Norbert
Fisher, age 76 of Ellis, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Via
Christi Village - Hays. He was born on August 11, 1949, in Hays to George and
Adeline (Haas) Fisher.


Norbert graduated from Ellis High School in 1968. In January of 1970, he was
inducted into the US Army serving his country in Vietnam. After his service in
the Army, he returned to Ellis and married Sherry (Armbrister) in 1973 at
Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis. Sherry preceded him in death on November 9,
2025.



His career was building bridges as a crane operator with King Construction of
Hesston. He was also a lifelong farmer, starting with on his parents’ farm
south of Ellis and continuing with Sherry’s parents’ farm north of town.
Norbert was also a lifetime member of the Ellis VFW and forever a fan of the
K-State Wildcats.



Survivors include his daughters; Renee Fisher of Scottsdale, Arizona and
Melissa Fisher of Denver, Colorado; brothers, Marvin Fisher (Kay) of Hays and
George Fisher Jr (Debbie) of North Carolina; sisters, Lillian Bongartz (George)
of Ellis and Charlene Staab (Kenny) of Hays; a sister-in-law, Connie Fisher;
and three grandchildren, Lainey, Oliver and Evie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sherry; two brothers, Ronnie
and Kenny Fisher as well as two sisters, LouAnn Dinkel and Joan Fisher.



Memorial&nbsp; Services will be Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 East 17th Street
Ellis, Kansas 67637.



Inurnment with Military Honors, will follow the services in the Mt. Hope
Cemetery - Ellis.

Memorials are suggested to: VFW Post 9139 - Ellis, Kansas in care of the
funeral chapel.


Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Norbert's family on his
tribute page via: <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769532149868.png" alt="Norbert Fisher" />
 <figcaption>Norbert Fisher</figcaption>
 </figure>Norbert
Fisher, age 76 of Ellis, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Via
Christi Village - Hays. He was born on August 11, 1949, in Hays to George and
Adeline (Haas) Fisher.
Norbert graduated from Ellis High School in 1968. In January of 1970, he was
inducted into the US Army serving his country in Vietnam. After his service in
the Army, he returned to Ellis and married Sherry (Armbrister) in 1973 at
Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis. Sherry preceded him in death on November 9,
2025.

His career was building bridges as a crane operator with King Construction of
Hesston. He was also a lifelong farmer, starting with on his parents’ farm
south of Ellis and continuing with Sherry’s parents’ farm north of town.
Norbert was also a lifetime member of the Ellis VFW and forever a fan of the
K-State Wildcats.

Survivors include his daughters; Renee Fisher of Scottsdale, Arizona and
Melissa Fisher of Denver, Colorado; brothers, Marvin Fisher (Kay) of Hays and
George Fisher Jr (Debbie) of North Carolina; sisters, Lillian Bongartz (George)
of Ellis and Charlene Staab (Kenny) of Hays; a sister-in-law, Connie Fisher;
and three grandchildren, Lainey, Oliver and Evie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sherry; two brothers, Ronnie
and Kenny Fisher as well as two sisters, LouAnn Dinkel and Joan Fisher.

Memorial&nbsp; Services will be Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 East 17th Street
Ellis, Kansas 67637.

Inurnment with Military Honors, will follow the services in the Mt. Hope
Cemetery - Ellis.

Memorials are suggested to: VFW Post 9139 - Ellis, Kansas in care of the
funeral chapel.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Norbert's family on his
tribute page via: <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Norbert Fisher

Henry Charles Stramel, 88, of Hays, Kansas passed away
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at his home.&nbsp; He
passed away peacefully with family by his side.

Henry was born in Hays on January 30, 1937 to Stephen and
Elizabeth (Braun) Stramel.&nbsp; He was the
youngest of six children and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings;
Alfred, Eleanor, Agnes, Richard, and Mary.&nbsp;
He grew up in Hays, attended school, and raised his family there.

Henry was united in marriage to Irene Miller on December 27,
1958, and they were married for 56 years.&nbsp;
Their life was blessed with five children: Kathy, Sharon, Laurie, Carol,
and Delores.&nbsp; 

Hard work was imbedded in Henry’s character and he instilled
that work ethic in his daughters.&nbsp;&nbsp; He
was employed by Hunter Construction and later by Pierce – Schippers
Construction Company for 35 years. 

Fishing was one of Henry’s favorite pastimes, and he would
have bets with his girls for the biggest or most fish caught on a trip to the
local lakes around Hays. Henry enjoyed thrifting at local thrift shops and
garage sales looking for that special deal.&nbsp;
The best buy he ever made at a garage sale was his dog, Tucker, which he
bought for a $20 bill.&nbsp; This brought a
chuckle every time that story was told.&nbsp;
He also enjoyed playing games, putting puzzles together, gardening, and
watching television with his dog, Tucker, on his lap. He often got roped into
helping with crafty woodworking projects for his family.&nbsp; His construction background also gave him the
ability to be the family handyman, and he frequently had his toolbox out, building
or repairing something for someone.&nbsp; 

Henry is survived by his children; Kathy Cooley (Tracy) of
Overland Park, Sharon Obenland of Roeland Park, Laurie (Jim) Mortinger of Hays,
Carol Williams of Wichita, and Delores Stramel of Hays, eight grandchildren,
ten great-grandchildren and his dog, Tucker. 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Monday, February 2,
2026 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Fr. Nick Parker
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday and from 9:30 am until service time on Monday, all
at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Henry may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769523033632.jpeg" alt="Henry Charles Stramel" />
 <figcaption>Henry Charles Stramel</figcaption>
 </figure>Henry Charles Stramel, 88, of Hays, Kansas passed away
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at his home.&nbsp; He
passed away peacefully with family by his side.Henry was born in Hays on January 30, 1937 to Stephen and
Elizabeth (Braun) Stramel.&nbsp; He was the
youngest of six children and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings;
Alfred, Eleanor, Agnes, Richard, and Mary.&nbsp;
He grew up in Hays, attended school, and raised his family there.Henry was united in marriage to Irene Miller on December 27,
1958, and they were married for 56 years.&nbsp;
Their life was blessed with five children: Kathy, Sharon, Laurie, Carol,
and Delores.&nbsp; Hard work was imbedded in Henry’s character and he instilled
that work ethic in his daughters.&nbsp;&nbsp; He
was employed by Hunter Construction and later by Pierce – Schippers
Construction Company for 35 years. Fishing was one of Henry’s favorite pastimes, and he would
have bets with his girls for the biggest or most fish caught on a trip to the
local lakes around Hays. Henry enjoyed thrifting at local thrift shops and
garage sales looking for that special deal.&nbsp;
The best buy he ever made at a garage sale was his dog, Tucker, which he
bought for a $20 bill.&nbsp; This brought a
chuckle every time that story was told.&nbsp;
He also enjoyed playing games, putting puzzles together, gardening, and
watching television with his dog, Tucker, on his lap. He often got roped into
helping with crafty woodworking projects for his family.&nbsp; His construction background also gave him the
ability to be the family handyman, and he frequently had his toolbox out, building
or repairing something for someone.&nbsp; Henry is survived by his children; Kathy Cooley (Tracy) of
Overland Park, Sharon Obenland of Roeland Park, Laurie (Jim) Mortinger of Hays,
Carol Williams of Wichita, and Delores Stramel of Hays, eight grandchildren,
ten great-grandchildren and his dog, Tucker. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Monday, February 2,
2026 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Fr. Nick Parker
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday and from 9:30 am until service time on Monday, all
at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Henry may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Henry Charles Stramel

Virginia
Ann ‘Tina’ Bobek, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on January 23, 2026, at
the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas, at the age of 86.

She
was born on December 14, 1939, to Albert and Rosie (Desaire) Hamel in Damar,
Kansas. Following high school, Tina began working as a waitress in Letha’s Cafe
where she met the love of her life, William ‘Bill’ Bobek, a regular customer of
Letha’s, who slid a silver dollar under his plate for her tip. Following their
marriage in 1960, she worked at Travenol in Hays before she and Bill purchased
B&amp;M Recreation in Plainville, later renamed Tina’s Recreation (fondly known
locally as ‘The Pool Hall’). She never met a stranger she couldn’t befriend.
Many patrons often returned for her friendly, hometown service, and she spent
many years serving old and new friends. When she wasn’t serving friends, she
enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, spending time with her grandchildren, and the
occasional trip to the casino to play her favorite penny slots. The family
fondly remembers her smiling and quoting customers, ‘Just one more, then I have
to go.’

Tina
is survived by her children: Kayla Hamblet (Rocky) of Plainville, Chris Bobek
(Stacey) of Phoenix, AZ, and Kevin Bobek (Shari) of Plainville; brothers, Alvin 'Pal' Hamel of Damar, Ronald ‘Duck’ Hamel of Plainville; sister, Dorothy Staab
(Bob) of Plainville; seven grandchildren: Lindsey Base-Hamblet (Nick) of
Aurora, CO, Lacey Sweeney (Kenny) of Hays, KS, Landon Hamblet of Hays, KS,
Samantha Bobek (Bradley Buck) of Hays, KS, Dalton Bobek of New York, NY, Colton
Bobek of Hays, KS, Simone Griest (Brandon) of Manhattan, KS;&nbsp; and eight great-grandchildren.

She
was preceded in death by her husband, William ‘Bill’ Bobek; her parents;
brothers, Gene and Junior Hamel; and sisters, Betty McNabb and Kaylene
Hazelhorst.

A Mass
of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart
Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, 6-7 PM with a Vigil and
Rosary Service at 7 PM, all at the funeral home in Plainville.

Memorials
are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and may be sent to
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.

Online
condolences may be sent to <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769459133087.jpeg" alt="Virginia Ann ‘Tina’ Bobek" />
 <figcaption>Virginia Ann ‘Tina’ Bobek</figcaption>
 </figure>Virginia
Ann ‘Tina’ Bobek, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on January 23, 2026, at
the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas, at the age of 86.She
was born on December 14, 1939, to Albert and Rosie (Desaire) Hamel in Damar,
Kansas. Following high school, Tina began working as a waitress in Letha’s Cafe
where she met the love of her life, William ‘Bill’ Bobek, a regular customer of
Letha’s, who slid a silver dollar under his plate for her tip. Following their
marriage in 1960, she worked at Travenol in Hays before she and Bill purchased
B&amp;M Recreation in Plainville, later renamed Tina’s Recreation (fondly known
locally as ‘The Pool Hall’). She never met a stranger she couldn’t befriend.
Many patrons often returned for her friendly, hometown service, and she spent
many years serving old and new friends. When she wasn’t serving friends, she
enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, spending time with her grandchildren, and the
occasional trip to the casino to play her favorite penny slots. The family
fondly remembers her smiling and quoting customers, ‘Just one more, then I have
to go.’Tina
is survived by her children: Kayla Hamblet (Rocky) of Plainville, Chris Bobek
(Stacey) of Phoenix, AZ, and Kevin Bobek (Shari) of Plainville; brothers, Alvin 'Pal' Hamel of Damar, Ronald ‘Duck’ Hamel of Plainville; sister, Dorothy Staab
(Bob) of Plainville; seven grandchildren: Lindsey Base-Hamblet (Nick) of
Aurora, CO, Lacey Sweeney (Kenny) of Hays, KS, Landon Hamblet of Hays, KS,
Samantha Bobek (Bradley Buck) of Hays, KS, Dalton Bobek of New York, NY, Colton
Bobek of Hays, KS, Simone Griest (Brandon) of Manhattan, KS;&nbsp; and eight great-grandchildren.She
was preceded in death by her husband, William ‘Bill’ Bobek; her parents;
brothers, Gene and Junior Hamel; and sisters, Betty McNabb and Kaylene
Hazelhorst.A Mass
of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart
Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, 6-7 PM with a Vigil and
Rosary Service at 7 PM, all at the funeral home in Plainville.Memorials
are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church and may be sent to
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.Online
condolences may be sent to <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Virginia Ann ‘Tina’ Bobek

Virgil
William Ziegler 83, passed away on January 25, 2026, at the Decatur County
Health Complex, Oberlin, KS. He was born July 31, 1942, to Adam and Genevieve
Ziegler in rural Park, KS. He attended the Hoxie Public Schools and graduated
from Hoxie High School in 1960.&nbsp; 

Virgil
attended Kansas State University in the fall of 1960, where he learned a lot
and decided that college was not for him.&nbsp;
He decided to volunteer for the draft with the US Army.&nbsp; He was in the Army from 1961-1963 as a PFC3
with the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.&nbsp; In 1963 he asked his Major if he should
re-enlist or go home; after the advice of his major, He decided to return home and
start his family and his life on the farm.

