Helen I. Hamon, 96, formerly of Muscotah, KS, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2019 in Des Moines, IA.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS with Rev. Al Schirmacher Pastor of the Muscotah United Church officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Atchison, KS. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Helen was born August 20, 1923, in Horton, KS, the daughter of Eli T. and Elsi Mae (Vanschoiack) Rigdon. She attended Effingham Grade School, Prairie View Grade School and ACCHS graduating in 1940. Helen taught in Atchison County for 3 years and was a homemaker, housewife for most of her life.

Helen married Robert E. Hamon on May 6, 1943 in Atchison, KS. They moved multiple times living in KS, CO, OR, CA, NE and MO. They moved back to Muscotah in 1989. Mr. Hamon proceeded in her in death on May 26, 2000. Survivors include a daughter, Sylvia Burns, Early, IA, five grandchildren; Sherri (Larry) Vesterby, Des Moines, IA, Sandra (James) Kracht, Donald (Lynann) Burns, Rick Burns, Tiffany (Brian) Crouse, two step grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bob, a son Jerold D. “Jerry” Hamon and a brother, Truitt “Earl” Rigdon.

Roy Everett Porter, 79, of Holton, KS passed away Thursday, October 31, 2019 at a Topeka hospital. He was born May 26, 1940 in Wetmore, KS, the son of Paul Marion and Ruby “Hazel” George Porter.

Roy grew up in the Wetmore community and graduated from Wetmore High School in 1958. He had lived in Jackson County since 1983. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Roy worked as a mechanic for Santa Fe Railroad for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He later worked as custodian at Jackson Heights Grade School and enjoyed being around the kids.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Roy loved to hunt and fish and volunteered to help teach Hunter’s Safety. He also coached baseball and enjoyed cutting firewood.

Roy married Donna Lee Klahr on July 16, 1961 in Netawaka, KS. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his daughter, Janet Lenard (Lewis) of Burlington, KS; his sons, Paul Porter (Nancy Jo) of Holton, KS and Darin Porter (Joyce) of Independence, KS; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Evelyn Lierz.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Inurnment will be at a later date in Wetmore Cemetery. There will be a book available to sign at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

Eleanore Catherine Mayne, 89, of Verdon, NE, passed away October 30, 2019 at Verdon. She was born October 15, 1930 at Mink Creek, ID to Josiah and Katherine (Tarbet) Libby.

She married David R. Mayne on April 30, 1948 at Salt Lake City, UT. He passed away February 12, 2004.

Eleanore was raised in various places due to her father’s work. She graduated South High School at Salt Lake City in 1948. When married the couple established their home in Logan, UT and later moved to Salt Lake City. She worked briefly in a dry cleaner and a bank, but was mostly a homemaker. They lived in various places throughout the United States and also in Egypt and Venezuela. In 1997 they moved to Verdon following Mr. Mayne’s retirement. She was well known for her peanut brittle and Fudge. She was also an avid gardener and crafter.

She is survived by her children, Linda Watson and her husband Mark of Salt Lake City, Joanne Bronson and her husband Bill of South Bend, NE, Denise Koso and her husband Neal of Verdon, Jerilyn Knoll and her husband Don of Yakima, WA, daughter-in-law, Judie Mayne of Boise, ID, sister, Joanne Goddard and her husband Gerald of Milwaukee, WI, fifteen grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son, Richard and a granddaughter in infancy, Sara Koso.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 1:30 PM at Verdon Cemetery.

Irene Betty Taylor, 92, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 30, 2019. She was born September 20, 1927 to Edward and Olga (Wulf) Selken on the family farm in Lester, IA.

She married John E. Taylor on September 28, 1948 at Calvary Lutheran Church at Lester. He passed away October 11, 1997.

She attended Lester Public School from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated in 1945. She then located to Sioux City, IA and worked as a nurse’s aide at the Lutheran Hospital. This is where she met her future husband while caring for his sister.

When married the couple lived in Decatur, NE for a short time and then moved to Omaha where all five children were born.

In the spring of 1963 John was transferred to Falls City to manage the Hinky Dinky Food Market. Irene spent most of her married life as a homemaker but did work for 10 years as a nurse’s aide at the Falls City Community Hospital. She loved to bake and sew. She sewed many raggedy Anns and Andys for all her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and a member of the Ladies Guild.

Irene is survived by her sons, Greg and Gary both of Adrian, MO, daughters, Pamela Lovelace and her husband Mark of Adrian, MO, Beth Taylor of Falls City, eight grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Kent, daughter-in-law, Janet Taylor, four brothers and two sisters.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Steele Cemetery with Reverend Tim Llewellyn officiating.

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

Travis Whetstine, 39, of St. Joseph, formerly of Wathena, died unexpectedly October 23, 2019, in St. Joseph.

Travis Scott Whetstine was born in St. Joseph, February 5, 1980, the son of William Brian Whetstine and Theresa Ann Rhyne Hessemyer and had lived all of his life in the Wathena/St. Joseph area. He grew up in Wathena, attended school there. Travis worked hard to obtain his GED later. Travis spent a number of years as a laborer for a railroad repair division, based out of St. Joseph. The last few years he was working for BMS Warehouses.

Travis was a Christian, and re-affirmed his faith by being baptized October 20, 2018. He loved his family, the Bible, and activities associated with the outdoors like fishing and mushroom hunting, and spending time with his kids.

Survivors include his wife Misty Unique Whetstine of Stewartsville, MO, children Morgann Laraine of Stewartsville, Tristin Scott of St. Joseph, Trenton Lee, also of Stewartsville; mother Theresa Ann Hessemyer of Troy, father William Brian Whetstine of Troy, brother William Patrick Rhyne of Kansas City, MO, grandmother Doreene Whetstine, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephew and a niece.

Travis was preceded in death by his step-father Gary Lee Hessemyer, sister Misty Ann Whetstine, grandfather Bill Whetstine, grandparents Martie and Juanita “Jo” Rhyne.

The family will meet with friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Friday, November 1, at the Community of Christ Church in Fanning. Services will follow visitation at 4 p.m., followed by inurnment at the Fanning Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to help with expenses and may be sent to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

A special message or note of comfort may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Joan Ann Skillett, 79, of Centralia, KS passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS.

Joan was born August 5, 1940 in Axtell, Kansas the daughter of August and Helen (Matson) Barnes. She attended Vermillion schools ad graduated from Vermillion High School in 1958. Joan was united in marriage to Darwin Skillett on August 30, 1958. To this union five boys were born. She worked for the Centralia Telephone Company for several years and then stayed at home to care for her family. Joan and Darwin started Skillett Red-E-Mix in Centralia, Kansas where she was the office manager.

Joan was active in the Centralia Methodist Church and sang at many weddings and funerals. She was a member of the Eastern Star, a Cub Scout Master, and was a second mother for many kids in the Centralia Community.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Doug Skillett in 2000; and a brother-in-law, Kale Gudenkauf.

Survivors include her husband, Darwin Skillett of the home; four sons, Greg (Sarah) Skillett of Lenexa, KS, Gary (Karen) Skillett of Shawnee, KS, Darwin “Bub” Skillett of Independence, KS, and Dennis Skillett of Centralia, KS; her sister, Joyce Gudenkauf of Junction City, KS; 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Centralia Community Church-West. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Centralia Cemetery. The family invites friends to a reception at the church after the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Centralia Community Church-West or the Eastridge Nursing Facility, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 814 Castle St., Seneca, KS 66538. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.

Martha Jean Albers, 62,  passed away at her home on Monday, October 28, 2019.

Martha was born April 19, 1957, to Adam and Mildred (Schwebach) Huss in St. Joseph, Missouri

She graduated from Troy High School in 1975. She attended Platte Gard Business College.

She married Ronald Albers on July 24, 1976 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy, Kansas. He survives of the home.

She worked at Reagan Whittaker Insurance Co. in St. Joseph for a year and the 1st. Bank of Troy and then Pony Express Community Bank for 40 years as bookkeeper/teller and then Assistant Cashier, retiring in 2018. 

Martha was an active member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the women’s council and had positions of music director and cantor, singing for many religious events. She was also a 4-H leader for the Midway Meadowlarks Club from 1988-2003. She also enjoyed sewing and was a seamstress.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Stephen Huss; father-in-law, Charles Albers; and mother-in-law, Virginia Albers.

Additional survivors: son, Curtis (Jaime) Albers; daughter, Laura (Jordan) Thacker; grandchildren, Cooper and Claire Albers; brother, William (Nancy) Huss; sisters, Barbara (Kent) Luedke and Mary Sutton; brothers-in-law, Phillip (Sarah) Albers; Daniel (Kathy) Albers, Steven (Candy) Albers; sister-in-law, Linda (Marvin) Gaither; numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral Mass: Saturday, November 2, 2019 – 10:00 A.M.

       At:  St. Benedicts Catholic Church in Bendena, Kansas.

Rosary: 7:30 P.M. Friday, November 1, 2019 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy, Kansas, with visitation to follow until 9 P.M. Friends may call after 12 noon Friday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.

Burial: Moray Cemetery, Bendena, Kansas.

      Memorials: Highland Ambulance or St. Benedict’s Catholic Church.

               www.harmanrohde.com

Joyce Coxon, 82, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 27, 2019 at Falls City. She was born May 14, 1937 at Lore City, OH to Harold and Golda (Bates) Carter.

She married Charles W. Floyd and he passed away in 1963. She then married Marvin Coxon on July 12, 1967 at Jackson, MI. He passed away in November 30, 202.

Joyce graduated Spring Arbor Free Methodist High School in Michigan. When married to Mr. Floyd they made their home in Spring Arbor, MI and then moved to Almeda, MI where she was a homemaker. When married to Mr. Coxon they made their home in Spring Arbor. She moved to Falls City in 2017 to be near her son. She enjoyed traveling and taking trips to the mountains of Colorado, Kentucky, Haiti and Cancun. She was a member of Hilltop Chapel Church in Concord, MI.

Joyce is survived by her son, Stephen Floyd and his wife Cheryl of Falls City, step-sons, Phil Coxon and his wife Lyn of Ft. Collins, CO, Les Coxon and his wife Myrna of Mason, MI, Kenny Coxon and his wife Debbie of Washington, UT, Dave Coxon and his wife Shelly of Concord, MI, brother, Robert Carter of Arkansas, sister, Carolyn Buschner and her husband Cliff of Parma, MI, eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Regina Dexter and a grandson, Joshua David Floyd.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 1:30 PM at Church of the Nazarene with Reverend Stephen Floyd officiating.

Friends may sign the guest book during regular hours Monday through Friday at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

George R. Rees, 88, of Holton, KS, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2019 at Holton Community Hospital. He was born November 28, 1930 in Grantville, KS, the son of Harry F. and Nellie F. (Shope) Rees.

George graduated from Perry High School in 1948. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a farmer and stockman and worked for Goodyear Tire Company for over 33 years; retiring in 1987. He lived in the Holton community since 2005, in Delia from 1971 – 2005 and Grantville.

He was a member of the Grantville United Methodist Church, United Steelworkers Local #307 and the American Legion Post 31 in Rossville.

George married Dana Fern Culp on September 30, 1956 in Ness County, KS. She preceded him in death on November 19, 2008, celebrating over 52 years of marriage. He was also preceded by a son, Lloyd Culp in 2005; a grandson, George Henry Culp in 1989; a sister, Betty Rees in 1944 and 2 brothers, Roy Rees in 2012 and Glenn Rees in 2014.

