Delven Lee Kraft, 89,
passed away on August 8, 2025 at the Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom,
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on April 24, 1936 on
the farm in Trego County, Kansas the son of Jacob and Eva (Eichman) Kraft.

Delven was a farmer and
stockman. He married Vivian Hoover on June 2nd, 1956, in Ness City, Kansas. 

Survivors include his wife,
Vivian Kraft of Ransom; daughter, Renata Kraft of Hays; son, Lee Kraft of
Ransom; daughter, Michele Nuttle of Utica; 4 grandchildren, Ryan Kraft, Codi
Kraft, Dalton Nuttle, Dylan Nuttle; 5 great-grandchildren, Blake Nuttle, Logan
Nuttle, Bodhi Kraft, Taegen Kraft, London Gutierrez; and sister, Helen Wagner
of Ness City. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herman, Reinhold,
Paul, and Hubert; sisters Darlene Cody and Betty Birzer.

A Celebration of Life will
be held at the Ransom VFW, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 5:30pm.

Memorial contributions may
be given to the Ransom, KS VFW Post No. 7972, grandson’s
nonprofit “Forgotten Stewardship”, or Donor's Choice.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for
the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757518892172.jpeg" alt="Delven Lee Kraft" />
 <figcaption>Delven Lee Kraft</figcaption>
 </figure>Delven Lee Kraft, 89,
passed away on August 8, 2025 at the Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom,
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born on April 24, 1936 on
the farm in Trego County, Kansas the son of Jacob and Eva (Eichman) Kraft.Delven was a farmer and
stockman. He married Vivian Hoover on June 2nd, 1956, in Ness City, Kansas. Survivors include his wife,
Vivian Kraft of Ransom; daughter, Renata Kraft of Hays; son, Lee Kraft of
Ransom; daughter, Michele Nuttle of Utica; 4 grandchildren, Ryan Kraft, Codi
Kraft, Dalton Nuttle, Dylan Nuttle; 5 great-grandchildren, Blake Nuttle, Logan
Nuttle, Bodhi Kraft, Taegen Kraft, London Gutierrez; and sister, Helen Wagner
of Ness City. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herman, Reinhold,
Paul, and Hubert; sisters Darlene Cody and Betty Birzer.A Celebration of Life will
be held at the Ransom VFW, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 5:30pm.Memorial contributions may
be given to the Ransom, KS VFW Post No. 7972, grandson’s
nonprofit “Forgotten Stewardship”, or Donor's Choice.Words of sympathy and support may be left for
the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Delven Lee Kraft

John Michael Kolacny, age 78 of Ellis, Kansas died Monday,
September 8, 2025, at Hays Med - Hays.

John was born on March 12, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. His
parents were Charles Sherman and Roberta (Hauetter) Kolacny. In 1968 he married
Elizabeth 'Liz' Rowland in Lawrence, Kansas.

He was an accomplished gardener, always paying strict attention to
his rose bushes knowing they needed constant sunlight, and nutrients to reach
their potential. He not only grew great roses but also cultivated and grew
young boys and girls into great men and women as a 33-year educator and coach
with USD 388. He had a profound impact on many students and athletes during his
teaching/coaching career until his retirement in 2005.

He led the Ellis Railroader Golf Team to a State Championship in
1983 and was named State of Kansas Golf Coach of the Year in 2002-2003.

John was a man of faith and passed on to his posterity the values
of doing things right, being kind to people, and trusting in God.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz; their children:
Callie Kolacny of Hays, Kansas, and Jarrett (Savanah) Kolacny of Grand
Junction, Colorado. Grandchildren: Grace (Jake) Sebesta, Tenaya Kolacny, and
Teyana Kolacny, and a great-grandson: Erik Sebesta all of Grand Junction,
Colorado. Also surviving are his siblings: Charles Sherman Kolacny, III of
Abilene, Kansas and Louise Kolacny of Berthoud, Colorado.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM
at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street
Hays, Kansas 67601. Following the memorial service, friends are invited to join
the family at the Ellis Golf Club, 1301 Spruce Street Ellis, Kansas 67637
beginning at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: The Ellis High
School Railroader Golf Team and/or The Ellis Golf Club in care of the Funeral
Chapel.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757468306214.jpeg" alt="John Michael Kolacny" />
 <figcaption>John Michael Kolacny</figcaption>
 </figure>John Michael Kolacny, age 78 of Ellis, Kansas died Monday,
September 8, 2025, at Hays Med - Hays.John was born on March 12, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. His
parents were Charles Sherman and Roberta (Hauetter) Kolacny. In 1968 he married
Elizabeth 'Liz' Rowland in Lawrence, Kansas.He was an accomplished gardener, always paying strict attention to
his rose bushes knowing they needed constant sunlight, and nutrients to reach
their potential. He not only grew great roses but also cultivated and grew
young boys and girls into great men and women as a 33-year educator and coach
with USD 388. He had a profound impact on many students and athletes during his
teaching/coaching career until his retirement in 2005.He led the Ellis Railroader Golf Team to a State Championship in
1983 and was named State of Kansas Golf Coach of the Year in 2002-2003.John was a man of faith and passed on to his posterity the values
of doing things right, being kind to people, and trusting in God.He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz; their children:
Callie Kolacny of Hays, Kansas, and Jarrett (Savanah) Kolacny of Grand
Junction, Colorado. Grandchildren: Grace (Jake) Sebesta, Tenaya Kolacny, and
Teyana Kolacny, and a great-grandson: Erik Sebesta all of Grand Junction,
Colorado. Also surviving are his siblings: Charles Sherman Kolacny, III of
Abilene, Kansas and Louise Kolacny of Berthoud, Colorado.John was preceded by his parents.Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM
at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street
Hays, Kansas 67601. Following the memorial service, friends are invited to join
the family at the Ellis Golf Club, 1301 Spruce Street Ellis, Kansas 67637
beginning at 3:00 PM.In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: The Ellis High
School Railroader Golf Team and/or The Ellis Golf Club in care of the Funeral
Chapel.Memories and words of comfort may be shared with John's family on
his tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

John Michael Kolacny

Jerry Lee Byrd, age 77, of Beeler, KS, passed away on
September 4, 2025, at HaysMed in Hays, KS. Jerry was born on June 13, 1948, in
Emporia, KS. He was the son of George Robert (Bob) Byrd and Dorothy Mae
Scharff. He met the love of his life, Linda Jane Selves and they were united in
marriage in Hutchinson, KS on June 3, 1968.

Jerry was a lifelong rancher, cattle buyer and land trader.
He had a strong work ethic. He enjoyed life, believed in God and loved his
family. Everything he did was to provide for his family. His grandchildren were
his pride and joy. Jerry was happiest when he was around family and friends. He
also loved to play pitch, watch sports and ride horses.&nbsp;

He is survived by his wife, Linda J. (Selves) Byrd; his
children Traci Scott and husband Roger of Burdett, KS, Kristi Williams and
husband Chad of Victoria, KS and John Byrd and wife Tiffany of Beeler, KS; his
grandchildren Tyler Ralls, Payton Rice and his wife Kristen, Jake Byrd, Kade
Scott, Kylee Scott, Shelby Scott, and Hazen Byrd.&nbsp;

Memorial services will be on Friday September 12, 2025, at
4:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ness City, KS.&nbsp;

Friends can sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on
Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Arrowhead
West, Inc. 1100 E Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801 or to Children's Mercy
Hospital, Adele Hall Campus, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by
writing in the guestbook at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757436676092.jpeg" alt="Jerry Lee Byrd" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Lee Byrd</figcaption>
 </figure>Jerry Lee Byrd, age 77, of Beeler, KS, passed away on
September 4, 2025, at HaysMed in Hays, KS. Jerry was born on June 13, 1948, in
Emporia, KS. He was the son of George Robert (Bob) Byrd and Dorothy Mae
Scharff. He met the love of his life, Linda Jane Selves and they were united in
marriage in Hutchinson, KS on June 3, 1968.Jerry was a lifelong rancher, cattle buyer and land trader.
He had a strong work ethic. He enjoyed life, believed in God and loved his
family. Everything he did was to provide for his family. His grandchildren were
his pride and joy. Jerry was happiest when he was around family and friends. He
also loved to play pitch, watch sports and ride horses.&nbsp;He is survived by his wife, Linda J. (Selves) Byrd; his
children Traci Scott and husband Roger of Burdett, KS, Kristi Williams and
husband Chad of Victoria, KS and John Byrd and wife Tiffany of Beeler, KS; his
grandchildren Tyler Ralls, Payton Rice and his wife Kristen, Jake Byrd, Kade
Scott, Kylee Scott, Shelby Scott, and Hazen Byrd.&nbsp;Memorial services will be on Friday September 12, 2025, at
4:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ness City, KS.&nbsp;Friends can sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on
Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Arrowhead
West, Inc. 1100 E Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801 or to Children's Mercy
Hospital, Adele Hall Campus, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.Memories and words of support may be left for the family by
writing in the guestbook at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com

Jerry Lee Byrd

Priscilla F. Rorstrom of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully
in her sleep on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Via Christi Village.&nbsp; She was 88 years old.&nbsp; 

Priscilla was born on March 26, 1937 in Boston,
Massachusetts, the daughter of Ralph Irving Freeman and Ella Brewster (Cornish)
Freeman.&nbsp; Priscilla grew up on Cape Cod
in the town of Sandwich, Massachusetts at Bay View Farm, a property that had
been in her family for generations.&nbsp; As a
child she was surrounded by extended family.&nbsp;
Along with her parents and younger brother, Irving, various aunts,
uncles and grandparents also shared the house at different times.&nbsp; The home was the center of frequent family gatherings
involving the greater extended family from nearby towns on the Cape and beyond.&nbsp; There are numerous stories of childhood
adventures with her brother and cousins at the beach and on the farm.&nbsp; Her high school class had only six class
members; therefore, she played flute in the local Shawme Orchestra.&nbsp; She was also active in the Camp Fire Girls
and was the scorekeeper for the school basketball team.

After high school, Priscilla attended Framingham State
Teachers College, where she graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home
Economics.&nbsp; After college she worked with
special needs children at the Riverview School in Sandwich from 1959 to 1960.&nbsp; On October 15, 1960 she was united in
marriage to Eric G. Rorstrom at the Federated Church in Sandwich.&nbsp; Eric and her brother were fraternity brothers
at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which facilitated their meeting.&nbsp; After marriage, the couple rented a small
house in Holden, Massachusetts.&nbsp; Shortly
thereafter, Eric was called into the Army Reserves at the onset of the Berlin
Wall Crisis.&nbsp; She gave birth to their
first child, James, in August of 1961 while Eric was stationed at Fort Dix, New
Jersey.&nbsp; Subsequently, she returned to
the Cape with her baby to live with her parents in Sandwich until Eric was
discharged from the Reserves following the second Berlin Wall crisis in 1962.&nbsp; Being able to now resume a normal life, Eric
pursued his career as a mechanical engineer at the Riley Stoker Corporation in
Worcester, Massachusetts and they purchased a home in Holden, Massachusetts.&nbsp; Priscilla chose to continue as a stay at home
mom and was involved with the choir at the Holden Baptist Church.&nbsp; She gave birth to their second child, John,
in 1965.

In 1967, Eric began employment with the Pratt &amp; Whitney
Aircraft Corporation and the family relocated to Marlborough, Connecticut.&nbsp; They became members of the Marlborough
Congregational Church and then, in 1978, became members of Trinity Covenant
Church in Manchester, Connecticut.&nbsp; They
were active in the choir, Bible studies, prayer groups and served in various
leadership capacities at both churches.&nbsp; Priscilla
was also active in the local PTA and was a room mother for both boys as they
progressed through elementary school.&nbsp; She
enjoyed flower gardening and was an active member of the Marlborough Garden
Club for many years, receiving awards for her flower arrangements at the annual
house and garden tour.&nbsp; She was highly
skilled at sewing, embroidery, knitting and crocheting.&nbsp; She utilized her skills to produce much of
her own clothing, sport coats for Eric, costumes for the boys, Scandinavian
style sweaters and decorative items.&nbsp; Priscilla’s
love of music resulted in her embracing the recorder in the mid 1970’s.&nbsp; After becoming proficient at the instrument,
she joined the Lake Consort.&nbsp; The group
performed their repertoire of music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque
periods at churches and other venues into the late 1980’s.&nbsp; These years were also marked by the annual
family camping trips to the White Mountains and, in 1978, a month long motor
home adventure tour of the U.S.

