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March 31, 2009

Kenneth E. Fricke 1950 - 2009

Kenneth E. Fricke, 58, of Great Bend, died March 28 in Great Bend. Born Oct. 6, 1950, in Hastings, Neb., he was the son of Richard Eugene and Burdetta Ann Shields Fricke. He was their second child. Ken attended grade school at District 60 just south of Hastings, Neb. He was a graduate of Hastings High School, Class of 1969. He also graduated from McCook Junior College, going there on a cross country scholarship. He also attended Kearney State College at Kearney, Neb.

He worked several years at St. Regis lumber yard in Hastings, Neb., before moving to Great Bend in the fall of 1980, when he married Alicia Andrews. He worked a short time at a lumber yard in Hoisington before he started to work for the City of Great Bend. He worked for a year with the Street Department and then moved on to the Water Pollution Department, where he worked until his death. He spent a total of 27 years as a city worker, just observing his 27th anniversary with them on March 23. In June of 1982 Ryan Andrew Fricke was born to the couple. He was the light of his Daddy’s eyes.

In Ken’s early life he was a runner. He took numerous medals in high school and college and was thrilled when he was given the job of Title 10 cross country coach for two years at Ellinwood High School. He was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan, particularly loving a football game where the Big Red prevailed. In later years he collected, at various times, horses, Coke memorabilia, hats and cigarette lighters. He rarely rode a horse, he rarely wore a hat and he never smoked, but he did enjoy a can of Coke or Pepsi every now and then. Ken was the Tiny Tots Sunday School teacher at the Church of God in Great Bend. Kids loved him and he loved them. He was known as the Candy Man because he always had a pocket full of Tootsie Rolls or Smarties for the kids. Ken was an artist, and in the last few years he drew pictures and shared with about everyone and anyone he met. He rarely went anywhere without a stack of oaktag or cardboard and a gel pen. There was even one at the doctor’s office on a bulletin board. Ken took his trip home to be with Jesus on the afternoon of March 28 at the age of 58.

Survivors include his wife of the home; son Ryan and daughter-in-law Stephanie Fricke of Eudora; his mother Burdetta of Hastings, Neb.; his sister Cathy Mitzelfelt and her husband Eldon of Hastings, Neb.; his brother Rick and his wife Nancy of Trumbull Neb.; his sister Cindy Fricke of Hastings, Neb.; his brother Kevin and his wife Susan of Miami, Fla.; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary Jane Mohler and Vernon Mohler of Superior, Neb. He leaves to mourn nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Fricke.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. today at the First Church of God in Great Bend with the Rev. Tom Swain officiating. Burial will be at 4 p.m. at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Mankato. In lieu of flowers memorials may go in care of the family. Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Neb., or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com. Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. to service time today at the church.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Megrue-Price Funeral Home*
750 N. Commercial; P.O. Box 282
Superior, NE 68978
402-879-3900
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31. 2009

Betty J. Crosby 1921 - 2009

Betty J. Crosby, 87, of Great Bend, died March 28 at Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson. She was born April 29, 1921 to George K. and Edna Batman Hill of Pawnee Rock. She grew up on a farm southwest of Pawnee Rock. In 1939 she graduated from Pawnee Rock High School and in 1940 from Adela Hale Private Secretarial School in Hutchinson. On March 22, 1946, she married H. E. “Jack” Crosby at Pawnee Rock. He died April 12, 1978. She worked as a secretary for Walnut Creek Mill, Western Union, the Probate Court Office and was a legal secretary for 33 years for Kaufman and Horner, formerly Nuss, Pringle, Kaufman and Nuss. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1964, coming from Pawnee Rock.

Survivors include five sons, Don Crosby and wife Jodi of Diamondhead, Miss., Ed Crosby and wife Karen of Pawnee Rock, Steve Crosby and wife Lisa of Escondido, Calif., Larry Crosby and wife Diana of Littleton, Colo., and H.E. Crosby and wife Tammy of Lakeland, Fla.; two daughters, Jackie Reed and husband Sebon and Sherry Peschka, all of Great Bend; a sister, Mary Louise Wilhite of Larned; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathryn Crosby Wilson; a son-in-law, Tom Peschka, and a grandson, Ryan Crosby.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Sweany and Pastor Kevin Ingram officiating. Interment will be at the Pawnee Rock Cemetery. Friends may visit from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with family present from 7 to 9 p.m., all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Community Christian Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www. bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31, 2009

Wanda Lou Ellis-Greenwell 1948 - 2009

FORT MORGAN, Colo. — Wanda Lou Ellis-Greenwell, 60, died March 29 at her home in Fort Morgan. She was born July 26, 1948, in Great Bend, to Harold and Mary Ellis. Wanda married Carey Greenwell on July 31, 1982, in Fort Morgan at Saint Charles Episcopal Church.

Wanda was a member of the Resurrection Fellowship Church in Loveland, Colo. She was also on the Board of Directors for Caring Ministries for five years, serving as president and treasurer.

Wanda enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, cooking and genealogy.

Survivors include her husband Carey of Fort Morgan; three sons, Joseph M. Fisher of Loveland, and Kelly A. Greenwell and Shawn L. Greenwell, both of Fort Morgan; two sisters, Marilynn Wilson of Emporia and Carol Ann Ackley of Broomfield, Colo.; and four grandchildren. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Life Fellowship Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens. Memorial gifts may be made to the Life Fellowship Church in Fort Morgan, Front Range Cancer Specialists at 2315 E. Harmony Road, Suite 110, Fort Collins, CO 80528 or to the Hospice of the Plains.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Heer & Dahl Mortuary & Crematory*
225 East Platte Ave.
Fort Morgan, CO 80701
970-867-5414
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31, 2009

Larry Louis Novotny Sr. 1937 - 2009

BUSHTON — Larry Louis Novotny Sr., 71, died March 27 in rural Bushton. Born Oct. 16, 1937, in Bushton, he was the son of Louis and Alma Gertrude Cook Novotny. He graduated from Bushton High School in 1955. He married Joan Zachgo on June 18, 1960, in Lincoln. A lifetime resident of the area, he was retired from Enron and was currently a farmer and rancher.

Mr. Novotny served in the United States Army. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bushton.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; three sons, Larry Novotny Jr. of Great Bend, David Novotny and wife Kari of Colleyville, Texas, and Lane Novotny and wife Anne of Hutchinson; a brother, Stuart and wife Sherry Novotny of Solomon; five sisters, Alyce and husband Dean Pflughoeft and Leeona and husband Richard Barkow, all of Ellsworth, Thelma and husband Kent Janssen of Leoti, Karen and husband John Hoffman of Overland Park, and Judy and husband Gordan Long of Wichita; brothers and sisters-in-law, St. Clair Wagner of Omaha, Neb., and Bob and Ethel Zachgo and Betty Gulledge, all of Lincoln; four grandsons, Austyn Novotny, Hutchinson, and Jordan, Colton and Dalton Novotny, all of Colleyville, Texas; and two granddaughters, Chelsey Novotny and Taylin Novotny, both of Hutchinson. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lorelle Wagner and Jayne and husband James Hill; and brother-in-law, Bill Gulledge.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Bushton with the Rev. Gene Langhofer officiating. Burial will be at the Bushton Cemetery with military honors by a Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may visit from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Bushton First United Methodist Church, the Chase Fire Department and First Responders or the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Homes*
214 W. Ave. South
P.O. Box 89
Lyons, KS 67554
620-257-221
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31, 2009

Charles J. Reitcheck 1938 - 2009

HOISINGTON — Charles J. Reitcheck, 70, died March 28 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. Born Aug. 7, 1938, in Grainfield, he was the son of Clement and Mathilda “Maimer” Reitcheck. He married Rosalee J. Vesecky on May 9, 1970, in Timken. A resident of Hoisington for the past 30 years, coming from Salina, he was a former employee of Manweiler Chevrolet and Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, both in Hoisington. He liked to work on engines and bicycles.

Mr. Reitcheck was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, all of Hoisington.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; three daughters, Ann Marshall and husband Tom of Smithville, Mo., Kathryn George and husband LoRay of Albert and Janet Reitcheck of Kansas City, Mo.; five sisters, Marcella Newell, Mayetta McCartey, Mildred Ludlow, Madeline Korbe and Marilyn Weber; and five grandchildren, Ella, Caitlyn and Chase Marshall and Emily and Aidan George. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.

Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Church. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Burial will be at the St. John Cemetery in Hoisington. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with family present from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
415 N. Main; P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31, 2009

Charles Clark Coleman Jr. 1941 - 2009

CHASE — Charles Clark Coleman Jr., 68, died March 27 at his residence in Chase. Born Feb. 27, 1941, in Hutchinson, he was the son of Charles C. and Lucile Niewald Coleman Sr. He graduated from Chase High School in 1959 and then from McPherson College. A longtime resident of Chase, he was a farmer. He married Sherry Ann Walker in Norton on June 13, 1970. She died June 5, 1983. He married Kendra Bolton in Bushton on Dec. 10, 1997.

Mr. Coleman was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church, the Pioneer Township Board Clerk, and Past Farmers Co-op Board member, all of Bushton, the former ASCS Committee chairman, Rice County Community Foundation Board, the Masonic Lodge in Lyons and the Isis Shrine Temple in Salina.

Survivors include his wife, Kendra, of the home; two sons, Cameron Coleman of Chase and Cbert Coleman of Roxbury; two daughters, Candra Shaft of McPherson and Cora Duerksen of Wichita; a stepson, Bolton Biggs of Lyons; two stepdaughters, Amber Proffitt of Hays and Abby Herdman of Richmond, Mo.; a sister, Carol Jonson of Carrolton, Texas; four grandchildren and four stepgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. today at the Salem United Methodist Church in Bushton with the Rev. John Schmitt officiating. Burial will be at the Salem United Methodist Cemetery with military honors by a Fort Riley honor guard and a Masonic graveside service. Memorials are suggested to the Salem United Methodist Church in care of Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Homes
P.O. Box 89; 214 W. Ave. South
Lyons, KS 67554
620-257-221
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31, 2009

Carolynn Kay Kopper 1944 - 2009

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Carolynn Kay (Steitz) Kopper, 64, died Jan. 17 in Los Angeles, Calif. She was born Feb. 16, 1944, the daughter of Roland and Helen (Serpan) Steitz of Otis.

She is survived by three daughters, Cathleen Kay Ramirez of Haysville, Sonja Kay Goodvin of Culver City, Calif., and Tammy Kay Christensen of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. She is also survived by former husband Rick Kopper and six grandchildren, Abigail, Grace and Ruth Latas, Brenden Goodvin, and Brooke and Trey Christensen.

Services were previously held in Santa Monica, Calif., but a “Celebration of Life” family dinner will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, at the Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting room at 1214 Stone, Great Bend. Reservations are suggested; please call 316-833-1540 or e-mail katts-meow@cox.net. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to the Timkin National Bohemian Cemetery c/o Tammy Christensen, 6312 Sattes, Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 31, 2009

March 29, 2009

Carolynn Kay Kopper 1944 - 2009

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Carolynn Kay (Steitz) Kopper, 64, died Jan. 17, in Los Angeles, Calif. She was born Feb. 16, 1944, the daughter of Roland and Helen (Serpan) Steitz of Otis.

She is survived by three daughters, Cathleen Kay Ramirez of Haysville, Sonja Kay Goodvin of Culver City, Calif., and Tammy Kay Christensen of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. She is also survived by former husband Rick Kopper and six grandchildren, Abigail, Grace and Ruth Latas, Brenden Goodvin, and Brooke and Trey Christensen.

Services were previously held in Santa Monica, Calif., but a “Celebration of Life” family dinner will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, at the Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting room at 1214 Stone St., Great Bend. Reservations are suggested; please call 316-833-1540 or e-mail katts-meow@cox.net.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to the Timkin National Bohemian Cemetery c/o Tammy Christensen, 6312 Sattes, Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 29, 2009

Ronald Werth 1943 - 2009

SCHOENCHEN — Ronald Ray Werth, 66, died March 25 at the KU Medical Center. He was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Schoenchen to Adolph and Serbina (Zimmerman) Werth. He married Carol Nichols on Dec. 18, 1976, in Hays.

