R. Allen “Monk” Ward, age 80, of Hays, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home in Hays.&nbsp; Monk was born February 18, 1941 in South Gate, California, the son of Rex and Helen (Gunter) Ward.&nbsp; Monk graduated from Scandia High School in 1958. On April 15, 1967, he married DeeAnn Parsons in Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; To this union two children were born: Annie and A.J. &nbsp;

Monk worked road construction in his early career, followed by time in the oilfield and he owned and operated service stations in Scandia and Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; He served his country in the United States Army from October 1966 to October 1968, with one year of service in Vietnam.&nbsp;

Monk is survived by his wife of 54 years, a daughter, Annie Diederich of Topeka, a son, A.J.(Cathy) of Hays, two grandchildren, Mallory Diederich of Kansas City, MO and Mason Diederich of Topeka.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, MariAnna Hanson, his father-in-law, Johnnie Parsons and son-in-law, Randy Diederich.&nbsp;

Cremation was chosen and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Memorial contributions can be made in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601 for a designation to be determined.&nbsp;

R. Allen “Monk” Ward, age 80, of Hays, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home in Hays.&nbsp; Monk was born February 18, 1941 in South Gate, California, the son of Rex and Helen (Gunter) Ward.&nbsp; Monk graduated from Scandia High School in 1958. On April 15, 1967, he married DeeAnn Parsons in Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; To this union two children were born: Annie and A.J. &nbsp;Monk worked road construction in his early career, followed by time in the oilfield and he owned and operated service stations in Scandia and Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; He served his country in the United States Army from October 1966 to October 1968, with one year of service in Vietnam.&nbsp;Monk is survived by his wife of 54 years, a daughter, Annie Diederich of Topeka, a son, A.J.(Cathy) of Hays, two grandchildren, Mallory Diederich of Kansas City, MO and Mason Diederich of Topeka.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, MariAnna Hanson, his father-in-law, Johnnie Parsons and son-in-law, Randy Diederich.&nbsp;Cremation was chosen and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Memorial contributions can be made in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601 for a designation to be determined.&nbsp;

R. Allen 'Monk' Ward

Horace Samuel Higgins "Sam" passed into the Hands of Our Lord, June 15th,&nbsp; 2021, at the age of 95 years. A member of the Greatest Generation, he 
was also the last of his family's generation and the true Patriarch of 
the next one.  Born August 27, 1925, to Clarence Albert and Agnes 
Elizabeth {Groff} Higgins of Hays, Kansas. Father Clarence passed when 
Sam was three years old. 

While growing up during the great depression 
and dust bowl days of Kansas, Sam was mentored by his uncle Fred Higgins
 of Logan, Kansas. Sam attended Hays High School where he lettered in 
basketball and graduated in 1943. He went on to join and serve during 
WWII in the Army Air Corps. Sam was then married to Mary Jane Johnson 
{daughter of Bertha (Brown) and Sophus Johnson} at her family farm in 
Ellis County Kansas June 21, 1947. 

Together they started a family while
 Sam worked and went to college at Fort Hays State where he earned a 
Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and then went on to earn a 
Master of Science Degree. Shortly thereafter Sam accepted a position in
 the Analytical Department of the Dow Chemical Co. In 1951 the young 
family moved to Midland, Michigan. By 1955 they settled into a new built home in 
what was then a new sub division called Airfield Lane. This was about 
the same time the new elementary and high school were being built. By 
1961 the family had grown to include nine children, five boys and four 
girls. 
 Sam was an avid Midland Chemic football fan, having three sons that 
played for MHS. In younger days Sam also enjoyed bowling and square 
dancing with Mary, softball, and taking the family on yearly trips back 
to Kansas to visit relatives and up to Higgins Lake several times every 
summer. The football tradition went on as a family event, and when Sam 
couldn't make the games in person; you could find him sitting near the 
radio listening to the play by play or watching the replay on MCTV. Sam
 retired from Dow Chemical in 1982 and enjoyed a lengthy retirement. He 
also enjoyed many of the neighbors that got together year after year for
 picnics at one of the nearby Airfield Lane homes. 
 Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his dearly beloved wife 
Mary Jane of 61 years, son Samuel Wayne of Midland, son Richard Charles 
of Midland; daughter Susan Ann and {Gerald} White of Cypress Texas, also
 by his sisters, Betty Belle {Edward-"Beck"} Beckmeyer of Florida; 
Arbutus Elaine {TJ} Skelley of Colorado, and all of his brother and 
sister in-laws; Robert {Florence} Johnson-Ellis Kansas, Charles {Betty} 
Johnson-Wauneta Nebraska, Alice {Johnson} Fleming -Hays Kansas, John 
{Margorie} Johnson- Hays Kansas, Reiny and Margaret {Johnson} 
Boschowitzki-Ellis Kansas. 
 Sam is survived by his son Roger William of Ypsilanti MI, son Paul 
Emerson {Cathy} of Midland, daughter Barbara Jean of Westlake OH. 
daughter Margaret Christine of Palacios Texas, son Douglas George 
{JoAnn} of Onsted MI, daughter Mary Beth {Thom} Spencer of Grosse Pointe
 Woods MI. Sam is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 18 great 
grandchildren. Many, nieces and nephews. 
 A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Those 
considering an expression of condolence, please feel free to choose your
 favorite charity in remembrance. Arrangements have been entrusted to 
the care of the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624042327645.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Horace Samuel Higgins "Sam" passed into the Hands of Our Lord, June 15th,&nbsp; 2021, at the age of 95 years. A member of the Greatest Generation, he 
was also the last of his family's generation and the true Patriarch of 
the next one. Born August 27, 1925, to Clarence Albert and Agnes 
Elizabeth {Groff} Higgins of Hays, Kansas. Father Clarence passed when 
Sam was three years old. While growing up during the great depression 
and dust bowl days of Kansas, Sam was mentored by his uncle Fred Higgins
 of Logan, Kansas. Sam attended Hays High School where he lettered in 
basketball and graduated in 1943. He went on to join and serve during 
WWII in the Army Air Corps. Sam was then married to Mary Jane Johnson 
{daughter of Bertha (Brown) and Sophus Johnson} at her family farm in 
Ellis County Kansas June 21, 1947. Together they started a family while
 Sam worked and went to college at Fort Hays State where he earned a 
Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and then went on to earn a 
Master of Science Degree. Shortly thereafter Sam accepted a position in
 the Analytical Department of the Dow Chemical Co. In 1951 the young 
family moved to Midland, Michigan. By 1955 they settled into a new built home in 
what was then a new sub division called Airfield Lane. This was about 
the same time the new elementary and high school were being built. By 
1961 the family had grown to include nine children, five boys and four 
girls. 
 Sam was an avid Midland Chemic football fan, having three sons that 
played for MHS. In younger days Sam also enjoyed bowling and square 
dancing with Mary, softball, and taking the family on yearly trips back 
to Kansas to visit relatives and up to Higgins Lake several times every 
summer. The football tradition went on as a family event, and when Sam 
couldn't make the games in person; you could find him sitting near the 
radio listening to the play by play or watching the replay on MCTV. Sam
 retired from Dow Chemical in 1982 and enjoyed a lengthy retirement. He 
also enjoyed many of the neighbors that got together year after year for
 picnics at one of the nearby Airfield Lane homes. 
 Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his dearly beloved wife 
Mary Jane of 61 years, son Samuel Wayne of Midland, son Richard Charles 
of Midland; daughter Susan Ann and {Gerald} White of Cypress Texas, also
 by his sisters, Betty Belle {Edward-"Beck"} Beckmeyer of Florida; 
Arbutus Elaine {TJ} Skelley of Colorado, and all of his brother and 
sister in-laws; Robert {Florence} Johnson-Ellis Kansas, Charles {Betty} 
Johnson-Wauneta Nebraska, Alice {Johnson} Fleming -Hays Kansas, John 
{Margorie} Johnson- Hays Kansas, Reiny and Margaret {Johnson} 
Boschowitzki-Ellis Kansas. 
 Sam is survived by his son Roger William of Ypsilanti MI, son Paul 
Emerson {Cathy} of Midland, daughter Barbara Jean of Westlake OH. 
daughter Margaret Christine of Palacios Texas, son Douglas George 
{JoAnn} of Onsted MI, daughter Mary Beth {Thom} Spencer of Grosse Pointe
 Woods MI. Sam is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 18 great 
grandchildren. Many, nieces and nephews. 
 A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Those 
considering an expression of condolence, please feel free to choose your
 favorite charity in remembrance. Arrangements have been entrusted to 
the care of the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors.

Horace Samuel Higgins

Julia M. (Fish) Herren, 93, left this world on June 12, 2021. She was
 born October 2, 1927, at Wasola, MO. the daughter of John W. Fish Sr. 
and Edith (Stewart) Fish. She moved with her family to Great Bend in 
1937, graduating from Great Bend High School in 1946. She married Louis F
 Herren on November 22, 1946.

Julia was active in girl’s scouts and helped organize Camp Fire 
Girls. She was on the board of directors and an active member earning 
the rare Arthur Gulick Award. She served as a Democratic Barton County 
chairman and secretary of the big first district. Julia also belonged to
 Petal Pushers Garden Club and Riverside HDU unit and also the Etudion 
Club.

Julia was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and
 friend. Her family was her most precious gift. She will be remembered 
as a person of great faith which she based her life on. She was a women 
who gave far more than she even took.

Survivors include two daughters, Carol A. Selle and husband Dwight 
and Carla L. Ziegler and husband James; three granddaughters, Sheri D 
(Alan) Wornkey , Mitzi M. (Michael J.) Haines and Terra A. (Scott) 
Miller; four great grandsons Kobi and Kalib Wilson, Michael Ringo and 
Alex Cook; one great granddaughter Kholi Mae Miller; sister Evelyn (Al) 
Whitmire of Bushton. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis, son
 Louis F. Herren Jr.; &nbsp;two sisters Gwen Harmon and LaVern Hendricks, 
brothers Charles, Ervan, and John.

