Bonnie Joann Siruta, 84, of Winona, died Monday, December 30,
2024. She was born in Levant, KS, on February 10, 1940, to Doyle and Frances
(Tubbs) Erwin. Bonnie attended school in Levant and became a homemaker for many
years before joining the workforce. She loved to cook for others and throughout
her career she worked at Colby Community College, in food service, Marlins
Diner and Country Kitchen in Winona and then for the Winona Triplains School. 



On August 26, 1955, Bonnie married Donald Siruta, in Russell, KS. To this union
12 children were born. Bonnie was proud of her children and kept them in line
(especially the boys) with a twist of the ear and “the pinch”. She was always
involved in their activities and served as a Boy Scout and 4-H leader and youth
group volunteer. She was a hard worker, taking care of the chickens, cows and
her garden, which was her pride and joy. She could make anything grow! Bonnie
truly loved caring for her family, and especially enjoyed her grandkids.
Bonnie’s grandsons and a few other family members enjoy participating in
“Bonnie’s Rules”, a very competitive fantasy football league, where the loser
has to wear a brown bag over their head at the family Christmas dinner and the
winner gets the traveling trophy. Her love for her daughters was unconditional,
but her boys walked on water (according to her daughters). 



Upon retirement, Bonnie enjoyed going to Winona Cafe with her girlfriends,
Judy, Sherri, Linda and many others. Some of her favorite things were taking
drives, especially at Christmas time to look at lights, working in her yard and
with her flowers and taking little trips to go shopping and get Sonic. She also
looked forward to her frequent visits from her special friend Jiah, who would
go to his special snack drawer before they began their long visits. She also
enjoyed volunteering for the Tri-County Amusement, the league basketball
tournaments and Winona Chamber. In 2020, Bonnie was honored as the Grand
Marshal of the Triplains Homecoming. The Winona community, as well as the
faculty, staff and students of Triplains Schools held a special place in her
heart and her family will be forever grateful for that. 



Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Don; sons, Troy (1977),
Johnny (1981) and Keith (2017); brothers, Maurice “Mickey” Erwin and Marvin
Erwin; sister Connie Shea and grandson, Tate Siruta.



She is survived by her children, Ron (Dee), of Oakley, Kent (Melissa), of
Johnson, Dan (Debbie) of Goodland, Duskin (Missy), of Colby, Rod (Daisy), of
Arapahoe, CO, Susan (Doug) Holzmeister, of Colby, Karen Doze, of Garden City,
Jason (Alicia), of Colby, and Jamie, of Ness City; daughter-in-law, Connie
Harrison; sister-in-law Luretta Erwin; grandchildren, Kylie Austin, Drew
Siruta, Kraig Siruta, Amanda Siruta, Loree Reinert, Brandon Siruta, Courtney
Parsons, Johnny Siruta, Lacie Cozza, Brady Holzmeister, Shaylee Holzmeister,
Brett Doze, Cody Doze, Ashley Mosier, Callie Staab and Jadon Siruta and 23
great grandchildren. 

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the Winona Methodist
Church. Funeral Service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Winona
Methodist Church, with burial in the Winona Cemetery. Memorials may be made to
Citizens Health or the Winona Chamber of Commerce (for the Main Street Project)
and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For
information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735840551017.jpeg" alt="Bonnie Joann Siruta" />
 <figcaption>Bonnie Joann Siruta</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonnie Joann Siruta, 84, of Winona, died Monday, December 30,
2024. She was born in Levant, KS, on February 10, 1940, to Doyle and Frances
(Tubbs) Erwin. Bonnie attended school in Levant and became a homemaker for many
years before joining the workforce. She loved to cook for others and throughout
her career she worked at Colby Community College, in food service, Marlins
Diner and Country Kitchen in Winona and then for the Winona Triplains School. 

On August 26, 1955, Bonnie married Donald Siruta, in Russell, KS. To this union
12 children were born. Bonnie was proud of her children and kept them in line
(especially the boys) with a twist of the ear and “the pinch”. She was always
involved in their activities and served as a Boy Scout and 4-H leader and youth
group volunteer. She was a hard worker, taking care of the chickens, cows and
her garden, which was her pride and joy. She could make anything grow! Bonnie
truly loved caring for her family, and especially enjoyed her grandkids.
Bonnie’s grandsons and a few other family members enjoy participating in
“Bonnie’s Rules”, a very competitive fantasy football league, where the loser
has to wear a brown bag over their head at the family Christmas dinner and the
winner gets the traveling trophy. Her love for her daughters was unconditional,
but her boys walked on water (according to her daughters). 

Upon retirement, Bonnie enjoyed going to Winona Cafe with her girlfriends,
Judy, Sherri, Linda and many others. Some of her favorite things were taking
drives, especially at Christmas time to look at lights, working in her yard and
with her flowers and taking little trips to go shopping and get Sonic. She also
looked forward to her frequent visits from her special friend Jiah, who would
go to his special snack drawer before they began their long visits. She also
enjoyed volunteering for the Tri-County Amusement, the league basketball
tournaments and Winona Chamber. In 2020, Bonnie was honored as the Grand
Marshal of the Triplains Homecoming. The Winona community, as well as the
faculty, staff and students of Triplains Schools held a special place in her
heart and her family will be forever grateful for that. 

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Don; sons, Troy (1977),
Johnny (1981) and Keith (2017); brothers, Maurice “Mickey” Erwin and Marvin
Erwin; sister Connie Shea and grandson, Tate Siruta.

She is survived by her children, Ron (Dee), of Oakley, Kent (Melissa), of
Johnson, Dan (Debbie) of Goodland, Duskin (Missy), of Colby, Rod (Daisy), of
Arapahoe, CO, Susan (Doug) Holzmeister, of Colby, Karen Doze, of Garden City,
Jason (Alicia), of Colby, and Jamie, of Ness City; daughter-in-law, Connie
Harrison; sister-in-law Luretta Erwin; grandchildren, Kylie Austin, Drew
Siruta, Kraig Siruta, Amanda Siruta, Loree Reinert, Brandon Siruta, Courtney
Parsons, Johnny Siruta, Lacie Cozza, Brady Holzmeister, Shaylee Holzmeister,
Brett Doze, Cody Doze, Ashley Mosier, Callie Staab and Jadon Siruta and 23
great grandchildren. 

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the Winona Methodist
Church. Funeral Service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at the Winona
Methodist Church, with burial in the Winona Cemetery. Memorials may be made to
Citizens Health or the Winona Chamber of Commerce (for the Main Street Project)
and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For
information or condolences visit <a href="http://baalmannmortuary.com">baalmannmortuary.com</a>

Bonnie Joann Siruta

Robert (Bob) Piatt, 79, of
Victoria, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Good Samaritan
Home in Ellis, Kansas, following a courageous, long-time battle with several
medical issues.&nbsp; 

Bob was born in Eureka, Kansas, to
Robert and Lois Piatt and spent his early years on the family farm, which he
remembered as being a wonderful place. He loved telling people about riding his
horse to a one-room schoolhouse in the first grade. Through his Madison years,
he credited his membership in 4-H with acquiring practical and life
lessons.&nbsp; He was also very proud of
having earned the rank of Eagle Scout during his high school years.&nbsp; 

Bob married his wife Nancy McGuire
in 1972 and they were the proud parents of Christopher and Matthew. In addition
to their own sons, they were surrogate parents to their niece Meghan McGuire
and three international exchange students, Jasmin Wusthoff, (Germany) Anita
Solheim, (Norway) and Greta Kaufeld (Germany).

Although Bob was a huge sports fan
at heart, neither son had athletic abilities to speak of.&nbsp; So he happily pivoted to sitting through
countless plays, variety shows, recitals, concerts and even the occasional
opera.

A 1962 graduate of Madison High
School, Bob continued his education earning both a Bachelor's and Master’s
degree in English and Special Education from Emporia State University. He spent
his first teaching years in Beloit and later taught at WaKeeney High School,
Gorham and Russell High School. Taking a break from teaching in 1972, Bob
worked for 10 years in Garden City for a government program known as the
Neighborhood Youth Corps before returning to education. Everywhere he worked,
he built friendships with colleagues that lasted until the end of his life. His
favorite extra-curricular responsibility was directing school productions both
in Russell and Victoria known for their zany comedy and huge casts (in which
occasionally he made a surprise cameo appearance).

A mentor and role model to
generations of students, many credited him as helping them turn their lives
around when it mattered most. His volunteer commitments included devoted
participation in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. He also served on the
local Board for the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the Victoria
Housing Authority.&nbsp; 

Through the years, Bob and Nancy
were known for their hospitality, welcoming dozens of actors, musicians,
comedians and other riffraff who passed through Victoria in need of room and
board. His love of animals, especially dogs, enriched his entire life.

Bob was a passionate fisherman
whose adventures took him and his many buddies to Kansas ponds, frozen
Minnesota ice waters, and Canadian lakes. Bob always had a green thumb and was
especially proud of his asparagus and tomato crops.&nbsp; An avid reader of hundreds of books, he was
known to be a formidable competitor in Trivial Pursuit.

Everyone who knew him well has
memories of his incredibly sharp sense of humor.&nbsp; He could get a laugh out of almost anyone in
his presence.

A quiet man of faith, Bob was
eternally grateful for life’s simple pleasures.&nbsp;
He was known to say “God knew what he was doing, when he planted me in
rural Kansas.”

Bob was preceded in death by his
parents, his sister Georgeann and husband Jack, and his sister Drusilla and
husband George, and niece Kathy Haworth.&nbsp;


He is survived by his wife Nancy,
son Christopher from Chicago, son Matthew and son-in-law Kevin Thornton of San
Francisco as well as a large, extended loving family and countless
friends.&nbsp; 

