Phillip "Terry" Terrance Gieber passed from this life on February 25, 
2021. He was born on June 21,1948 to Albert and Edna (Debauche) Gieber 
in Concordia, Kansas. Terry was a 1966 graduate of Clifton High School 
in Clifton, Kansas. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Art in 
1970 from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He completed a 
Master’s Degree of Sculpture in 1971 from Fort Hays. He served in the US Army from June 1971 to July 1974. He was stationed in Worms, Germany
 where he rediscovered pottery while visiting a ceramics exhibition. 
More than just making art, Terry enjoyed the chemistry that goes into 
the clay. His later work was heavily influenced by his childhood in 
Kansas. He incorporated his awe of nature into every piece he designed. 
Terry said, “I think of landscape all the time. My work is always about 
earth. It’s decorating with fire itself." He returned to Fort 
Hays State to earn his teaching credentials (74-75) and taught art in 
Coffeyville, KS (1975-1976). He then taught art from 1976-1980 at 
Southwest Community College in Creston, Iowa. In 1980 he was accepted to
 the MA/MFA (Terminal Degree) Program at the University of Iowa. In 1983
 he was offered a position as assistant professor of ceramics and art 
history at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He served as art 
department chair from 1988 to 2012. For 31 years Terry Gieber 
tirelessly served as a professor of art in the Gonzaga University Art 
Department where he built from scratch and led the ceramics program and 
taught both ceramics and art appreciation courses. During that time he 
made invaluable contributions to the Art Department as a much respected 
educator in the region, to Gonzaga University as a long-serving 
department chair, and to the national and international ceramics 
community as an artist most famous for his “tornado jars”. Terry 
maintained an active exhibition schedule as one of the premier ceramic 
artists in the western United State. In 1994 he was the recipient of 
the Gonzaga award for scholarship (Great Teachers Program Award for 
Distinguished Scholarship), which recognized his work in ceramic tile 
restoration for several historic buildings in Los Angeles, Chicago, and 
other American cities. His tour de force tornado jars are in many 
respected collections nationwide. In 2002 Terry was an 
artist-in-residence at the prestigious Archie Bray Foundation for 
Ceramic Art in Helena, Montana. He served for 22 years as the 
chair of the Gonzaga University Art Dept., one of his many 
accomplishments that demonstrate his dedication to the arts. He 
mentored with incredible compassion, wit, and generosity of his time all
 of the art faculty who were hired after him. He was truly the rock of 
the department for all of those years. Terry’s impact on the 
education of literally thousands of college students is immeasurable. 
But his achievements as a ceramics professor are most clearly evident 
among the dozens of professional ceramic artists whom he trained and 
mentored over the years. For the vast majority of his career as a 
ceramics professor, Terry had at least one former Gonzaga student 
enrolled in a MFA ceramics program at any given time. He was a gifted 
teacher whose ceramics courses are remembered well and fondly by a 
generation of Gonzaga alumni. He applied his talents and 
knowledge as an artist to benefit both local and international 
communities. For many years he led the Empty Bowls fundraising project 
in Spokane Valley held at Jenny’s Café. He and his ceramics assistants 
and students made 300+ bowls each year for this fundraiser for local 
charities that was held in early March at Jenny’s Café in Spokane 
Valley. Terry typically made at least 100 off these ceramic bowls 
himself. He also contributed his knowledge, time, and expertise to 
projects led by Engineers without Borders and Potters for Peace, 
specifically a water purification project at the Songhai Center in Porto
 Novo, Benin. He displayed the first of his iconic tornado jars, 
the “Dorothy and Toto Jar” in 1989 at the Washington Centennial exhibit 
in Tacoma. The piece was 9 feet tall. He had close connections with the 
Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana, where he was Artist in 
Residence in the summer of 2002. His work in the ceramic tile industry 
led to his assistance with dozens of restoration projects throughout the
 United States. His work was shown extensively, including at the 
Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Starting in 2007, Terry 
headed the “Empty Bowls Project”, which each year produces and donates 
100 bowls to benefit the fight against cancer in children, childhood 
hunger and other worthy causes. Beginning in 2005, he worked with 
“Engineers without Borders” and “Potters for Peace” on water 
purification projects in Benin, Africa. On May 21, 2014 he retired from 
Gonzaga as Professor Emeritus. He met the love of his life, 
Kimberly Bramscher 52 years ago while they were both attending Fort Hays
 State. They wed on May 30, 1970 in Hays, KS. Terry is survived by his 
loving wife of 50 years, Kimberly of the home and son, Brett Gieber of 
Seattle, WA, his mother, Edna Rogge of Clay Center, KS, sisters: Lana 
(Russell) Biladeau of Silver Lake, KS, Annette (Robin) Hood of 
Concordia, KS, Angela Hayes of Fort Collins, CO., and his brother: 
Steven (Vicki) Gieber of Abilene, KS. He leaves behind numerous 
relatives and friends. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Albert
 Gieber and stepfather, Adolph Rogge. A graveside service with 
military honors will be held Friday, March 5, 2021, at 2 pm PST at South
 Pines Cemetery, 13400 E. 32nd Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington, 99206. 
Father Timothy Clancy will officiate the service. In lieu of 
flowers, please make a memorial gift to Gonzaga University in memory of 
Terry Gieber, for a Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship. Donations via check 
can be sent to Gonzaga University, Advancement Office, 502 E. Boone Ave.
 Spokane, WA 99258-0098 – note “Gieber’s Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship” 
on the memo line on the check, or online at www.gonzaga.edu/givenow. In 
the bottom section – indicate that this is a memorial gift for “Gieber’s
 Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship”, or via phone: 1-800-463-6925&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.pnwcremation.com/obituaries/Philip-Terry-Gieber?obId=20161477#/obituaryInfo">Pacific Northwest Crematories &amp; Funeral</a> is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614957501053.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phillip "Terry" Terrance Gieber passed from this life on February 25, 
2021. He was born on June 21,1948 to Albert and Edna (Debauche) Gieber 
in Concordia, Kansas. Terry was a 1966 graduate of Clifton High School 
in Clifton, Kansas. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Art in 
1970 from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He completed a 
Master’s Degree of Sculpture in 1971 from Fort Hays. He served in the US Army from June 1971 to July 1974. He was stationed in Worms, Germany
 where he rediscovered pottery while visiting a ceramics exhibition. 
More than just making art, Terry enjoyed the chemistry that goes into 
the clay. His later work was heavily influenced by his childhood in 
Kansas. He incorporated his awe of nature into every piece he designed. 
Terry said, “I think of landscape all the time. My work is always about 
earth. It’s decorating with fire itself." He returned to Fort 
Hays State to earn his teaching credentials (74-75) and taught art in 
Coffeyville, KS (1975-1976). He then taught art from 1976-1980 at 
Southwest Community College in Creston, Iowa. In 1980 he was accepted to
 the MA/MFA (Terminal Degree) Program at the University of Iowa. In 1983
 he was offered a position as assistant professor of ceramics and art 
history at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He served as art 
department chair from 1988 to 2012. For 31 years Terry Gieber 
tirelessly served as a professor of art in the Gonzaga University Art 
Department where he built from scratch and led the ceramics program and 
taught both ceramics and art appreciation courses. During that time he 
made invaluable contributions to the Art Department as a much respected 
educator in the region, to Gonzaga University as a long-serving 
department chair, and to the national and international ceramics 
community as an artist most famous for his “tornado jars”. Terry 
maintained an active exhibition schedule as one of the premier ceramic 
artists in the western United State. In 1994 he was the recipient of 
the Gonzaga award for scholarship (Great Teachers Program Award for 
Distinguished Scholarship), which recognized his work in ceramic tile 
restoration for several historic buildings in Los Angeles, Chicago, and 
other American cities. His tour de force tornado jars are in many 
respected collections nationwide. In 2002 Terry was an 
artist-in-residence at the prestigious Archie Bray Foundation for 
Ceramic Art in Helena, Montana. He served for 22 years as the 
chair of the Gonzaga University Art Dept., one of his many 
accomplishments that demonstrate his dedication to the arts. He 
mentored with incredible compassion, wit, and generosity of his time all
 of the art faculty who were hired after him. He was truly the rock of 
the department for all of those years. Terry’s impact on the 
education of literally thousands of college students is immeasurable. 
But his achievements as a ceramics professor are most clearly evident 
among the dozens of professional ceramic artists whom he trained and 
mentored over the years. For the vast majority of his career as a 
ceramics professor, Terry had at least one former Gonzaga student 
enrolled in a MFA ceramics program at any given time. He was a gifted 
teacher whose ceramics courses are remembered well and fondly by a 
generation of Gonzaga alumni. He applied his talents and 
knowledge as an artist to benefit both local and international 
communities. For many years he led the Empty Bowls fundraising project 
in Spokane Valley held at Jenny’s Café. He and his ceramics assistants 
and students made 300+ bowls each year for this fundraiser for local 
charities that was held in early March at Jenny’s Café in Spokane 
Valley. Terry typically made at least 100 off these ceramic bowls 
himself. He also contributed his knowledge, time, and expertise to 
projects led by Engineers without Borders and Potters for Peace, 
specifically a water purification project at the Songhai Center in Porto
 Novo, Benin. He displayed the first of his iconic tornado jars, 
the “Dorothy and Toto Jar” in 1989 at the Washington Centennial exhibit 
in Tacoma. The piece was 9 feet tall. He had close connections with the 
Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana, where he was Artist in 
Residence in the summer of 2002. His work in the ceramic tile industry 
led to his assistance with dozens of restoration projects throughout the
 United States. His work was shown extensively, including at the 
Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Starting in 2007, Terry 
headed the “Empty Bowls Project”, which each year produces and donates 
100 bowls to benefit the fight against cancer in children, childhood 
hunger and other worthy causes. Beginning in 2005, he worked with 
“Engineers without Borders” and “Potters for Peace” on water 
purification projects in Benin, Africa. On May 21, 2014 he retired from 
Gonzaga as Professor Emeritus. He met the love of his life, 
Kimberly Bramscher 52 years ago while they were both attending Fort Hays
 State. They wed on May 30, 1970 in Hays, KS. Terry is survived by his 
loving wife of 50 years, Kimberly of the home and son, Brett Gieber of 
Seattle, WA, his mother, Edna Rogge of Clay Center, KS, sisters: Lana 
(Russell) Biladeau of Silver Lake, KS, Annette (Robin) Hood of 
Concordia, KS, Angela Hayes of Fort Collins, CO., and his brother: 
Steven (Vicki) Gieber of Abilene, KS. He leaves behind numerous 
relatives and friends. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Albert
 Gieber and stepfather, Adolph Rogge. A graveside service with 
military honors will be held Friday, March 5, 2021, at 2 pm PST at South
 Pines Cemetery, 13400 E. 32nd Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington, 99206. 
Father Timothy Clancy will officiate the service. In lieu of 
flowers, please make a memorial gift to Gonzaga University in memory of 
Terry Gieber, for a Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship. Donations via check 
can be sent to Gonzaga University, Advancement Office, 502 E. Boone Ave.
 Spokane, WA 99258-0098 – note “Gieber’s Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship” 
on the memo line on the check, or online at www.gonzaga.edu/givenow. In 
the bottom section – indicate that this is a memorial gift for “Gieber’s
 Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship”, or via phone: 1-800-463-6925&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnwcremation.com/obituaries/Philip-Terry-Gieber?obId=20161477#/obituaryInfo">Pacific Northwest Crematories &amp; Funeral</a> is in charge of arrangements.