Julia just wanted people to remember her for the person she was. By 
her request there will be no services of visitation as cremation has 
taken place.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624039677231.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Julia M. (Fish) Herren, 93, left this world on June 12, 2021. She was
 born October 2, 1927, at Wasola, MO. the daughter of John W. Fish Sr. 
and Edith (Stewart) Fish. She moved with her family to Great Bend in 
1937, graduating from Great Bend High School in 1946. She married Louis F
 Herren on November 22, 1946.Julia was active in girl’s scouts and helped organize Camp Fire 
Girls. She was on the board of directors and an active member earning 
the rare Arthur Gulick Award. She served as a Democratic Barton County 
chairman and secretary of the big first district. Julia also belonged to
 Petal Pushers Garden Club and Riverside HDU unit and also the Etudion 
Club.Julia was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and
 friend. Her family was her most precious gift. She will be remembered 
as a person of great faith which she based her life on. She was a women 
who gave far more than she even took.Survivors include two daughters, Carol A. Selle and husband Dwight 
and Carla L. Ziegler and husband James; three granddaughters, Sheri D 
(Alan) Wornkey , Mitzi M. (Michael J.) Haines and Terra A. (Scott) 
Miller; four great grandsons Kobi and Kalib Wilson, Michael Ringo and 
Alex Cook; one great granddaughter Kholi Mae Miller; sister Evelyn (Al) 
Whitmire of Bushton. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis, son
 Louis F. Herren Jr.; &nbsp;two sisters Gwen Harmon and LaVern Hendricks, 
brothers Charles, Ervan, and John.Julia just wanted people to remember her for the person she was. By 
her request there will be no services of visitation as cremation has 
taken place.Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

 Julia M. Herren

Nathan Thomas Peterka, 35, of Paola, Kansas, left this world 
on June 13, 2021. You may have known him as “Turkey," “Nater,"&nbsp; “Nateman," “Nate," or “Nae Nae.” If you knew Nathan, you know the world 
will not be the same without him.

Services are pending at this time.  Please check back later for 
memorial service date and times.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of 
Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the services.

Nathan Thomas Peterka, 35, of Paola, Kansas, left this world 
on June 13, 2021. You may have known him as “Turkey," “Nater,"&nbsp; “Nateman," “Nate," or “Nae Nae.” If you knew Nathan, you know the world 
will not be the same without him.Services are pending at this time. Please check back later for 
memorial service date and times. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of 
Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the services.

Nathan T. Peterka

Alfreda Karlin, Catherine, Kansas, age 88, passed away early Saturday morning, June 5, 2021, in Brentwood, Tennessee, where she lived with her daughter. Alfreda died from Alzheimer’s Disease.&nbsp;

Alfreda was born on May 16, 1933, in Hays to Alfred and Constance (Novak) Wiesner. She was their only child. She married Wilfric Karlin, Catherine, on August 1, 1962, and they were married until his death February 13, 2002. Together, they had 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.&nbsp;

Alfreda’s father, Alfred, was a butcher and ran the family grocery store, Wiesner’s, on Main Street. As a girl, Alfreda loved to visit her father in the store and help with grocery deliveries. She loved being outdoors, gardening, riding her bike around Hays and going to the country to ride her horses and to fish. She was also an avid reader, a hobby that gave her much pleasure her entire life. She attended, St. Joseph’s Parochial School, Girl’s Catholic High and Fort Hays State University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1955 and taught 2nd grade for 7 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary, now Holy Family Elementary.

In 1962, she married Wilfric Karlin and they made their home together on a farm near Catherine. Alfreda gave up teaching to raise her two children John Karlin and Ruth Karlin Albrecht. She continued her love of teaching as an elementary religious ed teacher for the Catherine parish for many years where she was a member. Alfreda loved the country life. She loved animals and flowers and the beauty of nature. She took long walks on the family farm several times a day. She loved to travel and see the world. She visited all 50 states, both neighboring countries, and took many trips abroad to Europe, China and Australia. But she always loved returning to her home on the farm where she lived until 2016.

Alfreda moved to Nashville to live with her daughter Ruth and son-in-law John Albrecht in 2016. There, she was cared for in the home as her Alzheimer’s disease progressed.&nbsp;

She is survived by her son, John Karlin, and wife Susan of Catherine; her daughter, Ruth Albrecht, and husband John, of Brentwood, TN;&nbsp; grandchildren, Jake Karlin, and wife, Emily, of Catherine; Jordan Ottley, and husband Jordan, of Catherine; Alex Barrett of Nashville, TN; Kendra Karlin of Kansas City, KS; Austen Berry, and husband David of Nashville, TN, and six great grandchildren, Liberty, Bella, and Lily Karlin and Josie, Lucy, and Oliver Ottley.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Wiesner (1978) and Constance (Tance) Novak Wiesner (1994), and her husband, Wilfric Karlin (2002).

Alfreda will be cremated and return to Kansas for a funeral mass and burial in Catherine, Kansas on August 13. The family is requesting all memorials to go to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Alfreda’s special request: As a young girl Afreda was extremely shy. As an adult she would make a friend everywhere she went. She was gentle, kind to all, and curious about everything. She especially liked to seek out an individual who was all alone or who looked totally different than herself and strike up a conversation. She would start with a compliment or a question. She was truly interested in who they were, and it showed. She was always received with a smile and kindness. People loved when she approached them to compliment a piece of jewelry or hairstyle, for example. She asked the story of their tattoos, piercings, dreadlocks, or just how their day was going. She wanted to make people feel good about themselves. In her memory, she wanted everyone to smile at a stranger, give a compliment to the person next to you, or start up a conversation with the person standing by themselves. Find common ground, really connect with all people and learn how to love your neighbor better.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624034230553.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alfreda Karlin, Catherine, Kansas, age 88, passed away early Saturday morning, June 5, 2021, in Brentwood, Tennessee, where she lived with her daughter. Alfreda died from Alzheimer’s Disease.&nbsp;Alfreda was born on May 16, 1933, in Hays to Alfred and Constance (Novak) Wiesner. She was their only child. She married Wilfric Karlin, Catherine, on August 1, 1962, and they were married until his death February 13, 2002. Together, they had 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.&nbsp;Alfreda’s father, Alfred, was a butcher and ran the family grocery store, Wiesner’s, on Main Street. As a girl, Alfreda loved to visit her father in the store and help with grocery deliveries. She loved being outdoors, gardening, riding her bike around Hays and going to the country to ride her horses and to fish. She was also an avid reader, a hobby that gave her much pleasure her entire life. She attended, St. Joseph’s Parochial School, Girl’s Catholic High and Fort Hays State University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1955 and taught 2nd grade for 7 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Elementary, now Holy Family Elementary.In 1962, she married Wilfric Karlin and they made their home together on a farm near Catherine. Alfreda gave up teaching to raise her two children John Karlin and Ruth Karlin Albrecht. She continued her love of teaching as an elementary religious ed teacher for the Catherine parish for many years where she was a member. Alfreda loved the country life. She loved animals and flowers and the beauty of nature. She took long walks on the family farm several times a day. She loved to travel and see the world. She visited all 50 states, both neighboring countries, and took many trips abroad to Europe, China and Australia. But she always loved returning to her home on the farm where she lived until 2016.Alfreda moved to Nashville to live with her daughter Ruth and son-in-law John Albrecht in 2016. There, she was cared for in the home as her Alzheimer’s disease progressed.&nbsp;She is survived by her son, John Karlin, and wife Susan of Catherine; her daughter, Ruth Albrecht, and husband John, of Brentwood, TN;&nbsp; grandchildren, Jake Karlin, and wife, Emily, of Catherine; Jordan Ottley, and husband Jordan, of Catherine; Alex Barrett of Nashville, TN; Kendra Karlin of Kansas City, KS; Austen Berry, and husband David of Nashville, TN, and six great grandchildren, Liberty, Bella, and Lily Karlin and Josie, Lucy, and Oliver Ottley.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Wiesner (1978) and Constance (Tance) Novak Wiesner (1994), and her husband, Wilfric Karlin (2002).Alfreda will be cremated and return to Kansas for a funeral mass and burial in Catherine, Kansas on August 13. The family is requesting all memorials to go to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.Alfreda’s special request: As a young girl Afreda was extremely shy. As an adult she would make a friend everywhere she went. She was gentle, kind to all, and curious about everything. She especially liked to seek out an individual who was all alone or who looked totally different than herself and strike up a conversation. She would start with a compliment or a question. She was truly interested in who they were, and it showed. She was always received with a smile and kindness. People loved when she approached them to compliment a piece of jewelry or hairstyle, for example. She asked the story of their tattoos, piercings, dreadlocks, or just how their day was going. She wanted to make people feel good about themselves. In her memory, she wanted everyone to smile at a stranger, give a compliment to the person next to you, or start up a conversation with the person standing by themselves. Find common ground, really connect with all people and learn how to love your neighbor better.