Survivors include his daughter, Ginny Robinson of Holton, KS; 6 grandchildren, Stormy Culp (Jessica) of Silver Plume, CO, Becka Whitney (Darrell) of Cypress, TX and Ben Culp of Silver Plume, CO, Sharon Iverson (Doug), Susan Baum (Scott) and Michael Robinson all of Holton, KS; 19 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren and 2 on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Holton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to EUM Church or Grantville 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.

Brielle Regina Deters, Stillborn infant of Kyle W. and Julie E. Sudbeck Deters of Baileyville was born a angel and gained her wings on October 26, 2019 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Brielle is survived by her parents Kyle and Julie; her beloved siblings, Tenley, Evan and Adalyn of the home; her maternal grandparents, Eldon and Theresa Sudbeck of Seneca; and her paternal grandparents, Mark and Dorothy Deters of Baileyville.

Brielle was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Ignatius and Odelia Sudbeck, Herbert and Regina Niehues, Lawrence and Rachel Deters and William and Margaret Buessing

Mass of the angels will be Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville. The burial will be in the church cemetery.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Doris “Evelyn” (Newman) Armes, 87, of Elwood, Kansas passed away Friday, October 25, 2019 at a hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Evelyn was born on May 8, 1932 in Albany, Missouri to Fred A. and Elizabeth (Akers) Newman.

She was a member of the Elwood United Community Church of Elwood, Kansas. She retired in 1992 after working as a cook for the Elwood Schools.

Evelyn married Rudolph Armes on July 3, 1948. He preceded her in death on February 17, 1988. She was also preceded in death by her parents, 2 sons, Michael and Rudy Armes and a brother, David Newman.

Survivors; sons, Rick Armes (Perri) of Elwood

                           Brian Armes of Elwood

                 Daughters, Linda Muse (Dennis) of Elwood

                                   Karen Muse of St. Joseph, Missouri

                                   Mary Brockman (Steve) of Elwood

                 18 grandchildren and numerous great and great great-grandchildren

        2 brothers; Bert Newman of Albany, Missouri

                           Fred Newman of St. Joseph, Missouri

                  Sister, Frances Losh of Elwood

                   numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 28, 2019

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

Visitation: 5-7 Sunday evening at the funeral home. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Sunday.

Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.

Memorials: American Heart Association

www.harmanrohde.com

Patricia Jo “Patty” Blacketer, 62, Atchison, Kansas died Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at the Atchison Hospital.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Strickland officiating. Interment will follow in the Hackett Cemetery, Dearborn, Missouri. Visitation with the family will be Friday, October 25, 2019 at the funeral home from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.

Patty was born January 15, 1957 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Joe and Gladys Stalder McCoole. She attended Rushville Elementary School and graduated from Dekalb High School. She then attended three years of college.

She and James M. Blacketer, Jr., were united in marriage on December 30, 2005 in Atchison, Kansas.

Patty received her CNA, CMA and was a registered phlebotomist working at the Wathena Nursing Home, Wathena, Kansas and the Plasma Center in St. Joseph, Missouri.

She was a member of First Baptist Church and in her spare time she enjoyed the music of Elvis Presley and watching Hallmark movies on the television.

Survivors include, her husband, James Blacketer, Atchison, KS; four sons, Rick (Jennifer) Vice, Atchison, KS; Rusty (Anna) Mayfield, Atchison, KS; Donald Christeson, Atchison, KS; Montana (Darby) Christeson, Oklahoma City, OK; a step-son, Jay Harvey, Atchison, KS; three daughters, Patricia (Bruce) Heston, Atchison, KS; Alisa (Calvin) Adams, Springfield, MO; Shayna (Ryan) White, Atchison, KS; three step-daughters, Jessica Herrick, Topeka, KS; Tarra Blacketer, Denver, CO; Ivy Horton, Mobile, AL; her mother-in-law, Linda Metcalfe, Atchison, KS; two brothers, Joseph (Susan) McCoole, Jr., Atchison, KS; Bob Bonnel, Atchison, KS; five sisters, Jackie Hamlin, Atchison, KS; Joyce Henderson, Bonner Springs, KS; Melinda Underwood, Atchison, KS; Kathy Bonnel, Atchison, KS; Lisa Bonnel, Atchison, KS; twenty six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph McCoole, Sr., and Gladys and Bob Bonnel, a granddaughter, Malaya Nicole Marie Blacketer, two sisters, LeaAnna McCoole and Nancy Christeson.

Barbara Ann Lynch, 64, of Holton, KS, passed Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Olathe Medical Center. She was born January 7, 1955 in Topeka, KS the daughter of Kenneth J. and Betty J. (Stout) Baker.

          Barbara graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1973. She lived in the Holton community since 1985 and previously in Wetmore. Barbara was a homemaker and enjoyed volunteering for the  Crisis Pregnancy Center and area nursing homes. She was a member of Circleville Christian Church and former member of Holton First Baptist Church. She also volunteered at her churches.

          She married Johnny D. Lynch on August 9, 1975 in Tecumseh, KS. They celebrated over 44 years of marriage.

          Survivors include her husband, Johnny Lynch of the home; 2 sons, John H. Lynch of Circleville, KS and Jacob F. Lynch (Kim) of McFarland, KS; a daughter, Lisa Browning (Matt) of Circleville, KS; a sister, Karen Petersilie (Kenneth) of Garnett, KS; a brother, Harry Baker (Michelle) of West Plains, MO; 11 grandchildren, Jesse (Payton), Sydney and Lillian Lynch, Alexander, Talen and Brody Browning, Silas Lynch and Anissa, Rayona and Valantine Munoz and Ben Wade and 5 great-grandchildren, Sophia, Remington, Jackson, Lazarus and Ezequiel.

          She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Betty Baker.

          Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Wetmore Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Monday evening. Memorials may be given to the Kanza Mental Health or Circleville Christian 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.

Nelda Frances Hetzel White, 86, of Holton, KS died Thursday, October 24, 2019 in Holton. Frances was born June 11, 1933 in Hill City, KS to Francis Ivan (Bud) and Ruth Pauline (Knouf) Hetzel. She walked and rode horses to rural schools until the family moved to Salina, graduating from Salina High School in 1952. After raising her family, she returned to school and graduated from Stormont-Vail School of Nursing in Topeka, KS with her RN Degree in 1973.

Frances married her high school sweetheart, and love of her life, Marlin A. White on April 2, 1955 in Papillion, Nebraska, and they enjoyed 52 wonderful years. The couple barely had enough money to pay the Justice of the Peace and spent their evenings delivering vanilla for a dime a bottle so that they could buy groceries. Frances never lost her frugal ways.

Before moving to Holton with her husband in 1963 where Marlin started White Law Office, Frances worked as a long-distance telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co in Salina, KS and Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Omaha, NE. Upon receiving her nursing degree, Frances spent nine years working at Veterans Hospital in Topeka and then helped open the first oncology unit at Stormont-Vail hospital in Topeka. Later, Frances worked at Holton Hospital where she got to experience many different jobs from the emergency room to delivering a baby. Frances also worked at Golden Acres in Onaga, Holton Manor and Jackson Co. Nursing Home. Frances retired from nursing in 2006, but always kept her nursing license current in case she might need it.

Frances was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton where she served as president and secretary of the woman’s church circle. She was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Wives, the Kansas State Nurses Association, was a life member of Stormont-Vail School of Nursing Alumni Association and the Jackson County Historical Society. She was a member of the Holton Country Club and served as secretary treasurer of the women’s board, and the Democrat organization of Jackson Co. where she served as prescient committee woman for the first ward of Holton for twenty years. Frances was a member for the Jackson Co unit of the American Cancer Society and was the facilitator for the “I Can Cope” group. She was honored with the Facilitator Award for her service with this group. Frances was also a 4-H and Cub Scout leader.

Frances and Marlin hosted numerous exchange students over the years, hoping to enlighten their children and offer Midwestern values to their guests. A little fireball from Australia, Helen (Moore) Long, became a part of the family, providing many humorous moments over the years, and that, but for the Statute of Limitations being tolled when one is out of the country, would be relayed here.

Frances loved hosting Hetzel family reunions to the joy of many relatives who would plan their family vacation to come back to Kansas.

The family farm outside of Circleville was the meeting place for these and many other events over the years. Frances and Marlin put together the farm, refurbished the old farm house, made walking trails, and otherwise created a place that is close to the heart of all that have visited.

Frances loved helping other people, but her greatest love was spending time with her family, enjoying the great outdoors, and traveling the world. There were very few places that she and Marlin didn’t visit, having explored all but one continent. After Marlin’s passing in 2006, she and her daughter, Denise, continued to travel extensively, usually escaping Kansas’ brutal winters in Florida.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother Doyle Hetzel, sister-in-law, Carolyn Hetzel, sister, Della Evenson, and son-in-law, Keith Slayton.

She is survived by her son Dennis (Joni) White of Holton, three daughters: Kathy Slayton, Marshall, TX; Denise White, Holton; Cathy (David) Marten, Onaga, KS. Two sisters: Ruth (Oliver) McGuire, Mulkilteo, WA; Robie (Jim) Harries, WaKeeney, KS. Sister-in-law Marlene (Alan) Zimmerman, Wichita, KS. Eight grandchildren: Roddy Muncey, Tina (Scott) Mathos, David (Danielle) Marten II, Nanci (Jacob) Kennedy, Kennedy White, Annie Marten and Joey Marten. Six great grandchildren: Allie and Aaron Mathos, Mya Marten, Stella, Violet and Mabel Kennedy. Frances is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton, KS. Interment will follow at the Holton Cemetery. The family will greet friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the church. Frances will lie in state Saturday and until noon on Sunday at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Historical Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

Alvera Young Glenn was born on September 28, 1931. She was the only child Alton and Vera Garver Young were blessed with. She was born in Limon Colorado. Alvera passed from this life October 23, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family.

Alvera graduated from Robinson High School class of 1949. She married the love of her life, Marvin Glenn on June 5, 1949. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Judith Lou Bearce and Barbara Sue Mueller.

She was baptized and a member of the Living Church of God. Alvera loved spending time outside working alongside her husband on their farms. She loved animals. She had many horses and dogs. Her beloved dog, Dolly, died one day before her. Alvera loved to bake and was always cooking for her family. She was best known for her chocolate chip cookies. Her motto was Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest, until good is better and better is best.

She is survived by her two daughters Judith (Earl) Bearce, Barbara (Carl) Mueller, all of Robinson, four grandchildren: Amy (Shane) Plattner, Jeremy (Amy), Codi. Carli and Paul Mueller, Elizabeth (Craig) Annaliese, Faith, Luke and Sarah Jeschke all of Robinson, Angela (Jeremy) Katelyn of Topeka, Nicole and Jarrod Twombly of Padonia.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alton and Vera Young and her husband Marvin December 11, 1990.

A celebration of Alvera’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, October 28, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon Sunday, where the family will meet from 4 until 6 that afternoon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alvera Glenn Memorial Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or note of comfort may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Alvera Young Glenn was born on September 28, 1931. She was the only child Alton and Vera Garver Young were blessed with. She was born in Limon Colorado. Alvera passed from this life October 23, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family.

Alvera graduated from Robinson High School class of 1949. She married the love of her life, Marvin Glenn on June 5, 1949. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Judith Lou Bearce and Barbara Sue Mueller.