A celebration of life will be at
11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm
until 7:00 on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and
from 10:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County,
HaysMed Hospice, or to Great Plains Theatre in Abilene.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Bob may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550504783.jpeg" alt="Robert (Bob) Piatt" />
 <figcaption>Robert (Bob) Piatt</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert (Bob) Piatt, 79, of
Victoria, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Good Samaritan
Home in Ellis, Kansas, following a courageous, long-time battle with several
medical issues.&nbsp; Bob was born in Eureka, Kansas, to
Robert and Lois Piatt and spent his early years on the family farm, which he
remembered as being a wonderful place. He loved telling people about riding his
horse to a one-room schoolhouse in the first grade. Through his Madison years,
he credited his membership in 4-H with acquiring practical and life
lessons.&nbsp; He was also very proud of
having earned the rank of Eagle Scout during his high school years.&nbsp; Bob married his wife Nancy McGuire
in 1972 and they were the proud parents of Christopher and Matthew. In addition
to their own sons, they were surrogate parents to their niece Meghan McGuire
and three international exchange students, Jasmin Wusthoff, (Germany) Anita
Solheim, (Norway) and Greta Kaufeld (Germany).Although Bob was a huge sports fan
at heart, neither son had athletic abilities to speak of.&nbsp; So he happily pivoted to sitting through
countless plays, variety shows, recitals, concerts and even the occasional
opera.A 1962 graduate of Madison High
School, Bob continued his education earning both a Bachelor's and Master’s
degree in English and Special Education from Emporia State University. He spent
his first teaching years in Beloit and later taught at WaKeeney High School,
Gorham and Russell High School. Taking a break from teaching in 1972, Bob
worked for 10 years in Garden City for a government program known as the
Neighborhood Youth Corps before returning to education. Everywhere he worked,
he built friendships with colleagues that lasted until the end of his life. His
favorite extra-curricular responsibility was directing school productions both
in Russell and Victoria known for their zany comedy and huge casts (in which
occasionally he made a surprise cameo appearance).A mentor and role model to
generations of students, many credited him as helping them turn their lives
around when it mattered most. His volunteer commitments included devoted
participation in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. He also served on the
local Board for the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the Victoria
Housing Authority.&nbsp; Through the years, Bob and Nancy
were known for their hospitality, welcoming dozens of actors, musicians,
comedians and other riffraff who passed through Victoria in need of room and
board. His love of animals, especially dogs, enriched his entire life.Bob was a passionate fisherman
whose adventures took him and his many buddies to Kansas ponds, frozen
Minnesota ice waters, and Canadian lakes. Bob always had a green thumb and was
especially proud of his asparagus and tomato crops.&nbsp; An avid reader of hundreds of books, he was
known to be a formidable competitor in Trivial Pursuit.Everyone who knew him well has
memories of his incredibly sharp sense of humor.&nbsp; He could get a laugh out of almost anyone in
his presence.A quiet man of faith, Bob was
eternally grateful for life’s simple pleasures.&nbsp;
He was known to say “God knew what he was doing, when he planted me in
rural Kansas.”Bob was preceded in death by his
parents, his sister Georgeann and husband Jack, and his sister Drusilla and
husband George, and niece Kathy Haworth.&nbsp;
He is survived by his wife Nancy,
son Christopher from Chicago, son Matthew and son-in-law Kevin Thornton of San
Francisco as well as a large, extended loving family and countless
friends.&nbsp; A celebration of life will be at
11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm
until 7:00 on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and
from 10:00 am until service time at the church.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County,
HaysMed Hospice, or to Great Plains Theatre in Abilene.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Bob may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Robert (Bob) Piatt

Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor)
Berland, 99, formerly of Zurich, KS, passed away on December 29, 2024, at Via
Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. She was born on November 25, 1925, in rural
Graham County, Kansas, the third of eight children to Frank and Rosa (Morin)
Balthazor. 

On December 26, 1947, Eunice
married Fred Berland, Jr., and together they were blessed with eight children:
Mark, Kay, Ann, Joan, Carol, Mary, Lois, and Rebecca. Fred passed away in 1962,
leaving Eunice to care for her young family at the age of 36.

Eunice graduated from Palco
High School in 1943 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the
Dominican School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, in 1946. After their marriage,
Eunice and Fred moved to the farm in Zurich. Later, she moved to Plainville,
where she worked at the Rooks County Health Center, dedicated over 20 years of
service volunteering at Sacred Heart School, and was a member of the Sacred
Heart Church.

Eunice’s life was marked by
her deep faith, devotion to her family, and commitment to serving others. She
will be remembered fondly for her kindness, strength, and compassion.

Eunice is survived by her
children: Kay (Chris) Basgall of Owosso, MI, Ann (Timothy) Zwink of Piedmont,
OK, Mary (Gary) Everett of Wilson, KS, Lois Mason of Ellis, KS and Rebecca
(George) Cobb of Peoria, AZ; siblings, Joyce Wasinger of CO and Opal
Hochandadel of WA; son-in-law, Walt Slingsby of Clay Center, KS; 16
grandchildren: Paul, Matthew and Jacob Basgall, Alex and Jason Zwink, Shon,
Adam and Patrick Slingsby, Kenny, Eric, Lucas and Rachel Everett, and Courtney
Espinoza, Emma Warner and Martin Cobb; and 23 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Fred; son, Rev. Mark Berland; infant daughter, Joan Louis
Berland and daughter, Carol Slingsby; siblings: Lawrence Balthazor, Gilbert
Balthazor, Gladys George, Irma Kirkpatrick (Cecilia), and Louise (Virginia);
son-in-law, Robert Mason; grandchild, Janelle Slingsby and great-grandchild,
Morgan Everett. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will
be held on Thursday, January 2, 2024, at 10AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be
on Wednesday 5-6PM with a Vigil &amp; Rosary Service at 5PM at the funeral home
in Plainville. &nbsp;

Memorial contributions may be
made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home,
320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67669. 

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/2024/12/1735677756332.jpeg" alt="Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor) Berland" />
 <figcaption>Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor) Berland</figcaption>
 </figure>Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor)
Berland, 99, formerly of Zurich, KS, passed away on December 29, 2024, at Via
Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. She was born on November 25, 1925, in rural
Graham County, Kansas, the third of eight children to Frank and Rosa (Morin)
Balthazor. On December 26, 1947, Eunice
married Fred Berland, Jr., and together they were blessed with eight children:
Mark, Kay, Ann, Joan, Carol, Mary, Lois, and Rebecca. Fred passed away in 1962,
leaving Eunice to care for her young family at the age of 36.Eunice graduated from Palco
High School in 1943 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the
Dominican School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, in 1946. After their marriage,
Eunice and Fred moved to the farm in Zurich. Later, she moved to Plainville,
where she worked at the Rooks County Health Center, dedicated over 20 years of
service volunteering at Sacred Heart School, and was a member of the Sacred
Heart Church.Eunice’s life was marked by
her deep faith, devotion to her family, and commitment to serving others. She
will be remembered fondly for her kindness, strength, and compassion.Eunice is survived by her
children: Kay (Chris) Basgall of Owosso, MI, Ann (Timothy) Zwink of Piedmont,
OK, Mary (Gary) Everett of Wilson, KS, Lois Mason of Ellis, KS and Rebecca
(George) Cobb of Peoria, AZ; siblings, Joyce Wasinger of CO and Opal
Hochandadel of WA; son-in-law, Walt Slingsby of Clay Center, KS; 16
grandchildren: Paul, Matthew and Jacob Basgall, Alex and Jason Zwink, Shon,
Adam and Patrick Slingsby, Kenny, Eric, Lucas and Rachel Everett, and Courtney
Espinoza, Emma Warner and Martin Cobb; and 23 great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Fred; son, Rev. Mark Berland; infant daughter, Joan Louis
Berland and daughter, Carol Slingsby; siblings: Lawrence Balthazor, Gilbert
Balthazor, Gladys George, Irma Kirkpatrick (Cecilia), and Louise (Virginia);
son-in-law, Robert Mason; grandchild, Janelle Slingsby and great-grandchild,
Morgan Everett. A Mass of Christian Burial will
be held on Thursday, January 2, 2024, at 10AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be
on Wednesday 5-6PM with a Vigil &amp; Rosary Service at 5PM at the funeral home
in Plainville. &nbsp;Memorial contributions may be
made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home,
320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left
for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Eunice Kathryn (Balthazor) Berland

Marion M. (Evans) Oetting, 89, of
Concordia, Kansas and formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed away Friday, December
27, 2024 at Sunset Homes of Concordia.

Marion was born March 28, 1935 on
the family farm near Luray, Kansas.&nbsp; She
was the daughter of Jesse A. and Wilma M. (Kornmeyer) Evans.&nbsp; She grew up and attended schools in the Luray
area.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to
Loren H. Oetting on April 29, 1952 in Mansfield, Missouri.&nbsp; This union was blessed with four children;
Jean, Jane, Loren, Jr. and Lyle.

Marion was a wonderful cook,
candy maker and devoted wife and homemaker.&nbsp;
She was always busy and helping others.&nbsp;
She made birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas special with celebrations,
cards and calls.

Left to celebrate her life are
her children, Jean Gibson and husband Terry of Lawton, Oklahoma, Jane Smith and
husband Lee of Concordia, Kansas, and Lyle Oetting and wife Julie of Wichita,
Kansas; sister, Evelyn Aumiller and husband Gary of Lenora, Kansas; brother,
Kenneth Evans and wife Peggy of Kiowa, Kansas; seven grandchildren, 15 great
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Marion was preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Loren; son, Loren Oetting, Jr.; brother, Benny Evans and
wife Loretta.

Graveside Services will be held
at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Luray City Cemetery in Luray,
Kansas.&nbsp; No visitation being held.&nbsp; Memorials have been established with First
United Methodist Church of Hays or the Luray City Cemetery.&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/2024/12/1735656174952.jpeg" alt="Marion M. (Evans) Oetting" />
 <figcaption>Marion M. (Evans) Oetting</figcaption>
 </figure>Marion M. (Evans) Oetting, 89, of
Concordia, Kansas and formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed away Friday, December
27, 2024 at Sunset Homes of Concordia.Marion was born March 28, 1935 on
the family farm near Luray, Kansas.&nbsp; She
was the daughter of Jesse A. and Wilma M. (Kornmeyer) Evans.&nbsp; She grew up and attended schools in the Luray
area.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to
Loren H. Oetting on April 29, 1952 in Mansfield, Missouri.&nbsp; This union was blessed with four children;
Jean, Jane, Loren, Jr. and Lyle.Marion was a wonderful cook,
candy maker and devoted wife and homemaker.&nbsp;
She was always busy and helping others.&nbsp;
She made birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas special with celebrations,
cards and calls.Left to celebrate her life are
her children, Jean Gibson and husband Terry of Lawton, Oklahoma, Jane Smith and
husband Lee of Concordia, Kansas, and Lyle Oetting and wife Julie of Wichita,
Kansas; sister, Evelyn Aumiller and husband Gary of Lenora, Kansas; brother,
Kenneth Evans and wife Peggy of Kiowa, Kansas; seven grandchildren, 15 great
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Marion was preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Loren; son, Loren Oetting, Jr.; brother, Benny Evans and
wife Loretta.Graveside Services will be held
at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Luray City Cemetery in Luray,
Kansas.&nbsp; No visitation being held.&nbsp; Memorials have been established with First
United Methodist Church of Hays or the Luray City Cemetery.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Marion M. (Evans) Oetting

Randall Dean “Randy” Major, 66, Hays, died Saturday,
December 28, 2024 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice at Via Christi St. Francis,
Wichita.

He was born January 20, 1958 in Ulysses, the son of Darrell
Dean and Alyne (Krause) Major.&nbsp; Randy graduated from Ulysses High School
in 1977, Northwest Kansas Area Vocational Technical School in 1979, and Liberal
Area Vocational Technical School in 1980.&nbsp; On March 1, 1980 he was united
in marriage to Vernell Marie Adams at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in
Ulysses, and they celebrated 44 years of marriage.&nbsp; Randy was a member of
St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and a
volunteer firefighter for 14 years in Ulysses, including being Assistant Fire
Chief.&nbsp; He worked for Panhandle Eastern and Mobil in the natural gas
fields, was a copy repair technician at Tri-Central Office Supply for nearly 20
years, and most recently worked for Agiliti.&nbsp; Randy enjoyed hunting at his
family farm in Dorrance and taking family vacations to Colorado, where he
especially loved fishing in the streams and snow skiing.

Survivors include his wife Vernell of Hays, two daughters,
Natalie Brown and husband Matt of Hays and their children A.J., Avery, and
Nicholas, and Raynell Carpenter and husband Aaron of Norton and their children
Mayme, Cora, Maggie, Luke, and Lucy, a son, Brenton Major and wife Kelly of
Hays and their children Samuel and Hadley, his mother, Alyne Krause Major
Strube of Choctaw, OK, and two sisters, Terry Johnson of Choctaw, OK and LeAnna
Larson and husband Chris of Newcastle, OK.

