JoAnn Phillips, age 86, passed away on March 24, 2023 at &nbsp;Trego 
County Lemke Memorial Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was born on September 11, 1936 in 
Gridley, Kansas the daughter of Clarence Cokeley Sr. and Hazel 
(Povenmire) Cokeley.&nbsp;

At the age of eight she moved with her family to Palco, Kansas where she attended Palco schools from 2nd grade through high school.

She married Raymond Phillips in 1955 and had just recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. To this union three daughters were born, Debra Murphy, deceased, Pamela Noll (Eric) and Kathy Michaels.

Thirty years were spent working with many doctors in WaKeeney, Kansas
 doing transcription, insurance, and many other jobs.&nbsp; JoAnn enjoyed 
family get-togethers, playing cards, and BINGO.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Hazel Cokeley 
and her siblings, Glen Lee Cokeley, Retha Louise Hrabe, Charlene 
Cokeley, Clarence Cokeley, Jr, Ronald Gene Cokeley, Russell Craig 
Cokeley, and Illa Jean Balthazor.

She leaves behind six grandchildren, Shawn, Patrick and Christopher 
Murphy, Leah Woolsoncroft, Lance Noll, and Skyler Phillips and 14 great 
grandchildren.

Funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Schmitt 
Funeral Home, WaKeeney on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with 
Reverend Jarod Brown officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the WaKeeney 
City Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679849043459.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JoAnn Phillips, age 86, passed away on March 24, 2023 at &nbsp;Trego 
County Lemke Memorial Hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was born on September 11, 1936 in 
Gridley, Kansas the daughter of Clarence Cokeley Sr. and Hazel 
(Povenmire) Cokeley.&nbsp;At the age of eight she moved with her family to Palco, Kansas where she attended Palco schools from 2nd grade through high school.She married Raymond Phillips in 1955 and had just recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. To this union three daughters were born, Debra Murphy, deceased, Pamela Noll (Eric) and Kathy Michaels.Thirty years were spent working with many doctors in WaKeeney, Kansas
 doing transcription, insurance, and many other jobs.&nbsp; JoAnn enjoyed 
family get-togethers, playing cards, and BINGO.She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Hazel Cokeley 
and her siblings, Glen Lee Cokeley, Retha Louise Hrabe, Charlene 
Cokeley, Clarence Cokeley, Jr, Ronald Gene Cokeley, Russell Craig 
Cokeley, and Illa Jean Balthazor.She leaves behind six grandchildren, Shawn, Patrick and Christopher 
Murphy, Leah Woolsoncroft, Lance Noll, and Skyler Phillips and 14 great 
grandchildren.Funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Schmitt 
Funeral Home, WaKeeney on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with 
Reverend Jarod Brown officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the WaKeeney 
City Cemetery.Memorial Contributions may be given to the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.

JoAnn Phillips

Floyd Dinkel, WaKeeney, passed away 
peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Trego County Lemke Memorial 
Hospital at the age of 70. He left this earth surrounded by his family, 
who loved him dearly.

Floyd was born on October 18, 1952, to Andrew and Felicitas (Hertal) Dinkel in Hays, Kansas.

After graduating from Ellis High School in 
1970 and Goodland Vo-Tech in 1972, Floyd started his career in auto body
 in Oakley, Kansas, which is where he met the love of his life, Patricia
 (Glassman).

Floyd’s career took them to WaKeeney, where 
he spent many years in the oilfield as a driller for Abercrombie Oil. 
Following the oilfield, Floyd spent the next 30 years as the maintenance
 superintendent for USD 208 schools. His most recent and possibly most 
treasured career was transporting "his" kids to and from school as a bus
 driver for USD 208.

Floyd and Patricia were married on March 3, 
1973, in Oakley, Kansas. They were inseparable for the next 50 years and
 3 weeks. They were blessed with four children: a son, Jason, and his 
wife, Shelly, of WaKeeney; their children Sadie (Austin) Gasper, and 
Sage. Daughter, Sandi Brooks, and her husband Justin of Eudora, Kansas, 
and their children, Drew, Max, and Violet. Son, Doug, and his 
significant other, Nickole of Ellis, and his children, Landon and Lucas;
 son, Dustin, and his wife, Ashlei, of WaKeeney. Floyd was over the moon
 that he was going to become a great-grandpa in September. In addition 
to his wife, amazing children, and grandchildren, Floyd is also survived
 by one sister, Darlene Braun, of Victoria.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, 
infant twin brothers, Anthony and John. His sister Marlene and her 
husband Leland Dinkel, brother-in-law LaVern Braun, and great-nephew 
Jacy Braun

Floyd never met a stranger and was always 
willing to lend a helping hand. He could fix, build, or repair anything.
 His love of helping others led him to serve his community in various 
ways, including serving on the Golden Prairie District Council and 
WaKeeney City Counsel, woodworking leader for the WaKeeney Willing 
Workers 4-H Club and was a little league baseball and softball coach for
 many years. Floyd was a firefighter for the WaKeeney City Fire 
Department for 20 years, serving as Fire Chief for many of those. He 
served on the board for the FHSU foster grandparent/senior companion 
program. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, on the parish 
council, and a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Floyd’s true passion in life was his family, 
and there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do to support and love them. 
His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was the best husband, 
biggest cheerleader, best grandpa, the most fun ice cream getter, best 
supporter, the bus driver with the biggest smile, the most genuine and 
loyal friend, most amazing dad, so-so fisherman, and hands down the best
 person we have watching over us from above.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, 
March 29, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, Kansas, 
with Father Charlie Steier as celebrant. Visitation with the family will
 be on Tuesday, March 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral
 Home. A vigil service will start at 7:00 p.m. immediately following a 
Rosary to be held at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to USD 208 Trap Shooting Team. 
Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, 
WaKeeney, KS, 67672.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679848991519.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Floyd Dinkel, WaKeeney, passed away 
peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Trego County Lemke Memorial 
Hospital at the age of 70. He left this earth surrounded by his family, 
who loved him dearly.Floyd was born on October 18, 1952, to Andrew and Felicitas (Hertal) Dinkel in Hays, Kansas.After graduating from Ellis High School in 
1970 and Goodland Vo-Tech in 1972, Floyd started his career in auto body
 in Oakley, Kansas, which is where he met the love of his life, Patricia
 (Glassman).Floyd’s career took them to WaKeeney, where 
he spent many years in the oilfield as a driller for Abercrombie Oil. 
Following the oilfield, Floyd spent the next 30 years as the maintenance
 superintendent for USD 208 schools. His most recent and possibly most 
treasured career was transporting "his" kids to and from school as a bus
 driver for USD 208.Floyd and Patricia were married on March 3, 
1973, in Oakley, Kansas. They were inseparable for the next 50 years and
 3 weeks. They were blessed with four children: a son, Jason, and his 
wife, Shelly, of WaKeeney; their children Sadie (Austin) Gasper, and 
Sage. Daughter, Sandi Brooks, and her husband Justin of Eudora, Kansas, 
and their children, Drew, Max, and Violet. Son, Doug, and his 
significant other, Nickole of Ellis, and his children, Landon and Lucas;
 son, Dustin, and his wife, Ashlei, of WaKeeney. Floyd was over the moon
 that he was going to become a great-grandpa in September. In addition 
to his wife, amazing children, and grandchildren, Floyd is also survived
 by one sister, Darlene Braun, of Victoria.Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, 
infant twin brothers, Anthony and John. His sister Marlene and her 
husband Leland Dinkel, brother-in-law LaVern Braun, and great-nephew 
Jacy BraunFloyd never met a stranger and was always 
willing to lend a helping hand. He could fix, build, or repair anything.
 His love of helping others led him to serve his community in various 
ways, including serving on the Golden Prairie District Council and 
WaKeeney City Counsel, woodworking leader for the WaKeeney Willing 
Workers 4-H Club and was a little league baseball and softball coach for
 many years. Floyd was a firefighter for the WaKeeney City Fire 
Department for 20 years, serving as Fire Chief for many of those. He 
served on the board for the FHSU foster grandparent/senior companion 
program. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, on the parish 
council, and a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.Floyd’s true passion in life was his family, 
and there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do to support and love them. 
His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was the best husband, 
biggest cheerleader, best grandpa, the most fun ice cream getter, best 
supporter, the bus driver with the biggest smile, the most genuine and 
loyal friend, most amazing dad, so-so fisherman, and hands down the best
 person we have watching over us from above.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, 
March 29, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, Kansas, 
with Father Charlie Steier as celebrant. Visitation with the family will
 be on Tuesday, March 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral
 Home. A vigil service will start at 7:00 p.m. immediately following a 
Rosary to be held at 6:30 p.m.Memorial donations can be made to USD 208 Trap Shooting Team. 
Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, 
WaKeeney, KS, 67672.Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com

Floyd Dinkel

Margaret Louise “Meg” Logan passed away in the 
early morning hours of March 22, 2023, at Olympia Transitional Care in 
Lacey, Washington, where she had been a resident for the last six years.
 She was 93 years young.

Margaret was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, 
the youngest of four children born to Wilbur and Nina Snook. She 
graduated Highland Park High School in 1948. She married Ronald Logan in
 1949. She was remarried to Ralph Naden in 1979. Both preceded her in 
death.

After living in Hays, Kansas, (10 years) and 
Wichita, Kansas (4 years), the family moved to Amarillo, Texas, in 1966, 
and Meg lived there until 2013, when she moved to Lacey, Washington, to 
be close to daughter, Diane. (For a couple of years starting in 1973, 
she lived in California, where she was the Director of the 
ultra-exclusive Golden Door Health Spa in Escondido).

Margaret was an athlete and fitness buff her 
entire life. She participated in many sports, including basketball and 
roller skating in high school, then snow skiing, softball, golf, water 
skiing, bowling, tennis and racquet ball as an adult.

In Amarillo, Meg had two different TV shows, 
“Exercise With Margaret” and “The Margaret Logan Show.” Meg married 
Ralph Naden in 1979 and they soon built a three-story home at nearby 
Lake Tanglewood. Naturally, the house had TWO full kitchens to make 
entertaining easier.

In the mid ‘80s, Meg took up line dancing, and 
eventually clogging. She never did anything halfway, so she soon started
 and rode herd on an active group of senior citizens, THE BIG TEXAN 
DANCERS, which grew to include nearly 100 dancers. For over 20 years, 
this group not only entertained at many places in and around Amarillo, 
including the Big Texan Steakhouse, they also traveled around the U.S. 
and even overseas. All trips were organized, planned, and shepherded by 
Meg. Wherever they went, they danced: airport boarding areas, train 
station waiting areas, hotel lobbies; no space was safe.

For over 40 years, she was a tireless advocate for
 Senior Citizens, including starting and managing the Retired Senior 
Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Amarillo, as well as many other 
organizations devoted to promoting the health and wellbeing of Seniors.

Meg was also an avid angler. She loved fishing of 
all kinds, from catfishing in local creeks and lakes, fishing for bass 
and crappie at Lake Tanglewood, to Deep Sea fishing trips to Alaska, 
Mexico and Hawaii, where she landed a 335-pound marlin.

Meg always wanted to be in the movies, and she was
 an “extra” in several that filmed in the Texas panhandle, including 
appearing on screen in the 1992 Steve Martin movie “Leap of Faith.” 
(Watch the ending credits to see her and some of the other Big Texan 
Dancers feeling the love at a revival meeting!)

Margaret will be remembered for her zest for life,
 for her lifelong dedication to physical fitness, for her love of 
friends and family, and for the World’s Greatest Cinnamon Rolls.

