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July 31 , 2008

Mary Schuster 1920 - 2008

ELLIS — Mary Schuster, 88, of Ellis died July 27 at St. John’s Rest Home in Hays. She was born June 29, 1920, in rural Ellis County to Ignatz and Elizabeth (Weber) Flax. She married Frank Schuster on May 5, 1942, in Ellis. He preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 1996. She was a homemaker.

Her memberships included St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and Altar Society.

She is survived by five sons, Virgil Schuster and wife Rosalie of Ellis, Verlin Schuster and wife Luella of Great Bend, Larry Schuster and wife Mary of Holcomb, LaVerne Schuster and wife Barbara of Russell and David Schuster and wife Karla of Ellis; two daughters, Elizabeth Newton and husband Jim of Ellis and Mary Lou Newcomer and husband Keevin of Ogallah; three sisters, Anna Geist of WaKeeney, and Regina Schuster and Bertha Riedel, both of Ellis; 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Francis Schuster, three sisters, Rosie Berens, Katie Dinkel and Ida Mae Windholz, and one brother.

Services will be at 10 a.m. today at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 9:30 a.m. today at Wasinger-Keithley Funeral Chapel, Ellis. A parish vigil service was held Wednesday evening at the church followed by a Daughters of Isabella Rosary service. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Wasinger-Keithley Funeral Chapel*
400 East 17th
Ellis, KS 67637
785-726-4400
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 31, 2008

Melissa “Missy” Gibbs 1966 - 2008

Melissa “Missy” Gibbs of Great Bend rode off with the angels on a Harley trike on July 26. Missy was born Feb. 14, 1966, in Deadwood, S.D. She was preceded in death by her mothers Linda Smith and Ina Spohn. She is survived by her husband Steven Herren, of Great Bend, three loving daughters, Heather Voetz, of Wichita, Cristal McIntyre, of Lincoln, and Amber (Michael) McIntyre, of Orangville, Utah, as well as the loves of her life, her six grandchildren, Ashlyn, Olivia, Jennifer, Angel, Jayden and Aspin. She is also survived by sisters Michelle Olana and Melinda Adolf. She was loved by everyone who knew her and was happiest playing with her grandchildren, riding Harleys and traveling.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Assembly of God Church, 601 S. Patton Road in Great Bend.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Davis Mortuary*
128 Broadway Ave
Pueblo, CO 81004
719-542-1984
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 31, 2008

July 30 , 2008

Mark A. Houston 1959 - 2008

BALTIMORE, Md. — Mark A. Houston, 49, of Baltimore, formerly of Larned, died July 16. He was born April 27, 1959, at Goodland. Mr. Houston graduated from Larned High School in 1978 and entered the U.S. Navy. A hospital corpsman, he graduated with distinction from Advanced X-Ray School of the Uniformed Health Sciences College in Portsmouth, Va., in 1988. He served in Desert Storm and also obtained the specialized Air Warfare Wings. He retired as a hospital corpsman first class (HM1(AW)) in 1998. He worked throughout the Baltimore-Washington area as a radiology technician until his death. He was an avid saltwater fisherman.

Besides his loving wife of 24 years, Delva, he is survived by a sister, Dorla Jeroue Houston of Denver; maternal aunts Wanda Hurd (Lorenzo) of Larned and Billie Hammond of Fort Worth, Texas; and paternal uncle Emanuel Houston of Arvada, Colo., as well as other aunts, uncles, family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Arzola Mae Brooks Davis of Larned and Floyd A. Houston of Denver, and a sister, Joyce Houston Plougher.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Veterans of Foreign Wars Jack Kreiger Post 7271, 603 Edwards St. in Larned. Burial will be private.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Cremation Society of Maryland*
301 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
410-788-1800
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 30, 2008

Milton N. Ney 1933 - 2008

CLAFLIN — Milton N. Ney, 75, died July 29 at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born April 19, 1933, in rural Claflin, the son of Michael J. and Bessie Bednesek Ney. He married Marge Burkhart on Feb. 12, 1958, at Larned. He was the former owner of Milt Dozer Service and after retirement worked part-time for several area farmers. He was a lifetime resident of the Claflin area. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Recon Unit in Austria from 1953 to 1955. His hobbies were trap shooting, hunting and fishing.

Mr. Ney was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a life member of the Ralph B. Praeger VFW Post, both of Claflin.

Survivors include three sons, Jerry Ney, Tom Ney and John Ney, all of Great Bend; two daughters, Amy Ney of Great Bend and Jeanie Clarke of Hutchinson; a brother, Richard Ney of Claremore, Okla.; a sister, Arlene Kirschner of Broomall, Pa.; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Ney and Kathleen Ney, and one sister, Dolores Wirth.

Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Burial will be at St. Catherine Cemetery, Dubuque, with military graveside rites. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Reno County, 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, July 30, 2008

Wendell Ray Curtis 1935 - 2008

Wendell Ray Curtis, 72, of Great Bend, passed away July 28 at Hutchinson Hospital, Hutchinson. He was born Aug. 7, 1935 in Great Bend, the son of Gustus E. and Louise Giesler Curtis. Wendell graduated from Hudson High School in 1953 and participated in all sports, excelling in football. He attended Purdue University and Wichita State University. He was employed by Welex for 25 years and later started Wire Tech logging services. On June 5, 1955, he married Jacqueline (Jackie) Newell at the Stafford United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife Jackie and children: Alan Curtis, Denise Haddon and Reed Conner, all of Great Bend, Robin Curtis of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Brent and Pam Curtis of Great Bend. Grandchildren include Brian and Amanda Haddon, Melissa Haddon, Greg Curtis, Chris Curtis and Kelly Curtis and a great- granddaughter is Kamie Haddon. Other survivors include a brother, Harold and Joyce Curtis of Hudson, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Larry.

Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Trinity Community Church in Hudson. Inurnment will be at the Trinity Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Community Church or the American Lung Association in care of Minnis Chapel in Stafford.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel*
125 N. Main
Stafford, KS 67578
620-234-5261
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 30, 2008

July 29 , 2008

Presley Herndon 1938 - 2008

DIGHTON — Presley Herndon, 70, died July 26 at Lane County Long Term Care in Dighton. He was born Feb. 2, 1938, at Scott City, the son of William Walter and Thelma Leota (Owen) Herndon. He married Corinne Lindholm at Lindsborg on March 28, 1959.

Mr. Herndon was a member of the First Christian Church and the USD 482 Board of Education, both of Dighton, and was a life member of Music Educators National Conference and the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Presley grew up near Amy and attended a country school. He graduated from Dighton High School, where he was active in the school band, choir, drama, football team, track team, KAYS Club and Boys’ State. He earned his degree in music education from Bethany College. While at Bethany he participated in the Bethany College Choir, the Bethany College Symphonic Band, Bethany Oratorio Society, and was a member of Pi Sigma Chi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was a music teacher in the Kansas communities of Radium, Rozel/Pawnee Heights, Ransom and Stafford.

Using his love, humor, wit and educational expertise, he opened the world of music to his students. After retiring he continued his work in education as a co-director of the High Plains Barbershop Chorus, substitute-teaching, volunteering to work with ensembles and repairing band instruments and was very proud that all three of his children became teachers. He also operated the family farm in Lane and Gove counties. Here he shared his love of the land and of nature with his family and those who worked for him. Ever the educator, he was able to teach and develop others in being custodians of the land. He moved back permanently to Dighton in 1996.

Survivors include his wife, Corinne Herndon, of the home; two sons and their wives, Brian and Shaun Herndon of Tuddern, Germany, and Brad and Jeannie Herndon of Iola; a daughter, Kristin Herndon of Garden City; a brother, Walter Owen Herndon of Dighton; a sister, Doris Robb of Dighton; and 10 grandchildren, Sierra and Grace Herndon of Tuddern, Jordan, Michael and Kaatje Herndon of Iola, Elizabeth and Lance Carlon of Vernon, Texas, Jessica and Damon Andrews of Colby and Joshua Johnson of Morgan City, La. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Kelly Lindholm, and a brother-in-law, Michael Lindholm.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church, Dighton, with the Rev. Howard Bever officiating. Burial will be at Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Dighton High School Stadium Renovation Project or to the Lane County Hospital, in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, Dighton. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to: garnandfh@sbcglobal.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Boomhower Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 891
Dighton, KS 67839
620-397-5792
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 29, 2008

Robert Earl "Bobby" Morrison 1965 - 2008

SAND SPRINGS, Okla. — Robert Earl “Bobby” Morrison, 42, died July 25 at Sand Springs. He was born Sept. 3, 1965, at Great Bend, the son of Joyce and George A. Windham. He was a cosmetologist.

Survivors include his parents, of Sand Springs; a sister, Stormy Ochs and husband Andrew of Great Bend; grandmothers Maybell Windham of Sanford, N.C., and Claudie Jean Biles of Heizer; a special cousin and caregiver to Bobby, Melissa Morrison of Sand Springs; aunts and uncles, Condray and Connie Windham of Sanford, N.C., Ronald and Beverly Windham, Vicky and Larry Goodwin, Kitty Windham and Geraldine Windham, all also of Sanford, Dennis and Josie Morrison and George Morrison, all of Sand Springs, Craig and Becky Morrison, Gary Morrison and Cora Murphy, all of Hutchinson, and Virginia Rowen of Great Bend; and numerous cousins and second cousins from North Carolina and Kansas. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Hubert Windham of Sanford, his grandparents, George and Faye Morrison of Great Bend, and his grandfather, Roy Biles of Heizer.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Four Square Church in Great Bend, with the Rev. David LeRoy and the Rev. Elaine LeRoy officiating.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Mark Griffith Memorial Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel
4424 South 33rd West Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74107
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 29, 2008

Dr. Homer Burket Russell 1916 - 2008

LEAWOOD — Homer Russell, 92, Leawood, a World War II veteran, passed away July 25. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 16 at Town Village Leawood, 4400 West 115th St., Leawood, KS 66211. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Kansas, 5280 Foxridge Drive, Mission, KS 66202, ksso.org, or Grace Hospice, 9233 Ward Parkway, Suite 201, Kansas City, MO 64114, gracehospicekc.com.