Alfreda Karlin

Braden “Bubba” Ford Higdon passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2021, in rural
 Rooks County, Kansas at the age of 23. He was born in Hays, Kansas to 
Misty (Jenkins) and Brad Higdon on September 22, 1997. Braden grew up in
 Stockton and attended Plainville High School where he graduated with 
the Class of 2016. He then attended Pratt Community College and later 
transferred to NCK Tech where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in 
Automotive Technology.
 In his early life, Braden enjoyed being a part of many activities 
within school. He was a part of the marching band, football team and 
wrestling program — which is what he enjoyed most. Wrestling was his 
favorite sport throughout school which he started at the young age of 7.
 He was a part of the wrestling club in Plainville, and even though he 
only “won” one match his first year, he still persevered and wrestled 
throughout his high school career. One of his mother’s favorite memories
 is him pointing into the crowd once he won a big match. Braden was a 
member of Boy Scouts through age 17. While Braden loved Scouts, another 
passion he soon found, and which took over most of his life — cars.
 Braden loved anything that had an engine and made loud noises. Due 
to this, he was always willing to help family and friends with anything 
mechanical. Cars and demos were truly his passion and where he felt at 
home. He made many friends, some of which he could almost call family, 
through demos and other things car-related.
 While demos were his happy place, he also thoroughly enjoyed 
camping, fishing, and hanging out with his friends and family. While he 
was never married, he did have a love for his dog, Tennessee. Braden 
worked as a delivery driver for North Central Air Compressor Company 
where he spent many hours on the road. He would typically be seen 
wearing cowboy boots and shorts with his ever-so-famous Bud Light cowboy
 hat.
 Braden is preceded in death by his grandparents, Don and Rose 
Jenkins, Frank and Gladys Marcum, Pat Swanson, and his adoptive 
grandparents, Eddie and Jo Phliger. 
 Surviving members of his family are his parents, Brad and Misty 
Higdon; brother, Wes Higdon; sister, Rhianna Higdon; and many aunts and 
uncles.
 A Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church in 
Stockton on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 10:30 AM. A book signing time 
has been allotted on Tuesday from 1-5 PM at the funeral home in 
Stockton.
 Memorials are suggested to Braden Higdon Memorial Fund to be used 
for new demo drivers and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral
 Home, 723 N 1st St, Stockton, Kansas 67669.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624027289770.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Braden “Bubba” Ford Higdon passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2021, in rural
 Rooks County, Kansas at the age of 23. He was born in Hays, Kansas to 
Misty (Jenkins) and Brad Higdon on September 22, 1997. Braden grew up in
 Stockton and attended Plainville High School where he graduated with 
the Class of 2016. He then attended Pratt Community College and later 
transferred to NCK Tech where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in 
Automotive Technology.
 In his early life, Braden enjoyed being a part of many activities 
within school. He was a part of the marching band, football team and 
wrestling program — which is what he enjoyed most. Wrestling was his 
favorite sport throughout school which he started at the young age of 7.
 He was a part of the wrestling club in Plainville, and even though he 
only “won” one match his first year, he still persevered and wrestled 
throughout his high school career. One of his mother’s favorite memories
 is him pointing into the crowd once he won a big match. Braden was a 
member of Boy Scouts through age 17. While Braden loved Scouts, another 
passion he soon found, and which took over most of his life — cars.
 Braden loved anything that had an engine and made loud noises. Due 
to this, he was always willing to help family and friends with anything 
mechanical. Cars and demos were truly his passion and where he felt at 
home. He made many friends, some of which he could almost call family, 
through demos and other things car-related.
 While demos were his happy place, he also thoroughly enjoyed 
camping, fishing, and hanging out with his friends and family. While he 
was never married, he did have a love for his dog, Tennessee. Braden 
worked as a delivery driver for North Central Air Compressor Company 
where he spent many hours on the road. He would typically be seen 
wearing cowboy boots and shorts with his ever-so-famous Bud Light cowboy
 hat.
 Braden is preceded in death by his grandparents, Don and Rose 
Jenkins, Frank and Gladys Marcum, Pat Swanson, and his adoptive 
grandparents, Eddie and Jo Phliger. 
 Surviving members of his family are his parents, Brad and Misty 
Higdon; brother, Wes Higdon; sister, Rhianna Higdon; and many aunts and 
uncles.
 A Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church in 
Stockton on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 10:30 AM. A book signing time 
has been allotted on Tuesday from 1-5 PM at the funeral home in 
Stockton.
 Memorials are suggested to Braden Higdon Memorial Fund to be used 
for new demo drivers and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral
 Home, 723 N 1st St, Stockton, Kansas 67669.

Braden 'Bubba' Ford Higdon

June 16, 1961
 -
 June 16, 2021

An obituary is pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Karen-Jayne-Thompson?obId=21451234#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624024327142.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>June 16, 1961
 -
 June 16, 2021 An obituary is pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Karen-Jayne-Thompson?obId=21451234#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Karen Jayne Thompson

Calvin Eugene Fowler, 75, died on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at his home in Garden City. He was born on March 8, 1946 in Fredrick, Okla., the son of Claud Albert and Viola Pearl Shelton Fowler.

He has been a resident of Garden City since 1979 and worked in heating and air by owning his own business, Fowler’s Service.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

On Feb. 19, 2005 he was married to Betty Graeff Whitehurst. She survives.

Survivors incude: Five step-children: Ann Whitehurst of Texas Constance Smith of Colorado Linda Whitehurst of Texas Teresa Shearmire of Missouri Rose Whitehurst of Kansas Five siblings: Phyllis Cook (Tommie) of Flordia Roger Fowler (Tamra) of Colorado Marilyn Witman (Ronnie) of Colorado Terry Fowler (Cindy) of Garden City Cindy Keller of Garden City 15 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, David, Wanda, Morina, Helen, and Patricia.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 19 at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home of Garden City. The service will be streamed live at Price and Sons Funeral Home webpage and click the live stream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;or click on "<a href="https://evt.live/calvin-fowler-memorial-service">LIVESTREAM</a>"&nbsp;starting at 10:55 p.m.

Interment will take place at a later date.

Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or to the Caregivers of Garden City in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623964901942.png" alt="Calvin Eugene Fowler" />
 <figcaption>Calvin Eugene Fowler</figcaption>
 </figure>Calvin Eugene Fowler, 75, died on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at his home in Garden City. He was born on March 8, 1946 in Fredrick, Okla., the son of Claud Albert and Viola Pearl Shelton Fowler.He has been a resident of Garden City since 1979 and worked in heating and air by owning his own business, Fowler’s Service.He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.On Feb. 19, 2005 he was married to Betty Graeff Whitehurst. She survives.Survivors incude: Five step-children: Ann Whitehurst of Texas Constance Smith of Colorado Linda Whitehurst of Texas Teresa Shearmire of Missouri Rose Whitehurst of Kansas Five siblings: Phyllis Cook (Tommie) of Flordia Roger Fowler (Tamra) of Colorado Marilyn Witman (Ronnie) of Colorado Terry Fowler (Cindy) of Garden City Cindy Keller of Garden City 15 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, David, Wanda, Morina, Helen, and Patricia.Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 19 at Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home of Garden City. The service will be streamed live at Price and Sons Funeral Home webpage and click the live stream tab on the left side of the obituary&nbsp;or click on "<a href="https://evt.live/calvin-fowler-memorial-service">LIVESTREAM</a>"&nbsp;starting at 10:55 p.m.Interment will take place at a later date.Memorials can be made to the St. Catherine Hospice or to the Caregivers of Garden City in care of Price &amp; Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.

Calvin Eugene Fowler

Gary William Smith, 61, died Monday June 14, 2021 at Good Samaritan Society in Liberal

He was born in Moline, Ill., on Dec. 5, 1959 the son of William Gene and Darlene Marie (Ziegler) Smith. Gary lived in Illinois until 2000 where he attended and graduated from East Moline High School in 1977. In 2000 he relocated to Garden City to be closer to family.

Gary was a people person; he had the ability to make friends anywhere he went. Although a member of Church of the Brethren, he was known to be in attendance at several of the other local churches.

Gary delivered papers for an occupation but spent his free time volunteering at the Emmaus House. Often times when they would otherwise be closed; on holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. He had a big heart and enjoyed helping others.

Gary was an avid K-State fan. He wore purple quite often and even had a purple rocking chair. He was always optimistic and hopeful for his team and lost many a bet because of his loyalty. Gary is survived by his siblings David and Deanne Smith of Holcomb, Barbara Smith of Garden City, and James Smith of Moline, Illinois; niece Genessa West and family of Garden City; nephew David Smith Jr. and family of Garden City; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday June 18 at the First Assembly of God in Garden City with Bob Bates officiating.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday June 17, 2021 at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gary Smith Memorial Fund in care of <a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/">Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623964402236.png" alt="Gary William Smith" />
 <figcaption>Gary William Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>Gary William Smith, 61, died Monday June 14, 2021 at Good Samaritan Society in Liberal He was born in Moline, Ill., on Dec. 5, 1959 the son of William Gene and Darlene Marie (Ziegler) Smith. Gary lived in Illinois until 2000 where he attended and graduated from East Moline High School in 1977. In 2000 he relocated to Garden City to be closer to family.Gary was a people person; he had the ability to make friends anywhere he went. Although a member of Church of the Brethren, he was known to be in attendance at several of the other local churches.Gary delivered papers for an occupation but spent his free time volunteering at the Emmaus House. Often times when they would otherwise be closed; on holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. He had a big heart and enjoyed helping others.Gary was an avid K-State fan. He wore purple quite often and even had a purple rocking chair. He was always optimistic and hopeful for his team and lost many a bet because of his loyalty. Gary is survived by his siblings David and Deanne Smith of Holcomb, Barbara Smith of Garden City, and James Smith of Moline, Illinois; niece Genessa West and family of Garden City; nephew David Smith Jr. and family of Garden City; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday June 18 at the First Assembly of God in Garden City with Bob Bates officiating.Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday June 17, 2021 at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gary Smith Memorial Fund in care of <a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/">Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City</a>.

Gary William Smith

Visitation 3 to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Stinemetz Funeral Home,522 N. Pomeroy Ave., Hill City, KS 67642. The family will be present from 6 to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Visitation begins. JUN21

Funeral Service 11 a.m. Monday, June 21 at Bogue United Methodist Church, 902 Hummingbird Road,&nbsp;Bogue, KS 67625

Final Resting Place Wildhorse TWP Cemetery A full obituary is pending with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/">Stinemetz Funeral Home</a>.

June 16, 1961 - June 16, 2021Visitation 3 to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Stinemetz Funeral Home,522 N. Pomeroy Ave., Hill City, KS 67642. The family will be present from 6 to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Visitation begins. JUN21Funeral Service 11 a.m. Monday, June 21 at Bogue United Methodist Church, 902 Hummingbird Road,&nbsp;Bogue, KS 67625Final Resting Place Wildhorse TWP Cemetery A full obituary is pending with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/">Stinemetz Funeral Home</a>.

Lindsey Rae Crawford, 30, passed away on June 14, 2021 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays. She was born on December 27, 1990 in Hays, the daughter of Steven Crawford and April (Buhrle) Delo.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021 at the First Christian Church, Utica, Kansas following with burial in the Utica Cemetery. 

Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 20, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Lindsey Crawford Funeral Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623963200469.jpeg" alt="Lindsey Rae Crawford" />
 <figcaption>Lindsey Rae Crawford</figcaption>
 </figure>Lindsey Rae Crawford, 30, passed away on June 14, 2021 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays. She was born on December 27, 1990 in Hays, the daughter of Steven Crawford and April (Buhrle) Delo.Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021 at the First Christian Church, Utica, Kansas following with burial in the Utica Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 20, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.Memorial contributions may be given to the Lindsey Crawford Funeral Fund.

Lindsey Rae Crawford

September 22, 1997
 -
 June 16, 2021

An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Braden-Ford-Bubba-Higdon?obId=21445455#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623940806713.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>September 22, 1997
 -
 June 16, 2021An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.Click <a href="https://www.plumeroverlease.com/obituaries/Braden-Ford-Bubba-Higdon?obId=21445455#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Braden Ford 'Bubba' Higdon

Rector Allen "Monk" Ward, of Hays, died June 17, 2021, at his home in Hays.  Services are pending with Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. 

 Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Rector Allen "Monk" Ward, of Hays, died June 17, 2021, at his home in Hays. Services are pending with Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Rector Allen 'Monk' Ward

Judy Dianne Kirk Gordon, 73, entered the gates of heaven on Monday, 
June 14th, 2021. Judy was born on December 1st, 1947, in Garden City, 
Kansas, the daughter of Henry Charles Kirk and Mary Eleanor Jones. Judy 
graduated from Scott City High School. Judy met her wonderful husband, 
John Alfred Gordon while working on her teaching degree at Kansas State 
University.

Judy married John Alfred Gordon on November 5th, 1972; and together 
they raised two beautiful daughters, Vanessa (Bailey), and Christy 
(Faylor). One of Judy’s proudest moments is when she became a 
grandmother (Grammy). She had 3 grandchildren: Kaylee, Mackenzie, and 
Michael. Judy’s face would light up with pure joy whenever her 
grandchildren were around. There must be a special love between a Grammy
 and her grandchildren. She was really close to Kaylee as Kaylee was the
 oldest and the only grandchild for the first 15 years. They were able 
to spend a lot of one-on-one time together.

Judy had a servant’s heart. Judy was extremely kind, caring, 
compassionate, and had a beautiful soul. She had an incredible love for 
Jesus and continued to grow in her faith through bible study. Judy was a
 beacon of light and her faith shined through her heart, mind, and soul 
(Matthew 22:37). Mom was an inspiration to us all (Proverbs 31: 28-29) 
and taught us the importance of building a strong relationship with 
Jesus. Our strong faith comes from watching our mom’s giving heart. Mom 
was the person that we looked up to the most. We will always be grateful
 for the time and special memories that we had with our beloved mom, 
grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Mom loved teaching kids how to read and made a difference in their 
lives. She taught reading recovery and ESL for 25 years at Camey 
Elementary. Judy was an inspiration to all the kids that she taught and 
built a strong connection with each child. Judy also donated to World 
Vision charity and sponsored 7 children a month. Judy had a giving heart
 and loves to make a difference.

Judy leaves loving memories to be cherished by her devoted children, 
Vanessa, and her husband Adam; Christy, and her husband Cory; 3 
grandchildren, Kaylee, Mackenzie, and Michael, and she was a&nbsp;devoted 
sister to Chuck Kirk and Kathy Lawrence.

Funeral Service will be held at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 740 S. 
Edmunds Lane, Lewisville, Texas 75067 at 3 pm on Friday, June 18th, 
2021, and visitation will be an hour before at 2 pm.

Graveside service will be on Monday, June 21st at the Scott County 
Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at 10 am with Rev. Larry Danforth 
presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be made to World 
Vision due to her love for helping children all over the world. Please 
join us in celebrating Judy Gordon’s incredible life!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623937005001.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Judy Dianne Kirk Gordon, 73, entered the gates of heaven on Monday, 
June 14th, 2021. Judy was born on December 1st, 1947, in Garden City, 
Kansas, the daughter of Henry Charles Kirk and Mary Eleanor Jones. Judy 
graduated from Scott City High School. Judy met her wonderful husband, 
John Alfred Gordon while working on her teaching degree at Kansas State 
University.Judy married John Alfred Gordon on November 5th, 1972; and together 
they raised two beautiful daughters, Vanessa (Bailey), and Christy 
(Faylor). One of Judy’s proudest moments is when she became a 
grandmother (Grammy). She had 3 grandchildren: Kaylee, Mackenzie, and 
Michael. Judy’s face would light up with pure joy whenever her 
grandchildren were around. There must be a special love between a Grammy
 and her grandchildren. She was really close to Kaylee as Kaylee was the
 oldest and the only grandchild for the first 15 years. They were able 
to spend a lot of one-on-one time together.Judy had a servant’s heart. Judy was extremely kind, caring, 
compassionate, and had a beautiful soul. She had an incredible love for 
Jesus and continued to grow in her faith through bible study. Judy was a
 beacon of light and her faith shined through her heart, mind, and soul 
(Matthew 22:37). Mom was an inspiration to us all (Proverbs 31: 28-29) 
and taught us the importance of building a strong relationship with 
Jesus. Our strong faith comes from watching our mom’s giving heart. Mom 
was the person that we looked up to the most. We will always be grateful
 for the time and special memories that we had with our beloved mom, 
grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.Mom loved teaching kids how to read and made a difference in their 
lives. She taught reading recovery and ESL for 25 years at Camey 
Elementary. Judy was an inspiration to all the kids that she taught and 
built a strong connection with each child. Judy also donated to World 
Vision charity and sponsored 7 children a month. Judy had a giving heart
 and loves to make a difference.Judy leaves loving memories to be cherished by her devoted children, 
Vanessa, and her husband Adam; Christy, and her husband Cory; 3 
grandchildren, Kaylee, Mackenzie, and Michael, and she was a&nbsp;devoted 
sister to Chuck Kirk and Kathy Lawrence.Funeral Service will be held at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 740 S. 
Edmunds Lane, Lewisville, Texas 75067 at 3 pm on Friday, June 18th, 
2021, and visitation will be an hour before at 2 pm.Graveside service will be on Monday, June 21st at the Scott County 
Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at 10 am with Rev. Larry Danforth 
presiding.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be made to World 
Vision due to her love for helping children all over the world. Please 
join us in celebrating Judy Gordon’s incredible life!

Judy Dianne Gordon

Thursday, June 24th, 1954-Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Thursday, June 24th, 1954-Wednesday, June 16th, 2021An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Jerry Allen Enfield

Bill Van Schuyver passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at his home in 
Omaha, Nebraska. Bill was born on June 26, 1961 to Aud and Betty (Mason)
 Van Schuyver in Perryton, Texas.
 Bill grew up in Plainville, Kansas where he attended Plainville High
 School and graduated with the class of 1979. He furthered his education
 at Fort Hays State and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business 
Administration with the class of 1983. He was a shining example of what 
hard work and perseverance can do. Bill started as a part-timer at Pizza
 Hut and stayed with the company for 30 years climbing the ranks. This 
humble man went from delivering pizzas in an apron at the local Pizza 
Hut to making executive decisions within the company in an office in 
Chicago. His attitude toward his employees, fellow colleagues, friends, 
and family was a testament to his character. He respected everyone, he 
showed up for his family no matter what or when, and he was a friend to 
all. Bill was gifted with a beautiful voice and loved to sing in the 
choir at the Nazarene Church or for his friends’ weddings and even some 
funerals. He also loved sports - especially Nebraska Husker football.
 Bill will be remembered for his love for God, his family, and 
friends. May we be reminded each day to treat those around us with grace
 and a giving heart to honor the legacy of a man who did nothing but 
give, love, and cherish each day we are given.
 He is survived by his siblings, Dinah Van Schuyver and Dave (Mary) 
Van Schuyver of Plainville; nieces and nephews, Mike (Adriene) Helker, 
Rachel (Mark) Hackman, Morgan Van Schuyver, Amanda (Herb) Newman, Ryan 
Van Schuyver, Todd Van Schuyver, Carrie Van Schuyver; and many 
great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
 Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Aud and Betty Van Schuyver.
 A Memorial Service will be hosted by the family at the Nazarene Church in Plainville on Friday, June 18, 2021, at 2PM. 
 Memorials are suggested to the Nazarene Church and may be sent in 
care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 
67663.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623878997688.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bill Van Schuyver passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at his home in 
Omaha, Nebraska. Bill was born on June 26, 1961 to Aud and Betty (Mason)
 Van Schuyver in Perryton, Texas.
 Bill grew up in Plainville, Kansas where he attended Plainville High
 School and graduated with the class of 1979. He furthered his education
 at Fort Hays State and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business 
Administration with the class of 1983. He was a shining example of what 
hard work and perseverance can do. Bill started as a part-timer at Pizza
 Hut and stayed with the company for 30 years climbing the ranks. This 
humble man went from delivering pizzas in an apron at the local Pizza 
Hut to making executive decisions within the company in an office in 
Chicago. His attitude toward his employees, fellow colleagues, friends, 
and family was a testament to his character. He respected everyone, he 
showed up for his family no matter what or when, and he was a friend to 
all. Bill was gifted with a beautiful voice and loved to sing in the 
choir at the Nazarene Church or for his friends’ weddings and even some 
funerals. He also loved sports - especially Nebraska Husker football.
 Bill will be remembered for his love for God, his family, and 
friends. May we be reminded each day to treat those around us with grace
 and a giving heart to honor the legacy of a man who did nothing but 
give, love, and cherish each day we are given.
 He is survived by his siblings, Dinah Van Schuyver and Dave (Mary) 
Van Schuyver of Plainville; nieces and nephews, Mike (Adriene) Helker, 
Rachel (Mark) Hackman, Morgan Van Schuyver, Amanda (Herb) Newman, Ryan 
Van Schuyver, Todd Van Schuyver, Carrie Van Schuyver; and many 
great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
 Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Aud and Betty Van Schuyver.
 A Memorial Service will be hosted by the family at the Nazarene Church in Plainville on Friday, June 18, 2021, at 2PM. 
 Memorials are suggested to the Nazarene Church and may be sent in 
care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 
67663.

Bill Van Schuyver

Donna L. Hanken, 79, passed away June 15, 2021, at Diversicare of Larned.

She was born May 9, 1942, in Great Bend to William and Nora Wing Mog.

A lifetime area resident, she was a food service director for both 
USD 495 and Larned State Hospital. She was a member of the First 
Presbyterian Church, Larned, where she was a Deacon and member of the 
Presbyterian Women. She was also a member of Fort Larned Good Sam’s 
Club, Pawnee County Humane Society, and she enjoyed bowling, softball, 
tennis, card clubs, friends, and her dogs, Lucky and Gizmo. She 
volunteered as a 4-H leader, the Red Cross, and with the election board.

On September 31, 1961 she married Erwin Dean Hanken at Larned; he survives.