Phillip 'Terry' Terrance Gieber

Barbara Ann Bland, 86, passed away March 4, 2021 at the University of Kansas Health Systems Pawnee Valley Campus.

She was born March 23, 1934 in Larned, the daughter of Charles and Elsie Evans Buckman.

A lifetime area resident she was a secretary for Larned State 
Hospital and later for Ft Larned School District. She was a member of 
Larned United Methodist Church, served on the Methodist Church Budget 
Shop Committee, served on the Jordan Memorial Library Board and the 
Larned Zoning Board; and volunteered with the Red Cross Blood Mobile and
 Prairie Land Foods; helped out on movie nights and was a member of a 
weekly mah-jong group.

On March 15, 1959 she married Richard Bland in Larned; he preceded her in death August 12, 1995.

Survivors include: a son, Douglas (Deb) Bland, Chesapeake City, 
Maryland; two nephews, John Buckman, Yukon, Oklahoma, Chris (Julee) 
Buckman, Conway Springs; and two nieces, Mary (Jerry Sherwood) Fort 
Worth, Texas, and Beth (Jan) Skelton, Perry.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Jeffrey
 Bland; a brother, Robert Buckman and his wife Cleo Buckman.

Graveside funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2021 at 
Larned Cemetery with Pastor Tricia North presiding. Service will be 
viewable via Facebook Live at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary">www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary</a>.
 Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with family present from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Jeffrey Bland Memorial Scholarship fund
 in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614895588711.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barbara Ann Bland, 86, passed away March 4, 2021 at the University of Kansas Health Systems Pawnee Valley Campus.She was born March 23, 1934 in Larned, the daughter of Charles and Elsie Evans Buckman.A lifetime area resident she was a secretary for Larned State 
Hospital and later for Ft Larned School District. She was a member of 
Larned United Methodist Church, served on the Methodist Church Budget 
Shop Committee, served on the Jordan Memorial Library Board and the 
Larned Zoning Board; and volunteered with the Red Cross Blood Mobile and
 Prairie Land Foods; helped out on movie nights and was a member of a 
weekly mah-jong group.On March 15, 1959 she married Richard Bland in Larned; he preceded her in death August 12, 1995.Survivors include: a son, Douglas (Deb) Bland, Chesapeake City, 
Maryland; two nephews, John Buckman, Yukon, Oklahoma, Chris (Julee) 
Buckman, Conway Springs; and two nieces, Mary (Jerry Sherwood) Fort 
Worth, Texas, and Beth (Jan) Skelton, Perry.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Jeffrey
 Bland; a brother, Robert Buckman and his wife Cleo Buckman.Graveside funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2021 at 
Larned Cemetery with Pastor Tricia North presiding. Service will be 
viewable via Facebook Live at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary">www.facebook.com/beckwithmortuary</a>.
 Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 
Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with family present from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.Memorials may be given to the Jeffrey Bland Memorial Scholarship fund
 in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Barbara Ann Bland

Thad William Starr, 61, passed away March 3, 2021, at his home in 
Great Bend. He was born April 8, 1959, in Topeka, to Bill &amp; Carol 
(Pollock) Starr. He married Kimberly Kimber on September 11, 1982, in 
Great Bend.

A Great Bend resident since 1970, Thad worked in the oil production 
industry, most recently for American Energy and Trek, LLC, retiring in 
2015. He had started his 36 year long career in the oilfield with Morris
 Chemical and JACAM.&nbsp; Thad enjoyed spending time with his friends on the
 golf course and playing cards.&nbsp; He especially cherished time spent with
 his family at the lake house at Kanopolis Lake.

Survivors include, his wife Kimberly Starr of the home; a son, 
Zachariah Starr of St. Charles, Mo.; his father, Bill Starr of Lyons; a 
sister Jill Vierthaler and husband Greg of Spearville; and a brother 
Neal Starr and wife Brenda of Oberlin. He was preceded in death by his 
mother, Carol Starr.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, March 7, 2021
 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. 
to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 
8, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home with Chaplain Jeff Johnson presiding. 
Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been 
designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614895524546.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thad William Starr, 61, passed away March 3, 2021, at his home in 
Great Bend. He was born April 8, 1959, in Topeka, to Bill &amp; Carol 
(Pollock) Starr. He married Kimberly Kimber on September 11, 1982, in 
Great Bend.A Great Bend resident since 1970, Thad worked in the oil production 
industry, most recently for American Energy and Trek, LLC, retiring in 
2015. He had started his 36 year long career in the oilfield with Morris
 Chemical and JACAM.&nbsp; Thad enjoyed spending time with his friends on the
 golf course and playing cards.&nbsp; He especially cherished time spent with
 his family at the lake house at Kanopolis Lake.Survivors include, his wife Kimberly Starr of the home; a son, 
Zachariah Starr of St. Charles, Mo.; his father, Bill Starr of Lyons; a 
sister Jill Vierthaler and husband Greg of Spearville; and a brother 
Neal Starr and wife Brenda of Oberlin. He was preceded in death by his 
mother, Carol Starr.Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, March 7, 2021
 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. 
to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 
8, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home with Chaplain Jeff Johnson presiding. 
Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been 
designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral 
Home.

Thad William Starr

Jerry Lee Ellis, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 
the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on May 
24, 1939, in Scott County, Kansas, the son of Tom and Essie Prose 
Ellis.&nbsp; Jerry was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 2013 moving 
from Weaverville, North Carolina, and was retired.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Jerry loved going to church, attending weekly family dinners, and 
singing.

Jerry was married to Lena I. Sands until her passing on June 8, 2013.

Surviving family include Mark &amp; Sheila Ellis of Scott City, 
Kansas, Brittan Ellis of Scott City, Kansas, Tomas Ellis of Garden City,
 Kansas, Kulver, Leiken &amp; Brooks Ellis of Scott City, Kansas and 
Lucas, Emelie &amp; Ember Ellis of Scott City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his Parents and Wife - Lena.

At this time cremation has taken place and according to his wishes, there will be no services.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the First Baptist Church 
in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614886844873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jerry Lee Ellis, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at 
the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on May 
24, 1939, in Scott County, Kansas, the son of Tom and Essie Prose 
Ellis.&nbsp; Jerry was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 2013 moving 
from Weaverville, North Carolina, and was retired.He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Scott City, Kansas.&nbsp; 
Jerry loved going to church, attending weekly family dinners, and 
singing.Jerry was married to Lena I. Sands until her passing on June 8, 2013.Surviving family include Mark &amp; Sheila Ellis of Scott City, 
Kansas, Brittan Ellis of Scott City, Kansas, Tomas Ellis of Garden City,
 Kansas, Kulver, Leiken &amp; Brooks Ellis of Scott City, Kansas and 
Lucas, Emelie &amp; Ember Ellis of Scott City, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his Parents and Wife - Lena.At this time cremation has taken place and according to his wishes, there will be no services.Memorials in Lieu of Flowers can be made to the First Baptist Church 
in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home; PO Box 553; Scott City, Kansas, 
67871.

Jerry Lee Ellis

Gerald R. Latimer, 85, of Wichita, Kansas, went to be with his Lord on March 1, 2021 at Oxford Grand in Wichita.
 Gerald was born to Herley and Bertha (Barnett) Latimer on a dryland 
cattle and wheat farm in Rawlins County, northwest Kansas on September 
22, 1935 during the dust bowl days. He and his older sister, Charlene, 
grew up raising pigs, Angus cattle, and farming with their dad and 
uncle, Herman Latimer. Gerald attended Hawkeye country school and later 
attended school in Rexford. He became a Christian at the age of 16 while
 attending summer camp at Maranatha Bible Camp near North Platte, 
Nebraska. Gerald was a member of the Kansas National Guard in Colby. 
 Gerald attended Rockmont Bible College in Longmont, Colorado, where 
he met Janet Hinshaw. The two were married on August 10, 1956, in 
Denver, Colorado. After completing flight lessons, Gerald bought his 
first plane. The couple operated a ranch in Colorado and welcomed three 
children into their family. Gerald earned his Airframe and Powerplant 
Mechanic License, as well as both private and commercial pilot licenses.
 He worked for Rocky Mountain Airways and the United States Forest 
Service before moving to Irian Jaya (now West Papua) in 1974 to fly for 
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). He made life-saving medical flights, 
delivered supplies to isolated villages, and provided transportation for
 both locals and missionaries. The planes he flew included a Cessna 
180, Cessna 185, Cessna 206, and a Twin Otter. In 1976, Gerald’s Cessna 
185 crashed into a mountainside and caught on fire. Gerald helped all 
his passengers escape and was credited with saving their lives.
 Gerald and Janet left Irian in 1984 to aid famine relief in 
Mozambique, Africa. Gerald served as the MAF Program Manager in Mali, 
Africa until 1989. He visited Timbuktu while serving in Mali, and 
“TIMBUC2” became his easily-recognizable Kansas license plate. In 1989, 
Gerald and Janet set up a new flight program for a mission hospital in 
Angola, Africa before leaving MAF in 1990. 
 In 1994, Gerald earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human 
Resources Management from Friends University in Wichita. Gerald then 
established and served as the coordinator and instructor for the Pratt 
Community College Aviation Technician-Airframe Training Program in 
Pratt, Kansas. 
 In July 1994, Gerald began a new and interesting chapter in his 
aviation career, working for Cessna. He visited Cessna service stations,
 owners, and operators in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Japan, Korea, 
China, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, 
Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Egypt, the 
Maldives, Singapore, and Hawaii.
 After losing Janet in 2001, Gerald married Louise Schielke on 
December 22, 2002 in Washington. He and Louise had known each other for 
50 years from their school days in Rexford. Together Jerry and Louise 
traveled around the world volunteering their service. They went to 
Mexico with their church, to Kenya, and to Angola, Africa and 
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia with MAF. They also spent time volunteering at the
 MAF headquarters in Nampa, Idaho.
 Gerald will be remembered for his devotion and service to Jesus 
Christ, his aviation career, his love for his family, his entertaining 
stories from his world travels, and his big red rock that he pulled from
 a river in his Colorado ranch. That rock has been a familiar sight at 
his residences in Longmont, Colorado; Rexford, Kansas; Calimesa, 
California; Pratt, Kansas; and finally Wichita, Kansas. 
 Gerald is survived by his wife Louise Latimer; children Tim (Stacy) 
Latimer, Trish (Chuck) Murphy, Chris (Tina) Latimer; grandchildren Scott
 Latimer, Jake Latimer, Grant Latimer, Charlene Friesen, Holly (Luke) 
Oswald, Emily (Andrew) McHargue, Elliot (Janelle) Murphy, Talia 
(Anthony) Faeh, and Tara (Logan) Faeh; great-grandchildren Tobin 
Friesen, Carl McHargue, Rex McHargue, Willa McHargue, Hudson Murphy, 
Ezra Murphy, Lincoln Murphy, and Gwenyth Faeh. 
 Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Janet Latimer, 
great-granddaughter Lucy Friesen, father Herley Latimer, mother Bertha 
Latimer, and sister Charlene Latimer.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).

Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Gerald-Robert-Latimer?obId=20160456#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614886741139.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gerald R. Latimer, 85, of Wichita, Kansas, went to be with his Lord on March 1, 2021 at Oxford Grand in Wichita.
 Gerald was born to Herley and Bertha (Barnett) Latimer on a dryland 
cattle and wheat farm in Rawlins County, northwest Kansas on September 
22, 1935 during the dust bowl days. He and his older sister, Charlene, 
grew up raising pigs, Angus cattle, and farming with their dad and 
uncle, Herman Latimer. Gerald attended Hawkeye country school and later 
attended school in Rexford. He became a Christian at the age of 16 while
 attending summer camp at Maranatha Bible Camp near North Platte, 
Nebraska. Gerald was a member of the Kansas National Guard in Colby. 
 Gerald attended Rockmont Bible College in Longmont, Colorado, where 
he met Janet Hinshaw. The two were married on August 10, 1956, in 
Denver, Colorado. After completing flight lessons, Gerald bought his 
first plane. The couple operated a ranch in Colorado and welcomed three 
children into their family. Gerald earned his Airframe and Powerplant 
Mechanic License, as well as both private and commercial pilot licenses.
 He worked for Rocky Mountain Airways and the United States Forest 
Service before moving to Irian Jaya (now West Papua) in 1974 to fly for 
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). He made life-saving medical flights, 
delivered supplies to isolated villages, and provided transportation for
 both locals and missionaries. The planes he flew included a Cessna 
180, Cessna 185, Cessna 206, and a Twin Otter. In 1976, Gerald’s Cessna 
185 crashed into a mountainside and caught on fire. Gerald helped all 
his passengers escape and was credited with saving their lives.
 Gerald and Janet left Irian in 1984 to aid famine relief in 
Mozambique, Africa. Gerald served as the MAF Program Manager in Mali, 
Africa until 1989. He visited Timbuktu while serving in Mali, and 
“TIMBUC2” became his easily-recognizable Kansas license plate. In 1989, 
Gerald and Janet set up a new flight program for a mission hospital in 
Angola, Africa before leaving MAF in 1990. 
 In 1994, Gerald earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human 
Resources Management from Friends University in Wichita. Gerald then 
established and served as the coordinator and instructor for the Pratt 
Community College Aviation Technician-Airframe Training Program in 
Pratt, Kansas. 
 In July 1994, Gerald began a new and interesting chapter in his 
aviation career, working for Cessna. He visited Cessna service stations,
 owners, and operators in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Japan, Korea, 
China, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, 
Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Egypt, the 
Maldives, Singapore, and Hawaii.
 After losing Janet in 2001, Gerald married Louise Schielke on 
December 22, 2002 in Washington. He and Louise had known each other for 
50 years from their school days in Rexford. Together Jerry and Louise 
traveled around the world volunteering their service. They went to 
Mexico with their church, to Kenya, and to Angola, Africa and 
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia with MAF. They also spent time volunteering at the
 MAF headquarters in Nampa, Idaho.
 Gerald will be remembered for his devotion and service to Jesus 
Christ, his aviation career, his love for his family, his entertaining 
stories from his world travels, and his big red rock that he pulled from
 a river in his Colorado ranch. That rock has been a familiar sight at 
his residences in Longmont, Colorado; Rexford, Kansas; Calimesa, 
California; Pratt, Kansas; and finally Wichita, Kansas. 
 Gerald is survived by his wife Louise Latimer; children Tim (Stacy) 
Latimer, Trish (Chuck) Murphy, Chris (Tina) Latimer; grandchildren Scott
 Latimer, Jake Latimer, Grant Latimer, Charlene Friesen, Holly (Luke) 
Oswald, Emily (Andrew) McHargue, Elliot (Janelle) Murphy, Talia 
(Anthony) Faeh, and Tara (Logan) Faeh; great-grandchildren Tobin 
Friesen, Carl McHargue, Rex McHargue, Willa McHargue, Hudson Murphy, 
Ezra Murphy, Lincoln Murphy, and Gwenyth Faeh. 
 Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Janet Latimer, 
great-granddaughter Lucy Friesen, father Herley Latimer, mother Bertha 
Latimer, and sister Charlene Latimer.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).Click <a href="https://www.paulsfh.com/obituaries/Gerald-Robert-Latimer?obId=20160456#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Gerald R. Latimer

Clifton (Cliff) Lee Wilson, 56, of Oakley, KS passed away Tuesday, March
 2, 2021. He was born April 12, 1964, in Oakley, KS to Frank Jr. “Sonny”
 and Mary Joanne (Hanna) Wilson. He graduated from Grinnell High School 
in 1983. 
Cliff was born and raised south of Campus where he was a cattleman and 
farmer a great deal of his life. He also had a successful hay grinding 
business for many years. 
Cliff was preceded in death by his grandparents Wilburn and Ina (Miller)
 Hanna, his parents, brother Wilburn Rex Wilson, nephew Cody Wilson and 
niece Robyn Wilson. 
He is survived by his children Corey (Britt) Wilson and their kids Chloe
 and Conagher of Oakley; Kelsey Wilson and her son Kaysen of Oakley; 
brother Rod (Ruth) Wilson of Oakley; sister-in-law Cheryl Wilson of 
Oakley; his dear friend Arleen as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. 
He will be greatly missed by family and friends. 
The family will receive friends from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 5, 
2021, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, KS. Inurnment will take place in the
 Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family to help 
with expenses and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, 
Oakley, KS 67748. 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/2021/3/1614794630520.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clifton (Cliff) Lee Wilson, 56, of Oakley, KS passed away Tuesday, March
 2, 2021. He was born April 12, 1964, in Oakley, KS to Frank Jr. “Sonny”
 and Mary Joanne (Hanna) Wilson. He graduated from Grinnell High School 
in 1983. 
Cliff was born and raised south of Campus where he was a cattleman and 
farmer a great deal of his life. He also had a successful hay grinding 
business for many years. 
Cliff was preceded in death by his grandparents Wilburn and Ina (Miller)
 Hanna, his parents, brother Wilburn Rex Wilson, nephew Cody Wilson and 
niece Robyn Wilson. 
He is survived by his children Corey (Britt) Wilson and their kids Chloe
 and Conagher of Oakley; Kelsey Wilson and her son Kaysen of Oakley; 
brother Rod (Ruth) Wilson of Oakley; sister-in-law Cheryl Wilson of 
Oakley; his dear friend Arleen as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. 
He will be greatly missed by family and friends. 
The family will receive friends from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, March 5, 
2021, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, KS. Inurnment will take place in the
 Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family to help 
with expenses and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, 
Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Clifton Lee Wilson

Makenzee Kathleen Cupp, age 19, passed away on March 1, 2021, at 
La Crosse, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on August 1, 2001, in Grapevine, Texas,&nbsp; the daughter of Jess and Denee Kathleen (Reis) Cupp.

Funeral service will be on Monday, March 8, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Ness City High School Auditorium, Ness City.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Makenzee Cupp Memorial 
Fund in care of Farmers Bank and Trust, 108 S. Main St., Bazine, Kansas 
67516

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614886575064.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Makenzee Kathleen Cupp, age 19, passed away on March 1, 2021, at 
La Crosse, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born on August 1, 2001, in Grapevine, Texas,&nbsp; the daughter of Jess and Denee Kathleen (Reis) Cupp.Funeral service will be on Monday, March 8, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Ness City High School Auditorium, Ness City.Memorial contributions may be given to the Makenzee Cupp Memorial 
Fund in care of Farmers Bank and Trust, 108 S. Main St., Bazine, Kansas 
67516

Makenzee Kathleen Cupp

Bessie Ellen Leiker, age 90, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021, in Ellis, Kansas. She was born January 30, 1931, in Diller, Nebraska, to Warren and Ruby (Wells) Stewart. She married Maurice “M. C.” Leiker on November 8, 1953, in Hays. He preceded her in death on Aug 31, 1985. Bessie had worked as a secretary in their accounting business and was a longtime thrift shop volunteer in Hays. She enjoyed bowling, attended meal site daily and coffee time at Daylight Donuts. Bessie is survived by two daughters, Faith Ann Scheck of Ellis and Stephanie Martin and husband Ken “Beans” of Ellis; and a son, John and wife Tammy of Ellis, Kansas; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, LeeRoy Scheck; great grandson, Bryce Stropes; a granddaughter, Melissa Martin; a sister, Roma Hixon; a stepsister, Pat Turner; and two stepbrothers, Larry and Richard Lacy.&nbsp; A Celebration of Life gathering will be 2 PM - 4 PM Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Private family inurnment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Hays. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hays Meal Site. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614526215806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bessie Ellen Leiker, age 90, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021, in Ellis, Kansas. She was born January 30, 1931, in Diller, Nebraska, to Warren and Ruby (Wells) Stewart. She married Maurice “M. C.” Leiker on November 8, 1953, in Hays. He preceded her in death on Aug 31, 1985. Bessie had worked as a secretary in their accounting business and was a longtime thrift shop volunteer in Hays. She enjoyed bowling, attended meal site daily and coffee time at Daylight Donuts. Bessie is survived by two daughters, Faith Ann Scheck of Ellis and Stephanie Martin and husband Ken “Beans” of Ellis; and a son, John and wife Tammy of Ellis, Kansas; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, LeeRoy Scheck; great grandson, Bryce Stropes; a granddaughter, Melissa Martin; a sister, Roma Hixon; a stepsister, Pat Turner; and two stepbrothers, Larry and Richard Lacy.&nbsp; A Celebration of Life gathering will be 2 PM - 4 PM Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Private family inurnment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Hays. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hays Meal Site. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Bessie Ellen Leiker

Violet "Vi" L. Smith, 96, died on Monday, March 1, 2021, at St Catherine 
Hospital in Garden City. She was born on October 13, 1924, on the family
 farm in Ness County, Kansas, the daughter of George Custer &amp; Rosa 
E. (Beye) Holmes. She married George Edward Smith, the love of her 
life, on August 7, 1943, at Garden City. He died on January 23, 2005. 
Violet graduated from Bazine High School, played the snare drum for the 
High School Band and she never missed a beat! She then moved to Garden 
City. She worked at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She and 
her husband were longtime owners and operators of Smith Sand Company in 
Garden City. She was a member of the Community Congregational Church 
for 50+ years and hosted the church bible study group for many years. 
She made their home a second home to many of their children’s friends, 
and people staying in town with family in the hospital. She was a 
caregiver, their home was always open to family and friends with food, 
conversation and support. She loved her family and singing and 
supporting her children’s music endeavors. She sang with the Sweet 
Adeline’s. Vi’s favorite saying was “I’ll see you in my dreams!” 
She is survived by her 3 Sons- Ronald (Pat) Smith and Dennis (Janet) 
Smith both of Garden City and Steve (Sandy) Smith of Overland Park, 
Kansas, Daughter- Cindy Smith (Tom) Dial of Garden City, Sister- Georgia 
McDonald of Sarasota, Florida, 7 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren 
and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter- Loretta 
Smith, and 5 Brothers- Melvin Holmes, Perry Holmes, Johnny Holmes, 
Lloyd Holmes and Carl Holmes, 4 Sisters- Opal Cannon, Mary Richardson, 
Irene Cunningham and Edna Talbott and 2 Grandchildren- Andrea Smith and 
Cameron Smith. 
There will be no services held at this time. A Celebration of Life will 
be held at a later date. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in 
Garden City. Memorials are suggested to Violet Smith Memorial Fund in 
care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614866207191.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Violet "Vi" L. Smith, 96, died on Monday, March 1, 2021, at St Catherine 
Hospital in Garden City. She was born on October 13, 1924, on the family
 farm in Ness County, Kansas, the daughter of George Custer &amp; Rosa 
E. (Beye) Holmes. She married George Edward Smith, the love of her 
life, on August 7, 1943, at Garden City. He died on January 23, 2005. 
Violet graduated from Bazine High School, played the snare drum for the 
High School Band and she never missed a beat! She then moved to Garden 
City. She worked at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She and 
her husband were longtime owners and operators of Smith Sand Company in 
Garden City. She was a member of the Community Congregational Church 
for 50+ years and hosted the church bible study group for many years. 
She made their home a second home to many of their children’s friends, 
and people staying in town with family in the hospital. She was a 
caregiver, their home was always open to family and friends with food, 
conversation and support. She loved her family and singing and 
supporting her children’s music endeavors. She sang with the Sweet 
Adeline’s. Vi’s favorite saying was “I’ll see you in my dreams!” 
She is survived by her 3 Sons- Ronald (Pat) Smith and Dennis (Janet) 
Smith both of Garden City and Steve (Sandy) Smith of Overland Park, 
Kansas, Daughter- Cindy Smith (Tom) Dial of Garden City, Sister- Georgia 
McDonald of Sarasota, Florida, 7 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren 
and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. 
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter- Loretta 
Smith, and 5 Brothers- Melvin Holmes, Perry Holmes, Johnny Holmes, 
Lloyd Holmes and Carl Holmes, 4 Sisters- Opal Cannon, Mary Richardson, 
Irene Cunningham and Edna Talbott and 2 Grandchildren- Andrea Smith and 
Cameron Smith. 
There will be no services held at this time. A Celebration of Life will 
be held at a later date. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in 
Garden City. Memorials are suggested to Violet Smith Memorial Fund in 
care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at 
www.garnandfuneralhomes.com&nbsp;