Dr. Russell was born at St. Rose Hospital, Great Bend, on June 24, 1916. He graduated from Princeton University in 1939, then attended Northwestern Medical School in Chicago, and took his internship and two-year residency in pathology at St. Luke’s Hospital. He spent two years in the U. S. Army in the Mediterranean Theater, returned to Great Bend to take up medical practice for five years, then returned to Chicago for his fellowship in general surgery and to finish surgical residency. He was the second generation of Russells who were physicians in Great Bend for more than 70 continuous years. Dr. Russell practiced adult medicine and general surgery. He was a surgeon and past chief of staff at Central Kansas Medical Center. After retiring to Arkansas, he established the first medical office in Pea Ridge, Ark., becoming the town's only doctor, where he practiced for 10 additional years.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria, children Homer Jr., Danbury, Conn.; Rodney (Isabella), Dallas, Texas; Susan (Roger), Oklahoma City, Okla.; Philip (Alice), Dallas; Preston, Pea Ridge, Ark.; Bob (Pattie) Wright, Boonton, N.J.; Susan (Bob) Harrison, Overland Park; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kccremation.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri*
8837 Roe Avenue
Prairie Village, KS 66207
913-383-9888
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 29, 2008

Marvin J. Dreiling 1928 - 2008

WICHITA — Marvin J. Dreiling, 79, went to be with the Lord July 26. A rosary service was at 7 p.m. Monday at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West, Wichita. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. today at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 861 North Socora in Wichita. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. today at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Marvin was born Oct. 31, 1928, in Victoria, to Agatha and Aquilinus Dreiling. He moved to Ellinwood as a teenager and eventually had his own business manufacturing oilfield production equipment. As a young man, Marvin moved with his family to Wichita, where he worked as a maintenance superintendent in the petroleum and trucking industries.

He was known for his innovative mind and dedication to his work. After retiring from Universal Lubricants in Wichita, Marvin pursued his lifelong artistic talent at wood carving and metal sculpturing. He was devoted to his family and always willing to help all in need. Due to his father’s untimely death, Marvin was regarded as the patriarch of the family.

Survivors are his wife, Thelma; children and their spouses, Charlene Dreiling, Dennis and Dawn Dreiling, Ruth and Mike Blick, Rich and Sarah Dreiling, Mark Dreiling and Carol and Joe Critchlow; grandchildren, Jennifer, Allison and Brian Ray, Michelle and Cory Dreiling, Jason and Megan Blick, Rebecca, Felicia, Melissa, Nicholas, Daniel and Anastasia Dreiling and Travis and Jonathan Critchlow; a brother, Harold Dreiling and family; brothers in law, Donald Warnken and family, Victor Hoffman, his wife, Evelyn, and their family, and Loren Kutina, his wife Arlene and their family. Preceding Marvin in death were his parents, a brother, Kenneth, a sister, Twyla Warnken, and an infant granddaughter, Nicole. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with The Guadalupe Clinic, 940 South St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67211. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Downing & Lahey Mortuary West*
10515 West Maple
Wichita, KS 67209
316-773-4553
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 29, 2008

Effie Brack 1914 - 2008

MANHATTAN — Effie Brack, 93, formerly of Great Bend, and living at the Homestead Assisted Living Residence in Manhattan, died July 25 at Stoneybrook Health Center in Manhattan. She was born Oct. 5, 1914, in Rush County, the daughter of Emmanuel and Emma (Erb) Sell. On July 24, 1938, she married August “Lefty” Brack at Bazine. Early on they farmed in Barton County, later moving to Great Bend in 1946. This is where she resided until June 2007, when she moved to Manhattan.

Effie was preceded in death by her husband in December of 1982. Also preceding her were her parents, an infant daughter, her brother, Roy Sell, and a son-in-law, George Eads. She is survived by two daughters, Karen Foltmer of Fort Worth, Texas, and Phyllis Eads of Manhattan; four grandchildren, Kandy McCorkle of Fort Worth, Michael Foltmer of Keller, Texas, Scott Eads and wife Crickett of Winfield and Kristi Cornejo and husband Mathew of Manhattan; a stepgranddaughter, Jennifer Swafford and husband Jamie of Herington; three great-grandchildren, Dominika Cornejo, Diego Cornejo and Darianna Cornejo, all of Manhattan; a stepgreat-grandson, Lincoln Swafford of Herington; and two sisters, Freda Schwartz of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Clara Finkenbinder of Thornton, Colo.

Effie loved to cook, sew and do “fancy work.” She had a wonderful sense of humor that will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. today at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the church, at 5860 Eisenhower Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530 or Homecare and Hospice, 323 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Funeral arrangements provided by:
Charter Funeral Home*
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 29, 2008

Sandra "Sandy" Donovan 1959 - 2008

MULVANE — Sandra “Sandy” Donovan, 49, died July 21 in Wichita. She was born April 18, 1959, in Great Bend. She was a homemaker.

Survivors include two sons, Craig Donovan of Mulvane and Joshua Donovan of Catoosa, Okla.; a daughter, Melissa Sears of Mulvane; two brothers, George Fanatia Jr. of Springfield, Mo., and Fred Fanatia of Portland, Ore.; her mother, Ada Grace Fanatia of Great Bend and six grandchildren.

Funeral service was July 25 at Senter-Smith Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Dane Massey of the Mulvane Christian Church officiating.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 29, 2008

Fridolina E. Schenk 1917 - 2008

Fridolina E. Schenk, 91, of Great Bend, died July 26 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born Feb. 5, 1917, at Otis, the daughter of Anton J. Schenk Sr. and Emelia Haberman Schenk. She was a waitress and later a caregiver.

A lifetime resident of Barton County, Ms. Schenk was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose.

Survivors include a nephew, Jim Cain, and his wife Robin, and a niece, Karen Perry-Hayes and her husband Vernon, all of Great Bend; four great-nephews, Chris Cain, Steve Cain, Michael Perry and Jason Perry; three great-great-nephews and five great-great-nieces. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Anton Schenk, Jr., Ben Schenk and Leonard Schenk, and four sisters, Albina Schenk, Margaret Cox, Stephanie Cain and an infant sister.

An altar society rosary was held at 4 p.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Vigil service was held Monday evening at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Floyd McKinney officiant. Interment will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the church. Donations to a memorial fund for Prince of Peace Parish 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, July 29, 2008

July 27 , 2008

Fridolina E. Schenk

Fridolina E. Schenk, 91, died July 26 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. Arrangements are pending with Bryant Funeral Home.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 27, 2008

Milton 'Mitch' Weide 1915 - 2008

TOPEKA — Milton “Mitch” Weide, 93, died July 24 at Presbyterian Manor in Topeka. He was born April 30, 1915, at Kansas City, Mo., the son of August G. and Rose K. Blaich Weide. He married Mary Marcella Fleming on Nov. 26, 1937, at Spearville. She survives. A lifelong resident of Great Bend, until moving to Topeka in 2003, he was an appliance salesman at Sears for 24 years, retiring in 1978.

Mr. Weide was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the B.P.O.E., all of Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, John Weide and Joseph Weide and wife Melissa, all of Topeka, and Jay Weide and wife Shawn of St. Louis Park, Minn.; one daughter, Jan Funnell and husband Kevin of Frisco, Texas; three sisters, Kathryn Snyder of San Marcos, Texas, Louise Zook of Lakewood, Calif., and Doris West of Sedona, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son James Weide; a daughter June Nylin; two brothers, August Weide Jr. and Donald E. Weide; and two sisters, Margaret Alber and Frances Amerine.

A vigil service with Knights of Columbus Rosary will take place at 7 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiating. Inurnment will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peach 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 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 27, 2008

Effie Brack 1914 - 2008

MANHATTAN — Effie Brack, 93, formerly of Great Bend, and the Homestead Assisted Living Residence in Manhattan, died July 25 at Stoneybrook Health Center in Manhattan. She was born Oct. 5, 1914, in Rush County, the daughter of Emmanuel and Emma (Erb) Sell. On July 24, 1938, she married August “Lefty” Brack at Bazine. Early on they farmed in Barton County, later moving to Great Bend in 1946. This is where she resided until June 2007, when she moved to Manhattan.

Effie was preceded in death by her husband in December of 1982. Also preceeding her were her parents, an infant daughter, her brother, Roy Sell, and a son-in-law, George Eads. She is survived by two daughters, Karen Foltmer of Fort Worth, Texas, and Phyllis Eads of Manhattan; four grandchildren, Kandy McCorkle of Fort Worth, Michael Foltmer of Keller, Texas, Scott Eads and wife Crickett of Winfield and Kristi Cornejo and husband Mathew of Manhattan; a step-granddaughter, Jennifer Swafford and husband Jamie of Herington; three great-grandchildren, Dominika Cornejo, Diego Cornejo and Darianna Cornejo, all of Manhattan; a step-great-grandson, Lincoln Swafford of Herington; and two sisters, Freda Schwartz of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Clara Finkenbinder of Thornton, Colo.

Effie loved to cook, sew and do “fancy work.” She had a wonderful sense of humor that will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Charter Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5860 Eisenhower Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530 or Homecare and Hospice, 323 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Funeral arrangements provided by:
Charter Funeral Home*
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 27, 2008

Danver C. Elliott 1916 - 2008

RUSH CENTER — Danver C. Elliott, 91, died July 25 at Royal Terrace in Olathe. He was born Dec. 14, 1916, at Tiff City, Mo., the son of Abe and Lou Manard Elliott. He married Betty Andreae in 1945 in Great Bend. She died in November 1984. A past resident of Stafford, Larned and Rush Center, he was a mechanic.

Mr. Elliott was a veteran of World War II, serving with the Army Air Corps as a ground crew chief. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge, American Legion and the Poker Club, all of Great Bend.

Survivors include a son Dennis and wife Karen of Springhill, and two grandchildren.

A graveside service will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Trinity Cemetery in Hudson.

Funeral arrangements provided by:
Minnis Chapel, Stafford
125 N. Main St.
Stafford, KS 67578
620-234-5261
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 27, 2008

Elmer V. Miller 1923 - 2008

Elmer V. Miller, 85, of Great Bend, died July 26 at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend. He was born April 12, 1923, in Barton County, the son of Henry and Anna Koch Miller. He married Irene Kraft on Jan. 5, 1945, in Galatia. She died on March 12, 1979. He married Talma Parker Drake on Sept. 4, 1982, in Great Bend. She survives. A resident of Great Bend since 1979, coming from Otis, he was a self-employed building contractor.

Mr. Miller was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Maynard Miller and wife, Shari, and Richard Miller and wife Suzie, all of Great Bend; one stepson, Allen Drake of Midland, Texas; two daughters, Sharon Brack and husband Roger of Otis and Patti Klima and husband Gary of Great Bend; two stepdaughters, Valerie Ryan and husband Darrell and Jennifer Rageth and husband Dale Sr., all of Russell; three sisters, Velma Steiben of Otis, Violet Scheuerman of Denver, Colo., and Mary Ann Roseberry of Alexander, Ark.; seven grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Irvin Miller.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with the Rev. James A. Strasen officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Galatia. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark Lutheran Church or the Mosaic Foundation, which is used to enrich the lives of people with disabilities, both 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, July 27, 2008

July 25 , 2008

John J. Hahn 1947 - 2008

WINFIELD — John J. Hahn, 61, of Winfield, passed away Wednesday afternoon, July 23, at his home. Born July 23, 1947, in Winfield, he was the son of Francis Keith and Mary Ruth (Dobbs) Hahn. He was raised in Winfield, attending Holy Name Catholic School and graduating from Winfield High School. He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a short time and later trained for the Winfield Fire Department. On Oct. 8, 1982, John married Connie (Slater) Moschetti in Great Bend. John played drums with Mike Finigan in Wichita, was a firefighter for the Winfield Fire Department and worked for the police department in Wichita and was later transferred to Great Bend. What started out as a hobby, training retrievers, turned into his life’s work when he owned Cheyenne Retriever Training Kennels in Hoisington. He owned and operated the kennel for 25 years. The couple moved to the Texhoma area, where John guided and taught fly fishermen and the art of fly fishing. He was an artist when it came to tying flies.