Other survivors include: two daughters, Missy (Brad) Schmidt, 
Harrisonville, Missouri, Rhonda (Steve) Molde, Wichita; a sister, Sue 
Seeman, Larned; five grandchildren: Jessica (Brandon) Gargano, Kristine 
(Joe) Parkurst, Megan (Jacob) Bathgate, Micaela Molde, and Miranda 
Molde; five great grandchildren: Sullivan Gargano, Jaxon Parkhurst, 
Finnegan Parkhurst, Bristol Bathgate, and Beau Bathgate.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Pastor Bill Stapleton presiding. 
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will 
be in Larned Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, Larned, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623879246464.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donna L. Hanken, 79, passed away June 15, 2021, at Diversicare of Larned.She was born May 9, 1942, in Great Bend to William and Nora Wing Mog.A lifetime area resident, she was a food service director for both 
USD 495 and Larned State Hospital. She was a member of the First 
Presbyterian Church, Larned, where she was a Deacon and member of the 
Presbyterian Women. She was also a member of Fort Larned Good Sam’s 
Club, Pawnee County Humane Society, and she enjoyed bowling, softball, 
tennis, card clubs, friends, and her dogs, Lucky and Gizmo. She 
volunteered as a 4-H leader, the Red Cross, and with the election board.On September 31, 1961 she married Erwin Dean Hanken at Larned; he survives.Other survivors include: two daughters, Missy (Brad) Schmidt, 
Harrisonville, Missouri, Rhonda (Steve) Molde, Wichita; a sister, Sue 
Seeman, Larned; five grandchildren: Jessica (Brandon) Gargano, Kristine 
(Joe) Parkurst, Megan (Jacob) Bathgate, Micaela Molde, and Miranda 
Molde; five great grandchildren: Sullivan Gargano, Jaxon Parkhurst, 
Finnegan Parkhurst, Bristol Bathgate, and Beau Bathgate.She was preceded in death by her parents.Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Pastor Bill Stapleton presiding. 
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 18, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will 
be in Larned Cemetery at a later date.Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, Larned, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.

Donna L. Hanken

Janis Loretta (Moore) Elfers, age 85, passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, KS.

Janis was born April 22, 1936 to Clyde E. and Eula M. (Stucker) Moore
 in Goodland, Kansas.&nbsp; She grew up and lived in Edson where she 
graduated from Edson Consolidated School in 1954.&nbsp; Janis married Dale 
LeRoy Elfers of Logan, OK on November&nbsp;19, 1960 and had 4 children 
together Roy Lee, Victoria Lynn, Infant Son and Barbara Ann.&nbsp; Janis 
worked as&nbsp; secretary for the Edson Consolidated School and served as 
their secretary for the Edson Alumni Committee, she also worked at the 
Sherman County ASC office in Goodland, also secretary for Clyde Moore 
Grain Company in Edson which was owned and operated by her father Clyde 
Moore for many years and bookkeeper for Farris Manufacturing in Goodland
 until she retired in 2016.&nbsp; &nbsp;Janis was a member of the United Methodist
 Church in Goodland.&nbsp; She enjoyed reading books, gardening, cooking and 
baking for her family&nbsp;(especially her famous Frog Eye Salad and her 
Mother's Famous Cupcakes)&nbsp;and watching her favorite TV shows NCIS and 
Blue Bloods as well as&nbsp; Crusin’ Main, and spending time with her 
children and grandchildren.&nbsp;

Janis was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; daughter, Victoria Lynn; and her infant son.&nbsp;

She is survived by her son, Roy Lee Elfers of Colby, daughter, 
Barbara Ann and husband David Sayyae of Topeka, grandchildren, Zachary 
Elfers of Newton, Joshua Tucker of Hesston and his 2 sons Janis's great 
grandsons Shawn and Owen Tucker, and Emily Elfers of Guthrie, OK. and 
many more family and friends.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Janis-Elfers">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623850760617.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Janis Loretta (Moore) Elfers, age 85, passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, KS.Janis was born April 22, 1936 to Clyde E. and Eula M. (Stucker) Moore
 in Goodland, Kansas.&nbsp; She grew up and lived in Edson where she 
graduated from Edson Consolidated School in 1954.&nbsp; Janis married Dale 
LeRoy Elfers of Logan, OK on November&nbsp;19, 1960 and had 4 children 
together Roy Lee, Victoria Lynn, Infant Son and Barbara Ann.&nbsp; Janis 
worked as&nbsp; secretary for the Edson Consolidated School and served as 
their secretary for the Edson Alumni Committee, she also worked at the 
Sherman County ASC office in Goodland, also secretary for Clyde Moore 
Grain Company in Edson which was owned and operated by her father Clyde 
Moore for many years and bookkeeper for Farris Manufacturing in Goodland
 until she retired in 2016.&nbsp; &nbsp;Janis was a member of the United Methodist
 Church in Goodland.&nbsp; She enjoyed reading books, gardening, cooking and 
baking for her family&nbsp;(especially her famous Frog Eye Salad and her 
Mother's Famous Cupcakes)&nbsp;and watching her favorite TV shows NCIS and 
Blue Bloods as well as&nbsp; Crusin’ Main, and spending time with her 
children and grandchildren.&nbsp;Janis was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; daughter, Victoria Lynn; and her infant son.&nbsp;She is survived by her son, Roy Lee Elfers of Colby, daughter, 
Barbara Ann and husband David Sayyae of Topeka, grandchildren, Zachary 
Elfers of Newton, Joshua Tucker of Hesston and his 2 sons Janis's great 
grandsons Shawn and Owen Tucker, and Emily Elfers of Guthrie, OK. and 
many more family and friends.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.batemanfuneral.com/obituary/Janis-Elfers">HERE</a> for service details.

Janis Loretta (Moore) Elfers

Lyman Lee Black was born Feb. 22, 1942, the son of Eldon and Mildred (Hessenflow) Black in Oberlin. He passed away June 14, 2021 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., at the age of 79 with his loving wife and three children by his side.

Lyman grew up and attended school in Oberlin, furthering his education at the Northwest Kansas Technical School in Goodland, studying diesel mechanics.

On Aug. 21, 1960, Lyman was united in marriage to Sharon Smith at the Assembly of God Church in Oberlin. They made their home most of their married life in Oberlin and are the parents of three children, Jean, Kenny, and Carla.

Lyman was a loving and devoted husband who cared deeply for his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each having a special place in his heart. His greatest love was spending time with them at the lake, fishing and going hunting.

Lyman worked at Pepsi Cola alongside his father, Reliance Motor Company, and Hansen’s Heating and Plumbing. Lyman enjoyed woodworking and crafts. He was also quite the handyman, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. Always jumping at the chance to help the kids whenever he was needed.

Lyman was active in the Oberlin Jaycee’s and the Jaycee BB Gun Shoot. He helped lead the Oberlin team to a state win, and they then competed at the national competition.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home; children: Jean and Byron Hale, Kenny and Jody Black, and Carla and David Depperschmidt all of Oberlin; grandchildren: Chelsey and Leigh Zodrow, Jobey Black and fiancé, Kylee Pfannenstiel, Cheyanna Hale, Leia and Jason Gallentine, and Heather Depperschmidt; great-grandchildren: Paisley, Taydem, and Kreightyn Zodrow, Nashlynn Black, Kiera and Clayton Gallentine, Zachary and Olvia Pryor and Quinn Staten; sister, Leanna and Jim Bryan of Oberlin, special family friend, Linda Forgue, Richmond, Texas, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Mildred Black, and infant brother, Ray Gene.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Friday, June 18 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oberlin Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17 at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lyman Black Memorial Fund and sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave, Oberlin, KS 67749, 785-475-3127.

Condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.paulsfh.com">www.paulsfh.com</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623879156101.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lyman Lee Black was born Feb. 22, 1942, the son of Eldon and Mildred (Hessenflow) Black in Oberlin. He passed away June 14, 2021 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., at the age of 79 with his loving wife and three children by his side.Lyman grew up and attended school in Oberlin, furthering his education at the Northwest Kansas Technical School in Goodland, studying diesel mechanics. On Aug. 21, 1960, Lyman was united in marriage to Sharon Smith at the Assembly of God Church in Oberlin. They made their home most of their married life in Oberlin and are the parents of three children, Jean, Kenny, and Carla.Lyman was a loving and devoted husband who cared deeply for his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each having a special place in his heart. His greatest love was spending time with them at the lake, fishing and going hunting. Lyman worked at Pepsi Cola alongside his father, Reliance Motor Company, and Hansen’s Heating and Plumbing. Lyman enjoyed woodworking and crafts. He was also quite the handyman, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. Always jumping at the chance to help the kids whenever he was needed. Lyman was active in the Oberlin Jaycee’s and the Jaycee BB Gun Shoot. He helped lead the Oberlin team to a state win, and they then competed at the national competition.Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home; children: Jean and Byron Hale, Kenny and Jody Black, and Carla and David Depperschmidt all of Oberlin; grandchildren: Chelsey and Leigh Zodrow, Jobey Black and fiancé, Kylee Pfannenstiel, Cheyanna Hale, Leia and Jason Gallentine, and Heather Depperschmidt; great-grandchildren: Paisley, Taydem, and Kreightyn Zodrow, Nashlynn Black, Kiera and Clayton Gallentine, Zachary and Olvia Pryor and Quinn Staten; sister, Leanna and Jim Bryan of Oberlin, special family friend, Linda Forgue, Richmond, Texas, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Mildred Black, and infant brother, Ray Gene. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Friday, June 18 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oberlin Cemetery.Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lyman Black Memorial Fund and sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave, Oberlin, KS 67749, 785-475-3127.Condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.paulsfh.com">www.paulsfh.com</a>

Lyman Lee Black

Larry Degenhardt, 77, left this Earth to join his heavenly Father on 
June 15, 2021, at Via Christi St. Teresa, Wichita. He was born April 30,
 1944 at Hays, to Walter &amp; Bernita (Wasinger) Degenhardt. He married
 Shirley Schwartz July 9, 1966, at Great Bend.

Larry was a Great Bend resident for most of his life. He farmed and 
worked for Rice Engineering. In 1996, he formed D&amp;D Machine, which 
he owned and operated, while continuing to farm. He was a veteran of the
 United States Navy, having served during the Vietnam War. Larry’s heart
 lit up when he spent time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, 
and his fur baby Willow. Most of all he was a loving husband and friend 
to all who knew him. He was a devout Christian and member of First 
Church of God, serving and loving his Lord.

