Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister,
aunt, and friend Susan Ann Englert, 70, of Salina, Kansas, passed away at home
on February 7th, 2026.

Born in Peterborough, England on September 20, 1955, Susan
grew up in the San Diego area, where she met her husband, Ed, before settling
in Salina. She was a loving mother to her son and a devoted foster parent
through OCCK. Her kindness extended beyond her family, always lending a
listening ear to friends or a stranger she met at the thrift store.
Professionally, Susan was a jack of all trades, working as a clerk at Kmart and
Office Max, a dental assistant in 2009, a butcher, and a house cleaner before
her retirement.

Anyone who knew her knew she loved the ocean. As a creative,
she enjoyed crafting and sewing. But above all, Susan cherished her family, who
brought her endless joy. She was a faithful member of Kingdom Hall.

She is preceded in death by her father Ralph C. Miesen;
stepfather, Ben Goss; grandmother, Helen Hulshezer; sister-in-law, Esther
McMurtrie; daughter-in-law, Paige Englert; and mother, Chris Waller.

Surviving family members include her husband of 47 years, Ed
Englert; son, Tony Englert (Paige) of Salina, KS; grandson, Sean Englert
(Ashley) and their children, Ariana and Kyler of Wichita, KS; grandson, Kyle
Englert (Ashley) and their children, Azaria and Jakobi of Wichita, KS;
granddaughter, Madison Englert of Austin, TX; sister, Tammy Leiker (John) of
Ellis, KS; sister, Laura Arbogast (John) of Josephine, TX; brother, Rick Goss
of Spokane, WA; in-laws, Carol Dindinger of Charles Town, WV; Karen and Paul
Dexter of Trimble, MO; Vaughn McMurtrie of Hays, KS; Chris and Jeff Schlyer of
Hays, KS; Kelly and Kelly Englert of Mansfield, TX; stepfather, Walt Waller of
Ellis, KS; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan’s legacy of love and compassion will be carried on
through those who had the privilege to call her family or friend. Her warmth,
generosity, and infectious laughter will be forever remembered.

Friends and family were invited to Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th
St, Salina, for visitation on Thursday February 12th from 4 to 8 p.m., with
family present from 5-7, and a rosary recited at 7. A funeral service will be
held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1000 Burr Oak Lane, Salina, on Friday
February 13th at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s
Hospital, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401. Condolences
may be sent to the mortuary or left online at <a href="http://www.ryanmortuary.com">www.ryanmortuary.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770950279589.jpeg" alt="Susan Ann Englert" />
 <figcaption>Susan Ann Englert</figcaption>
 </figure>Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister,
aunt, and friend Susan Ann Englert, 70, of Salina, Kansas, passed away at home
on February 7th, 2026.Born in Peterborough, England on September 20, 1955, Susan
grew up in the San Diego area, where she met her husband, Ed, before settling
in Salina. She was a loving mother to her son and a devoted foster parent
through OCCK. Her kindness extended beyond her family, always lending a
listening ear to friends or a stranger she met at the thrift store.
Professionally, Susan was a jack of all trades, working as a clerk at Kmart and
Office Max, a dental assistant in 2009, a butcher, and a house cleaner before
her retirement.Anyone who knew her knew she loved the ocean. As a creative,
she enjoyed crafting and sewing. But above all, Susan cherished her family, who
brought her endless joy. She was a faithful member of Kingdom Hall.She is preceded in death by her father Ralph C. Miesen;
stepfather, Ben Goss; grandmother, Helen Hulshezer; sister-in-law, Esther
McMurtrie; daughter-in-law, Paige Englert; and mother, Chris Waller.Surviving family members include her husband of 47 years, Ed
Englert; son, Tony Englert (Paige) of Salina, KS; grandson, Sean Englert
(Ashley) and their children, Ariana and Kyler of Wichita, KS; grandson, Kyle
Englert (Ashley) and their children, Azaria and Jakobi of Wichita, KS;
granddaughter, Madison Englert of Austin, TX; sister, Tammy Leiker (John) of
Ellis, KS; sister, Laura Arbogast (John) of Josephine, TX; brother, Rick Goss
of Spokane, WA; in-laws, Carol Dindinger of Charles Town, WV; Karen and Paul
Dexter of Trimble, MO; Vaughn McMurtrie of Hays, KS; Chris and Jeff Schlyer of
Hays, KS; Kelly and Kelly Englert of Mansfield, TX; stepfather, Walt Waller of
Ellis, KS; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.Susan’s legacy of love and compassion will be carried on
through those who had the privilege to call her family or friend. Her warmth,
generosity, and infectious laughter will be forever remembered.Friends and family were invited to Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th
St, Salina, for visitation on Thursday February 12th from 4 to 8 p.m., with
family present from 5-7, and a rosary recited at 7. A funeral service will be
held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1000 Burr Oak Lane, Salina, on Friday
February 13th at 10 a.m.Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s
Hospital, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS 67401. Condolences
may be sent to the mortuary or left online at <a href="http://www.ryanmortuary.com">www.ryanmortuary.com</a>.

Susan Ann Englert

Agnes
I. (Karlin) Sanders, age 94 years, longtime Great Bend, KS resident, passed
away peacefully at home on Saturday morning, January 17, 2026.&nbsp; Agnes was born on January 20, 1931, at
Catherine, KS, to Frank A. and Elizabeth (Schueler) Karlin.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Donald L.
Sanders on February 3, 1949 at Catherine, KS.&nbsp;
He died on March 7, 2019.&nbsp; They
moved to Great Bend in 1955 and she remained active in the family electrical
business established in 1975, until closing shop in 2023.

She was a longtime member of
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend.&nbsp;
Over the years, Agnes was active in Altar Society, Catholic Social
Service, fostering over 50 infants and children, and was one of the founding
board members of the Family Crisis Center.

Agnes is survived by three
sons, Richard Sanders of Arlington, TX, John Sanders (Lori) and Mike Sanders
(Jeanette) of Great Bend, KS; two daughters, Sheila Helm of Great Bend, KS, and
Julia Novak (Phillip) of Pleasant Hill, CA; 11 grandchildren, Jannea Wright,
Kevin Kowalsky, Michael Sanders, Kyle Kowalsky, Rachel Shorter, Trevor Sanders,
Sara Potter, Takowa Sanders, Cyandra Mong, Katia Novak, and Zoe Novak; ten
great-children; one sister, Betty Burchfield of Rockport, TX.&nbsp; Agnes was preceded in death by her husband;
her parents; one daughter, Terri Kowalsky; son-in-law, Mark Helm; seven
brothers and one sister.

Agnes’ wishes were to be
cremated and there will be no visitation.&nbsp;
A joint graveside inurnment service for Agnes and Don will take place at
St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, KS, on February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

The family has requested
that memorial contributions be designated to the St. Fidelis Cemetery Fund at
Victoria, KS, in care of Spellman-Christians Funeral Home, 2115 Washington St.,
Great Bend, KS 67530.

Condolences online may be
left at wwww.spellmanchristiansfuneralhome.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770927712099.jpeg" alt="Agnes I. (Karlin) Sanders" />
 <figcaption>Agnes I. (Karlin) Sanders</figcaption>
 </figure>Agnes
I. (Karlin) Sanders, age 94 years, longtime Great Bend, KS resident, passed
away peacefully at home on Saturday morning, January 17, 2026.&nbsp; Agnes was born on January 20, 1931, at
Catherine, KS, to Frank A. and Elizabeth (Schueler) Karlin.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Donald L.
Sanders on February 3, 1949 at Catherine, KS.&nbsp;
He died on March 7, 2019.&nbsp; They
moved to Great Bend in 1955 and she remained active in the family electrical
business established in 1975, until closing shop in 2023.She was a longtime member of
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend.&nbsp;
Over the years, Agnes was active in Altar Society, Catholic Social
Service, fostering over 50 infants and children, and was one of the founding
board members of the Family Crisis Center.Agnes is survived by three
sons, Richard Sanders of Arlington, TX, John Sanders (Lori) and Mike Sanders
(Jeanette) of Great Bend, KS; two daughters, Sheila Helm of Great Bend, KS, and
Julia Novak (Phillip) of Pleasant Hill, CA; 11 grandchildren, Jannea Wright,
Kevin Kowalsky, Michael Sanders, Kyle Kowalsky, Rachel Shorter, Trevor Sanders,
Sara Potter, Takowa Sanders, Cyandra Mong, Katia Novak, and Zoe Novak; ten
great-children; one sister, Betty Burchfield of Rockport, TX.&nbsp; Agnes was preceded in death by her husband;
her parents; one daughter, Terri Kowalsky; son-in-law, Mark Helm; seven
brothers and one sister.Agnes’ wishes were to be
cremated and there will be no visitation.&nbsp;
A joint graveside inurnment service for Agnes and Don will take place at
St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, KS, on February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM.The family has requested
that memorial contributions be designated to the St. Fidelis Cemetery Fund at
Victoria, KS, in care of Spellman-Christians Funeral Home, 2115 Washington St.,
Great Bend, KS 67530.Condolences online may be
left at wwww.spellmanchristiansfuneralhome.com

Agnes I. (Karlin) Sanders

Patricia Ann 'Woolie' Wooldridge, age 79, of Hays,
Kansas passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, at HaysMed. She was born on July
15, 1946 in Hays to Charles and Frances (Bollig) Wooldridge. Patricia graduated
from Marion High in 1964 and earned a degree in Interior Design.



Patricia owned Pat’s Painting and Decorating for many years. She became the
go-to-contractor for almost every major commercial building in the area. She
was also a talented musician and vocalist participating in several local bands
playing the banjo, keyboards and drums. These bands included Brenda’s Trio, Kay
Fisher Band and her family band, the Graveltown Hillbillies.



She was also an avid bowler participating at the state and national levels. Pat
was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Eagle’s and the VFW
Auxiliary.



Pat will be remembered for her big heart and an even bigger personality who
would instantly become the life of the party.



Survivors include her siblings, Charles Wooldridge (Nancy) of Scottsville,
Kentucky, Phillip Wooldridge of Hays, Frances 'Tudy' Wooldridge of Hays, Pamela
Driskill (Roy) of Hays, Bruce Wooldridge (Elonda) of Bowling Green, Kentucky,
Brian Wooldridge (Annette) of Hays, and Nancy Schlyer (Skip) of Hays; a special
niece, Heather as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and
nephews.



She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Sharon Gottschalk (Ralph),
Mary 'Flossy' Winters (Kenneth) and Barbara Obholz (Joseph).



Funeral services were January 30, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays
with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509
Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are
suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or for Masses.
Please share memories and words of comfort on Patricia's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769576442168.png" alt="Patricia Ann 'Wooley' Wooldridge" />
 <figcaption>Patricia Ann 'Wooley' Wooldridge</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia Ann 'Woolie' Wooldridge, age 79, of Hays,
Kansas passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, at HaysMed. She was born on July
15, 1946 in Hays to Charles and Frances (Bollig) Wooldridge. Patricia graduated
from Marion High in 1964 and earned a degree in Interior Design.

Patricia owned Pat’s Painting and Decorating for many years. She became the
go-to-contractor for almost every major commercial building in the area. She
was also a talented musician and vocalist participating in several local bands
playing the banjo, keyboards and drums. These bands included Brenda’s Trio, Kay
Fisher Band and her family band, the Graveltown Hillbillies.

She was also an avid bowler participating at the state and national levels. Pat
was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Eagle’s and the VFW
Auxiliary.

Pat will be remembered for her big heart and an even bigger personality who
would instantly become the life of the party.