John had a stroke in 2004, and the couple moved back to Winfield, which he considered home, in 2005. In early 2006, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. John was an avid member of Ducks Unlimited, the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Nature Conservancy. He was contagious; no matter what the circumstances of meeting Mr. Hahn, you never forgot him. He played a great Santa Claus and loved meeting new people. He was an avid hunter, but fly fishing was his passion.

His family includes his wife, Connie, of the home; his children, Dan Hahn of Missouri and Mick Moschetti and wife, Kelly, of Commerce City, Colo.; his brother, James Hahn and wife, Jeana, of Hutchinson; his sister, Margaret McGuire and husband, Ralph of Fall River; his grandchildren, Allison, Emily, and Aaron; his mother-in-law, Norma Moody of Farmington, N.M.; his sisters-in-law, Shirley Divido and husband, Joe, of Monument, Colo., and Loydeen Long and husband, Bill, of Farmington, N.M.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Colleen.

Mr. Hahn’s body has been donated to the Oregon Tissue Bank for cancer research. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in John’s name for the family to help defray expenses. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Miles Funeral Service*
P.O. Box 720
Winfield, KS 67156
620-221-1111
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 25, 2008

Brina Brown 1920 - 2008

WICHITA — Brina Brown, 88, died July 22 at Lakewood Senior Living-Seville, in Wichita. She was born April 11, 1920, at Hilham, Tenn., the daughter of Lee and Susie Wright Allen. She was a former cosmetologist and interior decorator, having worked at Sears, Singer Sewing Center and JC Penney. She had lived in the Wichita area for 40 years.

Ms. Brown was of the Lutheran faith.

Survivors include a son, Clair LaRiviere of Haysville; a daughter, Madonna; a sister, Susie Lee Hyson; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Catheline Brown, three brothers, Earl Allen, Dillard Allen and Jack Allen, and three sisters, Mabel Thorn, Artemas Lynn and Lucille.

There will be no service or visitation, as cremation has taken place. A private family inurnment will occur at the Hoisington Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 25, 2008

Cornelius Edward "Buddy" Webster 1938 - 2008

Cornelius Edward “Buddy” Webster, 69, of Great Bend, died July 23 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Sept. 12, 1938, at Neosho, Mo., the son of Durwood and Edna Classen Webster. He married Gladys Mae Sanders on July 4, 1959, at Great Bend. She survives. He was a self-employed contractor and a security guard at Central Kansas Medical Center. He was a resident of Great Bend since 1948, coming from Missouri. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the United States Army. He was a foster parent for 33 years.

Mr. Webster was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Gladys, of the home, include two sons, Charles Webster and wife Debbie of Great Bend and David Webster and wife Catherine of Glenwood, Iowa; two daughters, Pamela Vainer and husband David, and Brenda Brown and companion Ronald Young, all of Great Bend; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Vainer, Matthew Vainer, Cory Webster, Michah Webster, Abby Brown, Megan Brown and Chelsea Webster. He was preceded in death by a brother, Doyle Webster, and three sisters, Dixie Reed, Margaret Radford and Ada Rupp.

A vigil service will be at 6 p.m. today at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a fund for the Prince of Peace Youth Program, 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, July 25, 2008

July 24 , 2008

Eleanor Marie Riedl 1918 - 2008

HOISINGTON — Eleanor Marie Riedl, 90, died July 22 at her Hoisington home. She was born June 18, 1918, at Hoisington, the daughter of Frank and Mary “Schreiber” Pelz. She married John C. Riedl, Sr., on July 6, 1943, at Hoisington. He died July 5, 1988. She was a homemaker and a retired employee of Hoisington Lutheran Hospital.

A lifetime resident of the Hoisington area, Mrs. Riedl was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and its altar society, both of Hoisington.

Survivors include two sons, Frank J. Riedl of Great Bend and John C. Riedl, Jr., of Hoisington; a son-in-law, Jim Reeves, of Oberlin; three sisters, Rosie Peschka of Wilson, Kathryn Mater of Great Bend and Shirley Pelz of Hoisington; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Riedl, and a daughter, Joanne Reeves.

A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with Father Dwight Birket officiating. Burial will be at the St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church 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/Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 24, 2008

Kenneth E. Scheufler 1931 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — Kenneth E. Scheufler, 76, died July 22 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He wa born Sept. 25, 1931, at Great Bend, the son of Pete and Johannah Hinricks Scheufler. A lifetime Barton County resident, he married Gerrie M. Crussell on June 7, 1952, at Yuma, Ariz. He was a farmer/stockman, founder of S & H Feeders, co-owner of Great Bend Livestock Commission and built the Pawnee Valley Feedlot at Burdett. He was a 1949 Ellinwood Rural High School graduate.

Mr. Scheufler was a member of First Baptist Church of Ellinwood and of Kansas Flying Farmers.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1953.

Survivors include his wife, Gerrie, of the home; a son, Rick Scheufler and wife Yvonne of Topeka; two daughters, Vicki McCulley of Great Bend and Shelly Johnson and husband Scott of Gatesville, Texas; six grandchildren, Korey and Keifer McCulley, Brek and Madison Johnson and Hannah and Carlie Scheufler. He was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Scheufler Jr., a sister, Arlene Spece, his parents, a stepmother, Charlotte W. Scheufler, and a granddaughter, Lydia Scheufler.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, south of Ellinwood, with the Rev. Paul Thomas officiant. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, with family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home*
113 North Main
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 24, 2008

Joyce LaVon Kruckenberg 1938 - 2008

Joyce LaVon Kruckenberg, 69, died July 22 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born Sept. 18, 1938, at home in Plains, the daughter of Archie B. and Alma M. McCoy Graham. A graduate of Plains High School, she was a resident of Great Bend since 1963, coming from Hutchinson. She married Homer A. Kruckenberg on Feb. 4, 1957, at Manhattan. He survives. LaVon was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening and service to others.

Mrs. Kruckenberg was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and sang in the choir at one time, and often served lunches for the auxiliary mission at her church. She was a former member of the Pilot Club of Great Bend. LaVon also served as Barton County Democratic chairwoman in 1976. In June of 1977 she was invited to and attended dinner at the White House with President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale. Governor Joan Finney was a guest in her home and Finney appointed LaVon to the Citizens Utilities Ratepayer Board, where she took a keen interest in oversight of electric rates and the potential of renewable wind energy.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, of the home, include two daughters, Gretchen Titus-Schmitt of Prairie Village and Kaydene Truitt of Turon; two sons, Kyle Kruckenberg of Great Bend and John Kruckenberg and wife Lyndsay of Claflin; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. LaVon was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Duane Graham and Neil Graham, and a granddaughter, Emily Anne Kruckenberg.

A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. James A. Strasen officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Donations to a memorial fund for Trinity Lutheran Church may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 24, 2008

July 23 , 2008

Nina Marie Sceals Steuri 1917 - 2008

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Nina Marie Sceals Steuri, 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 20. Nina was born at home in Hudson, in Stafford County, Feb. 12, 1917, to Florence Lucinda Merritt Sceals and Denver Lester Sceals. She married the love of her life, Eldon Wayne Steuri, on Nov. 21, 1937. He preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 1984. Their union was blessed by the birth of a son, John Eldon, and a daughter, Suzanne. Nina was the oldest of six siblings.

She is survived by her children and their families: John and Grace Steuri and grandson David of Little Rock, Ark.; Suzanne and Charles Stofer of Hot Springs Village, Ark., and granddaughters Kathryn Stofer of Baltimore, Md.,, and Julie Stofer of Washington, D.C.; a brother, Bob Sceals of Dodge City; a sister-in-law, Sally Sceals of Omaha, Neb.; and sister-in-law Dot Steuri of Great Bend, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Nina spent most of her life in Great Bend. She moved to Arkansas in November 2001 to reside at Baptist Parkway Village retirement center in order to be closer to her family. She was a member and elder of the First United Presbyterian Church in Great Bend where she was also the church financial secretary for 18 years. She was also secretary and bookkeeper at Great Bend Lumber Company for a number of years.

Mrs. Steuri was a member of the Great Bend Garden Club and was a Cub Scout den mother and a Girl Scout leader.

There will be a memorial celebration of her life at the Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark., at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Great Bend, where she will rest next to her beloved husband, Eldon.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Washington, Great Bend, KS 67530; or to the Nina M. Steuri Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund at Baptist Health Foundation, 9601 Interstate 630, Little Rock, AR 72205; or to another charity of choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR 72211
(501) 224-8300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 23, 2008

Walter James Horn 1924 - 2008

DIGHTON — Walter James Horn, 84, died July 18 at the Lane County Hospital in Dighton. He was born Jan. 6, 1924, in Baxter County, Ark., to Robert B. and Tessie E. Fugate Horn. He came to Kansas from Arkansas in 1945, and was a highway maintenance supervisor for the State of Kansas for more than 30 years. He had been a resident of Dighton since 1976. He married Clara Michaelis on April 13, 1952. She died Jan. 8, 1993. He then married Lottie Burnett in October of 1995 in Dighton. Lottie was his caretaker during his last illness.

Mr. Horn was a member of the First Christian Church, Lions Club and the Joy Center, all of Dighton.

Survivors include his brother, William E. Horn, Great Bend; a sister, Emogene Sikes, Viola, Ark.; friend, Lottie Burnett, Dighton; friend, Judi Timken, Dighton; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Julie Hurst, Gretchen, Ruby, Beatrice and Adalee, one brother, Orville Horn, one nephew, Donnie Sikes, and one niece, Rose Cotter.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Christian Church, Dighton, with the Rev. Howard Bever presiding. Burial was in the Utica Cemetery, Utica. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Joy Center in Dighton.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Funeral Home
Ness City, KS 67560
785-798-3243
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 23, 2008

Kenneth Scheufler

ELLINWOOD — Kenneth Scheufler, 76, died July 22 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, after a long illness. Survivors and arrangements will be announced by Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 23, 2008

Eleanor Marie Riedl 1918 - 2008

HOISINGTON — Eleanor Marie Riedl, 90, died July 22 at her home. Service arrangements are pending with Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and will be announced.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 23, 2008

July 22 , 2008

Jerry Gene Eberhart 1937 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — Jerry Gene Eberhart, 70, died July 20 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood. Born Oct. 8, 1937, in Great Bend, he was the son of Homer Eberhart and Laura Knop Eberhart. He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1955. A lifetime resident of Barton and Rice counties, he was a farmer. He retired in 2000 and moved to Ellinwood in 2006. He married Marie Brooks on April 4, 1964, in Ellinwood.