Violet 'Vi' L. Smith

Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Bartley Erwin, 86, of Russell, Kansas, died on 
Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, 
Kansas.

Libby was born on July 10, 1934, in Larned, Kansas, the daughter of 
Edward and Valentine (Thorpe) Bartley. In 1940, the family moved to 
Great Bend, Kansas where she graduated from High School in 1952. She 
received her bachelor’s degree in Technical Journalism from Kansas State
 University in 1956 and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega social 
sorority. While attending Kansas State, she met the love of her life, 
David F. “Fred” Erwin, and they were married on August 19, 1956. From 
this union, Libby and Doc were blessed with two sons, David and Matthew.
 She attended the First Congregational Church in Russell. She worked at 
the Manhattan Mercury newspaper while Fred finished his schooling in 
Veterinary medicine. Following Fred’s graduation, the couple moved to 
Russell, Kansas, in June 1959. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a
 lifetime member of Job’s Daughters. She enjoyed baking, playing bridge,
 reading, and listening to classical music.

Surviving family includes her sons David Erwin and wife Lori of 
Jasper, Georgia; Matthew Erwin and significant other Brenda Zahm of 
Russell, Kansas; and sister Jean Regier of McPherson, Kansas. Her 
parents preceded her, as well as her husband, David Fred “Doc” Erwin, 
Jr., and her brothers, James, and Bill Bartley.

Libby has selected to be cremated and not to have a public funeral 
service. PohlmanVarner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge 
of the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614866093601.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Bartley Erwin, 86, of Russell, Kansas, died on 
Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, 
Kansas.Libby was born on July 10, 1934, in Larned, Kansas, the daughter of 
Edward and Valentine (Thorpe) Bartley. In 1940, the family moved to 
Great Bend, Kansas where she graduated from High School in 1952. She 
received her bachelor’s degree in Technical Journalism from Kansas State
 University in 1956 and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega social 
sorority. While attending Kansas State, she met the love of her life, 
David F. “Fred” Erwin, and they were married on August 19, 1956. From 
this union, Libby and Doc were blessed with two sons, David and Matthew.
 She attended the First Congregational Church in Russell. She worked at 
the Manhattan Mercury newspaper while Fred finished his schooling in 
Veterinary medicine. Following Fred’s graduation, the couple moved to 
Russell, Kansas, in June 1959. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a
 lifetime member of Job’s Daughters. She enjoyed baking, playing bridge,
 reading, and listening to classical music.Surviving family includes her sons David Erwin and wife Lori of 
Jasper, Georgia; Matthew Erwin and significant other Brenda Zahm of 
Russell, Kansas; and sister Jean Regier of McPherson, Kansas. Her 
parents preceded her, as well as her husband, David Fred “Doc” Erwin, 
Jr., and her brothers, James, and Bill Bartley.Libby has selected to be cremated and not to have a public funeral 
service. PohlmanVarner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge 
of the arrangements.

Elizabeth A. 'Libby' Erwin

Kyle Jay Kruckenberg

Leonard Herl of Hays, 87, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on March 1, 2021.&nbsp; He was born Nov. 17, 1933 to Paul and Lidwina (Wasinger) Herl in Quinter. He graduated from Quinter High School in 1951. He was united in marriage in Collyer to Irma (Sanders) on April 20, 1954.

Leonard was a devoted husband and father, preceded in death by his wife Irma, parents, four brothers Edwin, Albert, Jim and Paulie and two sisters, Marcella and Viola.&nbsp;

Survivors include a son; Terence Herl and wife Tamara of Cascade, Colo., two daughters; Laurie Dimitry and husband Ed of Olathe and Valerie Fischer and husband Jul of Overland Park, one brother Moris Herl of Hays, and one granddaughter Kaeylarae Herl.

Leonard was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Dighton, and served as a Grand Knight, and was a Third Degree member of the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leonard was also a member of the St. Theresa’s parish council to help build and maintain church property and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In 1962, Leonard and Irma moved to Alamota, and purchased 1,017 acres which included an 85-head Angus cow herd. In time, he expanded their ranch to 3,700 acres. In 1969 he bought his first purebred Charolais bull. In 1970 he bought five purebred heifers and established Herl Charolais ranch. At his peak, he ran a 250 head cow calf operation. Leonard was one of the pioneer Kansas Charolais breeders who developed a solid program of a predominately polled herd.&nbsp; In 1995, Leonard and Irma made the decision to disperse their herd and make time for other interests.&nbsp;

Leonard was also an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed creating heirlooms for his family. Among many interests, Leonard enjoyed bowling, fishing on the family farm, playing cards and building demolition derby cars. He was active in his community and participated as a member of the Lane County 4-H Beef Council, and acted as the Alamota Township treasurer.

Leonard was community-minded, always eager to help his neighbors in their time of need.&nbsp; Leonard cherished time with family and will be forever in our hearts. We will miss him dearly.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th St., with Father Matthew Cowan officiating.

Burial will follow in St Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St. A vigil service will be at 6 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary, both on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials in Leonard’s memory are suggested and may be made payable to: St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Condolences and memories of Leonard may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614810209782.jpeg" alt="Leonard Herl" />
 <figcaption>Leonard Herl</figcaption>
 </figure>Leonard Herl of Hays, 87, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on March 1, 2021.&nbsp; He was born Nov. 17, 1933 to Paul and Lidwina (Wasinger) Herl in Quinter. He graduated from Quinter High School in 1951. He was united in marriage in Collyer to Irma (Sanders) on April 20, 1954.Leonard was a devoted husband and father, preceded in death by his wife Irma, parents, four brothers Edwin, Albert, Jim and Paulie and two sisters, Marcella and Viola.&nbsp;Survivors include a son; Terence Herl and wife Tamara of Cascade, Colo., two daughters; Laurie Dimitry and husband Ed of Olathe and Valerie Fischer and husband Jul of Overland Park, one brother Moris Herl of Hays, and one granddaughter Kaeylarae Herl.Leonard was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Dighton, and served as a Grand Knight, and was a Third Degree member of the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leonard was also a member of the St. Theresa’s parish council to help build and maintain church property and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.In 1962, Leonard and Irma moved to Alamota, and purchased 1,017 acres which included an 85-head Angus cow herd. In time, he expanded their ranch to 3,700 acres. In 1969 he bought his first purebred Charolais bull. In 1970 he bought five purebred heifers and established Herl Charolais ranch. At his peak, he ran a 250 head cow calf operation. Leonard was one of the pioneer Kansas Charolais breeders who developed a solid program of a predominately polled herd.&nbsp; In 1995, Leonard and Irma made the decision to disperse their herd and make time for other interests.&nbsp;Leonard was also an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed creating heirlooms for his family. Among many interests, Leonard enjoyed bowling, fishing on the family farm, playing cards and building demolition derby cars. He was active in his community and participated as a member of the Lane County 4-H Beef Council, and acted as the Alamota Township treasurer.Leonard was community-minded, always eager to help his neighbors in their time of need.&nbsp; Leonard cherished time with family and will be forever in our hearts. We will miss him dearly.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th St., with Father Matthew Cowan officiating.Burial will follow in St Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St. A vigil service will be at 6 p.m. followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary, both on Friday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials in Leonard’s memory are suggested and may be made payable to: St. Joseph Catholic Church.Condolences and memories of Leonard may be left for the family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

Leonard Herl

Robert Lee Wittman, 78, died on Feb. 28, 2021 at Cedar Village Care Center, Ness City. He was born on June 5, 1941 on the farm South of Bazine, the son of John and Lucinda Tittle Wittman.

Robert was a life-long resident of Bazine where he attended Bazine grade school and was a Bazine High School graduate.&nbsp; He was a farmer and a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Bazine.

Survivors include his two sons, David Wittman and his wife, Greta, of Dover, N.H., and Christopher Wittman of Topeka; three daughters, Tina Casey of Newton, Sara Wittman of LaCrosse, and Dolly Wittman of Kansas City; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Jennifer, Kayla, Aubrey, Dylan, Cole, Jett, and Mickey; and his companion, Cheryl Lagle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Ilene Maier and Johnette Schaben.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City followed by inurnment in the Bazine Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be at 10 a.m., prior to the service on Friday.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Bazine Cemetery Fund.

Words of sympathy and support by be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614801387955.jpeg" alt="Robert Wittman" />
 <figcaption>Robert Wittman</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Lee Wittman, 78, died on Feb. 28, 2021 at Cedar Village Care Center, Ness City. He was born on June 5, 1941 on the farm South of Bazine, the son of John and Lucinda Tittle Wittman.Robert was a life-long resident of Bazine where he attended Bazine grade school and was a Bazine High School graduate.&nbsp; He was a farmer and a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Bazine.Survivors include his two sons, David Wittman and his wife, Greta, of Dover, N.H., and Christopher Wittman of Topeka; three daughters, Tina Casey of Newton, Sara Wittman of LaCrosse, and Dolly Wittman of Kansas City; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Jennifer, Kayla, Aubrey, Dylan, Cole, Jett, and Mickey; and his companion, Cheryl Lagle.He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Ilene Maier and Johnette Schaben.A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City followed by inurnment in the Bazine Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be at 10 a.m., prior to the service on Friday.Memorial contributions may be given to the Bazine Cemetery Fund.Words of sympathy and support by be left for the family by writing in the guest book.

Robert Lee Wittman

Raymond William “Shorty” Nieman, age 72, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021.