Survivors include her siblings, Charles Wooldridge (Nancy) of Scottsville,
Kentucky, Phillip Wooldridge of Hays, Frances 'Tudy' Wooldridge of Hays, Pamela
Driskill (Roy) of Hays, Bruce Wooldridge (Elonda) of Bowling Green, Kentucky,
Brian Wooldridge (Annette) of Hays, and Nancy Schlyer (Skip) of Hays; a special
niece, Heather as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and
nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Sharon Gottschalk (Ralph),
Mary 'Flossy' Winters (Kenneth) and Barbara Obholz (Joseph).

Funeral services were January 30, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays
with burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509
Vine Hays, KS 67601.Memorial contributions are
suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or for Masses.
Please share memories and words of comfort on Patricia's tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Patricia Ann 'Wooley' Wooldridge

Dixie Carol Janzen, 90, of Hays, Kansas passed away at her
home Monday morning, February 9, 2026. 

She was born in Baxter Springs, Kansas, on October 17, 1935,
to Otho and Mae (Jones) Wittenmyer.

After moving with her family to Lyons, Kansas, she met Edwin
Janzen of nearby Lorraine during her junior year of high school. When her
father was transferred, Dixie and Ed made the decision to marry on August 1,
1953, in the little town of Frederick. Consequently, she was a married woman
during her senior year. The couple welcomed son Christopher in September of
1954 and a daughter, Dana, in 1957.

Dixie and Ed farmed south of Geneseo but made a difficult
decision to leave the farm and move to Great Bend, eventually ending up in Hays
in 1968. Ed was a jobber, a distributer of gas and oil, for DX, Conoco and
Phillips. As the business expanded into Janzen Oil Co., Dixie was integral to
making decisions about the direction of the company. A comfortable life allowed
her to enjoy being a homemaker, while buying, decorating, and selling numerous
homes over the 72 years of marriage she shared with Ed. Other interests were
reading, singing, fashion, and, she said unapologetically, shopping.&nbsp;

Although Dixie was somewhat of a private person, she was
interested in other people and would astound her family by how she seemed to
know life histories of waitresses, salesclerks, and other casual acquaintances.
Those fortunate to call her a close friend admired her strength, wisdom,
faithfulness, and confidence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Sandra
Frost, Patsy Fitch, and Donna Brewer, brother Mickey Wittenmyer, and a beloved
granddaughter, Jennifer Goetz. 

Her survivors include her husband, Ed, her son, Chris, and
daughter, Dana Goetz (Chris), all of Hays; granddaughter, Laura Buhlig (Tim),
and great-grandchildren Kaison, Kallie, Joshua, Alexander, Ivan, and Layla, all
of North Ogden, Utah; and Gage and Wyatt Hallam, of Andover, Kansas.&nbsp; Also surviving is a brother, Mike (Betty), of
Seneca, Missouri and a sister, Sue Robinson, of Galena, Kansas.

Cremation has taken place.&nbsp;
A memorial service will be at a later date and announced by Hays
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. &nbsp;Memorial
contributions may be made payable to the First United Methodist Church of Hays
or to the Hays Arts Council, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street,
Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Dixie may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770904412298.jpeg" alt="Dixie Carol Janzen" />
 <figcaption>Dixie Carol Janzen</figcaption>
 </figure>Dixie Carol Janzen, 90, of Hays, Kansas passed away at her
home Monday morning, February 9, 2026. She was born in Baxter Springs, Kansas, on October 17, 1935,
to Otho and Mae (Jones) Wittenmyer.After moving with her family to Lyons, Kansas, she met Edwin
Janzen of nearby Lorraine during her junior year of high school. When her
father was transferred, Dixie and Ed made the decision to marry on August 1,
1953, in the little town of Frederick. Consequently, she was a married woman
during her senior year. The couple welcomed son Christopher in September of
1954 and a daughter, Dana, in 1957.Dixie and Ed farmed south of Geneseo but made a difficult
decision to leave the farm and move to Great Bend, eventually ending up in Hays
in 1968. Ed was a jobber, a distributer of gas and oil, for DX, Conoco and
Phillips. As the business expanded into Janzen Oil Co., Dixie was integral to
making decisions about the direction of the company. A comfortable life allowed
her to enjoy being a homemaker, while buying, decorating, and selling numerous
homes over the 72 years of marriage she shared with Ed. Other interests were
reading, singing, fashion, and, she said unapologetically, shopping.&nbsp;Although Dixie was somewhat of a private person, she was
interested in other people and would astound her family by how she seemed to
know life histories of waitresses, salesclerks, and other casual acquaintances.
Those fortunate to call her a close friend admired her strength, wisdom,
faithfulness, and confidence.She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Sandra
Frost, Patsy Fitch, and Donna Brewer, brother Mickey Wittenmyer, and a beloved
granddaughter, Jennifer Goetz. Her survivors include her husband, Ed, her son, Chris, and
daughter, Dana Goetz (Chris), all of Hays; granddaughter, Laura Buhlig (Tim),
and great-grandchildren Kaison, Kallie, Joshua, Alexander, Ivan, and Layla, all
of North Ogden, Utah; and Gage and Wyatt Hallam, of Andover, Kansas.&nbsp; Also surviving is a brother, Mike (Betty), of
Seneca, Missouri and a sister, Sue Robinson, of Galena, Kansas.Cremation has taken place.&nbsp;
A memorial service will be at a later date and announced by Hays
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. &nbsp;Memorial
contributions may be made payable to the First United Methodist Church of Hays
or to the Hays Arts Council, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street,
Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Dixie may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Dixie Carol Janzen

David
Alan Jarrett, 70, of Pierce Colorado passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026 at
Pathways Inpatient Care Center, Fort Collins, Colorado. &nbsp;

David
Allen Jarrett, son of Verlin Milo Jarrett and Marjorie Jane Huncovsky was born
on July 29, 1955, in Belleville Kansas. &nbsp;David earned his Bachelors Degree
from Fort Hays State University, Hays Kansas and served his country
honorably&nbsp;in both the United States Army and the Army National Guard. Two
of his memorable jobs included working at Climax Mine in Colorado
and at a fish hatchery. &nbsp;

David
married Wanda Sue Mermis , June 12, 1982 in Hays, Kansas, together they shared
a life with love and devotion and were blessed with one son, Matthew Jarrett.
David took great pride in his role as a grandfather and was affectionately
known as 'Papa' to his beloved granddaughters, Maia and Meadow, his cherished 'little princesses '.

He
is survived by his wife, Wanda Jarrett of Pierce , Colorado, son Matthew
Jarrett , daughter in law, Meredith Jarrett of Laramie, Wyoming, granddaughters
Maia and Meadow, siblings Darrell Jarrett of Austin, Texas Linda Stump of
Fort Collins, Colorado, Lori Schofield of Belleville, Kansas and Lisa Anderson
of Manhattan, Kansas.

David’s
life was marked by loyalty, respect and deep family bonds. May his memory
bring comfort to those who knew and loved him. &nbsp;

Cremation
has taken place and a memorial service will be held in Kansas at a later time,
for those that wish to make a contribution in his honor,&nbsp; a 'go fund me' has
been created. Funds collected will be used toward a burial plot, marker and
memorial expenses. Our hope is to leave as much as possible for the ongoing
care of his beloved wife, Wanda, who has advanced Parkinson’s Disease and in
keeping his wishes to set up a college fund for his cherished granddaughters
with any remaining funds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gofund.me/22fea9211">https://gofund.me/22fea9211</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770736738646.jpeg" alt="David Alan Jarrett" />
 <figcaption>David Alan Jarrett</figcaption>
 </figure>David
Alan Jarrett, 70, of Pierce Colorado passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026 at
Pathways Inpatient Care Center, Fort Collins, Colorado. &nbsp;David
Allen Jarrett, son of Verlin Milo Jarrett and Marjorie Jane Huncovsky was born
on July 29, 1955, in Belleville Kansas. &nbsp;David earned his Bachelors Degree
from Fort Hays State University, Hays Kansas and served his country
honorably&nbsp;in both the United States Army and the Army National Guard. Two
of his memorable jobs included working at Climax Mine in Colorado
and at a fish hatchery. &nbsp;David
married Wanda Sue Mermis , June 12, 1982 in Hays, Kansas, together they shared
a life with love and devotion and were blessed with one son, Matthew Jarrett.
David took great pride in his role as a grandfather and was affectionately
known as 'Papa' to his beloved granddaughters, Maia and Meadow, his cherished 'little princesses '.He
is survived by his wife, Wanda Jarrett of Pierce , Colorado, son Matthew
Jarrett , daughter in law, Meredith Jarrett of Laramie, Wyoming, granddaughters
Maia and Meadow, siblings Darrell Jarrett of Austin, Texas Linda Stump of
Fort Collins, Colorado, Lori Schofield of Belleville, Kansas and Lisa Anderson
of Manhattan, Kansas.David’s
life was marked by loyalty, respect and deep family bonds. May his memory
bring comfort to those who knew and loved him. &nbsp;Cremation
has taken place and a memorial service will be held in Kansas at a later time,
for those that wish to make a contribution in his honor,&nbsp; a 'go fund me' has
been created. Funds collected will be used toward a burial plot, marker and
memorial expenses. Our hope is to leave as much as possible for the ongoing
care of his beloved wife, Wanda, who has advanced Parkinson’s Disease and in
keeping his wishes to set up a college fund for his cherished granddaughters
with any remaining funds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://gofund.me/22fea9211">https://gofund.me/22fea9211</a>

David Alan Jarrett

Daniel James McConnaughy, 53, passed away peacefully on February 5,
2026, in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 7,
1972, in Hays, Kansas, and from the very beginning, Daniel brought energy,
humor, and a larger-than-life presence into every room.

Daniel was the comedian of our family.
Laughter followed him wherever he went. He had an unmatched talent for voice
impressions—of people, animals, TV characters, and anyone he knew—and he used
it often and generously. He could break tension, lighten heavy moments, and
make ordinary days unforgettable just by being himself.

Daniel attended Hays High School and later Fort Hays State University, where he met many friends and built
connections that stayed with him throughout his life. Early in his career, he
worked in television, and later transitioned into Healthcare Informatics Technology.

He loved music, vacations, and dreaming big,
but above all else, Daniel loved his family. He had strong opinions, a sharp
sense of humor, and a presence that was never subtle. Whether you needed
advice, commentary, or simply his running narration of life, Daniel made sure
you knew he was there—and that you were never bored.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Juanita; his sons, Tristan McConnaughy (Robyn) and Dylan Oliver (Courtney); and his grandchildren, Olivia, Bailey, and Levi. He is also
survived by his mother, Terry
McConnaughy; his
sister, Lori McConnaughy (Jonathan); and his niece, Taylor McConnaughy (Nash).

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael W. McConnaughy, and his grandparents: Elvera Mock, with her husbands Daniel Rupp and Norman Mock; and Theda Compton, with her husbands James McConnaughy and John Compton—all of whom
played important roles in his life.

Though we must now learn to live without his
voice and laughter, the joy Daniel gave us remains. The hole he leaves is as massive as his
personality, but he
lives on in our stories, our memories, and in the love he had for his
family—always.

In the immortal words of Daniel’s favorite,
Ozzy Osbourne, in this moment he would remind all of us to 'live every day like
it’s your last' and that 'it’s
not too late to learn how to love and forget how to hate.'

A private celebration of Daniel’s life will
be held at a later date.