Survivors include, his wife, Shirley Degenhardt of the home; his 
mother, Bernita Degenhardt of Great Bend; his daughter, Tiffany Serna of
 Great Bend; his brothers, Louis Degenhardt and Kim and Richard 
Degenhardt, all of Great Bend, Lloyd Degenhardt and wife Leeta of 
Larned, and Leon Degenhardt and wife Paula of Okla.; his sister, Kathy 
Foster and husband Brett of Rose Hill; three grandchildren, Alex Serna 
and Sienna Serna, both of Great Bend, and Destiny Loera and husband 
Jaime of Washington State; and five great grandchildren, Mila VanRiper 
of Great Bend, Izen Loera and Zyus Loera of Washington State, Lilah 
Serna and Luna Serna, both of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by 
his father, Walter Degenhardt.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, June 20, 2021
 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. 
to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 
21, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Tom Swain presiding. 
Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery, with Military Rites 
conducted by the United States Navy. Memorials have been designated to 
First Church of God, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623879109629.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larry Degenhardt, 77, left this Earth to join his heavenly Father on 
June 15, 2021, at Via Christi St. Teresa, Wichita. He was born April 30,
 1944 at Hays, to Walter &amp; Bernita (Wasinger) Degenhardt. He married
 Shirley Schwartz July 9, 1966, at Great Bend.Larry was a Great Bend resident for most of his life. He farmed and 
worked for Rice Engineering. In 1996, he formed D&amp;D Machine, which 
he owned and operated, while continuing to farm. He was a veteran of the
 United States Navy, having served during the Vietnam War. Larry’s heart
 lit up when he spent time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, 
and his fur baby Willow. Most of all he was a loving husband and friend 
to all who knew him. He was a devout Christian and member of First 
Church of God, serving and loving his Lord.Survivors include, his wife, Shirley Degenhardt of the home; his 
mother, Bernita Degenhardt of Great Bend; his daughter, Tiffany Serna of
 Great Bend; his brothers, Louis Degenhardt and Kim and Richard 
Degenhardt, all of Great Bend, Lloyd Degenhardt and wife Leeta of 
Larned, and Leon Degenhardt and wife Paula of Okla.; his sister, Kathy 
Foster and husband Brett of Rose Hill; three grandchildren, Alex Serna 
and Sienna Serna, both of Great Bend, and Destiny Loera and husband 
Jaime of Washington State; and five great grandchildren, Mila VanRiper 
of Great Bend, Izen Loera and Zyus Loera of Washington State, Lilah 
Serna and Luna Serna, both of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by 
his father, Walter Degenhardt.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, June 20, 2021
 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. 
to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 
21, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Tom Swain presiding. 
Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery, with Military Rites 
conducted by the United States Navy. Memorials have been designated to 
First Church of God, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Larry Degenhardt

Thomas Joseph Ruda, passed away at the age of 78 on May 31, 2021, at the
 Good Samaritan Society Center, Atwood Kansas. He was born March 3, 
1943, to John and Rose (Sis) Ruda in Colby, KS. 
He lived most of his life in Rawlins County. He attended grade school in
 Atwood at both the Atwood Public Elementary School and the Sacred Heart
 Catholic Grade School. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Grade 
School. He attended Maur Hill Catholic High School in Atchison, KS for 
one year, then attended Atwood Community High School in Atwood, 
graduating in1961. 
He attended McCook Community College, Colby Community College and Fort 
Hays State University. He served in the Army Reserve. He was a retired 
farmer, and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Atwood. 
Tom loved all things that were a part of nature. He enjoyed watching 
wildlife and hiking through the countryside. He enjoyed visiting with 
all members of his family and talking about family history. He was 
especially proud of his Czech heritage. His late-night phone calls to 
family members will be missed. Other interests and hobbies of his 
included drawing and oil painting, writing, music, reading, playing 
cards, (especially Gin Rummy), watching old western tv programs and 
western movies. He especially loved looking after his pets. 
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Rose (Sis) Ruda; his 
brother, Jack Ruda; his grandparents, Frank and Stephana (Horinek) Ruda,
 step-grandmother Emily (Mahr) Ruda; and Frank and Apolina (Dobry) Sis. 
He is survived by two sisters: Teresa Johnston (Lloyd); Rose Lee Klenke 
(Tom); and one brother, Richard Ruda (Mary). He is also survived by 
special cousins, Delpha, Jarett, Marie and Jesse Sis; numerous nieces 
and nephews, cousins and friends. 
A private graveside blessing and inurnment have taken place with Fr. 
Norbert Dlabal officiating at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Atwood, KS. 
Baalmann Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. A memorial service 
will be held at a later date. 
Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Fund, in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Condolences may be 
mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For 
information and online condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com 
The family of Tom wishes to thank all who helped Tom and cared for him 
especially during the past two months: The Sis family, Fr. Norbert 
Dlabal, the Rawlins County EMT and ambulance crew, the doctors, nurses 
and staff of the Rawlins County Hospital and Health Clinic, the doctors 
and staff of Kearney Regional Hospital, the Good Samaritan Home Health 
staff, the staff of Good Samaritan Center in Atwood, and Taron Davis of 
Baalmann Mortuary. May the Good Lord bless you all for the compassion 
and support shown to Tom and his family members. 
The following are both prayers of St Francis of Assisi: 
“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the 
shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise
 with their fellow men.” 
“Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick 
and useless as when he is well and can be of service to him. And, 
blessed is he who loves his brother as well when he is afar as when he 
is by his side, and who would say nothing behind his back he might not, 
in love, say before his face.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623861050676.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thomas Joseph Ruda, passed away at the age of 78 on May 31, 2021, at the
 Good Samaritan Society Center, Atwood Kansas. He was born March 3, 
1943, to John and Rose (Sis) Ruda in Colby, KS. 
He lived most of his life in Rawlins County. He attended grade school in
 Atwood at both the Atwood Public Elementary School and the Sacred Heart
 Catholic Grade School. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Grade 
School. He attended Maur Hill Catholic High School in Atchison, KS for 
one year, then attended Atwood Community High School in Atwood, 
graduating in1961. 
He attended McCook Community College, Colby Community College and Fort 
Hays State University. He served in the Army Reserve. He was a retired 
farmer, and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Atwood. 
Tom loved all things that were a part of nature. He enjoyed watching 
wildlife and hiking through the countryside. He enjoyed visiting with 
all members of his family and talking about family history. He was 
especially proud of his Czech heritage. His late-night phone calls to 
family members will be missed. Other interests and hobbies of his 
included drawing and oil painting, writing, music, reading, playing 
cards, (especially Gin Rummy), watching old western tv programs and 
western movies. He especially loved looking after his pets. 
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Rose (Sis) Ruda; his 
brother, Jack Ruda; his grandparents, Frank and Stephana (Horinek) Ruda,
 step-grandmother Emily (Mahr) Ruda; and Frank and Apolina (Dobry) Sis. 
He is survived by two sisters: Teresa Johnston (Lloyd); Rose Lee Klenke 
(Tom); and one brother, Richard Ruda (Mary). He is also survived by 
special cousins, Delpha, Jarett, Marie and Jesse Sis; numerous nieces 
and nephews, cousins and friends. 
A private graveside blessing and inurnment have taken place with Fr. 
Norbert Dlabal officiating at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Atwood, KS. 
Baalmann Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. A memorial service 
will be held at a later date. 
Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Fund, in care of 
Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Condolences may be 
mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For 
information and online condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com 
The family of Tom wishes to thank all who helped Tom and cared for him 
especially during the past two months: The Sis family, Fr. Norbert 
Dlabal, the Rawlins County EMT and ambulance crew, the doctors, nurses 
and staff of the Rawlins County Hospital and Health Clinic, the doctors 
and staff of Kearney Regional Hospital, the Good Samaritan Home Health 
staff, the staff of Good Samaritan Center in Atwood, and Taron Davis of 
Baalmann Mortuary. May the Good Lord bless you all for the compassion 
and support shown to Tom and his family members. 
The following are both prayers of St Francis of Assisi: 
“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the 
shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise
 with their fellow men.” 
“Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick 
and useless as when he is well and can be of service to him. And, 
blessed is he who loves his brother as well when he is afar as when he 
is by his side, and who would say nothing behind his back he might not, 
in love, say before his face.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Thomas Joseph Ruda

Ronda L. Morris, 62, of Winona, KS, died Thursday, June 10, 2021. She 
was born January 24, 1959, in Elgin, ND, to Leo and Leona (Maier) 
Baesler. Ronda enjoyed cooking, gardening, watching KU Basketball, and 
especially spending time with her kids and grandkids. 
Ronda was preceded in death by her parents. 
She is survived by her three children, Shanon (Jenna) Morris, and son 
Leo; Michelle Morris (Ray Schweitzer), and sons Brendon and Reid and 
Brent Morris and daughter Ashlynn; brother Rodney Baesler and numerous 
cousins. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, 
at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Special 
Olympics and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623860975850.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ronda L. Morris, 62, of Winona, KS, died Thursday, June 10, 2021. She 
was born January 24, 1959, in Elgin, ND, to Leo and Leona (Maier) 
Baesler. Ronda enjoyed cooking, gardening, watching KU Basketball, and 
especially spending time with her kids and grandkids. 
Ronda was preceded in death by her parents. 
She is survived by her three children, Shanon (Jenna) Morris, and son 
Leo; Michelle Morris (Ray Schweitzer), and sons Brendon and Reid and 
Brent Morris and daughter Ashlynn; brother Rodney Baesler and numerous 
cousins. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 18, 2021, 
at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Special 
Olympics and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ronda Lee Morris (Baesler)

Vinita F. Buettgenbach, 87, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, at her home in Lebanon, KS. Funeral
 Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the 
United Methodist Church, 300 Main St., Lebanon, KS, with Pastor&nbsp; Less 
Ellis officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021, 
from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St.,
 Smith Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.&nbsp; Burial will take place in Sweet Home 
Cemetery, Lebanon, KS.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the United Methodist 
Church or The Hub Club designated for the Center Chapel and can be sent 
in care of the funeral chapel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623850816508.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vinita F. Buettgenbach, 87, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, at her home in Lebanon, KS. Funeral
 Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the 
United Methodist Church, 300 Main St., Lebanon, KS, with Pastor&nbsp; Less 
Ellis officiating.&nbsp; Visitation will be held on Friday, June 18, 2021, 
from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St.,
 Smith Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.&nbsp; Burial will take place in Sweet Home 
Cemetery, Lebanon, KS.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the United Methodist 
Church or The Hub Club designated for the Center Chapel and can be sent 
in care of the funeral chapel.

