Gary Wayne Mills, 78, passed away February 9, 2020, at Wesley Medical
 Center, Wichita, with his family by his side. He was born on February 
13, 1941 in St. John, to Lyle Dodge &amp; Virl (Dawson) Mills. He 
married Carolyn Sue Lightcap on June 4, 1961 at Dodge City. She 
survives.

A resident of Great Bend since 1972, Gary previously lived in Dodge 
City. He was the market manager at Dillons for 44 years, retiring in 
2003. He liked to hunt, fish and loved all animals. He enjoyed reading 
and especially spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife Carolyn Sue Mills of the home; a son, 
Greg Mills and wife Yvette of Scott City; three daughters, Kimberly Blea
 of Great Bend, Kelly Holopirek, and Kristin Bosley and husband Don, all
 of Wichita; a brother, Ivan Mills and wife Dixine of Winchester, Ky; 
ten grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in 
death by his parents; and stepmother, Lillie May.

There will be no visitation or services as cremation has taken place.

Memorials have been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581362848458.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Wayne Mills, 78, passed away February 9, 2020, at Wesley Medical
 Center, Wichita, with his family by his side. He was born on February 
13, 1941 in St. John, to Lyle Dodge &amp; Virl (Dawson) Mills. He 
married Carolyn Sue Lightcap on June 4, 1961 at Dodge City. She 
survives.A resident of Great Bend since 1972, Gary previously lived in Dodge 
City. He was the market manager at Dillons for 44 years, retiring in 
2003. He liked to hunt, fish and loved all animals. He enjoyed reading 
and especially spending time with his family and grandchildren.Survivors include, his wife Carolyn Sue Mills of the home; a son, 
Greg Mills and wife Yvette of Scott City; three daughters, Kimberly Blea
 of Great Bend, Kelly Holopirek, and Kristin Bosley and husband Don, all
 of Wichita; a brother, Ivan Mills and wife Dixine of Winchester, Ky; 
ten grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in 
death by his parents; and stepmother, Lillie May.There will be no visitation or services as cremation has taken place.Memorials have been designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Gary Wayne Mills

Lennie Higgins, 76, of Brownsville, Ore., passed away Monday, January 27, 2020.


Lennie was born in Hays, Kansas to Henry Nicholas and Virginia (Spivey) Higgins.  He grew up in McCracken, Kansas.


Lennie spent 6 years in the Navy, as did three of his brothers. He was 
proud of his time in the Navy.  He was a fire control technician 
responsible for setting up the missile launches. He was a Plank owner of
 the Richard E Byrd - meaning he was part of the first crew on the ship.
 He was also on the USS Claude V. Ricketts (CV Ricketts) and the USS 
Benjamin Stoddert.


Lennie graduated with a degree in accounting from Central Washington 
University in 1975.  He worked at ‘The Tav’ in Ellensbury while going to
 school.  He worked for the University of Oregon as an accountant after 
graduation, then moved to Salem and worked for the state at Fairview for
 a couple of years before taking a job as an auditor for the IRS. There 
he spent time working in Salem, Portland, and Eugene. After retiring 
from the IRS he attended LBCC and learned a new trade in Heating &amp; 
Refrigeration.  He worked for Marshall in Springfield for many years.  
Lennie retired again and most recently was working at the Pioneer Villa 
Truck Stop in maintenance.


His children, Megan and Spencer, were born in Salem 1979 &amp; 1981.  
They moved to Brownsville in 1986 to his little piece of paradise. He 
enjoyed coaching basketball &amp; baseball youth teams of both Megan 
&amp; Spencer. He enjoyed his time at home working on the property, the 
deck, and any other project he felt like starting. He married Sheryl L. 
Higgins in January 2000. He enjoyed going to the Brownsville Saloon for a
 drink with friends and his daily lottery ticket. And he enjoyed his 
two-year-old great granddaughter, Brooklyn, because she always made him 
laugh. 


Lennie is survived by his wife, Sheryl Higgins; children, Megan Higgins 
of Portland, Traci Hannah and husband Larry of Albany, Tami Minnick and 
husband Robert of Albany; siblings, Martin Higgins and wife Mary of 
Lenexa, Kansas, James Higgins and wife Sue of El Cajon, CA, Suellen 
Amateis and husband Larry of Centennial, Colorado, Jan Higgins of 
Bayard, Nebraska, and Tracy Higgins and wife Leanne of Lakeside, 
California; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and many nieces and 
nephews.


He was preceded in death by his son, Spencer Ryan Higgins in August 2017; and his parents, Virginia and Nick Higgins.


There is a Portland Audubon camp scholarship fund named after his son 
Spencer.  If people would like to donate there in Lennie’s name in lieu 
of flowers that would be great!  Contributions may be made to the 
Spencer Ryan Higgins Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Audubon Society of
 Portland; 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210.                    

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581348931337.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lennie Higgins, 76, of Brownsville, Ore., passed away Monday, January 27, 2020.
Lennie was born in Hays, Kansas to Henry Nicholas and Virginia (Spivey) Higgins. He grew up in McCracken, Kansas.
Lennie spent 6 years in the Navy, as did three of his brothers. He was 
proud of his time in the Navy. He was a fire control technician 
responsible for setting up the missile launches. He was a Plank owner of
 the Richard E Byrd - meaning he was part of the first crew on the ship.
 He was also on the USS Claude V. Ricketts (CV Ricketts) and the USS 
Benjamin Stoddert.
Lennie graduated with a degree in accounting from Central Washington 
University in 1975. He worked at ‘The Tav’ in Ellensbury while going to
 school. He worked for the University of Oregon as an accountant after 
graduation, then moved to Salem and worked for the state at Fairview for
 a couple of years before taking a job as an auditor for the IRS. There 
he spent time working in Salem, Portland, and Eugene. After retiring 
from the IRS he attended LBCC and learned a new trade in Heating &amp; 
Refrigeration. He worked for Marshall in Springfield for many years. 
Lennie retired again and most recently was working at the Pioneer Villa 
Truck Stop in maintenance.
His children, Megan and Spencer, were born in Salem 1979 &amp; 1981. 
They moved to Brownsville in 1986 to his little piece of paradise. He 
enjoyed coaching basketball &amp; baseball youth teams of both Megan 
&amp; Spencer. He enjoyed his time at home working on the property, the 
deck, and any other project he felt like starting. He married Sheryl L. 
Higgins in January 2000. He enjoyed going to the Brownsville Saloon for a
 drink with friends and his daily lottery ticket. And he enjoyed his 
two-year-old great granddaughter, Brooklyn, because she always made him 
laugh. 
Lennie is survived by his wife, Sheryl Higgins; children, Megan Higgins 
of Portland, Traci Hannah and husband Larry of Albany, Tami Minnick and 
husband Robert of Albany; siblings, Martin Higgins and wife Mary of 
Lenexa, Kansas, James Higgins and wife Sue of El Cajon, CA, Suellen 
Amateis and husband Larry of Centennial, Colorado, Jan Higgins of 
Bayard, Nebraska, and Tracy Higgins and wife Leanne of Lakeside, 
California; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and many nieces and 
nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Spencer Ryan Higgins in August 2017; and his parents, Virginia and Nick Higgins.
There is a Portland Audubon camp scholarship fund named after his son 
Spencer. If people would like to donate there in Lennie’s name in lieu 
of flowers that would be great! Contributions may be made to the 
Spencer Ryan Higgins Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Audubon Society of
 Portland; 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210.