In 1979, with the oldest son entering college, Priscilla
decided to return to work and took a position as the secretary in the high
school audio visual department.&nbsp; She
remained there until 1988, at which point she became a secretary at Trinity
Covenant Church and remained in that capacity until retirement.&nbsp; In the following years she enjoyed continuing
in her many activities and frequent visits to the family homestead on the Cape.


She also enjoyed traveling with Eric to Maine, Prince Edward
Island and England as well as trips to see her sons and their families in
Kansas and New Hampshire.&nbsp; Grandchildren
had begun to arrive a few years earlier, in 1995.&nbsp; As this next generation grew, she enjoyed
sharing her faith, wisdom, skills, life stories and extensive family history
with them. 

Throughout their 55 years in Marlborough, Priscilla was
known for her love of hospitality and entertaining - blessing family and
friends with sumptuous meals at their home, contributing to church suppers,
making meals for shut-ins and the bereaved, as well as welcoming new families
to the neighborhood with a fresh-baked loaf of bread and other goodies.

In 2022, Priscilla moved with her husband Eric to Hays, Kansas
to be closer to her family.&nbsp; In Hays they
have been involved with the North Oak Community Church and have enjoyed making
friends in the church and community.&nbsp; 

Priscilla is survived by her husband Eric of Hays, two sons
- James Rorstrom and wife Jane of Hays and John Rorstrom and wife Theresa of
Austin, TX, her brother - Irving Freeman and wife Carolyn of Sandwich, MA, four
grandchildren - Katarina Clinton and husband Mark of Southern Pines, NC, Hans
Rorstrom and wife Hannah of Claremore, OK, Eric Rorstrom of Kansas City, MO,
and Carl Rorstrom of Lawrence, KS.&nbsp; There
are three great grandchildren - Hope, Svea, and Cathan. She was preceded in
death by her parents.

A memorial service will be at 2:30 pm on Saturday, September
13, 2025 at North Oak Community Church with Pastor Dave Kumer
officiating.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until service
time at the church.&nbsp; Private family inurnment will be in Spring Hill
Cemetery in Sandwich, Massachusetts.&nbsp; 

In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations are suggested sent to: North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.,
Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601.&nbsp; Write: “Memorial – Priscilla” on the memo
line.&nbsp; Funds will be used to support mission outreaches.&nbsp; 

Services
are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and
memories of Priscilla may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756472469112.jpeg" alt="Priscilla F. Rorstrom" />
 <figcaption>Priscilla F. Rorstrom</figcaption>
 </figure>Priscilla F. Rorstrom of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully
in her sleep on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Via Christi Village.&nbsp; She was 88 years old.&nbsp; Priscilla was born on March 26, 1937 in Boston,
Massachusetts, the daughter of Ralph Irving Freeman and Ella Brewster (Cornish)
Freeman.&nbsp; Priscilla grew up on Cape Cod
in the town of Sandwich, Massachusetts at Bay View Farm, a property that had
been in her family for generations.&nbsp; As a
child she was surrounded by extended family.&nbsp;
Along with her parents and younger brother, Irving, various aunts,
uncles and grandparents also shared the house at different times.&nbsp; The home was the center of frequent family gatherings
involving the greater extended family from nearby towns on the Cape and beyond.&nbsp; There are numerous stories of childhood
adventures with her brother and cousins at the beach and on the farm.&nbsp; Her high school class had only six class
members; therefore, she played flute in the local Shawme Orchestra.&nbsp; She was also active in the Camp Fire Girls
and was the scorekeeper for the school basketball team.After high school, Priscilla attended Framingham State
Teachers College, where she graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home
Economics.&nbsp; After college she worked with
special needs children at the Riverview School in Sandwich from 1959 to 1960.&nbsp; On October 15, 1960 she was united in
marriage to Eric G. Rorstrom at the Federated Church in Sandwich.&nbsp; Eric and her brother were fraternity brothers
at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which facilitated their meeting.&nbsp; After marriage, the couple rented a small
house in Holden, Massachusetts.&nbsp; Shortly
thereafter, Eric was called into the Army Reserves at the onset of the Berlin
Wall Crisis.&nbsp; She gave birth to their
first child, James, in August of 1961 while Eric was stationed at Fort Dix, New
Jersey.&nbsp; Subsequently, she returned to
the Cape with her baby to live with her parents in Sandwich until Eric was
discharged from the Reserves following the second Berlin Wall crisis in 1962.&nbsp; Being able to now resume a normal life, Eric
pursued his career as a mechanical engineer at the Riley Stoker Corporation in
Worcester, Massachusetts and they purchased a home in Holden, Massachusetts.&nbsp; Priscilla chose to continue as a stay at home
mom and was involved with the choir at the Holden Baptist Church.&nbsp; She gave birth to their second child, John,
in 1965.In 1967, Eric began employment with the Pratt &amp; Whitney
Aircraft Corporation and the family relocated to Marlborough, Connecticut.&nbsp; They became members of the Marlborough
Congregational Church and then, in 1978, became members of Trinity Covenant
Church in Manchester, Connecticut.&nbsp; They
were active in the choir, Bible studies, prayer groups and served in various
leadership capacities at both churches.&nbsp; Priscilla
was also active in the local PTA and was a room mother for both boys as they
progressed through elementary school.&nbsp; She
enjoyed flower gardening and was an active member of the Marlborough Garden
Club for many years, receiving awards for her flower arrangements at the annual
house and garden tour.&nbsp; She was highly
skilled at sewing, embroidery, knitting and crocheting.&nbsp; She utilized her skills to produce much of
her own clothing, sport coats for Eric, costumes for the boys, Scandinavian
style sweaters and decorative items.&nbsp; Priscilla’s
love of music resulted in her embracing the recorder in the mid 1970’s.&nbsp; After becoming proficient at the instrument,
she joined the Lake Consort.&nbsp; The group
performed their repertoire of music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque
periods at churches and other venues into the late 1980’s.&nbsp; These years were also marked by the annual
family camping trips to the White Mountains and, in 1978, a month long motor
home adventure tour of the U.S.In 1979, with the oldest son entering college, Priscilla
decided to return to work and took a position as the secretary in the high
school audio visual department.&nbsp; She
remained there until 1988, at which point she became a secretary at Trinity
Covenant Church and remained in that capacity until retirement.&nbsp; In the following years she enjoyed continuing
in her many activities and frequent visits to the family homestead on the Cape.
She also enjoyed traveling with Eric to Maine, Prince Edward
Island and England as well as trips to see her sons and their families in
Kansas and New Hampshire.&nbsp; Grandchildren
had begun to arrive a few years earlier, in 1995.&nbsp; As this next generation grew, she enjoyed
sharing her faith, wisdom, skills, life stories and extensive family history
with them. Throughout their 55 years in Marlborough, Priscilla was
known for her love of hospitality and entertaining - blessing family and
friends with sumptuous meals at their home, contributing to church suppers,
making meals for shut-ins and the bereaved, as well as welcoming new families
to the neighborhood with a fresh-baked loaf of bread and other goodies.In 2022, Priscilla moved with her husband Eric to Hays, Kansas
to be closer to her family.&nbsp; In Hays they
have been involved with the North Oak Community Church and have enjoyed making
friends in the church and community.&nbsp; Priscilla is survived by her husband Eric of Hays, two sons
- James Rorstrom and wife Jane of Hays and John Rorstrom and wife Theresa of
Austin, TX, her brother - Irving Freeman and wife Carolyn of Sandwich, MA, four
grandchildren - Katarina Clinton and husband Mark of Southern Pines, NC, Hans
Rorstrom and wife Hannah of Claremore, OK, Eric Rorstrom of Kansas City, MO,
and Carl Rorstrom of Lawrence, KS.&nbsp; There
are three great grandchildren - Hope, Svea, and Cathan. She was preceded in
death by her parents.A memorial service will be at 2:30 pm on Saturday, September
13, 2025 at North Oak Community Church with Pastor Dave Kumer
officiating.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until service
time at the church.&nbsp; Private family inurnment will be in Spring Hill
Cemetery in Sandwich, Massachusetts.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations are suggested sent to: North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak St.,
Hays, KS&nbsp; 67601.&nbsp; Write: “Memorial – Priscilla” on the memo
line.&nbsp; Funds will be used to support mission outreaches.&nbsp; Services
are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and
memories of Priscilla may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Priscilla F. Rorstrom

Donna Jean 'Jeanie' Dreiling, Hays, died Saturday, September
6, 2025 at Homestead of Hays, just three days shy of her 100th
birthday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday,
September 12, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A
Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a vigil service at
6:30 pm, both on Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp;


In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to P.E.O., Homestead of
Hays, or for masses.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Donna may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

A complete obituary is forthcoming and will be published by
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757364913353.jpeg" alt="Donna Jean 'Jeanie' Dreiling" />
 <figcaption>Donna Jean 'Jeanie' Dreiling</figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Jean 'Jeanie' Dreiling, Hays, died Saturday, September
6, 2025 at Homestead of Hays, just three days shy of her 100th
birthday.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday,
September 12, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards
officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St.
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from
5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A
Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a vigil service at
6:30 pm, both on Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp;
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to P.E.O., Homestead of
Hays, or for masses.&nbsp; Condolences and
memories of Donna may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.comA complete obituary is forthcoming and will be published by
Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

Donna Jean 'Jeanie' Dreiling

George Philip V passed away August 16, 2025. He was born in Hays on August 22, 1954, the oldest son of George “Scotty” Philip IV and Jacqulyn Clowers Philip. He is pre-deceased by his parents and two brothers, Ian and Gordon. Survivors include his son, George Philip VI (Camille Meritan) of Manhattan, his sister, Sheilah Philip (Bob Hartley) of Overland Park, and nephews Alec Philip (Kristen), Hudson Philip, and grand-nephew Evan Philip.

George lived in Hays his whole life, graduating from Hays High in 1972 and FHSU in 1977.  He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Speech Communication, but his passion was the study of Math and Physics, for which he nearly completed a Mathematics degree. Since age eleven he worked at the family business, George Philip Hardware and took over sole ownership in 1984 when his father died.  Just as the three generations before him, he operated the store that was a downtown staple until it closed in 1997. He continued to be called upon by many citizens of Hays for his breadth of skills in hardware, locksmithing, and repair work, so he opened GPH Fabrication and Repair which he operated until 2018. He then decided to go to work again in retail, doing inventory, hardware, and small tool repair at Heartland Building center until retiring in 2022.

He and his former wife, Nancy Mai, had a son, George VI, born in 1987. They were great friends as well as being father and son. They enjoyed working in his shop he had set up on the original family farmstead in Victoria restoring machinery, shooting, and designing and building things together.

George was, in many ways, a Renaissance man. When he was younger, he enjoyed horsemanship, fencing and tae kwon do. His skills in hardware, tools, locks, and repair work were balanced by his love of reading, classical music, and on-going study of physics and mathematics. He was involved in local politics and served as city commissioner and mayor. He had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed cooking and eating, and was the first person his sister knew who had a personal computer.