She was baptized and a member of the Living Church of God. Alvera loved spending time outside working alongside her husband on their farms. She loved animals. She had many horses and dogs. Her beloved dog, Dolly, died one day before her. Alvera loved to bake and was always cooking for her family. She was best known for her chocolate chip cookies. Her motto was Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest, until good is better and better is best.

She is survived by her two daughters Judith (Earl) Bearce, Barbara (Carl) Mueller, all of Robinson, four grandchildren: Amy (Shane) Plattner, Jeremy (Amy), Codi. Carli and Paul Mueller, Elizabeth (Craig) Annaliese, Faith, Luke and Sarah Jeschke all of Robinson, Angela (Jeremy) Katelyn of Topeka, Nicole and Jarrod Twombly of Padonia.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alton and Vera Young and her husband Marvin December 11, 1990.

A celebration of Alvera’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, October 28, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon Sunday, where the family will meet from 4 until 6 that afternoon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alvera Glenn Memorial Fund which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or note of comfort may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Tyler Allen Miller, 27, Lawrence, formerly of Valley Falls, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at Ft. Morgan, CO.

He was born Feb. 24, 1992, at Topeka, the son of Raymond Miller and Rae Lynn Bryant. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 2010 and later from North Central Kansas Technical College at Beloit.

Tyler had earned his CDL license in 2018 was an over the road truck driver at Westminster, CO. He had been a heavy equipment operator for Hamm Companies at Perry and Bettis Asphalt & Construction in Topeka

Survivors include his father, Raymond Miller, Valley Falls; his mother Rae (Todd) Evans, Lawrence; two sisters, Ashley Miller and Toni Miller, both of Lawrence; a stepbrother, Cain Evans, Eudora; a stepsister, Abigail Evans, Lawrence; his paternal grandmother, Janet Bailey, Mayetta; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bud & Norma Bryant.

Tyler enjoyed spending time with family and friends and cruising with them in his car. He was an adventurer and loved to travel. He had participated in boxing in Topeka.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tyler Miller Memorial Fund and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Ruth (McCullough) Gentert, age 89 of Brownville, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.

Survivors include her children and spouses Robert and Kathy Gentert of Brownville; Roger and Sharon Gentert of Wendell, ID; Raylene and Jack Dunn of Stella; Rebecca and Tom Fousek of McLouth, KS; Rhonda and Marlin Joy of Stella; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Lois Whitney of Hastings; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, October 29, 10:30 a.m. at the Brownville Christian Church.  Visitation will be at the funeral home Monday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.  Ruth’s body will be cremated following the service, and private family burial of ashes will be later at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville.

Memorials are suggested to the Brownville Christian Church.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

Steven Robert Bertels, 61, of Evans, CO formerly of Nortonville, KS died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 at the Atchison Hospital after a fast battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm on Friday, Oct. 25th, 2019 at the O’Trimble Chapel, 329 Main St, Nortonville, KS with Rev. Francis Nelson from the Redemption Center Church, Topeka, KS officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Nortonville, KS. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, Oct. 24th, 2019 at the O’Trimble Chapel, Nortonville, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to Ducks Unlimited or National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Words of comfort and remembrance may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Steve was born on Feb. 21, 1958 in Winchester, KS the son of Robert J. and Elizabeth (King) Bertels. He graduated from Jefferson County North High School in 1976. Steve was a painter and artist specializing in wildlife. He had won the Kansas Fish & Game Turkey Stamp Award in 1987 and won 2nd place for Duck Stamp Award. Steve had worked at Lowes while living in Washington State and presently was a driver for the Cannon Bake House in Colorado. He was a member of the Generations Church, Greely, CO and a former member of the Knights of Columbus, and Nortonville Jaycees. Steve enjoyed fishing and camping and was an outdoorsman.

He was married to Dena Larison n in the spring of 1978 and they were later divorced. Survivors include two sons, Jeremy and wife Cessnee Bertels, Rodgers, AR and Shane Bertels, Ozawkie, KS, a daughter, Kristy Bertels, Kansas City, MO, three brothers, Kenneth L. Bertels, Valley Falls, KS, Ronald E. (Brenda) Bertels, Nortonville, KS, and Darin W. Bertels, Yelm, WA, six sisters, Cynthia (Ronald) Kesse, Cummings, KS, Sherry (Greg) Wagner, Nortonville, KS, Lynette M (Raymond) Chmidling, Nortonville, KS, Denise R. Jones, Yukon, OK, Lisa (Matt) Swygert, Kansas City, MO, and Dawn (John) Worley, Topeka, KS, and two grandchildren, Maya and Matthew Bertels, Rodgers, AR. and life partner, Gail Strausheim, of the home in Evans, CO. His parents, and two brothers, Bryan J and Gary W Bertels preceded him in death.

Susan J. ‘Susie’ (Brooks) Bilderback, 63, Manhattan, KS, passed away Friday evening, October 18, 2019 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.

A Funeral Service will be at 1 PM, Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison, KS. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Cummings (KS) Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor and memory of Susie are suggested to Ogden Elementary School in Manhattan, KS and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave., Atchison, KS. Words of remembrance and comfort may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com. A second gathering for a Celebration of Life will be held at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, at 315 S. 3rd Street in Manhattan, KS from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 9th, 2019.

Susan Joann Brooks was born on February 23, 1956 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Duane and Onita (Barnett) Brooks. Susie attended schools in Atchison and graduated from Kansas State University, in Manhattan, with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Fashion and Marketing. Susie had worked at the B & H Shop and Litwin’s Clothing Store in Atchison prior to attending KSU. Following graduation from KSU, Susie began her career as an educator in the Early Childhood – Special Education Program for Neosho (MO) Elementary School. She later became the Home Economics instructor at the Neosho High School. When the family moved to Manhattan, KS, Susie worked as a para at Ogden Elementary School. In April of 2000, Susie began working for KSU Research and Extension as a Program Assistant with the Family Nutrition Program. After nineteen years she retired from KSU. However, her retirement only lasted a day as she began working as a Reading Specialist Coordinator for Northwest Elementary School in the Manhattan Public School District. Susie was a member of the KSU Alumni Association and KSEA – Kansas State Education Association.

Susie married Mike Bilderback on February 14, 1987 at the First Christian Church in Atchison. Susie was preceded in death by her parents.

Susie is survived by her husband of 32 years, Mike, of the home; two sons, Greg (Katherine) Bilderback of Junction City, KS and Ryan Bilderback of Lenexa, KS; granddaughter, Charlie and grandson, Wyatt, Junction City; two brothers, Steve (Patty) Brooks, Atchison and Mike (Mary Pat) Brooks, Lake of the Ozarks, MO; numerous nieces and nephews.

Graham “Jim” St. Clair Lukens II, 90, of Atchison, KS, died Sunday, October 20, 2019, at Medicalodge of Atchison with family at his side.

Atchison visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2019, from 8:00-5:00 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at the Fatheree-Albert Funeral Home, Erick, OK, with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at the Erick Cemetery in Erick, OK. Memorial contributions are suggested to Heart to Heart International or to Atchison Project Concern and may be sent in care of the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left on line at www.beckerdyer@sbcglobal.net.

Graham was born on October 2, 1929, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Graham St. Clair and Mabel Ruth (Hubbard) Lukens. He married the love of his life and soulmate, Lenora Louise Flowers, on January 20, 1956, in Oklahoma City, OK. Nora preceded him in death on September 1, 2003.

Graham received an Associates Degree from Bethany Nazarene College, Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Oklahoma and two terms graduate of Theology from Earthen School of Religion. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Erick OK, and attended the United Methodist Church in Atchison, Kansas. He was a reader of religious and psychology publishing, taught Sunday school, and made church visitations and outreaches. Graham was known as “the cute little man with the walker in the straw hat” and had “many cherished friends” at routine stops along his normal route from Santa Fe Place where he resided, including Dollar General, KAIR, Atchison Library, Project Concern, 5th Street Mercantile, Gateway to KS, Daylight Donuts, Wall of Books and Exchange Bank.

Graham is survived by his first cousins, Janie Reichart, Atchison, KS and Wanda (James) Peevyhouse, Sabetha, KS. Second cousins include Diana Moxley, Grain Valley, MO, Mike Kelly, Atchison, Sheila (Leroy) Antes, Atchison, a niece, Donna Wooten, OK, and Kevin Mayo, CO. Special friends also included Steve and Cindy Campbell and Henry Zeltea, OK. Graham was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, “Nora”.

Maxine Weaver, 92, of Humboldt, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2016, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Graveside Inurnment Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2019, at the Pleasant View Cemetery in rural Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services are entrusted to- Wherry Mortuary-207 N. Nemaha Street- Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915

Michael G. Monson, 69, of Everest, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born on August 25, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of John and Mary Lou Andrews Monson. Mike attended school in Everest and Horton graduating from Horton High School in 1968. He then attended Highland Community College for a year.

Mike was a beloved member of the Everest community. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding horses. He loved animals and use to breed and raise Doberman Pinchers. He saw a lot of the country as an over the road trucker in his younger years as well. He owned and operated two businesses in Everest, where he did heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical work. He was an EMT/Medic for over twenty five years for the Horton Ambulance Service. He served as an Everest City Council Member and on the Everest Fire Department for many years. He loved the time spent with the grand kids. The stories they would share always brought a smile to his face. Going for a gator ride was also a fun activity.

He is survived by his family: Cindy Bechtold of the home; Kallie (Drew) Foss of Olathe, Kansas, Josh (Kim) Bechtold of Leona, Kansas, Hannah (Joe) Leonard of Cedar Falls, Iowa, grandchildren: Jack, Evelyn and Grady Foss, Mason and Mila Bechtold and Theo Leonard; nephews and nieces; Jeff (Adrienne) Monson of The Colony, Texas, Johnathan Monson, Harlea Monson; Kristin (Mike) Carroll of Cypress, Texas, Kaitlin Carroll; Sister-in-law, Carol Monson and pets, Zeek and Zoey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Lou Monson and his brother, Rick Monson.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 25, 2019 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends on Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Burial will be at the Miller Cemetery east of Everest, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the Brown County Humane Society and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Sister Gertrude Nagel, OSB, 96, a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kan., died Friday, October 18, 2019, at the monastery. The vigil service will be Tuesday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel, and the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated there on Wednesday, October 23, at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Gertrude, born April 5, 1923, in Enid, Okla., to Albert and Martha Matussak Nagel, was raised on a farm near Billings, Okla. She entered St. Joseph Monastery in Guthrie, Okla. (later relocated to Tulsa) in 1942, and recently celebrated her diamond jubilee for 75 years of monastic profession. She earned a B.A. in education at Benedictine Heights College in Guthrie and did further studies at St. Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas.

In 1968, Sister Gertrude became part of Red Plains Monastery, a new foundation in Oklahoma City (later relocated to Piedmont). She spent 35 years teaching primary grades in Oklahoma Catholic schools. A creative artist, she crafted stoneware jewelry, plaques and other pieces, did logo design, and arranged pressed flowers into note cards and framed artworks. When Red Plains Monastery closed in 2010, she and the other sisters became members of Mount St. Scholastica.

Sister Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Martha Nagel, her sisters Mary Ann Roth, Betty Moore, and Margaret Campbell, and her brothers Vincent and John Nagel. She is survived by her brother Donald, and by nieces, nephews, and her monastic family. Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home (www.beckerdyer.com) is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Mount St. Scholastica or made online at the Mount’s web site (www.mountosb.org).