He was preceded in death by his father, his step-father,
Donald Strube, his mother-in-law, JoAnn Adams, and a sister, Sheryl Ann Major.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday,
January 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery,
Hays.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Wednesday and from
9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
A vigil service and a Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 6:00 pm on
Wednesday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church.&nbsp;
Condolences and memories of Randy may be shared with his family at
www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735571735714.jpeg" alt="Randall Dean 'Randy' Major" />
 <figcaption>Randall Dean 'Randy' Major</figcaption>
 </figure>Randall Dean “Randy” Major, 66, Hays, died Saturday,
December 28, 2024 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice at Via Christi St. Francis,
Wichita.He was born January 20, 1958 in Ulysses, the son of Darrell
Dean and Alyne (Krause) Major.&nbsp; Randy graduated from Ulysses High School
in 1977, Northwest Kansas Area Vocational Technical School in 1979, and Liberal
Area Vocational Technical School in 1980.&nbsp; On March 1, 1980 he was united
in marriage to Vernell Marie Adams at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in
Ulysses, and they celebrated 44 years of marriage.&nbsp; Randy was a member of
St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council #1325, and a
volunteer firefighter for 14 years in Ulysses, including being Assistant Fire
Chief.&nbsp; He worked for Panhandle Eastern and Mobil in the natural gas
fields, was a copy repair technician at Tri-Central Office Supply for nearly 20
years, and most recently worked for Agiliti.&nbsp; Randy enjoyed hunting at his
family farm in Dorrance and taking family vacations to Colorado, where he
especially loved fishing in the streams and snow skiing.Survivors include his wife Vernell of Hays, two daughters,
Natalie Brown and husband Matt of Hays and their children A.J., Avery, and
Nicholas, and Raynell Carpenter and husband Aaron of Norton and their children
Mayme, Cora, Maggie, Luke, and Lucy, a son, Brenton Major and wife Kelly of
Hays and their children Samuel and Hadley, his mother, Alyne Krause Major
Strube of Choctaw, OK, and two sisters, Terry Johnson of Choctaw, OK and LeAnna
Larson and husband Chris of Newcastle, OK.He was preceded in death by his father, his step-father,
Donald Strube, his mother-in-law, JoAnn Adams, and a sister, Sheryl Ann Major.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday,
January 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Fr. Fred Gatschet
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery,
Hays.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Wednesday and from
9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp;
A vigil service and a Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 6:00 pm on
Wednesday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church.&nbsp;
Condolences and memories of Randy may be shared with his family at
www.haysmemorial.com

Randall Dean 'Randy' Major

Larry Naylor, 76, of
Independence, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at the
Villages of Jackson Creek in Independence.

Larry was born June 10, 1948 in Russell, Kansas.  He was the son of Alfred W. and Ruby A. (Clark) Naylor.  He grew up in Natoma, Kansas and graduated from the Natoma High School in the Class of 66.

Larry served his country in the
U.S. Air Force for over 22 years.&nbsp;&nbsp; When
he retired from the military, he was a Master Sargent.

Larry was a Blacksmith by trade
and talent.&nbsp; He enjoyed fishing, putting
together models and especially taking trips to visit his daughters and
grandkids.

Larry’s surviving family include
his two daughters, Tamara Lakes (Curtis) of Connersville, Indiana, and Tanya
Pavlu (Ashley) of Blue Springs, Missouri; sisters, Freda Bauer of San Diego,
California, Rosalie Schmidtberger of Marion, Kansas, and Joan Hale (Alan) of
Norton, Kansas; foster-brothers, Larry Hackerott of Hays, Kansas, and Roger
Hackerott (Glenna) of Russell, Kansas; foster-sisters, Roberta Ptaschek and
Mary Casey of Natoma, Kansas; four grandchildren, Nicolle Crowley (Charles),
Damion McVey, Garriston McBee (Christian) and Avery Pavlu; three great
grandchildren, Donte Crowley, Taevinn Crowley and Eva Crowley; and many nieces,
nephews and cousins.

Celebration of Larry’s Life will
be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow
at the Natoma City Cemetery where Military Rites will be conducted by the
Russell VFW Honor Guard.&nbsp; Visitation will
be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, the family will be present to greet friends
from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; A Memorial has
been established with Natoma City Park.&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/2024/12/1735581469982.jpeg" alt="Larry Naylor" />
 <figcaption>Larry Naylor</figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Naylor, 76, of
Independence, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at the
Villages of Jackson Creek in Independence.Larry was born June 10, 1948 in Russell, Kansas. He was the son of Alfred W. and Ruby A. (Clark) Naylor. He grew up in Natoma, Kansas and graduated from the Natoma High School in the Class of 66.Larry served his country in the
U.S. Air Force for over 22 years.&nbsp;&nbsp; When
he retired from the military, he was a Master Sargent.Larry was a Blacksmith by trade
and talent.&nbsp; He enjoyed fishing, putting
together models and especially taking trips to visit his daughters and
grandkids.Larry’s surviving family include
his two daughters, Tamara Lakes (Curtis) of Connersville, Indiana, and Tanya
Pavlu (Ashley) of Blue Springs, Missouri; sisters, Freda Bauer of San Diego,
California, Rosalie Schmidtberger of Marion, Kansas, and Joan Hale (Alan) of
Norton, Kansas; foster-brothers, Larry Hackerott of Hays, Kansas, and Roger
Hackerott (Glenna) of Russell, Kansas; foster-sisters, Roberta Ptaschek and
Mary Casey of Natoma, Kansas; four grandchildren, Nicolle Crowley (Charles),
Damion McVey, Garriston McBee (Christian) and Avery Pavlu; three great
grandchildren, Donte Crowley, Taevinn Crowley and Eva Crowley; and many nieces,
nephews and cousins.Celebration of Larry’s Life will
be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow
at the Natoma City Cemetery where Military Rites will be conducted by the
Russell VFW Honor Guard.&nbsp; Visitation will
be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, the family will be present to greet friends
from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; A Memorial has
been established with Natoma City Park.&nbsp;
Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler
Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Larry Naylor

Paula Lou
Stevenson, Gove, KS, was born August 28, 1955, in Oakley, KS.&nbsp; Her Lord and Savior received her into His
presence December 28, 2024.

Paula’s
parents were Jack Stevenson and Betty Amos.&nbsp;
She had 3 brothers and one sister.

Paula was
united in marriage to Philip Beesley March 22, 1980.&nbsp; Born to this union was Heath (Maggie)
Beesley, Clarksville, Tennessee; Landon (Shannon) Beesley, Collyer; Larissa
(Thomas) Edwards, Gove; Tyrel (Jerri) Beesley, Healy; Charis (Jonathan)
Philpott, Windsor, Co.; Elannah (Ethan) Kwon, Burleson, TX.; and Valerie
Beesley, Oakley.&nbsp; Presently 17
grandchildren.

Paula
graduated from Oakley HS and Colby Community College with a degree in cow/calf
management.&nbsp; She worked for her dad
before marriage and then helped Phil when needed on the farm.&nbsp; 

Her love was
devoted to her children and grandchildren. She spent a total of 30 years as a
homeschool teacher for her children. Throughout this time, she was deeply
involved in the local homeschool group.

Paula gave
her life to the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age at a Ford
Philpott crusade.&nbsp; She was a lifelong
member of the Country Chapel, a small country church south of Oakley.&nbsp; She served as a Sunday School teacher, song
leader, Bible study leader, mentor, along with various other services.&nbsp; 

Preceding
Paula was her parents, grandparents, in-laws, and one grandson Aaron Beesley

Paula is
survived by her husband and Children, Grandchildren - Lorcan, Titus, Rhoran
Beesley; Emily, Ethan, Carson Edwards; Ellie, Claire, Marie, Jack and Katherine

Beesley; Michaela, Nathaniel, Amelia, baby Philpot; and Liam Kwon.&nbsp; Three brothers – Monte (Rita) Stevenson, Coal
Creek Canyon, Co.; Lee (Sandy) Stevenson, Longmont, Co.; Todd (Karen)
Stevenson, Oakley; and one sister Susan Stevenson, Wichita.

A memorial
service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Country
Chapel south of Oakley.&nbsp; 

Memorial
contributions can be made to Country Chapel or Gideons International.&nbsp; Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home
at 901 South Main, Quinter, Kansas, 67752.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735576022736.jpeg" alt="Paula Lou Stevenson" />
 <figcaption>Paula Lou Stevenson</figcaption>
 </figure>Paula Lou
Stevenson, Gove, KS, was born August 28, 1955, in Oakley, KS.&nbsp; Her Lord and Savior received her into His
presence December 28, 2024.Paula’s
parents were Jack Stevenson and Betty Amos.&nbsp;
She had 3 brothers and one sister.Paula was
united in marriage to Philip Beesley March 22, 1980.&nbsp; Born to this union was Heath (Maggie)
Beesley, Clarksville, Tennessee; Landon (Shannon) Beesley, Collyer; Larissa
(Thomas) Edwards, Gove; Tyrel (Jerri) Beesley, Healy; Charis (Jonathan)
Philpott, Windsor, Co.; Elannah (Ethan) Kwon, Burleson, TX.; and Valerie
Beesley, Oakley.&nbsp; Presently 17
grandchildren.Paula
graduated from Oakley HS and Colby Community College with a degree in cow/calf
management.&nbsp; She worked for her dad
before marriage and then helped Phil when needed on the farm.&nbsp; Her love was
devoted to her children and grandchildren. She spent a total of 30 years as a
homeschool teacher for her children. Throughout this time, she was deeply
involved in the local homeschool group.Paula gave
her life to the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age at a Ford
Philpott crusade.&nbsp; She was a lifelong
member of the Country Chapel, a small country church south of Oakley.&nbsp; She served as a Sunday School teacher, song
leader, Bible study leader, mentor, along with various other services.&nbsp; Preceding
Paula was her parents, grandparents, in-laws, and one grandson Aaron BeesleyPaula is
survived by her husband and Children, Grandchildren - Lorcan, Titus, Rhoran
Beesley; Emily, Ethan, Carson Edwards; Ellie, Claire, Marie, Jack and Katherine

Beesley; Michaela, Nathaniel, Amelia, baby Philpot; and Liam Kwon.&nbsp; Three brothers – Monte (Rita) Stevenson, Coal
Creek Canyon, Co.; Lee (Sandy) Stevenson, Longmont, Co.; Todd (Karen)
Stevenson, Oakley; and one sister Susan Stevenson, Wichita.A memorial
service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Country
Chapel south of Oakley.&nbsp; Memorial
contributions can be made to Country Chapel or Gideons International.&nbsp; Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home
at 901 South Main, Quinter, Kansas, 67752.

Paula Lou Stevenson

Ronnie David Richter, 72, of Plainville, Kansas, passed
away on December 27, 2024, at Redbud Village in Plainville. He was born on
December 30, 1951, to Nathaniel Owen and Helen Louise (Blevins) Blackwell. On
April 15, 1972, he married Kathleen Louise Fabrizius in WaKeeney, Kansas, and
together, they were blessed with two daughters, Rhonda and Nicole.

Ronnie grew up in Midwest City, Oklahoma and earned his GED
in 1973. He then proudly served in the U.S. Marines for four years, and later
worked as a roustabout for Phillips 66 and then Equinox. Ronnie also later
drove truck for various companies and owned and operated a truck of his own for
several years.