 Lennie Lew Higgins 

Trevor R. Thornton, age 41, lifelong resident of Osborne, Kansas,&nbsp; passed away at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital on Thursday, February
 6th.&nbsp; 

He was born to Keith and Brenda (French) Thornton on December 22,
 1978.&nbsp; He was a 1997 graduate of Osborne High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;Trevor was the
 lucky middle child.&nbsp; He has a big brother Brandon (Buck) Thornton and 
his little sister (Boogs) Megan Thornton Schoen. On June 8, 2002 Trevor 
was united in marriage to Keri Ann Cordill.&nbsp; Trevor was a long time 
employee of the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp; At the time of his
 death he was the Highway Maintenance Supervisor for the Osborne sub 
area.

Growing up Trevor spent his summers on the Sarver place with his 
Uncle Lynn and Aunt Jacque.&nbsp; He loved being on the farm taking care of 
the cattle and the crops.&nbsp; He also liked coming in to town for breakfast
 every morning with his uncle Lynn.&nbsp; This started a life-long love for 
all things farming.&nbsp; When he wasn’t helping uncle Lynn he was riding 
around the countryside with both uncle Lynn and his uncle Billy. &nbsp;

Trevor was lucky to have the Eilert family as his second family.&nbsp; He 
spent lots of time with Jim and Deb and their three sons Jason, Judd and
 Josh.&nbsp; In Trevor’s high school years he also became friends with Kirk 
Mans, Jared Schurr and many others we are surely forgetting.&nbsp; There were
 many nights the boys spent riding around the country side drinking 
their favorite beverages and they might have ruined a few pickup trucks 
along the way.&nbsp; We’ll never tell.&nbsp; Trevor also introduced his little 
sister Megan to the wonders of Vera’s in Hunter.

In the late 90’s Jared and Trevor went and watched Jared’s brother 
race a Crazy Cruiser.&nbsp; It just so happened that uncle Lynn had an old 
Monte Carlo just sitting around.&nbsp; They turned that Monte into a cruiser 
and spent many nights having fun and taking the checkered flag.&nbsp; They 
got so good that someone from Nebraska claimed their race car.&nbsp; We’ll 
never know how they got that car home without the hood and trunk pins.&nbsp; 
From the cruiser Trev moved onto racing a hobby stock and eventually a 
stock car.&nbsp; Trevor and Keri spent many nights with Brian, Shan, Tracy, 
Lacey and Shaylon Holloway at the Minneapolis Raceway and other area 
tracks.&nbsp; Trevor loved every minute of being on a racetrack and all the 
people that he and Keri met.&nbsp; One of his dreams was to race at the Boone
 Speedway Super Nationals.&nbsp; In 2009 he fulfilled that dream.&nbsp; While he 
didn’t make the big dance like his brother in law Brady he had a 
tremendous amount of fun trying.&nbsp; Trevor’s love of racing extended to 
his brother Buck who raced a sport compact.&nbsp; One day Trevor’s brother 
cut the gas line in his sport compact&nbsp; and drove from his home in 
Nebraska to Osborne so that his brother could fix it.&nbsp; Trevor’s nephews 
and niece in Nebraska are carrying on the Thornton racing tradition by 
racing go karts. &nbsp;

On November 17, 2008 one of the greatest things to ever happen to 
Trevor and Keri was born, Kenley Ann Thornton better known as Squirrel.&nbsp;
 Trevor took to the role of daddy immediately as he was a natural.&nbsp; He 
was quick to get up in the night to help and in fact Kenley would only 
sleep at night for her daddy.&nbsp;

April 1, 2014 brought another blessing to the family with the 
addition of Tucker Ray Thornton better known as Willis P.&nbsp; Tuck arrived 
into the family with red hair and his dad’s tenacity.&nbsp; With the addition
 of Tucker, Trevor’s racing career came to a close and the family 
started camping. &nbsp;

Once Trevor and Keri purchased their camper it started a chain 
reaction.&nbsp; Pretty soon Brenda and Keith had a camper, Megan and Brady 
had a camper, Sheri and Wig purchased a camper, Cari and Rob purchased a
 camper and finally the last hold outs Judd and Hanna purchased a 
camper.&nbsp; Any summer weekend you could find the ENTIRE group at Waconda 
Lake.&nbsp; While at the lake Trevor spent many hours fishing and boating 
with his nieces and nephews.&nbsp; Trevor and his brother in law Brady spent 
many a day fishing for catfish and throwing out chum!

Trevor loved harvesting crops, it didn’t matter what the crop was he 
was in the thick of it helping to bring it in.&nbsp; In his early years he 
helped uncle Lynn.&nbsp; From there he helped Keith Brooks for several 
years.&nbsp; In 2007 Trevor started helping Loy and Kathy Willson on their 
farm.&nbsp; With the passing of Loy, Trevor helped Kathy prepare their farm 
for new owners and move her to South Dakota.&nbsp; In 2016, Trevor started 
helping Sheldon and Nolan Remus.&nbsp; The last few years of his life he made
 many new friends helping them.&nbsp; He especially loved going with Nolan to
 Salina. &nbsp;

Trevor was preceded in death by Keri’s fathers Sherd Cordill and 
Larry Droppleman, his grandpa Leland and grandma Noreen Thornton, his 
grandpa Steve Ballard, his grandpa Dick French and his aunt Bobi Jarret.