Memories and words of
comfort may be shared with Daniel’s family on his tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bakerfhwichita.com">www.bakerfhwichita.com</a>
&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770829057193.png" alt="Daniel James McConnaughy" />
 <figcaption>Daniel James McConnaughy</figcaption>
 </figure>Daniel James McConnaughy, 53, passed away peacefully on February 5,
2026, in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 7,
1972, in Hays, Kansas, and from the very beginning, Daniel brought energy,
humor, and a larger-than-life presence into every room.Daniel was the comedian of our family.
Laughter followed him wherever he went. He had an unmatched talent for voice
impressions—of people, animals, TV characters, and anyone he knew—and he used
it often and generously. He could break tension, lighten heavy moments, and
make ordinary days unforgettable just by being himself.Daniel attended Hays High School and later Fort Hays State University, where he met many friends and built
connections that stayed with him throughout his life. Early in his career, he
worked in television, and later transitioned into Healthcare Informatics Technology.He loved music, vacations, and dreaming big,
but above all else, Daniel loved his family. He had strong opinions, a sharp
sense of humor, and a presence that was never subtle. Whether you needed
advice, commentary, or simply his running narration of life, Daniel made sure
you knew he was there—and that you were never bored.Daniel is survived by his wife, Juanita; his sons, Tristan McConnaughy (Robyn) and Dylan Oliver (Courtney); and his grandchildren, Olivia, Bailey, and Levi. He is also
survived by his mother, Terry
McConnaughy; his
sister, Lori McConnaughy (Jonathan); and his niece, Taylor McConnaughy (Nash).He was preceded in death by his father, Michael W. McConnaughy, and his grandparents: Elvera Mock, with her husbands Daniel Rupp and Norman Mock; and Theda Compton, with her husbands James McConnaughy and John Compton—all of whom
played important roles in his life.Though we must now learn to live without his
voice and laughter, the joy Daniel gave us remains. The hole he leaves is as massive as his
personality, but he
lives on in our stories, our memories, and in the love he had for his
family—always.In the immortal words of Daniel’s favorite,
Ozzy Osbourne, in this moment he would remind all of us to 'live every day like
it’s your last' and that 'it’s
not too late to learn how to love and forget how to hate.'A private celebration of Daniel’s life will
be held at a later date.Memories and words of
comfort may be shared with Daniel’s family on his tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bakerfhwichita.com">www.bakerfhwichita.com</a>
&nbsp;

Daniel James McConnaughy

Cindy 'Cynthia' Lee Lindquist, a cherished soul known for
her kind heart and adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully due to natural
causes on February 5, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. 

Born on December 19, 1952, in
Chanute, Kansas to Ralph Browne Lindquist and Virginia Lee (Hoepker) Lindquist.
Cindy grew up in Yates Center and graduated from Yates Center High School in
1970 and continued her education at Neosho County Community College and then
finished her education at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. 

Her
passion for flora led her to a fulfilling career working in several greenhouses
in Kansas and she retired as a greenhouse manager for Tree Top Nursery,
Wichita, where she nurtured plants and people alike with her extensive
knowledge and warm presence. Horses and horticulture were the cornerstones of
Cindy interests. 

A competitor in the Kansas High School rodeo queen contest,
she was also a lifelong member of the Kansas and American Quarter Horse
Associations. Cindy’s love for these majestic animals was evident as she showed
quarter horses in local, state, national and world shows, sharing her passion
and commitment with the equestrian community. Cindy loved to compete in shows,
but she took great joy in watching owners compete I world class shows with
horses that she had trained. 

Cindy green thumb was legendary, especially when
it came to her collection of over 1000 daylilies at her home near Valley
Center, Kansas. As a respected judge at state and national daylily shows, her
expertise was sought after and deeply valued. Her involvement with the Wichita
Rose Club and Hosta Club further showcased her dedication to the beauty of
nature and her desire to bring it into the lives of others. The Air Capital
Daylily Society also benefited from her longtime membership and the enthusiasm
she brought to every meeting and event. 

Her professional journey in the equine
world included time working for many horse training facilities in Kansas
including Karen Russell training stables, and later, she continued to share her
talents at her own training stables in Yates Center. 

Cindy love for animals was
not limited to horses; she adored her dogs, particularly her Australian
Shepherds, and held a special place in her heart for all breeds. Her pets were
more than companions; they were family, cherished and loved with every ounce of
her being. S

he is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Doug) Howard, Baldwin, KS
and Kathleen (Mark) Fabrizius, Ogallah, KS; her adoring nephews, Nicholas
(Molly) Howard and Alex (Maygan) Howard; and her beloved nieces, Savannah
(Gordon) Butler, and Sierra (Cory) Lampe. She also is survived by 10 great
nieces and nephews. 

Cindy legacy is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering
love for the natural world and the creatures within it. Her memory will
continue to blossom in the gardens she tended, the horses she cared for, and
the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Graveside service
will be at 1:00 PM Friday February 13, 2026, at Neosho County Memorial Park,
1864 W. 21 st St, Chanute, Kansas. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Air
Capital Daylily Society in care of the funeral home. Those who wish may stop by
Affinity Mortuary to pay their respects and sign the book on Thursday February
12, 2026, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770666148184.jpeg" alt="Cindy 'Cynthia' Lee Lindquist" />
 <figcaption>Cindy 'Cynthia' Lee Lindquist</figcaption>
 </figure>Cindy 'Cynthia' Lee Lindquist, a cherished soul known for
her kind heart and adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully due to natural
causes on February 5, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. Born on December 19, 1952, in
Chanute, Kansas to Ralph Browne Lindquist and Virginia Lee (Hoepker) Lindquist.
Cindy grew up in Yates Center and graduated from Yates Center High School in
1970 and continued her education at Neosho County Community College and then
finished her education at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. Her
passion for flora led her to a fulfilling career working in several greenhouses
in Kansas and she retired as a greenhouse manager for Tree Top Nursery,
Wichita, where she nurtured plants and people alike with her extensive
knowledge and warm presence. Horses and horticulture were the cornerstones of
Cindy interests. A competitor in the Kansas High School rodeo queen contest,
she was also a lifelong member of the Kansas and American Quarter Horse
Associations. Cindy’s love for these majestic animals was evident as she showed
quarter horses in local, state, national and world shows, sharing her passion
and commitment with the equestrian community. Cindy loved to compete in shows,
but she took great joy in watching owners compete I world class shows with
horses that she had trained. Cindy green thumb was legendary, especially when
it came to her collection of over 1000 daylilies at her home near Valley
Center, Kansas. As a respected judge at state and national daylily shows, her
expertise was sought after and deeply valued. Her involvement with the Wichita
Rose Club and Hosta Club further showcased her dedication to the beauty of
nature and her desire to bring it into the lives of others. The Air Capital
Daylily Society also benefited from her longtime membership and the enthusiasm
she brought to every meeting and event. Her professional journey in the equine
world included time working for many horse training facilities in Kansas
including Karen Russell training stables, and later, she continued to share her
talents at her own training stables in Yates Center. Cindy love for animals was
not limited to horses; she adored her dogs, particularly her Australian
Shepherds, and held a special place in her heart for all breeds. Her pets were
more than companions; they were family, cherished and loved with every ounce of
her being. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Doug) Howard, Baldwin, KS
and Kathleen (Mark) Fabrizius, Ogallah, KS; her adoring nephews, Nicholas
(Molly) Howard and Alex (Maygan) Howard; and her beloved nieces, Savannah
(Gordon) Butler, and Sierra (Cory) Lampe. She also is survived by 10 great
nieces and nephews. Cindy legacy is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering
love for the natural world and the creatures within it. Her memory will
continue to blossom in the gardens she tended, the horses she cared for, and
the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Graveside service
will be at 1:00 PM Friday February 13, 2026, at Neosho County Memorial Park,
1864 W. 21 st St, Chanute, Kansas. Memorial donations may be made to the Air
Capital Daylily Society in care of the funeral home. Those who wish may stop by
Affinity Mortuary to pay their respects and sign the book on Thursday February
12, 2026, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Cindy 'Cynthia' Lee Lindquist

Philip Wade Hardman, 69, of Osborne, Kansas, passed away on
December 25, 2025.

He was born on August 21, 1956, the third son of Dr. Dennis
Hardman and Lila Hardman. He grew up in Smith Center, Kansas, where he attended
Smith Center Public Schools and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1974.

After high school, Philip joined his two older brothers at the
University of Kansas. There, he became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta
fraternity and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. A devoted Jayhawk, he
graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He continued
his education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, earning his law
degree in 1981.

While in law school, Philip met Debra Whitehair in 1980. The two
were married on August 8, 1981, in Danforth Chapel on the University of Kansas
campus, beginning a marriage that would span more than four decades.

In September 1981, Philip accepted an offer to join the law
practice of Dallas Cordill in Osborne, Kansas. That move brought the couple to
the community that would become their lifelong home. In January 1985, he formed
a partnership with Richard Dietz, establishing Dietz &amp; Hardman, a
professional relationship that remained a great source of pride throughout his
career. The firm expanded in December 2002 with the opening of a second office
in Smith Center. Philip practiced law for 41 years, retiring in 2022 after a
distinguished legal career.

In addition to his private practice, Philip served his community
in numerous professional and civic roles, including serving as USD 392 School
Board Attorney, Osborne City Attorney from 2009 to 2022, and a member of the
Osborne Public Library Board for 10 years. He helped establish the local
chapter of Pheasants Forever and was a committed supporter of the University of
Kansas Honors Program for more than 30 years.

Philip and Deb welcomed their son, Bailor Lee Hardman, in
January 1986, and their daughter, Sloane Selbe Hardman, in May 1990. Becoming a
father was one of the great privileges of his life. He took deep pride in his
children and found tremendous joy in watching them grow into the people they
are today.

Philip lived life with curiosity, loyalty‌ and enthusiasm. He
was a lifelong fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City
Chiefs. He loved the Rocky Mountains and was a skilled skier, often calling the
family condo in Snowmass, Colorado, and the slopes it served, his favorite place
on earth. Music was another constant in his life. He built an extensive
collection and enjoyed seeing live concerts whenever he could.

He generously gave his time to youth athletics. He coached
T-Ball and Pee Wee baseball, and later umpired K-18 and American Legion
baseball. He coached Osborne High School tennis for 20 seasons, 19 with the
girls team and one with the boys. He also led a summer recreation tennis
program, taking particular satisfaction in introducing young people to a sport
they could carry with them for life.

Philip loved the outdoors, especially pheasant and quail
hunting, and was a longtime member of the Osborne Gun Club. Over the years, he
shared that passion with his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers, whose
companionship in the field—and at home—brought him great joy. He was an avid
reader and was rarely without a book in hand. A lifelong student of politics,
he welcomed thoughtful discussion with anyone willing to engage. He was also a
proud and regular blood donor, quietly giving back in a way that reflected his
deep sense of civic responsibility.

Philip was preceded in
death by his parents, Lila Hardman and Dr. Dennis Hardman. He is survived by
his wife, Debra Hardman; his son, Dr. Bailor Hardman (Enya); his daughter,
Sloane Hardman (Cliff Ewert); his grandson, Vaughn Ewert; his brothers, John Hardman
and Jim Hardman (Grayson); his niece, Shannon Weissleder; his nephew, Ian Hardman (Alana); his great-nephews,
Story Hardman, Henley Hardman, and Reid Weissleder; his great-niece, Rhea
Weissleder; his aunt, Donna Hallewell (John Anthony); and several cousins.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4:30
to 7:00 p.m. at the Sims Center, 109 W. Main St., Osborne, Kansas. A
celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00
a.m., also at the Sims Center, followed by lunch. 

