Helen Francis Allen, 72, of Topeka, Kansas, formerly of Atchison, Kansas passed away Sunday, January 28, 2018.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Atchison United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Stone officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the church. The Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final care. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com

Helen was born on February 15, 1945 in Plattsburg, Missouri the daughter of Howard and Sally (Kelley) May. She attended Plattsburg Elementary and graduated from Plattsburg High School in 1963.

She and Theodore “Ted” Allen were united in marriage on December 25, 1984 in Atchison, Kansas. Ted preceded her in death on May 29, 2004.

She was formerly employed at Rockwell International, Mount St. Scholastica College cafeteria, and co-owned and operated Ted & Helen’s Smokin’ Good B-B-Q in Atchison, Horton and Topeka. She was most recently employed at the Golden Eagle Casino in the dining room, where she was a supervisor of hosting.

She is survived by a son, Donnie Ray Johnson, Sr., Leavenworth, KS, six daughters, Helen (Willie, Jr.) Braden, Topeka, KS, Gwen (Kevin Honer) Harris, Topeka, KS, Donita Strange, Lawrence, KS, Toni (Edwin) Cluke, Atchison, KS, Teresa Russel, Atchison, KS, Tammy Allen, Las Vegas, NV, an uncle, Clifford Kelley, Denver, CO, twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Sally May, a daughter, Lorita Oliver, her husband Theodore Allen, three brothers, Howard E. May, Jr., Leroy May, Cecil Kelley, a sister, Mildred Merritt, and a son, Theodore “Bootsie” Allen, Jr.

David B. Wilson, 86 years of age, of Falls City passed away Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Falls City Healthcare Community in Falls City. He was born on April 12, 1931 in Lake Spring, Missouri to Bryan and Jessie (Randolph) Wilson. David married Barbara “Bobbie” Stewart on March 19, 1954 in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was often referred to as the “Pie Man” as he made wonderful pies. David was a Line Foreman on the railroad for over 20 years. He was a member of the Good News Assembly of God Church in Falls City and enjoyed working, traveling and being his wife’s caretaker the last 11 years of her life.

David is survived by a son, David Wilson, Jr. and wife Joanne of Funk; 2 daughters, Brenda Judy and husband Daniel of Deshler, Leetta Hafner and Jeremy Daake of Kearney; 9 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife Barbara “Bobbie” on July 22, 2015.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Good News Assembly of God Church in Falls City with Pastors David Wilson and Tim Boatright officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.hallfuneral.net. Hall Funeral Chapel in Falls City in charge of arrangements.

Ellen Lola (Kuper) Oestmann, 89, of Tecumseh formerly of Nemaha County, Nebraska was born on October 22, 1928 on a farm southwest of Auburn, Nebraska to George O. and Helen (Gerdes) Kuper.  As a young girl, Ellen’s mother passed away and she was raised by her uncle Dick Kuper.  She grew up in Nemaha County and attended country school.  Ellen graduated from Bratton Union Consolidated High School with the class of 1946.  On August 23, 1948, Ellen was united in marriage to Lester Oestmann at St. John’s (Stone) Lutheran Church in rural Auburn.  To this union three sons, David, Paul and Ralph were born.  Ellen lived almost all of her life on farms in Nemaha County where she raised her family.  She was a cook in Auburn and later at Belle Terrace Nursing Home in Tecumseh for seven years before retiring in 2001.  Ellen was a member of Martin Luther Church near Johnson where she was involved in various church activities and committees.  She was also a member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Johnson.  In her spare time, she enjoyed cross-word puzzles, embroidery, and reading.  Ellen passed away on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Belle Terrace in Tecumseh, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-nine years, three months, and seven days.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lester, sisters Helen Kuper and Maxine (Leonard) Meyer, and a cousin LaVern Kuper.

Ellen is survived by her sons: David Oestmann of Beatrice, NE; Paul Oestmann and wife Carrolyn of Fort Calhoun, NE; Ralph Oestmann and wife Kelly of Aurora, CO; grandchildren: Matt (Mylissa) Oestmann of Bellevue, NE; Jillian (Joel) Weyer of Fort Calhoun, NE; Karli (Rance) Johnson of Fort Calhoun, NE; Allie (Jamie) Schleifer of Fort Calhoun, NE; Toni Oestmann of Denver, CO; Didi Oestmann and fiancé Tariq Hamad of Centreville, VA; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Martin Luther Church in rural Johnson, Nebraska with Pastor Ken Tubbesing officiating.  Interment will follow at Martin Luther Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at The Hall Mortuary, 203 Main Street in Johnson, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions will be designated according to the wishes of the family. 

Online messages of condolence can be left at www.hallfuneral.net.  

Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel-707 15th ST.-Auburn, Nebraska (402) 274-3131.

Betty Ann (Moser) Aberle, 80, of Sabetha, KS passed away Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Sabetha Manor.

Betty was born September 1, 1937 in Bern, KS to Edward A. and Eula Mae (Bauman) Moser. She was raised on the family farm southeast of Bern. She graduated from Bern High School in 1955. Betty was very proud of her Bern School Alumni attendance and looked forward yearly to her class reunion. Betty worked as a waitress at the Buzz Café for 2 years after high school. Later she worked as a housekeeper at the Koch Motel.
 
Betty married her high school sweetheart, William B. Bredemeier. They divorced. Betty later married Marvin Louis Aberle of Sabetha, KS.
 
Betty attended various churches during her lifetime. She loved Jesus, singing hymns, and listening to Christian music. Country music was also a favorite. She loved attending family reunions. Betty played the saxophone in high school and took piano lessons as a child. She shared her love of music with her children.
 
Betty suffered mental illness for much of her adult life which impacted her ability to maintain meaningful relationships in her lifetime.
 
She was preceded in death by her brother, Clinton Edward Moser; her parents, Edward A. and Eula Mae (Bauman) Moser; her husbands; beloved aunts and uncles; her sister, Phyllis Chauza; and her infant stillborn grandson, Timothy Ohlsen.

She is survived by her five children: Virginia “Ginny” Skoch (Michael) of Omaha, NE; William “Bill” Bredemeier (Jodi), Patty Ehrsam, Lisa Ohlsen (Brett), all of Seneca, KS; and Louis Aberle of Sabetha, KS; sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha, KS. Visitation will be Friday, February 2, 2018, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Bern Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Kanza Mental Health and Guidance Center or to the family for assistance in defraying burial expenses and sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia St., Sabetha, KS, 66534. www.popkessmortuaries.com

Joshua Paul Kinsman, was born on August 4, 2000 and passed away on Sat. Jan. 27, 2018.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 31st, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Joshua P. Kinsman Memorial Fund to help fund a skating park in Atchison. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Josh had a contagious smile that everyone loved; he could light up anyone’s day with his wild and witty sense of humor. He enjoyed drawing, reading, music, and playing his guitar. His passion was skate boarding with family and friends. Josh dreamed of someday having a skateboard park where kids could go and hang out. Josh loved playing video games with his brother and other games with family and friends.

Josh is loved by many including his mother, Pamela Cline and Jeremy Watkins, his father, Dillon and Amber Kinsman, his siblings; Ashley, Kyle, Parker, Dawson, Bradley, Kairstin, Jayden, Justin, Lacy, Logan and Jami. His grandparents, Mike and Betty Cline, Paul and Linda Kinsman, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.

Joanne Rose Day, 70, of Hoyt, KS, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka. She was born December 25, 1947 in Kansas City, MO the daughter of Walter J. “Jimmy” and Esther Frances (Gentile) Lund.

Joanne graduated from Mayetta High School in 1965. She worked for the State of Kansas in the Vital Statistics Dept., she was a secretary for Boys Industrial School and a cashier at Harrah’s Prairie Band Casino. Joanne was also a babysitter.

Joanne was a member of the Hoyt United Methodist Church and a member of O.E.S. in Hoyt.

She married Howard Everett Day on September 1, 1967 in Holton. He preceded her in death on January 24, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a step-mother, Maxine Lund.

Survivors include a son, Samuel Day of Topeka, KS; 3 daughters, Carol Eakin (Dennis) of Delia, KS, Becky MacIntosh (Rob) of Hoyt, KS and Amy Ross (Jason) of Hoyt, KS; a step-sister, Neva Harris (Butch) of Topeka, KS; a step-brother, Leroy Galster of Holton, KS and 4 grandchildren, Weston & Delaney Ross and Katelyn and Kurtis MacIntosh.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Hoyt Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.
 
 
 
    

Louis Leon Cruse was born in Sparks, Kansas to Isaac Leonard Cruse and Fannie Lee (Hammond) Cruse on July 04, 1919. He went to be with his Lord January 22, 2018, at the age of 98.He attended school in Sparks until the 9th grade and then went to work in the tobacco fields to help his father support the family until he joined the CC Camp in 1936.

In March 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he became a motor sergeant in the all black 9th Calvary Regiment of the 2nd Calvary Division. He was soon promoted to the mechanized unit where at 22 years old he was in charge of a fleet of army trucks which transported supplies to the front lines in World War II. Louis was one of the nation’s surviving Buffalo Soldiers.

On May 10, 1947 Louis was married to Ruth Anna Augusta Foster (deceased Jan 2008) and to this union was born a daughter, Frances A. Coffee and a son, Nolan L. Cruse, Sr. (deceased Oct 2013).

His work experience included working for farmers, Armour Meatpacking, General Motors and the VA until his retirement in 1983. After retirement he worked at the bank as a part-time courier in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Louis joined White Cloud Church of God in Christ in 1947. He faithfully attended as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent for many years. Louis was a very talented guitar player and loved to play in church. Louis also had a deep love for mechanics and cars.

Left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Frances Coffee; (Wilbur Coffee, Jr.), granddaughters, Catherine Hopkins, Melanie Coffee Hesselberg; grandson, Nolan L. Cruse, Jr.; great-granddaughter Jasmine Coffee and great-grandsons Adrian Coffee, Logan Hesselberg and Ethan Hesselberg. Siblings: Virgil Cruse, Norma Shane, Priscilla Kirby and June Gaskins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many relatives and friends. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday February 3, 2018 with family visiting with friends at 9:00 a.m. at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, Ks. Military Honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.  A light lunch will follow the celebration. Burial services will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sunrise Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS.

Eleanor W. Skoch, 87, of Baileyville, Ks died January26, 2018 at Crestview Nursing and Residential Living, Seneca, Ks.

She was born October 30, 1030 at the Sabetha Hospital, the daughter of Joseph and Anna Steinlage Bokern. Eleanor grew up on a farm west of Kelly, the Bokern homestead.

She attended St. Bede’s school, and graduated from Kelly High School in 1948 after which time she worked at the Kelly Mercantile for a period of time. She also worked for various neighbors, going into homes and helping mothers when new babies arrived; cooking and cleaning and caring for other children in the families.

On April 15, 1950 she married Paul A. Skoch at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly, Kansas. They lived and farmed the Skoch home place northwest of St. Benedict for one year. In 1952 they moved to a farm north of Lillis where they remained until 1962 when they returned to the Skoch farm to raise hogs, cattle and their crop of kids. They retired in 1990 and moved to Baileyville.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict and St. Ann’s Altar Society, St. Benedict, where she served as President and in her later years a member of Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville.

Eleanor was active in the Hustlers 4-H Club as a cooking/baking project leader with her husband Paul, a religious educator at St. Benedict and they were active in the Marriage Encounter ministry. She also served as a lay minister for the church. Eleanor enjoyed raising her family, gardening, embroidery, and square dancing with Paul. She also was well known in the community from her years as a waitress at Bob’s Sirloin Room in Seneca, and enjoyed many a pitch and bingo game with family and friends. Her homemade angel food cakes, Swedish Tea Rings and cinnamon rolls were delicious, and enjoyed by not only her family, but many throughout the community.

Survivors include 4 daughters; Elaine Skoch (Judy) of Granby, CO, Janet Holthaus (Les) of Westmoreland, KS, Lisa Moser (Harry) of Wheaton, KS, and Marcia McDonald (Lennie) of Geyser, MT, three sons; Michael (Ginny) Skoch of Omaha, NE, Mark (Tammy) Skoch of Baileyville, KS, and Maurice (Teresa) Skoch of Topeka, KS. Also surviving are one brother Bert Bokern of Seattle, WA, three sisters; Leona Luebbe, Hendersonville, NC, Peggy Laverntz, Austin, TX, and Millie Bokern, Scottsdale, AZ. 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul in May of 2003, infant daughter Mary in March 1954, and 3 sisters; Erma Robke, Angela Bokern and Gertie Steinlage.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Monday January 29th at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville, with the Rosary at 2PM, Sunday, January 28th at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca, KS. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Crestview Activity Fund, Baileyville Cemetery or the Catholic Charities and sent in care of the Lauer Funeral Home.

Rose Evelyn (Ward) Domer, 99, of Centralia, KS passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Onaga Community Hospital.

Rose was born to Frank and Myrtle (Pfeiffer) Ward on a farm near Centralia, KS on May 22, 1918. She attended a one-room country school, Pleasant Hill, and graduated from Centralia High School in 1935, and taught elementary students at the Boardman School near Centralia. On March 14, 1941, she married Robin Rice Domer II in Lebo, Kansas, her husband of 64 years. They had four sons: Robin Rice Domer III, Dennis, Ken, and Gary Domer.

She is survived by her sons, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Memorial services will be Monday, January 29, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the West Centralia Community Church in Centralia, KS. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2 p.m. prior to service time at the church. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Centralia Community Church or the Eastridge Nursing Home, sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle, Seneca, KS 66538. For the full obituary please visit www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Darlene M. (Weishaar) Sittenauer from Nortonville, KS passed away January, 26, 2018 at Bridge Haven at Alvamar, Lawrence, KS. Darlene was born February 17, 1932 at home outside Nortonville, KS. She was the second of three children of Pierre C. and Anna E. (Schmidt) Weishaar.

Darlene graduated from Mount St. Scholastica High School, Atchison in 1950. She worked at Petree Propane in Horton, KS after graduation for several years. After having children, her greatest joy was staying at home with them, which she did until 1972, when she went to work at Weishaar Brothers, Inc. She worked there until her retirement in 1997.

Darlene married Eugene (Gene) Sittenauer on October 16, 1951 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville, KS. They were blessed with 65 years before he preceded her in death in 2016. She is survived by their eight children: Patty (Ed) Clinkinbeard, Jeanne (Norman) Clark, Diane (Larry) Babcock, Karen (Calvin) Ledbetter, Annette (Mike) Steinke, Cathy (Arlin) Mast, Mark (Francie) Sittenauer and Beth (Mark) Wilson; as well as 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Virginia Cathers. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Delores Gerety.

Darlene was always serving others and made sure everyone else came first. She attended her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s baptisms, confirmations, graduations and sporting and school events. Until moving in 2014, Darlene was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nortonville where she was involved in Altar Society and served at many parish functions as well as being active in American Legion Auxiliary and Progressive Club.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Monday, January, 29, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited at the church at 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 28, 2018, with visitation to follow until 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer's Association, Bridge Haven at Alvamar Memory Care, Douglas County Visiting Nurses, St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nortonville, or Laney Ledbetter liver disease fund.

The family would like to thank Bridge Haven at Alvamar for the loving care they gave Darlene. They showed her such patience, compassion and love during her stay, as if she was also their mother. We would also like to thank Douglas County Visiting Nurses and Bridge Haven in providing her the best possible comfort during her final days.

Merle L. Marmet, 86, of Topeka, KS, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Rossville Nursing Home. He was born July 18, 1931 on a farm north of Sabetha, KS the son of Wesley and Viola (Enchelberger) Marmet.

          Merle graduated from Honey Creek High School in 1949 at Salem, NE. After graduating, he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the United States Post Office in Topeka; retiring in 1986.

          He was an active member of the Soldier Christian Church for many years.

          Merle married Mary Ann Wagner on October 7, 1953 in Humbolt, NE. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 2 daughters, Susan Diehl (Mike) of Sanger, TX and Linda Powell (Bruce) of Topeka, KS; 2 brothers, Marion Marmet of Sabetha, KS and Paul Marmet of Topeka, KS; 6 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

          He was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin Marmet.

          Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Soldier Christian Youth c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visitwww.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Helen Coonce Croxton, 70, of Powhattan, died unexpectedly Friday, January 26, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehab Center in Hiawatha.

Mary was born February 3, 1947, at Falls City, Nebraska, one of fifteen children born to Noah and Mary Steinhauer Coonce and had lived in the Rulo, Nebraska and Powhattan, Kansas all of her life. She attended country school near Falls City before graduating from Falls City High School. Mary worked as a cook at the Powhattan Schools prior to working at the Tri County Manor in Horton. She later worked in the laundry department at the Manor and Hiawatha Community Hospital before retiring.

Mrs. Croxton was a long time member of the Powhattan United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women of the Church. Mary also was a member of the Wenger Post #373, Powhattan American Legion Auxiliary; and the VFW of Falls City. Mary had a great sense of humor; loved her family and grandchildren; spent a lot of time emailing her friends jokes, and well wishes. She loved her pets as one of her own, her poodle Daisy and Japanese Chin Bert.

She married Victor Croxton, July 19, 1971, at Rulo. They made Powhattan their home all of their married life. He died September 11, 2005. She continued to live in Powhattan until moving to Maple Heights nearly 3years ago. She was also preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Maxine Dannecker, Mona Eckley, John Coonce, Kenny Coonce, Jim Coonce, Bev Simpson, Butch Coonce, Ronnie Coonce, Lula Hall and twin infants.

Survivors include two sons: William Croxton (Angela), and their children Mallory, Eli and Marshall, all of Sedgwick, Paul Croxton (Tammy) of Sedgwick, and their family Kristopher Schmelzle (Miranda), Lucal Curl, Brianna Schmelzle, Colby Croxton, Trinity Curl, Anessa Croxton, Katrina Pracht, and Victoria Croxton; 4 great-grandchildren: Lilliana Curl, Rhyker (Schmelzle) Lambrecht, Gideon Curl, and Elijah Schmelzle. Also surviving are her siblings: Bill Coonce of Rulo, Mary Lou Hill of Falls City, Inez Foster of Louisville, TX

A Celebration of Mary’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, at Powhattan United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kevin Rea officiating. Interment will follow at Powhattan Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Monday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Powhattan United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or the Powhattan American Legion Post, sent in care of the funeral home.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Alvena Mae Widner, 86, of Holton, KS passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Atria Hearthstone East in Topeka, KS. She was born August 12, 1931 in Sedan, KS the daughter of Senator Nathaniel and Dorothy (Cooper) Walker.

Alvena graduated from Laramie High School in Laramie, WY. She was a film clerk for the State Health Department retiring after 27 years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Holton, a 10 year member of D.A.R and a member of Mustang Camping Club.

Alvena married Donald R. Widner on June 26, 1949 in Laramie, WY. He preceded her in death March 19, 2011.

Survivors include a daughter, Sue McClintock (Roger) of Holton, KS; a son, Terry L. Widner (Kathy) of Topeka, KS; a sister, Sharon Williams (Larry) of San Jose, CA; 3 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with burial to follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Assoc. c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.
 