A passionate outdoorsman, Ronnie enjoyed hunting, fishing,
and time at the lake with his family. He also loved watching old westerns and
gardening. Ronnie helped his father-in-law on the farm with harvest and chores,
and his dedication to his community extended through his volunteer work as a fireman.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Kathleen of the home in
Plainville; daughters, Rhonda (John) Dopita of Hays, KS and Nicole (Jerrod)
Pierson of Damar, KS; siblings, James (Jill) Williams of Oklahoma City, OK,
Linda Jackson of New Braunfels, TX and Robert Richter of Moore, OK; six
grandchildren: Nicholas, Noah, Isaac, Eli, Luke and Zachary; three
great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Claire and Luca; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Nathaniel
Blackwell, Jr.; sister-in-law, Diane Richter; brother-in-law, Norm Steepe; and
nephew Steve Jackson.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at
10AM with visitation 9AM until service time at Zion Lutheran Church - Trego
Center in WaKeeney, KS. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church
and 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>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735525698699.jpeg" alt="Ronnie David Richter" />
 <figcaption>Ronnie David Richter</figcaption>
 </figure>Ronnie David Richter, 72, of Plainville, Kansas, passed
away on December 27, 2024, at Redbud Village in Plainville. He was born on
December 30, 1951, to Nathaniel Owen and Helen Louise (Blevins) Blackwell. On
April 15, 1972, he married Kathleen Louise Fabrizius in WaKeeney, Kansas, and
together, they were blessed with two daughters, Rhonda and Nicole.Ronnie grew up in Midwest City, Oklahoma and earned his GED
in 1973. He then proudly served in the U.S. Marines for four years, and later
worked as a roustabout for Phillips 66 and then Equinox. Ronnie also later
drove truck for various companies and owned and operated a truck of his own for
several years.A passionate outdoorsman, Ronnie enjoyed hunting, fishing,
and time at the lake with his family. He also loved watching old westerns and
gardening. Ronnie helped his father-in-law on the farm with harvest and chores,
and his dedication to his community extended through his volunteer work as a fireman.Ronnie is survived by his wife, Kathleen of the home in
Plainville; daughters, Rhonda (John) Dopita of Hays, KS and Nicole (Jerrod)
Pierson of Damar, KS; siblings, James (Jill) Williams of Oklahoma City, OK,
Linda Jackson of New Braunfels, TX and Robert Richter of Moore, OK; six
grandchildren: Nicholas, Noah, Isaac, Eli, Luke and Zachary; three
great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Claire and Luca; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Nathaniel
Blackwell, Jr.; sister-in-law, Diane Richter; brother-in-law, Norm Steepe; and
nephew Steve Jackson.A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at
10AM with visitation 9AM until service time at Zion Lutheran Church - Trego
Center in WaKeeney, KS. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church
and 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>&nbsp;

Ronnie David Richter

Stanley 'Stan' James
Simon, 68, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, Jesus’
earthly birthday, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by
the care and comfort of his family at Rooks County Health Center.

Stan was born on
November 10, 1956, in Plainville to James W. and Lola M. (Nickles) Simon. He
grew up in the close-knit community of Zurich and graduated from Palco High
School in 1974. He went on to study at Manhattan Technical College, paving the
way for a long and dedicated career as a natural gas serviceman starting with
KN Energy and then Midwest Energy.

On September 23, 1978,
Stan married the love of his life, Maria Karns, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
in Plainville, where he remained a devoted member. Together, they built a
beautiful life filled with love and faith, raising three sons: Phil, Mark, and
Andy.

Stan embraced life with
enthusiasm and filled his days with hobbies and activities that brought him and
those around him immense joy. A passionate outdoorsman, he found peace and adventure
in hunting, fishing, and camping—cherishing annual fishing trips to South
Dakota with his boys. He was also a talented craftsman, enjoying woodworking,
taxidermy, and gardening. Whether he was caring for wildlife, sharing laughter
at a blackjack table, or savoring his favorite honey bun, Stan’s zest for life
was contagious.

Stan shared a special
bond with his beloved hunting dogs, who were more than companions; they were
trusted partners and cherished members of the family. Louie, Jodi 1 and 2,
Schyler, Dixie, Sammi, Maggie, and Sammy brought him endless joy and enriched
his life through countless adventures in the fields and woods. Their loyalty
and companionship were a constant source of happiness for Stan.

Above all, Stan was a
devoted husband, father, and grandfather who left a legacy of love and strength.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but will live on through the
memories and values he instilled in his family and friends.

Stan is survived by his
beloved wife, Maria, of the home in Plainville; his sons, Phil Simon of Lenexa,
Kansas, Mark Simon of Great Bend, Kansas, and Andy Simon of Manhattan, Kansas; his
sister, Jolene (Rod) McElroy of Wheelersburg, Ohio; his cherished
grandchildren, Sage, Alexis, and Carter Simon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in
death by his parents, James and Lola Simon, and his brother, Mike Simon.

A Mass of Christian
Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will take place on Sunday, December
29, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Plainville,
followed by a Vigil and Rosary at 6:00 PM.

Memorial contributions
may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Friends of Webster and sent to
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.

Messages of condolence
for Stan’s family may be shared online at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735518181551.jpeg" alt="Stanley 'Stan' James Simon" />
 <figcaption>Stanley 'Stan' James Simon</figcaption>
 </figure>Stanley 'Stan' James
Simon, 68, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, Jesus’
earthly birthday, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by
the care and comfort of his family at Rooks County Health Center.Stan was born on
November 10, 1956, in Plainville to James W. and Lola M. (Nickles) Simon. He
grew up in the close-knit community of Zurich and graduated from Palco High
School in 1974. He went on to study at Manhattan Technical College, paving the
way for a long and dedicated career as a natural gas serviceman starting with
KN Energy and then Midwest Energy.On September 23, 1978,
Stan married the love of his life, Maria Karns, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
in Plainville, where he remained a devoted member. Together, they built a
beautiful life filled with love and faith, raising three sons: Phil, Mark, and
Andy.Stan embraced life with
enthusiasm and filled his days with hobbies and activities that brought him and
those around him immense joy. A passionate outdoorsman, he found peace and adventure
in hunting, fishing, and camping—cherishing annual fishing trips to South
Dakota with his boys. He was also a talented craftsman, enjoying woodworking,
taxidermy, and gardening. Whether he was caring for wildlife, sharing laughter
at a blackjack table, or savoring his favorite honey bun, Stan’s zest for life
was contagious.Stan shared a special
bond with his beloved hunting dogs, who were more than companions; they were
trusted partners and cherished members of the family. Louie, Jodi 1 and 2,
Schyler, Dixie, Sammi, Maggie, and Sammy brought him endless joy and enriched
his life through countless adventures in the fields and woods. Their loyalty
and companionship were a constant source of happiness for Stan.Above all, Stan was a
devoted husband, father, and grandfather who left a legacy of love and strength.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but will live on through the
memories and values he instilled in his family and friends.Stan is survived by his
beloved wife, Maria, of the home in Plainville; his sons, Phil Simon of Lenexa,
Kansas, Mark Simon of Great Bend, Kansas, and Andy Simon of Manhattan, Kansas; his
sister, Jolene (Rod) McElroy of Wheelersburg, Ohio; his cherished
grandchildren, Sage, Alexis, and Carter Simon; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in
death by his parents, James and Lola Simon, and his brother, Mike Simon.A Mass of Christian
Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will take place on Sunday, December
29, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Plainville,
followed by a Vigil and Rosary at 6:00 PM.Memorial contributions
may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Friends of Webster and sent to
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.Messages of condolence
for Stan’s family may be shared online at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Stanley 'Stan' James Simon

Frank Henry Gallagher of
Hoxie, Kansas quietly passed away surrounded by his daughters, on Friday,
December 27, 2024, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care, Hoxie, Kansas. Frank
was born at the family farm in Rural Sheridan County on March 10, 1933, to Phil
and Mary (Taylor) Gallagher. Frank attended and graduated from district # 55
Henry School and attended Sheridan County High School for one year. Frank’s
father needed Frank to help on the farm; so, he went to work helping his father.
By the age of 8 Frank had experience pulling the combine with the tractor and
at&nbsp; the age of 13 Frank bought his first
car.&nbsp; The family moved to Hoxie in 1944.

On November 28, 1956, Frank
married the love of his life, Joyce (Jacob) Gallagher. Frank and Joyce were
blessed with a family of six children, Stan, Maryln, David, Leanna, Ladonna,
and Mary. Frank loved his family and was always happy to spend time with them. Frank
always bought his grandkids cowboy boots from Jim Schaffer for double or
nothing at Cooper Dry Goods.

Frank worked hard and held
many jobs. Some of those jobs were pitching thrasher machines for others, at
age 14 worked at the skating rink, worked for Triangle Inn cooking hamburgers,
hauled freight for UPS for 10 years, unloaded boxcars of concrete for Foster
Lumber Yard, farmed, raised cattle and hogs with his dad. In the 60’s he hauled
rock for the elevator and Coop. In the 70s and 80s, Frank worked for the City
of Hoxie. When the City of Hoxie purchased the first trash truck, Frank set up
the schedule and became the first driver. Frank was a city Cop with Millard
Johnson for 2 days a week, Undersheriff for Dee Kratzer for a year, and spy cop
for Jimmy Johnson. Frank retired at the age of 56 years. After retiring Frank
and Joyce traveled all over the United States. For thirty-three years they
spent the winters in the south and the summers in Colorado. He loved to travel
and
visit with friends and family.

Frank worked hard, but he
enjoyed collecting old tractors. The first tractor Frank drove was a new 1944
Minneapolis tractor, and it was the last tractor he sold. Frank was always
willing to help others. If someone needed help moving, he was there to help,
and if someone needed a driver, he was ready and willing to help. Frank was a
member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd
and 4th degree, and a member of the Hoxie Elks Club.

Frank leaves to mourn his
passing, daughters, Leanna Sloan (Tom) of Hoxie,&nbsp; Ladonna Joslyn&nbsp; (Mark) of Hoxie, and Mary Dumler (Alex) of
Hoxie; daughters-in-law, Rosie Gallagher of Holcomb, KS and Bea Albers of Oakley,
Kansas; brothers-in-law, Dale Jacob of Deerfield, KS and Loyal Jacob Jr..of &nbsp;Middleboro, MA; 12 grandchildren and 18
great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by
wife, Joyce Gallagher; parents, Phil and Mary Gallagher; children, Stan
Gallagher, Maryln Roger, and David Gallagher; sister, Emma Helen Ochs; sisters-in-law
Charlene Friedel, Betty Jacob, and Ann Jacob; brothers-in-law, Clare Jacob and
Clem Ochs; and great-grandsons, Dustin Rietcheck and Dalton Garrison. 

A Mass of Christian Burial is
planned for Monday, December 30, 2024, 2:00 PM, at the St. Frances Cabrini
Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas. There will be a private burial at a later date
in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery. Visitation at the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, Hoxie, KS, will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 3:00 PM
until 7:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. A Vigil
and Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM immediately following the Visitation.