The family would like to express their
gratitude to the compassionate staff and caregivers at Osborne County Memorial
Hospital.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Osborne City Tennis Courts.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rentschler Family
Mortuaries Osborne Chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770656317337.jpeg" alt="Philip Wade Hardman" />
 <figcaption>Philip Wade Hardman</figcaption>
 </figure>Philip Wade Hardman, 69, of Osborne, Kansas, passed away on
December 25, 2025.He was born on August 21, 1956, the third son of Dr. Dennis
Hardman and Lila Hardman. He grew up in Smith Center, Kansas, where he attended
Smith Center Public Schools and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1974.After high school, Philip joined his two older brothers at the
University of Kansas. There, he became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta
fraternity and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. A devoted Jayhawk, he
graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He continued
his education at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, earning his law
degree in 1981.While in law school, Philip met Debra Whitehair in 1980. The two
were married on August 8, 1981, in Danforth Chapel on the University of Kansas
campus, beginning a marriage that would span more than four decades.In September 1981, Philip accepted an offer to join the law
practice of Dallas Cordill in Osborne, Kansas. That move brought the couple to
the community that would become their lifelong home. In January 1985, he formed
a partnership with Richard Dietz, establishing Dietz &amp; Hardman, a
professional relationship that remained a great source of pride throughout his
career. The firm expanded in December 2002 with the opening of a second office
in Smith Center. Philip practiced law for 41 years, retiring in 2022 after a
distinguished legal career.In addition to his private practice, Philip served his community
in numerous professional and civic roles, including serving as USD 392 School
Board Attorney, Osborne City Attorney from 2009 to 2022, and a member of the
Osborne Public Library Board for 10 years. He helped establish the local
chapter of Pheasants Forever and was a committed supporter of the University of
Kansas Honors Program for more than 30 years.Philip and Deb welcomed their son, Bailor Lee Hardman, in
January 1986, and their daughter, Sloane Selbe Hardman, in May 1990. Becoming a
father was one of the great privileges of his life. He took deep pride in his
children and found tremendous joy in watching them grow into the people they
are today.Philip lived life with curiosity, loyalty‌ and enthusiasm. He
was a lifelong fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City
Chiefs. He loved the Rocky Mountains and was a skilled skier, often calling the
family condo in Snowmass, Colorado, and the slopes it served, his favorite place
on earth. Music was another constant in his life. He built an extensive
collection and enjoyed seeing live concerts whenever he could.He generously gave his time to youth athletics. He coached
T-Ball and Pee Wee baseball, and later umpired K-18 and American Legion
baseball. He coached Osborne High School tennis for 20 seasons, 19 with the
girls team and one with the boys. He also led a summer recreation tennis
program, taking particular satisfaction in introducing young people to a sport
they could carry with them for life.Philip loved the outdoors, especially pheasant and quail
hunting, and was a longtime member of the Osborne Gun Club. Over the years, he
shared that passion with his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers, whose
companionship in the field—and at home—brought him great joy. He was an avid
reader and was rarely without a book in hand. A lifelong student of politics,
he welcomed thoughtful discussion with anyone willing to engage. He was also a
proud and regular blood donor, quietly giving back in a way that reflected his
deep sense of civic responsibility.Philip was preceded in
death by his parents, Lila Hardman and Dr. Dennis Hardman. He is survived by
his wife, Debra Hardman; his son, Dr. Bailor Hardman (Enya); his daughter,
Sloane Hardman (Cliff Ewert); his grandson, Vaughn Ewert; his brothers, John Hardman
and Jim Hardman (Grayson); his niece, Shannon Weissleder; his nephew, Ian Hardman (Alana); his great-nephews,
Story Hardman, Henley Hardman, and Reid Weissleder; his great-niece, Rhea
Weissleder; his aunt, Donna Hallewell (John Anthony); and several cousins.A visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4:30
to 7:00 p.m. at the Sims Center, 109 W. Main St., Osborne, Kansas. A
celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00
a.m., also at the Sims Center, followed by lunch. The family would like to express their
gratitude to the compassionate staff and caregivers at Osborne County Memorial
Hospital.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Osborne City Tennis Courts.Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rentschler Family
Mortuaries Osborne Chapel.

Philip Wade Hardman

Arthur
Charles Karlin, age 98, of Hays, Kansas passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at
Via Christi Village, Hays. He was born August 5, 1927 in Hays to Edmund and
Matilda (Dinges) Karlin. 



Art graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1945. Shortly after
graduation he enlisted and served his country in the US Navy. Upon his return
home from his service, he married Rose Mary Comeau on September 7, 1948 at St.
Joseph’s Church in Hays. Art began his civilian career as an accountant for
O’Loughlin’s Chevrolet in 1947. He moved to Midwest Energy in 1964 where he
worked his way up to Chief Financial Officer before retiring in 1987.



He was a golf enthusiast, and was able to play until age 95! Travel was a
source of great joy for Art and Rosie. Along with many trips and bus tours,
they made a point of visiting family as often as possible. Art was an avid
sports fan, following the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, K-State football, and KU
basketball.



He served his community by volunteering for Meals on Wheels and his church in
many capacities. 



Survivors include his children, Susan Pfannenstiel of Apple Valley, Minnesota,
Robert J. Karlin and wife Jane of Sugarland, Texas and Thomas E. Karlin and
wife Lindy of Lincoln, Nebraska; a sister, Annette Schmidt of Dallas, Texas;
eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.



He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Irvin, Gerald and
James and a sister, Lauraine Kluge.



Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2026 at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church. Burial with military flag presentation courtesy of the Hays
VFW Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.



Visitation will be Monday 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM with a rosary service at 10:30 AM
all at the church.



Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph's Church or the Thomas More
Prep-Marian Endowment Society.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel
2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770296964373.png" alt="Arthur Charles Karlin" />
 <figcaption>Arthur Charles Karlin</figcaption>
 </figure>Arthur
Charles Karlin, age 98, of Hays, Kansas passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at
Via Christi Village, Hays. He was born August 5, 1927 in Hays to Edmund and
Matilda (Dinges) Karlin. 

Art graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1945. Shortly after
graduation he enlisted and served his country in the US Navy. Upon his return
home from his service, he married Rose Mary Comeau on September 7, 1948 at St.
Joseph’s Church in Hays. Art began his civilian career as an accountant for
O’Loughlin’s Chevrolet in 1947. He moved to Midwest Energy in 1964 where he
worked his way up to Chief Financial Officer before retiring in 1987.

He was a golf enthusiast, and was able to play until age 95! Travel was a
source of great joy for Art and Rosie. Along with many trips and bus tours,
they made a point of visiting family as often as possible. Art was an avid
sports fan, following the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, K-State football, and KU
basketball.

He served his community by volunteering for Meals on Wheels and his church in
many capacities. 

Survivors include his children, Susan Pfannenstiel of Apple Valley, Minnesota,
Robert J. Karlin and wife Jane of Sugarland, Texas and Thomas E. Karlin and
wife Lindy of Lincoln, Nebraska; a sister, Annette Schmidt of Dallas, Texas;
eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; brothers, Irvin, Gerald and
James and a sister, Lauraine Kluge.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, February 9, 2026 at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church. Burial with military flag presentation courtesy of the Hays
VFW Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM with a rosary service at 10:30 AM
all at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph's Church or the Thomas More
Prep-Marian Endowment Society.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock's Chapel
2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Arthur Charles Karlin

Vernon Ruder, Sr., 92, Hays, passed away peacefully on
Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Hays Good Samaritan Society.

He was born on June 15, 1933, on the family farm near
Antonino, to Frank and Anna (Zimmerman) Ruder. &nbsp;In 1951, he graduated from Hays High School.
He grew up learning the value of hard work, a trait that defined his entire
life and one he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Vernon proudly served his country as a member of the United
States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After returning home, he worked for
more than 20 years in maintenance at Hadley Hospital, where he was known for
his reliability, skill, and willingness to fix anything that needed fixing. He
also spent over 20 years custom harvesting, putting in long days and late
nights during the season, doing the kind of honest work he truly enjoyed.&nbsp; 

Outside of work, he loved tinkering in the garage, building
and repairing things with his hands, and spending time on the golf course,
often playing at least nine holes a day after his retirement. He rarely sat
still for long and was always working on a project or helping someone else with
theirs.&nbsp; He was a member of Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church, The Marine Corps League, Hays VFW Post #9076,
and the Hays American Legion Post #173.

More than anything, he loved his family. He was always there
for holidays, birthdays, weddings, ball games, and everyday moments. He raised
strong children and leaves behind a legacy of dedication, humility, and quiet
strength.

Survivors include his children; Vernon Ruder Jr. (Ruth) of
Hays, Janice Younger (Terrance) of Frisco, TX, Rose Meyers (Robert) of Sherman,
TX, and Tina Ruder of Hays, a brother; Harold Ruder of Grand Junction, CO, a
sister; Norma Lee Brown of Dodge City, nine grandchildren; Adam Meyers
(Jennifer), Nicole Taylor (Alex), Cassandra St. Germain (Matthew),&nbsp;Mason
Ruder (Tori), Alyssa Blake (Bennet), Blake Ruder (Rachel), Emily Younger,
Olivia Younger, and Erin Ruder, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and
nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers;
Elmer J., Lester, Cyril, Milton, and Marvin Ruder and two sisters; Marietta
Stecklein and Agnes Miller.

A life well lived, and a family well loved. He will be
deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
February 10, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Job
Varghese, OFM Cap. officiating.&nbsp; Burial
with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A
vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a rosary on Monday at the funeral
home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.&nbsp;
Condolences and memories of Vernon may be shared with his family at
www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770474301565.jpeg" alt="Vernon Ruder, Sr." />
 <figcaption>Vernon Ruder, Sr.</figcaption>
 </figure>Vernon Ruder, Sr., 92, Hays, passed away peacefully on
Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Hays Good Samaritan Society.He was born on June 15, 1933, on the family farm near
Antonino, to Frank and Anna (Zimmerman) Ruder. &nbsp;In 1951, he graduated from Hays High School.
He grew up learning the value of hard work, a trait that defined his entire
life and one he passed on to his children and grandchildren.Vernon proudly served his country as a member of the United
States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After returning home, he worked for
more than 20 years in maintenance at Hadley Hospital, where he was known for
his reliability, skill, and willingness to fix anything that needed fixing. He
also spent over 20 years custom harvesting, putting in long days and late
nights during the season, doing the kind of honest work he truly enjoyed.&nbsp; Outside of work, he loved tinkering in the garage, building
and repairing things with his hands, and spending time on the golf course,
often playing at least nine holes a day after his retirement. He rarely sat
still for long and was always working on a project or helping someone else with
theirs.&nbsp; He was a member of Immaculate
Heart of Mary Catholic Church, The Marine Corps League, Hays VFW Post #9076,
and the Hays American Legion Post #173.More than anything, he loved his family. He was always there
for holidays, birthdays, weddings, ball games, and everyday moments. He raised
strong children and leaves behind a legacy of dedication, humility, and quiet
strength.Survivors include his children; Vernon Ruder Jr. (Ruth) of
Hays, Janice Younger (Terrance) of Frisco, TX, Rose Meyers (Robert) of Sherman,
TX, and Tina Ruder of Hays, a brother; Harold Ruder of Grand Junction, CO, a
sister; Norma Lee Brown of Dodge City, nine grandchildren; Adam Meyers
(Jennifer), Nicole Taylor (Alex), Cassandra St. Germain (Matthew),&nbsp;Mason
Ruder (Tori), Alyssa Blake (Bennet), Blake Ruder (Rachel), Emily Younger,
Olivia Younger, and Erin Ruder, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and
nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers;
Elmer J., Lester, Cyril, Milton, and Marvin Ruder and two sisters; Marietta
Stecklein and Agnes Miller.A life well lived, and a family well loved. He will be
deeply missed by all who knew him.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
February 10, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Job
Varghese, OFM Cap. officiating.&nbsp; Burial
with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A
vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a rosary on Monday at the funeral
home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.&nbsp;
Condolences and memories of Vernon may be shared with his family at
www.haysmemorial.com

Vernon Ruder, Sr.