Arthur Wayne Long, 64, of Leavenworth, KS formerly of Atchison died Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the Medicalodge of Leavenworth.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM on Monday, Jan. 29th, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Strickland officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Achievement Services and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Wayne was born on March 16, 1953 in Neosho, MO the son of Bobby D. and Anna (Carterman) Long. He graduated from Atchison High School in 1971. He worked as an attendant for his father’s service station, Hudson Service, in Winthrop, MO. He later worked for Achievement Services, Atchison from 1980-1997.

Survivors include several aunts, uncles and cousins, and his guardian and care giver, Jerry Henry, His parents, and a brother, Jerry Long preceded him in death.

Bernadine M. “Bernie” (Ford) Masters, 84, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at her home on the farm in rural Troy, KS. Bernie was born on July 4, 1933, to E.B. and Marie (Ohl) Ford. Bernie married Jack Masters on October 26, 1953, in Doniphan, KS. Jack preceded her on February 11, 2010.

She had worked at a bank in Atchison then went to work at the Doniphan County Treasurer’s Office and retired after 25 years in 2012. 

Bernie was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and St. Charles Altar Society of Troy, Happy Times Homemakers, and an avid supporter of the Troy Boosters Club and KSU Wildcats.  Baking pies (Pecan) & cookies (Chocolate Chip) was something she perfected and delighted in sharing with many others. She also was a big supporter of Hallmark by way of the 1,000’s of greeting cards she sent to family and friends.

Bernie was also preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter, Judith Masters, a sister, Mary Elizabeth, 2 great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law, Loren Edge.

Bernie is survived by her six children – Beth Fischer (Jim) of Falls City, Nebraska;

David Masters (Linda) of Troy;

Cyndy Nelthorpe (Mark) of Hemet, California;

Michael Masters (JoAnn) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa;

Pat Masters (Barby) of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia;

Debbie Campbell (Paul) of Overland Park, KS. ;

18 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way.

A brother, Dennis Ford (Carolyn) of Wathena, KS,

2 sisters, Florence Edge of Omaha, Nebraska;

Kitty Nourie (Robert) of Doniphan, KS.;

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is remembered by many because she was loved by many.

MASS:  Monday, January 29, 2018, 10:00 A.M., at St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy, KS.
Rosary will be held Sunday 3:00 PM at St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy with visitation following. Friends may call after 2:00 Saturday, at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Troy.
Memorials:  Jack and Bernadine Masters Memorial Scholarship or St. Charles Catholic Church

Wallace Gerdes Jr. of Valley Nebraska died January 18th 

A graveside service for will be held Friday, January 26th  at 11 A.M. at the Steele Cemetery in Falls City.

Viewing will be at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home in Falls City 9:30 to 10:30 A.M.

Survivors include a daughter Sharon Livingston, a son Robert Gerdes, a sister Mary Ellen Roesch and brothers Donald and Ronald Gerdes

Mary Jo A. Foster, 66, of Atchison, Kansas passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at her residence.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Interment will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, Missouri. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the services, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mary Jo Foster Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Mary Jo was born on December 29, 1951 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Jerry D. and Mary Lou (Lobaugh) Turpin. She attended public schools in Atchison, graduating from Atchison High School in 1970.

She married Jimmy Carl Foster in 1970 and were later divorced.

Mary Jo formerly worked at Jerry’s Restaurant for two years and then served in the kitchen at Valley Hope in Atchison from 1990 until 1998.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Atchison. She enjoyed adult coloring books and most especially cooking for her family and friends.

She is survived by a daughter, Nancy A. Thummel, Atchison, KS, a son, John D. Foster, Claremore, OK, two sisters, Tina Owens, Atchison, KS, Brenda (Duane) Myers, Rushville, MO, four grandchildren, Samantha (Nathan) Harlow, Justin (Kieran) Foster, Chelsea (Jordan) Thummel, Destiny Thummel, and four great grandchildren, Brayten Bush, Braylee Bush, Brantley Foster and Scarlett Oberlender.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Lee Turpin, a sister, Donna Lynn Lobaugh and a son-in-law, Dennis Joseph Thummel.

Zeno A. Gottula, 93 of Steinauer, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Belle Terrace, Tecumseh, Nebraska.  He was born on October 23, 1924 to Samuel  and Florence (Sacher) Gottula, rural Steinauer, Nebraska.

Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2018 at St. Anthony's  Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska.  Officiating Father Michael Christensen.  Rosary, Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 8:00 p.m., at St. Anthony’s, visitation on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from Noon-6 p.m., with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m.,at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.  Memorials to family choice.  On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Berea A. Nigus, 101, of Maple Grove Apartments of Hiawatha, went to be with her Lord Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

She was born October 6, 1916, at Leona, the daughter of Boyd and Grace Davis Gentzler and lived in the northeast Kansas area all of her life. Berea graduated from Leona, High School in 1934 and married Donald F. Nigus, October 24, 1936, in Leona.

Berea was a lifelong member of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, and belonged to the Hiawatha Christian Church for the past 40 years, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, and belonged to CWF of the church.

Berea held many positions throughout her lifetime. Some of them included lunchroom cook at Everest Grade School, clerk in Lynch Mercantile in Everest, and Everest Sundries. She was also a cook at the Hiawatha Infirmary, Horton Hospital, and Maple Leaf Restaurant in Hiawatha. However, her favorite position was Grandma.

Berea was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; Allen Gentzler, Beatrice(Gentzler) Fredrick, and Ben Gentzler; her husband Don F. Nigus; son David A. Nigus; daughters-in-law Nancy (Brunner) Nigus, Patricia (Koelliker) Nigus; son-in-law Roger Marquis; grandsons James Weiland, Gary Nigus and Ricky Nigus.

She is survived by a son Don L. Nigus of Hiawatha; daughter  Ann (Nigus) Marquis of Topeka; grandchildren; Phillip (Tammy) Nigus, Lisa (Terry) Weiland, Lynn Rupe, Lori (Gary) Snavely, Brenda Nigus (Jeff) Donley), Mike (Missy) Nigus, Scott (Andrea) Marquis, and Amy (Michael) Ellis; and granddaughters-in-law Cathy Nigus and Laurice Nigus, both of Hiawatha.  Grandma Berea has 26 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Berea’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, where the family will meet one hour prior to services.  Shane Spangler will officiate.   Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, north of Leona.

Melvin Thomas Shafer II, 32, formerly of Hiawatha, Kansas was born on December 27, 1985, in Bad Kissingen, Germany to Melvin T. and Sherrie (Daffron) Shafer.  He attended Stafford High School in Stafford, Virginia before moving to the Kansas/Nebraska area.  Melvin lived in Hiawatha, Kansas where he worked at Wimer Millwright.         

Melvin passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas having reached the age of thirty-two years and twenty-five days.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Norman and Lonnie Shafer and Mr. & Mrs. William Daffron, and an uncle William Daffron.

Melvin is survived by his father Melvin Shafer of Hiawatha, KS; a sister Jennifer Shafer of Clarksville, TN; mother Sherrie Thomas of Rossville, TN; step-sister Jacklyn Thomas of Rossville, TN; uncles: Helmut (Jean) Shafer of Falls City, NE; Norman (Janet) Shafer of Falls City, NE; aunts: Petra (Peter) Primbs of Straubing, Germany; Debbie (Wayne) Lucas of King George, VA; Ramona (Mike) Dishong of Falls City, NE; cousins: Josh (Cornelia) Fritz of Omaha, NE; Danielle (Daniel) Whittaker of Stafford, VA; Alicia (Reggie) Parnell of Seneca, KS; Kyle (Lori) Dishong of Centralia, KS; Chris Lucas and fiancé Kate Lawry of King George, VA; Andrew Lucas of King George, VA; Molly Lucas of King George, VA; and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside Inurnment Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2017, at the Falls City Catholic Cemetery in rural Falls City, Nebraska with Father Thomas Dunavan officiating.  

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family’s choice with a later designation.

Online messages of condolence can be left at www.hallfuneral.net

Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel-2403 Harlan ST. Falls City, NE (402) 245-3131

Shirley Maye Pantle, 82, of Nortonville, KS, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the FW Huston Senior Living, Winchester, KS.

A private family memorial service has been held and burial at Nortonville Cemetery, Nortonville, KS.  Memorials are suggested to the FW Huston Senior Living, Winchester, KS and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Shirley was born on August 29, 1935, in Mclouth, KS, the daughter of Harold and Myrtle (Meyers) King.  She worked for Atchison and Horton Garment Factories, and Golden Star as a mop maker.  Shirley was member of the United Methodist Church in Nortonville, KS.  She enjoyed cooking, sewing quilts, drawing and doll making.

Shirley married John Pantle on October 4, 1956, he survives of the home.  Additional survivors include a daughter,  Bonnie and Darwin Marks, St. Joseph, MO,  two sons; Mark and Sarah Pantle, Nortonville, KS, Faron and Sandra Pantle, Nortonville, KS,  a brother, Richard King, Fall City, NE, three sisters, Debbie King, Hiawatha, KS, Nancy Scherer, Atchison, KS, Barbara Keifer, Atchison, KS, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Robert King and a sister, Elizabeth Bertels.

Dorothy A. Beightel, 104, of Holton, KS passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at Vintage Park in Holton. She was born March 14, 1913 in Springfield, SD, the daughter of Thomas James and Lily Pearl (Guptil) Kane.

Dorothy attended Anaheim High School in CA and later earned her G.E.D. at age 65. She was a homemaker. Dorothy was a member of the Circleville United Methodist Church, East Grant Club and Pleasant Valley Neighbors.

She married Gerald M. Beightel on May 21, 1938 in Hiawatha. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2014. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Everett; 5 brothers, Phillip, Mark, Joseph, John Hubert and Robert “Bob” Kane; a granddaughter, Mary Patricia Wichman and a grandson, Dustin D. Christian.

Survivors include her children, Mary Ellen Edwards of Holton, KS, Geraldine Moore of Maple Hill, KS, Susie Wichman (Verlin) of Holton, KS, Bob Beightel (Linda) of Holton, KS, David Beightel (Jan) of St. Louis, MO and Virginia Christian (Steve) of Topeka, KS; 16 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Jackson Heights Honor Flight or Beck-Bookman Library c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.
 

Carol Jean Thiemann, 93 of Pawnee City passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the Premier Estates in Pawnee City, Nebraska.  She was born to William and Millie (Langer) Wert on October 5, 1924 in Crab Orchard. 

The family moved to rural Elk Creek area.  She attended Rural Johnson County grade school and 2 years at Elk Creek School.  She graduated from Pawnee City Schools in 1942.

She was united in marriage to Willard M. Thiemann on March 5, 1944 at the United Methodist Church in Pawnee City.  They made their home on a farm near Pawnee City where they raised their son Larry Thiemann.

She was an active member of Pawnee Rural Neighbors Extension Club and was a 4 H leader for over 40 years.  She also wrote a column for the Pawnee Republican.  Carol had many Pen Pals all over the world and had international visitors from England, India and Australia. Carol was a member of the Red Hat Society and AARP.  Carol enjoyed doing AG in the classroom in both the Lincoln and Omaha Public Schools.  Carol was a member of First Presbyterian Church and later in life attended Zion Lutheran.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, parents, William and Millie (Langer) Wert, In-Laws, William and Rose Thiemann and nephew, Ron Holecheck.

Carol is survived by her son Larry and wife Marjorie of Pawnee City, granddaughter Sheila and husband Gary Stolz of Douglas, grandson William and wife Marybeth of Table Rock, great grandchildren, Garrett Stolz of Lincoln, Sheanna Stolz of Douglas, Anthony Thiemann and nToby Thiemann of Table Rock, brother Bill and wife Marcella Wert of Minnesota and a niece, nephews, and other family members.

Services 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Officiating Pastor Tim Llewellyn. Visitation on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Inurnment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City.  Memorials to family choice.  On line condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Clifford Dwayne Snodgrass, 84, of Stewartsville, passed away January 23, 2018 at his home.

Clifford was born December 11, 1933 in Logan, Kansas to Leonard and Inez (Minor) Snodgrass. He graduated from Troy, Kansas High School and had lived most of his life in Wathena and Troy, Kansas.  Clifford had also lived in Rushville, Weatherby, Cameron and settled in Stewartsville, Missouri where he grew fruits and vegetables.

He is a member of the Osborn Baptist Church in Osborn, Missouri and the Missouri Vegetable Growers Assn, which he helped to organize.

Clifford married Erma Sharp on December 24, 1952 in Burr Oak, Kansas.  She survives of the home.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Cecil, Vearl, Russell, Clarence, a sister, Ella Mae.

Additional survivors include; his kids, Jane Juhl (David) of Wathena, Kansas

             Peggy Monk (George) Elizabethtown, North Carolina

             Clifton Snodgrass (Michelle) of Jamestown, North Carolina

             Gail Dennis of St. Joseph, Missouri

      Brothers; Walt, Virgil “Butch” and William Snodgrass

      Sisters; Neva Moore, Phyllis Sharp and June Benson

                   13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, Curtis and Chris Sharp

            numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

FUNERAL:  Friday, January 26, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
At:  Harman Rohde Funeral Home – Wathena, Kansas
Visitation: family will receive friends Thursday evening 6-8 at the funeral home.
Memorials:  Kidney Foundation or Missouri Vegetable Growers Assn.

Paul L. Streeter, 83, of Vermillion, KS passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital surrounded by family who loved him.

Paul was born on July 24, 1934 in Topeka, KS. Paul served his country by serving in the United States Naval services.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and one sister.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred of the home; two sisters; two brothers; and many children whom he gained with Mildred, and who loved him very much; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be Friday, January 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Centralia Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca. Interment will be made at the Centralia Cemetery with military honors conducted by the U.S. Navy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermillion American Legion Post #257, sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle, Seneca, KS 66538. www.popkessmortuaries.com

Kenneth Elroy “Kenny” Cattrell, 77, of Nortonville, KS passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018 at F.W. Huston Medical Center in Winchester, KS. He was born October 6, 1940 in Dexter, IA, the son of Roy L. and Juanita (Uber) Cattrell.

Kenny graduated from ACCHS in 1958 and attended Vo-Tech in Topeka. He lived in the Nortonville community since 1962 and previously in Atchison for 2 ½ years. He worked for 44 years at Atchison Casting/Rockwell; retiring in 2003. He also worked as a driver for USD 377 for 8 years and he owned and operated Kenny’s Service Center in Nortonville for 34 years.

Kenny was a member of the Effingham Union Church, he was a 4-H Leader for his children and grandchildren, he was a member of Atchison County Fair Board; serving as president and was inducted into Kansas Fair Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also a member of 16-75er’s Square Dance Club and Effingham Lions Club.

Kenny married Darlene Ingels on April 25, 1959 in Whiting, KS. She preceded him in death on October 15, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bonita Cattrell.

Survivors include a son, Gary Cattrell (Theresa) of Nortonville, KS; a daughter, Kathy Cattrell (Steve Lee) of Atchison, KS; 2 sisters, June Fund (Jim) of Horton, KS and Deloras Fields (Richard) of Netawaka, KS; 4 grandchildren, Jason Cattrell, Randy Cattrell (Alicia), Ashley Henning (Justin) and Kenneth Joey Cattrell and 8 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Peyton, Emily, Riley, Jakob, Hannah, Baylee and Hudsyn.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Meals on Wheels of Atchison or F.W. Houston Medical Center c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.
 

Thelma Colleen Hartter, 90, of Sabetha, KS died Sunday, January 21, 2018. 

She was born December 25, 1927, on a farm near Capioma, Kansas the daughter of Roy and Susie (McKenzie) McKee. She was a 1945 graduate of Sabetha High School.

She married Joseph Morgan on April 28, 1951. They lived at Springer, New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona, before moving to Sabetha in 1962. He died in 1973. She married Arthur Hartter on August 23, 1977. They resided in Sabetha. He died in 1997.

Colleen was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7285 Auxiliary of Sabetha. She was a 23-year clerical employee of Kansas Gas Service, working in Sabetha and Hiawatha.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bruce McKee, John Ray McKee, George Hobart McKee and Otis McKee; and sisters, Irene Cramer, Blanche Ellsworth and Geraldine Mishler.

Survivors include a brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral service will be Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the
Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Visitation will be Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. prior to service time at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be designated to Sabetha Community Hospital, sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. www.popkessmortuaries.com

Verl Dean Shaiffer, 65, of Wathena, Kansas formerly of Highland, Kansas died Sunday, January 21, 2018 at his home.

Verl was born on February 29, 1952 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Russell and Helen (Mc Nutt) Shaiffer.  He lived most of his life in Highland before moving to Wathena in 1994.

Verl was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wathena, was active in the DCSW and Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce.  Verl was the first recipient of the Doniphan County Quiet Hero Award, also a member of the Troy and Highland Lions Club and Hiawatha Elk’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his brother, George William Shaiffer of Colorado Springs, CO

Nieces, nephews, cousins, special family friends, Larry & Theresa Rohrer, Genia &  Luke Deets, Dalen, Dayton, Hope & Hayla.

FUNERAL:  Wednesday, January 24, 2018 – 3:00 P.M.

           At:  Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas

           Burial: Highland Cemetery in Highland, Kansas

       Visitation: family will receive friends Wednesday 1 hour prior to funeral services (2-3 PM Wednesday) at the funeral home. Friends may call after 12 noon Tuesday.

         Memorials: Mail a smile or Wathena UMC

             www.harmanrohde.com

Jean Bailey, 66 of Atchison, KS passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at her residence.

Memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the Atchison United Methodist Church, with Rev. Nancy J Kollhoff, officiating.  Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in Round Prairie Cemetery, Atchison, KS.  Family will receive friends prior to from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Church.  Memorials are suggested to Atchison United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS, who has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Jean was born May 17, 1951, in Leavenworth, KS the daughter of Raymond and Mary (Hundley) Bailey.  She returned to Atchison in 1957 and graduated from Atchison High School, and was active in the marching band.  She attended the University of Kansas and Emporia State University having earned two masters in reading and library science.  Jean worked for Atchison Unified School District as a reading specialist and librarian for more than forty years and the Cray Museum in the gift shop.  She was a member of the Atchison United Methodist Church, and several Atchison bell choirs, the KU Alumni Association and a lifetime member of the Sierra Club.

Survivors include a brother Lawrance and his wife Joyce Bailey, San Diego, CA, an aunt, Ethel Hundley, Atchison, KS, two nieces, Mary and Paulina Bailey, San Diego, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Anna Rachael (VanHorn) Sowers, 97, of Atchison, KS died Monday, January 22, 2018 at her home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 27th, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph Hansen officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 26th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are requested to the Carol Baptist Church Mission Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Anna was born on Jan. 28, 1920 in Atchison Kansas the daughter of Robert L. and Clara Paulina Anna (Teichmann) VanHorn. She was a housewife and homemaker. She was the oldest member of the Carol Baptist Church, Atchison and enjoyed crocheting, doing cross word and word search puzzles, playing the guitar and gardening. She had formerly attended the East Side Baptist Church, St. Joseph, MO for several years. Anna had been born again as a Christian in 1947 and was saved listening to “Back to the Bible” under Theodore Epp.