Trevor leaves behind to mourn his passing his wife Keri and his 
daughter Kenley and son Tucker of the home. His parents Keith and Brenda
 Thornton of Osborne.&nbsp; His mother-in-law Judy Droppleman of Osborne.&nbsp; 
His brother Buck Thornton wife Paige and Braydon, Avari and Reid of 
Nebraska City, Nebraska.&nbsp; His sister Megan Thornton Schoen husband Brady
 and Tyler, Jorden and Cambri of Downs, Kansas.&nbsp; Sister in law Sheri 
Conway and husband Wig and Felicity, Stasha and Bryan. Grandma Jeani and
 husband Rex Hyde of Osborne.&nbsp; Grandma Alice French of Osborne.&nbsp; His 
uncles Billy Thornton and Lynn Thornton of Osborne, his uncle Bo and 
aunt Linda French of Osborne, his aunt Lynn French of Salina, Kansas his
 aunt Jacque Thornton of Larned, Kansas his uncle Allen and Aunt Karen 
of Cawker City, Kansas, his aunt Vickie and uncle Dale Hopson of Council
 Bluffs, Iowa and a host of cousins and many many friends.

Visitation will be at the United Christian Church, Osborne, Sunday, 
February 9th from 4-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. Funeral 
Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 10th at the church with 
interment following at Covert Cemetery, Osborne. Dress will be casual, 
If you show up in a suit Keri will send you home! Memorials may be made 
to Thornton Children’s Educational Fund. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581344105470.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trevor R. Thornton, age 41, lifelong resident of Osborne, Kansas,&nbsp; passed away at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital on Thursday, February
 6th.&nbsp; He was born to Keith and Brenda (French) Thornton on December 22,
 1978.&nbsp; He was a 1997 graduate of Osborne High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;Trevor was the
 lucky middle child.&nbsp; He has a big brother Brandon (Buck) Thornton and 
his little sister (Boogs) Megan Thornton Schoen. On June 8, 2002 Trevor 
was united in marriage to Keri Ann Cordill.&nbsp; Trevor was a long time 
employee of the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp; At the time of his
 death he was the Highway Maintenance Supervisor for the Osborne sub 
area.Growing up Trevor spent his summers on the Sarver place with his 
Uncle Lynn and Aunt Jacque.&nbsp; He loved being on the farm taking care of 
the cattle and the crops.&nbsp; He also liked coming in to town for breakfast
 every morning with his uncle Lynn.&nbsp; This started a life-long love for 
all things farming.&nbsp; When he wasn’t helping uncle Lynn he was riding 
around the countryside with both uncle Lynn and his uncle Billy. &nbsp;Trevor was lucky to have the Eilert family as his second family.&nbsp; He 
spent lots of time with Jim and Deb and their three sons Jason, Judd and
 Josh.&nbsp; In Trevor’s high school years he also became friends with Kirk 
Mans, Jared Schurr and many others we are surely forgetting.&nbsp; There were
 many nights the boys spent riding around the country side drinking 
their favorite beverages and they might have ruined a few pickup trucks 
along the way.&nbsp; We’ll never tell.&nbsp; Trevor also introduced his little 
sister Megan to the wonders of Vera’s in Hunter.In the late 90’s Jared and Trevor went and watched Jared’s brother 
race a Crazy Cruiser.&nbsp; It just so happened that uncle Lynn had an old 
Monte Carlo just sitting around.&nbsp; They turned that Monte into a cruiser 
and spent many nights having fun and taking the checkered flag.&nbsp; They 
got so good that someone from Nebraska claimed their race car.&nbsp; We’ll 
never know how they got that car home without the hood and trunk pins.&nbsp; 
From the cruiser Trev moved onto racing a hobby stock and eventually a 
stock car.&nbsp; Trevor and Keri spent many nights with Brian, Shan, Tracy, 
Lacey and Shaylon Holloway at the Minneapolis Raceway and other area 
tracks.&nbsp; Trevor loved every minute of being on a racetrack and all the 
people that he and Keri met.&nbsp; One of his dreams was to race at the Boone
 Speedway Super Nationals.&nbsp; In 2009 he fulfilled that dream.&nbsp; While he 
didn’t make the big dance like his brother in law Brady he had a 
tremendous amount of fun trying.&nbsp; Trevor’s love of racing extended to 
his brother Buck who raced a sport compact.&nbsp; One day Trevor’s brother 
cut the gas line in his sport compact&nbsp; and drove from his home in 
Nebraska to Osborne so that his brother could fix it.&nbsp; Trevor’s nephews 
and niece in Nebraska are carrying on the Thornton racing tradition by 
racing go karts. &nbsp;On November 17, 2008 one of the greatest things to ever happen to 
Trevor and Keri was born, Kenley Ann Thornton better known as Squirrel.&nbsp;
 Trevor took to the role of daddy immediately as he was a natural.&nbsp; He 
was quick to get up in the night to help and in fact Kenley would only 
sleep at night for her daddy.&nbsp;April 1, 2014 brought another blessing to the family with the 
addition of Tucker Ray Thornton better known as Willis P.&nbsp; Tuck arrived 
into the family with red hair and his dad’s tenacity.&nbsp; With the addition
 of Tucker, Trevor’s racing career came to a close and the family 
started camping. &nbsp;Once Trevor and Keri purchased their camper it started a chain 
reaction.&nbsp; Pretty soon Brenda and Keith had a camper, Megan and Brady 
had a camper, Sheri and Wig purchased a camper, Cari and Rob purchased a
 camper and finally the last hold outs Judd and Hanna purchased a 
camper.&nbsp; Any summer weekend you could find the ENTIRE group at Waconda 
Lake.&nbsp; While at the lake Trevor spent many hours fishing and boating 
with his nieces and nephews.&nbsp; Trevor and his brother in law Brady spent 
many a day fishing for catfish and throwing out chum!Trevor loved harvesting crops, it didn’t matter what the crop was he 
was in the thick of it helping to bring it in.&nbsp; In his early years he 
helped uncle Lynn.&nbsp; From there he helped Keith Brooks for several 
years.&nbsp; In 2007 Trevor started helping Loy and Kathy Willson on their 
farm.&nbsp; With the passing of Loy, Trevor helped Kathy prepare their farm 
for new owners and move her to South Dakota.&nbsp; In 2016, Trevor started 
helping Sheldon and Nolan Remus.&nbsp; The last few years of his life he made
 many new friends helping them.&nbsp; He especially loved going with Nolan to
 Salina. &nbsp;Trevor was preceded in death by Keri’s fathers Sherd Cordill and 
Larry Droppleman, his grandpa Leland and grandma Noreen Thornton, his 
grandpa Steve Ballard, his grandpa Dick French and his aunt Bobi Jarret.Trevor leaves behind to mourn his passing his wife Keri and his 
daughter Kenley and son Tucker of the home. His parents Keith and Brenda
 Thornton of Osborne.&nbsp; His mother-in-law Judy Droppleman of Osborne.&nbsp; 
His brother Buck Thornton wife Paige and Braydon, Avari and Reid of 
Nebraska City, Nebraska.&nbsp; His sister Megan Thornton Schoen husband Brady
 and Tyler, Jorden and Cambri of Downs, Kansas.&nbsp; Sister in law Sheri 
Conway and husband Wig and Felicity, Stasha and Bryan. Grandma Jeani and
 husband Rex Hyde of Osborne.&nbsp; Grandma Alice French of Osborne.&nbsp; His 
uncles Billy Thornton and Lynn Thornton of Osborne, his uncle Bo and 
aunt Linda French of Osborne, his aunt Lynn French of Salina, Kansas his
 aunt Jacque Thornton of Larned, Kansas his uncle Allen and Aunt Karen 
of Cawker City, Kansas, his aunt Vickie and uncle Dale Hopson of Council
 Bluffs, Iowa and a host of cousins and many many friends.Visitation will be at the United Christian Church, Osborne, Sunday, 
February 9th from 4-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. Funeral 
Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 10th at the church with 
interment following at Covert Cemetery, Osborne. Dress will be casual, 
If you show up in a suit Keri will send you home! Memorials may be made 
to Thornton Children’s Educational Fund. &nbsp;