Lawrence 'Jug' Younger, Jr. passed away peacefully on
February 3, 2026 in Hays, Kansas surrounded by family.&nbsp;

Many words describe Lawrence 'Jug' Younger, Jr. &nbsp;Amongst those are leader, police officer,
comedian, fisherman, presidential chauffeur, sports enthusiast, brother,
dishwasher, uncle, friend, garbage disposal, onion chopper, raw-hamburger
maker, vacuum king, and channel surfer. &nbsp;However,
his favorite titles included that of husband, father, grandfather, and great
grandfather.&nbsp;

He was born at over eleven pounds to Lawrence Younger Sr.
and Anna (Pfannenstiel) Younger on July 17, 1938 in Hays. Upon arrival, he was
greeted by three eager and doting older sisters, Rosie, Lesta, and Florence.&nbsp; Eventually a younger sister, Dorothy, joined
the family. &nbsp;His sisters were more than a
little disappointed by his rather large size as they expected a baby and were
given a toddler. &nbsp;Growing up, Jug loved
fishing at Big Creek and shooting his BB gun.&nbsp;

His life really got interesting his freshman year of high
school when, at age 14, he met his future wife and partner, Louise Walburn. &nbsp;On May 19, 1957, Jug and Louise were married
in Great Bend. Together they had five children and acted as surrogate parents
to many others throughout the years.&nbsp;

Professionally, Jug worked his way through the ranks of
the Hays Police Department and after 24 years became Chief of Police in 1982. &nbsp;He remained police chief for 20 years, the
longest of any Hays police chief, and a record he still holds today.&nbsp;

Jug will be remembered by those who loved him as someone
who was a family man through and through.&nbsp;
During his retirement years he spent time doing countless projects in
and around the house with Louise as well as entertaining and enjoying his
children, their spouses, and his 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Jug is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Louise
Younger of Hays, his children Cindy Younger of Wichita, Dave Younger (Kelly) of
Oakley, Chris Hobbs (Greg) of Hays, Darryl Younger of Hays, and Doug Younger
(Kelly) of Auburn, one sister Florence Wear of Hays, his grandchildren Keaton
Younger (Katie), Kamri Younger, Karson Younger, KT Younger, Deacon Younger
(Kelsey), Kirby Younger, Macy Younger (Robert), Dustin Hobbs (Megan), Brooke
Keltner (Stu), Summer Demel (Dylan), and Austin Sloyer (Lauren), his great
grandchildren Taylor Garner (Derrik), Tyson, Brooklyn, Cam, Landry, Owen, and
Beau Younger, Halle, Shae and Miles Keltner, Lindsay and Landyn Demel, Hudson
Sloyer, Benjamin, Oliver, and Louis Delgado, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three
sisters, Rosie Koirth, Celeste Pfannenstiel, and Dorothy Mermis.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Susan
Murithi, Pastor Chad Pritchett, and the Hays Police Department Honor Guard
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at a later date in Mt. Allen
Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on
Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 10:00 am until service
time on Saturday at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Heartland
Community Foundation for the Hays Police Department Endowment Fund.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Jug may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770296687515.jpeg" alt="Lawrence 'Jug' Younger, Jr" />
 <figcaption>Lawrence 'Jug' Younger, Jr</figcaption>
 </figure>Lawrence 'Jug' Younger, Jr. passed away peacefully on
February 3, 2026 in Hays, Kansas surrounded by family.&nbsp;Many words describe Lawrence 'Jug' Younger, Jr. &nbsp;Amongst those are leader, police officer,
comedian, fisherman, presidential chauffeur, sports enthusiast, brother,
dishwasher, uncle, friend, garbage disposal, onion chopper, raw-hamburger
maker, vacuum king, and channel surfer. &nbsp;However,
his favorite titles included that of husband, father, grandfather, and great
grandfather.&nbsp;He was born at over eleven pounds to Lawrence Younger Sr.
and Anna (Pfannenstiel) Younger on July 17, 1938 in Hays. Upon arrival, he was
greeted by three eager and doting older sisters, Rosie, Lesta, and Florence.&nbsp; Eventually a younger sister, Dorothy, joined
the family. &nbsp;His sisters were more than a
little disappointed by his rather large size as they expected a baby and were
given a toddler. &nbsp;Growing up, Jug loved
fishing at Big Creek and shooting his BB gun.&nbsp;His life really got interesting his freshman year of high
school when, at age 14, he met his future wife and partner, Louise Walburn. &nbsp;On May 19, 1957, Jug and Louise were married
in Great Bend. Together they had five children and acted as surrogate parents
to many others throughout the years.&nbsp;Professionally, Jug worked his way through the ranks of
the Hays Police Department and after 24 years became Chief of Police in 1982. &nbsp;He remained police chief for 20 years, the
longest of any Hays police chief, and a record he still holds today.&nbsp;Jug will be remembered by those who loved him as someone
who was a family man through and through.&nbsp;
During his retirement years he spent time doing countless projects in
and around the house with Louise as well as entertaining and enjoying his
children, their spouses, and his 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.Jug is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Louise
Younger of Hays, his children Cindy Younger of Wichita, Dave Younger (Kelly) of
Oakley, Chris Hobbs (Greg) of Hays, Darryl Younger of Hays, and Doug Younger
(Kelly) of Auburn, one sister Florence Wear of Hays, his grandchildren Keaton
Younger (Katie), Kamri Younger, Karson Younger, KT Younger, Deacon Younger
(Kelsey), Kirby Younger, Macy Younger (Robert), Dustin Hobbs (Megan), Brooke
Keltner (Stu), Summer Demel (Dylan), and Austin Sloyer (Lauren), his great
grandchildren Taylor Garner (Derrik), Tyson, Brooklyn, Cam, Landry, Owen, and
Beau Younger, Halle, Shae and Miles Keltner, Lindsay and Landyn Demel, Hudson
Sloyer, Benjamin, Oliver, and Louis Delgado, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and three
sisters, Rosie Koirth, Celeste Pfannenstiel, and Dorothy Mermis.Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Susan
Murithi, Pastor Chad Pritchett, and the Hays Police Department Honor Guard
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at a later date in Mt. Allen
Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on
Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 10:00 am until service
time on Saturday at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Heartland
Community Foundation for the Hays Police Department Endowment Fund.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Jug may be left
for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Lawrence 'Jug' Younger, Jr

Marguerite Stewart of Hays, joined her loved ones in Heaven
on her 93rd birthday, January 29, 2026.&nbsp;
She had lived at Via Christi Village in Hays since June 10, 2024.

Marguerite was born on her family’s dairy farm in rural Clay
County, Kansas on January 29, 1933, to Quin B. and Mary M. (Benfer)
Steenbock.&nbsp; As soon as she was old
enough, she looked after her younger siblings Helen, Raymond, and Marvin, and
fixed breakfast while her parents were doing the morning milking on their dairy
farm.&nbsp; When she was older, she also
helped milk the cows and many other farm chores.&nbsp; She attended a one-room school from first to
eighth grade.

In the fall of 1947, she became a freshman at Longford Rural
High School in the small town of Longford, Kansas, where she met her future
husband, Wayne.&nbsp; They dated for three
years, and after her graduation in May of 1951, they were married September 2,
1951.&nbsp; Their marriage lasted more than 72
years and resulted in four children: Brenda, Susan, Brian, and Sharon.

Marguerite took great pride in being a homemaker and
mother.&nbsp; She kept a spotless house and
was a wonderful cook and baker.&nbsp; When
anyone came to visit and walked through the kitchen, they were met with the
sight and aroma of freshly baked cookies, cake, pie, or cinnamon rolls.&nbsp; She was also a very talented seamstress who
sewed most of her three daughters’ clothes until they were in high school and
made many of their bridesmaid dresses when they married.&nbsp; When granddaughters came along, she sewed for
them as well.&nbsp; In her later years
Marguerite rarely sat down without some handwork to keep her busy and
embroidered many sets of tea towels for her granddaughters and quilt blocks for
baby quilts for her great grandkids.&nbsp;
Every quilt she gifted to her family was sewn with love and care in
every stitch and will provide cherished memories of her for years to come.&nbsp; She was a faithful member of the Tuesday
Morning Quilter’s Group at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) for many years
and looked forward to their weekly gatherings.&nbsp;
She loved the fellowship and satisfaction of completing another quilt to
be auctioned off at the church’s annual Peddler’s Fair.&nbsp; Like her mother, she enjoyed gardening and
growing flowers and houseplants, and she, too, taught her daughters to cook at
a young age so they could fix supper while she worked in the yard.

Marguerite was a very active member of FUMC and participated
in countless ways after becoming a member in 1964.&nbsp; She taught pre-school and first grade Sunday
School, helped with Bible School and Kids’ Club, and accompanied Children’s
Choir.&nbsp; She was a member of Council on
Ministries, Ad Board, and a Stephen Minister.&nbsp;
Serving as the church wedding coordinator, training and scheduling
acolytes, and participating in United Methodist Women (UMW) brought her great
fulfillment and joy. She served as president of her local UMW chapter and also
as Hays District President.&nbsp; She
supervised countless Peddler’s Fair luncheons and funeral dinners. She and
Wayne enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and visiting other shut-ins.&nbsp; A favorite memory of grandkids is going along
to deliver cookies or a piece of cake to neighbors and nursing home
residents.&nbsp; Marguerite and Wayne always
agreed that their best friends were their church friends.

Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, her husband
Wayne, her brother-in-law Jack (Helen), and sister-in-law Audrey (Marvin).