She was married to James B. Sowers, Jr. on Sept. 10, 1940. Mr. Sowers preceded her in death on Mar. 29, 1978. Additional survivors include three sons, Bradley K. (Sharon) Sowers, Atchison, KS, David L. (Debbie) Sowers, St. Joseph, MO, Jerry D. Sowers, Atchison, KS, and two daughters, Anna M. (Harvey) Montgomery, Elkton, SD, and Nancy L. (Delbert) Klassen, Bingham Lake, MN , a sister, Stella Carr, Atchison, KS, fourteen grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Her parents, husband, a son, Neal D. Sowers, two brothers, Charlie and Arthur VanHorn and three sisters, Pearl Lentz, Ellen Riddle, and Cora Thorpe, two grandchildren, Lawrence A. Klassen and Martha E. Ellis preceded her in death.

Lorna Mae Graves, 88, of Topeka, KS passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born March 21, 1929 in Delia, KS the daughter of Thomas Henry and Nora Louise (Loughmiller) Perry.

 Lorna Mae grew up on her family farms in Emmett, south of Bucks Grove and Havensville. She attended Havensville High School.

 Lorna Mae stayed home with her children until her youngest child went to school. She then worked for Northland Dept. Store, in the snack bar; she worked 5 years in the kitchen at Seaman School District and later for The Manor nursing home. Lorna Mae also worked for McFarland Restaurant, baking and setting up the salad bar, retiring after 13 years.

  She was active in 4-H and was manager for the 4-H snack bar at the fair grounds for 3 years. She joined the American Legion Post 400 in 1976, serving as president, vice-president and secretary. She also became manager of the snack bar and had also helped with dinners; she was active until her health declined.

  Lorna Mae married Ora “Dale” Graves on June 13, 1947 in Havensville. He preceded her in death on June 30, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Lucille Sipes; 3 brothers, Leroy, Bob and Lawrence “Larry” Perry.

 Survivors include a son, Doulas Graves (Dotty) of Topeka, KS; 4 daughters, Linda Graves-Leonard of Topeka, KS, Connie Graves-Knebel (Denny) of Highland, IL, Debbie Graves-Tillotson (Buddy) of Highland, IL and Cherie Graves-Herring (Jr.) of Kechi, KS; 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

 Funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Penwell Gabel Cemetery in Topeka. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be given to the American Legion Post 400 or Midland Hospice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhome.com.

Marjorie H. Handke, 90, Huron, Kansas died peacefully in her sleep Friday, January 19, 2018 at her home.

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Louis Church at Good Intent with Fr. Benjamin Tremmel, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Louis Church Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 23rd at 6:30 P.M. at St. Louis Church with visitation with the family to follow until 8:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Altar Society of St. Louis Church and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom the final care has been entrusted. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Marjorie was born October 5, 1927 in Effingham, Kansas the daughter of Ernest and Margaret Burg Falk. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in Effingham, Kansas.

Marjorie and Donald Handke were united in marriage on January 11, 1949 at St. Ann’s Church in Effingham, Kansas. Together they settled on a farm near Huron where they spent their entire married life.

Marjorie was a member of St. Louis Church, the Altar Society of the church, Old Huron Club, the Sunshine Club and the Atchison County Home Demonstration unit. She learned to play the guitar at an early age and she and her two sisters played community meetings until her marriage.

She loved her flowers, and her hobbies included decorating cakes, oil painting and needle-point.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, Don; one daughter, Eileen (Don) Lositio, Charlotte, NC; three sons, Jim (Diane) Handke, Lancaster, KS; Dennis (Marlene) Handke, Topeka, KS; and Tom Handke, Lancaster, KS. She is also survived by three granddaughters, two grandsons, and two great grandchildren. One sister Irene Becker, Robinson, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Marjorie was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Falk and a sister, Mary (Gene) Handke.

Larry Allan Wohlgemuth, 58, of Atchison, Kansas passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Camp Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Camp Creek Cemetery, to be used for entrance restoration, and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Condolences and messages to the family may be left online at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Larry was born on May 3, 1959 in Atchison, Kansas the son of Kenneth A. and Geraldine (Hargrove) Wohlgemuth. He attended schools in Effingham, Kansas, graduating from Atchison County Community High School in 1977.

He and the former Paula Frakes were united in marriage on June 18, 1977 in Atchison, Kansas.

Larry was a lifelong farmer; he grew up farming with his dad and kept the tradition going. He continued raising cattle and farming at home even when he worked for different businesses throughout his life. He was employed at Lincoln Grain in the maintenance department as the head boiler operator and then with the Local Union 101 Operating Engineers as a heavy equipment operator. In 2014, Larry started Wohlgemuth Dozing, where he worked for numerous farmers serving their variety of needs.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Paula Wohlgemuth, of the couple’s home, a son, Jason (Cynthia) Wohlgemuth, Easton, KS, a daughter, Jamie (Rick) Menichetti, Gretna, NE, his mother, Geraldine Wohlgemuth, and four grandchildren, Chase Wohlgemuth, Lane Wohlgemuth, Kamryn Menichetti, and Kendyl Menichetti.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Wohlgemuth.

Marjorie Ann Corliss, 70, of Falls City known to many as” Nana” passed away peacefully January 16, 2018 with her grandson Mason at her side.  Marj was born in Hawthorne, Nevada to Gordon and Maxine “Gail” (Stewart) Vess.  Later to be raised by her mom and step dad, Gail and Ivey Stanley.  Marj married Robert Curfman and lived in the Hardy/Superior, Nebraska area where they raised their three children until the marriage dissolved.  She later married Mirza Corliss, residing in Deshler, Nebraska until that marriage also came to an end.  Marj and the kids moved to Lincoln for several years before making her home in Falls City.  Throughout her life, Marj held a variety of jobs, everything from switchboard operator to filling station attendant.  The position she held most was as a CNA or providing home health care.  Nana’s wish was for her friends and family to remember her as the laid back, sassy, fun loving, food throwing and yet somewhat blunt person that she’s always been.  It is for that reason she chose cremation and no services upon her passing.

She is survived by her sister Nancy Lauritson of California; brothers: Pete Vess of Oregon; Ron Vess of Arizona; sons: Dustin Curfman of Falls City, NE; Michael Corliss of Brownville, NE; daughter Cassandra Kuker and husband Brian of Falls City, NE; grandsons: Mason (Stephanie) Corliss, Hunter Hesterman, Michael Corliss and Asher Kuker; granddaughters: Eliza Kuker, Malorie Kuker and Brooklyn Hesterman.  Marj was also a foster parent to several Richardson County children.  

She is preceded in death by her parents Gordon Vess and Gail Stanley, her step father Ivey Stanley, and granddaughter Electra Kuker.

Private Memorial Services will be held by the family at a later date.

Memorial contributions will be designated according to the wishes of the family and can be sent to 1424 McLean Street, Falls City, Nebraska 68355.  

Online messages of condolence can be left at www.hallfuneral.net  

Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan ST. Falls City, Nebraska (402) 245-3131

Leo Norman Soyland of Topeka went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 19, 2018 in Topeka, KS. 

He was born January 11, 1939 in Horton, KS to Olaf and Elizabeth Swartz Soyland.  He grew up on the farm south of Denton, KS and attended Mt. Vernon Elementary School in rural Denton and graduated from Denton High School in 1957.  Before and following graduation from high school, he served in the Army National Guard for a total of 7 years.  He was a well-known, successful, and knowledgeable farmer and farmed in the Leona, Highland, and Denton areas.  
            
He married Catherine Ann Matthias on June 2, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bendena, KS.  He was a loving father to Karen, Kelli, and Paul.  He made a home for his family on the farm south of Denton, KS where he lived and farmed nearly all his working life.  In later years, after retiring from farming, he drove for Keim Transportation, Sabetha, KS and Laidlaw and Durham School Services, Topeka, KS.  He was respected by his peers as a farmer, truck driver, and bus driver; and he was beloved by the many school children he transported during his years as a bus driver.   

Leo and his wife, Catherine, enjoyed travelling many different places as well as spending time in the Phoenix, AZ area.  In recent years, he and Catherine had travelled to various places in California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, and the Pacific Northwest.  Wherever he was, Leo never knew a stranger and spent a great deal of time talking with people from all walks of life.  He made friends very easily and was always interested in people’s lives.  He valued the conversations he had with them and always respected their opinions. His kind, gentle, and loving spirit was evident in the way he treated others, and he was always willing to help anyone.  

He enjoyed spending time with his family, telling stories, looking at pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and talking about his life experiences. He liked talking about farming, tractors (especially John Deere), road trips he had taken, and vacations taken with his family.  He knew practically every highway number across the country as well as every John Deere dealership along the way.  No matter where in the USA he was, he could be seen walking up to someone saying, “Don’t I know you?” (and he could usually figure out a connection to them).  He often re-visited places he had been and talked to people that he had become acquainted with there, and he was always remembered by them.  

Above all, he was a Christian man who loved God, and it was evident in his life.  He loved and cared for his family in a way that honored God and lovingly led by example. He, along with Catherine, taught his children to pray, study God’s Word, and apply those teachings to their lives.  He lived his faith daily in the way that he loved others, helped those in need, and respected all regardless of who they were or their lot in life.  He was a former member of Gideons International where he participated in Bible distribution and placement, the jail ministry, and speaking in churches on behalf of the organization.  He also was invited several times to preach as a substitute preacher in churches throughout northeast Kansas.  

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Soyland, Robinson, KS on September 25, 2017.  He is survived by his wife, Catherine, of the home; daughter Kelli Scott (Phillip) of Colorado Springs, CO; son Paul Soyland (Erica) of Lawrence, KS, son-in-law Roger Tollefson (Karen Soyland), rural Robinson, KS; sister LaVerne Soyland Miller (Eugene), Kansas City, MO.  Grandchildren include Maria Compton (Justin Baccardo), Heidi Smith (Justin), Brendan Compton (Becky), Hannah Olson (Taylor), Breanna Compton; Leah Haden, Kyle Haden. Step-grandchildren Joshua Tollefson (Evette) and Tabor Dean Tollefson (Monica).   Great grandchildren include Jude, Lucas, Benjamin, Landon, Tate, Channing, and Crew.  Step-great Grandchildren include Joshua, Elizabeth, Caleb, Joaquin, Mateo, Camila. He was also survived by one Grand-dog, Molly; and was preceded in death by one Grand-dog, Jackson.

Memorial services are planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, January 27, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Matt Matthias will officiate.  Private family inurnment will be at the Ununda Cemetery, north of Robinson.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

Memorials are requested to Barrow Neurological Institute in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Mary Helen Strube, 98 of rural Horton, Kansas, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Horton Community Hospital.

She was born on October 23, 1919 on the family farm, south of Hiawatha, Kansas. The daughter of George and Susie (Berner)Weidman. Mary Helen attended Grand Prairie grade school and graduated from Powhattan High School in 1937.

Mary Helen was a homemaker and member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Powhattan, Kansas.

She lived all her life on the farm helping with milking, taking care of chickens. Mary Helen loved to garden, take care of her flowers, sew, crochet and in later years do word search puzzle. She always had cookies and a pot of coffee for whoever came to visit.

On October 14, 1941 she married Martin H. Strube in Hiawatha, Kansas. He preceded her in death on July 7, 1995.

Survivors include two daughters, Joyce (Don) Thompson of Conway Springs, Kansas and Connie (Ron) Snyder of Benbrook, Texas; two sons, Marvin (Joyce) Strube of Whiting, Kansas and Terry (Jeanie) Strube of Horton, Kansas; sister, Leila Wagoner of Hiawatha, Kansas; 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. She was also preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Lloyd, Clarence, Raymond, Glen and Robert.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Burial will be at the Powhattan Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Hour and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at dishon-maple-chaney.com

Gerald V. Wagoner, 95, of Scranton, formerly of Doniphan-Brown counties, died Thursday evening, January 18, 2018, at Brookside Manor in Overbrook.

Gerald was born June 20, 1922, at Severance, one of three children born to Herman and Minnie Townley Wagoner.  Gerald grew up near Leona where he attended country school, later graduating from Leona High School with the class of 1940 prior to attending Highland Junior College.  Gerald farmed for 18 years near Leona before going to work for Streib and Son, a plumbing and heating business in Hiawatha for which he worked for 19 years.  His last place of employment was for the Brown County School District #415, in maintenance, for 9 years before retiring.

Mr. Wagoner was a long time member of the Bellevue United Methodist Church, north of Leona where he had been very active through the years:  song leader; Church Treasurer; Sunday school teacher; choir member and with Youth Fellowship. He also sang tenor in a quartet in the Church. In later years, he attended the United Methodist Church at Overbrook.  Gerald enjoyed woodworking, stained glass work, and reading.

He married Margaret Sherman, June 20, 1947, at the Bellevue Church.  They moved from the farm to Hiawatha where they lived for many years prior to moving to Scranton, KS, to be near their daughter.  She survives.

Also surviving are two sons:  Keith Wagoner (Sandra) of Bedford, Kentucky, Steve Wagoner (Jane) of Leavenworth; a daughter Phyllis Alcorn (Tom) of Scranton; Grandchildren:  Jessica Wagoner, Heather Baker (Tyrone), Bryan Wagoner (Megan), Rob Wagoner (Angela), Venus Wilson (Chad), Wesley Alcorn (Mercedes; and eight great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Mildred Miller and Dorothy Streator.

A Celebration of Gerald’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, at Overbrook United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kathleen Whitmore officiating.  Graveside services will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, north of Leona, 3 p.m. Tuesday, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating.
The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Overbrook United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Bellevue or Overbrook United Methodist Church, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Jo Ann Albee, 82, of Hiawatha, died January 20th, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family.

Jo Ann was born September 23, 1935, in St. Joseph, Missouri; one of two children born to the late Paul and Katherine Graves Osteen and grew up in St. Joseph where she attended, later graduating from Benton High School. She was a member of the Our Lady of Guadaloupe Catholic Church, St. Joseph.

She united in marriage to Charles “Rodney” Albee, December 9th, 1955.  They have lived most of their married life in Hiawatha where they enjoyed raising their family.  She and Rodney traveled the world and made friends anywhere they went.  She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  She adored her beloved cat “Satchmo”!

She is survived by her husband of 62 years of the home; her children: Suzy Hinton (David) of rural Hiawatha, Stan Albee (Julie) of Hiawatha, Steve Albee (Mary) of Holton, KS; 8 loving grandchildren:  Michele, Amanda, Mandy (Dan), Paul (Tammy), Jason, Robert (Shelby), Tyler (Ryan), Taylor and Sweet Jourdan who is deceased; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by a brother Jack Osteen (Pat) of St. Joseph, Missouri.

It was Jo Ann’s wish to be cremated. Memorial services are being planned on this coming spring or summer.

Memorial contributions are suggested to NEK Hospice which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Patricia “Pat” Parks, beloved: wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left this life on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at the Hiawatha Hospital, with her three children by her side.

Pat was born on November 25, 1927, to Anthony and Geneva Palmer Dannecker, on their family farm near Rulo, Nebraska, the third of six daughters. She grew up in Rulo, attending schools there and graduating at 16, with the Rulo High class of 1944.

After graduation she attended a summer session at Peru State and earned a teaching certificate. That fall, she began her first and last teaching assignment, which lasted only a few months. Her stories of those few months were so funny and included students that were older than her; a fire she may (or may not) have started by overloading the woodstove, but also put out, with minimal damage! The last straw for her teaching career, didn’t come in the school house-it came when the family she stayed with moved the grandmother into the same room and bed as her. She called her daddy and he came and got her and she never looked back or taught again.

She moved to Lincoln then and worked at an ammunitions plant during the height of World War II and was proud to have been a part of the war effort. In the summer of 1945, while in Hiawatha with a friend, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Parks, who was home on leave from the Army and cruising Oregon Street with friends. A picnic and watermelon the at the Hiawatha Lake started their love affair that would last almost 73 years.

Pat and Bob were married at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rulo, on March 5, 1946. Except for a few years in Iowa, they lived their entire married lives in Hiawatha. Pat was a homemaker for many years while raising their children and was a den mother, Girl Scout leader and active in all their activities. Pat and Bob were long time members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, serving in many roles and their faith was very important to both of them.

Pat was Hiawatha’s first Welcome Wagon Lady and loved meeting and introducing new people to Hiawatha and sharing her love for the community. In 1980 with friends, Bill and Marilyn Hargis, Bob and Pat opened the first Best Western in Hiawatha and built a thriving restaurant and lodge and made many friends along the way. She was outgoing and never knew a stranger, nor was she afraid to get involved and help where needed.   

She was the long-time president of Mount Hope Cemetery and took its upkeep and beauty very seriously and loved to share the story of the Davis Memorial. She contributed greatly to the cemetery including the fence and flag pole projects and Baby Land, for families who lose infants, something she and Bob had experienced.

She was the very proud mother of Tim (Rhonda) of Lawrence, Nancy (Rusty) Wright of Hiawatha, and Mark (Marinela) of Olathe. She loved her grandchildren and was so proud of all they did—Andrew Parks, Lawrence, Quinn and Abbey Wright, LaVista, NE, Tiffany Wright of Bozeman, MT, Toby Wright, Chicago, IL, Mitchell Wright, Hiawatha; Andew Mermer, Overland Park, Jack and Kaiti Parks, Olathe,, Caden and William Wright, Lavista, NE. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Chamberlain, Emporia and Lenalee Johnson of Falls City, NE. and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Phillip Joseph; her grandson Zachary Parks, parents, sisters Mary Elizabeth Sevens, Mildred Campbell and Alyce Darveaux.

Pat and Bob and the love they shared was great and one that could be seen by all who knew them. They loved to entertain and had so many wonderful friends. The fun that they had brings smiles to all of us who were lucky enough to have grown up with parents from this generation, who knew how to work and play and laugh. She always loved and welcomed drop-in company and many would leave with one of her handmade dishcloths or hangers.

She gave her best always and expected the same from those around her. We miss her but as she left us, we knew it was for a love far greater than ours and we know she is with the Lord and she and dad are together again, after four months apart, and that is the greatest joy she could have been given.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Sunday where the parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m., followed by the family visiting with friends until 6 p.m.

A Celebration of Life mass will be held 10 a.m. Monday, January 22, at St. Ann Catholic Church, with Father Dan Gardner as the Celebrant. Cremation will follow services with private family inurnment at Mt Hope Cemetery, this spring.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Ann Catholic Church which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Fern I. Schawang 88 of Falls City, NE passed away January 17, 2018 at Falls City. She was born April 1, 1929 in Rural Richardson County to Arthur and Lena (Johnson) Kirkendall.