Shorty was born Jan. 11, 1949 in Colby to Nick and Lucy (Broeckelman) Nieman. He was a 1967 graduate of Grinnell High School.&nbsp; Following his graduation, he served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970.&nbsp; On September 6, 1971 he married Kathy Percival in Oakley. Shorty loved his family and enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially elk, deer, pheasant and turkey, with friends Dale and Joe. He was a dirt track racing fan and enjoyed taking walks with his dogs. He was also an avid fan of the Chiefs, Jayhawks and Royals. As a contractor, Shorty contributed to the Hays community in many ways, including the construction of additions to Hays Medical Center, St Nicholas of Myra Church, Hays Regional Airport, Hays Recreation Center and many other projects. Shorty is survived by his wife, Kathy of Hays; their children; Raymond “Todd” Nieman and wife Colleen of Munjor; Brandy Huser and husband Glenn of Victoria; four grandchildren, Levi and Chelsie Huser of Victoria and Raymond “Brett” and Raylyn Nieman of Munjor; three brothers, Jerry Nieman and wife Helen of Golden, Colo., &nbsp;Lawrence Nieman and wife Judy of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Kenny Nieman of Garden City; a sister, Jean Loader and husband Don of Salina; a sister-in-law, Pat Nieman of Garden City; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Al, Jim, and Paul Nieman; and two sisters, Erma Nieman and Alma Gillispie. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at the Kansas State Veterans’ Cemetery at&nbsp;403 S. 13th St. WaKeeney, KS 67672. Military Honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.&nbsp; In memory of Shorty, please dress casually and wear your favorite team shirt. Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory,&nbsp;2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601. Memorials may be made to Hays VFW Honor Guard. Checks made payable to the organization may be sent in care of the funeral chapel. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614692907072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Raymond William “Shorty” Nieman, age 72, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Friday, Feb. 26, 2021.Shorty was born Jan. 11, 1949 in Colby to Nick and Lucy (Broeckelman) Nieman. He was a 1967 graduate of Grinnell High School.&nbsp; Following his graduation, he served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970.&nbsp; On September 6, 1971 he married Kathy Percival in Oakley. Shorty loved his family and enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially elk, deer, pheasant and turkey, with friends Dale and Joe. He was a dirt track racing fan and enjoyed taking walks with his dogs. He was also an avid fan of the Chiefs, Jayhawks and Royals. As a contractor, Shorty contributed to the Hays community in many ways, including the construction of additions to Hays Medical Center, St Nicholas of Myra Church, Hays Regional Airport, Hays Recreation Center and many other projects. Shorty is survived by his wife, Kathy of Hays; their children; Raymond “Todd” Nieman and wife Colleen of Munjor; Brandy Huser and husband Glenn of Victoria; four grandchildren, Levi and Chelsie Huser of Victoria and Raymond “Brett” and Raylyn Nieman of Munjor; three brothers, Jerry Nieman and wife Helen of Golden, Colo., &nbsp;Lawrence Nieman and wife Judy of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Kenny Nieman of Garden City; a sister, Jean Loader and husband Don of Salina; a sister-in-law, Pat Nieman of Garden City; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Al, Jim, and Paul Nieman; and two sisters, Erma Nieman and Alma Gillispie. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at the Kansas State Veterans’ Cemetery at&nbsp;403 S. 13th St. WaKeeney, KS 67672. Military Honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.&nbsp; In memory of Shorty, please dress casually and wear your favorite team shirt. Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory,&nbsp;2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601. Memorials may be made to Hays VFW Honor Guard. Checks made payable to the organization may be sent in care of the funeral chapel. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Raymond William 'Shorty' Nieman

Gladys G. Everett, age 94, passed quietly on February 26, 2021 in 
Spokane Valley, WA where she lived with her daughter since 2016. &nbsp;

She was born July 15, 1926 in the family home in Dellvale, KS, the 
second daughter of Harold Hager and Golda (Heller) Hager who went on to 
have four more girls and two boys.

Gladys attended a one room school house in Dellvale then went on to 
high school at Clayton High School for two years before graduating from 
Norton High School in Norton, Kansas. After high school, she attended Ft.
 Hays Normal School for Teaching. She taught in the one room school for a
 couple of years before going out to Oregon to stay with family and work
 a summer job. During that summer she met Don Everett at a dance. At the
 end of the summer, she returned to Kansas. Don was persistent and after
 driving back to Kansas for the second time, she agreed to marry him. 
&nbsp;In September of 1950, they were married in Kansas. They returned to 
Milton Freewater to live for the next 66 years.

They had two children and Gladys was a fulltime mother and housewife,
 but she was also a very accomplished seamstress and spent several years
 sewing bowling shirts from home. She was an amazing cook for not only 
the family, but all of our friends were eager for a meal invitation. &nbsp;In
 the early 60’s they bought Pribe’s Garage and she added bookkeeping for
 the service station to her list of duties. She also cared for the Pribe
 family in their later years and in gratitude the Pribe’s left them the 
service station, a small apartment complex and their family home. Gladys
 was very proud of the home and her beautiful gardens, especially the 
roses that surrounded the home.&nbsp; It became the gathering place for many 
family get-togethers. After the children left home, she became an avid 
golfer. She and Don spent hours at the Milton Freewater golf course 
golfing together, as well as on numerous women’s leagues. Even as her 
body started to fail her, her mind stayed sharp until the end. Armed 
with her computer and later a tablet she was on Facebook and email daily
 keeping track of her great-grandsons and the rest of her family and 
friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by sisters Imojean, 
Phyllis and Vanetta as well as her husband Don in 2006. Surviving Gladys
 are her son Galen and his wife Pam in Bonney Lake, WA; her daughter 
Janet in Spokane Valley, WA; her granddaughter Katrina Terada and her 
husband Gregory and her two great-grandsons Jyler and Rysic Terada all 
in Auburn, WA.

A small service will be held at the Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater OR on Saturday March 6th at
 1:00 p.m. before she is laid to rest next to Don in the Milton 
Freewater Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Gladys in a special way 
may make a gift to American Heart Association in her memory. 
Arrangements were made by Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in 
Milton-Freewater. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614796201262.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gladys G. Everett, age 94, passed quietly on February 26, 2021 in 
Spokane Valley, WA where she lived with her daughter since 2016. &nbsp;She was born July 15, 1926 in the family home in Dellvale, KS, the 
second daughter of Harold Hager and Golda (Heller) Hager who went on to 
have four more girls and two boys.Gladys attended a one room school house in Dellvale then went on to 
high school at Clayton High School for two years before graduating from 
Norton High School in Norton, Kansas. After high school, she attended Ft.
 Hays Normal School for Teaching. She taught in the one room school for a
 couple of years before going out to Oregon to stay with family and work
 a summer job. During that summer she met Don Everett at a dance. At the
 end of the summer, she returned to Kansas. Don was persistent and after
 driving back to Kansas for the second time, she agreed to marry him. 
&nbsp;In September of 1950, they were married in Kansas. They returned to 
Milton Freewater to live for the next 66 years.They had two children and Gladys was a fulltime mother and housewife,
 but she was also a very accomplished seamstress and spent several years
 sewing bowling shirts from home. She was an amazing cook for not only 
the family, but all of our friends were eager for a meal invitation. &nbsp;In
 the early 60’s they bought Pribe’s Garage and she added bookkeeping for
 the service station to her list of duties. She also cared for the Pribe
 family in their later years and in gratitude the Pribe’s left them the 
service station, a small apartment complex and their family home. Gladys
 was very proud of the home and her beautiful gardens, especially the 
roses that surrounded the home.&nbsp; It became the gathering place for many 
family get-togethers. After the children left home, she became an avid 
golfer. She and Don spent hours at the Milton Freewater golf course 
golfing together, as well as on numerous women’s leagues. Even as her 
body started to fail her, her mind stayed sharp until the end. Armed 
with her computer and later a tablet she was on Facebook and email daily
 keeping track of her great-grandsons and the rest of her family and 
friends.In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by sisters Imojean, 
Phyllis and Vanetta as well as her husband Don in 2006. Surviving Gladys
 are her son Galen and his wife Pam in Bonney Lake, WA; her daughter 
Janet in Spokane Valley, WA; her granddaughter Katrina Terada and her 
husband Gregory and her two great-grandsons Jyler and Rysic Terada all 
in Auburn, WA.A small service will be held at the Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main St., Milton-Freewater OR on Saturday March 6th at
 1:00 p.m. before she is laid to rest next to Don in the Milton 
Freewater Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Gladys in a special way 
may make a gift to American Heart Association in her memory. 
Arrangements were made by Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home in 
Milton-Freewater. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gladys G. Everett

Donald Lee Smith "Smitty," 90, of Manhattan, KS, passed away Sunday, 
February 28, 2021, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community. Donald was born July
 8, 1930, in Hays, Kansas to the late Cecil and Luella (Hancock) Smith.
 Donald married the love of his life, Jeane Laizure on October 31, 
1948. &nbsp;He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1984 after 32 
years. &nbsp;Don and Jeane made their home primarily in Hays and Norton, 
until moving to Manhattan in 1968. &nbsp;Don was active in the Norton County 
Jaycees and was also a one-time president of the organization. &nbsp;He loved
 to golf and was a long-time member of the Stagg Hill Golf Club. &nbsp;Don 
and Jeane were "avid RVers" and were members of the Man-Kan Campers 
Club. &nbsp;He was always proud of their latest RV, and enjoyed the hunt for 
the next one. &nbsp;Don and Jeane were snowbirds enjoying winters in Mission,
 Texas with their friends. &nbsp;The children often received phone calls from
 Padre Island, intentionally made when Kansas snow was deep.
 Don is survived by the love of his life of 72 years, Jeane; Son; 
Richard "Dick" (Kimberly) Smith of Manhattan; daughters, Linda (Timothy)
 Duncan of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Janet Smith (Tad Wicker) of 
Norton; nine grandchildren; Charisse Wilson (Larry Powell), Laura 
Duncan, Mandy Welch, Bethany Wicker, Matt (Crissy) Duncan, Elizabeth 
(Scott) Hammack, Karen Duncan (Dennis Bigelow), Christina (Brian) 
Geiger, and William Smith (Kelly Skretta); 15 great-grandchildren; Sam, 
Miles, Jack, Henry, Adam, Lizzie, Charlie,&nbsp; Leylen, Toren, Timothy, 
Trent, Grace, Jacob, Jenna, and Ethan;&nbsp; Sister; Peggy Klaus and 
brothers; Bud Smith and Les Smith.
 Don's deep love and loyalty to his entire family will be 
remembered&nbsp;as his best trait. Memories of times spent with him will be 
treasured for generations to come.
 Don is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and one brother.
 Visitation will be held on March 12, 2021, between the hours of 1:00 and 2:30 pm. A Private graveside service will follow.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.
 Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614796051170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donald Lee Smith "Smitty," 90, of Manhattan, KS, passed away Sunday, 
February 28, 2021, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community. Donald was born July
 8, 1930, in Hays, Kansas to the late Cecil and Luella (Hancock) Smith.
 Donald married the love of his life, Jeane Laizure on October 31, 
1948. &nbsp;He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1984 after 32 
years. &nbsp;Don and Jeane made their home primarily in Hays and Norton, 
until moving to Manhattan in 1968. &nbsp;Don was active in the Norton County 
Jaycees and was also a one-time president of the organization. &nbsp;He loved
 to golf and was a long-time member of the Stagg Hill Golf Club. &nbsp;Don 
and Jeane were "avid RVers" and were members of the Man-Kan Campers 
Club. &nbsp;He was always proud of their latest RV, and enjoyed the hunt for 
the next one. &nbsp;Don and Jeane were snowbirds enjoying winters in Mission,
 Texas with their friends. &nbsp;The children often received phone calls from
 Padre Island, intentionally made when Kansas snow was deep.
 Don is survived by the love of his life of 72 years, Jeane; Son; 
Richard "Dick" (Kimberly) Smith of Manhattan; daughters, Linda (Timothy)
 Duncan of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Janet Smith (Tad Wicker) of 
Norton; nine grandchildren; Charisse Wilson (Larry Powell), Laura 
Duncan, Mandy Welch, Bethany Wicker, Matt (Crissy) Duncan, Elizabeth 
(Scott) Hammack, Karen Duncan (Dennis Bigelow), Christina (Brian) 
Geiger, and William Smith (Kelly Skretta); 15 great-grandchildren; Sam, 
Miles, Jack, Henry, Adam, Lizzie, Charlie,&nbsp; Leylen, Toren, Timothy, 
Trent, Grace, Jacob, Jenna, and Ethan;&nbsp; Sister; Peggy Klaus and 
brothers; Bud Smith and Les Smith.
 Don's deep love and loyalty to his entire family will be 
remembered&nbsp;as his best trait. Memories of times spent with him will be 
treasured for generations to come.
 Don is preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and one brother.
 Visitation will be held on March 12, 2021, between the hours of 1:00 and 2:30 pm. A Private graveside service will follow.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.
 Arrangements have been entrusted to Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation.