She is survived by daughters Brenda Hinton, Hays, and Sue
Riley, Wichita, son Brian Stewart (Alicia) Leawood, and daughter Sharon Bunting
(Rob), Wichita. Her nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren include:
Blythe Brown (Mike), daughter Emersyn and son Ellis, Victoria; Breanne Nelson
(partner Mike), daughter Shiloh, Merriam; Jennifer Hartman (Jeremy),
Lillington, North Carolina; Courtney Waller (Andy), son Cash and daughter Ava,
Wichita; Hannah Marchand (Curtis IV ), sons Curtis V and Vincent, and daughter
Riley, Overland Park; Sydney Stewart, Leawood; Katelyn Miller (Jordan), and
daughter Mia, Overland Park; Andrew Bunting (Jessica), son Camden and daughter
Chloe, Kansas City, Missouri; and Alex Bunting, Wichita.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February
14, 2026, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Troy Miller
officiating.&nbsp; The family will receive
friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hays Memorial
Chapel Funeral Home, and from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday at the
church.&nbsp; Private family inurnment will be
at a later date in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to First United
Methodist Church or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village, Hays.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Marguerite may be
left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769811812550.jpeg" alt="Marguerite Stewart" />
 <figcaption>Marguerite Stewart</figcaption>
 </figure>Marguerite Stewart of Hays, joined her loved ones in Heaven
on her 93rd birthday, January 29, 2026.&nbsp;
She had lived at Via Christi Village in Hays since June 10, 2024.Marguerite was born on her family’s dairy farm in rural Clay
County, Kansas on January 29, 1933, to Quin B. and Mary M. (Benfer)
Steenbock.&nbsp; As soon as she was old
enough, she looked after her younger siblings Helen, Raymond, and Marvin, and
fixed breakfast while her parents were doing the morning milking on their dairy
farm.&nbsp; When she was older, she also
helped milk the cows and many other farm chores.&nbsp; She attended a one-room school from first to
eighth grade.In the fall of 1947, she became a freshman at Longford Rural
High School in the small town of Longford, Kansas, where she met her future
husband, Wayne.&nbsp; They dated for three
years, and after her graduation in May of 1951, they were married September 2,
1951.&nbsp; Their marriage lasted more than 72
years and resulted in four children: Brenda, Susan, Brian, and Sharon.Marguerite took great pride in being a homemaker and
mother.&nbsp; She kept a spotless house and
was a wonderful cook and baker.&nbsp; When
anyone came to visit and walked through the kitchen, they were met with the
sight and aroma of freshly baked cookies, cake, pie, or cinnamon rolls.&nbsp; She was also a very talented seamstress who
sewed most of her three daughters’ clothes until they were in high school and
made many of their bridesmaid dresses when they married.&nbsp; When granddaughters came along, she sewed for
them as well.&nbsp; In her later years
Marguerite rarely sat down without some handwork to keep her busy and
embroidered many sets of tea towels for her granddaughters and quilt blocks for
baby quilts for her great grandkids.&nbsp;
Every quilt she gifted to her family was sewn with love and care in
every stitch and will provide cherished memories of her for years to come.&nbsp; She was a faithful member of the Tuesday
Morning Quilter’s Group at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) for many years
and looked forward to their weekly gatherings.&nbsp;
She loved the fellowship and satisfaction of completing another quilt to
be auctioned off at the church’s annual Peddler’s Fair.&nbsp; Like her mother, she enjoyed gardening and
growing flowers and houseplants, and she, too, taught her daughters to cook at
a young age so they could fix supper while she worked in the yard.Marguerite was a very active member of FUMC and participated
in countless ways after becoming a member in 1964.&nbsp; She taught pre-school and first grade Sunday
School, helped with Bible School and Kids’ Club, and accompanied Children’s
Choir.&nbsp; She was a member of Council on
Ministries, Ad Board, and a Stephen Minister.&nbsp;
Serving as the church wedding coordinator, training and scheduling
acolytes, and participating in United Methodist Women (UMW) brought her great
fulfillment and joy. She served as president of her local UMW chapter and also
as Hays District President.&nbsp; She
supervised countless Peddler’s Fair luncheons and funeral dinners. She and
Wayne enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels and visiting other shut-ins.&nbsp; A favorite memory of grandkids is going along
to deliver cookies or a piece of cake to neighbors and nursing home
residents.&nbsp; Marguerite and Wayne always
agreed that their best friends were their church friends.Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, her husband
Wayne, her brother-in-law Jack (Helen), and sister-in-law Audrey (Marvin).She is survived by daughters Brenda Hinton, Hays, and Sue
Riley, Wichita, son Brian Stewart (Alicia) Leawood, and daughter Sharon Bunting
(Rob), Wichita. Her nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren include:
Blythe Brown (Mike), daughter Emersyn and son Ellis, Victoria; Breanne Nelson
(partner Mike), daughter Shiloh, Merriam; Jennifer Hartman (Jeremy),
Lillington, North Carolina; Courtney Waller (Andy), son Cash and daughter Ava,
Wichita; Hannah Marchand (Curtis IV ), sons Curtis V and Vincent, and daughter
Riley, Overland Park; Sydney Stewart, Leawood; Katelyn Miller (Jordan), and
daughter Mia, Overland Park; Andrew Bunting (Jessica), son Camden and daughter
Chloe, Kansas City, Missouri; and Alex Bunting, Wichita.Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February
14, 2026, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Troy Miller
officiating.&nbsp; The family will receive
friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hays Memorial
Chapel Funeral Home, and from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday at the
church.&nbsp; Private family inurnment will be
at a later date in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to First United
Methodist Church or to St. John’s Chapel at Via Christi Village, Hays.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Marguerite may be
left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Marguerite Stewart

Steven C. 'Steve' Hawthorne, 70, Hays, died Monday, February
2, 2026 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

He was born August 1, 1955 in Little River, Kansas the son
of Howard and Georgine (Ginn) Hawthorne.&nbsp;
He graduated from Hays High School with the class of 1973 and was
Director of Engineering and Technical Services at Cross Manufacturing,
Inc.&nbsp; On November 4, 1978 he was united
in marriage to Vicki L. Pfannenstiel in Antonino.&nbsp; 

Steve loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and
fisherman in his younger years. He loved sitting around the campfire with his
family and friends, sharing stories after days of boating and water sports.
Steve grew up on the family lake in Little River, Kansas, and he made sure
Vicki and his girls spent at least a week every summer, and most weekends,
camping and boating. Steve instilled his love of cooking in his daughters and
was always trying new techniques and recipes.&nbsp;


Steve was creative with activities for the kids and
grandkids to do, like axe throwing in the backyard and turning a stock tank
into a pool. He always had glow sticks and popsicles ready to give the
grandkids when they would visit. He loved music and dancing and there would be
family dance nights with music blasting in the living room. 

On July 2, 1976, he started working for Cross Manufacturing,
Inc. and was looking forward to celebrating his 50th anniversary
this coming July.

Survivors include his wife Vicki of Hays, three daughters
Skye Bare (Robert) of Pratt, Erin Kinderknecht (Dr. Benjamin) of Maryville, MO,
and Carly Hawthorne (Jesse Stockwell) of Colorado Springs, CO, five
grandchildren Natalie Noland (Nick), Shawndra Cook (Jacob), Blake Bare, and
Quenton and Isabella Kinderknecht, two great grandchildren Isla Cook and Nevaeh
Noland, his mother-in-law Jean Pfannenstiel Rozell of Pittsburg, TX, a brother
Lee Hawthorne of Otis, and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp; 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Wynona
Murray, a niece Kathleen Murray, and his father-in-law Lester Pfannenstiel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
February 17, 2026 at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Antonino
with Fr. Job Varghese, OFM Cap. Officiating.&nbsp;
Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on
Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from
9:00 am until service time on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Antonino
Cemetery Association or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Steve may be
shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770214711895.jpeg" alt="Steven C. 'Steve' Hawthorne" />
 <figcaption>Steven C. 'Steve' Hawthorne</figcaption>
 </figure>Steven C. 'Steve' Hawthorne, 70, Hays, died Monday, February
2, 2026 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.He was born August 1, 1955 in Little River, Kansas the son
of Howard and Georgine (Ginn) Hawthorne.&nbsp;
He graduated from Hays High School with the class of 1973 and was
Director of Engineering and Technical Services at Cross Manufacturing,
Inc.&nbsp; On November 4, 1978 he was united
in marriage to Vicki L. Pfannenstiel in Antonino.&nbsp; Steve loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and
fisherman in his younger years. He loved sitting around the campfire with his
family and friends, sharing stories after days of boating and water sports.
Steve grew up on the family lake in Little River, Kansas, and he made sure
Vicki and his girls spent at least a week every summer, and most weekends,
camping and boating. Steve instilled his love of cooking in his daughters and
was always trying new techniques and recipes.&nbsp;
Steve was creative with activities for the kids and
grandkids to do, like axe throwing in the backyard and turning a stock tank
into a pool. He always had glow sticks and popsicles ready to give the
grandkids when they would visit. He loved music and dancing and there would be
family dance nights with music blasting in the living room. On July 2, 1976, he started working for Cross Manufacturing,
Inc. and was looking forward to celebrating his 50th anniversary
this coming July.Survivors include his wife Vicki of Hays, three daughters
Skye Bare (Robert) of Pratt, Erin Kinderknecht (Dr. Benjamin) of Maryville, MO,
and Carly Hawthorne (Jesse Stockwell) of Colorado Springs, CO, five
grandchildren Natalie Noland (Nick), Shawndra Cook (Jacob), Blake Bare, and
Quenton and Isabella Kinderknecht, two great grandchildren Isla Cook and Nevaeh
Noland, his mother-in-law Jean Pfannenstiel Rozell of Pittsburg, TX, a brother
Lee Hawthorne of Otis, and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Wynona
Murray, a niece Kathleen Murray, and his father-in-law Lester Pfannenstiel.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday,
February 17, 2026 at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Antonino
with Fr. Job Varghese, OFM Cap. Officiating.&nbsp;
Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on
Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from
9:00 am until service time on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Antonino
Cemetery Association or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Steve may be
shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Steven C. 'Steve' Hawthorne

Thayne Alstin Spresser, age 36, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on
February 2, 2026, at his home in Hays. He was born February 13, 1989, in Colby,
Kansas, to Gregory Paul Spresser and Dana Rae Delehoy.

Thayne attended Hoxie High School, graduating with the Class of
2007. He participated in many sports throughout his school years, with
basketball being his true passion. He was also an accomplished golfer and
enjoyed time at the racetrack, but many will fondly remember him as the
luckiest guy in the casino.

Family was central to Thayne’s life, and he took great pride in
being an uncle. He will be remembered for his great dancing skills, his loyalty
as a friend, and his deep love for dogs.

Thayne worked as a Paintless Dent Removal technician with Spresser
Auto Care.

He is survived by his father, Gregory Spresser (Leslie Smith) of
Hays; his mother, Dana (Tim) Moss of Selden; his significant other, Kiana Kukus
of Hays; and his brothers, Nathan (Leslie) Spresser of Kechi and Gerid
(Chandra) Spresser of Granbury, Texas. He is also survived by his nieces and
nephews, Owen, Harper, Hudson, and Sutton, and his grandparents: Butch and
Arlene Spresser.

He is preceded in death by grandparents: Gerold and Maribeth
Delehoy; and his uncles, Dustin Delehoy and Greg Overlease.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00
a.m. at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Cline’s Chapel, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Viewing and visitation will be Friday, February 6,
2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

Cremation is under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory. Memorials are suggested to Thayne's family to be designated at a
later date, please make checks payable to Greg Spresser or Dana Moss in care of
the funeral chapel.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Thayne’s family
on his tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770242548401.png" alt="Thayne Alstin Spresser" />
 <figcaption>Thayne Alstin Spresser</figcaption>
 </figure>Thayne Alstin Spresser, age 36, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on
February 2, 2026, at his home in Hays. He was born February 13, 1989, in Colby,
Kansas, to Gregory Paul Spresser and Dana Rae Delehoy.Thayne attended Hoxie High School, graduating with the Class of
2007. He participated in many sports throughout his school years, with
basketball being his true passion. He was also an accomplished golfer and
enjoyed time at the racetrack, but many will fondly remember him as the
luckiest guy in the casino.Family was central to Thayne’s life, and he took great pride in
being an uncle. He will be remembered for his great dancing skills, his loyalty
as a friend, and his deep love for dogs.Thayne worked as a Paintless Dent Removal technician with Spresser
Auto Care.He is survived by his father, Gregory Spresser (Leslie Smith) of
Hays; his mother, Dana (Tim) Moss of Selden; his significant other, Kiana Kukus
of Hays; and his brothers, Nathan (Leslie) Spresser of Kechi and Gerid
(Chandra) Spresser of Granbury, Texas. He is also survived by his nieces and
nephews, Owen, Harper, Hudson, and Sutton, and his grandparents: Butch and
Arlene Spresser.He is preceded in death by grandparents: Gerold and Maribeth
Delehoy; and his uncles, Dustin Delehoy and Greg Overlease.Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00
a.m. at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Cline’s Chapel, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Viewing and visitation will be Friday, February 6,
2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.Cremation is under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory. Memorials are suggested to Thayne's family to be designated at a
later date, please make checks payable to Greg Spresser or Dana Moss in care of
the funeral chapel.Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Thayne’s family
on his tribute page at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;--

Thayne Alstin Spresser

JoAnn Fleharty’s funeral was postponed. The date for the service is&nbsp;now Saturday, February 21st at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays

JoAnn Eckles Fleharty, a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dedicated community volunteer, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/kansas/topeka-area" target="_blank">Topeka, KS</a>, at the age of 92. Born on October 27, 1933, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/nelson" target="_blank">Nelson, NE</a>, she spent her life cultivating deep connections in Hays where she lived for 62 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JoAnn married Eugene Dale Fleharty on August 12, 1955, and their
union was a testament to enduring love, marked by shared adventures and
cherished memories. Family she leaves behind include her daughter, Debbie
(Kevin) Culley; her son, Chris (Donna) Fleharty; her sister, Barbara (Dwight)
Ittner; and her beloved grandchildren, Ann Culley, John (Michelle) Culley,
Renee (Chris) Stefani, and Kristen (Thayne) Griffin. She was also a proud
great-grandmother to Shannon, Peter, Erin, Parker, Hudson, and Desmond, each
bringing her much joy.