She married Roy “Bud” Schawang on November 30, 1968 at Rulo, NE

Fern was raised in the Barada, NE area and graduated from Shubert High School in 1947. She attended Peru State Teachers College for 1 year and obtained her teaching certificate. She also attended University of Nebraska at Lincoln.  She taught at Patterson Country School and Arnold Country School.  She taught for 13 years. When married they established their home on the farm Southeast of Barada, She was a farm wife and homemaker. Fern moved to Falls City in 2012. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Arago, NE and Catholic Daughters, BPO Does and the Retired Teachers Association.

Fern is survived by cousins and step-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a brother in infancy.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rulo with Father David Oldham presiding. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

A Parrish Rosary will be recited on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. Family will receive friends following the Rosary.

Douglas Charles Euler, 61, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Friday, January 19, 2018 at his home.

 Doug was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Charles J. and Mildred (Myers) Euler.

 He graduated from Lafayette High School. He was a Teamster and worked for Affiliated Foods for 25 years and BMS Transportation for 7 years.

 He was a member of Mitchell Park Christian Church.

 Doug really enjoyed life by being quite the jokester. He married Rachel (Vertin) in 1998.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Survivors include his wife of the home

Children, Jennifer (Tommy) Burnett, Kyle (Rachelle) McConnaughey,

                Tiffany (Devon) Simpson

2 brothers, Dave (Patti) Euler, Plattsmouth, Nebraska

                  Chris (Trudi) Euler, St. Joseph, Missouri

His seven grandchildren he loved with all his heart, Tyler Smith Euler, Paige and Natalie Burnett, Claire Simpson, Emma, Gracy and Abby McConnaughey.

 Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 22, 2018

   At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.

Visitation: 4-6 Sunday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 10 A.M. Sunday.

Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: Wathena Healthcare Activity Fund or Freedom Hospice.

www.harmanrohde.com

James “Jim” C. Sparks, 68 of Hiawatha, KS passed away Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kansas with his family by his side.  

Jim was born April 12, 1949 in Lawrence, KS the son of LeRoy James Sparks and Marjorie (Weeks) Sparks. Jim graduated from Whiting High School in 1967. He has lived in the Hiawatha community since 1989.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era aboard the battleship Destroyer. Jim worked as security supervisor for Casino White Cloud, retiring in 2012. He enjoyed carpentry work, reading western novels and spending time with his family and friends.

Jim was married to Carol A. Garrison on December 9, 1976 in Hiawatha, KS. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his children Brian W. Sparks of Hiawatha, KS, Amanda M. Bottom (Derek) of Soldier, KS and James M. Sparks (Nancy) of Horton, KS; his sister, Ann Meyers (Randy) of Tampa, FL; his brother, Vernon J. “Joe” Sparks of Oskaloosa, KS; 9 grandchildren, Riann, James L.R. Sparks, Andrew, Clairissa, Evan, Danny, James, Dante, and Raelynn and a great-granddaughter, LayLa. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lewis A. “Sonny” Sparks.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, KS with military honors to follow. He will lie in state at the funeral home where the family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Inurnment in McLouth Cemetery will take place at a later date. Memorials made to the James Sparks Memorial Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

Alf George “Skip” Arnesen, Jr., 72, of Hiawatha, passed away January 17th, 2018, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born in Brooklyn, NY, January 13, 1946. He was a Vietnam Veteran (retired); Kansas Army National Guard (retired); a member of the American Legion and National Rifle Association.

Mr. Arnesen was preceded in death by his parents Alf G. Arnesen, Sr., and Margaret Doris Arnesen.

He is survived by Deborah Maycroft of the home; Anne Arnesen of Hiawatha, Amanda and Chad Hinton of Hiawatha, Jeremy and Jaime Arnesen of Reserve, Linnea and Luke Rieger of Meridan, Jason Fry of New York, Angelic Owens and Shawn of Denton; 5 grandsons, 1 granddaughter and numerous cousins.

The family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Wednesday evening, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Graveside services with military honors are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, January 25, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha. Rev. Michael Dunaway will officiate. Inurnment will follow.

Memorial contributions are suggested to veterans programs like DAV or Wounded Warrior Project, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Leonard Dale Kranz, 79, of Circleville, KS passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at his home with family by his side.

He was born May 30, 1938 in Holton, KS the son of Henry Fernand Kranz and Sarah Roxie (Jennings) Kranz. Leonard graduated from Netawaka High School 1956. Leonard served in the United States Army in 1960 and was a member of the Holton VFW Post #1367.

Leonard was an owner/operator of Lenco Transport where he was a truck driver for over twenty years and retired in 2004.

Leonard married Dorothy R. Jackson. They later divorced. Leonard married Theresa Mary Ramos on March 14, 1998 in Naperville, IL. They shared over 19 years of marriage. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Barbara Jean Nicoloff (George) of Cortland, IL; a daughter, Kirstan Dale Vicker of Belton, TX; a son, Gary Allen Kranz (Kelli) of Medaryville, IN; a daughter, Marilyn Sue Collins of Belton, Texas; step daughter, Rhonda Ann Brooker (Robert) of Cresthill, IL; step daughter, Jennifer Lee Anderson (Ken) of Plainfield, IL; step daughter, Tracy Kay Anderson (Karl) of Maple Hill, KS; sister, Loretta Cotter of Lewisville, TX; brother, Donald Kranz (Norma) of Nemo, TX; twenty-three grandchildren; and nineteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Fern Warren and Ruby Kranz; four brothers, Vaden, Lloyd, Duane and Gorden Kranz; and a great grandson, Christopher Michael Kranz.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton with the burial to follow at the Holton Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Monday, January 22, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Holton VFW Post #1367 c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Joseph Francis Vrtiska set off on the eternal open road, on January 15, 2018, holding the hand of his beloved wife and surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born in Pawnee City, Nebraska on July 24, 1946 to Albert and Lillian (Luedeke) Vrtiska.  He graduated from Pawnee City High School in 1964.

Joe met the love of his life, Linda Saal, as a junior in high school at the Table Rock Fair.  They were united in marriage for 51 wonderful years and made memories to last a life time.

Services 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2018 at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Officiating Reverend Duane Westing.  Visitation on Sunday, January 21, 2018 from Noon-8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 2-5 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City.  Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family in honor of Joe for later designation.  Full Military Honors provided by U.S. Navy and VFW Post #5289 of Pawnee City. Online condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Richard P. Cordero, 82, went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2018. 

A parish rosary will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19th at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home where a visitation will follow until 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church on Saturday, January 20th beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Parish and may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

He was born on November 20, 1935 in Atchison, Kansas to Pedro and Maria Delores Cordero.

Richard grew up in Atchison, Kansas and was a graduate from Maur Hill High School and later attended Benedictine College. He proudly served in the Military (Army Division), and after his service he was an active member of the Fleming-Jackson-Seever Post #6 of the American Legion and V.F.W Post # 1175.

Both before and after serving in the military, he worked for Zabel’s Food Market in Atchison, where he was beloved by the Zabel family, and the many people he came into contact with for many years. He later worked for Blish Mize in packaging, and the Atchison Technical School district as a custodian.

Richard was a member of St. Benedict Parish, actively participating at St. Joseph’s Church and he was also an active participant in serving Loaves & Fishes to members of the church. He was a member of Sacred Heart Council #723 of the Knights of Columbus. He was the constant caregiver, always helping in whatever capacity that he could. Those were the actions that earned him the respect and love of not only his family, but also those who came in contact with him.

He is survived by two brothers, Raymond J Cordero of the home, and Refugio Cordero of Chicago, Illinois. Richard is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews and god children as well as other relatives, all of which will miss him dearly.

Richard was preceded in death by both his parents and one sister, Alvina Sherman.

Rita Ann Rettele, 94, formerly of Atchison, died peacefully on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the Presbyterian Manor, Topeka, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2018 at St. Benedict’s Church with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 12:45 pm on Saturday at St. Benedicts Church, when a parish rosary will be recited prior to the Mass. Memorials are encouraged by the family to St. Benedicts Church for Masses or to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Rita A. Strathman was born on Sept. 5, 1923 in Seneca, KS the daughter of John and Barbara (Webber) Strathman. She was a housewife and homemaker for her family. She was a member of the Most Pure Heart Church, Topeka, KS. Rita was proud of her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful seamstress and enjoyed making rosaries and scapula’s for the church, doing yard work, and was a perfectionist in all that she did.

She was married to Jacob A. Rettele on Oct. 23, 1945. Mr. Rettele preceded her in death on March 18, 1982. Survivors include a son, Robert “Bob” ( Paulette) Rettele, Meriden, KS, a sister, Anna Marie(Don) Banks, Atchison, KS, a granddaughter, Jennifer (Tony) Rettele-Thomas, Manhattan, KS, two grandsons, Jaydon and Cole Thomas, of Manhattan, KS, a sister-in-law, Doris Strathman, Atchison, KS and several nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, Jacob, daughter, Nancy Jo Rettele, three brothers, Leonard, Carl, & Ben Strathman, and two sisters, Henrietta Carpenter, and Rosalia Becker and a special friend, Maggie Kramer, preceded her in death. A special thank you to the staff and care givers at Presbyterian Manor, Topeka and the Great Lakes Caring Hospice, the family appreciates your care for Rita.

Barbara J. Campbell, 79, Axtell, died Monday, January 15, 2018 at , Topeka, Ks..

Visitation is from Noon until 8 p.m., Thursday, January 18 at Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, Axtell. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service is 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 19 at the United Methodist Church, Axtell.

Betty Marie Gentry, 86, Hiawatha, Kansas formerly of Cameron, Missouri passed away on January 16, 2018.

Betty was born on November 26, 1931 in Lathrop, Missouri to Harry Harold and Opal (Hubbard) Southwick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert Lloyd Gentry; son, David Gentry and brother, Harold Southwick.

Betty was a 1949 graduate of Lathrop High School.

She married Albert Lloyd Gentry on May 20, 1949 in Cameron, MO.

Betty was a member of the Cameron First Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School and was active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She also was on the committee of the First Christian Church Cookbook. Betty enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.

Survivors: daughter, Shirley Gentry, Effingham, KS; 2 sons, Terry (Teresa) Gentry, Cameron and Mark (Marcy) Gentry, Effingham, Kansas; sister, Harriett Lacey, Centerton, AR; brother, Jack (Sandy) Southwick, Lawson, MO; 4 grandchildren, Travis (Jen) Gentry, Todd (Sarah) Gentry, Caitlyn Gentry and Erin Gentry; 3 great-grandchildren, Hadley, Case and Brooks.

Services: 11:00 AM, Friday, January 19, 2018 at First Christian Church, Cameron. Visitation: 10-11:00 AM, prior to the service. Cremation to follow service. Inurnment at a later date in Harlan Cemetery, Cameron, MO. In lieu of flowers, donation to the First Christian Church. Arrangements by Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. Online condolences: www.polandthompson.com.

Vernon Branek, 82  of rural  Steinauer, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at his home. He was born on January 26, 1935, rural Steinauer, Nebraska to Wilber and Margaret (Klein) Branek.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Steinauer, NE, his children; Kathryn Speers (Vernon), Steinauer, NE, Donna Schuster (Kirk) of Berthoud, CO, Judy Zumbrun (Gary) of Baker, MT, Kevin Branek of Pawnee City, 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Shawnee Branek, sister, Marlene Durman of Beatrice, NE, 4-step sons, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska. Officiating Father Thomas Weidle and Father Michael Christensen.  Rosary on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Visitation on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.  Memorials to family choice. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.   Military Honors provided by The United States Navy and VFW Post #5289 of Pawnee City.

Donald E. Stewart 85 of Falls City, NE passed away January 15, 2018 at Falls City. He was born January 7, 1933 at Falls City to Joseph and Alice (Brown) Stewart.

He married Judy Hitchcock on June 19, 2000 at Falls City.

Donald was raised at Falls City and attended Falls City Public Schools. He served in the Nebraska National Guard.  He worked for Falls City Power and Light, Falls City Meat Company and George A. Rolfes, and lastly for R & R Trucking. He drove a truck for over 38 years, driving in all the contingent 48 states and Alaska. He retired in 1996.

Donald is survived by his wife, Judy of Falls City, Sons Mike and his wife Valerie of Omaha, NE, Kevin of Leavenworth, KS, Step-Children Steve Scholl of Falls City, Tom Scholl of Tecumseh, NE, Robin Hilligan of Lincoln, NE, Mike Beer of Salem, NE, John Beer of Vallisca, IA, Matt & Pat Beer of Falls City, Sister Sue Haws of Falls City and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 wives, sisters, Barb Sailors and Ellen Stewart and a son, Donald.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Kevin Ray Keithley, 52, of Lexington, Nebraska was born on August 12, 1965, in Auburn, Nebraska to Darrel and Judy (Abegglen) Keithley. 

He was raised in Auburn where he had all of his schooling.  Kevin graduated from Auburn High School with the class of 1985.  After graduating, Kevin began to work at a sewing factory in Nebraska City.  It was there that he met Patricia “Trish” Vinson and the couple would later unite in marriage on November 19, 1988 in Humboldt, Nebraska.  The couple began their marriage living outside Humboldt before moving to a farm outside of Auburn.  In 1992, Kevin and Trish moved to Lexington, Nebraska where Kevin worked for sixteen years at Tyson Foods. 

Kevin was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and anything that was outside.  He was a skilled carpenter that enjoyed woodworking very much. 

Kevin was diagnosed with brain cancer ten years ago and has fought a courageous battle that included two brain surgeries.  Needless to say, Kevin was very strong willed and was a fighter to the very end.  Kevin lost his 10-year battle with cancer on Saturday, January 13, 2018, when he passed away at the Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington, Nebraska having reached the age of 52 years, 5 months, and one day. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law William and Earl Vinson, and a nephew Shawn Anderson.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife Patricia “Trish” Keithley of Lexington, NE; daughter Samantha Schippert of Lexington, NE; grandsons: Damien Peterson of Lexington, NE; Maverick Schippert of Lexington, NE; a brother Rodney Keithley and his wife Kathryn of Auburn, NE; sisters-in-law: Lauretta Anderson and husband Lee of Humboldt, NE; Kathleen Mensing of Springfield, MO; Michelle Vinson of Bolivar, MO; brother-in-law Michael Vinson and wife Virginia of Auburn, NE; son-in-law Mark Schippert of Johnson Lake, NE; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018, at The Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn, Nebraska with Pastor Corey Miller officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at The Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment will be at the Nemaha Cemetery in Nemaha, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions will be designated according to the wishes of the family. 

Online messages of condolence can be left at www.hallfuneral.net.  

Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel-707 15th ST.-Auburn, Nebraska (402) 274-3131.

Yvonne Anita McCartney, “Matawehwin”, 33, of Hiawatha, passed away Monday January 15, 2018 at St Francis Hospital, Topeka.

Yvonne was born at St Francis Hospital on October 26, 1984 to Tony Hyde and Angelina Ramirez of Hiawatha. She was a lifelong resident of Hiawatha. Yvonne graduated from Hiawatha High School in 2003. Yvonne volunteered as a daycare assistant and her occupation was a real estate investor. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother to 5 children.

In 2002 she met the love of her life, James McCartney Jr. Yvonne and Jim held their wedding services inside the grand canyon in Nevada on December 7, 2004. Yvonne was proud to be a stepmom to the children of her heart, Monica and David McCartney. On May 6, 2006 Yvonne was greatly blessed with the birth of her son, Felix. Yvonne became a puppy mom to her pride and joy Chihuahua, Mason in the summer of 2016. Yvonne and Jim were blessed with the arrival of their niece and nephew into their home in June 2014. Jim and Yvonne have raised their beautifully blended family together in Hiawatha Ks.

Yvonne was preceded in death by 7 of her unborn children lost through miscarriages, her niece Paula Joanna-Tonyanita Hyde, her mother Angelina Ramirez, her grandmother Bernice Hyde, step brother Justin Swindle, Aunt Veronica “Meatie”, cousin Felton, cousin Quincy, cousin Xushu Brown “Lil Shu”.

Yvonne is survived by her husband Jim McCartney Jr, 5 children, Monica McCartney, David McCartney, Felix McCartney, Bradley Krebs Jr., and Joanna Hyde II, her Chihuahua Mason, her parents, Tony and Helen Hyde of Hiawatha, 13 sisters, Justina Brockman of Shawnee, Kansas,  Joanna Hyde of El Cajon, California, Ophelia Hyde of Flagstaff, Arizona, Alexandria Hyde of St. Joseph, MO, Arlissa Simmons of Leadville, Colorado, Darliss, Alissen, Marissa, Iriss, Clarissa "CD", and Vanessa "Nessy" Whitebird of Horton Kansas, Jessi Whitebird of Kansas City, KS,  and Riss Whitebird of Holton Kansas, three brothers Austin, Alvin, and Devin Whitebird of Horton Kansas, step brother Bruce Swindle, her family by marriage, Jim and Sue McCartney of Falls City, NE, Mick and Mary Clary of Wathena, KS, Mario and Connie Ramirez of Holton Ks, Sean and Marsha Frederick of Falls City, NE, Keith McCartney of Falls City, NE, aunts Cynthia, Andrea, Lucinda, and uncle Xusha, and several nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

Yvonne enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband and children, bowling on a league in St. Joe, and holding babies in daycare. Yvonne's most enjoyed hobby was going to her kids' activities, planning their schedules and taking care of them and her puppy. Yvonne attended First Baptist Church in Holton, KS.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-7:30 Thursday evening. Funeral services are planned for Friday, at 11am January 19th, at Chapel Oaks funeral Home, Hiawatha with Pastor Tim O’Bryrne officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope cemetery, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions will be applied to her children's college funds. Donations may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66436. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
 

Wilma Jean Davis, 90, Mound City, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Fairfax Community Hospital.

She was born October 4, 1927, to Andrew and Julia (Moody) McDonald. She spent her entire life in Holt County.

Wilma married Eldon Davis April 27, 1947 in Hiawatha, Kansas; he survives of the home.

She graduated in 1945 from Mound City High School.

Wilma was a homemaker and secretary/bookkeeper for Davis Trucking. She was also secretary for the United Methodist Church for several years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Peggy Horseman; sisters, Doris Rebel and Helen Clouse.

Additional survivors include her sons, Andy Davis, Belton, Missouri, Lloyd Davis (Shannon), Webb City, Missouri, Glen Davis (Terri), Mound City, Missouri; daughter, Patty Judy (Bill), Mound City, Missouri; 7 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; several nieces, and extended family.

The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, Pettijohn & Crawford Family Funeral Service. Inurnment at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.pettijohncrawford.com.

Herbert Lee "Sonny" Hiner, 87, of Atchison, Kansas passed away Monday, January 15, 2018 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018 at St. Joseph's Church with Fr. Richard Rocha as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish and Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited on Thursday, January, 18 at 7:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 8:30 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are requested to the Mexican Sisters of Leavenworth, KS or St. Benedict Parish and may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Sonny was born on August 17, 1930 in Rushville, MO, the son of the late Hadley and Dolly (Ruble) Hiner. He graduated from Rushville High School. Sonny married Cecelia Gonzales on August 3, 1968.

He was a custodian and retired from the Board of Education of Leavenworth, KS.