Virgil
and Virginia moved to the farm in 1963; where he raised cows, pigs and
chickens.&nbsp; He farmed the land rotating
from wheat, milo and feed.&nbsp; Virgil
decided in 1979 to go into the fat hog business and built the hog
building.&nbsp; He raised fat hogs until the
early 2000’s when he rented out the building to neighbors for their hogs.&nbsp; 

In
2005 Virgil started his own Business, ZZ Mats.&nbsp;
He made mats out of recycled tires. He made custom mats for trailers,
feedlots, packing plants, and various other businesses.&nbsp; He enjoyed figuring out how to make the
custom sized mats and delivering them all over the country.&nbsp; 

Virgil
retired in 2017 and enjoyed spending more time with Virginia.&nbsp; He traveled around the country, finding their
favorite casinos.&nbsp; His hobbies included
reading, playing cards and telling jokes.&nbsp;
He enjoyed playing Keno at the pit stop in Quinter and having coffee
with the farmers.&nbsp; 

Virgil
is survived by his three children, Kevin of Elkins, AR; Cynthia (Rob) Bieberle
of Colby, KS; Patti (Shay) of Phoenix, AZ. He also leaves behind three beloved
grandchildren: Anna Ziegler, Zell (Alysha) Bieberle, Tayler (Mason) Wright; one
great-grandchild, Quinn Bieberle.

Virgil
was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, parents Genevieve and Adam; and
brother Leland. 

The
family would like to acknowledge with love and appreciation the care given by
the staff who took care of him at the Decatur County Hospital, Kearney Regional
and Amber Health in Hoxie. 

A
funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.&nbsp; Visitation
will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at
the funeral home. The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m. during visitation.

&nbsp;In lieu of flowers please make donations to
the Sheridan County Benefit Walk. Memorials may be sent in care of
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, KS. 67740.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769458769400.jpeg" alt="Virgil William Ziegler&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Virgil William Ziegler&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Virgil
William Ziegler 83, passed away on January 25, 2026, at the Decatur County
Health Complex, Oberlin, KS. He was born July 31, 1942, to Adam and Genevieve
Ziegler in rural Park, KS. He attended the Hoxie Public Schools and graduated
from Hoxie High School in 1960.&nbsp; Virgil
attended Kansas State University in the fall of 1960, where he learned a lot
and decided that college was not for him.&nbsp;
He decided to volunteer for the draft with the US Army.&nbsp; He was in the Army from 1961-1963 as a PFC3
with the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.&nbsp; In 1963 he asked his Major if he should
re-enlist or go home; after the advice of his major, He decided to return home and
start his family and his life on the farm.Virgil
and Virginia moved to the farm in 1963; where he raised cows, pigs and
chickens.&nbsp; He farmed the land rotating
from wheat, milo and feed.&nbsp; Virgil
decided in 1979 to go into the fat hog business and built the hog
building.&nbsp; He raised fat hogs until the
early 2000’s when he rented out the building to neighbors for their hogs.&nbsp; In
2005 Virgil started his own Business, ZZ Mats.&nbsp;
He made mats out of recycled tires. He made custom mats for trailers,
feedlots, packing plants, and various other businesses.&nbsp; He enjoyed figuring out how to make the
custom sized mats and delivering them all over the country.&nbsp; Virgil
retired in 2017 and enjoyed spending more time with Virginia.&nbsp; He traveled around the country, finding their
favorite casinos.&nbsp; His hobbies included
reading, playing cards and telling jokes.&nbsp;
He enjoyed playing Keno at the pit stop in Quinter and having coffee
with the farmers.&nbsp; Virgil
is survived by his three children, Kevin of Elkins, AR; Cynthia (Rob) Bieberle
of Colby, KS; Patti (Shay) of Phoenix, AZ. He also leaves behind three beloved
grandchildren: Anna Ziegler, Zell (Alysha) Bieberle, Tayler (Mason) Wright; one
great-grandchild, Quinn Bieberle.Virgil
was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, parents Genevieve and Adam; and
brother Leland. The
family would like to acknowledge with love and appreciation the care given by
the staff who took care of him at the Decatur County Hospital, Kearney Regional
and Amber Health in Hoxie. A
funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.&nbsp; Visitation
will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at
the funeral home. The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m. during visitation.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers please make donations to
the Sheridan County Benefit Walk. Memorials may be sent in care of
Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, KS. 67740.

Virgil William Ziegler

Allen
Edward Brungardt, age 81, of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, January 22,
2026 at the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis.


Funeral services will be 10:30 AM &nbsp;Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St.
Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a combined rosary and parish
vigil service at 7:00 PM. Saturday visitation will be 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM all at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus
Council #1325 or for Masses in Allen's memory.
Please share memories and words of comfort on Allen's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769225072829.jpeg" alt="Allen Edward Brungardt" />
 <figcaption>Allen Edward Brungardt</figcaption>
 </figure>Allen
Edward Brungardt, age 81, of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, January 22,
2026 at the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM &nbsp;Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St.
Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a combined rosary and parish
vigil service at 7:00 PM. Saturday visitation will be 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM all at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus
Council #1325 or for Masses in Allen's memory.
Please share memories and words of comfort on Allen's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Allen Edward Brungardt

Virginia VanGundy Johnson was born on
December 6, 1926, and went to her eternal home on January 20, 2026 at the age
of 99.

She was born to Bliss and Pearl
(Nelson) VanGundy, in Osborne, Kansas, where she, along with her siblings
Dorothy, Eugene, and Arthur, attended school.&nbsp;
It was also where she studied piano at a young age and played French
Horn in the bands.

After graduation, she attended Doane
College in Nebraska, studying nursing for one year, then transferred to Fort
Hays State College to pursue a music degree.&nbsp; She met Elda Johnson in a
music group, who introduced her to her brother, Arris Johnson, when he returned
from serving in the U.S. Army in WWII. Virginia married Arris on January 24,
1947, and they both taught in&nbsp;the Oberlin, Kansas schools.&nbsp; Arris
also farmed on the family farm and Virginia taught piano lessons.

Two children, Mark Steven (1951) and
Pamela Jo (1954) were born in Oberlin.&nbsp; Shortly after Pam was born, they
moved to Downs to teach music, returning to the farm in the summers.&nbsp;
After five years in Downs, they moved to Hays for Arris to complete his Master's
degree and Virginia to complete her education degree, which led to teaching
positions back in Oberlin.&nbsp; In 1964, Mark was tragically killed, at the
age of 13, in a freak accident at the stock car races.&nbsp; Arris and Virginia
taught the rest of the year in Oberlin then moved to Hays, where Arris taught
at FHSU and Virginia taught in the Hays public schools until their retirements.

Virginia was very active in many
organizations and activities: Worthy Grand Matron of the Kansas Order of
Eastern Star, Sigma Alpha Iota, KNEA for education, Church circle, organized
the delivery of Meals on Wheels for many years, carrier for the Hays Daily News
for 18 years, and substitute taught until the age of 94, to just name a few.

Virginia was the best mom, grandma,
friend, sister, and aunt anybody could ever have.&nbsp; She enjoyed and lived
life to its fullest, traveled to all 50 states, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and went
on 10 cruises, most of those travels with her daughter.&nbsp; She was always there to help anybody, especially
her family.&nbsp; She will be greatly missed, but has been reunited with the
rest of her family in heaven.

Virginia is survived by her daughter
Pam McGowne of Hays; two grandsons, Jeff McGowne of Kyle, Texas and Chris
McGowne and wife Sarah of Hays; her two beloved cats, Sunny and Puffy; and
numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded death by her parents;
her husband Arris, in December of 2022 at the age of 101, one month before
their 75th&nbsp;wedding anniversary; her son Mark Johnson; two
brothers, Art and Eugene VanGundy; and her sister Dorothy Woodson.

A Celebration of life will be at
2:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Hays
with Pastor Troy Miller and Rev. Dr. Susan Murithi officiating.
&nbsp;Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time on Sunday at the
church. &nbsp;Burial&nbsp;will be at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026 in
Oberlin Cemetery in Oberlin. &nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested
to FHSU Choirs. &nbsp;Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral
Home and condolences and memories of Virginia may be shared with her family at
www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769090177461.jpeg" alt="Virginia V. Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Virginia V. Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Virginia VanGundy Johnson was born on
December 6, 1926, and went to her eternal home on January 20, 2026 at the age
of 99.She was born to Bliss and Pearl
(Nelson) VanGundy, in Osborne, Kansas, where she, along with her siblings
Dorothy, Eugene, and Arthur, attended school.&nbsp;
It was also where she studied piano at a young age and played French
Horn in the bands.After graduation, she attended Doane
College in Nebraska, studying nursing for one year, then transferred to Fort
Hays State College to pursue a music degree.&nbsp; She met Elda Johnson in a
music group, who introduced her to her brother, Arris Johnson, when he returned
from serving in the U.S. Army in WWII. Virginia married Arris on January 24,
1947, and they both taught in&nbsp;the Oberlin, Kansas schools.&nbsp; Arris
also farmed on the family farm and Virginia taught piano lessons.Two children, Mark Steven (1951) and
Pamela Jo (1954) were born in Oberlin.&nbsp; Shortly after Pam was born, they
moved to Downs to teach music, returning to the farm in the summers.&nbsp;
After five years in Downs, they moved to Hays for Arris to complete his Master's
degree and Virginia to complete her education degree, which led to teaching
positions back in Oberlin.&nbsp; In 1964, Mark was tragically killed, at the
age of 13, in a freak accident at the stock car races.&nbsp; Arris and Virginia
taught the rest of the year in Oberlin then moved to Hays, where Arris taught
at FHSU and Virginia taught in the Hays public schools until their retirements.Virginia was very active in many
organizations and activities: Worthy Grand Matron of the Kansas Order of
Eastern Star, Sigma Alpha Iota, KNEA for education, Church circle, organized
the delivery of Meals on Wheels for many years, carrier for the Hays Daily News
for 18 years, and substitute taught until the age of 94, to just name a few.Virginia was the best mom, grandma,
friend, sister, and aunt anybody could ever have.&nbsp; She enjoyed and lived
life to its fullest, traveled to all 50 states, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and went
on 10 cruises, most of those travels with her daughter.&nbsp; She was always there to help anybody, especially
her family.&nbsp; She will be greatly missed, but has been reunited with the
rest of her family in heaven.Virginia is survived by her daughter
Pam McGowne of Hays; two grandsons, Jeff McGowne of Kyle, Texas and Chris
McGowne and wife Sarah of Hays; her two beloved cats, Sunny and Puffy; and
numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded death by her parents;
her husband Arris, in December of 2022 at the age of 101, one month before
their 75th&nbsp;wedding anniversary; her son Mark Johnson; two
brothers, Art and Eugene VanGundy; and her sister Dorothy Woodson.A Celebration of life will be at
2:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Hays
with Pastor Troy Miller and Rev. Dr. Susan Murithi officiating.
&nbsp;Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time on Sunday at the
church. &nbsp;Burial&nbsp;will be at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026 in
Oberlin Cemetery in Oberlin. &nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested
to FHSU Choirs. &nbsp;Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral
Home and condolences and memories of Virginia may be shared with her family at
www.haysmemorial.com

Virginia V. Johnson

Kevin Michael Hemphill, 57,
passed away peacefully at his home in Strasburg, Colo., January 15, 2026, due
to complications from pancreatic cancer.