JoAnn was known for her tireless dedication to the Hays
community where she served as the Welcome Wagon Lady for many years, greeting
newcomers to the city and reflecting her warm-hearted nature. JoAnn volunteered
at Hays Medical Center for over thirty years, was actively involved in the
First Presbyterian Church, and participated on the Hays Beautification
Committee.

JoAnn cherished summer vacations that took her and her loved
ones across the United States. These adventures fostered strong bonds and
wonderful memories. JoAnn's enthusiasm for life extended to her hobbies as
well, from playing bridge, to working in her yard, to attending FHSU sports and
activities, to satisfying her sweet tooth with coffee ice cream and pecan pie.

An avid baseball fan, JoAnn cheered enthusiastically for the
Royals, and she was a dedicated supporter of the FHSU softball team. Her quiet
strength and faithful commitment to those around her created a legacy of love
that will be remembered fondly by all who were privileged to know her.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her father, Dewey Dean Eckles; her
mother, Helen Louvinia Eckles; and her sister, Donna (Ray) Bise.

Friends and family will deeply miss JoAnn's kindness, open
hospitality, gentleness, and steadfast service. She leaves behind a legacy that
will continue to inspire compassion in the hearts of those she touched
throughout her life.

A celebration of JoAnn's life will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 11:00 am, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/kansas/hays" target="_blank">Hays, KS</a>&nbsp;67601.

Memorial contributions may be made to FHSU Athletics or to the
First Presbyterian Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767110084096.jpeg" alt="JoAnn Eckles Fleharty" />
 <figcaption>JoAnn Eckles Fleharty</figcaption>
 </figure>JoAnn Fleharty’s funeral was postponed. The date for the service is&nbsp;now Saturday, February 21st at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in HaysJoAnn Eckles Fleharty, a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dedicated community volunteer, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/kansas/topeka-area" target="_blank">Topeka, KS</a>, at the age of 92. Born on October 27, 1933, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/nelson" target="_blank">Nelson, NE</a>, she spent her life cultivating deep connections in Hays where she lived for 62 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;JoAnn married Eugene Dale Fleharty on August 12, 1955, and their
union was a testament to enduring love, marked by shared adventures and
cherished memories. Family she leaves behind include her daughter, Debbie
(Kevin) Culley; her son, Chris (Donna) Fleharty; her sister, Barbara (Dwight)
Ittner; and her beloved grandchildren, Ann Culley, John (Michelle) Culley,
Renee (Chris) Stefani, and Kristen (Thayne) Griffin. She was also a proud
great-grandmother to Shannon, Peter, Erin, Parker, Hudson, and Desmond, each
bringing her much joy.JoAnn was known for her tireless dedication to the Hays
community where she served as the Welcome Wagon Lady for many years, greeting
newcomers to the city and reflecting her warm-hearted nature. JoAnn volunteered
at Hays Medical Center for over thirty years, was actively involved in the
First Presbyterian Church, and participated on the Hays Beautification
Committee.JoAnn cherished summer vacations that took her and her loved
ones across the United States. These adventures fostered strong bonds and
wonderful memories. JoAnn's enthusiasm for life extended to her hobbies as
well, from playing bridge, to working in her yard, to attending FHSU sports and
activities, to satisfying her sweet tooth with coffee ice cream and pecan pie.An avid baseball fan, JoAnn cheered enthusiastically for the
Royals, and she was a dedicated supporter of the FHSU softball team. Her quiet
strength and faithful commitment to those around her created a legacy of love
that will be remembered fondly by all who were privileged to know her.JoAnn is preceded in death by her father, Dewey Dean Eckles; her
mother, Helen Louvinia Eckles; and her sister, Donna (Ray) Bise.Friends and family will deeply miss JoAnn's kindness, open
hospitality, gentleness, and steadfast service. She leaves behind a legacy that
will continue to inspire compassion in the hearts of those she touched
throughout her life.A celebration of JoAnn's life will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 11:00 am, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/kansas/hays" target="_blank">Hays, KS</a>&nbsp;67601.Memorial contributions may be made to FHSU Athletics or to the
First Presbyterian Church.

JoAnn Eckles Fleharty

Erin Ann
Hughes, 64, of Hays, Kansas, died on February 1st, 2026, at Hays Medical
Center.

Erin was born
Erin Ann McGinnis on June 18th, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays, KS, to
Darrell D. McGinnis and Grace K. Staab. She graduated from Hays High School in
1979 and earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Fort Hays State
University in 1983. While attending college, she met David B. Hughes, and they
were married on June 16th, 1984 at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Hays.&nbsp;

Erin lived her
life as a reflection of God's grace. She was a loving mother of five children,
whom she cherished deeply and guided with patience, wisdom, and unwavering
faith. Her love extended far beyond her own family, with her motherly care
reaching countless others who would also consider her a 'mom'. Her life was
marked by a quiet strength, a gentle spirit, and a heart that embraced all of
God's children without hesitation or judgment.&nbsp;

She was a
teacher for 20 plus years, shaping young lives with kindness, encouragement,
and a steady belief in each child's worth. Her compassion and conviction
extended far beyond the classroom. Erin dedicated herself to mentoring others
walking alongside them with patience and love. She believed deeply in
redemption, restoration, and the power of God's healing grace.

Known as a
fierce prayer warrior, Erin carried others in prayer faithfully and tirelessly.
She was warm, kind, and comforting, with a wisdom that brought peace to those
seeking guidance. Her words were thoughtful. Her presence was calming. Her love
was sincere.

Erin leaves
behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love. Her impact lives on
through her brothers, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, life long
friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Erin was
preceded in death by her parents; and her brother Martin, who died in
childhood.

She is survived
by her husband David Hughes of Hays; brothers Collin and wife Maria Cordoba of
Maize, KS; Sean and husband Stéphane Lescoules of Paris, France; and Patrick
and wife Penny Moss of Hays; sons Martin of Park City, KS; Jeremy and wife
Brittany Deeson of St. Petersburg, FL; daughters Megan and husband Devin
Rohweder of Hays, KS; Jessica of Portland City, OR; and Hannah and husband
Christian "CJ" West of Oakley, KS; honorary daughter Eleasha Bitte of
Hays; and 6 grandchildren: John, Ada, Nora (children of Megan and Devin), Ally,
Chapman (children of Jeremy and Brittany), and Syrus (child of Hannah and CJ).

First viewing
and visitation will be Friday, February 6th, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at
Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel Crematory, 2509 Vine St, Hays.

Second viewing
and visitation will be Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 09:00 AM, followed by
funeral service at 10:00 am, followed by a meal at 11:00am at Celebration
Community Church - Hays, 5790 230th Ave Hays, Kansas 67601. Following lunch, a
processional caravan will leave for the burial service at the Walnut Grove
Cemetery, Robb Rd, Pleasant Valley Township, KS 67484.

Services in
care of Keithley Funeral Homes, Hays, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770151692442.jpeg" alt="Erin Hughes" />
 <figcaption>Erin Hughes</figcaption>
 </figure>Erin Ann
Hughes, 64, of Hays, Kansas, died on February 1st, 2026, at Hays Medical
Center.Erin was born
Erin Ann McGinnis on June 18th, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays, KS, to
Darrell D. McGinnis and Grace K. Staab. She graduated from Hays High School in
1979 and earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Fort Hays State
University in 1983. While attending college, she met David B. Hughes, and they
were married on June 16th, 1984 at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Hays.&nbsp;Erin lived her
life as a reflection of God's grace. She was a loving mother of five children,
whom she cherished deeply and guided with patience, wisdom, and unwavering
faith. Her love extended far beyond her own family, with her motherly care
reaching countless others who would also consider her a 'mom'. Her life was
marked by a quiet strength, a gentle spirit, and a heart that embraced all of
God's children without hesitation or judgment.&nbsp;She was a
teacher for 20 plus years, shaping young lives with kindness, encouragement,
and a steady belief in each child's worth. Her compassion and conviction
extended far beyond the classroom. Erin dedicated herself to mentoring others
walking alongside them with patience and love. She believed deeply in
redemption, restoration, and the power of God's healing grace.Known as a
fierce prayer warrior, Erin carried others in prayer faithfully and tirelessly.
She was warm, kind, and comforting, with a wisdom that brought peace to those
seeking guidance. Her words were thoughtful. Her presence was calming. Her love
was sincere.Erin leaves
behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love. Her impact lives on
through her brothers, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, life long
friends, and all who were blessed to know her.Erin was
preceded in death by her parents; and her brother Martin, who died in
childhood.She is survived
by her husband David Hughes of Hays; brothers Collin and wife Maria Cordoba of
Maize, KS; Sean and husband Stéphane Lescoules of Paris, France; and Patrick
and wife Penny Moss of Hays; sons Martin of Park City, KS; Jeremy and wife
Brittany Deeson of St. Petersburg, FL; daughters Megan and husband Devin
Rohweder of Hays, KS; Jessica of Portland City, OR; and Hannah and husband
Christian "CJ" West of Oakley, KS; honorary daughter Eleasha Bitte of
Hays; and 6 grandchildren: John, Ada, Nora (children of Megan and Devin), Ally,
Chapman (children of Jeremy and Brittany), and Syrus (child of Hannah and CJ).First viewing
and visitation will be Friday, February 6th, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at
Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel Crematory, 2509 Vine St, Hays.Second viewing
and visitation will be Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 09:00 AM, followed by
funeral service at 10:00 am, followed by a meal at 11:00am at Celebration
Community Church - Hays, 5790 230th Ave Hays, Kansas 67601. Following lunch, a
processional caravan will leave for the burial service at the Walnut Grove
Cemetery, Robb Rd, Pleasant Valley Township, KS 67484.Services in
care of Keithley Funeral Homes, Hays, Kansas.

Erin Hughes

Matthew Aaron “Matt” Markley, age
48, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, at the
University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, after a courageous
six-year battle with cancer.
He was born August 23, 1977, in Hays, Kansas, to Rick Markley and Kimberly
Weigel. Matt was a
1996 graduate of Hays High School.

Matt enjoyed a distinguished career in information technology spanning nearly
two decades. After earning
his Bachelor of Science in Technology Management from Kansas State University
in 2001, he began
his career at Microsoft Corporation in Dallas, Texas, as a Solution Architect
for over five years. He then
advanced to Enterprise Solutions Architect at IBM for over 11 years, where he
spearheaded projects in
cloud migration, IT discovery, and infrastructure management. In his later
years, he held various consulting
positions. He held more than a dozen U.S. patents primarily assigned to IBM,
focusing on IT migration,
cloud infrastructure analysis, and software component management, and he earned
numerous&nbsp;key
IT-related accreditations throughout his career, including in system
administration and architecture.

Matt loved sports and outdoor activities, especially boating, camping, and
riding his motorcycle. He was an
avid hunter and fisherman. His other hobbies included playing the guitar,
drawing, computers and gaming,
traveling, and cheering for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas State
Wildcats.

Matt is survived by his father, Rick Markley of Hoyt, Kansas; his mother and
stepfather, Kimberly and Terry
Weigel of Hays, Kansas; his three beloved children, Dr. Payton Markley; of
Denver, Colorado, Keaton
Markley; of Tucson, Arizona, and Merrek Markley; of Hays, Kansas; his three
brothers, Eric Markley
(Danielle); of Hays, Kansas, Tyler Weigel (Erin); of Overland Park, Kansas, and
Tanner Weigel (Abby);
of Overland Park, Kansas; his nieces, Kamree Friend (Hayden) and Scarlette
Weigel; his nephews, Shae Markley; Sage Markley; Hudson Weigel; Sterling
Weigel; Shepard Weigel; and Graham Weigel; his great-niece, Fynlee Friend; his
great-nephews, Damian Gager; Baker Friend; and Jonah Friend; his grandparents,
Dennis and Kathy Hamel of Plainville, Kansas; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Matthew Markley; his stepmother,
Vicki Markley; his uncles, Aaron Markley; Kelly Hamel; and Kyle Hamel; his
aunts Lisa Markley and Michelle Burlison; and his grandparents, Joyce Newell, Arnold 'Buck' and Nona Markley, and Kenneth and Elizabeth 'Betty' Weigel.&nbsp;

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at
Celebration Community Church, I-70 and Exit 157, Hays, Kansas, with Pastor
Brant Rice, Officiating. Burial will be in the Saint Michael the Archangel
Cemetery, south of Hays, Kansas.