Vinita F. Buettgenbach

Lyle William Neville, 83, peacefully passed away at his home in 
Chandler, Arizona, on August 5, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. 
He was born on June 20, 1937, on the Neville homestead farm, in 
Benkleman Township, Cheyenne County, 18 miles southwest of St. Francis, 
Kansas; one of eight children born at this farm site to Monta Alice 
(Thompson) and George Neville.&nbsp; Lyle was the last surviving member of 
his prairie farming family.

While his family mourns the passing of their patriarch, his friends, 
former students and so many others mourn the loss of an irreplaceable 
man. Lyle was very special; a kind, humble and gracious person, with a 
natural ability to make everything better.&nbsp; Lyle was a stranger to no 
one, a trusted friend to everyone and was loved by all who knew him. His
 generosity of his time, attention and sincere interest in others was 
immense.

After eight years of elementary school at rural school district #9 
(referred to as “Neville School”, where his mother taught school, and 
named in honor of his fraternal grandfather, who had donated a plot from
 his homestead ¼ section of land), Lyle graduated from Cheyenne 
Community High School in St. Francis, in 1955.&nbsp; He was President and 
Salutatorian of his Senior Class, member of the National Honor Society, 
1st Team center of the All Northwest Kansas Football team, Co-Captain of
 wrestling and football and Homecoming King.&nbsp; He graduated from the 
University of Colorado in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
Secondary Education, Deans Honor List.&nbsp; In pursuit of his continuing 
education over the next 40 years, Lyle also attended the University of 
Kansas, Wichita State University, Kansas State University (Hays), and 
Western State College (Gunnison, CO).

On July 23, 1961, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Coons, 
in Goodland, Kansas. Last month they celebrated their 59th wedding 
anniversary.&nbsp; A testament to Lyle and Bonnie’s lifelong love for each 
other was their amazing relationship formed and maintained with family 
and so many wonderful friends.

Lyle was a championship high school and college wrestler.&nbsp; As a high 
school wrestler at St. Francis, Lyle was special; he was one of Kansas’ 
first 3-time Kansas State Wrestling Champions (1953, 1954 &amp; 1955), 
he placed 3rd in State his freshman year (1952).&nbsp; Lyle and his high 
school teammates won four consecutive Kansas State Team Championships, 
under two legendary coaches (a total of six consecutive years, 1951 
through 1956).&nbsp; In addition to wrestling, Lyle was a 3-year football 
letterman and four-year letterman in track, where he ran the middle 
distances, relays and threw the javelin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the University of Colorado, he continued his storied wrestling 
career as a collegiate three-year letterman (freshmen were not eligible 
to participate at the varsity level).&nbsp; He was Big-7 Conference Champion 
at 137 lbs. in 1957, and took 4th Place in Big-8 tournament in 1959.&nbsp; 
While team leader at CU, Lyle competed in the NCAA Championship 
Tournament in 1957 and 1959.&nbsp; His amateur freestyle career was 
highlighted as Champion of AAU Rocky Mountain Tournament in 1956 and 
Runner-Up in 1958.&nbsp; He was Champion at the 1956 U.S. Olympic, Rocky 
Mountain District Tournament in Sterling, Colorado, where he was awarded
 tournament trophy for quickest pin in 13 seconds.&nbsp; He went on that 
summer to compete in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman in the 1956 U.S. 
Olympic National Finals in Los Angeles, California.

For 35 years, Lyle excelled in his high school coaching and teaching 
career.&nbsp; He was beloved and honored by thousands of former athletes and 
students.&nbsp; He always led by example and was such a great mentor to all.&nbsp;
 Out of college in 1959, Lyle was hired as a P.E. teacher, varsity 
wrestling coach and assistant coach in football and track in Sterling, 
Colorado.&nbsp; The following year he began a 10-year reign (1960 – 1970), as
 the head wrestling coach at Colby High School in Colby, the center 
hotbed of northwest Kansas wrestling.&nbsp; While at Colby, Lyle coached 12 
Kansas State Champs and 20 other wrestlers to 2nd through 4th Place 
finishes.&nbsp; In addition to his primary duties as a P.E. and social 
studies teacher, he also assisted coaching in football and track.

In 1970, Lyle moved his young family to Hutchinson, Kansas, to accept
 the varsity wrestling coaching position at Hutchinson High School.&nbsp; 
While at the helm, he led his championship team for 24 seasons 
(1970-1994). Under his leadership, HHS won two Kansas Wrestling team 
titles in 1973 (5A) and 1981 (6A).&nbsp; His teams had 21 years in Top-10 
Kansas State finishes in 34 seasons.&nbsp; In addition to the two team titles
 at HHS, his teams (Hutchinson and Colby combined) accomplished 2nd 
Place (three times – 1963, 1980 &amp; 1982), 3rd Place (four times – 
1966, 1974, 1979, 1983), 4th or 5th Place (four times), 6th – 10th 
&nbsp;Place (eight times).&nbsp;&nbsp; During his long tenure of employment with 
Hutchinson Public Schools (U.S.D. 308), Lyle also assisted in coaching 
football and track, and was in charge of the District’s Driver Education
 program for decades.&nbsp; The family often heard stories and memories of 
the young people of Hutchinson, learning how to drive in this 
well-attended summer program from the 1970’s to the 1990’s.

Lyle was inducted into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall 
of Fame in 1995 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Lifetime 
Service to Wrestling Award), in 2004.&nbsp; Kansas Wrestling Coaches 
Association honored him as “Coach of the Year” in three different 
decades (1978, 1981 and 1993).&nbsp; He was elected two times as President of
 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, two times, Secretary-Treasurer, 
and was a charter member.&nbsp;

In his entire coaching career, he led individual wrestlers to State 
Titles (25 times), including his oldest son, Brad, in 1980 and his 
nephew, Jim Coons, in 1981, 1982 and 1983.&nbsp; He coached athletes in the 
State Tournament to 2nd Place (20 times), 3rd Place (25 times) and 4th 
Place (18 times) including his son, Lane, in 1982.&nbsp; He also coached his 
son, Morgan, and his daughter, Monee, was a varsity wrestling 
cheerleader.&nbsp; His wife, Bonnie, was the biggest supporter of all.&nbsp; 
Wrestling was always a family affair for the Nevilles.

Lyle was also a huge force in establishing the Kansas Youth 
Wrestling.&nbsp; In 1971, Bill Carroll, the Executive Director of the 
Hutchinson YMCA, approached him to start a kids’ program.&nbsp; The first 
season, 15 boys joined the Hutchinson Youth team and they participated 
in three tournaments--Andale, Colwich, and Douglass.&nbsp; The team grew 
immensely over the next few years as the entire youth wrestling movement
 took off in Kansas.&nbsp; By the third season, the Hutchinson Youth 
Wrestling Team grew to 70 boys.&nbsp; Lyle started the first Hutchinson Youth
 Wrestling Tournament.&nbsp; The first tournament was held in 1975, with 
about 300 participants. The next year, the tournament was moved from HHS
 to the Hutchinson Sports Arena and drew nearly 600 participants as more
 and more communities had started youth wrestling programs. The 
Hutchinson YMCA Invitational Tournament continued to grow in size and 
many years it exceeded 1,000 youth wrestlers in a one-day tournament.&nbsp; 
Lyle was involved in coaching the YMCA program until 1981. Many 
outstanding volunteers helped and assisted him in youth coaching and 
with his tournament efforts over the years, including many of his 
varsity wrestlers and assistant coaches: Gary Travis, Dan Powers, Mike 
Juby, Mark and David Sandoval, Jim Coons, Tom Coons, Brad Neville, Mike 
Vierya, Bob Mauck, Mike Baker, Mike Garcia, and many others, maintaining
 sound coaching staff and fundamentals working with the youth of 
Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp; It was this spark of exposure to the sport of wrestling 
that Lyle created which captivated many young boys over the years, 
inspiring them to practice and compete in an individual sport for the 
first time, and to come to know and understand the highs and lows of 
individual athletic competition.&nbsp; For most, this simple rigor and 
self-awareness helped to develop them into the men that they would 
become.&nbsp;

Lyle retired from coaching in 1994.&nbsp; After retirement, Lyle worked 
for 10 years (2005-2015), cutting fairways and greeting patrons at 
Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Reno County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a huge part
 of the award-winning course and was extremely proud and fond of his 
time spent out of doors on this uniquely beautiful golf project nestled 
in one the best natural settings in central Kansas.

Lyle’s greatest of all accomplishments were his family, whom he and 
Bonnie nurtured, provided for, educated and supported in every way, and 
the lifelong personal relationships he formed throughout his life.&nbsp; His 
time at Cottonwood Hills was also one of his proudest accomplishments – 
in many respects, it may have been his favorite dream come true.

Lyle is survived by: &nbsp;his wife, Bonnie of Chandler, AZ; his three 
sons, Brad (Dena) of Hutchinson, KS, Lane (Kristin) of Scottsdale, AZ, 
Morgan (Sandra) of Chandler, AZ; and daughter, Monee of Chandler, AZ; 
nine grandchildren (each of whom developed and shared a unique bond with
 their ‘grandad’ or ‘papa’), Cole, Anna, Dalton, Elle, Ayla, Mia, Skye, 
Eden and Isaac; brother-in-law, Tom Coons (Kathy) of Chandler, AZ; and 
eight nephews and nine nieces.&nbsp; He will always be missed and never 
forgotten.&nbsp; The world lost a great man.