She is survived by sons, Larry Logan of Hudson, 
Florida, and Dean Logan of Amarillo, Texas; daughters, Diane Hester of 
Lacey, Washington, and Susan Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina; four
 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and 
three step great-grandchildren; and many, many friends. The family 
requests, that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to local Hospice 
providers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679758778173.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Margaret Louise “Meg” Logan passed away in the 
early morning hours of March 22, 2023, at Olympia Transitional Care in 
Lacey, Washington, where she had been a resident for the last six years.
 She was 93 years young.Margaret was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, 
the youngest of four children born to Wilbur and Nina Snook. She 
graduated Highland Park High School in 1948. She married Ronald Logan in
 1949. She was remarried to Ralph Naden in 1979. Both preceded her in 
death.After living in Hays, Kansas, (10 years) and 
Wichita, Kansas (4 years), the family moved to Amarillo, Texas, in 1966, 
and Meg lived there until 2013, when she moved to Lacey, Washington, to 
be close to daughter, Diane. (For a couple of years starting in 1973, 
she lived in California, where she was the Director of the 
ultra-exclusive Golden Door Health Spa in Escondido).Margaret was an athlete and fitness buff her 
entire life. She participated in many sports, including basketball and 
roller skating in high school, then snow skiing, softball, golf, water 
skiing, bowling, tennis and racquet ball as an adult.In Amarillo, Meg had two different TV shows, 
“Exercise With Margaret” and “The Margaret Logan Show.” Meg married 
Ralph Naden in 1979 and they soon built a three-story home at nearby 
Lake Tanglewood. Naturally, the house had TWO full kitchens to make 
entertaining easier.In the mid ‘80s, Meg took up line dancing, and 
eventually clogging. She never did anything halfway, so she soon started
 and rode herd on an active group of senior citizens, THE BIG TEXAN 
DANCERS, which grew to include nearly 100 dancers. For over 20 years, 
this group not only entertained at many places in and around Amarillo, 
including the Big Texan Steakhouse, they also traveled around the U.S. 
and even overseas. All trips were organized, planned, and shepherded by 
Meg. Wherever they went, they danced: airport boarding areas, train 
station waiting areas, hotel lobbies; no space was safe.For over 40 years, she was a tireless advocate for
 Senior Citizens, including starting and managing the Retired Senior 
Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Amarillo, as well as many other 
organizations devoted to promoting the health and wellbeing of Seniors.Meg was also an avid angler. She loved fishing of 
all kinds, from catfishing in local creeks and lakes, fishing for bass 
and crappie at Lake Tanglewood, to Deep Sea fishing trips to Alaska, 
Mexico and Hawaii, where she landed a 335-pound marlin.Meg always wanted to be in the movies, and she was
 an “extra” in several that filmed in the Texas panhandle, including 
appearing on screen in the 1992 Steve Martin movie “Leap of Faith.” 
(Watch the ending credits to see her and some of the other Big Texan 
Dancers feeling the love at a revival meeting!)Margaret will be remembered for her zest for life,
 for her lifelong dedication to physical fitness, for her love of 
friends and family, and for the World’s Greatest Cinnamon Rolls.She is survived by sons, Larry Logan of Hudson, 
Florida, and Dean Logan of Amarillo, Texas; daughters, Diane Hester of 
Lacey, Washington, and Susan Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina; four
 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step grandchildren; and 
three step great-grandchildren; and many, many friends. The family 
requests, that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to local Hospice 
providers.

Margaret Louise 'Meg' Logan

Emma Beth (Crawford) Rutz was born March 20, 1936, in Girard, Kansas. She passed away two days after her 87th
 birthday, on March 22, 2023. Beth was the second daughter of Russell 
and Thelma (Windbigler) Crawford, and had an older sister, Ann, and 
younger sister, Mary Jane.&nbsp;

Beth
 attended Parsons High, where she played the bass violin in high school.
 She shared about having her guy friends carry the big violin for her, 
because it was too heavy. She worked at an ice cream shop as a teenager,
 and it is there that she met the love of her life, Jim, who was 
attending the local community college to play football. A little known 
fact about Beth, is that she was engaged to another young man, when she 
met Jim. Her fiancée

was
 in the military, and she wrote him a “Dear John” letter to break off 
their engagement. I guess that Beth just knew when she met Jim, that he 
was the one for her. They dated nine months and were married August 17th, 1956.

Just
 shy of their first anniversary, Jim and Beth welcomed their first child
 into the world. Elizabeth Jane was born fifteen days before their 
anniversary. It was only sixteen short months later that their second 
daughter, Julie Ann, arrived. Although Libby was quite satisfied at 
being an only child, she would get used to being a big sister to Julie 
soon enough.&nbsp; They remained a family of four for over seven years.

Early
 on in their marriage, Beth was a telephone operator in Herington, KS 
and worked nights at her job. Jim would take care of his two small 
daughters, and his specialty dinner was fried bologna and Campbell’s 
chicken noodle soup.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Though
 Beth had her hands full with two small girls so close in age, after the
 sisters had grown some, she and Jim decided to expand their family.&nbsp; On
 June 18th, 1966, they welcomed their first and only son, 
Stephen James, into the world. Just like before, Steve was not the baby 
for very long. Just over two years later, on October 2nd, 
1968, Teresa Lyn came along and made the family a family of six.&nbsp; Steve 
was quite satisfied with being the baby, but Teresa took over that 
position, and has remained the youngest of four.

In
 Beth’s early forties she went back to school and attended Brown Mackie 
College to receive a secretarial degree. She would drive every day about
 an hour one way to go to class, having Steve and Teresa still at home 
to get on the bus before she left for her drive. She went for nine 
months, and practiced her shorthand at night and studied hard to achieve
 good grades in her classes. She did all this to help supplement the 
family’s income. Shortly after receiving her diploma, the family moved 
to Springfield, Colorado. There, she used her skill from college, to 
work for a dental office for several years. She enjoyed her job in the 
dental office with Dr. Branes, and the patients liked seeing Beth’s warm
 smile when going to their appointments.&nbsp; In 1987, after their youngest 
graduated from high school, Jim and Beth moved to Goodland, Kansas. 
Again, Beth used her skills from college and became a ward clerk for the
 Goodland Hospital.&nbsp; The couple lived in Goodland until three years ago 
in May.

In
 May of 2020, Jim and Beth moved to Minneapolis to be closer to their 
two older daughters. It was hard for Beth to leave their home in 
Goodland, but was what was best for Jim, since he had been diagnosed 
with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and had other health issues that required
 medical assistance.

Beth
 was a devoted mother, and always put her children before herself. She 
loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, and was happiest when 
she was around all her family. There was not anything she wouldn’t do 
for her children. She was patient, kind, and loving. She was a great 
example to her family and others that knew her. She loved to laugh, and 
her laughter was contagious.

Beth
 was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, just two and a half months 
ago. She was heartbroken without him and it is a true testament of their
 love that she wanted to be with him after he passed. She was also 
preceded in death by her parents, and both sisters.

Beth
 is survived by her four children: Libby Brown of Minneapolis, KS; Julie
 and Barry Nelson, of Delphos, KS; Steve Rutz, of Goodland, KS; and 
Teresa and Eric Jaquez, of Albuquerque, NM. Her legacy continues through
 her eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Funeral
 services will be at 1:30 PM, Monday, April 3, at Wilson Family Funeral 
Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. Burial will be in New 
Basel Cemetery, Abilene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 
Living Cornerstone Fellowship Church&nbsp;of Delphos, KS, and will be in the 
care of the funeral home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679756492635.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Emma Beth (Crawford) Rutz was born March 20, 1936, in Girard, Kansas. She passed away two days after her 87th
 birthday, on March 22, 2023. Beth was the second daughter of Russell 
and Thelma (Windbigler) Crawford, and had an older sister, Ann, and 
younger sister, Mary Jane.&nbsp;Beth
 attended Parsons High, where she played the bass violin in high school.
 She shared about having her guy friends carry the big violin for her, 
because it was too heavy. She worked at an ice cream shop as a teenager,
 and it is there that she met the love of her life, Jim, who was 
attending the local community college to play football. A little known 
fact about Beth, is that she was engaged to another young man, when she 
met Jim. Her fiancéewas
 in the military, and she wrote him a “Dear John” letter to break off 
their engagement. I guess that Beth just knew when she met Jim, that he 
was the one for her. They dated nine months and were married August 17th, 1956.Just
 shy of their first anniversary, Jim and Beth welcomed their first child
 into the world. Elizabeth Jane was born fifteen days before their 
anniversary. It was only sixteen short months later that their second 
daughter, Julie Ann, arrived. Although Libby was quite satisfied at 
being an only child, she would get used to being a big sister to Julie 
soon enough.&nbsp; They remained a family of four for over seven years.Early
 on in their marriage, Beth was a telephone operator in Herington, KS 
and worked nights at her job. Jim would take care of his two small 
daughters, and his specialty dinner was fried bologna and Campbell’s 
chicken noodle soup.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though
 Beth had her hands full with two small girls so close in age, after the
 sisters had grown some, she and Jim decided to expand their family.&nbsp; On
 June 18th, 1966, they welcomed their first and only son, 
Stephen James, into the world. Just like before, Steve was not the baby 
for very long. Just over two years later, on October 2nd, 
1968, Teresa Lyn came along and made the family a family of six.&nbsp; Steve 
was quite satisfied with being the baby, but Teresa took over that 
position, and has remained the youngest of four.In
 Beth’s early forties she went back to school and attended Brown Mackie 
College to receive a secretarial degree. She would drive every day about
 an hour one way to go to class, having Steve and Teresa still at home 
to get on the bus before she left for her drive. She went for nine 
months, and practiced her shorthand at night and studied hard to achieve
 good grades in her classes. She did all this to help supplement the 
family’s income. Shortly after receiving her diploma, the family moved 
to Springfield, Colorado. There, she used her skill from college, to 
work for a dental office for several years. She enjoyed her job in the 
dental office with Dr. Branes, and the patients liked seeing Beth’s warm
 smile when going to their appointments.&nbsp; In 1987, after their youngest 
graduated from high school, Jim and Beth moved to Goodland, Kansas. 
Again, Beth used her skills from college and became a ward clerk for the
 Goodland Hospital.&nbsp; The couple lived in Goodland until three years ago 
in May.In
 May of 2020, Jim and Beth moved to Minneapolis to be closer to their 
two older daughters. It was hard for Beth to leave their home in 
Goodland, but was what was best for Jim, since he had been diagnosed 
with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and had other health issues that required
 medical assistance.Beth
 was a devoted mother, and always put her children before herself. She 
loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, and was happiest when 
she was around all her family. There was not anything she wouldn’t do 
for her children. She was patient, kind, and loving. She was a great 
example to her family and others that knew her. She loved to laugh, and 
her laughter was contagious.Beth
 was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, just two and a half months 
ago. She was heartbroken without him and it is a true testament of their
 love that she wanted to be with him after he passed. She was also 
preceded in death by her parents, and both sisters.Beth
 is survived by her four children: Libby Brown of Minneapolis, KS; Julie
 and Barry Nelson, of Delphos, KS; Steve Rutz, of Goodland, KS; and 
Teresa and Eric Jaquez, of Albuquerque, NM. Her legacy continues through
 her eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.Funeral
 services will be at 1:30 PM, Monday, April 3, at Wilson Family Funeral 
Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. Burial will be in New 
Basel Cemetery, Abilene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 
Living Cornerstone Fellowship Church&nbsp;of Delphos, KS, and will be in the 
care of the funeral home.

 Emma Beth Rutz

Ethan Scott Knoll, 22, of Dighton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on March 21st, 2023, in his home. 
Ethan was born on August 30th, 2000, to Scott and Hailey Knoll in Garden City, Kansas. Ethan graduated from Holcomb High School in 2019. After high school, 
Ethan went on to study welding at Garden City Community College.

Ethan 
enjoyed motocross, trapshooting, football, baseball, bowling, his many 
friends, family get-togethers, listening to music, going to the lake, 
hunting, fishing, and going to watch the Garden City Wind Baseball team.
 Ethan also enjoyed volunteering to take K9 bites for the Garden City 
Police K9 program. Ethan was an avid KU and Chiefs fan. Ethan spent most
 of his weekends with his girlfriend Autumn Wadley. Together they 
enjoyed being with family, going out to eat, playing board games, 
cooking and dancing in the kitchen, and watching movies with popcorn and
 staying up late like little kids. Ethan always had a smile on his face 
and had a contagious laugh. He was a strong advocate for the underdogs, 
he was always there for the people who needed him the most. Ethan had a 
huge heart and took especially good care of his niece Raeli, spoiling 
her and learning to be the best uncle. Ethan was a beloved son, brother,
 grandson, and uncle. 
Ethan enjoyed working on the family farm, Knoll Inc., after school. He 
was currently working at Pete’s Place in Dighton as a bartender, server,
 and cook. He made many friends working behind the bar of Pete’s, 
enjoying every moment. He loved meeting all the residents of Dighton. 
Ethan was preceded in death by his grandfather's Clarence Knoll, and 
Rusty Smith.

He is survived by his mother Hailey Knoll of Dighton, KS, 
his father Scott Knoll (Lisa Knoll) of Holcomb, KS, his younger sister 
Branee Knoll of Holcomb, KS, his older sister Remmi Knoll (Zach Orr) of 
Dighton, KS, his niece Raeli Knoll of Dighton, KS, grandmother Sylvia 
Knoll of Deerfield, KS, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 
Services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City, on 
Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 10:30 am., with Fr. Jacob Schneider as 
Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Deerfield Cemetery in Deerfield, 
Kansas. Visitation will be held from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at 
Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.

 In lieu of flowers, the family 
requests donations be made towards the funeral expenses and/or The 
Finney County Humane Society, an organization Ethan felt strongly about 
and volunteered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679681670930.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ethan Scott Knoll, 22, of Dighton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on March 21st, 2023, in his home. 
Ethan was born on August 30th, 2000, to Scott and Hailey Knoll in Garden City, Kansas. Ethan graduated from Holcomb High School in 2019. After high school, 
Ethan went on to study welding at Garden City Community College. Ethan 
enjoyed motocross, trapshooting, football, baseball, bowling, his many 
friends, family get-togethers, listening to music, going to the lake, 
hunting, fishing, and going to watch the Garden City Wind Baseball team.
 Ethan also enjoyed volunteering to take K9 bites for the Garden City 
Police K9 program. Ethan was an avid KU and Chiefs fan. Ethan spent most
 of his weekends with his girlfriend Autumn Wadley. Together they 
enjoyed being with family, going out to eat, playing board games, 
cooking and dancing in the kitchen, and watching movies with popcorn and
 staying up late like little kids. Ethan always had a smile on his face 
and had a contagious laugh. He was a strong advocate for the underdogs, 
he was always there for the people who needed him the most. Ethan had a 
huge heart and took especially good care of his niece Raeli, spoiling 
her and learning to be the best uncle. Ethan was a beloved son, brother,
 grandson, and uncle. 
Ethan enjoyed working on the family farm, Knoll Inc., after school. He 
was currently working at Pete’s Place in Dighton as a bartender, server,
 and cook. He made many friends working behind the bar of Pete’s, 
enjoying every moment. He loved meeting all the residents of Dighton. 
Ethan was preceded in death by his grandfather's Clarence Knoll, and 
Rusty Smith. He is survived by his mother Hailey Knoll of Dighton, KS, 
his father Scott Knoll (Lisa Knoll) of Holcomb, KS, his younger sister 
Branee Knoll of Holcomb, KS, his older sister Remmi Knoll (Zach Orr) of 
Dighton, KS, his niece Raeli Knoll of Dighton, KS, grandmother Sylvia 
Knoll of Deerfield, KS, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 
Services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City, on 
Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 10:30 am., with Fr. Jacob Schneider as 
Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Deerfield Cemetery in Deerfield, 
Kansas. Visitation will be held from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at 
Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. In lieu of flowers, the family 
requests donations be made towards the funeral expenses and/or The 
Finney County Humane Society, an organization Ethan felt strongly about 
and volunteered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ethan Scott Knoll

Maurice C. Watson passed away March 18th, 2023, at the Cimarron Nursing Center in Kingfisher, OK at the age of 93. He was born April 15th, 1929, in Smith County, KS, the son of Austin T and Georgia M (Woodard) Watson.

Maurice served in the US Army in his early 20s. He always enjoyed talking about driving for the officers and how they always appreciated his promptness and hard work. After serving his country Maurice returned to the States where he worked at Boeing Aircraft as a blueprint specialist, also working other jobs throughout the years. He then later married Dorothy Mashaney and they became parents to Bonnie and Connie. Later through the years they were divorced. The girls and their mother and stepfather moved to Oklahoma where Maurice would soon follow to be around his girls. He worked at Presbyterian Hospital as a Broiler Operator. He returned to Kansas later to help take care of his mother after his father had passed. He then worked for the State of Kansas for 15 years where he retired from. Maurice was a truly kind gentle and loving son, father, and grandfather. He always put his family first, sometimes working 3 jobs to make ends meet. His many relatives and friends enjoyed his humor, he always had funny things to tell. 

Everyone that met him always talked about how sweet a man he was. His daughters will tell you how wonderful a father he was and that he was the best father a girl could ask for. Maurice was a Christian man and had a heart like Jesus. He will be missed by his daughters and their families and friends. He was a very loved Man by all who met him!

Preceded in death by his father and mother Austin and Georgia Watson, one brother Austin Watson Jr and two sisters Marcele Hawkins and Celia Watson.

Survivors include twin daughters, Bonnie Watson of Tuttle, OK and Connie Simmons of El Reno, OK along with their siblings Karen Finney and Paula Natarelli both of Sun City AZ, Larry Woodrome of Bartlesville, OK and Ginger Ashley of Weatherford OK, he loved them like his own girls. Four grandchildren, Dustin &amp; Wife Nikki Strong of Tuttle, OK, Angela Weiss of Phoenix, AZ, Marisa, and husband Joseph Jackson of Dover, OK and Stasha Turner of El Reno, OK, nine great grandchildren Justus, Zane, Kaci, Cierra, Rashelle, Reyse, Serenity, Lux and Symphony and six great great grandchildren Gracie, Paisley, Xzander, Layla, Hazel and Levlyn.

A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Art Walker, was held 
Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Fairview Cemetery in 
Phillipsburg, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679681424668.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Maurice C. Watson passed away March 18th, 2023, at the Cimarron Nursing Center in Kingfisher, OK at the age of 93. He was born April 15th, 1929, in Smith County, KS, the son of Austin T and Georgia M (Woodard) Watson.Maurice served in the US Army in his early 20s. He always enjoyed talking about driving for the officers and how they always appreciated his promptness and hard work. After serving his country Maurice returned to the States where he worked at Boeing Aircraft as a blueprint specialist, also working other jobs throughout the years. He then later married Dorothy Mashaney and they became parents to Bonnie and Connie. Later through the years they were divorced. The girls and their mother and stepfather moved to Oklahoma where Maurice would soon follow to be around his girls. He worked at Presbyterian Hospital as a Broiler Operator. He returned to Kansas later to help take care of his mother after his father had passed. He then worked for the State of Kansas for 15 years where he retired from. Maurice was a truly kind gentle and loving son, father, and grandfather. He always put his family first, sometimes working 3 jobs to make ends meet. His many relatives and friends enjoyed his humor, he always had funny things to tell. Everyone that met him always talked about how sweet a man he was. His daughters will tell you how wonderful a father he was and that he was the best father a girl could ask for. Maurice was a Christian man and had a heart like Jesus. He will be missed by his daughters and their families and friends. He was a very loved Man by all who met him!Preceded in death by his father and mother Austin and Georgia Watson, one brother Austin Watson Jr and two sisters Marcele Hawkins and Celia Watson.Survivors include twin daughters, Bonnie Watson of Tuttle, OK and Connie Simmons of El Reno, OK along with their siblings Karen Finney and Paula Natarelli both of Sun City AZ, Larry Woodrome of Bartlesville, OK and Ginger Ashley of Weatherford OK, he loved them like his own girls. Four grandchildren, Dustin &amp; Wife Nikki Strong of Tuttle, OK, Angela Weiss of Phoenix, AZ, Marisa, and husband Joseph Jackson of Dover, OK and Stasha Turner of El Reno, OK, nine great grandchildren Justus, Zane, Kaci, Cierra, Rashelle, Reyse, Serenity, Lux and Symphony and six great great grandchildren Gracie, Paisley, Xzander, Layla, Hazel and Levlyn.A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Art Walker, was held 
Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Fairview Cemetery in 
Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Maurice C. Watson

Cecil Jack Grieve passed away on Thursday March 16th, 2023, at the age of 85 at his home in Highridge, Missouri.

Cecil
 was born on November 30th, 1937, in Beloit, Kansas. He attended school 
up through 8th grade and left home doing various jobs and was well known
 for his carpentry skills throughout his life.  In 1960 he joined the 
Army National Guard in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He met Karen Schultz 
and was united in marriage on June 12th, 1960. To that marriage, 4 
children were born — Sheila, Julie, Mark, and Stephen.

Cecil was preceded in death by his wife Karen (1994). parents and his 5 brothers, 5 sisters and 1 great grandson.

He
 is survived by his children Sheila Dornon and husband Frank of Russell,
 Kansas, Julie Smith and husband Keith of Highridge, Missouri, Mark 
Grieve of Victoria, Kansas, and Stephen Grieve and wife Cindy of 
Phillipsburg, Kansas. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 17 
great grandchildren.

Funeral services at Rentschler Family Mortuary Osborne Chapel on March 27th, 2023, at 10:00 AM.

He will be laid to rest in Cedar, Kansas.&nbsp;

The
 family request memorials in lieu of flowers be made out to Julie Smith 
and can be sent in care of Rentschler Family Mortuary.

There
 will be a luncheon at the Gaylord community center following the burial
 at Cedar, Kansas, and friends and family are welcome to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679676156368.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cecil Jack Grieve passed away on Thursday March 16th, 2023, at the age of 85 at his home in Highridge, Missouri.Cecil
 was born on November 30th, 1937, in Beloit, Kansas. He attended school 
up through 8th grade and left home doing various jobs and was well known
 for his carpentry skills throughout his life. In 1960 he joined the 
Army National Guard in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He met Karen Schultz 
and was united in marriage on June 12th, 1960. To that marriage, 4 
children were born — Sheila, Julie, Mark, and Stephen.Cecil was preceded in death by his wife Karen (1994). parents and his 5 brothers, 5 sisters and 1 great grandson.He
 is survived by his children Sheila Dornon and husband Frank of Russell,
 Kansas, Julie Smith and husband Keith of Highridge, Missouri, Mark 
Grieve of Victoria, Kansas, and Stephen Grieve and wife Cindy of 
Phillipsburg, Kansas. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 17 
great grandchildren.Funeral services at Rentschler Family Mortuary Osborne Chapel on March 27th, 2023, at 10:00 AM.He will be laid to rest in Cedar, Kansas.&nbsp;The
 family request memorials in lieu of flowers be made out to Julie Smith 
and can be sent in care of Rentschler Family Mortuary. There
 will be a luncheon at the Gaylord community center following the burial
 at Cedar, Kansas, and friends and family are welcome to attend.

Cecil Jack Grieve

Larry Harold Richards, 78, of Hoxie, Kansas passed away peacefully 
surrounded by his loved ones at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTC, 
Hoxie, Kansas. Larry Harold Richards was born September 17, 1944, in 
Quinter, Kansas, to Harold and Dorothy (Bell) Richards. Larry attended 
elementary school at Bow Creek township then graduated from Hoxie High 
school in 1962. April 4, 1965, Larry married the love of his life Twyla
 LaVonne Hoffman, in this unity of marriage they were blessed with three
 girls Teresa, Brenda, and Debra.

Larry was always a 
hardworking man. After graduating High school in 1962-1965, he worked 
with many farmers. In 1965, he and Twyla moved to Quinter, Kansas, where 
he worked at Flex King from 1965-1966. Moved to work for a  farmer in 
Penokee, Kansas from 1966-1967. Moved to Hill City, Kansas, where Larry 
worked for Graham County Road Department from 1966-1974. Moved to Hoxie,
 Kansas, where he was a janitor at the Hoxie High School from 1974-1978. 
Then went to work for the Sheridan County Road Department from 1978-2004
 when he had to retire due to health reasons.

Larry is 
survived by Twyla, his loving wife of 58 years, of Hoxie, Kansas;  
children,  Teresa (Melvin) Quackenbush, Ronan, Montana, Brenda (Gordon) 
Morton, Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and Debra (Danny) Dible, Menlo, Kansas; 
 fourteen grandkids, Lorraine, Bradley, Derek (Lesley), Brandonn 
(Shelby), Chris (Colleen), Anthony, Elizabeth, Grason, Michael 
(Kristin), Steven (Chauntell), Jarrod, Travis, Andy (Kenna) &amp; Brett 
(Val);  twenty-One Great-Grandkids;  three great-great-grandchildren;  
sister Linda Tanner, of Loveland, Colorado;  brother, Terry Richards, 
Hoxie, Kansas; many Aunts &amp; Uncles; nephew, Kyle Tanner; niece,  
Kerri Tanner, and many cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Nephew, and Niece.

Although Larry was faced with insurmountable health challenges, he never lost his sense of humor or engaging spirit.

A
 funeral service is planned for Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:30 at the 
Hoxie United Methodist Church, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be held 
Friday, March 31, 2023, from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with family 
receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Mickey-Leopold 
Funeral Home. 

 Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit 
Walk and may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, 
Kansas 67740.  Words of caring and comfort may be left for the family at
 www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.  This service will be live streamed, and 
the link will be found at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679675566135.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Harold Richards, 78, of Hoxie, Kansas passed away peacefully 
surrounded by his loved ones at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTC, 
Hoxie, Kansas. Larry Harold Richards was born September 17, 1944, in 
Quinter, Kansas, to Harold and Dorothy (Bell) Richards. Larry attended 
elementary school at Bow Creek township then graduated from Hoxie High 
school in 1962. April 4, 1965, Larry married the love of his life Twyla
 LaVonne Hoffman, in this unity of marriage they were blessed with three
 girls Teresa, Brenda, and Debra.Larry was always a 
hardworking man. After graduating High school in 1962-1965, he worked 
with many farmers. In 1965, he and Twyla moved to Quinter, Kansas, where 
he worked at Flex King from 1965-1966. Moved to work for a farmer in 
Penokee, Kansas from 1966-1967. Moved to Hill City, Kansas, where Larry 
worked for Graham County Road Department from 1966-1974. Moved to Hoxie,
 Kansas, where he was a janitor at the Hoxie High School from 1974-1978. 
Then went to work for the Sheridan County Road Department from 1978-2004
 when he had to retire due to health reasons.Larry is 
survived by Twyla, his loving wife of 58 years, of Hoxie, Kansas; 
children, Teresa (Melvin) Quackenbush, Ronan, Montana, Brenda (Gordon) 
Morton, Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and Debra (Danny) Dible, Menlo, Kansas; 
 fourteen grandkids, Lorraine, Bradley, Derek (Lesley), Brandonn 
(Shelby), Chris (Colleen), Anthony, Elizabeth, Grason, Michael 
(Kristin), Steven (Chauntell), Jarrod, Travis, Andy (Kenna) &amp; Brett 
(Val); twenty-One Great-Grandkids; three great-great-grandchildren; 
sister Linda Tanner, of Loveland, Colorado; brother, Terry Richards, 
Hoxie, Kansas; many Aunts &amp; Uncles; nephew, Kyle Tanner; niece, 
Kerri Tanner, and many cousins.He was proceeded in death by his Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Nephew, and Niece.Although Larry was faced with insurmountable health challenges, he never lost his sense of humor or engaging spirit.A
 funeral service is planned for Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:30 at the 
Hoxie United Methodist Church, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be held 
Friday, March 31, 2023, from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with family 
receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Mickey-Leopold 
Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit 
Walk and may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, 
Kansas 67740. Words of caring and comfort may be left for the family at
 www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com. This service will be live streamed, and 
the link will be found at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Larry Harold Richards

Blake E. Herres, 70, of Hoisington, Kansas, passed away March 23, 
2023, surrounded by his family.&nbsp; He was born in Hoisington, Kansas, to 
Mary Ellen “Jill” Herres and James Edward “Ed” Herres on August 13, 
1952.&nbsp; Blake was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March of 2021 and 
was ready for battle. He was willing to complete any surgery or 
treatment offered to him. Although the battle was eventually lost, he 
fought to the bitter end. Although he had the excitement of seeing 
those loved ones who have passed, he was taken too soon and wanted more 
time with his children and grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blake attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Hoisington Junior High, 
and then graduated from Hoisington High School in 1970 where he 
developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning.&nbsp; 
Growing up as a Kansas State Wildcat fan, he attended Kansas State 
University where he belonged to the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and 
graduated with a Bachelor’s of Pre-Med in 1974.&nbsp; He remained a 
passionate Kansas State University football and men’s and women’s 
basketball fan.&nbsp; Blake worked in the oil field prior to attending the 
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry.&nbsp; Blake met Julie
 L. Stone in Manhattan and they married on May 10, 1975.&nbsp; They moved to 
Hoisington in 1979 where Blake started his dental practice which lasted 
until his retirement in the Fall of 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blake thoroughly enjoyed small-town living where the country was 
always at his doorstep.&nbsp; He was an avid outdoorsman with his favorite 
outdoor time being spent fishing for walleye with his Dad, girls or 
sons-in law, hunting for pheasants and geese, and attending his annual 
turkey hunt in Arkansas or Missouri with his long-time hunting buddies.&nbsp;
 He was an active member of the Hoisington Gun Club.&nbsp; He always took a 
moment to appreciate the fresh air and to take a walk at the farm.&nbsp; He 
made sure that his daughters were taught the value of nature and to 
appreciate their surroundings.&nbsp;

Blake was a volunteer coach in Hoisington ranging from his Pre-Molars
 tee ball teams up through various softball and basketball teams until 
school sports began in 7th Grade.&nbsp; He served on the USD 431 
school board 12 years, including 5 years as President.&nbsp; His school board
 stint involved navigating the school district through the aftermath of 
the Hoisington tornado in 2001.&nbsp; “Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal” 
rang true for Blake.&nbsp; His support of the Hoisington Cardinals never 
waned, even after his girls had graduated from high school.&nbsp; He 
frequented as many Cardinal sporting events as time would allow. His 
most recent and maybe most enjoyable hobby was being the color 
commentator on the radio for the Hoisington Cardinals calling games for 
the football and basketball teams.&nbsp; Blake started as the color 
commentator in 2001 and called his last game on December 13, 2022, where 
the Cardinals played Sterling at home.&nbsp; Even after his disease didn’t 
allow him to call any more games, the radio dial was always set to 100.7
 F.M. when the Cardinals were playing.

He instilled in his daughters that as long as you work hard, you can 
play hard too. He took the girls on annual vacations where the he 
introduced them to his love of music making a “pick hits” tape for every
 trip that included his favorite tunes ranging from Gordon Lightfoot, 
The Beatles, bluegrass, rock -and-roll and folk music. Music was always 
playing in the Herres household and permeated throughout the house and 
their many adventures.&nbsp;

He is survived by his children: Sarah J. Linsner (Kevin), Hoisington;
 Hannah R. Herres, Wichita; and Addie L. Baird (Zach), Hoisington.&nbsp; He 
will be forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren: Ella 
Linsner, Vivien Linsner, Lydia Linsner, Dominic Gloria, Dakota Gloria, 
Halle Baird, Cordell Baird, and Mylee Baird, and one sister, Kimberly A.
 Herres.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his parents, and Julie L. Herres.

Friends may sign the book 12 - 6 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 27th, 2023, at 
Concordia Lutheran Church, with Pastor Gary Wolf presiding.&nbsp; Inurnment 
will be in Hoisington Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Dr. Blake E. Herres Memorial Fund to 
support Hoisington Cardinal Athletics or Academics, in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679674970911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Blake E. Herres, 70, of Hoisington, Kansas, passed away March 23, 
2023, surrounded by his family.&nbsp; He was born in Hoisington, Kansas, to 
Mary Ellen “Jill” Herres and James Edward “Ed” Herres on August 13, 
1952.&nbsp; Blake was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March of 2021 and 
was ready for battle. He was willing to complete any surgery or 
treatment offered to him. Although the battle was eventually lost, he 
fought to the bitter end. Although he had the excitement of seeing 
those loved ones who have passed, he was taken too soon and wanted more 
time with his children and grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blake attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Hoisington Junior High, 
and then graduated from Hoisington High School in 1970 where he 
developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning.&nbsp; 
Growing up as a Kansas State Wildcat fan, he attended Kansas State 
University where he belonged to the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and 
graduated with a Bachelor’s of Pre-Med in 1974.&nbsp; He remained a 
passionate Kansas State University football and men’s and women’s 
basketball fan.&nbsp; Blake worked in the oil field prior to attending the 
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry.&nbsp; Blake met Julie
 L. Stone in Manhattan and they married on May 10, 1975.&nbsp; They moved to 
Hoisington in 1979 where Blake started his dental practice which lasted 
until his retirement in the Fall of 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blake thoroughly enjoyed small-town living where the country was 
always at his doorstep.&nbsp; He was an avid outdoorsman with his favorite 
outdoor time being spent fishing for walleye with his Dad, girls or 
sons-in law, hunting for pheasants and geese, and attending his annual 
turkey hunt in Arkansas or Missouri with his long-time hunting buddies.&nbsp;
 He was an active member of the Hoisington Gun Club.&nbsp; He always took a 
moment to appreciate the fresh air and to take a walk at the farm.&nbsp; He 
made sure that his daughters were taught the value of nature and to 
appreciate their surroundings.&nbsp;Blake was a volunteer coach in Hoisington ranging from his Pre-Molars
 tee ball teams up through various softball and basketball teams until 
school sports began in 7th Grade.&nbsp; He served on the USD 431 
school board 12 years, including 5 years as President.&nbsp; His school board
 stint involved navigating the school district through the aftermath of 
the Hoisington tornado in 2001.&nbsp; “Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal” 
rang true for Blake.&nbsp; His support of the Hoisington Cardinals never 
waned, even after his girls had graduated from high school.&nbsp; He 
frequented as many Cardinal sporting events as time would allow. His 
most recent and maybe most enjoyable hobby was being the color 
commentator on the radio for the Hoisington Cardinals calling games for 
the football and basketball teams.&nbsp; Blake started as the color 
commentator in 2001 and called his last game on December 13, 2022, where 
the Cardinals played Sterling at home.&nbsp; Even after his disease didn’t 
allow him to call any more games, the radio dial was always set to 100.7
 F.M. when the Cardinals were playing.He instilled in his daughters that as long as you work hard, you can 
play hard too. He took the girls on annual vacations where the he 
introduced them to his love of music making a “pick hits” tape for every
 trip that included his favorite tunes ranging from Gordon Lightfoot, 
The Beatles, bluegrass, rock -and-roll and folk music. Music was always 
playing in the Herres household and permeated throughout the house and 
their many adventures.&nbsp;He is survived by his children: Sarah J. Linsner (Kevin), Hoisington;
 Hannah R. Herres, Wichita; and Addie L. Baird (Zach), Hoisington.&nbsp; He 
will be forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren: Ella 
Linsner, Vivien Linsner, Lydia Linsner, Dominic Gloria, Dakota Gloria, 
Halle Baird, Cordell Baird, and Mylee Baird, and one sister, Kimberly A.
 Herres.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his parents, and Julie L. Herres.Friends may sign the book 12 - 6 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 27th, 2023, at 
Concordia Lutheran Church, with Pastor Gary Wolf presiding.&nbsp; Inurnment 
will be in Hoisington Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the Dr. Blake E. Herres Memorial Fund to 
support Hoisington Cardinal Athletics or Academics, in care of 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dr. Blake E. Herres

Betty Lee Marshall, 94, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in 
Wichita, KS. Funeral Service will be held 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 25, 
2023, at Downing &amp; Lahey East Mortuary. Graveside Service will be at
 1:00 pm, Monday, March 27, 2023, at City of Stockton Cemetery, 
Stockton, KS.

Betty was born February 22, 1929, in Stockton, KS. 
She graduated from Stockton High School as Valedictorian of her class in
 1946. Betty moved to Hays, KS to attend Fort Hays State University. She
 started in the insurance industry in 1961 as a typist. She progressed 
within her company that later became High Plains Insurance. She started a
 chapter of the National Association of Insurance Women in western 
Kansas and served on nearly every committee at one time or another in 
her region. She was instrumental in organizing the Kansas Society of 
Insurance Women. Betty moved to Wichita in 1976 and was employed by 
Manning’s Insurance as an office manager and was involved in nearly 
every aspect of the business. During her working time in Wichita, she 
was involved in many local, state, and national insurance organizations.

Betty
 enjoyed many adventures with her longtime friend and companion James 
“Jim” Thorn. She also enjoyed spending her leisure time quilting and 
created many award-winning quilts over the years. &nbsp;

Betty was a contributor to many charities and was especially generous to those that involved children and families. &nbsp;

She
 was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Georgia Marshall; 
adopted daughter, Mona; and longtime companion, James Thorn. She is 
survived by her brother, Paul Marshall (Debra) of Great Bend, KS; 
adopted daughter, Kay Dey (Mike) of Galipolis, OH; grandchildren, Carly 
Jimenez (Jeff), Anthony Dey and Marissa Touw; great-grandchildren, 
Alexis Webb, Claire Webb, Madison Webb, Maya Touw.

A memorial has been established with: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679608168242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty Lee Marshall, 94, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in 
Wichita, KS. Funeral Service will be held 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 25, 
2023, at Downing &amp; Lahey East Mortuary. Graveside Service will be at
 1:00 pm, Monday, March 27, 2023, at City of Stockton Cemetery, 
Stockton, KS.Betty was born February 22, 1929, in Stockton, KS. 
She graduated from Stockton High School as Valedictorian of her class in
 1946. Betty moved to Hays, KS to attend Fort Hays State University. She
 started in the insurance industry in 1961 as a typist. She progressed 
within her company that later became High Plains Insurance. She started a
 chapter of the National Association of Insurance Women in western 
Kansas and served on nearly every committee at one time or another in 
her region. She was instrumental in organizing the Kansas Society of 
Insurance Women. Betty moved to Wichita in 1976 and was employed by 
Manning’s Insurance as an office manager and was involved in nearly 
every aspect of the business. During her working time in Wichita, she 
was involved in many local, state, and national insurance organizations.Betty
 enjoyed many adventures with her longtime friend and companion James 
“Jim” Thorn. She also enjoyed spending her leisure time quilting and 
created many award-winning quilts over the years. &nbsp;Betty was a contributor to many charities and was especially generous to those that involved children and families. &nbsp;She
 was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Georgia Marshall; 
adopted daughter, Mona; and longtime companion, James Thorn. She is 
survived by her brother, Paul Marshall (Debra) of Great Bend, KS; 
adopted daughter, Kay Dey (Mike) of Galipolis, OH; grandchildren, Carly 
Jimenez (Jeff), Anthony Dey and Marissa Touw; great-grandchildren, 
Alexis Webb, Claire Webb, Madison Webb, Maya Touw.A memorial has been established with: Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.

Betty Lee Marshall

Steve Armstrong, 70 years old, passed away Thursday at his home in 
Tyrone, OK, on March 16, 2023. He was born in El Paso, Texas on July 29,
 1952, to Dorothy Armstrong and JD Armstrong Sr.&nbsp;

Steve wrestled while attending Liberal High School and graduated in 
1970.&nbsp; He had experience in various occupations including Second Street 
Jack and Jill, AAA Electric, Carlile Water Well, Purina Mills, Nash 
Finch, DeKalb, USD 480, and SCCC. He retired from SCCC in 2017 where he 
deeply enjoyed his coworkers and working in the ground’s maintenance.&nbsp;

Steve enjoyed excelling at his work, riding motorcycles and spending 
time with his family. He also enjoyed coaching Little League football 
and watching Notre Dame and Kansas City Chiefs games.

Steve was survived by his wife of 26 years Beverley Olney (Tyrone, 
OK), his brothers JD Armstrong Jr. (Wichita, KS), Doug Armstrong 
(WaKeeney, KS), and Bobby Armstrong (Belaire, KS); his son Jon Armstrong
 (Hays, KS), his daughter Michelle (Armstrong) Robinson (Wichita, KS), 
his step-daughter Charlotte Sanders (Liberal, KS), his step-son Todd 
Sanders (Arcadia, OK) and his grandchildren Brandon Parker, Jace 
Armstrong, Dawson Armstrong, and step-grandson Brennan Sanders.&nbsp;

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson (Erin Armstrong).

There will not be a public service and the family will have a private
 memorial at a later date. 

In lieu of sending flowers, the family is 
asking for donations in memory of Steve Armstrong to Seward County 
Community College Foundation at <a href="http://www.scccfoundation.org">www.scccfoundation.org</a> or Seward County Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67905.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679608072160.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steve Armstrong, 70 years old, passed away Thursday at his home in 
Tyrone, OK, on March 16, 2023. He was born in El Paso, Texas on July 29,
 1952, to Dorothy Armstrong and JD Armstrong Sr.&nbsp;Steve wrestled while attending Liberal High School and graduated in 
1970.&nbsp; He had experience in various occupations including Second Street 
Jack and Jill, AAA Electric, Carlile Water Well, Purina Mills, Nash 
Finch, DeKalb, USD 480, and SCCC. He retired from SCCC in 2017 where he 
deeply enjoyed his coworkers and working in the ground’s maintenance.&nbsp;Steve enjoyed excelling at his work, riding motorcycles and spending 
time with his family. He also enjoyed coaching Little League football 
and watching Notre Dame and Kansas City Chiefs games.Steve was survived by his wife of 26 years Beverley Olney (Tyrone, 
OK), his brothers JD Armstrong Jr. (Wichita, KS), Doug Armstrong 
(WaKeeney, KS), and Bobby Armstrong (Belaire, KS); his son Jon Armstrong
 (Hays, KS), his daughter Michelle (Armstrong) Robinson (Wichita, KS), 
his step-daughter Charlotte Sanders (Liberal, KS), his step-son Todd 
Sanders (Arcadia, OK) and his grandchildren Brandon Parker, Jace 
Armstrong, Dawson Armstrong, and step-grandson Brennan Sanders.&nbsp;Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson (Erin Armstrong).There will not be a public service and the family will have a private
 memorial at a later date. In lieu of sending flowers, the family is 
asking for donations in memory of Steve Armstrong to Seward County 
Community College Foundation at <a href="http://www.scccfoundation.org">www.scccfoundation.org</a> or Seward County Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67905.

Steve Armstrong

Freda Gustafson, 85, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hugoton, Kansas.

&nbsp;Freda
 was born to James Harmon and Susie Edna (Nicholes) Ausbun on August 6, 
1937, in Hugoton, Kansas. She was a lifetime resident of Stevens 
County.&nbsp;

Freda
 married Alfred Eric Gustafson in Hugoton, Kansas on April 22, 1957.&nbsp; 
This union and marriage were blessed with five children, Debra, David, 
Resi, Steve, and Lisa.

&nbsp;She
 was a graduate of Hugoton High School, going on to attend Anderson 
College in Anderson, Indiana and Fort Hays State, Hays, KS. She chose to
 stay home to raise her children, choosing to join the work force when 
her youngest was in middle school. &nbsp;&nbsp;Freda was an office manager at 
Collingwood Grain and later ADM Grain Elevator for many years, retiring 
in 2005.&nbsp; 

While she and Eric mostly lived in the Stevens County area, 
they also spent time in Graham County, living and farming on the Redline
 Road, attending Redline Church of God, and sending children to school 
in Bogue, Kansas.&nbsp; Many memories and friends were made and remain there.

She
 was a member of the First Church of God in Hugoton.&nbsp; At church she 
loved teaching the nursery class and sharing Bible stories with them.&nbsp; 
She and her husband also were youth sponsors for many years; coaching 
the Co-Ed softball team brought her much joy.

At
 Anderson College, Freda played on the women’s basketball team.&nbsp; Because
 of her brother, she was asked to try out for the team even though she 
told them she’d never played.&nbsp; She made the team.&nbsp; She continued to play
 women’s softball as a young mother, continuing to pitch.&nbsp; Her oldest 
daughter remembers her pitching a fast pitch no-hitter one night.

Freda
 loved to go see her children and grandchildren, and they knew she loved
 them.&nbsp; She took every chance she could to go watch any of the 
grandchildren's activities throughout their childhood years. 

Her
 hobbies were gardening, ceramics, sewing, knitting, and enjoying coffee
 with friends in the coffee group back in Bogue. The garden became much 
smaller once she started to work full time, but she always canned quarts
 of green beans until she gave up the garden.&nbsp; The petunias in her back 
yard were always a favorite spring project.

&nbsp;She
 is survived by her two sons: David Gustafson and wife Toya, Hugoton, 
KS; Steve Gustafson and wife Brandy, Panhandle, TX.; three daughters: 
Debra Wilson and husband Phil, Plains, KS; Resi Valek and husband Bill, 
Agenda, KS; Lisa Whitham and husband Matt, Moscow, KS; a brother Gary 
Ausbun and wife Frankie, Leo, IN; brother-in-law, James (Jim) Kramer, 
Prairie Village, KS; sister-in-law, Margaret Ninemeyer, La Junta, CO; 16
 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

&nbsp;Freda
 was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Alfred Eric Gustafson; 
grandson, Jacob (Jake) Valek; brothers, James H. Ausbun Jr. and Harold 
Ausbun; two sisters, Verla Seeman and Shirley Kramer.&nbsp;

A
 memorial has been established for the First Church of God of Hugoton, 
in the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.

&nbsp;Visitation
 will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. at Robson 
Funeral Home, Hugoton.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 6 P.M. to 7
 P.M. at Robson Funeral Home.

The
 funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. 
at First Church of God, Hugoton, Kansas, with Pastor Israel Franco and 
Pastor Richard Martin presiding. Burial to follow at Hugoton Cemetery.

Robson Funeral Home, Hugoton, is overseeing the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679607988256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Freda Gustafson, 85, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hugoton, Kansas.&nbsp;Freda
 was born to James Harmon and Susie Edna (Nicholes) Ausbun on August 6, 
1937, in Hugoton, Kansas. She was a lifetime resident of Stevens 
County.&nbsp;Freda
 married Alfred Eric Gustafson in Hugoton, Kansas on April 22, 1957.&nbsp; 
This union and marriage were blessed with five children, Debra, David, 
Resi, Steve, and Lisa.&nbsp;She
 was a graduate of Hugoton High School, going on to attend Anderson 
College in Anderson, Indiana and Fort Hays State, Hays, KS. She chose to
 stay home to raise her children, choosing to join the work force when 
her youngest was in middle school. &nbsp;&nbsp;Freda was an office manager at 
Collingwood Grain and later ADM Grain Elevator for many years, retiring 
in 2005.&nbsp; While she and Eric mostly lived in the Stevens County area, 
they also spent time in Graham County, living and farming on the Redline
 Road, attending Redline Church of God, and sending children to school 
in Bogue, Kansas.&nbsp; Many memories and friends were made and remain there.She
 was a member of the First Church of God in Hugoton.&nbsp; At church she 
loved teaching the nursery class and sharing Bible stories with them.&nbsp; 
She and her husband also were youth sponsors for many years; coaching 
the Co-Ed softball team brought her much joy.At
 Anderson College, Freda played on the women’s basketball team.&nbsp; Because
 of her brother, she was asked to try out for the team even though she 
told them she’d never played.&nbsp; She made the team.&nbsp; She continued to play
 women’s softball as a young mother, continuing to pitch.&nbsp; Her oldest 
daughter remembers her pitching a fast pitch no-hitter one night.Freda
 loved to go see her children and grandchildren, and they knew she loved
 them.&nbsp; She took every chance she could to go watch any of the 
grandchildren's activities throughout their childhood years. Her
 hobbies were gardening, ceramics, sewing, knitting, and enjoying coffee
 with friends in the coffee group back in Bogue. The garden became much 
smaller once she started to work full time, but she always canned quarts
 of green beans until she gave up the garden.&nbsp; The petunias in her back 
yard were always a favorite spring project.&nbsp;She
 is survived by her two sons: David Gustafson and wife Toya, Hugoton, 
KS; Steve Gustafson and wife Brandy, Panhandle, TX.; three daughters: 
Debra Wilson and husband Phil, Plains, KS; Resi Valek and husband Bill, 
Agenda, KS; Lisa Whitham and husband Matt, Moscow, KS; a brother Gary 
Ausbun and wife Frankie, Leo, IN; brother-in-law, James (Jim) Kramer, 
Prairie Village, KS; sister-in-law, Margaret Ninemeyer, La Junta, CO; 16
 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.&nbsp;Freda
 was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Alfred Eric Gustafson; 
grandson, Jacob (Jake) Valek; brothers, James H. Ausbun Jr. and Harold 
Ausbun; two sisters, Verla Seeman and Shirley Kramer.&nbsp;A
 memorial has been established for the First Church of God of Hugoton, 
in the care of Robson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.&nbsp;Visitation
 will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. at Robson 
Funeral Home, Hugoton.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 6 P.M. to 7
 P.M. at Robson Funeral Home.The
 funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. 
at First Church of God, Hugoton, Kansas, with Pastor Israel Franco and 
Pastor Richard Martin presiding. Burial to follow at Hugoton Cemetery.Robson Funeral Home, Hugoton, is overseeing the arrangements.

Freda Ann Gustafson

Norman Joseph Apel, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 
22, 2023, at home with his wife, Mary and family by his side. He was 
born on February 27, 1929, on the family farm north of Ellinwood, Kan. 
to Mathias &amp; Barbara (Heyne) Apel.

He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1947, and Married F. 
Marilyn Eves on November 28, 1950. He and Marilyn had five children and 
divorced in 1978. Norman worked on the family farm and in the oilfield 
including, Globe Oil Well Cementing and Allied Cementing, out of Great 
Bend, Kan. He then married Gladys Price on August 9, 1980, and she 
passed in March 2015.

He was an active volunteer member of the Assembly of God (now 
Encounter) Church for many years, driving the Sunday school bus and many
 other activities. He continued farming while working for Harv’s 
furniture, Mid Continent LP Service&nbsp; and was a part time driver for 
Marmie Motors.

He then later married Mary Arlene Bieberle on June 25, 2017. They 
enjoyed traveling, church activities, watching Westerns and old 
cartoons, and spending time together.

Survivors include, his wife Mary of the home; his children, Briana 
Ernst (Larry) of Great Bend, Gerilyn Hoard of Salina, Amy Astrab 
(Robert) of Hollister, Mo., and David Apel of Salina, Michael Price 
(Loretta) of Wichita, Bobby Price (Ina) of Cushing, Okla., Eddie Price 
(Karen) and Terry Price (Shelly) all of Great Bend, and Sherry Cox 
(Shawn) of Derby; one sister, Mary Jean Miller (Dick) of Great Bend; 27 
grandchildren; 60 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and 
numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Gladys; one
 son, Gary Duane Apel; son in law, Mark Hoard; a brother, Harry Apel; 
two sisters, Sally Sigley and Theresa Wornkey; a granddaughter, Tamara 
(Apel) Green; a grandson, Jason Hoard; and two great grandsons, Chance 
Streit and Carlin Hill Jr.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 
2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 
to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 
27, 2023 at Encounter Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Dwight Dozer 
presiding. Interment will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, 
Ellinwood, Kan. 

Memorials have been designated to Encounter Church, 
Salvation Army and Gentiva Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679606232087.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman Joseph Apel, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 
22, 2023, at home with his wife, Mary and family by his side. He was 
born on February 27, 1929, on the family farm north of Ellinwood, Kan. 
to Mathias &amp; Barbara (Heyne) Apel.He graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1947, and Married F. 
Marilyn Eves on November 28, 1950. He and Marilyn had five children and 
divorced in 1978. Norman worked on the family farm and in the oilfield 
including, Globe Oil Well Cementing and Allied Cementing, out of Great 
Bend, Kan. He then married Gladys Price on August 9, 1980, and she 
passed in March 2015.He was an active volunteer member of the Assembly of God (now 
Encounter) Church for many years, driving the Sunday school bus and many
 other activities. He continued farming while working for Harv’s 
furniture, Mid Continent LP Service&nbsp; and was a part time driver for 
Marmie Motors.He then later married Mary Arlene Bieberle on June 25, 2017. They 
enjoyed traveling, church activities, watching Westerns and old 
cartoons, and spending time together.Survivors include, his wife Mary of the home; his children, Briana 
Ernst (Larry) of Great Bend, Gerilyn Hoard of Salina, Amy Astrab 
(Robert) of Hollister, Mo., and David Apel of Salina, Michael Price 
(Loretta) of Wichita, Bobby Price (Ina) of Cushing, Okla., Eddie Price 
(Karen) and Terry Price (Shelly) all of Great Bend, and Sherry Cox 
(Shawn) of Derby; one sister, Mary Jean Miller (Dick) of Great Bend; 27 
grandchildren; 60 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and 
numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Gladys; one
 son, Gary Duane Apel; son in law, Mark Hoard; a brother, Harry Apel; 
two sisters, Sally Sigley and Theresa Wornkey; a granddaughter, Tamara 
(Apel) Green; a grandson, Jason Hoard; and two great grandsons, Chance 
Streit and Carlin Hill Jr.Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 
2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 
to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 
27, 2023 at Encounter Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Dwight Dozer 
presiding. Interment will be in the Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, 
Ellinwood, Kan. Memorials have been designated to Encounter Church, 
Salvation Army and Gentiva Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Norman Joseph Apel

Harold Gene Mosher, 90, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at his home in Russell.

Gene was born on May 7, 1932, in Lawrenceburg, Kansas, near 
Concordia, Kansas, the son of William and Lula (Wineger) Mosher.&nbsp; He 
grew up in the Concordia area and graduated from the local high school.&nbsp;
 He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Joan Mary Starkey on
 July 28, 1950, in Concordia.&nbsp; From this union, Gene and Joan were 
blessed with a daughter Margaret.&nbsp; 

They moved to the Russell area in 
1966, when Gene went to work for United Telephone. Gene worked for 
United Telephone, later purchased by Sprint, for 36 years. He enjoyed 
woodworking, tinkering in his shop and working around the house and in 
his yard.&nbsp; Most of all he enjoyed spending quiet time with his wife at 
home.&nbsp;

He is survived by many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; He was preceded in death 
by his parents, wife Joan on October 1, 2020, his daughter Margaret on 
December 22, 2021, and 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

Cremation was selected by Gene and Joan and their wishes were to have
 no funeral service ceremony.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of 
Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the cremation service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679606125813.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harold Gene Mosher, 90, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at his home in Russell.Gene was born on May 7, 1932, in Lawrenceburg, Kansas, near 
Concordia, Kansas, the son of William and Lula (Wineger) Mosher.&nbsp; He 
grew up in the Concordia area and graduated from the local high school.&nbsp;
 He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Joan Mary Starkey on
 July 28, 1950, in Concordia.&nbsp; From this union, Gene and Joan were 
blessed with a daughter Margaret.&nbsp; They moved to the Russell area in 
1966, when Gene went to work for United Telephone. Gene worked for 
United Telephone, later purchased by Sprint, for 36 years. He enjoyed 
woodworking, tinkering in his shop and working around the house and in 
his yard.&nbsp; Most of all he enjoyed spending quiet time with his wife at 
home.&nbsp;He is survived by many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; He was preceded in death 
by his parents, wife Joan on October 1, 2020, his daughter Margaret on 
December 22, 2021, and 2 brothers and 3 sisters.Cremation was selected by Gene and Joan and their wishes were to have
 no funeral service ceremony.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of 
Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the cremation service arrangements.

Harold Gene Mosher

Susan Kay Peters of Scandia, Kansas, passed away at home, surrounded 
by love on March 20, 2023, at the age of 76. She was born on July 4, 1946,&nbsp; in Clay Center, Kansas, to Floyd Chester and Vivian May (Taylor) 
Tinkham.

She grew up in Washington, Kansas, and attended Washington
 schools. She went on to attend Kansas State University until she wed 
her high school sweetheart, Duane Leroy Peters. They were married&nbsp;in 
Washington at the First United Methodist Church on April 17, 1965. This 
union brought two children, Steven Michael&nbsp;and Amy Sue.

Susan's life was a true testament to her character and upbringing, and spent her lifetime caring for family and friends.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Susan
 cherished her time spent with her children and grandchildren. She 
instilled in her family that the simple things in life will always bring
 you joy that will last beyond a lifetime. She taught them the art of 
making a house a home, the magic of finding pictures in the clouds, the 
beauty in every rock, the healing powers of music, and the simple 
comfort of a good cup of coffee. Friends and family always knew the door
 was open and to come on in.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents. 

She
 is survived by her husband Duane, of Scandia, Kansas; her children, 
Steve Peters, of Scandia, Kansas, and Amy (Bryan) Rickard, of Scandia, 
Kansas; grandchildren Ian (Kaylee) Peters, of Riley, Kansas, Taylor 
(Aaron) Racette, of Oakley, Kansas, Lane Peters, of Hays, Kansas, Max 
Rickard, of Scandia, Kansas, Macy Rickard (Zach) of Randall, Kansas, and
 Miles Rickard, of Scandia, Kansas; great-grandchildren Frankie Racette,
 of Oakley, Kansas, and Truman Peters, of Riley, Kansas; and brother 
Dennis Tinkham of Wichita, Kansas.

Memorial services will be held 
on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral 
Home with a reception to follow at the Scandia Community Center. Friends
 may sign the register book at the funeral home on Friday, March 24, 
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place at a
 later date.

Memorials are requested to Solomon Valley Hospice or Morrison House of Salina and can be sent in care of the funeral home. 

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting Susan’s family with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679599943133.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Susan Kay Peters of Scandia, Kansas, passed away at home, surrounded 
by love on March 20, 2023, at the age of 76. She was born on July 4, 1946,&nbsp; in Clay Center, Kansas, to Floyd Chester and Vivian May (Taylor) 
Tinkham.She grew up in Washington, Kansas, and attended Washington
 schools. She went on to attend Kansas State University until she wed 
her high school sweetheart, Duane Leroy Peters. They were married&nbsp;in 
Washington at the First United Methodist Church on April 17, 1965. This 
union brought two children, Steven Michael&nbsp;and Amy Sue.Susan's life was a true testament to her character and upbringing, and spent her lifetime caring for family and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;Susan
 cherished her time spent with her children and grandchildren. She 
instilled in her family that the simple things in life will always bring
 you joy that will last beyond a lifetime. She taught them the art of 
making a house a home, the magic of finding pictures in the clouds, the 
beauty in every rock, the healing powers of music, and the simple 
comfort of a good cup of coffee. Friends and family always knew the door
 was open and to come on in.Susan was preceded in death by her parents. She
 is survived by her husband Duane, of Scandia, Kansas; her children, 
Steve Peters, of Scandia, Kansas, and Amy (Bryan) Rickard, of Scandia, 
Kansas; grandchildren Ian (Kaylee) Peters, of Riley, Kansas, Taylor 
(Aaron) Racette, of Oakley, Kansas, Lane Peters, of Hays, Kansas, Max 
Rickard, of Scandia, Kansas, Macy Rickard (Zach) of Randall, Kansas, and
 Miles Rickard, of Scandia, Kansas; great-grandchildren Frankie Racette,
 of Oakley, Kansas, and Truman Peters, of Riley, Kansas; and brother 
Dennis Tinkham of Wichita, Kansas.Memorial services will be held 
on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral 
Home with a reception to follow at the Scandia Community Center. Friends
 may sign the register book at the funeral home on Friday, March 24, 
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place at a
 later date.Memorials are requested to Solomon Valley Hospice or Morrison House of Salina and can be sent in care of the funeral home. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting Susan’s family with arrangements.

Susan Kay Peters

Joann “Jo” Camarena&nbsp;passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, in Salina at 
the age of 92 years and 1 day. Joann was born on March 19, 1931, in 
Salina to Ercell and Edith (Wakefield) Colliver. 

She lived most of her life in Salina but also lived in Laramie, Wyoming for a short time.

Jo
 worked at Consolidated Printing for over 30 years. She was also a 
volunteer baseball coach for the Salina Parks and Recreation and a 
foster grandparent at Schilling Elementary.

Jo had a passion for 
music. From jazz, oldies, Tejano to blues, she loved it all.&nbsp; For many 
summers, she would be waiting at the beginning of the line to get into 
the River Festival to mark her place for the weekend.

Jo’s family 
was everything to her. She was married to the love of her life, Frank, 
for 63 years. From this marriage, six children were brought into the 
world,Susan (Karl) of Texas, David (Norma) of Salina, Sarah Jane 
(Robert) of Texas, Jimmy (Passed away in Michigan, June 2021), Roxan 
(Bert) of Salina, and John of Osage City. Jo and Frank also had seven 
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Joshua of New York, Sarhan 
(Gonzalo) of Salina, Victoria of Salina, Angela of Florida, Rachel of 
Salina, Olivia of Hays, Emery of Osage City and Liam, Madison, both of 
Salina, and Birdie of Hays.

Joann was preceded in death by her 
parents, older brother Jim Colliver, sons Robert and Jimmy Camarena, and
 beloved husband, Frank.

Visitation and Funeral will be held at 
Ryan Mortuary of Salina on Friday, March 24th, visitation at 1:00 and 
funeral at 2:00. We ask that attendees wear red in honor of our Red 
Bird.

The service will be live streamed at&nbsp;<a href="http://livewebcastevents.com/joann-camarena" target="_blank">http://livewebcastevents.com/joann-camarena</a>.

The family suggests that memorial be sent to Sunflower Adult Day Services, 401 West Iron, Salina, KS 67401.

Our family would like to thank everyone who had a part in caring for our mother and grandmother in her time of need.

I love you, a bushel and a peck A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap A barrel and a heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679599801798.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joann “Jo” Camarena&nbsp;passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, in Salina at 
the age of 92 years and 1 day. Joann was born on March 19, 1931, in 
Salina to Ercell and Edith (Wakefield) Colliver. She lived most of her life in Salina but also lived in Laramie, Wyoming for a short time.Jo
 worked at Consolidated Printing for over 30 years. She was also a 
volunteer baseball coach for the Salina Parks and Recreation and a 
foster grandparent at Schilling Elementary.Jo had a passion for 
music. From jazz, oldies, Tejano to blues, she loved it all.&nbsp; For many 
summers, she would be waiting at the beginning of the line to get into 
the River Festival to mark her place for the weekend.Jo’s family 
was everything to her. She was married to the love of her life, Frank, 
for 63 years. From this marriage, six children were brought into the 
world,Susan (Karl) of Texas, David (Norma) of Salina, Sarah Jane 
(Robert) of Texas, Jimmy (Passed away in Michigan, June 2021), Roxan 
(Bert) of Salina, and John of Osage City. Jo and Frank also had seven 
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Joshua of New York, Sarhan 
(Gonzalo) of Salina, Victoria of Salina, Angela of Florida, Rachel of 
Salina, Olivia of Hays, Emery of Osage City and Liam, Madison, both of 
Salina, and Birdie of Hays.Joann was preceded in death by her 
parents, older brother Jim Colliver, sons Robert and Jimmy Camarena, and
 beloved husband, Frank.Visitation and Funeral will be held at 
Ryan Mortuary of Salina on Friday, March 24th, visitation at 1:00 and 
funeral at 2:00. We ask that attendees wear red in honor of our Red 
Bird.The service will be live streamed at&nbsp;<a href="http://livewebcastevents.com/joann-camarena" target="_blank">http://livewebcastevents.com/joann-camarena</a>.The family suggests that memorial be sent to Sunflower Adult Day Services, 401 West Iron, Salina, KS 67401.Our family would like to thank everyone who had a part in caring for our mother and grandmother in her time of need.I love you, a bushel and a peck A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap A barrel and a heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep

Joann 'Jo' Camarena

Henry “Lee” Hoff, 88, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on March 21, 2023.

Lee was born on the farm in Ellis County, Kansas, on May 10, 1934 to parents Henry A. Hoff and Margaret E. (Munk) Hoff.

Lee moved to Salina in 1953.&nbsp; He was drafted into the US Army in 1955
 and served until 1958.&nbsp; He worked at Wyatt’s Mfg. until 1962.&nbsp; Lee and 
his father, Henry A., started Hoff’s Machine &amp; Welding, Inc. in 
1962.&nbsp; Lee retired in 2019.

Lee married Carol Schuckman on May 6, 1961, in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; They 
were married for 61 years and have three children and three 
grandchildren.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in law, Robert Waldman.

Lee is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Michelle Hoff; sons, 
Michael Hoff (Jamie) and Mark Hoff (Deirdre); and grandchildren, Zane 
Hoff, Samantha Hoff, and Sadie Hoff, all of Salina.&nbsp; He is also survived
 by his brother, Don Hoff (Pauline) of Dallas, Texas; sisters, Maida 
Waldman of Dodge City, Kansas and Odie Wilson (Don) of Plano, Texas; 
sisters-in-law, Patricia Thibault of Hays, Kansas and Shirley Andrla 
(Ed) of Salina, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A public visitation will be held Monday, March 27, 2023, from 5 p.m. 
to 7 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary in Salina.&nbsp; The funeral mass and burial will 
be private.

Memorials can be made to the Salina Animal Shelter or Sacred Heart Cathedra

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679598538042.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Henry “Lee” Hoff, 88, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on March 21, 2023.Lee was born on the farm in Ellis County, Kansas, on May 10, 1934 to parents Henry A. Hoff and Margaret E. (Munk) Hoff.Lee moved to Salina in 1953.&nbsp; He was drafted into the US Army in 1955
 and served until 1958.&nbsp; He worked at Wyatt’s Mfg. until 1962.&nbsp; Lee and 
his father, Henry A., started Hoff’s Machine &amp; Welding, Inc. in 
1962.&nbsp; Lee retired in 2019.Lee married Carol Schuckman on May 6, 1961, in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; They 
were married for 61 years and have three children and three 
grandchildren.Lee is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in law, Robert Waldman.Lee is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Michelle Hoff; sons, 
Michael Hoff (Jamie) and Mark Hoff (Deirdre); and grandchildren, Zane 
Hoff, Samantha Hoff, and Sadie Hoff, all of Salina.&nbsp; He is also survived
 by his brother, Don Hoff (Pauline) of Dallas, Texas; sisters, Maida 
Waldman of Dodge City, Kansas and Odie Wilson (Don) of Plano, Texas; 
sisters-in-law, Patricia Thibault of Hays, Kansas and Shirley Andrla 
(Ed) of Salina, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.A public visitation will be held Monday, March 27, 2023, from 5 p.m. 
to 7 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary in Salina.&nbsp; The funeral mass and burial will 
be private.Memorials can be made to the Salina Animal Shelter or Sacred Heart Cathedra

Henry 'Lee' Hoff

Roy E. Dague, 90, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Garden Valley 
Retirement Village in Garden City. He was born on October 2, 1932, in 
Franklin County the son of John George Jacob &amp; Etta (Morgan) Dague. 
 He married Louetta F. Goss on June 16, 1957, at Prairie View Church Of 
The Brethren. 
Roy attended Friend Grade School and Scott City High School. After his 
schooling he returned to the family farm to be a lifelong 
farmer-stockman. Roy was a jack of all trades - working in the 
oilfield, driving a truck, hauling manure, and harvesting hay and silage
 for nearby farmers. He enjoyed tatting, crocheting, woodworking, 
welding and just being a mechanic and handyman. Roy was great at 
figuring out ‘how to’ when there weren’t instructions. 
Roy was active in the church for many years where he taught Sunday 
School, was a deacon and sang with his beautiful wife. Roy loved 
serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Roy was a jokester - teasing 
his grandchildren, playing Old Maid, and teaching them all his skills. 
He is survived by his Wife- Louetta Dague, 2 Sons- Tracy Dague of Garden
 City and Edward Dague of Ingleside, Illinois; Daughter- Julie Jones of 
Garden City; 2 Sisters- Dorothy Stiles of Scott City and Betty Dague of 
Garden City; 5 Grandchildren (Summer Garcia, Alexander Dague, Megan 
Saller, Katerina Dague, Shannon Argot); and 4 Great-Grandchildren 
(Jeremy Garcia, Mya Garcia, Sierra Garcia, Jacob Garcia). 
Roy will be missed by his family, but we have comfort knowing he is in Heaven right now with his Savior. 
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at 
Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend with Rev Jon Tuttle 
officiating. Burial will be in Prairie View Church Of The Brethren 
Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at Garnand 
Funeral Home.