Loree Marjorie Farwell, 91, of rural Seneca passed peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, with her family by her side.  Her husband passed just hours prior.

Loree was born to Henry, Jr. and Gertrude Freda Bucher Hess on December 22, 1927 on the family farm southeast of Pawnee City, Nebraska. Loree attended Prairie Star Country School for grades one through eight, then attended and graduated from Pawnee City High School in May of 1945.  By taking the normal training classes, she then served as a teacher for three years in the country schools of Pawnee County.

Loree was baptized May 6, 1928, and then confirmed on November 30, 1947 at Friedens United Church of Christ.  For several years, she taught Sunday school and volunteered for the many activities in the church.

On June 6, 1948 she was united in marriage to Dean Albert Farwell at Friedens United Church of Christ.  In June 2019, they celebrated 71 years of marriage.  To this union, three sons and two daughters were born.  Loree spent 71 years living on the farm that they established north of Seneca, KS where she was a homemaker and worked beside her husband on the farm.

Loree was a member of Friedens Women’s Fellowship, where she held several offices, volunteered at the Nemaha County Food Pantry regularly, worked at the local voting precincts, and was a former member of the Kansas/Nebraska Extension Unit for many years.  In their younger years, Dean and Loree enjoyed their membership in the local square dancing club.  During retirement, they enjoyed traveling on many bus tours which took them all over the United States along with making wonderful friends with their fellow travelers.  She enjoyed reading, quilting, putting puzzles together, in addition to working crossword puzzles and word games.  Loree was an avid sports enthusiast, attending all of the sporting events and school activities that her children and grandchildren participated in.

Besides her husband, Dean, she was preceded in death by her father, Henry, Jr. on February 26, 1985; her mother, Gertrude on October 31, 1995; and siblings, Jane Bridgeman on September 2, 1992 and Larry Hess on March 3, 1947.

She is survived by sons, Rex (Deb) Farwell of Seneca, Terry (Nanette) Farwell of Seneca, Mark (Sandy) Farwell of Seneca;  daughters, Rita (LaVern) Grose of Bern and Ronda (Alan) Haverkamp of Bern; siblings, Ardyth Farwell of Humboldt, NE, Shirley Fairfield of Seneca, Carolyn Droge of DuBois, NE,  Doris (Richard) Farwell of DuBois, NE, Donna (Ron) Lantz of Austin, TX, Judith (Don) Albers of Pawnee City, NE, Lyle (June) Hess of Pawnee City, NE and Diane Droge of Pawnee City, NE; 16 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at Friedens United Church of Christ, rural Bern, KS.  A visitation will be held at Lauer Funeral Home on Monday, October 21st from 5-8 P.M.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  

Memorials may be left to Friedens United Church of Christ.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Dean Albert Farwell, 91, of rural Seneca, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, with his wife and family by his side.  His wife passed just hours later.

Dean was born to Albert Clyde and Laura Velma Pelton Farwell on June 3, 1928 on the family farm northeast of DuBois, NE.  He was baptized at DuBois United Methodist Church on October 19, 1930.  He grew up with nine siblings and graduated from DuBois High School in May 1946.  In December 1948, he became a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, where he served as a church council member for several years and volunteered with church activities, especially preparation for the annual ice cream social and mowing the church cemetery and lawn in the summer.

Dean married Loree Marjorie Hess on June 6, 1948 at Friedens United Church of Christ.  The couple worked side by side; raised three sons and two daughters and celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Dean spent most of his life on their family farm north of Seneca, Kansas.  Dean was a lifelong farmer, raising cattle, hogs, and crops.  He always said that farming was his hobby, but he also enjoyed the many sporting events and school activities that his children and grandchildren participated in.  Dean served as the Nemaha Township Treasurer for many years. As a young couple, Dean and Loree enjoyed square dancing and playing cards with friends. Retirement allowed him and Loree the freedom to travel, where they enjoyed touring the United States on many bus tours.  Dean spent the last three years residing at Crestview Nursing & Residential Living in Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Lavinna Thiemann, Horace “Stub” Farwell, Laura Meier, Margaret Korber, Jennie Boehmer, Alberta Koester, Ida Kanel Gilbert and Roy Farwell.

He is survived by sons, Rex (Deb) Farwell of Seneca, Terry (Nanette) Farwell of Seneca, Mark (Sandy) Farwell of Seneca; daughters, Rita (LaVern) Grose of Bern and Ronda (Alan) Haverkamp  of Bern; sibling, Richard Farwell of DuBois, NE;  16 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at Friedens United Church of Christ, Bern, KS.  A visitation will be held at Lauer Funeral Home on Monday, October 21st from 5-8 P.M.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  

With family by his side, Bobby Ray Roberts, passed away Thursday morning, October 17, 2019, at his home west of White Cloud.  He was 65.

The family will meet with friends from 6 until 7 Monday evening, October 21, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  A Memorial Celebration of Bobby’s life will follow at 7 p.m., with his brother in law Tony Curtis to officiate. Private inurnment will be at a later date.

Bobby was born March 29, 1954, at St. Joseph, Missouri, the son of Virgil and Regina Rhodd Coulter and had lived in the Hiawatha/White Cloud area nearly all of his life.  He grew up at Hiawatha where he attended school, graduating from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1972.  He married Cheryl Russ in 1976 in Robinson.  To this union two sons were born:  Austin and Brandon.  They later divorced and he moved to Sedalia, MO where he met and married Debbie Haun February 8, 1980.  They lived in Sedalia until 1983 when they moved to White Cloud to make their home.  Bobby did many things for work throughout his life, but most of his career was spent working with the road maintenance department for the Iowa Tribe.  He was very capable of operating whatever type of piece of equipment:  backhoe, dozer, trucks....as long as it was clean inside and out, and had air conditioning.  He retired due to failing health in 2014.

Bobby was a member of the Iowa Tribe at White Cloud and served as chairman of the Iowa Housing Authority for over 25 years of which he was dedicated to.   He served on the Pow Wow Committee for a short time.  He enjoyed NASCAR racing, fishing, Rulo Kustom Klassics, KC Chiefs and Kansas State football.

Survivors include his wife Debbie of the home, two sons:  Austin Roberts (Emily) of Hiawatha, Brandon Roberts (Tara) of Basehor, sister Judy Curtis (Tony) of Edwardsville, KS, two brothers:  Henry Roberts of Rulo, Nebraska, Bill Jensen of White Cloud, a granddaughter Allera Roberts; his Aunt Ruby Chambers of Hiawatha, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and his dog BANDIT!

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers James David and Frank.

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

A special message or note of comfort may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Dolores Bell (Karas) Sochor, 92, formerly of Table Rock, Nebraska was born on April 22, 1927 to Edd and Jessie (Hana) Karas at their home in Table Rock.  She grew up in the Table Rock community and attended Table Rock Public School District #33, graduating salutatorian of her class of 1945 with a normal training certificate to teach in rural schools.  From 1944-48 she lived with her parents on a farm north of Barneston, NE and taught rural school at Gage Co. District #109.  Dolores graduated from Midwest School of Cosmetology in Lincoln in 1948.  She was employed as a cosmetologist in Wymore, Table Rock and Pawnee City while maintaining her state license through 1996.

At an early age in 1932, Dolores became active in music.  Along with her sister, Donna, they were known as the Karas Sisters, entertaining at a variety of programs by playing guitar, accordion duets, singing, and tap dancing.  Often their father accompanied them on the accordion.  They entertained at the annual State Farmers Union Conventions in Omaha from 1934-1938.  They were proud of their Czech heritage and sang the Czech songs.  They took part in the music of the church singing for many funerals.  Dolores started playing drums or piano with dance bands while still in high school.  She liked to transpose music and enjoyed her piano students.  On October 5, 1949, Dolores was united in marriage to her classmate Joseph Sochor at the home of her parents in Table Rock.  To this union two children, David and Diane, were born.  The couple established their home on the old Sochor farm northeast of Table Rock.  She assisted in the work of the grain-dairy farm and in their Electric shop.  The couple retired from the farm and moved into town in August of 1990.

Dolores received her 50-year membership emblem with WFLA in 1991 and was a charter member of the Table Rock Historical Society.  She was baptized and confirmed in July of 1978 in the Table Rock United Methodist Church.  Dolores attended bible study and UMC Women’s group.  In 2016, a reception was held by the Table Rock United Methodist Church in recognition and appreciation of her 38 years of service as church pianist.  Dolores passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at the St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of ninety-two years, five months and twenty-three days.  She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her parents, parents-in-law Louie and Emma Sochor, a sister Donna (Jesse) Nemechek and sister-in-law Mary Ann (C. Duane) Workman.

Dolores is survived by her son David (Susie) Sochor of Doniphan, daughter Diane (Darrell) Lewis of Lincoln; grandchildren: Joal (Jordan) Sochor of Doniphan, RanDee (Gerald) Krueger of Doniphan, Dean Lewis of Lincoln; great-grandchildren: Josiah, Joah, Jagur and Joalie Sochor of Doniphan, Hadley, Drake and Piper Krueger of Doniphan; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the United Methodist Church in Table Rock, Nebraska with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019, at the United Methodist Church in Table Rock, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the church.

Interment will be at the Table Rock Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to family’s choice with a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Arrangements entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-Humboldt, Nebraska (402) 862-2915

 Sandra Lee “Sandy” Roush-Williams, 62, of Holton, KS, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at her home with family by her side. Sandy fought a long and courageous battle with liver cancer. She was born December 27, 1956 in Richmond, VA, the daughter of Thomas W. and Dorothy “Pal” (Dalton) Hanenkrat.

Sandy graduated from Lawrence High School in 1975. She received her Associate in Arts at Highland Community College in 1993; she was also on the President’s Honor Roll.

She retired from Royal Valley School District. She also served Holton schools and Jackson Heights schools during her career.

Sandy was a member of the Evangel United Methodist Church. At the church, she also served on the Worship Team Life Journey Service, Jail Ministry Team, Tween Girls Fellowship Leader and former Sunday School teacher and youth leader. She earned awards for C.A.R.E.S., Inc. as a Certified Assistance Therapy Dog Team 2006-2014, Kansas Kairos Prison Ministry Volunteer, Recipient of Susanna Wesley Award in 2018 by EUM Methodist Men, volunteer for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Project A.C.T. Victims Services and Honorary Member of Kansas Sheriff’s Association.

She married David T. Roush in 1975 in Lawrence, KS. He preceded her in death in 2005. She married C.E. “Gene” Williams in 2008 in Holton. He preceded her in death in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her 2 sons, Brian Roush of Wetmore, KS and Michael Roush (Kristi) of Holton, KS; her daughter, Alison Olson of Holton, KS; 7 grandchildren, Christopher, Kolby and Dalton Roush, Kreighton and Kade Roush and Kevin and Brody Olson; sister, Judy Smith (Eric) of Lawrence, KS; twin sister, Susan Davies (Barry) of Kansas City, KS; mother-in-law, Martha Roush of Holton, KS; sister-in-laws, Lisa Roush-Clark (Elza) of Lawrence, KS and Mary McCrory (Jim) of Denison, KS; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.

 Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be given to the Evangel United Methodist Church or C.A.R.E.S (Canine Assistance, Rehabilitation, Education & Services) 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.