A memorial service to be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating.  Private burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery at a later date. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hays Public Library, First Call for Help of Ellis County, or the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging would be appreciated.  Condolences and memories of George may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755708092825.jpeg" alt="George Philip V" />
 <figcaption>George Philip V</figcaption>
 </figure>George Philip V passed away August 16, 2025. He was born in Hays on August 22, 1954, the oldest son of George “Scotty” Philip IV and Jacqulyn Clowers Philip. He is pre-deceased by his parents and two brothers, Ian and Gordon. Survivors include his son, George Philip VI (Camille Meritan) of Manhattan, his sister, Sheilah Philip (Bob Hartley) of Overland Park, and nephews Alec Philip (Kristen), Hudson Philip, and grand-nephew Evan Philip.George lived in Hays his whole life, graduating from Hays High in 1972 and FHSU in 1977. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Speech Communication, but his passion was the study of Math and Physics, for which he nearly completed a Mathematics degree. Since age eleven he worked at the family business, George Philip Hardware and took over sole ownership in 1984 when his father died. Just as the three generations before him, he operated the store that was a downtown staple until it closed in 1997. He continued to be called upon by many citizens of Hays for his breadth of skills in hardware, locksmithing, and repair work, so he opened GPH Fabrication and Repair which he operated until 2018. He then decided to go to work again in retail, doing inventory, hardware, and small tool repair at Heartland Building center until retiring in 2022.He and his former wife, Nancy Mai, had a son, George VI, born in 1987. They were great friends as well as being father and son. They enjoyed working in his shop he had set up on the original family farmstead in Victoria restoring machinery, shooting, and designing and building things together.George was, in many ways, a Renaissance man. When he was younger, he enjoyed horsemanship, fencing and tae kwon do. His skills in hardware, tools, locks, and repair work were balanced by his love of reading, classical music, and on-going study of physics and mathematics. He was involved in local politics and served as city commissioner and mayor. He had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed cooking and eating, and was the first person his sister knew who had a personal computer.A memorial service to be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Brenda Rodger officiating. Private burial will be in Mount Allen Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hays Public Library, First Call for Help of Ellis County, or the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging would be appreciated. Condolences and memories of George may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com

George Philip V

Lori Diane Ross, age 59, of Hays,
Kansas, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays,
Kansas.

She was born on July 18, 1966, in Farmington, New Mexico, to Gary Raymond and
Verlea Isabel (Robson) Ross.

She was a laboratory technician at Edwards County Medical Center, Hays
Pathology Lab, then Quest Lab, for over 30 years, and moved to Hays in
1993.&nbsp; She grew up in Hoisington, Kansas, and was a 1984 graduate of
Hoisington High School.&nbsp; She attended Kansas Technical Institute at
Salina, Kansas, and Barton County Community College. She enjoyed reading,
movies, making crafts, her co-workers, and always her dogs over the years.

Lori is survived by her parents, Gary and Verlea Ross, Hoisington, KS; her
brother, Devin Ross and his wife, Susan, Dravosburg, PA; her aunt, Phyllis
Russell and husband, Ron, Livingston, MT; her nephew, Benjamin Ross and wife, Chelsea;
her nieces, Katharine Ross; Rebecca Ross and fiancé, Josh Guter; her great
nephew, Cedric Ross; and her four legged special friend, Lilli.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Raymond and Marie Ross; George
and Grace Robson; and her aunt, Shelia Burk.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday September 19, 2025,
at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Chaplain Chad Pritchett,
Officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Hartman Cemetery in Hartman,
Colorado at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M. at the mortuary.

The family suggests memorials made payable to: Humane Society of the High
Plains in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756524005602.jpeg" alt="Lori Diane Ross" />
 <figcaption>Lori Diane Ross</figcaption>
 </figure>Lori Diane Ross, age 59, of Hays,
Kansas, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays,
Kansas.She was born on July 18, 1966, in Farmington, New Mexico, to Gary Raymond and
Verlea Isabel (Robson) Ross.She was a laboratory technician at Edwards County Medical Center, Hays
Pathology Lab, then Quest Lab, for over 30 years, and moved to Hays in
1993.&nbsp; She grew up in Hoisington, Kansas, and was a 1984 graduate of
Hoisington High School.&nbsp; She attended Kansas Technical Institute at
Salina, Kansas, and Barton County Community College. She enjoyed reading,
movies, making crafts, her co-workers, and always her dogs over the years.Lori is survived by her parents, Gary and Verlea Ross, Hoisington, KS; her
brother, Devin Ross and his wife, Susan, Dravosburg, PA; her aunt, Phyllis
Russell and husband, Ron, Livingston, MT; her nephew, Benjamin Ross and wife, Chelsea;
her nieces, Katharine Ross; Rebecca Ross and fiancé, Josh Guter; her great
nephew, Cedric Ross; and her four legged special friend, Lilli.She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Raymond and Marie Ross; George
and Grace Robson; and her aunt, Shelia Burk.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A Celebration of Life Service will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday September 19, 2025,
at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Chaplain Chad Pritchett,
Officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Hartman Cemetery in Hartman,
Colorado at a later date.The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M. at the mortuary.The family suggests memorials made payable to: Humane Society of the High
Plains in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd
Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.Condolences
can be emailed to <a href="mailto:clineschapels@gmail.com">clineschapels@gmail.com</a> or left by guest
book at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Lori Diane Ross

Linda Louise Ward Mosier, Hays,
entered Heaven on June 25, 2025, surrounded at the time of her passing by
family and skilled, caring HaysMed staff.

Linda was born the first of four children to Arlin and
Shirley (Kilmer) Ward on June 6, 1944 in Valdosta, Georgia at Moody Air Force
Base.&nbsp; There, Arlin served in the U.S. Army
as a pilot and first lieutenant. This significant date in American History was
also D-Day, known as the beginning of the end of World War II. &nbsp;Linda’s mother would often tell the story of
Linda’s birth, recounting that the hospital staff repeated ‘your baby was born
on D-Day!’ while neglecting to inform her upon numerous requests that she had
delivered a girl.

Following his military service, Arlin worked for Pillsbury
Mills and then went on to become a professor at Kansas State University in the
Grain Science department while Shirley kept their home, raising Linda and her
sisters, Kay and Barbara and brother Kenneth.&nbsp;
Linda attended four different grade schools and three different high
schools between her family’s time in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Manhattan, Kansas
and Springfield, Illinois.

Like her parents, Linda met her husband, Steven Mosier at
Kansas State University.&nbsp; They married on
June 5, 1965, at Danforth Chapel on the KSU campus. Their wedding party
included Linda’s sisters, Kay and Barbara and Steve’s twin brother, Stan, as
well as lifelong friend, David Leopold. &nbsp;Linda obtained a degree in elementary
education and went on to teach first grade in Aurora, Nebraska. &nbsp;Steve, a veterinarian, served in the U.S. Army
Veterinary Corps from 1967-1969, and he and Linda were stationed in St. James,
Minnesota during this time. &nbsp;St. James
also served as the birthplace of their first son, Darren (DOB and DOD
10-20-1967) and first daughter, Karen.

Linda and Steve moved to Hays, Kansas in 1970 in order to be
closer to both sets of parents; Linda’s in Manhattan and Steve’s in Hoxie. &nbsp;Their daughter Kristen was born in Hays in
1971. Daughters Karla and Kayleen were born in Russell in 1974 and 1976,
respectively.

In addition to supporting Steve in his over fifty years of
service in veterinary medicine, Linda was elected to the Hays School Board for
12 years. &nbsp;She was nominated to the State
of Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board for six years. She was an
entrepreneur as owner of The Gathering Place, a gift shop featuring Kansas
artists and items. &nbsp;She and Steve
co-sponsored a Special Olympics basketball team in Hays for over twenty years. &nbsp;Linda and Steve also supported the annual
Festival of Faith in Hays. This interdenominational worship gathering was
Linda’s favorite event.&nbsp; Linda was a
devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.&nbsp; She saw and believed the best in others at
all times.&nbsp; One of her greatest legacies
was captured by her grandson who said of her, “It’s always a good idea to spend
time with Grandma Linda because you leave a better person.”

Linda’s beloved place was Estes Park, Colorado, where her
parents built a rustic cabin still visited by family today. &nbsp;Linda instilled her love for this area in her
daughters and grandchildren; Karen, Kristen and Karla reside in Estes Park
along with grandchildren Ethan, Decker, Isaac, Ben, and Hannah, all born and
raised there. Her favorite books were The Bible and The Secret Garden. &nbsp;Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. &nbsp;The Goodness of God and Forever in Blue Jeans
were her favorite songs. &nbsp;Her favorite words
were:&nbsp; faith, hope, love, grace, wisdom,
healing, better, forgiveness and smiling, all of which she embodied.

Survivors include four daughters:
Karen Nicholson and husband Blake, Kristen Hill and husband Christian, Karla
DuBois and husband Justin, all of Estes Park, Colorado, and Kayleen Geist and
husband Garrett of Wilson, two sisters, Kay Taylor and brother-in-law Chris of
Fort Collins, Colorado and Barbara Pratt of Estes Park, Colorado, brother
Kenneth and sister-in-law Robin of Fruita, Colorado, five grandchildren: Blake
“Decker”, Ben, and Hannah Nicholson, Ethan and Isaac Hill, as well as nieces
and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son
Darren and husband Steve, and brother-in-law Stan Pratt.

A gathering to remember, reflect,
and share in the life of Linda will be from 2:30 pm until 4:30 on Friday,
September 12, 2025 at Professor’s Classic Sandwich Shop, 521 E. 11th
Street in Hays.&nbsp; Family Inurnment will be
in the Hoxie Cemetery at a future date.  

Memorials are suggested to:&nbsp;Arc of
Central Plains&nbsp; 600 Main
StreetHays, KS 67601 or&nbsp;Jana’s
Campaign Suite
204 Hadley
Office Center 205 E. 7th
Street.Hays,
Kansas 67601

Services
are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and
memories of Linda may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750957588200.jpeg" alt="Linda L. Mosier" />
 <figcaption>Linda L. Mosier</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda Louise Ward Mosier, Hays,
entered Heaven on June 25, 2025, surrounded at the time of her passing by
family and skilled, caring HaysMed staff.Linda was born the first of four children to Arlin and
Shirley (Kilmer) Ward on June 6, 1944 in Valdosta, Georgia at Moody Air Force
Base.&nbsp; There, Arlin served in the U.S. Army
as a pilot and first lieutenant. This significant date in American History was
also D-Day, known as the beginning of the end of World War II. &nbsp;Linda’s mother would often tell the story of
Linda’s birth, recounting that the hospital staff repeated ‘your baby was born
on D-Day!’ while neglecting to inform her upon numerous requests that she had
delivered a girl.Following his military service, Arlin worked for Pillsbury
Mills and then went on to become a professor at Kansas State University in the
Grain Science department while Shirley kept their home, raising Linda and her
sisters, Kay and Barbara and brother Kenneth.&nbsp;
Linda attended four different grade schools and three different high
schools between her family’s time in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Manhattan, Kansas
and Springfield, Illinois.Like her parents, Linda met her husband, Steven Mosier at
Kansas State University.&nbsp; They married on
June 5, 1965, at Danforth Chapel on the KSU campus. Their wedding party
included Linda’s sisters, Kay and Barbara and Steve’s twin brother, Stan, as
well as lifelong friend, David Leopold. &nbsp;Linda obtained a degree in elementary
education and went on to teach first grade in Aurora, Nebraska. &nbsp;Steve, a veterinarian, served in the U.S. Army
Veterinary Corps from 1967-1969, and he and Linda were stationed in St. James,
Minnesota during this time. &nbsp;St. James
also served as the birthplace of their first son, Darren (DOB and DOD
10-20-1967) and first daughter, Karen.Linda and Steve moved to Hays, Kansas in 1970 in order to be
closer to both sets of parents; Linda’s in Manhattan and Steve’s in Hoxie. &nbsp;Their daughter Kristen was born in Hays in
1971. Daughters Karla and Kayleen were born in Russell in 1974 and 1976,
respectively.In addition to supporting Steve in his over fifty years of
service in veterinary medicine, Linda was elected to the Hays School Board for
12 years. &nbsp;She was nominated to the State
of Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board for six years. She was an
entrepreneur as owner of The Gathering Place, a gift shop featuring Kansas
artists and items. &nbsp;She and Steve
co-sponsored a Special Olympics basketball team in Hays for over twenty years. &nbsp;Linda and Steve also supported the annual
Festival of Faith in Hays. This interdenominational worship gathering was
Linda’s favorite event.&nbsp; Linda was a
devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.&nbsp; She saw and believed the best in others at
all times.&nbsp; One of her greatest legacies
was captured by her grandson who said of her, “It’s always a good idea to spend
time with Grandma Linda because you leave a better person.”Linda’s beloved place was Estes Park, Colorado, where her
parents built a rustic cabin still visited by family today. &nbsp;Linda instilled her love for this area in her
daughters and grandchildren; Karen, Kristen and Karla reside in Estes Park
along with grandchildren Ethan, Decker, Isaac, Ben, and Hannah, all born and
raised there. Her favorite books were The Bible and The Secret Garden. &nbsp;Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. &nbsp;The Goodness of God and Forever in Blue Jeans
were her favorite songs. &nbsp;Her favorite words
were:&nbsp; faith, hope, love, grace, wisdom,
healing, better, forgiveness and smiling, all of which she embodied.Survivors include four daughters:
Karen Nicholson and husband Blake, Kristen Hill and husband Christian, Karla
DuBois and husband Justin, all of Estes Park, Colorado, and Kayleen Geist and
husband Garrett of Wilson, two sisters, Kay Taylor and brother-in-law Chris of
Fort Collins, Colorado and Barbara Pratt of Estes Park, Colorado, brother
Kenneth and sister-in-law Robin of Fruita, Colorado, five grandchildren: Blake
“Decker”, Ben, and Hannah Nicholson, Ethan and Isaac Hill, as well as nieces
and nephews.Linda was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son
Darren and husband Steve, and brother-in-law Stan Pratt.A gathering to remember, reflect,
and share in the life of Linda will be from 2:30 pm until 4:30 on Friday,
September 12, 2025 at Professor’s Classic Sandwich Shop, 521 E. 11th
Street in Hays.&nbsp; Family Inurnment will be
in the Hoxie Cemetery at a future date. Memorials are suggested to:&nbsp;Arc of
Central Plains&nbsp; 600 Main
StreetHays, KS 67601 or&nbsp;Jana’s
Campaign Suite
204 Hadley
Office Center 205 E. 7th
Street.Hays,
Kansas 67601Services
are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and
memories of Linda may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Linda L. Mosier

Gail Ann Brandyberry, 69 of Lenora, Kansas,was born to
parents John M. and Mary Margaret(Lightfoot) Cossman in Jetmore, Kansas.&nbsp;

Gail began her education at Pleasant View Country School.

She occasionally rode horses, and delighted in racing the
neighbor boy home on his go-cart— she always won.

In school, Gail enjoyed the arts; in the summers, she worked
on her tan, driving an open-station Minneapolis Moline tractor for her dad. She hung out
in the kitchen with her motherand learned to be an excellent cook.

Gail graduated from Jetmore High School in 1973. She
attended Emporia State University,where she was active in the theater department, developing a
passion for costume design. That passion carried over when she made Halloween ensembles
for her children.

Gail married Roger Fernandez, and the pair welcomed Brent
Mathew in 1979. Gail worked as a bank teller, worked at the business office
for Saint Mary of the Plains College, she sold cars at a Chevrolet Dealership, and
created ads for High Plains Public Radio.

Gail met David Brandyberry, one of her father’s harvest
hands, by chance. She originally disliked him because he had taken her job driving the truck.
She changed her opinion; the two were married in 1985. The pair’s 40 years of married life started in Kalvesta, as
proprietors of the ‘Ol Home Fill’er Up and Keep on Truckin’ Cafe.’

Their daughter, Amanda Lacey, was born in 1987. After three
years of running the cafe, they moved to Cimarron, Kan., and opened a retail store. In 1991, Kerby David was born. The next year, the family
moved to a farm north of Lenora. On the farm, she showcased her green thumb, knack for
preserving food, and talent for serving great meals. Gail was a certified master
gardener.&nbsp; In Norton County, Gail worked as a school secretary and
part-time helper at Sunshine Day Care before becoming a major force behind B-bar-K Tree
Services. In her life, Gail planted literally hundreds of thousands of trees throughout Kansas
and Nebraska.

In 1995, Gail started working for the US Postal Service as a
postmaster relief or PMR (an acronym she affectionately joked stood for “peon must
report”). After 14 years working at post offices in Norton, Graham, and Decatur Counties, she
was appointed postmaster in Jennings in 2007. Gail later served as postmaster in Hill
City (beginning in 2012) and Norton (2015-2025).

Gail fiercely loved her only grandchild, Jasper Eames
Fernandez, born in 2009; her daughters-in-law, Natasha Fernandez (of Chicago, Illinois),
Sierra Brandyberry (of Spearfish, South Dakota); and soon-to-be-son-in-law Elias
Zamora (of Tulsa, Oklahoma).

She is survived by brothers Max and Nick Cossman, numerous
nieces and nephews, five sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gary;
her maternal and paternal grandparents; and in-laws Frank and Edna (Swank)
Brandyberry.

Gail’s passing leaves a very large hole for those who knew
and worked with her. She will be remembered fondly by those who knew her best.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made care of
Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642.&nbsp; A Memorial Service for
Gail will be held September 13, 2025, at the United Parish Church in Lenora, Kansas, at 11:00 A.M.
Luncheon to follow in the church basement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757004336621.jpeg" alt="Gail Ann Brandyberry" />
 <figcaption>Gail Ann Brandyberry</figcaption>
 </figure>Gail Ann Brandyberry, 69 of Lenora, Kansas,was born to
parents John M. and Mary Margaret(Lightfoot) Cossman in Jetmore, Kansas.&nbsp;Gail began her education at Pleasant View Country School.She occasionally rode horses, and delighted in racing the
neighbor boy home on his go-cart— she always won.In school, Gail enjoyed the arts; in the summers, she worked
on her tan, driving an open-station Minneapolis Moline tractor for her dad. She hung out
in the kitchen with her motherand learned to be an excellent cook.Gail graduated from Jetmore High School in 1973. She
attended Emporia State University,where she was active in the theater department, developing a
passion for costume design. That passion carried over when she made Halloween ensembles
for her children.Gail married Roger Fernandez, and the pair welcomed Brent
Mathew in 1979. Gail worked as a bank teller, worked at the business office
for Saint Mary of the Plains College, she sold cars at a Chevrolet Dealership, and
created ads for High Plains Public Radio.Gail met David Brandyberry, one of her father’s harvest
hands, by chance. She originally disliked him because he had taken her job driving the truck.
She changed her opinion; the two were married in 1985. The pair’s 40 years of married life started in Kalvesta, as
proprietors of the ‘Ol Home Fill’er Up and Keep on Truckin’ Cafe.’Their daughter, Amanda Lacey, was born in 1987. After three
years of running the cafe, they moved to Cimarron, Kan., and opened a retail store. In 1991, Kerby David was born. The next year, the family
moved to a farm north of Lenora. On the farm, she showcased her green thumb, knack for
preserving food, and talent for serving great meals. Gail was a certified master
gardener.&nbsp; In Norton County, Gail worked as a school secretary and
part-time helper at Sunshine Day Care before becoming a major force behind B-bar-K Tree
Services. In her life, Gail planted literally hundreds of thousands of trees throughout Kansas
and Nebraska.In 1995, Gail started working for the US Postal Service as a
postmaster relief or PMR (an acronym she affectionately joked stood for “peon must
report”). After 14 years working at post offices in Norton, Graham, and Decatur Counties, she
was appointed postmaster in Jennings in 2007. Gail later served as postmaster in Hill
City (beginning in 2012) and Norton (2015-2025).Gail fiercely loved her only grandchild, Jasper Eames
Fernandez, born in 2009; her daughters-in-law, Natasha Fernandez (of Chicago, Illinois),
Sierra Brandyberry (of Spearfish, South Dakota); and soon-to-be-son-in-law Elias
Zamora (of Tulsa, Oklahoma).She is survived by brothers Max and Nick Cossman, numerous
nieces and nephews, five sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gary;
her maternal and paternal grandparents; and in-laws Frank and Edna (Swank)
Brandyberry.Gail’s passing leaves a very large hole for those who knew
and worked with her. She will be remembered fondly by those who knew her best.Go rest high on that mountain.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made care of
Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642.&nbsp; A Memorial Service for
Gail will be held September 13, 2025, at the United Parish Church in Lenora, Kansas, at 11:00 A.M.
Luncheon to follow in the church basement.

Gail Ann Brandyberry

Floyd D. Schneider, 91, WaKeeney, died Friday, August 29,
2025 at Trego Lempke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.

Private family services will be at a later date.&nbsp;
Arrangements are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and
condolences and memories of Floyd may be shared with his family at
www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757004201769.jpeg" alt="Floyd D. Schneider" />
 <figcaption>Floyd D. Schneider</figcaption>
 </figure>Floyd D. Schneider, 91, WaKeeney, died Friday, August 29,
2025 at Trego Lempke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.Private family services will be at a later date.&nbsp;
Arrangements are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and
condolences and memories of Floyd may be shared with his family at
www.haysmemorial.com

Floyd D. Schneider

Pauline Younker, age 100, of Munjor,
Kansas, passed away August 28, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. 

Pauline was born on the family farm
in Park, Kansas, August 23, 1925, to Ben Zimmerman and Mary (Wildeman)
Zimmerman. She married Frank Younker on February 10, 1948, in Park, Kansas. 

She was a member of St. Francis of
Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi Christian Mothers in Munjor, Kansas. In her
spare time she enjoyed gardening, doing word searches, and mostly praying for
her family. Pauline never had a harsh word to anyone and was always kind and
caring.

Pauline is survived by her son,
Darold (Evelyn) Younker, Munjor, KS; grandsons Darold Younker, Jr., Munjor, KS;
granddaughters Dawn(Jerry) Paul, Hays, KS; Heather (Kahl) Schneider, Adair,
IA; great grandsons, Matthew Younker, Quynton Younker,&nbsp; Treyton
Schneider, Daunte Younker;&nbsp; Brexton Schneider, Darius Paul; great
granddaughters Paxton Schneider, Danevaeh Younker; brothers Ralph Zimmerman and
Joe Zimmerman; sister, Angie Hausheer; son in law Myron Schlegel, grandson Ken
Schlegel and granddaughter Lisa Schlegel.

She was preceded in death by her
husband, Frank, her parents; daughter, Carol Schlegel; brothers, John
Zimmerman, Leo Zimmerman, Pete Zimmerman; sisters, Genevieve Stefan, Alberta
Walt; sisters-in-law Helen Zimmerman, Clara Zimmerman; and Cecelia Zimmerman;
brothers in law Al Walt; &nbsp;Myron Hausheer, and Marcus Stefan.

Mass of Christian burial will be
Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic
Church, 883 Moscow Street Munjor, Kansas 67601. Viewing and Visitation will be
Friday, September 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Christian Mothers
Rosary at 6:30 and parish vigil following; &nbsp;and on Saturday from 9:00 AM
until service time all at the church. Interment will follow the funeral
services in the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery - Munjor.

In lieu of flowers memorials are
suggested to: Masses and/or Munjor Christian Mothers in care of the funeral
chapel.

Services entrusted to: Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas
67601.

Memories and words of
comfort may be shared with Pauline's family on her tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756831685051.jpeg" alt="Pauline Younker" />
 <figcaption>Pauline Younker</figcaption>
 </figure>Pauline Younker, age 100, of Munjor,
Kansas, passed away August 28, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. Pauline was born on the family farm
in Park, Kansas, August 23, 1925, to Ben Zimmerman and Mary (Wildeman)
Zimmerman. She married Frank Younker on February 10, 1948, in Park, Kansas. She was a member of St. Francis of
Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi Christian Mothers in Munjor, Kansas. In her
spare time she enjoyed gardening, doing word searches, and mostly praying for
her family. Pauline never had a harsh word to anyone and was always kind and
caring.Pauline is survived by her son,
Darold (Evelyn) Younker, Munjor, KS; grandsons Darold Younker, Jr., Munjor, KS;
granddaughters Dawn(Jerry) Paul, Hays, KS; Heather (Kahl) Schneider, Adair,
IA; great grandsons, Matthew Younker, Quynton Younker,&nbsp; Treyton
Schneider, Daunte Younker;&nbsp; Brexton Schneider, Darius Paul; great
granddaughters Paxton Schneider, Danevaeh Younker; brothers Ralph Zimmerman and
Joe Zimmerman; sister, Angie Hausheer; son in law Myron Schlegel, grandson Ken
Schlegel and granddaughter Lisa Schlegel.She was preceded in death by her
husband, Frank, her parents; daughter, Carol Schlegel; brothers, John
Zimmerman, Leo Zimmerman, Pete Zimmerman; sisters, Genevieve Stefan, Alberta
Walt; sisters-in-law Helen Zimmerman, Clara Zimmerman; and Cecelia Zimmerman;
brothers in law Al Walt; &nbsp;Myron Hausheer, and Marcus Stefan.Mass of Christian burial will be
Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic
Church, 883 Moscow Street Munjor, Kansas 67601. Viewing and Visitation will be
Friday, September 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Christian Mothers
Rosary at 6:30 and parish vigil following; &nbsp;and on Saturday from 9:00 AM
until service time all at the church. Interment will follow the funeral
services in the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery - Munjor.In lieu of flowers memorials are
suggested to: Masses and/or Munjor Christian Mothers in care of the funeral
chapel.Services entrusted to: Keithley
Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas
67601.Memories and words of
comfort may be shared with Pauline's family on her tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Pauline Younker

Alan Oliver Goodrow, born September 22, 1985, gained his angel
wings on August 30, 2025. He was born in Ness City, Kansas, the youngest of
four children with older sisters.

He attended Ness City Elementary and Ness City High School,
graduating from Great Bend High School then with his certificate in welding
fabrication from Hutchinson Community College. Alan was clever and bright. He
enjoyed welding, one of his true passions in life. Later, he took over the
family business, installing metal roofs, bought and flipped vehicles, and
worked with his sister at their handyman business. Alan was a jack of all
trades, with very few things that he was unable to figure out. Between Google,
YouTube, and general know-how, he could get any job done. 

Alan enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his
brothers-in-law. They referred to themselves as HOGS (Husbands of Goodrow’s),
and he was given the honorary title. Alan was a very witty man, always quick
with a joke, or perhaps a bit of questionable humor. Many hands of the family
tradition of pinochle were played by Alan and any given partner. He was quick
to boast about winning and quicker to dispute a loss. Foosball was a pastime
among the family, and Alan could zing a ball far too fast to defend. He was an
avid Chiefs fan.

He was a light in everyone’s lives, and he would cheer you up
or simply listen to you vent. Alan didn’t hesitate to help family whenever he
was needed. He had a heart of service, showing his care for his family and
friends time and time again, highlighted by his soft spot for his sister,
Danielle. Alan may not have always shown his softer side, but there was no
question about his love and dedication to his family. He was greatly loved by
his family, and his parents were very proud of him. Alan will be very missed.

Survivors include his parents, Dan and Darla (Brandyberry)
Goodrow of Ellinwood; his sisters, Crystal Hutchinson and husband Brian of
Hays, and Mandy Norris and Josh of Ellinwood; brother-in-law, Mickey Hoskins
and wife Whitney of Ellinwood; nieces, Aracely Hutchinson, Grace Hoskins, and
Clementyne Norris; great niece, Sage Hutchinson; nephews, Elijah Hutchinson,
Mac Hoskins, Dallon Luker, Shae Hoskins, Zarron Luker, Owen Norris, and Nixxon
Luker; grandmothers, Rachel Goodrow of Penokee and Phyllis Brandyberry of Hill
City; and large extended family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Danielle Dee Hoskins;
and grandfathers, Norman Brandyberry and Carl Goodrow.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at
10:00 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2025, at First Christian Church, Great Bend,
with Reverend Joshua Leu presiding. Memorials have been designated to the Alan
Goodrow Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great
Bend, KS 67530.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756746464813.png" alt="Alan Oliver Goodrow" />
 <figcaption>Alan Oliver Goodrow</figcaption>
 </figure>Alan Oliver Goodrow, born September 22, 1985, gained his angel
wings on August 30, 2025. He was born in Ness City, Kansas, the youngest of
four children with older sisters.He attended Ness City Elementary and Ness City High School,
graduating from Great Bend High School then with his certificate in welding
fabrication from Hutchinson Community College. Alan was clever and bright. He
enjoyed welding, one of his true passions in life. Later, he took over the
family business, installing metal roofs, bought and flipped vehicles, and
worked with his sister at their handyman business. Alan was a jack of all
trades, with very few things that he was unable to figure out. Between Google,
YouTube, and general know-how, he could get any job done. Alan enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his
brothers-in-law. They referred to themselves as HOGS (Husbands of Goodrow’s),
and he was given the honorary title. Alan was a very witty man, always quick
with a joke, or perhaps a bit of questionable humor. Many hands of the family
tradition of pinochle were played by Alan and any given partner. He was quick
to boast about winning and quicker to dispute a loss. Foosball was a pastime
among the family, and Alan could zing a ball far too fast to defend. He was an
avid Chiefs fan.He was a light in everyone’s lives, and he would cheer you up
or simply listen to you vent. Alan didn’t hesitate to help family whenever he
was needed. He had a heart of service, showing his care for his family and
friends time and time again, highlighted by his soft spot for his sister,
Danielle. Alan may not have always shown his softer side, but there was no
question about his love and dedication to his family. He was greatly loved by
his family, and his parents were very proud of him. Alan will be very missed.Survivors include his parents, Dan and Darla (Brandyberry)
Goodrow of Ellinwood; his sisters, Crystal Hutchinson and husband Brian of
Hays, and Mandy Norris and Josh of Ellinwood; brother-in-law, Mickey Hoskins
and wife Whitney of Ellinwood; nieces, Aracely Hutchinson, Grace Hoskins, and
Clementyne Norris; great niece, Sage Hutchinson; nephews, Elijah Hutchinson,
Mac Hoskins, Dallon Luker, Shae Hoskins, Zarron Luker, Owen Norris, and Nixxon
Luker; grandmothers, Rachel Goodrow of Penokee and Phyllis Brandyberry of Hill
City; and large extended family and many friends.He is preceded in death by his sister, Danielle Dee Hoskins;
and grandfathers, Norman Brandyberry and Carl Goodrow.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at
10:00 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2025, at First Christian Church, Great Bend,
with Reverend Joshua Leu presiding. Memorials have been designated to the Alan
Goodrow Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great
Bend, KS 67530.

Alan Oliver Goodrow

Patsy Jean Eikenberry, of Leoti, Kansas, passed
away at the Wichita County Hospital, surrounded by her family, on August 28,
2025, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease, at the age of 78.

She was born on
December 15, 1946, in Wellington, Kansas, to Marvin and Jean (Cheney)
Palmblade. The family moved to Leoti, where she attended school, graduating
from Wichita County High School in 1964. She then attended Brown Mackie College
in Salina, where she trained to become a legal secretary. Patsy worked in that
capacity for many years, taking brief periods away to stay home with her young
family, and working with her mother at the 'flower shop', until retirement.

She married Kenneth G. 'Jerry' Eikenberry on September 4, 1965. She passed one week prior to
their 60th Anniversary.

Patsy was an avid
reader, with a large stack of books kept next to her rocking chair, and regular
trips to the library to exchange for new material. She had a huge heart for
helping others. On her daily walks, she would check on elderly friends to make
sure they were well and to assist if they were in need. Those who knew Patsy
and her family may have recognized the inherited trait of being mildly
stubborn, although that condition did not normally affect the observer in a
negative manner. Patsy loved her many pets, most recently seen walking
regularly with their two black miniature poodles around the town multiple times
a day. Patsy was very generous, and she showed her love for her family by
(over) preparing many different dishes for family gatherings, whether it was a
holiday, a trip to the lake, or a random weekend. Her sometimes brutal honesty
and “one-liners” were appreciated by all, including her caregivers, when it was
her turn to receive assistance from others.

Patsy is survived by
her husband Jerry, Leoti, and sons Colton (Julie) Eikenberry, Hays, and Trenton
(Michelle) Eikenberry, Garden City; Six grandchildren: Lizzy (Jonathan) Cuccia,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Molly Eikenberry, Tampa, Florida; Hannah Eikenberry,
Hays; Devin Eikenberry, Garden City; Emily Eikenberry (fiancé Maverick
Skipper), Garden City; and Chance Eikenberry, Minden, Nebraska; three
great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Connie Palmblade; a brother-in-law, Don
(Trudy) Eikenberry; and six nieces and nephews.

Patsy is preceded in
death by her parents, an infant son, Kipp Eikenberry, and a brother, Fred
Palmblade.

A graveside memorial
service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., October 4, 2025, at the Leoti Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers,
memorials are encouraged to the Wichita County Long Term Care
Center or the Wichita County Hospital in care of Price &amp;
Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756828909776.jpeg" alt="Patsy Jean Eikenberry" />
 <figcaption>Patsy Jean Eikenberry</figcaption>
 </figure>Patsy Jean Eikenberry, of Leoti, Kansas, passed
away at the Wichita County Hospital, surrounded by her family, on August 28,
2025, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease, at the age of 78.She was born on
December 15, 1946, in Wellington, Kansas, to Marvin and Jean (Cheney)
Palmblade. The family moved to Leoti, where she attended school, graduating
from Wichita County High School in 1964. She then attended Brown Mackie College
in Salina, where she trained to become a legal secretary. Patsy worked in that
capacity for many years, taking brief periods away to stay home with her young
family, and working with her mother at the 'flower shop', until retirement.She married Kenneth G. 'Jerry' Eikenberry on September 4, 1965. She passed one week prior to
their 60th Anniversary.Patsy was an avid
reader, with a large stack of books kept next to her rocking chair, and regular
trips to the library to exchange for new material. She had a huge heart for
helping others. On her daily walks, she would check on elderly friends to make
sure they were well and to assist if they were in need. Those who knew Patsy
and her family may have recognized the inherited trait of being mildly
stubborn, although that condition did not normally affect the observer in a
negative manner. Patsy loved her many pets, most recently seen walking
regularly with their two black miniature poodles around the town multiple times
a day. Patsy was very generous, and she showed her love for her family by
(over) preparing many different dishes for family gatherings, whether it was a
holiday, a trip to the lake, or a random weekend. Her sometimes brutal honesty
and “one-liners” were appreciated by all, including her caregivers, when it was
her turn to receive assistance from others.Patsy is survived by
her husband Jerry, Leoti, and sons Colton (Julie) Eikenberry, Hays, and Trenton
(Michelle) Eikenberry, Garden City; Six grandchildren: Lizzy (Jonathan) Cuccia,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Molly Eikenberry, Tampa, Florida; Hannah Eikenberry,
Hays; Devin Eikenberry, Garden City; Emily Eikenberry (fiancé Maverick
Skipper), Garden City; and Chance Eikenberry, Minden, Nebraska; three
great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Connie Palmblade; a brother-in-law, Don
(Trudy) Eikenberry; and six nieces and nephews.Patsy is preceded in
death by her parents, an infant son, Kipp Eikenberry, and a brother, Fred
Palmblade.A graveside memorial
service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., October 4, 2025, at the Leoti Cemetery.In lieu of flowers,
memorials are encouraged to the Wichita County Long Term Care
Center or the Wichita County Hospital in care of Price &amp;
Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861.

Patsy Jean Eikenberry

Judy (Polifka) Rohr-Flaherty, 86, Hays, died Wednesday, August
27, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas.

She was born June 10, 1939, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of
Charles A. and Regina (Schmidt) Polifka. &nbsp;On June 3, 2006, she married
John Flaherty in Pfeifer, Kansas.&nbsp; Judy
graduated from Girls Catholic High School.&nbsp;
She attended Fort Hays State University and was a graduate of Colorado
School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado and the ABA National Truth-In-Lending
Compliance School in Norman, Oklahoma.&nbsp;
She was employed by Farmers State Bank of Hays and Commerce Bank,
retiring as Vice President and Trust Officer after 38 years.&nbsp; 

Judy was very active in the Hays area during her career and
paved the way for numerous other women to become involved in the Hays Chamber
of Commerce and Hays business communities. &nbsp;She was the first female Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador, the first female to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors and the
first female to be elected Chair of the Board.&nbsp;
She was also a member and officer of the following organizations:
Secretary of St. Anthony Hospital Board of Directors (before merger with Hadley
Hospital), member of the Steering Committee for the merger of the two Hays
hospitals, Treasurer of Hays Medical Center Board of Directors, President of
Soroptimist International of Hays, Inc. (two separate terms), Treasurer of
Sunflower Girl Scouts Council, &nbsp;Secretary
of Cancer Council of Ellis County, and member of Leadership Hays Board of
Directors.&nbsp; In addition to her full-time
employment at Commerce Bank, Judy served as Director of Music for St. Nicholas
of Myra Catholic Church for 15 years.&nbsp; It
has been said that banking was her career, but music was her life.

Judy’s awards
consisted of the Athena Award which is given to the outstanding business and
professional woman of the year.&nbsp; Her most
coveted award was being the first female to receive the Chamber of Commerce
Hall of Fame award.&nbsp; The Hall of Fame
award is given to an individual in recognition of their longtime service to the
Hays community.&nbsp; 

In her later years, she
enjoyed traveling with John, playing board games with family, and a variety of
card games with her friends at Via Christi. She also cherished visits with her five
grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, their spouses, and her five great
grandchildren. Her&nbsp;final months were spent living closer to family where she was
able to see her kids and their families more frequently.

Survivors include her daughter Jackie Mosher and husband Alan
of Overland Park, her son Jeff Rohr and wife Tracy of Overland Park, her stepdaughter
Shelly Keller and husband Travis of &nbsp;Hays, her stepsons Mike Flaherty and wife
Angie of Derby and John P. Flaherty of Kansas City, grandchildren Michelle
McCormick and husband Justin, Jonathan Mosher and wife Kelly, Madison Klimas
and husband Joel, Mason Rohr and wife Ravyn, and Makenna Rohr, great
grandchildren Charlie and Eli McCormick, Quinn, Sawyer and Rory Klimas, her step
grandchildren Jordan Flaherty, Maddie Keller, Quinton Flaherty, Kaitlyn
Flaherty, Camryn Flaherty, and Karlynn Flaherty, her sister Betty C.
Schmeidler of Hays, her brother Fr. Charles Polifka, OFM Cap. of Wichita, and
numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John, step grandson
Tanner Starkey-Flaherty, and brother-in-law Kenny Schmeidler. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday,
September 5, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Charles
Polifka, OFM Cap. officiating.&nbsp; Burial
will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am
until 9:45 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm
on Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials
are suggested to TMP Endowment or to the Capuchin Province of Mid-America,
Inc.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Judy
may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756664643716.jpeg" alt="Judy (Polifka) Rohr-Flaherty" />
 <figcaption>Judy (Polifka) Rohr-Flaherty</figcaption>
 </figure>Judy (Polifka) Rohr-Flaherty, 86, Hays, died Wednesday, August
27, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas.She was born June 10, 1939, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of
Charles A. and Regina (Schmidt) Polifka. &nbsp;On June 3, 2006, she married
John Flaherty in Pfeifer, Kansas.&nbsp; Judy
graduated from Girls Catholic High School.&nbsp;
She attended Fort Hays State University and was a graduate of Colorado
School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado and the ABA National Truth-In-Lending
Compliance School in Norman, Oklahoma.&nbsp;
She was employed by Farmers State Bank of Hays and Commerce Bank,
retiring as Vice President and Trust Officer after 38 years.&nbsp; Judy was very active in the Hays area during her career and
paved the way for numerous other women to become involved in the Hays Chamber
of Commerce and Hays business communities. &nbsp;She was the first female Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador, the first female to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors and the
first female to be elected Chair of the Board.&nbsp;
She was also a member and officer of the following organizations:
Secretary of St. Anthony Hospital Board of Directors (before merger with Hadley
Hospital), member of the Steering Committee for the merger of the two Hays
hospitals, Treasurer of Hays Medical Center Board of Directors, President of
Soroptimist International of Hays, Inc. (two separate terms), Treasurer of
Sunflower Girl Scouts Council, &nbsp;Secretary
of Cancer Council of Ellis County, and member of Leadership Hays Board of
Directors.&nbsp; In addition to her full-time
employment at Commerce Bank, Judy served as Director of Music for St. Nicholas
of Myra Catholic Church for 15 years.&nbsp; It
has been said that banking was her career, but music was her life.Judy’s awards
consisted of the Athena Award which is given to the outstanding business and
professional woman of the year.&nbsp; Her most
coveted award was being the first female to receive the Chamber of Commerce
Hall of Fame award.&nbsp; The Hall of Fame
award is given to an individual in recognition of their longtime service to the
Hays community.&nbsp; In her later years, she
enjoyed traveling with John, playing board games with family, and a variety of
card games with her friends at Via Christi. She also cherished visits with her five
grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, their spouses, and her five great
grandchildren. Her&nbsp;final months were spent living closer to family where she was
able to see her kids and their families more frequently.Survivors include her daughter Jackie Mosher and husband Alan
of Overland Park, her son Jeff Rohr and wife Tracy of Overland Park, her stepdaughter
Shelly Keller and husband Travis of &nbsp;Hays, her stepsons Mike Flaherty and wife
Angie of Derby and John P. Flaherty of Kansas City, grandchildren Michelle
McCormick and husband Justin, Jonathan Mosher and wife Kelly, Madison Klimas
and husband Joel, Mason Rohr and wife Ravyn, and Makenna Rohr, great
grandchildren Charlie and Eli McCormick, Quinn, Sawyer and Rory Klimas, her step
grandchildren Jordan Flaherty, Maddie Keller, Quinton Flaherty, Kaitlyn
Flaherty, Camryn Flaherty, and Karlynn Flaherty, her sister Betty C.
Schmeidler of Hays, her brother Fr. Charles Polifka, OFM Cap. of Wichita, and
numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband John, step grandson
Tanner Starkey-Flaherty, and brother-in-law Kenny Schmeidler. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday,
September 5, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Charles
Polifka, OFM Cap. officiating.&nbsp; Burial
will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am
until 9:45 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm
on Thursday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials
are suggested to TMP Endowment or to the Capuchin Province of Mid-America,
Inc.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Judy
may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com

Judy (Polifka) Rohr-Flaherty

James 'Jim' LeRoy Moore - 85 of Hays, Kansas passed
away on Saturday, August 16th, surrounded by his family at the Russell Regional
Hospital, Russell, Kansas.

He was born February 6, 1940, in Oswego, Kansas, to Hankie and
Ethel Moore, and raised in Hallowell, KS.

He married Nancy Cormeny on April 19th, 1958. He worked for
Midwest Energy as an operator and retired after 40 years of service. He
attended school at Oswego, Kansas and attended some college. He was an avid
outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting and camping, and he passed on his love
of fishing to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was also proud of
his Native American heritage.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy of the home; his children:
Beverly Windholz and husband Lester of Ogallah, KS; Tammy
Hohstadt&nbsp;and husband
John of Wichita, KS; and his grandchildren: Tyler and wife, Melanie Windholz,
Aaron Windholz and Lacey Windholz, Dustin and wife, Logan Hohstadt, Cassandra
Hohstadt, great grandchildren: Elliot Hohstadt, Willow, Evelynn and Layla
Windholz; sister-in-law: Betty Moore, and brother-in-law: Harry Cormeny, and
many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, brother,
Robert Moore; sister, Frieda Cormeny; sister in law Elnora Hayden and brother
in law Tom Hayden, father and mother in law Robert and Rosalie Cormeny.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM
at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street
Hays, Kansas 67601. Visitation will be Friday, September 5, 2025 from 5:00 PM
to 7:00 PM at the funeral chapel. Inurnment will follow the services in the
Ogallah Cemetery - Ogallah.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: Wheatland Nursing
Center - Russell, Kansas in care of the funeral chapel.

Cremation under the direction of: Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756416041346.jpeg" alt="James 'Jim' LeRoy Moore" />
 <figcaption>James 'Jim' LeRoy Moore</figcaption>
 </figure>James 'Jim' LeRoy Moore - 85 of Hays, Kansas passed
away on Saturday, August 16th, surrounded by his family at the Russell Regional
Hospital, Russell, Kansas.He was born February 6, 1940, in Oswego, Kansas, to Hankie and
Ethel Moore, and raised in Hallowell, KS.He married Nancy Cormeny on April 19th, 1958. He worked for
Midwest Energy as an operator and retired after 40 years of service. He
attended school at Oswego, Kansas and attended some college. He was an avid
outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting and camping, and he passed on his love
of fishing to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was also proud of
his Native American heritage.Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy of the home; his children:
Beverly Windholz and husband Lester of Ogallah, KS; Tammy
Hohstadt&nbsp;and husband
John of Wichita, KS; and his grandchildren: Tyler and wife, Melanie Windholz,
Aaron Windholz and Lacey Windholz, Dustin and wife, Logan Hohstadt, Cassandra
Hohstadt, great grandchildren: Elliot Hohstadt, Willow, Evelynn and Layla
Windholz; sister-in-law: Betty Moore, and brother-in-law: Harry Cormeny, and
many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, brother,
Robert Moore; sister, Frieda Cormeny; sister in law Elnora Hayden and brother
in law Tom Hayden, father and mother in law Robert and Rosalie Cormeny.Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM
at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street
Hays, Kansas 67601. Visitation will be Friday, September 5, 2025 from 5:00 PM
to 7:00 PM at the funeral chapel. Inurnment will follow the services in the
Ogallah Cemetery - Ogallah.In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: Wheatland Nursing
Center - Russell, Kansas in care of the funeral chapel.Cremation under the direction of: Keithley Funeral Homes and
Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Jim's family on
his tribute page via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;

James 'Jim' LeRoy Moore

Leora ‘Lefty' Compton, age 92, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Hays.  She was born August 6, 1933, on the family farm northwest of Atwood, Kansas, to Theodor C. and Anna M. (Focke) Domsch.  

Leora was baptized into the Lutheran faith on August 14, 1933, in Blakeman and confirmed on March 30, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ludell.

She married Dick Compton who was from Lake City, Kansas, in Atwood in April of 1961. They lived in Atwood until relocating to Hays in 1968.  The couple had no children.

Leora was the fourth of six children.  There were five boys.  Her brothers tagged her with the nickname of "Lefty', and she was affectionately known by that by all her friends and relatives throughout her life.  She attended rural schools in Rawlins County, Kansas through the 8th grade and graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1951.  Leora spent 14 years working for the United States Department of Agriculture prior to moving to Hays.  In Hays, she worked for the Federal Land Bank until she retired in 1989.

Leora was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays.  In retirement, she enjoyed working with the church’s Ladies Guild members, tying quilts that were sent to underprivileged people overseas.  She also enjoyed working in her yard and watching the birds.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Nyla Domsch, of Colby, KS; her brother-in-law, Rusty Lake, of Lake City, KS; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.   

Lefty was preceded in death by her parents, Theodor C. and Anna M. Domsch; her husband, Dick Compton; her brothers, Robert Domsch; Donald Domsch; Gene Domsch; James Domsch; and Theodore Domsch. 

A Celebration of Life gathering will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, September 5, 2025, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

A Memorial Service will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood, Kansas, with Pastor Richard Schneider, Officiating.  The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at the church. 

Inurnment will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Atwood, Kansas, followed by a lunch at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made payable to: Grow Hays for (Community Center Project) or Humane Society of the High Plains in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22 Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756472241478.jpeg" alt="Leora ‘Lefty' Compton" />
 <figcaption>Leora ‘Lefty' Compton</figcaption>
 </figure>Leora ‘Lefty' Compton, age 92, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Hays. She was born August 6, 1933, on the family farm northwest of Atwood, Kansas, to Theodor C. and Anna M. (Focke) Domsch. Leora was baptized into the Lutheran faith on August 14, 1933, in Blakeman and confirmed on March 30, 1947, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ludell.She married Dick Compton who was from Lake City, Kansas, in Atwood in April of 1961. They lived in Atwood until relocating to Hays in 1968. The couple had no children.Leora was the fourth of six children. There were five boys. Her brothers tagged her with the nickname of "Lefty', and she was affectionately known by that by all her friends and relatives throughout her life. She attended rural schools in Rawlins County, Kansas through the 8th grade and graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1951. Leora spent 14 years working for the United States Department of Agriculture prior to moving to Hays. In Hays, she worked for the Federal Land Bank until she retired in 1989.Leora was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays. In retirement, she enjoyed working with the church’s Ladies Guild members, tying quilts that were sent to underprivileged people overseas. She also enjoyed working in her yard and watching the birds.She is survived by her sister-in-law, Nyla Domsch, of Colby, KS; her brother-in-law, Rusty Lake, of Lake City, KS; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Lefty was preceded in death by her parents, Theodor C. and Anna M. Domsch; her husband, Dick Compton; her brothers, Robert Domsch; Donald Domsch; Gene Domsch; James Domsch; and Theodore Domsch. A Celebration of Life gathering will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, September 5, 2025, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.A Memorial Service will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood, Kansas, with Pastor Richard Schneider, Officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at the church. Inurnment will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Atwood, Kansas, followed by a lunch at the church.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made payable to: Grow Hays for (Community Center Project) or Humane Society of the High Plains in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22 Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Leora ‘Lefty' Compton

Helen
was a prayer warrior…dynamite in a small package! She was slim with
sandy-colored hair and a narrow face, but make no mistake, she packed prayer
power in her slender frame. She took God’s instruction to “pray without
ceasing” seriously and if you knew&nbsp;Helen, she prayed for you by name! If
you didn’t know Helen, she probably still prayed for you too! Helen had God’s
heart and desire that none should perish but all should come to the saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Helen loved the LORD, loved her
Savior and loved others in action and in deed.&nbsp;

Helen JoAnn Austin
was the youngest of six children, born 19 January 1934 in Minneapolis, Kansas
to Roy William David and Mildred (Ingram) Austin. Her siblings included Roy
David, Leo Clarence, Vera Florrene, Harold Gordon, and Charles Eugene. As the
youngest in the family, Helen grew up poor, but with a fierce work ethic
inherited from her parents who managed to raise six healthy children during the
Depression and Dust Bowl years. When family finances finally freed up enough
for her to take piano lessons, she fell in love with music which led to her 40-year
career as an elementary school music teacher. Helen never married and when
asked about her status would, without missing a beat, state that her husband
died in the war before she met him! Although she had no biological children,
she had hundreds if not thousands of spiritual children and students.&nbsp;

After her dad’s
death, Helen and her mom spent a lot of time together, praying for their
family’s temporal and eternal welfare as well as for practical needs such as
the shingles needed on her mom’s roof. Anyone who talked with them soon found
that prayer wasn’t a boxed, timed, or formal convention. You might be in the
middle of a conversation when suddenly Helen would address the unseen Divine
Presence, make a heart-felt petition on behalf of a friend, family member, or
the world at large, and then resume the conversation seamlessly!&nbsp;

Commissioned as the
Lord’s ambassador, Helen traveled with Marilyn Hickey Ministries on several
mission trips all over the world. She loved telling of her experience of
smuggling Bibles into Communist China and how the Lord, quite literally,
“opened a way” for their team to get through customs! Helen also enjoyed music
composing, writing, and doggy-care. Certainly, her creative and unforgettable
notes of encouragement and wit will be missed! P A W-sitively! Helen
volunteered for the Humane Society for years and had a deep passion for
four-footed friends! She often cared for other people’s pets while they were
traveling, tending them with compassion and tenderness.&nbsp;

Helen found joy in
blessing others with her cooking. It wasn't uncommon for Helen to deliver a
meal or a sweet treat, just because! She would take food to those grieving or
in need and enjoyed treating others to a meal out or sometimes entertained in
her home. Her generosity was unmatched. She supported countless ministries and
had a special place in her heart for veterans and her country. Helen boldly
proclaimed that her first love was Christ, and she passionately shared His love
with all she came in contact with. Helen adored her friends, nephews, niece,
and the members of her church and community.&nbsp;

As her health
started to deteriorate, Helen moved from her home of 20 years to a one-level
apartment with washer and dryer on the main floor and a walk-in shower which
gave her friends and family more assurance of her safety. She enjoyed the cute
space for about a year when, unfortunately, she tripped and fell, resulting in
a complete fracture in her shoulder and upper arm as well as a broken finger.
She was transferred to the hospital in Plainville, Kansas, where she relished
the attention as much as the nutritious food. She doted on the aides, nurses,
doctors, and physical therapists, and, of course, prayed for them. Unable to
return home alone, she was transferred to the Redbud Nursing Home.&nbsp;

The last two years
were challenging for Helen. Losing her independence, then her mental acuity and
finally her mobility really cramped our spunky friend’s style! Nonetheless, she
was determined to stay the course and do everything she could to share the love
of her Savior with everyone who crossed her path! She said, “I trust God with
my life even more than I trust myself. I’m not afraid to die, but I’ll stay
here until I’ve finished whatever God still has in mind for me to do.” And she
did. Helen JoAnn Austin, beloved friend and aunt, finished her race and went to
be with Jesus on August 26, 2025. Her humor, her intelligence, and her love of
the Lord and love for all of us will be deeply missed. Well done, good and
faithful servant. Well done.

Helen is survived by
her nieces and nephews, Tom (Karalee) Austin of Minneapolis, KS, Gordon (Jane)
Austin of Washburn, MO, and Merry (Ted) Palmer of Blanding, UT.

She is preceded in death by
her parents; brothers, David, Harold, Charles, and Leo Austin; and her sister,
Vera.

A funeral service will be
held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:30AM at the Harvest Christian
Fellowship Church in Plainville.

In lieu of flowers,
memorials are suggested to Global Missions and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease
Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756572971740.jpeg" alt="Helen JoAnn Austin" />
 <figcaption>Helen JoAnn Austin</figcaption>
 </figure>Helen
was a prayer warrior…dynamite in a small package! She was slim with
sandy-colored hair and a narrow face, but make no mistake, she packed prayer
power in her slender frame. She took God’s instruction to “pray without
ceasing” seriously and if you knew&nbsp;Helen, she prayed for you by name! If
you didn’t know Helen, she probably still prayed for you too! Helen had God’s
heart and desire that none should perish but all should come to the saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Helen loved the LORD, loved her
Savior and loved others in action and in deed.&nbsp;Helen JoAnn Austin
was the youngest of six children, born 19 January 1934 in Minneapolis, Kansas
to Roy William David and Mildred (Ingram) Austin. Her siblings included Roy
David, Leo Clarence, Vera Florrene, Harold Gordon, and Charles Eugene. As the
youngest in the family, Helen grew up poor, but with a fierce work ethic
inherited from her parents who managed to raise six healthy children during the
Depression and Dust Bowl years. When family finances finally freed up enough
for her to take piano lessons, she fell in love with music which led to her 40-year
career as an elementary school music teacher. Helen never married and when
asked about her status would, without missing a beat, state that her husband
died in the war before she met him! Although she had no biological children,
she had hundreds if not thousands of spiritual children and students.&nbsp;After her dad’s
death, Helen and her mom spent a lot of time together, praying for their
family’s temporal and eternal welfare as well as for practical needs such as
the shingles needed on her mom’s roof. Anyone who talked with them soon found
that prayer wasn’t a boxed, timed, or formal convention. You might be in the
middle of a conversation when suddenly Helen would address the unseen Divine
Presence, make a heart-felt petition on behalf of a friend, family member, or
the world at large, and then resume the conversation seamlessly!&nbsp;Commissioned as the
Lord’s ambassador, Helen traveled with Marilyn Hickey Ministries on several
mission trips all over the world. She loved telling of her experience of
smuggling Bibles into Communist China and how the Lord, quite literally,
“opened a way” for their team to get through customs! Helen also enjoyed music
composing, writing, and doggy-care. Certainly, her creative and unforgettable
notes of encouragement and wit will be missed! P A W-sitively! Helen
volunteered for the Humane Society for years and had a deep passion for
four-footed friends! She often cared for other people’s pets while they were
traveling, tending them with compassion and tenderness.&nbsp;Helen found joy in
blessing others with her cooking. It wasn't uncommon for Helen to deliver a
meal or a sweet treat, just because! She would take food to those grieving or
in need and enjoyed treating others to a meal out or sometimes entertained in
her home. Her generosity was unmatched. She supported countless ministries and
had a special place in her heart for veterans and her country. Helen boldly
proclaimed that her first love was Christ, and she passionately shared His love
with all she came in contact with. Helen adored her friends, nephews, niece,
and the members of her church and community.&nbsp;As her health
started to deteriorate, Helen moved from her home of 20 years to a one-level
apartment with washer and dryer on the main floor and a walk-in shower which
gave her friends and family more assurance of her safety. She enjoyed the cute
space for about a year when, unfortunately, she tripped and fell, resulting in
a complete fracture in her shoulder and upper arm as well as a broken finger.
She was transferred to the hospital in Plainville, Kansas, where she relished
the attention as much as the nutritious food. She doted on the aides, nurses,
doctors, and physical therapists, and, of course, prayed for them. Unable to
return home alone, she was transferred to the Redbud Nursing Home.&nbsp;The last two years
were challenging for Helen. Losing her independence, then her mental acuity and
finally her mobility really cramped our spunky friend’s style! Nonetheless, she
was determined to stay the course and do everything she could to share the love
of her Savior with everyone who crossed her path! She said, “I trust God with
my life even more than I trust myself. I’m not afraid to die, but I’ll stay
here until I’ve finished whatever God still has in mind for me to do.” And she
did. Helen JoAnn Austin, beloved friend and aunt, finished her race and went to
be with Jesus on August 26, 2025. Her humor, her intelligence, and her love of
the Lord and love for all of us will be deeply missed. Well done, good and
faithful servant. Well done.Helen is survived by
her nieces and nephews, Tom (Karalee) Austin of Minneapolis, KS, Gordon (Jane)
Austin of Washburn, MO, and Merry (Ted) Palmer of Blanding, UT.She is preceded in death by
her parents; brothers, David, Harold, Charles, and Leo Austin; and her sister,
Vera.A funeral service will be
held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:30AM at the Harvest Christian
Fellowship Church in Plainville.In lieu of flowers,
memorials are suggested to Global Missions and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease
Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.Online condolences may be
left for the family at <a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Helen JoAnn Austin

Michael Pfannenstiel:
Originally &nbsp;from Hays, Kansas

It is with deep sadness we report the death of Michael
Pfannenstiel, 74, of Buda, TX who passed away on August 24, 2025, from Agent
Orange related illnesses. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death
by his older brother Ron (2014).

There will be a Celebration of Mike’s life at 10:00 am on
Wednesday September 3, 2025.&nbsp; This
Celebration will be held at Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th
Ave. Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Following the
service, we will proceed to the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas,
where Mike will be laid to rest. If you would like to express your condolences
or share memories of Mike, please join the family for visitation and fellowship
beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time service.

Mike was born on 23 December 1950 in Hays, Kansas where he lived
for the first 17 years of his life. He was the son of Ted and Rosie (Kisner)
Pfannenstiel who owned and operated Ted’s Steakhouse. Working in the family’s
restaurant provided Mike with a lifelong appreciation for cooking. 

Mike met the woman that captured his heart, Anne E. Johnson,
at Chula Vista Community College in Chula Vista, Ca in 1975 and they were
married in 1977. Mike is survived by his wife Anne Elizabeth (Johnson) of 45
years. He is also survived by 2 sons, Dustin and Mark both of Austin, Texas. 1
daughter Erica Wood (Eric), New Braunfels, Texas and a grandson Jared
Pfannenstiel, Augusta, Maine. He is survived by 2 sisters, Debra Kingsley
(Doug) of Hays, Kansas, Christine Unrein (Bruce) of Hays, KS. and 1 brother Wesley
(Nancy) of Panama City, FL. 

Upon graduating from St. Josephs Military Academy in May of
1968, Mike attended the School of Automation in Kansas City, Missouri where he
was introduced to the world of computers. Mike enlisted in December of 1969
with the U.S. Navy and attended boot camp in San Diego, Ca. where he completed
Radioman A school in April of 1970. Mike volunteered for duty in Vietnam and
flew directly to Saigon, RVN. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Page County
LST1076, which was home ported out of Guam but was assigned river duty in
Vietnam. The ship performed duties in Chu Lai and Danang. Following the
decommissioning of the U.S.S. Page County in December of 1970, Mike was
assigned to BeachMasterUnitOne located in Coronado, Ca. In February of 1971 his
unit, Beach Party Team Bravo, was deployed to Southeast Asia where his unit
performed duties in Danang and was part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha which
supported the Northern Pacific Region. In 1972 Mike again was deployed this
time with Beach Party Team Alfa and returned to Southeast Asia and returned to
Danang as part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha. BeachMasterUnitOne Beach Party
Team Alfa took part in removing the mines from Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam
during Operation End Sweep, from December 1972 to February of 1973. In December
1973 Mike was discharged from the US Navy. Due to Agent Orange contamination
Mike was classified as a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran.

After Mike’s discharge he served 4 years with the US Navy as
a civilian communications specialist in Coronado, Ca. and in 1978 applied for
employment with the Central Intelligence Agency and was hired in August of
1978. Mike served in the CIA from 1978 through 2005 as a Staff Officer and
lived with his family in various overseas and stateside locations. Mike retired
as a Senior Communications Intelligence Officer and upon retirement received
the Career Commendation Medal for exemplary service significantly above normal
duties that had an important contribution to the Agency's mission. Mike served
a total of 45 years working for the Government as an enlisted military
communications operator, a CIA staff officer and as a Government Communications
contractor. Mike enjoyed baseball and movies and was passionate about playing
competitive steel tip darts. Mike earned numerous trophies and team events
throughout his long association within the darts world. He met some of the
world’s top players and enjoyed exchanging stories with them. Mike became a
member of the local VFW Post 3377 in Manchaca, TX upon retirement in 2016 and
served in many capacities such as House Committee Chairman, Canteen Manager,
Post Adjutant, Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Post Commander and
for many years was the editor of the VFW Post 3377 newsletter and VFW Post
3377’s Website. Mike wished to be buried in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in
WaKeeney, Kansas where his uncle Marvin Pfannenstiel also lies in rest. Asked
why there, he said “I want to lay in a field with Hero’s”.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be sent to the
Wounded Warrior project

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756472826475.jpeg" alt="Michael Pfannenstiel" />
 <figcaption>Michael Pfannenstiel</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Pfannenstiel:
Originally &nbsp;from Hays, KansasIt is with deep sadness we report the death of Michael
Pfannenstiel, 74, of Buda, TX who passed away on August 24, 2025, from Agent
Orange related illnesses. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death
by his older brother Ron (2014).There will be a Celebration of Mike’s life at 10:00 am on
Wednesday September 3, 2025.&nbsp; This
Celebration will be held at Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th
Ave. Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; Following the
service, we will proceed to the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas,
where Mike will be laid to rest. If you would like to express your condolences
or share memories of Mike, please join the family for visitation and fellowship
beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time service.Mike was born on 23 December 1950 in Hays, Kansas where he lived
for the first 17 years of his life. He was the son of Ted and Rosie (Kisner)
Pfannenstiel who owned and operated Ted’s Steakhouse. Working in the family’s
restaurant provided Mike with a lifelong appreciation for cooking. Mike met the woman that captured his heart, Anne E. Johnson,
at Chula Vista Community College in Chula Vista, Ca in 1975 and they were
married in 1977. Mike is survived by his wife Anne Elizabeth (Johnson) of 45
years. He is also survived by 2 sons, Dustin and Mark both of Austin, Texas. 1
daughter Erica Wood (Eric), New Braunfels, Texas and a grandson Jared
Pfannenstiel, Augusta, Maine. He is survived by 2 sisters, Debra Kingsley
(Doug) of Hays, Kansas, Christine Unrein (Bruce) of Hays, KS. and 1 brother Wesley
(Nancy) of Panama City, FL. Upon graduating from St. Josephs Military Academy in May of
1968, Mike attended the School of Automation in Kansas City, Missouri where he
was introduced to the world of computers. Mike enlisted in December of 1969
with the U.S. Navy and attended boot camp in San Diego, Ca. where he completed
Radioman A school in April of 1970. Mike volunteered for duty in Vietnam and
flew directly to Saigon, RVN. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Page County
LST1076, which was home ported out of Guam but was assigned river duty in
Vietnam. The ship performed duties in Chu Lai and Danang. Following the
decommissioning of the U.S.S. Page County in December of 1970, Mike was
assigned to BeachMasterUnitOne located in Coronado, Ca. In February of 1971 his
unit, Beach Party Team Bravo, was deployed to Southeast Asia where his unit
performed duties in Danang and was part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha which
supported the Northern Pacific Region. In 1972 Mike again was deployed this
time with Beach Party Team Alfa and returned to Southeast Asia and returned to
Danang as part of Amphibious Ready Group Alpha. BeachMasterUnitOne Beach Party
Team Alfa took part in removing the mines from Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam
during Operation End Sweep, from December 1972 to February of 1973. In December
1973 Mike was discharged from the US Navy. Due to Agent Orange contamination
Mike was classified as a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran.After Mike’s discharge he served 4 years with the US Navy as
a civilian communications specialist in Coronado, Ca. and in 1978 applied for
employment with the Central Intelligence Agency and was hired in August of
1978. Mike served in the CIA from 1978 through 2005 as a Staff Officer and
lived with his family in various overseas and stateside locations. Mike retired
as a Senior Communications Intelligence Officer and upon retirement received
the Career Commendation Medal for exemplary service significantly above normal
duties that had an important contribution to the Agency's mission. Mike served
a total of 45 years working for the Government as an enlisted military
communications operator, a CIA staff officer and as a Government Communications
contractor. Mike enjoyed baseball and movies and was passionate about playing
competitive steel tip darts. Mike earned numerous trophies and team events
throughout his long association within the darts world. He met some of the
world’s top players and enjoyed exchanging stories with them. Mike became a
member of the local VFW Post 3377 in Manchaca, TX upon retirement in 2016 and
served in many capacities such as House Committee Chairman, Canteen Manager,
Post Adjutant, Junior Vice Commander, Senior Vice Commander, Post Commander and
for many years was the editor of the VFW Post 3377 newsletter and VFW Post
3377’s Website. Mike wished to be buried in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in
WaKeeney, Kansas where his uncle Marvin Pfannenstiel also lies in rest. Asked
why there, he said “I want to lay in a field with Hero’s”.In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be sent to the
Wounded Warrior project

Michael Pfannenstiel

Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis,
89, of Russell Kansas, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Russell Regional
Hospital.

Gerald was born on August 4, 1935,
in Catherine, Kansas and was the son of Aegedius Meis and Celestina (Karlin)
Meis.&nbsp; He grew up in Catherine and
attended school there and later in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked in the dairy business in his early
years before joining the Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Mechanic.&nbsp; He was joined in marriage to Gracia Ostrom
(Rassette) on September 5th, 1956, in St. Mary's Church in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; From this union, they were
blessed with 4 children - Randy, Rick, Shelley and Tessa.&nbsp; They were divorced in 1973.

During his life he worked on the
freight docks in Denver, Colorado at Red Ball Motor Freight and afterwards
moving to Houston, Texas, he worked at Con-Tech Engineering as a purchasing
manager until retirement.&nbsp; After this, he
moved to Russell, Kansas and started a pipeline construction and maintenance
business with his son, Rick.

He was born and baptized into the
Catholic Church.&nbsp; He was a member of the
Teamsters Union and Elks Lodge.&nbsp; He
enjoyed his work, spending time with his loved ones, and time with his friends.

Surviving family includes his son
Rick Meis, of Russell, Kansas, daughter Tessa Meis (Joe Ernst) of Wilson,
Kansas, sister Darlene Booth (Ronnie Booth) of Larned, Kansas, brother Dan Meis
of Yuma, Arizona, sister Fran Amidon (Mike Amidon) of Junction City, Kansas,
along with 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and
nephews. 

He was proceeded in death by his
parents, his son Randy, his daughter Shelley, his brother Ken Meis (Dolly
Meis), and his great granddaughter, Randi Rene Casper.

Cremation was selected by the
family.&nbsp; A graveside memorial service to
celebrate Gary’s life will be held at10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 19, 2025,
at the Dorrance City Cemetery in Dorrance, Kansas.&nbsp; Family will greet guests on the day of the
service at the cemetery.&nbsp;
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, are in charge of the
graveside service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756394804950.jpeg" alt="Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis" />
 <figcaption>Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis</figcaption>
 </figure>Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis,
89, of Russell Kansas, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Russell Regional
Hospital.Gerald was born on August 4, 1935,
in Catherine, Kansas and was the son of Aegedius Meis and Celestina (Karlin)
Meis.&nbsp; He grew up in Catherine and
attended school there and later in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked in the dairy business in his early
years before joining the Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Mechanic.&nbsp; He was joined in marriage to Gracia Ostrom
(Rassette) on September 5th, 1956, in St. Mary's Church in Russell,
Kansas.&nbsp; From this union, they were
blessed with 4 children - Randy, Rick, Shelley and Tessa.&nbsp; They were divorced in 1973.During his life he worked on the
freight docks in Denver, Colorado at Red Ball Motor Freight and afterwards
moving to Houston, Texas, he worked at Con-Tech Engineering as a purchasing
manager until retirement.&nbsp; After this, he
moved to Russell, Kansas and started a pipeline construction and maintenance
business with his son, Rick.He was born and baptized into the
Catholic Church.&nbsp; He was a member of the
Teamsters Union and Elks Lodge.&nbsp; He
enjoyed his work, spending time with his loved ones, and time with his friends.Surviving family includes his son
Rick Meis, of Russell, Kansas, daughter Tessa Meis (Joe Ernst) of Wilson,
Kansas, sister Darlene Booth (Ronnie Booth) of Larned, Kansas, brother Dan Meis
of Yuma, Arizona, sister Fran Amidon (Mike Amidon) of Junction City, Kansas,
along with 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and
nephews. He was proceeded in death by his
parents, his son Randy, his daughter Shelley, his brother Ken Meis (Dolly
Meis), and his great granddaughter, Randi Rene Casper.Cremation was selected by the
family.&nbsp; A graveside memorial service to
celebrate Gary’s life will be held at10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 19, 2025,
at the Dorrance City Cemetery in Dorrance, Kansas.&nbsp; Family will greet guests on the day of the
service at the cemetery.&nbsp;
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, are in charge of the
graveside service arrangements.

Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis

Billie
Mickelson Shippy, age 65, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away with her family by her
side on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at HaysMed after a courageous 15-year battle
with multiple cancer diagnoses.



She was born on June 2, 1960, in Hays, Kansas, to Everett and Donna (Ellis)
Mickelson. Billie grew up in Ellis and graduated from Ellis High School in 1978
before attending college.

Throughout her working years, Billie was employed primarily in retail sales.
She was known as a caring, strong-willed, and giving person who was always
willing to help others. A passionate sports fan, Billie cheered fiercely for
the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks. She also loved attending
concerts, spending time with friends, and especially rescuing and caring for
Boxers—an endeavor that became a true calling for her. Billie was also a proud
member of the Ellis VFW Auxiliary.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756314631041.jpeg" alt="Billie Mickelson Shippy" />
 <figcaption>Billie Mickelson Shippy</figcaption>
 </figure>Billie
Mickelson Shippy, age 65, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away with her family by her
side on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at HaysMed after a courageous 15-year battle
with multiple cancer diagnoses.

She was born on June 2, 1960, in Hays, Kansas, to Everett and Donna (Ellis)
Mickelson. Billie grew up in Ellis and graduated from Ellis High School in 1978
before attending college.

Throughout her working years, Billie was employed primarily in retail sales.
She was known as a caring, strong-willed, and giving person who was always
willing to help others. A passionate sports fan, Billie cheered fiercely for
the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks. She also loved attending
concerts, spending time with friends, and especially rescuing and caring for
Boxers—an endeavor that became a true calling for her. Billie was also a proud
member of the Ellis VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by her mother, Donna Dreiling of Ellis; her siblings, Fred
(Becky) Mickelson of WaKeeney, Greg (Becca) Mickelson of Ellis, Bob (Margie)
Mickelson of Ellis, and Mickie (Marvin) Dechant of WaKeeney; her honorary
daughters, Moriah Keller and Kelly Graves both of Colorado; stepdaughters,
Rachel Carnes of Colorado and Victoria Carnes of Phoenix; special friends,
Steve and Erin Malone of Lawrence, Kansas; eight nephews, three nieces,
numerous great-nephews and great-nieces; and her beloved Boxers, Axel and JoJo.

She was preceded in death by her father, Everett Mickelson; her daughter, Alice
Marie Mickelson; and her stepfather, Wilmer “Wimp” Dreiling.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, August 30, at Ellis United
Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis. 

Visitation will be Friday, August 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Keithley Funeral
Chapel, 400 E. 17th Street in Ellis.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains
or HOBO Boxer Rescue of Denver and may be made in care of Keithley Funeral
Chapels.

Please share memories on Billie’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Obituaries