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Lyle-Neville">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623850618315.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lyle William Neville, 83, peacefully passed away at his home in 
Chandler, Arizona, on August 5, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. 
He was born on June 20, 1937, on the Neville homestead farm, in 
Benkleman Township, Cheyenne County, 18 miles southwest of St. Francis, 
Kansas; one of eight children born at this farm site to Monta Alice 
(Thompson) and George Neville.&nbsp; Lyle was the last surviving member of 
his prairie farming family.While his family mourns the passing of their patriarch, his friends, 
former students and so many others mourn the loss of an irreplaceable 
man. Lyle was very special; a kind, humble and gracious person, with a 
natural ability to make everything better.&nbsp; Lyle was a stranger to no 
one, a trusted friend to everyone and was loved by all who knew him. His
 generosity of his time, attention and sincere interest in others was 
immense.After eight years of elementary school at rural school district #9 
(referred to as “Neville School”, where his mother taught school, and 
named in honor of his fraternal grandfather, who had donated a plot from
 his homestead ¼ section of land), Lyle graduated from Cheyenne 
Community High School in St. Francis, in 1955.&nbsp; He was President and 
Salutatorian of his Senior Class, member of the National Honor Society, 
1st Team center of the All Northwest Kansas Football team, Co-Captain of
 wrestling and football and Homecoming King.&nbsp; He graduated from the 
University of Colorado in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
Secondary Education, Deans Honor List.&nbsp; In pursuit of his continuing 
education over the next 40 years, Lyle also attended the University of 
Kansas, Wichita State University, Kansas State University (Hays), and 
Western State College (Gunnison, CO).On July 23, 1961, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Coons, 
in Goodland, Kansas. Last month they celebrated their 59th wedding 
anniversary.&nbsp; A testament to Lyle and Bonnie’s lifelong love for each 
other was their amazing relationship formed and maintained with family 
and so many wonderful friends.Lyle was a championship high school and college wrestler.&nbsp; As a high 
school wrestler at St. Francis, Lyle was special; he was one of Kansas’ 
first 3-time Kansas State Wrestling Champions (1953, 1954 &amp; 1955), 
he placed 3rd in State his freshman year (1952).&nbsp; Lyle and his high 
school teammates won four consecutive Kansas State Team Championships, 
under two legendary coaches (a total of six consecutive years, 1951 
through 1956).&nbsp; In addition to wrestling, Lyle was a 3-year football 
letterman and four-year letterman in track, where he ran the middle 
distances, relays and threw the javelin.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the University of Colorado, he continued his storied wrestling 
career as a collegiate three-year letterman (freshmen were not eligible 
to participate at the varsity level).&nbsp; He was Big-7 Conference Champion 
at 137 lbs. in 1957, and took 4th Place in Big-8 tournament in 1959.&nbsp; 
While team leader at CU, Lyle competed in the NCAA Championship 
Tournament in 1957 and 1959.&nbsp; His amateur freestyle career was 
highlighted as Champion of AAU Rocky Mountain Tournament in 1956 and 
Runner-Up in 1958.&nbsp; He was Champion at the 1956 U.S. Olympic, Rocky 
Mountain District Tournament in Sterling, Colorado, where he was awarded
 tournament trophy for quickest pin in 13 seconds.&nbsp; He went on that 
summer to compete in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman in the 1956 U.S. 
Olympic National Finals in Los Angeles, California.For 35 years, Lyle excelled in his high school coaching and teaching 
career.&nbsp; He was beloved and honored by thousands of former athletes and 
students.&nbsp; He always led by example and was such a great mentor to all.&nbsp;
 Out of college in 1959, Lyle was hired as a P.E. teacher, varsity 
wrestling coach and assistant coach in football and track in Sterling, 
Colorado.&nbsp; The following year he began a 10-year reign (1960 – 1970), as
 the head wrestling coach at Colby High School in Colby, the center 
hotbed of northwest Kansas wrestling.&nbsp; While at Colby, Lyle coached 12 
Kansas State Champs and 20 other wrestlers to 2nd through 4th Place 
finishes.&nbsp; In addition to his primary duties as a P.E. and social 
studies teacher, he also assisted coaching in football and track.In 1970, Lyle moved his young family to Hutchinson, Kansas, to accept
 the varsity wrestling coaching position at Hutchinson High School.&nbsp; 
While at the helm, he led his championship team for 24 seasons 
(1970-1994). Under his leadership, HHS won two Kansas Wrestling team 
titles in 1973 (5A) and 1981 (6A).&nbsp; His teams had 21 years in Top-10 
Kansas State finishes in 34 seasons.&nbsp; In addition to the two team titles
 at HHS, his teams (Hutchinson and Colby combined) accomplished 2nd 
Place (three times – 1963, 1980 &amp; 1982), 3rd Place (four times – 
1966, 1974, 1979, 1983), 4th or 5th Place (four times), 6th – 10th 
&nbsp;Place (eight times).&nbsp;&nbsp; During his long tenure of employment with 
Hutchinson Public Schools (U.S.D. 308), Lyle also assisted in coaching 
football and track, and was in charge of the District’s Driver Education
 program for decades.&nbsp; The family often heard stories and memories of 
the young people of Hutchinson, learning how to drive in this 
well-attended summer program from the 1970’s to the 1990’s.Lyle was inducted into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall 
of Fame in 1995 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Lifetime 
Service to Wrestling Award), in 2004.&nbsp; Kansas Wrestling Coaches 
Association honored him as “Coach of the Year” in three different 
decades (1978, 1981 and 1993).&nbsp; He was elected two times as President of
 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association, two times, Secretary-Treasurer, 
and was a charter member.&nbsp;In his entire coaching career, he led individual wrestlers to State 
Titles (25 times), including his oldest son, Brad, in 1980 and his 
nephew, Jim Coons, in 1981, 1982 and 1983.&nbsp; He coached athletes in the 
State Tournament to 2nd Place (20 times), 3rd Place (25 times) and 4th 
Place (18 times) including his son, Lane, in 1982.&nbsp; He also coached his 
son, Morgan, and his daughter, Monee, was a varsity wrestling 
cheerleader.&nbsp; His wife, Bonnie, was the biggest supporter of all.&nbsp; 
Wrestling was always a family affair for the Nevilles.Lyle was also a huge force in establishing the Kansas Youth 
Wrestling.&nbsp; In 1971, Bill Carroll, the Executive Director of the 
Hutchinson YMCA, approached him to start a kids’ program.&nbsp; The first 
season, 15 boys joined the Hutchinson Youth team and they participated 
in three tournaments--Andale, Colwich, and Douglass.&nbsp; The team grew 
immensely over the next few years as the entire youth wrestling movement
 took off in Kansas.&nbsp; By the third season, the Hutchinson Youth 
Wrestling Team grew to 70 boys.&nbsp; Lyle started the first Hutchinson Youth
 Wrestling Tournament.&nbsp; The first tournament was held in 1975, with 
about 300 participants. The next year, the tournament was moved from HHS
 to the Hutchinson Sports Arena and drew nearly 600 participants as more
 and more communities had started youth wrestling programs. The 
Hutchinson YMCA Invitational Tournament continued to grow in size and 
many years it exceeded 1,000 youth wrestlers in a one-day tournament.&nbsp; 
Lyle was involved in coaching the YMCA program until 1981. Many 
outstanding volunteers helped and assisted him in youth coaching and 
with his tournament efforts over the years, including many of his 
varsity wrestlers and assistant coaches: Gary Travis, Dan Powers, Mike 
Juby, Mark and David Sandoval, Jim Coons, Tom Coons, Brad Neville, Mike 
Vierya, Bob Mauck, Mike Baker, Mike Garcia, and many others, maintaining
 sound coaching staff and fundamentals working with the youth of 
Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp; It was this spark of exposure to the sport of wrestling 
that Lyle created which captivated many young boys over the years, 
inspiring them to practice and compete in an individual sport for the 
first time, and to come to know and understand the highs and lows of 
individual athletic competition.&nbsp; For most, this simple rigor and 
self-awareness helped to develop them into the men that they would 
become.&nbsp;Lyle retired from coaching in 1994.&nbsp; After retirement, Lyle worked 
for 10 years (2005-2015), cutting fairways and greeting patrons at 
Cottonwood Hills Golf Course in Reno County, Kansas.&nbsp; He was a huge part
 of the award-winning course and was extremely proud and fond of his 
time spent out of doors on this uniquely beautiful golf project nestled 
in one the best natural settings in central Kansas.Lyle’s greatest of all accomplishments were his family, whom he and 
Bonnie nurtured, provided for, educated and supported in every way, and 
the lifelong personal relationships he formed throughout his life.&nbsp; His 
time at Cottonwood Hills was also one of his proudest accomplishments – 
in many respects, it may have been his favorite dream come true.Lyle is survived by: &nbsp;his wife, Bonnie of Chandler, AZ; his three 
sons, Brad (Dena) of Hutchinson, KS, Lane (Kristin) of Scottsdale, AZ, 
Morgan (Sandra) of Chandler, AZ; and daughter, Monee of Chandler, AZ; 
nine grandchildren (each of whom developed and shared a unique bond with
 their ‘grandad’ or ‘papa’), Cole, Anna, Dalton, Elle, Ayla, Mia, Skye, 
Eden and Isaac; brother-in-law, Tom Coons (Kathy) of Chandler, AZ; and 
eight nephews and nine nieces.&nbsp; He will always be missed and never 
forgotten.&nbsp; The world lost a great man.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Lyle-Neville">HERE</a> for service details.

Lyle William Neville

Keplind “Kip” Wayne Rojas, 51, of Oakley, KS, died Tuesday, June 8, 
2021, at Swedish Medical Center, in Denver. He was born August 30, 1969,
 in Garden City, KS, to Jimmy Rojas and Caverly (Beltran) Rojas- 
Wallace. Kip served in the United States Army. He worked as a jail 
guard. In his free time Kip enjoyed playing golf, racquetball and 
softball and coaching little league baseball. 
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. 
Kip is survived by his wife, Tina Rojas; children, Tim Rojas and Corben 
Davis; mother Caverly Rojas-Wallace; brothers, Brandon Rojas and Tyler 
Rojas and numerous cousins. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 
2901 N 8th St, Garden City, KS, with a reception at the Knights of 
Columbus Hall, 205 N 8th, Garden City. There will also be a celebration 
of life on Saturday, June 19, at 4:00 p.m. at 1118 W 4th St., Oakley, 
KS. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623850503021.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Keplind “Kip” Wayne Rojas, 51, of Oakley, KS, died Tuesday, June 8, 
2021, at Swedish Medical Center, in Denver. He was born August 30, 1969,
 in Garden City, KS, to Jimmy Rojas and Caverly (Beltran) Rojas- 
Wallace. Kip served in the United States Army. He worked as a jail 
guard. In his free time Kip enjoyed playing golf, racquetball and 
softball and coaching little league baseball. 
He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. 
Kip is survived by his wife, Tina Rojas; children, Tim Rojas and Corben 
Davis; mother Caverly Rojas-Wallace; brothers, Brandon Rojas and Tyler 
Rojas and numerous cousins. 
A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 
2901 N 8th St, Garden City, KS, with a reception at the Knights of 
Columbus Hall, 205 N 8th, Garden City. There will also be a celebration 
of life on Saturday, June 19, at 4:00 p.m. at 1118 W 4th St., Oakley, 
KS. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Obituaries