Barbara Jean (Nelson) Kocour, age 79, went to Heaven on October 9, 2019.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Benedict’s Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. A parish rosary will be recited on Saturday, October 19th, at 9:30 a.m. at the church with visitation to follow from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mount St. Scholastica Convent. Cremation care entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Barbara was born on January 2, 1940 at General Hospital in Kansas City, MO to Laverna Marie (Sloan) Nelson and Lloyd William Nelson. Barbara went to grade school at Hale Cook Elementary in Waldo (KCMO), but also lived in Texas, and California as her father sought employment after returning home from WWII. Barbara eventually landed in Easton, KS where she attended high school.

After high school Barbara went to work as a dental assistant first in Leavenworth and then later in Kansas City, MO. In 1960 Barbara met the love of her life Albert (Bud) Kocour at the Hilltop outside Atchison, KS. They were married on June 4, 1961 at St. Lawrence Church in Easton, KS. Barbara gave birth to five sons which earned her the name St. Barbara.

After her five boys were old enough, she went to work as a dental assistant to Dr. Scimeca and later Dr. Meyers in Atchison. Barbara retired from Dr. Sitek’s podiatrist practice where she gave the best foot massages this side of the Mississippi. In her spare time when she wasn’t cooking or chasing one of her five boys Barbara enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandchildren and practicing her Catholic faith.

Barbara was a member of St. Benedict’s parish and proceeded in death by her parents. Barbara is survived by her husband Bud; two brothers Dennis “Pete” (Barbara Nelson) and Lynn “Gabby” Nelson; five sons David (Trisha) of Olathe, KS; Joe (Shirley) of Atchison; Alan of Olathe; Vincent (Kathy) of Olathe; and Mark (Melissa) of Atchison; 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Jerry R Deal, Sr., a longtime resident of Leavenworth, died October 7 at the age of 78.

A celebration of life service for Jerry Deal, Sr., a longtime resident of Leavenworth, will be Tuesday evening, Cctober 22, at 5:00, at 702 N Street, in Atchison.

Charter Funerals is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors of Jerry Deal, Sr. include his siblings, Jimmy, Jacque, and Joyce.

Janet Elaine Schneider, 73, Pullman, WA, passed away Sunday, October 13, 2019, surrounded by her family in Winchester, KS.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, October 18, 2019 at St. Benedict Catholic Church with Fr. Jay Kythe, OSB, as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM on Thursday, October 17, 2019 with visitation following until 8:30 PM at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS. Memorials are suggested to Susan G. Komen Foundation and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Janet was born April 20, 1946, in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Ronald and Helen (Wagner) Kesse. She was a nurse for many years, having worked at assisted living facilities. Janet was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atchison, KS. She enjoyed going to Washington State University sporting events, knitting and crocheting. Janet especially enjoyed spending time with her husband Don at their cabin in Montana.

Janet married John “Jack” Schneider, October 15, 1971, they later divorced. She married Donald Hower, on September 28, 1995, he survives of the home. Additional survivors include a daughter, Sara (Matthew) Noll, Winchester, KS, a son, Peter (Lindsey Robinson) Schneider, Lawrence, KS, two step daughters, Genny Hower (Haakan Younes), Pittsburgh, PA, Jessica Hower, Pittsburgh, PA, a brother Ronnie (Cindy) Kesse, Cummings, KS, a sister, Carolyn Wilson (Dave Kahm) Atchison, KS, grandchildren, Aaron, Andrew and Abraham Noll, Alexis Schneider, Oliver, Elliot, Charles Younes and Zoey Karastamatis.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

K. Clair Berkley, 86, of Hiawatha, formerly of Morrill, left his earthly  home for his heavenly home early Tuesday October 15, 2019.

Clair was born on the family farm near Hamlin January 11, 1933, the son of Dale and Dorothy Kimmel Berkley and  has lived in the Brown County area his entire life. His mother died when he was 3 ½ years old and his sister Janice being 6 weeks old so they were raised by their grandparents Maurice and Ione Berkley.  He attended country  school near Hamlin through the eighth grade prior to graduating from Hamlin High School in 1951.  Clair had  various jobs throughout his working career:  he farmed the Berkley farm, worked at the Hamlin and Morrill Elevators, even sold insurance.  Clair was best known to have delivered bulk fuel and Standard Oil Products in the area, working for Bill McNett, for 15 years.  It was while delivering these products he became known as “Bubble Gum Man.”  A few years later, he started delivering bulk products for Berwick Oil Co., based out of Bern/Sabetha area.  He retired in 1998 after 15 years of service.

Clair was a member of the Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha, served as a volunteer fireman with the  Morrill Fire Dept., served several terms as mayor for the city of Morrill, and on the Morrill Cemetery Board for several years.  Clair loved his wife, his son, especially his grandchildren.  We also have to mention also that Clair  was an  avid KU Basketball Fan!

He married Linda Blecha November 2, 1966, at Humboldt, Nebraska.  They made their home in the Morrill area and after she retired, they moved to Hiawatha in 2012.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son Travis Berkley (Jill) of Lawrence, two sisters: Janice Roush of Sabetha, Billie Jo Ramsier of W. Palm Beach, FL., brother Gary Berkley of Belleville, IL; three grandchildren:  Kyle, Ethan and Nicole.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Mildred, grandparents Maurice and Ione Berkley, Trone and Edna Kimmel.

A Celebration of Clair’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, October 18, at the Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha.  Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate.  Cremation will follow the service with private family inurnment at the Morrill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Eternal Hope Worship Center or Morrill Fire Dept., sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon until 7 Thursday evening at the funeral home.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Church.

A special message or note of comfort may be left at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Carroll Lee Williams, age 77, passed away suddenly on October 13, 2019.

A believer and faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he is with today and for eternity, Carroll was born and raised in the Netawaka, KS area on November 28, 1941, the son of Everett and Marietta Williams. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Sandra Kay Oxandale on September 7, 1964. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Carroll was the beloved father of Eric (Heidi) Williams of Augusta, KS, Jill (Rick) Crouch of Holton and Matt (Libby) Williams of Augusta, GA. He was very proud of his children and his 9 grandchildren, Peyton, Carter, Joshua and Samuel Williams; Paige and Parker Crouch; and Camille, Reese and Whitney Williams. They brought him tremendous joy. He was a devoted husband who loved his wife well. He was the uncle to many nieces and nephews who adored him. He was a wonderful cousin to many, and a faithful and devoted friend.

Carroll loved spending time with his family more than anything and he and Sandy attended each and every sporting event, musical performance, award ceremony and special event they could possibly get to. He loved KSU women’s basketball and volleyball, Holton High School sports of all kinds, as well as little league sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He volunteered as a coach for Optimist basketball, little league baseball and softball, and much more.

Carroll was an avid golfer and loved spending time on the course with his sons and grandchildren as well as his good friends. He enjoyed lawn work and gardening and his lawn and garden were the envy of Jackson County. He took great pleasure in giving away his bountiful harvest of sweet corn, tomatoes and peppers to his friends and family.

Carroll worked for more than 20 years at Denison State Bank and retired in 2002. He was loved by his co-workers and his customers. He served on the bank Board of Directors after his retirement. Prior to DSB, he worked at Santa Fe Railroad where he formed many lifelong friendships.

Carroll volunteered in his community and was admired by many for his kindness and service. The community was a better place because of him. Over the years, he served on many boards including the Optimist Club, the Jackson County of Friends of Hospice Board, the head of the board that built Chandler Park, the first HHS Auditorium renovation, church boards and many others.

Carroll was a faithful attendee of Holton First Baptist Church. He was a long-time member of Evangel United Methodist Church of Holton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Gene, Larry and Dwayne Williams, a grandson, and several cousins and dear friends.

Family will greet visitors from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Holton Country Club. Please join his family for his Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2019 at Holton First Baptist Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carroll’s memory to the Holton Community Hospital Foundation 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.

Delbert F. Gibbs, Jr., 83, of rural Hiawatha, died Saturday afternoon, October 12, 2019, at the Sabetha Manor where he had been a resident over two years.

Junior, as to how he was known to family and friends, was one of nine children born to the late Delbert Sr. and Mellissa Solomon Gibbs and had lived all but two and half years in Brown County, Kansas. He was born east of White Cloud in Brown County, March 19, 1936 and attended first grade at Hilltop County School, prior to the family moving to live near Powhattan where he attended country school through the eighth grade. He served in the 2 BN, 130th FA, Kansas Army National Guard in Hiawatha from 1957 until 1960, discharged at the rank of Specialist 4th Class. Junior worked for area famers, doing whatever needed to be done whether it would be fieldwork, machinery, livestock, etc. Junior worked for Bill & Anna Mary Mueller, northeast of Hiawatha for 18 years before retiring. Needing something to do, he worked for Abitibi Price Wood Shutter Plant in Hiawatha a short time. He loved working with animals: poultry, goats, with rabbits being the favorite. Least favorite animal he was scared of horses! Interesting to note that he started on the farm with horses and mules, ending his career with tractors.

He was a former member of BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge.

Delbert married Glenna Hellwig March 3, 1958 at Rulo, Nebraska. They made the Hiawatha area their home where the raised their family. They did live a few years in Petis County, MO before returning home. Glenna died February 17, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents, step daughter Vickie Paul, six siblings: Lillian Gladhart, Robert “Bud” Gibbs, Joe Gibbs, Naomi Flett, Mary Burnett, and Harry Gibbs.

Survivors include two sons: Dennis (Sherry) of rural Hiawatha, Delwin (Lisa) of W. Burlington, Iowa, sister Rebecca Spaight of Hiawatha, brother Jerry Gibbs of Kansas City, 8 grandchildren: Brandon, Cody, Ashlee, Emily, Kayla, Brandi, Melissa, Sarah, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services are planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, October 17, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha. Brad Farr will officiate. Interment will follow at Cornelison Cemetery, east of Reserve.

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

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Brown County, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or note of comfort may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Norma Jeane Honer, 89 of Atchison, KS died on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at the St. Joseph’s Place in Overland Park, KS.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Cyd Stein, Pastor of the Atchison United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon on Wednesday until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shiners’ Children’s Hospital or the Atchison United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Memories and words of comfort may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Norma was born on July 18, 1930 in Fairfax, MO the daughter of Roy D. and Ora J. (Combs) Hedrick. She graduated from Fairfax High School in 1948 and attended Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO.  She worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Spencer Fast and Dr. John Growney. She was a member of the Atchison United Methodist Church, and enjoyed reading and playing bridge, and was a member of several bridge clubs. Norma also enjoyed going to the casino and was said to be very lucky winning most of the time when she played. She was a very social person and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She was married to Jack L. Honer on February 20, 1955 in St. Joseph, MO.  Mr. Honer preceded her in death on May 1, 2005. Additional survivors include a daughter, Gail L. (Gordon) Rice, Overland Park, KS, two sons, Steven L. (Sherry) Honer, Tampa, FL and Ronald J. (Marcia) Honer, Coppell, TX and seven grandchildren; Brad Honer, Matt Honer, Chris Rice, Neil Rice, Deanna Rice, Nicky Barry, and Kyle Honer and five great grandchildren. Her parents, husband Jack, a brother Dean Hedrick and two sisters Beverly Frost  and Dorothy Freeman, preceded her in death.

Wilma " Jean" Hamel, of Marysville, formerly of Horton, died Friday, October 11 at the age of 97.

Survivors include three sons, Richard, Gerald and David; a daughter, Candace Hamel; and a sister, Priscilla " Pat" Sumearll.

The funeral service for Jean Hamel will be Thursday, October 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 until service time. Burial will be at the Horton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Horton United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Dr. Barbara Jean Bowman, 74, of Soldier, KS, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Medicalodges Jackson County. She was born April 8, 1945 in Wilmington, DE, the daughter of Robert and Josephine (Quinn) Bowman.

Barbara graduated from Bent County High School in 1963. She worked for 18 years as an X-Ray Technologist. She earned her PHD as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in 1993. She lived in the Soldier community for many years and previously in Topeka.

She worked as a psychologist at the Topeka VA and in private practice, Shadowood Clinical Associates, both in Topeka. She was also a professor at Washburn University.

Survivors include her 4 children, Laura Holliday (Dennis) of Soldier, KS, Alex Turner of Manhattan, KS, Brenda Mann (Marvin) of Mulberry, FL and Erin Taff (Ivan) of Leavenworth, KS; a sister, Ann (Bowman) Quinn of Corvalis, OR; 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Josephine Bowman; an infant brother, David Earl Bowman and a granddaughter, Amber Annastasha Jones.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Topeka VA PTSD Unit c/o Mercer

Ricky R. “Rick” Eastwood, 59, of Horton, KS, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019 in Topeka after a courageous battle with larynx cancer. He was born November 16, 1959 in St. Joseph, MO, the son of Gene M. and Nancy “Rosella” (Coon) Eastwood.

Rick attended Holton High School. He had lived in the Horton community for over 20 years. Rick previously lived in Holton and Olathe. He worked for American Walnut in St. Joseph, Baum Motors in Holton, Clark Chevrolet in Holton and Strube Monument in Holton. Most recently he was working at Wilde Tools in Hiawatha. Rick also was self-employed detailing cars for many years.

 Rick and Deborah S. “Deb” Harms spent over 25 years together.

Survivors include Deb of the home; a brother, Jeff Eastwood (Amy) of Liberty, MO; 2 step-sons, Matthew Pilant of Topeka, KS and Kyle Pilant of Overland Park, KS; 2 step-daughters, Amber Pilant and Kimberly Tjelmeland both of Topeka; 2 step-grandchildren and one “on the way”.

 Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Rosella Eastwood and 2 brothers, Randy D. Eastwood and Christopher A. Eastwood.

 Memorial visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Rick’s family requests friends and family wear their favorite Chiefs shirt. Memorials may be given to the Rick Eastwood Memorial Fund to help with funeral expenses 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.

Jerry D. Comstock, son of Clara (Tasler) and Melvin Comstock, was born on November 6, 1930 in Peru, Nebraska.  Jerry had two siblings who preceded him in death:  his sister Mary Jane (Comstock) Tanner and his brother, Clair Comstock.

Jerry excelled at football and basketball and graduated from High School in Peru.  Jerry then commenced college at Peru State and played on the football team; but because the Korean War was ensuing, Jerry’s college time got cut short.  Jerry served four years in the Air Force and was stationed in Korea; ending up on the same island as his brother, Clair.  While home on leave, Jerry met DeVee Reber, and they were united in marriage on December 19, 1953.  The couple moved to Topeka, Kansas and Dee taught elementary school while Jerry finished out his four-year term in the military.  The couple then returned to Peru and Jerry completed his education, ultimately attaining his Master’s Degree.  The couple were married for over 52 years, until Dee’s death in 2005.  They had two daughters and three grandchildren, all of whom they doted upon.

Jerry’s early career was spent teaching High School and coaching.  However, after Jerry’s wife became deathly ill from encephalitis (a mosquito-borne illness) and could no longer continue in her teaching profession, Jerry changed careers to make ends meet and became an entrepreneur.  Jerry successfully started, ran and sold numerous businesses in the Omaha area.  Jerry and his family moved from Ralston to Ashland, Nebraska where he and Dee lived on an acreage for over 30 years.  Jerry purchased farm ground on what was then a totally undeveloped cloverleaf at the I-80 and Highway 31 interchange in Gretna, and single-handedly persuaded Flying J to build a travel plaza on his land which kicked off further development of the area.  As his retirement hobby, Jerry trained and raised Thoroughbred race horses.  Jerry suffered from poor health the last 6 years and passed into the arms of our Lord on October 8, 2019.   Jerry was a success in all that he did, and he will be greatly missed.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Traci Comstock (Kyle Heyen) and Heidi Michalski (Jon); his grandchildren, Emma Heyen, Kayla and Cade Michalski; his nieces and nephews (Gregg Tanner, Joe Comstock, John Comstock, Terry Decker, Hans Henning and Gary Reber), and his lifelong friends, Marianne and Fred Applegate.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 14, 2019 at the Hall Funeral Chapel 707 15th Street, Auburn, Nebraska, with Pastor Richard Bristol officiating.  

Family will greet friends from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2019 at the Hall Funeral Chapel, Auburn, Nebraska.

Inurnment will be in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Peru, Nebraska with military honors.

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net.
 

Geraldine “Gerry” Gilkerson, 84, of Liberty, MO, passed away October 10, 2019 at Liberty. She was born  September 29, 1935 at Rulo, NE to George and Mary (Bachman) Carpenter.

She married Robert Gilkerson on March 16, 1952 at Kansas City, MO. He passed away October 10, 2013.

Gerry was raised at Rulo and when married the couple established their home at Kansas City. She worked for Wilcox Electronics and then was a cook for the Platte Woods School District. In the 70’s and 80’s she operated her own catering business. In 1992 they moved to Texas and returned to Kansas City in 2009 to be closer to family because of health reasons.

Gerry is survived by her son Don and his wife Verlee of Kearney, MO, daughter, Dena Ridenour of Kansas City, MO, brother, Virgil Carpenter of Stanberry, MO, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Lawrence, Lula, Leo, Bernice and William.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, October 14, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4-5:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Carol Sue Hickman Becker, 79, of rural Corning, died on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at her home in Corning.

She was born to Walter Scott and Alice L. Link Slusser on June 17, 1940 at the Bellevue Hospital in Bellevue, Pike County, Ohio.  She attended Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio; graduating June of 1958.  She furthered her education by attending Madison Community College in Madison, Florida; graduating in 1985.  Carol also attended Gale Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota; obtaining her Certificate of Completion in Airline School in 1960.

Over her lifetime she was employed by Family Finance Loan Company 1962-1969 in Hollywood, Florida; Florida Veterans Administration 1976-1984 in Live oak, Florida; and Sawannee County District Administration (FL) Office as an Accounting Specialist from 1984-2003.  She retired in 2003.

Carol married Milton “Ken” K. Hickman on December 16, 1961 at the First United Methodist Church in Painesville, Ohio.   Carol was widowed in 1984.  Carol was fortunate to find love twice and on September 6, 2003 she married John F. Becker at Rocky Sink Baptist Church in Live Oak, Florida.   The couple made their home in Corning, Kansas.  

Carol was a member of Rocky Sink Baptist Church in Live Oak, Florida and a member of the Suwannee Valley Hemerocallis Daylily Society 1986-1991 and KAFCE Corning, Kansas.  She was Secretary for the Lions Club in Live Oak, Florida from 1979-1984. Carol felt her greatest accomplishment was raising her daughter, Tracy. Her second greatest accomplishment was surviving cancer twice, once in 1974 and again in 2003.  Carol enjoyed oil painting, creating floral arrangements, gardening, farming, walking, traveling and visiting family; she also loved spending time with step-grandchildren and love live music and radio.

Besides her first husband, she was preceded in death by her Father in May of 1993; her Mother in November 2002; and siblings, Rita Muzik in 2017, Marlene Anderson September of 2019 and Robert G. Slusser December of 2016.  

She is survived by her husband, John Becker of Corning; her daughter, Tracy Lynn (David) Cruthfield of Live Oak, Florida; a sister Janet E. Pizzie of Texas; step-daughters, Marcia A. Becker Gillie of Holton and Kathryn L. Becker of Salina, Kansas; and two step-grandchildren, Heather Gillie and Jacob Gillie both of Holton, Kansas.

The funeral service will be on Saturday, October 12 2019 at 2 P.M. at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials are to be designated at a later date and sent in care of the family.

Helen M. Sack, 91, of Seneca, passed on October 10, 2019, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Helen was born on May 8, 1928, south of Seneca to Clem and Agatha Huerter Heinen. Helen grew up in the Kelly area. She graduated from the 8th grade and graduated from Kelly High School in May of 1946.

Helen attended Clarks Business School in Topeka. She had previously worked at the Seymour packing Company and Santa Fe Railroad all in Topeka. Then she returned to the area to get married.

On April 25, 1953, Helen married Elmer Sack at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly. They would have been married 65 years if Elmer had lived to the 25th of April. Helen and Elmer lived Their life on the Sack family farm.

Helen was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, St. Ann’s Altar Society. Two card clubs, enjoyed, cooking, baking and square dancing.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, her parents, Clem on February 6, 1984 and Agatha on May 27, 1997; three sisters, Mildred Mathewson on October 12, 2018, Alice in October 27, 1935 and Jeanette Heinen on November 20, 2012.

Helen is survived by a brother Norbert Heinen of Kelly and two sisters, Arlene Gudenkauf of Seneca and Dorothy Eaton of Maple hill; and several nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be prayed at 2 and 7 p.m. Friday, October 11 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, October 12, at 10 a.m. at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Helen will be laid to rest in the church cemetery

Memorials can be given in Helen’s memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Cemetery, sent in care of the family.

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .

Delbert Allen Mapes, Jr., 75, of Lawrence, KS, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at his home in Lawrence. He was born December 3, 1943 in Waterville, KS, the son of Delbert Allen Mapes, Sr. and Helen Louise (McDonald) Mapes. 

He lived Lawrence for many years and was previously from Whiting and Mayetta. Delbert enjoyed his family and painting. He had a special companion, his dog, Gonzo.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Survivors include his step-mother, Frances Mapes of Topeka, KS; his sister, Cathy L. Hartley (Dan) of Holton, KS; 2 nieces, Dayna Hartley of Holton, KS and Carrie Anderson (Dustin) of Topeka, KS and 4 great nephews; Brayden, Rogen, Colden and Jaxon. 

 Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Springhill Cemetery in Whiting. Family will meet at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton to go in procession to the cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Monterey House 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.

Zelma Irene Jamison, 83, of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away October 8, 2019 at her home in Pawnee City, Nebraska. She was born to Russell and Glayda (Keithley) Armstrong on October 13, 1935 in Peru, Nebraska.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019, at The Christian Church in Auburn, Nebraska with Pastor Scott Fitch and Pastor David Haynes officiating.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2019, at The Hall Funeral Chapel, 707 15th Street, Auburn, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Table Rock Church of Christ.    

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net.

Rodney Lem Ingels, 76, of Hiawatha, has joined our Heavenly Father, Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

He was born October 13, 1942 in Horton, Kansas, to Merle and Mary (Field) Ingels. He married Karen Gill on October 13, 1962, and she survives. Also, surviving is his son, Darrel (Christi) Ingels of Mayetta; daughter, Jackie (Mark) Petersen of Everest; grandchildren, Dyllan Petersen, Ramzey Ingels, Kiona Ingels, Keena Ingels, Amos Ingels, and great granddaughter, Nova Ingels.