 Memorials are suggested to Prairie View Church Of The 
Brethren in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679598432541.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Roy E. Dague, 90, died on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Garden Valley 
Retirement Village in Garden City. He was born on October 2, 1932, in 
Franklin County the son of John George Jacob &amp; Etta (Morgan) Dague. 
 He married Louetta F. Goss on June 16, 1957, at Prairie View Church Of 
The Brethren. 
Roy attended Friend Grade School and Scott City High School. After his 
schooling he returned to the family farm to be a lifelong 
farmer-stockman. Roy was a jack of all trades - working in the 
oilfield, driving a truck, hauling manure, and harvesting hay and silage
 for nearby farmers. He enjoyed tatting, crocheting, woodworking, 
welding and just being a mechanic and handyman. Roy was great at 
figuring out ‘how to’ when there weren’t instructions. 
Roy was active in the church for many years where he taught Sunday 
School, was a deacon and sang with his beautiful wife. Roy loved 
serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Roy was a jokester - teasing 
his grandchildren, playing Old Maid, and teaching them all his skills. 
He is survived by his Wife- Louetta Dague, 2 Sons- Tracy Dague of Garden
 City and Edward Dague of Ingleside, Illinois; Daughter- Julie Jones of 
Garden City; 2 Sisters- Dorothy Stiles of Scott City and Betty Dague of 
Garden City; 5 Grandchildren (Summer Garcia, Alexander Dague, Megan 
Saller, Katerina Dague, Shannon Argot); and 4 Great-Grandchildren 
(Jeremy Garcia, Mya Garcia, Sierra Garcia, Jacob Garcia). 
Roy will be missed by his family, but we have comfort knowing he is in Heaven right now with his Savior. 
Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at 
Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend with Rev Jon Tuttle 
officiating. Burial will be in Prairie View Church Of The Brethren 
Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at Garnand 
Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Prairie View Church Of The 
Brethren in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;

Roy E. Dague

Aaron Matthew Beesley was welcomed into Jesus’ arms on Sunday, March 
19th, 2023. The following day Aaron’s precious body was held by his 
family for only a few hours. Though his time with us was short, the 
impact Aaron has left will remain with us forever. Sometimes the 
smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. 
Aaron is the beloved son of Tyrel and Jerri Beesley, Healy. Aaron is 
the cherished brother of Ellie, Clare, Marie, Jack and Katharine. 
Preceded in death by his great grandparents Ray and Lora Beesley, Jack 
Stevenson, Hank and Betty Payne, John and Janice Williams, Willie Heier,
 and Great Uncle Danny Heier. 
Survived by grandparents Phil and Paula Beesley, Gove; Johnnie and Donna
 Williams, Page City; uncles Heath (Maggie) Beesley, Landon Beesley, and
 Daniel Williams; aunts Larissa (Thomas) Edwards, Charis (Jonathan) 
Philpott, Elannah Beesley, Valerie Beesley, and Jessi Williams and great
 grandmothers, Bernita Beesley, Colby and Jeannie Heier, Grinnell. 
The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at St. Agnes 
Catholic Church, Grainfield. Burial will take place in the Gove 
Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for 
future designation and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 
391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;

Aaron Matthew Beesley was welcomed into Jesus’ arms on Sunday, March 
19th, 2023. The following day Aaron’s precious body was held by his 
family for only a few hours. Though his time with us was short, the 
impact Aaron has left will remain with us forever. Sometimes the 
smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. 
Aaron is the beloved son of Tyrel and Jerri Beesley, Healy. Aaron is 
the cherished brother of Ellie, Clare, Marie, Jack and Katharine. 
Preceded in death by his great grandparents Ray and Lora Beesley, Jack 
Stevenson, Hank and Betty Payne, John and Janice Williams, Willie Heier,
 and Great Uncle Danny Heier. 
Survived by grandparents Phil and Paula Beesley, Gove; Johnnie and Donna
 Williams, Page City; uncles Heath (Maggie) Beesley, Landon Beesley, and
 Daniel Williams; aunts Larissa (Thomas) Edwards, Charis (Jonathan) 
Philpott, Elannah Beesley, Valerie Beesley, and Jessi Williams and great
 grandmothers, Bernita Beesley, Colby and Jeannie Heier, Grinnell. 
The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at St. Agnes 
Catholic Church, Grainfield. Burial will take place in the Gove 
Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for 
future designation and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 
391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences, visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com.&nbsp;

Aaron Matthew Beesley

Don passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 16, 2023, 
at Hester Care Center on the Wesley Towers Campus, Hutchinson, KS.

Don was born March 28, 1941, to Ted and Dorothy (Brenner) Brening in 
La Crosse, KS, where he grew up. Don graduated from La Crosse High School 
in 1959. He attended Fort Hays State University prior to employment with
 Kansas Power and Light from 1961-1965.

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Catherine Herrman, on 
Sept. 4, 1961, in La Crosse, KS. They were blessed with 61 years of 
marriage. They had three children: Kimberly, Kevin and Kelli. The couple
 raised their family in LaCrosse. In 1993, Don and Catherine moved to 
Great Bend due to Don’s employment.

Even with a busy schedule, Don attended all of his children's 
sporting events. He enjoyed cheering them on and supporting them in 
every sport or activity they were involved in. This commitment carried 
over to the grandchildren’s activities. He was a very dedicated and 
loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Don acquired his insurance license and was employed as an agent for 
State Farm Insurance Co. from 1965-1969, where he received numerous 
awards for sales. He was then hired by the Home State Bank in La Crosse 
as an insurance agent before he transitioned into banking. He thoroughly
 enjoyed his 43 year career in banking.

In 1973, Don and his wife Catherine purchased controlling interest of
 the Home State Bank and he was named President and CEO, a title he held
 until 1986. At that time, the bank was acquired by Farmers Bank and 
Trust of Great Bend. Don stayed on as branch Manager in La Crosse, until
 1993, when he was appointed a position as a bank Officer in the Great 
Bend branch of Farmers Bank and Trust. There, he completed his career 
and retired in December of 2009. Don enjoyed his many years in banking, 
especially the friendships he made over the years, both with his peers 
and his customers.

Don was a dedicated member of the Boy Scout’s and he achieved Eagle Scout status at age 17.

In 1974, he began attending the Colorado School of Banking at the 
University of Colorado in Boulder, where he received his degree in 1976.

Don was a member of St. Michael’s Church where he also served as a 
board member. He belonged to the La Crosse Lions Club, LaCrosse Chamber 
of Commerce, and La Crosse Jaycees. He served as a member of the School 
Board of USD 395 for many years, as well as Rush County Industrial and 
Economic Development. Don also held a position on the Board of Directors
 for Young Bank Officers of Kansas.

Don and his wife spent countless hours on various golf courses around
 the country. They shared many excursions and travel adventures with 
their children, boating, water skiing, and snow skiing in the Rockies. 
The couple did extensive traveling, including to several European 
countries with Austria being a favorite destination, as their eldest 
daughter and two grandchildren are permanent residents in Vienna.

Following his retirement, Don and his wife, Catherine, moved to 
Hutchinson, KS, to be closer to three of their grandchildren where they 
could be a part of their active lives.

Don is preceded in death by his parents and an infant grandson.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Catherine Brening, 
Hutchinson, KS; his children, Kimberly Brening Solomon, Vienna, Austria;
 Kevin (Pat) Brening, Hutchinson, KS; and Kelli (Brent) Hirneisen, 
Frisco, TX; his grandchildren, Jerod (Laura) Solomon, Vallejo, CA; 
Jessica (Kyle) Martindale, Oak Park, CA; Julia (Ryan) Walton, Cottonwood
 Heights, UT; Caleb (Tiara) Brening, Fayetteville AR; Konner (Spencer) 
Truman, Overland Park, KS; Kyndal Brening, Roseville, MN, Nikola and 
Adrianna Negovanovic, Vienna, Austria; Jaden Hirneisen, Frisco, TX; and 
his great-grandchildren Myla and Margo Martindale, Juniper Solomon, and 
Parker Walton who will be born in June; and numerous cousins.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to those who 
cared for Don at Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers, Hutchinson, KS since
 September, 1922.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679582952746.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Don passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 16, 2023, 
at Hester Care Center on the Wesley Towers Campus, Hutchinson, KS.Don was born March 28, 1941, to Ted and Dorothy (Brenner) Brening in 
La Crosse, KS, where he grew up. Don graduated from La Crosse High School 
in 1959. He attended Fort Hays State University prior to employment with
 Kansas Power and Light from 1961-1965.He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Catherine Herrman, on 
Sept. 4, 1961, in La Crosse, KS. They were blessed with 61 years of 
marriage. They had three children: Kimberly, Kevin and Kelli. The couple
 raised their family in LaCrosse. In 1993, Don and Catherine moved to 
Great Bend due to Don’s employment.Even with a busy schedule, Don attended all of his children's 
sporting events. He enjoyed cheering them on and supporting them in 
every sport or activity they were involved in. This commitment carried 
over to the grandchildren’s activities. He was a very dedicated and 
loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.Don acquired his insurance license and was employed as an agent for 
State Farm Insurance Co. from 1965-1969, where he received numerous 
awards for sales. He was then hired by the Home State Bank in La Crosse 
as an insurance agent before he transitioned into banking. He thoroughly
 enjoyed his 43 year career in banking.In 1973, Don and his wife Catherine purchased controlling interest of
 the Home State Bank and he was named President and CEO, a title he held
 until 1986. At that time, the bank was acquired by Farmers Bank and 
Trust of Great Bend. Don stayed on as branch Manager in La Crosse, until
 1993, when he was appointed a position as a bank Officer in the Great 
Bend branch of Farmers Bank and Trust. There, he completed his career 
and retired in December of 2009. Don enjoyed his many years in banking, 
especially the friendships he made over the years, both with his peers 
and his customers.Don was a dedicated member of the Boy Scout’s and he achieved Eagle Scout status at age 17.In 1974, he began attending the Colorado School of Banking at the 
University of Colorado in Boulder, where he received his degree in 1976.Don was a member of St. Michael’s Church where he also served as a 
board member. He belonged to the La Crosse Lions Club, LaCrosse Chamber 
of Commerce, and La Crosse Jaycees. He served as a member of the School 
Board of USD 395 for many years, as well as Rush County Industrial and 
Economic Development. Don also held a position on the Board of Directors
 for Young Bank Officers of Kansas.Don and his wife spent countless hours on various golf courses around
 the country. They shared many excursions and travel adventures with 
their children, boating, water skiing, and snow skiing in the Rockies. 
The couple did extensive traveling, including to several European 
countries with Austria being a favorite destination, as their eldest 
daughter and two grandchildren are permanent residents in Vienna.Following his retirement, Don and his wife, Catherine, moved to 
Hutchinson, KS, to be closer to three of their grandchildren where they 
could be a part of their active lives.Don is preceded in death by his parents and an infant grandson.He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Catherine Brening, 
Hutchinson, KS; his children, Kimberly Brening Solomon, Vienna, Austria;
 Kevin (Pat) Brening, Hutchinson, KS; and Kelli (Brent) Hirneisen, 
Frisco, TX; his grandchildren, Jerod (Laura) Solomon, Vallejo, CA; 
Jessica (Kyle) Martindale, Oak Park, CA; Julia (Ryan) Walton, Cottonwood
 Heights, UT; Caleb (Tiara) Brening, Fayetteville AR; Konner (Spencer) 
Truman, Overland Park, KS; Kyndal Brening, Roseville, MN, Nikola and 
Adrianna Negovanovic, Vienna, Austria; Jaden Hirneisen, Frisco, TX; and 
his great-grandchildren Myla and Margo Martindale, Juniper Solomon, and 
Parker Walton who will be born in June; and numerous cousins.The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to those who 
cared for Don at Hester Care Center, Wesley Towers, Hutchinson, KS since
 September, 1922.In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to: Hospice &amp; 
Homecare of Reno County or Alzheimer’s Disease Research in care of 
Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501 or Janousek Funeral
 Home, 719 Pine St., P.O. Box 550, La Crosse, KS 67548.Don’s Celebration of Life memorial service will take place in 
La Crosse, KS, on April 8, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Janousek Funeral Home,719
 Pine St., La Crosse, KS. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 Monday, March 27th, through Saturday, April 1st, at Elliott Mortuary, 
Hutchinson.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Obituaries