Donald Lee Smith

Mary Ellen (Bogart) Thacker, 94, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Luray, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Main Street Manor in Russell.

Mary Ellen was born August 6, 1926, in Oakley, Kansas, the daughter of Milbis Lawrence and Lola Alice (Anspach) Bogart.&nbsp; In September 1929, Mary Ellen’s family moved to a farm that her parents rented southeast of Grinnell, Kansas.&nbsp; When she was eight years old, her parents purchased a farm 22 miles southwest of Grinnell.&nbsp; She attended rural schools through her elementary years.&nbsp; She then attended three years of high school in Oakley.&nbsp; Before her senior year, her family’s farm was one of many chosen by the government to be used as an aerial gunnery range to train for WWII.&nbsp; The government would not allow anyone younger than age 18 to be in that area, so the family and their livestock moved to a rented farm north of Hoxie, Kansas.&nbsp; Mary Ellen graduated from Sheridan Community High School in Hoxie.&nbsp; In the summer of 1944, she attended Kansas State Teachers College (Fort Hays State University) to earn her teaching license.&nbsp; Mary Ellen taught two years in rural Kansas schools, the first north of Grainfield, Kansas (Liberty School District #14) and the second year north of Hoxie (White Dove School District #52).

Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Hayes Price Thacker on December 19, 1944, in Hoxie.&nbsp; They had first met when Mary Ellen was 15, at the rural mailbox site, when Price was visiting his grandparents, who were neighbors of the Bogarts.&nbsp; After Price returned from WWII military service, the couple made their home in Luray.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two daughters, Margaret and Kathy.

Mary Ellen was a devoted wife and homemaker.&nbsp; She was an active member of the Luray United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women (UMW).&nbsp; During her years at Luray, Mary Ellen taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes, played the church organ, and held several church and UMW offices.&nbsp; Mary Ellen was a talented seamstress and a master at crocheting, knitting, tatting and painting ceramics.&nbsp; She also enjoyed wheat weaving, decorating cakes, bird watching, baking breads and cookies, and tending her flower garden.&nbsp; Mary Ellen and Price spent much time together camping, fishing, and vacationing at their Gove County Bogart family farm, which they purchased in 2004.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 70 years, Hayes Price; and a brother, Thomas Bogart.&nbsp; She is survived by daughters, Margaret Thomas (Wayne) of Topeka, Kansas and Kathy Cook (Ryan) of Bunker Hill, Kansas; four grandchildren Rob Thomas of Sterling, Kansas, Megan Thomas of Las Vegas, Nevada, Monica Dreiling (Myron) of Hays, Kansas, and Justin Cook (Angie) of Hays, Kansas; and great-granddaughter Mariella Dreiling of Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Also surviving are in-laws; Coradell (Thacker) Hickman of Vista, California and James and Sylvia Thacker of Granite Bay, California.

Celebration of Mary Ellen’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Bunker Hill.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 5, 2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; 

Memorials have been established with the Luray United Methodist Church and the Luray Senior Center.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614793745385.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Ellen (Bogart) Thacker, 94, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Luray, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Main Street Manor in Russell.Mary Ellen was born August 6, 1926, in Oakley, Kansas, the daughter of Milbis Lawrence and Lola Alice (Anspach) Bogart.&nbsp; In September 1929, Mary Ellen’s family moved to a farm that her parents rented southeast of Grinnell, Kansas.&nbsp; When she was eight years old, her parents purchased a farm 22 miles southwest of Grinnell.&nbsp; She attended rural schools through her elementary years.&nbsp; She then attended three years of high school in Oakley.&nbsp; Before her senior year, her family’s farm was one of many chosen by the government to be used as an aerial gunnery range to train for WWII.&nbsp; The government would not allow anyone younger than age 18 to be in that area, so the family and their livestock moved to a rented farm north of Hoxie, Kansas.&nbsp; Mary Ellen graduated from Sheridan Community High School in Hoxie.&nbsp; In the summer of 1944, she attended Kansas State Teachers College (Fort Hays State University) to earn her teaching license.&nbsp; Mary Ellen taught two years in rural Kansas schools, the first north of Grainfield, Kansas (Liberty School District #14) and the second year north of Hoxie (White Dove School District #52).Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Hayes Price Thacker on December 19, 1944, in Hoxie.&nbsp; They had first met when Mary Ellen was 15, at the rural mailbox site, when Price was visiting his grandparents, who were neighbors of the Bogarts.&nbsp; After Price returned from WWII military service, the couple made their home in Luray.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two daughters, Margaret and Kathy.Mary Ellen was a devoted wife and homemaker.&nbsp; She was an active member of the Luray United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women (UMW).&nbsp; During her years at Luray, Mary Ellen taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes, played the church organ, and held several church and UMW offices.&nbsp; Mary Ellen was a talented seamstress and a master at crocheting, knitting, tatting and painting ceramics.&nbsp; She also enjoyed wheat weaving, decorating cakes, bird watching, baking breads and cookies, and tending her flower garden.&nbsp; Mary Ellen and Price spent much time together camping, fishing, and vacationing at their Gove County Bogart family farm, which they purchased in 2004.Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 70 years, Hayes Price; and a brother, Thomas Bogart.&nbsp; She is survived by daughters, Margaret Thomas (Wayne) of Topeka, Kansas and Kathy Cook (Ryan) of Bunker Hill, Kansas; four grandchildren Rob Thomas of Sterling, Kansas, Megan Thomas of Las Vegas, Nevada, Monica Dreiling (Myron) of Hays, Kansas, and Justin Cook (Angie) of Hays, Kansas; and great-granddaughter Mariella Dreiling of Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Also surviving are in-laws; Coradell (Thacker) Hickman of Vista, California and James and Sylvia Thacker of Granite Bay, California.Celebration of Mary Ellen’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Bunker Hill.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 5, 2021, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.&nbsp; Memorials have been established with the Luray United Methodist Church and the Luray Senior Center.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Mary Ellen (Bogart) Thacker

Loren Joseph Dreiling, 69, died February 25, 2021, at his home.&nbsp; He 
was born February 15, 1952, in Hays, to Norbert F. and Laurine M. 
(Dreiling) Dreiling.&nbsp;

Loren attended Victoria High School.&nbsp; He spent his entire working 
career as a truck driver for various companies, before retiring from 
Chris Truckline, Wichita. Loren enjoyed fishing, playing softball, 
bowling, and anything to do with cars and motorcycles.&nbsp; He was a member 
of St. Teresa Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

On December 12, 1980, he married Rebecca Pennington, in South Hutchinson.&nbsp; She died March 11, 2005.&nbsp;

Loren is survived by:&nbsp; faithful companion, Cindy Boor; &nbsp;stepchildren,
 Aimee Oliver and Eric Day; siblings, Elaine Clouse (Joe) of Kingman, 
Mike Dreiling (Karen) of Schulte, Roy Dreiling of Wichita, Tom Dreiling 
of Schulte, Rodger Dreiling (Doris), Galen Dreiling, all of Hutchinson, 
Mary Koehler (Conrad) of Great Bend, Tim Dreiling (Kim), Duane Dreiling 
(Denise), Mark Dreiling, all of Hutchinson, Jerry Dreiling (Brenda) of 
Pfeifer, David Dreiling (Vickie) of Great Bend, Paul Dreiling (Angie) of
 Goddard, Neal Dreiling (Penny) of Great Bend, and Norine Hamby (Todd) 
of Hutchinson; Cindy’s children, Heather Turner and Kevin Hauschild 
(Emily), all of Hutchinson; Cindy’s grandsons (who Loren loved as his 
own grandsons), Easton and Kutter Hauschild and Carson and Mason 
DeBerry; Cindy’s siblings, Rick Miller, Mike Miller (Cindy), Soni 
McClelland (Ken), Mark Miller (Michelle), all of Hutchinson, Tauni Manka
 (Bob) of Great Bend, and Mitsi Dale (Ronnie) of Hutchinson; four 
step-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and 
great-nephews; and his beloved buddy, Bella.

He was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; sisters-in-law, Marlene Dreiling and Vera Dreiling; and nephew, Travis Dreiling.

Parish Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021.&nbsp; For those 
unable to attend Friday evening, a Parish Rosary will be held at 9:30 
a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, March 6, 2021.&nbsp; Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 
10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021.&nbsp; Both Parish Rosaries and the Mass 
will be held at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th, 
Hutchinson, with Father Michael J. Maybrier officiating.&nbsp; The casket 
will remain closed.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, 
Hutchinson.&nbsp; Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; The family will 
greet friends following the Friday Parish Rosary at the church.