Memorials are suggested to
the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the Long-Term Care Activities. Please make checks payable to the
memorial fund of your choice. Memorials may be sent in the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735433937412.jpeg" alt="Frank Henry Gallagher" />
 <figcaption>Frank Henry Gallagher</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank Henry Gallagher of
Hoxie, Kansas quietly passed away surrounded by his daughters, on Friday,
December 27, 2024, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care, Hoxie, Kansas. Frank
was born at the family farm in Rural Sheridan County on March 10, 1933, to Phil
and Mary (Taylor) Gallagher. Frank attended and graduated from district # 55
Henry School and attended Sheridan County High School for one year. Frank’s
father needed Frank to help on the farm; so, he went to work helping his father.
By the age of 8 Frank had experience pulling the combine with the tractor and
at&nbsp; the age of 13 Frank bought his first
car.&nbsp; The family moved to Hoxie in 1944.On November 28, 1956, Frank
married the love of his life, Joyce (Jacob) Gallagher. Frank and Joyce were
blessed with a family of six children, Stan, Maryln, David, Leanna, Ladonna,
and Mary. Frank loved his family and was always happy to spend time with them. Frank
always bought his grandkids cowboy boots from Jim Schaffer for double or
nothing at Cooper Dry Goods.Frank worked hard and held
many jobs. Some of those jobs were pitching thrasher machines for others, at
age 14 worked at the skating rink, worked for Triangle Inn cooking hamburgers,
hauled freight for UPS for 10 years, unloaded boxcars of concrete for Foster
Lumber Yard, farmed, raised cattle and hogs with his dad. In the 60’s he hauled
rock for the elevator and Coop. In the 70s and 80s, Frank worked for the City
of Hoxie. When the City of Hoxie purchased the first trash truck, Frank set up
the schedule and became the first driver. Frank was a city Cop with Millard
Johnson for 2 days a week, Undersheriff for Dee Kratzer for a year, and spy cop
for Jimmy Johnson. Frank retired at the age of 56 years. After retiring Frank
and Joyce traveled all over the United States. For thirty-three years they
spent the winters in the south and the summers in Colorado. He loved to travel
and
visit with friends and family.Frank worked hard, but he
enjoyed collecting old tractors. The first tractor Frank drove was a new 1944
Minneapolis tractor, and it was the last tractor he sold. Frank was always
willing to help others. If someone needed help moving, he was there to help,
and if someone needed a driver, he was ready and willing to help. Frank was a
member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd
and 4th degree, and a member of the Hoxie Elks Club.Frank leaves to mourn his
passing, daughters, Leanna Sloan (Tom) of Hoxie,&nbsp; Ladonna Joslyn&nbsp; (Mark) of Hoxie, and Mary Dumler (Alex) of
Hoxie; daughters-in-law, Rosie Gallagher of Holcomb, KS and Bea Albers of Oakley,
Kansas; brothers-in-law, Dale Jacob of Deerfield, KS and Loyal Jacob Jr..of &nbsp;Middleboro, MA; 12 grandchildren and 18
great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by
wife, Joyce Gallagher; parents, Phil and Mary Gallagher; children, Stan
Gallagher, Maryln Roger, and David Gallagher; sister, Emma Helen Ochs; sisters-in-law
Charlene Friedel, Betty Jacob, and Ann Jacob; brothers-in-law, Clare Jacob and
Clem Ochs; and great-grandsons, Dustin Rietcheck and Dalton Garrison. A Mass of Christian Burial is
planned for Monday, December 30, 2024, 2:00 PM, at the St. Frances Cabrini
Catholic Church, Hoxie, Kansas. There will be a private burial at a later date
in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery. Visitation at the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, Hoxie, KS, will be held Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 3:00 PM
until 7:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. A Vigil
and Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 PM immediately following the Visitation.Memorials are suggested to
the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the Long-Term Care Activities. Please make checks payable to the
memorial fund of your choice. Memorials may be sent in the Mickey-Leopold
Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.

Frank Henry Gallagher

Ernest James
Leiker (Ernie), 89, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on December 24, 2024. 

He was born on
December 2, 1935 in Hays, Kansas to Jacob and Anna Leiker. He was a middle
sibling with an older brother, Herb; an older sister, Marietta; and a younger
sister, Darlene. While growing up and attending school at St. Joseph Military
School in Hays, he enjoyed sports such as baseball and boxing. After high
school he enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years. 

After serving
in the Army, he attended Ft. Hays State College. Around this time, he met and
married Glenna Ochs of Bison, Kansas. The two moved to Colorado with a group of
friends and set up their home in Denver.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ernie and
Glenna had three children: Steve, born in 1960; Marilyn, born in 1964; and
Kevin, born in 1967. A fourth child, Bruce, was born in 1963; Bruce died of
natural causes shortly after birth.&nbsp; 

Ernie enjoyed a
25-year career with Montgomery Wards as a store and regional manager. His
positions took him and the family to many places to live, including Grand
Junction, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Kansas City, Missouri. While proud
of his career, Ernie was most proud of the fact that he put all three of his
children through college, with Steve and Kevin graduating from University of
Northern Colorado and Marilyn graduating from University of Colorado. 

Ernie was an
avid traveler and was able to visit all 50 U.S. states. In addition, he was
able to see many countries, taking numerous cruises over the years. 

Ernie is
survived by his wife, Glenna Leiker; and children Steve Leiker (Lynnette);
Marilyn Katopodes (Jerry); and Kevin Leiker (Holly). He is also survived by three
grandchildren: Kaitlyn Leiker; Jacob Brock Leiker; and Delaney Katopodes. 

A Funeral Mass
and Memorial will take place on Monday, December 30 at 1 pm at Garden Plaza of
Aurora Senior Living and Care Community. Interment/Graveside Service will be at
11:30 am on Friday, January 3 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735399457090.jpeg" alt="Ernest James Leiker (Ernie)" />
 <figcaption>Ernest James Leiker (Ernie)</figcaption>
 </figure>Ernest James
Leiker (Ernie), 89, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on December 24, 2024. He was born on
December 2, 1935 in Hays, Kansas to Jacob and Anna Leiker. He was a middle
sibling with an older brother, Herb; an older sister, Marietta; and a younger
sister, Darlene. While growing up and attending school at St. Joseph Military
School in Hays, he enjoyed sports such as baseball and boxing. After high
school he enlisted in the United States Army and served for two years. After serving
in the Army, he attended Ft. Hays State College. Around this time, he met and
married Glenna Ochs of Bison, Kansas. The two moved to Colorado with a group of
friends and set up their home in Denver.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Ernie and
Glenna had three children: Steve, born in 1960; Marilyn, born in 1964; and
Kevin, born in 1967. A fourth child, Bruce, was born in 1963; Bruce died of
natural causes shortly after birth.&nbsp; Ernie enjoyed a
25-year career with Montgomery Wards as a store and regional manager. His
positions took him and the family to many places to live, including Grand
Junction, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Kansas City, Missouri. While proud
of his career, Ernie was most proud of the fact that he put all three of his
children through college, with Steve and Kevin graduating from University of
Northern Colorado and Marilyn graduating from University of Colorado. Ernie was an
avid traveler and was able to visit all 50 U.S. states. In addition, he was
able to see many countries, taking numerous cruises over the years. Ernie is
survived by his wife, Glenna Leiker; and children Steve Leiker (Lynnette);
Marilyn Katopodes (Jerry); and Kevin Leiker (Holly). He is also survived by three
grandchildren: Kaitlyn Leiker; Jacob Brock Leiker; and Delaney Katopodes. A Funeral Mass
and Memorial will take place on Monday, December 30 at 1 pm at Garden Plaza of
Aurora Senior Living and Care Community. Interment/Graveside Service will be at
11:30 am on Friday, January 3 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Ernest James Leiker (Ernie)

Mark Donavon Cooper, 65, of Hays, Kansas,
passed away at home on December 26th, 2024, after a courageous, two-and-a-half-year
battle with cancer.

Born in Anthony KS, on March 7, 1959, the son
of Gary and Lois (Daughhetee) Cooper. In 1978, he graduated from St. Francis
Community High School. He was married November 10, 1979, to Toby (Dirks)
Cooper. To this union a son Wesley Don and two daughters Kelsey Ann and Mindy
Louise made their family complete. He worked as an automotive service-tech
before owning his own business, St. Francis Tire in 1993. He retired from the
family business in 2021.

Mark was quiet, kind-hearted and talented. When
not working, you could find him in the garage tinkering with his cars or other
projects. His hobby and love of muscle cars was shared between his children and
grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Lulu and was always up for
an adventure with the grandkids. &nbsp;

He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law
Tobias Dirks, three nephews, John and Carl Keller, Ty Hardwick and his daughter
Kelsey Cooper.

Mark is survived by his wife, Toby of the home;
son Wesley (Candice) Cooper of Leoti, daughter Mindy (Dustin) Kuhn of Hays; grandchildren
Kasen and Kaycee Kuhn, Chloe and Radley Cooper; sister Ronda Loven; sister-in-law’s,
Gwen (Mark) Keller, Gail (Bernie) Stoltmann; brother-in-law, Max (Irene) Dirks;
mother-in-law Annetta Dirks; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am
on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, 202 North College Street
in St. Francis, Kansas with Pastor Luke Emerson officiating. In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to Forever in Blue Jeans or Hays Hospice.
Services are in the care of Knodel Funeral Home.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735335867353.jpeg" alt="Mark Donavon Cooper" />
 <figcaption>Mark Donavon Cooper</figcaption>
 </figure>Mark Donavon Cooper, 65, of Hays, Kansas,
passed away at home on December 26th, 2024, after a courageous, two-and-a-half-year
battle with cancer.Born in Anthony KS, on March 7, 1959, the son
of Gary and Lois (Daughhetee) Cooper. In 1978, he graduated from St. Francis
Community High School. He was married November 10, 1979, to Toby (Dirks)
Cooper. To this union a son Wesley Don and two daughters Kelsey Ann and Mindy
Louise made their family complete. He worked as an automotive service-tech
before owning his own business, St. Francis Tire in 1993. He retired from the
family business in 2021.Mark was quiet, kind-hearted and talented. When
not working, you could find him in the garage tinkering with his cars or other
projects. His hobby and love of muscle cars was shared between his children and
grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Lulu and was always up for
an adventure with the grandkids. &nbsp;He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law
Tobias Dirks, three nephews, John and Carl Keller, Ty Hardwick and his daughter
Kelsey Cooper.Mark is survived by his wife, Toby of the home;
son Wesley (Candice) Cooper of Leoti, daughter Mindy (Dustin) Kuhn of Hays; grandchildren
Kasen and Kaycee Kuhn, Chloe and Radley Cooper; sister Ronda Loven; sister-in-law’s,
Gwen (Mark) Keller, Gail (Bernie) Stoltmann; brother-in-law, Max (Irene) Dirks;
mother-in-law Annetta Dirks; other relatives and many friends.Funeral services will be at 10:30 am
on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, 202 North College Street
in St. Francis, Kansas with Pastor Luke Emerson officiating. In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to Forever in Blue Jeans or Hays Hospice.
Services are in the care of Knodel Funeral Home.&nbsp;

Mark Donavon Cooper

Richard J. 'Rick&nbsp; Zakrzewski, 84, Hays, died Tuesday,
December 24, 2024 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.

He was born November 5, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, the son
of Gerald and Helen Zakrzewski.&nbsp; He
attended Catholic elementary military school where he learned to eat slowly and
avoid tapioca pudding.&nbsp; In 1959, he
graduated from St. Hedwig High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
geology from Wayne State University in 1963, and a Master’s Degree and PhD from
the University of Michigan in 1968.&nbsp; In
1969, he joined the Department of Geosciences at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; Rick was united in marriage to Martha Verklan
on August 13, 1966 in Dearborn, Michigan, and they celebrated 58 years of
marriage.&nbsp; During his tenure at FHSU, Dr.
Z, as his students fondly called him, published more than 65 papers as
professor of geosciences and served as chief curator of the Sternberg
Museum.&nbsp; He directed more than 30 master’s
theses and served on 76 thesis committees.&nbsp;
In 2008, he was awarded the Graduate School Lifetime Achievement Award
in addition to the Outstanding Thesis Field Study Adviser Award. 