Trevor R. Thornton

John William (Jay) Strachan IV, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 31st, 2020. 


John was born in Massachusetts on August 7, 1951, a son of the late Dorothy Catherine (Bond) and John William Strachan III.


He was the husband of Karen Rose (Bollig) Strachan. 


John is survived by his wife, Karen Rose (Bollig) Strachan; two 
daughters, Lori Ann Riedel, Melissa Jean Wellbrock (John); two sons, 
Robert John Strachan, Martin Devin Strachan; brothers, Kenny and Jimmy 
Strachan; and sister, Verlinda Strachan.


He is also survived by 12 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren.


Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, February 13th at St.
 John Lutheran Church, Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis 
officiating. 


Memorials may be made to the family sent in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St, Salina, Kansas 67401.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581344031691.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John William (Jay) Strachan IV, 68, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 31st, 2020. 
John was born in Massachusetts on August 7, 1951, a son of the late Dorothy Catherine (Bond) and John William Strachan III.
He was the husband of Karen Rose (Bollig) Strachan. 
John is survived by his wife, Karen Rose (Bollig) Strachan; two 
daughters, Lori Ann Riedel, Melissa Jean Wellbrock (John); two sons, 
Robert John Strachan, Martin Devin Strachan; brothers, Kenny and Jimmy 
Strachan; and sister, Verlinda Strachan.
He is also survived by 12 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, February 13th at St.
 John Lutheran Church, Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis 
officiating. 
Memorials may be made to the family sent in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St, Salina, Kansas 67401.

John William (Jay) Strachan IV

M’Lou Stout, age 82, passed away Monday afternoon, February 3, 2020, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.

She was born September 18, 1937, at Portland, Oregon, the daughter of
 Betty Law (Smith) Reed, then adopted by Kelly. As a young girl she 
attended school in Kirkland, Washington.

On February 14, 1957, she married Robert Dale (Bob) Stout at Seattle,
 Washington. To this union three children were born, William Reed Stout,
 Will Robert Stout, and Willet Roann Stout.

M’Lou and Bob raised their family in Sterling, Kansas, Marquette, 
Kansas, and later Paradise, Kansas, where they later answered the call 
of God and began their ministry in the Methodist faith. After serving as
 ministers in Marquette, Morgainville, and Rolla for twenty-one years, 
they moved to Plains and continued to serve the Lord in Volunteers in 
Mission. They traveled many miles with their travel trailer to repair 
and build for those in need.

She was a member of the Plains United Methodist Church. She enjoyed 
traveling, mission work, spending time at the Young at Heart, and 
spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by two sons, William (Bill) Stout and wife Lynnetta, 
and Will Stout and wife Patti; a sister, Lynda Dreher; seven 
grandchildren, Jessica Reed (Tate, Rachel Bostwick (Jake, David Stout 
(Shannon, Shane Stout (Michelle, Mary Jo Stout, Jenna Miller, and 
Diana Schutte (Derek); and sixteen and one half great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob on January 19, 2018; her
 daughter, Roann Stout; a grandson, Drew Miller; and a great-grandson, 
Dyron Paul Schutte.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 14, 
2020, at the Plains United Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Young at Heart in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581343963287.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>M’Lou Stout, age 82, passed away Monday afternoon, February 3, 2020, at the Meade District Hospital, Meade, Kansas.She was born September 18, 1937, at Portland, Oregon, the daughter of
 Betty Law (Smith) Reed, then adopted by Kelly. As a young girl she 
attended school in Kirkland, Washington.On February 14, 1957, she married Robert Dale (Bob) Stout at Seattle,
 Washington. To this union three children were born, William Reed Stout,
 Will Robert Stout, and Willet Roann Stout.M’Lou and Bob raised their family in Sterling, Kansas, Marquette, 
Kansas, and later Paradise, Kansas, where they later answered the call 
of God and began their ministry in the Methodist faith. After serving as
 ministers in Marquette, Morgainville, and Rolla for twenty-one years, 
they moved to Plains and continued to serve the Lord in Volunteers in 
Mission. They traveled many miles with their travel trailer to repair 
and build for those in need.She was a member of the Plains United Methodist Church. She enjoyed 
traveling, mission work, spending time at the Young at Heart, and 
spending time with her family and friends.She is survived by two sons, William (Bill) Stout and wife Lynnetta, 
and Will Stout and wife Patti; a sister, Lynda Dreher; seven 
grandchildren, Jessica Reed (Tate, Rachel Bostwick (Jake, David Stout 
(Shannon, Shane Stout (Michelle, Mary Jo Stout, Jenna Miller, and 
Diana Schutte (Derek); and sixteen and one half great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob on January 19, 2018; her
 daughter, Roann Stout; a grandson, Drew Miller; and a great-grandson, 
Dyron Paul Schutte.Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 14, 
2020, at the Plains United Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place.In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Young at Heart in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.

M’Lou Stout

Barbara Jane (Krehbiel) Huber, 72, Hays, died Thursday, February 6, 2020 at HaysMed.