Visitation and a Holy Rosary will
be in Mundell Gymnasium at Strasburg High School at 6:30 p.m. on Monday,
January 19. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 21 at Our Lady
of the Plains Catholic Church in Byers, Colo.&nbsp;

A graveside service and burial
will be at South Star Cemetery in Graham County, Kan., at 2:30 p.m. on
Thursday, January 22. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 1 p.m.
at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hill City, Kan.

Kevin was born November 17, 1968,
in Fort Morgan, Colo., to Delmer and Charlene (Desiato) Hemphill.

In 1974, Kevin began his own
long-standing association with Strasburg Schools, enrolling in kindergarten
with the future Class of 1987, where many lifelong friendships began.&nbsp;

As part of Strasburg’s student
body, Kevin excelled in a variety of capacities, including academics, where he
was named valedictorian of his senior class, as a musician – he played trombone
in the band – and also in athletics, where he was a three-sport letterman.&nbsp;

Kevin was a starting running back
and linebacker for the first Strasburg football team to reach the state
quarterfinals in the school’s 11-man era. In basketball, he played point guard
on the first Indians team to reach the state tournament in 38 years. He was
also a distance runner who qualified for state in 1986 and was part of the 1987
track team that won the state championship.&nbsp;

Kevin’s academic
success continued at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan., where he graduated summa
cum laude in 1991. He also got involved with athletic external operations for
the first time, serving as the PA announcer for the Bethany Swedes baseball team.

After graduating,
Kevin accepted a job as a middle school math teacher in Hill City, Kan., where
he also served as an assistant coach for the Ringneck’s football and boys
basketball teams. There, he met the love of his life, Karla Zohner. They
married July 17, 1993, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hill
City. In 1994, Kevin and Karla left Hill City when they accepted positions in
Belleville, Kan., where Kevin’s coaching duties included serving as an
assistant on the Buffaloes’ 1995 state championship football team, as the head
tennis coach and girls basketball assistant coach. In 1997, Kevin and Karla
moved to Wichita, Kan., where Kevin earned a master’s degree at Wichita State
University.&nbsp; Kevin and Karla welcomed daughter Josie Ann Marie to the
family January 24, 1999.&nbsp;

Kevin returned home when he was
hired in the fall of 2000 to teach math at Strasburg High School. For the next
25 years, he taught, coached and mentored hundreds of SHS students, always
looking for that special connection that might help steer each student in the
right direction.&nbsp;

Kevin and Karla’s family also
grew by two after moving to Strasburg.&nbsp; They welcomed Alexander Jerard 'A.J.' in 2002, and Cade Michael in 2007.&nbsp;

As a coach, Kevin preferred
serving as an assistant coach, mostly for the boys basketball and track teams.
But he also was in charge of the cross country program for several seasons.

During football season, Kevin
worked as one of his dad’s spotters in the booth on Friday nights. When Del
passed away in 2004, the school district renamed the press box in his honor and
Kevin succeeded his father as 'The Voice of the Indians.'

While his other school
assignments outside of football changed on occasion, his job on Friday nights —
keeping the home and visiting fans appraised of the game’s progression — was
never altered.&nbsp;

In those 20 seasons, Strasburg
won two state championships and reached the finals four other times. And just
like his dad had the chance to call his son’s name after a key tackle or the
occasional big offensive play, Kevin got to do the same, first for A.J., and
then for Cade.&nbsp;

When Covid-19 restrictions forced
schools to restrict 'nonessential' attendees to sporting events, Kevin made
sure those stuck at home still had access to the Indians by establishing the
school’s YouTube channel and securing the necessary equipment to produce a live
broadcast.

In the spring of 2020, he
produced the first episodes of 'The Coaching Story, With Kevin Hemphill,' a
podcast that began with him interviewing fellow Strasburg High coaches, but
later evolved into more than 40 episodes that celebrated colleagues in Eastern
Colorado and beyond.&nbsp;

In his final years at Strasburg,
Kevin took on some new roles, including serving as the district’s athletic
director for two years, bus driver, and teaching several non-math courses
before retiring after the 2024-25 school year. &nbsp;

Kevin was a member of Our Lady of
the Plains Catholic Church. He was an inaugural member of Knights of Columbus
Council 13221, where he served in a number of capacities, including Grand
Knight.

Kevin is survived by
his family: Karla, Josie, A.J. and wife, Grace, and Cade of Strasburg; brother
Steven (Brenda) of Salem, Va., and sister Michelle Forbis (Barry) of Strasburg;
father- and mother-in-law Joe and Ruth Zohner of Penokee, Kan.; brothers-in-law
Justin (Courtney) of Hill City, Kan., and Adam (Emma) Zohner of Houston;
sister-in-law Anne Maxwell and her husband – who Kevin quickly adopted as his
second brother – Doug Maxwell of Andale, Kan.; and 9 nieces and 3 nephews.

Kevin was preceded in death by
his parents, maternal grandparents Charles and Sylvia (Fraterelli), and
paternal grandparents Janice (Quillen) Patrick, John Patrick and Burton
Hemphill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions
can be made to Strasburg High School Athletic Department, to provide equipment
to students who are financially challenged, or to the Strasburg Parks and
Recreation Department for sports fee scholarships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769192865529.jpeg" alt="Kevin Michael Hemphill" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Michael Hemphill</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Michael Hemphill, 57,
passed away peacefully at his home in Strasburg, Colo., January 15, 2026, due
to complications from pancreatic cancer.Visitation and a Holy Rosary will
be in Mundell Gymnasium at Strasburg High School at 6:30 p.m. on Monday,
January 19. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 21 at Our Lady
of the Plains Catholic Church in Byers, Colo.&nbsp;A graveside service and burial
will be at South Star Cemetery in Graham County, Kan., at 2:30 p.m. on
Thursday, January 22. There will be a visitation prior to the service at 1 p.m.
at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hill City, Kan.Kevin was born November 17, 1968,
in Fort Morgan, Colo., to Delmer and Charlene (Desiato) Hemphill.In 1974, Kevin began his own
long-standing association with Strasburg Schools, enrolling in kindergarten
with the future Class of 1987, where many lifelong friendships began.&nbsp;As part of Strasburg’s student
body, Kevin excelled in a variety of capacities, including academics, where he
was named valedictorian of his senior class, as a musician – he played trombone
in the band – and also in athletics, where he was a three-sport letterman.&nbsp;Kevin was a starting running back
and linebacker for the first Strasburg football team to reach the state
quarterfinals in the school’s 11-man era. In basketball, he played point guard
on the first Indians team to reach the state tournament in 38 years. He was
also a distance runner who qualified for state in 1986 and was part of the 1987
track team that won the state championship.&nbsp;Kevin’s academic
success continued at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan., where he graduated summa
cum laude in 1991. He also got involved with athletic external operations for
the first time, serving as the PA announcer for the Bethany Swedes baseball team.After graduating,
Kevin accepted a job as a middle school math teacher in Hill City, Kan., where
he also served as an assistant coach for the Ringneck’s football and boys
basketball teams. There, he met the love of his life, Karla Zohner. They
married July 17, 1993, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hill
City. In 1994, Kevin and Karla left Hill City when they accepted positions in
Belleville, Kan., where Kevin’s coaching duties included serving as an
assistant on the Buffaloes’ 1995 state championship football team, as the head
tennis coach and girls basketball assistant coach. In 1997, Kevin and Karla
moved to Wichita, Kan., where Kevin earned a master’s degree at Wichita State
University.&nbsp; Kevin and Karla welcomed daughter Josie Ann Marie to the
family January 24, 1999.&nbsp;Kevin returned home when he was
hired in the fall of 2000 to teach math at Strasburg High School. For the next
25 years, he taught, coached and mentored hundreds of SHS students, always
looking for that special connection that might help steer each student in the
right direction.&nbsp;Kevin and Karla’s family also
grew by two after moving to Strasburg.&nbsp; They welcomed Alexander Jerard 'A.J.' in 2002, and Cade Michael in 2007.&nbsp;As a coach, Kevin preferred
serving as an assistant coach, mostly for the boys basketball and track teams.
But he also was in charge of the cross country program for several seasons.During football season, Kevin
worked as one of his dad’s spotters in the booth on Friday nights. When Del
passed away in 2004, the school district renamed the press box in his honor and
Kevin succeeded his father as 'The Voice of the Indians.'While his other school
assignments outside of football changed on occasion, his job on Friday nights —
keeping the home and visiting fans appraised of the game’s progression — was
never altered.&nbsp;In those 20 seasons, Strasburg
won two state championships and reached the finals four other times. And just
like his dad had the chance to call his son’s name after a key tackle or the
occasional big offensive play, Kevin got to do the same, first for A.J., and
then for Cade.&nbsp;When Covid-19 restrictions forced
schools to restrict 'nonessential' attendees to sporting events, Kevin made
sure those stuck at home still had access to the Indians by establishing the
school’s YouTube channel and securing the necessary equipment to produce a live
broadcast.In the spring of 2020, he
produced the first episodes of 'The Coaching Story, With Kevin Hemphill,' a
podcast that began with him interviewing fellow Strasburg High coaches, but
later evolved into more than 40 episodes that celebrated colleagues in Eastern
Colorado and beyond.&nbsp;In his final years at Strasburg,
Kevin took on some new roles, including serving as the district’s athletic
director for two years, bus driver, and teaching several non-math courses
before retiring after the 2024-25 school year. &nbsp;Kevin was a member of Our Lady of
the Plains Catholic Church. He was an inaugural member of Knights of Columbus
Council 13221, where he served in a number of capacities, including Grand
Knight.Kevin is survived by
his family: Karla, Josie, A.J. and wife, Grace, and Cade of Strasburg; brother
Steven (Brenda) of Salem, Va., and sister Michelle Forbis (Barry) of Strasburg;
father- and mother-in-law Joe and Ruth Zohner of Penokee, Kan.; brothers-in-law
Justin (Courtney) of Hill City, Kan., and Adam (Emma) Zohner of Houston;
sister-in-law Anne Maxwell and her husband – who Kevin quickly adopted as his
second brother – Doug Maxwell of Andale, Kan.; and 9 nieces and 3 nephews.Kevin was preceded in death by
his parents, maternal grandparents Charles and Sylvia (Fraterelli), and
paternal grandparents Janice (Quillen) Patrick, John Patrick and Burton
Hemphill.In lieu of flowers, contributions
can be made to Strasburg High School Athletic Department, to provide equipment
to students who are financially challenged, or to the Strasburg Parks and
Recreation Department for sports fee scholarships.