He was a truck driver and a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; a son, Bryan Joseph Werth and wife Roxanne of WaKeeney; five daughters, Rebecca Mead and husband Kendyl of Russell, Kimberly Ellison and husband Brian of Osawatomie, Ramona Legleiter and husband Lester of Hays, Amy Bailey and husband Ray of St. Louis and Molly Werth of Schoenchen; 19 grandchildren, Misty Mihm, Tyler and Morgan Werth, Sonya and Ethan Stanton, Dylan Pfeifer, Dallas Mead, Audrey Ehrlich, Michael, Kyle, Hunter and Harley Ellison, Chase and Jesse Legleiter, Alyssa Weeks, Brianna, Brennen and Celestia Bailey, Logan King; two great-grandchildren, Serenity Friedline and Michaela Ehrlich; two brothers, Leon Werth and wife Joan of Great Bend and Duane Werth and wife Kathy of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a sister, Marva Klaus of Leavenworth. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Leslie Werth.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today with a parish vigil at 6 p.m., all at Brock’s North Hill Chapel in Hays.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ronald Werth Memorial fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Brock’s North Hill Chapel*
2509 Vine, P.O. Box 86
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 625-3215
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 29, 2009

Lawrence Wittman 1922 - 2009

ELLIS — Lawrence Wittman, 86, died March 26 at the Hays Medical Center. He was born Aug. 9, 1922, in Ellis to Frank and Catherine (Kinderknecht) Wittman. He attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and Ellis High School where he played football, basketball and was drummer in the band.

After graduation in 1942 he joined the U.S. Army Airforce and served four years, two of which were spent in India. He was recalled in September of 1950 and served until September of 1951. He married Eileen B. Matteson on November 7, 1948.

He worked for the Chevrolet Garage, Ellis IGA Store and Texaco Inc., retiring in 1984. Lawrence lived in Ellis all his life with the exception of four years in Great Bend, from 1973-1977. His memberships included St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Ellis VFW, and he was an avid Ham Radio Operator.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; three daughters, Pat Pickett and husband Alan of Goodland, Carolyn Gnad and husband David of Russell, and Paulette Wittman of Great Bend; nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Weber of Windsor, Colo.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Tom Brewer of Huber Heights, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Beverly Wittman of Fort Worth, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Clarence and Frank, and a sister, Elsie Weigel.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis with Military Honor Guard by the Ellis VFW and Ft. Riley. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Keithley Funeral Chapel in Ellis. A parish Vigil Service will be at 6 tonight, followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service at the chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Ellis United Methodist Church.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Keithley Funeral Chapel*
400 E. 17th
Ellis, KS 67601
(785) 726-4400
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 29, 2009

Virginia Roach Hart Suellentrop 1911 - 2009

Virginia Roach Hart Suellentrop, 97, died March 27 at her residence at Hart’s Corner in Great Bend.

She was born April 1, 1911, in rural Great Bend, the daughter of Dennis and Clara Reed Weathers. She married Maurice Roach on Feb. 8, 1933, at Larned. He died Nov. 3, 1949. After his death she proudly raised their six children. She married Ralph Hart on March 3, 1960, at Larned. He died on Feb. 19, 1981. On Nov. 11, 1989, she married Paul Suellentrop at Great Bend. He died Sept. 26, 1991. A lifetime Great Bend resident, she was a farm operator and homemaker.

She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society, a lifetime member of the Barton County Historical Society, Riverside H.D.U., Gemini Mothers of Twins, Kansas Farm Bureau and a 50-year member of Harmony Community Club.

Survivors include a son, Kenneth O. Roach, Great Bend; three daughters, Marie Stanley and husband Bill, Clara M. Ellis and husband Gary R., and Teresa K. Murray and husband Dan, all of Great Bend; 22 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, William C. Roach and Allan M. Roach; a brother, Vernon Weathers; a sister, Thelma Isaac; and three daughters-in-law, Genevieve Roach, Sharon Roach and Reba Roach.

Altar Society rosary will be at 4 p.m. Monday, followed by a vigil service at 7, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiating. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of the funeral home.

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

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 29, 2009

March 27, 2009

Roy H. Turner 1939 - 2009

HOLYROOD — Roy H. Turner, 70, died March 25 at his home. He was born Jan. 18, 1939, in Hopkinsville, Ky., to Henry Turner Sr. and Ella Belle (Robinson) Turner. He was a retired truck driver. On Sept. 13, 1963, he married Mary Willicott in Trenton, N.J. She survives.

Other survivors include sons, Travis of DeSoto, and Bobby, Brad, Brent and Timothy, and a daughter, Brandi, all of Holyrood; brothers, Henry Jr., Bee, Neb., and William, Ogden; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Holyrood, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas in care of the funeral home, Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Parsons Funeral Home
P.O. Box 45
Ellsworth, KS 67439
785-472-3861
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 27, 2009

March 26, 2009

Robert Eugene Roth 1932 - 2009

LARNED — Robert Eugene Roth, 76, died March 25 at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence. He was born May 3, 1932, in Great Bend, the son of Eugene Henry and Augusta Patricia Kellam Roth. He was a lifetime resident of Larned. Upon graduation from KU in 1954, Bob entered the U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Defense Command. Upon discharge in 1957 he joined Roth Equipment Company, a retail farm equipment store, where he served as president and owner from 1963 until retirement in November 1990. In 1991 he became Mother House administrator for the Dominican Sisters in Great Bend, until his retirement on Feb. 28, 2008. On Sept. 11, 1954, he married Rosalee Osborne at Wichita. She survives.

Other survivors include a son, Richard Alan and wife Richelle, Larned; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Best and husband Mike, Lawrence; a sister-in-law, Virginia McAdoo, San Clemente, Calif.; a niece, Debbie Lohrman and husband Jim, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.; a nephew, Lawrence and wife Diane McAdoo, Lake Forest, Calif., and five grandchildren, Mark Best and wife April, Sarah Best, Realle Roth, Ry Roth and Raven Roth. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Norman McAdoo and a granddaughter, Reanna Roth.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Grace Community Church, 210 McKinley, Great Bend. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Memorials may be sent to the CKMC Heartland Cancer Center, Golden Belt Community Foundation, Grace Community Church of Great Bend or the Santa Fe Trail Center, all in care of the mortuary. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary*
P.O. Box 477
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2121
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 26, 2009

March 25, 2009

Agnes Ann Haberman 1914 - 2009

Agnes Ann Haberman, 95, of Great Bend, died March 23 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Jan. 21, 1914, at Olmitz, the daughter of Frank and Mary Bahr Mauler. She married Alphons Haberman on Nov. 26, 1940, at Olmitz. He died Feb. 11, 1974. She was a retired physical therapy aide for Central Kansas Medical Center and a homemaker. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1940, coming from Olmitz.

Mrs. Haberman was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, AARP, Silver and Gold Club, Senior Volunteer Program, Great Bend Garden Club and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

Survivors include two sons, Marvin Haberman and wife Marlane, and Brent Haberman and wife Linda, all of Great Bend; one daughter, Barbara Delker and husband David of Wichita; a son-in-law, Daniel Guesnier of Great Bend; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Arlon Haberman and LaVern Haberman; a daughter, Brenda Guesnier; four brothers, Erwin Mauler, Bernard Mauler, Frank Mauler and Charles Mauler; two sisters, Mary Maneth Woydziak and Gertrude Skolaut, and two great-grandsons, Ty Guesnier and Toby Guesnier.

An Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. today, and a vigil service with D of I Rosary at 7 p.m. today, both at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Floyd McKinney and Father Ultan Murphy officiants. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested for the Prince of Peace Parish or Southwind Hospice, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67550
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 25, 2009

Mildred Irene Boepple 1912 - 2009

Mildred Irene Boepple, 96, of Great Bend, died March 24 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born May 18, 1912, at Covington, Okla., the daughter of Jacob and Mabel Casto Beck. She married Julius Boepple on Nov. 23, 1932, in Douglas, Okla. He died March 13, 1989. Mildred was a homemaker and a resident of Great Bend since 1932, coming from Covington, Okla.

Mrs. Boepple was a member of First Christian Church and Riverside H.D.U., both of Great Bend.

Survivors include two daughters, Judith Elaine Piland and husband Basil of Great Bend and Shirley LuAnn Bundy of Hutchinson; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three infant sons, one infant daughter and one granddaughter.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Memorial fund donations for the Ronald McDonald House or for the First Christian Church Youth Fund may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www. bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 25, 2009

L.A. Krug

NESS CITY — L.A. Krug, longtime banker of Ness City, died March 23 at Cedar Village in Ness City. A memorial service is pending and will be announced at a later date by Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City.

Beulah Love Unruh 1907 - 2009

PAWNEE ROCK — Beulah Love Unruh, 101, died March 21 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born Nov. 20, 1907, in Sherwood, Ohio, she was the daughter of Walter F. and Adeline Katherine Shoemaker Knisley. A longtime resident of rural Pawnee Rock, she was a retired elementary school teacher. On Nov. 3, 1933, she married Roger Roland Unruh in Wichita. He died Sept. 4, 1989.

Mrs. Unruh belonged to the New Jerusalem Church, Ladies Service Alliance and 20th Century Club, all of Pawnee Rock, and the Retired Teachers Association.

Survivors include a son, Roger L. and wife Sue of Milford; two daughters, Sylvia L. Nelson and husband John of Urbandale, Iowa, and Eileen J. Simpson and husband Richard of Albuquerque, N. M.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Roland Unruh; a daughter, Addie Unruh; and a brother, Lowell Knisley.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the New Jerusalem Church in Pawnee Rock, with the Rev. Jane Siebert presiding. Burial will be at the Pawnee Rock Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Morell Funeral Home LLC. Personal condolences may be left at www. morellfuneralhomellc.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home LLC*
P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550-0124
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 25, 2009

March 24, 2009

Agnes Ann Haberman 1914 - 2009

Agnes Ann Haberman, 95, of Great Bend, died March 23 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Jan. 21, 1914, at Olmitz, the daughter of Frank and Mary Bahr Mauler. She married Alphons Haberman on Nov. 26, 1940, at Olmitz. He died Feb. 11, 1974. She was a retired physical therapy aide for Central Kansas Medical Center and a homemaker. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1940, coming from Olmitz.

Mrs. Haberman was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, AARP, Silver and Gold Club, Senior Volunteer Program, Great Bend Garden Club and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

Survivors include two sons, Marvin Haberman and wife Marlane, and Brent Haberman and wife Linda, all of Great Bend; one daughter, Barbara Delker and husband David of Wichita; a son-in-law, Daniel Guesnier of Great Bend; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Arlon Haberman and LaVern Haberman; a daughter, Brenda Guesnier; four brothers, Erwin Mauler, Bernard Mauler, Frank Mauler and Charles Mauler; two sisters, Mary Woydziak and Gertrude Skolaut, and two great-grandsons, Ty Guesnier and Toby Guesnier.

An Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, and a vigil service with D of I Rosary at 7 p.m. Wednesday, both at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Floyd McKinney and Father Ultan Murphy officiants. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested for the Prince of Peace Parish, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67550
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 24, 2009

Billy Wayne Ricker 1941 - 2009

LARNED — Billy Wayne Ricker, 67, died March 21 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Larned. He was born Sept. 2, 1941, in Anthony, the son of William Ponder and Ethel Jane Thomas Ricker. He married Marilyn Darlene Houdeshell on Aug. 15, 2000, at Great Bend. She survives. A resident of rural Larned since 2006, formerly of Heizer, he was a traffic and distribution manager for Fuller Brush of Great Bend.