She was born July 16, 1947 in Scott 
City, Kansas, the daughter of Orville Lloyd and Elnor Hope (Hinderliter)
 Krehbiel.&nbsp; She was a graduate of Dighton High School in the class of 
1965.&nbsp; She attended Fort Hays State University where she earned 
Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing and Music Performance and was a registered
 nurse at Hadley Hospital and Hays Orthopedic Clinic.&nbsp; On June 12, 1971 
she was united in marriage to John Elwyn Huber in Dighton, Kansas, and 
they celebrated 43 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on 
January 10, 2015.&nbsp; Memberships included First United Methodist Church, 
Sigma Kappa, Sigma Alpha Iota, and P.E.O. &nbsp;She enjoyed classical music, 
singing, baking, and canning a variety of jams, jellies, pickles, and 
sauces.&nbsp; She loved being outside in her flower and vegetable gardens.&nbsp; 
Growing produce to give to others brought her great joy.

Survivors include a son: Derek Huber of
 Decatur, TN; a daughter: Julinne Kemp and husband Brian of Lawrence; 
six grandchildren: Lauren Kemp, Ella Kemp, Aidan Kemp, Aleia Kemp, Rylan
 Kemp, and Michael Huber; five brothers: Larry Krehbiel and wife Vicki 
of Dighton, Tony Krehbiel and wife Judi of Tulsa, OK, James Krehbiel and
 wife Genelle of Scott City, Mark Krehbiel and wife Kit of Quinter, and 
Rick Krehbiel and wife Amy of Greeley, CO; two sisters: Judy Musselwhite
 and husband Ron of Dighton and Pam Schnuelle of Beatrice, NE; and 
numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, John.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on 
Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church with 
Rev. Mike Rose officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Fort Hays Memorial 
Gardens Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time at
 the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the John E. Huber Memorial 
Scholarship at Fort Hays State University or to the American Cancer 
Society.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Barbara may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581083961049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barbara Jane (Krehbiel) Huber, 72, Hays, died Thursday, February 6, 2020 at HaysMed.She was born July 16, 1947 in Scott 
City, Kansas, the daughter of Orville Lloyd and Elnor Hope (Hinderliter)
 Krehbiel.&nbsp; She was a graduate of Dighton High School in the class of 
1965.&nbsp; She attended Fort Hays State University where she earned 
Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing and Music Performance and was a registered
 nurse at Hadley Hospital and Hays Orthopedic Clinic.&nbsp; On June 12, 1971 
she was united in marriage to John Elwyn Huber in Dighton, Kansas, and 
they celebrated 43 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on 
January 10, 2015.&nbsp; Memberships included First United Methodist Church, 
Sigma Kappa, Sigma Alpha Iota, and P.E.O. &nbsp;She enjoyed classical music, 
singing, baking, and canning a variety of jams, jellies, pickles, and 
sauces.&nbsp; She loved being outside in her flower and vegetable gardens.&nbsp; 
Growing produce to give to others brought her great joy.Survivors include a son: Derek Huber of
 Decatur, TN; a daughter: Julinne Kemp and husband Brian of Lawrence; 
six grandchildren: Lauren Kemp, Ella Kemp, Aidan Kemp, Aleia Kemp, Rylan
 Kemp, and Michael Huber; five brothers: Larry Krehbiel and wife Vicki 
of Dighton, Tony Krehbiel and wife Judi of Tulsa, OK, James Krehbiel and
 wife Genelle of Scott City, Mark Krehbiel and wife Kit of Quinter, and 
Rick Krehbiel and wife Amy of Greeley, CO; two sisters: Judy Musselwhite
 and husband Ron of Dighton and Pam Schnuelle of Beatrice, NE; and 
numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, John.Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on 
Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church with 
Rev. Mike Rose officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Fort Hays Memorial 
Gardens Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time at
 the church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the John E. Huber Memorial 
Scholarship at Fort Hays State University or to the American Cancer 
Society.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Barbara may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

Barbara Jane (Krehbiel) Huber

February 25, 1925 ~ February 7, 2020

An obituary and services are pending with Bateman Funeral Home.

February 25, 1925 ~ February 7, 2020An obituary and services are pending with Bateman Funeral Home.

Raymond Reichert

Esther Mae Eicher, 90, of Brewster, died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, at the 
Logan County Hospital, Oakley. She was born Jan. 15, 1930, in Thomas 
County, Kansas, to Harry and Lois (McArthur) Eicher. 


Esther graduated from Colby High School and earned her bachelor’s degree
 in nutrition at the University of Colorado, Boulder.  She went on to 
receive a Master’s in Public Health from the University of California, 
Berkeley. 


Esther spent her professional career ensuring that children received 
proper nutrition. She worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 
Denver before being selected to assist with implementation of a Head 
Start nutrition program in Washington, D.C. 


She was living a few blocks north of the Capitol during the impeachment 
process against Richard M. Nixon and had lifelong memories of people 
being extra nice to each other on the bus during that time of unrest. 


She decided to return to Colorado after a couple of years in Washington,
 and there she monitored the nutritional content of school lunches and 
helped launch the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, 
Infants and Children as part of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service 
(FNS). 


She also frequently traveled to reservations in Wyoming, Montana and 
North and South Dakota to help with nutrition education efforts for 
Native American mothers and children. She met tribal chiefs she never 
forgot.


By 1989, she was working as the regional nutrition director for the FNS 
Mountain Plains Regional Office, but she decided to give up her career 
to take care of her aging parents. She moved back to the farm near 
Brewster, where she grew up.


From that time forward, she lived primarily on the farm. Near the end of
 her life, her nephew, Eric, came to stay there with her, so that she 
could live for as long as medically possible in the home that she loved.


Although she never married and had no children, she maintained close 
relationships with her many nieces and nephews and their families. 


She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Eicher; 
sisters, Lillian Buckner and Edith Taylor; nieces, Lee Ann Taylor and 
Maril Taylor; and nephews, Allan Taylor, Harry Taylor, Michael Warren 
Eicher and Dennis Buckner; and her beloved dog, Tobie.


She is survived by her brother Curtis Eicher and wife Beverly, of Colby;
 and nieces and nephews, Jon (Reva) Eicher, of Maize; Greg Eicher (Paul 
Black, of Portland, Ore.; Susan Eicher, of Lafayette, Ind.; Mary (Doug)
 Olson, of Palmer, Alaska; Brian (Sherrie) Eicher, of Brewster; Tom 
(Kristie) Taylor, of Minden, Neb.; Bill Taylor, of Colby; Rob Taylor, of
 Colby; Lois (Leland) Francis, of Wilson; Sue Taylor, of Colby; Kris 
Taylor, of Salina; David (Sandy) Buckner, of Boulder, Colo.; Eric 
(Vanessa) Eicher, of Lawrence; and Erin (Randy) Mathews, of Salina.