A wake for Matt will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00
p.m. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd,
Hays. Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be held at noon on Thursday, February 5,
2026, at Celebration Community Church, immediately prior to the service at 1:00
p.m. a reception will follow from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Smoky Hill Country Club,
3303 Hall Street, Hays, Kansas, to celebrate Matt’s life.

A memorial fund is being established in honor of Matt. In lieu of sending
flowers, please consider donating
to the memorial fund and make checks payable to: Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of
Hays. 

Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or left by
guest book&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770138580067.png" alt="Matthew Aaron 'Matt' Markley" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Aaron 'Matt' Markley</figcaption>
 </figure>Matthew Aaron “Matt” Markley, age
48, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, at the
University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, after a courageous
six-year battle with cancer.
He was born August 23, 1977, in Hays, Kansas, to Rick Markley and Kimberly
Weigel. Matt was a
1996 graduate of Hays High School.Matt enjoyed a distinguished career in information technology spanning nearly
two decades. After earning
his Bachelor of Science in Technology Management from Kansas State University
in 2001, he began
his career at Microsoft Corporation in Dallas, Texas, as a Solution Architect
for over five years. He then
advanced to Enterprise Solutions Architect at IBM for over 11 years, where he
spearheaded projects in
cloud migration, IT discovery, and infrastructure management. In his later
years, he held various consulting
positions. He held more than a dozen U.S. patents primarily assigned to IBM,
focusing on IT migration,
cloud infrastructure analysis, and software component management, and he earned
numerous&nbsp;key
IT-related accreditations throughout his career, including in system
administration and architecture.Matt loved sports and outdoor activities, especially boating, camping, and
riding his motorcycle. He was an
avid hunter and fisherman. His other hobbies included playing the guitar,
drawing, computers and gaming,
traveling, and cheering for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas State
Wildcats.Matt is survived by his father, Rick Markley of Hoyt, Kansas; his mother and
stepfather, Kimberly and Terry
Weigel of Hays, Kansas; his three beloved children, Dr. Payton Markley; of
Denver, Colorado, Keaton
Markley; of Tucson, Arizona, and Merrek Markley; of Hays, Kansas; his three
brothers, Eric Markley
(Danielle); of Hays, Kansas, Tyler Weigel (Erin); of Overland Park, Kansas, and
Tanner Weigel (Abby);
of Overland Park, Kansas; his nieces, Kamree Friend (Hayden) and Scarlette
Weigel; his nephews, Shae Markley; Sage Markley; Hudson Weigel; Sterling
Weigel; Shepard Weigel; and Graham Weigel; his great-niece, Fynlee Friend; his
great-nephews, Damian Gager; Baker Friend; and Jonah Friend; his grandparents,
Dennis and Kathy Hamel of Plainville, Kansas; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Matthew Markley; his stepmother,
Vicki Markley; his uncles, Aaron Markley; Kelly Hamel; and Kyle Hamel; his
aunts Lisa Markley and Michelle Burlison; and his grandparents, Joyce Newell, Arnold 'Buck' and Nona Markley, and Kenneth and Elizabeth 'Betty' Weigel.&nbsp;Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at
Celebration Community Church, I-70 and Exit 157, Hays, Kansas, with Pastor
Brant Rice, Officiating. Burial will be in the Saint Michael the Archangel
Cemetery, south of Hays, Kansas.A wake for Matt will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00
p.m. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd,
Hays. Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be held at noon on Thursday, February 5,
2026, at Celebration Community Church, immediately prior to the service at 1:00
p.m. a reception will follow from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Smoky Hill Country Club,
3303 Hall Street, Hays, Kansas, to celebrate Matt’s life.A memorial fund is being established in honor of Matt. In lieu of sending
flowers, please consider donating
to the memorial fund and make checks payable to: Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of
Hays. Condolences can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or left by
guest book&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Matthew Aaron 'Matt' Markley

&nbsp;Ronald E Surface, passed away quietly at his home on January 5,
2026, at the age of 80.

He was born September 26, 1945, in
McPherson, Kansas to Leroy and Goldie (Vosburg) Surface, graduated from
Hoisington High School and joined the Navy in 1965. He served until 1969
leaving the Navy as a Petty Officer Third Class. He lived in Rush Center for
several years and married Leona Nichol on August 23, 1980.

Ron was co-owner of R&amp;R Chimney
Sweep and was known as the 'Clock Maker' and made beautiful clocks and plaques.
They moved to Ness City where he was Mountain Man Candy salesman, and he worked
for several oilfield companies until he retired in 2017. He continued with his
clocks and plaques as a hobby and small business.

Ron was a kind and generous soul,
always thinking of others. He enjoyed taking part in the St. Patrick’s Day
parade in Rush Center from the beginning as a founding member. He also adopted
families from the Angel Tree at Christmas. He especially loved helping children
and donating to various organizations. He loved animals and had many over the
years, including hunting dogs and house cats. He left behind his cats, Fuzzy
and Socks. Hunting and fishing were his passion, and he was a great fisherman.
No pond was left behind if he had his say! He traveled through many states to
fish.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife,
Leona, brother Leland, brothers-in-law Bob Feck and Charlie Nichol,
sister-in-law Linda Archer, and nephew Yancey Feck.

Survivors include his two sisters,
Shirley Feck and Gayla Bieker along with Leona‘s brothers Gary, Daryl and Ron.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews along with great nieces and
nephews.

Services will be held on Monday,
February 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ness City,
Kansas. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Logan, Kansas, at
3:30 p.m., with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard
and Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard.

Memorials can be made to the Ness City
Food Bank or to Hospice of the Prairie of Dodge City, Kansas, and mailed to
Hugunin Family Funeral Homes, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, Kansas, 67661.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770135847284.jpeg" alt="Ronald E Surface" />
 <figcaption>Ronald E Surface</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Ronald E Surface, passed away quietly at his home on January 5,
2026, at the age of 80.He was born September 26, 1945, in
McPherson, Kansas to Leroy and Goldie (Vosburg) Surface, graduated from
Hoisington High School and joined the Navy in 1965. He served until 1969
leaving the Navy as a Petty Officer Third Class. He lived in Rush Center for
several years and married Leona Nichol on August 23, 1980.Ron was co-owner of R&amp;R Chimney
Sweep and was known as the 'Clock Maker' and made beautiful clocks and plaques.
They moved to Ness City where he was Mountain Man Candy salesman, and he worked
for several oilfield companies until he retired in 2017. He continued with his
clocks and plaques as a hobby and small business.Ron was a kind and generous soul,
always thinking of others. He enjoyed taking part in the St. Patrick’s Day
parade in Rush Center from the beginning as a founding member. He also adopted
families from the Angel Tree at Christmas. He especially loved helping children
and donating to various organizations. He loved animals and had many over the
years, including hunting dogs and house cats. He left behind his cats, Fuzzy
and Socks. Hunting and fishing were his passion, and he was a great fisherman.
No pond was left behind if he had his say! He traveled through many states to
fish.Ron was preceded in death by his wife,
Leona, brother Leland, brothers-in-law Bob Feck and Charlie Nichol,
sister-in-law Linda Archer, and nephew Yancey Feck.Survivors include his two sisters,
Shirley Feck and Gayla Bieker along with Leona‘s brothers Gary, Daryl and Ron.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews along with great nieces and
nephews.Services will be held on Monday,
February 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ness City,
Kansas. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Logan, Kansas, at
3:30 p.m., with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard
and Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard.Memorials can be made to the Ness City
Food Bank or to Hospice of the Prairie of Dodge City, Kansas, and mailed to
Hugunin Family Funeral Homes, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, Kansas, 67661.

Ronald E Surface

Twyla Mae (Krug) Ehrlich, 84, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday,
January 30, 2026, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Twyla&nbsp; was born February 28, 1941
at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays, Kansas to Tillman L. and Wilma (Boger) Krug.


She was an only child and grew up in Russell County on a farm 10 miles
south of Russell.&nbsp; She attended a country
school (Mulberry) from 1st—8th grade which was the same school where her father
once attended and then attended Russell High School and graduated in the Class
of 1958.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

She met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Dale David Ehrlich
on February 27, 1965, in Russell.&nbsp;&nbsp; From
this union, Twyla and Dale were blessed with 3 children, Thomas, Tori, and
Tami.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770055816350.jpeg" alt="Twyla Mae (Krug) Ehrlich" />
 <figcaption>Twyla Mae (Krug) Ehrlich</figcaption>
 </figure>Twyla Mae (Krug) Ehrlich, 84, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday,
January 30, 2026, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.Twyla&nbsp; was born February 28, 1941
at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays, Kansas to Tillman L. and Wilma (Boger) Krug.
She was an only child and grew up in Russell County on a farm 10 miles
south of Russell.&nbsp; She attended a country
school (Mulberry) from 1st—8th grade which was the same school where her father
once attended and then attended Russell High School and graduated in the Class
of 1958.&nbsp;&nbsp; She met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Dale David Ehrlich
on February 27, 1965, in Russell.&nbsp;&nbsp; From
this union, Twyla and Dale were blessed with 3 children, Thomas, Tori, and
Tami.&nbsp; Twyla was baptized in the Lutheran faith as a baby in the Michaelis
Lutheran Church south of Russell in the Sellens Creek area.&nbsp;&nbsp; She attended that church with her parents
until it was combined with the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was confirmed and a member of this
church until her marriage to Dale and then she transferred to St. John Lutheran
where they were married and became members there together.&nbsp; While at Emanual Lutheran, she was organist
for 10 years and also played for many weddings in the Russell area (city and
rural).&nbsp;&nbsp; She played piano for Sunday morning
Sunday school while her daughters were in Sunday school at St. John.&nbsp; She was a member of the Russell County Saddle
Club and rode in may parades with her father.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Twyla was 1st runner up for queen in the 1961 Prairiesta.&nbsp; She worked as a secretary for RMS and
Director of Elementary Education, Harold R. Elliott for 11 years.&nbsp;&nbsp; Upon her retirement, she took a leave of
absence to begin her family.&nbsp;&nbsp; She
returned to USD 407 as an employee in the RMS kitchen and worked for 36 more
years before retiring after working a total of 47 years for USD 407.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Twyla loved life and her family and lived
each day to its fullest.&nbsp;&nbsp; Family meant
everything to her; including her great grand-pups Giz and Willow.She couldn’t wait to be a NANA!&nbsp;&nbsp;
Twyla and Dale took pride in their family.&nbsp;&nbsp; Twyla always made sure Dale was included in
as many family events as possible after he went to Wheatland Nursing Home.&nbsp; She even made sure he could attend part of
the wedding of their only grandchild, Halle.Surviving family include, daughters Tori Hall &amp; husband Roy of
Russell, Kansas and Tami Ehrlich of Manhattan, Kansas; granddaughter Halle
Anderson &amp; husband Colton of Russell, Kansas; great grand-pups Giz and
Willow; niece Gwenna Green and nephew Lionel Green both of Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was proceeded in death by
her beloved husband Dale, son Thomas D. Ehrlich, parents, in-laws as well as
sister in-law and brother in-law and many aunts/uncles.A celebration of Twyla’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday,
February 05, 2026, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran
Cemetery in Russell.&nbsp; Visitation will be
from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Wednesday, February 04, 2026 at the mortuary, with
family greeting guest from 5 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Wednesday evening.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the St. John
Lutheran Church and sent in care of the mortuary.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Obituaries