Mr. Ricker was of the Baptist faith and was a U.S. Army veteran. He had been stationed in Germany.

Survivors, besides his wife, include one son, Scott Ricker of Bushton; three stepdaughters, Cindy Phillips of Denver, Colo., Chris Rabe of Kinsley and Cathy Nau-Lemuz of Rozel; five brothers, Francis of Douglas, Wyo., Stanley of Pueblo West, Colo., Gary of Scott City, Larry of El Dorado and John of Medicine Lodge; four sisters, Wanda Bollman of Wakita, Okla., Joyce Knutson of Centennial, Colo., Donna Hamma of Caldwell and Rita Foss of Nixa, Mo.; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Morell Funeral Home, Larned, with Pastor Mark Flattery presiding. Cremation will follow the service. Memorials are suggested to the Larned Humane Society or the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home*
1021 Broadway/P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2177
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 24, 2009

Esther A. Spomer 1910 - 2009

HERMISTON, Ore. — Esther A. Spomer, 99, of Hermiston, Ore., died Feb. 28 at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston. Esther Alberta Spomer was born Jan. 24, 1910, in Macon, Franklin County, Neb. Her parents were Ludwig and Ankea (Harms) Kostbahn. Her father was a Lutheran pastor in Macon. After completing grade school in Macon, Esther went to a Lutheran boarding high school in Hebron, Neb. She had always enjoyed school and was able to develop her singing talents. She joined a glee club, chorus and quartets. She continued to enjoy singing throughout her lifetime.

Esther attended one year at Fort Hays College in Kansas. She took a year off to teach at a country school before returning to finish a second year of college. It was at this time that her father was assigned to a Lutheran church in Alexander. Esther met William Spomer, a young dentist, in her church and they were married, July 12, 1930. In 1932 their first son, William A. Spomer Jr., was born.

The young family lived through the Dust Bowl and the Depression. When World War II began, William enlisted as a dentist. Esther and young son William moved with Dr. Spomer to his assignments. During this time their second son, John, was born in Dalhart, Texas. There were times when Esther was all alone with the two boys while Dr. Spomer had to go out on Air Force assignments. After the war they moved to McCracken. The family’s final move was to Larned in 1952, her home for 40 happy years. Both sons followed their father into the medical field; William became a physician and John became a dentist.

Esther always kept busy. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Larned Garden Club, Larned Music Club, Pawnee County Food Pantry (for 17 years), Larned Library Board (16 years). Esther was a charter member of St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary in Larned and a volunteer worker at the nursing home and at the Larned State Hospital children’s ward. She also enjoyed helping catalog items that were donated to the Santa Fe Trail Center in Larned. Esther loved crossword puzzles; she was an avid reader and a fine quilter.

In July 2001, Esther decided to move to Hermiston to be near her family. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church and was a member of P.E.O. Her last home was at Rose Arbor Assisted Living. Esther kept active and enjoyed the friendship of the residents and the assistants and nurses that gave her loving care. Esther was a gracious lady. She dedicated her life to serving God and wanted others to share her joy in Christ.

She is survived by her son, Dr. John L. Spomer and his wife, Janet of Hermiston, Ore.; granddaughter, Abigail Spomer of Redmond, Ore.; grandson, Barry Spomer and his wife Lisa and great-grandsons, Stryker and Tyler of Seattle, Wash. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William A. Spomer; son, Dr. William A. Spomer Jr.; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Jean Spomer; granddaughter, Barbara Jean Spomer; parents; brother, Carl Kostbahn; and sister, Alvina Kostbahn.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church in Larned with Pastors Richard Boyer and Lloyd Sprink presiding. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned. Burial will follow at the Larned Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141 or to Larned Emergency Service, 123 W. 9th St., Larned, KS 67550.

Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary*
916 Main
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2121
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 24, 2009

Beulah Love Unruh

PAWNEE ROCK — Beulah Love Unruh, 101, died March 21 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend.

Arrangements are pending with Morell Funeral Home, Larned.

March 22, 2009

Wilma Ann Gabbert 1926 - 2009

Wilma Ann Gabbert, 82, departed this life peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 17. A lifelong Kansan, she was born in Hoisington to Leo and Lucille Pickert and was the eldest of seven children. She married Jack W. Gabbert in 1947 and lived in Great Bend and Wichita.

Wilma was the essence of grace and love and she devoted her life to the care of her husband, five children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was cherished by all who knew her for her gentle spirit, her resonating kindness and her effortless way of connecting with people.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jack W. Gabbert; daughter Sandi Erwin and her husband Lee; daughter Cherie Conway and her husband David; son Larry Gabbert and his wife Traci; daughter Jane Gabbert and her husband Ahvi Spindell; daughter Barb Gabbert-Bacon and her husband Todd Bacon; grandchildren Seth Gabbert; Sam Gabbert and his wife Lala; Simon Spindell; Paige, Brooke and Alex Bacon; and great-grandson Jack Gabbert; brother Don Pickert and his wife Patti; sister Marge Lang; brother Jim Pickert and his wife Helen; sister-in-law Connie Pickert; brother David Pickert and his wife Nancy; and all of her nieces and nephews. Her beloved parents and brothers, Duane and Melvin Pickert, preceded her in death.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Desi Costilla, for her loving home care to Wilma over the last 18 months, and to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for their most appreciated understanding and support over the last week. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Wilma’s life in a service to be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon, Wichita (www.botanica.org). Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Cemetery in Hoisington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita KS, 67202, or the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67212-1698. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cochranmortuary.com.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 22, 2009#

Mattie Lee Erskin 1917 - 2009

DIGHTON — Mattie Lee Erskin, 91, died March 19 at Scott County Hospital, Scott City. She was born June 25, 1917, at Wewahitchka, Fla., the daughter of Lawrence and Bessie (Armantrout) Roberts. She married Joseph (Dutch) Erskin on Aug. 5, 1933, in Garden City. He died July 16, 1980.

Mrs. Erskin was a member of First Christian Church of Dighton, the American Legion Auxiliary of Dighton and a former 4-H leader.

Mattie’s mother died when Mattie was a few months old. She was sent to live with her maternal grandmother in Scott City. Mattie grew up and attended school in Scott City. After her marriage, Mattie moved to the farm in Lane County and then to Dighton in 1936, where she lived until entering Park Lane Nursing Home in 2001. Mattie was a homemaker who kept very busy raising seven boys. There was always room at her table for her sons’ many friends. She enjoyed collecting figurines, lamps and clocks. She enjoyed visiting family and friends.

Survivors include five sons, Joe Erskin and Dick Erskin, both of Garden City, Don Erskin of Great Bend, Jerry Erskin of Dighton and Jeff Erskin of Cherryvale; 14 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Jim Erskin and Dale Erskin, one brother, Tommy Roberts, one sister, Susie Franks, and one grandson, Jed Erskin.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church in Dighton, with the Rev. Howard Bever officiating. Burial will be at Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Boomhower Funeral Home of Dighton. Friends may call from 1 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to garnandfh@sbcglobal.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Boomhower Funeral Home*
Box 891
Dighton, KS 67839
620-397-5792
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 22, 2009

Frank J. Oliverius 1912 - 2009

LA CROSSE — Frank J. Oliverius, 96, died March 20 at the Rush County Nursing Home in La Crosse. He was born Aug. 14, 1912, at Hopewell, Va., the son of Joseph and Mary (Hanzlick) Oliverius. He married Bertha A. Schaffer on June 10, 1941, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse. Mr. Oliverius was a La Crosse resident for over 41 years, moving from Great Bend. He was a lineman for the railroad before his retirement.

Mr. Oliverius was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse; Western Fraternal Lodge Association, Timken; and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, of La Crosse; daughter Laura Pivonka and her husband James, Timken; four grandchildren, Ricky Warnken, Brenda Barrett, Lachele Greathouse and Tom Pivonka; 12 great-grandchildren, Matthew Warnken, Nicholas Warnken, Luke Warnken, Jacob Warnken, Katherine Warnken, Brandon Barrett, Brittany Barrett, Austin Greathouse, Rileigh Greathouse, Shawn Helie, Jeff Pivonka and Melanie Deterding; and three great-great-grandchildren, Brady Deterding, Brock Deterding and Johanna Helie. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Adolph Oliverius, Joe Oliverius, James Oliverius, and twin brother, Louis Oliverius; and four sisters, Annie Serba, Rosie Oliverius, Mary Oliverius and Florence Dirks.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse with Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Burial will be at the La Crosse City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. A vigil service and rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Rush County Nursing Home or St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Janousek Funeral Home*
719 Pine St.
La Crosse, KS 67548
(785) 222-2517
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 22, 2009

March 20, 2009

Virgil William Schraeder 1915 - 2009

LARNED — Virgil William Schraeder, 93, died March 19 at the Larned HealthCare Center. Born Sept. 2, 1915, in Rush County, he was the son of William and Katie Schneider Schraeder. A resident of Pawnee Rock from 1957 to 1981, moving to Larned, he was a retired plant operator for Central Kansas Electric (REA) of Great Bend. He married Helen Coker on March 13, 1948, in Great Bend. She died April 7, 1974. On March 26, 1981, he married Elizabeth “Beth” Handley in Miami, Okla. She survives.

Mr. Schraeder was a United States Navy veteran.

Survivors include a son, Jay Dee Schraeder of Larned; a daughter, Rita Ansberry of Larned; two stepsons, Bob Lee Handley of Phoenix, Ariz., and Tom Bert Handley of Wichita Falls, Texas; a stepdaughter, Jo Ann Handley of Larned; a sister, Margaret Umberger of Oakley; four grandchildren, nine stepgrandchildren, one great-grandchild and 12 stepgreat-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and a brother, Delair Linley.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned with Pastor Dan Lundgren presiding. Burial will be at the Pawnee Rock Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Saturday and from 1 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, all at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary, Inc.
P.O. Box 477
Larned, KS 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 20, 2009

Alva L. (Bub) Chenoweth

SUSANK — Alva L. (Bub) Chenoweth, 82, died March 18 at his home in Susank. He was born Aug. 14, 1926, in rural Barton County, the son of Hugh Leroy and Zora Alice (Addington) Chenoweth. Mr. Chenoweth never married. He farmed and was part-owner and mechanic with his father at the Susank Garage. He was a lifetime resident of the Susank area.

Mr. Chenoweth was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a member of VFW Post No. 7428 and American Legion Post No. 286, Hoisington.

Survivors include a sister, Minnie Winslow of Junction City, four nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Agnes Fae Charles and Wilma Whitaker.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with the Rev. Ralph Jarboe, Jr., officiating. Burial will be at the Hoisington Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post 286. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Kans for Kids. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
415 North Main/P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 20, 2009

March 19, 2009

George E. Collins 1923 - 2009

LARNED — George E. Collins, 85, died March 18 at Larned Healthcare Center, Larned. He was born April 5, 1923, in Decatur, Ill., the son of Elmer M. and Nora Eve Robbins Collins. A resident of Larned, he was a retired meat cutter for several grocery stores.

Mr. Collins belonged to the First Baptist Church, Olathe, and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors include five sons, three daughters, two sisters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Jack Kreiger VFW Post 7271 in Larned with the Rev. Johnny Augmon presiding. Cremation took place; there will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Larned Healthcare Center in care of Morell Funeral Home. Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home
P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2177
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 19, 2009

Lowell “Dutch” Seibert 1929 - 2009

LUBBOCK, Texas — Lowell Dean “Dutch” Seibert, 80, passed away March 14 in Lubbock. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Chapel at Schooler Funeral Home in Amarillo, Texas.

Dutch was born on Jan. 27, 1929, in Great Bend, to Grant and Minnie Unruh Seibert, the first of five children. He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1947 and went to work as a roughneck for Halliburton. Dutch and Wanda McCarter were married in 1950. Dutch’s working years involved traveling nationally and internationally in petroleum-related industry sales. During this time, he lived in Pampa and Amarillo, Texas, and Salt Lake City, Utah. He retired in 1986, spending summers in Colorado near Lake Vallecito, and winters in Sun City, Ariz.