No services are scheduled. Esther supported many animal and human 
welfare causes and environmental conservation organizations. Please make
 a gift in her memory to your favorite organization. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581265886000.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Esther Mae Eicher, 90, of Brewster, died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, at the 
Logan County Hospital, Oakley. She was born Jan. 15, 1930, in Thomas 
County, Kansas, to Harry and Lois (McArthur) Eicher. 
Esther graduated from Colby High School and earned her bachelor’s degree
 in nutrition at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She went on to 
receive a Master’s in Public Health from the University of California, 
Berkeley. 
Esther spent her professional career ensuring that children received 
proper nutrition. She worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 
Denver before being selected to assist with implementation of a Head 
Start nutrition program in Washington, D.C. 
She was living a few blocks north of the Capitol during the impeachment 
process against Richard M. Nixon and had lifelong memories of people 
being extra nice to each other on the bus during that time of unrest. 
She decided to return to Colorado after a couple of years in Washington,
 and there she monitored the nutritional content of school lunches and 
helped launch the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, 
Infants and Children as part of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service 
(FNS). 
She also frequently traveled to reservations in Wyoming, Montana and 
North and South Dakota to help with nutrition education efforts for 
Native American mothers and children. She met tribal chiefs she never 
forgot.
By 1989, she was working as the regional nutrition director for the FNS 
Mountain Plains Regional Office, but she decided to give up her career 
to take care of her aging parents. She moved back to the farm near 
Brewster, where she grew up.
From that time forward, she lived primarily on the farm. Near the end of
 her life, her nephew, Eric, came to stay there with her, so that she 
could live for as long as medically possible in the home that she loved.
Although she never married and had no children, she maintained close 
relationships with her many nieces and nephews and their families. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Eicher; 
sisters, Lillian Buckner and Edith Taylor; nieces, Lee Ann Taylor and 
Maril Taylor; and nephews, Allan Taylor, Harry Taylor, Michael Warren 
Eicher and Dennis Buckner; and her beloved dog, Tobie.
She is survived by her brother Curtis Eicher and wife Beverly, of Colby;
 and nieces and nephews, Jon (Reva) Eicher, of Maize; Greg Eicher (Paul 
Black, of Portland, Ore.; Susan Eicher, of Lafayette, Ind.; Mary (Doug)
 Olson, of Palmer, Alaska; Brian (Sherrie) Eicher, of Brewster; Tom 
(Kristie) Taylor, of Minden, Neb.; Bill Taylor, of Colby; Rob Taylor, of
 Colby; Lois (Leland) Francis, of Wilson; Sue Taylor, of Colby; Kris 
Taylor, of Salina; David (Sandy) Buckner, of Boulder, Colo.; Eric 
(Vanessa) Eicher, of Lawrence; and Erin (Randy) Mathews, of Salina.
No services are scheduled. Esther supported many animal and human 
welfare causes and environmental conservation organizations. Please make
 a gift in her memory to your favorite organization. For information or 
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Esther Mae Eicher

Dorothy Jean Nickelson, 90, was born at the family farm south of 
Penokee, Kansas to Wallace Frederick and Lena Alice (Kaufman) Kerbaugh, 
March 3, 1929. Jean, as she was always called, attended the Miller 
District 52 Country School until the summer of 1936. Then the family 
moved to Loveland, Colorado hoping that her father could find work. The 
summer of 1937 their family returned to Graham County where Jean again 
attended the Miller School. In 1939 found they moved to Hill City and in
 1942 they moved to Morland, where Jean finished her schooling. 


Jean married Russell O. Nickelson June 16, 1946. They farmed south 
of Penokee, where Jean lived for over 58 years – four miles from where 
she was born. To this union five sons were born:  Roland, Oren, Allen, 
Roger and Rusty. Russell died April 20, 1991. Her sons Oren, Allen and 
Roger all preceded their mother in death. Also preceding her were her 
parents, her two brothers Wayne and Rex and her grandson Jerrod. 


Jean was a farm wife, mostly, but later worked at the Graham County 
Hospital for nine years and as a Hospice volunteer for 12 years. After 
she retired from that, she was a Foster Grandparent for 12 years at the 
WaKeeney Grade School.


Surviving Jean are two sons Roland and wife Elaine of Grove, 
Oklahoma and Rusty of WaKeeney; two daughters-in-law Diana Nickelson of 
Penokee and Glenda Nickelson of Salina; five grandchildren: Becky Webb, 
Solomon, Troy Nickelson, Salina, Jay Nickelson, Penokee, Cheyenne 
Nickelson, WaKeeney and Trina Hertel, Wichita; 10 great grandchildren, 
one great-great grandchild; two sisters Bernita Bell, Hill City and 
Leona Bell, Morland; a sister-in-law Delores Kerbaugh, Hill City and her
 extended family and many friends.

Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Jean-Nickelson?obId=10960602#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581265789344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dorothy Jean Nickelson, 90, was born at the family farm south of 
Penokee, Kansas to Wallace Frederick and Lena Alice (Kaufman) Kerbaugh, 
March 3, 1929. Jean, as she was always called, attended the Miller 
District 52 Country School until the summer of 1936. Then the family 
moved to Loveland, Colorado hoping that her father could find work. The 
summer of 1937 their family returned to Graham County where Jean again 
attended the Miller School. In 1939 found they moved to Hill City and in
 1942 they moved to Morland, where Jean finished her schooling. 
Jean married Russell O. Nickelson June 16, 1946. They farmed south 
of Penokee, where Jean lived for over 58 years – four miles from where 
she was born. To this union five sons were born: Roland, Oren, Allen, 
Roger and Rusty. Russell died April 20, 1991. Her sons Oren, Allen and 
Roger all preceded their mother in death. Also preceding her were her 
parents, her two brothers Wayne and Rex and her grandson Jerrod. 
Jean was a farm wife, mostly, but later worked at the Graham County 
Hospital for nine years and as a Hospice volunteer for 12 years. After 
she retired from that, she was a Foster Grandparent for 12 years at the 
WaKeeney Grade School.
Surviving Jean are two sons Roland and wife Elaine of Grove, 
Oklahoma and Rusty of WaKeeney; two daughters-in-law Diana Nickelson of 
Penokee and Glenda Nickelson of Salina; five grandchildren: Becky Webb, 
Solomon, Troy Nickelson, Salina, Jay Nickelson, Penokee, Cheyenne 
Nickelson, WaKeeney and Trina Hertel, Wichita; 10 great grandchildren, 
one great-great grandchild; two sisters Bernita Bell, Hill City and 
Leona Bell, Morland; a sister-in-law Delores Kerbaugh, Hill City and her
 extended family and many friends.Click <a href="https://www.stinemetzfh.com/obituaries/Jean-Nickelson?obId=10960602#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Dorothy Jean Nickelson

John J. Keenan, 81, passed away on February 5, 2020, at Great Bend 
Health &amp; Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. 