Kevin Michael Hemphill

Hugh
‘Hooter’ Fleming Hendrickson, age 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by
family, on January 20, 2026, in Smith Center, Kansas. Hooter was born August
12, 1933, in Lebanon, Kansas to Donald F. Hendrickson and Ada Belle Colhour
Hendrickson. He grew up in Lebanon as an only child, graduating from the high
school in 1951. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served as
a Seaman on the U.S.S. Boxer. An avid storyteller, he loved sharing stories of
his time in the service and all the characters with whom he served.



After his discharge in 1957 and trying a few jobs, he began driving trucks for
several companies before joining the Smith County workforce hauling heavy
equipment, until he retired in 1998.



He loved cars, motorcycles and airplanes, especially those of the WWII/50s era.
Hoot was a collector of treasures, keeping memorabilia from his childhood,
letters and military records of relatives who served in the Civil War, and both
World Wars, especially a favorite uncle, Junior Colhour. Of course, he was also
a collector of other 'treasures', of which his family is dreading sifting
through.



In 1977, at the age of 43, Hooter took on the ‘daunting’ task of marrying Della
Heine Williamson, a widow with 5 children, including a teenage daughter still
at home. He became a husband, father, and a grandfather in one giant leap. He
jumped in and the family fully embraced him where he quickly learned about life
in a big, loving family. He shared how blessed he was to love Della and have
family to love and care for him, especially as his health began declining. 



He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Jerry Maxwell. Left to
mourn his loss is his wife, Della, Smith Center, step-daughter, Barbie (Brad)
Timmons, Smith Center, step-daughter, Jody Maxwell, Smith Center, step-son, Jay
(Jane) Williamson, Marysville, step-son, David (Pearl) Williamson, Baldwin
City, and step-daughter, Jana (Scott) Horsfall, Hays, thirteen (13)
grandchildren and their spouses, twenty-seven (27) great-grandchildren and
spouses, and two (2) great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday,
January 30, 2026, at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, Smith Center, KS.

Celebration of Life Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday,
January 31, 2026, at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary.

Inurnment will be at the Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center,
KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial
contributions to the Smith County Historical Society and can be sent in care of
the mortuary.

To leave an online condolence visit <a href="http://www.rfmortuaries.com">www.rfmortuaries.com</a>

Arrangements are entrusted to Rentschler Family Mortuaries,
Simmons-Rentschler Chapel, Smith Center, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769190766147.jpeg" alt="Hugh ‘Hooter’ Fleming Hendrickson" />
 <figcaption>Hugh ‘Hooter’ Fleming Hendrickson</figcaption>
 </figure>Hugh
‘Hooter’ Fleming Hendrickson, age 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by
family, on January 20, 2026, in Smith Center, Kansas. Hooter was born August
12, 1933, in Lebanon, Kansas to Donald F. Hendrickson and Ada Belle Colhour
Hendrickson. He grew up in Lebanon as an only child, graduating from the high
school in 1951. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served as
a Seaman on the U.S.S. Boxer. An avid storyteller, he loved sharing stories of
his time in the service and all the characters with whom he served.

After his discharge in 1957 and trying a few jobs, he began driving trucks for
several companies before joining the Smith County workforce hauling heavy
equipment, until he retired in 1998.

He loved cars, motorcycles and airplanes, especially those of the WWII/50s era.
Hoot was a collector of treasures, keeping memorabilia from his childhood,
letters and military records of relatives who served in the Civil War, and both
World Wars, especially a favorite uncle, Junior Colhour. Of course, he was also
a collector of other 'treasures', of which his family is dreading sifting
through.

In 1977, at the age of 43, Hooter took on the ‘daunting’ task of marrying Della
Heine Williamson, a widow with 5 children, including a teenage daughter still
at home. He became a husband, father, and a grandfather in one giant leap. He
jumped in and the family fully embraced him where he quickly learned about life
in a big, loving family. He shared how blessed he was to love Della and have
family to love and care for him, especially as his health began declining. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Jerry Maxwell. Left to
mourn his loss is his wife, Della, Smith Center, step-daughter, Barbie (Brad)
Timmons, Smith Center, step-daughter, Jody Maxwell, Smith Center, step-son, Jay
(Jane) Williamson, Marysville, step-son, David (Pearl) Williamson, Baldwin
City, and step-daughter, Jana (Scott) Horsfall, Hays, thirteen (13)
grandchildren and their spouses, twenty-seven (27) great-grandchildren and
spouses, and two (2) great-great grandchildren.Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday,
January 30, 2026, at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary, Smith Center, KS.Celebration of Life Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday,
January 31, 2026, at the Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary.Inurnment will be at the Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center,
KS.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial
contributions to the Smith County Historical Society and can be sent in care of
the mortuary.To leave an online condolence visit <a href="http://www.rfmortuaries.com">www.rfmortuaries.com</a>Arrangements are entrusted to Rentschler Family Mortuaries,
Simmons-Rentschler Chapel, Smith Center, KS.

Hugh ‘Hooter’ Fleming Hendrickson

Lucille D. (Mansholt) Blide, age 95 passed away on Jan. 20,
2026 at Kenwood Plaza, St. John, KS.&nbsp; She
was born on Nov. 19, 1930 at Downs, KS., the daughter of Henry John and Johanna
Helena (Arkebauer)Mansholt.&nbsp; 

Moving to
St. John in 1960, she had been a secretary and spent most of her time driving a
school bus for the children of USD-350 St. John-Hudson schools. She was a
member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Great Bend, KS. &nbsp;

On Apr. 10, 1951 she married Keith Blide at
Downs, KS., he passed away in 2007.&nbsp;


Lucille is survived by a daughter, Linda D. Fisher, St. John, KS; two
sons, Terry L. (Lisa) Blide, Ellis, KS, Brian K. (Mary) Blide, Larned, KS; a
brother-in-law, Lowell Eberle, Derby, KS; four grandchildren, Staci (Todd)
Willems, Travis Blide, Sara (Chris) Teeter, Grant Fisher; four great
grandchildren, Hunter Teeter, Kraytyn Blide, Brooklynn Teeter and Tanner
Willems; several nieces and nephews. &nbsp;

She
was preceded in death by both parents; a grandson, Jeremy Fisher; a son-in-law,
Gregory Fisher; brothers, Leonard and Kenneth Mansholt; sisters, Marie Hadley,
Norma Christianson and Berniece Eberle; and a special friend, Gene
Rothenberger. 

Visitation will be on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 from 1-5PM, with
family present from 1-3PM. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, Jan.
26, 2026 at Minnis Chapel, St. John, with Pastor Wade Russell presiding. 

Burial
will follow in the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John, KS. Memorial checks may be
made out to USD-350 Education Foundation for Track Maintenance or to the Our
Savior Lutheran Church in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS&nbsp; 67576.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769097350191.jpeg" alt="Lucille D. (Mansholt) Blide" />
 <figcaption>Lucille D. (Mansholt) Blide</figcaption>
 </figure>Lucille D. (Mansholt) Blide, age 95 passed away on Jan. 20,
2026 at Kenwood Plaza, St. John, KS.&nbsp; She
was born on Nov. 19, 1930 at Downs, KS., the daughter of Henry John and Johanna
Helena (Arkebauer)Mansholt.&nbsp; Moving to
St. John in 1960, she had been a secretary and spent most of her time driving a
school bus for the children of USD-350 St. John-Hudson schools. She was a
member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Great Bend, KS. &nbsp;On Apr. 10, 1951 she married Keith Blide at
Downs, KS., he passed away in 2007.&nbsp;
Lucille is survived by a daughter, Linda D. Fisher, St. John, KS; two
sons, Terry L. (Lisa) Blide, Ellis, KS, Brian K. (Mary) Blide, Larned, KS; a
brother-in-law, Lowell Eberle, Derby, KS; four grandchildren, Staci (Todd)
Willems, Travis Blide, Sara (Chris) Teeter, Grant Fisher; four great
grandchildren, Hunter Teeter, Kraytyn Blide, Brooklynn Teeter and Tanner
Willems; several nieces and nephews. &nbsp;She
was preceded in death by both parents; a grandson, Jeremy Fisher; a son-in-law,
Gregory Fisher; brothers, Leonard and Kenneth Mansholt; sisters, Marie Hadley,
Norma Christianson and Berniece Eberle; and a special friend, Gene
Rothenberger. Visitation will be on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 from 1-5PM, with
family present from 1-3PM. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, Jan.
26, 2026 at Minnis Chapel, St. John, with Pastor Wade Russell presiding. Burial
will follow in the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John, KS. Memorial checks may be
made out to USD-350 Education Foundation for Track Maintenance or to the Our
Savior Lutheran Church in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS&nbsp; 67576.

Lucille D. (Mansholt) Blide

John Louis Sanders, Sr., age 69 of Hays died August 1, 2025, at
HaysMed - Hays. He was born on December 26, 1955, in Hays, to Elmer Louis
Sanders and Freda Marie (Leikam). He married Susan (Cook) December 27, 2001, in
Hays.

John attended Hays High (Class of 1973) and left his junior year
to enlist in the US Navy. He was a cook for the US Navy from 1972 to 1976. His
life after the military included times as a cable line installer, owning Sand
Construction Company in Denver, then moving to Hays to cook at the family
business, Ted’s Steakhouse. He then worked as a supervisor for Paul
Wertenberger Construction from 1990 to 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; stepdaughters, Christina Raz,
Arvada, CO, Angeline Butler, Manhattan KS; brothers Jeff Sanders, Hays, Joseph
Sanders, Georgia; sisters Judy Laurie, Russell, KS, Janet Pfeifer, Pottsboro,
TX; and one step grandson, Christian Butler, Manhattan, KS.

John was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother,
Jim.

Memorial Services will be Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow the services in the
St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery - Hays.

Memorials are suggested to: Hospice at HaysMed and/or the Robert
J. Dole VA Hospital in care of the VA Heartland Network via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50728406/">https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50728406/</a>&nbsp;

Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory. Memories and words of comfort may be shared with John's family on
his tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769027269847.jpeg" alt="John Louis Sanders, Sr." />
 <figcaption>John Louis Sanders, Sr.</figcaption>
 </figure>John Louis Sanders, Sr., age 69 of Hays died August 1, 2025, at
HaysMed - Hays. He was born on December 26, 1955, in Hays, to Elmer Louis
Sanders and Freda Marie (Leikam). He married Susan (Cook) December 27, 2001, in
Hays.John attended Hays High (Class of 1973) and left his junior year
to enlist in the US Navy. He was a cook for the US Navy from 1972 to 1976. His
life after the military included times as a cable line installer, owning Sand
Construction Company in Denver, then moving to Hays to cook at the family
business, Ted’s Steakhouse. He then worked as a supervisor for Paul
Wertenberger Construction from 1990 to 2017.He is survived by his wife, Susan; stepdaughters, Christina Raz,
Arvada, CO, Angeline Butler, Manhattan KS; brothers Jeff Sanders, Hays, Joseph
Sanders, Georgia; sisters Judy Laurie, Russell, KS, Janet Pfeifer, Pottsboro,
TX; and one step grandson, Christian Butler, Manhattan, KS.John was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother,
Jim.Memorial Services will be Monday, January 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow the services in the
St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery - Hays.Memorials are suggested to: Hospice at HaysMed and/or the Robert
J. Dole VA Hospital in care of the VA Heartland Network via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50728406/">https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50728406/</a>&nbsp;Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory. Memories and words of comfort may be shared with John's family on
his tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

John Louis Sanders, Sr.

Rodney
James Augustine, age 57, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Saturday, January 10,
2026, at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. Rodney was born April
6, 1968, in LaCrosse, Kansas to Francis and Edna (Depperschmidt) Augustine. He
married Kala Leiker on May 9, 1992. She preceded him in death on May 18, 1994.
He then married Rebecca Scheck and later divorced.



Rodney attended school in Ellis and worked as a pumper in the oilfields for
over twenty years. He loved fishing as often as he could and had a fondness for
all animals and especially his fur baby, Alaska.&nbsp; Rodney also treasured
his time with his family and close friends.



He is survived by his mother, Edna Augustine of LaCrosse; a daughter, Chandra
Augustine (Taylor Hammond) of Ellis; sisters, Brenda Urban (Steve) of Hays,
Wanda Augustine of Hays and Loretta Akins (Orlin) of Oregon.



He was preceded in death by his father, Francis.



A Celebration gathering will be Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
at Keithley Funeral Homes-Ellis Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.&nbsp; Lunch
will follow at the Ellis Knights of Columbus Hall.


Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains.

Please share words of comfort on Rodney's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768856651167.jpeg" alt="Rodney James Augustine" />
 <figcaption>Rodney James Augustine</figcaption>
 </figure>Rodney
James Augustine, age 57, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Saturday, January 10,
2026, at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado. Rodney was born April
6, 1968, in LaCrosse, Kansas to Francis and Edna (Depperschmidt) Augustine. He
married Kala Leiker on May 9, 1992. She preceded him in death on May 18, 1994.
He then married Rebecca Scheck and later divorced.

Rodney attended school in Ellis and worked as a pumper in the oilfields for
over twenty years. He loved fishing as often as he could and had a fondness for
all animals and especially his fur baby, Alaska.&nbsp; Rodney also treasured
his time with his family and close friends.

He is survived by his mother, Edna Augustine of LaCrosse; a daughter, Chandra
Augustine (Taylor Hammond) of Ellis; sisters, Brenda Urban (Steve) of Hays,
Wanda Augustine of Hays and Loretta Akins (Orlin) of Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis.

A Celebration gathering will be Saturday, January 31, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
at Keithley Funeral Homes-Ellis Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.&nbsp; Lunch
will follow at the Ellis Knights of Columbus Hall.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains.

Please share words of comfort on Rodney's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Rodney James Augustine

Megan Nicole (Lybarger) Borger,
32, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at the
Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Megan was born November 5, 1993
in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; She was one of
two daughters born to Gerald Lee and Stacy R. (Riedesel) Lybarger.&nbsp; She grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri and
graduated from Blue Springs South in the Class of 2012.&nbsp; She then attended two years at the Rockhurst
College before graduating from Brown Mackie – Overland Park with an LPN Degree.

Megan met, fell in love, and was
united in marriage to Brady Borger on May 5, 2018.&nbsp; This union was blessed with a son,
Jameson.&nbsp; They made their home in
Russell.

Megan was a Nurse, and proud of
it.&nbsp; She worked for First Care Clinic in
Hays, Kansas and loved taking care of her patients.&nbsp; When visiting her parents she would attend
Crossroads Church in Grain Valley, Missouri.&nbsp;
She was involved with the Mason’s Mourning Light foundation, serving as
Vice President.&nbsp; She loved her son and
being a Mom above all things. She enjoyed everything Disney; building Legos;
reading; spending time with family and friends and the weekends at the lake.

Megan’s surviving family includes
her husband, Brady; son, Jameson Max of the home; her parents, Jerry and Stacy
Lybarger; sister, Dr. Paige White (Glen); her paternal grandmother, Clara
Lybarger; her maternal grandfather, Vincent Riedesel; her mother-in-law, Chelli
Shauers; father-in-law, Craig Borger and wife Chandis; her siblings-in-law,
Eric, Lisa, and Shawna; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, nieces and
nephews.

Megan was preceded in death by
her grandmother, Joyce Riedesel and her two babies who she got to meet when she
arrived in Heaven.

A Memorial Service will be held
at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 26, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in
Russell.&nbsp; The family will be present to
greet friends from noon to 2:00 PM, Monday, at the mortuary.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established as the Megan
Borger Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers.&nbsp;
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769010914353.jpeg" alt="Megan Nicole (Lybarger) Borger" />
 <figcaption>Megan Nicole (Lybarger) Borger</figcaption>
 </figure>Megan Nicole (Lybarger) Borger,
32, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, January 19, 2026, at the
Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.Megan was born November 5, 1993
in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; She was one of
two daughters born to Gerald Lee and Stacy R. (Riedesel) Lybarger.&nbsp; She grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri and
graduated from Blue Springs South in the Class of 2012.&nbsp; She then attended two years at the Rockhurst
College before graduating from Brown Mackie – Overland Park with an LPN Degree.Megan met, fell in love, and was
united in marriage to Brady Borger on May 5, 2018.&nbsp; This union was blessed with a son,
Jameson.&nbsp; They made their home in
Russell.Megan was a Nurse, and proud of
it.&nbsp; She worked for First Care Clinic in
Hays, Kansas and loved taking care of her patients.&nbsp; When visiting her parents she would attend
Crossroads Church in Grain Valley, Missouri.&nbsp;
She was involved with the Mason’s Mourning Light foundation, serving as
Vice President.&nbsp; She loved her son and
being a Mom above all things. She enjoyed everything Disney; building Legos;
reading; spending time with family and friends and the weekends at the lake.Megan’s surviving family includes
her husband, Brady; son, Jameson Max of the home; her parents, Jerry and Stacy
Lybarger; sister, Dr. Paige White (Glen); her paternal grandmother, Clara
Lybarger; her maternal grandfather, Vincent Riedesel; her mother-in-law, Chelli
Shauers; father-in-law, Craig Borger and wife Chandis; her siblings-in-law,
Eric, Lisa, and Shawna; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, nieces and
nephews.Megan was preceded in death by
her grandmother, Joyce Riedesel and her two babies who she got to meet when she
arrived in Heaven.A Memorial Service will be held
at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 26, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in
Russell.&nbsp; The family will be present to
greet friends from noon to 2:00 PM, Monday, at the mortuary.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established as the Megan
Borger Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers.&nbsp;
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Megan Nicole (Lybarger) Borger

Darlene
Kay (Desair) Marcotte, of Plainville, KS, passed away on January 19, 2026, at
Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas, at the age of 78. 

Darlene
was born on September 21, 1947, to Adelore and Fern (Bush) Desair on the family
farm in Rural Graham County, Kansas. She grew up in Palco, Kansas and graduated
from Palco High School in 1965. She completed one year of college in Omaha and
spent much of her life working as a waitress and homemaker. She also ran the DK
Diner in Plainville.

On
April 19, 1975, she married James Leo Marcotte at St. Ann Catholic Church in
Zurich, Kansas. They were blessed with two children, Sean and Jamie.

Darlene
was an avid bowler and took great pride in competing at both state and national
levels. She especially enjoyed spending time at 183 Lanes in Stockton and
participating in local bowling leagues in Plainville and Stockton. She also enjoyed
art, particularly drawing, as well as collecting jewelry and baking. As a
baker, she was especially well known for her pies and cinnamon rolls, talents
she shared generously with family and friends.

Darlene
found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including drinking Coca-Cola,
watching NCIS, and playing bingo. A woman of strong faith, she was a
devoted member of St. Ann Catholic Church and its Sodality in Zurich, Kansas.
She was also an active member of the Solomon Valley Antique and Machinery
Association.

Darlene
will be remembered for her creativity, competitive spirit, generous heart, and
the warmth she shared with family, friends, and her community.

Darlene
is survived by her children: Sean (Kim) Marcotte of Damar, KS and Jamie
Marcotte of Kansas City, KS; siblings, Jeanette Roy of Stockton, Geraldine Roy
of Aurora, CO, Claude Desair of Palco, Connie Fisher of Bland, MO, and Ronnie
Desair of WaKeeney, KS; three grandchildren: Kedra (Andrew) Dopita, Kiley
(Eric) Pfeifer, and Kirsten (Ethan Hamilton) Marcotte; four
great-grandchildren: Karly, Kason and Kaley Dopita, and Kohen Pfeifer; and grand-dogs,
Tank and Toby. 

She is
preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; sister-in-law, DeeAnn Desair;
brothers-in-law, Joe Roy, Allan Roy, and Gary Fisher; and her beloved dog,
Sadie.

A Mass
of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10AM at the
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at the St. Ann
Catholic Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be on Thursday, 5-7PM, with the
family receiving friends 6:30 until the Vigil and Rosary Service at 7PM, all at
the funeral home in Plainville.&nbsp; 

Memorials
are suggested to High Plains Humane Society and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease
Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.

Online
condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768941927238.jpeg" alt="Darlene Kay (Desair) Marcotte" />
 <figcaption>Darlene Kay (Desair) Marcotte</figcaption>
 </figure>Darlene
Kay (Desair) Marcotte, of Plainville, KS, passed away on January 19, 2026, at
Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas, at the age of 78. Darlene
was born on September 21, 1947, to Adelore and Fern (Bush) Desair on the family
farm in Rural Graham County, Kansas. She grew up in Palco, Kansas and graduated
from Palco High School in 1965. She completed one year of college in Omaha and
spent much of her life working as a waitress and homemaker. She also ran the DK
Diner in Plainville.On
April 19, 1975, she married James Leo Marcotte at St. Ann Catholic Church in
Zurich, Kansas. They were blessed with two children, Sean and Jamie.Darlene
was an avid bowler and took great pride in competing at both state and national
levels. She especially enjoyed spending time at 183 Lanes in Stockton and
participating in local bowling leagues in Plainville and Stockton. She also enjoyed
art, particularly drawing, as well as collecting jewelry and baking. As a
baker, she was especially well known for her pies and cinnamon rolls, talents
she shared generously with family and friends.Darlene
found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including drinking Coca-Cola,
watching NCIS, and playing bingo. A woman of strong faith, she was a
devoted member of St. Ann Catholic Church and its Sodality in Zurich, Kansas.
She was also an active member of the Solomon Valley Antique and Machinery
Association.Darlene
will be remembered for her creativity, competitive spirit, generous heart, and
the warmth she shared with family, friends, and her community.Darlene
is survived by her children: Sean (Kim) Marcotte of Damar, KS and Jamie
Marcotte of Kansas City, KS; siblings, Jeanette Roy of Stockton, Geraldine Roy
of Aurora, CO, Claude Desair of Palco, Connie Fisher of Bland, MO, and Ronnie
Desair of WaKeeney, KS; three grandchildren: Kedra (Andrew) Dopita, Kiley
(Eric) Pfeifer, and Kirsten (Ethan Hamilton) Marcotte; four
great-grandchildren: Karly, Kason and Kaley Dopita, and Kohen Pfeifer; and grand-dogs,
Tank and Toby. She is
preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; sister-in-law, DeeAnn Desair;
brothers-in-law, Joe Roy, Allan Roy, and Gary Fisher; and her beloved dog,
Sadie.A Mass
of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10AM at the
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at the St. Ann
Catholic Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be on Thursday, 5-7PM, with the
family receiving friends 6:30 until the Vigil and Rosary Service at 7PM, all at
the funeral home in Plainville.&nbsp; Memorials
are suggested to High Plains Humane Society and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease
Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.Online
condolences may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Darlene Kay (Desair) Marcotte

Hedwig (Hedy) Niedens, 93, a long-time resident of Trego
County, passed away in Salina, Kansas, on January 19, 2026. Services will be
announced at a later date. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Kansas, is handling
arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725638659520.jpg" alt="Hedwig (Hedy) Niedens" />
 <figcaption>Hedwig (Hedy) Niedens</figcaption>
 </figure>Hedwig (Hedy) Niedens, 93, a long-time resident of Trego
County, passed away in Salina, Kansas, on January 19, 2026. Services will be
announced at a later date. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Kansas, is handling
arrangements.

Hedwig (Hedy) Niedens

Loretta Faye Hutchinson, 92, WaKeeney, passed
away on January 16, 2026, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.

Born in the family home in Hooker, OK, on May 3, 1933, to Millard and Edith (George) Wells. Loretta’s grade school years were spent in
Hooker and the surrounding area towns.&nbsp;
She attended high school in Liberal, KS, and later earned her GED.&nbsp; She continued her education with coursework
at Colby Community College and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Loretta was united in marriage for 72 years to Garland R.
Hutchinson on August 21, 1949, in Liberal.&nbsp;
Two children were born to this union: Thomas Ray Hutchinson in 1950 and
Connie Lea Hutchinson Busch in 1952.&nbsp; The
family followed Garland’s career as a Duckwall manager in southeastern Colorado
and western Kansas, finally settling in WaKeeney.&nbsp; Loretta worked at WaKeeney Redi-Mix, Trego-WaKeeney
State Bank, and First United Methodist Church, WaKeeney, and First United
Methodist Church, Ulysses.&nbsp; 

Loretta had a variety of creative and artistic interests and
hobbies.&nbsp; She enjoyed sewing, knitting,
crocheting, and painting.&nbsp; Along with
Garland, they constructed and painted wooden birdhouses, ornaments, plaques,
and knick-knacks for family and friends.&nbsp;
Jigsaw puzzles, board games, card games, reading the New York Times, and
reading and researching information on her iPad filled Loretta’s free
time.&nbsp; She was a member of the WaKeeney
United Methodist Church, the Locust Club, and the Courtney-Spalding Chapter of
the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Loretta is survived by her son, Thomas R. (Cassandra) of
Salina; daughter, Connie L. Busch of Hays; brother-in-law, Richard Hutchinson,
Parker, CO; grandsons, Bourke B. (Kari) Hutchinson of Gardner, and Roberto L.
(Adriana) Busch of Hays; four great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews,
and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother
Teddy Wells, son-in-law, Allan J. Busch, Jr., and family members Lloyd and
Norma (Hutchinson) Palmer, Dean and Billie Hutchinson, and Dolores Hutchinson.

A private family graveside service will be held at Kansas
Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Scholarship Fund,
WaKeeney First United Methodist Church.&nbsp;
Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street,
WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Loretta Faye Hutchinson, 92, WaKeeney, passed
away on January 16, 2026, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.Born in the family home in Hooker, OK, on May 3, 1933, to Millard and Edith (George) Wells. Loretta’s grade school years were spent in
Hooker and the surrounding area towns.&nbsp;
She attended high school in Liberal, KS, and later earned her GED.&nbsp; She continued her education with coursework
at Colby Community College and Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;&nbsp; Loretta was united in marriage for 72 years to Garland R.
Hutchinson on August 21, 1949, in Liberal.&nbsp;
Two children were born to this union: Thomas Ray Hutchinson in 1950 and
Connie Lea Hutchinson Busch in 1952.&nbsp; The
family followed Garland’s career as a Duckwall manager in southeastern Colorado
and western Kansas, finally settling in WaKeeney.&nbsp; Loretta worked at WaKeeney Redi-Mix, Trego-WaKeeney
State Bank, and First United Methodist Church, WaKeeney, and First United
Methodist Church, Ulysses.&nbsp; Loretta had a variety of creative and artistic interests and
hobbies.&nbsp; She enjoyed sewing, knitting,
crocheting, and painting.&nbsp; Along with
Garland, they constructed and painted wooden birdhouses, ornaments, plaques,
and knick-knacks for family and friends.&nbsp;
Jigsaw puzzles, board games, card games, reading the New York Times, and
reading and researching information on her iPad filled Loretta’s free
time.&nbsp; She was a member of the WaKeeney
United Methodist Church, the Locust Club, and the Courtney-Spalding Chapter of
the Daughters of the American Revolution.Loretta is survived by her son, Thomas R. (Cassandra) of
Salina; daughter, Connie L. Busch of Hays; brother-in-law, Richard Hutchinson,
Parker, CO; grandsons, Bourke B. (Kari) Hutchinson of Gardner, and Roberto L.
(Adriana) Busch of Hays; four great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews,
and their families.She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother
Teddy Wells, son-in-law, Allan J. Busch, Jr., and family members Lloyd and
Norma (Hutchinson) Palmer, Dean and Billie Hutchinson, and Dolores Hutchinson.A private family graveside service will be held at Kansas
Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney at a later date.Memorial contributions may be given to the Scholarship Fund,
WaKeeney First United Methodist Church.&nbsp;
Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street,
WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Loretta Faye Hutchinson

Raymond 'Ray' Edward Zahn, age 90, of WaKeeney,
Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Trego
County–Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was born December 5, 1935, in Bazine,
Kansas, to Otto and Pearl (Kilpatrick) Zahn.

Ray was a man defined by hard work, quiet observation, and a
deep love for his community and the simple joys of life.

He grew up south of Ogallah, Kansas, beneath the bluffs
where his parents farmed the land now known as Cove 4 at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.
Those early years shaped his appreciation for the outdoors and instilled in him
a strong work ethic that would follow him throughout his life. In 1947, when
the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation began plans for the construction of Cedar Bluff
Dam, the family was forced to leave the farm and move into town—a transition
that marked a new chapter in Ray’s life.

Ray graduated from Trego High School with the Class of 1953
and soon began working in the oil fields, a line of work he would return to
time and again throughout his life. He was never afraid of hard labor or
heights and could often be found on oil derricks, doing whatever needed to be
done. From 1957 to 1962, he worked alongside his father, helping operate the
family business, Zahn Plumbing and Heating. Unknowingly at the time, Ray would
go on to use the skills he learned from his father to continue providing
dependable service and reliability to the WaKeeney community.

From 1965 to 1969, Ray returned to oil field work before
beginning what would become a long and dedicated career with the City of
WaKeeney. From 1969 until 2000, he served as City Superintendent, taking great
pride in maintaining the town he called home. Even after “retiring” at the age
of 65, Ray did not slow down. He returned once more to the oil fields, working
until the age of 78. When he finally stepped away from that work, he still
found ways to stay useful, delivering clean uniforms to oil workers until he
was 80 years old.

His commitment to service extended beyond his employment.
Ray was an active member of the WaKeeney City Fire Department for approximately
20 years, always willing to step up and help when his community needed him.

Those who knew Ray often described him as 'the observer'. Between himself and his brother, Leonard, Ray was the quiet one. He listened
more than he spoke, but when he did offer a comment or a joke, it was often
unexpected and delivered with a smile that made it all the more memorable.

For more than 40 years, Ray continued his father’s plumbing
legacy as an after-hours plumber, often answering calls to open sewers or
assist with various projects—well into his later years and up to the age of 80.
He was also an avid coin collector, a hobby he began in high school. Ray loved
studying his coin digest magazines, absorbing all the information he could, and
recalling remarkable details about each piece. He was always eager to share the
story behind a particular coin with anyone willing to listen.

Known jokingly as a 'professional recycler', Ray found
enjoyment in salvaging and scrapping metal—mostly aluminum—and took quiet
satisfaction in giving materials a second life.

In his true retirement years, Ray finally found more time to
enjoy the outdoors he had loved since childhood. Though he had a notable
dislike for pinecones, he otherwise appreciated nature’s beauty. He could often
be found sitting on his porch, watching rabbits in the yard, squirrels racing
across the power lines—what he affectionately called the 'squirrel freeway'—and
feeding the birds. Ray LOVED feeding the birds and he graciously left behind
barrels and barrels of old birdseed in the shed, a lasting reminder of one of
his favorite pastimes.

Ray is survived by his sons, Kendal (Dwana) of Ellis, Nathan
(Tina) of Wichita, and Mark (Carol) of Quinter; his daughter, Marla Woods of
WaKeeney; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Clara Lucille 'Lucy'; his parents; two sons, Timothy and
Alan; grandson Max; and fourteen siblings.