Rodney graduated from Horton High School in 1960. He and his wife, Karen, raised their family in the Horton and Hiawatha communities, and resided at their home in Hiawatha since 2004.  In earlier years, Rodney enjoyed his time as a member and officer of the Hiawatha Elks Lodge and men’s bowling league. He worked at the Justice Shutter Factory (Hiawatha), Pat’s Thriftway (Horton), Lindy’s Thriftway (Hiawatha), and the Sac & Fox Casino.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2019, and the funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Dishon Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton. The burial will be held at the Horton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brown County Developmental Services or NEK Hospice. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com

Virginia M. Stice, 93, of Rulo, NE, passed away October 7, 2019 at Rulo. She was born March 10, 1926 at Salem, NE to Orville and Minnie (Roland) Roberts. 

She married Otho L. Stice on March 1, 1947 at Troy, KS. He passed away March 7, 1993.

Virginia was raised at Rulo and graduated Rulo High School in 1944. Following graduation she worked for the United States Post Office. When the couple married they made their home in Rulo. She was a homemaker and helped her husband farm. Later in life she worked at Daycares. Her life centered around taking care of her and other people’s kids. She was a member of Trinity Methodist Church at Rulo.

Virginia is survived by her sons, Loral of Plato, MO, Robert and his wife Arlene of Downing, MO, James and his wife Judy of Montgomery, AL, Otho Ray and his wife Ulla of Home, AK, Rex and his wife Cindy of Fruitland, ID, Rick of Plato, Randy and his wife Joan E. of Falls City, Donnie and his wife Julie of Falls City, daughters, Dorothy Kelley and her husband Terry of Broken Arrow, OK, Debbie Sheffered of Falls City, Linda Catlett and her husband Mark of Stella, NE, Pat Murphy and her husband Jim of Falls City, Virginia Ernst of Omaha, Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and a daughter-in-law, Leona Stice of Joplin, MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Vernon, daughter, Rose Conrad, sister, Florence and a brother, Lawrence.

The body of Virginia Stice has been cremated. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date. Family and friends may sign the guest book during regular business hours at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

LaDonna K.  Moore, 68, of Topeka, KS, formerly of Hiawatha, KS, passed away at her home surrounded by loved ones October 6, 2019.

LaDonna “Mama Moore” was one of twelve children born to Jesse and Barbara Lunsford Hall, December 10, 1950, at Falls City, Nebraska, where she grew up and attended schools prior to moving to Hiawatha in 1974 shortly after her mother’s death.

She married David “Red” Moore February 6, 1976, at Hiawatha where they lived all of their married life where they raised their three daughters:  D’Angel, Shelly, and Rosie.  David preceded her in death July 19, 2009.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Rosie December 18, 2017, grandson Trenton, as well as, many brothers, sisters, and son James.

LaDonna is survived by daughter D’Angel and her children Brandon and Kendra, daughter Shelly and partner Erika, children Jordan and Partner Jade’, Chris (Veronica) and soon to be great-grand-daughter Jaila, David and other Mom Tisha, sister Ranea Spicer of Hiawatha, brother David Hallfrom Falls City, NE, step-mother Carolyn all of Quenmo, KS. Also surviving is her son in law Darryl Mabrey (Rosie’s husband), their son Jagert, adopted daughter Jeanette and family, three step sisters:  Linda Mangold, Ginny Hopkins, and Roberta Weis.

LaDonna worked various jobs through the years including baby sitting for Hiawatha area families.  She enjoyed her coffee and company and loved everyone she met.  She devoted to her family:  husband, children, siblings, nieces and nephews, and was an individual that if you needed something, she would do her best to get it, even if it meant she did without.

Services are planned for 2 p.m. Friday, October 11, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating.  Cremation will follow services with private family inurnment at the Hiawatha Cemetery.

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

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

A special note or message of comfort may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Ruthanna (Dittemore) Hedrick, 90, of Hiawatha, Kansas, died at home October 3, 2019, surrounded by family.

She was born on a farm southeast of Highland in the Wolf River community, September 10, 1929, one of four children born to Edgar Irwin and Elsie Martha Schwindt Dittemore and has lived nearly all of her life in the Doniphan/Brown county area. At a young age, her family moved from the Wolf River community and settled in Robinson where she grew up, attended school, and graduated high school with the class of 1947. During her senior year of high school, she started working at the Robinson Telephone Co. for a time. Ruthanna attended Highland Junior College to obtain her teaching certificate and taught in a small one room school. She later worked at the Horton Garment Co. for a number of years. She spent most of her working career (26 years) at the Hiawatha Community Hospital in data entry until retiring in 2004.

While living at Robinson, she was a member of the United Methodist Church.

She married Jack W. Hedrick, January 11, 1948 at Robinson. They moved from Robinson to Hiawatha to make their home in 1977. He preceded her in death.

Ruthanna is also preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Dorthea Vasholtz who lived in Emporia.

Survivors include a sister Patricia Gigstad of Olathe, brother Edgar E. “Ed” Dittemore of St. Petersburg, FL, daughters: Cynthia Sweet of Fountain Hill, AZ, Elizabeth Rudder (John) of Leavenworth, KS, Jackie Vidicki of San Leandro, CA, Arvilla Walters (Leonard) of Peculiar, MO, Deanna Tate (Robert) of Leonardville, KS, son Guy Hedrick (Darla) of Holton; 13 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

Private family services to be held at a later date at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

At the family’s request, memorial contributions are suggested to the DAV (Disabled Atomic Veterans) sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434, who is assisting the family.

A message or a note of comfort may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Charles C. Calnan, 85, of Highland, formerly of Troy, Kansas passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019 at the Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Charles was born on July 11, 1934 at the Sisters Hospital, St. Joseph, Missouri to Charles Curtis and Lorraine (Ernest) Calnan. He grew up in Troy, Kansas where his father owned and published The Kansas Chief. He graduated from Troy High School in 1952.

Charles attended St. Benedict’s College, Atchison, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas, majoring in Business Administration. After college he joined his father in publishing the Kansas Chief.

Charles was in the Kansas Army National Guard for 16 years. In 1960 he went to the Army Infantry School OSC at Fort Benning, GA. His first assignment was a 3 year tour of duty as aide-do-camp to the commanding general. After completing school he was commissioned 2nd Lt. of the 35th Infantry Division with Major General Charles H. Browne. The division was made up of all the Army National Guard units in Kansas and Missouri, about 15,000 people.

In 1964 he married Corriene Collins in Manhattan, New York at his sister Martha’s residence.

The family sold The Kansas Chief in 1968. In 1969 he went to work at Methodist Medical Center in St. Joseph as an Administrative Supervisor.

In 1988 Charles and Corriene moved to Highland where Charles worked at Stop and Shop and Highland Community College until retirement in 2017.

He was preceded in death by his wife Corriene in 1999, his father and mother, his sister, Martha in 1965 and Brother Henry in 1994.

He is survived by two step-children, Ginger Scott and Rudy Collins of Highland, Kansas, a nephew Craig (Karen) Calnan, Kansas City, Missouri, a niece Kimberly Foster, Mesa, Arizona and five step-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren, great nieces and nephews.

 Private family inurnment at a later date.

Memorials: Charles Calnan Memorial Fund.

www.harmanrohde.com

LouElla Victoria “Lu” Miller, 94, of rural Reserve, passed away peacefully on Thursday October 3, 2019 at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hiawatha where she had been a very short time.

LouElla was born June 2, 1925 at Barada, Nebraska in Richardson County, the daughter of the late Harney David and Isobel Bentley Robidoux. She grew up near Barada and attended country grade school near there. After the death of her father, the family moved east of Reserve where she attended country school before attending Sacred Heart School at Omaha, Nebraska. She returned to this area and worked as a nurse aide for the Brown County Infirmary near Hiawatha. Most of her working life, she was a house keeper for many families for over 54 years, before retiring.

Mrs. Miller was a member of the Iowa Tribe of White Cloud, Kansas.

She married Carl Edward Miller February 9, 1946 at Hiawatha. They made their home in various places throughout the United States as he was in the military. They retired and returned to this area from Texas in 1995, settling east of Reserve at Red Earth Village on the Sac and Fox Reservation.

She is survived by a son Eric of the home, a brother Charles Robidoux of Reserve, with many nieces and nephews.

LouElla was also preceded in death by her husband Carl in April 11, 2007, and several siblings

LouElla wishes were to be cremated with no service held like was requested for Carl.

Memorials are suggested to Hope Brown County and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 124 S. 7th Street Hiawatha, Kansas   66434.

A special message or note of comfort may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Roy Neal Farwell, 82 of DuBois, was born in Pawnee City, Nebraska on August 22, 1937, the 10th of 10 children born to Albert Clyde (Bert) and Laura Velma (Pelton) Farwell.  He attended school in DuBois until 11th grade and then graduated from Bern high school in 1955.

On January 31, 1962, Roy was united in marriage to Kay (Parli) Farwell at the United Methodist Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska. To this union,  three children, Scott, Lori, and Michael were born.  They lived on the family farm their entire married life, the same farm where he grew up.  Roy farmed and was int he National Guard from 1960 to 1966.  Roy’s hobbies included traveling, fishing, being outside, watching western movies, ad spending time with family.  Roy could always be found at his grandchildren’s events.  In his retired years he also enjoyed spending time at Klepper’s and eating at the local eating establishments.  He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, warm smile and generous heart.  He passed away on October 3rd at Bryan West Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Horace (Leola) Farwell, sisters: Lavinna (Fred) Thiemann, Margaret (Leon) Korber, Laura (Lawrence) Meier, Jennie (Lyle) Boehmer, Alberta (Howard) Koester, Ida (John) Kanel, grandson Brent Neal Gyhra and great grandson, Sebastian Michael Jerrick. 

Roy is survived by his wife Kay (Parli) Farwell, children Scott (Carol) Farwell of DuBois, Michael (Heather) Farwell of DuBois, and Lori (Dennis) Gyhra of Pawnee City. Grandchildren Kyla (RJ) Jerrick of Oman, Aubrey (Zac) Hinrichsen of Lincoln, and Macey Gyhra of Omaha, Alex and Jett Farwell of  Du Bois, great grandchildren, Porter and Louis Jerrick of Omaha. Brothers Dean (Loree) Farwell of Seneca, KS, Richard (Doris) Farwell of Du Bois, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska with Pastor Hyunsook Kim and Reverend Ken Tubbesing officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment will be at the Pawnee City Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church, Pawnee City, or to the Pawnee City High School Speech and One Act Department. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com. Wherry Mortuary at Pawnee City, NE 

Mary Josephine A. “Jo” Hildman, 92, Atchison, Kansas died Friday, October 4, 2019 at her residence.

Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, October 11, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as principal celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Abbey for the infirmed priest, Mexican Sisters or Mt. Calvary Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.

Josephine was born August 5, 1927 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of Edward and Josefina Espinosa Moctezuma. She attended St. Benedict’s Grade School and graduated from Mount St. Scholastica Academy in 1945. She then attended and graduated from Atchison Business College in 1947.

Jo and Paul John Hildman were united in marriage on June 30, 1952 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Atchison. Mr. Hildman preceded her in death on October 31, 1987.

Jo was a registered radiologic technologist and a certified medical assistant and sonographer. She was employed for 26 years with the office of Dr. Ira Morrison; Midwest Solvents Company for seven and a half years; Cushing Hospital, Leavenworth, Kansas for fifteen years and Munson Army Hospital for seven years. After her retirement she was an office attendant at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home for twenty two years.