He was born on January 
13, 1939, at Great Bend, to Thomas &amp; Martha (Sheils) Keenan. He 
married Bernadine Gittlein on June 6, 1959, at Great Bend. She died on 
August 11, 2000. He later married Marie (Walker) McDuff on April 16, 
2005 at Seward. She survives.

A Stafford county resident, John was life time passionate farmer. He 
graduated from St. Mary of the Plains High School, and then attended 
college, both in Dodge City. He was a member of the Great Bend Coop, 
Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Great Bend, 
Knights of Columbus (4th degree knight, Radium Ranger's Senior Center, 
Golden Oldies Senior Center of Seward, Farm Bureau &amp; Farm Bureau 
Century Farm Award (100 years farming on same homestead). Most 
importantly, John had been a lifelong dedicated member of St. Francis 
Xavier Catholic Church of Seward, until it’s closing, serving in every 
supportive capacity.

Survivors include, his loving wife, Marie Walker Keenan of the home; 
four children: Tracy McGuinness and husband James of Burlington, Vt., 
Todd Keenan and wife Tami of Larned, Tim Keenan of Seward and Tiffany 
Keenan and wife Aga of Boulder, Co.; two sisters, Lois Daniels and 
husband Jim of Wichita and Mary Lynn Tesar of Omaha, Neb.; a sister in 
law, Joyce Keenan; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and 
many loving nieces and nephews of "Uncle John". He was preceded in death
 by his parents, Thomas Keenan &amp; Martha (Sheils) Keenan; his late 
wife, Bernadine (Gittlein) Keenan; a grandson, Thomas Keenan; two 
brothers, Kenneth Keenan and Maurice Keenan; and four sisters, Helen 
Friesen, Dolores Bryant, Carol Thompson, and baby sister Martha Keenan; 
and brother in laws Melvin Thompson, Lloyd Bryant, Leonard Friesen and 
John Tesar.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11,
 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus 
Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m.,
 Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great 
Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in St. Francis
 Xavier Cemetery, Seward. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier 
Cemetery Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581265981160.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John J. Keenan, 81, passed away on February 5, 2020, at Great Bend 
Health &amp; Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend. He was born on January 
13, 1939, at Great Bend, to Thomas &amp; Martha (Sheils) Keenan. He 
married Bernadine Gittlein on June 6, 1959, at Great Bend. She died on 
August 11, 2000. He later married Marie (Walker) McDuff on April 16, 
2005 at Seward. She survives.A Stafford county resident, John was life time passionate farmer. He 
graduated from St. Mary of the Plains High School, and then attended 
college, both in Dodge City. He was a member of the Great Bend Coop, 
Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Great Bend, 
Knights of Columbus (4th degree knight, Radium Ranger's Senior Center, 
Golden Oldies Senior Center of Seward, Farm Bureau &amp; Farm Bureau 
Century Farm Award (100 years farming on same homestead). Most 
importantly, John had been a lifelong dedicated member of St. Francis 
Xavier Catholic Church of Seward, until it’s closing, serving in every 
supportive capacity.Survivors include, his loving wife, Marie Walker Keenan of the home; 
four children: Tracy McGuinness and husband James of Burlington, Vt., 
Todd Keenan and wife Tami of Larned, Tim Keenan of Seward and Tiffany 
Keenan and wife Aga of Boulder, Co.; two sisters, Lois Daniels and 
husband Jim of Wichita and Mary Lynn Tesar of Omaha, Neb.; a sister in 
law, Joyce Keenan; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and 
many loving nieces and nephews of "Uncle John". He was preceded in death
 by his parents, Thomas Keenan &amp; Martha (Sheils) Keenan; his late 
wife, Bernadine (Gittlein) Keenan; a grandson, Thomas Keenan; two 
brothers, Kenneth Keenan and Maurice Keenan; and four sisters, Helen 
Friesen, Dolores Bryant, Carol Thompson, and baby sister Martha Keenan; 
and brother in laws Melvin Thompson, Lloyd Bryant, Leonard Friesen and 
John Tesar.Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11,
 2020, at Bryant Funeral Home, with a Vigil and Knights of Columbus 
Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m.,
 Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great 
Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in St. Francis
 Xavier Cemetery, Seward. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier 
Cemetery Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

John J. Keenan

Betty Jean Weber, age 83, of Ellis passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Parkwood Village in Pratt, Kansas. She was born March 21, 1936 in Ellis, Kansas to Rudolph and Regina (Reitmeyer) Augustine. She graduated from Ellis High School. She married Robert Francis Weber June 7, 1954 in Ellis, Kansas. He preceded her in death November 15, 2016.

In addition to raising six children Betty worked at Travenol for over ten years before retiring. She enjoyed cooking, crafts and sewing.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.

She is survived by Children: Renee Rust (Doug) of Cypress, TX, Pam Strack (Dan) of Ridgeland, MS, Alan Weber (Sally)of Lenexa, KS, Kelly McDermeit (Mike) of Pratt, KS, Susie Nulton (Mike) of Ft. Garland, CO; grandchildren: Steven and James Rust, Blake, Cody and Chelsea Strack, Ross Weber and Jaclyn Dougan, Paige Prater and Brooke Tate, Savannah and Tanner Nulton and great grandchildren, Jude and Mila Dougan, Emily, Charlie and Daniel Rust, Isaac and Link Strack; a sister, Irene Normandin and brothers, Gilbert, Vergil, Richard, Rudolph, Arnold and Darrell Augustine.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mark Weber; sisters, Shirley Leikam and infant Dorothy Augustine and a brother, Alvin Augustine.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday 6 PM - 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7 PM all at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, KS or Parkwood Village in Pratt, KS

Condolences may be left by guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581209220896.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Betty Jean Weber, age 83, of Ellis passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Parkwood Village in Pratt, Kansas. She was born March 21, 1936 in Ellis, Kansas to Rudolph and Regina (Reitmeyer) Augustine. She graduated from Ellis High School. She married Robert Francis Weber June 7, 1954 in Ellis, Kansas. He preceded her in death November 15, 2016.In addition to raising six children Betty worked at Travenol for over ten years before retiring. She enjoyed cooking, crafts and sewing.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.She is survived by Children: Renee Rust (Doug) of Cypress, TX, Pam Strack (Dan) of Ridgeland, MS, Alan Weber (Sally)of Lenexa, KS, Kelly McDermeit (Mike) of Pratt, KS, Susie Nulton (Mike) of Ft. Garland, CO; grandchildren: Steven and James Rust, Blake, Cody and Chelsea Strack, Ross Weber and Jaclyn Dougan, Paige Prater and Brooke Tate, Savannah and Tanner Nulton and great grandchildren, Jude and Mila Dougan, Emily, Charlie and Daniel Rust, Isaac and Link Strack; a sister, Irene Normandin and brothers, Gilbert, Vergil, Richard, Rudolph, Arnold and Darrell Augustine.She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mark Weber; sisters, Shirley Leikam and infant Dorothy Augustine and a brother, Alvin Augustine.Funeral services will be 10 AM Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.Visitation will be Monday 6 PM - 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7 PM all at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, KS or Parkwood Village in Pratt, KSCondolences may be left by guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Betty Jean Weber

Cora Eleanora (Younger) Sawazhki, 96, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones and family on February 7, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS.