A visitation will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, from
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney,
Kansas. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
at WaKeeney Church of God, 1300 Easter Avenue, WaKeeney, Kansas, with Pastor
Jerod Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336
N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768845021314.jpeg" alt="Raymond 'Ray' Edward Zahn" />
 <figcaption>Raymond 'Ray' Edward Zahn</figcaption>
 </figure>Raymond 'Ray' Edward Zahn, age 90, of WaKeeney,
Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Trego
County–Lemke Memorial Hospital. He was born December 5, 1935, in Bazine,
Kansas, to Otto and Pearl (Kilpatrick) Zahn.Ray was a man defined by hard work, quiet observation, and a
deep love for his community and the simple joys of life.He grew up south of Ogallah, Kansas, beneath the bluffs
where his parents farmed the land now known as Cove 4 at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.
Those early years shaped his appreciation for the outdoors and instilled in him
a strong work ethic that would follow him throughout his life. In 1947, when
the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation began plans for the construction of Cedar Bluff
Dam, the family was forced to leave the farm and move into town—a transition
that marked a new chapter in Ray’s life.Ray graduated from Trego High School with the Class of 1953
and soon began working in the oil fields, a line of work he would return to
time and again throughout his life. He was never afraid of hard labor or
heights and could often be found on oil derricks, doing whatever needed to be
done. From 1957 to 1962, he worked alongside his father, helping operate the
family business, Zahn Plumbing and Heating. Unknowingly at the time, Ray would
go on to use the skills he learned from his father to continue providing
dependable service and reliability to the WaKeeney community.From 1965 to 1969, Ray returned to oil field work before
beginning what would become a long and dedicated career with the City of
WaKeeney. From 1969 until 2000, he served as City Superintendent, taking great
pride in maintaining the town he called home. Even after “retiring” at the age
of 65, Ray did not slow down. He returned once more to the oil fields, working
until the age of 78. When he finally stepped away from that work, he still
found ways to stay useful, delivering clean uniforms to oil workers until he
was 80 years old.His commitment to service extended beyond his employment.
Ray was an active member of the WaKeeney City Fire Department for approximately
20 years, always willing to step up and help when his community needed him.Those who knew Ray often described him as 'the observer'. Between himself and his brother, Leonard, Ray was the quiet one. He listened
more than he spoke, but when he did offer a comment or a joke, it was often
unexpected and delivered with a smile that made it all the more memorable.For more than 40 years, Ray continued his father’s plumbing
legacy as an after-hours plumber, often answering calls to open sewers or
assist with various projects—well into his later years and up to the age of 80.
He was also an avid coin collector, a hobby he began in high school. Ray loved
studying his coin digest magazines, absorbing all the information he could, and
recalling remarkable details about each piece. He was always eager to share the
story behind a particular coin with anyone willing to listen.Known jokingly as a 'professional recycler', Ray found
enjoyment in salvaging and scrapping metal—mostly aluminum—and took quiet
satisfaction in giving materials a second life.In his true retirement years, Ray finally found more time to
enjoy the outdoors he had loved since childhood. Though he had a notable
dislike for pinecones, he otherwise appreciated nature’s beauty. He could often
be found sitting on his porch, watching rabbits in the yard, squirrels racing
across the power lines—what he affectionately called the 'squirrel freeway'—and
feeding the birds. Ray LOVED feeding the birds and he graciously left behind
barrels and barrels of old birdseed in the shed, a lasting reminder of one of
his favorite pastimes.Ray is survived by his sons, Kendal (Dwana) of Ellis, Nathan
(Tina) of Wichita, and Mark (Carol) of Quinter; his daughter, Marla Woods of
WaKeeney; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in
death by his wife, Clara Lucille 'Lucy'; his parents; two sons, Timothy and
Alan; grandson Max; and fourteen siblings.A visitation will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, from
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney,
Kansas. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
at WaKeeney Church of God, 1300 Easter Avenue, WaKeeney, Kansas, with Pastor
Jerod Brown officiating.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336
N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.To share memories or leave condolences, please visit <a href="http://www.schmittfuneral.com">www.schmittfuneral.com</a>.

Raymond 'Ray' Edward Zahn

Josie Summers Worcester, age 91, of Hill City, Kansas, went
peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 15, 2026. 

Josie was born on
May 8, 1934, to Silas Dayton and Germie Taylor Summers and was raised in
Walton, West Virginia, where she grew up as one of five children. Those early
years shaped her strong faith, her deep sense of family, and her lifelong
commitment to serving others.

 In 1957, Josie moved to Denver, Colorado, with
her young son Darris and her Aunt Alta Gay. It was there, while attending
church, that she met Merlyn Worcester, a Kansas farm boy working as a fry cook
at the airport. Their meeting was the beginning of a beautiful love story
rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion. Josie and Merlyn were married on July
19, 1958, at the Christian Church in Hill City, Kansas, the community they
would proudly call home for the rest of their lives. Together, Josie and Merlyn
raised five children: Darris, Denise, Dennis, Derwin, and Darren.

 Family was
the center of Josie’s world, and she poured her heart into being a loving and
supportive mother. In May of 1965, Josie and Merlyn opened a Montgomery Ward
store in Hill City, which they operated for more than 20 years. Their store
became the longest privately owned Montgomery Ward in the state of Kansas and
was not only a business, but a place where friendships were built and the
community gathered. 

Josie was one of her family’s greatest and most devoted
supporters. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her children and
grandchildren, faithfully attending activities and events near and far. From
cross country and track meets to tennis tournaments, basketball games, and
wrestling matches, Josie was there, proud and encouraging. Her presence in the
stands, her steady support, and her genuine interest in each child’s passions
meant more than words could ever express. 

Josie and Merlyn also shared a love
for travel and adventure, creating countless cherished memories along the way.
Family road trips began with a 1974 Chevy pickup and a homemade camper topper,
followed by a remodeled school bus that Josie herself painted blue with white
stripes and stars using nothing but a brush. Eventually, they purchased their
first motorhome and continued traveling with family and friends, always valuing
time together and new experiences.

 Josie had a servant’s heart and a deep love
for her community. She volunteered faithfully at church, helped at polling
stations during elections, and worked tirelessly at the local thrift store, The
Mission Mart. When the store faced closure, Josie and Merlyn were instrumental
in keeping it open. The Mission Mart became one of Josie’s greatest passions
and was eventually relocated to the former Montgomery Ward building beneath
their residence. Proceeds from the store supported Hill City Christian youth,
helping fund activities and provide opportunities for children to attend church
camps. Through this work, Josie quietly touched countless lives. 

Above all,
Josie loved the Lord and lived her faith daily through kindness, generosity, and
compassion. She was always ready to help anyone in need, in any way she could.
Josie cherished every role she held in life: daughter, sister, wife, mother,
aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Each title
was worn with pride and gratitude, and her love for her family knew no bounds.


Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Silas Dayton and Germie Taylor
Summers; her brother, Herbert Summers; and her sisters, Bernadine Scruggs and
Wandalee Holland, all of West Virginia. 

She is survived by her beloved husband
of 67 years, Merlyn Worcester of Hill City, Kansas; her children, Darris (Aida)
of Hill City, Kansas; Denise (Dave) Kempke of Claflin, Kansas; Dennis (Kim) of
Miramar, Florida; Derwin (Melissa) of Lucas, Kansas; and Darren (Christy) of
Olathe, Kansas; her brother, Johnnie (Sharon) Summers of Walton, West Virginia;
15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Josie’s life was a testament to faith, love, dedication to family, and service
to others. Her legacy lives on through her family, her community, and the
countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit and giving heart.

The family will be present for the Visitation on Sunday,
January 18, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 North
Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas.&nbsp; The
Service is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hill City Christian
Church, 122 North Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp; Internment will be at the Memorial Lawn
Cemetery, Hill City, Kansas.&nbsp; Memorial
donations will be for the Hill City Christian Youth Group, The Well,&nbsp; Stinemetz Funeral Home. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768680165261.jpeg" alt="Josie Summers Worcester" />
 <figcaption>Josie Summers Worcester</figcaption>
 </figure>Josie Summers Worcester, age 91, of Hill City, Kansas, went
peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Josie was born on
May 8, 1934, to Silas Dayton and Germie Taylor Summers and was raised in
Walton, West Virginia, where she grew up as one of five children. Those early
years shaped her strong faith, her deep sense of family, and her lifelong
commitment to serving others. In 1957, Josie moved to Denver, Colorado, with
her young son Darris and her Aunt Alta Gay. It was there, while attending
church, that she met Merlyn Worcester, a Kansas farm boy working as a fry cook
at the airport. Their meeting was the beginning of a beautiful love story
rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion. Josie and Merlyn were married on July
19, 1958, at the Christian Church in Hill City, Kansas, the community they
would proudly call home for the rest of their lives. Together, Josie and Merlyn
raised five children: Darris, Denise, Dennis, Derwin, and Darren. Family was
the center of Josie’s world, and she poured her heart into being a loving and
supportive mother. In May of 1965, Josie and Merlyn opened a Montgomery Ward
store in Hill City, which they operated for more than 20 years. Their store
became the longest privately owned Montgomery Ward in the state of Kansas and
was not only a business, but a place where friendships were built and the
community gathered. Josie was one of her family’s greatest and most devoted
supporters. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her children and
grandchildren, faithfully attending activities and events near and far. From
cross country and track meets to tennis tournaments, basketball games, and
wrestling matches, Josie was there, proud and encouraging. Her presence in the
stands, her steady support, and her genuine interest in each child’s passions
meant more than words could ever express. Josie and Merlyn also shared a love
for travel and adventure, creating countless cherished memories along the way.
Family road trips began with a 1974 Chevy pickup and a homemade camper topper,
followed by a remodeled school bus that Josie herself painted blue with white
stripes and stars using nothing but a brush. Eventually, they purchased their
first motorhome and continued traveling with family and friends, always valuing
time together and new experiences. Josie had a servant’s heart and a deep love
for her community. She volunteered faithfully at church, helped at polling
stations during elections, and worked tirelessly at the local thrift store, The
Mission Mart. When the store faced closure, Josie and Merlyn were instrumental
in keeping it open. The Mission Mart became one of Josie’s greatest passions
and was eventually relocated to the former Montgomery Ward building beneath
their residence. Proceeds from the store supported Hill City Christian youth,
helping fund activities and provide opportunities for children to attend church
camps. Through this work, Josie quietly touched countless lives. Above all,
Josie loved the Lord and lived her faith daily through kindness, generosity, and
compassion. She was always ready to help anyone in need, in any way she could.
Josie cherished every role she held in life: daughter, sister, wife, mother,
aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Each title
was worn with pride and gratitude, and her love for her family knew no bounds.
Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Silas Dayton and Germie Taylor
Summers; her brother, Herbert Summers; and her sisters, Bernadine Scruggs and
Wandalee Holland, all of West Virginia. She is survived by her beloved husband
of 67 years, Merlyn Worcester of Hill City, Kansas; her children, Darris (Aida)
of Hill City, Kansas; Denise (Dave) Kempke of Claflin, Kansas; Dennis (Kim) of
Miramar, Florida; Derwin (Melissa) of Lucas, Kansas; and Darren (Christy) of
Olathe, Kansas; her brother, Johnnie (Sharon) Summers of Walton, West Virginia;
15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Josie’s life was a testament to faith, love, dedication to family, and service
to others. Her legacy lives on through her family, her community, and the
countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit and giving heart.The family will be present for the Visitation on Sunday,
January 18, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 North
Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas.&nbsp; The
Service is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hill City Christian
Church, 122 North Pomeroy Avenue, Hill City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp; Internment will be at the Memorial Lawn
Cemetery, Hill City, Kansas.&nbsp; Memorial
donations will be for the Hill City Christian Youth Group, The Well,&nbsp; Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Josie Summers Worcester

Doris M. Casey, 100, Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully on
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Brookdale Senior Living. 

She was born on March 15, 1925, in Plainville, Kansas to
Charles and Anna (Johnson) Marston. Doris graduated from Plainville High School
in 1943.&nbsp; She briefly joined the
workforce as a switchboard operator at the local telephone company before
enlisting in the United States military. Doris bravely and dutifully
volunteered to serve her country during World War II in the Navy’s
groundbreaking WAVES program (Women Accepted for Volunteer Services). She was
trained in medical care and support and was stationed in the Pacific Northwest.
After returning home from service, she married Donald M. Casey on November 26,
1947. Together they took up residence on the Casey family farm east of
Plainville, where she lived and worked as a farmwife for many decades. From this
union, Donald and Doris had one son, Thomas E. Casey.&nbsp; She retired from the farm and moved back to
Plainville where she volunteered at Sacred Heart Catholic School as a preschool
teacher’s aide. Years later, she transitioned to Hays to be closer to family. 