Sonny was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and took care of the late-night adoration and sacristan duties of the St. Benedict's Adoration Chapel for many years. He was a Fourth Degree Member of the William T. Jochems Knights of Columbus Council #1716.

Sonny loved music and playing his guitar; he played in many bands. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, birdwatching and most especially, spending time with family.

Survivors include his wife of forty-nine years, Cecelia (Gonzales) Hiner, one son, Rick, Liberty, MO, two grandsons, one great-grandson, brother, David (Janie) Hiner, sister, Nancy Jones, all of Atchison, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sue Frakes.

Becky Jo McFeeters, 60, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly Monday evening, January 15, 2018, at her home.

She was born February 6, 1957, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of five children born to John and Dora Bartholemew McKee.  Becky grew up at Cedar Rapids prior to moving with her family as a teenager to Missouri.  Becky worked hard to complete requirements for her GED.  She met her first husband George Baxter where they soon moved to Sabetha and where two sons were born:  Larry and Jason.  They lived in Sabetha and Hiawatha and later divorced.  Becky worked as a telemarketer and as a fast food waitress in Hiawatha.

Becky enjoyed playing card games, putting puzzles together as a family, coloring with her grandson, Jeffery.  She crocheted, loved watching “Wheel of Fortune” on TV; along with the older shows such as “Little House on the Prairie.”  She was very out-spoken and gave you her 2 cents when she thought you needed it or not!

She married Randel McFeeters, July 21, 1983, at the Courthouse in Hiawatha as he was on leave from the Army.  They made Hiawatha all of their married life and had two children:  Randel, Jr., and Stephanie.

Survivors include her husband Randy of the home; three sons:  Larry Baxter and Jason Baxter, both of Cassville, MO, Randel McFeeters of Hiawatha; a daughter Stephanie McFeeters (Craig Royer) of Hiawatha; sister Suann Lawson (Randy) of Morrill; two grandchildren:  Jeffery Wayne Gaston, Jessie Baxter.  Also surviving are her sister in law Shawna Miller (Dan) of Hiawatha.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents John and Dora McKee; brother Dennis McKee; sisters:  Delores McKee, Luann Davis; infant daughter Sherry Baxter; infant grand-daughter Elizabeth Ann Gaston; and ex husband George Baxter.

Services are planned for 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 19, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate.  Cremation will follow services with private inurnment to be at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends from 7 until 8:30 Thursday evening.  
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Becky McFeeters Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home.    www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Anne M. Hammond, 87, of Atchison, Kansas died Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Atchison United Methodist Church with Rev. Nancy J Kolhoff officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 20th at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom care has been entrusted. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Anne was born July 22, 1930 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Francis O. and May E. Kincaid. She attended elementary school in Atchison and was a graduate of Benton High School in St. Joseph, Missouri.

She and Marvin D. Hammond were united in marriage on June 29, 1952 at the Atchison United Methodist Church. Mr. Hammond preceded her in death on February 24, 2013.

Anne was a member of Atchison United Methodist Church, where she formerly served as a member of the church choir and the church circle. She was also a former member of the Mother Singers of Atchison. In her spare time she enjoyed reading and singing.

Anne is survived by her two daughters, Maryann Hammond, Atchison, KS; Susie (Steve) Chatman, Marysville, WA; and two grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; a son, Roger Hammond; two sisters, Mildred Hudson and Lois Noll and a brother, Robert Kincaid.

Kenneth “Kenny” Crevier, 59, of Seneca died in his home on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

Kenny was born in Seneca on April 28, 1958 to Leo E. and Charlene LaFond Crevier. Kenny grew up in Seneca and attended Seneca Public Elementary and Junior High and Nemaha Valley High School as a member of the Class of 1977.

As a young man he went to work helping his father as a blacksmith at the Crevier Welding Shop. Kenny was employed from 1979-1981 he was a member of the Gary Dexter Harvesting Crew. He drove a semi-truck for J-Six; until he was able to save enough to purchase his own rig. As an independent contractor he transported pre-fabricated homes throughout the Midwest, delivering them to their permanent location. In 2005, due to health issues he was forced to retire.

Kenny married Teena Koelzer on May 7, 1983 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. The couple celebrated 34 years of marriage.

He was a parishioner of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Kenny loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed demolition derby races and collecting coins.

Kenny was preceded in death by his father, Leo on November 28, 2003.

He is survived by his wife, Teena of Seneca; children Elicia “Lacey” Crevier of Seneca, Shaun Crevier of Sabetha and Casey Crevier of Seneca; his mother, Charlene Crevier of Seneca and siblings, Daniel of Spring Hill, Kansas, Terry of Rogersville, Missouri and Larry of Springfield, Missouri, Marilyn Sibold of St. Benedict and Carolyn Sue Haverkamp of Goff.

Rosaries will be prayed on Tuesday, January 16th at 2 & 7PM at Lauer Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 11AM at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials will be designated at a later date.

Lewis Rogers, 69 of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away suddenly January 13, 2018 in Pawnee City, Nebraska.  He was born on January 6, 1949 in Pawnee City, Nebraska to Donald Lewis Rogers and Luella (Kroemer) Rogers.

He grew up in Pawnee City, Nebraska and attended Gravel Hill School and then graduated from Pawnee High School in 1967.  Lewis graduated from UNL with a degree in Ag Education in 1971.  He then taught for 2 years in Omaha North, Benson and Northwest.  He worked one summer at Omaha Public Schools Farms.  He and 2 Ag teachers from Oklahoma that he kept in touch with over the years. Lewis married Linda Martin on December 27, 1972 and they moved back to the farm in Pawnee City in 1973 to present.

Lewis enjoyed participating in Jaycees softball, Pawnee Golf Club and Pawnee County fair board.  He enjoyed working on projects, that included building garages, shops, roofing, but he did not really like pouring concrete.  He enjoyed working on these projects with Denton Stitt, Bob Miller, Terry Borcher and others.

Lewis really loved his grandkids and always making sure they had a hat and coat on.

Lewis enjoyed vacation time in the summer, he always had it all planned out.  he covered a a lot of ground. he always liked to get 600 miles in a day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald & Luella Rogers and son Chet Lewis.

He survived by Linda his wife of 45 years, daughter Katherine (Jarred) Adkins, son Nick (Brittany) Rogers, grandson, Ryan Howell & Reid Lewis, brothers, Roy Rogers, Bruce Rogers, sister Mary Jane Rogers, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at the Presbyterian Church/Christian Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Reverend Duane Westing.  Visitation on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Memorials to family choice.  On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

John R. (Jack) Cooper, 85, of Humboldt, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Virginia Cooper, and wife, Luann (Wetz) Cooper, and daughter-in-law Vicki Cooper.  Jack is survived by his sons: John Darren Cooper, Kent Cooper (Rhonda), Marc Cooper, stepsons Danny Baker and Kris Baker; grandchildren: Amanda, Devon, Julian, Jayden, Kaden, Damian, Shaun, Robert and Jessica as well as great-grandchildren.   He is also survived by his beloved companion, Mary Barnett; sister Virginia Babcock (Joel); nieces: Andrea Maupin (Tom), Dorothy Renter, Nanette Babcock and nephews: Maurice Babcock (Corinne) and Charles (Shelly); hosts of special friends.
     Jack was born December 5, 1932, in Table Rock, Nebraska.   He attended Humboldt Public School and graduated JROTC at Shattuck Military School.  Jack joined the Army and later graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in agriculture.  Jack married Barbra Cochran in 1963 and to this union two sons were born, John Darren and Kent. Jack and Barbra divorced in 1967.  Jack and Luann were married in 1985.  Tragically, Luann was in a fatal car accident in October of 1987.
     Jack was the owner/operator of Skelly Northview Service Station in Falls City, then moved back to Humboldt and operated the parts department for the John Deere implement dealership.   He purchased the Humboldt Standard from Wayne Friedly in 1977 and operated that business until his health mandated retirement.
   Jack was a lifelong active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Falls City.   He was an avid worker and supporter of many community groups including the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and American Legion.  He also served on the Humboldt City Council and was active in the Nebraska Press Association.   Jack was King of the Richardson County Fair in 2004.   He thoroughly enjoyed Humboldt’s “population increase” during fair week!
      Hunting was one of Jack’s passions and he looked forward to opening season weekend with friends in Fairbury every fall.   Football was a favorite sport and he always hoped his K-State Wildcats would be playing for a National Championship.
Jack loved life, people, and the town of Humboldt—which he called a jewel!
      Memorial Eucharist Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1602 Harlan Street in Falls City, Nebraska with Father Larry Parrish officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2018, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. at the mortuary.
Private family inurnment will be in the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Nebraska.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice.
 

James Forrest Neeld, 52, died, January 8, 2018. He was born at Miami City Hospital in Paola, KS on February 17, 1965 to his parents James D. Neeld and W. Lucille Neeld. He worked for Verizon/Frontier for 32 years.

He was preceded in death by sister, Debra Neeld; brother, Ronald D. Neeld; nephew, Robert Neeld, and Travis Neeld; niece, Brandy Love.

Survivors: parents, James D. and W. Lucille Neeld of Lenexa, KS; sisters Carolyn Putnam of Dodge City, KS, Kay Dean (Gene) of Olathe, KS, Margie Davis of Keller, TX; many nieces and nephews; best friend, Gerald Chance of Keller, TX plus his puppies who he dearly loved.

Jimmy loved to travel and enjoyed coming to Lenexa to visit his parents and friends. He graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS. He was a very loving son and was very close to his parents. He went on several trips with them including several horse racing tracks for he and his father had a race horse. Jimmy was very close to his mother and was always with his sister Margie. When he moved to Texas a year later she moved down, also.

He enjoyed owning, working on and showing Oldsmobile vehicles. He won many car show awards and enjoyed talking to those who came by to see his cars.

Visitation: 5-7pm Friday, January 12 at Lucas Funeral Home, Keller, TX 817-753-6800. Service: 2pm Saturday, January 13 at the Lucas Funeral Home Keller Chapel.     A Graveside Commital Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Nebraska.     Online messages of condolence can be shared at www.hallfuneral.net     Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan ST., Falls City, Nebraska 68355 (402) 245-3131

Robert A. “Bob” Lewman, 91, of Cummings, KS, died on Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 18th, 2018 at the Cummings Christian Church with Rev. Jim Cormode officiating. Burial will follow at the Cummings Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Cummings Christian Church, Cummings Cemetery or Atchison Senior Village and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bob was born on August 6, 1926 in Cummings, KS the son of Leonard E. and Grace M. (Hattan) Lewman. He attended Atchison County Community High School. Bob was a farmer and a dairy farmer in the Cummings Community, retiring in 1992. Bob was a member of the Cummings Christian Church, where he served as Deacon for over 55 years and on the church Board of Directors. He enjoyed farming, sports, watching the grandkids and great grandchildren play sports, country and gospel music, KU and KC Chiefs, playing cards, going to the casino, collecting decks of cards and especially his family. He served as past member of the Atchison County Dairy Board, on the Water District # 5 Board, the Cummings Cemetery Board, the ASC Board, St Nick’s School Board and the Atchison County Extension Board. He was also active in supporting the 4-H and the Atchison County Fair.

He was married to Edith M. Parrott on May 1, 1949 at Cummings Christian Church. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include two sons, Jerry D. (Ann) Lewman, Topeka, KS, and Donald D. (Kathleen) Lewman, Cummings, KS, two daughters, Linda D. (Keith) Kuykendall, Atchison, KS, and Cheryl D. (David) Jacobson, Nortonville, KS, two sisters, Patricia L. Porter, Atchison, KS and Helen Meader, Sabetha, KS, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. His parents, and four brothers, James E., Ralph M, Winston L., and Roy Lewman and a sister, Mary Jane Harmon preceded him in death.

Lawrence Lathan McKinley, 66, Atchison, Kansas known to loved ones and friends as “Turtle” passed away on January10, 2018.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 12:30 P.M. in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 17th from 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Lawrence was born on January 26, 1951 in Atchison, Kansas to Arthur Lathan McKinley and Myrtle Margaret Bratton McKinley.

During his childhood years, Lawrence attended Martin East Elementary School. He grew up as a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was baptized by Reverend Harry L. Smith at the age of 11. He also attended Atchison Jr. High School and Atchison Sr. High School. Lawrence was an astute student, and excelled in science, math, and electronics courses. He also participated in both the marching band and the concert band at the Jr High and Sr. High School, where he played trumpet. Lawrence and his Sr High concert band performed with renowned trumpeter, Doc Severinsen.

After graduating from Atchison Sr High School in 1969, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for 4 yrs. Upon discharge from the Navy, Lawrence took college courses at Highland Community College, while at the same time, served on the Atchison Police Department.

Lawrence’s interests included cooking, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed listening to music and playing board games.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as a sister, Belva Lee McKinley Hullum, a brother, Keith Leo McKinley, a granddaughter, Amgela Sheri Green, and a grandson, Sagione McKinley.

Lawrence is survived by Doris McKinley of Horton, KS, a daughter, Cheroki McKinley of Denver, CO., and a sister, Diane Bratton of Kansas City, MO. Lawrence will also be missed and remembered fondly by 3 stepsons and 3 stepdaughters whose lives he took an active role in: Dawn McKay (Charles), Jacquelene Bolling, Demetrius Ross (Christine), Jacques Ross (Kathryn), Johann “Joe” Ross, and Toyya Ross. As well as 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Lawrence will always be lovingly known as a man, who through marriage, accepted and helped to raise 6 kids and as “Grandpa Turtle”, who loved on the little ones at times in their lives when they needed it the most.

I Corinthians 15:51-57

51 Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

Dick Stich, age 80 of rural Brock, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln.

Survivors include his wife Sue of Brock; daughter Tari Westfall of Laguna Niguel, CA; granddaughter Niki (Jesse) Jaimes of Santa Ana, CA; great-grandson Jackson; sister Lucy (Harold) Speth of Waverly; sister-in-law Kathy (Mike) Tynon of Peru; brother-in-law Steve Vana of Walnut Creek, CA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 20, 10:00 a.m., at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church near Julian. Burial, with graveside military honors, will be at Lincoln Memorial Park in Lincoln. Visitation will be at the funeral home in Auburn Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 7:00.

Memorials are suggested to American Legion Post #23 of Auburn.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

Charlotte Irene Jones, 74, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at the Horton Community Hospital.

She was born on October 15, 1943 in Horton, Kansas the daughter, of John and Marjorie Watson Jones.

Charlotte was a Home Health Nurses Aide.

Survivors include her mother, Marjorie Jones of Hiawatha, Kansas; three sisters, Alice Mullen of Essex, Iowa, Patricia Myers of Denton, Kansas and Delores Shirley of Horton, Kansas; brother, Larry Jones of Hiawatha, Kansas; close friends Margaret and Phillip Wiley of Horton, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Horton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Topeka Humane Society and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

James Eugene “Gene” Pruett, 62, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away January 5, 2018. Services will be Saturday, Jan. 13, at Abel Funeral Home, 1627 N. 51st Ave, Phoenix. Cremation will follow the service. www.abelfuneralservices.com. Local arrangements entrusted to Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. www.arensbergpruett.com. Gene was born February 19, 1955 the son of James F. and Mary (Amos) Pruett in Atchison, Kansas. He and Jane Truman were united in marriage on October 10, 1981. He was a lifetime truck driver. His favorite hobby was racing his go-cart. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a wonderful person who had a great sense of humor. He would always be there to pick you up when you were down. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family. Survivors include his wife, Jane, three children, Jason, Jamie and Travis, four grandchildren, seven brothers, Dolan, Billy, Ronnie, Jimmy, Danny, Lawrence, and Tim Pruett, nine sisters, Ruth, Donna, Cathleen, Barbara, Tammie, Jenna, Catherine, Angela, and Lawanda, step-mother, Ruth Pruett Johnson and thirty-two nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Pruett; niece, Brandi, great niece Irelynn and great nephew Tommy.

Mona E. Wilson, 87, of Holton, KS passed away Friday, January 12, 2018 at Medicalodge Jackson County. She was born August 27, 1930 in Muscotah, KS the daughter of Sherman and Carrie (Liggett) Wiley.

          Mona graduated from ACCHS in 1949. She worked at Coopers Drug Store, Shields Jewelry and Westside Sundry’s (retiring in 1992) all in Holton. She also was an Avon Representative for 8 years. She was a member of Netawaka United Methodist Church. She was also a member of O.E.S. #184, Zenith Chapter in Hiawatha.

          Mona married Duane E. Wilson on December 3, 1950 in Holton. He preceded her in death on January 9, 2011.

          Survivors include 3 sons, Gary Wilson (Brenda) of Holton, KS, Keith Wilson (Rosanna) of Circleville, KS and Daryl Wilson (Della Wrightsman) of Netawaka, KS; a sister, Reta Cooper of Olathe, KS; 9 grandchildren; 16great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

          Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be given to the Netawaka United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Galen Weiland, of Bendena, passed away January 10, 2018, at Mosiac Health Care in St. Joseph, MO.

Galen Franklin Weiland was born August 13, 1939 to Frank and Lucille (Dunn) Weiland in Highland, KS.
 
Galen attended Highland High School and Highland Community College.  He married Ruth Long on June 4, 1960.  They moved to Bendena, KS in 1963.  Galen was dedicated to the success of his Bendena Community and to Doniphan County:
 
Former Manager - Bendena Grain Co.
Past Master of Masonic Lodge #440
50 years - continuous membership of Smithton Lodge #1 - Highland, KS
Member of the Hiawatha Elks Lodge #1741
Kansas State Representative of the 1st District - 1990 - 2001
Current Trustee of Independence Township
Current Treasurer of Rural Water District #2
Member of Midway/Doniphan West Board of Education
Former Chief of Rural Fire District #3
Former member of Mo-Kan Regional Council
Former Director of the Economic Development Commission and the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce
 
 
He is preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Lucille, brother, James Allen D., sisters, Marsha Simpson, Paulette (Paul) Staudenmaier, Sherrie Lou (Curt) Mattox, niece, Lori Mattox, nephew, Jason Stonebarger and grandson: James Frances Weiland.
 
Survivors include wife Ruth, son Terry (Lisa) Weiland, Bendena, daughter Teresa Weiland, Palm Harbor, FL, Sister, Jody Keebler, Highland, KS, granddaughter Terra (Matt) Jones, Topeka, KS, grandson, Cody (Silvia) Weiland, Bendena, KS, granddaughter, Bereanna Weiland, Bendena, KS, great-grandson, Carter Weiland, Bendena, KS and numerous nieces and nephews
 
Memorial contributions on behalf of Galen Weiland may be made to: Bendena Community Park Fund and/or Doniphan County Home Health

A Celebration of Galen’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, January 15, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, with Don Harter officiating.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Sunday, where the family will meet from 5 until 7 that evening.  www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions on behalf of Galen Weiland may be made to: Bendena Community Park Fund and/or Doniphan County Home Health sent in care of Bendena State Bank or Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Highland.