Survivors include his wife Martha of Hays, his son, Mark
Zakrzewski and wife Randi of San Diego, CA, his daughter, Andrea Stokoe and
husband Steve of Eagle, Idaho, and six grandchildren, Alexandra, Lauren,
Caroline, Jacob, Colton, and Maverick.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday,
January 4, 2025 at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center with Fr. Curtis Carlson,
OFMCap. officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be
at a later date in Hagerman, Idaho.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to the Department of Geosciences at FHSU or to
Sternberg Museum.&nbsp; Services are in the
care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Rick
may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735226080138.jpeg" alt="Richard J. 'Rick Zakrzewski" />
 <figcaption>Richard J. 'Rick Zakrzewski</figcaption>
 </figure>Richard J. 'Rick&nbsp; Zakrzewski, 84, Hays, died Tuesday,
December 24, 2024 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.He was born November 5, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, the son
of Gerald and Helen Zakrzewski.&nbsp; He
attended Catholic elementary military school where he learned to eat slowly and
avoid tapioca pudding.&nbsp; In 1959, he
graduated from St. Hedwig High School, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
geology from Wayne State University in 1963, and a Master’s Degree and PhD from
the University of Michigan in 1968.&nbsp; In
1969, he joined the Department of Geosciences at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; Rick was united in marriage to Martha Verklan
on August 13, 1966 in Dearborn, Michigan, and they celebrated 58 years of
marriage.&nbsp; During his tenure at FHSU, Dr.
Z, as his students fondly called him, published more than 65 papers as
professor of geosciences and served as chief curator of the Sternberg
Museum.&nbsp; He directed more than 30 master’s
theses and served on 76 thesis committees.&nbsp;
In 2008, he was awarded the Graduate School Lifetime Achievement Award
in addition to the Outstanding Thesis Field Study Adviser Award. Survivors include his wife Martha of Hays, his son, Mark
Zakrzewski and wife Randi of San Diego, CA, his daughter, Andrea Stokoe and
husband Steve of Eagle, Idaho, and six grandchildren, Alexandra, Lauren,
Caroline, Jacob, Colton, and Maverick.He was preceded in death by his parents.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday,
January 4, 2025 at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center with Fr. Curtis Carlson,
OFMCap. officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be
at a later date in Hagerman, Idaho.&nbsp;
Memorials are suggested to the Department of Geosciences at FHSU or to
Sternberg Museum.&nbsp; Services are in the
care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Rick
may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard J. 'Rick  Zakrzewski

Richard
W. "Rich" Schaus, age 80, of rural Ellis, Kansas, a dedicated
lifelong farmer and longtime dairyman, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the
Salina Regional Health Center. He was born on June 10, 1944, in Hays, Kansas to
Edgar and Martha (Yantz) Schaus.



From an early age, Rich exhibited a commitment to his family and community. He
married his sweetheart, Claudia Laeree (Deutscher), on August 26, 1961 at
Christ Lutheran Church when he was just 17 and she barely 16. Their union,
which blossomed into a loving partnership lasting over 63 years, was
characterized by shared dreams, hard work, and unwavering support for one
another. After graduating from Trego Community High School and marriage he
attended Kansas State University. Rich and Claudia returned to the farmstead,
where he began his lifelong journey as a farmer and dairyman for more than 40
years.



Rich was not just a farmer; he was a part of the Ellis, Kansas and Trego County
communities. His numerous contributions included serving as a long-time member
and board member of Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis, where he was deeply
involved in church activities. He was a leader in many organizations, including
the REC, now Western COOP Electric Board for 50 years, the Trego County Rural
Fire Department, USDA, Trego County Rural Water District, Sunflower Electric,
and the Ellis Jr. Free Fair. 



Rich is remembered not only for his work ethic but also for his proudest
accomplishments: his family, community service, and his beloved farm. He leaves
behind his wife Claudia, son Stacy Schaus and his wife Danielle of Ellis, along
with their children Cora and Khianne Schaus, Maddy, Hunter, and Lona Guffey. He
is also survived by his daughter Julia Schaus-Brown and Darrin Wolf of Ellis,
and her children, Patrick Brown and Peyton Brown, along with Peyton’s children
Emma and Elijah Raat; two sisters, Marilyn Hersh of Nebraska, and Rita Sussman
and her husband Robert of Colorado.



Rich is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ozwald and Elizabeth
Deutscher brother-in-law James Hersh; sister-in-law, Caren Bates and husband
Robert; and a nephew, Trent Bates.



Funeral services will be Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM. at Christ
Lutheran Church, 106 East 8th Street, Ellis. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope
Cemetery, Ellis.



Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and Friday 12:30 PM until
service time all at the church.

 

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church or Trego County
Rural Fire Department.


Please share memories and words of comfort on Rich’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th street, Ellis, KS
67637.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734993279702.jpeg" alt="Richard W. 'Rich' Schaus" />
 <figcaption>Richard W. 'Rich' Schaus</figcaption>
 </figure>Richard
W. "Rich" Schaus, age 80, of rural Ellis, Kansas, a dedicated
lifelong farmer and longtime dairyman, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the
Salina Regional Health Center. He was born on June 10, 1944, in Hays, Kansas to
Edgar and Martha (Yantz) Schaus.

From an early age, Rich exhibited a commitment to his family and community. He
married his sweetheart, Claudia Laeree (Deutscher), on August 26, 1961 at
Christ Lutheran Church when he was just 17 and she barely 16. Their union,
which blossomed into a loving partnership lasting over 63 years, was
characterized by shared dreams, hard work, and unwavering support for one
another. After graduating from Trego Community High School and marriage he
attended Kansas State University. Rich and Claudia returned to the farmstead,
where he began his lifelong journey as a farmer and dairyman for more than 40
years.

Rich was not just a farmer; he was a part of the Ellis, Kansas and Trego County
communities. His numerous contributions included serving as a long-time member
and board member of Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis, where he was deeply
involved in church activities. He was a leader in many organizations, including
the REC, now Western COOP Electric Board for 50 years, the Trego County Rural
Fire Department, USDA, Trego County Rural Water District, Sunflower Electric,
and the Ellis Jr. Free Fair. 

Rich is remembered not only for his work ethic but also for his proudest
accomplishments: his family, community service, and his beloved farm. He leaves
behind his wife Claudia, son Stacy Schaus and his wife Danielle of Ellis, along
with their children Cora and Khianne Schaus, Maddy, Hunter, and Lona Guffey. He
is also survived by his daughter Julia Schaus-Brown and Darrin Wolf of Ellis,
and her children, Patrick Brown and Peyton Brown, along with Peyton’s children
Emma and Elijah Raat; two sisters, Marilyn Hersh of Nebraska, and Rita Sussman
and her husband Robert of Colorado.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ozwald and Elizabeth
Deutscher brother-in-law James Hersh; sister-in-law, Caren Bates and husband
Robert; and a nephew, Trent Bates.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM. at Christ
Lutheran Church, 106 East 8th Street, Ellis. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope
Cemetery, Ellis.

Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and Friday 12:30 PM until
service time all at the church. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church or Trego County
Rural Fire Department.

Please share memories and words of comfort on Rich’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th street, Ellis, KS
67637.<figure>
 <img src="file:///C:/Users/SCARLE~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Richard W. 'Rich' Schaus

Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.



Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 



During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.



Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches.

 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.

Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt).

 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.



A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 



Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734980167386.png" alt="Alvin Joseph Denning" />
 <figcaption>Alvin Joseph Denning</figcaption>
 </figure>Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.

Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 

During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.

Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches. 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt). 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. 

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Alvin Joseph Denning

James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon, 68,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday December 14, 2024, at his home.

Jim was born on February 09, 1956,
in Laramie, Wyoming, the son of Howard and Inez (Seaton) McKinnon.&nbsp; He grew up and graduated from high school in
Laramie, Wyoming.&nbsp; He lived in the
Russell and Hays Kansas area for the last 20 years, working as a welder and
machinist.&nbsp; He was also an avid fantasy
football player and longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan.&nbsp; 

The surviving family includes his
sister Anita G. Beach and husband Charles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, nephew Jude
May of Salina, Kansas and goddaughter Amber Arnold of Hays, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his
parents and sisters Deanna L. May and Janice A. Bell.

The family has selected cremation
and will have a private service for Jim at a later date.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas is in charge of the arrangements. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703014696554.jpeg" alt="flower three.jpg" />
 <figcaption>flower three.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon, 68,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday December 14, 2024, at his home.Jim was born on February 09, 1956,
in Laramie, Wyoming, the son of Howard and Inez (Seaton) McKinnon.&nbsp; He grew up and graduated from high school in
Laramie, Wyoming.&nbsp; He lived in the
Russell and Hays Kansas area for the last 20 years, working as a welder and
machinist.&nbsp; He was also an avid fantasy
football player and longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan.&nbsp; The surviving family includes his
sister Anita G. Beach and husband Charles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, nephew Jude
May of Salina, Kansas and goddaughter Amber Arnold of Hays, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his
parents and sisters Deanna L. May and Janice A. Bell.The family has selected cremation
and will have a private service for Jim at a later date.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.

James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon

Dwight Alan Allenbaugh, 66, Hays, died Sunday, December 22,
2024 at his home.

He was born July 3, 1958 in Norwalk, California, the son of
John “Dale” and Marcy (Feaster) Allenbaugh.&nbsp; In 1976, he graduated from
Bellflower High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Business from California PolyTechnic University in Pomona, California in
1980.&nbsp; He married Connie DeFever, and to this union were born four
children.&nbsp; In 1997, he married Dereama Barnes.&nbsp; Dwight was the owner
of A-1 Scaffold Mfg. and for nearly 50 years, he worked alongside his parents
and sisters.&nbsp; He loved his work, his customers all over the world, and
throughout his career was dedicated to creating specialty items that functioned
and kept people safe in the construction industry.&nbsp; For forty years, he
was a member of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, and served on the
board of directors for 20 years.&nbsp; Dwight was also a member of Celebration
Community Church, Smoky Hill Country Club, the Prairie Chicken Motorcycle
Group, and a lifetime member of the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp; 

Dwight was smart, talented, kind, creative, and a good
Samaritan at heart.&nbsp; He was very generous, supporting numerous non-profit
and charity organizations, and he taught Sunday School at Celebration Community
Church.&nbsp; He loved photography, reading novels, scuba diving, traveling,
golfing, and meeting people, which formed lifelong friendships.&nbsp; His
escape from work was riding his Harley Davidson, taking numerous motorcycle
trips with Dereama, and he enjoyed waking up to her practicing her instruments.&nbsp;
Calling his mom in the evenings was a must, and his faith and love for family
were never ending.

Survivors include his wife Dereama of Hays, his mother Marcy
of Hays, three daughters, Lindsey Urban and husband Brent of Hays, Ashley Bott
and husband Jamey of Hays, and Ashlee Haines and husband Jake of Colby, three
sisters, Jenny Allenbaugh and wife Donna Scott, Cheryl Herman and husband Mark,
and Roberta Molstad, all of Hays, 11 grandchildren, Payton Garrison and wife
Lauren, Dawson and Brennon Garrison, Blythe Urban, Delaney, Anderson, and
McCallian Bott, Lewis, Mac, Levi, and Morgan Haines, and five great
grandchildren, Emrynn, Wesley, Myles, Linkyn, and Theo Garrison.