Throughout her life, Doris enjoyed every form of crafting,
including crochet, quilting, painting, drawing, and decorating cakes. She was a
devout member of Plainville’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart
Ladies Guild. She woke up early each day to pray rosaries for her loved ones.
Doris prioritized staying active with swimming being her favorite form of
exercise. She loved to play poker, had mastered the art of delivering a good
joke, and made the best kolaches in town.&nbsp;
She was a proud member of VFW Post #8871 and VFW Auxiliary #8871. 

Doris is survived by her daughter-in-law, Mary (Hackerott)
Casey; her grandchildren Amy (Paul) Matlack, Spencer (Michelle) Casey, Kim
(Frank) Musalek, and Robyn (Brandon) Crichton; as well as her ten beloved great
grandchildren: Laura Casey, Nate Matlack, Hailey (Garrett) Rounsley, Nick
Matlack, Abbey Musalek, Ryan Casey, Ella Musalek, Lexi Casey, Luke Musalek, and
Colin Crichton. She was preceded in death by her husband, only son, parents,
twin brother Delmar (Dorothy) Marston, brother Jack (Louise) Marston, brother
Darrell Fred Marston, stepfather Jess Morris, and many beloved in-laws and
friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday,
January 19, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Burial with military honors
by the Plainville VFW Post #8871 Honor Guard will be at 2:00 pm in Sacred Heart
Cemetery in Plainville.&nbsp; Visitation will
be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 10:00 am until 10:45 on Monday,
all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Sunday at the funeral
home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Sacred
Heart Catholic School in Plainville or to VFW Post #8871.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Doris may be
shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768599562704.jpeg" alt="Doris M. Casey" />
 <figcaption>Doris M. Casey</figcaption>
 </figure>Doris M. Casey, 100, Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully on
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Brookdale Senior Living. She was born on March 15, 1925, in Plainville, Kansas to
Charles and Anna (Johnson) Marston. Doris graduated from Plainville High School
in 1943.&nbsp; She briefly joined the
workforce as a switchboard operator at the local telephone company before
enlisting in the United States military. Doris bravely and dutifully
volunteered to serve her country during World War II in the Navy’s
groundbreaking WAVES program (Women Accepted for Volunteer Services). She was
trained in medical care and support and was stationed in the Pacific Northwest.
After returning home from service, she married Donald M. Casey on November 26,
1947. Together they took up residence on the Casey family farm east of
Plainville, where she lived and worked as a farmwife for many decades. From this
union, Donald and Doris had one son, Thomas E. Casey.&nbsp; She retired from the farm and moved back to
Plainville where she volunteered at Sacred Heart Catholic School as a preschool
teacher’s aide. Years later, she transitioned to Hays to be closer to family. Throughout her life, Doris enjoyed every form of crafting,
including crochet, quilting, painting, drawing, and decorating cakes. She was a
devout member of Plainville’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart
Ladies Guild. She woke up early each day to pray rosaries for her loved ones.
Doris prioritized staying active with swimming being her favorite form of
exercise. She loved to play poker, had mastered the art of delivering a good
joke, and made the best kolaches in town.&nbsp;
She was a proud member of VFW Post #8871 and VFW Auxiliary #8871. Doris is survived by her daughter-in-law, Mary (Hackerott)
Casey; her grandchildren Amy (Paul) Matlack, Spencer (Michelle) Casey, Kim
(Frank) Musalek, and Robyn (Brandon) Crichton; as well as her ten beloved great
grandchildren: Laura Casey, Nate Matlack, Hailey (Garrett) Rounsley, Nick
Matlack, Abbey Musalek, Ryan Casey, Ella Musalek, Lexi Casey, Luke Musalek, and
Colin Crichton. She was preceded in death by her husband, only son, parents,
twin brother Delmar (Dorothy) Marston, brother Jack (Louise) Marston, brother
Darrell Fred Marston, stepfather Jess Morris, and many beloved in-laws and
friends.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday,
January 19, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Burial with military honors
by the Plainville VFW Post #8871 Honor Guard will be at 2:00 pm in Sacred Heart
Cemetery in Plainville.&nbsp; Visitation will
be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 10:00 am until 10:45 on Monday,
all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Sunday at the funeral
home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to Sacred
Heart Catholic School in Plainville or to VFW Post #8871.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Doris may be
shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Doris M. Casey

Jin Guey 'Gene' Mar 馬友振 (1935–2026), 90, died January
10, 2026, in Hays, Kansas. He was born in Canton, China on July 10, 1935 and
was raised in Gong How Village, a rural community in southern China.

Jin grew up in a poor village and later recalled the period when
communists took control of the country. At the age of 15, he immigrated to the
United States alone, entering through Seattle. He spoke no English and arrived
with few connections, learning how to survive through work, observation, and
persistence.

He began working in Chinese kitchens in entry-level roles and
learned the restaurant business from the ground up. Through steady effort, he
eventually opened his own restaurant, becoming the owner of the first Chinese
restaurant in Hays, Kansas. He remained a familiar and respected presence in
the community for decades.

Jin was proud of his Chinese heritage and enjoyed sharing it with
others. He took quiet pleasure in music (though he usually played it much
louder than anyone else preferred), photography, cars, hunting, and fishing. At
home, he often listened to Chinese opera. When he was not at home, he was
likely at the fishing hole. His freezer was always stocked with fish he caught
himself.

He was generous in ways that felt natural to him. If someone
admired something he loved, he often insisted they take it. Records, candy,
tea, fruit, and small gifts were offered freely. Giving brought him visible
joy. If he had the ability to help someone, he did, without hesitation or
expectation.

Jin had a quiet, reserved manner and an excellent sense of humor.
He was known for his steady presence, his smile, and his willingness to share
what he had. Despite challenges and hardships throughout his life, he
maintained a positive outlook and was a beloved member of the community.

He cared deeply for his children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren. He passed along a strong work ethic and a spirit of
generosity through example. His legacy is found in the family he raised, the
values he lived by, and the life he built through patience, resilience, and
quiet kindness.

He is survived by his children: Keena Longstaff (Al); James Mar;
Kathy Krannawitter (Jon); Kelly Mar; Colleen Schneider (Mark); and Gene Mar;
his 13 grandchildren: Charles, Ashley, Jamie, Steve (Emily), Josh (Addison),
Amy (Jaron), Krystal (Brandon), Shaun, Clinton (Alisha), Christopher (Kristin),
Nicholas (Blair), Mar-Amanda, and Shane; and his 25 great-grandchildren: Nancy,
Alex, Dakota, Zackerian, Brennan, Jordyn, Charles, Mason, McKenzie, Marcus,
William, Zaylyn, Eloise, Geddy, Benmont, Sydney, Lorelai, Ethan, Logan, Audrey,
Amelia, Callie, Rachael, Stiles, and Lily. He was preceded in death by his
daughter, Karen Mapstone.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at
10:00 a.m. at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays. A meal will
follow at The Venue, 2704 Vine.

A memorial has been established with the ALS Clinic in Wichita.
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel or
made directly in Jin’s name to Neurology Consultants of Kansas, ALS Clinic,
2135 Collective Lane, Wichita, KS.

In keeping with Jin’s Chinese heritage, the family will provide
guests with a small red envelope containing a coin and a piece of candy. The
candy sweetens the bitterness of loss, and the coin is meant to ward off bad
luck. Guests are encouraged to eat the candy and spend the coin before
returning home, symbolizing the sealing of good fortune and leaving sorrow
behind at the funeral.

Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768579530922.png" alt="Jin Guey 'Gene' Mar" />
 <figcaption>Jin Guey 'Gene' Mar</figcaption>
 </figure>Jin Guey 'Gene' Mar 馬友振 (1935–2026), 90, died January
10, 2026, in Hays, Kansas. He was born in Canton, China on July 10, 1935 and
was raised in Gong How Village, a rural community in southern China.Jin grew up in a poor village and later recalled the period when
communists took control of the country. At the age of 15, he immigrated to the
United States alone, entering through Seattle. He spoke no English and arrived
with few connections, learning how to survive through work, observation, and
persistence.He began working in Chinese kitchens in entry-level roles and
learned the restaurant business from the ground up. Through steady effort, he
eventually opened his own restaurant, becoming the owner of the first Chinese
restaurant in Hays, Kansas. He remained a familiar and respected presence in
the community for decades.Jin was proud of his Chinese heritage and enjoyed sharing it with
others. He took quiet pleasure in music (though he usually played it much
louder than anyone else preferred), photography, cars, hunting, and fishing. At
home, he often listened to Chinese opera. When he was not at home, he was
likely at the fishing hole. His freezer was always stocked with fish he caught
himself.He was generous in ways that felt natural to him. If someone
admired something he loved, he often insisted they take it. Records, candy,
tea, fruit, and small gifts were offered freely. Giving brought him visible
joy. If he had the ability to help someone, he did, without hesitation or
expectation.Jin had a quiet, reserved manner and an excellent sense of humor.
He was known for his steady presence, his smile, and his willingness to share
what he had. Despite challenges and hardships throughout his life, he
maintained a positive outlook and was a beloved member of the community.He cared deeply for his children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren. He passed along a strong work ethic and a spirit of
generosity through example. His legacy is found in the family he raised, the
values he lived by, and the life he built through patience, resilience, and
quiet kindness.He is survived by his children: Keena Longstaff (Al); James Mar;
Kathy Krannawitter (Jon); Kelly Mar; Colleen Schneider (Mark); and Gene Mar;
his 13 grandchildren: Charles, Ashley, Jamie, Steve (Emily), Josh (Addison),
Amy (Jaron), Krystal (Brandon), Shaun, Clinton (Alisha), Christopher (Kristin),
Nicholas (Blair), Mar-Amanda, and Shane; and his 25 great-grandchildren: Nancy,
Alex, Dakota, Zackerian, Brennan, Jordyn, Charles, Mason, McKenzie, Marcus,
William, Zaylyn, Eloise, Geddy, Benmont, Sydney, Lorelai, Ethan, Logan, Audrey,
Amelia, Callie, Rachael, Stiles, and Lily. He was preceded in death by his
daughter, Karen Mapstone.A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at
10:00 a.m. at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays. A meal will
follow at The Venue, 2704 Vine.A memorial has been established with the ALS Clinic in Wichita.
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel or
made directly in Jin’s name to Neurology Consultants of Kansas, ALS Clinic,
2135 Collective Lane, Wichita, KS.In keeping with Jin’s Chinese heritage, the family will provide
guests with a small red envelope containing a coin and a piece of candy. The
candy sweetens the bitterness of loss, and the coin is meant to ward off bad
luck. Guests are encouraged to eat the candy and spend the coin before
returning home, symbolizing the sealing of good fortune and leaving sorrow
behind at the funeral.Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory.Memories and words of comfort may be shared with
Jin's family on his tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Obituaries