For those unable to attend (both the Rosary and Mass) please go to 
the following link: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoJyHIB_5noG2dVIWfdxl4Q, as the 
services will be live-streamed on the churches YouTube page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Teresa Catholic 
Church or Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association (to benefit
 scholarships for the automotive technology department), in care of 
Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614792613604.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Loren Joseph Dreiling, 69, died February 25, 2021, at his home.&nbsp; He 
was born February 15, 1952, in Hays, to Norbert F. and Laurine M. 
(Dreiling) Dreiling.&nbsp;Loren attended Victoria High School.&nbsp; He spent his entire working 
career as a truck driver for various companies, before retiring from 
Chris Truckline, Wichita. Loren enjoyed fishing, playing softball, 
bowling, and anything to do with cars and motorcycles.&nbsp; He was a member 
of St. Teresa Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.On December 12, 1980, he married Rebecca Pennington, in South Hutchinson.&nbsp; She died March 11, 2005.&nbsp;Loren is survived by:&nbsp; faithful companion, Cindy Boor; &nbsp;stepchildren,
 Aimee Oliver and Eric Day; siblings, Elaine Clouse (Joe) of Kingman, 
Mike Dreiling (Karen) of Schulte, Roy Dreiling of Wichita, Tom Dreiling 
of Schulte, Rodger Dreiling (Doris), Galen Dreiling, all of Hutchinson, 
Mary Koehler (Conrad) of Great Bend, Tim Dreiling (Kim), Duane Dreiling 
(Denise), Mark Dreiling, all of Hutchinson, Jerry Dreiling (Brenda) of 
Pfeifer, David Dreiling (Vickie) of Great Bend, Paul Dreiling (Angie) of
 Goddard, Neal Dreiling (Penny) of Great Bend, and Norine Hamby (Todd) 
of Hutchinson; Cindy’s children, Heather Turner and Kevin Hauschild 
(Emily), all of Hutchinson; Cindy’s grandsons (who Loren loved as his 
own grandsons), Easton and Kutter Hauschild and Carson and Mason 
DeBerry; Cindy’s siblings, Rick Miller, Mike Miller (Cindy), Soni 
McClelland (Ken), Mark Miller (Michelle), all of Hutchinson, Tauni Manka
 (Bob) of Great Bend, and Mitsi Dale (Ronnie) of Hutchinson; four 
step-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and 
great-nephews; and his beloved buddy, Bella.He was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; sisters-in-law, Marlene Dreiling and Vera Dreiling; and nephew, Travis Dreiling.Parish Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021.&nbsp; For those 
unable to attend Friday evening, a Parish Rosary will be held at 9:30 
a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, March 6, 2021.&nbsp; Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 
10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021.&nbsp; Both Parish Rosaries and the Mass 
will be held at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th, 
Hutchinson, with Father Michael J. Maybrier officiating.&nbsp; The casket 
will remain closed.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, 
Hutchinson.&nbsp; Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; The family will 
greet friends following the Friday Parish Rosary at the church.For those unable to attend (both the Rosary and Mass) please go to 
the following link: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoJyHIB_5noG2dVIWfdxl4Q, as the 
services will be live-streamed on the churches YouTube page.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Teresa Catholic 
Church or Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association (to benefit
 scholarships for the automotive technology department), in care of 
Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501.

Loren Joseph Dreiling

William August&nbsp; “Bill” Summers, 70, passed away February 27, 2021. 
Bill was born October 18, 1950 in Quinter, KS to Oliver and Ecil 
Summers. He was the youngest of five children, and he often told stories
 of their adventures growing up. He attended Grainfield Grade School and
 Grainfield High School before going to Job Corps in Nebraska to learn 
how to be a mechanic. He worked on bridges before enlisting to serve in 
Vietnam as part of the Army’s 101st Airborne. He returned 
home and married Beverly Cox on December 26, 1971. To this union, four 
children were born, Tara, Andy, Lonna, and Treva. The Summers Family 
lived in Peabody, Grainfield, and Quinter. Bill and Bev lived in Quinter
 for 33 years before moving to Topeka, KS to be close to family.

Bill had a strong faith in Christ and enjoyed fishing, hunting, 
building and fixing things, and being outdoors. He took pride in his 
work at Midwest CoOp where he worked for 29 years. He valued the 
friendships he developed with farmers and community members, and he was 
missed by many when he retired.

Bill loved his father and mother-in-law, Francis and Vesta Cox 
dearly, and they loved him. Bill enjoyed painting, driving around in the
 side-by-side, and playing card games with his grandchildren.&nbsp;

Survivors include his wife Bev, four children Tara Bowman of Topeka, 
KS; William “Andy” Summers of Quinter, KS; Lonna Summers Rocha (Justin) 
of Elmont, KS; and Treva Summers of Topeka, KS; Lonnie Summers (Lee) of 
Whitewater, KS; Dixie Taylor (Jack) of Heber Springs, Arkansas; and 
sister-in-law Connie Summers. Grandchildren include Tim, Mariah, and Kei
 Bowman and Annika Rocha. Bill loved his in-laws, cousins, nieces, and 
nephews and many others he considered family. When he invited you into 
his home, you were also invited into his heart and became part of his 
family.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Ecil (Finch) 
Summers, brother Bobbie Summers and Jerry Summers, and a son-in-law 
Scott Bowman.

The Summers family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, therapists, caregivers who have taken care of Bill.

In lieu of memorial contributions, the family asks that you help out 
neighbors or a stranger in need—just as Bill would have done. Cards and 
memories can be sent to Bev Summers, 3515 SW 6th St, Apt 309, Topeka, KS 66606. A memorial service will be held in Quinter at a later date.&nbsp; davidsonfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614792532141.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William August&nbsp; “Bill” Summers, 70, passed away February 27, 2021. 
Bill was born October 18, 1950 in Quinter, KS to Oliver and Ecil 
Summers. He was the youngest of five children, and he often told stories
 of their adventures growing up. He attended Grainfield Grade School and
 Grainfield High School before going to Job Corps in Nebraska to learn 
how to be a mechanic. He worked on bridges before enlisting to serve in 
Vietnam as part of the Army’s 101st Airborne. He returned 
home and married Beverly Cox on December 26, 1971. To this union, four 
children were born, Tara, Andy, Lonna, and Treva. The Summers Family 
lived in Peabody, Grainfield, and Quinter. Bill and Bev lived in Quinter
 for 33 years before moving to Topeka, KS to be close to family.Bill had a strong faith in Christ and enjoyed fishing, hunting, 
building and fixing things, and being outdoors. He took pride in his 
work at Midwest CoOp where he worked for 29 years. He valued the 
friendships he developed with farmers and community members, and he was 
missed by many when he retired.Bill loved his father and mother-in-law, Francis and Vesta Cox 
dearly, and they loved him. Bill enjoyed painting, driving around in the
 side-by-side, and playing card games with his grandchildren.&nbsp;Survivors include his wife Bev, four children Tara Bowman of Topeka, 
KS; William “Andy” Summers of Quinter, KS; Lonna Summers Rocha (Justin) 
of Elmont, KS; and Treva Summers of Topeka, KS; Lonnie Summers (Lee) of 
Whitewater, KS; Dixie Taylor (Jack) of Heber Springs, Arkansas; and 
sister-in-law Connie Summers. Grandchildren include Tim, Mariah, and Kei
 Bowman and Annika Rocha. Bill loved his in-laws, cousins, nieces, and 
nephews and many others he considered family. When he invited you into 
his home, you were also invited into his heart and became part of his 
family.Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Ecil (Finch) 
Summers, brother Bobbie Summers and Jerry Summers, and a son-in-law 
Scott Bowman.The Summers family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, therapists, caregivers who have taken care of Bill.In lieu of memorial contributions, the family asks that you help out 
neighbors or a stranger in need—just as Bill would have done. Cards and 
memories can be sent to Bev Summers, 3515 SW 6th St, Apt 309, Topeka, KS 66606. A memorial service will be held in Quinter at a later date.&nbsp; davidsonfuneral.com

William August 'Bill' Summers

Sharon Kaye Woodard, daughter of Walter &amp; Ruby (Crabb) Gower, was
 born September 11, 1942, in Agra, Kansas.&nbsp; She passed away on February 
25, 2021, at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, Kansas, at the 
age of 78.

She grew up in Agra &amp; graduated from Agra High School.&nbsp; Sharon 
was united in marriage to Louis Woodard on September 11, 1963, her 21st birthday.&nbsp; The couple were blessed with a son Marty.

Sharon was employed at many different places over the years 
including, JC Penney’s, the local newspaper, James Inc &amp; Coomes 
Inc.&nbsp; She also did the books for several different businesses over the 
years.

Sharon was absolutely crazy about cats, owning many during her 
lifetime.&nbsp; She also enjoyed movies, riding motorcycles, visiting with 
family &amp; friends &amp; watching her son Marty play sports.&nbsp; She 
&amp; Louis also collected Christmas ornaments for over 30 years &amp; 
she was a huge Kansas Jayhawk fan.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband Louis of Phillipsburg; her son Marty of Olathe &amp; her grandson Tyler.

Sharon had a terrific sense of humor &amp; an infectious laugh, she will be missed by her family &amp; many friends.

Graveside services will be held Tues. March 2 at 10:00 a.m. in the 
Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman 
officiating.&nbsp; The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve 
Memorial Chapel Facebook page.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Sunday &amp; 9:00 to 9:00 Monday
 at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends 
from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hays Humane Society or the Terry Johnson Center For Basic Cancer Research.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614787573179.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Kaye Woodard, daughter of Walter &amp; Ruby (Crabb) Gower, was
 born September 11, 1942, in Agra, Kansas.&nbsp; She passed away on February 
25, 2021, at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, Kansas, at the 
age of 78.She grew up in Agra &amp; graduated from Agra High School.&nbsp; Sharon 
was united in marriage to Louis Woodard on September 11, 1963, her 21st birthday.&nbsp; The couple were blessed with a son Marty.Sharon was employed at many different places over the years 
including, JC Penney’s, the local newspaper, James Inc &amp; Coomes 
Inc.&nbsp; She also did the books for several different businesses over the 
years.Sharon was absolutely crazy about cats, owning many during her 
lifetime.&nbsp; She also enjoyed movies, riding motorcycles, visiting with 
family &amp; friends &amp; watching her son Marty play sports.&nbsp; She 
&amp; Louis also collected Christmas ornaments for over 30 years &amp; 
she was a huge Kansas Jayhawk fan.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents.Survivors include her husband Louis of Phillipsburg; her son Marty of Olathe &amp; her grandson Tyler.Sharon had a terrific sense of humor &amp; an infectious laugh, she will be missed by her family &amp; many friends.Graveside services will be held Tues. March 2 at 10:00 a.m. in the 
Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman 
officiating.&nbsp; The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve 
Memorial Chapel Facebook page.Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 Sunday &amp; 9:00 to 9:00 Monday
 at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends 
from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday.Memorial contributions may be made to the Hays Humane Society or the Terry Johnson Center For Basic Cancer Research.

Sharon K. Woodard

Rogene B. Fell,&nbsp;age 89, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021 in Hays.&nbsp;

Arrangements are pending with Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614787525186.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rogene B. Fell,&nbsp;age 89, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021 in Hays.&nbsp;Arrangements are pending with Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601

Rogene B. Fell

Norma Jean Fellers, 86, Hays, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at her home in Hays surrounded by family.

She was born November 11, 1934, in 
Victoria, Kansas, the daughter of John and Catherine (Windholz) Quint.&nbsp; 
She graduated from Victoria High School in 1952 and went on to pursue a 
degree in Physical Education at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; She met and
 married her late husband, Jeremiah J. “Jerry” Fellers while attending 
FHSU.&nbsp; They were married on June 19, 1957, in Victoria, Kansas and were 
blessed with four children: Ramona, Alan, Jean, and Lisa.&nbsp; Norma worked 
for Safeway grocery stores in Colorado for seventeen years as inventory 
control clerk and front end manager.&nbsp; Jerry and Norma returned to Hays 
after their retirement.&nbsp; She enjoyed bible study groups, quilting, 
sewing, bowling, dancing, and cooking.&nbsp; Most importantly, Norma loved 
her family and Jesus.

Survivors include three daughters:&nbsp; 
Ramona Mayfield and husband John of Lemoore, CA, Jean Zimmerli and 
husband Tracy of Lochbuie, CO, and Lisa Fellers of Hays, one son:&nbsp; Alan 
Fellers and wife Colleen of Albuquerque, NM, six grandchildren, four 
step grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and three step great 
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, and five sisters.

