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December 31, 2008

Michael Dean Deutsch 1968 - 2008

WILSON — Michael Dean Deutsch, 40, died Saturday as a result of a fishing accident on Wilson Lake. Born Oct. 1, 1968, at Salina, he was the son of Mel and Alma Mattas Deutsch. He married Jena Hamic on June 12, 2004. To this union was born one son, Drew Michael, and a daughter, Riley Danielle. Michael and his children moved to Wilson in 2005. He was employed by the City of Dorrance and previously by AGCO Inc., of Dorrance. He graduated from Hoisington High School in 1987 and continued his education at Kansas Wesleyan University, where he was a member of the baseball team. He later attended Kansas State University. Michael was a sports fan and an avid hunter and fisherman.

Michael was baptized and confirmed at the Concordia Lutheran Church, Hoisington, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence.

Survivors include his father, Mel Deutsch, and wife Diana, of Lawrence; his mother, Alma (Mattas) Deutsch of Wilson; a son, Drew Michael Deutsch, and a daughter, Riley Danielle Deutsch, both of the home; a stepdaughter, Kaylie Hamic of Medicine Lodge; a sister, Michelle Lang and husband Keith of Hoisington; nephews Kody and Kyle Lang of Hoisington; a niece, Kortney Lang of Hoisington; and his grandmother, Isabelle (Deutsch) Dumler of Hoisington. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Armin Deutsch, William Mattas, Frank and Rose (Mattas) Cikanek, Ben Dumler and Abe and Dorothy Aberson.

A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wilson, with Pastor Jim Wagner officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to the Michael Deutsch Fund in care of the funeral home, or in care of Wilson State Bank, P.O. Box 129, Wilson, KS 67490. 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, Dec. 31, 2008

Emma Fern Hetrick 1928-2008

Emma Fern Hetrick, of Wichita, formerly of Wellington, homemaker, died Dec. 30 at Homestead Health Center in Wichita at the age of 82. Funeral service arrangements are pending and will be announced. To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.dayfuneralhome.info.

Arrangements are by Day Funeral Home & Crematory, Wellington.

December 30, 2008

Carol A. Strobel 1942 - 2008

Carol A. Strobel, 66, died Dec. 27 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born July 19, 1942, in Great Bend, she was the daughter of Herman and Elsie Jones Riedl. She married George Strobel on Feb. 25, 1961, in Hoisington. He survives. A resident of Great Bend since 2005, coming from Burdett, she was an LMHT at Larned State Hospital.

Mrs. Strobel was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick and Prince of Peace Parish Altar Society, and devoted much of her time as a volunteer to her church and area schools.

Survivors include her husband, George Strobel, of the home; a son, Chris Strobel and wife Therese of Shawnee; a daughter, Rebecca Strobel and fiancé Joseph Crockett of Clovis, N.M.; a brother, Virgil Hogan of Hoisington; and three grandchildren, Kelsey Strobel, Colton Weaver and Allison Weaver.

Funeral service will be at 9:30 a.m. today at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Floyd McKinney officiating. Burial will be at the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Seward. Altar Society Rosary was at 4 p.m. on Monday at Bryant Funeral Home followed by a vigil at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Prince of Peace Parish in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www. bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 30, 2008

Esther I. Stockamp 1920 - 2008

SYLVAN GROVE — Esther I. Stockamp, 88, died Dec. 26. Born Esther I. Strecker on Nov. 30, 1920, in Russell County, she was a homemaker.

Survivors include a brother, Marvin Strecker of Russell; and three sisters, Lenora Strecker and Thelma Blase, both of Sylvan Grove, and Elvera Prater of Hays. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer “Bill” Stockamp in 2000.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove. Burial will be at the Bethlehem Cemetery. Friends may visit from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the Rodrick and Minear Funeral Home Chapel in Sylvan Grove. Memorials are suggested to the church.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Rodrick and Minear Funeral Home
201 Maryland St.
Sylvan Grove, KS 67481
(785) 526-7345
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 30, 2008

Dale Edward Kline 1924 - 2008

Dale Edward Kline died Dec. 29 at the Hospice House in Hutchinson after a lengthy illness. He was 84 years old. Born Nov. 3,1924, to Martha Harris Kline and Arthur Charles Kline, he graduated from Great Bend High School in 1943.

He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II, was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, and he worked for the Becker Tire Corp. until his retirement in 1989. He was an active member of the Barton County Community College Booster Club for many years.

He married Margaret Copeland in 1946. She died in 1989. He leaves three daughters, Barbara Kline of Centennial, Colo., Katherine and David Berkowitz of Lawrence, and Karen Kline-Martin and George Martin of Ellinwood; and five grandchildren, Bill Berkowitz, J.A.C. Berkowitz, Caitlin Kline-Martin, Fiona Kline-Martin and Samuel Kline-Martin. Three months prior to this event, Dale welcomed into the world his great-grandson, Asher Canton Olivier. He is survived by three brothers, Don Kline of Winfield, Dean Kline of Pueblo, Colo., and Larry Kline of Lawrence; and three sisters, Betty Roy of Salem, Ore., Jane Cherveny of Winfield and June Hull of Emporia. He is also survived by Marge Kite, his love and constant companion to the last. Together they created an extended family of his loving offspring and hers, which include David and Jackie Kite, Doug and Carmen Kite, Melinda Kite, Marcia and Ron Drake and Laurie and Russ Scheffer; grandchildren Alicia Mong, Melissa Edmonson, James Kite and Erica Kite, Jessica and Nick Kite and David Scheffer; and great-grandchildren Madison and Raylynn Mong, Alexis Montoya, Aaron and Austin Edmonson and Wyatt Kite. Dale was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Pauline Barton and Billie Reisbig.

A Memorial Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Inurnment will be held at the Great Bend Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or Barton County Arts Council in care of the funeral home.

Dale will be sorely missed.

Condolences may he 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, Dec. 30, 2008

Serena Lange 1924 - 2008

ELLSWORTH — Serena Lange, 84, died Dec. 28 in Wichita. Born Aug. 23,1924, in Deerfield, she was the daughter of Herbert and Wilma Liston Meyer. She married Alvin H. Lange on Jan. 6, 1952, in Salina. He died Aug. 20, 1992. She was a lab tech at Ellsworth Hospital.

Survivors include a son, Jon of Hoisington; two daughters, Leila Oakley of Centennial, Colo., and Dawna Weed of Wichita; a brother, Norvan Meyer of Alexandria, Va.; eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. Burial will be at the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Friends may visit from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Parsons Funeral Home
P.O. Box 45
Ellsworth, KS. 67439
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 30, 2008

Michael D. Deutsch 1968 - 2008

WILSON — Michael D. Deutsch, 40, died Dec. 27 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell. Service arrangements are pending with Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington, (620) 653-4165.

December 28, 2008

Roberta Ernestine Deckert 1931 - 2008

SALINA — Roberta Ernestine Deckert, 77, died Dec. 24 at Kaye Pogue Hospice in Salina. She was born June 1, 1931, at Atchison Hospital. She was the daughter of the late James Ernest and Thelma (Kilgore) Potter of Leavenworth County. She graduated from Potter High School in 1949 and received a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in 1953. She taught home economics one year at Bonner Springs High School and six years at Great Bend Junior High.

She married Delbert Earl Deckert June 1, 1958, at First Christian Church in Great Bend. After teaching for seven years, Roberta became a homemaker. Upon moving to Salina in 1973, she worked beside her husband as a secretary for the family company, Becker Monument.

Mrs. Deckert was an active member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Great Bend for 18 years and then in Salina for 35 years, serving as a Sunday School teacher, committee chairs and an elder. She enjoyed assisting with the Cub Scout program when her sons were younger and 4-H with her daughters.

After her family was grown, she enjoyed traveling yearly on tours in the United States and Canada with her husband and friends, attending Salina Community Theatre and volunteering at her church.

On June 1 of this year, Roberta and Delbert celebrated 50 years of marriage. Their children are David Earl and Liz Deckert of Leawood; James Eugene and Laurie Deckert of Salina; Steven Eric, who preceded them in death in 1969; Nancy Ellen and Brian Bergdall of Olathe; and Laura Elaine and Larry Whipple of Lenexa. There are nine grandchildren: Katherine and Elizabeth Deckert, Abigail, Naomi, Elijah and Isaiah Deckert, Kylie and Charlie Bergdall and Alexander Whipple. Survivors also include her brother Austin and his wife LaVerne Potter of Leavenworth County.

Roberta’s faith in Jesus Christ helped sustain her during many health challenges over the past 20 years. She was a survivor of uterine cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer and Crohn’s disease. Her recent battle with MFH sarcoma cancer took her home to be with God.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials go to the Building Fund at First Christian Church of Salina or Kaye Pogue Hospice of Salina.

The family will receive visitors from 2 to 3:30 p.m. today at First Christian Church of Salina , 2727 E. Crawford. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Inurnment will be in Great Bend Cemetery at 3 p.m. Condolences may be e-mailed and notice viewed at www.carlsonfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home*
500 South Ohio
Salina, KS 67401
785-823-3456
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2008

Nadine M. Davis 1929 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — Nadine M. Davis, 79, died Dec. 25 at Omaha, Neb. She was born April 29, 1929, at Little River, the daughter of Keith and Margret Cain Temple. She married (Bennie) Melvin Davis on June 16, 1946. He died Nov. 12, 2002. She was an Ellinwood resident for the past several years, formerly of Bullhead City, Ariz. She was also previously an Ellinwood resident from 1949 until 1982. She was retired from Western Power & Gas in Great Bend.

Mrs. Davis was a member of the adult sponsors of the Eagle’s Nest Teenage Recreation Center in Ellinwood in the early 1960s.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Davis of Omaha, Neb., and Harold Ray Davis of Hutchinson; two brothers, Dee Temple of Lyons and Charles Temple of Little River; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Temple, and a sister, Arlene Temple.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Kimple Funeral Chapel in Ellinwood, with the Rev. Jeff Frakes officiant. Visitation will be from 3 until 8 p.m. to- day and from 9 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellin-wood. Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood Fire Department and Ambulance Fund.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home
113 North Main
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2008

Carl G. Gilpin 1930 - 2008

HAYS — Carl G. Gilpin, 78, died Dec. 24 at his home in Hays. He was born Aug. 16, 1930, in Russell County, the son of Elmer and Alta Mae (Jordan) Gilpin. He married Lila Smith on Jan. 13, 1951, in Great Bend. He worked in the oil fields and was production supervisor for the Knighton Oil Company when he retired.

Mr. Gilpin served with the U.S. Marines in the Korean War. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, American Legion, Marine Corps League, American Association of Retired Persons and the Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife of the home; daughters, Gayle L. Ernst of Ellis and Carla K. Stiles of Hill City; brothers, Robert L. of Michigan and Jack of Weinert, Texas; sisters, Edna Frey of Checota, Okla., Ruth Strattman of Santa Monica, Calif., and Doris Glantz of Oklahoma City, Okla.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda L. Bird, and a brother, Jay Gilpin.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, at the First United Methodist Church in Hays. The folding of the U .S. flag will be by the Marine Corps League of Ellis County at the funeral services. Burial will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis. A memorial fund has been established with the First United Methodist Church in his name.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home
1906 Pine St.
Hays, KS 67601
785-628-1009
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2008

William Albert Holder 1917 - 2008

William Albert Holder, 91, of Great Bend, died Dec. 25 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Oct. 9, 1917, at Jerico Springs, Mo., the son of William Ernest and Ledia Evans Holder. He married Margaret Cochran on Dec. 23, 1944, in Columbus. He made his home in Great Bend in 1945, following World War II. William was a mechanic. If it rolled and needed fixed he could do it.

Mr. Holder was a member of the American Baptist Men’s Organization. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was an avid gardener.

Survivors include a son, Evan Holder of Wichita; two daughters, Margaret Pfortmiller and husband Glenn, and Lois Holder, all of Great Bend; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, his son, Edward Holder, and his daughter, Caroline Holder.

Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Charter Funerals, Great Bend, with family greeting friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Central Baptist Church, Great Bend, with Joan Harrington and John Grummon officiating. Inter-ment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals*
2115 Washington
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2008

Robert Dale ‘R.D’ Bookstore 1936 - 2008

ST. JOHN — Robert Dale “R.D.” Bookstore, 72, died Dec. 23 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus, Wichita. He was born May 29, 1936, at Stafford, the son of Martin Dale and Thelma (Neill) Bookstore and adopted son of Pauline (Crawford) Book-store. On Dec. 3, 1960, he married Twila Faye Block at Stafford. A lifelong resident of St. John, where he attended St. John schools, he was a farmer/stockman.

Mr. Bookstore was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Odd Fellows Lodge, Stafford County Fair Board and St. John Farmers Co-op Board. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran from 1955-59.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Michael Dale Bookstore and Justin Robert Bookstore, both of St. John; and his mother, Pauline Bookstore, St. John. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dalene McCandless and Mary Jo Bookstore.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Minnis Chapel, St. John, with the Rev. Jorge Arvelo presiding. Burial will be in the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel. Memorials to American Diabetes Associa-tion or 4-H Council in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
P.O. Box 34
St. John, KS 67576
(620) 786-9440
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2008

Robert Verne Twitchell 1926 - 2008

LARNED — Robert Verne Twitchell, 82, died Dec. 24 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus, Wichita. He was born July 30, 1926, in Pawnee County, the son of Walter V. and Ruth Lewis Twitchell. On Aug. 22, 1947, he married Betty Lou Millhouse at Ottawa. She survives. A lifetime Pawnee County resident, he was a farmer.

Mr. Twitchell was a member of the Our Father’s House, Larned, and Celebration Community Church, Hays. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Other survivors include two daughters, Sherryl D. Lemuz and Rebecca A. Hagerman, both of Larned; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert J. Twitchell, two brothers, Jack and Bill, and a sister, Dorothy Pultz.

Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with the Rev. Kyle Ermoian presiding. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be sent to the Robert V. Twitchell Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Inc., P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary, Inc.
916 Main/P.O. Box 477
Larned, KS 67550
620-285-2121

December 26, 2008

Mary Maude Dirks 1918 - 2008

Mary Maude Dirks, 90, of Great Bend, died Dec. 21 in Great Bend. Born Nov. 4, 1918, in Hoisington, she was the daughter of Francis and Ada Mae Taylor Kingston. A resident of Great Bend, she graduated from Great Bend High School. She was a bookkeeper and part-time teacher. She married Roy R. Dirks in 1947.

Survivors include two sons, Glen Dirks and Gene Dirks; and a sister, Marie Francis Kingston. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, and a son, Ken Dirks.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, officiated by Father Floyd McKinney of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be at the Great Bend City Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals
2115 Washington
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 26, 2008

Robert Verne Twitchell

LARNED — Robert Verne Twitchell, 82, died Dec. 24, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus in Wichita. Service arrangements are pending and will be announced by Beckwith Mortuary, Inc., in Larned.

Lawrence Michael “Mike” Leeper 1952-2008

MABANK, Texas — Lawrence Michael “Mike” Leeper died Dec. 20 in Tyler, Texas. Born March 12, 1952, in Great Bend, he was the son of Lawrence O. Bernice Rebein Leeper. He was a 1970 graduate of Great Bend High School.
Survivors include two daughters, Dawn and Rhiannon of Montana; four brothers, Bob McClellan and wife Bonnie of Viera, Fla., Paul Leeper and wife Jeanette of Amarillo, Texas, Steve Leeper of Plano, Texas, and Bill Leeper of Great Bend; and three sisters, Lucianne Christiansen and husband Bruce of Lebo, Mary Carlson and husband Carl of Kansas City, Mo., and Nancy Buehne and husband Steve of Lenexa he was precieded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home of Mabank, Texas, at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 26, 2008*

Vernon Vance Gruber 1949 - 2008

HUTCHINSON — Vernon Vance Gruber, 59, died Dec. 24 at Hospice House of Reno County in Hutchinson. Born Dec. 20, 1949, in Great Bend, he was the son of Vernon J. and Vada Pauline Ford Gruber. He was an roughneck in the oilfield.
Mr. Gruber was a United States Navy veteran.
Survivors include three daughters, Vangela Gruber of Las Vegas, Nev., Vanity Gruber of Great Bend and Paula Gruber of Junction City; a brother, John Gruber of Great Bend; and three grandchildren.
Interment will be at a later date at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney. There will be no visitation.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 26, 2008H

Joe Strube 1941 - 2008


CLAFLIN — Joe Strube, 67, died Dec. 23 at Ellsworth County Medical Center, Ellsworth. Born Nov. 2, 1941, in Emporia, he was the son of Benjamin T. Strube and Thelma E. “Jacob” Strube. He married Iris Vestal Urban on Feb. 29, 1972, in St. John. She preceded him in death on Dec. 5, 1998. A lifetime resident of Claflin, he was the president of D.S.W. Well Service in Claflin.
Mr. Strube was a member of the United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Lions Club and the Claflin Scholarship Board, all of Claflin, and A.O.S.C. He was also a seven-year member of the Kansas National Guard.
Survivors include two sons, Mike Urban and wife Debbie and Mitch Urban and wife Brenda, all of Claflin; a daughter, Murine Prosser and husband Fred of Ellinwood; a brother, Arthur Strube and wife Donna of Claflin; nine grandchildren, Nicholas Urban, Wyatt Urban, Dakota Urban, Maggie Mae Urban, Marke Urban, Angel Urban,

Stone Urban, Travis Prosser and Troy Prosser; and his best fried, Buff. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Dale and Robert Strube, and a sister, Coette Litzenberger.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Claflin with the Rev. Gene Langhofer officiating. Burial will be at the Claflin Cemetery. Friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, and from 9:30 a.m. to service time Saturday at the church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Claflin Ambulance Service, Ellsworth County Medical Center or the United Methodist Church in Claflin, all in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
415 N. Main
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4165
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 26, 2008

 

December 24, 2008

Janis Armour McDonald 1917 - 2008

LENEXA — Janis Armour McDonald, 81, of Lenexa, died Dec. 17 at her home. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 10, 2009, at Church of the Resurrection. Janis was born in Shreveport, La. She was a business owner.

Survivors include four sons, Lance Walters of Great Bend, Randy Walters of Harrisonville, Mo., Greg Walters of Siloam Springs, Ark., and John Hill of Lenexa; a brother, Jim McDonald of Glenrock, Wyo.; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, Janis requested donations to the Kansas State Cancer Research Center at 1 Chalmers Hall, KSU, Manhattan, KS 66506.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Maple Hill Funeral Home
3300 Shawnee Drive
Kansas City, KS 66106
(913) 831-3345
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 24, 2008

Mary Maude Dirks 1918 - 2008

Mary Maude Dirks, 90, of Great Bend, died Dec. 21 in Great Bend. Born Nov. 4, 1918, in Hoisington, she was the daughter of Francis and Ada Mae Taylor Kingston. A resident of Great Bend, she graduated from Great Bend High School. She was a bookkeeper and part-time teacher. She married Roy R. Dirks in 1947.

Survivors include two sons, Glen Dirks and Gene Dirks; and a sister, Marie Francis Kingston. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, and a son, Ken Dirks.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, officiated by Father Floyd McKinney of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will be at the Great Bend City Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals
2115 Washington
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 24, 2008

December 23, 2008

Larry J. Kratzer 1940 - 2008

HOLYROOD — Larry J. Kratzer, 68, died Dec. 21 at Kansas Medical Center, Andover. He was born Aug. 8, 1940, in Clearwater, the son of Bernard and Maxine Smith Kratzer. He married Kay McCarty in Lorraine on Nov. 5, 1961. She survives. He was a lifetime resident of the Lorraine area and a retired operator at Enron.

Mr. Kratzer was a member of First Baptist Church, Lorraine.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two daughters, Julie Swartz of Silver Lake and Jill Koop of Inman; a son, Steve Kratzer of Wichita; a sister, Sharon Shears of Buena Vista. Colo.; and six grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. today at the church in Lorraine. Burial will be in the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery, Ellsworth. Memorials may be made to the church in care of Parsons Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Parsons Funeral Home
P.O. Box 45
Ellsworth, KS 67439
785-472-3861
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 23, 2008

Mary H. Keller 1948 - 2008

TOPEKA — Mary H. Keller, 60, died Dec. 20 at her residence in Topeka. She was born March 27, 1948, at Newton, the daughter of Layne Bruce and Freda Louise Lawson Lairmore. She married Jon R. Keller on Aug. 29, 1970, at Newton. He survives.

Mrs. Keller helped establish Great Bend Day Care before going back to school to finish her teaching degree, later teaching at Washington Elementary at Great Bend before retiring with USD 501 in Topeka. She had lived in Topeka since 1983, coming from Great Bend.

Mrs. Keller was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Great Bend.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, of Topeka, include two sons, John Layne Keller and wife Aleasha Dawn and Jared Douglas Keller, all of Topeka; a daughter, Jessica Ann Davis and husband Andy of Shawnee; two sisters, Marty Anderson of Galena, Md., and Jeanie Jennings and husband Terry of Newton; four grandchildren, John Hayden Keller, Jackson Layne Keller, Sydney Catherine Davis and Aaron Scott Davis. She was preceded in death by her father.

Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. today at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon today at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Donations to a memorial fund for the Alzheimer’s Association 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, Dec. 23, 2008

Robert David Beebe 1971 - 2008

TYLER, Texas — Robert Beebe, 37, died Dec. 19 in Tyler, Texas. He was born on July 31, 1971, in Colorado Springs, Colo., the son of David E. Beebe and Marie (Weir) Beebe. Robert married Brenda Dixson Graham in 1999. He married Vanessa Kravitz in 2007 and moved to Tyler from San Antonio, Texas. Robert grew up in a military family. He lived in Indiana, Japan, Missouri and Louisiana. He graduated from Tara High School in Baton Rouge, La., in 1989. He entered the U.S. Army and completed basic training and AIT at Fort Campbell, Ky. He was stationed at Baumholder, Germany, and Fort Stewart, Ga. He was a tank driver and was deployed during Operation Desert Storm. His Army awards included the Southwest Asia Service Ribbon with one Bronze Star and The Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Robert graduated from St. Phillips College in San Antonio in 1999 as an LVN. He has worked in health care since that time. He was most recently employed at Southwood Nursing Home in Henderson, Texas.

Robert is survived by his wife, Vanessa; father, David Beebe of Great Bend; daughters, Lauren and Katherine Beebe of San Antonio; his sister, Dr. Marjorie Beebe and his nieces and nephew, Hannah, Abby, Eve and Aaron Schifman, all of Great Bend; paternal grandmother Mary Beebe Wylie, St. Charles, Mo.; maternal grandmother Rosalie Menzies Bishop, Miami, Fla.; and stepsons Matthew and Jacob Kravitz, San Antonio. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Beebe, who died Sept. 8, 2008; both grandfathers and his brother-in-law, Brad Schifman.

Memorial service and interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Charles, Mo., at a later date, and will be announced. Cremation has already taken place. Memorial messages may be left at www.burkswalkertippit.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Burks-Walker-Tippit Funeral Directors*#
215 East Front Street
Tyler, TX 75702
903-592-6553
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 23, 2008

Joan Jeanette Pruett 1935 - 2008

ST. JOHN — Joan Jeanette Pruett, 73, died Dec. 21 at Leisure Homestead, St. John. Born Aug. 30, 1935, in rural Stafford County, she was the daughter of Willie R. and Sarah Esther (Griffin) Hathaway. A lifelong resident of St. John, she worked at the St. John News, Register of Deeds office, and as a waitress and Medical Records librarian for St. John Hospital. She was a 1953 graduate of St. John High School and attended Barton County Community College.

She was a former member of the First Missionary Baptist Church, St. John.

Survivors include three sons, Jack Blazer of Wichita, Dan Pruett of Ellinwood and Kent Pruett of Stafford; two brothers, Jerry Hathaway of St. John and Jim Hathaway of Colorado Springs, Colo.; five sisters, Marilyn Appelhans of Valley Center, Joyce Abshire of Boyce, La., Marlene White of Great Bend, and Judy Shelton and Linda Sizemore, both of St. John; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Scott D. Pruett.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Fairview Park, St. John, with Roger Cooper presiding. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Friday at Minnis Chapel. Memorials may be made to KSU Cancer Center or South Wind Hospice in care of Minnis Chapel.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel Inc.
526 East Fourth Ave./Box 34
St. John, KS 67576
620-786-9440
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 23, 2008

 

December 21, 2008

Randal J. Dodd 1960 - 2008

EAGAN, Minn. — Randal J. Dodd, 48, long-time FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) employee, of Eagan, was taken too soon on Dec. 17. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by daughters, Jennifer, Sarah and Erin; his wife, Diane; beloved dog, Tucker; parents, Richard and Yvonne; sister, Robyn (Randall) James; aunts, Nyla (Richard) Hefling and Jolene (Harold) Ward; and nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was born in Southern California on Sept. 21, 1960, and lived there until 1970 when his family moved to Great Bend. At an early age Randy learned from his dad, developing his mechanical abilities. He worked on cars, tractors and did farm work. He attended Spartan College of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla., graduating with an aviation maintenance technician degree in July 1981. He worked for a variety of airlines, often going overseas, which he loved. He moved to Minnesota in 1993 and began working for the FAA as an aviation safety inspector shortly thereafter. Randy loved many things especially his family, muscle cars and warm-weather vacation destinations. He could always be relied upon to help friends and family with everything including auto and home repairs. His sudden death has left a huge void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, including his family, co-workers, neighbors and friends.

A Memorial Service was held at 7 p.m. Saturday at J.S. Klecatsky & Sons, Eagan, Minn., with a Gathering of Family and Friends following the service.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Joseph S. Klecatsky & Sons*
1580 Century Pt. (Yankee Doodle Rd. @ Coachman)
Eagan, MN 55121
651-454-9488
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 21, 2008

Ruth Liscum Edmond 1917 - 2008

Ruth Liscum Edmond, 91, of Great Bend, died Dec. 19 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born Oct. 21, 1917, at Plevna, the daughter of Porter and Myrtle Loutzenhiser Liscum. She married William J. “Bill” Edmond on May 16, 1942, at Hutchinson. He died May 17, 1999. She was a homemaker and a retired credit clerk for Sears, and a former Welcome Wagon Hostess. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1952, coming from Geneseo.

Mrs. Edmond was a member of the Church of Christ at Great Bend.

Survivors include a son, John R. Edmond of Pryor, Okla.; a daughter, Pat Pflughoft and husband Gene of Hutchinson; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank Liscum and Charles Liscum, and two sisters, Pauline Foote and Maryalma Fair.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Bill Buggeln officiant. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, and 9 a.m. to service time Tuesday, at the funeral home. Donations to a memorial fund for the Carpenter Place Children’s Home 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, Dec. 21, 2008

Elvera Alexander

LYONS — Elvera Alexander, 88, of Augusta, passed away Dec. 19 at 5:45 a.m. She and her husband, Elwyn L. Alexander, were married 64 years and had eight children.

Survivors include her husband, of Augusta; two sisters, both of Newton; two sons, Ronald Alexander and wife Alice and family and Jimmy Alexander and wife Teresa and family, all of Oregon; six daughters, Connie Steele and husband Mark and family, Sarah Prebble and husband Larry and family and Joyce Alexander and husband Larry and family, all of Hutchinson, Carolyn Young and husband Jim and family of Waldron, Ark., Marie Partington and husband Howard and family of Great Bend, and Goldie Goodwin and husband Doug and family of Augusta; daughter of the heart Dana Veach and husband Dan and family; 15 grandchildren, Wayne, Lonnie, April, Nacole, Ricky, Brian, Tony, Linda, Jason, Angela, Evelyn, Travis, Kimberly, Randy and Britney; grandchildren of the heart Denver and Danielle; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with the Rev. Robert Friesen officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Memorial donations for the Good Shepherd Hospice may be made in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Home*
214 West Ave. South
Lyons, KS 67554
620-257-2211
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 21, 2008

Judith A. Kuhn 1930 - 2008

ST. JOHN — Judith A. Kuhn, 78, died Dec. 18 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born June 8, 1930, at Great Bend, the daughter of Glenn and Dorothy Bidleman. She was a resident of St. John, formerly of Kinsley. She married Kenneth L. Kuhn on June 21, 1948 at Windhorst. He died March 27, 2001. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Kuhn was a member of the St. John United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Jr. of Joplin, Mo., and Scott of Kinsley; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at McKillip Memorial Chapel, Kinsley, with the Rev. George Arvelo presiding. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Kinsley. Visitation will be from noon until 7 p.m. today. Memorials are suggested to Stafford County Home Health.

Funeral arrangements provided by
McKillip Memorial Funeral Home
P.O. Box 304
Kinsley, KS 67547
620-659-2311
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 21, 2008

December 19, 2008

Otto J. Oetken Jr. 1926 - 2008

Otto J. Oetken Jr., 82, of Great Bend, died Dec. 16 at Central Kansas Medical Center. Born Dec. 11, 1926, in Albert, he was the son of Otto John Oetken Sr. and Ellen Marie Arnold Oetken. On Dec. 17, 1946, he married Betty Truxal at Peace Lutheran Church in Albert. She survives. A resident of Great Bend since 1958, coming from Albert, he was a farmer and in the poultry business. He was also a manager and a truck driver for McCurdy’s Hatchery. He worked for Barton County Community College in maintenance and after retiring worked part time for Wal-Mart.

Mr. Oetken was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Army. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111, and American Legion Argonne Post 180, all in Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Oetken, of the home; a son, Ron Oetken and wife Connie, of Olmitz; a daughter, Connie Williams and husband Rickey, of Mims, Fla.; two sisters, Violeta Karst and husband Marvin of Mesa, Ariz., and Betty Huenergardt of La Crosse; nine grandchildren, Pat Russell, Pasas Williams, Brandon Williams, John Williams, Shawn Williams, Jill Swarts, Keith Oetken, Staci Massieon and Lacey Oetken; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Maurice Huenergardt.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. Adam Wutka officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend Cemetery with military honors conducted by a Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home#
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 19, 2008

Darold Dodge 1917 - 2008

MANHATTAN — Mr. Dodge requested cremation with inurnment at a later date in the Sunrise Cemetery, Manhattan. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Manhattan, with Father Don Zimmerman as celebrant. The full death notice appeared in Thursday’s Tribune.

Carl F. Cook 1928 - 2008

Carl F. Cook, 80, longtime resident of Great Bend, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 12 in Calhan, Colo. Carl was born March 18, 1928, on a farm in Ellinwood, to Herman and Anna K. Kassellman Cook. He was the last survivor of 11 brothers and sisters. He was married to Clara Boger for 58 years. He went to school in Ellinwood and then served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a resident of Great Bend for most of his life until retiring from the oilfield.

Survivors include his wife, Clara (Boger) Cook, of the home; three daughters, Sally Tournear and husband Gary of Alamagordo, N.M., Anna Burke and husband Gary of Great Bend and Pam Clark and husband Paul of Calhan, Colo.; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Arlon Don Cook, and a grandson, Carl (Chuck) Tournear.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Southern Baptist Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. Dr. Doyle Smith officiant. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to Golden Belt Humane Society in care of Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 19, 2008

December 18, 2008

Caleb Wayne McHolland

PARSONS — Caleb Wayne McHolland, four days old, died at 2:53 a.m. Dec. 16 at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. He was born Dec. 12, 2008, in Parsons, to Mary Victoria Coker and Jackie Wayne McHolland. They survive, of the home.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one brother, James McHolland, of the home; two sisters, Cheyenne McHolland and Chailie McHolland, both of the home; paternal grandmother, Barbara Wiseman of Oswego; maternal grandmother, Joyce Villalobos of Great Bend; maternal grandfather, Keith Coker of Madison; and maternal great-grandmothers Janice Coker of Hoisington and Faye Elmore of Stilwell, Okla.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Galesburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Caleb McHolland Memorial Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home
405 Main
Parsons, KS  67357  
620-421-9000
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2008

Darold A. Dodge 1917 - 2008

MANHATTAN — Darold A. Dodge, 91, Manhattan, passed away Dec. 17 in the Mercy Regional Health Center, Manhattan. He was born April 5, 1917, on a farm in Lane County, the son of Gilbert Ray Dodge and Nora Thon Dodge. The family moved to Dighton and Mr. Dodge graduated from Dighton High School in 1935. He was united in marriage to Zelma Finn on March 22, 1943, at Kansas City, Kan. She survives, of the home. In 1941, he graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in vocational agriculture.

Mr. Dodge was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army. During the war, he was stationed briefly in North Africa and nearly two years in upper Assam, India. It was during this time that he noticed how both of the areas had destroyed their soil. After the war, he returned to Kansas State University and received his Master’s Degree in Soils Science. Upon graduation, he went to work for the Soil Conservation Service as a soils scientist. His experience and expertise in the field were often used by educators to teach students about the value of soil and how to care for it.

Mr. and Mrs. Dodge retired to Manhattan in 1995 and have been residents of Meadowlark Hills for more than six years. He was a member of the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, the Soil Conservation Society of America, and the Pearce-Keller American Legion Post No. 17 and the Lee Pierson V.F.W. Post No. 1786, both of Manhattan.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Dodge is survived by six daughters, Rae Marie Crisel and her husband, John, of Zionsville, Idaho, Alvena Spanenberg and her husband, Kenneth, of Great Bend, Cecilia Smith and her husband, Floyd, of Newman, Ga., Beth Warren and her husband, Jimmy, of Manhattan, Clare Rehme and her husband, Erwin, of Longmont, Colo., and Eileen Rinke and her husband, Mark, of Lakeville, Minn.; 10 grandsons, five granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Theodore (Ted), Gilbert, Hale and Kent Dodge.

Mr. Dodge requested cremation with inurnment at a later date in the Sunrise Cemetery, Manhattan. A Memorial Mass will occur in the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Manhattan, and will be announced at a later date by the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan. Memorial contributions can be made to the Good Samaritan Fund of Meadowlark Hills and left in care of the funeral home, Online condolences can be sent to www.irvinparkview.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home*
1317 Poyntz Ave.
Manhattan, KS 66502
785-537-2110
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2008

Otto J. Oetken Jr. 1926 - 2008

Otto J. Oetken Jr., 82, of Great Bend, died Dec. 16 at Central Kansas Medical Center. Born Dec. 11, 1926, in Albert, he was the son of Otto John Oetken Sr. and Ellen Marie Arnold Oetken. On Dec. 17, 1946, he married Betty Truxal at Peace Lutheran Church in Albert. She survives. A resident of Great Bend since 1958, coming from Albert, he was a farmer and in the poultry business. He was also a manager and a truck driver for McCurdy’s Hatchery. He worked for Barton County Community College in maintenance and after retiring worked part time for Wal-Mart.

Mr. Oetken was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Army. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111, and American Legion Argonne Post 180, all in Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Oetken, of the home; a son, Ron Oetken and wife Connie, of Olmitz; a daughter, Connie Williams and husband Marvin, of Mesa, Ariz.; two sisters, Violeta Karst and husband Marvin of Mesa, Ariz., and Betty Huenergardt of La Crosse; nine grandchildren, Pat Russell, Pasas Williams, Brandon Williams, John Williams, Shawn Williams, Jill Swarts, Keith Oetken, Staci Massieon and Lacey Oetken; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Maurice Huenergardt.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. Adam Wutka officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend Cemetery with military honors conducted by a Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may visit from noon to 9 p.m. today with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2008

Carl M. Staub 1928 - 2008

ST. JOHN — Carl M. Staub, 80, died Dec. 16 at his home in St. John. Born Nov. 14, 1928, in rural Stafford County, he was the son of Theodore Nicholas and Ida Mae (Hathaway) Staub. A lifetime resident, he was a farmer/stockman and a 1946 graduate of Stafford High School. He was a former Stafford County commissioner, Douglas Township board member, U.S. Army Korean War veteran and VFW lifetime member. On June 26, 1956, he married Nona Lea (Wilson) in New Mexico. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include two sons, Lonnie Staub and Carl Staub Jr., both of St. John; two daughters, Gail Dill and Rita Suiter, both of St. John; a sister, Zelma Lee Wendelburg of Stafford; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, John Nicholas Staub.  

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Minnis Chapel, St. John, with Roger Cooper presiding. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel. Burial will be in the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John.  Memorials are suggested to the VFW, St. John, in care of Minnis Chapel, Box 34, St. John, KS  67576.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
526 East Fourth
St. John, KS 67576
1-620-786-9440
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2008

Mary Elizabeth Gerritzen 1915 - 2008

Mary Elizabeth Gerritzen, 93, of Great Bend, died Dec. 15 at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River. She was born Aug. 20, 1915, at Dorrance, the daughter of Frank Joseph and Barbara Rose Vopat Zeman. She married William Joseph Gerritzen on Aug. 22, 1939, at Wilson. He died on June 9, 1975. She was a graduate of Wilson High School, a former schoolteacher and a homemaker. After raising her family, she worked at Fuller Brush as a machinist. She was a resident of Little River since 1997, coming from Great Bend.

Mrs. Gerritzen was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, VFW Auxiliary and a Gold Star Mother of Barton County.

Survivors include a son, Leo Richard Gerritzen and wife Jeanette of Denver, Colo.; five daughters, Frances Marie Aumiller and Mary Louise Alexander, both of Hutchinson, Marge Bieberle and husband Marvin of Great Bend, Virginia Grose and husband Ronald of Little River, and Dorothy Barbara Jordan and husband Joe of O’Fallon, Mo.; three sisters, Josephine Hinnenkamp of Salina, Sister Mary Leo Zeman of Concordia and Alice Homeier of Wilson; 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons, William Anthony Gerritzen and infants William Francis Gerritzen and Lawrence Gerritzen; one daughter, Alice Ann Ward; two brothers, Frank Zeman and Emil Leo Zeman; three sisters, Agner Staudinger, Barbara Hlaus and Anna Staudinger, and a great-granddaughter, Megan Crawford.

An Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. today and a Vigil Service with D of I Rosary at 7 p.m. today, both at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Donations to memorial funds for the Holy Family School Endowment Fund or Sandstone Heights Nursing Home 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, Dec. 18, 2008

Eulalia M. Steinbacher 1914 - 2008

Eulalia M. Steinbacher, 94, of Great Bend, died Dec. 16 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born May 29, 1914, at Kinsley, the daughter of Conrad and Anna Herrmann Brehm. She married Charles F. Steinbacher on May 25, 1936, at Kinsley. He died Jan. 30, 1979. She was a homemaker and a switchboard operator for Central Kansas Medical Center for 15 years, retiring in 1983. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1937, coming from Kinsley.

Mrs. Steinbacher was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella, all of Great Bend.

Survivors include three sons, Charles F. Steinbacher of Lawrence, Jerry “Pete” Steinbacher and wife Linda of Chatsworth, Calif., and Jim Steinbacher and wife Debra of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four daughters, Laura Ann Schenkel and husband Ray of Great Bend, Mary Lou Steinbacher of Lakewood, Colo., Jolene Romme and husband Leon of Burleson, Texas, and Jeanne Hollembeak and husband Bruce of Wichita; a daughter-in-law, Annie Steinbacher of Gardner; a brother, John Brehm and wife Barbara of Lakewood, Colo.; two sisters, Evelyn Kultgen of Great Bend and Dolored Brodbeck and husband Ernie of Arvada, Colo.; 16 grandchildren, Matt Steinbacher, Katy Steinbacher and Frank McMahon, Scott Schenkel and Leilani, Todd Schenkel and Michelle, Darcy Rothrock and John, Jana Sarbaugh and Bruce, Joey Steinbacher and Jeremy Larose, Ande Henderson and Drew, Doug Steinbacher and Tammy, Bradley Romme, Brett Romme and Twyla Blackbird, Sydney Steinbacher and Rich Risbon, Sabin Steinbacher, Nate Steinbacher, Jeremy Hollembeak and Anna, and Abbey Kroll and Barrett; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Lawrence Steinbacher, and two brothers, Jerome Brehm and Norbert Brehm.

An Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. Friday and a Vigil Service with D of I Rosary at 7 p.m. Friday, both at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Floyd McKinney officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Donations to memorial funds for Cedar Park Place or for the 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, Dec. 18, 2008

Lois Marie Schneider 1927 - 2008

ALBERT — Lois Marie Schneider, 81, died Dec. 16 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born Aug. 30, 1927, at McCracken, the daughter of Daniel and Anna Catherine McGaughey Casey. She married Francis Schneider on Aug. 27, 1946, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend. He died Jan. 11, 1990. She was a homemaker and a lifetime resident of Albert.

Mrs. Schneider was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and Altar Society of Olmitz and a life member of the FFA Alumni.

Survivors include three sons, LaVern Schneider and wife Elaine of Albert, David Schneider and wife June of Great Bend and Wayne Schneider of Olathe; a daughter, Catherine Kaledo of Aurora, Colo.; a brother, Eddie Casey of Hutchinson; three sisters, Rita Fitzpatrick of Basye, Va., Bernice Hermann of Plainville and Neva Fehrenbach of Assaria; five grandchildren, Doug Schneider, Jason Schneider, Scott Schneider, Matt Schneider and Micca Schneider; and three great-grandchildren, Alec Schneider, Trey Schneider and Cade Schneider. Lois was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence Casey and Francis Casey, and two sisters, Ruth Randolph and Anna Woodmore.

A vigil service with rosary will be at 7 p.m. today at St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, with Father Ultan Murphy officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the church. Contributions to memorial funds for the church or for the FFA 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, Dec. 18, 2008

December 17, 2008

Marion Malone

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Marion (Jack) Malone, 84, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, in Thousand Oaks. He was born on the family farm near Raymond.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Malone, and children, James Malone, Mike Wakefield, Mary Malone, Shannon Giddings and Mark Malone; and 11 grandchildren.

Memorial services were held Dec. 14 at the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge. His body was cremated and his ashes will be spread in California and at the family farm in the spring of 2009.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 17, 2008#

Virginia Alice Greenway Baldwin 1922- 2008

OTIS — Virginia Alice Greenway Baldwin, 86, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Dec. 11, at the Rush County Nursing Home in La Crosse. She was born on Feb. 16, 1922, in La Crosse, the daughter of John Jackson Greenway and Orrie Belle Welch Greenway. She was the youngest of four children, having three brothers, Robert James Greenway, Jackson Leclaire Greenway and Milford Keith Greenway, all preceding her in death. She attended the La Crosse Methodist Church in her youth, and graduated from La Crosse schools in 1940. She was active in sports, had a great love of music, and played violin and harmonica, along with drums for the marching and concert bands in high school. She married Frank Zimmerman on Nov. 5, 1939, in Jetmore. He preceded her in death on Feb. 16, 1965. They were parents of five children, Milford, John, Frank W., Sheryl and Jana. Shortly after marriage, Virginia started correspondence classes from the Chicago School of Nursing and received certification. She took many other courses and had a true hunger for learning. She studied her Bible and taught Bible school, and her faith was most important. She started college classes at Dodge City Junior College shortly before Frank passed away, and went on to graduate from Garden City Junior College with her associate’s degree, and graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Fort Hays State University in photography with an art minor. She was an avid photographer, and had many exhibits of her work. She painted many pictures and found beauty in nearly everything. Virginia went back to Fort Hays State University in 1973, and became a certified librarian. She was the first librarian for the Dexter schools, and taught photography classes there. She went on to be librarian and teacher in Ingalls, and later to Hanston, where she retired in 1990. She lived at Jetmore for many years, and was a member of the Hodgeman County Geneology Society, KNEA, Phi Kappa Phi, American Legion Auxiliary, and of the United Presbyterian Church of Jetmore.

Virginia married William E. Baldwin in Jetmore Aug. 17, 1974. He preceded her in death in 2001, After his death, she moved to Otis, to be closer to family. She attended Otis Methodist Church, and remained active with gardening, yardwork, and was often at work raking up leaves in neighbors’ yards. She loved to help people, loved children and truly was a master teacher. She was known for her beautiful prayers, often leaving tears in the eyes of listeners.

Survivors are her children, three sons and two daughters, Milford L. Zimmerman of Topeka, John R. Zimmerman and wife, Phyllis of Gatesville, Texas, Frank W. Zimmerman and wife, Carol of Junction City, Sheryl R. Ellis and husband, Kenneth of Lamed, and Jana J. Freed and husband, Kenneth of Otis; 10 grandchildren, Johnny Zimmerman, Debbie York, Frank Zimmerman Jr., Donna Zimmerman, Sherylyn Wade, Robert Freed, Cory Ellis, Rebecca Cheeseman, Michael Freed, Jennifer Funk; and 18 great-grandchildren, Loren York, Ben, Aimee, and Zac Zimmerman, Damien Zimmerman, Jessica and Jeanna Richter, Ella Freed, Dakota, Kyra, Erik, Landon, and Kylee Ellis, Kendra, Kynedi, and Ethan Cheeseman, and Olivia and Blake Freed.

Funeral services were Monday at the Janousek Funeral Home in La Crosse with the Rev. Linda Bolz officiating. Burial was at the La Crosse City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to South Wind Hospice in Pratt, or to the Rush County Nursing Home in La Crosse.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Janousek Funeral Home*
719 Pine
La Crosse, KS 67548
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 17, 2008

Otto J. Oetken Jr. 1926 - 2008

Otto J. Oetken Jr., 82, of Great Bend, died Dec. 16 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Dec. 11, 1926. Service arrangements are pending with Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, and will be announced.

Jaclyn L. Rutherford 1941 - 2008

NORTON — Jaclyn Lea “Jackie” Rutherford, daughter of Ivan and Virgie (Gearhart) Sanborn, was born March 29, 1941, 15 miles south of Norton, and passed away at her daughter’s home in Larned on Dec. 13 at the age of 67. She grew up in the Edmond area, attended the Edmond Grade School, and graduated from Lenora High School. She received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Fort Hays State College. On Sept. 17, 1964, Jackie and Ken Rutherford were united in marriage in Armourdale. They made their home in Kansas City, Mo., where Jackie was a nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital and Ken worked for the Kansas City Power and Light Company. They later moved to Camden Point, Mo., where Jackie was a nurse at Spellman Memorial Hospital. On Feb. 2, 1976, they returned to Jackie’s grandmother’s homestead 14 miles south of Norton to raise their family and take over the family farm. Jackie began working at the Andbe Home in Norton in 1978, and she retired as the director of nursing on May 31, 2006, after working there for nearly 28 years.

Mrs. Rutherford was a member of the United Parish Church in Lenora, the O.E.S., and was currently serving as president of the Solomon Valley Club and the Heritage Quilter’s Club. She was an avid quilter and reader and enjoyed sewing, gardening and cooking. She greatly loved her family and especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow and teaching them to cook, sew and crochet.

Survivors include her husband, Ken Rutherford, of Edmond; one son and his wife, Mike and Stefanie Rutherford, Eudora; one daughter and her husband, Amy and Darin Schuckman, Larned; five grandchildren, Sydney Rutherford and Kelton, Jenna, Nathan and Hannah Schuckman; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Gary Sanborn.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today at Enfield Funeral Home, Norton. Interment will be at Lenora South Cemetery, Lenora. Memorials are suggested to the Norton Public Library and the Jackie Rutherford Memorial Fund.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Enfield Funeral Home*
215 West Main
Norton, KS 67654
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 17, 2008

Mary Elizabeth Gerritzen 1915 - 2008

Mary Elizabeth Gerritzen, 93, died Dec. 15 at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River. She was born Aug. 20, 1915, at Dorrance, the daughter of Frank Joseph and Barbara Rose Vopat Zeman. She married William Joseph Gerritzen on Aug. 22, 1939, at Wilson. He died on June 9, 1975. She was a graduate of Wilson High School, a former schoolteacher and a homemaker. After raising her family, she worked at Fuller Brush as a machinist. She was a resident of Little River since 1997, coming from Great Bend.

Mrs. Gerritzen was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, Altar Society, D. of I., VFW Auxiliary and a Gold Star Mother of Barton County.

Survivors include a son, Leo Richard Gerritzen and wife Jeanette of Denver, Colo.; five daughters, Frances Marie Aumiller and Mary Louise Alexander, both of Hutchinson, Marge Rose Bieberle and husband Marvin of Great Bend, Virginia Grose and husband Ronald of Little River, and Dorothy Barbara Jordan and husband Joe of O’Fallon, Mo.; three sisters, Josephine Hinnenkamp of Salina, Sister Mary Leo Zeman of Concordia and Alice Homeier of Wilson; 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons, William Anthony Gerritzen and infants William Francis Gerritzen and Lawrence Gerritzen; one daughter, Alice Ann Ward; two brothers, Frank Zeman and Emil Leo Zeman; three sisters, Agner Staudinger, Barbara Hlaus and Anna Staudinger, and a great-granddaughter, Megan Crawford.

An Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. Thursday and a D of I Rosary at 7 p.m. Thursday, both at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Donations to memorial funds for the Holy Family School Endowment Fund or Sandstone Heights Nursing Home 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, Dec. 17, 2008

December 16, 2008

Joseph E. “Joe” Esfeld 1925 - 2008

Joseph E. “Joe” Esfeld, 82, of Great Bend, died Dec. 15 at his residence. He was born Dec. 24, 1925, at Great Bend, the son of Fred Esfeld Sr. and Frances Monger Esfeld. He married Carol Rychlec on Aug. 28, 1950, at Enid, Okla. She died April 8, 2001. He was the owner and operator of Joe Esfeld Excavating since 1974, retiring in 1999. He was a lifetime resident of Great Bend.

Mr. Esfeld was a World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, VFW Post 3111 and American Legion Argonne Post 180, all of Great Bend.

Survivors include one son, Joseph E. “Bert” Esfeld Jr. of Great Bend; two daughters, Beverly Cross and husband Mark, and Mary Jo Esfeld, all of Pawnee Rock; two brothers, George Esfeld of Great Bend and Maurice Dutch Esfeld of Dodge City; two sisters, Agatha Reeves of Malvern, Ark., and Catherine Birzer of Ellinwood; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a brother, Fred “Fritz” Esfeld, Jr.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Floyd McKinney officiant. Interment was held Monday (Dec. 15) at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Seward. There will be no visitation. Donations to memorial funds for the Prince of Peace Parish, for VFW Post 3111 or for American Legion Argonne Post 180 may be made in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67550
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 16, 2008

Joyce A. Seyfert 1936 - 2008

COLBY — Joyce A. Seyfert, 72, died Dec. 7 at the Logan County Hospital in Oakley. Born Feb. 7, 1936, in Abilene, she was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, Donald J. Seyfert of Colby; and a sister, Pamela Forrest of Overland.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Burial will be at the Pleasantview Cemetery in Claflin. Memorials are suggested to the Senior Progress Center in Colby or the Colby First Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kersenbrock Funeral Home
745 S. Country Club Drive
Colby, KS 67701
785-462-7979
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 16, 2008

Evelyn Leona Dunham 1927 - 2008

STERLING — Evelyn Leona Dunham, 81, died Dec. 12 at Angel Arms in McPherson. Born June 23, 1927, in Hutchinson, she was the daughter of Clifford Payton and Clara Lula Schoor Smith. A resident of Sterling since 1966, formerly of Belpre, she was a silk presser and retired school custodian for USD 376. She married Darrol Lively Dunham on Jan. 7, 1946, in Stafford. He died June 23, 1996.

Mrs. Dunham was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling.

Survivors include three sons, Darrol Lee Dunham of Enterprise, Gerald Lee Dunham of Rogers, Ark., and Roy G. Dunham of McPherson; a daughter, Casondra J. Stephens of Sterling; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday at Birzer Funeral Home in Sterling with the Rev. Dr. John Gran officiating. Burial will be at the Frederick Cemetery in Frederick. Friends may visit from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to service time Friday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Center for Basic Cancer Research KSU, in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Home
203 N. 7th/P.O. Box 262
Sterling, KS 67579
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 16, 2008

Carl A. Cook 1928 - 2008

Carl A. Cook, 80, longtime resident of Great Bend, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 12 in Calhan, Colo. Carl was born March 18, 1928, on a farm in Ellinwood, to Herman and Anna K. Kassellman Cook. He was the last survivor of 11 brothers and sisters. He was married to Clara Boger for 58 years. He went to school in Ellinwood and then served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a resident of Great Bend for most of his life until retiring from the oilfield.

Survivors include his wife, Clara (Boger) Cook, of the home; three daughters, Sally Tournear and husband Gary of Alamagordo, N.M., Anna Burke and husband Gary of Great Bend and Pam Clark and husband Paul of Calhan, Colo.; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Arlon Don Cook, and a grandson, Carl (Chuck) Tournear.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Southern Baptist Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. Dr. Doyle Smith officiant. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to Golden Belt Humane Society in care of Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend.

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

William Lee “Bill” Whitley 1949 - 2008

NESS CITY — William Lee “Bill” Whitley, 59, died Dec. 13 on his farm, Ness City. Born Sept. 24, 1949, he was the son of Melvin A. and Virginia J. Cohoon Whitley. He married Patricia Ann Messinger at El Dorado on March 4, 1972. She survives. He was a farmer and rancher and a lifetime resident of Ness County.

Mr. Whitley was a member of the United Methodist Church and a former board member of the Farm Bureau Association and the Pawnee Watershed.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons, Ryan Whitley and wife Leslie of St. Louis, Mo., and Blake and his wife Diana of Kansas City, Mo.; two brothers, Mark Whitley and his wife Kathleen of Garden City and Brent Whitley and his wife Kathy of Ness City; and three grandchildren, Jeremy, Reagan and Ty.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church, Ness City, with the Rev. David Bolz presiding. Burial will be in the Ness City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. both today and Wednesday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. The family will be present at the funeral home from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ness City High School Automated External Defibrillators Fund.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Funeral Home*
207 North Pennsylvania
Ness City, KS 67560
785-798-3243
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 16, 2008

Ivar Dean “Curley” McIunkin 1923 - 2008

BAZINE — Ivar Dean “Curley” McIunkin, 85, died Dec. 13 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. Born Sept. 5, 1923, in Bazine, he was the son of Bert I. and Mary Marie Sear McIunken. A lifetime resident of rural Bazine, he was a retired farmer/stockman. He married Betty Ruth Miller on May 7, 1961 in Great Bend. She survives.

Mr. McIunkin served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the Burdett United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Gary Dean and wife Rachel of Burdett and Craig L. and wife Kimberly of Arkansas City; and six grandchildren, Caleb, Joshua, Elizabeth, David, Grace and Benjamin. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Floyd, Maurice, Burton and twin brother, Ivan G. McIunkin; and two sisters, Reina Harbaugh and Vera Ewalt.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the church with Pastor Rich Zimmerman presiding. Burial will be at the Crandall Union Cemetery in Bazine. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Memorials are suggested to the Gideons International in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550-0124
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune Dec. 16, 2008

Theron R. Ware 1934 - 2008

GARFIELD — Theron R. Ware, 74, died Dec. 14 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Larned, He was born Nov. 3, 1934, in Great Bend, the son of Charles Ewing “Doc” Ware and Clarice R. Losey Ware. A resident of rural Garfield since 1993, he was a retired curator at the Campbell House Museum in St. Louis, Mo., and was a volunteer at the Santa Fe Trail Center, working with the textiles collections and assisting with exhibits and was also a member of the Collections Committee.

Mr. Ware was of the Christian faith, and was a member of the Fort Larned Historical Society, Larned. He served in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his friend and companion, Joe Burnham of Garfield; double cousins, Walter Losey of Fayetteville, Ark., Kathryn Javier of Garfield and Jean Ann Larson of Garden City; and numerous family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a double cousin, Howard Losey.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Morell Funeral Home, Larned, with Pastor John Grumman presiding. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The casket will remain closed. Burial will be in the Garfield Cemetery at Garfield. Memorials are suggested to Campbell House Museum or to the Santa Fe Trail Center, in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc.com.

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

December 14, 2008

James A. “Jim” Harman 1941 - 2008

SALINA — James Arthur Harman, 67, of Salina, died Dec. 11. He was born Dec. 9, 1941, at Hays, the son of the late Arthur D. and Helen L. (Groff) Harman. He graduated from Hays High School in 1959 and from Fort Hays with a business degree. He had worked for many local auto dealerships as a sales manager.

Mr. Harman was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include three sons, Kevin Harman of Duluth, Minn., and Bart Harman and Chad Harman, both of Wichita; a brother, Roger Harman of Hays; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Harman.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina. Memorial contributions may be made to the choice of the donor.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home
500 S. Ohio
Salina, KS 67401
785-823-3456
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 14, 2008

Gerald R. “Ace” Williams 1952 - 2008

LARNED — Gerald R. “Ace” Williams, 56, died Dec. 12 at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center, Wichita. He was born July 31, 1952, in Great Bend, the son of Howard S. and Vernelia Cecilia Schwager Williams. He married Lee Anne Stueckemann on May 30, 1981, at Garfield. A long-time resident of Larned, he was a security officer at the Larned State Hospital.

Mr. Williams belonged to St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two daughters, Tess Couch and Luci Martin, both of Larned; one brother, Stanley Williams, Wadsworth, Ill.; one sister, Linda Keith, Norton; and three grandchildren, Alexandria and Samantha Couch and Deacon Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Bartonek.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned, with Pastor Jason Schmidt presiding. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Special Olympics of Kansas in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc .com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home*
P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550-0124
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 14, 2008

December 12, 2008

Debra K. Ney 1958 - 2008

HOISINGTON — Debra K. Ney, 50, died Dec. 10 at her residence here. She was born Sept. 26, 1958, at Wellington, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Douglas) Bennett. She married Michael Ney on Oct. 22, 1976, at Hoisington. He survives. A longtime Hoisington resident, she was a former dispatcher for the Hoisington Police Department and assistant manager of Cardinal Apartments, Inc.

Mrs. Ney attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, and was a member of Kansas Housing and Star.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, of Hoisington, include two sons, Shawn Ney of Hoisington and Heath Ney of Great Bend; a daughter, Heather Ney of Great Bend; her mother, Mary Orton of Council Grove; her father, Charles Bennett of Great Bend; three sisters, Cathy Hawthorne of Allen, Pam Emly of Lebo and Linda Sanko of Great Bend; and five grandchildren, Nastassja, Dakota, Caitlin, Hunter and Ethan. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Alan Orton, father-in-law, Francis Ney, and brother-in-law, Max Taylor.

A family rosary service will be at 7 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with Father Dwight Birket officiant. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Kans for Kids or for Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice, 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, Dec. 12, 2008

Shirley Mason Moyers 1919 - 2008

HUTCHINSON — Shirley Mason Moyers, 88, died Dec. 10 at Sunshine Meadows Care Home, Buhler. She was born Dec. 28, 1919, at Belle Plaine, the daughter of Charles H. and Ema Abernathy Chandler. On Sept. 29, 1945, she married Parm E. Moyers in Wichita. He died March 5, 1977. She attended Forest Park Presbyterian Church, where she also served as a nursery attendant. During World War II, she worked as an inspector for Coleman Manufacturing. She served on the Election Board for more than 50 years and was a substitute house parent at the Children’s Emergency Shelter Home for more than 16 years.

Other survivors include four sons, Roy Moyers and wife Ronda of Oklahoma City, Okla., Charles Moyers, Great Bend, Ben Moyers and life partner Dennis Huser, Indianapolis, Ind., and John Moyers, Lindsborg; two daughters, Jody Gilley and husband Jim and Maggie Robinson and husband Randy, all of Hutchinson; and six grandchildren, Jennifer and Jessica Gilley, Stacy and Melinda Robinson and Cathy and Jimmy Baker. She was preceded in death by a son, James H. Baker, three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hutchinson, with Pastor Ernest Williams presiding. Burial will be in the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sunshine Meadows Care Home, Forest Park Presbyterian Church or the Children’s Emergency Shelter. Visit www.PenwellGabel.com to leave the family a personal message.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory*
300 East 30th Ave.
Hutchinson, KS 67502
620-662-1201
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 12, 2008

December 11, 2008

Cyrilla M. Dinkel 1921 - 2008

VICTORIA — Cyrilla M. Dinkel, 87, died Dec. 9 at Hays Medical Center. Born Feb. 21, 1921, in Catherine, she was the daughter of Paul and Mary (Seitz) Miller. She married Alvin C. Dinkel on Feb. 4, 1946, in Catherine. He died June 5, 1999. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Dinkel was a member of St. Fidelis Catholic Church, the Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Meal Site, all of Victoria.

Survivors include two sons, Gerald “Jerry” Dinkel and wife Lois of Great Bend, and Charles “Chuck” Dinkel and wife Michele of Chester, Neb.; three daughters, Dianne Porter and husband Robert “Joe” of Victoria, Jeanette Goetz and husband Tom of Great Bend and Marilyn Dinkel and friend Clem Karlin of Victoria; two brothers, her twin, Eddie Miller of Victoria, and Eugene Miller of Cambridge, Neb.; five sisters, Irene Bittle and Rita Bieker, both of Hays, Leona Smith of Houston, Texas, Louise Hammerschmidt of Victoria and Mary Agnes Hayes of Topeka; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; seven brothers, Alphonse Miller, Joe Miller, Marcel Miller, Severin Miller, Rudy Miller, Gilbert Miller and Robert Miller; and one sister, Ottilla Miller.

A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Friday followed by a Daughters of Isabella/Christian Mothers/ Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Rosary at 7:30 p.m., all at Cline’s Mortuary in Victoria. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria. Burial will be at the St. Fidelis Cemetery in Victoria. Friends may visit from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, all at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Victoria VFW, Victoria Meal Site or Masses.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Cline’s Mortuary of Hays and Victoria*
412 Main
Victoria, KS 67671
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 11, 2008

Harold E. Schiewe 1926 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — Harold E. Schiewe, 82, died Dec. 9 at Promise Regional Hospital, Hutchinson. He was born Feb. 24, 1926, at Ellinwood, the son of Reinhold and Adella Panning Schiewe. He married June Schultz Sept. 12, 1977, at Ellinwood. A lifetime Ellinwood resident, he retired as postmaster in Ellinwood after 30 years of service.

Mr. Schiewe was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the VFW, American Legion and Grove Park Golf Club. He was quartermaster of the VFW post for 50 years. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include his wife, June, of the home; a daughter, Kristi Hillshafer of Ellinwood; two stepsons, Vernon L. Dunlap of Claflin and Michael Schartz of Cleveland, Ark.; two stepdaughters, Beverly Gray of Thornton, Colo., and Shiela Kay Jones of Ramona, Calif.; two sisters, Mildred Holmgren of Ellinwood and Lucille McLaughlin of Glenwood, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Leslie Howard Schiewe, two brothers, Leonard and Duane, a sister, Virginia Soeken, and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ellinwood, with the Rev. Jeffrey Frakes officiant. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to the church or to the Ellinwood Garden Club.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home
113 North Main
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 11, 2008

Donald D. Schamaun 1930 - 2008

Donald D. Schaumaun, 78, of Great Bend, died Dec. 10 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Dec. 10, 1930, at Bazine, the son of Casper and Eva Foos Schamaun. He married Lila Brack on Dec. 11, 1949, at Bazine. They divorced. He was a 1948 graduate of Bazine High School. In 1954 he opened a TV and radio shop in Bazine. In 1960 he moved to Great Bend, where he became a partner and later owner of Andy’s TV and Appliance, retiring in 1996. He also served on several advisory panels for the Whirlpool Corporation and RCA Corporation during those years.

Mr. Schamaun was a member of First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, where he served as an usher for many years and on several different committees. He was a former member of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, where he served on the board of directors; a former USD 428 school board member, Great Bend Bowling Association for approximately 30 years. He was a charter member of the Lions Club of Bazine and formerly of the Barton County Booster Club and served on its board of directors.

Don was an avid sports fan.

Survivors include a son, Michael Schamaun and wife Vicki of New Braunfels, Texas; three daughters, Diana Roberts and husband Ken and Lana Dietz and husband Delane, all of Great Bend, and Julie Bryant of Phoenix, Ariz.; a brother, Loren Schamaun and wife Arlene of Great Bend; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, with the Rev. Gary Brooks officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, with the family to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Donations to memorial funds for the church or for the Cougar Booster Club 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, Dec. 11, 2008

Lawrence L. Simmons 1920 - 2008

CLAFLIN — Lawrence L. Simmons, 88, died Dec. 10 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Sept. 9, 1920, in Ritchie County, W. Va., the son of William A. and Carrie (Waggoner) Simmons. He married Evelyn Hofmeister on June 16, 1957, at Hoisington. She survives. He was retired as a banker at the First Bank of Chase, also having worked at Bushton State Bank and Farmers and Merchants Bank of Claflin. He was a longtime resident of Claflin.

Mr. Simmons was a member of the United Methodist Church and Methodist Men of Claflin; past president of the Lions Club, also serving as secretary and treasurer for many years; Claflin Masonic Lodge; a former USD 354 school board member and past president; and board of Claflin Scholarship Fund.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, of the home, include a son, Frank Simmons of Claflin; two daughters, Ruby Simmons and AnneBelle Komarek, both of Kearney, Mo.; a sister, Sarah Schmidt of Augusta; and four grandchildren, Kelly, Zack, Alex and Aidan. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Larry, Charles, Kenneth and Ernest Simmons, and three sisters, Hazel VanBuren, Virginia Simmons and Velma Simmons.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with the Rev. Gene Longhofer officiant. Burial will be at the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Claflin Emergency Medical Technicians or to the United Methodist 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, Dec. 11, 2008

December 10, 2008

Terrence David “Terry” Younkin 1956 - 2008

HILLSBORO, Ore. — Terrence David “Terry” Younkin, 52, a resident of the Hillsboro, Ore., community, died Sunday morning, Dec. 7, at his home from pancreatic cancer.

He was born Sept. 3, 1956, in Lyons. He was one of four boys born to Dwight and Margaret (Lyons) Younkin. He was raised and received his education in Chase, and was a graduate of Chase High School Class of 1974. He attended Wichita State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Administration of Justice and Sociology in 1978.

He was united in marriage to Margaret “Marti” Jacobs on Aug. 12, 1978, in Wichita. Following their marriage they made their home in Wichita until 1982 when they moved to Oklahoma City, Okla., until 1987 when they returned to Wichita. In 1991 they relocated to Great Bend. Since 1997 they have lived in Hillsboro, Ore.

Terry had recently worked as a program director for MacLaren Youth Correction Facility in Woodburn, Ore. Previously, he was the director of the Tillamook Youth Accountability Camp in Tillamook, Ore. While in Great Bend, he was the director of Central Kansas Community Corrections. When in Wichita, he worked as a juvenile probation officer for the State of Kansas and as a Sheriff’s deputy for Sedgwick County.

Terry’s pride and joy were his wife and five daughters. Among his interests he especially enjoyed camping and relaxing with his family. His girls remember his gentle guidance, kindness, and often referred to him as “a big teddy bear.” He loved to cook breakfast, barbecue and be involved in his girls’ activities.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Arthur Younkin.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Marti of the family home; five daughters and their spouses, Kate and James Vance of Portland, Ore., Audrey Younkin and her husband Joseph Heller of Beaverton, Ore., Janet and Joe Herb of Beaverton, Ore., Sarah Younkin of Hillsboro, Ore., and Mary Younkin of Hillsboro, Ore.; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Timothy and Jody Younkin of San Diego, Calif., Charles Younkin of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Sandi Younkin of Haysville; and one grandchild, Johnathan Terrence Herb.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the St. Matthew Catholic Church; 437 SE 3rd Ave in Hillsboro.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday at the St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro.

Family and friends are invited to attend a reception following the Funeral Mass to be held at the St. Matthew Parish Hall in Hillsboro.

A Rite of Christian Burial and interment will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Portland, Ore.

The family suggests contributions in Terry’s name to the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, in care of Fr. Gerardo Alberto, MSpS; 823 N Notre Dame Ave; South Bend, IN 46617. Contributions are also suggested to St. Matthew Church. Sign the online guest book at www.dvfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Duyck & VanDeHey Funeral Home*
9456 NW Roy Rd
Forest Grove, OR 97116
503-357-8749
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 10, 2008

Lucile Helena (Keil) Karst Hall 1914 - 2008

RUSSELL — Lucile Helena (Keil) Karst Hall, 94, of Hays, formerly of Russell, died Dec. 7 at the St. John Assisted Living Center in Hays. Lucile was born July 9, 1914, in Galatia. She was the oldest of 10 children born to Benjamin and Bertha (Strecker) Keil. She grew up in the Galatia and Milberger area and attended schools there. Lucile was united in marriage to Richard Karst. He preceded her in death in 1962. This union was blessed with three children: Kay, Gary and Donald. She then was united in marriage to Joe A. Hall on Sept. 19, 1978. Lucile was a devoted mother and homemaker throughout her life. She enjoyed sewing and doing all types of crafts, especially stuffed toys.

Mrs. Hall was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the VFW Post No. 6240 Ladies Auxiliary, Kansas Original Crafters and Heartland Crafts.

Surviving family includes her husband of 30 years, Joe of the home; daughter, Kay Elsasser and husband Allen of San Antonio, Texas; son, Gary Karst and wife Barbara of Spokane, Wash.; two brothers, Leland Keil of Galatia and Glen Keil of Russell; four sisters, LaFern Trent and Thelma Gross, both of Hays, Elsie Herber of Edmond, Okla., and Aileen Sanders of Wells; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Donald Karst, one grandson, Richard Karst, brothers Clarence Keil and Wayne Keil, sister Claranetta Brainerd, and her dog Precious.

Celebration of Lucile’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Interment will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Memorials have been established with Hays Hospice or St. John’s Assisted Living Center. Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of the mortuary. Condolences may also be sent via e-mail 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, Dec. 10, 2008

Robert Roy Sandford 1918 - 2008

HOISINGTON – Robert Roy Sandford, 90, died Dec. 7 at Pleasant View Home, Inman. He was born Aug. 24, 1918, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Lemmings and Nettie Snyder Sandford. He graduated from Forest Avenue High School in Dallas, Texas in 1935. In January 1987 he married Barbara Mathers in Dallas. She survives. He moved from Dallas to Great Bend in 2006, then to Hoisington in 2007. He was a retired postman for the U.S. Postal Service. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and was a Prisoner of War.

Mr. Sandford was a member of VFW Post 7428 and American Legion Post 286, both in Hoisington. One of his last wishes was to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight program, which he did on Oct. 1, 2008.

Other survivors include two sons, Howard Sandford and wife Sandra, Las Colinas, Texas, and Anthony Sandford and wife Sharon, Holly Lake, Texas; two daughters, Debra Hawkins and husband William, Jr., of Macksville, and Allison Embry and companion Raymond Pagan, Hoisington; a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and three sisters. He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Elliott Mortuary*
1219 Main
Hutchinson, KS 67501
620-663-3327
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 10, 2008

December 9, 2008

Natalie Carol Herold 1926 - 2008

Natalie Carol Herold, 82, of Great Bend, died Dec. 6 at her home. Born Jan. 2, 1926, in Topeka, she was the daughter of Carroll M. and Alta June Pritchard Billingsley. She married Donald C. Herold on June 1, 1947, at Great Bend. A resident of Great Bend since 1938, living in Topeka from 1968 to 1976, she was a homemaker and also worked as a secretary at Jefferson Elementary School from 1961 to 1967.

Mrs. Herold was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Great Bend and served on various church committees. She was also a member of Alpha Phi Social Sorority at Washburn University.

Survivors include her husband, of the home; three daughters, Rebecca Carol Collier and husband Bill and Charlotte Jane Henning and husband Al, all of Wichita, and Natalie Ann Engert and husband Clyde, of Andover; a sister, Meredith Ann Ward of Norman, Okla.; five grandchildren, Karen Collier, Jeff Henning, Melissa Henning Phillips, Sara Zander Edwards and Collin Zander; and three great-grandchildren, Becca Henning, Libby Phillips and Joshua Phillips. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Grant Collier; and a sister, Beverly June Hornsby.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the Rev. Stan Crawford officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ or Southwind Hospice. 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, Dec. 9, 2008

James J. Elliott 1945 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — James J. Elliott, 63, died Dec. 7 at Ellinwood District Hospital.

Born July 27, 1945, at El Dorado, he was the son of Estill D. and Velma Florene Bowyer Elliott. He was an art school graduate in Oklahoma.

A resident of Ellinwood for the past 21 years, formerly of Corpus Christi, Texas, he was an antiques dealer and co-owner of Starr-Elliott Antiques in Ellinwood. He was instrumental in the design of the decorative wheat shocks in Ellinwood.

Mr. Elliott served in the United States Navy in the Vietnam Conflict from 1966 to 1970. He was a member of the Garden Club, Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion, all of Ellinwood.

Survivors include his partner, Bill Starr of Ellinwood; a brother, Dan Elliott of Garland, Texas; a sister, Virginia Wicks of Spencer, Iowa; and four nephews and nieces.

There will be no services. Cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the Ellinwood Garden Club.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home, Inc.
113 N. Main
P.O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan. ) Tribune, Dec. 9, 2008

Thomas Gayle Gates 1924 - 2008

SEWARD — Thomas Gayle Gates, 84, died Dec. 7 at his home in Seward. Born Sept. 25, 1924, in rural Seward, he was the son of Harold and Violet Ellen (McGinty) Gates. On Aug. 14, 1982, he married Elizabeth (Wilson) Gates at Seward. She survives, of the home. A lifelong resident of the Seward area, he was a farmer/stockman. He graduated from Radium High School and was a World War II Navy veteran.

Mr. Gates was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW and the American Legion.

Other survivors include three stepsons, Mitty Plummer and wife Annie of Sanger, Texas, Jim Plummer and wife Kathy of Hutchinson and John DeWeese and wife Leslie of Great Bend; two stepdaughters, Susan DeWeese of Larned, LeAnn Bethel and husband Chris of Gilbert, Ariz., seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both parents and a brother Glen.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Seward, with Celebrant Father Rene Guesnier. Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. with Rosary beginning at 7 p.m., at Minnis Chapel, St. John. Memorials are suggested to South Wind Hospice or to the church in care of Minnis Chapel.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel, Inc.*
Box 34/526 East Fourth
St. John, KS 67576
620-786-9440
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 9, 2008

James Roat

In addition to survivors previously listed (see December 7, 2008 obituary), a great-grandson, Preston Roat, survives.

December 7, 2008

Condella “Connie” Trujillo

LARNED — Condella “Connie” Trujillo, 82, died Dec. 5 at St. Joseph Memorial Long Term Care, Larned. Arrangements will be announced by Morell Funeral Home, Larned.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 7, 2008

J. Frank Buehler 1919 - 2008

CLAFLIN — J. Frank Buehler, 88, died Dec. 5 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. Born Dec. 14, 1919, at Bushton, he was the son of John Alfred and Freda Caroline Post Buehler. He married Claire Geraldine Malvey on June 14, 1946, at Ladue, Mo. She died April 15, 2006. He was a graduate of Claflin High School and a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Army. He was a lifetime resident of Claflin, but had lived in Great Bend since 2006. He was the owner/operator of Buehler’s A.G. Market from 1946 to 1984. Frank was a Kansas State Representative for the 113th District from 1982 to 1990.

Mr. Buehler was a member of Claflin United Methodist Church, U.M.M., American Legion Argonne Post 180, Great Bend, Claflin VFW, a 50-year member of the Claflin Lions Club, past president of the Kansas Association of Meat Processors and past president of the American Association of Meat Processors from 1978 to 1979.

Survivors include two sons, John M. Buehler and wife Susan of Baldwin City and Jere Buehler and wife Bonnie of Claflin; a daughter, Clarice B. Miller and husband Mark of Denver, Colo.; a sister, Ruth Ware Koelzer of Fort Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren, Gretchen Bixler, T.J. Buehler, B.J. Buehler, Heath Buehler, Tim Pflughoeft and Jeremy Pflughoeft; six great-grandchildren, Claire Buehler, Jackson Buehler, Brooklyn Buehler, Bailee Buehler, Keeley Pflughoeft and Benjamin Pflughoeft. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Karl Buehler and Paul Buehler, one grandson, Joel Buehler, and one great-grandson, Lane Pflughoeft.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Claflin United Methodist Church, Claflin, with the Rev. Gene Langhofer officiant. Interment will be at the Claflin Cemetery with military honors conducted by a Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations to memorial funds for the Claflin United Methodist Church or for Claflin Emergency Medical Services may be made in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 7, 2008

Cynthia Sue Eubank Wilson 1948 - 2008

Cynthia Sue Eubank Wilson, 60, of Great Bend, died Dec. 5 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born May 23, 1948, at Great Bend, the daughter of Roy Everett and Selma Goerlitz Eubank. She married Fred Johnson in August 1963 at Great Bend. They were divorced. She then married Ron Wilson July 21, 1980, at Great Bend. He survives. She was a deli and fuel center clerk for Dillon’s in Great Bend. She was also the custodian at St. Mark Lutheran Church. She was a lifetime resident of Great Bend.

Mrs. Wilson was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111 Auxiliary, and Cheyenne Sportsman Club.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include two daughters, Renee Sue McVey and Samantha Lynn Elliott, both of Great Bend; a stepson, Scott Wilson of Ellinwood; two brothers, Roy Eubank and wife Judy of Wichita and Richard Eubank of Great Bend; a stepbrother, Larry Smith of Wichita; two sisters, Rita Crone Schroeder and husband Ron of Heizer and Linda Jacobs and husband Gary of Great Bend; a stepsister, Roberta Holden and husband Darrell of Great Bend; three grandchildren, Cynthia Dawn Burgamy, Melissa Sue McVey and Elizabeth Chaplin Ledesma; and three great-grandchildren, Jonathan Burgamy, Austin Burgamy and Lidiah Renee Burgamy. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Billy McVey, a daughter, Kimberly Ann Johnson, and a nephew, Steven Crone.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Adam Wutka officiant. Inurnment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Friends may sign the register on Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Donations to a memorial fund for the American Diabetes Association 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, Dec. 7, 2008

Elizabeth Cranston 1936 - 2008

ELLSWORTH — Elizabeth Cranston, 72, died Dec. 5 at her home in Ellsworth. She was born Nov. 29, 1936, in Ellsworth, the daughter of Frank and Emily Vopat Spousta. She married Lloyd Cranston on July 3, 1954. He preceded her in death in 1980. A lifetime resident of Ellsworth, she had been a cook at the Good Samaritan Center, St. Francis Boys Home and Dairy Queen.

Mrs. Cranston was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth.

Survivors include three sons, David and Kevin, both of Ellsworth and Jeff of Spring, Texas; two daughters, Barbara Willson of Wilson and Karen Bartone of Great Bend; a sister, Mary Jane Haga of Abilene; 16 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and six stepgreat-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kim Smith, in 2003.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with Pastor Nathan Loudon presiding. Burial will be in the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Ellsworth County Medical Center, in care of Parsons Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Parsons Funeral Home
P.O. Box 45
Ellsworth, KS 67439
785-472-3861
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 7, 2008

James Andrew “Jim” Roat 1937 - 2008

James Andrew “Jim” Roat, 71, of Great Bend, died Dec. 6 at his home. Born May 12, 1937, at New Albany, he was the son of Gilford Glen and Florence May Russell Roat. He met Doris Verlea Lemon on Feb. 20, 1959, and after a short month they married on March 24, 1959, at Roby, Texas. He graduated from Fredonia High School in May 1955. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army, serving in the 8th Division, 13th Infantry and was honorably discharged in May 1957. He joined the National Guard until 1963. Jim worked for many years for Ritchie Brothers of Wichita before moving to Great Bend to manage the truck and maintenance shop for Thies Packing Company. He was founder of R & S Repair and R & S Transport. Lately he was employed by Van Wyk, Inc. Jim was a company man, devoting his life to his work and family. He liked to hike in the mountains in old mine tailings, looking for gold. he enjoyed traveling, liked old country/western music, history and camping. He didn’t care much for fishing, but liked to watch his grandchildren fish. He was a Fox News addict. He enjoyed living in the country with his family and his dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Roat of the home; one daughter, Diane Roat of the home; two sons, Jimmy Roat of Garden City and David Roat of Hoisington; four granddaughters, Kristin, DJ, Chelsey and Kayla; four grandsons, Jesse, Tyler, Trenton and Nick; two sisters, May Shinkle and husband Larry of Wichita and Marie Starmer of Wichita; two brothers, Arlin “Bud” Roat and wife Lois of Wichita and Eugene “Butch” Roat and wife Karen of Edmond, Okla.; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Darin, and grandson, Travis; a brother, Billy, and his mother-in-law “Mom” and brother-in-law Garry Starmer.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor Mike Joiner officiant. Interment will be at the Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations to memorial funds for Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or for Heartland Cancer Center, or for the charity or organization of the donor’s choice, 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, Dec. 7, 2008

December 5, 2008

Ruby N. Krueger 1936 - 2008

Ruby N. Krueger, 72, of Great Bend, died Dec. 4 at Great Bend Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born July 2, 1936, at Cummings, the daughter of Maberly T. and Pansy R. Newman. She married Dr. Haven C. Krueger on Aug. 18, 1957, at Cummings. She was a graduate of Mount St. Scholastica of Atchison and of the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and education. She was a former elementary teacher in Kansas City, Kan., and Rochester, Minn., and a bookkeeper. She had been a resident of Great Bend since 1972, coming from Prairie Village.

rs. Krueger was a member of First United Methodist Church, UMW, Central Kansas Medical Center Auxiliary, Kansas Medical Society Auxiliary, National League of Cities, League of Women Voters, City/County Planning Commission and a Great Bend City Council member from 1979 to 1985.

Survivors include her husband, Haven C. Krueger, M.D., of the home; two sons, Michael R. Krueger of Kansas City, Mo., and Bryan C. Krueger of Gladstone, Mo.; two daughters, Elisabeth K. Luthi of Overland Park and Lisa M. Schober of Stilwell; a brother, Thomas M. Newman of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Grace Sheeley of Nortonville; and seven grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Round Mound Cemetery, Atchison, with the Rev. Beverly Bowyer officiant. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with the family to receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Memorial donations to the Ruby Krueger Scholarship 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, Dec. 5, 2008

Albert ‘Al’ Henry Strecker 1944 – 2008

HUTCHINSON — Albert “Al” Henry Strecker, 64, died Dec. 3 at his home in Hutchinson. He was born June 5, 1944, at Russell, the son of Ernest and Eva May Strecker. He graduated from Paradise Rural High School in 1962 and from Kansas State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in engineering. He then received his Professional Engineering license in 1971. He married Janice “Jan” E. McNeal on June 6, 1965, in Paradise. He was an agriculture engineer, working as a sales representative for Engineered Sales of Kansas City.

Mr. Strecker served as a staff sergeant for the Army Reserves from 1967 to 1973. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, AMBUCS, K-State Alumni and the American Society of Agricultural Engineering.

Survivors include his wife of the home; sons, Scott Strecker and wife Cindy and Stuart Strecker and wife Lori, all of Lawrence; a brother, Glen Strecker of Olathe, two sisters, Mary Anderson of Osborne and Wanda Kay Augustine of Hutchinson; five grandchildren, Lidia, Jai, Henry, Maggie and Ada May; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. A graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at Paradise United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Pat Ault-Duell officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Paradise. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday at Elliott Mortuary in Hutchinson. Cremation has already taken place. Memorials are suggested to Hutchinson AMBUCS for AmTrykes, Trinity United Methodist Church or Paradise United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Elliott Mortuary*
1219 North Main
Hutchinson, KS 67501
620-663-3327
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 5, 2008

December 4, 2008

Lucille Lillian Crotinger 1916 - 2008

KINGMAN — Lucille Lillian Crotinger, 92, died Nov. 28 at Wheatlands Healthcare Center in Kingman. She was born March 8, 1916, in Rush County, the daughter of James M. and Faye Robinson Allen. A Kingman resident since 1993, previously from McCracken and La Crosse, she was a homemaker and a former teacher. On April 21, 1935, she married Alfred Crotinger in Ness County. He died in 1992.

Mrs. Crotinger was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and United Presbyterian Women, both of Kingman.

Survivors include a son, Gerald; a daughter, Dorothy Graham; two brothers, James and Glenn Allen; four grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters.

Funeral service was at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingman with the Rev. John Barkett presiding. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. today at the Locust Hill Cemetery in Rush Center. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church and Wheatlands Healthcare Center, both in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Livingston Funeral Home
1830 N. Main
Kingman, KS 67068
620-532-3322
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 4, 2008

LaVera Krug Sullivan 1910 - 2008

FLORENCE, S.C. — A memorial service for LaVera Krug Sullivan, widow of Robert Edward Sullivan, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Manning, S.C., conducted by the Rev. Charles Tyler. A second service will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, in Ascension Lutheran Church, Daphne, Ala., conducted by the Rev. Harold Hoeferkamp. Interment next to her husband will follow at Pine Rest Cemetery, Foley, Ala. Memorials may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church, 8888 County Rd. 64, Daphne, AL 36526.

Mrs. Sullivan, 97, died Dec. 1. She was born Dec. 18, 1910, in Hoisington, the eldest of six children of the late Philip and Anna Seigfried Krug. She attended public schools in Hoisington and after graduation from high school in 1928, attended Fort Hays College for two years. Thereafter she worked for Kansas Power and Light in Wichita. LaVera Krug married Robert Edward Sullivan on Dec. 27, 1938, in Independence, Mo., and they lived in the South after their marriage, where Mr. Sullivan worked for heavy equipment and farm machinery companies during World War II. In 1950 the Sullivans moved to Hoisington and engaged in farming. Later they bought a Buick and John Deere dealership in Ness City, where Mrs. Sullivan kept the dealership’s books. Returning eventually to Hoisington, the Sullivans operated a construction business, which built and landscaped several of the roadside parks along I-70 when the interstate system was being developed through Kansas. Mrs. Sullivan fulfilled a lifelong dream when she completed a bachelor’s degree in education in 1966 awarded by Fort Hays Kansas State College.

The Sullivans retired in 1970 to Gulf Shores, Ala., and enjoyed a happy retirement with numerous friends and frequent visits from their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Sullivan died in 1986 and Mrs. Sullivan continued living in the family home until moving to Westminster Village, Spanish Fort, Ala., in 1998. In August 2007, she moved to the Methodist Manor to be near her son and daughter-in-law who lived in Manning. LaVera and Robert lived mostly in small towns and enjoyed civic activities and consistent involvement in their respective churches. She helped organize a pageant and style show which were among civic events marking the sesquicentennial of Hoisington in 1958. She was always known for her friendliness, hospitality and gracious concern for those around her.

Surviving are a son, Robert E. (Nancy) Sullivan of Manning, S.C.; a daughter, Margaret Ann Kraeuchi of St. Louis, Mo.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. On line condolences on the obituaries page at www.cainfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pete Hoogendonk
Cain Funeral Home, Inc.*
512 West Second Loop Rd
Florence, SC 29504
(843) 665-7177
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 4, 2008

Shirley Dreiling 1936 - 2008

Shirley Dreiling, 72, of Great Bend, died Dec. 2 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence. Born Aug. 16, 1936, at Garber, Okla., she was the daughter of J. Webb and Nettie Wilson Anderson. She married Norman “Nick” Dreiling on Sept. 3, 1955, at Plainville. He died May 21, 2008. She was a homemaker and owner/operator of Foxy Lady Dress Shop, Great Bend. She was a resident of Ellinwood and Great Bend for 37 years, coming from Russell.

Mrs. Dreiling was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick, Altar Society, Pilot Club, Women’s AGLOW and a charter member and past president of Delta Tau, ESA, all of Great Bend.

Survivors include two sons, Steven Dreiling and wife Jan of Lawrence and Jayson Dreiling and wife Penni of Ellinwood; one daughter, Jeri Mitchell and husband Larry of Pratt; a sister, Carol June Rosin of New Braunfels, Texas; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lester Anderson and Delbert Anderson.

An Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. Friday and a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, both at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Floyd McKinney officiant. Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery North. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Donations to a memorial fund for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 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, Dec. 4, 2008

Joseph “Jack” Wolf 1928 - 2008

ELLIS — Joseph “Jack” Wolf, 80, of Ellis, died Dec. 1 at his home. He was born March 10, 1928, in Ellis, the son of William and Katherine (Sauer) Wolf. He married Virginia Walton on Dec. 24, 1949, in the Methodist Parsonage at Ellis. Jack was retired from the Union Pacific Railroad, working mostly with the Bridge and Building division. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a member of the Ellis United Methodist Church, the Kansas Fur Harvesters Association and the National Trappers Association. He was also a past Ellis City councilman.

Survivors include his wife Virginia, of the home; two sons, Danny and wife Monta of Great Bend and Jack and wife Andrea of Ellis; a daughter, Gail Eberle and husband Mel of Oakley; four brothers, Kenneth F. and wife Kathy, and James, all of Ellis, Dennis and wife Helen of Salina and Steve and wife Lana of Great Bend; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Clark, Lawrence and William, and a sister, Margaret Moore.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Ellis United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until service time Friday, all at the church, 1201 Washington in Ellis. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church. Condolences may be sent to the family at wkfc@gbta.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Wasinger Keithley Funeral Chapel*
400 East 17th
Ellis, KS 67637
785-726-4400
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 4, 2008

December 3, 2008

Michael “Grumpy” Lynn Naw 1955 - 2008

Michael “Grumpy” Lynn Naw, 53, of Great Bend, died Nov. 29 at Minneapolis, Kan. He was born Oct. 11, 1955, at a U.S. Army Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, the son of George Everett and Barbara June McBride Naw. He married Debbie Hoskins Moore on Dec. 29, 2003, in Lamar, Colo. This union resulted in a combined family of four children. Mr. Naw owned Used Car Mike’s. He was known as the “Country Cousin” on KVGB and most recently had logged over one million miles as an over-the-road truck driver.

Mr. Naw served in the U.S. Navy.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; three sons, Tim Naw and wife Amanda, Corky Moore and wife Rachel and Jason Moore and wife Marsha George; a daughter, Becky Larsen and husband Mike; six grandchildren; a brother, Scott Naw; and a sister, Gayle Rollo and husband Ron. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, with Pastor Michael Joiner of Extreme Hope Christian Fellowship officiating. Interment will be at Great Bend City Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family greeting friends and family from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Mike Naw Memorial Fund.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals*
2115 Washington
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 3, 2008

C.A. Dirks 1917 - 2008

C.A. Dirks, 91, of Great Bend, died Dec. 1 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. He was born Sept. 22, 1917, at rural Pawnee Rock, the son of Nathan and Lena Unruh Dirks. He was a farmer and a lifetime area resident.

Mr. Dirks was a member of the Bergthal Mennonite Church and of Farm Bureau.

Survivors include a sister, Alene Givens of Southwick, Mass.; a niece, Sherree Fuge of Manchester, Conn.; and a great-niece, Jennifer Irwin of Manchester, Conn. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bernard Dirks.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, with Pastor Lynn Schlosser officiant. Interment will be at Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to service time Thursday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 3, 2008

Hattie M. Beran 1924 - 2008

Hattie M. Beran, 84, of Great Bend, died Dec. 1 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born Oct. 17, 1924, at Odin, the daughter of Ferd and Louisa Werner Beran. She was a retired registered nurse for St. Rose Hospital and for C.B. Replogle, M.D. She had been a resident of Great Bend since 1942, coming from Odin.

She was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, the Altar Society and the Nursing Alumni Association.

Survivors include a sister, Cecilia Bahr, of Olmitz; five nephews, Ken Beran of Hays, Fred Johnson of Strasburg, Colo., Jim Johnson of Great Bend, Bud Johnson of Larned and Leon Bahr of Olmitz; five nieces, Judy Getty of Hays, Karen Reif, Mary Johnson and Donita Wolf, all of Great Bend, and Jane Brack of Albuquerque, N.M.; and numerous great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Hattie was preceded in death by six brothers, Frank Beran, August Beran and Roman Beran and three infants, Fred Beran, Victor Beran and Alois Beran and a sister, Hilda Johnson.

An Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m., also at the funeral home. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Parish, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home*
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-3525
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 3, 2008

Sarah Viola Higgins 1918 - 2008

NESS CITY — Sarah Viola Higgins, 90, died Dec. 2 at Cedar Village in Ness City. Born Feb. 13, 1918, in Banner, she was the daughter of John and Mary Sparks Tilton. On July 3, 1937, she married Lawrence J. Higgins at WaKeeney. He died on June 10, 1966. They were dairy and wheat farmers.

Survivors include one son, James Higgins, Ness City; five daughters, Mildred “Milly” Rumpel, Ontario, Ore., Evea Rumpel, WaKeeney, Ida Meyeres, Bazine, Kathy Davis and Charity Farley; 11 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, 20 step-great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by five brothers, George, Ernest, Jay, Manuel and Clifton Tilton; and four sisters, Mae Sorenson, Mary Harvey, Mertie Tilton and Stella Tilton.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, with the Rev. Russell King officiating. Burial will be in the Ransom Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, with the family present from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Cedar Village Van Fund or the Gideons.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Funeral Home Inc.
P.O. Box 96; 207 N. Pennsylvania
Ness City, KS 67560
(785) 798-3243
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 3, 2008

December 02, 2008

Leona N. (“Tootsie”) Keeler 1915 - 2008

ELLINWOOD — Leona N. (“Tootsie”) Keeler, 93, died Nov. 30 at her home in Ellinwood. Born Feb. 4, 1915, in rural Ellinwood, she was the daughter of Henry Kasselman and Sophia Dahm. She married Howard R. Keeler on Nov. 23, 1942, at Larned. He died July 8, 1993. A lifetime resident of Barton and Stafford counties, she was a farm wife.
Mrs. Keeler was a member of the First Baptist Church, Heritage Club, Mt. Pleasant Ladies Aid and RSVP and a United Methodist Thrift Shop Volunteer. She attended church at the Immanuel UCC and Ellinwood Methodist.
Survivors include a daughter, Judy Hayes, of Ellinwood; two grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Ned Keeler; three brothers, Melvin, Orville, and Emmett; and two sisters, Margaret Korth and Mildred Kasselman.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Kimple Funeral Chapel in Ellinwood with the Rev. Larry Young officiating. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel UCC or the Heritage Club.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Kimple Funeral Home, Inc.
113 N. Main
P.O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS 67526
620-564-2300
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2008

Sister Louise Herrman

WICHITA — Sister Louise Herrman, ASC, registered nurse, Community Directed Services Inc., died Nov. 29.
Survivors include three brothers, Marvin Herrman and wife Florance, and Alexander Herrman and wife Twilla, all of La Crosse, and Albert Herrman and wife Mary Lou of Great Bend; four sisters, Emma Moeder and Elenora Moeder, both of La Crosse, Bertha Sauber of Ellinwood and Edith Bollig and husband, Richard of Great Bend; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and sisters of the ASC Community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nicholas and Veronica (Legleiter) Herrman; five brothers, Alvin, Kenneth, Raymond, Elmer and Chris; and a sister, Agnes.
Wake service was at 7 p.m. Monday. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. today at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ of Wichita Center, 1165 Southwest Blvd., Wichita. A memorial has been established for the retirement of Sisters, ASC, 1165 Southwest Blvd., Wichita, KS 67213.
Funeral arrangements provided by
DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt*
201 S. Hydraulic St.
Wichita, KS 67211
316-263-0244
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2008

Melvin C. Fehrenbacher 1942 - 2008

TOPEKA — Melvin C. Fehrenbacher, 66, formerly of Stafford County and currently from Topeka, passed away Nov. 26, doing what he loved, riding his Harley-Davidson. He was born Sept. 21, 1942, in Stafford County, the son of Wayne Fehrenbacher and Betty Richardson Fehrenbacher. He graduated from the Carl Junction High School in Missouri in 1961. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Crisis and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay. He was previously married three times, including to Carolyn Kaye Skulavik, and Sharon Kay Croft for over 30 years. He was a member of the American Veterans Motorcycle Club.
He is survived by two sons, Michael Fehrenbacher of Missouri and John Fehrenbacher of Topeka; two daughters, Michelle Garrison of Topeka and Rebecca Dodds and her husband Christopher of Redbank, N.J.; two brothers, Lawrence D. Fehrenbacher of Cleveland, Ohio, and Joseph Fehrenbacher of Wichita; three sisters, Helen Skidmore and Anna Lucida, both of Atchison, and Teresa Ukins of Great Bend; and five grandchildren, Stephany, Sabrina, Brandon, Spencer and Megan.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today at the Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka. Melvin was to lie in state from noon to 9 p.m. on Monday, with family visitation from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Family visitation will also be in St. John from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday at the Minnis Funeral Home. Interment services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Seward. Memorials may be made to the Melvin Fehrenbacher Memorial Fund and sent in care of the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Davidson Funeral Home*#
1035 N. Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66608
785-233-4088
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2008

Edward William Miller 1927 - 2008

PAWNEE ROCK — Edward William Miller, 81, died Nov. 27 in Great Bend. Born Aug 1, 1927, in Larned, he was the son of George Edward Miller and Pearl Ruth Jennings. A lifelong resident of Pawnee County, he grew up in Larned. He graduated from Larned High School in 1946. Most of his life he was a well-known carpenter, later pursuing farming. He married Virginia Mastin. She died in 1991. In 1992 he married Laura Jean Hayward.
Mr. Miller was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Great Bend.
Survivors include his wife, Laura Jean; his children, Vivian Maureen Armstrong of Plymouth, Mich., Howard M. Hayward Jr. and wife Dora of Pawnee Rock, Linda Hill of Chilhowee, Mo., Deborah and husband Barry Lovelace of Joshua, Texas, Michael Hayward, Donna and husband Milton Jacklin and Ada White, all of Washington, Utah; a brother, Robert Miller; 26 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two half brothers, Harold and Howard; and a sister, Dorothy Beashears.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned with Bishop Dan Curtis presiding. Burial will be at the Larned Cemetery. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church or to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of the funeral home. Personal condolences may be left at www.morellfuneralhomellc.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Morell Funeral Home LLC*
P.O. Box 124
Larned, KS 67550-0124
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2008

 

Beverly Jeanne Phillips Brummett

ELGIN, Ill. — Beverly Jeanne Phillips Brummett died Oct. 29 at her home in Elgin, Ill. She was born in Hoisington, the daughter of Mark Paul and Ida Marie Willcutt Phillips, moving to Great Bend in 1932. She attended public schools and graduated from Great Bend High School, where she was an accomplished violinist and played with the orchestra, as well as singing with the A Capella Choir directed by Helen Opie. She was also a champion debater whose team won their Regional High School Championship.
Following high school, she served as secretary to Don McIlrath, mayor of Great Bend. Active in the USO, she met her husband, Capt. William Collett Brummett, who was stationed at the Great Bend Air Base with the Army Air Corps. They were married Sept. 15, 1945, at the First Methodist Church in Great Bend. She remained active in the community as president of the Park School PTA, member of the Girl Scout Council and troop leader, and sang with the First Methodist Church choir and Sweet Adelines.
She and her family moved to Elgin, Ill., in 1956, where she lived until her death. She and her husband served there as sponsors of the Job’s Daughters chapter, and were both active in the Order of Amaranth. He on died May 5, 2004.
Mrs. Brummett also served in the auxiliary at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Ill., and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge.
Survivors include a sister, Joyce Phillips Essmiller of Great Bend; two daughters, Holliday Brummett Milby-Hardin of Phoenix, Ariz., and Mellody Brummett Gartley, of Elgin, Ill.; two granddaughters, Blythe Collett Milby of Springfield, Ill., and Rachel Colleen Gartley of Manhattan, N.Y.; and three nieces, ArNell Briel of Great Bend, Jan Marie Bolick of Carmel, Ind., and Jadean Takao of Kailua, Hawaii. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and four brothers, Wayne (in childhood), Maurice, Marion and Francis Phillips.
A memorial service is planned for the spring in Great Bend.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2008*

Michael ‘Grumpy’ Lynn Naw 1955 - 2008

Michael “Grumpy” Lynn Naw, 53, of Great Bend, died Nov. 29 at Minneapolis, Kan. He was born Oct. 11, 1955, at a U.S. Army Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, the son of George Everett and Barbara June McBride Naw. He married Debbie Hoskins Moore on Dec. 29, 2003, in Lamar, Colo. This union resulted in a combined family of four children. Mr. Naw owned Used Car Mike’s. He was known as the “Country Cousin” on KVGB and most recently had logged over one million miles as an over-the-road truck driver.
Mr. Naw served in the U.S. Navy.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Tim Naw and wife Amanda, Corky Moore and wife Rachel and Jason Moore and wife Marsha George; a daughter, Becky Larsen and husband Mike; a brother, Scott Naw; a sister, Gayle Rollo and husband Ron; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, with the Rev. Dick Ogle officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend City Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, with family greeting friends and family from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Mike Naw Memorial Fund.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals*
2115 Washington
Great Bend, KS 67530
620-793-6161
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2008

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