Jo was a member of St. Benedict Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic minister and commentator for twenty one years; she was an oblate of St. Benedict’s Abbey. Jo also served as president of the Atchison Achievement Services for many years and volunteered at numerous different places.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary August, Atchison, KS; Ruth (Terry) Thompson, Platte City, MO; three sons, Michael (Sherre) Hildman, Atchison, KS; John Kevin Hildman, Atchison, KS; Martin Hildman, Kansas City, MO; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren and one great great grandson.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Patrick Hildman; and four sisters, Mary Lucy Dilliner, Mary Guadalupe Spence, Maura Brock and Mary Magdalene Judd.

John O. Madden, 74, of Cummings, KS died Friday, October 04, 2019 at the Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka, KS.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nortonville, KS with Fr. Lazar Carasala as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Effingham, KS. A parish rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, October 8, 2019 with visitation following until 8:30 PM at Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison, KS. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church or St. Ann’s Cemetery or Knights of Columbus and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

John was born October 3, 1945, in Horton, KS, the son of George and Angela (Blocker) Madden. He graduated from ACCHS in 1963 and then worked as a core maker for Atchison Castings/Rockwell until retiring in 1999. John was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Local 6943 Steelworkers Union. He enjoyed taking care of livestock, attending auctions and going to Branson, MO. John was a supporter of 4-H, having been named a Friend of 4-H and received the CE Sells Award. His children described him as a very loving father.

John married Dorothy Sanger on July 8, 1967 at Immaculate Conception in St. Joseph, MO. She preceded him in death on April 26, 2009. Survivors include a son Paul Madden, Topeka, KS, a daughter, Christina (Rick ) Madden-Hill, Wamego, KS, eight brothers, Jim (Nancy) Madden, Atchison, KS, Mike (Karen) Madden, Topeka, KS, Ralph (Rita) Madden, Effingham, KS, Louis (Nonna) Madden, Topeka, KS, Bill Madden, Junction City, KS, Alva Madden, TX, Henry (Kathie) Madden, Norman, OK, Jerry Madden, Effingham, KS, three sisters, Frances Robinson, Atchison, KS, Irene Madden, Atchison, KS, Mary Kimmi, Everest, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded by his parents, two infant children, John and Tammy Madden, a brother Paul Madden and sisters Helen Hagen and Lois Sage.

Graveside services for Phyllis “JoAnn” Eisele, 80, who passed away Thursday, October 3, 2019, will be held 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2019 in the Prairie Union Cemetery, Shubert, NE. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, October 7 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, IA.

She is survived by her sister, Norma Brittell; children, Karen (Mark) Dobroth, Kevin (Pamela) Eisele, Diane Glascock, and Lynn Brenneman; 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Eisele; son, Kevin German; parents, Norman and Daisy Gates; sister, Dorothy Eickhoff; and infant brother, LeRoy Gates.

Memorials may be given in her name to Kiya Koda Humane Society or Helping Hand in Indianola. A luncheon with family and friends will follow services on Tuesday. To view a complete obituary or sign an online condolence, visit our website at www.overtonfunerals.com.

Dennis LeRoy Stauffer, died Saturday, September 21, 2019 in the wonderful care of the staff at The Pines in Holton, Kansas.

He was born January 7, 1943 in Holton, the oldest son of Lauren R. and Saxon L. (Smith) Stauffer.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, L. Darrell.

He is survived by his sister, Darlene and brother -in-law, Gary Whitlock; and his sister-in-law, Rebecca Stauffer. He dearly loved his surviving nieces, Catherine and Laura; and nephews, Lance and Matthew; and his great-nieces, Heather, Erika, Abigail and Alexandria. He is also survived by his Aunt Patricia Smith and a host of cousins.

He graduated from Pleasant valley Grade School and Holton High School. He was retired from Hallmark Production Center in Lawrence.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. until service time. Family request casual or western dress for the memorial service. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in the Fox Cemetery near Wheaton, KS. Memorial contributions may be given to the Topeka Rescue Mission or Donor’s Choice 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.

Nancy Marie (Terry) Tilton, 59, of Highland, passed away peacefully at home on September 29th, 2019. 

Nancy, or for many who called her George was born on March 1st. 1960 to the late James and Laura Terry. 

Nancy grew up in Onaga, Kansas. Graduating from the Brown Mackie School of Fashion in 1980. Nancy then married Kenneth Tilton July 1st 1989 and moved to Highland, KS, where she devoted her life to her church and family. She loved participating in community events (such as The Girl Scouts, The Lions Club, and Pollyanna).

Some of her favorite hobbies included crafting, crocheting, and decorating. Above all, she loved to make people smile and laugh, being a source of cheer to those who knew and loved her.

Nancy was a long time member of the United Methodist Presbyterian Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Tilton, Sister Ginger Flower, and Brother Robert Terry. 

She is survived by her loving daughter Ashley Tilton (St Joseph), sisters Robin Jones (Highland), Kelly Nitz (Tonganoxie), and brother Keith Terry (Highland).

Memorial services will be held at the United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Highland on October 4th, 2019 at 2PM.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions are requested to be made to the United Methodist Presbyterian Church sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Verle D. Stephenson, 76, of Hiawatha, surrounded by his family, passed away early Monday morning, September 30, 2019, at his home.

A Celebration of Verle’s life is planned for 11 a.m., Thursday, October 3, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

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

Verle was born November 28, 1942, at Miller, Kansas, the son of Homer Clayton and Evelyn Nadine Parks Stephenson. He grew up at Miller, attended schools there prior to graduating from McCracken High School with the class of 1960. His family has a long history being associated with the railroad, with Verle following that tradition, as well as his son Tony. Verle started with the Missouri-Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific), as a signalman, working with the traveling gang for nearly 30 years before becoming disabled in 1995 and retiring.

He married Laurel “Jeanne” Colstrom, September 29, 1962, at Paola, KS. They have made Hiawatha their home since 1969. She survives at home.

Other survivors include two sons Tony Allen Stephenson (Carol) and Rodney Duane Stephenson (Kim), both of St. Joseph, MO, a daughter Angela Jean Dimmel (Fred) of Blue Springs, MO; brother Larry Stephenson (Charlotte) of Nebraska City, NE, a sister Claudia Honea of Topeka; 8 grandchildren: Matt, Payton, Hunter, Samantha, Grant, Paige, Fred and Erica.

Verle was preceded in death by his parents, a great-granddaughter Pacey Marie, and a brother Clayton Stephenson.

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

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

David E. Penrod, 68, of Soldier, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019 at his home.  He fought the good fight against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  David was born September 20, 1951, in Horton.  He received his education at Horton and Gridley, KS public schools, graduating in 1969 from Gridley High School.  David was baptized into the Christian faith at Gridley First Christian Church.

David entered the U.S. Navy upon high school graduation in 1969 and served until June 1973.  He was a Hospital Corpsman stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and served as Company Corpsman with the 3rd Marines aboard the USS Manitowoc and USS Vernon County with the Seventh Fleet in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam.  David said he always took care of his Marines.  He later served in the Kansas Army National Guard and completed Officer’s Candidate School in 1979.  He received a Bachelor of Business Administration, Cum Laude, in 1987 from Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, KS.

David retired from Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center as Chief, Prosthetics and Orthotics Service.  He enjoyed serving Veterans during his years of employment with the VA.  He strongly advocated for all Veterans and their families during his retirement and delighted in steering them toward their earned benefits.  He was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and a long-time member of American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.  However, David was happiest when he was driving his tractor and attending to livestock on his farm/ranch.  He delighted in telling his grandchildren stories from his youth and other various tales of adventure.  David said he felt grateful and blessed that he had good neighbors and friends.

David married Brenda Galaway in 1977.  She survives.  Other survivors include his children, Kim Golden of Manhattan, KS, and Brian Penrod (Sabrina) of Soldier, KS; his grandchildren Reilly Golden of Seattle, WA, and Cori Penrod and Dave Penrod of Soldier, KS; his mother Bessie Penrod of Soldier, KS; his brother Roger Penrod (Marcia) of Salina, KS; nephew, Jared Penrod (Julia) of Ohio; niece Hillary Randa (Justin) of Hays, KS; niece Laura Penrod of Salina, KS; and two great-nephews Owen and Jack Randa of Hays, KS.

Funeral services are planned for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Mercer Funeral Home, Holton, KS, with Visitation an hour prior. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Soldier Cemetery, Soldier, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan, KS 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.

Robert G. Sopoci, 90, of Falls City, NE, passed away September 24, 2019 at Falls City. He was born August 25, 1929 at Tripp, SD to Stephen and Anna (Sladek) Sopoci.

He married Velvejane Weisz on November 25, 1952 at Tripp, SD.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from January 9, 1951 and was honorably discharged December 29, 1958. 

Robert was raised in Tripp, SD following his schooling he drove a truck before enlisting in the United States Air Force and when discharged he moved back to Tripp and the couple lived in various states due to his employment as a union carpenter. He moved to Shubert where he worked at CNS. In 2012 the couple moved into Falls City and lived here since.

Robert is survived by his wife, Velvejane of Falls City, son, Kevin of Falls City, daughter, Vickie Oliver and her husband David of Salem, brother, Jim of Mitchell, SD, seven grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his his parents, son, Randy Lee, 15 brothers & sisters, two great grandchildren, Hailey and Andrew Sopoci.

Mr. Sopoci has been cremated and service will be held at a later date.

Donald Lee Finney, 70, of Tecumseh, passed away at his home from complications of COPD, heart disease, diabetes and Agent Orange on Friday, September 27, 2019.  He was born to Myron and Dorothy (Montgomery) Finney on December 13, 1948 at Pawnee City, Nebraska.  He attended school at Summerfield, Kansas as well as military school in Salina, Kansas.  Don drove truck for Bowhay Truckline before being drafted in the U. S. Army on June 25, 1968.  He spent a year in Vietnam and after his active duty was over he served in the Army Reserves until his discharge June 25, 1974.  

He was united in marriage to Linda Sue Schmiegelow on April 17, 1974  in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  The couple made their home in Tecumseh where they raised their family.  Don was an over the road trucker for most of his life.  He worked with Studers, for Greg Gee, Dallas Bowhay and finally for Bob Kuhl and Kuhl Carriers and Trenching.  He loved trucking and made many long time friends over the years.  Don was somewhat of a legend in the trucking business.  His favorite truck he drove was Greg Gee's "Maybelline."He earned several nicknames over the years, "Sarge","Chops" and "Finney from his trucking buddies.  He enjoyed taking his daughters on his shorter road halls, Sunday drives and family vacations.  Don had a really good sense of humor and enjoyed scaring friends and family. Don loved to really embarrass Kim and Tonya.  He looked forward to his trips to Texas when Tonya was in Dallas and going to shoot pool.  In his spare time Don enjoyed coyote hunting, family time, which included shining the chrome on his truck and riding his motorcycle.  He was a neat freak about keeping his truck immaculate.  His grandchildren and nieces and nephews all  meant the world to him.  He loved letting his grandchildren get up and drive his tractors.  Don will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Linda Finney of Tecumseh, daughter, Tonya Finney Eubanks of Summerfield, KS and significant other Jarrod Behrends, son, Brian Finney of Lincoln, grandchildren, Anderson and Piper Eubanks, sister, Anna Mae Lambert of Pawnee City, brother, David Yockel and wife Nancy of Bethany, OK, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Kimberly Finney, nephew, Tony Carmine, niece, Lisa Lambert, brother-in- law, Allen Schmiegelow, and parents-in-law, Carl and Mae Schmiegelow.  

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Hugh Giesbrecht officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials may go to the family's choice.

Interment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska with full military honors by the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team and the Tecumseh American Legion and VFW Posts.  

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.