LTC Wayne Marvin Stoller, retired, U.S. Army, 86, of Falls City, NE, passed away January 11, 2018 at Falls City. He was born July 1, 1931 at Sabetha, KS to Robert and Martha (Imthurn) Stoller.

Wayne enlisted in the U. S. Army on June 25, 1954 at Ft. Bliss, TX. He served overseas tours in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. He earned a National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star. He retired and was honorably discharged on June 30, 1974 at Ft. Carson, CO.

He married Betty Ralston on August 2, 1953 at Sabetha, KS.

Wayne was raised on the family farm south of Sabetha and graduated Sabetha High School in 1949. He then earned Teaching and Geology Degrees and a Masters of Teaching from Kansas State University. He a member of the R.O.T.C while at Kansas State. Upon his retirement from the Army he taught science at Dawson-Verdon High School for 18 years, retiring in 1993.

Following retirement he worked at the Falls City Library and taught CPR to thousands of individuals in Richardson County and also taught CPR instructors. He ran the latch key program and volunteered at the Library and was the treasurer of Friends of the Library. He was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church and served many position of leadership. He was also a member of Falls City Elks Lodge.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Betty of Falls City, sons, Mike and his wife Joleen of Falls City, Jeff and his wife Deb of Lincoln, NE, grandchildren, Josh Stoller of Lincoln, Jordy and Katie Stoller of Falls City, Nic Somera of Hollywood, CA, Jessica Stoller of Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Glen and sisters, Helen Scoby and Betty Barrick.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM at First United Presbyterian Church with Reverend Nancy Tuma officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery. Military graveside honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Mary Elizabeth “Beth” (Wagner) Miller, 82, of Atchison, Kansas, died January 11, 2018, at the Dooley Center in Atchison, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church with Fr. Jeremy Heppler as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation with the family with be held on Tuesday morning January 16, from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. at the church. A parish rosary will be recited at 10:45 a.m. Memorial contribution are suggested to Mount St. Scholastica and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom care has been entrusted. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Beth was born November 2, 1935 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Mathias L. and Catherine M. (Schuele) Wagner. She attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and graduated from Mount St. Scholastica Academy.

She and Eugene F. “Gene” Miller were united in marriage on June 2, 1956, by Fr. Matthew Hall at St. Joseph’s Church. Gene preceded her in death on April 16, 2017.

Beth led an active and faith-filled life, devoted to her family. Prior to having children, she was employed with Southwestern Bell. After her children were all in school, she worked at the Wishing Well and Clothes Vault. She also worked at Arensberg Shoes until the business closed. Upon retiring from retail sales, Beth was able to devote more time to her hobbies of gardening, golf, volunteer work and socializing. Beth’s favorite time was spent with her grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to all those that provided assistance with Beth’s in-home care, especially Marcy & Kevin Handke, Peggy Davis, Darlene Wagner and Donna Stec. The last seven years of Beth’s life were blessed by the loving care provided by the staff of the Dooley Center. Her life was enriched by the daily love, compassion and prayers she received from the sisters of the Mount St. Scholastica Community.

She is survived by two sons, Phillip (AnaMaria) Miller, Overland Park, KS; Henry J. “Hank” Miller, Overland Park, KS; three daughters, Ruth A. (Lee) Eckert, Atchison, KS; Peggy (David) Howard, Leavenworth, KS; Sara Miller, Prairie Village, KS; three brothers, Charles, Bill and Mike Wagner; four sisters, Sr. Catherine Agnes, CSJ, Clarita Halling, Donna Stec, Bobbie Miller, six grandchildren: Jacob and Matthias Miller, Bridget and Kenny Howard, Christian and Alyssa Miller, and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Martha and a brother Bert.

James Eugene “Gene” Pruett, 62, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away January 5, 2018.

Services will be Saturday, Jan. 13, at Abel Funeral Home, 1627 N. 51st Ave, Phoenix. Cremation will follow the service. www.abelfuneralservices.com. Local arrangements entrusted to Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. www.arensbergpruett.com.

Gene was born February 19, 1955 the son of James F. and Mary (Amos) Pruett in Atchison, Kansas.

He and Jane Truman were united in marriage on October 10, 1981.

He was a lifetime truck driver. His favorite hobby was racing his go-cart. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a wonderful person who had a great sense of humor. He would always be there to pick you up when you were down. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Jane, three children, Jason, Jamie and Travis, four grandchildren, seven brothers, Dolan, Billy, Ronnie, Jimmy, Danny, Lawrence, and Tim Pruett, nine sisters, Ruth, Donna, Cathleen, Barbara, Tammie, Jenna, Catherine, Angela, and Lawanda, step-mother, Ruth Pruett Johnson and thirty-two nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Pruett; niece, Brandi, great niece Irelynn and great nephew Tommy.

Diane Marie Tate, 65, of Axtell, Ks. died Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, Ks.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14, from Noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home in Axtell.

The Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m Sunday at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 15, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell.

Burial will be at the St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Axtell.

Memorial contributions will be designated later and can be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home in Axtell.

Brenda (Liechti) Lee Keller, 54, of Troy, Kansas passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at her home.

Brenda was born on August 31, 1963 at Ft. Riley, Kansas to Charles and Kathryn (Despain) Liechti.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Survivors:  her life long partner, Ronald Keller

3 children, Joseph Keller (Tasha), Rebecca Keller (John Robinson) and Nathaniel Keller (Aimee) all of Troy.

 Mother, Kathryn Liechti of Elwood, Kansas;
 Sister, Ruth Cluck of Highland, Kansas;
 Brothers, Charles Liechti, Jr. of Elwood, Kansas;  Mike Liechti of Troy;  Jerry  Liechti of Elwood;

 9 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 13, 2018 – 2:00 P.M.

Visitation: Friday evening 6-8 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy where friends may call after 12 NOON Friday.

Burial: Courter Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.

Albert Eugene Witte, 88, of Atchison, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating.  Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO.  Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home.  Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Grant Fund or Trinity Lutheran School Endowment Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Albert was born November 20, 1929, in Atchison, KS, the son of John and Minnie (Cook) Witte.  He graduated from Atchison High School.  Albert worked for Rockwell for over forty years as a maintenance man.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as an usher and elder.  Albert enjoyed fishing, gardening and woodworking.  He especially loved his family, getting together for fish fry and barbeques.

Albert married Sarah Emily Smart on October 12, 1950 at Carol Baptist Church, Atchison, KS, she survives of the home. Additional survivors include three daughters, Pam (Dean) Harden, Everest, KS, Sandra Peuker, Rushville, MO, Cindy (Allen) Harden, Lancaster, KS  a sister, Laverne Magers, Atchison, KS, eight grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren, a son in law, Bob Delzeit, Rushville, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Jeannie Delzeit, and two brothers, Leonard and Edward Witte, two sisters, Leota Boatright and Opal Davis, a great granddaughter Rheagan Smith and a great grandson Jayden Filbert.

Ruth L. Pittman, 92, of Hiawatha, went to be with her Lord and Savior, January 8, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

She was born August 24, 1925, at Robinson, one of two daughters born to Thomas and Grace Courton Martin and lifelong resident of Brown County. The family moved to Hiawatha when Ruth was years 5 old to make their home. She grew up here, attended Hiawatha schools, later graduating with the class of 1943. She worked as a telephone operator a few years before she married.

Ruth was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Hiawatha; and the United Methodist Women of the Church.

She married Howard Pittman, April 23, 1949, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Hiawatha. They made Hiawatha their home all of their married life where she was a homemaker, and devoted to raising her family. He died October 21, 2000.

Survivors include two sons Thomas Pittman of Spring, Texas, Roger Pittman of Denton, Kansas; a daughter Dorothy Fushia of Leavenworth, KS; a sister Leta Rohlmeier of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania; 6 grandchildren: Eric, Abby, Mandy, and Carla; 9 great-grandchildren; with several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; and husband Howard.

Memorial Services are planned for 2 pm Friday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.

Inurnment will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 Friday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Church Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Mary K. Holden passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at The Pines in Hiawatha.

She was born October 23, 1924 in Stanberry, Missouri, one of 8 children to Elery Joe and Thelma Leona Broderick Phillips. Mary K attended school and graduated from Hiawatha High School. She also attended Highland College for 2 years.

Mary K. taught school at Linden Hill during the war in 1945-46. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Hiawatha. She did a lot of volunteer work for the church.

She worked 30 years for the Hiawatha Community Hospital as a nurse aide. Her favorite part was working in the OB department with all the little babies.

Mary K. married William E. “Bill” Holden in Sabetha, Kansas, February 4, 1946. They have made Hiawatha their home most of their married life.  Bill passed away April 16, 2015.

Surviving are their two daughters and son: Mary Ellen (Dan) Bryan of Chillicothe, MO, Sandra (Wayne) Feuerbacher of Oskaloosa, KS and William J. (Cathy) of Weir, Kansas; two sisters: Betty Kellenberger of Horton, KS and Ethel Gilbert of Topeka, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, four brothers, two sisters, grandson, Darin Bryan and a great-granddaughter, Kendall Goff.

Friends may call after noon on Friday. Visitation will be at 1:30 with the funeral at 2:30 pm on Saturday January 13, 2018 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Hiawatha Community Hospital Foundation for the OB Department and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Joetta Martinson Wagoner, 53, of Fairview, died Monday, January 8, 2018 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Joetta was born in Hiawatha, May 23, 1964, one of four children to the late Willard “Bill” and Eleanor Mae Camblin Martinson and had lived in the Hiawatha/Fairview area all of her life.  She grew up on a farm west of Hiawatha, attended Hiawatha schools where she later graduated from Hiawatha High School.  Joetta assisted in the care for her elderly father until his death.  She also was a caregiver for several other families in the area for the elderly.  She in recent years bought a home in Fairview where she worked as a cashier for All Star Truck Stop in Sabetha.

Joetta, when she was growing up, attended Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Fairview; was an active member of Abate District #11, of Hiawatha.  She enjoyed the outdoors, Harley Davidson, and the old barns on the family farm.

She married Alvin Wagoner.  To this union a son Arthur was born.  Alvin died in 2013.

Survivors include her son Arthur Wagoner of Fairview; two brothers:  Martin Martinson of Wetmore, Kevin Martinson of Hiawatha; nephew Joshua Martinson; nieces:  Heather, Tiffany, Brianna, Carissa; and a host of great-nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joetta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Alvin; and a brother Billy ‘Beefy” Martinson in 2012.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, January13, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.  Burial will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Friday, where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Joetta Wagoner Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Emma May Ellis, 104, of Atchison, Kansas died Monday, January 8, 2018, passing peacefully in her sleep.

Per her request, a visitation with the family will be on Saturday, January 13th, from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Atchison.  A luncheon will follow as a celebration of her life at Paolucci’s Restaurant, Atchison.  Interment will be at a later time at Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, Missouri.  Memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Post #6, VFW Post #1175, or the Atchison Hospital Home Health and Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com

Emma May (Mim) was born on July 31, 1913 in Buchanan County, Missouri, the daughter of Edmund and Susie Wells.  She and her husband, Leroy Ellis, shared many labors, adventures and years together on the original Ellis homestead near Rushville, Missouri.  Mim particularly enjoyed cooking meals for family and friends virtually every weekend of their life together, with particular joy during the holidays.  It was not uncommon for 30-40 family and friends to be at holiday meals and never less than 10-12 on a routine weekend.  A special event for Mim and Leroy were the company “B”, 55th Armored Battalion, 11th Armored Division Reunions honoring Leroy’s and fellow veterans’ service during WWII.  Always a wonderful hostess and cook, she hosted the largest gathering of Company “B” veterans at the home near Rushville and Atchison.  No family, friend, or stranger ever left her home hungry. 

Emma was an accomplished quilter.  She shared her talent with others and created countless works of beauty and love as her trademark gifts for family and friends. 

She was a wonderful caregiver through their last years for her mother-in-law, Sidwell Ellis; her aunt, Buena (Mounce) Mays; her husband, Leroy; and daughters, Helen Louise (Moore) Smith and Beverly Jean (Moore) Wagner.

Survivors include her son, Lester R. (Connie) Moore, of the home; grandchildren, Donald (Shellie) Smith, Dearborn, MO; Greg Smith, Olathe, KS; Beverly (Jim) Moorehead, Plattsmouth, NE; Kirk (Deb) Wagner, Wichita, KS; Keith (Leslie) Wagner, Rushville, MO; Kent (Mary) Wagner, St. Joseph, MO; James (Donna) Rensenhouse, LaGrange, GA; Julie (Mark) Jacobs, Overland Park, KS; Alison (Chris) Whisenant, Columbia, SC; along with numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Betty Jean (Fitzgerald) Johnson, 82, of Nortonville, KS, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 8, 2018.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Nortonville Christian Church with Rev. Bob Carter, officiating. Family will receive friends from Noon until service time at the church. Mrs. Johnson will be cremated following the service and burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Foundation, Jefferson County Hospice and Old Town of Oskaloosa and may be sent in care of the O’Trimble Funeral Home, PO Box 267, Nortonville, KS 66060. Words of comfort and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Betty Jean was born on April 22, 1935 in Farmington, Kansas to John and Mae Eva (Freeborn) Fitzgerald. Mae died in 1940 due to complications with pneumonia. John married Bessie V. Ward and together they raised Betty, her two brothers, John Fitzgerald, Jr. and Charles Fitzgerald and her step-brother, Miles Murray. Betty graduated from Effingham High School (ACCHS) in 1953. She attended Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, KS. She wed Clifton Johnson on August 1, 1954 at Farmington Christian Church.

Betty worked for Atchison Daily Globe; the Naval Base in San Diego, CA; the Army Base in Fort Leavenworth, KS and Jefferson County North School District as a bus driver. Betty had many talents and hobbies including: ceramics, quilting, sewing, upholstery, painting and gardening.

Betty and Cliff raised eight children: Cheryl Sanders (Nortonville), Cindy Edwards (Nortonville), Patty & Roger Mosby (Horton), Brenda Foster (Nortonville), Bob Johnson (Nortonville), Mickey & Sheila Johnson (Nortonville), Liz and Edward Rostetter (Circleville), and Kathy Johnson (White Bear Lake, MN).

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Brenda, two granddaughters, one grandson. She is survived by her husband, Clifton Johnson, seven children, 28 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren (soon to be 5).

Oliver “Merle” Shell, 96, of Atchison, KS died on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018 at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, Jan. 12th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral home with Fr. Jon Hullinger, Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, Jan. 11th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Quilt of Valor, and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Merle was born on May 10, 1921 in Effingham, KS the son of Clyde and Daisey (Hitchner) Shell. He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1939. He served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. Merle was wounded in Germany during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart. He returned home and worked for the former JG Decorating, Atchison, Kaufman Flooring, Atchison, then Ford Motor Company, and then worked 25 years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, Atchison. Merle was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, the VFW Post # 1175 and the American Legion Post # 6, and served as President and Secretary for many years for the I.O.O F. Lodge. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, camping, dancing and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

He was married to Noami Jeanne Parrett on July 9, 1944 in Atchison County. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 1981. Survivors include a son, David “Spider” (Kris) Shell, Atchison, KS, three daughters, Jeannie Delfelder, Atchison, KS, Kathleen “Ann” (Jim) Moore, Havensville, KS and Carole Shell, Atchison, KS, a sister, Dorothy “Dot” Underwood, Atchison, KS, two sister-in-laws, Jo Marie Shell, Holton, KS and Helen Lund, Atchison, KS, seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. His parents, wife, two brothers, Chester and Rawlin Shell, and one sister, Laura Leonard, preceded him in death.

Lee Robert Moege, 79, of Holton, KS passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 in Holton, after a courageous battle with cancer, his family by his side.

He was born September 13, 1938 in Topeka, KS, the son of Cedric Carl Theodore and Wilma Virginia Maxine (Lane) Moege.

Lee graduated from Topeka High School in 1956 and attended Washburn University; earning his Associates Degree in Industrial Manufacturing Engineering. He lived in the Holton area since 1984 and previously in Wabaunsee County, KS.

Lee worked for Balderson, Inc. as an Industrial Engineer for 13 years and also he worked for Alamo Group in Holton. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Holton Country Club.

Lee married Sally Sue (Bundy) Sutton on September 26, 1982 in McFarland, KS. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Kevin Moege (Deanna) of Paxico, KS; a daughter, Elizabeth Flach (Paul) of Paxico, KS; a sister, Virginia Chang (Ruu) of Wakarusa, KS; 8 grandchildren, Jason Zeller, Lindsey Zeller Strickland, Dean Moege, Kyle Moege, Kameron Moege, Alicia Flach, Chelsea Reyes and Armando Reyes and 5 great-grandchildren, Jack and Ben Zeller, Ky & Aurora Murphy and Unique Gomez.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Jane Moege Zeller in 2004; a step-daughter, Teresa Sutton Reyes in 2010 and a sister, Alicia Jane Donnelly.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Mercer Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in the McFarland Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church or Heart of Jackson Humane Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Juanita E. White, 95, a resident of Atchison, Kansas, entered into eternity on January 3, 2018.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. in the chapel of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 9:00-10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Juanita White Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left to the family online at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Juanita was born on March 14, 1922 in Elizabethton, Tennessee the daughter of Dave and Minnie Ellis. She grew up in Elizabethton and attended Kingberg schools and Kingberg Free Will Baptist Church.

She married Robert White in 1952. Mr. White preceded her in death on May 6, 1993. She lived in Butler, Tennessee until moving to Dekalb, Missouri in 1959 and has resided in Atchison since 1961.

Juanita was employed with the USD 409 in the food service for twenty-two years before retiring in 1985. She also cleaned homes for several local residents. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going out to eat, listening to country music, canning and cooking.

She is survived by two sons, Randy (Tammie) White, Rick (Lana) White, Atchison, KS, three daughters, Sandy Wilson White, Atchison, KS, Doris Turner, Elizabethton, TN, Carion (George) McConnell, Atchison, KS, two sisters, Gladys Hicks, Selda Wilson, Elizabethton, TN, two daughters-in-law, Joanne White, Donna White, a son-in-law, Lawrence Turner, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

Jaunita was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sons, Herbie, Jackie, and Willie White, four grandsons, Michael McConnell, Matthew Wilson, Jamie White, Jeffery McGee and three sisters, Florence Ellis, Mable Birtchfield, and Ida Andes.

Ruth M. Durkin, 92, of Atchison, KS, passed away Monday, January 08, 2018 at Atchison Senior Village.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at St. Pat’s Cemetery.  Family will receive friends prior to the service from10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Atchison Senior Village and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Ruth was born February 6, 1925, in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Lucius) Cline.  She was a homemaker.  Ruth was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading, watching sports, especially KU basketball. 

Ruth married Leo Durkin on March 7, 1942 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  He preceded her in death on August 26, 1985. Survivors include six sons; William (Kathy) Durkin, Phoenix, AZ, Russell Durkin, Atchison, KS, Richard (Jeanne) Durkin, Atchison, KS, Edward (Marsha) Durkin, Bartletsville, OK, Patrick (Michelle) Durkin, Atchison, KS, Daniel (Jenny) Durkin, Atchison, KS and a daughter, Mary (Harold) Vandeloo, Atchison, KS, a sister Susan Durkin, Eudora, KS, ten grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Leonard, Orville, Clarence, Donald Russell Cline and a sister Mary McClure.