A Celebration of Norma’s life will be 
at 11:00 am on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral 
Home with Pastor Sabian Chaney officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow at 
2:00 pm in the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney. The family will 
receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Friday at the 
funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested and checks may be made payable 
to:&nbsp; Hospice of HaysMed or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.&nbsp; 
Condolences and memories of Norma may be left for the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614781073007.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norma Jean Fellers, 86, Hays, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at her home in Hays surrounded by family.She was born November 11, 1934, in 
Victoria, Kansas, the daughter of John and Catherine (Windholz) Quint.&nbsp; 
She graduated from Victoria High School in 1952 and went on to pursue a 
degree in Physical Education at Fort Hays State University.&nbsp; She met and
 married her late husband, Jeremiah J. “Jerry” Fellers while attending 
FHSU.&nbsp; They were married on June 19, 1957, in Victoria, Kansas and were 
blessed with four children: Ramona, Alan, Jean, and Lisa.&nbsp; Norma worked 
for Safeway grocery stores in Colorado for seventeen years as inventory 
control clerk and front end manager.&nbsp; Jerry and Norma returned to Hays 
after their retirement.&nbsp; She enjoyed bible study groups, quilting, 
sewing, bowling, dancing, and cooking.&nbsp; Most importantly, Norma loved 
her family and Jesus.Survivors include three daughters:&nbsp; 
Ramona Mayfield and husband John of Lemoore, CA, Jean Zimmerli and 
husband Tracy of Lochbuie, CO, and Lisa Fellers of Hays, one son:&nbsp; Alan 
Fellers and wife Colleen of Albuquerque, NM, six grandchildren, four 
step grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and three step great 
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, and five sisters.A Celebration of Norma’s life will be 
at 11:00 am on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral 
Home with Pastor Sabian Chaney officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow at 
2:00 pm in the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney. The family will 
receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Friday at the 
funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested and checks may be made payable 
to:&nbsp; Hospice of HaysMed or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.&nbsp; 
Condolences and memories of Norma may be left for the family at 
www.haysmemorial.com

Norma Jean Fellers

Rita Mae Younker passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021, at the Redbud 
Village in Plainville, KS, at the age of 84. 

She was born on September 
15, 1936, to George and Genevieve (Meis) Merklinger in Park, KS. Rita was
 united in marriage to Clarence Younker on May 21, 1955 and they were 
blessed with 3 children: Doug, Jenny, and Mindi.
 Rita grew up in Ellis County where she completed grade school. She 
met and married Clarence Younker and the couple moved to Plainville in 
1956 where they spent the rest of their lives. Rita centered her life 
around taking care of not only her own children, but others as well. She
 treated all her daycare kids as if they were her own. She stayed busy 
chasing her kids or someone else’s kids and all while dispatching for 
her husband’s Oil Company, C &amp; L Oil Service. If she caught some 
time for herself, she was talented at sewing and even made some of her 
kids’ clothes and helped make ties for Ties By Libby. She was the most 
patient, kind, and gentle woman. She was a shining example of “loving 
thy neighbor” and living her life for the Lord. Rita was highly involved
 with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, assisting with any of the 
functions the church put on. She was a member of Women’s Guild, and at 
one time worked in the cafeteria for the Sacred Heart Grade School.
 Left to cherish her memory are her children, Doug Younker, Jenny 
Younker, and Mindi (Craig) Wise all of Plainville; sister-in-law Bonnie 
Merklinger of Plainville; and three grandchildren, Colton (Jaci) Wise, 
Kristen Wise (Blake Fritts), and Ashley Wise. 
 She joins in Heaven her parents, George and Genevieve Merklinger; 
husband Clarence Younker; and brothers, Elmer (Betty) Merklinger and 
Robert “Bob” Merklinger.
 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 
at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial 
will follow at the St. Catharina Cemetery in Catherine, KS at 2 PM. A 
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 PM until
 8 PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7PM.
 Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic 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/2021/3/1614724785437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rita Mae Younker passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021, at the Redbud 
Village in Plainville, KS, at the age of 84. She was born on September 
15, 1936, to George and Genevieve (Meis) Merklinger in Park, KS. Rita was
 united in marriage to Clarence Younker on May 21, 1955 and they were 
blessed with 3 children: Doug, Jenny, and Mindi.
 Rita grew up in Ellis County where she completed grade school. She 
met and married Clarence Younker and the couple moved to Plainville in 
1956 where they spent the rest of their lives. Rita centered her life 
around taking care of not only her own children, but others as well. She
 treated all her daycare kids as if they were her own. She stayed busy 
chasing her kids or someone else’s kids and all while dispatching for 
her husband’s Oil Company, C &amp; L Oil Service. If she caught some 
time for herself, she was talented at sewing and even made some of her 
kids’ clothes and helped make ties for Ties By Libby. She was the most 
patient, kind, and gentle woman. She was a shining example of “loving 
thy neighbor” and living her life for the Lord. Rita was highly involved
 with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, assisting with any of the 
functions the church put on. She was a member of Women’s Guild, and at 
one time worked in the cafeteria for the Sacred Heart Grade School.
 Left to cherish her memory are her children, Doug Younker, Jenny 
Younker, and Mindi (Craig) Wise all of Plainville; sister-in-law Bonnie 
Merklinger of Plainville; and three grandchildren, Colton (Jaci) Wise, 
Kristen Wise (Blake Fritts), and Ashley Wise. 
 She joins in Heaven her parents, George and Genevieve Merklinger; 
husband Clarence Younker; and brothers, Elmer (Betty) Merklinger and 
Robert “Bob” Merklinger.
 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2021 
at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial 
will follow at the St. Catharina Cemetery in Catherine, KS at 2 PM. A 
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 PM until
 8 PM with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7PM.
 Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and may 
be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., 
Plainville, KS 67663.

Rita Mae Younker 

Shannon Lee (Stagner) Larsen, 73, Plainville, passed away peacefully on 
March 1, 2021, at her daughter's home. 

She was born March 11, 1947, to 
Dale and Daisy (Wise) Stagner in Hays, KS. She attended school in 
Plainville and graduated high school with the class of 1965 in 
Englewood, CO. On September 11, 1965, she married Michael Larsen in 
Englewood, CO. To this union two children were born, Keith and Sara. 
Mike and Shannon returned to Plainville to raise their family and later
 moved to Hays. 
 Shannon was a Registered Nurse and spent many years working as a 
charge nurse and house supervisor at Hays Medical Center, Russell 
Regional Hospital and Cass Co. Medical Center, where she retired. 
Shannon loved to garden and always found joy in the beauty of what she 
planted. You could always find her sitting amongst her flowers admiring 
the fruits of her labor. Shannon shared her love for gardening with her 
children, her grandchildren and other family. She was a woman of strong 
faith and she looked forward to the day she heard, "Well done good and 
faithful servant!" Shannon was a kind, caring and giving person, always 
there to help someone in need. Her family and especially her 
grand-children, were of utmost importance to her. She thoroughly enjoyed
 family time and loved the stories and memories often shared.
 Shannon is survived by her son, Keith (Katina) and grandson, Brandon
 of Williamsburg, KS; daughter Sara (Jeremy) Pride and grandchildren, 
Dalton, Bethany, Blake, Shaelynn, MaKaylah and Kyndall of Plainville, 
KS. Also surviving are her brother, Paul (Dave) Stagner of Las Vegas, 
NM; sisters: Brenda Markley of Hays, KS; Pam (Jay) Mongeau of Pleasant 
Hill, MO; Lois (Butch) Post of Plainville, KS, and Debbie (Donnie) 
Taylor of Manhattan, KS. She also is survived by numerous cousins, 
nieces and nephews.
 Preceding her in death is her love, Michael Larsen, and her parents, Dale and Daisy Stagner.
 Funeral services will be held Friday, March 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. at 
Plainville United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on 
Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at Plumer Overlease Funeral Home 
in Plainville, KS.

 Memorials are suggested to Hays Medical Center 
hospice and may be sent in care of Plumer-Ovelease Funeral Home, 320 SW 
2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614724690620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shannon Lee (Stagner) Larsen, 73, Plainville, passed away peacefully on 
March 1, 2021, at her daughter's home. She was born March 11, 1947, to 
Dale and Daisy (Wise) Stagner in Hays, KS. She attended school in 
Plainville and graduated high school with the class of 1965 in 
Englewood, CO. On September 11, 1965, she married Michael Larsen in 
Englewood, CO. To this union two children were born, Keith and Sara. 
Mike and Shannon returned to Plainville to raise their family and later
 moved to Hays. 
 Shannon was a Registered Nurse and spent many years working as a 
charge nurse and house supervisor at Hays Medical Center, Russell 
Regional Hospital and Cass Co. Medical Center, where she retired. 
Shannon loved to garden and always found joy in the beauty of what she 
planted. You could always find her sitting amongst her flowers admiring 
the fruits of her labor. Shannon shared her love for gardening with her 
children, her grandchildren and other family. She was a woman of strong 
faith and she looked forward to the day she heard, "Well done good and 
faithful servant!" Shannon was a kind, caring and giving person, always 
there to help someone in need. Her family and especially her 
grand-children, were of utmost importance to her. She thoroughly enjoyed
 family time and loved the stories and memories often shared.
 Shannon is survived by her son, Keith (Katina) and grandson, Brandon
 of Williamsburg, KS; daughter Sara (Jeremy) Pride and grandchildren, 
Dalton, Bethany, Blake, Shaelynn, MaKaylah and Kyndall of Plainville, 
KS. Also surviving are her brother, Paul (Dave) Stagner of Las Vegas, 
NM; sisters: Brenda Markley of Hays, KS; Pam (Jay) Mongeau of Pleasant 
Hill, MO; Lois (Butch) Post of Plainville, KS, and Debbie (Donnie) 
Taylor of Manhattan, KS. She also is survived by numerous cousins, 
nieces and nephews.
 Preceding her in death is her love, Michael Larsen, and her parents, Dale and Daisy Stagner.
 Funeral services will be held Friday, March 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. at 
Plainville United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on 
Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. at Plumer Overlease Funeral Home 
in Plainville, KS. Memorials are suggested to Hays Medical Center 
hospice and may be sent in care of Plumer-Ovelease Funeral Home, 320 SW 
2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.

Shannon Lee (Stagner) Larsen

Margie Ilene Heeler, age 90, passed away on Tuesday March 2, 2021, at the 
Downs Care and Rehabilitation Center in Downs, KS. 

She was a cook at 
the Smith Center School District. Margie was born the daughter of Earl 
&amp; Opal Henry on November 9, 1930, in Mitchell County, KS.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, a daughter Cindy; a son Jimmy and a grandson Lance.
 She is survived by her daughters Sheila Birch of Beloit and Janice 
Heide of Smith Center, KS; a sister Karen of Cushing, OK; 2 
grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren.

<a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Margie-Ilene-Heeler?obId=20140558#/celebrationWall">Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary</a> is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614720979504.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Margie Ilene Heeler, age 90, passed away on Tuesday March 2, 2021, at the 
Downs Care and Rehabilitation Center in Downs, KS. She was a cook at 
the Smith Center School District. Margie was born the daughter of Earl 
&amp; Opal Henry on November 9, 1930, in Mitchell County, KS.
 She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James, a daughter Cindy; a son Jimmy and a grandson Lance.
 She is survived by her daughters Sheila Birch of Beloit and Janice 
Heide of Smith Center, KS; a sister Karen of Cushing, OK; 2 
grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren.<a href="https://www.simmons-rentschler.com/obituaries/Margie-Ilene-Heeler?obId=20140558#/celebrationWall">Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary</a> is in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries