to service time all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to the Russell FFA Alumni Association or Beaver Volunteer Fire Department in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544. Condolences may be send and notice reviewed at www.nicholsonrickefn.net.

Louise M. Gruber
Woodruff Reed
1926 ~ 2011

Louise M. Gruber Woodruff Reed, age 84, died Friday, July 1 at Clermont, Florida. She was born October 14, 1926 in Hoisington, Kansas the daughter of William G. and Nellie B. (Westover) Gruber.
Louise graduated from Hoisington High School. She married Robert “Bob” Woodruff, her high school sweetheart, after graduation. She later married William “Bill” Reed. He preceded her in death on May 17, 1997. She worked as a secretary for her husband. She attended the Hoisington Bible Church. She enjoyed playing bridge and going to casinos.
She is survived by one son, Terry Woodruff and wife Joan of Clermont, Florida; one brother, Art Gruber of Norman, Oklahoma; one sister, Thelma Brack of Hoisington, Kansas; two grandsons, Derek Woodruff and Joseph Woodruff; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, William G. Gruber, Dr. Gene Gruber, Milton Gruber; two sisters, Pauline Gruber, and Lucille Hester.
Funeral service was scheduled for Wednesday, July 6 at 11 a.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel in Hoisington, Kansas with Pastor Steven R. Little officiating. Burial followed at Hoisington Cemetery in Hoisington, Kansas. Friends called Wednesday, July 6 from 10 a.m. until service time Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Arrangements are in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 415 North Main/PO Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544. www.nicholsonrickefn.net.

Etta “Jane” Akings
1926 ~ 2011

GREAT BEND, Kan.—Etta “Jane” Akings, 84, died June 28 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend, Kan. She was born August 9, 1926 at Barnsdall, Okla., the daughter of John Oliver and Julia Ava Anthony. Jane married Landon Fletcher Akings July 29, 1944. He preceded her in death. Mrs. Akings was a resident of Great Bend since 2003, coming from Olathe, Kan.  She and Landon owned the Oxford Place Steak House in Olathe for 30 years. She was also a cook for the Galatia, Kan., school district from 1955 to 1964.
Mrs. Akings was of the Christian faith. Her favorite hobby was garage saleing.
Survivors include one son, Dean Akings and wife Lillian, Great Bend; three daughters: Shirley Foust and husband Larry, Hutchinson; and Diane Aelmore and husband Larry, Olathe; and Betty Quinn, Olathe; one brother, John Anthony, Hennessy, Okla.; one sister, Colene Mallams, Bixby, Okla.; thirteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Leslie Anthony, Herbert Anthony, and Lyle Anthony; and one sister, Valta Borrer.
Services are pending with Penwell-Gable Funeral Home, Olathe Chapel.  Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, is in charge of local arrangements.

Arthur J. “Art” Maneth
1944 ~ 2011

Arthur J. “Art” Maneth, 66, passed away July 3 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas. Mr. Maneth was born July 13, 1944 at Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Arthur F. and Mary (Busch) Maneth.
A lifetime resident of Olmitz, Mr. Maneth was a farmer and stockman. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz. He is survived by three sisters, Beatrice Schneweis, Hoisington, Marjorie Thomas and husband Bob, Ellinwood, and Mary Ann Wondra and husband Bernard, Hoisington. He was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother-in-law, Leo Schneweis.
Funeral service was held Wednesday, July 6 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz. Prayer service was Tuesday, July 5 at 7 p.m, Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Interment at St. Ann Cemetary, Olmitz. Visiting hours were Tuesday, July 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at 8 a.m. until service time Wednesday at St. Ann Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Ann Catholic Church or Hoisington Ambulance Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefn.net.

Updated 7/1/11

Roger N. Berry

Roger N. Berry, age 61 of Russell, Kansas, died Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife Ellen of the home; two brothers, Daryl Berry and wife Anita of Council Grove, Kansas and Richard Berry and wife Karla of Russell, Kansas; Several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Roger Berry will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, Kansas with Reverend Kris Brinlee officiating. Burial will follow at the Cross Plains Cemetery, Russell County, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until service time, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington.

Memorials have been established as Russell FFA Alumni Association or Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home of Hoisington who is in charge of these arrangements.

Janis Lin Bair
1942 ~ 2011

Janis Lin Bair, 68, of Hutchinson, died June 26, 2011, at Hospice House. She was born Sept. 7, 1942, in Hannibal, Mo., the daughter of James Derrill and Helen Victoria Linsner Pratt.
She was a 1960 graduate of Wichita North High School, a 1964 graduate of Pittsburg State University, with a B.A. in Education, and she received her M.A. in Administration from Wichita State University. A long time educator, she was a retired Principal for Faris Elementary School. During her teaching career Janis was a 6th grade teacher in Denver, Colo., substituted at Morgan Elementary, Hutchinson, was a 6th grade teacher in Wichita, a gifted educational instructor with RCEC, serving in Turon, Langdon, and Sylvia, and eventually going to work for USD #308. She was a former principal for Wiley Elementary School.
After her retirement Janis enjoyed selling pasta at the Reno County Farmer’s Market. She was a cofounder of the Le Leche League and instrumental in starting D.A.D.S. (Dad’s Attending Delivery), both in Wichita. She was a board member of the Reno County Farmer’s Market and was a member of numerous educational associations. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She was a beautiful wife, wonderful mother, in addition to her passion for educating children.
On July 3, 1965, she married John Lynn Bair in Wichita, Kan. He survives. Other survivors include: sons, Jed and wife Paula of Prairie Village, Kan., Justin of Shawnee, Kan., and Jonathan and fiancée Christine Maynes of Lancaster, Pa.; daughters, Jessica Campbell and husband Mark of Alexandria, Egypt, and Sheri Youngberg of Glen Cove, NY; brothers, Jim Pratt and wife Elsa of New Orleans, La., and twins, Roger and Ronnie Pratt both of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and grandchildren, Quincy Bair, Henry Bair, and Isaac Alexander Campbell.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hutchinson. Parish Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with mass to follow at 11 a.m. with Father Joseph Eckberg presiding. Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Appleton Township Cemetery, Minneola, Kan. Memorials may be made to the Reno County Farmer’s Market, in care of the funeral home. To leave a message for the family, visit: www.PenwellGabelHutchinson.com

David Anthony Powell
1956 ~ 2011

David Anthony Powell, 54, died June 16 at his home in Hoisington. He was born August 27, 1956 at Hutchinson, the son of Cyrus Eugene and Eulalia (Garza) Powell. Mr. Powell married Karen Van Wey September 16, 1977 at Red Cloud, Neb.
He worked for Allen Drilling, Doonan GMC and Peterbilt, and WalMart. He was a hobbiest, pet lover and enjoyed gardening.
David is survived by his wife, Karen Powell, of Smith Center; his mother, Eulalia Powell of Lyons; one son, Jerad Powell and wife Brashel of Great Bend; two sisters, Joyce Sheridan and husband Jim of Mart, Tex., and Shirley Chitwood and husband Carl of Arizona City, Ariz.; three brothers, Jess Higgins and wife Kay of Lyons, Donny Higgins and wife Sharon of Omaha, NE, and Paul Powell of Newton; and one grandchild, Kambree Powell.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cyrus Powell, step-father, Jess Higgins, and brother, Bobby Higgins.
A memorial service took place Monday, June 27 at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at 10 a.m. with the Reverent Don Fisher officiating. There was no visitation as cremation had taken place. Memorials may be left to the David Powell Expense Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Magdaline G. Reif
1921 ~ 2011

CLAFLIN - Magdaline G. Reif, 89, died June 28 at the Larned Health Care Center at Larned. She was born July 15, 1921 at Ellinwood, the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Wurm) Hirsh.
She married Frank J. Reif July 18, 1939 at Ellinwood. He died August 17, 1989.
Mrs. Reif worked at Ell-Kan at Ellsworth and Fuller Brush at Great Bend. She was a longtime resident of Claflin coming from Ellinwood. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Altar Society, all of Claflin.
She is survived by one son, Robert (Bob) Reif of Claflin; one daughter, Donna Mackler of Long Beach, Calif.; two sisters, Mary Jane Gibson of Wichita and Lela Mae Blakely of Wilsonville, Ala.; and grandchildren, Courtney D'Ovidio and Amy Mackler. She was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.
A Mass of Christian Burial took place at 11 a.m. today at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Claflin. Father Reggie Urban is the celebrant. Interment took place at the Claflin Cemetery at Claflin. Visitation was scheduled from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. with an altar society rosary at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Claflin.
Memorials are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Church or Claflin Ambulance Fund in Care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 6/24/11

Joseph M. Hickel
1930 - 2011

ELLINWOOD - Joseph M. Hickel, 81, died June 20 at Ellinwood. A lifetime resident of Barton County, he was born to Louis J. and Katherine (Robl) Hickel on Jan. 2, 1930, in the Sts. Peter & Paul area.
He married Helen McPherson, of rural Ellinwood, on Dec. 29, 1954. Joe attended Sts. Peter & Paul rural school, Ellinwood High School, St. Joseph Military Academy and Fort Hays State University.
He served in the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953 in the 45th Inf. Div. Awards & Decorations at Yongdungpo and was assigned to the Stars & Stripes newspaper in Tokyo, Japan. Upon his return, he completed his master’s degree in Administration of Education.
Hickel was an educator for 37 years in the Ellinwood School system. He first served as principal/teacher at Wheatland from 1955-1963. Moving into the Ellinwood Public Schools, he dedicated the rest of his teaching and administration career.
After retiring, he continued his involvement in education by supervising student teachers for Newman University and Sterling College. Hickel initiated and hosted the “Focus on Ellinwood” program on radio station KVGB. He was one of the founding organizers of the Barton County Relay for Life, continuing to serve on the committee, always introducing the mayors at the event. Joe served as Ellinwood mayor for 12 years.
He enjoyed all sports and attending athletic events, especially when grandchildren were involved. He wrote histories, some addressing the Ellinwood Public School, K of C and several local Catholic churches.
Honors included Ellinwood Rotary Outstanding Citizen of the Year, After Harvest Festival Parade Grand Marshal, Barton County Appreciation Day Grand Marshal, and KS Knight of the Year (K of C - 2011). Hickel cochaired the St. Joseph Church Centennial in 2000 and its 125th anniversary celebration in 2001. His love and respect of Sts. Peter and Paul Church led to him serving on the Association Board to restore the Mother Church of the Dodge City Diocese after the 2007 tornado.
He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Board of Directors of Wheat Bowl, a 4th Degree Knight, former chair of Gathering of the Eagles, past president of Barton County Retired School Personnel Association for NEA/KNEA, and cochaired School Facilities, which passed a $6 million bond issue for Ellinwood schools.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; sons Greg Hickel, Ellinwood, Scott Hickel (Deb), Denver, Colo., and Kevin Hickel (Angie), Manhattan; daughters Diana Zecha (Paul) and Pam Koester (Rich), both of Hoisington; grandchildren Bethany Ramsey (James), Kyle and Steven Zecha, Lacey, Brianne, Jackie, MacKenzie and Rylie Koester, Elisha (Dan) Toles, Josh Hickel, and Caden and Greyson Hickel; great-grandchildren Lena and Carlie Ramsey, and Jordan Toles; and one sister, Dorothy Christoph, Lenexa. He was preceded in death by brothers George, Arthur and Martin Hickel, and sisters Louise Doll, LaVonne Graves and Helen Zink.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Calling time will be from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at Kimple Funeral Home. Altar Society rosary will be at 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by Knights of Columbus rosary at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, north of Ellinwood. Burial will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Sts. Peter and Paul Church Preservation and Restoration Fund, in care of the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home, 113 North Main; P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Gary L. Cook
1939 ~ 2011

Gary L. Cook, 72, of Cushing, Ok. went to be with his heavenly Father on June 18. Gary was born in Hoisington. On February 28, 1939 to William and Beatrice Cook. He was a Hoisington High graduate with the class of 1959. He married his high school sweetheart, Lorene Schmidt, on November 26, 1961. The couple had two children, Kayla Cook Ussery and Kevin Cook.
Gary was employed by Exxon Mobil for 32 years and retired in 1996. Exxon took him from Hoisington to Perryton, Tx. And finally to Cushing, Ok. Gary made many wonderful friends along the way. He loved camping, fishing, hunting and spending time with family. He also loved tending to his garden and sharing his tomato crop with friends. He was a kind-hearted man with a wonderful personality who would do anything to help his family and friends. Gary was a wonderful brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was greatly loved and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife, Lorene Cook, of the home; his daughter, Kayla Ussery and husband Troy of Allen, Tx.; two grandchildren, Austin and Madison Ussery; one brother, Don Cook and wife Pat, of Hoisington; two sisters, Betty Hicks and husband Max, Rosemary Schmidt and husband Leonard, both of Hoisington; and his loving dog Ginger who was always by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beatrice Cook; one brother, William Cook Jr.; and his son Kevin Cook.
A Celebration of Gary’s life was held on June 22 at 10 a.m. at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel located at 601 S. Kelly in Edmond, Ok. Gary was laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City. Family received friends at Matthews Funeral Home on June 21 from 6-8 p.m.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave. Ste 200, Manhattan Beach, CA. 90266.

Updated 6/17/11

Velma Rose Graves
1919 ~ 2011

Velma Rose “Grammy” Graves, 92, died June 11 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born May 27, 1919 at Horace, Kansas, the daughter of John and Olive (Huddleston) Moore. She married James Lloyd Graves April 23 ,1939 at Sharon Springs, KS. He died Sept. 14, 1975.
She worked for Clara Barton Hospital as a Nurses' Aide. Mrs. Graves was a Hoisington resident since 1942, coming from Tribune. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Hoisington. She enjoyed flowers, collecting frogs, sewing and baking.
She is survived by two sons, Allen Graves of Hoisington and Jimmy Graves of Herculaneum, MO; two daughters, Donna Ritchie of Ninety-Six, S.C. and Darlene Demel and husband Tom of Hoisington; one sister Victoria Miller of Derby, one brother Don Moore of Greeley, CO; twelve grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and eleven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Fern Wertz and Vesta Wall.
Funeral services were scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 15 at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with the Rev. Kris Brinlee officiating. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery at Hoisington. Visitation took place from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 14, with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.
A memorial fund has been set up for Clara Barton Hospital Foundation in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Shirley Pelz
1933 ~ 2011

Shirley Pelz died at Golden Living Center, Wilson, KS, June 11, 2011. She was 75. She was born June 24, 1933 at Hoisington, KS, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Schreiber) Pelz.
Miss Pelz was an active hands-on farm woman. She was a lifetime rural Hoisington resident. She was a member of the Hoisington Bible Church and the National Rifle Association. She was a markswoman and passionate about her family and the outdoors. She was also a former champion horseshoe pitcher. She will be remembered for her quick wit, being good natured and her fun-loving smile.
She is survived by two sisters: Rosie Peschka of Wilson and Kathryn Mater of Hoisington, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Eleanor Riedl.
A funeral service was held on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with the Reverend Gary Clark officiating. Interment was at St. John Church Cemetery in Hoisington. Visitation was held Sunday and Monday at the funeral home.
A memorial fund has been set up for Leisure Homestead, St. John, in care of Nicholson-Riche Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be
sent and notice viewed at
www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 6/9/11

B. Ruth Wheeler
1933 ~ 2011

B. Ruth Wheeler, 77, died June 3, 2011 at Great Bend Regional Hospital, Great Bend, Kans. She was born July 28, 1933 at Austin, Minnesota, the daughter of David Quincy and Helen Dorothy Stephens.
She was a retired CNA at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood, and a former owner of the Claflin Tavern. She was a long-time resident of Claflin. She was a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church in Great Bend. Ruth loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed crocheting.
She is survived by her daughter, Helen Dunlap and her husband, Vernon, of Claflin; two sisters, Marion Stahl, Austin, MN, and Florence Caroll of California; two grandchildren, Heather Dunlap Jimison and Matthew Dunlap and finance Kerstie Stumps, all of Claflin; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor Jimison and Talyn Dunlap of Claflin.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewain David Stephens and William “Bill” Stephens. one sister, Marguerite Earl, and one grandson, David Quincy Dunlap.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 7 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, Great Bend, with Mother Phyllis Flory officiating. Interment was at Claflin Cemetery. Visitation was Monday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and Tuesday until service time at the church.
Memorials are suggested to St. Johns Episcopal Church, Claflin Ambulance Service or Woodhaven Care Center, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Marjorie Ann (Cochrane) Barrett
1922 ~ 2011

Marjorie Ann (Cochrane) Barrett passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the age of 88, at the Via Christi St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on November 2, 1922 in Ellsworth, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Lichen Cochrane and Lillian Alice (Lawson) Cochrane. They preceded her in death.
Marjorie grew up in Hoisington, Kansas; graduating from Hoisington High School in 1940. She went on to further her education at Chillicothe Business School in Chillicothe, Missouri, graduating with an Associate Degree in Business in 1942. On November 22, 1941 she married James Edward Barrett in Kansas City, Missouri. Marje and Jim had six children; Gini, Pat, Linda, Marilyn, Mary Jean and John. Jim passed on in 1989. During WWII Marje worked as an Administrative Assistant in Kansas City while Jim served in the Army. After the war they moved to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma where Marje focused on caring for their growing family. In 1952, they moved to Coolidge where Jim took a job at the Sullivan Elevator. Marje served the community through many activities including several terms as Mayor. As the children grew older, Marje worked at the Coolidge Post Office for several years. A great supporter of the Holly Race Track, she volunteered as a cashier for several years. In 2000, she moved to Syracuse where she resided until her passing.
Marje was a member of the St. Raphael Catholic Church, St. Raphael Altar Society, and many bowling teams. She was also a member of the Syracuse Country Club, Tamarisk Golf Course, Deuce Club, PTA, and Coolidge Pollyanna Club. An avid golfer, she worked hard to maintain the original golf course. She was a consistent supporter of local businesses and causes. For fun Marje liked bowling, playing bridge, and taking trips with Mary Burkhart to Laughlin, Nevada. Marje’s favorite moments were always the good times she shared with her family and friends.
She is survived by two sons: Pat (& wife Celinda) Barrett of Syracuse, KS and John (and wife Shelley) Barrett of Rolla, KS; four daughters: Gini Barrett of San Bernardino, CA, Linda (and husband Steve) Schell of Syracuse, KS, Marilyn Barrett of Los Angeles, CA, and Mary Jean Barrett (and partner Jay) of Phoenix, AZ; a brother, Steve (and wife Cindie) of Cochrane of Wichita, KS; sister-in-law, Ruth Cochrane of Hoisington; eight grandchildren: Brian, Josh, Jimmy, Lisa, Casey and Kaleigh Barrett and Ryan and Tyler Schell; and three great-grandchildren: Masyn Schell and Sonia and Gloria Barrett.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Barrett; father, Joseph Lichen Cochrane; mother, Lillian Alice (Lawson) Cochrane, a brother, Joe Cochrane; and one sister, Nancy (Cochrane) Duryea.
A funeral service was held on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 10:00 AM (MST) at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Syracuse, KS. Visitation was on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at Fellers Funeral Home LLC, Syracuse. A Rosary was held on Sunday, June 5, at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Syracuse.
Condolences may be sent to fellersfh@yahoo.com. Memorial contributions may be payable to the St. Raphael Catholic Church Building Fund, and sent in care of Fellers Funeral Home & Monuments LLC, P.O. Box 1253, Syracuse, KS 67878.

Matilda J. (Tillie) Schremmer
1918 - 2011

Matilda J. (Tilliie) Schremmer, 92, died June 8, 2011 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood, Kansas. She was born July 5, 1918 in rural Odin, KS. , the daughter of Fred and Anna (Kirmer) Zorn. She married Walter R. Schremmer May 23, 1939 at Holy Family Church, Odin, KS. He died March 19, 1980.
Mrs. Schremmer was a homemaker and a longtime Hoisington, Kansas resident coming from the Beaver and Odin area. She was a member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society, Hoisington and the Beaver Pepsters Club.
She is survived by her sons: Kenneth Schremmer and wife Rose of Hoisington, KS., and Eldon Schremmer of Odin, KS; two daughters: Marilyn Stapleton of Greeley, CO. and Janice Frenzl and husband Keith of Great Bend, KS; three sisters: Ann Schremmer of Hoisington, Marion Schroeder of Newton, KS, and Helen Holliday of Inman, KS; nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brothers, Richard, Bernard, Frank, Leonard, Elmer, and Alvin Zorn, and sisters, Margaret Steiner and Eleanor Hickel.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 10, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington, KS with Father Dwight Birket, Celebrant. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Beaver, KS. Visitation will be Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Vigil Service will be Thursday, 7:00 p.m. followed by an Altar Society rosary, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or St. Joseph Cemetery in care of Nicholson -Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS. 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 6/3/11

Maxton Foster Burkey
2011 ~ 2011

Maxton Foster Burkey, age 2 months, passed away May 26, 2011 at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita. Maxton was born March 31, 2011 at Wichita, the son of Kevin and Kelci (Boxberger) Burkey.
Although his life was cheated in time, he immensely impacted the lives of his loving family. Always squirming, he enjoyed baths, having his hair brushed, and snuggling with his mommy and daddy. He was a very happy, content baby of God.
Maxton is survived by his parents, Kevin and Kelci Burkey of Wichita; maternal grandparents, Doug and Della Boxberger of Hoisington; paternal grandparents, Robert and Darlene Burkey of Great Bend; and maternal great-grandparents, Melvin and Nancy Kaiser of Hoisington, and Doris Boxberger of Hoisington. He was preceded in passing by his maternal great-grandfather, Herbert Boxberger.
A funeral service was held on May 31, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington with Father Steven Little officiating. Visitation was on Monday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. A Prayer Service was held the evening before at the funeral home. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Hoisington Ambulance Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Caroline A. Hoffman
1931 ~ 2011

Caroline A. Hoffman, 80, died May 24, 2011 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas. She was born January 10, 1931 at Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Louis G. and Elizabeth (Johanning) Birzer. She married Anthony “Tony” Hoffman June 1, 1950 at Hoisington. He died October 7, 2010.
Mrs. Hoffman was a lifetime Hoisington and Claflin area resident. She was a former member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and Christian Mothers of Dubuque, a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and Altar Society, Odin and D of I Circle, Great Bend. She loved gardening and flowers.
She is survived by six sons: Larry Hoffman and wife Chris of Shawnee, KS, Mark Hoffman and wife Guia of Kempton, Illinois, Brian Hoffman and wife Bernie of Claflin, Keith Hoffman and wife Ann of Raymore, Missouri, Craig Hoffman and wife Shelly of Wichita, and Brent Hoffman and wife Elizabeth of Spring Hill, KS; two daughters, Linda Hoffman and husband Robert Hasler of Oakland, California, and Pamela Wirth and husband David of Ellinwood, KS; three sisters, Bernice Birzer of Leawood, KS, Norma Keenan of Victoria, KS, and Marie Robison of Warrensburg, MO; twenty-nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Harry Birzer.
A Mass of Chistian Burial was held Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Dubuque, with Father Charles Mazouch, Celebrant. Interment was a St. Catherine Cemetery in Dubuque. Visitation was held Friday with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. followed by Altar Society/D of I rosary, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to the Dubuque Catholic Cemetery Trust of Claflin Ambulance Service, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Ruth G. Clair
1917 ~ 2011

Ruth G. Clair, 93, of Sedalia, MO, passed from this world on May 28, 2011 in Warrensburg, MO, where she had resided since 1998. She was the oldest of seven children (Margaret, Grant, Elinor, Janice, Martha and Robert) born to Mark Grant and Golda Mae Hultz McIntosh on July 25, 1917, in Upland, Idaho. She gradated from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas in the spring of 1939 and began a 50-year career in Kansas public school music and private piano teaching the following fall. She married Rees E. Clair January 3, 1945 at Bushton, Kansas. He died June 29, 1994.
Mrs. Clair is survived by children: Alicia Clair and husband William Massie of Topeka, Carol and husband Michael Spencer of Warrensburg, MO, Michael Clair and wife Mary Ann (Leubers) Clair of Bushton, and Mary Parks of Ulysses, KS. She leaves grandchildren Brian Spencer and wife Elisa of Olathe, KS, Emily Purnell and husband David of Kansas City, MO, Kristin Parks, Liberal, KS, Matthew Parks, Liberal, Tyler Parks, Ulysses, John Massie and wife Wendy of St. Joseph, MO, Jennifer Massie Weets and husband Brian of St. Joseph. She also leaved nine great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was be celebrated Tuesday, May 31st at 3:30 p.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church in Bushton with Father Dwight Birket presiding. Interment was at Holy Name Cemetery, Bushton. Visitation was at the church with family present before the service.
Memorials may be sent to Food for the Poor, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Harry S. Witterstaetter, III
1933 ~ 2011

Harry S. Witterstaetter, III, 78, died May 27, 2011 at the Hospice House in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born February 17, 1933 at Texarkana, Texas, the son of Harry S. and Hollis (Kegley) Witterstaetter, Jr. He married Wilma J. Joyce June 5, 1951 at Texarkana.
Mr. Witterstaetter worked as a wallpaper hanger and was a Hoisington resident since 1951, coming from Texarkana. He served in the U.S. Marine Reserves. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Heritage Club, both of Hoisington. Being a ten-year running state bare bow champion, he loved to hunt and fish.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of the home; daughter, Teresa Hutter of Mustang, Oklahoma; two sisters, Emma Louise Mote of Atlanta, Texas, and Nancy Holloman of Texarkana; two grandchildren, Trina Hutter and Troy Hutter; and three great-grandchildren, Chance Hutter, Zachary Hutter and Lance Hutter. He was preceded in death by one brother, Gene Witterstaetter.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 31st at 10:00 a.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Reverend Kris Brinlee and Pastor Josh Foster officiating. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made out to the First United Methodist Church, Hoisington, or First Church of the Nazarene, Great Bend, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 5/27/11

Anton J. “Tony” Reif
1921 ~ 2011

Anton J. “Tony” Reif, 89, died May 19 at the Clara Barton Hospital at Hoisington. He was born July 23, 1921 at Odin, the son of Alois F. and Anna M (Hitschmann) Reif.
He married Eleanor Martha Demel on October 20, 1942 at Odin. She survives.
Mr. Reif was a farmer and electrician. He was a Claflin resident since 1993 coming from Odin.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, former Grand Knight and church choir member. Tony played minor league baseball and enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, square dancing, hunting, card playing and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Reif, of the home; one son, Greg Reif of Odin; one daughter, Sharon Dreiling and husband Gary of Hoisington; one sister, Jean Moeder of Great Bend; one brother, Frank Reif of Cunningham; seven grandchildren, Shelli Dreiling, Rebecca Johnson, Tracie Rubio, Kimberlie Demel, Anthony Reif, Trenton Reif and Blake Reif; and twelve great-grandchildren, Kyler Dreiling, Kinley Van Nuss, Zoie Johnson, Zylie Johnson, Zurie Johnson, Alexis Rubio, Zachary Rubio, Nicolas Rubio, Alaina Rubio, Kole Dove, Gage Demel and Liam Reif.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Msgr. Steve Reif and Lawrence Reif; two sisters, Irene Polzin, Emma Prosser and infant sisters, Virginia and Marie Reif.
A Mass of Christian Burial took place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 23 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Claflin. Father Charles Mazouch was the celebrant. Visitation was scheduled from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington. A vigil service took place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington.
Interment was at the Holy Family Cemetery at Odin.
Memorials donations are suggested to the American Alzheimer's Association or Holy Family Cemetery Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dolores J. Hogan
1926 ~ 2011

Dolores J. Hogan, 84, died May 18, 2011 at the Buhler Sunshine Home in Buhlet, Kansas. She was born August 2, 1926 at Hoisington, the daughter of Theodore and Isabelle M. (Radke) Lutschg. She married Virgil Hogan June 25, 1946 in Hoisington. Mrs. Hogan was a lifetime Hoisington resident and a retired bookkeeper for Suburban Laundry. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Great Bend.
She is survived by her husband, Virgil Hogan of Buhler; one son, Craig Hogan and wife Darla of Hutchinson; one daughter, Earlene Lickly and husband Lonnie of Garfield; ten grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with the Reverend William Johnson officiating. Visitation times were held on Friday and Saturday at the funeral home. Interment was at Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials may be made out to the Buhler Sunshine Home, Kans for Kids, Cause for Paws and the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Joyce Ann Bitter
1940 ~ 2011

Joyce Ann Bitter, 70, passed away May 23, 2011 at her home in Olmitz, Kansas. She was born August 17, 1940 at Barton County, Kansas and was the daughter of Frank and Isabel (Gerritzen) Riedel. She married Williard D. Bitter July 16, 1960 at Olmitz. He died September 3, 1985.
Mrs. Bitter was a retired housekeeper for Clara Barton Hospital. She was a lifetime Olmitz resident and a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and altar Society in Olmitz.
She is survived by three sons: Todd Bitter and wife Leslie of Troy, Missouri, Craig Bitter of Midland, Texas, and David Bitter and wife Mary of Olmitz; one daughter, Pam Elsen and husband Mark of Albert, Kansas; two sisters, Carolyn Heinz of Shawnee, Kansas and Rose Menefee of Keller, Texas; thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Bitter, and three brothers, Bobby Riedel, Leonard Riedel and Charles Riedel.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz with Father Ultan Murphy, Celebrant. Visitation was held Wednesday at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington and later at the church with a wake service at 7:00 p.m. Interment was at St. Ann Cemetery in Olmitz.
Memorials may be made out to Sunflower Diversified Services in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Robert E. Hickel
1930 ~ 2011

CLAFLIN – Robert E. Hickel, 81, went to be with our Lord Saturday, May 21, at Clara Barton Hospital at Hoisington. He was born February 5, 1930 at rural Barton County. He was the son of Robert Anthony and Emma (Zecha) Hickel.
He married Betty J. Lawrence May 28, 1951 at Hoisington.
He was a retired farmer/stockman and oil producer and a lifetime Claflin resident.
Mr. Hickel was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 1500, Farm Bureau, Claflin co-op board member, past president Wheat Growers Association and many years church choir member.
He is survived by his wife, Betty J. Hickel, of the home; six sons, Steve Hickel and his wife Dorian of Claflin, Rick Hickel and his wife Dawnya of Claflin, Doug Hickel and his wife Karen of Claflin, Curtis Hickel of Great Bend, David Hickel and his wife Cheryl of Claflin and Kyle Hickel of Claflin; three daughters, Janell Hubbard and her husband Doug of Claflin, June Halliwill and her husband Jeff of Beaumont, CA, Janine Dutton and her husband Kirby of El Dorado; four sisters, Gertrude Hickel of Wichita, Viola McCafferty of Wichita, Patty Keenan of Great BendJeanette Parnall of WI; one brother, Vernon Hickel of Anchorage, AK; 24 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter J. Hickel and two sisters, Katherine Stalker and Maxine Hickel.
Funeral services were scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Claflin. Father Charles Mazouch was the clergy. Burial was in the Claflin Cemetery at Claflin. Visitation took place 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington and 6 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Claflin and 9 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the church. A vigil service took place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Claflin Ambulance Service or American Heart Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Robert “Bob” Littrell
1928 ~ 2011

Robert “Bob” K. Littrell, 83, died May 22, 2011 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. He was born April 7, 1928 at Hoisington, the son of George D. an Gladys M. (Vandenberg) Littrell. Bob married Betty Arlene Durand June 20, 1950 at Hoisington. She died May 22, 2011. He worked for Terra Resources as a Production Superintendent, retiring in 1982. Mr. Littrell was a lifetime area Hoisington resident.
He is survived by one son, Mike Littrell and wife Jozet of Hoisington; four daughters, Christa Beck and husband Jerry of Claflin, Debbie Davis and husband Mike of Hoisington, Sandy Ray and husband Jim of Hoisington, and Marte Littrell of Hoisington; thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George Littrell, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, May, 26, 2011, at St. John the Evangelist in Hoisington with Fathers Dwight Birket and Ultan Murphy, Celebrants. Visitation was held Wednesday followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Interment was at St. John Church Cemetery in Hoisington with military graveside rites by Hoisington VFW Post #7428 and American Legion #286.
Memorials may be made out to Kans for Kids, Clara Barton Hospital or Hoisington Park and Tree Development in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 5/13/11

Eugene A. Nuss
1929 ~ 2011

Eugene A. Nuss, 82, died May 10 from injuries occurring in an accident. He was born March 16, 1929 at Russell County the son of Edward and Amelia (Karst) Nuss.
He married Velda M. Keil October 4, 1953 at Milberger, she survives.
Mr. Nuss was a farmer and a former employee of Karst Construction. He was a life long resident of Russell County.
He served during the Korean Conflict as a Sgt. in the United States Army for which he was awarded a Bronze Star. He was a member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Milberger. and was a Past Commander at VFW Post No. 7428 at Hoisington, a Russell County Fair Board member, 4-H leader, and church council member.
He is survived by his wife of the home; one son, Ronald Nuss and wife Deborah of Russell; one daughter, Brenda Rodger and husband Gary of Russell; one sister, Ruth Mai of Russell; one brother, Leland Nuss of Russell; four grandchildren, Sean Rodger and wife Andrea, Sonya Nuss, Renee Braun and husband Dan, Tyler Nuss and wife Kayla; three great-grandchildren, four step grandchildren, and eleven step great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for today at 10:30 a.m. at the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Milberger. Reverend Delvin Strecker and Reverend Amy Austin will officiate. Visitation was scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington and again today from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church in Milberger. Interment is at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery at Milberger with military graveside rites by VFW Post No. 7428 and American Legion Post No. 286.
Memorials are suggested to the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

John William Skinner
1932 ~ 2011

John William “Papa John” Skinner, 78, died
May 10, 2011 at
Kansas Medical Center,
Andover, Kansas
Date of Birth: October 1, 1932, at Baxter, Missouri
Parents Name: Wesley Alexander & Thelma Irene (Reinecke) Skinner
Mr. Skinner was a lifetime Great Bend area resident.
He operated Skinner
Appliances.
He served during the Korean Conflict in the United States Air Force.
SURVIVORS: Two sons: John C. Skinner and wife Reneé of Great Bend, KS; Daniel I. Skinner of Burdett, KS. Two daughters: Shelly Penny and husband Steve of Cape Girardeau, MO; Amy Schmitt and husband Bill of Burdett, KS; Step son: 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, Carol Larkin of Enid, OK, and Five grandchildren: Steven
Penny, Sam Penny, Justin Schmitt, Jonathon Skinner, and Alyssa
Skinner.
He was preceded in death 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: Monday, May 16, 2011, 10:00 a.m. Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, KS. Officiants: Brad Stuefen and Doug Ogden. Interment: Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas, with Air Force honors conducted by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Visitation: 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: 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

Lea (Steitz) Lehmann
1915 ~ 2011

Lea (Steitz) Lehmann, 96, passed away April 26, 2011 at Country Place Senior Living, Hoisington. She was born April 16, 1915 at Otis, Kansas, the daughter of Conrad and Mary (Brack) Steitz. She married Martin F. Lehmann August 23, 1936 at Otis. He died September 12, 2005. Lea was a long-time resident of Hoisington coming from Otis and a homemaker.
She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington, belonged to the WELCA in Hoisington and Otis, and was a member of the Clara Barton Hospital Auxiliary.
Lea is survived by one son, Marvin Lehmann and his wife Janene of Arlington, Texas; one daughter, Dorothy Michaelis of Fair Oaks, California; five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, April 30th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with the Reverend Steven Little officiating. Visitation was held Friday with a prayer service that evening at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Interment was at Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Hospice care of Kansas in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Leonard Staudinger
1943 ~ 2011

Updated 4/29/11

Melissa G. Clark
1960 ~ 2011

Melissa G. Clark, age 50, of Jefferson City, MO formerly of Hoisington passed away Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, at the Pin Oak Baptist Church in Mt. Sterling, MO.
Melissa was born September 20, 1960, in Hoisington, KS, a daughter to the late William “Bill” Meljo and Wilma (Willson) Meljo. She survives of Hoisington.
She was a 1978 graduate of Hoisington High School and she received her registered nurses degree from Barton College in Great Bend, KS.
Melissa was employed at Capital Regional Medical Center in Jefferson City as a pediatric nurse.
Melissa attended the Pin Oak Baptist Church and enjoyed bowling, crafts, sewing, and trips to the casino. She was also a foster parent and did mission work overseas as a nurse.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by: twin sons, Larry Clark of Concordia, KS, and William and his wife Jennifer Clark of Hoisington, KS presently stationed with the Army in Killeen, TX; two daughters, Amanda Clark of Longview, WA, and Andrea Clark of Hoisington, KS; one sister, Melinda Meljo of Springfield, MO; and eight grandchildren.
A celebration of Melissa’s life will be held at 11:00am Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the VFW Hall in Hoisington.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Austin Spencer “Ash” Hamilton Foundation, for organ donor awareness, 13290 North Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312.
Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Mo (897-2214) www.mortonchapel.com.

Updated 4/22/11

Mildred J. Schenk
1924 ~ 2011

Mildred J. Schenk, 86, passed away April 13, 2011 at the Kaye Pogue Hospice Center in Salina, Kansas. She was born November 5, 1924 at Ness County, Kansas, the daughter of Guy and Martha (Corrigan) Ludington. Mildred married Clifton Helt in 1943 in Great Bend, Kansas. He died in July of 1976. She married Bill Daniel May 9, 1970 at Hoisington. He died March 1, 1979. Mildred married Robert Schenk December 10, 1988. He died on March 8, 2006.
Mildred was a resident of Hoisington since 1951, coming from Great Bend. She worked for Hoisington Hospital, retiring as a Nurse's Aide after 22 years. She was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society, both of Hoisington.
She is survived by three daughters, Martha Haberman and husband Alvin of Great Bend, Jacque Byers and husband Jim of Salina, and Susie Strosnider and husband Mike of Salina; one sister, Rose Cook of Thornton, Colorado; eleven grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, James Helt; infant brothers, Richard and Robert Ludington; and one sister, Katherine Foster.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Visitation was held Friday with an Altar Society rosary that evening, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Interment was at St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Kans for Kids, or Hospice of Salina, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent or notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Betty J. Patterson
1930 ~ 2011

Hoisington – Betty J. Patterson, 80, passed away April 16, 2011 at the Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood, Kansas. She was born May 5, 1930 at Beaver, Kansas, the daughter of Henry and Mirla (Colhour) Phillips. Betty married Junior Lee Patterson September 24, 1948 at Beaver. He died September 9, 2010.
Betty was a retired school teacher having taught at Beaver and USD #431, retiring in 1989. She was a longtime Hoisington resident. Mrs. Patterson was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Hoisington, and a former member of the Friends Church in Beaver.
She is survived by two sons, Jim Patterson of Ogallah, Kansas and John Patterson of Wemego, Kansas; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and step-brother, Lloyd Bryan of Huntington Beach, California.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her step-father, Jim Bryan; one brother Lloy Phillips; and one sister, Darlene Rowley.
A Graveside Memorial Service was held Thursday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hoisington Cemetery with the Rev. Dick Ogle officiating. There was no visitation as cremation had taken place.
Memorials may be made out to the Roosevelt Elementary School Library in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 4/15/11

Adeline F. Bryant
1923 ~ 2011

Adeline F. Bryant, 87, passed away April 7, 2011 at Country Place Senior Living in Hoisington. She was born April 18, 1923 at Pitcher, Oklahoma, the daughter of Oscar L. and Ida E. (Emily) Brandon. She was married to Vivian T. Bryant January 15, 1939 at Columbus, Kansas. He died July 2, 1968. Adeline was a homemaker and a Hoisington resident for 50 years. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Hoisington.
She is survived by two daughters, Deanna S. Vincent and husband Bob of Hoisington and Lana K. Lyon and husband Tim of North Platte, Nebraska; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Dempsey T. Bryant; three brothers, Daniel Brandon, Lewis Brandon and Roy Brandon; three sisters, Leola Clogston, Lula Clogston and Eula Clogston; and two grandsons, Michael Vincent and Todd Vincent.
A funeral service was held Monday, April 11, 2011 at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Don Fisher officiating. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery. Memorials may be made out to the Church of the Nazarene or Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 4/8/11

Gerald “Jerry” Bahr
1954 ~ 2011

Gerald “Jerry” Bahr, 56, died Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. Jerry was born June 30, 1954 the son of Roland J. and Dorothy (Mayer) Bahr. He married Linda Schneider on April 16, 1977 at Olmitz, Kansas. He was a lifetime Otis and Olmitz area resident.
Jerry worked at Great Bend Manufacturing for 33 years as a foreman in the finishing department, later working at Landmark National Bank as the maintenance man. He liked being outdoors hunting with his dog, Daisy, gardening and yard work. He enjoyed working on projects in his garage and the frequent visitors who stopped by to see what he was working on.. Jerry also enjoyed playing turak, pinochle and pitch. He was an avid supporter of Otis-Bison school and athletics, taking care of the football field and keeping the clock for both football and basketball.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home; one son, Kyle Bahr, Hays; two daughters, Lisa Starr and husband Travis, Olmitz; Kristan Bahr, Hays; two sisters, Barbara Deckert and husband Dwight, Wichita and Sharon Wissman and husband Robert, Albert; two brothers, David Bahr, Olmitz and Steve Bahr and wife Peggy, McPherson; grandson, Marcus Starr; sister-in-law, Cherie Bahr, Great Bend; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Cory Bahr, two brothers, Ken and Ron Bahr, and nephew Tanner Hlavaty.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz with the Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Interment was at St. Ann Cemetery in Olmitz. Visitation was held Tuesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home and later at the church with the wake service starting at 7 p.m. The wake was followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary.
Memorials may be made out to St. Ann Catholic Church or the Otis-Bison Athletic Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences
may be sent and notice
viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 4/1/11

David Dean Seyfert
1971 ~ 2011

David Dean Seyfert, 39, died on March 23, 2011 at his residence. He was born July 5, 1971 at Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Dale D. and Shirley R. (Smith) Seyfert.
David worked for Carr Auto and Electronics as a small engine repairman. He was a Great Bend resident for 20 years, coming from the farm north of Claflin. He was of the Christian faith. David's hobbies were working on mowers, chain saws or any small engine repairs.
He is survived by four uncles: Don Seyfert of Colby; Ivan Seyfert of Salina; Kenneth Seyfert of Hoisington; Gary Smith of Hutchinson; and one aunt. He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents, and two uncles, Gene Seyfert and Alvin Seyfert.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisignton with the Reverend Gene Langhofer officiating. Interment was at Claflin Cemetery.
Memorials may be made out to the American Cancer Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 3/25/11

Virginia M. Bitter
1932-2011

Virginia M. Bitter, 78, passed away March 17, 2011 at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina. She was born July 20, 1932 at Russell, the daughter of Edward and Alvena (Dick) Luerman. She married Eugene “Gene” Bitter November 18, 1951 at Susank. She was a long-time Barton County resident coming from Russell County. She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Bitter was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, ELCA: baptized September 4, 1932, and confirmed June 15, 1947. She was a seamstress, and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1950.
She is survived by her husband, of the home; two brothers-in-law, Harry Bitter and wife Irene of Hoisington, and Richard Kilian of Russell; one sister-in-law, Ruth Howard of WaKeeney; and 11 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Erma Kilian, and her dog, Tina.
A funeral service was held Monday, March 21, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington, with the Reverend Steven Little officiating. Burial was at Hoisington Cemetery. A prayer service was held on Sunday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Marion Jean Hicks
1962 - 2011

Marion Jean Hicks, 49, died March 18 at Clara Barton Hospital at Hoisington. She was born January 31, 1962, the daughter of Eugene and Marion (Hendry) Benavidez.
She married Gordon Hicks on April 15, 2004 at Hoisington.
She was a homemaker and a Hoisington resident since 2001, coming from Alva, Oklahoma.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon Hicks, of the home; her father, Eugene Benavidez; her mother Marion Benavidez; two sons, Josh Bluemel and Jeromy Bluemel both of Brigham City, Vermont; one daughter, Anita Brown of Alva, OK; two sisters, Teresa Evans of Clinton, Vermont, and Tina Brock of Garland, NC; one brother, Leo Benavidez of Lugoff, SC and five grandchildren.
Memorial services were scheduled at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington. The Reverend Dick Ogle officiated. Visitation was at 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until service time on Wednesday, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington.
Suggested memorials can be made to the Barton County Humane Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Dale E. “Gene” O’Connor
1936 - 2011

Ft. Dodge – Dale E. “Gene” Oconnor, 75, died Feb. 27 at Fort Dodge. He was born on Jan. 12, 1936 at Hoisington, the son of John William and Nola (Colhour) O’Connor.
He was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi, Blue Key Club and president of his senior class at Kansas State University where he attended on a full track scholarship and was a five-time Big Eight hurdler champion. He missed qualifying for the 1956 Olympics by one hundredth of a second. He competed in the Air Force World wide in 1960. He was a men’s outdoor All American in 1956 and a Men’s indoor individual hurdler champion in 1957. He was inducted into the Kansas State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Drake Relays Athletes Hall of Fame in 1959.
He earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. He worked in banking in the Kansas City area for over twenty-five years. In 1991, he returned to Hoisington to teach and coach high school students. He was also an instructor and trustee and Barton County Community College.
Gene lived at Kansas State Soldiers Home for the last six years. He was a devoted volunteer and active in the community until his health declined. He loved his church, his family and his country. Commissioned in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1961, during which time he attended Interceptor and Weapons Controller training. He remained tremendously patriotic and was proud of his service.
He is survived by two daughters, Megan and husband Bill Brownlee, Prairie Village; Shannon O’Connor, Centennial, Colorado; five grandchildren, Becca and Will Brownlee and Dan, Claire and Reece Christian. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Bill. The family would like to thank the Soldiers Home for providing excellent and compassionate care to Gene.
Inurnment service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 25 at Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Fort Dodge with Rev. Dick Robins presiding. Military rites will be provided by Howard Gotschall Post No. 1714, V.F.W. of Dodge City. Memorial services will follow at Halsey Hall Activity Center in Fort Dodge at 1:30 p.m. on Friday with Dr. Billy Manning presiding. There is no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Kansas Soldiers Home in Fort Dodge in care of Swaim Funeral Home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com

R. Dean Henbest
1941 ~ 2011

R. Dean Henbest, 69, died March 9, 2011 at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita. He was born October 25, 1941 at Exeter, Missouri, the son of Burl and Lawanda (Summers) Henbest.
After graduating from Hoisington High School in 1959, Dean spent a significant time in Kenmore, Washington, before returning to Hoisington 10 years ago. He was a member of the Hoisington Church of the Nazarene. Dean worked as an automotive paint and body technician and enjoyed woodworking.
He is survived by one daughter, Brenda Jack and husband David of Auburn, WA; one brother, Ray Henbest and wife Nita of Los Angeles, California; three sisters, Patricia Huston and husband David of Ruidodo, New Mexico, Linda Thornton and husband Tom of Broadview, NM, and Cara Henbest of Seattle, WA; special friend, Eunice Lane, Hoisington and her sons, Rick Phelps and Damon Phelps; grandchildren, Breana Jack and Brittany Jack; Pastor and “Best Bud”, Pastor Don Fisher; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Saturday, March 12 at the Church of the Nazarene in Hoisington with Pastor Don Fisher officiating. Memorials may be made out to the Hoisington Church of the Nazarene in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Wilma (Kerbs) Hauser
1924 ~ 2011

Wilma (Kerbs) Hauser was born October 1, 1924 in Russell County, Kansas to Jacob and Martha Templing. She died in Scottsdale, Arizona March 7, 2011 at the Desert Flower care facility where she was comforted by family members.
She was the youngest of three children having two sisters, Edna and Irene. She married Freddie Kerbs of April 18, 1943 at the age of 19. Shortly after marriage, the couple moved to Coalmont, Colorado and later to Saratoga, Wyoming before returning to the Kerbs homestead in Otis, Kansas in 1957. They had two sons, Brad Kerbs (wife Suzy) of Eureka, Missouri, and Brent Kerbs (wife MiMi) of Scottsdale, AZ.
Wilma was a strong-willed, intense, intelligent and energetic person her entire life. At the age of 43, she began investing in real estate and worked outside the home in various roles. Eventually she became affiliated with TG&Y stores and rose to the roll of general manager of the Great Bend, KS store as well as being on the regional management board as the only female in the company to manage a store. She worked constantly for another 20 years all the while adding to her rental real estate properties in Great Bend and Hoisington.
Her hobbies included her work, family, bridge and gardening. She bred purebred Pug dogs for many years. She always had a strong faith and was an active member in the Otis Methodist Church singing in the choir for many years. Later she was a member of the First Christian Church of Great Bend.
On December 7, 1979 she married Floyd Hauser of Great Bend and a few years later she retired from retail management so they could spend more time together and manage the real estate. They actively traveled in North America, took cruises in the Caribbean, vacationed in Hawaii as well as touring several countries in Europe. They spent several winters in Arizona and after Mr. Hauser’s death in 2005, she eventually spent her final years in Arizona, a place she always dreamed of living.
She is survived by her sons and three granddaughters, including Lindsay Shields of St. Charles, MO, Kelly Neymen of Davidson, North Carolina and Jil Brown of Chadler, AZ. Her great-grandchildren include three boys and one girl.
A Celebration of Wilma’s Life was held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at the First Christian Church of Great Bend with Rev. Bill Johnson officiating. Burial followed at the Great Bend Cemetery. Condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Edward Irvin McMillin
1953 ~ 2011

Edward Irvin McMillin, 57, died March 9 at his home in Yukon, OK. He was born Nov. 5, 1953 at Hoisington, the son of Harlan D. “Mac” and Velma H. (Beck) McMillin.
He married Crista Ricke on August 5, 1973 at Hoisington, she survives.
Mr. McMillin worked for Kaiser-Francis Oil Company as an oil field production foreman and enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, hunting and fishing.
He was a Yukon, Ok resident since 1995 coming from Halstead.
Survivors include: his wife of the home, his mother, Velma H. McMillin of Hoisington; three sons, Jacob McMillin and wife Andrea of Plevna, Samuel McMillin and wife Megan and Taylor McMillin all of Wichita; one daughter, Hannah Flask and husband Dominick of Wichita; three sisters, Alyce Chambers and husband Mike of Hoisington, Arlene Lewis of Viola, Jan Aylward and husband Mike of Hoisington; two grandchildren, Hunter McMillin and Megan Hart.
He was preceded in death by his father, Mac McMillin and a brother-in-law, Marvin Lewis.
Funeral services were scheduled for 3 p.m., Monday, March 14 at the First United Methodist Church at Hoisington. Pastor Kris Brinlee and Pastor David Handyside officiated. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery.
Visitation was scheduled from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 and from 9 a.m. until noon on Monday, all at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington.
A memorial services was scheduled at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at the Life Community Church, 1201 SW 27th St., El Reno, OK
Suggested memorials can be made to Kans for Kids at Hoisington or Life Community Church at El Reno, Ok in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

Kelly Jean Phelps
1964 ~ 2011

Centralia, Washington resident, Kelly Jean Phelps, died at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, WA on March 9th, 2011 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 46.
Kelly was born to Thomas and Mary Lou Zink on Friday, November 13th, 1964 in Englewood, CO. Kelly was the oldest of eight children. She grew up in Claflin, KS and graduated from Claflin High School in 1983. Kelly attended Fort Hays State University in Kansas for two years. In the summer of 1985 Kelly joined her family in Durango, CO. Kelly Managed Kangaroo Express for several years while attending Fort Lewis College. Kelly married Dana Phelps June 11, 1988 at St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango, CO. In 1994 Kelly and Dana moved their family from Durango to Bayfield, CO. Upon graduating from Fort Lewis College, Kelly was employed at Bayfield School District subbing for various classrooms. In 2005 Kelly was embarked on her “Great Adventure” moving her family to Centralia, WA. Kelly was employed as a teacher at Centralia Middle School until the time of her death.
Kelly loved reading, playing games, Jeopardy, listening to her boys and husband sing and play music. Kelly was very involved in her Catholic faith. She helped with the youth group and taught religious education. Kelly’s greatest achievement in life was receiving her teaching certificate. She loved nothing more than teaching and helping her students succeed. Kelly’s legendary laugh will be missed by all. She also coached volleyball at CMS and was the bookkeeper for St. Joseph’s Parish Cluster.
Kelly is survived by her husband of 22 years, Dana Phelps, sons Zachariah and Steven Phelps of Centralia, WA. Parents Thomas and Mary Lou Zink of Bayfield, CO, brothers Patrick Zink, Michael Zink, sisters Kristi Phelps, Nancy Phelps and Andrea Queen all of Bayfield, CO, Anne Utterback of Warrenton, OR, Theresa Surprenant of Centralia, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. And, a plethora of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 14th, 3:30 PM at St. Joseph’s Parish. Interment was at Mountain View Cemetery and a reception held at St. Mary’s in Centralia immediately following.
A memorial fund has been started for Kelly’s two sons, Zachariah and Steven’s education. You may make a donation to any Security State Bank in her name.

Updated 3/11/11

David John Burris
1957-2011

Halls, Tenn. - Former
Hoisington resident, David Burris, 53, passed away February 13, 2011 at Jackson/Madison General Hospital in Jackson, TN after a long illness. He was born November 27, 1957 to Hugh and Theaus Burris of Hoisington who preceded him in death. He is survived by two daughters Lisa Marie Holley and Shawnee Burris and his brother, James Burris, of Hoisington.
A memorial service was held in Halls, Tennessee February 16, 2011.

John Maynard Little
1955-2011

John Maynard Little, 55, passed away March 3, 2011 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born September 2, 1955, the son of Harold and Wilma (Lust) Little. John was a oilfield roughneck and a lifetime Hoisington resident.
He is survived by his mother, Wilma Demel and step-father Dennis Demel, Hoisington; two sisters, Sheila Thompson of rural St. John, KS and Suzie Little of Hoisington; two brothers, Gary Little of Hoisington and Craig Little of Lawrence; step-sister, Denise Schreiber of Hoisington, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by father, Harold Little, and step-brother, Craig Demel.
A graveside memorial service and inurnment will be held March 26, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hoisington Cemetery. A memorial may be made out to the John Maynard Little Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

George James “Jim” Eastwood
1947-2011

Tulsa, Oklahoma - George James “Jim” Eastwood was born on July 25, 1947 in Great Bend, Kansas to George and Mary (Welch) Eastwood. Jim passed from this life on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 63.
Jim attended school in Hoisington, and received his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Emporia State University. Jim retired after many years in various sales and marketing positions. He was preceded in death by his father, George E. Eastwood; his mother, Mary Alice Eastwood Lang and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Eastwood.
Jim is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Jared Rutledge, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; a sister, Mary Alice Carlile, of Colwich, Kansas, and two nieces, Tracy Rohlman of Kingman, Kansas; and Jennifer “JJ” VenJohn of Andale, Kansas.
Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2011 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington, Kansas. A memorial mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2011 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Birket presiding. Private inurnment following at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or the Humane Society of the United States.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 2/18/11

OTIS BLACKBURN

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 2/4/2011

Ronald Dean Beary

Ronald Dean Beary, 61, passed away January 21, 2011 at his home. He was born November 19, 1949 at Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Jack and Majorie (Young) Beary. He married Marilyn J. Allen July 14, 1967 at Kansas City. She survives.
Ronald worked for Cintas Corporation as a First-Aid Sales Representative. He was a resident of Hoisington since 1991, moving from Topeka. Mr. Beary was a member of First Assembly of God, Great Bend. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.
He is survived by wife, Marilyn, of the home; two daughters, Tracy Mettling and husband, Alan and Kimberly Bair and husband Bill, both of Great Bend; one granddaughter, Katie Mettling of Gorham; one grandson, Matthew Mettling of Great Bend; and three step-granddaughters, Kelsea Bair of Great Bend, and Tiffany Bair and Abby Noble, both of Salina.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at the First Assembly of God in Great Bend at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dwight Dozier officiating. Visitation was on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Bryant Funeral Home, with family and friends received from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There was a private family interment at Hoisington Cemetery. Memorials may be made out to the First Assembly of God-Speed the Light, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Georgia (Tyne) Valerius

Georgia (Tyne) Valerius, 86, passed away January 19, 2011 at her residence in Liberal, Kansas. She was born July 30, 1924 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the daughter of George and Ella (Gray) Munger. She was married to Arthur Gray (Bud) February 14, 1948 in Hoisington. He died July 31, 1979.
Georgia grew up in Hoisington and graduated from Hoisington High School in 1942. She and Bud raised their four children in Hoisington and resided there until moving to Liberal in 1969.
She is survived by 2 daughters, Jonnie Beth Bonnar of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Lesley King and her husband Rodney of Liberal; two sons, Scott Valerius and his wife Carol of Hoisington and Seth Valerius and his wife Derenda of Topeka; seven grandchildren, Corrie Bonnar, Meghan Bonnar, Andrew Klug, LeAnn Valerius, Jay Valerius, William Valerius, and Bud Valerius and his wife Laura.
A funeral service was held Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington at 10:30 a.m. A private family burial and interment took place at the Hoisington Cemetery with the Reverend Don Fisher officiating. Visitation was on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the family present at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the St. Catherine Hospice in Liberal, or to the American Heart Association, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

M. “Joyce” Steiner

M. “Joyce” Steiner passed away January 11, 2011 at the McCrite Plaza Retirement Community in Topeka, Kansas. She was born in Clarinda, Iowa, the daughter of Harry Isaac and Thelma (Kite) Brooks. She married James John Steiner May 7, 1976 at Hoisington. He died June 26, 1991.
Mrs. Steiner was a Topeka resident since 2009, coming from Hoisington. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Altar Society, and the V.F.W. Auxiliary, all of Hoisington. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
Her survivors include: one son, Thomas R. Shelby and wife Becky of Glendale, Arizona; one daughter, Starrlyt Rodgers and husband Paul of Topeka; five grandchildren, Daren Rodgers of Colby, Bret Rodgers and wife Kathleen of Olathe, Aaron Shelby and wife Christina and Brandon Shelby, all of Phoenix, AZ; six great-grandchildren, Lauren Rodgers, Noah Rodgers and Ava Rodgers, all of Colby, Michelle Rodgers of Olathe, and Daniel Shelby and an expected great-grandchild in September, both of Phoenix. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Brooks and Kenneth Brooks, and by one sister, Betty Smith.
A private family graveside service was held at St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington with Father Dermot Tighe officiating. Visitation was at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington on January 17, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made out to McCrite Plaza Retirement Center, Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or Kansas Dialysis Service of Topeka, all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent or notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Eugene D. Bentley

Eugene D. Bentley, 86, died January 17, 2011 in Wichita. He was born May 8, 1924 at Towanda, Kansas, son of Fred and Ethel (Stockwell) Bentley. He married Mary Jane Brigham October 26, 1949 at Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She died February 4, 2009.
Eugene was a manager for Citie Service Co and a Wichita resident since 1968 coming from Indiana. He was of the Christian faith.
He is survived by one son, Steven R. Bentley and his wife Suzie of Lawton, Okla.; one daughter, Marsha B. Scott and her husband Gerard, Wichita; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ronald Bentley.
A graveside service will be held Friday, January 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hoisington Cemetery with interment following. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Wichita Humane Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Iris Laverne Clarke

Iris Laverne Clarke died Jan. 13 at Oklahoma City, OK, following a long illness. She was 58. Born June 25, 1952 at Hoisington, she was the daughter of Joseph and Carol Humphrey Clarke.
She moved to Oklahoma City after her marriage to Michael Crossett. They later divorced.
Survivors include her parents of Hoisington; one daughter, Megan Crossett Brown and husband Jacob; two granddaughters, Macy and Marin; two sisters, Alice Clarke of South Carolina and Mary Brewer of Hoisington.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Jr.
Cremation has already taken place.

Updated 1/14/11

Daniel Mark Kraft

Daniel Mark Kraft, 50, passed away January 10, 2011. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011 from 12-8 p.m. and a funeral service will be on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., both at Affinity All Faiths Mortuary, 2850 S. Seneca, Wichita, KS.
Daniel was born October 13, 1960 in Hoisington, to Duane and Dolores Kraft. He worked for Universal Products in Goddard. He served in the United States Air Force. He was a loving son; father, brother, uncle and friend.
He is preceded in death by brother, Wayne “Butch” Kraft. He is survived by his parents Duane and Dolores Kraft, Goddard; daughters, Sarah Kraft, Wellington and Allison Kraft, Wichita; best friend and mother of his children, Susan Kraft; and Oxford sisters, Marilyn (Larry) Wallace, Goddard and Carolyn (Robert) Downey, Cheney.
Memorials may be sent to Envision 610 N. Main, Wichita, KS 67214.

Charles F. Davidson

CLAFLIN - Charles F. Davidson, 89, died Jan. 6, 2011. He was born Dec. 8, 1921, at Claflin to Marshall and Hulda Muller Davidson.
He married LaVerne G. Kraft Sept. 8, 1943. He was a farmer/stockman. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men’s Club, Claflin Lions Club, Claflin Booster Club, “Plus 55 Club,” Albro Complex and Claflin Co-op. Charles served on the school board for Hitschmann and Claflin for many years.
Survivors include: his wife, LaVerne of the home; son, Dale Davidson and wife Mary Ann; daughters, Lynann Fraker and husband Dan, and Sue Woydziak and husband Steve; seven grandchildren, Philip Davidson, Andrew Davidson, Rod Fraker, Brett Fraker, Neil Woydziak, Amber Navarro and Adam Woydziak; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother, LeRoy Davidson.
A Funeral was held 10:30 a.m. Monday at Claflin United Methodist Church.
Visitation was from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with family present 6 to 8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and from and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment was at Claflin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the United Methodist Church or Claflin Ambulance Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Updated 1/10/11

Myrtle Katherine Pitts

Myrtle Katherine Pitts, 89, died Jan. 3 at the Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend.
She was born June 23, 1922 at Beaver, the daughter of John and Pearl (Hinderliter) Christians.
Mrs. Pitts was a 1940 graduate of Hoisington High School.
She married Herbert L. Pitts on March 16, 1941. He died February 23, 2007. She was a homemaker and helped establish a family farm near Beaver with her husband, where they lived for fifty-four years before making Great Bend their home the past eighteen years. She loved sewing and quilting.
She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene, WCTU, and Quilters Guild. She was a seventy year former member of Beaver Friends Church. She served her churches as a Sunday School teacher and a choir member.
Survivors include one son, Donald G. Pitts of Great Bend; one daughter, Jerree Ehrlich and husband Larry of Broken Arrow, OK.; one brother, Robert Christians of Valley Center; four grand children, Kim Sell and husband Roger of Great Bend, Tami Flaspohler and husband Kevin of Ponca City, OK, Kara Potter and husband Jeff of Claflin, Tonia Jordan and husband Jason of Bixby, OK; nine great-grandchildren, Connor Sell, Kendal Sell, Ryan Flaspohler, Luke Flaspohler, Annie Potter, Zoe Potter, Jaxon Jordan and Lexi Jordan.
She was preceded in death by on brother, Edward Christians and one sister, Lola Wright.
Funeral services were 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Great Bend. The Reverend Josh Foster and the Reverend Mark Pennington officiated. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetary. Visitation was 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home.
A memorial fund has been established for the First Church of the Nazarene, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530

Lenora E. Brack

Lenora E. Brack, 78, died Jan. 3 at the Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born May 4, 1932 at Tulsa, OK, the daughter of George Wellinton and Alice Julia (Miller) Foster.
She was a homemaker. Mrs. Brack was a Great Bend resident since 1998, coming from Hoisington.
Survivors include one son, Wayne Doug Brack and wife Joyce of Great Bend; one daughter Debra Parks and husband Kelly of Valley Center; one brother, George Foster Jr. and wife Pat of Howe, OK; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family inurnment took place at the Hoisington Cemetary. No visitation was set as cremation has already taken place.
A memorial fund has be established for the CKMC Foundation to benefit the Heartland Cancer Center in care of the Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Vann D. Hoffman

Bushton, Kansas – Vann D. Hoffman, 45, died December 31, 2010 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. He was born August 30, 1965 in Salina, the son of Marvin Hoffman and Barbara Keller Hoffman. He was a longtime resident of Bushton.
Vann was a Service Technician for Manweiler Chevrolet in Hoisington. He graduated from54 Beloit High School in 1984 and from Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit.
He is survived by one daughter, Elicia Mueller of Hunter, Kansas; one son, Joshua Hoffmans of Carlinville, Ill.; his mother, Barbara Hoffman of Bushton; father, Marvin Hoffman of Concordia; two brothers, Marcus Hoffman of Salina and Ricky Simpson of Concordia; and three sisters, LaVina Simpson of Russell, Sherry Nelson of Hutchinson and Viki Smith of St. Smith, Arkansas. He was proceeded in death by two brothers, Darwin and Randy Simpson; his grandparents; and a great-niece.
A funeral service will be held Friday, January 7, 2011, at Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverand John Grummon officiating. A private family inurnment will be at the Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may by made out to the Bushton First Responders and Fire Department in care of Birzer Funeral Home, 214 West Ave. South, PO Box 89, Lyons, Kansas, 67554.

Clarence A. Redetzke

Clarence A. Redetzke, 80, passed away January 3, 2011 at Hays Medical Center, Hays. He was born April 24, 1930, the son of Leo C. and Cecilia C. (Schauf) Redetzke. He married Martha A. Hawes November 3, 1951 at Fort Smith, Arkansas. She died October 22, 2010. Clarence was a retired farmer/rancher and a lifetime Susank/Hoisington resident. He served during the Korean Conflict as a Corporal in the Army. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus, VFW Post #7428 and American Legion Post #286, all of Hoisington.
He is survived by two sons, Terence Redetzke and his wife Pam and Gregory Redetzke all of Hoisington; three daughters, Catherine Kruhm and her husband Burt of Littleton, Colorado, Linda Rubio and her husband Martin of Hoisington and Carol Redetzke of Hoisington; one brother, Norman Redetzke of Hoisington; four sisters, Marilyn Redetzke of Hoisington, Jeanne Reilly of Pittsburg, California, Eileen Larkin of Spring, Texas and Bernie McCay of Colorado Springs, CO; eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice and Leo (Butch) Redetzke, sister, Cecilia Monaghan, and grandson, Zachary Rubio.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington at 10:00 a.m. with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Interment was at St. Catherine Cemetery in Dubuque, Kansas with military graveside rights Fort Riley. Visitation was held Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, from 11:00 a.m. until 8 p.m. A Vigil Service was held on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, also at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made out to the American Heart Association or the Zachary C. Rubio Seminary Burse in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 12/24/10

Naomi E. (Pete) Soeken

Claflin, Kansas - Naomi E. (Pete) Soeken, 75, died at her residence in Claflin December 18, 2010. She was born October 1, 1935 at Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Earl and Oneita (Crook) Stadel. She married Howard Lee Soeken December 19, 1954 at Pratt, Kansas. She was a homemaker. Naomi was a Claflin resident since 1955, coming from Manhattan. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Holyrood, Kansas, and the former president for nineteen years and founder of Kansas Association of Weaver and Spinners, Claflin.
She is survived by her husband, Howard, of the home; three sons, Shane Soeken and wife Pam of St. George, Kansas, Rob Soeken and wife Lori of Great Bend, and Matt Soeken and wife Cathy of Claflin; six Grandchildren; and three Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, Dec 22, 2010, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Holyrood, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Lloyd Sprick officiating. Interment was at Claflin Cemetery. Visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m on Tuesday with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made Lutheran World Relief or Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Menta A. Hofmeister

Claflin, Kansas – Menta A. Hofmeister, 88, passed away December 20, 2010 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born July 7, 1922 at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Virginia (Reynolds) Eahart. She married Elmer Hofmeister October 12, 1947 at Parsons, Kansas. He died February 11, 2005.
Menta was a long time Claflin resident, a member of the United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women of Claflin and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 420, Holyrood, Kansas.
She is survived by one son, Fred Hofmeister of Claflin; three daughters, Betty Ruhlen of Lawrence, Kansas, Phyllis Hofmeister of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Helen Hawley of Hudsonville, Michigan; one sister, Cleo Smith of Iola, Kansas; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by sister, Virginia Blair, and a great granddaughter, Emily Mills.
A funeral service was held Thursday, December 23, 2010, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Gene Langhofer officiating. Interment was at the Dubuque Cemetery, south of Dubuque, Kansas. Visitation was held at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, Wednesday, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be made out to the United Methodist Church or Claflin EMS in are of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 12/17/10

Beth C. Schneider
1962 ~ 2010

Great Bend, Kansas – Beth C. Schneider, 90, passed away December 10, 2010 at the Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born September 26, 1920 in LaCrosse, Kansas, the daughter of Chester H. and Ollie V. (Butler) Crotinger. She married William C. Schneider January 24, 1949 at Rush County. He died July 10, 1962.
Beth was a homemaker and a Great Bend resident since 1992, coming from Rush County. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Otis, the Joy Club, Bison, the American Legion Auxiliary, and former dietician cook of the Bison school system.
She is survived by five sons; William C. and Roxanna (Finch) Schneider of Great Bend, Don R. and Donna (Henderson) Schneider of Charlestown, Indiana, Lee R. and Carolyn (Meyer) Schneider of Ellinwood, Jay D. and Terri (Sohm) Schneider of Great Bend, and Jon R. and Amye (Ochs) Schneider of Bison; one sister, Fern Axman of Great Bend; one brother, Ned Crotinger of Alexandria, Indiana; son-in-law; Bob Young of Wichita; sixteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by daughter, Norma E. Young, infant sister, Mariette Crotinger, sister, Ruthetta Hursh and three brothers; John, Clarence and Alvin Crotinger.
A funeral service was held Monday, December 13, 2010 at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington at 10:30 a.m. with Steve Smith and Mark Young officiating. Interment was held at Otis Lutheran Cemetery, Otis, Kansas. A visitation was held Sunday, December 12th from 1-8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. until service time, Monday, all at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Otis, United Methodist, Bison, or the donor's choice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 12/10/10

Martina M. Luebbers
1918 ~ 2010

Martina M. Luebbers, 92, died Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Kansas Heart Hospital at Wichita. She was born March 17, 1918 at Marienthal, the daughter of Martin and Anna (lauber) Younger.
She married Joseph Luebbers on May 3, 1949 at Hoisington. He died March 15, 1977. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Altar Society, D of I and the Ralph B. Praeger VFW Auxiliary all of Claflin. She loved to read, play bingo and cards. She played in the Bell Choir at Woodhaven Care Center at Ellinwood.
She is survived by three sons, Michael Luebbers and his wife Dawn Dupler of Ballwin, MO, Bill Luebbers and his wife Becky of Hoisington, and Andy Luebbers of Claflin; one daughter, Susan Weber and her husband Roy of Hoisington; two sisters, Mary Ann Funk of Galatia and Betty Shaver of Quinlan, TX; one brother Jerome Younger of Emporia; four grandchildren, Chris Weber and his wife Anne, Tracey McKenna and her husband Brett, Corliss Luebbers and Riley Luebbers; two step granddaughters and two step great grandsons.
She was preceded in death by three brothers Albert Younger, Paul Younger and Leonard Younger.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Claflin. Father Charles Mazouch, celebrant.
Internment was at the Claflin Cemetery, Claflin. Visitation was Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Guneral Home, Hoisington. Vigil Service was at 7p.m. followed by an Altar Society rosary also at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to the Activity Fund of Woodhave Care Center or Claflin Ambulance Fund in Care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, Ks 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Marion R. Harders
1922 ~ 2010

Great Bend, Kansas – Marion R. Harders, 88, passed away December 7, 2010 at his residence in Great Bend. He was born May 9, 1922 at rural Great Bend, the son of Fred and Anna (Hemken) Harders. He married Ellen Dolores Stoskopf November 22, 1942 at Albert, Kansas. She died March 4, 1994.
Marion worked as a mechanic for Dowell Oil Co. of Great Bend and later farmed the family farm west of Great Bend. He was a lifetime Great Bend resident. He was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church and the American Legion Argonne Post #180, both of Great Bend, and a United States Air Force veteran of WWII.
He is survived by son, Richard Harders and wife Opal of Hutchinson; daughter, Charlotte Ann Wapelhorst and husband Paul of Great Bend; daughter-in-law, Ysolde Harders of Gypsum; one brother, Robert Harders of Great Bend; two sisters, Marjorie Murphy and Gladys Brack, both of Great Bend; and three grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by son, Bruce Harders, and four brothers, Martin, Ralph, Allen and Delmer Harders.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. a Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with the Reverend Gary Dassow officiating. Interment will be at the Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Our Saviour Lutheran Church or the Humane Society both of Great Bend, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 12/3/10

Linda S. Schlegel
1953 ~ 2010

Linda S. Schlegel, 57, died November 28, 2010 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. She was born May 31, 1953 at Hoisington, the daughter of Glen Robert and Rosemary (Chambers) Monroe. She married Denton Schlegel October 27, 1972 at Hoisington, he survives.
Mrs. Schlegel was a lifetime resident of Hoisington and the owner of Schlegel Realty. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Church council, life member of VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post 286 Auxiliaries, Chamber of Commerce, Breast Cancer Support group and a past member of Rainbow Girls. She was a member of the Board of Realtors, Great Bend.
She is survived by her husband of the home; one sister, Jeanette Clark and husband Ken of Shawnee; one uncle, Dale Monroe and wife Dale of McCracken.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church at Hoisington with the Reverend Kris Brinlee officiating. Interment was in the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation was held 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. to service time, Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to Kans for Kids or First United Methodist Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Mary Hawkins
1937 ~ 2010

Mary Hawkins, 73, passed away November 27, 2010 at Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was born April 24, 1937 at Astoria, New York the daughter of Edgar and Hilda (Kaff) Hawkins. She was married to Anthony Colangelo from 1960 to 1979.
Mary was an avid crafts person and diligent collector of those things often over-looked by others. Mary was a direct descendent of Jacob and Samuel Hawken, creators of the famed Hawken rifle that helped tame the American frontier in the mid 1800’s. She was of the Catholic faith. Mary recently relocated to Hoisington to be near her beloved sister, Anne Harrison, and her brother-in-law, Harold Harrison.
She is survived by son, Tony Colangelo of Great Falls, Virginia; daughter, Joanne Colangelo of Deerfield Beach, Florida; sister, Anne Harrison of Hoisington; and several beloved cousins.
A graveside funeral service and interment were held on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 11:00a.m. at the St. John Cemetery, Hoisington, with Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Visitation was held on Monday at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, from 9:00a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society in care of Nicholson-Riche Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 11/24/10

Leona P. Berry
1916 ~ 2010

Leona P. Berry, 94, Minneapolis, died Monday, November 22 at the Salina Regional Health Center.  She was born May 9, 1916 near Beaver, the daughter of William and Grace (Chenoweth) Berry.
Ms. Berry graduated from Hoisington High School at the age of sixteen.  She was too young to teach so she stayed home for one year.  Then she taught county grade schools (first through eighth grades) in Russell County, starting at the age of seventeen after a brief Normal Training at Fort Hays College. 
She attended and graduated from York College, York, Nebraska, again returning to teach in rural Russell County schools.  She then went to Fort Hays University, getting a Masters Degree in English, afterwards teaching in Atwood and Hoisington high schools and then at William Penn University, Oskaloosa, Iowa.  Ms. Berry entered Denver University in Denver, Colorado for a degree in Library Science.  She worked in libraries at Central College of Washington, Ellensburg, Washington; Southwestern College, Winfield; Pittsburg State College, and Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan.  Her last position was archivist at Eastern Michigan University. 
She retired to her parent’s home in Hoisington in 1982 and in 1999 she moved to the Oak View Apartments in Minneapolis to be near her brother Emery’s family.
She was a member of the Hoisington United Methodist Church and while living in Minneapolis she attended the Community Bible Church.
She was preceded in death by her fiancé Claude Binder; her parents; her sister Rosella Vohs; and her brother Everette Berry.
Survivors include her brother Emery Berry and his wife Carleen of Minneapolis; brother-in-law John Vohs of Decatur, Illinois; nine nieces and nephews; and ten grand nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M., Friday at the Community Bible Church, Minneapolis.  Graveside services will be 3:00 P.M. at the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington.  Visitation will be from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Thursday at Wilson Shields Funeral Home, Minneapolis.  Memorials may be made to the Community Bible Church at Minneapolis or the Minneapolis Public Library and may be left in care of Wilson Shields Funeral Home, 405 Argyle, Minneapolis, Kansas 67467 www.wilsonshields.com

Ronald Fulton
1940-2010

Topeka – Ronald J. Fulton, 69, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at a Topeka hospital. He was born December 21,1940 in Winfield, the son of Marion D. and Ruth V. New Fulton. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958. He was employed by the State of Kansas for 35 years before retiring from the Department of Transportation in 1995. He was a member of Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church and an avid golfer. Ron married Courtney J. Stephens May 23, 1992 in Topeka. She survives.
Other survivors include children; Erik, Todd and Celia; five grandchildren; his siblings, Phyllis J. (John) Keil, Robert E. (Merta) Fulton, Roger C. (Sandy) Fulton; mother-in-law, Martha Stephens Schriock, Hoisington; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held on Monday, November 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Private inurnment took place at the Topeka Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association, 837 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67211 or to Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church, 6020 S.E. 44th St., Tecumseh, KS 66542

Dolores M. Reif
1931 ~ 2010

Great Bend – Dolores M. Reif, 79, passed away November 19, 2010 at the Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born September 18, 1931, the daughter of George and Margaret (Ernst) Tauscher. Delores married LeRoy W. Reif November 26, 1951 at Hoisington. He survives. Mrs. Reif was a Great Bend resident since 1981, coming from rural Hoisington.
Delores was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Great Bend, and the South Homestead Township board. She worked various places such as Dawson Jewelry, Merle Norman, Clay Ward Photography and the Salvation Army. Most recently, she was a loving caregiver for her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, LeRoy, of the home; two sons, Wayne Reif and wife Daniela, Hoisington and Duane Reif and wife Kim of Olmitz; four daughters, Elaine Schlochtermeier and husband Roy, Ellinwood, Marlene Lange and husband Jon, Hoisington, Collene Schneider, Susank, and Gaylene Stout and husband Harold, Hoisington; two sisters, Edna Mills, Hoisington and Virginia Boomhowerm Russell; thirteen grandchildren, Angela Campbell and husband Trevor, Kristen Garrett and husband Gary, Kerri Lange, Kelly Lange, Nicole Schneider, Ashley Schneider,Tiffany Schneider, Francis Stout, Kayla Stout, Emma Reif, Tyler Reif, Mark Reif, Dylan Reif and Coryn Reif; and three great-grandchildren, Katie Schlochtermeier, Haley Garrett and Jesse Alan.
She was preceded in death by a brother, LeVorne Tauscher; three sisters, Lanettia McBride, Alice Hickel and Dianne Winsky; and granddaughter, Cheryl Schlochtermeier Nielson.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 23 at Bryant Funeral Home. A Vigil Service was held Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bryant Funeral Home. CInterment was at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Updated 11/19/10

Bernice Margaret Baker
1958 ~ 2010

Bernice Margaret Baker, age 52, died November 14, 2010 at the Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Ks. She was born May 31, 1958 at Hoisington, the daughter of Catarino and Mary (Arguello) Rubio. She married Joe M. Baker on December 2, 1995 at Otis, Ks. She worked for Clara Barton Hospital as a Medical Coder. She was a lifetime Hoisington resident.
Mrs. Baker was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Altar Society and the VFW Auxiliary Post #7428, all of Hoisington.
Survivors include her husband, Joe Baker, of the home; two sons, Christopher Redetzke and James Redetzke, both of Hoisington; two daughters, Shauna Redetzke and Breanna Baker, both of Hoisington; two daughter-in-laws. Erika Redetzke and Karly Samora, both of Hoisington; five sisters, Josephine Merchant of Glasco, Irene Gallentine of Hoisington, Ramona Hoch of Russell, Kathy Noblitt of Hoisington and Juanita Heinrich of Great Bend; two brothers, Martin Rubio of Hoisington and John Rubio of Lawton, Pa.; and eight grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bill Rubio and sister Frances Jean Hoch.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket celebrant. Visitation was held November 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. A Rosary was on Tues, November 16, 2010 at the funeral home. Interment was at St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to the Bernice Baker Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Willis Carmen Grizzell
1915 ~ 2010

Willis Carmen Grizzell, LCDR, USN, Retired, age 95, of Garden Grove, Ca. died on October 31, 2010. He was born August 16, 1915 on the family wheat farm in rural Claflin. Willis was the son of Robert Martin and Maude Johnson Grizzell, the fourth of eight children. Willis was preceded in death by wife, Ina Underwood, December 1977; siblings Robert (1990), Mildred Bowman (1990), Richard (1997), Bette Jones (2006), Maurine Riggio (2008), and Lenora (2009). He is survived by his companion of thirty years, Sally O’Day, his sister, Miriam Zieber, 12 neices and nephews and many long-time friends.
Willis attended grade and high school in Claflin, graduating with the class of 1934. Intrigued by the U.S. Mail Planes flying over the farm, he attended the Lincoln (NB) Airplane Flying School in the 1934 where he obtained his Private Pilot License. He joined the Navy in June 1936, spent three months in Great Lakes Boot Camp, three years in Battleship Aviation serving on the USS Texas, Nevada and Tennessee and went to flight school in Pensacola where he received his wings February 3, 1942. This made him one of the few members of the Silver Eagles NAP. Tours of duty included the Aleutians, Gilbert-Marshall Campaign, Tarawa, Makin, Kwajelein, and Eniwetok. In 1946, he was sent to NAS Agana, Guam for two years. His final active duty orders were to Norman, Ok in July 1954, where he retired in 1956 after 20 years as LCDR, settling in Garden Grove.
Willis was an active member of the ANA-Association of Naval Aviators and the Grand Pettibone Group of Retired Navy Personnel. He and Sally have been active with the local Elks Club and other organizations.
Willis C. Grizzell will be remembered as a generous, kind, big-hearted and highly respected man who held great affection for his family and always had fond memories of his early years on the family farm.
Funeral Services were held Friday, November 5, 2010 at Dimond and Shannon Mortuary in Garden Grove and a Celebration of Life was held at the local Elks Club on Friday, November 12, 2010. Condolences can be sent to Miriam Grizzell Zieber at 12232 Shannondell Drive, Audubon, Pa. 19403.

Lucille P. Hester
1926 ~ 2010

Valley Center, KS - Lucille P. Hester, 84, passed away on November 9, 2010 at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater, Kansas. She was born October 14, 1926 at Hoisington, the daughter of William Glenn and Nellie B. (Westover) Gruber. She married Raymond J. Hester, Jr. April 18, 1946 at Hoisington. He died December 12, 1985.
Mrs. Hester was a Valley Center resident since 1958, moving from Hoisington. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Valley Center, and was the church pianist for many years.
She is survived by one son, Peter C. Hester, Valley Center, Ks.; four daughters, Julie Hein and husband John, Hoisington, Jayme Walker, Valley Center, Joni Rowl and husband Dennis, Derby, and Janelle Ross and husband Jack, Wichita; two sisters, Thelma Brack, Hoisington and twin sister, Louise Reed, Clermont, Florida; one brother, Art C. Gruber, Norman, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Courtney Walker, Thomas Walker, Joelle Jacobs, Jason Rowl, Ryan Rowl, Andrew Rowl, Kyle Rowl and Jackie Ross; and four great-grandchildren, Haleigh Shofler, Jensen Jacobs, Jozie Jacobs and Brennan Rowl.
She was preceded in death by son, Kenneth, in 1951; two stillborn infants; a granddaughter, Frieda Ross; brothers William Glenn Gruber, Dr. E. E. Gruber and Milton Gruber; and one sister, Pauline Gruber.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Rev. Dennis Tracy officiating. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation was held on Friday, November 12, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. The family received friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Memorials are suggested to the Hospice Care of Kansas or Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders, both in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Mary Eileen McQuade
1923 ~ 2010

Ellinwood, KS – Mary Eileen McQuade, 87, passed away 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. She married Peter John McQuade February 19, 1945 at Frontenac. He died October 31, 2003.
Mrs. McQuade was an Ellinwood resident since 1958. She was a homemaker. She was a member at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood, the Altar Sociery and the Legion of Mary. She worked at a munitions plant in SE Kansas during WWII, was a secretary for Mt. Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg, Ks, and a secretary for the Kan/Colo Credit Union in Ellinwood.
She is survived by five sons, Michael McQuade, Ellinwood, Timothy McQuade, Hoisington, Owen McQuade, Russell, Dennis McQuade, O’Fallon, Missouri and Mark McQuade, Ellinwood; four daughters, Patricia Engelhardt, Winslow, Arizona, Kathleen Mass, Ralston, Nebraska, Elaine Kallaus, South Hutchinson and Maureen Schewartz, Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.; twenty-one grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son, Kevin; daughter, Mary Ann; brothers Jim, Joseph and Robert; and sister, Margaret Caruso.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Visitation was on Thursday, November 11 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and Friday, November 12 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. A Altar Society Rosary was held at 3 p.m. at the funeral home and a Vigil at the church at 7 p.m on Friday. Burial was at the 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.

Updated 11/12/10

Wilma Imojean Fritz

Wilma Imojean Fritz, 82, passed away November 3, 2010 at her home in Hoisington, Kansas. She was born February 12, 1928, the daughter of Harrison and Mollie (Proksch) Clift. She married Kenneth L. Fritz August 28, 1947 at Hoisington. He died February 21, 2010.
Mrs. Fritz was a Hoisington resident. She was co-owner with her husband of Fritz’s Bait shop, member of the First Christian Church and the VFW Auxiliary of Hoisignton.
Wilma is survived by three sons, Ken Leroy Fritz and wife Terri of Great Bend, David Allan Fritz and wife Julie of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Barry Adam Fritz and wife Christy of Salina; three daughters, Linda Louise Wilson and husband Guy of Douglass, Kansas, Deborah Anne Carnahan and husband Larry of Great Bend, and Tracy Lynn Bates and friend Steve Edison of Hoisington; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Grover Cleveland Clift and Charles Monroe Clift, and two sisters, Mary Lavonne Buchanan and Connie Lucille Brown.
A funeral service was held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with the Reverend Dick Ogle officiating. Visitation was on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on November 6, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until service time, with family receiving visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post #7428 in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 11/5/10

Duane H. (Peaches) Popp

Duane H. (Peaches) Popp, 70, died November 2, 2010 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, Kansas. He was born August 21, 1940, the son of Herman Theodore and Esther (Steinert) Popp. He married Cheryl A. Lane July 21, 1963 at Hoisington.
He was a farmer and rancher, worked for LD Davis Drilling, was a Tool Pusher for Revlin and was a former custodian at Roosevelt School and the Middle School. Mr. Popp was a lifetime resident of Hoisington. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl, of the home; one daughter, Sheila Merritt and husband Ross of Hays; three sisters, Vida Singleton or Wichita, Gloria Arnberger and husband Dennis of Great Bend, and Debbie Richardson and husband John of Ames, Iowa; one brother, Don Popp and wife Ruby of Hoisington; and grandchildren Justin and Jacqueline Gallentine of Hays. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin D. Popp.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington, with the Reverend Steven Little officiating. Visitation was held at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, on Thursday, November 4, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and at the church from 12:30 p.m. until service time. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Kevin D. Popp Memorial Scholarship or Emmanuel Lutheran Church, both in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Donald D. Smith

Osawatomie, Kansas - Donald D. Smith, 85, passed away October 29, 2010 at the Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas. He was born September 16, 1925 at Hoisington the son of Clarence and Callie (Payne) Smith. He married Etta Imogene Lumley June 5, 1953 at Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She died October 9, 2004.
Mr. Smith was a retired heavy equipment operator for Kansas Brick and Tile of Hoisington. He was a Hoisington resident until 2004 when he moved to Osawatomie, Kansas. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington.
Survivors include one son, M. D. Smith of Osawatomie, Kansas; one daughter, Janice Oelschlaeger of Lawrence, Kansas; one brother, LeRoy Smith of Hoisington; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandson, Alan Arbogast.
Visitation was on Monday, November 1, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. A Funeral Service was held on November 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the Reverend Kris Brinlee officiating. Interment was at the Hoisington Cemetery with military flag presentation by VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post #286. Memorials are suggested to the Life Care Center of Osawatomie in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Carmen R. Munguia

Carmen R. Munguia, 89, died October 31 at Ellsworth County Medical Center at Ellsworth. Born October 8, 1921 at El Paso, TX. The daughter of Edurado and Refugio (Jimeniz) Rousett.
She married Ramon Munguia on May 1, 1948 at El Paso, TX. He died June 1, 2008.
Mrs. Munguia was a homemaker. She was an Ellsworth resident for the past seven years, coming from Lorraine. She was of Protestant Faith.
She is survived by two daughters, Alma Radenberg and her husband Kenny of Hoisington, and Ruth Powell and her husband Tom of San Jose, CA,; one brother, Edurado Rousett of Mexico; six grandchildren, Paul Powell, Molly Rowell, Katrina Radenberg, Melanee Radenberg, Carrie Pearson and Ryan Powell; and two great grandchildren, Zachary Powell and Riley Powell.
Memorial services are scheduled for 11a.m. on Saturday, November 13 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington. The Rev. Don Fisher is officiating. Inturnment will be in Hoisington Cemetery. Cremation has already taken place.
Memorials can be made to the Hoisington Church of Nazarene or Hospice Care of Kansas, both in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Updated 11/2/10

Robert Lee "Bob" Popp

Robert Lee “Bob” Popp, 76 of Russell passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2010 in Kansas City.

Bob was born March 11, 1934 in Hoisington, Kansas the son of Ben and Marie (Ehrlich) Popp. He grew up in Hoisington and Russell, graduating from Russell High School in 1952. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina then went into the military. He served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. After the service he attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, graduating January 29, 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Bob was united in marriage to Nancy Lou Cotham on August 13, 1967 in Russell. This union was blessed with two children, Kelly and Mark. Nancy preceded him in death on January 27, 2003.

Bob was employed as a life insurance agent for Union Central Life Insurance for over 50 years.

Bob was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church. He also belonged to the Russell Elks Lodge, the Isis Shrine and the Russell V.F.W. Bob was a passionate supporter of Kansas State University athletics, and when he wasn’t attending one of his beloved Wildcat football basketball or other sporting events, he could be found attending local middle school and high school sporting events. He was a lifelong sports lover, working in his spare time as a referee and track starter. Bob was very proud of his family, and loved discussing the sports accomplishments of his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family.

Surviving family include his daughter, Kelly Kley and husband David of McPherson, Kansas; son, Mark Popp and wife Rebecca of Tonganoxie, Kansas; brother, Dennis Popp of Rapid City, South Dakota; sister, Sharon LaBelle and husband Don of Overland Park, Kansas; and three grandchildren, Eric, Hannah and Zachary. He was preceded by his parents and wife Nancy.

Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 5, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell with the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard conducting military rites. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday, November 4, 2010 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Memorials have been established with the St. John Lutheran Church or the Russell High School Athletic Department. Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements. www.pvpmortuary.com

Updated 10/29/10

Artimas Rachel Lynn

Artimas Rachel Lynn, 94, widow of Grider Haskell Lynn, died October 22, 2010 at Hospice of the Bluegrass, St. Joseph’s Hospital , Lexington , Kentucky. She was born January 7, 1916, in Hilham, Tennessee, the daughter of Lee and Susie Wright Allen.
She was retired from Ford Motor Company, Dearborn Michigan.
She is survived by her son, Dennis Allen Lynn and daughter-in-law, Cynthia S. Beeman, sister Susie Lee Hyson, brother Dillard Reeve Allen, and special nieces Patty Hyson Stevens and Caroline Hyson Hunt, and several great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl Allen, Jack Allen and Simpson Allen, and by three sisters, Mabel Thorn, Brina Brown and Lucille Allen.
There will be no visitation or service. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2312 Alexandria Dr., Lexington, KY 40504.

Martha Ann Redetzke

Martha Ann Redetzke, 77, died October 22, 2010 at the Hospice of Reno Co. She was born October 29, 1932 in Altadena, Calif. the daughter of Harry and Nora (Auten) Hawes. She married Clarence Redetzke November 3, 1951 at Fort Smith, Kansas.
A Hoisington resident, she was an Accounting Clerk at Essex for 23 years. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Altar Society, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband, Clarence, of the home; two sons, Terence Redetzke and Gregory Redetzke, both of Hoisington; three daughters, Catherine Kruhm of Littleton, Colo., Linda Rubio of Hoisington, and Carol Redetzke of Littleton, Colo.; eleven granchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by grandson, Zachary Rubio.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on October 25, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Visitation was on Sunday, October 24th from 1:00 p.m to 8 p.m. and Monday, October 25th until service time at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Parish Rosary was held Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Interment was at the St. Catherine Cemetery, Dubuque, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes-Golden Belt Chapter, the Zachary C. Rubio Seminary Burse or Parkinson’s Research in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544.

Updated 10/22/10

Marvella J. Radenberg

Marvella J. Radenberg, 75, died October 19, 2010 at Rice County District Hospital in Lyons. She was born on December 26, 1934, the daughter of Alfred B. and Edith S. (Lebbin) Rusco.
On April 20, 1958 she married Glenn Radenberg at Great Bend.
Mrs. Radenberg was a retired nurse practitioner and RN. She graduated from Great Bend High School in 1953, then graduated from the Dominican sisters school of nursing as an RN, then later graduating with the first class of nurse practitioners in the state of Kansas at Kansas University, and supported the nurse practitioners Alumni Association.
She was a resident of Independent Township since 1958.
She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Holyrood, and a former Sunday School Superintendent, a member of Hoisington Swinging Stars Square Dance Club, and was an active 4-H leader and an accomplished musician.
She is survived by her husband, of the home; three sons, John Radenberg and wife Debbie, David Radenberg and wife Maxine, Mark Radenberg and wife Mary all of Claflin; two sisters, Karen Baldwin of Junction City and Renee Pike of Great Bend; nine grandchildren, Skylar Radenberg Lauren, William Radenberg, James Radenberg, J.C. Radenberg, Sharon Radenberg, Alice Radenberg, Johnathan Radenberg, Brandon Radenberg, Alexandria “Rose” Radenberg and two great grandchildren, Riley and Randi Radenberg. She was preceded in death by a brother, A. Wayne Rusco.
Funeral services are planned for Friday, October 22 at 10 a.m. at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Holyrood. Pastor Debbie Rains and Pastor Gene Langhofer will be officiating.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home at Hoisington.
Memorials can be sent to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Claflin United Methodist Church or the Claflin Ambulance Fund all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

Updated 10/15/10

Larry Gene Garrett

Larry Gene Garrett, 60, died October 7, 2010 at his home in Claflin. He was born on July 25, 1950 at Forrest City, Ark., the son of Carlton Daniel and Luna Winina (Beard) Garrett. He married June Agnes Arends on February 27, 1975 in Great Bend. Mr. Garrett was a Claflin resident since 1974, coming from Schell City, Mo. He was a self emplyed truck driver.
Mr. Garrett served during Vietnam in the United States Army. He enjoyed rebuilding classic cars and collecting model cars.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; mother, of El Dorado Springs, Mo.; one son, Gary D. Garrett and wife Kristen of Wichita; one daughter, Rachael D. Garrett and future son-in-law Travis Nagel of Great Bend; two sisters, Linda G. Bailey and Alice L. Huston, both of Schell City, Mo.; and two grandchildren, Jacob Gene Garrett and Haley Marie Garrett, and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his father; one son; and one brother, Daniel Carton Garrett.
A vigil service was held on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, October 11, 2010 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin at 2 p.m, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Interment was at the Claflin Cemetery with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Anthony Albert Hoffman

Anthony (Tony) Albert Hoffman, 82, passed away on October 7, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas. He was born on December 9, 1927 at rural Claflin, the son of Anton and Winifred (Dolechek) Hoffman. He married Caroline Birzer on June 1, 1950 at Hoisington. He was a farmer/stockman and was an adjuster for Federal Crop Insurance.
Mr. Hoffman was a lifetime Claflin resident. He was a former member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and Holy Name Society of Dubuque, KS., member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin and past Grand Knight and 4h Degree Member of Odin Knights of Columbus. A 1945 graduate of Claflin High School, Mr. Hoffman attended Wichita State Univeristy, was a member of ROTC, attended the University of Kansas and was president of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. He was a former trustee of Cleveland Township and was on the Board of Directors at Beaver Grain Corporation, Beaver, Kansas.
He is survived by wife, of the home; six sons, Larry Hoffman and wife Christ of Shawnee, Mark Hoffman and wife Guia of Kempton, Ill., Brian Hoffman and wife Bernie of Claflin, Keith Hoffman and wife Ann of Raymore, Mo., Craig Hoffman and wife Shelly of Wichita, and Brent Hoffman and wife Elizabeth of Spring Hill; two daughters, Linda Hoffman and husband Robert Hasler of Oakland, Calif. and Pamela (Hoffman) Wirth and husband David of Ellinwood; one brother, Victor Hoffman of Hoisington; twenty-nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on October 11, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Dubuque with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Visitation was held on October 10th with vigil service followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Inrement was at St. Catherine Cemetery, Dubuque.
Memorials are suggested to Dubuque Heritage Association and the Claflin Ambulance Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisignton, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Leafa M. Krug

Leafa M. Krug, 85, died October 6, 2010 at The Cedars in McPherson, Kansas. She was born August 31, 1925 in Milberger, KS, the daughter of Emmanuel and Caroline (Karst) Nuss. She married Harold Krug on April 28, 1946 in Hoisington. He died April 4, 1998. She was a resident of McPherson, KS since 1969, moving from Garden City. She was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in McPherson.
Survivors include four sons, Norman Krug and wife Judy of San Pedro, Calif., Ron Krug and wife Inge or McPherson, Harold Krug and wife Connie of McPherson, and Darryl Krug and wife Danny of Wichita; three daughters, Karen and her husband Dave Clark of Knoxville, Tex., Sharon and her husband Gary Rathbone of McPherson, and Karla and her husband Tony Schmidt of McPherson; a brother, Ralph Nuss of Colorado; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and one step-granchild. She was preceded in death by her husband and two brothers, Wilbert and Milton Nuss.
A funeral was held on Sat., October 9, 2010, 10:00 a.m., at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church with Reverand Dale Dumperth officiating. Interment was at the McPherson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas or the Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Association in care of the Stockham Family Funeral Home. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.

LaVerne Willson

LaVerne Willson was born Lois LaVerne Smiley on November 14, 1919, in Altus, OK. She was the oldest of six children born to Roy and Ethel Owens Smiley. They moved to Bethany, OK when LaVerne was very young. She passed on to be with our Lord on October 9, 2010, in Bethany, OK, where she was a resident of Grace Living Center.
LaVerne married Leroy Harrison in 1934. During their early married life they spent time in Oklahoma City and Alaska, before settling in Tulsa, OK. Leroy was a carpenter and LaVerne worked for Service Pipeline as a bookkeeper. Leroy preceded her in death in 1959.
In 1964, she married Dean Willson of Hoisington. After they were married, they lived in Hoisington, where she became the bookkeeper for Dean’s oil company and enjoyed living in a small town. Dean preceded her in death in 1986, and in 2007 she moved back to Oklahoma.
LaVerne was a dedicated Christian and a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Hoisington. If there was a job to be done, she would be one of the first volunteers to sign up for the task. She and Dean loved to go to Las Vegas and on “The Casino Bus Runs” with their friends. LaVerne belonged to Eastern Star, and she was known throughout the community as an expert seamstress, which kept her very busy making draperies and other projects for people. She was an avid bridge player, and her hands were never idle as she always had a crochet project to work on by her living room chair.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ethel Smiley; three brothers, William Smiley, Roy Gene Smiley and Duane Smiley; and two sisters, Earlene Smiley Zimmerman and Wanda Smiley Gilbert.
She is survived by her son, Richard Harrison, of Oklahoma City; step-daughters, Pam Willson Wilborn and husband Rick of McPherson, KS and Karla Willson Dannels and husband, Mike of Hot Springs, AR; a step-son, Brad Willson and wife Sharon, of Soldotna, Alaska; and her special caregiver, her niece, Sherry Green and husband, Jerry of Oklahoma City, OK. LaVerne has many loving and caring nieces and nephews, as well as her step-grandchildren, her step-great grandchildren and friends.
LaVerne will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, smile, graciousness and dignity. She will be missed by all!
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at the Bill Merritt Memorial Chapel in Bethany, OK. Reverend Larry Smiley with Chaplains for Racers for Christ, Godspeed Ministries, will be officiating. A graveside service will be held in the Hoisington Cemetery on Friday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice. To sign a guest book or leave condolences go to www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com

Joan Grace Loveland

Joan Grace Loveland, 77, died October 6, 2010 at the Hospice House of Reno County in Hutchinson, Ks. She was born Sept. 25, 1933 at rural Claflin, daughter of Fritz and Lena (Dressler) Eggers.
She was a retired dental receptionist in Attica, Kansas and Monahans, Texas. A Claflin resident since 1953, she lived in various places in Kansas and Texas before moving back to Claflin in 2004.
She is survived by one son, Mark Loveland and his wife Cheryl of Lubbock, Tx.; one daughter, Jacalyn and her husband Tony Palesano of Norman, Ok.; one sister, Wanda Haney of Claflin; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.
A memorial graveside service and inurnment were held on October 9, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Claflin Cemetery with the Reverand Ray Kempel officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 10/8/10

Dolly Maxine Pittman

Dolly Maxine Pittman, age 90, of Mulvane, KS, homemaker, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2010. Visitation 10 am – 8 pm Tuesday with family receiving friends 5-7 pm, Senter-Smith Mortuary, 501 SE Louis Blvd. Funeral service 10 am Wednesday, Mulvane United Methodist Church, 107 S Central. Burial will follow at Littleton Cemetery. Dolly was born October 27, 1919 in Mulvane. She married W.L. “Rod” Pittman on October 13, 1940. He passed away August 21, 2005. Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Ron Pittman, Derby, Paul & Frances Pittman, Mulvane, Judy & Ken Peterson, Wichita, Susan & Rich Marks, Wichita, Dale & Sandra Pittman, Wichita, Janet Doughty, Douglass; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Memorials have been established with; Mulvane United Methodist Church, 107 S. Central, Mulvane, KS 67110 or Maude Carpenter Children’s Home, 1501 N. Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67203. View tributes at smithfamilymortuaries.com.
Senter-Smith Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Effie L. Shobe

Effie L. Shobe, age 98 of Joplin, MO, passed away 21 September 2010 in Spring River Christian Village of Joplin.
She was born December 1, 1911 in Eureka, KS to Lucy Jane Wilkinson and James Morris Jackson. She graduated from Climax, Kansas High School and finished Normal School in Emporia, KS with a Teaching Certificate. She married Philip Dolen Shobe on January 7, 1931 in Wellington, KS. They raised their two children in Hoisington, KS and Hawthorne, CA.
She was a loving wife and mother. She worked part time at various occupations including pottery painting, receptionist for two medical doctors, and sales clerk. Effie was a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Hoisington, KS and active in the Hoisington First United Methodist Church until 1992 when she transferred to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Joplin, MO.
She is survived by her son Lester Eugene Shobe of Seal Beach, CA and daughter Nancy Joan Shobe Karst, and husband Larry Ken Karst of Joplin, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband Philip Dolen Shobe and son Donald Lavere Shobe. Her grandchildren are Linda Enders and husband Joe Enders of Eugene, OR; Lesli Gillette of Las Vegas, NV; and Laurie Olson of Joplin, MO. The great-grandchildren are Steven Enders of Eugene, OR; Amber Karst, and J.J. Olson of Joplin, MO; Kaitlin Gillette of Anaheim, CA; and Jonathan Gillette and James Gillette of Las Vegas, NV.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23rd at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with visitation at Parker Mortuary from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday in Greenwood Cemetery at Eureka, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin.

Updated 10/5/10

Dolly Maxine Pittman

Dolly Maxine Pittman, age 90, of Mulvane, KS, homemaker, passed away Saturday, October 2, 2010. Visitation 10 am – 8 pm Tuesday with family receiving friends 5-7 pm, Senter-Smith Mortuary, 501 SE Louis Blvd. Funeral service 10 am Wednesday, Mulvane United Methodist Church, 107 S Central. Burial will follow at Littleton Cemetery. Dolly was born October 27, 1919 in Mulvane. She married W.L. “Rod” Pittman on October 13, 1940. He passed away August 21, 2005. Survivors include: her children and their spouses, Ron Pittman, Derby, Paul & Frances Pittman, Mulvane, Judy & Ken Peterson, Wichita, Susan & Rich Marks, Wichita, Dale & Sandra Pittman, Wichita, Janet Doughty, Douglass; 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established with; Mulvane United Methodist Church, 107 S. Central, Mulvane, KS 67110 or Maude Carpenter Children’s Home, 1501 N. Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67203. View tributes at www.smithfamilymortuaries.com. Senter-Smith Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Effie L. Shobe

Effie L. Shobe, age 98 of Joplin, MO, passed away 21 September 2010 in Spring River Christian Village of Joplin.
She was born December 1, 1911 in Eureka, KS to Lucy Jane Wilkinson and James Morris Jackson. She graduated from Climax, Kansas High School and finished Normal School in Emporia, KS with a Teaching Certificate. She married Philip Dolen Shobe on January 7, 1931 in Wellington, KS. They raised their two children in Hoisington, KS and Hawthorne, CA.
She was a loving wife and mother. She worked part time at various occupations including pottery painting, receptionist for two medical doctors, and sales clerk. Effie was a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Hoisington, KS and active in the Hoisington First United Methodist Church until 1992 when she transferred to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Joplin, MO.
She is survived by her son Lester Eugene Shobe of Seal Beach, CA and daughter Nancy Joan Shobe Karst, and husband Larry Ken Karst of Joplin, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband Philip Dolen Shobe and son Donald Lavere Shobe. Her grandchildren are Linda Enders and husband Joe Enders of Eugene, OR; Lesli Gillette of Las Vegas, NV; and Laurie Olson of Joplin, MO. The great-grandchildren are Steven Enders of Eugene, OR; Amber Karst, and J.J. Olson of Joplin, MO; Kaitlin Gillette of Anaheim, CA; and Jonathan Gillette and James Gillette of Las Vegas, NV.
Services were September 23rd at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with visitation at Parker Mortuary from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday in Greenwood Cemetery at Eureka, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin.

Updated 10/01/10

MSG (Ret.) Herman E. Cassity

MSG (Ret.) Herman E. Cassity, 82, Woodlawn, TN died Saturday, September 25 at his home.
Herman was born December 10, 1927 in Bush City, Kansas, son of the late Wilmer and and Esther Burlington Cassity. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Faye Conatser Cassity, and sisters Jeanne Lankard and Nina Ruth Cassity.
He retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Army where he belonged to the 101st Airborne Division. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service he retired once again from Civil Service Family Housing. Herman was a member of Blooming Grove Baptist Church and enjoyed fishing, hunting, selling fireworks, and cooking.
He is survived by his son Mike Cassity of Huntington, WV; daughter Donna Cassity Butts of Clarksville; grandchildren Brandi Bradberry, Hunter Cassity, Brooke Cassity, Skyler Cassity, and Brayden Cassity; great-grandson Tucker Bradberry; brother Robert Cassity; and sisters Vera Storer, Helen Miller, and Marjorie (Tootie) Akers.
A celebration of life service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 29 at McReynolds-Nave-Larson Chapel, Clarksville, TN with Bro. Charles (Chuck) Cato officiating.
Burial was in the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Nashville, TN. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Hospice, 1606 Haynes St.,
Clarksville, TN 37043-4544. Arrangements in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, (931)647-3371. Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com.

Dr. Ema Boger-Davis

Ema Davis, 102, died September 17 at her residence in Fairhope, Alabama. She was born January 26, 1908 in Hoisington to Abraham and Lydia (Radke) Boger.
After completing high school in Hoisington, she was encouraged to pursue the field of chiropractic medicine and enrolled in Colvin Chiropractic College in Wichita. It was there that she met another student, Otis Davis.
Upon receiving their degrees, they married and set about travelling throughout the United States holding health workshops.
In 1941 they arrived in Mobile, liked the city and opened a chiropractic practice. They worked side by side until Otis became ill. Ema closed the practice to take care of him.
After his death in the mid-fifties, she reopened the practice. Having become one of the first female chiropractors in the state, she had a successful career, finally retiring in 1983 at the age of 75.
She has been a member of the Alabama State Chiropractic Association and the National Chiropractic Association and was a charter member of the American Chiropractic Association.
In her retirement years, she had an active, well rounded life. She loved travelling and took part in numerous trips with the Riase Club of Saint Pius Catholic church, Saint Mark United Methodist Seniors and Al’s Travel Club. She enjoyed Mardi Gras and was active in several mystic societies.
She loved fishing and could spend many hours on the banks of rivers and lakes with her fishing pole. Ema was an insatiable reader and maintained a lifelong interest in medicine, pharmacology, practicing a healthy life style and encouraging others to do the same.
She is the last of Abraham and Lydia’s children being predeceased by her brother Marcus Boger and his wife, Edna, of Great Bend, her brother, Lucas Boger and sister, Emily Stafford, her stepdaughter Marilyn Schoenbrun, and her nephew, Alan Boger.
She is survived by nephews Marcus Lynn (Pam) Boger, Lloyd (Gerry) Boger of Great Bend and Romer (Vada) Stafford of Wichita, three step-grandchildren, two great step-grandchildren in Temecula, CA, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends Mary Orso, Dot Romane, and Betty Ewbank of Mobile, Alabama.
Visitation was Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at Radney Funeral Home in Mobile, Alabama. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to your charity of choice.
Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin St., Mobile, Alabama was in charge of the arrangements.

Dean Steiner

Dean Steiner, 78, Hoisington, died Sept. 23 at Kansas Heart Hospital, Wichita.
Born Dec. 3, 1931, he was the son of Louis and Lenora (Ummel) Steiner.
Mr. Steiner was a long time resident of Hoisington, coming from Odin.
He was a retired employee of Kansas Wildlife and Parks at Cheyenne Bottoms, retiring in 1992.
He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Steiner was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, K of C No. 1521, American Legion Post No. 286 and VFW Post No. 7428. He served as the commander of the VFW in 1986, 1987 and 1988.
He is survived by one daughter; Alicia Steiner of Hoisington, one brother; Merle and his wife Loyola Steiner of Hoisington, and one sister; Mildred and her husband Kenneth Siebert of St. John, one daughter of the heart; Tracey Swalley of Great Bend, and four grandchildren of the heart; J.J., Janess, Jocelynn, and Wyatt.
Memorial Mass was 10:30 a.m.Wednesday, Sept. 29 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, Father Ultan Murphy, celebrant. Inurnment was in the St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington with military graveside rites by VFW Post No. 7428 and American Legion Post No. 286. The family was present for the visitation Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. K of C rosary was 7 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Wildtrust Memoribila Fund at Cheyenne Bottoms or VFW Post No.7428 both in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, Ks. 67544
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 9/17/10

Junior Lee Patterson

Junior Lee Patterson, 84, died Sept. 9 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. He was born Jan. 1, 1926, at Collinville, Okla., the son of Pet and Alma (Johnson) Innman, KS. He married Betty J. Phillips on Sept. 24, 1948, at Beaver. He worked for NCRA as a production foreman for 41 years, retiring in 1988. Patterson was a longtime Hoisington resident and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
Mr. Patterson was a member of VFW Post No. 7428, American Legion Post No. 286, and Masonic Lodge No. 331, AF&AM, all of Hoisington.
Survivors include his wife, Betty, of Hoisington; two sons, Jim Patterson of Ogallah, KS and John Patterson of Wamego, KS; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Jesse Mitchell.
A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at the Hoisington Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post 286 of Hoisington. The Rev. Dick Ogle was the officiant. There was no visitation, as cremation had taken place. Donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
(Published in the Hoisington Dispatch Sept. 17, 2010)

Dr. Kenneth M. Boese

Dr. Kenneth M. Boese, 84, Manhattan, passed away Wednesday, September 8, at the Leonardville Nursing Home, Leonardville.
He was born September 30, 1925 at Hoisington, the son of Jacob Boese and Mabel Whipple Boese. He grew up in Hoisington where he attended the local schools. He was a graduate of the University of Kansas, Lawrence and the Kansas University School of Medicine.
Ken was a veteran of World War II, serving in a medical unit in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre with the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
He was united in marriage to Marcia Hail on August 29, 1953 in Lawrence. She survives of the home.
Dr. Boese served his residency in Wichita and moved to Manhattan in 1957 to establish his practice in General and Family Medicine. He retired in 1988.
He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints, the Manhattan Sertoma Club, AMA (American Medical Association) and the AAFP (American Academy of Family Practitioners).
In addition to his wife, Dr. Boese is survived by three daughters, Mary Rank, and her husband Michael, Mountain View, CA, Cheryl Caldwell, and her husband, Gordon, Lawrence and Brenda Cannon, and her husband, Declan, Ridgefield Park, NJ; and five grandchildren, Michelle Rank, Joshua Beham, Sam Beham, Courtney Caldwell and Alix Caldwell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Elton Boese.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were Monday, September 13, in the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan. Inurnment, with full military honors, followed in the Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, Manhattan.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Riley County Humane Society and left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to www.irvinparkview.com
(Published in the Hoisington Dispatch Sept. 17, 2010)

Edward Kooi

Edward Kooi passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2010 in Osage City, Kansas. Ed was born Nov. 19, 1930 at New York City, New York to Dirk and Mary (Bierman) Kooi. He made the Air Force his career, while stationed in Topeka he met and married Milda Dietz on August 13, 1967 . She preceded in death August 10, 1996. They moved with his career and eventually settled in Arvada, Colorado. Later Ed and Milda moved to Lyndon, KS and Ed worked for the Air National Guard in Topeka until his second retirement. Ed and Milda were active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Osage City.
He is survived by four nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Dick and his wife.
Graveside serves will be 2:30 pm, Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Milberger Cemetery, Milberger, Kansas with Rev. Amy Austin presiding. Military graveside rites by the VFW Post #7428 and American Legion Post #286 will be conducted. Memorials are suggested to United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, KS in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home – 415 N. Main – Hoisington, Kansas 67544
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
(Published in the Hoisington Dispatch Sept. 17, 2010)

Barbara Jean Tajchman

Mrs. Barbara Jean Tajchman, 70, of McPherson, KS, passed away at 5:40 p.m., Sunday, September 12th, 2010 at her home while in the company of her children and in the arms of her husband, Michael.
Mrs. Tajchman was born in Marion, Kansas on July 15, 1940, the daughter of the late Albert George and Rose Beatrice (Dvorak) Holub.
Barbara attended the Pilsen and Antelope grade schools, and graduated from Lincolnville High School, Lincolnville, Kansas in 1958. She attended Wichita Business College, Wichita, Kansas.
Barbara was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, served as a member of the Altar Society, also as an officer, and was co-chairman of the funeral dinners. She was a member of Parish Council, School Board Member, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector Scheduler for more than 15 years. Barbara also schedules Eucharistic Ministers to visit the shut-ins for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, was Rosary Leader, attended weekly Adoration, and once a month counted and recorded offertory collections.
In 1958, Barbara started working or Frontier Oil Company, Wichita, as a secretary prior to becoming a wife, mom and grandma.
She was a member of the Elk’s Lodge #502, McPherson, the American Red Cross where she worked for the Blood Mobiles in McPherson, and a Board member and past president of the McPherson County Food Bank. She worked for the food bank for over 25 years and Sav-N-Share for over 12 years.
Barbara Jean Holub was united in marriage to Marcel Robert Tajchman at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church, Pilsen, Kansas on September 16, 1961.
Surviving family members include her loving and devoted husband of nearly forty-nine years, Marcel, of the home, McPherson; her children, Brian Tajchman and his wife Cheri, of Junction City, Michelle Lyle and her husband Mark, of Wichita, and Brad Tajchman and his wife Katy, of Hoisington; her brothers, Albert Holub and his wife Linda, of Culbertson, Nebraska and Robert Holub and his wife Charlotte, of McPherson; her sister, Kathleen Holub-Drury and her husband Stephen, of Jonestown, Texas; her eleven grandchildren, Alan Tajchman, Sarah Tajchman, Jesse Lyle, Hannah Lyle, Seth Lyle Abigail Lyle, Daniel Lyle, Madison Tajchman, Denton Tajchman, Malary Tajchman, and Dawson Tajchman; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends were invited to call on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, McPherson, Kansas. Rosary was read on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. at the church.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, McPherson, at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2010, with Fr. David Lies officiating.
Her Final Resting Place will be McPherson Cemetery in McPherson, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, or the McPherson County Food Bank and they can be sent in care of the Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home, 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.
(Published in the Hoisington Dispatch Sept. 17, 2010)

Updated 9/14/10

Dr. Kenneth M. Boese

Dr. Kenneth M. Boese, 84, Manhattan, passed away Wednesday, September 8, at the Leonardville Nursing Home, Leonardville.

He was born September 30, 1925 at Hoisington, the son of Jacob Boese and Mabel Whipple Boese. He grew up in Hoisington where he attended the local schools. He was a graduate of the University of Kansas, Lawrence and the Kansas University School of Medicine.

Ken was a veteran of World War II, serving in a medical unit in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre with the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

He was united in marriage to Marcia Hail on August 29, 1953 in Lawrence. She survives of the home.

Dr. Boese served his residency in Wichita and moved to Manhattan in 1957 to establish his practice in General and Family Medicine. He retired in 1988.

He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints, the Manhattan Sertoma Club, AMA (American Medical Association) and the AAFP (American Academy of Family Practitioners).

In addition to his wife, Dr. Boese is survived by three daughters, Mary Rank, and her husband Michael, Mountain View, CA, Cheryl Caldwell, and her husband, Gordon, Lawrence and Brenda Cannon, and her husband, Declan, Ridgefield Park, NJ; and five grandchildren, Michelle Rank, Joshua Beham, Sam Beham, Courtney Caldwell and Alix Caldwell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Elton Boese.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were Monday, September 13, in the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan. Inurnment, with full military honors, followed in the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery, Manhattan.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Riley County Humane Society and left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to www.irvinparkview.com

Edward Kooi

Edward Kooi passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2010 in Osage City, Kansas. Ed was born Nov. 19, 1930 at New York City, New York to Dirk and Mary (Bierman) Kooi. He made the Air Force his career, while stationed in Topeka he met and married Milda Dietz on August 13, 1967 . She preceded in death August 10, 1996. They moved with his career and eventually settled in Arvada, Colorado. Later Ed and Milda moved to Lyndon, KS and Ed worked for the Air National Guard in Topeka until his second retirement. Ed and Milda were active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Osage City.

He is survived by four nieces and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Dick and his wife.

Graveside serves will be 2:30 pm, Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Milberger Cemetery, Milberger, Kansas with Rev. Amy Austin presiding. Military graveside rites by the VFW Post #7428 and American Legion Post #286 will be conducted. Memorials are suggested to United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, KS in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home – 415 N. Main – Hoisington, Kansas 67544

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Junior Lee Patterson

Junior Lee Patterson, 84, died Sept. 9 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. He was born Jan. 1, 1926, at Collinville, Okla., the son of Pet and Alma (Johnson) Innman, KS. He married Betty J. Phillips on Sept. 24, 1948, at Beaver. He worked for NCRA as a production foreman for 41 years, retiring in 1988. Patterson was a longtime Hoisington resident and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Mr. Patterson was a member of VFW Post No. 7428, American Legion Post No. 286, and Masonic Lodge No. 331, AF&AM, all of Hoisington.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of Hoisington; two sons, Jim Patterson of Ogallah, KS and John Patterson of Wamego, KS; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Jesse Mitchell.

A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at the Hoisington Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post 286 of Hoisington. The Rev. Dick Ogle was the officiant. There was no visitation, as cremation had taken place. Donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Barbara Jean Tajchman

Mrs. Barbara Jean Tajchman, 70, of McPherson, KS, passed away at 5:40 p.m., Sunday, September 12th, 2010 at her home while in the company of her children and in the arms of her husband, Michael.

Mrs. Tajchman was born in Marion, Kansas on July 15, 1940, the daughter of the late Albert George and Rose Beatrice (Dvorak) Holub.

Barbara attended the Pilsen and Antelope grade schools, and graduated from Lincolnville High School, Lincolnville, Kansas in 1958. She attended Wichita Business College, Wichita, Kansas.

Barbara was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, served as a member of the Altar Society, also as an officer, and was co-chairman of the funeral dinners. She was a member of Parish Council, School Board Member, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector Scheduler for more than 15 years. Barbara also schedules Eucharistic Ministers to visit the shut-ins for St. Joseph's Catholic Church, was Rosary Leader, attended weekly Adoration, and once a month counted and recorded offertory collections.

In 1958, Barbara started working or Frontier Oil Company, Wichita, as a secretary prior to becoming a wife, mom and grandma.

She was a member of the Elk's Lodge #502, McPherson, the American Red Cross where she worked for the Blood Mobiles in McPherson, and a Board member and past president of the McPherson County Food Bank. She worked for the food bank for over 25 years and Sav-N-Share for over 12 years.

Barbara Jean Holub was united in marriage to Marcel Robert Tajchman at St. John's Nepomucene Catholic Church, Pilsen, Kansas on September 16, 1961.

Surviving family members include her loving and devoted husband of nearly forty-nine years, Marcel, of the home, McPherson; her children, Brian Tajchman and his wife Cheri, of Junction City, Michelle Lyle and her husband Mark, of Wichita, and Brad Tajchman and his wife Katy, of Hoisington; her brothers, Albert Holub and his wife Linda, of Culbertson, Nebraska and Robert Holub and his wife Charlotte, of McPherson; her sister, Kathleen Holub-Drury and her husband Stephen, of Jonestown, Texas; her eleven grandchildren, Alan Tajchman, Sarah Tajchman, Jesse Lyle, Hannah Lyle, Seth Lyle Abigail Lyle, Daniel Lyle, Madison Tajchman, Denton Tajchman, Malary Tajchman, and Dawson Tajchman; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends were invited to call on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, McPherson, Kansas. Rosary was read on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. at the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, McPherson, at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2010, with Fr. David Lies officiating.

Her Final Resting Place will be McPherson Cemetery in McPherson, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, St. Joseph's Catholic School, or the McPherson County Food Bank and they can be sent in care of the Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home, 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.

______________________________________

Updated 9/3/10

Joyce Elaine Pace

Joyce Elaine Pace, 69, of Hoisington, died August 27, 2010 at Clara Barton Hospital. She was born April 11, 1941, at Clinton, Mo., the daughter of William Rhote and Dixie Lee (Null) Anderson. She married Forrest J. Wallace, Jr. on June 23, 1961, at Richmond, Mo. He died November 5, 1970. She married A.L. (Dick) Pace on September 13, 1975, at Raytown, Mo. He died in August 1985. She worked part-time as a registered nurse at Clara Barton Hospital and the nursing home, also as a school nurse for USD 431 for 17 years, and for 26 years with the Hoisington EMS/Ambulance Service, serving for the last several years as the director. She had been a Hoisignton resident since 1977.
Mrs. Pace was a member of First Baptist Church in Richmond, Mo., and attended First United Methodist Church in Hoisington.
Survivors include one son, Rodney E. Pace of Webb City, Mo.; two daughters, Beverly J. Schmeidler of Great Bend and Amy C. Pace of Tonganoxie; a step-daughter, Linda M. Williams of Independence, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Jefferson Levon Boor, Nicholas Ray Pace, Dallas Alan Schmeidler, Forrest Grant Pace, Marcus Alan Schmeidler, Abby Leah Pace and Eliott Wallace Pace; and a sister by heart, Sue Wagner, Hoisington. She was preceded in death by a step-son, Ray A. Wallace.
Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Pastor Don Fisher officiant. Visitation was from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
A committal service was at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Memory Gardens, Richmond, Mo., with Pastor Liz Deveney officiant. Donations to memorial funds for the Hoisington Ambulance Fund or for the Hoisington Public Library may be made in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
The Dispatch, Sept. 3, 2010

Elizabeth Jane Vohs

Elizabeth Jane Vohs, 93, died August 27, 2010 at an Assisted Living Home in Andover, Kansas. She was born in Parsons, Kansas March 7, 1917 and lived most of her adult life in Iola and Hoisington, Kansas where she and her husband Bob were in the insurance and real estate business. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Heritage Club, Cheyenne E.H.U., Altrurian Club and Civic Club. She also delivered Meals on Wheels and was active at the Hoisington Food Bank. One of the things she loved, was camping and fishing with her husband, Bob, and her family on Grand Mesa in Western Colorado.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, her parents, a sister Elsie Cadmus and brother David Cadmus.
She is survived by two children, Carol (Gerald) and Bob (Donna), a sister, Lucille Larsen, a sister-in-law Ramona Cadmus, four grandchildren (Jeff, Denise, Tricia and Derek) plus four great grandchildren (Megan, Faith, Athena and Aimery). Also surviving are many friends, neighbors, nieces and nephews.
A grave-side service will be conducted at 2:00 on Friday, September 3, 2010, at the Hoisington Cemetery by the Reverend Don Fisher. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Hoisington Food Bank.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net
The Dispatch, Sept. 3, 2010

Herman G.Hoffman Jr.

Herman G. Hoffman Jr., 80, died Sept. 1 at Rice County District Hospital in Lyons. He was born Aug. 8, 1930, in Atchison, the son of Herman and Golda T. Goulding Hoffman. A Lyons resident since 1965, formerly of Russell.
He married Mary Jane Dumler May 8, 1955, in Russell.
Hoffman was a graduate of Butler High School of Butler, Okla.;and served as a warrant officer in the Russell National Guard. Hoffman was a former owner of Culligan Water Conditioning in Lyons, Ellinwood and Great Bend, retiring in 1999; and previously worked for Harry Gore and Lane Well for 15 years in the logging and perforating business.
Hoffman was a member of United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, Kum Dubble Sunday School Class, Rotary Club, Masonic Royal Lodge No. 192, and Boy Scouts, all of Lyons; Gideon International; and Water Quality Association.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Herman G. Hoffman III and wife Chris of Lyons and Stanley L. Hoffman of Hutchinson; four grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Jane Crecink; and one nephew, Webb J. Crecink III of West Monroe, La.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 4 at United Methodist Church in Lyons with the Rev. Quentin Bennett officiating. Burial will be at Lyons Municipal Cemetery in Lyons. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons with family members present from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the church or Rice County Health Foundation, both in care of the funeral home.
Lyons News Sept. 3, 2010

Robert G. Cundith

Robert G. Cundith, 68, died Aug. 31 at his residence in Sterling. He was born July 23, 1942, the son of John and Eula Edwards Cundith.
He married Karen Ann Wilkey May 8, 1964, at Emporia. She died July 23, 2008. A longtime Sterling resident, he was a 1960 graduate of Sterling High School, a graduate of Emporia State University, was a self-employed accountant and a former partner of Pratt Livestock Inc.
Cundith was a member of United Presbyterian Church of Sterling; tresurer and board member of Sterling Country Club and Lyons Town and Country Club; a member of Prairie Dunes Country Club; Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity; U.S. Olympics supporter; past president of Sterling Chamber of Commerce; a charter member of Sterling Preservation Association; and a longtime benefactor of the Prairie Art Show and Sterling College.
Survivors include one son, Tyler Cundith and wife Annette of Overland Park; one daughter, Sara Nafus and husband Chris of Lenexa; one brother, John Cundith of Broken Arrow, Olka.; six sisters, Joyce Deegan of Tehachapi, Calif., Anna Mae Alexander of Altus, Okla., Flora Pearson of Moss Point, Miss., Betty Willson of Carpinteria, Calif., Barbara Engelland of Shawnee and Judy Fulton of Sterling; and four grandchildren, Brandon and Kelsey Cundith; and Lauren and Robbie Nafus. He was preceded in death by an infant son, David Cundith; and four brothers, Tom, Harry, Horace and Richard Cundith.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the church in Sterling with the Rev. Seth Svaty officiating. Burial will be at Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Birzer Funeral Home in Sterling with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association, Sterling Country Club or Studio 96, all in care of the funeral home.
Lyons News Sept. 3, 2010

Updated 8/27/10

Dustin Michael Smith

FORT MORGAN, Colo. -- Dustin Michael Smith, 26, of Ft. Morgan died Thursday, August 19, 2010 at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora.
He was born June 5, 1984 in Hoisington to Richard and Angela (Funk) Smith. Dustin moved with his family to Ft. Morgan in 1987.
Dustin loved his family and friends and they were very important to him. In his spare time he raced at the I-76 Speedway and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He really enjoyed his job and took great pride in it.
Survivors include: his wife, Nicole Freauff, and his unborn son, Kamryn, of Ft. Morgan; his parents, Richard and Angela Smith of Ft. Morgan; one brother, Zachary Smith of Hillrose, Colo.; one sister, Jennifer Smith of Snyder, Colo.; grandparents, Sue Wagner of Hoisington; Connie Meharg of Thornton, Colo.; and Ronald Funk of Fenton, Mo.; great grandfather, Walter Meharg of Great Bend and nephews, Hunter Smith and Huston Smith.
Dustin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bernard Wagner and his great-grandmother Ruth Meharg.
Memorial services were held Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the I-76 Speedway west of Ft. Morgan. Services were conducted at the speedway.
Memorial gifts may be made, in Dustin’s name, for his unborn son, in care of the Heer & Dahl Mortuary, 225 E. Platte Ave., Fort Morgan, Colo., 80701; (970) 867-5414.
The Heer & Dahl Mortuary in Ft. Morgan is in charge of the arrangements.
The Dispatch, Aug. 27, 2010

Marjorie L. Lang

Marjorie L. Lang, 81, of Hoisington died Aug. 24, 2010 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita.
The daughter of Leo H. & Lucille (Hermreck) Pickert was born Aug. 8, 1929 at Hoisington.She married Ernest V. Lang April 22, 1952 at Hoisington. He died November 10, 1983.
The lifetime Barton County resident was a homemaker, worked at the Hoisington Phone Co. and was a retired secretary for Stueder Contractors in Great Bend.
She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society both of Hoisington, Kansas.
Survivors include a son, Michael Lang and wife, Carol, of Great Bend; daughters: Mary Liebl and husband, Ken, of Wichita; Kathy Krier and husband, Kirby, of Claflin; Nancy Liebl and husband, Kevin, of Claflin; Janet Hitschmann and husband, Ed, of Claflin
Three brothers: Don Pickert of Wichita; Jim Pickert of Emporia and Dave Pickert of Kansas City, Mo.
Grandchildren were Chad Liebl, Ryan Liebl, Kristin Liebl, Eric Liebl, Kari Nap, Kyle Krier, Kelli Krier, Mark Lang, Jeremy Liebl, Jared Liebl, Jamie Liebl, Jennifer Hitschmann, and Emily Hitschmann.
Great-grandchildren: Lauren Liebl, Claire Liebl, Matthew Liebl, Olivia Liebl, and Brady Liebl.
She was preceded in death by two brothers Duane Pickert, Melvin Pickert, and a sisterWilma Gabbert.
Services are scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket.
Visitation was scheduled Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Interment will be held at Holy Family Cemetery, Odin.
Memorial funds are St. John Building Fund, Holy Family Cemetery Fund, or Donors Choice all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net
The Dispatch, Aug. 27, 2010

Updated 8/13/10

Genevieve M. "Ginny" Zinn

Genevieve M. "Ginny" Zinn, 93, died August 5 at Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson. She was born Sept. 24, 1916, at Westmoreland, the daughter of Daniel and Viva (Buchanan) Caffrey.
She married Leo Ray Zinn Jan. 2, 1940, at Seneca. He died Feb. 24, 1987.
She worked in a grocery store in Liberal, retiring in 1978. Mrs. Zinn was a Hoisington resident from 1978 to 1994, then moving to Great Bend until 2009, and later to Hutchinson
She was a member of St. John the EvangelistCatholic Church, St. John the Evangelist Altar Society and American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 286 all of Hoisington; and a member of the Daughters of Isabella of Great Bend.
Survivors include three sons, Gary D. Zinn of S. Hutchinson, Charles E. Zinn of Hutchinson and Donald R. Zinn of Wichita; two brothers, Leo Caffrey and Jerry Caffrey, both of Lillis; 19 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Larry Zinn; one brother, Daniel Caffrey; and two sisters, Loma O'Shea and Viola Keating.
Rosary was held Monday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington prior to the service. The funeral service was conducted at the church with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Burial was at St. John Cemetery in Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67554.
Condolences may be sent and notices viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Dispatch, Aug. 10, 2010

Linda Sue Sunley

Linda Sue Sunley died August 7, 2010 at the Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson, Kan. She was born December 9, 1942, in Hill City, Kan. She was the daughter of 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, Kan.; three step-children, LaFonda Sharp of Healy, Kan., Rhonda Koehn of Henderson, Neb., Byler Sunley, Healy, Kan.; three brothers, Ronnie Tebo of Lawrence, Kan, Stephen Tebo of Boulder, Colo.; Kent Tebo of Bennington, Kan.; 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 was held Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Lyons, Rev. Dr. Quentin Bennett officiating. Interment was held Aug. 10, 2010 at Hill City Cemetery, Hill City, Kan.
Memorials may be given to the Lyons High School Athletic Department in care of Birzer Funeral Home.
Dispatch, Aug. 10, 2010

Updated 8/6/10

Dale Wayne Ferguson

Dale Wayne Ferguson, 69, died July 28 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born February 9, 1941, at Hardy, Arkansas, the son of Forest Ray and Doris (Richardson) Ferguson.
He married Mary Jane Devor in 1959 at Pasadena, California. She died in October 1993. He was a mechanic, an auto-body craftsman, roustabout and truck driver. Mr. Ferguson was a lifetime Hoisington, Kansas resident.
Survivors include his mother, Doris Kisner, Great Bend; three sons, Jerry Ferguson and wife Kris of Kansas City, Mo., Randy Ferguson and wife Amy of Salina; Jimmy Ferguson and wife Melissa of Great Bend; two daughters, Pam Hammond and husband James of North Richland Hills, Texas, and Brenda Campbell and husband Tony of Great Bend; one brother, Don Ferguson of Great Bend; longtime companion, Kathryn Scott, Hoisington; three sisters, Carolyn Abercrombie of Great Bend, Shirley Detter of Hoisington and Debbie Ferguson of Joplin, Mo.; 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Forest Ray Ferguson, infant son, David Wayne Ferguson, and brother, Hayden Ferguson.
A funeral service was held on July 31, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor Leland Hall and Pastor Glenda Hall officiating. Interment was at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, July 30, 2010. Memorials are suggested to the Dale W. Ferguson Expence Fund. 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.
Dispatch, Aug. 6, 2010

Bernard N. Wagner

Bernard N. Wagner peacefully passed away on July 8, 2010 at the Harry Hynes Hospice Unit of St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.
He married Suzanne (Sue) Smith, July 3, 1967 at St. John, Kansas. She survives.
His body was cremated.
Survivors include one daughter, Faith Jacobs and her husband, Gary. Seven sons: Anthony Wagner, Great Bend; Howie Smith, Dodge City; Jim Smith and wife Bridgit, Phillipsburg; Scott Smith and wife Cathy, Great Bend; Rich Smith and Angela, Fort Morgan, Colo.; Jeff Wagner and wife KeiLee, Meno, Okla., and J.J. Wager, Wichita; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Bernard was preceded in death by Everette and Arvilla Wagner, parents, and Hannah Grace Wagner, granddaughter.
A private family get-together was held July 16, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington.
Memorials may be made to the Hoisington Food Bank.
Dispatch, Aug. 6, 2010

Roger Lincoln Sunley

Roger L. Sunley died August 1, 2010 at his home in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born April 7, 1944 in Brownell, Kansas. His parents were Cecil and Edith (Hurst) Sunley.
He was the owner of Charlie’s Barber Shop in Great Bend, where he had lived and worked for the past 10 year. Prior to that he lived in Lyons where he was the former Rice County EMS director and also was a barber.
Survivors include: one son, Byler of Healy; two daughters: LaFonda Sharp of Healy and Rhonda Koehn of Henderson, Neb., one sister, Kay Stauth of Cimarron; eight grandchildren, and his former wife Linda Sunley of Lyons.
He was preceeded in death by two infant sisters.
A private memorial will be set at a later date as his body has been cremated. Memorial may be sent to American Legion Riders in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS.
Dispatch, Aug. 6, 2010

updated 7/30/10

William R. "Bill" Mullin

Lifetime Barton County resident William R. "Bill" Mullin died July 20, 2010, at his Great Bend home. He was 82.
Born Jan. 15, 1928, in Barton County, he was the son of Dwight and Isabelle Alvard Mullin.
He worked in the oil field for Independent Acid and was part owner. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111 in Great Bend and the Kansas State Softball Hall of Fame.
Survivors include son, Kim Mullin of Salina; daughters, Barbara Nichols and Sheila Haynes of Tacoma, Wash.; sister, Lois Snyder of Pleasanton, Calif.; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services were July 24 at his Great Bend home.
Memorials may be made to Kansas State High School Activities Association in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Updated 7/16/10

James R. "Jim" Carson

James R. "Jim" Carson died July 8, 2010, at his daughter's home in Great Bend. He was 76.
The son of Robert and Myrtle Conn Carson was born Feb. 4, 1934, in Smith Center.
On July 6, 1963, he married Mildred K. Willson VanScyoc in Hoisington. She survives
He was manager of the J.M. McDonald Store in Hoisington; The Carsons owner and operated Carson's Department Store in Hoisington; he worked for the Hoisington Police Department and was an emergency medical technician for the Hoisington Ambulance Service.
A Hoisington resident for 50 years, he was a member of Grace Community Church in Great Bend.
Other survivors include sons, Larry VanScyoc and wife Irma of Wichita and Leland VanScyoc and Lonnie VanScyoc and wife Sandy, all of Hoisington; daughters, Luann Guiterrez of Hoisington, Ladonna Wallace and husband Dennis of Wichita and Leilani Schenkel and husband Scott of Great Bend; sister, Elaine Hamilton of Smith Center; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Services were July 12 at Grace Community Church in Great Bend with Pastor Roy Savage and Pastor Dennis Wallace presiding. Burial was in Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Grace Community Church or CKMC Foundation for the benefit of the Heartland cancer Center in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

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Updated 7/9/10

Cecilia T. Carroll

Lifetime Hoisington resident Cecilia T. Carroll died July 4, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital at the age of 89.
The daughter of Frank and Caroline Miller Preisner was born Dec. 2, 1920, in Hoisington.
On June 22, 1941, she married James W. "Pete" Carroll in Hoisington. He died Dec. 22, 2002.
She was a homemaker and former dispatcher for the Hoisington Police Department.
She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella and active in the Hoisington Food Bank and Heritage Senior Center.
Survivors include sons, Walter Carroll of Hoisington and Dennis Carroll of Kiowa; daughters, Joyce Hibbs of Alva, Okla., and Sharon Krumm of Grinnell, Iowa; seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by infant sons, Thomas and John Carroll; grandson, Jacky Summers; and sisters, Annie Freidel, Othilda Steffan, Walburga Alexander, Emma Plunkett and Mary Steffen.
Services were July 8 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birkett presiding. Interment was in St. John Church Cemetery in Hoisington.
Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Susanna M. Redetzke

Lifetime Barton County resident Susanna M. Redetzke died July 3, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital at the age of 95.
Born May 22, 1915, in rural Beaver, she was the daughter of Robert A. and Anna Reif Lang.
On Aug. 24, 1937, she married Vernon H. Redetzke in Beaver. He died Sept. 12, 1983.
A homemaker, she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Alter Society of Claflin, D. of L. of Ellinwood and former member of Christian Mothers, St. Catherine Church of Dubuque.
Survivors include sons, Kenneth Redetzke and wife Sue of Miramar Beach, Fla., Marlyn Redetzke and wife, Maggie, of Cimarron, and Joseph and wife, Janey of St. Joseph, Mo.; daughter, Darlene Buehler and husband, Joe, of Kansas City, Mo.; sister, Elfrieda Woydziak of Claflin; brother, Marvin Lang of Hays; 14 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by six brothers, Albert, William, August (Gus), Ernest, Vernon, and Edwin Lang; and sisters, Frances Lang and Viola Weber.
Mass of Christian Burial was July 7 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Interment was in Claflin Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Conception Church, Claflin Ambulance Fund or Hospice Care of Hoisington in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Herman R. Farmer

Herman R. Farmer died July 3, 2010, at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend at the age of 76.
The son of Harley Porter and Susie Anna Becky Brewer Farmer was born Jan. 31, 1934, in Compton, Ark.
On April 4, 1955, he married Henrietta M. Tauscher in Compton, Ark. She died April 29, 2003.
A Hoisington resident since 1953, he moved from Compton, Ark. He owned and operated Jim's Tree Service in Hoisington.
Survivors include son, Richard S. Farmer of Galva; daughters, Elizabeth J. Boyd and Kathryn M. Scott, both of Hoisington, and Gloria S. Loomer of Sydney, Mont.; sister, Delphie Armer of Woodward, Okla.; brothers, Melvin Farmer of Claflin and Gene Farmer of Larned; nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Therman Eugene Farmer; brothers, Lyman Farmer and Albert Farmer; sister, Dorothy Bryant; and grandson, Jeffrey Scott.
Services were July 8 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket presiding. Burial was in St. John Church Cemetery in Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to Herman Farmer Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Gene A. Jones

Gene A. Jones died July 2, 2010, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita at the age of 63.
Born Dec. 24, 1946, in Hoisington, he was the son of Marvin and Mary Clift Jones.
He moved to Great Bend in 1996 from Hoisington. He was a truck driver for Bates Tank Service.
Survivors include sister, Wanda Converse of Council Grove; nieces Rebecca Carpenter of Topeka, Vicky Baum of Odessa, Texas and Deborah Thomas of Pensacola, Fla.; and nephew, Tom Beard of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Glenn and Harold Jones, sister, Elizabeth Bates, and nephew, Cliff Bates.
Services were July 7 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Rev. Dick Ogle officiating. Cremation has taken place.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Steven R. Riedel

Steven R. Riedel died June 26, 2010, at his Kansas City residence. He was 52.
He was born in Salina and moved to the Kansas City area to attend Donnelly College.
Memorial mass was July 8 at Saint Ann's Catholic Church in Olmitz.
Condolences may be expressed at www.porterfuneralhome.com. Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1835 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City KS is in charge of arrangements.

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Updated 6/25/10

Dorothy B. Bryant

Dorothy B. Bryant died June 22, 2010, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington at the age of 80.
Born Aug. 28, 1929 in Compton, Ark., she was the daughter of Harley and Susie Brewer Farmer.
On April 1, 1943, she married Chester Fred Bryant in Arkansas. He died Nov. 18, 1978.
She worked for Suburban Cleaners in Hoisington. In 2008 she moved to the St. John Leisure Home in St. John from Ellinwood.
She was a member of First Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Sharon L. Herrman of Hoisington and Reenea Bryant of Great Bend; sister, Delphie Armer of Woodward, Okla.; three brothers, Melvin Farmer of Claflin, Gene Farmer of Larned and Herman Farmer of Great Bend; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Wedgewood and two brothers, Lyman Farmer and Albert Farmer.
Services are 10:30 a.m., June 26, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Pastor Dwight Dozier officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Barton County. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Assembly of God Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Anna Maria Breford

Former Hoisington resident Anna Maria Breford died June 21, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital at the age of 82.
The daughter of Peter Johannes Gootzen and Ida Marie Meijers Gootzen was born March 2, 1928, in Schaesberg, Holland.
On Sept. 18, 1982, she married Glenn Breford in Ellinwood. He survives.
She was a homemaker and manager of Fashion Corner Women's Clothing Store in Ellinwood.
She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ and American Legion Auxiliary, both of Ellinwood.
Other survivors include daughter, Lynda Hauser of Ellinwood; step-son Mark Breford of Holyrood; a sister; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother and five sisters.
Services were June 23 at Immanuel United Church of Christ with Rev. Debbie Rains presiding. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ or the Renal Care Group in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Gregory C. Call

Gregory C. Call died June 19, 2010, at his Hoisington home. He was 52.
Born April 29, 1958, in Great Bend, he was the son of N. Nelson and Pearl Ann Kippes Call.
He worked in maintenance at Great Bend Packing and for Swift Formation Testers. He was a Hoisington resident for many years after moving from Great Bend.
Survivors include one daughter, Audra Huddleston of Wichita; and one sister, Paula Peterson of Spring, Texas.
Memorial services will be June 25, 1 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with The Reverend Jack Sweany presiding. Cremation has taken place.
Memorials may be made to Barton County Relay for Life in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Frances Marie Cook

Frances Marie Cook died June 18, 2010, at Gretna Community Living Center in Gretna, Neb. She was 85.
She was born on Dec. 21, 1924, at Hoisington to Francis J. and Ada Josephine Taylor Kingston.
A bookkeeper for FH&B Contracting, she was a Gretna, Neb., resident for one year. She moved from Great Bend.
She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Altar Society, both of Great Bend.
Survivors include son, David Cook of Tulsa, Okla.; daughters, Patsy Johnson of Hutchinson and Donna Allen-Cover of Omaha, Neb.; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lee Kingston; and two sisters, Mary Maude Dirks and Ruth Smith.
Mass of Christian burial was June 21 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Peter Fernandez officiating. Burial was in Great Bend Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Parish in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Elwyn John Linsner

Elwyn John Linsner of McPherson died June 16, 2010, at Memorial Hospital in McPherson. He was 60.
He was born Dec. 22, 1949, in Hoisington to Ervin John and Edna Bernice Esfeld Linsner.
He graduated from Hoisington High School and from Salina Area Vo-Tech with a degree in auto mechanics.
He was a member of St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, both of Hoisington. He served in the U.S. Army.
On June 18, 1971, he married Judith Ann Hejny at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Olmitz. On Oct. 21, 1995, he married Kathy A. Lawrenz in McPherson. She survives.
A lifetime farmer, he worked as a pumper at NCRA in McPherson for almost 30 years, National Cooperative Refinery Association of McPherson in Great Bend, a shift breaker and pumper at Conway, and mechanic at Spruill's.
Other survivors include daughters, Mandy Marbut of McPherson, Amy Luerman of Hoisington and Kristen Lashsley of Great Bend; step-daughter, Cindy Miller of McPherson; step-sons Brian Schmidt of Wichita, and Dave Schmidt of Kansas City, Mo.; brother, Kirby Linsner of Hoisington; and 15 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald.
Memorial services will be June 26, 2 p.m., at Glidden-Ediger Chapel in McPherson with Pastor Chris Whitacre officiating.
Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Charities or Relay for Life McPherson in care of the funeral home, 222 West Euclid Street, McPherson KS 67460.

Norma Jean Marcum

Norma Jean Marcum died June 18, 2010, at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colo. She was 81.
The daughter of Oscar and Charity Spires Pennington, she was born February 24, 1929, in Hoisington.
On February 27, 1949, she married Luther Robert "Bob" Marcum in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He died June 2, 1991.
She was a telephone operator in Hoisington and later owned and operated a beauty salon in Eads, Colo.
Survivors include son, Vaughn Marcum of WaKeeney; sisters June White of Stafford, Peggy Latham of Turon, and Juanita Susank of Council Grove; two grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Robert A. Marcum.
Memorial services will be at the First Christian Church in Eads, Colo., on July 3 at 10 a.m. Graveside services will be July 3, 4 p.m. at the Hoisington Cemetery.

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Updated 6/18/10

Alfrieda E. Hess

Alfrieda E. Hess died June 13, 2010, at Golden Living Center in Fredonia. She was 96.
Born Feb. 28, 1914, she was the daughter of Anthony C. and Christina Hitschmann Hess.
A longtime Fredonia resident, she was of Catholic faith.
Survivors include three nephews, Martin Conway of Aledo, Ill., Michael Conway of Chicago, Ill., and Randy Hess of Denver, Colo.; and one niece, Pamela Murray of Denver, Colo. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Urban Hess and Ernest Hess; and one sister, Marie Conway.
Graveside services were June 17 at Holy Family Cemetery in Odin. Father Charles Mazouch presided.
Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Ervin F. Niedens

Russell resident Ervin F. Niedens died June 10, 2010, at Main Street Manor in Russell. He was 86.
Born Aug. 4, 1923, in Barton County, he was the son of Fred and Mary K. Steinert Niedens.
On Sept. 29, 1946, he married Leona L. Rube near Susank. She died Jan. 12, 1998. They made their home in Hoisington and Bazine before moving to Russell in 1973.
He retired from City Service Oil Company on Jan. 1, 1983.
He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Masonic Lodge 177, Eastern Star 332, Russell Shrine Club and Elks Lodge 1715, all of Russell. He was a life member of the Isis Temple Scottish Rite of Free Masonry in Salina.
Survivors include a brother, L.D. Niedens of Garden City and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Clista and Helen Funk, Isabelle Snyder and Elvina Dietz.
Services were June 15 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.
Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.

Kenneth M. Hickey

Lifetime Hoisington resident Kenneth M. Hickey died June 10, 2010, at Hays Medical Center at the age of 75.
The son of Clarence and Anna Frieb Hickey was born Feb. 23, 1935, in Boyd.
On Feb. 4, 1983, he married Lois McReynolds in Hoisington. She survives.
He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Hoisington Historical Society and VFW Post 7428, all of Hoisington. He served in the United States Army.
Survivors include five sons, Kent Hickey of Victorville, Calif., Kurt Hickey of Humble, Texas, Kraig Hickey of Louisburg, Ryan French of Wichita and Phil Schwerdtfeger of Lewisville, Texas; daughters, Kim Regehr of Inman and Keri Lindholm of McPherson; sisters, Marjorie McCurry of Hoisington and Betsy Seyfert of Glendale, Ariz.; brother, William L. Hickey of Hoisington; 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers Andrew Hickey, Joe Hickey, Sylvester Hickey, Paul Hickey, Leo Hickey, Bob Hickey, Don Hickey and Edwin Hickey.
Funeral mass was June 15 at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Burial was in St. John Church Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post 286.
Memorials are suggested to the Hoisington Historical Society or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 6/11/10

Elizabeth "Polly" Chubb

Elizabeth "Polly" Chubb, mother of J. Scott Chubb of Hoisington, died May 29, 2010, at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood at the age of 86.
She was born April 9, 1924, in Tonkawa, Okla., the daughter of Willis Paul and Edna Faye Davis Thomas.
On April 3, 1942, she married Lewis Orr Chubb in Great Bend. He died June 10, 1995.
A Great Bend resident since 1959, she was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and PEO Chapter FS, all of Great Bend.
Other survivors include son, Tom Chubb of St. Louis, Mo.; daughters, Crystal Chubb of Chicago, Ill., and Sandy Hales of Bend, Ore.; sister, Zella Mae Pecararo of Boston, Mass.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services were June 2 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Great Bend with The Rev. Jeffrey Slater presiding. Interment was in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Great Bend.
Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels or American Heart Association in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Claire Lorene Demel

Funeral services for Claire Lorene Demel, infant daughter of Darren Demel and Michelle Mueller, were June 5 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Wichita. Burial was in St. John Catholic Cemetery in Hoisington.
Survivors include parents, grandparents Lois Mueller of Ellendale, N.D., Eudora (Don) Reif of Hoisington; special grandparents Larry and Betty Green of Mesa, Ariz., and Lucille Zimmerman of Beloit and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by grandparents Dennis Mueller and William "Bill" Demel.
Memorials may be made to Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy.
Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenmortuary-cemetery.com.

Leon L. Martin

Leon L. Martin died June 3, 2010, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington at the age of 83.
Born Sept. 21, 1926, in Drumwright, Okla., he was the son of Melville E. and Dorothy Fisher Martin.
On Dec. 11, 1949, he married Bertha M. Kunze in Broken Arrow, Okla. She survives.
He was a Hoisington resident for 58 years, moving from Broger, Texas. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Mason Lodge 331, A.F. & A.M, American Legion Post 286, Order of Eastern Star, UNA chapter 119, all of Hoisington, and Wichita Consistory and Isis Shrine of Salina.
He retired from Phillips Petroleum after 36 years of service.
Other survivors include son, Mark L. Martin of Hoisington; daughters, Jozet F. Littrell of Hoisington, Shari A. Weeks of Burlington, and Alesia L. Martin Hanners of Arnold, Mo.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Melville.
Funeral services were June 6 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington with The Reverend Steven Little officiating. Burial was in Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Kans for Kids or Hoisington Little League in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Coleen C. Edds

Funeral services for Coleen C. Edds were June 8 at Cortez First United Methodist Church. Interment was in Cortez Cemetery.
She was born Coleen Cecilia Rosetta on Aug. 31, 1933 in Osage City, the daughter of Humbert and Grace Rosetta. She died June 3, 2010, at her Cortez, Colo., home.
On June 16, 1951, she married Donald B. Edds. They moved from Hoisington in 1980 to Cortez.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Christian Women's Club, United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary, Emblem Club and Methodist Thrift Store.
Survivors include sons, Ken Edds of Baton Rouge, La., Randy Edds of Chandler, Ariz., Mike Edds of Mesa, Ariz., and Don Edds of Des Moines, Iowa; daughter, Janie Gabardi of Cortez; brothers, Humbert Rosetta of Osage City, Larry Rosetta of Topeka and Dick Rosetta of Murray, Utah; and sister, Delores Anstaett of Lyndon. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Don Rosetta, and sister, Rosalie Wolleson.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Montezuma, PO Box 720, Cortez, Colo.

Aaron Scheuerman

Aaron Scheuerman died June 6, 2010, at Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care in LaCrosse. He was 90.
The son of Gottlieb and Wilhelmina Janke Scheuerman was born Dec. 11, 1919, at Otis.
On March 21, 1943, he married Maxine Bergman in Otis. She survives.
A retired farmer, he was a lifetime Otis resident.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis, former treasurer for Pioneer Township and previously served on Trinity Lutheran Church Council.
Other survivors include sons, Carl A. Scheuerman of Benton City, Wash., Michael A. Scheuerman of Garnett and Alan E. Scheuerman of Russell; daughter, Susan M. Newsome of Great Bend; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Alfred, Martin and David Scheuerman; seven sisters, Martha O'Kane, Lea Hoefs, Elizabeth Stenzel, Frieda Tittel, Amelia Musladen, Hilda Roberts and Louise Keil Schugart; grandson, Corey Scheuerman and one great-grandson, Roberto Rojas.
Services were June 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis with The Reverend Bruce Adamson presiding. Burial was in Otis Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Rush County Memorial Hospital-Long Care or Southwind Hospice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 6/4/10

Larry C. Garrett

Lifetime Claflin resident Larry C. Garrett died May 23, 2010, at Cedar Bluff Reservoir in Trego County as the result of a boating accident. He was 32.
Born June 12, 1977, in Great Bend, he was the son of Larry Gene and June Agnes Arends Garrett.
A heavy equipment operator for Esfeld Construction, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin.
Survivors include parents, Larry G. and June Garrett of Claflin; son, Jacob Gene Garrett of the home; sister, Rachel D. Garrett of Great Bend; brother, Gary D. Garrett of Wichita; and grandmother, Winona Garrett of El Dorado Springs, Mo.
Mass was June 1 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Inurnment was in Claflin Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Jacob Garrett Scholarship Fund or Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Updated 5/28/10

Raymond J. Bahr

Lifetime Olmitz resident Raymond J. Bahr died May 20, 2010, at Sterling House in Great Bend at the age of 88.
Born March 31, 1922, he was the son of John and Gladys Schreiber Bahr.
On Oct. 12, 1948, he married Catherine H. Schneweis at Odin. She died Jan. 2, 2009.
The retired farmer and stockman was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 2100, both of Olmitz, a fourth degree Knights of Columbus, and Farm Bureau and Fraternal Order of the Eagles, both of Great Bend. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Survivors include sons, Kevin Bahr and wife Jennifer of Olmitz and Tom Bahr and wife Vivian of Great Bend; daughter, Susan Schmidt and husband Mike of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter-in-law Jane Bahr of Great Bend; sister, Magdalene Walker of Greeley, Colo.; brothers, Marvin Bahr of Prairie Village, Richard Bahr of Elephant Butte, N.M., and John Bahr of Katy, Texas; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services were May 24 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz with Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Burial was in St. Ann Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post 286.
Memorials are suggested to St. Ann Catholic Church, Heartland Cancer Center or Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Robert R. Brown

Robert R. Brown of Kinsley, father of Bonnie Meyers of Hoisington, died May 20, 2010, at Lakewood Living Center in Pratt. He was 76.
Born April 27, 1934, in Sawyer, he was the son of Otto E. Brown and Ethel A. Liebst Brown.
On Aug. 2, 1956, he married Vera Moorehead in Kinsley. She survives.
He worked for the Pratt County Road Department. He lived in Pratt and Greensburg before moving to Kinsley following the Greensburg tornado.
Other survivors include sons, Curtis Brown of Pratt, Daniel Brown of Kinsley and Monte Brown of Salina; daughters, Kay Towner and Diana Brown, both of Kinsley, and Robin Lewis of Towanda; sisters, Lois I. Main of Decatur, Ark., G. Maxine Crosley of Pratt, Joyce Brown of Sawyer and Cheryl R. Green of McPherson; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helenlou F. Brown.
Services were May 25 at Ayres-Calbeck Mortuary with the Rev. Don Ferguson officiating. Interment was in Ellenwood Cemetery in Sawyer.
Memorials may be made to Lakewood Senior Living Center Auxiliary in care of Ayres-Calbeck Mortuarym, 115 W. Fourth, Pratt, KS 67124.

Updated 5/21/10

Matilda M. Prosser

Matilda M. Prosser, mother of Fred Prosser of Claflin, died May 12, 2010, at Ellinwood District Hospital at the age of 93.
The daughter of Alois Birzer and Barbara Probst was born March 24, 1917 at Odin.
On April 15, 1941, she married William F. Prosser in Odin. He died Feb. 5, 2005.
She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Altar Society in Ellinwood.
Other survivors include son Gerald Prosser of Great Bend; daughters, Luetta Haynes of Liberal, Wilma Stroud of Olathe, Elaine Trantham of Sharon and Charlotte Schartz of Manhattan; sister, Anne Dreiling of Odin; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by seven brothers and one sister.
Services were May 15 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Fr. Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Building Fund or Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary in care of Kimple Funeral Home, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Updated 5/14/10

August F. "Gus" Lang

August F. "Gus" Lang died May 7, 2010, at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend at the age of 97.
The son of Robert Lang and Anna Reif Lang was born March 23, 1913 at Beaver.
On July 15, 1940, he married Anna Huslig at Odin. She died July 15, 1977. On Sept. 14, 1985, he married Mary Alice Welch Eastwood in Hoisington. She died Nov. 27, 2009.
A lifetime Barton County resident he was a retired farmer. He was a US Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. John and Evangelist Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus, both of Hoisington.
Survivors include sons, Jerome Lang of Hoisington, and Gerald J. Lang of San Francisco, Calif.; daughter, Dolores A. Appel of Great Bend; sisters, Elfreida Woydziak of Claflin and Susanna Redetzke of Hoisington; brother Marvin Lang of Hays; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Albert Lang, William Lang, Ernest Lang and Vernon Lang and one sister, Viola Weber.
Mass of Christian burial was May 11 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Interment was in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Barton County with military honors by American Legion Post 286 and VFW Post 7428.
Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and St. Johns Parish Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Evelyn M. Winkler

Evelyn M. Winkler died May 10, 2010, at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Mo. She was 96.
She was born March 6, 1914, at Chase, the daughter of Herman and Frances Lippoldt Feldman.
On Nov. 18, 1932, she married Orville Winkler at Offerle. He died in September of 1970. They owned stores in Bentonville, Ark. She worked for the church's thrift store in Bentonville, Ark.
She moved to Great Bend from Bentonville, Ark., and later moved to Kansas City, Mo. She was a member of Ground Observer Corp, Baptist Faith, and a volunteer for the American Heart Association.
Survivors include daughter, JoAnn Wilkinson of Kansas City, Mo.; brother, Harold Feldman of Great Bend; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Winkler; one daughter, Lois Sohm; brothers, Lawrence Feldman and Harvey Feldman; sisters, Pearl Miers and Arlene Brown; and one great-great-grandson Connor Rexwinkle.
Funeral services are May 14, 10:30 a.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. The Reverend Dick Ogle will officiate. Burial will be in Methodist Cemetery in Otis.
Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association, American Foundation for the Blind or North Care Hospice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Gary L. McKenna

Gary L. McKenna died May 6, 2010, at his Hutchinson residence. He was 67.
Born Aug. 27, 1942, at Hutchinson, he was the son of Lawrence and Betty Cole McKenna.
On June 12, 1961, he married Landra Joy Stapleton at Raton, N.M. She died Aug. 11, 1998.
A former Lyons resident, he moved to Hutchinson in 2003. He was a vacuum system operator at North American Salt in Lyons.
Survivors include sons, Jerry McKenna of Claflin and Mark McKenna of Emporia; daughters, Gayla Godfrey of Lyons and Lisa Hauptman of Topeka; mother, Betty McKenna of Hutchinson; sister, Beverly Williams of West Point, Iowa; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Dennis McKenna.
There will be no service. Private family burial will be at Fairlawn Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas in care of Birzer Funeral Home, PO Box 89, Lyons, KS 67554.

Updated 5/7/10

Harry L. Harms

Harry L. Harms died April 30, 2010, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 85.
Born May 8, 1924, at Newton, he was the son of Edwin and Sophia Schmidt Harms. His mother passed away when he was an infant and he was raised by his second mom, Luella Vogt.
On July 2, 1946, he married Barbara Jane Phillips at Burns. She died Jan. 14, 2000.
He was operations manager at the Otis Helium Plant from 1965 to 1970 and retired from Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1989.
Moving from Potwin, he was a Hoisington resident for 44 years.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 286, both of Hoisington.
Survivors include sons, Lloyd Harms of Hoisington and Rodney Harms of Manhattan; daughters, Barbara Craig of Enterprise, Donna Bunk of Wichita, Linda Harms of Anita, Iowa, and Karen Harms of Derby; brother, Lawrence Harms of Rio Hondo, Texas; sisters, Arlene Morris of Eureka and Norma Bledsoe of Mooreville, Ind.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Services were May 3 at First United Methodist Church with The Reverend Gary Harms and The Reverend Ralph Jarboe officiating. Burial was in Hoisington Cemetery with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or donor's choice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Marcus Boger

Marcus Boger died May 1, 2010, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 99.
Born Feb. 21, 1911, in Hoisington, he was the son of Abraham and Lydia Radke Boger.
In 1934 he married Edna F. Van Fossen in Great Bend. She died Nov. 17, 2008.
A lifetime resident of rural Hoisington, he lived in Great Bend the past five years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hoisington.
Survivors include two sons, Marcus L. Boger and Lloyd W. Boger, both of Great Bend; sister, Dr. Ema Devis of Mobile, Ala.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lucas Boger, and a sister, Emily Stafford.
Services will be at a later date with inurnment in the Hoisington Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the donor's choice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Updated 4/23/10

Marguerite C. Lowe

Longtime Hoisington resident Marguerite C. Lowe died April 21, 2010, at Hays Medical Center. She was 96.
The daughter of Tilden Ernest and Effie Blanche Needles Riley was born Aug. 26, 1916, in Scott City.
On Jan. 27, 1939, she married Odra (Jack) Lowe in Garden City. He died Feb. 8, 1981.
She graduated from Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1932. A teacher and homemaker, she moved to Hoisington from Scott City. She was a lifetime member of UNA 119 Order of Eastern Star.
Survivors include son, Bob Lowe of Hoisington; three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by brothers, Chester A. Riley and Wilbur C. (Jack) Riley.
Funeral services will at 10:30 a.m., April 24, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. The Rev. Dick Ogle will officiate. Burial will be in Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 23 with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to service time at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Hoisington Dispatch
April 23, 2010

Margaret L. Meier

Margaret L. Meier died April 16, 2010, at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood at the age of 88.
The daughter of Conrad Hoffman and Mary Kukula Hoffman was born April 15, 1922, in Claflin.
She lived in Claflin most of her life and graduated from Claflin High School in 1940. She was a cook for USD 354.
On March 2, 1946, she married Harold E. Meier in Claflin. He died Feb. 25, 2008.
She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella, all of Claflin.
Survivors include son, Dwayne Meier of Salina; daughters, Darlene Feist and Angel Reyes of Northglenn, Colo., and Jean McAtee of Great Bend; sister, Alberta Freidenberger of Bison; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, George Hoffman, and a sister, Marie Darlene Hoffman.
Services were April 20 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin with Father Charles Mazouch presiding. Burial was in Claflin Municipal Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in care of Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood.
Hoisington Dispatch
April 23, 2010

Margaret M. Heinz

Lifetime Claflin resident Margaret M. Heinz died April 15, 2010, at Country Place Senior Living in Hoisington. She was 93.
Born Dec. 9, 1916, in Dodge City, she was the daughter of Thomas and Gertrude Elder Darcey.
She was a 1934 graduate of Claflin High School. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Altar Society and D. of I., all of Claflin, and Logan Township EHU.
On Oct. 28, 1935, she married Kasper J. Heinz in Claflin. He died Jan. 13, 1987.
Survivors include daughters, Sheila Oeser of Claflin and Camille Haro of Tampa, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and 16 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sons, Thomas L. Heinz and Michael K. Heinz; brothers, Leo Darcey, James Darcey and John Darcey; sister, Catherine Darcey; step-brother Louis Miller; step-sister Anne Luebbers; and grandson, Curtis Heinz.
Services were April 19 at Immaculate Conception Church in Claflin with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Interment was in Claflin Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to USD 354 Education Foundation or Clara Barton Foundation in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Fred H. Helwig

Memorial services for Fred H. Helwig will be April 24, 3 p.m., at Hoisington Cemetery. Kim Weatherford will officiate. Family will greet friends from 2-3 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Helwig died March 26.

Updated 4/2/10

Luella Maxine Murray

Luella Maxine Murray died March 27, 2010, at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend at the age of 96.
Born April 19, 1913, in Gentry, Ark., she was the daughter of Ples and Amanda Brown Givens. A homemaker, she was a Larned resident for more than 70 years.
On May 13, 1933, she married Charles Kenneth Murray at Rozel. He died January 1, 1979.
Survivors include four daughters, Barbara Root and husband Simon of Lyons, Beverly Cornelison of Larned, Bonnie Russell and husband Clinton of Belpre, and Betty Gardner of Hoisington; 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Earl, Elmer and Fred; three sisters, Emma Barbour, Lola McCullough and Gladys Sieker; one son, Gary Murray; one grandchild and two great-grandchildren.
Services are March 31, 11 a.m., at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned. Friends may call Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family present from 6:30-8 p.m. at the mortuary. Burial will be in Larned Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the VFW or Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Inc., PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Hoisington Dispatch
April 2, 2010

Fred H. Helwig

Fred H. Helwig died March 26, 2010, at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita at the age of 92.
The son of Alexander and Katie Gerlach Helwig was born Sept. 2, 1917, in Otis.
On Oct. 5, 1941, he married Oleva Mae Schwab in Wichita. She died Dec. 22, 2009.
He was a carpenter and brick mason and owned Fred H. Helwig Construction. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
A lifetime Hoisington resident, he moved to Wichita in 2009.
He is survived by two sons, Gary Helwig of Crystal City, Mo., and Harold Bill Helwig of Newport, Ky.; daughter, Oleva Gatlin of Wichita; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Maribeth Helwig, two brothers, John and Alec and one sister, Hannah Scarbrough.
A memorial service will be April 24, 3 p.m., at Hoisington Cemetery with graveside rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Family will greet friends from 2-3 p.m. April 24 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington.
Memorials may be made to Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Hoisington Dispatch
April 2, 2010

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Updated 3/26/10

Barry R. Bortz

Barry R. Bortz died March 19, 2010, at his Hoisington residence. He was 47.
Born Feb. 16, 1963, in Great Bend, he was the son of James R. Bortz and Janice Y. Eliot Bortz.
Formerly of Great Bend and Claflin, he was a Hoisington resident for the past 11 years.
On Feb. 14, 2001, he married Tina L. Vasquez in Great Bend. She survives.
He was a carpenter for Thomas Quality Homes in Great Bend.
Other survivors include daughter, Courtney Bortz of Great Bend; father, Jim Bortz of Claflin; step-daughter Krystle Bartonek of Hoisington; step-son Derrick Bartonek of Hoisington; brothers, Greg Bortz of Wichita and Eric Bortz and Aaron Bortz, both of Raleigh, N.C.; and sister, Wendy Nairn of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jan Bortz; brother, Lee Bortz; and his grandparents.
Memorial services were March 22 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Rev. Don Fisher officiating.
Memorials may be made to Barry Bortz Medical Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Barbara Jean Kaiser

Barbara Jean Kaiser died March 22, 2010, at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita. She was 69.
The daughter of Alvin and Rosie Schultz Popp was born March 15, 1941 in Barton County.
On Feb. 11, 1994, she married Gerald Kaiser in Great Bend. He survives.
A Barton County resident for most of her life, she was a homemaker and a truck driver. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Church, the Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella, all of Great Bend.
Other survivors include sons, Craig Pangburn of Great Bend and Steven Pangburn of Hutchinson; daughters, Yvonne Briney of La Crosse and Rachelle Degarmo of Hutchinson; sister, Patricia Walker of Stillwell; step-son Todd Kaiser of Great Bend; step-daughters, Shelly Horyna of Salina and Kim Geelan of Olathe; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Services are March 26, 2 p.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Peter Fernandez officiating. Interment will be in Claflin Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to noon March 25 at Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road in Great Bend.
Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or Golden Belt Humane Society, both in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Theda B. Cook Sellens

Theda B. Cook Sellens of Overland Park passed away March 20, 2010, in Overland Park. She was 87.
She was born Aug. 4, 1922, in Hominy, Okla., and lived in Paola and Hoisington, where she graduated from high school.
She was a volunteer with the USO during World War II. On July 4, 1946, she married George Sellens and they moved to Manhattan. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by children David Sellens of California, Nancy Coleman, John Sellens, Debra Howat, Mark Sellens, Tricia Stutts, all of Kansas; sisters, Jean, Peg and Susie; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband George Sellens in 2006; her parents, D.H. Cook and Bea Cook; and a brother, Bill Cook.
Services were March 24 at Penwill-Gable Funeral Home, Olathe Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and/or Odyssey Hospice.
To leave a special message for the family, visit www.PenwellGabelOlathe.com.

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Zita Ann Davis

Zita Ann Davis, died Feb. 21, 2010, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 62.
The daughter of Alois Kisner and Pauline Schmidt was born April 17, 1947, in Hays.
On March 25, 1966, she married Albert E. Davis in Hoisington. He survives.
The lifetime Hoisington resident was a homemaker. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington.
Other survivors include sons Keith Davis and wife Tanya of Hoisington, Kelly Davis and wife Sandra of Great Bend and Troy Davis and wife Teresa of Bushton; sister, Shirley Jones of Hoisington; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Rita Mae Brown.
Funeral services were Feb. 25 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket presiding. Interment was in St. John Church Cemetery in Hoisington.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Kenneth Leroy Fritz

Kenneth Leroy Fritz died Feb. 21, 2010, at Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita. He was 92.
Born April 14, 1917, in Gypsum, he was the son of Charles Frederick Fritz and Oma Madden Fritz.
He graduated from Gypsum High School and served overseas in the U.S. Army during World War II.
On Aug. 28, 1947, he married Wilma Clift in Hoisington. She survives.
He worked in the oil fields and later opened Fritz's Bait Shop.
He was a member of VFW Post 7428 in Hoisington and DAV in Great Bend.
Other survivors include sons, Ken Leroy Fritz and wife Terry of Great Bend, David Allan Fritz and wife Julie of Lee's Summit, Mo., and Barry Adam Fritz and wife, Christy of Salina; daughters, Linda Louise Wilson and husband Gary of Douglas, Deborah Ann Carnahan and husband Larry of Great Bend and Tracy Lynn Bates of Hoisington; 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services were Feb. 25, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Rev. Dick Ogle officiating. Burial was in Hoisington Cemetery with military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Kenneth Fritz Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Elizabeth Francis Kaiser

Elizabeth Francis Kaiser died Feb. 24, 2010, at her residence in LaCygne at the age of 78.
The daughter of George A. Hoeffner and Frances Louise Gerritzen Hoeffner was born May 3, 1931 in Redwing.
A homemaker, she is survived by daughters, Dolores Kaiser and Helen Perkins of LaCygne and Frances Adams of Wyandotte; son, John Kaiser of Merriam; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Frederick G. Kaiser Jr.; brother, Sonny Hoeffner and a sister, Marie Jones.
Graveside services are Feb. 26, 10 a.m., at St. John the Evangelist Cemetery in Hoisington. Father Dwight Birket will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Elizabeth Kaiser Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Hoisington Dispatch
Feb. 26, 2010

Shirla A. Kirmer

Shirla A. Kirmer died Feb. 20, 2010, at the Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson after a battle with cancer. She was 73.
The daughter of Lester E. Moore and Wilma Fern Lewis Moore was born March 27, 1936, in Albert.
On June 14, 1958, she married Bernard "Ben" Kirmer in Larned. He survives.
A longtime Barton County resident, she was a retired registered nurse.
She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Altar Society in Claflin; former member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Dubuque, Daughters of Isabella in Claflin, and Breast Friends in Hoisington.
Other survivors include sons, Gary Kirmer and wife Patricia, Alan Kirmer and wife Kathy, and Marvin Kirmer and wife Bobette, all of Claflin, and Dennis Kirmer and wife Jan of Hays; daughters, Rita Stueder and husband Alan and Lora Zink and husband Joe, all of Claflin; brothers, Clark Moore of Great Bend, Jim Moore of Burnet, Texas, John Moore of McPherson and Charles Moore of Otis; sisters, Vera Schmidt of Pawnee Rock, Linda Brack of Otis and Wilda Daubert of Wichita; and 19 grandchildren.
Services were Feb. 23 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin with Father Charles Mazouch presiding. Burial was in St. Catherine Cemetery in Dubuque.
Memorials are suggested to Claflin Ambulance Fund, Dubuque Heritage Association or the Claflin Community Scholarship Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Hoisington Dispatch
Feb. 26, 2010

Ariana LeeAnn Mae Maher

Funeral services were Feb. 22 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington for two-month-old Ariana LeeAnn Mae Maher. Burial was in Hoisington Cemetery. She was born Dec. 18, 2009, to Christopher Maher of Larned and Lacinda Julian Maher of Hoisington. She died Feb. 19, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital.
Survivors include her parents; brother, Christan Lovell of Hoisington; sister, Majestic Maher of Great Bend; grandparents, Lila Brady of Mound City, Mo., Leslie Julian Sr. of Branson, Mo., LeeAnn Bush of Topeka and Donald Hawes of Larned.
Memorials may be made to Ariana Maher expense fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

___________________________________

Updated 2/12/10

Tomasa Zuniga Perez

Tomasa Zuniga Perez died Feb. 8, 2010, at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. She was 88.
The daughter of Arcadio and Guadelupe Hernandez Zuniga was born Dec. 29, 1921, at Kenedy, Texas.
In 1940 she married Rosendo Perez Sr. at Kenedy, Texas. He died July 23, 1994.
She was a cook for the nursing home and hospital in Leoti and moved to Hoisington in 1996.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hoisington,
Survivors include four sons, Rosendo Perez Jr. of Garden City, Ovidio Perez of Oakley, Noe Perez of Garden City and Wilfido Perez of Salina; one daughter, Viola Glanville of Great Bend; two brothers, Bartolo Zuniga and Martin Zuniga, both of San Antonio, Texas; 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Cipriano Perez; six brothers, Rosadio Zuniga, Manuel Zuniga, Domingo Zuniga, Alberto Zuniga, Fernando Zuniga and Nicolas Zuniga; and four sisters, Domitila Anthony, Francisca Montez, Candelaria Carrasco and Marcella Trivino.
Services are Feb. 12, 11 a.m., at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with Rev. Ralph Jarboe Jr. officiating. Intermnent will be at Leoti Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Elder Care or Hoisington United Methodist Church or High School Athletic Fund in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Hoisington Dispatch
Feb. 12, 2010

Omer Bieberle

Omer Bieberle died Feb. 7, 2010, at his residence in Bushton. He was 72.
Born Jan. 30, 1938, in rural Rice County, he was the son of Joe Bieberle and Rose Huslig Bieberle.
On Nov. 4, 1961, he married Mary Ann Maier in Bushton. She survives.
He was a contract pumper, farmer and stockman.
He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Bushton; and K of C Council 1187 of Ellinwood.
Other survivors include sons Joe Bieberle of Claflin and Jerry Bieberle of Bushton; daughters Connie Weber and Karen Riggs, both of Bushton; brother, Willis Bieberle of Great Bend; 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 and a brother, Clarence Bieberle.
Services were Feb. 10 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Bushton with Father Eric Weldon and Father James Roth officiating. Burial was in Holy Name Cemetery in Bushton.
Memorials may be made to Holy Name Cemetery Fund or Bushton First Responders in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net
Hoisington Dispatch
Feb. 12, 2010

Edwin A. Morris

Edwin A. Morris died Feb. 8, 2010, at his home in Hoisington at the age of 85.
The son of Edgar Alfred Morris and Alice Manners Morris, he was born April 18, 1924, in Eureka.
On Nov. 24, 1951, he married Clara Pauline Courtin in Hutchinson. She died Oct. 17, 2005.
A Hoisington resident since 2007, he was formerly of McPherson.
He was a retired truck driver for Santa Fe Trail Transportation and Churchill Truck Lines. He was a member of VFW Post 2715 in McPherson. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II.
Survivors include sons, Larry Morris of Hutchinson, Gary Morris of Henrietta, Texas, and Kelly Morris of Hoisington; brothers Arthur Morris of Calimesa, Calif., Robert Morris of Bedford, Texas, and James Morris of New Hampshire; sisters, Charlotte Chavez of Auburn, Calif., Carole Boyer of Loomis, Calif., and Gwen Avers of Oktaha, Okla.; 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, and a daughter, Debbie Boeker.
Services are at 2 p.m. Feb. 12, 2010 at Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson with Pastor Gary Clark officiating. Burial will be in McPherson Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 2715 and American Legion Post 24.
Personal condolences may be sent to www.stockhamfamily.com
Hoisington Dispatch
Feb. 12, 2010

Steven Myron Connell

Steven Myron Connell died Feb. 6, 2010, at Peachtree Christian Hospice in Duluth, Ga., at the age of 57.
Born Dec. 29, 1952, in Sioux City, Iowa, he was the son of Richard Connell and Bonnie Mousel Connell.
He graduated from Claflin High School and attended Washburn University and the University of Kansas.
He was a member of the First Metropolitan Community Church in Georgia.
Survivors include his parents, Richard and Bonnie Connell of Claflin; brothers, Mike Connell and Mark Connell, both of Claflin; sister, Carol McAtee of Lakin; and partner David Bell of Duluth, Ga.
A memorial service will be Feb. 12, 10 a.m., at United Methodist Church in Claflin with Rev. Gene Langhofer presiding. Burial will be at Claflin Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Peachtree Christian Hospice and the American Cancer Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net
Hoisington Dispatch
Feb. 12, 2010

Updated 1/29/10

Agnes G. Arends

Agnes G. Arends died Jan. 20, 2010, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 88. The daughter of Julius and Carrie Rous Wendlandt
was born May 22, 1921, at Claflin.

Roy John "Gabby" Messex

Roy John "Gabby" Messex died Jan. 22, 2010, at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette, La. He was 87. The son of Roy Bryant Messex and Grace Maude Travis Messex was born Jan. 12, 1923, in Minneapolis.

Eleanor Klug

Eleanor Klug died Jan. 26, 2010, at Great Bend Regional Hospital. She
was 94. Born Oct. 9, 1915, in Odin, she was the daughter of John Boor and Louisa Beran Boor. On Nov. 20, 1945, she married Joseph W. Klug in
Odin. He died Aug. 25, 1986.

Alice "Iris" Pfister

Funeral services for Alice "Iris" Pfister were Jan. 25 at Nicholson-Ricke
Funeral Home in Hoisington. Rev. Ethan Feistner officiated. Burial
was at Pawnee Rock Cemetery.
Mrs. Pfister died Jan. 22, 2010, at her Great Bend residence. She was 75.
Born May 27, 1934, in Edmond, she was the daughter of James Earl and
Mattie Strickland Bean.
On Jan. 6, 1956, she married Daniel "Jerry" Pfister in Great Bend. He died Aug. 6, 2004.

Eugene William Gerritzen

Eugene William Gerritzen died Jan. 22,
2010. He was born May 6, 1943, in Great Bend and raised in Odin.

Updated 1/15/10

Lawrence H. Adler

Lawrence H. Adler died Dec. 21, 2009, at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif. He was 70.
A longtime resident of Palm Springs, Calif., he was the son of Carl and Rita Adler.
He graduated from A.B. Davis High School and Hofstra College, both in the New York City area.
Survivors include his wife, former Hoisington resident, Joan Steiner; daughter, Lisa Adler Kennell; son, Steven; sister, Cynthia Shoham; and three granddaughters.
Services were Dec. 27, 1009, at Forest Lawn Mortuary Chapel in Cathedral City.
Hoisington Dispatch
Jan. 15, 2010

Phyllis D. Keeley

Phyllis D. Keeley, sister of Shirley McGinnis of Hoisington, died Jan. 9, 2010, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was 79.
The daughter of Louis W. and Ermyl Ellen Ericks Trauer was born June 17, 1930, in Great Bend.
On June 8, 1949, she married John Patrick Keeley in Nashua, Iowa. He survives.
Other survivors include daughter, Pam Keeley-Gassmann of Buhler, Switzerland; wobn, Ed Keeley of Wichita; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Coleen.
Services are scheduled Saturday at the Presbyterian Church, 2 p.m., in Larned with Brother Dick Ogle presiding. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned with family present from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Larned Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Ronald McDonald House or the Children's Charity of the donor's choice, both in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
Hoisington Dispatch
Jan. 15, 2010

William Ray Wilson

William Ray Wilson died Jan. 1, 2010, at Serenity House in Tulsa, Okla., at the age of 47.
He was born Aug. 23, 1962, in Great Bend, the son of Eldois J. and Rosemary Humphry Wilson.
A long-time Hoisington resident, he worked in the oil patch for several companies including L.D. Drilling.
Survivors include wife Laura Koontz Wilson of Dodge City; daughters, Lauren Rose Webb of Anchorage, Alaska, Danielle Janae Webb of Hays, and Jessica Lynn Webb of Dodge City; two brothers, James Edward Wilson of Comanche, Okla., and Richard Duane Wilson of Susank; two sister, Lois Ann Sander of Great Bend and Margaret Jean Wilson of Susank.
A memorial service was Jan. 13 at First Street Church of God in Hoisington with Rev. Dick Ogle officiating. Cremation has take place and burial will be at a later date.
Hoisington Dispatch
Jan. 15, 2010

Updated 1/8/10

Isaac Deer

Isaac "Kelso" Deer of Fredonia, died Dec. 20, 2009, at Golden Living Center in Fredonia. He was 93.
The son of William and Adah Clayton Deer was born Jan. 2, 1916, in Farlington.
On March 13, 1960, he married Wanda Lee Sypolt in Hoisington. She survives.

Marjorie Jean Eppley

Marjorie Jean Eppley died Dec. 26, 2009, at Hays Medical Center at the age of 90.
The daughter of William J. and Vida Ruth Jolly DeSelms was born April 4, 1919, in Hutchinson.
On Feb. 8, 1941, she married Robert Dale Eppley in Stafford. He died May 23, 1995.

Luella L. Griffitt

Luella L. Griffitt, mother of Jim Griffitt of Hoisington, died Dec. 28, 2009, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home in Little River. She was 95.
Born June 17, 1914, in rural Pollard, she was the daughter of Ernest and Mabel Richter Corwin.
In 1971 she moved from the farm to Little River. She was a homemaker and Little River librarian for 17 years.
A 1932 graduate of Little River High School, she was a member of Congregational Church, Women's Fellowship, Order of Eastern Star and Senior Center, all of Little River.
On July 30, 1934, she married Thelbert A. Griffitt in Newton. He died Dec. 5, 1970.

Oleva Mae Helwig

A memorial service for Oleva Mae Helwig will be Jan. 9, 2010, 3 p.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Rev. Dale Curtis will preside. She died Dec. 22, 2009, at Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita at the age of 93.
Memorials are suggested to the Harry Hynes Hospice.

Hilda M. Ille

Funeral services for Hilda M. Ille were Jan. 4 at Holy
Family Catholic Church in Odin. Father Charles Mazouch presided. Burial was in Holy Family Cemetery in Odin. Mrs. Ille died Jan. 1, 2010, at Cherry Village Residential Care in Great Bend. She was 93.
Born Feb. 20, 1916, she was the daughter of Joseph V. and Frances M. Tinkel Jenisch.
On Jan. 25, 1944, she married Frank J. Ille in Odin. He died May 17, 1960.

Helen E. Karst

Helen E. Karst died Dec. 21, 2009, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center St. Francis in Wichita. She was 87.
Born Nov. 10, 1922, in Scotts Bluff, Neb., she was the daughter of Sigmond and Mary Herdt Nuss.
A longtime Hoisington resident, she was a homemaker.
On Dec. 25, 1940, she married Charles R. Miller in Hutchinson. He died Oct. 16, 1986. On Sept. 28, 1996, she married Clayton Karst in Hoisington. He survives.

Minnie L. Landis

Minnie L. Landis died Dec. 30, 2009, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was 87.
Born Nov. 28, 1922, in Shawnee, Okla., she was the daughter of L.A. and Carrie Pinkston.
On Nov. 20, 1954, she married Robert G. "Bob" Landis in Independence. He died Nov. 6, 2009.

George Carl Ludwig

George Carl Ludwig died Dec. 24, 2009, at his residence near Jennings, Okla., at the age of 54.
The son of Robert G. and Marjorie L. Debes Ludwig was born Jan. 4, 1955, in Great Bend.
On Dec. 29, 1973, he married Jeri Sparks in Hoisington where he worked on the family farm and cattle ranch. In 1979 the couple moved to Jennings, Okla., where he worked for Sparks Oil Company and later for Road Runner Oil. He took medical retirement in 2008 after working 15 years for Sooner Tool Company.
A 1973 graduate of Hoisington High School, he was a former member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Survivors include wife Jeri of the home.

Marietta F. Mooney

Marietta F. Mooney died Jan. 4, 2010, at Ellsworth
County Medical Center at the age of 76.
The daughter of Leo and Irene Bruinn Bieberle was born Oct. 5, 1933, in Great Bend.
In 1951 she married Gene Mooney in Bushton. He died in 1956.

Wayne E. Nuss

Wayne E. Nuss died Dec. 30, 2009, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center St. Francis in Wichita at the age of 78.
The son of Emanuel and Elizabeth Popp Nuss was born March 11, 1931, in rural Galatia.
On Nov. 21, 1954, he married Lila Dumler in Milberger. She survives.

Gene Virgil Wacker

Gene Virgil Wacker, 81, of Lincoln died Dec. 27, 2009. He was born Nov. 28, 1928, in rural Lincoln, to Frank and Sarah Roush Wacker.
Survivors include wife Adis of Lincoln.

Clara B. Yarger

Clara B. Yarger died Dec. 29, 2009, at Hays Medical Center at the age of 84.
Born March 29, 1925, at Middle Brook, Mo., she was the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Seuzh Morey.
On June 11, 1966, she married Willard Albert Yarger in Hoisington. He died May 22, 1995.

Updated 12/18/09

Ruth Evelyn Blazek

Ruth Evelyn Blazek, mother of Sheryl Lynne Degenhart of Claflin, died Dec. 15, 2009, at Promise Regional Center in Hutchinson. She was 84.
Born Aug. 19, 1925, in Garden City, she was the daughter of Paul Wood and Melinda Saunders Wood.
The long-time Barton County resident was a homemaker. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Great Bend.
On Dec. 6, 1942, she married Ernest Henry Blazek in Casper, Wyo. He died Oct. 2, 2008.

Wilfred Schremmer

Wilfred "Bill" Schremmer died Dec. 7, 2009, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was 90.
The son of Joseph and Louise Frenzl Schremmer was born Sept. 4, 1919, at Odin.
On Oct. 26, 1948, he married Cecilia M. Ille in Odin. She survives.

James L. Skolaut

James L. Skolaut died Dec. 10, 2009, at the age of 74.
Survivors include wife, Sheila, children, Gail Tatman of Wichita, Lynn Nelson of Garden Plain, Joann Schmidt of Des Moines, Iowa, and Greg Skolaut of Omaha, Neb.; sisters, Irene Polson and Gladys Roller, both of Wichita; brother, Paul Skolaut of Wichita; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Updated 12/11/09

Mike Vincent

Mike Vincent died Dec. 7, 2009, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. He was 48.
Born Oct. 22, 1961, in Great Bend, he was the son of Robert E. Vincent and Deanna Bryant Vincent.
He was a lifetime resident of Hoisington.

Updated 12/4/09

Mary Alice Ann Eastwood Lang

Mary Alice Ann Eastwood Lang died Nov. 27, 2009, at Ambassador Manor in Tulsa, Okla. She was 91.
The daughter of James Arthur and Sarah Myrtle Fisher Welch was born Feb. 15, 1918, in Kansas City, Mo.
On Aug. 23, 1939, she married George Eastwood in Great Bend. He died Aug. 2, 1974. On Sept. 14, 1985, she married August Lang in Hoisington. He survives.

Donald Ray Mlynar

Donald Ray Mlynar died Dec. 2, 2009, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington at the age of 63.
Born July 18, 1946, in Great Bend, he was the son of Raymond and Virginia Miller Mlynar.
He was an oilfield roughneck and a lifetime resident of Barton County.

Julius W. Prosser

Julius W. Prosser died Nov. 30, 2009, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington at the age of 81.
The son of Alois F. Prosser and Regina Herrman Prosser was born July 14, 1928, in Barton County.
On Aug. 10, 1948, he married Roberta L. Miller in Claflin. She survives.

Georgia Glenn Wilson

Georgia Glenn Wilson died Nov. 29, 2009, at Hays Regional Medical Center at the age of 96.
Born Feb. 18, 1913, in Hoisington, she was the daughter of Reglin Archer and Margaret Geneve Poore Valerius.
On April 5, 1932, she married Clyde Martin Wilson in Norton. He died in 1983.

Updated 11/13/09

Thomas G. McBride

Thomas G. McBride died Nov. 9, 2009, at Hospice House of Reno County in Hutchinson at the age of 86.
The son of Hugh Allan and Martha Ethel Gwinn McBride, he was born Oct. 2, 1923, in Seminole, Okla.
He was a Marine Corps veteran serving in World War II in the 8th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church and American Legion Post 180, both of Great Bend; American Petroleum Institute and Society of Petroleum Engineers and KIOGA.
On Sept, 14, 1947, he married LaNettia Marie Tauscher in Hoisington. She died Jan. 29, 1999. On March 4, 2003, he married Onita Stanton Michel McBride. She survives.

Vickie Mower

Vickie Mower died Oct. 28, 2009, at the age of 58.
The daughter of Bernard and Marie Riedel Huslig was born Nov. 28, 1950, in Wichita.
She married Russ Mower on Oct. 20, 1991, in Plano, Texas. He survives.

Joseph L. Vasquez

Joseph L. "Joe" Vasquez died Nov. 10, 2009, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. He was 68.
Born Dec. 3, 1940, in Geneseo, he was the son of Luis P. and Frances Gomez Vasquez.
He graduated from Hoisington High School. He was a shop tech for the Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years and retired in 2006. He was a resident of Susank and Hoisington for many years and after his retirement lived in Great Bend.
On Aug. 24, 1987, he married Judy L. Crawford in Sedalia, Mo. She survives.

Updated 11/6/09

Robert S. Brown

Dr. Robert S. Brown died Oct. 3, 2009, at the home of his son, Dr. Robert S. Brown II in Coloma, Mich. He was 90.
Born in Hoisington, he was the son of Dr. T.J. Brown and Alta Surtees Brown.

Glen E. Dirreen

Dr. Glen E. Dirreen died Oct. 27, 2009, after a lengthy illness. He was 75.
A 1951 graduate of Hoisington High School, he received a bachelor of science in education in 1955 from Nebraska-Lincoln, a master of arts in school administration from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 1959 and his PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972.
He was a teacher and high school principal. He was director of General Chemistry Laboratories at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1972-1984. Indefinite appointment was granted in 1983. He was coordinator of the general chemistry program and associate director of the Institute for Chemical Education from 1984-1994. He was a visiting guest lecturer at the University of California-San Diego. He retired from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1994.
Survivors include his wife, Justine.

Del D. Harper

Funeral services were Oct. 16, 2009, at Fairmount Mortuary Chapel in Denver, Colo., for Del D. Harper.
Harper was born Oct. 22, 1922, in Hoisington to Lincoln and Maisie Harper.
He graduated from Los Angeles High School and attended the University of Southern California, before serving as a paratrooper in Europe during World War II. Following the war he made his home in Denver, Colo., where he was an architect.
He was a Mason and a member of the El Jebel Cad-Linc Auto Club.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy.

Vickie Mower

Vickie Mower of Allen Texas, passed away Oct. 28, 2009, at the age of 58.
She was born Nov. 28, 1950, in Wichita to Bernard and Marie Riedel Huslig.
On Oct. 20, 1991, she married Russ Mower in Plano, Texas. He survives.

Updated 10/30/09

Edward L. McConnell

Edward L. McConnell died June 10, 2009, in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the age of 74. He was born in Dorrance to Martin and Mollie Manweiler Miller.
On Feb. 9, 1959, he married Gisela Boehm in Frankfort, Germany. She survives

Dolores Irene Snyder

Dolores Irene Reimer Snyder died Oct. 24, 2009, at Leisure Homestead at St. John at the age of 89.
The daughter of Moritz R. and Augusta Anna Krestine Reimer was born May 9, 1920, in Barton County.
On May 12, 1947, she married Grover Cleveland Snyder in Russell. He died Oct. 25, 2002.

Anna Lou Wheaton

Anna Lou Wheaton died Oct. 25, 2009, at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. She was 79.
Born Jan. 4, 1930, in Muncie, Ind., she was the daughter of Henry H. and Eunice Lorene Colliver Owen.
She graduated from Scott City High School in 1948. On Jan. 11, 1949, she married Myron Wheaton in Scott City. He survives.

Updated 10/16/09

Gary Dicks

Gary Dicks of Longmont, Colo., died Oct. 9, 2009, at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver of complications arising from a brief battle with leukemia. He was 70.
Born Aug. 20, 1939, in Herington, he was the son of Virginia Loraine Ollenberger and Lee Edward Dicks.
He graduated from Hoisington High School, Wichita State University with a degree in music education and from the University of Kansas at Missouri with a doctor of dental surgery degree.
On June 2, 1962, he married Martha Ann Hiscutt in Colorado Springs, Colo. She survives.

Marion Eustace Marmie

Marion Eustace "M.E." Marmie died Oct. 1, 2009, at Ellinwood District Hospital at the age of 92.
The son of Oliver and Mary Sullivan Marmie, he was born Feb. 18, 1917, in rural Hoisington.
On May 8, 1940, he married Ulanda Schartz at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. She died June 7, 1963. On Oct. 17, 1968, he married Margy Karst. She died Jan. 5, 2005.

Frieda Morgenstern

Graveside services for Frieda Morgenstern will be Oct. 16, 1 p.m., at the Hoisington Cemetery with Pastor Garry Dassow officiating.

Keith L. Smith

Keith L. Smith, father of Regina Smith and Sarah Smith-Orr of Hoisington, died Oct. 3 at his Great Bend residence. He was 61.
Born Dec. 8, 1947, in Great Bend, he was the son of Harold and Juanita Hager Smith.
A lifetime Great Bend resident, he was a member of The Men Motorcycle Club and ABATE.

Updated 10/9/09

Earl P. Erb

Earl P. Erb died Sept. 26, 2009, at the Ness County Hospital in Ness City. He was 89.
Born Nov. 11, 1919, near Bazine, he was the son of Fred A. and Lizzie Gross Erb.
A farmer and stockman, he was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ness City, the American Legion Olin Cole Post 392 in Bazine and the VFW in LaCrosse. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
On June 1, 1950, he married Marie Williams in Fayetteville, Ark. She survives.

Updated 10/2/09

Frieda Morgenstern

Frieda Morgenstern died Sept. 18, 2009, at Eugene, Ore. She was 100.
She was born Aug. 30, 1909, in Barton County to Emanuel and Mary Michaelis.
She married Roland Morgenstern in 1933 and he passed away in 1982. They owned the Susank Grocery in Susank and Cheyenne Lockers in Hoisington until their retirement.

Clarence F. Rous

Clarence F. Rous died Sept. 27, 2009, at Rush County Nursing Home in LaCrosse. He was 82.
Born Nov. 16, 1926, in rural Barton County, he was the son of Frank Rous and Selma Elizabeth Seyfert Rous.
On April 30, 1989, he married Delores Coker Shaw in Claflin. She survives.

Wincel Shearrer

Wincel Shearrer, father of Linda Ruble of Hoisington, died Sept. 28, 2009, in Douglass. He was 76.
Born Nov. 20, 1932, in Wagner, Okla., he was the son of David Lee Shearrer and Edna Mae Witt Shearrer.
A lifetime resident of Great Bend, he was a construction worker.

Updated 9/25/09

Harold R. Thompson

Harold R. "Tom" Thompson died Sept. 19, 2009, at his daughter's residence in Omaha, Neb. He was 77. He was born Sept. 20, 1931.
Survivors include daughter, Tonia Hamblen; sons, Tom and Todd Thompson; sister, Betty Canedy; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Woydziak Thompson on Dec. 10, 2003.

Updated 9/18/09

Donald L. Bailey

Donald L. Bailey died Sept. 12, 2009, at his Hoisington residence. He was 76.
The son of Robert Bailey and Glendora Lewis Bailey Dunn was born Sept. 18, 1932, in Hoisington.
On June 28, 1053, he married Carolyn Simmons in Hoisington. She survives.

Theron Brewer

Theron "Jack" Brewer died Sept. 11, 2009, at Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson at the age of 83.
Born Sept. 20, 1925, in Hoisington, he was the son of Lester F. and Dora Aldrich Brewer.
A long-time Hoisington resident, he also lived in Atlanta Ga. He was a U.S. navy veteran serving in World War II. He was a member of VFW Post 7428, American Legion Post 286 and Living Joy Community Church, all of Hoisington.
Survivors include four sons, Tom Brewer and Mike Brewer, both of Atlanta, Ga., David Brewer of Solomon and Terry Brewer of Ellinwood; sister, Delores Lindsay of Olmitz.

Orvel W. Dailey

Orvel W. Dailey died Sept. 9, 2009, at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend at the age of 83.
Born Oct. 21, 1925, in Emporia, he was the son of Joseph Taylor and Mildred Getner Dailey.
On Nov. 23, 1960, he married Ruth Rice in Oklahoma. She survives.

Raymond H. Rose

Lake Almanor Peninsula resident Raymond H. Rose died Aug. 26, 2009. He was 75.
Born Sept. 9, 1933, in Maryville, Mo., he was the son of Charles and Helen Henkins Rose.
He graduated from Hoisington High School in 1951 and from the University of Arizona in 1956 with a bachelor of science degree in education.
He was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Following his discharge from the Air Force, he returned to the University of Arizona where he received his masters degree in 1960.
On Oct. 7, 1961, he married Virginia Toomy in San Jose, Calif. She survives.

Elton Susank

Long time Council Grove resident Elton "Bud" Susank died Sept. 3, 2009, at his residence following a lengthy battle with cancer.
He was born July 29, 1925, to William and Dicia Bradshaw Susank at their home in Susank.
A graduate of Hoisington High School, he joined the United States Navy in November 1943. He served on the USS Melville, a destroyer tender, in the European Theater and was honorably discharged in May 1946 as a 3rd Class Petty Officer.
On Aug. 31, 1948, he married Juanita Pennington in Las Vegas, N.M. She survives.

Updated 9/4/09

G. Lawrence Lane

G. Lawrence "Larry" Lane of Albuquerque, N.M., died Aug. 26, 2009, at the age of 74.
He worked for Sandia National Labs for more than 38 years before retiring.
Survivors include his wife, Betty

Margaret Jean Lutz Meyer

Margaret Jean Lutz Meyer died Aug. 8, 2009, at the age of 82.
The daughter of Leo and Jennie Brown Lutz was born Nov. 24, 1926 in Wilson, Okla.
More than 61 years ago she married John E. Meyer in Hoisington. He survives.

Cassilda Dorothy Moran

Cassilda Dorothy "Dottie" Moran died Aug. 28, 2009, at her Claflin residence. She was 83.
Born Nov. 12, 1925, in Ellinwood, she was the daughter of Paul John and Mary Helfrich Schartz.
On Jan. 12, 1954, she married John "Jack" J. Moran Jr. in Salina. He died July 16, 2007.

Oella Nellie Peugh

Oella Nellie Martz Peugh died Aug. 27, 2009, at Brakebill Nursing Home. The Knoxville, Tenn., resident was 95.
She was born Oct. 8, 1913, near Galatia. She grew up in Hoisington and graduated from Hoisington High School. She and Selden Peugh purchased a photography studio in Hoisington about 1939. In 1968 the Peughs moved to Dallas, Texas, and worked for Meisel Photochrome.
She was a member of First Christian Church in Knoxville, Tenn.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law JoAnn and Ed Niedens of Knoxville, Tenn.; son, Isham Peugh of Lexington, Mass.; three grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Selden, in 1979.

Wayne Stoskopf

Wayne Stoskopf died Sept. 2, 2009, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. He was 92.
Born April 2, 1917, in Beaver, he was the son of Frank B. and Mary Hull Stoskopf.
On May 1, 1938, he married Mildred E. Almquist in Great Bend. She died on Nov. 26, 2007.

Alan H. Webb

Alan H. Webb died Aug. 30, 2009, at his St. Louis, Mo., home at the age of 56.
Born on Aug. 18, 1953 in Wagoner, Okla., he was the son of Harold and Selma Flippin Webb.
In 1964 he moved to Hoisington and graduated from Hoisington High School in 1971. He received a degree in musical repair from Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, Iowa.
He married Brenda Robinson in 1972 and they later divorced. On Dec. 31, 1999, he married Julie Finnegan in St. Charles, Mo. She survives.

Updated 8/28/09

Georgia Mary Patzner

Former Claflin resident Georgia Mary Patzner died Aug. 20, 2009, at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was 94.
The daughter of Frank A. and Antonia Rhula Wesely was born Sept. 21, 1914, in Holyrood.

Mary Jane Allen

Mary Jane Allen died Aug. 24, 2009, at Muskogee Regional Hospital in Muskogee, Okla., at the age of 59.
The daughter of Eldois J. and Martha Rosemary "Rosie" Humphrey Wilson was born May 13, 1950, in Great Bend.
A resident of Fort Gibson, Okla., since 2007, she formerly lived in Tulsa, Okla., Susank and Jetmore. She was a homemaker.
In 1999 she married Jim Allen in Dodge City. He survives.

Max A. Behr

Max A. Behr died Aug. 17, 2009, at the age of 74.
Born Jan. 22, 1935, in Hoisington, he was the son of Vincent and Lilly Behr.
He attended Hoisington High School and served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War. He served on the destroyer Frank Knox and the USS Banbeno submarine. He retired from Midwest Brokerage Co. after 20 years.
On June 19, 1958, he married Jane Krmela in Olmitz. She survives.

Updated 8/21/09

Audra Nicole Kelley

Audra Nicole Kelley died Aug. 7, 2009, in Rifle, Colo., as the result of an automobile accident.
Born Dec. 6, 1985, in Lyons, she was the daughter of Todd and Melissa Kelley. She attended schools in Lyons and Rifle.
Survivors include her father of Lyons; daughter, Kaylee Raifsnyder; son, Gage Raifsnyder; sister, Cierra Kelley; step-father, Kelly O'Connell; and husband, Aaron Raifsnyder, all of Rifle; grandmothers, Shirley Kelley of Lyons and Glenda Myer of Little River; aunt and uncles Debbie and Cecil Swenson of Lyons and Trent Kelley of Gardner; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her mother, and grandfather, Ben Kelley.
Funeral arrangements are pending in Rifle, Colo.
Hoisington Dispaptch
Aug. 21, 2009

Updated 8/7/09

Lenora V. Musick

Lenora V. Musick died July 30, 2009, at Mennonite Manor in South Hutchinson. She was 83.
Born April 23, 1926 on the family farm in Barton County, she was the daughter of Philip and Sophia Herdt Miller.
She graduated from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson and retired after 40 years with Central Bank and Trust as a loan officer.
On Dec. 31, 1949, she married Lloyd Dean Musick in Hutchinson. He died Feb. 17, 2008.

Craig A. Demel

Funeral services were conducted Aug. 5, 2009, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington for Craig A. Demel. Father Dwight Birket officiated. Burial was in Hoisington Cemetery.
Demel died Aug. 2, 2009, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington at the age of 48.
Born Oct. 7, 1960, in Hoisington, he was the son of Dennis L. Demel and Beth L. Humphrey Ummel.
A lifetime Hoisington resident, he was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington. He was an employee of Town and Country Supermarket in Hoisington.
Survivors include son, William Demel of Otis; daughter, Shani Stout of Otis; father, Dennis Demel of Hoisington; mother, Beth Ummel; sister, Denise Schreiber of Hoisington; one grandson; and step-brothers, Gary Ummel of Hoisington, John M. Little and Gary Little, both of Hoisington and Craig Little of Lawrence; step-sisters, Sheila Thompson of St. John and Suzanne Little of Hoisington.

James Lester Basye

James Lester Basye of Cassville, Mo., passed away Aug. 2, 2009, at the Veterans Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark., He was 64.
The son of Richard and Velma Anderson Basye was born Sept. 13, 1944, in Claflin.
On Aug. 14, 1963, he married Eileen Demel in Hoisington. She survives.

Alvin J. Zorn

Alvin J. Zorn, 81, died July 4, 2009, at the Smith County Long Term Care in Smith Center. He was born April 19, 1928 in Odin to Ferdinand and Ann Kirmer Zorn. He was owner of Alkar Tire.
Survivors include his wife Bernice of Smith Center; daughter Joan Kuhlman of Derby; sons Marvin of Springfield, Ill., and Randy of Ottumwa, Iowa.

James Edward "Eddie" Herres

James Edward "Eddie" Herres died July 10, 2009, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. He was 85.
Born March 8, 1924, in Hoisington, he was the son of Henry Edward and Ruth Hunt Herres.
On Oct. 18, 1947, he married Mary Ellen "Jill" Broberg. She survives.

Nadine Laura Amerine

Nadine Laura Amerine died July 12, 2009, at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend. She was 91.
The daughter of Arthur A. and Laura M. Spitzmiller Johnson was born May 31, 1918 at Adams in Kingman County.
A lifetime Barton County resident, on Aug. 29, 1940, she married Loren Edward Amerine in Hoisington. He died June 29, 1996.

Donna Pauline Laughlin

Memorial services for Donna Pauline Laughlin will be July 10, 2009, 10:30 a.m., at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Inurnment will follow at Hesper Cemetery. Mrs. Laughlin died July 7, 2009, at Presbyterian Manor. She was 88.
Born June 26, 1921 in Pratt, she was the daughter of George W. and Letha Daughenbaugh King.

Luella M. Crouch

Luella M. Crouch died July 2, 2009, at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka. She was 76.
Born March 20, 1933, in Hoisington, she was the daughter of John E. and Margaret Kultgen Koeller. She worked as a secretary for Iron Works Union and was a medical clerk at Stormont-Vail Hospital before she retired.
She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.
On June 17, 1952, she married William M. Crouch Jr. in Hoisington. He died Sept. 24, 1986.

Joe T. Prosser

Joe T. Prosser died July 3, 2009, at Leisure Homestead in St. John at the age of 91.
The son of Alois Prosser and Regina Herman Prosser was born March 8, 1918, in Beaver.
On Nov. 4, 1940, he married Emma Reif at Odin. She died May 6, 1993.

Eldena Allen

Longtime Barton County resident died July 5, 2009, at Covenant Lakeside Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, after a short illness. She was 75.
Born May 6, 1934, in Niotaze, she was the daughter of Eldon Gwin and Alberta Myree White Hamilton.
She worked in retail sales in Hoisington, Great Bend and Lubbock, Texas, and was a homemaker.
She graduated from Hoisington High School in 1952. She moved to Oklahoma in 2000 and Texas in 2001.
On May 3, 1953, she married Vernon W. Popp. They divorced. On March 23, 2003, she married Kenneth Allen. He survives.

Evelyn F. Juno

Evelyn F. Juno died June 22, 2009, at the Rush County Nursing Home in LaCrosse. She was 87.
Born Feb. 27, 1922, in Odin, she was the daughter of Adolph A. and Caroline Linsner Demel.
On May 6, 1942, she married Edward Leonard Juno in Odin. He died Sept. 27, 2008.

Shirley Mae Tesch

Shirley Mae Tesch died June 27, 2009, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend at the age of 72.
The daughter of Harvey Samuel and Lucille W. Barrett Foster was born Jan. 12, 1937, in Montrose, Calif.
On April 22, 1956, she married Robert C. Tesch in Russell. He died Oct. 20, 1992.

Opal M. Cromwell

Opal M. Cromwell died June 22, 2009, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington at the age of 85.
She was born Nov. 12, 1923, in Swink, Colo., to George and Anna Wilson Thatcher.
On April 15, 1944, she married Ray V. Cromwell in LaJuanta, Colo. He died June 20, 2002.

Carol L. Schrepel

Funeral services were June 15, 2009, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington for Carol L. Schrepel. She died June 11 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 74.
Born March 4, 1935, in Larned, she was the daughter of Jay Kimball and Louise Postlethwaite Kimball.

E. Esther Schneider

E. Esther Schneider died June 14, 2009, at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. She was 96.
Born Oct. 16, 1912, at Galatia, she was the daughter of J. George and Anna Herman Boxberger.
On Jan. 12, 1936, she married Paul Schneider at Milberger. He died March 2, 2001.

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