Mr. Eberhart was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, St. John Lutheran Church and a church elder, in Ellinwood.

Survivors include his wife, Marie, of the home; two sons, Bradley J. Eberhart of Plant City, Fla., and Steven Eberhart of Wichita; a daughter, Nancy Kizzar of Chase; a brother, Richard Eberhart of Hutchinson; a sister, Janet Robinson of Spring, Texas; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with the Rev. Jeff Frakes officiating. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the St. John’s Endowment and Child Development Center or Woodhaven Care Center.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home Inc.
113 N. Main
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 22, 2008

Robert Lee Hood 1947 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — Robert Lee Hood, 61, a resident of Ellinwood, died July 16 at Ellinwood District Hospital. He was born April 2, 1947, in Fort Scott, the son of Edward Lee Hood and Lenora Lightwine Hood. He married Phyllis Davis and they were later divorced. Robert served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a truck driver and later as a driller for an oil company. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR and football.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Hood Jr. and John Hood, both of Pittsburg; a daughter, Angela Lowman, Pittsburg; nine grandchildren; and a special friend and caregiver, Jan Wolfkill, and her children and grandchildren. Also surviving are his mother, Lenora Hood, and a brother, Kevin Hood, both of Fort Scott. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward L. Hood, and a twin brother, Edward Lee Hood.

VFW Chaplain James R. Stradley will conduct graveside services at 10 a.m. Friday at the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Friends and family may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel in Fort Scott prior to leaving for the cemetery at 9:45 a.m. Memorials are suggested to the Robert L. Hood Memorial Fund and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel*
201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-1186
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 22, 2008

Ruth Deckert 1922- 2008

PAWNEE ROCK — Ruth Deckert died July 20 at the family home. Born Ruth Madelynn Maxwell on Sept. 28, 1922, in Fort Collins, Colo., she was the daughter of Ethie Stockon and Ray Victor Maxwell. She was a graduate of Cache La Poudre High School in LaPorte, Colo.

On Dec. 10, 1944, she married Bennie Deckert and soon after they moved to Kansas, where she was a homemaker, farm wife and artist for the remainder of her life.

She took numerous art classes and taught art students ages 7 to 90 in her home for more than 15 years. She was asked to exhibit her works in seven art shows. She was also interested in photographing wildflowers and presented slide shows in the area. She was awarded the Wildflower Patch by the State of Kansas Wildflower Society. She also compiled nine volumes of family genealogy and church history as well as documenting wildlife found on the family farm and in the Pawnee Rock area.

Ruth was baptized in June 1938 into the Community Presbyterian Church of LaPorte, Colo. She transferred her membership to the Bergthal Mennonite Church in June of 1947. There she served as Sunday school teacher, C.E. sponsor, librarian, correspondent to the Mennonite Weekly Review, church statistician, church chairman and on many other committees, especially in the Mission Workers.

Survivors included her children, Esther Sayler and husband Arthur of Albert, and Warren Deckert and wife Denise of Pawnee Rock; grandchildren, Andrea Siefkes and husband Jon of Hudson, Max Sayler of Manhattan, Amber Benham of Brooklyn, N.Y., Zachary Benham and wife, Shiho Kitagawa Benham; great-grandchild August Siefkes of Hudson; siblings Russell Maxwell and wife Mae, of Albuquerque, N.M., Floyd Maxwell and wife Ethel of Fort Collins, Colo., and Roine Schmidt and husband Lloyd of LaPorte, Colo. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; infant sister; and brother Lloyd Maxwell.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Lynn Schlosser presiding. Interment will be at the Bergthal Mennonite Church Cemetery in rural Pawnee Rock. Friends may visit from 1 to 9 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Breast Cancer Research 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, July 22, 2008

Mary Ann Madden 1921 - 2008

HUTCHINSON — Mary Ann Madden, 87, died July 19 at the Dillon Living Center in Hutchinson. Born Feb. 19, 1921, in Ellinwood, she was the daughter of Paul John and Mary Helfrich Schartz. She was a 1939 graduate of Ellinwood High School. She married Carl Madden on Aug. 18, 1941, in Ellinwood. He died Feb. 28, 2003. A resident of Hutchinson since 1998, moving from the Ellinwood/ Great Bend area, she was a homemaker.

Mrs. Madden was a member of the Church of the Holy Cross and altar society in Hutchinson, St. Joseph altar society in Ellinwood, and Fort Zarah EHU in Great Bend.

Survivors include three sons, Kent Madden and John Madden, both of Hutchinson, and Paul Madden of Topeka; a daughter, Jane Fuhr of McPherson; a sister, Cassilda Moran of Claflin; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Schartz.

Parish Rosary will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Holy Cross in Hutchinson, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the church with Father Joseph Eckberg officiating. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood, with Father Charles Mazouch officiating. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Elliott Mortuary, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Hospice of Reno County. Condolences may be sent to www.elliott mortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Elliott Mortuary
1219 North Main
Hutchinson, KS 67501
620-663-3327
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 22, 2008

July 20 , 2008

Kerri Lynn Taylor Roach

BURLESON, Texas — Kerri Lynn Roach, 43, died July 8. She was born June 2, 1965 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth Roach of Lewis; children, Whitney McQuilliam and Kyle McQuilliam; parents, Al and Jo Taylor; and brothers, Keith, Kirk and Kelly Taylor, all of Burleson, Texas. Also, stepchildren, Cody, Brandon, Shiloh and Chelsie Roach of Great Bend, and numerous family members of her birth family of Fort Worth, Texas.

Kerri worked for many years as a licensed vocational nurse for the Texas Prison System after earning her degree from Hill College of Fort Worth.

Kerri and husband Kenny were married on July 4, 2006, in their home in Lewis, and enjoyed two married years together before she was called to heaven. She also leaves behind her precious dog, Sophie.

No longer in pain, Kerri was laid to rest on Thursday, July 10, in Caddo Cemetery in Joshua, Texas, with Dr. Charles Stewart presiding.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 20, 2008*

Freda Viola Still 1913 - 2008

Freda Viola Still, 94, of Great Bend, died July 17 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. Born Sept. 16, 1913, in Pawnee County, she was the daughter of Axel and Mae Nelson Hanson. She married Thomas M. Still on April 14, 1938, at Pretty Prairie. He died Nov. 16, 1985. She was a secretary for the school of nursing at the University of Missouri at Columbia, retiring in 1978. She had lived in Great Bend since 1978, coming from Columbia, Mo.

Mrs. Still was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend.

Survivors include two sons, Jon Still and wife Charlene of Germantown, Tenn., and Ken Still and wife Jana of Fox River Grove, Ill.; a brother, Amil Hanson, of Great Bend; six grandchildren, Eric, Melissa, Jeff, Taylor, Jamie and Colin; and six great-grandchildren, Ben, Jacob, Audry, Carter, Hatcher and Schaefer. She was preceded in death by a son, Roger Still, a brother, Glen Hanson, and a sister, Bernice Kirkpatrick.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. Gary Brooks officiant. Interment will be at Larned Cemetery, Larned. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations to memorial funds for Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice or for First Presbyterian Church may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 20, 2008

Paul E. Schartz 1933 - 2008

CLAFLIN — Paul E. Schartz, 75, died July 17 at Hutchinson Hospital, Hutchinson. He was born July 6, 1933, at Great Bend, the son of Paul J. and Mary (Helfrich) Schartz. He married Nancy Moran on Oct. 29, 1953, at Claflin. She survives. He was president of Schartz, Inc., and was also involved in farming. He was a 1951 graduate of Ellinwood High School. He was a longtime resident of Claflin, moving from Ellinwood.

Mr. Schartz was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, and American Legion Post No. 286, Hoisington. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Nancy, of Claflin, include children and grandchildren: Paul Schartz, Jr., and wife Gerry of Claflin, and their children, Christopher, Melissa and Luke; Craig Schartz and wife Nancy of Westminster, Colo., and their children, Emily and Sara; Anita Pauls and husband Michael of Overland Park and their children Austin and Clayton Pauls; retired SFC Joseph “Brian” Schartz and wife Aean, of Seoul, South Korea; Aaron Schartz and wife Jana of North Platte, Neb., and their children Anne, Amy and Matthew, and Ed Schartz and wife Danette of Claflin and their children, Ross, Hillary, Bethany and Breanna Schartz. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Matthew Schartz.

A special vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Father John Maes and Father Charles Mazouch celebrants. Burial will be at the Claflin Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the church 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, July 20, 2008

July 18 , 2008

Elmer G. Laughlin

MINNEAPOLIS — Elmer G. Laughlin, formerly of Hoisington, died July 15 at the Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Bea Laughlin of the home; a daughter, Willa Mitchell of Independence, Mo.; a stepdaughter, Leanna Crist of Minneapolis; a brother, William Laughlin of Great Bend; twin sister, Elma Lepi of Great Bend; another sister, Elizabeth Wilson of Illinois; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Wilson Shields Funeral Home in Minneapolis. Burial will be at the Highland Cemetery in Minneapolis. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to service time on Saturday at the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Wilson Shields Funeral Home
405 Argyle Ave.
P.O. Box 166
Minneapolis, KS 67467
785-392-2131
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 18, 2008

Virginia O. Gross 1916 - 2008

SALINA — Virginia O. Gross, 92, Salina (since June of 2008), formerly of Great Bend, died July 16. Virginia was born in Great Bend on June 10, 1916, to Edward E. and Bertha M. (Ewalt) Cook.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Speck, three sisters and a brother. Virginia will be missed by all of those who knew and loved her.

It was Virginia’s wish that there be no services.

Condolences may be sent to Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg.

Arrangements provided by
Christians Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 386
Lindsborg, KS 67456
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 18, 2008

Brad Lee Julian 1979 - 2008

KINGFISHER, Okla. — Brad Lee Julian, 29, of Kingfisher, passed away July 12 at Kingfisher Regional Hospital after an extended illness. Brad was born June 23, 1979, to Jeff and Sue Julian. He spent his childhood in Great Bend and Woodward, Okla., where he completed high school, graduating in 1997. He was the first of two children born to the Julians and was a special big brother to his sister Carry. He enjoyed tennis and boating throughout his teen years. After completing high school, Brad attended Oklahoma State University, graduating in the College of Engineering. After his 2002 graduation he secured a position with Exxon Mobil Corporation.

While visiting his sister, Brad was introduced to Sarah Post and after a short courtship, Brad and Sarah were united in marriage on June 29, 2004. After their wedding, they moved to Houston. They loved living there. It was the beginning foundation of their marriage, their first home and great friends and neighbors.

Eager to embrace life together, they both began new jobs, Sarah as a classroom teacher and Brad working in the oil-production business. About a year and a half into their marriage, it was discovered that Brad was suffering from heart disease. This did not stop him from work, many acts of kindness and his loving devotion to his family.

As things progressed with this illness, Brad and Sarah moved back to Oklahoma to be close to family and friends for much-needed support. On Dec. 30, 2007, they were blessed with an addition to their small family. Elizabeth Marie was the light of her Daddy’s life. Brad knew his time was at hand. He expressed that if he had it all to do over again, he wouldn’t change a thing. He had grown in his faith as his disease progressed. Even though his body was waning his spiritual health was very well.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah, along with their infant daughter, Elizabeth, of the home; his parents, of Woodward, Okla.; a sister, Carry Treat and her husband Sam of Tulsa, Okla.; his grandmother, Natha Julian of Great Bend; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Paula Post of Kingfisher, Okla.; and a sister-in-law, Stacy Winkler and her husband Jake of Oklahoma City, Okla. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Kay Krauter, and his grandfather, Manford Julian.

Service was held Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Kingfisher, with Dr. James Swain officiating. Interment was at Kingfisher Cemetery.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 18, 2008#

July 17 , 2008

Patricia "Patti" Ann Rabenseifner 1953 - 2008

Patricia “Patti” Ann Rabenseifner, 55, of Great Bend, died July 16 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. Born March 31, 1953, at Hoisington, she was the daughter of Bernard A. and Margaret Louise (Kaiser) Rabenseifner. She was a lifetime resident of Barton County.

Ms. Rabenseifner was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz.

Survivors include a brother, Bernard Rabenseifner and wife Judy of Great Bend; three sisters, Diane Zink and husband Virgil of Claflin, Darlene Hoffacker of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Elaine Seeman of Lawrence; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special wake service will be at 7 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, Hoisington, with Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Burial will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home. Memorial donations for Roots and Wings-Rosewood Services 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, July 17, 2008

Beatrice Bell "Bea" Sayler

ALBERT — Beatrice Bell “Bea” Sayler died July 15 at her home in Albert. She was born in McGregor, Iowa, the daughter of John W. and Martha L. Boldt Davies. She married Arthur Morris Sayler on Aug. 28, 1932, at McGregor, Iowa. He died Dec. 23, 1997. She attended Loyola University of Chicago, graduating as a registered nurse. She was a resident of Albert for her entire married life.

Mrs. Sayler attended Albert United Methodist Church and was a member of United Methodist Women.

Survivors include one son, Arthur M. Sayler, III, and wife Esther of Albert; two daughters, Marylou Turner and husband John of Kansas City, Mo., and Phyllis Schultz and husband Don of Overland Park; a brother, Eugene Patrick Davies of Janesville, Wis.; four grandchildren, Maryse Owen, Craig Schultz, Andrea Siefkes and Dr. Max Sayler; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with interment to be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 2 p.m. until service time Friday. Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Historical Society. 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, July 17, 2008

Robert E. Brack 1932 - 2008

ALBERT — Beatrice Bell “Bea” Sayler died July 15 at her home in Albert. She was born in McGregor, Iowa, the daughter of John W. and Martha L. Boldt Davies. She married Arthur Morris Sayler on Aug. 28, 1932, at McGregor, Iowa. He died Dec. 23, 1997. She attended Loyola University of Chicago, graduating as a registered nurse. She was a resident of Albert for her entire married life.

Mrs. Sayler attended Albert United Methodist Church and was a member of United Methodist Women.

Survivors include one son, Arthur M. Sayler, III, and wife Esther of Albert; two daughters, Marylou Turner and husband John of Kansas City, Mo., and Phyllis Schultz and husband Don of Overland Park; a brother, Eugene Patrick Davies of Janesville, Wis.; four grandchildren, Maryse Owen, Craig Schultz, Andrea Siefkes and Dr. Max Sayler; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with interment to be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 2 p.m. until service time Friday. Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Historical Society. 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, July 17, 2008

Norbert "Norb" Dreiling 1927 - 2008

RUSSELL — Norbert “Norb” Dreiling, 80, of Russell died July 15 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus in Wichita after a short battle with leukemia. Norb was born Nov. 10, 1927, in Victoria, the youngest of 13 children born to Michael and Clara (Bollig) Dreiling. He grew up in Victoria and attended school there.

Norb served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in Hawaii and was a driver and did bomb disposal. After the war, he returned to the Victoria and Russell area where he lived almost all of his life.

Norb was united in marriage to Ina M. Oswald on Feb. 14, 1953, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell. This union was blessed with three children, Francis, Teresa and Carol. Ina preceded him in death on April 16, 2003. He was united in marriage to Rita Graf on April 24, 2004, also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell.

Norb worked in the ready-mix concrete business for more than 40 years; he was the Russell plant manager for many years. He was assistant chief of the Russell-Grant Township Fire Department for 31 years, retiring in 1997. After retiring, he helped at the Pohlman Mortuary for a few years.

Mr. Dreiling was a member of St. Mary’s, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. He was a First and Fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He also belonged to the Russell VFW Post 6240, the Russell American Legion Post 99 and the Concrete Workers Union. He loved spending time with his family, bowling and volunteering for activities at the church and cooking at the American Legion. Norb was also very dedicated in visiting family and friends who were sick or needed help at the hospital, nursing homes or at their homes.

Surviving family include his wife Rita of the home; son Francis Dreiling and wife Camille of Salina, daughter Teresa Rogers and husband Terry of Houston, Texas, and daughter Carol Boxberger and husband Don of Russell; five grandchildren, Chris Dreiling, Jennifer Verhoff, Cory Dreiling, Mandi Blundon and Tyler Boxberger; two great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Clay Blundon with Baby Verhoff on the way; and extended family, Jane Rogers, Mark and Teresa Graf, Luci and Graci; Brad and Michelle Graf, Jori, Reggie, and Taylor; Kim and Jim Sly and Kristi, and Sandra and James Wright.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, at St. Mary’s Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. The Russell VFW Post 6240 Honor Guard will conduct military rites. A Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. today, also at St. Mary’s Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, Russell. Knights of Columbus 4th Degree will stand Honor Guard at the Vigil. A memorial has been established with St. Mary’s, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of the mortuary. Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary & Monuments
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
(785) 483-2212
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 17, 2008

July 16 , 2008

Monte A. Kinzel 1964 - 2008

BAXTER, Iowa — Monte A. Kinzel, 43, died July 12 in Baxter, Iowa. Monte was born Dec. 7, 1964, in Great Bend, the son of G. David and Charlotte L. (Lake) Kinzel. Monte was a graduate of Great Bend High School in 1983. He grew up in Great Bend, moving to Baxter in 1998. He married Dena L. Roughton on March 22, 1985, in Shawnee, Okla. He was the parts manager for Colfax Tractor Parts, Inc. in Colfax, Iowa, for 20 years.

Mr. Kinzel was on the Baxter City Council, was a volunteer on the School Improvement Advisory Committee, and was a volunteer at the Wellness Center in Baxter. He loved being with his family and friends. He enjoyed working on cars, trucks or anything else with an engine. He enjoyed the trips to Canada. Monte was a big NASCAR fan, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Dalton and Cole Kinzel, both of Baxter; one sister, Lora Fuss and husband Jeff, of Pratt; two brothers, Mike Kinzel and wife Deb, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Stuart Kinzel and wife Mykele, of Houston, Texas; his mother-in-law, Janice Roughton, of Shawnee, Okla.; two sisters-in-law, Lisa Cook and husband Terry, of Shawnee, Okla., and Fran Werth and husband Neil of Great Bend.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, father-in-law, Revis Roughton, and brother-in-law, Scott Roughton.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, at the Baxter High School Gym, with Chaplain Merle Smith of Skiff Medical Center in Newton, Iowa, officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton, Iowa. Memorials to the Baxter Rural Fire and Rescue Department may be left at the funeral home or at the school on the morning of the service.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory*
1115 E. 19th St. N.
Newton, IA 50208-2359
(641) 787-9208
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 16, 2008

L. Laretta Hanken 1921 - 2008

LARNED — L. Laretta Hanken, 86, died July 14 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Larned. She was born Nov. 27, 1921, in Lamar, Colo., the daughter of George H. and Amy Amanda Clester Burnett. A resident of Larned since 1988, she was a retired tax examiner for the State of Colorado. She married Byron Bressler at Lyons on Jan. 15, 1941. He died June 19, 1988. She married Erwin H. Hanken at Larned on Sept. 6, 1992. He died Nov. 23, 1996.

Mrs. Hanken attended the First Christian Church, Larned.

Survivors include one son, John Bressler, of Crossville, Tenn.; one daughter, Sharon Hirschmiller of Garfield; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Marion Burnett.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Morell Funeral Home, Larned, with Pastor Dan Lundgren presiding. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials for Friendship Meals may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home
1021 Broadway/P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550-0124
620-285-2177
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 16, 2008

Alice Elizabeth Pochop 1931 - 2008

LARNED — Alice Elizabeth Pochop, 77, died July 14 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Larned. She was born Jan. 2, 1931, at Larned, the daughter of James B. and Edna Alice Roth Davis. A lifetime resident of Larned, she was retired from Food Service at Larned State Hospital.

Mrs. Pochop was of the Christian faith.

Survivors include two daughters, Carlyn Mead of Belpre and Mary Ann Pochop of Texas; one brother, John Davis of Phoenix, Ariz.; a sister, Lois Foss of Kingston, Tenn.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, James B. Davis Jr. and Donald Davis.

A private family service is planned. Memorials for the American Cancer Society may be sent in care of Morell Funeral Home, Larned.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home
1021 Broadway/P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550-0124
620-285-2177
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 16, 2008

Charlene Holopirek 1936 - 2008

Charlene Holopirek, 72, died July 12 at her residence in Great Bend. She was born April 16, 1936, at Great Bend, the daughter of Fred and Ida Springer Oetken. She married Jack E. Holopirek on Sept. 14, 1955, at Peace Lutheran Church in rural Albert. He died Feb. 6, 1993. A resident of Great Bend since 1965, coming from Rush Center, she was a homemaker.

Mrs. Holopirek was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Great Bend, and volunteered at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend.

Survivors include two sons, Terry Holopirek and wife Alfrecia, Santa Clara, Calif., and Scott Holopirek and wife Annette, Schuylkill Haven, Pa.; one brother, Dellane Lee Oetken and wife Carolyn, Albert; three grandchildren, one step-grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Adam Wutka officiating. Interment will be in the Peace Lutheran Cemetery, rural Albert. Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Peace Lutheran 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, July 16, 2008

Danny Biggs 1936 - 2008

Danny Biggs, 72, of Great Bend, died July 14 at his residence. Born April 19, 1936, at Kingman, he was the son of Walter and Wilma Cheatum Biggs. He married Darlene Craig on March 26, 1956, at Kingman. Danny started working for Pickrell Drilling Company Inc. in Kingman in 1958 as a roustabout and pumper. He moved to Great Bend in 1963 and was promoted to production superintendent. In 1983, he became general field superintendent for Pickrell Drilling Company and subsidiary companies, Central Dirt Service and Mobile Drilling Company. In 1988, he became partner and vice president of Pickrell Drilling Company Inc. and its subsidiary companies. He was also a partner in Kelly Petroleum LLC.

Danny served on various community and oilfield committees throughout his lifetime. He was past president of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association and past president of the National Stripper Well Association. He received the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award in 2003 and the Barton County Community College Distinguished Service Award in 2008.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, a director for the Central Kansas Medical Center Foundation and a director for the Community Bank of the Midwest. He was inducted into the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame in 2000 and inducted into the BCCC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. He was the founder and president of the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum & Foundation. Danny had been a director for the Barton County Historical Foundation and past chairman of the Mid America Oil & Gas Technology Expo and the Vision 2000 Area Relations/Image Committee. He was a past member of the Governor’s Kansas Energy Policy Committee and a member of the American Petroleum Institute.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Craig Biggs and wife Jolene of Great Bend and Kim Biggs and wife Kimberly of Edmond, Okla.; a daughter, Kelly Bowman and husband Rob of Great Bend; two brothers, Patrick Biggs and wife Jean of San Clemente, Calif., and Tim Biggs and wife Sue of Pittsburg; a sister, Nancy Boroughs and husband Nelson of Rockwall, Texas; and eight grandchildren, Amanda Biggs, Justin Biggs, Lindsay Biggs, Jarad Biggs, Brent Biggs, Brittany Bowman, Kristan Bowman and Jace Bowman.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Christian Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations to memorial funds for the CKMC Foundation for the benefit of Heartland Cancer Center, or the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum, or First Christian Church may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 16, 2008

Marilyn L. Maresch 1926 - 2008

Marilyn L. Maresch, 82, died July 15 at Hays Medical Center, Hays. Born Feb. 3, 1926, in Rush County, she was the daughter of Charles and Mary Johnson Bortz. A graduate of La Crosse High School, she received her teacher’s certificate from Fort Hays State University. She was a teacher for Great Bend USD 428, a seamstress and a homemaker. She married Glenn Everett Maresch on Aug. 22, 1946, in Rush Center. He died Aug. 15, 1989. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1957, coming from Rush County.

Mrs. Maresch was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Gemini Mothers of Twins Club and Bissell Point EHU, all of Great Bend, and a charter member of the Kansas Organization of Mothers of Twins Club.

Survivors include four sons, Aaron Maresch of Great Bend, Myron Maresch of Ozona, Texas, Edward Maresch of Salina and Eldred Maresch of Hoisington; a daughter, Sharlyn Mulneix of Hoisington; a sister, Eldora Conard of Rush County; 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Great Bend Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Brooks officiating. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Barton County Fair 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, July 16, 2008

July 15 , 2008

Charlene Holopirek

Charlene Holopirek, 72, died July 12 at her Great Bend residence. Service arrangements are pending with Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, and will be announced.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 15, 2008

Larry Frank Anderson 1940 - 2008

CANADIAN, Okla. — Larry Frank Anderson, 68, of Canadian, Okla., died July 11 in Tulsa, Okla. Larry was born June 8, 1940, to Everett and Imogene (Hensen) Anderson in South Bend, Ind. He grew up in Great Bend. He married Carol Roseanna Chamberlin in Greybull, Wyo. Larry and his wife Carol owned and operated Lil’ Okie Machine and Welding Shop in Oklahoma City, Okla., for 18 years and retired in 2001 to Lake Eufaula at Canadian, Okla.

Larry was a member of the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association in Great Bend in 1955, when the association applied to the newly formed National Hot Rod Association to hold the first national drag races. Sunflower Rod and Custom Association was started in 1950 by a group of guys that were interested in seeing whose car would run the fastest in a quarter-mile. It is still in existence today and quite active. The drag strip was an old landing strip at the airport in Great Bend. It is still used as a drag strip and there are still a few charter members left, namely, Leroy Foos, Don Swalander and Lores Apple. The first National Drags were attended by about 25,000 people, and the town swelled with car clubs from around the nation and many interested spectators to the fairly new sport of drag racing. He was very proud to be associated with the inaugural drag races.

He is survived by his mother, Imogene “Gene” Anderson of Edmond, Okla.; wife, Carol of the home; sons, David Johnstun and wife Tobi of Moore, Okla., Craig Anderson and wife Cheryl of Marquette, Kan., Scott Anderson of Ellsworth, Darren Anderson and wife Diana of Lexington, Okla., and Dennis Anderson of Norman, Okla.; daughters, Taunya Simpson of Krebs, Okla., and Toni Coatney of Moore, Okla.; a sister, Dee Ann Adams; brother, Phillip Anderson; 13 grandchildren: Steven Pollard, Terry Shauffer, Aimee Pollard, Tony Anderson, Jeremy Simpson, T.J. Pollard, Scott Anderson, II, Charity Simpson, Vanessa Hines, Shanda Anderson, Samantha Coatney, Levi Anderson and Katie Anderson; 10 great-grandchildren; and close friends, Art and Cheryl Pfeifer, DeWayne and Nikki Kalin and Jerry and Eva Jackson. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Everett Anderson.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Chaney’s Memorial Chapel, McAlester, Okla., with Mr. John Adams officiating. Pallbearers will be David Johnstun, Dennis Anderson, Darren Anderson, Art Pfeifer, DeWayne Kalin and Mark Tah. Honorary pallbearers will be Levi Tyler Anderson and John Dooling. Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to LifeShare Transplant Donor Services of Oklahoma, 7200 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Chaney Harkins Funeral Home*
528 S. 3rd
McAlester, OK 74501
918-423-5353
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 15, 2008

Alma (Moody) Arnold 1930 - 2008

HALSTEAD — Alma (Moody) Arnold, 78, died July 13 at Halstead Place in Halstead. She was born May 25, 1930, in Kingman, Ariz., the daughter of Opal Moody. Alma had been a longtime resident of Halstead.

Alma graduated from St. John High School with the Class of 1948. She held various professional positions throughout her lifetime and was a former employee of the Halstead Hospital.

Mrs. Arnold was a devoted Christian and was a member of the Halstead Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Dean Arnold, and Rex Arnold, Texas; her brother, John P. (Jack) Moody, St. John, and niece Jo Ellen Moody, Texas; and four stepgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother and by a nephew, John Paul Moody, Jr.

Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Fairview Park, St. John, with Pastor Roger Ericksten presiding. Visitation will be today from 1-8 p.m. at Minnis Chapel, St. John. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Adventa Hospice Services or donor’s choice through Minnis Chapel, St. John.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel, Inc.
526 East 4th Ave.
St. John, KS 67578
1-620-786-9440
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 15, 2008

Ralph Julius Raffelock 1932 - 2008

Ralph Julius Raffelock, 76, of Great Bend, died July 11 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. He was born Jan. 2, 1932, at Lawrence, the son of Julius R. and Marie B. Fanning Raffelock. He married Amelia Young on Sept. 30, 1952, at Ottawa. He served in the U.S. National Guard as sergeant first class. He had been a Great Bend resident since 1963, coming from Lawrence.

Ralph was a 1949 graduate of Ottawa High School, where he was inducted into the “Wall of Honor” in 2006. He attended Ottawa University and the University of Kansas. From 1952 to 1963, he managed or owned retail clothing stores in Lawrence, Fort Scott and Newton. From 1963 to 1995, he was the manager and area supervisor of Litwin’s Inc. in Great Bend.

Volunteerism and civic involvement were important in Ralph’s life. He became an Eagle Scout in Ottawa Troop 77, and served Scouting in numerous capacities for the past 50 years, receiving the Silver Beaver award. He had served as president of the Lawrence Jaycees. He was a longtime member of the Great Bend Kiwanis Club, in which he had served as president; the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce; Elks BPO Lodge 1127, receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 1970; and worked on the Great Bend United Way Leadership Campaign for 40 years. He was a former board member of the Barton County Community College Foundation, the Barton County Food Bank, the Barton County Historical Foundation and the Golden Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also incorporator and first president of Downtown Development Inc., which raised $800,000 for the development of downtown Great Bend. He also served on the Streetscape Committee, Retail Bureau of Chamber of Commerce, and Central Kansas Medical Center Foundation, all of Great Bend.

Mr. Raffelock was a member of Central Baptist Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; one son, Troy J. Raffelock and wife Melissa, Granger, Ind.; two daughters, Shelbi Raffelock, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Leslie Raffelock, Great Bend; one sister, Sarah Ackley, Independence, Mo.; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Michael J. Raffelock.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Quivira Council-BSA or Barton County Community College 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, July 15, 2008

July 13 , 2008

Tillman P. Ochs 1910 - 2008

WICHITA – Tillman P. Ochs, 98, formerly of Hoisington, died July 10. Born June 3, 1910, he was the son of Peter L. and Lydia Ochs. He owned and operated the Peter L. Ochs Elevators in Susank. While living in Barton County he served several terms as a representative in the Kansas Legislature and as a trustee of Barton County Community College.

He is survived by two sisters, Calista Moore of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Louise Johnson of Marquette, and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edlyn; two sons, Stephen and Gary; and three brothers, Martin, Nathan and Vernon.

Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. today at Broadway Mortuary in Wichita. A memorial has been established with Choices Medical Clinic, 538 S. Bleckley, Wichita, KS 67218.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Broadway Mortuary
1147 S. Broadway
Wichita, KS 67211
(316) 262-3435
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 13, 2008

Joan R. "Jo" Kohman 1931 - 2008

AUGUSTA — Joan “Jo” R. Kohman, 77, of Augusta, passed away July 9. Jo was born in Hartshorne, Okla., on May 8, 1931, the daughter of the late Conway Coe and Margaret Coburn (Williams) Lambert. Jo graduated from the University of Kansas with a double major in journalism and home economics. While at KU she met Ernest James “Jim” Kohman Jr. in dance class. They were married on Sept. 6, 1952. After graduation they moved to Buffalo, N.Y., where she wrote a food column for the Buffalo Evening News. Jo and Jim moved back to Kansas to raise their family. While being a mother, Jo returned to school at Wichita State University. She received two master’s degrees from WSU while working as an English instructor. Jo also worked for the Augusta Daily Gazette as a feature columnist.

On Dec. 1, 1989, Jim preceded her in death. A sister, Helen Marie Lambert, also preceded her in death.

Jo was a member of First Baptist Church, Augusta.

She is survived by a son, Jim Kohman and wife Lisa of Great Bend; three daughters, Susan Fellows and husband Roy of Augusta, Nancy Prohn and husband Huey “Buster” of Towanda and Bette Regier and husband Jeff of Augusta; grandchildren, Nathan and Tristian Fellows, Sacia, John and Matt Prohn, Jake, Ryan and Nicholas Kohman, Jared and Kaely Regier; and great-grandchildren, Braden, Logan and Trey.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today with family to greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Headley Funeral Chapel, Augusta. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church, Augusta. Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Monday at Baptist Cemetery in rural Hope. Memorials may be made to the Augusta Public Library.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Headley Funeral Chapel *
813 State St.
Augusta, KS 67010
316-775-7778
headleyfuneral@sbcglobal.net
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 13, 2008

Wayman J. Johnson 1956 - 2008

TOPEKA – Wayman J. Johnson, 52, formerly of Great Bend, died July 9 at his home in Topeka. Born March 15, 1956, at Winfield, he was the son of Harry L. and Velma J. (Loudd) Johnson. He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1974, and graduated from Washburn University, Topeka, with multiple bachelor’s degrees. He had been a resident of Topeka for the last 22 years.

Mr. Johnson taught junior high and high school history and geography, and taught special needs children, at Landon Middle School, Robinson Middle School and Topeka High School for the last 15 years. Before that, he owned and operated the Great Bend Karate Institute in Great Bend. He was a detective for the Great Bend Police Department for several years, having attended the Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include his mother, of Great Bend; two brothers, Damian C. Johnson, Quition, N.J., and Dwight Johnson, Dodge City; three sisters, Myrtle Whitmore and her husband Bert, Great Bend, Carmen Dilonga and her husband Jacques, Grand Prairie, Texas, and Valerie Jean Johnson, Arlington, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews, and many foster brothers and sisters. His father preceded him in death in November of 1986.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Howard H. Littlejohn officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in rural Great Bend. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Charter Funerals, Great Bend, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Visitation at the church will be from noon to 12:50 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the Topeka School District No. 501 Scholarship Fund.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals*
2115 Washington
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 13, 2008

Stanley A. "Stan" Deen 1952 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — Stanley A. “Stan” Deen, 55, died July 9 at his home in Salina. Born Oct. 21, 1952, in Duncan, Okla., he was the son of Donald and Cozette Walter Deen. He was a graduate of Ellinwood High School. A resident of Salina, formerly of Ellinwood, he was a retired chemical applicator, having worked over 25 years for EvansCo in Great Bend.

Survivors include two sons, Michael Schick of Leavenworth and Brandon Deen of Herington; a daughter, Lachelle Spencer of Lebo; his mother, Cozette Deen of Safford, Ariz.; a brother Michael of Kalispell, Mont.; companion Linda Sandy of Salina; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, a brother, Morgan; and a sister, Sherin Osborn.

There are no public services planned at this time. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home
113 N. Main
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 13, 2008

Ralph Julius Raffelock 1932 - 2008

Ralph Julius Raffelock, 76, of Great Bend, died July 11 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. He was born Jan. 2, 1932, at Lawrence, the son of Julius R. and Marie B. Fanning Raffelock. He married Amelia Young on Sept. 30, 1952, at Ottawa. He served in the U.S. National Guard as sergeant first class. He had been a Great Bend resident since 1963, coming from Lawrence.

Ralph was a 1949 graduate of Ottawa High School, where he was inducted into the “Wall of Honor” in 2006. He attended Ottawa University and the University of Kansas. From 1952 to 1963, he managed or owned retail clothing stores in Lawrence, Fort Scott and Newton. From 1963 to 1995, he was the manager and area supervisor of Litwin’s Inc. in Great Bend.

Volunteerism and civic involvement were important in Ralph’s life. He became an Eagle Scout in Ottawa Troop 77, and served scouting in numerous capacities for the past 50 years, receiving the Silver Beaver award. He had served as president of the Lawrence Jaycees. He was a longtime member of the Great Bend Kiwanis Club, in which he had served as president; the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce; Elks BPO Lodge 1127, receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 1970; and worked on the Great Bend United Way Leadership Campaign for 40 years. He was a former board member of the Barton County Community College Foundation, the Barton County Food Bank, the Barton County Historical Foundation and the Golden Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was also incorporator and first president of Downtown Development Inc., which raised $800,000 for the development of downtown Great Bend. He also served on the Streetscape Committee, Retail Bureau of Chamber of Commerce, and Central Kansas Medical Center Foundation, all of Great Bend.

He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; one son, Troy J. Raffelock and wife Melissa, Granger, Ind.; two daughters, Shelbi Raffelock, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Leslie Raffelock, Great Bend; one sister, Sarah Ackley, Independence, Mo.; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son Michael J. Raffelock.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Quivira Council-BSA or Barton County Community College 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, July 12, 2008

Helen Rose Durr Stratmann 1921 - 2008

HOLYROOD – Helen Rose Durr Stratmann, 86, died July 10 at Ellsworth. She was born Oct. 27, 1921, the daughter of George and Anna Schneider Katrzenmeier. A lifetime resident of the Holyrood area, she was a homemaker.

She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Ladies Aide, Neighborhood Club and American Legion, all at Holyrood. She married Earl Durr on Dec. 25, 1940. He died in 1973. She was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Sharri Zorn and Jane Elaine Durr.

Survivors include two daughters, Marilynn Long, Marion, and Joan White, Holyrood; grandchildren Rick Zorn, Lyons, David White, Hays, and Scott White, Ellinwood; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth. A family lunch will follow at 208 S. Smith, Holyrood. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holyrood Senior Center Meals on Wheels.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Parsons Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 45
Ellsworth, KS 67439
(785) 472-3861
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 13, 2008

July 11 , 2008

Stanley (Stan) A. Deen

ELLINWOOD — Stanley (Stan) A. Deen died July 9 at his home in Salina. Funeral arrangements are pending with Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood, and will be announced.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 11, 2008

July 10 , 2008

No deaths reported

July 09 , 2008

Howard Charlie Henderson 1931 - 2008

Howard Charlie Henderson, 77, died July 8 at his home in Great Bend. Born March 6, 1931, in Fort Cobb, Okla., he was the son of Charlie Clifford and Mildred Etta Cheek Henderson. He married Virginia Carolyn Bloodworth on June 7, 1958, at Plentywood, Mont. She died April 21, 2002. He was the owner/operator of Hi-Plains Mobile Home Service. He was a resident of Great Bend since 1961, coming from Montana. He served in the United States Air Force.

Mr. Henderson was of the Christian faith.

Survivors include two sons, David Henderson of Woodward, Okla., and Curtis Henderson and wife Maria of Anaheim, Calif.; two daughters, Jacquie Disque and husband Doug of Great Bend and Karla Maharjan and husband Suresh of Commerce City, Colo.; a sister, Mary Crawford and husband Corky of Hennepin, Okla.; seven grandchildren, Malia Disque, Jessica Disque, Rochelle Covington, D.J. Henderson, Danielle Henderson, Geoffrey Henderson and Michael Henderson; a great-grandchild, Chloe Covington; a companion, Wanda Reed, of the home; his mother-in-law, Gladys Bloodworth of Great Bend; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Orval Bloodworth, a brother, Billie Joe Henderson, and a sister, Mildred Scoggins.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor John Grummon officiating. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery with military escort provided by the American Legion Argonne Post 180 Patriot Guard. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday with the family to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations to a memorial fund for Golden Belt Home Health and 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, July 9, 2008

Mary M. Farmer 1914 - 2008

SCOTT CITY — Mary M. Farmer, 94, passed away July 7 at the Edwards County Hospital in Kinsley. She was born on March 28, 1914, in First View, Colo., the daughter of Alexander and Marie Wittman Dinkel.On Nov. 22, 1937, she married Francis E. Farmer in Scott City. He passed away March 30, 1965, in Scott City. A resident of Scott City since the 1930s, moving from St. Peter, she was a homemaker.

Her memberships include St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society, Scott City, Legion of Mary and Daughters of Isabella.

Survivors include two daughters, Teresa Farmer of Great Bend and Doris Farmer of Wichita; one grandson, Dodge Wendler of Shawnee Mission, and one great-granddaughter, Piper Wendler of Shawnee Mission. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter, Phyllis Wendler, and 12 brothers and sisters.

Vigil Service will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home, Scott City, at 7 p.m. today. Funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Scott City, at 2 p.m. Thursday, with Father Warren Stecklein officiating. Interment will be at the Scott County Cemetery, Scott City. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the Dominican Sisters in Great Bend in care of the funeral home. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until noon Thursday at the funeral home. E-Condolences may be given at www.priceandsons .com or pricefh@wbsnet.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Price & Sons Funeral Home*
401 South Washington St.
Scott City, KS 67871
620-872-2116
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 9, 2008

July 08 , 2008

Berdene Russell 1923 - 2008

PAWNEE ROCK — Berdene Russell, 85, of Pawnee Rock, slipped peacefully into eternal life on July 6 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Larned. She was born June 27, 1923, at Great Bend, the daughter of Arch and Eva Franklin Glaze. She graduated from Larned High School in 1941 and began attending Kansas State University where she met and fell in love with Charles Wilbur Russell. They were married on Sept. 6, 1942, at Berdene’s family home north of Larned. She was a homemaker while raising her children and worked part-time at Woolworth’s in Great Bend. With the three older children out of the home, she went back to school at Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She worked at Larned State Hospital as a social worker until retirement age. She had lived in the Pawnee Rock area since 1959.

Berdene was a member of the Pawnee Rock Christian Church and of the Half Century Club and Christian Women’s Fellowship of the Christian Church. Berdene was very mission minded, supporting several missionaries. She was active in the “Box Project,” was a volunteer in the Compeer Program, delivered Meals on Wheels, visited widows and shut-ins, taught Sunday school and reached out to the lonely and less fortunate.

Berdene is survived by her husband, Charles Wilbur Russell; three daughters, Rosalie Burns and husband Robert of Fort Mojave, Ariz., Jacquie Russell Haynes and husband Steve of Culloden, Ga., and Lynda Russell Wilson and husband Ralph of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sons, Mark Russell and wife Linda of Melvern and Wade Russell and wife Leanne of Hudson; a sister, Jacqueline Williamson of Tucson, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Jody Kramps, Julie Glaze Gorman, Darrin Shelton, Scott Shelton, Treva Williams, Reva Williams, Ryan Russell and Christopher Wilson; and six great-grandchildren, Shayd Williams, Finean Williams, Autumn Sierra, Gavin Gorman, Bailey Gorman and Kynan Shelton.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Pawnee Rock Christian Church, Pawnee Rock, with Pastors Wade Russell and Don Paden presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with the Family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary. Burial will be in Pawnee Rock Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Pawnee Rock Christian Church in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary*
P.O. Box 477
924 Main St.
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2121
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 8, 2008

Leona A. Krmela 1919 - 2008

Leona A. Krmela, 88, of Great Bend, died July 5 at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend. Born Nov. 9, 1919, in Loretta, she was the daughter of John J. and Margaret C. Dinkel Stegman. She married John F. Krmela on Sept. 30, 1941, in Loretta. He died Oct. 21, 1989. A resident of Great Bend since 1984, moving from La Crosse, she was a homemaker.

Mrs. Krmela was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose and the Altar Society in Great Bend.

Survivors include a daughter, Margaret Shauers of Great Bend; two brothers, Hubert Stegman of Scoppoose, Ore., and Norbert Stegman of Wichita; a sister, Lydia Schuckman of La Crosse; three grandchildren, James Crotinger, Rochelle Shauers and Debra Shauers; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Linus Stegman; four sisters, Armella Graf, Isabel Boucher, Rosaline McAfee and an infant sister.

Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. and Vigil Service will be at 7 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Floyd McKinney and Father Edmound Kline 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 the Central Kansas Medical Center Foundation for the benefit of Heartland Cancer Center or to the American Diabetes Association. 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, July 8, 2008

Ralph Ed Hullett 1948 - 2008

GREAT BEND — Ralph Ed Hullett, 60, died July 5 at the Hutchinson Hospital. He was born July 3, 1948, in Larned, the son of Ralph Calvin and Grace Eudine Mornhinweg Hullett. A lifetime Larned resident, he was a retail salesman.

Mr. Hullett was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Men’s Bowling League, both of Larned, and a former member of the Larned Jaycees.

Survivors include three brothers, Larry of Hoisington, and Clyde and Kenneth W., both of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and William Henry.

Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. John Augmon presiding. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Wednesday at the Beckwith Mortuary in Larned. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be in the Larned Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left for the family at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary*
P.O. Box 477
924 Main St.
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2121
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 8, 2008

July 06 , 2008

Ethel Mae Baldwin 1924 - 2008

Ethel Mae Baldwin, 84, died July 4 at The Cedars in McPherson. She was born May 27, 1924, at Chase, the daughter of Clyde W. and Hattie Webster Denney. She married Vern William Baldwin on May 17, 1940, in Dodge City. He died Sept. 3, 2006. Living most of her life in Great Bend, she worked for Triangle Rexall Drug and Fuller Brush Cafeteria in Great Bend. She also worked at Kit Road Ranger and Sharf’s Hallmark in McPherson.

Mrs. Baldwin was a member of the First Christian Church and member and past president of the Eagle’s Ladies Auxiliary in Great Bend.

Survivors include two sons, Jack Denney Baldwin and wife, Nancy, of Windom, and Richard Lee Baldwin, of Topeka; two daughters, Jill Laverne Hoefer and husband, Mike, of McPherson, and Ellen Gaye Ernst and husband, Brian, of Hutchinson; two sisters, Mary Seeley of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Helen Moos of Great Bend; 10 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Vernon, Cecil, Fred and Dale Denney; and two sisters, Lula Michael and Eunice Lopeman.

A grave-side service will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday at Great Bend Cemetery in Great Bend, where interment will also take place. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to First 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, July 6, 2008

Leona A. Krmela 1919 - 2008

Leona A. Krmela, 88, died July 5 at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend. Services are pending with Bryant Funeral Home.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 6, 2008

July 04 , 2008

Mills Ellis (Emberton) Hollis 1911 - 2008

Grant Ulysess Cushinberry, 86, Topeka, died July 1 at a Topeka nursing home. He was born in Hoisington. Survivors include his sister, Alice Nobles of Great Bend. Arrangements are pending with Bowser Johnson Funeral Chapel, Topeka, and will be announced.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 4, 2008

July 03 , 2008

Mills Ellis (Emberton) Hollis 1911 - 2008

COUNCIL GROVE — Mills Ellis (Emberton) Hollis, 97, slipped peacefully away into eternal life on July 1 at Council Grove Health Care Center, Council Grove. She was born May 16, 1911, at Fountain Run, Ky., the daughter of Oral Howard and Myrtle Cook Emberton. She married Harold J. Hollis on Sept. 27, 1936, at Elkhart. He died Sept. 6, 1997. She was a graduate of Elkhart High School. She had worked for Dillons for 10 years and most recently was chapter executive for the Golden Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross. She was a resident of Council Grove since 2003, coming from Great Bend.

Mrs. Hollis was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Great Bend. Mills was a past department chaplain, Child Welfare chairman, 8 and 40 Reno Salon, director for Sunflower Girls State and assisted with Sunflower Girls State for 10 years; and was past president of American Field Service, all for the American Legion Auxiliary; and a past president and member of the Central Kansas Medical Center Auxiliary Volunteers.

Survivors include a son, Rodney Hollis and wife Jerre of Council Grove; a sister, Olive Helen Tribble of Elkhart; a sister-in-law, Betty J. Emberton of Hugoton; two grandchildren, Todd Hollis and wife Penny and Cari Hollis and companion Doug Eichholz; and five great-grandchildren, Katie, Jackson, Ryan, Nataly and Chase. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ted Emberton and Jack Emberton, and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Emberton.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. Julie Shields officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Donations to a memorial fund for the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 3, 2008#

Luella Mae Stoner 1929 - 2008

CASPER, Wyo. — Funeral services for Luella Mae Stoner, 78, of Casper, will be at 2 p.m. today at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Casper, Wyo. She died July 1 in Casper of complications from an automobile accident. She was born Dec. 7, 1929, in Great Bend, to Vernon and Lola McCullough. She graduated from Hutchinson Junior College. She married Harold Stoner in Hutchinson on April 29, 1950. She was a substitute teacher, head cashier at Sears and a sales clerk at Lil’ People Fashions. She moved back to Cortez, Colo., in the early 1990s where she volunteered at the Cortez Cultural Center. She greeted and visited with the out-of-town visitors and made them feel welcome.

Mrs. Stoner was a legacy initiate in Beta Phi Sigma Sorority, holding all offices, and was active in the sorority for many years.

She loved her family and family gatherings, traveling, horses, animals, Big Band and dancing. She was an avid collector of antiques and dolls. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She always made a point to make people feel welcome and made many lasting relationships.

Survivors include her husband, Harold, of 58 years; a sister, Delorah Nuss, of Great Bend; five sons and their spouses, Rick Stoner and wife Deb, Longmont, Colo., David Stoner and wife Sandy, Thermopolis, Wyo., Bob Stoner and wife Bennie, Littleton, Colo., and Don Stoner and wife Dawn and Mike Stoner and wife Lyn, all of Casper, Wyo.; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Stoner, Casper, Wyo.; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorials may be made in her name to the American Heart Association on the Web or at your local office.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bustard’s Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 2176
Casper, WY 82601
307-234-7123
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 3, 2008

Wanda L. Demel 1944 - 2008

Wanda L. Demel, 63, of Great Bend, died July 1 at Hutchinson Hospital, Hutchinson. Born July 7, 1944, at Great Bend, she was the daughter of Reuben Herman and Alice Karst Boxberger. She married Gary R. Demel on Nov. 23, 1979, at Odin. He survives. She was the owner/operator of Demel Beauty Salon and was a lifetime resident of Barton County.

Mrs. Demel was a member of the St. Mark Lutheran Church and choir of Great Bend, the Kansas Cosmetology Association and United States Bowling Congress. She enjoyed the outdoors and the lake. She also enjoyed quilting, collecting salt and pepper shakers and dolls, and attending various sporting events.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, of the home, include her mother, Alice Boxberger, of Great Bend; three sons, Mickey Ray Demel and wife Christie of Goddard, Dean Eric Demel and wife Stephanie of Wichita and Jason Robert Demel and fiancé Kristin of Lawrence; a daughter, Tammy Sue Smith and husband Paul of Salina; a brother, Dale Reuben Boxberger and wife Julie of Great Bend; two sisters, Judy May Daubert and husband Ben of Bison and Glenda Sue Funk and husband Tim of Hoisington; six grandchildren, Christopher Ray Demel, Dalton Avery Demel, Madison Kay Demel, Britt Eric Demel, Denton Ray Demel and Brock Ethan Demel. She was preceded in death by her father.

A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at United Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, with Pastor Amy Austin and Pastor Adam Wutka officiants. Interment will be at the Milberger Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today and 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the family to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday. Memorial fund donations for St. Mark Lutheran Church or for the Milberger Cemetery 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, July 3, 2008

July 02 , 2008

Richard "Shindig" Schindler 1968 - 2008

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Richard “Shindig” Schindler, 39, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., died June 21 at Skydive Elsinore at Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, Calif. He was born Dec. 20, 1968, in Great Bend, to Henry and Bernadine (Schultz) Schindler. He married Setsuko Reich Feb. 18, 2002, in California. He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1987. He obtained the rank of 1st sergeant and was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving 12 years in the Special Forces and three years as a drill sergeant. His personal decorations consist of the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars, Combat Action Ribbon with one Gold Star, Good Conduct Medal with six stars, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with seven stars.

He had been skydiving for 15 years and had completed more than 3,000 jumps. He was an instructor and former National Champion Skydiver. He had shot video as a member of various skydiving teams, and shot video of the Elsinore Matriz and the Elsinore Select, an all-women’s skydiving team who competed worldwide. He was recently employed by the Riverside County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Gage and Gavin of the home; his father, Henry Schindler, and stepmother, Judy Schindler, of Great Bend; mother, Bernadine Schultz of McCracken; a brother, Don Schindler of Newton; two stepbrothers, Kenny Pedigo of Maize and Darrell Pedigo of Hays; one stepsister, Tammy Wheeler of Great Bend; and his grandparents, Harold Schultz of Hays and Iola Depperschmidt of Hays. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Vera Schindler.

A memorial service was held at the England Family Mortuary in Temecula, Calif, on June 27 at 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life was held after the memorial service at Skydive Elsinore. Memorials are suggested to the Gage and Gavin Reich-Schindler Education Fund at the Navy Federal Credit Union (North Temecula Branch), 39826 Winchester Road, Temecula, CA 92591.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 2, 2008

Mills Ellis (Emberton) Hollis 1911 - 2008

COUNCIL GROVE — Mills Ellis (Emberton) Hollis, 97, slipped peacefully away into eternal life on July 1 at Council Grove Health Care Center, Council Grove. She was born May 16, 1911, at Fountain Run, Ky., the daughter of Oral Howard and Myrtle Cook Emberton. She married Harold J. Hollis on Sept. 27, 1936, at Elkhart. He died Sept. 6, 1997. She was a graduate of Elkhart High School. She had worked for Dillons for 10 years and most recently was chapter executive for the Golden Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross. She was a resident of Council Grove since 2003, coming from Great Bend.

Mrs. Hollis was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Great Bend. Mills was a past department chaplain, Child Welfare chairman, 8 and 40 Reno Salon, director for Sunflower Girls State and assisted with Sunflower Girls State for 10 years; and was past president of American Field Service, all for the American Legion Auxiliary; and a past president and member of the Central Kansas Medical Center Auxiliary Volunteers.

Survivors include a son, Rodney Hollis and wife Jerre of Council Grove; a sister, Olive Helen Tribble of Elkhart; a sister-in-law, Betty J. Emberton of Hugoton; two grandchildren, Todd Hollis and wife Penny and Carl Hollis and companion Doug Eichholz; and five great-grandchildren, Katie, Jackson, Ryan, Nataly and Chase. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ted Emberton and Jack Emberton, and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Emberton.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. Julie Shields officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Donations to a memorial fund for the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation 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, July 2, 2008

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