Mr. Seibert was a member of Great Bend Masonic Lodge No. 15 and El Kalah Shriners.

Survivors include one sister, Rosemary George of Campbell, Calif.; one brother, Kenneth Seibert of Kansas City, Mo.; three daughters, Linda Knabe and husband Adolph of Midland, Texas, Tammy Fredman and husband Allen of Amarillo, Texas, and Kelly Macias and husband Refugio of Midland; two sons, Stanley Seibert and wife Debbie of Quincy, Ill., and Todd Seibert and wife Michelle of Amarillo; 10 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Dutch was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife and good friend, Wanda Watson, his brother, Roy Allen Seibert, and his sister, Twilla James.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Shriners International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, or you may visit www. shrinershq.org.

The family wishes to thank Garrison Geriatric Care and Education Center and Odyssey Health and Hospice Care of Lubbock for the loving care they gave Dutch.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Resthaven Funeral Home*
5740 W. 19th Street
Lubbock, TX 79407
806-791-6200
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 19, 2009

Karen L. Bauer

WICHITA — Karen L. Bauer, 68, loving wife, mother and grandmother, left March 18 to go to her heavenly home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and LaVerne (Gleason) Green, and two brothers, Gary and Warren Green.

Survivors include her husband, Kent; two sons, Kurt Bauer of Goddard and Kris Bauer and wife Sarah of Lakeville, Minn.; daughter, Katrina VonBevern and husband Drew of Olathe; and grandchildren, Jake, Kent, Rachel, Nicholas, Beau and Ryan Bauer, and Alex and Katie VonBevern.

Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at West Heights United Methodist Church in Wichita, followed by a 3 p.m. graveside service at Fairview Park Cemetery in St. John.

Memorials are established with West Heights United Methodist Church, 745 N. Westlink, Wichita, KS 67212 and American Cancer Society, 818 N. Emporia, S-100, Wichita, KS 67214.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Downing & Lahey West*
6555 East Central
Wichita, KS 67206
(316) 773-4553
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 19, 2009

March 18, 2009

Jose Natividad Rincon 1918 - 2009

Jose Natividad Rincon, 90, died March 15 at his Great Bend residence. He was born Dec. 25, 1918, at Miguel Auza, Zacatecas, Mexico, the son of Francisco Rincon and Margarita Estevane. He married Maria Isabelle DeLana in 1945 at Miguel Auza. She died Dec. 10, 2008. He was a resident of Great Bend since 1995, coming from Miguel Auza. He was a laborer in farming.

Survivors include four sons, Luis Rincon and Leopoldo Rincon, both of Great Bend, and Jose Rincon and Pedro Rincon, both of Salina; six daughters, Rosario Rincon of Miguel Auza, Zacatecas, Mexico, Carmela Rincon of San Antonio, Texas, Maria Natividad Rincon of Rio Grande, Mexico, and Antonia Rincon, Maria Rincon and Sabina Rincon, all of Great Bend; two sisters, Bartola Rincon and Viviana Rincon, both of Miguel Auza, Zacatecas, Mexico; 61 grandchildren, 114 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Floyd McKinney officiant. Interment will be at Panteon Municipal Cemetery, Miguel Auza, Zacatecas, Mexico. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 18, 2009

Casey D. Kline 1981 - 2009

MANHATTAN — Casey D. Kline, 27, died March 16 at the Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan after a lifelong courageous battle with muscular dystrophy. He was born on Sept. 21, 1981, in Great Bend, the son of Mark and Patty (Steider) Kline. The family moved to Manhattan in 1989. Casey attended Manhattan schools, graduating in 2000. He received his Bachelor of Science in business in 2004 and his Master’s of Accountancy in 2005 from Kansas State University. At the time of his death he was the interim business manager in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University.

He loved sports of all kinds and kept stats during high school for the baseball team as well as American Legion baseball. He also kept stats for many years on a volunteer basis for Kansas State men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. He attended every home football game. He also was able to attend the Indianapolis 500 twice, once with his grandmother Frances and once with Gretchen, his fiancée.

In addition to many friends, he is survived by his fiancée Gretchen Olesen; his parents, Mark and Patty Kline; his loving sister, Kelli Smith and her husband Ryan, as well as beloved nephews Peyton and Hayden Smith, and niece Reece Smith; and grandmothers, Frances Steider of Manhattan and Dorothy Kline of Gothenburg, Neb.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Bruce Kline and Kelly Steider.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to the Manhattan community for its love and support over his lifetime.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Sedalia Community Church, with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. Inurnment will be in the Sedalia Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.ymlfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Manhattan Community Foundation to fund an educational scholarship in Casey’s memory for students with disabilities. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements provide by
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home*
1616 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 539-7481
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 18, 2009

Mildred G. Lang 1910 - 2009

Mildred G. Lang, 98, of Great Bend, died March 17 at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend. She was born July 10, 1910, at Manilla, Iowa, the daughter of Charles A. and Millie Milligan Saunders. She married Causby Blount on July 11, 1929, at Larned. He died March 11, 1969. She married Elmer Lang on Jan. 6, 1979, at Larned. He died July 23, 1983. She was owner of Tot to Teen Shop for 23 years, and after her retirement she worked at Bernie’s Ladies Clothing Store in Larned.

Mrs. Lang was a member of First Christian Church of Great Bend, past president of Larned Chamber of Commerce, founder of the Larned Antique Show, past president of Business and Professional Women, member of St. Joseph Auxiliary and former active member of the Christian Church in Larned. She volunteered for the Food Bank, Thrift Shop and Barton County Historical Society.

Survivors include a son, Wayne Blount and wife Jean, Chicago, Ill.; a daughter, Jeannine Girton and husband Michael, Great Bend; son-in-law, Dr. E.L. Jones, Great Bend; three stepdaughters, Kathy Grannell, Wamego, Evelyn Huggins, Topeka, and Karen Kuntz, Larned; nine grandchildren, Bruce Blount, Lisa Spjuth, Kim Vink, Sheila Jones, Matthew Jones, Thomas Jones, Troy Wilson, Amy Hofeling and Kendall Wilson; seven step-grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Jones; and three brothers, Charles A. Saunders Jr., Merle Saunders and Dr. Donald Saunders.

Graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Larned Cemetery, with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, with family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, all at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 18, 2009

Lawrence A. Minson 1923 - 2009

HOISINGTON — Lawrence A. Minson, 85, died March 16 at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born March 19, 1923, at Denver, Colo., the son of Elbert and Alice (Miller) Minson. He married Dorothy Kramer on May 26, 1942, at Hoisington. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. A longtime resident of Hoisington, he was a field superintendent for Exxon until his retirement in 1986.

Mr. Minson was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church, American Legion Post No. 286 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7428, all of Hoisington.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Mike Minson and wife Judy of Boerne, Texas, and Gary Minson and wife Joyce of Abilene; three daughters, Ann Lindquist and husband Jay of Great Bend, D.J. Baird and husband Dean of Hoisington, and Sara Dutton and husband Gary of Salina; 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, one brother and two grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Concordia Lutheran Church, Hoisington, with the Rev. Mark Lovett officiating. Burial will be at the Hoisington Cemetery with military graveside rites by VFW Post No. 7428 and American Legion Post No. 286. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Concordia Lutheran Church or Kans for Kids, both in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provide by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 146; 415 North Main
Hoisington, KS 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 18, 2009

March 17, 2009

Ray G. Brack 1923 - 2009

LOVELAND, Colo. — Ray G. Brack, 85, of Loveland passed away on March 12 at the Berthoud Living Center. He was born May 30, 1923, in Hoisington, and was married on May 26, 1946, to Betty. Ray and Betty lived in Fort Morgan, Colo., from 1953 on and moved to Loveland in 1976. Ray worked as an auto mechanic and was a member of the Fort Morgan B.P.O.E. for 52 years. As a member of the Army Air Corps from 1942-1945, Ray served in Italy in the 738th Bomber Squadron. Ray was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending weekends with Betty on camping trips.

He is survived by his wife Betty; a son, Gary Brack and wife Linda of Casper, Wyo.; a daughter, Evelyn Lindell and husband Everett of Columbia, Mo. He is also survived by grandchildren Liesa Austin and husband John of Castle Rock, Colo., Greg Brack of Casper, Wyo., Tia Lindell of Normal, Ill., and Brian Lindell of Houston, Texas; and great-grandchildren Tyler and Jake Austin and Austin Brack.

A memorial service was held March 13 in Loveland, Colo.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Viegut Funeral Home*
1616 N. Lincoln Ave.
Loveland, CO 80538
970-679-4669
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 17, 2009

Mary Elizabeth Bunk 1917 - 2009

HOISINGTON — Mary Elizabeth Bunk, 91, died March 14 at Chaucer Estates, Wichita. She was born June 1, 1917, at Council Grove, the daughter of John C. and Lilly Alfanetta Snider Kaechele. Mary married Maurice Bunk on June 15, 1936, at Council Grove. Maurice died Dec. 18, 1999.

Mary was born and raised in Council Grove and graduated from Council Grove High School as valedictorian. She was a devoted wife for 63 years, and a loving mother and grandmother.

Mrs. Bunk was a resident of Hoisington for more than 60 years. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and served on numerous volunteer committees. She was also a member of the PEO Sisterhood, and helped deliver Meals on Wheels.

Mary was a graceful hostess. She loved working with her hands and was a gifted seamstress, quiltmaker, knitter and gardener. Friends and family received beautiful quilts and afghans over the years.

Mary was a master bridge player and, at one time, a very avid golfer. While Mary enjoyed traveling to different countries to appreciate the people and the scenery, Maurice captured the moments using his love of photography.

She is survived by her son Joe (Donna) Bunk of Wichita; daughter Barbara (William) Lucas of Lexington, Mass.; and grandchildren Christopher Lucas of Berkeley, Calif., and Ashley Lucas of Lexington, Mass. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Floyd.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, Hoisington, with the Rev. Ralph Jarboe officiating. Burial will be at the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday at Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church with the family present. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church or to Meals on Wheels of Barton County or to the charity or organization of the donor’s choice, all in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
415 North Main/P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 17, 2009

Veleta Darlene Leiker 1938 - 2009

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Veleta Darlene Leiker, 70, of Independence, Mo., formerly of Hays and Schoenchen, died Feb. 26 at her home. She was born Aug. 28, 1938, in Antonino, the daughter of Phillip and Mary (Herrman) Dreher. She married Harold Leiker on June 11, 1969, in Hays.

Survivors include her husband, Harold, of the home; a son, Bret Leiker, of Independence, Mo.; a brother, Julius Dreher, of Hays; four sisters, Dorothy Schmidt of Great Bend, Alice Orth and Thelma Karlin, both of Hays, and Almita Augustine of Salina; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, CJ Dreher. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of Cline’s Mortuary, 1919 East 22nd, Hays, KS 67601.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 17, 2009#

Samuel Wesley Mays, Sr. 1915 - 2009

TULSA, Okla. — Samuel Wesley Mays, Sr., 93, passed away March 15. He was a resident of St. Simeon Episcopal Home. He was born Nov. 13, 1915, in Pleasurville, Ky., one of eight children born to Jasper and Pearl Wills Mays. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He married Marcine Louise McGouldrick Mays on Sept. 24, 1943. He served in the U.S. Army and following World War II he began a lifelong career with National Tank Co. He served the company in various locations including Seminole, Okla., El Dorado, Great Bend and Tulsa, Okla. While living in Great Bend, he was very involved in church, social and professional organizations.