Franklin C. Kinsey, 92, of rural Troy, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas passed away January 6, 2018 surrounded by family.

He was born January 6, 1926 to Hugh Daniel and Adah Dunn Kinsey.

He attended rural school Climax No.9 south of Troy; and graduated from Troy High School in 1943.

He attended Kemper Military School 1 year before serving 2 years in the U.S. Navy, WWII.  He also attended Iowa State University for 1 year before graduating from Kansas State University in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Engineering.

After graduation, he went to work for the USDA Soil Conservation Service as an Area Engineer.  He retired from the area office in Manhattan, KS in 1986.

Franklin married Barbara Jean Daub of Highland, Kansas May 31, 1951.  She preceded him in death on November 13, 2004. He was also preceded in death by his parents & a daughter-in-law, Janice Sue Kinsey.

He was a member of the Troy American Legion Post No.55, Troy Masonic Lodge #55, Troy Chapter No 16, Atchison Commandery No 2, Salina ISIS Shrine, and ISIS Shrine Legion of Honor.

Survivors include: son, Hugh C. Kinsey granddaughters, Nicole Grable (Jeremy), Kristin Franken (Corey), Andrea Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Cayley and Alyson Grable, Braxton and Kamryn Franken & a sister, Barbara Adan Hunter, (Bill) and Many nieces & nephews.

Graveside Service: 11 A.M. Wednesday, January 10, 2018

At the Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas

Visitation: Tuesday evening 6:30-7:30 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas where friends may call after 12 NOON Tuesday.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Janice Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fred Schumaker, 93, of Whiting, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Horton Community Hospital.

He was born August 17, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the second of the three children born to Wilhelm and Freda Steinle Schumaker.

Fred grew up in the Sabetha area and moved to the Whiting area when he was around 19 years old where he began farming with his father. Fred served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his enlistment in the Army he returned to the Whiting area to continue farming with his family.

Survivors include his brother-in-law Kenneth Dale Thornton of Whiting, Kansas; his sister-in-law Maxine Schumaker of Holton, Kansas; nephews Larry & wife Cindy Thornton of Whiting, Kansas; Dennis & wife Gay Schumaker of Whiting, Kansas; niece Debbie Schumaker of Holton, Kansas; seven great nieces and nephews and nine great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Willie Schumaker, a sister, Hilda Thornton and a niece, Cindy Kay Oxandale.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, January 12, 2018 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time. Burial with Military graveside rites will be at Springhill Cemetery, Whiting, Kansas. Memorials may be sent to the Mission Village Living Center and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Brad Torrey, 52 of Douglasville, Georgia passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Akiko Torrey; his son, Luke Torrey; his daughter, Tiffanie Torrey; his parents, Jim and Kathy Torrey.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha.  Memorial contributions may be left to the Luke and Tiffanie Education Fund, sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas  66534.  www.popkessmortuaries.com   

Judith “Judy” Rockey, 83, of Atchison, KS died unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 6th, 2018 at the Lakeview Village East Side Terrace Rehabilitation Center, Lenexa, KS.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 13th, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, 501 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS. The body has been cremated and burial of cremated remains will follow the service in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until time of service at the United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Community of Christ Church or the Atchison Humane Society and may be sent in care of the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Judy was born on Nov. 28th, 1934 in Bendena, KS the daughter of Horace D. and Edna (Dittemore) Williams. She graduated from Troy High School in 1953. She earned an Associate’s degree from Cottey College, Nevada, MO and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from University Kansas in Education. Judy began her teaching career in a one room school house in Moray, KS. She then was a beloved first grade teacher for 41 years for USD# 409 at Central Elementary School. She retired in 1997. She touched many lives in a positive way and left a legacy of educational impact.

Judy was an active member of the Community of Christ Church, was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, was a 56 year member of the FT Chapter of PEO, Atchison, a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority for 50 years, a member of a Red Hat Society, and sang for many years with the Sweet Adeline’s. She loved her time acting in plays and shows in Theatre Atchison and was a member of the Encore Radio Players. She enjoyed being a Docent for the Amelia Earhart home, she was on the Election Board, loved her swimming at the YMCA, she was Friends of the Atchison Library and Member of the National Education Association for 41 years. Judy loved to read and always had a book in her hands when relaxing. Trips to the lake with friends and family were a highlight for many years. Although she never actually water skied, she was known for some good sunbathing time. Judy loved watching old movies, KU basketball, KC Royals and Chiefs, and especially spending time with her grandchildren who are following her footsteps by attending KU like their dear grandma.

She was married to Rudolph “Rudy” Rockey on June 7th, 1959 in Fanning, KS. Rudy preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 2015. Survivors include a daughter, Lynn (Brian) Finn, Olathe, KS, a brother, Earl (Sharon) Williams, Blue Springs, MO, a sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams, San Antonio, TX, two grandchildren, Conor and Reagan Finn, and many nieces and nephews she dearly loved. Her parents, husband Rudy, and one brother, Lafe Williams, preceded her in death.

Judy will be missed by many because she was loved by many.

Anthony David “Tony” Haverkamp, 35, of Atchison, KS died on Saturday, Jan. 6th, 2018 at the Mosaic Life Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 12th, 2018 with visitation to follow until 8:30 pm at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB officiating. The body will be cremated following the visitation and funeral ceremony with burial at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Tony was born on Jan 18, 1982 in Atchison, KS the son of Eldon L. and Deborah K. “Debby “ Haverkamp. Tony worked as a cook at the Metropolitan Steakhouse, Leavenworth before his debilitating asthma forced him to stop working. He enjoyed working on cars, fishing, watching NASCAR, the KC Chiefs and KU Basketball.

Survivors include his father, Eldon L. Haverkamp, of the home, a brother, Jason Haverkamp, Atchison, KS, a half brother, Waylon Barnett, Marshfield, MO, his paternal grandmother, Frances Haverkamp, Atchison, maternal step –grandmother, Carol Hayslett, Atchison, Uncle, Francis Haverkamp, and two aunts, Judy Hundley, and Jeri Ann Ostertag, both of Atchison, KS. His mother preceded him in death.

Stella Marie (Schultz) Goin, 97, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Wathena Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Stella was born on February 3, 1920 in Wathena, Kansas to Otto Herman & Leatha (Dinning) Schultz.

She worked at Big Smith Jean Factory before she was united in marriage to Melvin M. Goin. He preceded her in death in 1973. Stella was a member of the Zion United Evangelical Church, Wathena. She was past President in the Women’s Guild, member of the Happy Valley Homemakers, Larkettes Club, leader of cooking in the Cloverleaf 4-H Club. She was active in campaigning for the American Heart Association.

She was a wonderful mother who farmed along with Melvin and her son Gerald, after Melvin’s passing she drove trucks, tractors etc. She was honored for her excellent cooking pies, doughnuts, noodles and everything in between. She helped Carol in Daycare for 20 years and took care of her sister, Anna. Everyone loved Grandma Stella.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Dennis William Goin, son-in-law, John Richard “Dick” Hartman, grandson, Richard Garrett Hartman, sisters, Lydia Pohl (Oscar) & Anna Schultz & brothers, Otto Richard Sr. (Ida) & William “Bill” (JoAnn) Schultz.

Survivors, her children, Melvin Goin (Cathy) of Lawrence, Kansas;

                                Carol Hartman of Wathena, Kansas;

                                Gerald Goin of Wathena, Kansas;

                 7 grandchildren & 10 great-grandchildren;

                 Daughter-in-law, Virginia Goin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri;

                 Many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, January 10, 2018
At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
Visitation: 6-8 Tuesday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 12 noon Tuesday.
Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Memorials: Wathena EMS or the Zion United Evangelical Church.

Ella Marie Lester, 86, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, MO. She was born July 27, 1931 in Holton, KS the daughter of Ray Ernest and Anna (Bennett) Simmons.

Ella graduated from Soldier High School in 1950. She had lived in the Kansas City area since 1968. Ella was a homemaker.

Ella married Robert E. Lester on April 15, 1950 in Holton, KS. He preceded her in death on May 21, 2012. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Willis Simmons.

Survivors include 4 children, Dennis Lester (Nancy) of Kansas City, MO, Lois Roe (Roger) of Oceanside, CA, Judy Bashlor (Tom) of Claycomo, MO and Ron Lester of Independence, MO; a sister-in-law, Helen Simmons of Topeka, KS; 5 grandchildren, Jess Bashlor, Celia Chalfant, James Roe, Kim Bashlor and Bryan Bashlor and 2 great-grandchildren, Evan and Chase.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Olive Hill Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

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Bertha Ann Boro, 66, of Horton, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

She was born on July 7, 1951 in Kansas City, Kansas the daughter of Harold and Florence Brown Cox. She graduated from Horton High School in 1969. Bertha worked as a CNA at the Tri-County Manor, Horton Hospital and was a housekeeper at the Golden Eagle Casino. She attended the Church Of The Lord Jesus Christ Church in Horton. Bertha married Carl Boro in Kansas City, Kansas in 1981. They later divorced.

Survivors include two daughters, Carla Boro of Horton, Kansas and Mary Boro of Everest, Kansas; brother, Scott Cox of Hiawatha, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, for sisters, Mary Moler, Rose Frakes, Sheila Cox and Ruby Cox.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Bertha Boro memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. A special message may be sent to www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Edwin Paul Weishaar, 83, of Nortonville, KS died on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, Jan. 8th, 2018 at St. Joseph Church, Nortonville, KS with Fr. Tom Aduri as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Hart Cemetery. A parish and Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm on Sunday, Jan. 7th, 2018 at the St. Joseph Church with visitation to follow until 8:30 pm. The O’Trimble Chapel, Nortonville is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hart Cemetery and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Edwin was born on Nov. 28, 1934 in Nortonville, KS the son of Henry and Regina (Orscheln) Weishaar. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and graduated from Nortonville High School in 1952. Mr. Weishaar farmed and worked as a molder for the former Rockwell International for over 41 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Church, Nortonville, the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles Lodge, Lawrence, and enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, farming, gardening and helped with the canning He especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was married to Nancy Stillman on June 15, 1956 in Bethel, KS. Mrs. Weishaar survives of the home. Additional survivors include three sons; Jack Weishaar, Atchison, KS, Tim (Sarah) Weishaar, and Toby (Linda) Weishaar, both of Meriden, KS., five sisters, Genevieve Drimmel, Atchison, Lavern (Edwin) Davis, Nortonville, Betty Jean (Jim) Franks, Topeka, KS, Judy (John) Wagner, Topeka, and Mary Ann (Warren) Hall, Topeka, seven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. His parents, two brothers, Elvin and Vernon Weishaar, one sister, Eileen Weishaar, and one grandson, Matt Weishaar, preceded him in death.

Mary Winifred ‘Wini’ McClellen, 90, of Manhattan, KS, formerly of Atchison, KS, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Via-Christi Village in Manhattan.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, with Rev. Robert Ziegler, officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Atchison. Family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Arthritis Foundation or Trinity Lutheran Church Music program. Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left online at beckerdyer.com. The Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, is entrusted with her arrangements.

Mary Winifred Palmer was born on February 18, 1927 in St. Joseph, MO, the daughter of Edmund and Amanda (Bramhall) Palmer. Wini graduated from Atchison High School in 1945; she attended Pittsburg State University and received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Music from Baker University, Baldwin, KS; Wini received her Masters Degree in Music from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Wini taught in the music department at Atchison County Community High School, Effingham, for thirty-three years and gave private lessons to numerous organ and piano students.

Wini held several professional memberships with many local and national music organizations including: ACTA (Atchison County Teachers Association); KNEA (Kansas National Education Association); NEA (National Educators Association); MENC (Music Educators National Conference) and KMEA (Kansas Music Educators Association); American Guild & Organists; ADK; SAI; MTNA (Music Teachers National Association); and American Hand Bell Ringer Director. Wini had also been a flute instructor for the Mount Conservatory of Music, Atchison; had served on the Liturgy Committee of Christ Episcopal Church, St. Joseph, MO; and served as the instrumental director at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, where she directed four hand bell choirs, and played the organ for Sunday services for many years. Wini had also been a cellist for the St. Joseph Symphony and with the Benedictine Orchestra.

Wini and Arthur Easterday were married on October 13, 1946; they divorced in 1978. Wini then married James McClellen on September 23, 1978; James preceded Wini in death on August 16, 1998. Wini is also preceded by her parents; stepson, Michael McClellen; brother, Lewis Palmer; and a sister, Bettye Palmer.

Survivors include a son, Steve Easterday, Manhattan; daughter, Lynn (Easterday) Graham, Sykesville, MD; stepson, Ross McClellen; stepdaughter, Pamela Dorton; stepdaughter-in-law, Kathleen McClellen; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; nephews, Rick, Mick, Curt, and Greg Palmer.

Elaine P. Brown, 88, of Axtell, Kan., died January 3, 2018.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, January 7, at the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home in Axtell. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m.

Funeral: 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 8, at the United Methodist Church in Axtell.

Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery, Axtell.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to the Axtell United Methodist Church. Contributions may be sent in care of the Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home.

Tim Sullivan, 83, Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away peacefully with his wife, Susie by his side, Sunday, December 31, 2017.

Survivors include numerous family members and friends.

Memorial Services and Burial at a later date, St. Peters Cemetery, Mercier, Kansas.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Robert Daniel “Bob” Corning, 76, of Effingham, KS passed away Thursday, January 04, 2018, surrounded by his family.

Memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 11, 2018, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, with Rev. Stephen Lucas officiating. Burial at Mt. Vernon Cemetery will be at a later date. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Words of comfort to the family may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bob was born December 5, 1941 in Atchison, KS the son of Lester and Marie (Sutlief) Corning. He worked for Rockwell as a Maintenance Mechanic, moving to San Diego he worked for the school district maintenance department and when he moved back to Atchison he worked for the City on the Mall maintenance. Bob enjoyed racing stock cars, bowling, shooting darts, hunting, fishing and his dogs.

Bob married Kathleen Ann Brower on October 22, 1992, she survives of the home. He is also survived by his children, Kim and David Blasi, Atchison, KS, Steven and Tammy Corning, Atchison, KS, Kate and Rick Jones, Atchison, KS, a step-children, Edward Besosa, Fort Bragg, CA, and Cindy and Timothy Herrod, Savannah, MO, a brother, Lester Gene Corning, Cusseta, GA, a sister, Darla Grove, San Diego, CA, seventeen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter and a great grandson.

Maxine Ann Hefty, 90, Wamego, formerly of Valley Falls, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at a Manhattan care facility.

She was born Dec. 27, 1927, at Logan, Iowa, the daughter of Burdette and Alice Grinnell Kennedy.

Maxine retired as Assistant Vice President of Bank Operations at the Kendall State Bank in Valley Falls after 33 years of service. She had worked for the Citizens State Bank in Valley Falls up until the two banks merged.

She was choir director for the Valley Falls United Methodist Church for many years and was a member of United Methodist Women. She was Treasurer of the Delaware Township Board, and a member of Valley Falls Historical Society and the Volarian Study Club. Maxine joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1949, at Valley Falls. She later joined OES No. 399 at Meriden. She had served as Worthy Matron four times and had held 16 other offices in the organization.

She married Walton Hefty, Dec. 21, 1945, at Valley Falls. He died June 5, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Barbara Hefty, and brother, Roger Kennedy.

Survivors include her brother, Robert Kennedy, and his wife, Bonnie, Aiken, SC; her three grandchildren, Lenn Hefty and his wife, Amy, Wamego, Kimberly Gudenkauf, and her husband, Wayne, Olathe, and LeAnne Hochstedler, and her husband, Joe, Havensville; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church with OES No. 399 services also at the church. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Falls United Methodist Church or to the Valley Falls Historical Society, and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Rose Marie Erickson, 53, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Saturday, December 23, 2017.

Rose was born on June 26, 1964 in Nodaway County, Missouri to Mickey & Delores J. (Buckley) Rhyne.

Rose was kind, caring & giving spirit, who never met a stranger. She was a giver by nature & would go without to help anyone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Tracy Jones Jr., sisters-in-law, Sarah Steele & Sue Erickson, & brothers-in-law, Harold & Sonny Erickson & Foster mother, Crystal Brown.

Survivors: Daughter, Ashley Erickson Trotter, Kansas City, Missouri

Son, Rhyne Marceau, Wathena, Kansas

Step daughters, Tammy Twyford (Norm),  Pamela Crockett (Ted) and             Stephanie McManis

Step-sons, Byron Shelton and  Damiean Erickson (Mona)

Sister, Tessie Mauzey (Butch)

Brother, Randy Hayward (Vicki)

Best friend & life companion, Melvin Erickson

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Multiple foster brothers & sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

Memorial Service: 2 P.M. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.

There is no scheduled visitation.

Inurnment at a later date.

Memorials: Rose Marie Erickson Memorial Fund.

www.harmanrohde.com

John F. Meier, 68, of Troy, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at his home

John was born on August 19, 1949 in Mound City, Missouri to Eugene & Pearle (Drake) Meier.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Pearle (Drake) Meier,  brothers, Edwin “Butch” & Michael Meier.

Survivors: sisters, Linda Wilkerson and Teresa Lopez;

 Sisters-in-law, Linda Bennett and Debbie Meier;

 Very dear aunt, Jorgine Drake;

  A family of very close friends, Steve Adams, Jerry Jones, Paul Gronniger, Jeremy Blanton, Jim Ricklefs and Trudie Dean;

  Special cousins, Ricky, Roger and Ronnie Drake.

  Many nieces , nephews, cousins and friends.

John graduated from Troy High School in 1967. He graduated from Northeast Kansas Area technical school with computer repair technology. Worked for Sears Repair Service and later started his own business, John’s T.V. Repair.  

John was a volunteer fireman and EMT for Troy, which he was very proud of. He had a very interesting life, doing “John Meier” stuff. He will be missed by many.

Memorial service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2018
At the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy.
There will be no scheduled visitation.
Inurnment: Mount Olive Cemetery in Troy at a later date.

Memorials: John Meier Memorial Fund.

Martha Jean Snethen, 97, of Falls City, NE, passed away January 2, 2018 at Falls City. She was born to Louis C. and Ola G. (Crook) Wittwer on December 29, 1920 at home on a farm in Richardson County, NE near Sabetha, KS.

She graduated high school from Honey Creek and attended Peru State.  She was Assistant Clerk of District Court in Falls City prior to going to Stockton, CA where she married Guy Robert Snethen of Humboldt on January 16, 1943. While in California, she worked in the Motor Pool at the Stockton Ordinance Base until Guy was discharged in 1946. They moved back to Nebraska where they farmed until their retirement.