He was preceded in death by his father Dale, his son Wesley
Allenbaugh, and a daughter, Cassandra Allenbaugh.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27,
2024 at Celebration Community Church, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.&nbsp;
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time.&nbsp; In lieu
of flowers, memorials are suggested to Celebration Community Church.&nbsp; A
livestream of the funeral may be viewed at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/c3hays">www.facebook.com/c3hays</a>.&nbsp;
Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences
and memories of Dwight may be left for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734970007707.jpeg" alt="Dwight Alan Allenbaugh" />
 <figcaption>Dwight Alan Allenbaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>Dwight Alan Allenbaugh, 66, Hays, died Sunday, December 22,
2024 at his home.He was born July 3, 1958 in Norwalk, California, the son of
John “Dale” and Marcy (Feaster) Allenbaugh.&nbsp; In 1976, he graduated from
Bellflower High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Business from California PolyTechnic University in Pomona, California in
1980.&nbsp; He married Connie DeFever, and to this union were born four
children.&nbsp; In 1997, he married Dereama Barnes.&nbsp; Dwight was the owner
of A-1 Scaffold Mfg. and for nearly 50 years, he worked alongside his parents
and sisters.&nbsp; He loved his work, his customers all over the world, and
throughout his career was dedicated to creating specialty items that functioned
and kept people safe in the construction industry.&nbsp; For forty years, he
was a member of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, and served on the
board of directors for 20 years.&nbsp; Dwight was also a member of Celebration
Community Church, Smoky Hill Country Club, the Prairie Chicken Motorcycle
Group, and a lifetime member of the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp; Dwight was smart, talented, kind, creative, and a good
Samaritan at heart.&nbsp; He was very generous, supporting numerous non-profit
and charity organizations, and he taught Sunday School at Celebration Community
Church.&nbsp; He loved photography, reading novels, scuba diving, traveling,
golfing, and meeting people, which formed lifelong friendships.&nbsp; His
escape from work was riding his Harley Davidson, taking numerous motorcycle
trips with Dereama, and he enjoyed waking up to her practicing her instruments.&nbsp;
Calling his mom in the evenings was a must, and his faith and love for family
were never ending.Survivors include his wife Dereama of Hays, his mother Marcy
of Hays, three daughters, Lindsey Urban and husband Brent of Hays, Ashley Bott
and husband Jamey of Hays, and Ashlee Haines and husband Jake of Colby, three
sisters, Jenny Allenbaugh and wife Donna Scott, Cheryl Herman and husband Mark,
and Roberta Molstad, all of Hays, 11 grandchildren, Payton Garrison and wife
Lauren, Dawson and Brennon Garrison, Blythe Urban, Delaney, Anderson, and
McCallian Bott, Lewis, Mac, Levi, and Morgan Haines, and five great
grandchildren, Emrynn, Wesley, Myles, Linkyn, and Theo Garrison.He was preceded in death by his father Dale, his son Wesley
Allenbaugh, and a daughter, Cassandra Allenbaugh.Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27,
2024 at Celebration Community Church, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.&nbsp;
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time.&nbsp; In lieu
of flowers, memorials are suggested to Celebration Community Church.&nbsp; A
livestream of the funeral may be viewed at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/c3hays">www.facebook.com/c3hays</a>.&nbsp;
Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences
and memories of Dwight may be left for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dwight Alan Allenbaugh

Arleene
Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier, 90, of Salina, Kansas, died on Thursday, December
19, 2024, at her home in Salina, Kansas.

Arleene
was born June 7th, 1934, to John R. and (Ernabelle) June (Klump) Duerksen in
Bessie, Oklahoma.&nbsp; When she was a small
child, the family moved to a farm about 4 miles northwest of Weatherford,
Oklahoma.&nbsp; Arleene attended high school
in Weatherford and graduated with the class of 1952.&nbsp; She then continued to live at home and rode
the school bus into Weatherford to attend and graduated from Southwestern
College in 1956 with a Bachelor Degree in Education.&nbsp; Arleene’s first teaching job was at Beeler,
Ks, teaching business and home economics.&nbsp;
She then taught the same classes at Utica High School.&nbsp; It was during this time that Arleene met, at
a high school basketball game, the new young Lutheran minister, Rev. Robert
Kreier, from Our Redeemer, in Ness City.&nbsp;
The couple married, June 13, 1957, at Arleene’s home congregation,
Trinity Lutheran in Clinton, Oklahoma.&nbsp;
The family was blessed with two children during this time, David John
and Patricia Ann.&nbsp; The family moved to
Talmage, Nebraska in 1962 and while there the family added a daughter, Kristine
Lynn.&nbsp; 

While
residing in Talmage, Arleene was a member of the Young Homemakers (now
Tri-County) Extension Club. &nbsp;In January
of 1973 the family moved to the Milberger, Kansas community.&nbsp; She joined the Prairie Mates EHU, continuing
to enjoy the women's club as she had in Talmage.&nbsp; It was shortly after this move that Arleene
decided to re-enter the workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp; She
was hired as the 13th employee at the new TG&amp;Y store located at the newly
built Klema Plaza Russell.&nbsp; She also
worked at the Russell County courthouse and Keilee’s Restaurant, located in the
current S&amp;W building.&nbsp; It was in the
early 1980’s that Arleene found her second calling as a CNA, CMA and Activities
Director working in Nursing Homes, starting her career at Russell Care Center,
now Wheatland.&nbsp; After the kids finished
High School in Russell, Bob and Arleene moved to rural Athol, Kansas, where
Arleene worked in Smith Center, then in Bellville when they lived in the
Courtland area, and finally in Salina, for a few years when they moved there
after Bob’s retirement.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enjoyed all
her kids' sports, music, 4-H and church activities, then later her grandkids,
even driving 2 hours to babysit when they were sick and couldn't go to daycare
or school.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was a Big 8, Big 12
football and basketball fan, having lived in the region her entire life.&nbsp; As with Bob she enjoyed being able to watch
all the games, including the Cubs, Bears, Royals and Chiefs, finally having
cable access in retirement.&nbsp; Arleene also
enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting, making many of her own and the
girls’ clothes when she was younger.&nbsp;
Later she never missed a craft show, garage sale or an opportunity to
collect a cookbook, and having gardened in younger years, always had flowers in
pots on the porches and patios of their homes.&nbsp;


Arleene
was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, son-in-law, Curtis Mader,
and a daughter-in-law, Diane Branning.&nbsp; 

She
is survived by her daughters, Patrica Ann, Walton, Ks, Kristine Lynn, formerly
Russell, Salina Ks.&nbsp; Grandchildren,
Donald Brown, Hollie, Chad, Ashley, Tyler, and TJ Kreier-Branning, ZoAnn (Adam
Carey) Mader, Hayle (Jackson) Bjornstad, and Emily Mader; 12 great
grandchildren and one arriving in March 2025.&nbsp;
Her sister, Kay Fry, Oklahoma City, sister-in-law, JoAnn Kreier, and nieces
and nephews.

Celebration
of Arleene’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp;
A private burial will follow the services.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends
from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday at the Mortuary.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with St. John
Lutheran Church.&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/2024/12/1734722539444.jpeg" alt="Arleene Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier" />
 <figcaption>Arleene Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier</figcaption>
 </figure>Arleene
Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier, 90, of Salina, Kansas, died on Thursday, December
19, 2024, at her home in Salina, Kansas.Arleene
was born June 7th, 1934, to John R. and (Ernabelle) June (Klump) Duerksen in
Bessie, Oklahoma.&nbsp; When she was a small
child, the family moved to a farm about 4 miles northwest of Weatherford,
Oklahoma.&nbsp; Arleene attended high school
in Weatherford and graduated with the class of 1952.&nbsp; She then continued to live at home and rode
the school bus into Weatherford to attend and graduated from Southwestern
College in 1956 with a Bachelor Degree in Education.&nbsp; Arleene’s first teaching job was at Beeler,
Ks, teaching business and home economics.&nbsp;
She then taught the same classes at Utica High School.&nbsp; It was during this time that Arleene met, at
a high school basketball game, the new young Lutheran minister, Rev. Robert
Kreier, from Our Redeemer, in Ness City.&nbsp;
The couple married, June 13, 1957, at Arleene’s home congregation,
Trinity Lutheran in Clinton, Oklahoma.&nbsp;
The family was blessed with two children during this time, David John
and Patricia Ann.&nbsp; The family moved to
Talmage, Nebraska in 1962 and while there the family added a daughter, Kristine
Lynn.&nbsp; While
residing in Talmage, Arleene was a member of the Young Homemakers (now
Tri-County) Extension Club. &nbsp;In January
of 1973 the family moved to the Milberger, Kansas community.&nbsp; She joined the Prairie Mates EHU, continuing
to enjoy the women's club as she had in Talmage.&nbsp; It was shortly after this move that Arleene
decided to re-enter the workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp; She
was hired as the 13th employee at the new TG&amp;Y store located at the newly
built Klema Plaza Russell.&nbsp; She also
worked at the Russell County courthouse and Keilee’s Restaurant, located in the
current S&amp;W building.&nbsp; It was in the
early 1980’s that Arleene found her second calling as a CNA, CMA and Activities
Director working in Nursing Homes, starting her career at Russell Care Center,
now Wheatland.&nbsp; After the kids finished
High School in Russell, Bob and Arleene moved to rural Athol, Kansas, where
Arleene worked in Smith Center, then in Bellville when they lived in the
Courtland area, and finally in Salina, for a few years when they moved there
after Bob’s retirement.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enjoyed all
her kids' sports, music, 4-H and church activities, then later her grandkids,
even driving 2 hours to babysit when they were sick and couldn't go to daycare
or school.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was a Big 8, Big 12
football and basketball fan, having lived in the region her entire life.&nbsp; As with Bob she enjoyed being able to watch
all the games, including the Cubs, Bears, Royals and Chiefs, finally having
cable access in retirement.&nbsp; Arleene also
enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting, making many of her own and the
girls’ clothes when she was younger.&nbsp;
Later she never missed a craft show, garage sale or an opportunity to
collect a cookbook, and having gardened in younger years, always had flowers in
pots on the porches and patios of their homes.&nbsp;
Arleene
was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, son-in-law, Curtis Mader,
and a daughter-in-law, Diane Branning.&nbsp; She
is survived by her daughters, Patrica Ann, Walton, Ks, Kristine Lynn, formerly
Russell, Salina Ks.&nbsp; Grandchildren,
Donald Brown, Hollie, Chad, Ashley, Tyler, and TJ Kreier-Branning, ZoAnn (Adam
Carey) Mader, Hayle (Jackson) Bjornstad, and Emily Mader; 12 great
grandchildren and one arriving in March 2025.&nbsp;
Her sister, Kay Fry, Oklahoma City, sister-in-law, JoAnn Kreier, and nieces
and nephews.Celebration
of Arleene’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp;
A private burial will follow the services.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends
from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Friday at the Mortuary.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with St. John
Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Contributions and
condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of
these arrangements.

Arleene Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier

Brandon Lee Frick age 40, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
unexpectedly on December 17, 2024, following an auto accident.