Mr. Mays was a founding member of the Great Bend Petroleum Club and the Western Kansas Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute. He was a past president of both organizations. Mr. Mays was very active in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and was a member of Saint Rose School’s first lay school board. He was transferred to Tulsa, Okla., in 1968 and worked in the design and engineering of offshore equipment. Following his retirement in 1979 he devoted endless hours to Catholic Charities. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking, but he treasured most of all his time with family.

He is survived by four sons, Samuel W. Mays, Jr. and spouse Jan and Mark A. Mays, all of Tulsa, Okla., William P. Mays of Emporia, and Philip M. Mays and wife Novia of Edmond, Okla.; five grandsons, two great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. He was preceded in death by his bride of 67 years, his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 pm today. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday at The Madelene Catholic Church, with interment to follow in Sapulpa, Okla. www.southwoodcolonialchapel.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel*
3612 East 91st St.
Tulsa, OK 74137
918-291-3500
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 17, 2009

March 15, 2009

Virgil Lee Stadelman 1937 - 2009

HAYS — Virgil Lee Stadelman, 71, of Hays, died March 10 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. Born Aug. 5, 1937, in Hays, he was the son of Joseph and Sarah (Orth) Stadelman. He was a graduate of Hays High School and Fort Hays State University. In May of 1970 he married Tillie (Steiner) in Hays. He was a retired maintenance worker with Fort Hays State University.

Mr. Stadelman was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Council No. 1325 3rd degree Knights of Columbus and a Bishop Cunningham 4th degree Assembly No. 282.

Survivors include his brother, Gilbert Stadelman of Wilson; two nephews, Zachary Stadelman of Hays and Gregory Stadelman of Fort Worth, Texas; two stepsons, Bernard Kaiser of Mesa, Ariz., and Kenneth Kaiser of Whittier, Calif.; two stepdaughters, JaNelda Butler of Wichita and Leveda Heider of Harrisonville, Mo.; and several stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tillie, a brother, John, a sister, Clara, and a stepson, Vernon Kaiser.

Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment was at the St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Dreiling Schmidt Cancer Center at Hays Medical Center. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Brock’s North Hill Chapel*
P.O. Box 86
Hays, KS 67601
785-625-3215
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2009

Leonard F. Tammen 1917 - 2009

LARNED — Leonard F. Tammen, 91, died March 12 at Memorial Hospital in McPherson. He was born April 4, 1917, in Great Bend, the son of Fred J. and Martha Schneider Tammen. A resident of Larned since 1961, he moved to McPherson in 2005. He was retired as a machinist at Larned State Hospital.

Mr. Tammen was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Larned.

He married Eleanor H.J. Hemken at Albert on Aug. 27, 1941. She survives.

He is also survived by his son, Glenn, and wife Ronda, of McPherson; his daughter, Loretta Stephenson of Rozel; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. The family will be present to receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. today. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Grace Lutheran Church, with Pastor Richard A. Boyer officiating. Interment will follow in the Larned Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home*
1021 Broadway/P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2177
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2009

Mildred Crawford 1913 - 2009

PARKER, Colo. — Mildred Crawford, 95, formerly of Great Bend, died March 11 at Parker, Colo. She was born in May 1913.

She is survived by a daughter, Jean Herdman; granchildren, Mike Rosenberg and Lori Vettraino; and great-grandchildren, Sean Rosenberg, Matthew Rosenberg and Whitney Vettraino. She was preceded in death by her husband Alonzo Crawford.

Services are pending.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2009*

Martha Estella Barker 1909 - 2009

Martha Estella Barker, 99, formerly of Great Bend, died March 14 at Kenwood View Nursing Home in Salina. She was born April 17, 1909, at Isabel, the daughter of Ora and Grace Corr Noss-aman. She married Earl Edward Barker Sr., at Pratt. He died June 14, 1985. A homemaker, she was a resident of Great Bend since 1937, coming from Pratt.

Mrs. Barker was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Great Bend.

Survivors include a son Earl E. Barker, Jr., of Tuttle, Okla.; two daughers, Joyce Ewing of Salina and Faye Shephard of Salina; a brother Elmo Nossaman of Midwest City, Okla.; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Carole Biegler and Ruth Riggs; four brothers, Clifford, Floyd, Merle and S.L. Nossaman; and three sisters, Helen Drake, Bessie Miller and Delma Conn.

Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Great Bend Cemetery, with the Rev. Roy Savage officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday, with family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to noon, all at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Grace Community Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2009

Mary Elizabeth Bunk

HOISINGTON — Mary Elizabeth Bunk, 91, died March 14, at Chaucer Estates in Wichita. Arrangements are pending with Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 15, 2009

March 13, 2009

Richard O. Justice 1935 - 2009

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Richard (Dick) O. Justice, 74, died March 11, at his home in Mountain Home, Ark. Born Feb. 6, 1935, in McPherson, he was the son of Francis O. (Doc) Justice and Emma Haws Justice. He was married to Dorothy Templing on Oct. 26, 1958, in Hoisington. Mr. Justice grew up and attended school in the McPherson and Hoisington areas. He was employed in the family business in Hoisington, Doc’s Plumbing and Electric, for many years. Moving to Hutchinson, he was employed as a HVAC mechanic for the Eaton Corporation for 17 years in Hutchinson. Richard and Dorothy retired to Mountain Home, Ark., in 1995.

He was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mountain Home.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of the home; two sons, Brian Justice and wife Dorothy of Kennesaw, Ga., and Brent Justice of Hutchinson; three grandchildren, Sara Justice and Ashley Justice of Hutchinson and Nathan Justice of Kennesaw, Ga.; a brother-in-law, Ernest Bender of Great Bend; a sister-in-law Helen Templing of Hoisington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Justice.

There will be a private family time at Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Mountain View, Ark. Cremation will take place with burial and gravesite services at 11 a.m. on Saturday in McPherson City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mountain Home, Ark., or Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services*
600 Hospital Drive/P.O. Box 346
Mountain Home, AR 72654
870-425-6978
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 13, 2009

Benhardt “Ben” Tittel 1921 - 2009

Benhardt “Ben” Tittel, 88, died March 11 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. He was born Feb. 8, 1921, on the farm in Ness County, the son of Albert J. and Margaret D. Friebus Tittel. On Aug. 14, 1949, he married Hildegard Schettler at Otis. She preceded him in death on Jan. 9, 1995. He was a dairy farmer and a near-lifetime resident of Ness County.

Mr. Tittel was a United States Navy veteran, having served in World War II, and a member of the Frank Stull American Legion Post and the United Methodist Church, both of Ness City.

Survivors include five sons, Douglas and wife Debra and Duaine and wife Paula, all of Colby, Dwight Tittel of Ellinwood, Robert of Haven and Richard and wife Melissa of Ellinwood; one daughter, Dorothy Cregger and husband Earl of Great Bend; a brother, Elmer Tittel of Scott City; two sisters, Emma Jones of Larned and Holda Dye of Ness City; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tessa Tittel.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church, Ness City, with the Rev. David Bolz presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Burial will be in the Ness City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Veterans Memorial and Park and to the United Methodist Church, both of Ness City.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Funeral Home*
207 North Pennsylvania
Ness City, KS 67560
785-798-3243
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 13, 2009

Paul G. Meier 1919 - 2009

Paul G. Meier, 90, of Great Bend, died March 12 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. He was born Jan. 20, 1919, in southwest Russell County, the son of John George and Katherine Margaret Ehrlich Meier. On June 2, 1946, he married Jennie Hager at the Lutheran Church in rural Chase. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John Lutheran Church at Russell and attended a local school in Russell County. After serving in the Army during World War II, he returned to the Russell area and did various jobs such as farming, construction work, etc. He and wife Jennie lived in Plainville for 28 years; and Phillipsburg for five years. While living in those communities, he served in various church capacities, later moving to Ellinwood. After 36 years of marriage, she died in Ellinwood on April 12, 1982. There were no children born of this union. He then married Mary Kay Gerritzen at Miami, Okla., in 1983. After five years of marriage, she passed away. There were no children born of this union, either. He later moved to Great Bend in 1990 and befriended a special person, Melba I. Pedigo, and they spent six years together before she died on Sept. 11, 2000. He was a retired pumper for Phillips Petroleum Company, where he worked for 35 years, retiring on April 1, 1980.

Mr. Meier was a member of the BPOE No. 1127, Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 646 and American Legion Argonne Post 180, all of Great Bend. He enjoyed fishing and dancing in his leisure time.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brohers, Carl Meier, Clarence Meier, Leslie Meier and Harold Meier, and a sister, Lorena Hoffman.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. James Strasen officiant. Interment will be at Hilltop Cemetery in Raymond. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or to the USD 428 Education Foundation, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 13, 2009

James W. Chaffee 1924 – 2008

BURDETT — Family and friends will gather for a memorial service to celebrate the life of James W. “Jim” Chaffee, who passed away Dec. 18, 2008, at the Renaissance Hospital in McAllen, Texas. He is survived by his wife Alice and all three children: David Chaffee, Katie Hoff and Rodney Chaffee; eight grandchildren; three of his seven siblings: sisters Margaret (Peggy) Heather, Catherine Chaffee and Martha Tompkins; plus a host of nieces and nephews.

The celebration of life will take place at the Burdett American Legion Post Home in Burdett on Tuesday, March 17. A dinner and a time of remembrance will begin at noon. Graveside service with military honors will be at 2 p.m. at the Browns Grove Cemetery in Burdett. Memorial donations may be made to a local food bank.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Funeral Home
121 West Bramley
Jetmore, KS 67854
620-357-8331
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 13, 2009

March 12, 2009

Ruth Alberta Aeschliman 1911 - 2009

TOPEKA — Ruth Alberta Aeschliman, 98, of Topeka, passed away March 10 at McCrite Plaza in Topeka. Born Jan. 19, 1911, in Sabetha, she was the daughter of Andrew C. and Rosa (Staehli) Aeschliman. She graduated in 1928 from Corning High School in Corning. She then attended Kansas State Teacher’s College at Emporia where she received her degree in education. She taught in numerous rural schools in Nemaha County and before retiring taught in Great Bend for 27 years. Ms. Aeschliman was a resident of Great Bend since 1948, moving to Topeka in 2002.

Ms. Aeschliman was a life member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Retired Teachers Association.

Survivors include two sisters, Ruby Wroth of Topeka and Helen Coe of Soldier; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Edna Aeschliman, Opal Stalcup and Alvina Shaffer.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Penwell- Gabel Mid Town Chapel in Topeka. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Ms. Aeschliman will lie in state after 3 p.m. Friday. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday morning. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Drive, Topeka, KS 66604.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Penwell Gabel
Mid Town Chapel
1321 SW Tenth Avenue
Topeka, KS 66604
785-354-8558
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 12, 2009

March 11, 2009

Donald F. Renz 1931 - 2009

CABIN JOHN, Md. — Donald F. Renz, 77, died March 3 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md. Born on May 28, 1931, in La Crosse, he was the son of Otto and Frieda Hemken Renz. He was the husband of 51 years to Lorra Belle (Tammen) Renz.

Mr. Renz graduated from La Crosse Rural High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1955. In 1958 he received a double degree in physics and math from Fort Hays State University.

Survivors include two daughters, Debra and her husband Ralph Morgal of Cabin John, Md., and Cheryl and husband Ralph Whiteside of Newburg, Md.; grandchildren, Nicole, Jessica, Tiffany and Julia; a brother Arlyn and wife Gloria Renz of Albert; a sister Janice and husband Wayne Johnson of Hastings, Neb.; and a brother-in-law Frank and wife Sharon Tammen of Castle Rock, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Verlyn and Ronald Renz; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Renz.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5633 in Potomac, Md. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 41, Cabin John, MD 20818.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 11, 2009*

Robert K. “Bob” Marmie 1924 - 2009

Robert K. “Bob” Marmie, 84, of Great Bend, died March 9 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Sept. 17, 1924, at Hoisington, the son of Oliver and Mary Sullivan Marmie. He married DeSales “Sally” Marguerite Weber on Oct. 3, 1951, at Great Bend. He was the owner of Bob Marmie Home Improvement and then worked for Southard Home Improvement for 15 years. He was a lifetime Barton County resident. After graduation from Great Bend High School he joined the U.S. Marines. He was a World War II veteran, serving during the invasion of Iwo Jima, and received a Purple Heart.

Mr. Marmie was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick, a life member of VFW Post 3111, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Argonne Post 180 and the BPOE Elks Lodge of Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, Sally, of the home; three daughters, Deanna Marmie of Wichita, Mary Lou Kinsinger and husband Daryn of Goddard and Roberta Feist of Great Bend; a son, Keith Marmie and wife Rita of Tijeras, N.M.; four granddaughters, Erica, Jessie and Jackie Kinsinger of Goddard and Lauren Feist of Great Bend; and a brother, Eustace Marmie of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by two brothers, David Marmie and Pete Marmie, and two sisters, Leona Murray and Leola Burgett.

A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery, Veteran’s Circle, with military honors conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Memorial donations to Brit Spaugh Park & Zoo or the Holy Family School Endowment Fund may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 11, 2009

March 10, 2009

John August Lange 1936 - 2009

BUNKER HILL — John August Lange, 72, of Bunker Hill, died March 8 at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. John was born March 15, 1936, in Bunker Hill, the son of Frank B. and Alma Fern (Frick) Lange. He grew up in Bunker Hill and graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1954. He then attended a couple of years at Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University.

John was a rancher by heart, but he also worked in several different fields. He built grain elevators with a construction company, worked for Cross Seed Co., and worked for the State of Kansas doing farm surveys for the National Association of State Agriculture. He was a volunteer for the Bunker Hill Fire Department for more than 26 years. John was united in marriage to Patricia A. Nelson on April 11, 1992, in Bunker Hill. John lived in Bunker Hill most of his life, but he also lived in New Mexico during the 1960s.

Mr. Lange was a member of the Bunker Hill United Methodist Church and the Bunker Hill Lions Club. He enjoyed playing cards, riding horses and spending time with his family. When he was younger he was very active with rodeos.

Surviving family include his wife of 16 years, Patricia of Bunker Hill; brother, Roy Franklin Lange and wife Judy of Great Bend; sisters, Gladys Louise Baird and Verna May Hutchings, both of Bunker Hill; and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Joyce Lange.

Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the Rev. Earl Haggard officiating. Interment will follow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. A memorial has been established as The John Lange Memorial. Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary & Monuments*
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
(785) 483-2212
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2009

Terry J. “Pac” Henry 1948 - 2009

Terry J. “Pac” Henry, 60, died March 7 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. Born Dec. 10, 1948, at Larned, he was the son of Ray Allen and Edna Grace (Yingling) Henry. A resident of Great Bend since 1974 and a 1966 St. John High School graduate, he was an oil field laborer. On Aug. 15, 1970, he married Kathy (Hearn) Henry at Stafford. She survives, of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Theresa Dodson, Topeka, and Erin Fanter, Great Bend; two brothers, Rick Henry, Houma, La.,and Steve “Pete” Henry, Great Bend; and a sister, Carol Dyer, Halstead. He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Ron Henry, and a sister, Carmen Elsen.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday at Minnis Chapel, St. John, with Pastor Kevin Baxter presiding. Burial will be in the Eden Valley Cemetery north of Seward. Memorials are suggested to the “Pac” Henry Athletic Fund in care of Minnis Chapel.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
Box 34/526 E. Fourth
620-549-3556
St. John, KS 67576
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2009

Gary L. Forbes 1942 - 2009

HUTCHINSON — Gary L. Forbes, 66, died March 6 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. Born June 21, 1942, in Great Bend, he was the son of Elmer and Virginia Zumalt. He graduated from Great Bend High School and attended Bethany Nazarene College. He married Lorrie Forbes on June 2, 1976. She survives. A longtime resident of Hutchinson, he was a 911 Emergency Dispatcher for Hutchinson and Reno County.

Survivors include two sons, Jerree Forbes and wife Cathy and Kim Forbes and wife Marilyn, all of Hutchinson; a daughter, Stephanie Rogers of Wichita, and Alexis Barling; his mother, Virginia Zumalt of Great Bend; a sister, Diane McAfee of Spring Hill; 13 grandchildren, Joshua, Amy, Jeriah, Meriah, Samuel and Joseph Forbes, Katie, Jared and Logan Rogers, and Holly, Great, Olivia and Ben Barling. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer.

Funeral service was at 2 p.m. on Monday at Elliott Chapel with Pastor Willard D. Stafford officiating. Burial was at the Fairlawn Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to HCC Endowment Association for the Forbes Family Emergency Dispatch Program Scholarship at Hutchinson Community College in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Elliott Mortuary and Crematory*
1219 North Main
Hutchinson, KS 67501
620-663-3327
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2009

Bernice Belcher 1938 - 2009

Graveside services for Bernice Belcher, 70, of Great Bend, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Pottersville Cemetery near West Plains, Mo., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Mo.

Miss Belcher died at 3:10 a.m. March 3 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born April 12, 1938, in Pratt, to John Thomas and Willia Rena Walker Belcher.

Miss Belcher was of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include two sisters, Catherine Yocham, of Gas, and Norma Goodenough, of Great Bend; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, two brothers and four sisters preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and mailed to the funeral home.

Local funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2009

Ronda (Janie) Riedl 1941 - 2009

HOISINGTON — Ronda (Janie) Riedl, 67, died March 7 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. Born June 2, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Okla., she was the daughter of E.H. and Eula Rhea (Eatmon) Farmer. She married Charles E. Riedl on Feb. 29, 1960, in Hoisington. He died Jan. 26, 1992. A wife, mother and grandmother, she was a nurse’s aide, cosmetologist, secretary at Suburban Dry Cleaners and manager of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Duckwalls. She loved her family gatherings and cooking, arts and crafts and quilting.

Mrs. Riedl was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and its Altar Society, all in Hoisington.

Survivors include a son, Mike Riedl and wife Karen of Hoisington; two daughters, Sandi Becker and husband Brad and Terri Hoeffner and husband Everett, all of Hoisington; dear friend, Joyce Zimmerman of Hoisington; two sisters, Helen O’Hair of Elkhart and Vaughnda Cain of Rio Vista, Calif.; and seven grandchildren, Nicole and Kris Schneider, Luke and Ryan Becker, and Danton, Mykela and Gavin Riedl. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Valta Clark.

Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday followed by an Altar Society rosary at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Burial will be at the St. John Cemetery in Hoisington. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to service time Thursday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Kans for Kids. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
415 N. Main
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 10, 2009

March 8, 2009

Leona W. Ehrlich 1930 - 2009

Leona W. Ehrlich, 78, died March 5 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus in Wichita. Born March 24, 1930, in Rush Center, she was the daughter of Alexander and Mollie Lock Maier. She married Glen Ehrlich on June 13, 1948, in Galatia. He survives. A lifetime resident of Russell and Great Bend, she was a cook for the Dominican Sisters in Great Bend.

Mrs. Ehrlich was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, WELCA, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 646 Auxiliary.

Survivors include her husband, of the home; two sons, Steven Ehrlich and wife Aleta of Great Bend and Scott Ehrlich and wife Caite of Beloit; three daughters, Sheryl MacDonald and husband Emerson of Otis, Sheila Ehrlich of Great Bend and Susan Bates and husband Richard of Hornell, N.Y.; four brothers, Ernest Wagner and Al Maier, both of Great Bend, Vernon Maier of Russell and Alan Maier of Otis; two sisters, Mary Ann Bieberle of Bushton and Elnora Garver of Humansville, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Chad Ehrlich and Candis Christiansen, both of Great Bend, Melinda Gorney of Reno, Nev., Terri Bahr of Albert, Travis MacDonald of Wamego, Hunter MacDonald of Otis and Beckett Kendrick of Beloit; five great-grandchildren, Desteny Christiansen, Gage Christiansen, Ike Bahr, Tommy Bahr and Addison Ehrlich.

Prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend with Pastor Adam Wutka officiating. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Great Bend. Friends may visit from 1 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark Building Fund or WELCA. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 8, 2009

Connie J. Zimmerman 1953 - 2009

Connie J. Zimmerman, 55, of Great Bend, died March 6 at her residence in Pawnee Rock. She was born June 24, 1953, in Lakin, the daughter of Vown O. and Billie Barler Epperson. She was a graduate of Pawnee Rock High School and a certified nurse’s aide.

Survivors include a son, Christopher Zimmerman of Great Bend; two daughters, Jennifer Zimmerman of Seward and Susie Zimmerman of Colorado Springs, Colo.; her stepmother, Joyce Epperson, Pawnee Rock; 14 brothers and sisters, and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Eddie Epperson, a sister, Vonda Joy Epperson, and her parents.

There will be no service. Memorials are suggested to the Huntington’s Foundation in care of Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons.

Arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Home
214 West Ave. South
Lyons, KS 67554
620-257-2211
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 8, 2009

Anna Freach 1915 - 2009

ST. JOHN — Anna Freach, 93, of St. John, died March 5 at South Wind Hospice House, Pratt. Born Nov. 14, 1915, at Pocono Summit, Pa., she was the daughter of George and Helen (Kedulich) Loyko. On Sept. 2, 1933, she married Stephen Freach at Taylor, Pa. He died in 1946. A medical equipment inspector and homemaker, she was a resident of St. John since 1995.

Mrs. Freach was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and Altar Society, Becton Dickinson Alumni Association and Becton Dickinson 25-year club.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Freach, St. John; three sisters, Helen Kniolek, Bangor, Pa., Mary Torreli, Kew Gardens, N.Y. and Susan Freach, Pocono Summit, Pa.; three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Mike, George, Jr. and John Loyko.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, St. John, with Father Gregory LeBlanc presiding. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Minnis Chapel, St. John. Rosary will be at 5 p.m. today at the church. Burial will be in the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John. Memorials are suggested to the church or to South Wind Hospice in care of Minnis Chapel.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
526 E. 4th/P.O. Box 34
St. John, KS 67576
620-549-3556
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 8, 2009

Ryan Hugh Dunlap 1969 - 2009

Ryan Hugh Dunlap, 39, died March 5 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. He was born Nov. 25, 1969 ,at Great Bend, the son of Rodney Hugh and Sharon Crupper Dunlap. He was an elementary school physical education teacher at Jefferson School and a member of the USD 428 district athletic training staff. He received his associate’s degree at Barton County Community College, and a bachelor’s degree at Southwestern College in Winfield. He was a lifetime resident of Great Bend.

Mr. Dunlap was a member of the Church of Christ in Great Bend.

Survivors include his mother, of Great Bend; two sisters, Cindy Miller and husband, Todd, of Hutchinson, and Cheryl Rugan and husband, Robert, of Great Bend; nieces and nephews, Jarrod and Candace Miller and Wyatt and Olivia Rugan; and his companion, Heather Thomas, and her children, Alyssa and Austin Wiehl, of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Highland Convention Center, 3017 West 10th St., Great Bend, with Byron Barrientez, officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery North. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends 6 to 8 p.m. Donations to the Ryan H. Dunlap Memorial Fund may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 8, 2009

Mark E. Pelster 1954 - 2009

Mark E. Pelster, 54, of Great Bend, died March 5 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. He was born Sept. 11, 1954, at Great Bend, the son of Robert LeRoy and Lodema June Garrett Pelster. He married Pamela J. Dewberry Dec. 27, 1978, at Great Bend. He worked in landscaping and was a truck driver and mechanic. He was a lifetime resident of Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Brian Dewberry and wife Cindy of Great Bend and Mark Pelster Jr., of Pawnee Rock; a daughter, April Scheuerman, Great Bend; two brothers, Robby Pelster of Ellinwood and Matt Pelster of Great Bend; his mother, of Great Bend; three sisters, Kim Pelster, Vicki Clawson and Debbie Tucker, all of Great Bend; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Pelster.

There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 8, 2009

Edwin “Butch” Schenk 1928 - 2009

OLMITZ — Edwin “Butch” Schenk, 80, died March 7 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. He was born June 22, 1928, on the family farm in rural Olmitz, to William F. and Emelia (Spitzka) Schenk. He married Norma Jean Rose on Nov. 8, 1949, at Great Bend. She died April 6, 2008. He was a welder and retired supervisor for Natural Gas Pipeline Company, Great Bend, receiving recognition for 37 years of service.

Mr. Schenk was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council No. 2100 4th Degree and was a past Grand Knight, former fire chief and city council member all of Olmitz. He loved fishing, hunting and camping.

Survivors include three four sons, Daniel E. Schenk and wife Linda, Albert, Gary J. Shenk and wife Sharon, Blue Springs, Mo., Thomas L. Schenk and wife Julie, Granger, Iowa, and Steve R. Schenk and wife Susan, Tonganoxie; two daughters, Sandra K. Voertman, Moravia, Iowa, and Brenda J. and husband Sam Asebedo, Thorton, Colo.; two brothers, Harold Schenk and wife Jean, Great Bend, and Bernard Schenk and wife Mary Jo, Great Bend; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Robert Schenk, and two sisters, Christina Steiner and Magdaline Steiner.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz, with Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Wake service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church, followed by K of C rosary. Burial will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington, 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church, and 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Ann Catholic Church or K of C Council No. 2100, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Arrangements provide by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 146; 415 North Main
Hoisington, Kansas 67544
(620) 653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 8, 2009

Terry J. “Pac” Henry

Terry J. “Pac” Henry, 60, of Great Bend, died March 7 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. Service is pending with Minnis Chapel, St. John.

Ronda Riedl

HOISINGTON — Ronda Riedl, 67, died March 7 at Promise Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson. Services are pending with Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.

March 6, 2009

Bernice Belcher 1938 - 2009

Graveside services for Bernice Belcher, 70, of Great Bend, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Pottersville Cemetery near West Plains, Mo., under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, Mo.

Miss Belcher died at 3:10 a.m. March 3 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born April 12, 1938, in Pratt, to John Thomas and Willia Rena Walker Belcher.

Miss Belcher was of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include two sisters, Catherine Yocham, of Gas, and Norma Goodenough, of Great Bend; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, two brothers and four sisters preceded her in death. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. today at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and mailed to the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Robertson-Drago Funeral Home
211 West Main
West Plains, MO 65775
417/256-2121
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 6, 2009

Ruby A. Wilcox 1912 - 2009

HOISINGTON — Ruby A. Wilcox, 96, died March 4 at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood. She was born Nov. 15, 1912, at Healy, the daughter of William Henry and Amelia Ann (Worley) Neal. She married Andrew J. Wilcox on Nov. 7,1942, at Great Bend. He died Sept. 26, 1954. She was a resident of Hoisington for many years, coming from Scott City. She cooked in several restaurants.

Mrs. Wilcox was a member of the Methodist church at Healy.

Mrs. Wilcox had no children of her own, but is survived by many nieces and nephews. Five brothers, Lawrence G., Henry F., Jessie G., Harold V. and John W. Neal, and a sister, Lena E. Granger, preceded her in death.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hoisington Cemetery with the Rev. John Grummon officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Memorial donations to the Ruby Wilcox Fund may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
415 North Main/P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 6, 2009

Shelley Denese “Cale” Doggett 1951 - 2009

Shelley Denese “Cale” Doggett, 57, died March 4 at her Great Bend residence. She was born Aug. 29, 1951, at Great Bend, the daughter of Chester V. and Carol L. “Carpenter” Cale. She married John L. Doggett on Jan. 2, 1982, at Great Bend. He survives. She had a degree in fashion merchandising and modeling from Patricia Stevens Career Colleges, Wichita; a degree in nursing and occupational therapy from Barton County Community College; and a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Kansas Newman University. She was a case manager for Rosewood Services and a lifetime resident of Great Bend. Shelley was one in a million, a wife, to husband John; mother to son, John Patrick; daughter to mother, Carol, and sister to siblings Patrick, Sue and Chet.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, of the home, include a son, John Patrick (J.P.) Doggett of Great Bend; her mother, Carol Cale of Great Bend; two brothers, L. Patrick Cale and wife Nancy and Chet Allen Cale and wife Connie, all of Great Bend; a sister, Sue Carole Siegfreid and Stuart, of Perry; an aunt, Ruby Veach of Colleyville, Texas; many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews and great-cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, John and Florence Carpenter, paternal grandparents, Clarence and Ava Cale, her father and a brother, Corby Lewis Cale.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. John Grummon officiating. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the family to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Donations to a memorial fund for the CKMC Foundation for the benefit of Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 6, 2009

March 5, 2009

Larry Lee Wiltse

TIOGA, La. — A Mass of Christian Burial for Larry Lee Wiltse was celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Pineville, La., with the Rev. Bruce Miller officiating. Interment was to be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville, La., under the direction of John Kramer and Son.

Mr. Wiltse, 66, of Tioga, passed away Feb. 27.

Mr. Wiltse was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Pineville, and was retired from CLECO at the Rodemacher Power Station in Boyce.

He is survived by his wife, Tracy Pias Wiltse of Tioga, La.; three sons, Stephen C. Manuel and wife, Angela, of Pollock, La., Christopher A. Manuel and wife, Sue, of Virginia Beach, Va., and John Charles Wiltse of Tioga; three daughters, Katherine Lee Heltz and husband, Jordan, and Laura Anne Wiltse, all of Houston, Texas, and Mary Elizabeth Wiltse of Tioga; one brother, Ken Wiltse; three sisters, Gail Hamilton, Jodi Wiltse and Patricia Wiltse, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. Wiltse and Mary Karline Dyer Wiltse.

A Christian Wake was held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Pineville. Memorials may be made to the Diocese of Alexandria Seminary Fund, P.O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71301. Online notes of condolence may be sent to the family at kramerfunerals@aol.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kramer Funeral Home*
2905 Masonic Drive
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 445-6311
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 5, 2009

Esther Alberta Spomer

LARNED — Esther Alberta Spomer, 99, died Feb. 28 at the Good Shepherd Medical Center, Hermiston, Ore. Service arrangements are pending and will be announced by Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned.

March 4, 2009

No deaths reported.

March 3, 2009

Mary Katheryn “Pollie” Stalcup 1931 - 2009

Mary Katheryn “Pollie” Stalcup, 77, died Feb. 28 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. Born Dec. 18, 1931, in South Haven, she was the daughter of Herbert and Martha Ruthrauff Clevenger. She married Ralph Stalcup on May 9, 1953, in Hutchinson. He survives. A resident of Great Bend since 1976, coming from Stafford County, she was a homemaker.

Mrs. Stalcup was a member of the First Christian Church in Great Bend. She was also an active bridge player.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph Stalcup, of the home; two sons, Kevin Stalcup and wife Diane and Richard Stalcup and wife Kristy, all of Great Bend; two daughters, Gia Scott and husband Patrick of Victoria and Pollie Unruh of Great Bend; a sister, Carolyn Kuhn and husband John of Emporia; 10 grandchildren, Barry Stalcup, Kelli Myers, Matt Stalcup, Ashley Fugitt, Taree Dougherty, Amy Folkerts, Cade Scott, Kaley Auston, MacKenzie Unruh and Madison Unruh; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the First Christian Church in Great Bend with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Ralph and Pollie Stalcup Family Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 3, 2009

Irene M. Revell 1917 - 2009

Irene M. Revell, 91, of Great Bend, died Feb. 28 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born June 8, 1917, in Johnson County, the daughter of David and Nellie Pointer. She married Jesse Easdon in 1935 but later divorced. In 1942 she married Cleo “Red” Revell. He died Aug. 31, 1997. She was a homemaker. In her earlier years she was secretary for Scheuffler’s Supply and was co-owner of Cleo Revell’s Oilfield Service. She lived most of her life in Great Bend, moving from Ellinwood.

Mrs. Revell was a former member and Sunday school teacher at Immanuel Baptist Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include a daughter, Joan Rathbun and husband Wayne of Great Bend; a brother, Carl Pointer of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Charlotte Rowe, Cheryl Lawson, Wayne Rathbun, Jr., Christina Rathbun, Monica Meek and Daniel Smith; 13 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Jean Smith, two brothers, Nelson Pointer and Floyd Pointer, and three sisters, Faye, Mae and Ethel.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. Dr. Doyle Smith officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home#
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 3, 2009

Bonnie Jo Wheeler 1924 - 2009

Bonnie Jo Wheeler, 84, of Great Bend, died March 2 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. She was born April 25, 1924, in Richland, Mo., the daughter of Albert and Ollie Elizabeth Brown Decker. She married Ivan A. Wheeler on Sept. 18, 1940, at Richland, Mo. He died Nov. 25, 1992. She was a homemaker and a resident of Great Bend since 1956, coming from Larned. Bonnie loved her family and enjoyed flowers and gardening.

Survivors include three sons, Jerry Wheeler and Terry Wheeler and wife Peggy, all of Great Bend, and Gary Paul Wheeler and wife Janet of Rose Hill; two daughters, Patricia Ellis of San Bernardino, Calif., and Debbie Eliason and husband Chad of Ellsworth; two sisters, Bessie McKay and Neva Miller, both of Richland, Mo.; 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Miles Wheeler, a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Wheeler, four brothers, Lloyd Decker, Lee Decker, Frank Decker and Raymond Decker, five sisters, Velma, Edith, Minnie, Betty and Ruby, and a granddaughter, Amanda Wheeler.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. Don Paden officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 3, 2009

Frances Irene (Healy) Janke 1920 - 2009

McCRACKEN — Frances Irene (Healy) Janke, 88, died Feb. 28 at Rush County Memorial Hospital in La Crosse. Born Oct. 3, 1920, in Hope, she was the daughter of Leo James and Anna Julia (Pientka) Healy. She was a 1938 graduate of Alta Vista High School. She married John Robert Janke on April 15, 1974, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McCracken. He died March 16, 1978. A resident of McCracken for 60-plus years, moving briefly to Hays before becoming a resident of the Rush County Nursing Home in La Crosse in February 2008, she was a homemaker and farm wife.

Mrs. Janke was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Altar Society, Athenian Club, Golden Agers Club and McCracken Golf Club, all of McCracken, and Sixty Plus Club of La Crosse.

Survivors include a daughter, Maureen Georg of Rush Center; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, Lawrence Healy and Paul Healy, and two sisters, Margaret Cavanaugh and Gertrude Campbell.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. today at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McCracken with Father Rene Labrador officiating. Burial will be at the McCracken City Cemetery. Friends may visit from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. today at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Rush County EMTs or the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Janousek Funeral Home
719 Pine
La Crosse, KS 67548
785-222-2517
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 3, 2009

March 1, 2009

Anice Malbrough LaBlanc Robinson 1915 - 2009

LOS ANGELES — Anice (Nanny) Malbrough LaBlanc Robinson died Feb. 13 in Los Angeles, Calif. She was born Dec. 12, 1915, in Rayne, La.

Survivors include two sons, Willie Jackson of Los Angeles and Larry Malbrough of Great Bend; two daughters, Marie Hawk and Edith McClellan, both of Los Angeles; a stepdaughter, Natalie Lewis of Palm Springs, Calif.; 23 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by four sons.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Dorothy Lucille Thornton 1912 - 2009

Dorothy Lucille Thornton, 96, of Great Bend died Feb. 25 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. She was born Oct. 16, 1912, at Emporia, the daughter of James and Lucille Curt Morrison. She married Harry Thornton in 1943 at Wichita. He died in 1981. She graduated from Liberal High School in 1931. During World War II she worked on B-17s (Flying Fortresses) in Cheyenne, Wyo. She was a beautician for about 17 years and then a librarian in Great Bend for eight years. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1945.

Mrs. Thornton was a member of First Christian Church.

She was an avid reader, lover of music and animals and a devoted Christian.

Survivors include two daughters, Alice Chambers and husband Frank of Wichita and Betty Curtin of Great Bend; a sister, Jeanine Martin of Stafford; three grandchildren, Kelly Curtin and wife Wendy of Farmington, N.M., Amanda Curtin of Mooresville, N.C., and Jill Chambers of Wichita; and four great-grandchildren, Mason, Mathew, Dylan and Zane. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Leslie Morrison, Ted Morrison, Don Morrison and Bill Morrison, and one sister, Dixie Haberman.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Great Bend Cemetery, with the Rev. Dick Ogle officiant. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, with the family to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to service time Wednesday, all at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Barton County Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Daniel L. “Dan” Musselman 1940 - 2009

McPHERSON — Daniel L. “Dan” Musselman, 68, died Feb. 27 at the Kansas Medical Center. Born April 10, 1940, in rural Brownell, he was the son of Charles Abraham and Vera Marie (White) Musselman. He attended and graduated from Lindsborg grade schools, attended and graduated from Ransom High School and received technical training through GM, Chrysler and Rambler automotive. He married Martha McKinney on Jan. 2, 1966, in Great Bend. They established their first home together in Great Bend. He was a resident of McPherson since 1966, moving from Great Bend. He was employed through the years as a mechanic for Ness City Motors, Fred Mackena Chevrolet and Oldsmobile, Oconnel Nash-Rambler and Marshall-Turner Chrysler-Plymouth; was a mechanic and manager for Klein’s Service Center; owner and operator of Dan’s Repair; employee for Swick-Guth; and was a maintenance mechanic for Certainteed Corporation until his retirement. He was currently working for Rinse and Roll car wash.

Mr. Musselman was a member of the Church of Christ in McPherson.

Survivors include his wife, Martha G. Musselman of McPherson; a son, Timothy and Tammra Musselman of Broken Arrow, Okla.; a daughter, Tammy Lynn Musselman of McPherson; three brothers, Russell and Clara Musselman of Burleson, Texas, Ross and Martha E. Musselman of Hutchinson and Kirk and Dot Musselman of Harvey, La.; two sisters, Ruth and Jim Torney of Valley Center and Esther Gottberg of Salina; and a grandson, Austin Musselman of Broken Arrow, Okla. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James “Jim” Musselman.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Glidden-Ediger Chapel in McPherson with Minister Glen Elliott officiating. Burial will be at the McPherson Cemetery. Friends may visit from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Christian Motorcyclist Association in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home*
222 West Euclid Street
McPherson, KS 67640
620-241-2550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Matthew E. Hays 1979 - 2009

RAYMOND — Matthew E. Hays, 30, died Feb. 27 at his residence in Raymond. He was born Feb. 24, 1979, at Greensburg. A longtime Raymond resident, he was a heavy-equipment operator. He attended Chase High School.

Mr. Hays was a member of the Raymond Baptist Church.

Survivors include his parents, Susie and Paul Reed of Raymond; a daughter, Kendra Hays of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; his grandfather, Jim Poland of Maple Hill; two brothers, Eric Reed, Great Bend, and Robert Burel of Winfield; four sisters, Holly Reed of Great Bend, Sheila K. Martin and Angela Sue Nestler, both of Fayetteville, Ark., and Linda Deneice Dolan of Winslow, Ark.; and 12 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by grandparents Ayline Poland, James Russell and Maggie Reed.

Funeral service will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Raymond Baptist Church, with the Rev. Bob Bethell officiating. Burial will be at Raymond Hilltop Cemetery, Raymond. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. Memorials are suggested to the Kendra Hays Education Fund in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Home
214 West Ave. South/P.O. Box 89
Lyons, KS 676554
620-257-2211
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Irene M. Revell 1917 - 2009

Irene M. Revell, 91, of Great Bend, died Feb. 28 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. She was born June 8, 1917, in Johnson County, the daughter of David and Nellie Pointer. She married Jesse Easdon in 1935 but later divorced. In 1942 she married Cleo “Red” Revell. He died Aug. 31, 1997. She was a homemaker. In her earlier years she was secretary for Scheuffler’s Supply and was co-owner of Cleo Revell’s Oilfield Service. She lived most of her life in Great Bend, moving from Ellinwood.

Mrs. Revell was a former member and Sunday school teacher at Immanuel Baptist Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include a daughter, Joan Rathbun and husband Wayne of Great Bend; a brother, Carl Rathbun of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Charlotte Rowe, Cheryl Lawson, Wayne Rathbun, Jr., Christina Rathbun, Monica Meek and Daniel Smith; 13 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Jean Smith, two brothers, Nelson Pointer and Floyd Pointer, and three sisters, Faye, Mae and Ethel.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. Dr. Doyle Smith officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

John Roy Evans 1920 - 2009

CLAFLIN - John Roy Evans, 88, died Feb. 27 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Oct. 22, 1920, at Claflin, the son of Roy Everett and Stella Smith Evans. He married Mace Alder on July 13, 1940, at Medicine Lodge. They enjoyed each other's lives for more than 64 years. She died Nov. 9, 2004. A 1938 graduate of Claflin High School, John Roy pursued higher education at Fort Hays State University, where he was the quarterback for the football team, competed in track, and pledged Phi Delta Chi.

John Roy attended Washburn University, later to be called away from his education to teach hydraulics to fighter pilots during World War II at Lincoln, Neb., Air Force Base. Upon his return to Kansas, he was involved in his family's dairy operations. Then, in 1949, he entered into a successful oil production business which evolved into John Roy Evans Oil Company, LLC, spanning more than 60 years. He also had a lifelong interest in farming. John Roy was also an official for both football and basketball games, officiating at the NJCAA championships.

As a lifetime Claflin resident, John Roy was a member of the United Methodist Church and Masonic Lodge, both of Claflin, Isis Shrine of Salina, and Consistory and KIOGA of Wichita. He and his wife were the first worthy patron and worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Holyrood. John Roy was a stockholder of American State Bank, and was a member of the Golden Eagle Advisory Board and BPOE, all of Great Bend. He had an active interest in the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum at Great Bend.

Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Evans and life partner Dr. Diane Radford, St. Louis, Mo., and Patricia Kirmer and husband Gary of Claflin; two granddaughters, Rachel Kirmer and Megan Kirmer; and a sister-in-law, Althea Alder of Evanston, Ill. He was preceded in death by his wife, an infant son and a sister, Rachel Evans Day.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Claflin, with the Rev. Gene Langhofer officiant. Interment will be at the Claflin Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations to memorial funds for the church or for the Claflin Ambulance Fund may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Mary Katheryn “Pollie” Stalcup

Funeral service for Mary Katheryn “Pollie” Stalcup of Great Bend will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, Great Bend. Mrs. Stalcup, 77, died Feb. 28 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. More details will be announced by Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, which is in charge of arrangements.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Theodore (Ted) Roosevelt Marbut 1932 - 2009

ELLINWOOD — Theodore (Ted) Roosevelt Marbut, 76, died Feb. 26 at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. He was born Oct. 26, 1932, at Purdy, Mo., the son of Hershell and Blanche Baker Marbut. He was a Barton County resident for the past 12 years, formerly of Tracy, Calif. He worked in auto body shop paint and body maintenance.

Survivors include a daughter, Vickie Foster of Houston, Texas; three brothers, Frederick Marbut of Joplin, Mo., Allen Marbut of Hemet, Calif., and Roy Marbut of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a sister, Juanita Edwards of Mesa, Ariz. He was preceded in death by a son, Dale Allen Marbut, and seven brothers, Leon, Jesse, Curtis, Onan, James, Ralph and Joe Marbut.

Burial was to be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Great Bend.

Arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home
113 North Main
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Sister Joel Christoph OP 1942 - 2009

Sister Joel Christoph, 67, died Feb. 26 in the Dominican Sisters’ convent infirmary, Great Bend. Born Feb. 24, 1942, as Judith Cristoph, Sister Joel was the daughter of Dorothy Hickel Cristoph and the late Leo Christoph. She entered the Dominican Sisters’ Community Sept. 1, 1960, and pronounced her first vows June 13, 1963. She celebrated 25 years of religious profession in 1988.

Sister Joel began her ministerial life in 1965 as a teacher of grades 6-8 in parochial elementary schools in Kansas and Colorado. In 1986 she spent a year serving in La Puente, a shelter for the homeless in Alamosa, Colo. She was an assistant in novice formation in the Sisters’ mission in Gusau, Nigeria, from 1988 to 1990 and from 1990 to 1994 served as a councilor on the community’s Leadership Team. She was an activity director in Salina at St. Joseph Children’s Home following her service in Nigeria.

After moving to Great Bend in 1992 she served in several capacities: At Heartland Center for Spirituality, as formation minister for the community and in pastoral services. After her SoulJourners program in Atchison, she was certified as a spiritual director and ministered in Atchison, in Dodge City, in Concordia and Great Bend. Sister Joel will also be remembered for her artwork, poetry and artistic bulletin boards, and for her contemplative and beautiful environments for prayer and liturgy. She was animator, sustainer and organizer of the Sisters’ Community’s Annual Mission Bazaar every November.

Sister Joel moved to the convent infirmary in 2008 with advanced stages of cancer.

Survivors include her Dominican Sisters’ community; her mother, of Lenexa; one sister, Mary Therese Lees and husband Hank of Topeka; and two brothers, Thomas of Overland Park and James and wife Janice, nephew Michael and niece Sarah, all of Kansas City, Kan.

Sister Joel’s body was brought to the hospitality area of the Dominican Chapel of the Plains, 3600 Broadway, Great Bend, at 4 p.m. Saturday, where it will lie in state until the Liturgy of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. Monday with the Rev. Marvin Reif presiding. A wake service will be held at 7 p.m. today. Burial will be in the Sisters’ Resurrection Cemetery. Both the wake and the funeral will be held at the convent (chapel address above). Memorials in honor of Sister Joel may be sent to Dominican Sisters Ministry Fund, Office of Mission and Ministry, 3600 Broadway, Great Bend, KS 67530-3692. Friends may call at the convent from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and until the time of the funeral on Monday.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009

Robert E. Spielman 1947 - 2009

LYONS — Robert E. Spielman, 62, died Feb. 26 at his Lyons residence. Born Feb. 22, 1947, in Beloit, he was the son of Hubert M. and Ruth E. Becker Spielman. A certified public accountant, he had lived in Lyons since 1974. He married Sheila Needham on Oct. 4, 1969, at Abilene. He graduated from Simpson High School in Simpson and received an Associate’s Degree from York (Neb.) College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University.

Mr. Spielman was a member of the Church of Christ, Lyons, Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, AICPA, KSCPA, past president and member of the USD 405 School Board, Silver Maple Camp board, past Lyons Chamber of Commerce Board member, and former member of the Board of Trustees at York College.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila, of the home; two daughters, Shaeley Santiago and husband Anthony of Ames, Iowa, and Junessa Dodds and husband Kevin of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister, Barbara Axtell and husband Charles of Beloit; mother-in-law Billie Needham of Abilene; brothers and sisters-in-law Gary and Carol Needham, and Loyd and Carol Needham, all of Abilene; Scot and Dayna Needham, McPherson, Wade and Lola Needham, and Sandy and Rod Paulson, all of Abilene; Phil and Shelley Needham of Freeman, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Malkan and Kaysia Santiago and Isaac and Hosea Dodds. His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Christ in Lyons with Elton Albright, Robert Taverner and Ivy Conner officiating. Burial will be at Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Silver Maple Camp, Lyons Rotary Club or Rotary International in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Home*
214 West Ave. South/P.O. Box 89
Lyons, KS 676554
620-257-2211
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 1, 2009 top