She was a long time member of First United Methodist where she taught Sunday School, was member of United Methodist Women serving in all offices. She was a 4-H leader and served on the 4-H Council, had been actively involved in County Extension Club and had served as chairman.  She was a past president and active member of Chapter CY P.E.O., Falls City.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Gay Sutter and her husband Harold of Lincoln, NE, son, Jon Snethen and his wife Rita of Falls City, six grandchildren, Scott Sutter and his wife Darla, Lincoln, Kristy Snethen and her fiancé Tom Humm of Dawson, NE, Tammi Snethen of Falls City, Heather Grell and her husband Brett of Omaha, NE, Cory Snethen of Falls City, Jason Snethen of Salem, two step-grandchildren, Abby Tipton and her husband Jeremy of Omaha, Carie Sapp of Arlington, NE, nine great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. She was proceed in death by her husband, Guy – October 5, 2002, son, Tom - November 25, 1977, sister Marjorie Schneider and a brother Kenneth Wittwer.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church with Reverends Paul Weinert and Heather Grell officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

The family prefers memorials to First United Methodist Church or Family Choice.

Russell (Eddie) Forbes, 89, of Wathena, Kansas died Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

Eddie was born on November 8, 1928 in Wathena, Kansas to Russell D. & Edith (Wilson) Forbes.  Eddie attended school in Elwood, Kansas graduating in 1947.  He later entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea where he received a Purple Heart being wounded in combat.  After returning home Eddie farmed with his dad and began to raise watermelon.  They would sell them along the highway in front of the house for many years.  Eddie retired from farming in 1991.

He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, American Legion Post#161 and V.F.W. Post #5531 all of Wathena.

Eddie married Marion Fountain on December 20, 1958 in Elwood, Kansas.  She preceded him in death on December 26, 2005.  He was also preceded by his parents and a sister, Virginia Sheridan.

Survivors include; 2 sisters; Dixie Paden (Bill) of Wathena and June Handley of St. Joseph, Missouri; Brother, Phillip Forbes (Kay) of Dallas, Texas; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Funeral:  Saturday, January 6, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
At:  First Baptist Church in Wathena
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena where there will be Full-Military Honors under the auspices of the Wathena American Legion Post#161
Visitation: family will receive friends Friday 6-8 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena where friends may call after 12 NOON Friday.
Memorials: either the First Baptist Church or the American Legion Post #161

Vernon J. “Joe or Gus” Gibbons, 77, of Robinson, went to be with his Savior, Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at his home.

He was born November 22, 1941, near Robinson, the only child born to Clarence and Fern Glenn Gibbons.  Gus grew up at Robinson where he attended school there, graduating with the class of 1960.   He started his working career with the battery plant in Leavenworth until he was laid off.  He began work at the Leavenworth A&P Store, he was promoted to assisted manager working at the Holton A&P.  To satisfy a friend, he applied and was hired with the Michigan/Wisconsin Pipeline.  They had a natural gas compressor station at Havensville where he worked until 1970, moving to Louisiana.  In 1974, he then moved to Three Oaks, Michigan.  He was transferred to Lamoni, IA in 1983 where he retired in 2000.  The company changed names through the years and when he retired as superintendant after 33 years of service, it was known as El Paso Natural Gas.

Joe or Gus, as he was known to family and friends, was a dedicated family man, and most importantly, dedicated to his God. He was a member of the Nortonville Christian Church; Trinity Christian Church at Decatur, Iowa; was a member and elder of The Christian Center in Hiawatha.  He was a volunteer fireman at Three Oaks, Michigan while living there.  He enjoyed his hobby of woodworking, making keepsakes for each of the grandchildren.  To say that he was a Star Trek buff, would be an understatement!  He and his wife Janice, walked the Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, to assist them for mapping graves there.  Joe was a very dedicated “Find A Grave” member on the internet, and helped many folks find forgotten family members graves.

He married Janice DuBois, June 18, 1961, in Nortonville, KS.  In 2001, after remodeling his parent’s home, they retired to Robinson. She survives of the home.

Also surviving are his daughters: Debra Allen (Jerry) of Robinson, Danita Bourland of Hiawatha, and Deanna Beckmann (Kevin), also of Robinson; 7 grandchildren:  John, Holly, Kami, Kristen, Eric, Martina & Tyler; and 7 great-grandchildren:  Jaysen, Cayla, Zoey, Landon, Lane, Marc, and Aaron.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and a son Jeffery Gibbons in 2006.

A Celebration of Gus’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6, at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Tony French officiating.  Interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 12 noon Friday, where the family will meet from 7 until 8:30 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rose Hill Cemetery, sent in care of funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

 www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

James "Jim" Morehead, 57 of Pawnee City, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018 in Pawnee City, Nebraska.

He was born on May 10, 1960 in Pawnee City, Nebraska to James R. & Doris (Wilcox) Morehead.

Services 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 5, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church/First Christian Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Officiating Reverend Duane Westing.  Visitation on Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment at the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Memorials to the Pawnee City Volunteer Fire Department. 

On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

Gerianne Harrington, 66, Valley Falls, died Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at her home, with her loving family by her side.

She was born Mar. 14, 1951, at Topeka, the daughter of Edward A. and Elizabeth Ann Kammer Riedel. She graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1969 and from Old Town Barber College in Wichita in 2005.

Gerianne was a homemaker. She had operated Mother Goose Day Care, and had been a cook for USD 338. She worked alongside her husband, Dave, at their business, the Ideal Barber Shop in Atchison.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls and St. Mary’s Altar Society. She had served as a den leader for Boy Scouts and also Campfire Girls. Gerianne had coached girl’s softball, and had volunteered both at Birthright in Topeka, and at the Valley Falls Food Pantry. She was an aide at the USD 338 Community Learning Center Program. She enjoyed gardening, painting, and arts and crafts.

She married David Lee Harrington, April 28, 1973, at Valley Falls. He died July 1,
2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Ed Riedel.

Survivors include her son, Tim (Anne) Harrington, Kansas City, MO; three daughters, Laura (Jason) Kirkwood, Valley Falls, Beth (Jeff) Brown, Valley Falls, and Melody (Casey) Keirns, Nortonville; three sisters, Agnes (Wayne) Smithers, Ozawkie, Pat (Bill) Lederer, Lawrence, and Joleen (Bill) Morris, Glendale, AZ; sister-in-law, Alma Riedel, Gilbert, AZ; and nine grandchildren, Paige Clayton, Reagan Kirkwood, Korie Kirkwood, Lauren Brown, Lillian Brown, Connor Keirns, Jack Keirns, Dylan Keirns and Alexander Heinz-Harrington.

Mom valued her family above all else. She loved each and everyone of us deeply, especially her grandkids. She would do anything for them. She was an amazing wife to our Dad, an amazing mother to her children, and last but certainly not least, an amazing grandmother to her nine grandchildren. She will forever be loved and forever be missed by each and everyone of us.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Friday, at the church, followed by a visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to USD 338 Community Learning Center or to Jefferson County Home Health and Hospice and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Charles S. Ferris, Sr., 75, a resident of Huron, Kansas, died Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at the Atchison Hospital.

Funeral services will be on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the services with interment at a later date in the Old Huron Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Charles was born March 15, 1942, in Clingan, Kansas, the son of Paul and Sylvia (Higby) Ferris. He attended Cummings Elementary and Atchison County Community High School.

He and the former Linda Joyce Clem were united in marriage on April 27, 1962, at the Methodist Church in Dearborn, Missouri.

Charles was self-employed, working with drywall and as a painter. He previously was employed at Ft. Leavenworth and Worlds of Fun.

He was a member of the former First Christian Church, in Huron.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Ferris, of the home in Huron, KS, five daughters, Tammy Milligan, Omaha, NE, Robin (Jeff) Minard, Falls City, NE, Lori (Chad) Ferris, Eureka Spring, AR, Denise (Michael) Miller, Atchison, KS, Jennifer Ferris, Topeka, KS, two sons, Jeff (Tina) Ferris, Falls City, NE, Chuck (Sandra) Ferris, Falls City, NE, a brother, Bill Ferris, Purcell, KS, a sister, Mary Lou Felton, Atchison, KS, twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-one great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by six brothers, Jim, LeRoy, Paul Jr., Tom, David and Herbie Ferris

Richard Wayne Erhart, 65, of Winchester, Kansas passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017, doing what he loved best; working on the farm.

Richard was born on September 7, 1952, the son of Donald Wayne and Teresa Marie (Herbers) Erhart. He attended school in Winchester and graduated from Jefferson County North High School in 1970. He attended Vo-Tech school in Atchison graduating in auto mechanics.

Richard and Roseanna Wheatley were married on November 8, 1986 in Winchester. Roseanna survives at the home.

Survivors include his wife (Roseanna) and 5 children; Donald Erhart (Katie), Staff Sergeant, US Army stationed at Fort Riley, Robert Erhart and Melody Erhart, Valley Falls, David Erhart, Topeka and Joseph Erhart, Winchester. Richard’s pride and joy besides his wife and five children were his two grandchildren; Emma and Adien.

Additional survivors include four brothers; Kenneth (Trudy), Alvin (Denise), Charles (Pam), Dale (Tammy) and two sisters; Mary Underwood (Steve) and Alice Henning (Mike).

He is proceeded in death by his parents; Donald Erhart (’83) and Teresa Erhart (’04).

Richard’s passions were mechanical work and farming. He ran a mechanical shop in Winchester for several years. After closing the shop in town he was employed with Sedlak Farms and had been there for 30+ years. Richard could always be found working on vehicles or out on the farm.

Richard spent his spare time spoiling his two grandchildren and teaching them how to be “farm kids.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Winchester United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on January 6th. Lunch will follow at the Winchester Community Building. A private family burial at Spring Grove Cemetery will be held following the luncheon.

Memorials to Richard W. Erhart Memorial Fund can be mailed to Kendall State Bank, PO Box K, Winchester, Ks. 66097 or dropped off at 301 Delaware St. Winchester.

Dorothea Lovina (Alberts) Kuhlmann was born July 10, 1925 to Henry and Clara (Tuxhorn) Alberts in Table Rock, Nebraska.  She was the oldest of four children.  Dorothea was baptized Aug. 2, 1925 by Rev. F. Geyer and confirmed Feb. 11, 1940 by Rev. Herbert Brokering at St. James Lutheran Church. She attended rural school at North West Star District 10 in Richardson County.  She started working at a young age helping others with housework and at 18 she began working at the Humboldt hospital for 2 years and the Holman Hospital for 3 years.
  On Aug. 19, 1947, she was married to Arnold Kuhlmann at St. James by Rev. H. Bents.  To this union were born three children, Rodney, Debra and Kevin.  They lived on a farm for 10 years and in 1958 they moved into Humboldt.  Arnold and Dorothea had the Humboldt Greenhouse there during the 60’s and 70’s.  Dorothea especially loved doing wedding flowers.  She also worked 32 years in the doctor’s office until she retired at age 65.  Then she started cleaning house for others and many good memories of the ones for worked for.  When Arnold and Dorothea moved to Humboldt they joined Faith Lutheran Church where she belonged to Altar Guild and was treasurer for many years for Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.  She and Arnold loved traveling to Branson, Missouri with friends.  Dorothea enjoyed baking, canning, embroidery, quilting, dancing and playing cards.  She especially loved visits from her family.  Arnold passed away in March of 2009 and in July, Dorothea moved to an apartment in Auburn and made many new friends. When she moved to Auburn, she transferred her church membership to Trinity Auburn.  Dorothea became a resident of Ridgeview Towers and Belle Terrace in Tecumseh.  She passed away there on December 30, 2017 at the age of 92 years.
   She is survived by her sons, Rodney Kuhlmann and wife Susan of Omaha and Kevin Kuhlmann and wife Linda of Tecumseh, grandchildren, Christine Hudnall, Kathleen Prutit, Corrine McHie, Kelly Smith, Deborah Bollie, Patrick Coonce, John Dunlap, Nicole Einspahr, Kaleb Kuhlmann and Kade Kuhlmann, 15 great-grandchildren, sisters, Vivian Oestmann and husband Gerald of Auburn and Willy Moerer and husband Wayne of Johnson, brother, Eiber Alberts and wife Marlene of Auburn, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  
Dorothea was preceded in death by her husband Arnold and daughter, Debra Dunlap.                                                            
   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, Nebraska, with Rev. Jonathan Rathjen officiating.
  Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church.
  Memorials may go to the family’s choice with a later designation.
   Interment will be at 2:00 p.m.  in the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Cemetery, rural Humboldt, Nebraska.   Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

 Kathy Burgess, 58, of Holton, died Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Community Hospital in Onaga.

She was born December 30, 1959 at Holton, the daughter of Jack and Mary Ann Servaes Robinson.  She graduated from ACCHS at Effingham in 1977.

Kathy was a nurse with Jefferson County Home Health.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Zachary Gilliland, and a brother, Joseph Jack Robinson, who died in infancy.

Survivors include two sons, Andy Gilliland (Amy), Berryton, and Jacob Gilliland (Kathleen), Emporia; her significant other, Sam Dillon, of the home; three sisters, Sue Havel (Joe), Larkinburg, Robin Whitten (Mick), Theodosia, MO, and Becky Robinson, Lawrence; and three grandchildren, Abby Gilliland, Kaylee Gilliland and Blaine Gilliland.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton.  Burial will follow in the Larkinburg Cemetery.  Kathy will lie in state Thursday and Friday at the funeral home where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday.  Memorials are suggested to Friends of Hospice of Jefferson County, and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.  On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Raymond Eugene Elias, 61, of Atchison Kansas died unexpectedly on Sat. Dec.30, 2017 at the Atchison Hospital.

Funeral services will be 2:30 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm until time of service at the funeral home.  Memorials contributions are suggested to help with final expenses. The body will be cremated following the service and interment of the cremated remains will be at a later date in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison, KS.  Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Raymond was born on Oct. 21, 1956 in Atchison KS the son of Alfred Joseph and Rosemary (Meier) Elias, Sr.  He attended the Good Intent grade school and graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1974.  He worked at the   Unit Rail Anchor for 32 years, retiring in 2006 as the shipping manager. Raymond enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood-working, was an avid John Wayne fan, and especially enjoyed his children and grandchildren.

He was married to Julie Trower on July 31, 1976 at St. Louis Church, Good Intent, KS.  She survives of the home. Additional survivors include two sons, Eric Elias,  and Jerad Elias, both of Atchison, KS, a daughter, Monica (Michael) Linck, Atchison, KS, two brothers, Alfred Joseph ”Joe” Elias, Jr, and Patrick (Lori) Elias both of Atchison, KS, three sisters, Linda Crossland, Atchison, KS, Janet Elias, Joplin, MO, and Susan (Tim) Nash, Warrenton, MO, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. His parents, and three brothers, Don, Tommy, and Jimmy Elias preceded him in death.

Beulah Maye (Bauman) Noble, 92, of Sabetha, KS passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Sabetha Manor.

Beulah was born on February 4, 1925, the daughter of Edwin Eldon Bauman and Lillian Mae (Milne) Bauman at Oneida, Kansas. She attended Oneida Schools.

She was united in marriage to Donald Keith Noble on June 2, 1946. Beulah’s first job was at the sale barn in Sabetha which was owned by her uncle. For a short time, Beulah was a teacher in a one room school house. Beulah was also a house wife and homemaker. In 1963, Beulah started a job that would be her career. She went to work at Farmers State Bank in Sabetha, Kansas where she worked for 30 years in the bookkeeping department operating a proof machine. Beulah loved her job and enjoyed going to work every day.

After retiring from the bank Beulah enjoyed traveling with her husband Donald to his various Army reunion gatherings. Beulah loved all of her family and attended many activities, special accomplishments and hosted family gatherings for holidays and other special occasions.

Beulah is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald Keith Noble; her son, Eldon Keith Noble; her brother, Edwin Eldon Bauman; and her sister, Rose Mary Garber.

Beulah is survived by one son, Rodney Joe Noble of Seneca, Kansas; one daughter, Sharon Ann (Noble) Austin of Topeka, Kansas; one sister, LaVonne (Bauman) Hartter of Lenexa, Kansas; five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 5, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Sabetha. Visitation will be Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Interment will be made at the Sabetha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Sabetha or Alzheimer's Association, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, KS 66534. www.popkessmortuaries.com

Bertha Marie Kanning, 97, formerly of Troy, KS passed away Monday, January 1, 2018 at   Garden Terrace in Overland Park where she was a resident.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 5th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave, Atchison KS.  A visitation and reception will follow the service at the funeral home.  A private family burial will be held at the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Samaritan’s Purse and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Bertha was born September 14th, 1920 in Doniphan Kansas. She was the oldest child born to Paul and Elizabeth (Ruhnke) Johnson. Bertha graduated from Weston High School and worked as a bookkeeper for several business and companies including the Doniphan County Clerk’s office, Troy State Bank, Levin’s Furniture, and the Lee Co. She married WC Kanning on March 7, 1943 who preceded her in death on June 15, 1987. They made their home in Atchison and Doniphan counties before moving to Overland Park, KS in 1966. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, playing scrabble, and dancing.

We're honored to pay tribute to our mother. She was a hard-working lady dedicated to her family. She never complained but always accomplished the job at hand.  Her quiet demeanor never demanded praise or attention. But her children knew the "wrath of mom" if they stepped out of line. Your children are grateful and appreciative of all the sacrifices you made for us. We won't remember you for the "things" you gave us but teaching us the importance of a moral character and a good work ethic. We're grateful for your nightly prayers as you stood between our bedrooms teaching us the existence of a savior, Jesus Christ. We will miss your smile, rest in peace, Mother.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Larry (Amy) Kanning, Lawson, Mo, and daughters, Phyllis (Norman) Probst, KC, Mo, and Janette (Barry) Scanlon, OP, Ks. She was a grandmother to 7, great grandmother to 11, an aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, and a friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Louise Brown, Herbert Johnson, Lorene Vogt, and Edna Fitzgerald.

Marjorie Belle Bunck, 94, of rural Everest, KS passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Horton Community Hospital.

Marjorie was born July 2, 1923 in Everest, Kansas the daughter of Nels and Edna (Eyer) Monson.

She grew up in Everest and graduated from Everest High School. Marjorie attended the United Methodist Church and the Everest Christian Church. She was a past member of the American Legion Post #288 Auxiliary. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and church activities. Marjorie was a cook for the Everest Schools and was a homemaker. She married Warren Bunck on June 6, 1945. They made Everest their home. He preceded her in death on September 16, 2017.

Marjorie is survived by a daughter, Margaret and husband Ed Berger of Everest, KS, son, Steve and wife Renee of Fremont, NE, grandchildren, Tina and husband Robert Shield of Leeds, England, Craig and wife Sarah Bunck of McKinney, TX, Erin and husband Roy Foster of Lansing, KS, Todd and wife Lisa Berger of LaVista, NE, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Ruth Bower and two brothers, John and George Monson.

Funeral Services are planned for 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary of Horton, KS. Pastor Traci Matherly will officiate. Interment will follow at the Miller Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the mortuary.. Memorials are suggested to the Everest Christian Church of Everest, KS and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary 909 Central Ave, Horton, KS 66439. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com