Brandon was born on July 29, 1984, in Great Bend, Kansas to Daniel
and Sherry Frick, and he grew up with a passion for both car audio and physical
fitness. He was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Carrie, and a devoted
father to their son, Jasper. Brandon’s family meant the world to him, and he
treasured every moment spent with them.

A true craftsman, Brandon had a remarkable talent for car audio
installation. His knack for working with technology and making things run
smoothly was only matched by his work ethic and hands-on approach. Whether
tinkering with audio systems or tackling projects at work, Brandon never
allowed himself to remain idle. He stayed active and in shape through
weightlifting and always sought new ways to challenge himself physically. His
love of music was evidenced in the way and manner he listened to it – not just
listening but feeling it and immersing himself in the lyrics and stories being
told through the melody. And if he was listening, you were too, even if you
lived a block and a half away.

He leaves behind his wife, Carrie; and their son, Jasper of Hays;
mother, Sherry Frick of Oakley; his brother, Christopher Frick of Grinnell; his
in laws: Dave and Lori Bixenman of Colby; sister in law: Maranda (Kevin) Motes
of Concordia; grandmother: Donna Kay Frick of Kinsley; aunts: Karen Frick of
Manhattan; Sandy (Larry) Barricklow of Florida, Tammi (Craig) Foos of Bazine,
and Barb Wassinger of Ness City; uncles: Steven Frick of McPherson; and Terry
Wassinger of Ness City; his nieces and nephews: Kinzee, Xezander, Kaytlynn, and
Zane. He will be deeply missed by his many cousins and extended family members.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Eugene Frick and
uncle, Eddie Wassinger, Jr.

Brandon’s generous spirit and lively energy will be deeply missed
by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Carrie Frick to be
designated later as an education fund for Jasper. Checks can be sent to the
Funeral Chapel or online through Tribute Pay via <a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment">https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment</a>

Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, December 23, 2024, at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Inurnment will follow the services in the St Joseph Catholic
Cemetery - Hays. His family will receive guests from 1 PM until service time on
Monday at the Funeral Chapel.&nbsp;

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Brandon's tribute
page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734714532887.jpeg" alt="Brandon Lee Frick" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Lee Frick</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandon Lee Frick age 40, of Hays, Kansas, passed away
unexpectedly on December 17, 2024, following an auto accident.Brandon was born on July 29, 1984, in Great Bend, Kansas to Daniel
and Sherry Frick, and he grew up with a passion for both car audio and physical
fitness. He was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Carrie, and a devoted
father to their son, Jasper. Brandon’s family meant the world to him, and he
treasured every moment spent with them.A true craftsman, Brandon had a remarkable talent for car audio
installation. His knack for working with technology and making things run
smoothly was only matched by his work ethic and hands-on approach. Whether
tinkering with audio systems or tackling projects at work, Brandon never
allowed himself to remain idle. He stayed active and in shape through
weightlifting and always sought new ways to challenge himself physically. His
love of music was evidenced in the way and manner he listened to it – not just
listening but feeling it and immersing himself in the lyrics and stories being
told through the melody. And if he was listening, you were too, even if you
lived a block and a half away.He leaves behind his wife, Carrie; and their son, Jasper of Hays;
mother, Sherry Frick of Oakley; his brother, Christopher Frick of Grinnell; his
in laws: Dave and Lori Bixenman of Colby; sister in law: Maranda (Kevin) Motes
of Concordia; grandmother: Donna Kay Frick of Kinsley; aunts: Karen Frick of
Manhattan; Sandy (Larry) Barricklow of Florida, Tammi (Craig) Foos of Bazine,
and Barb Wassinger of Ness City; uncles: Steven Frick of McPherson; and Terry
Wassinger of Ness City; his nieces and nephews: Kinzee, Xezander, Kaytlynn, and
Zane. He will be deeply missed by his many cousins and extended family members.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Eugene Frick and
uncle, Eddie Wassinger, Jr.Brandon’s generous spirit and lively energy will be deeply missed
by all who knew him.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Carrie Frick to be
designated later as an education fund for Jasper. Checks can be sent to the
Funeral Chapel or online through Tribute Pay via <a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment">https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment</a>Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, December 23, 2024, at
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays,
Kansas 67601. Inurnment will follow the services in the St Joseph Catholic
Cemetery - Hays. His family will receive guests from 1 PM until service time on
Monday at the Funeral Chapel.&nbsp;Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Brandon's tribute
page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Brandon Lee Frick

Linda
Kae Sulzman, 77, of Hays, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024. She was born
November 18, 1947, in Norton, Kansas, to Merton and Dorothy (Davis) Goodman.
Linda graduated from Jennings High School in 1965 and on July 27, 1965, married
Ronald “Chappy” Sulzman. The couple lived in Hays where Linda was a homemaker
until their three children were in school. She then went to work at Walmart in
Hays as one of their first employees and worked there until her retirement.

In
her spare time, Linda enjoyed reading, doing crosswords, going for walks, and
spending time outdoors. Above all, she loved being a grandmother and supporting
her grandkids at all their activities and sporting events.

Linda
was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronald “Chappy”, and her brother
Lynn Goodman.

She
is survived by her children, Kyle (Erika) Sulzman, Shawn (Julie) Sulzman and
Roni (Dale) Dietz; sisters, Marcia (Larry) Stapp, Xandra (Chuck) Waggoner, Tina
Perdue and Kendra (Curt) Giebler; sister-in-law Sheryl Goodman; grandchildren,
Shelby (Andrew) Bach, Kirsten (Zack) Schilowsky, Sydney (Brady) Jacques, Shane
(Tori) Sulzman, Sheldon (Dayanera) Sulzman, Jeremy Dietz and Dani (Seth)
Ackerman and 10 great grandchildren.

Funeral
services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Hays Memorial
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will
receive friends from 9:00 am until service time.&nbsp; Memorials may be made payable to the NWKS
Foundation for HOPE.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Linda may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734710681584.jpeg" alt="Linda Kae Sulzman" />
 <figcaption>Linda Kae Sulzman</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda
Kae Sulzman, 77, of Hays, died Tuesday, December 17, 2024. She was born
November 18, 1947, in Norton, Kansas, to Merton and Dorothy (Davis) Goodman.
Linda graduated from Jennings High School in 1965 and on July 27, 1965, married
Ronald “Chappy” Sulzman. The couple lived in Hays where Linda was a homemaker
until their three children were in school. She then went to work at Walmart in
Hays as one of their first employees and worked there until her retirement.In
her spare time, Linda enjoyed reading, doing crosswords, going for walks, and
spending time outdoors. Above all, she loved being a grandmother and supporting
her grandkids at all their activities and sporting events.Linda
was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronald “Chappy”, and her brother
Lynn Goodman.She
is survived by her children, Kyle (Erika) Sulzman, Shawn (Julie) Sulzman and
Roni (Dale) Dietz; sisters, Marcia (Larry) Stapp, Xandra (Chuck) Waggoner, Tina
Perdue and Kendra (Curt) Giebler; sister-in-law Sheryl Goodman; grandchildren,
Shelby (Andrew) Bach, Kirsten (Zack) Schilowsky, Sydney (Brady) Jacques, Shane
(Tori) Sulzman, Sheldon (Dayanera) Sulzman, Jeremy Dietz and Dani (Seth)
Ackerman and 10 great grandchildren.Funeral
services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Hays Memorial
Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will
receive friends from 9:00 am until service time.&nbsp; Memorials may be made payable to the NWKS
Foundation for HOPE.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Linda may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Linda Kae Sulzman

Dolores
Dorothy Dietz, age 93, of Locust Grove Village in LaCrosse, Kansas, passed away
on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in LaCrosse. She was born on July 7, 1931, in
Rush County, Kansas, to Sylvester and Mary (Unrein) Zimmerman.



Dolores was a woman of great strength and resilience, known for her devotion to
family. She was united in marriage to Lavine Herrman on May 10, 1949 in
Schoenchen, Kansas, who preceded her in death on December 14, 1977. On March
17, 1979, she married Robert Dietz in LaCrosse. Robert also preceded her in
death on February 22, 2013.



Dolores dedicated her life to her family, enjoying the company of her
grandchildren. She was a homemaker, known for her impeccable housekeeping,
strong-willed nature, and kind heart. Dolores found joy in creative pursuits
such as sewing, needlepointing, crocheting, and playing bingo. A gifted
musician, she could play both the organ and accordion by ear, sharing her
musical talents with others.



Her faith was central to her life. Dolores served as the church organist at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Liebenthal, where she was also a member of the
altar society. Later, she attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse
and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays.



Dolores is survived by her sons, Ronald Herrman and wife Nancy of Hays, and
Stephen Herrman and wife Vicki of Emporia, Kansas; her stepchildren, John Dietz
and wife Liza, and James Dietz and wife Natasha; her brothers, Leon, Lavern,
Duane, David, and Michael Zimmerman; her sisters, Norma Jacobs and Janet
Steinert; her grandchildren, Jamie Herrman, Heather Herrman, Amy Hayden, Tate
Herrman, and Stephanie Brown; 4 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and
three great-great-grandchildren.



She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; a brother, Percy
Zimmerman; and sisters, Patti Zimmerman, Cathy Kreutzer, and Elma Suppes.



Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at
St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse, Kansas, with Fr. Stephen Dabanka
officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.



Visitation will be Friday, December 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. On
Saturday, visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Church,
followed by a rosary service at 10:30 AM.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Michael’s
Church.

Please share memories of Dolores on her tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550373829.jpeg" alt="Dolores Dorothy Dietz" />
 <figcaption>Dolores Dorothy Dietz</figcaption>
 </figure>Dolores
Dorothy Dietz, age 93, of Locust Grove Village in LaCrosse, Kansas, passed away
on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in LaCrosse. She was born on July 7, 1931, in
Rush County, Kansas, to Sylvester and Mary (Unrein) Zimmerman.

Dolores was a woman of great strength and resilience, known for her devotion to
family. She was united in marriage to Lavine Herrman on May 10, 1949 in
Schoenchen, Kansas, who preceded her in death on December 14, 1977. On March
17, 1979, she married Robert Dietz in LaCrosse. Robert also preceded her in
death on February 22, 2013.

Dolores dedicated her life to her family, enjoying the company of her
grandchildren. She was a homemaker, known for her impeccable housekeeping,
strong-willed nature, and kind heart. Dolores found joy in creative pursuits
such as sewing, needlepointing, crocheting, and playing bingo. A gifted
musician, she could play both the organ and accordion by ear, sharing her
musical talents with others.

Her faith was central to her life. Dolores served as the church organist at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Liebenthal, where she was also a member of the
altar society. Later, she attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse
and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays.

Dolores is survived by her sons, Ronald Herrman and wife Nancy of Hays, and
Stephen Herrman and wife Vicki of Emporia, Kansas; her stepchildren, John Dietz
and wife Liza, and James Dietz and wife Natasha; her brothers, Leon, Lavern,
Duane, David, and Michael Zimmerman; her sisters, Norma Jacobs and Janet
Steinert; her grandchildren, Jamie Herrman, Heather Herrman, Amy Hayden, Tate
Herrman, and Stephanie Brown; 4 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and
three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; a brother, Percy
Zimmerman; and sisters, Patti Zimmerman, Cathy Kreutzer, and Elma Suppes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at
St. Michael’s Catholic Church in LaCrosse, Kansas, with Fr. Stephen Dabanka
officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, December 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. On
Saturday, visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Church,
followed by a rosary service at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Michael’s
Church.

Please share memories of Dolores on her tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Obituaries