Cora was born May 17, 1923 in Antonino, Kansas to Peter and Catherine Younger. She married Richard Sawazhki on January 22, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, Kansas. Cora spent many years babysitting and doing in home daycare.

Cora loved doing seamstress work. She made numerous outfits including her daughter’s wedding dress. Cora was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church and the Daughters of Isabella. Cora spent countless hours over many decades volunteering at Let’s Help. Some of her favorite times were spent playing bingo and going to garage sales. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and KU basketball.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, brothers Severin, Victor, Alvin, Joe and Edward. She is survived by her children, Charlene Appelhanz (Richard, Richard Jr Sawazhki (Anne, and Michael Sawazhki. Siblings, Mary (Bob, Richard (Betty, Norman, Frank, and six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m.

Graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Ellis, Kansas at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603.

To leave online condolences and fond memories, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.brennanmathenafh.com/">www.brennanmathenafh.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581190736560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cora Eleanora (Younger) Sawazhki, 96, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones and family on February 7, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS.Cora was born May 17, 1923 in Antonino, Kansas to Peter and Catherine Younger. She married Richard Sawazhki on January 22, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, Kansas. Cora spent many years babysitting and doing in home daycare.Cora loved doing seamstress work. She made numerous outfits including her daughter’s wedding dress. Cora was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church and the Daughters of Isabella. Cora spent countless hours over many decades volunteering at Let’s Help. Some of her favorite times were spent playing bingo and going to garage sales. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and KU basketball.She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, brothers Severin, Victor, Alvin, Joe and Edward. She is survived by her children, Charlene Appelhanz (Richard, Richard Jr Sawazhki (Anne, and Michael Sawazhki. Siblings, Mary (Bob, Richard (Betty, Norman, Frank, and six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m.Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m.Graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Ellis, Kansas at 2:00 p.m.Memorial Contributions may be made to Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66603.To leave online condolences and fond memories, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.brennanmathenafh.com/">www.brennanmathenafh.com</a>.

Cora Eleanora (Younger) Sawazhki

Edward Dean Meyers, 66, passed away on February 6, 2020 at his home 
in Bazine, Kansas. He was born on March 5, 1953 in McCook, Nebraska the 
son of Duane and Laura (Deeds) Meyers.

Edward was a truck driver. He married Gloria Banzhaf on February 27, 1988, in McCook, Nebraska. They later divorced.

Survivors include: two sons, Jeremy Meyers of Bazine, Shane Banzhaf 
of Baltimore, Maryland; a brother, Kenneth (Becky) Meyers of McCook, 
Nebraska; a sister, Diane (Tom) Kauk of McCook, Nebraska; and 3 
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two 
brothers, Allen and Gene Meyers.

Cremation has taken place and funeral services will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association
 in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, P.O. Box 96 Ness City, Kansas 
67560.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581178065447.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Edward Dean Meyers, 66, passed away on February 6, 2020 at his home 
in Bazine, Kansas. He was born on March 5, 1953 in McCook, Nebraska the 
son of Duane and Laura (Deeds) Meyers.Edward was a truck driver. He married Gloria Banzhaf on February 27, 1988, in McCook, Nebraska. They later divorced.Survivors include: two sons, Jeremy Meyers of Bazine, Shane Banzhaf 
of Baltimore, Maryland; a brother, Kenneth (Becky) Meyers of McCook, 
Nebraska; a sister, Diane (Tom) Kauk of McCook, Nebraska; and 3 
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two 
brothers, Allen and Gene Meyers.Cremation has taken place and funeral services will be announced at a later date.Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association
 in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, P.O. Box 96 Ness City, Kansas 
67560.

Edward Dean Meyers

Marion “Faye” Bauer, 89, Hays, died Friday, February 7, 2020 at Via Christi Village.

She was born October 6, 1930 in Utica, 
Kansas the daughter of Thomas “Tom” and Juanita (Lehman) Norton.&nbsp; On 
January 4, 1949 she was united in marriage to David Walter “Dave” Bauer 
and they celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage before he preceded her 
in death on January 3, 2009.&nbsp; &nbsp;Along with her husband Dave, Faye was a 
farmwife and a custodian at Roosevelt School for 27 years and a number 
of students saw them as an extra pair of grandparents.&nbsp; A member of 
Messiah Lutheran Church, Faye was very active in her church and enjoyed 
volunteering for church projects and baking cookies at Christmas time.&nbsp; 
She was also a volunteer at the Hays Public Library, the Community 
Assistance Center, and was very much a servant to the community.&nbsp; She 
enjoyed gardening and quilting, was a fantastic cook and baker, and her 
family always anticipated the holidays and her delicious butterballs.

Faye is survived by two daughters:&nbsp; 
Susan F. Wolf and husband Bob of Hays, and Nancy E. Meitl and husband 
Duane of Rush Center, a daughter-in-law:&nbsp; Cindy Bauer of Hays, two 
sisters:&nbsp; Wilma Ochs and husband Norman of Granbury, TX, and Judith 
Carter and husband Herb of Colorado Springs, CO, ten grandchildren:&nbsp; 
Jeff Wolf (Jenny, Chrissy Bandel (Corey, Curtis Wolf, Shelly New 
(Greg, Tara Comerci (Ben, Tessa Mayfield (Derek, Jennifer Conrad 
(Keith, Rhonda Hughes (Evan, Cory Bauer (Cassie, and Joey Bauer, 
twenty great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her step-mother:&nbsp; Elizabeth Norton, her husband:&nbsp; David W. 
Bauer, two sons:&nbsp; Dr. Richard D. Bauer and Thomas D. Bauer, a 
daughter-in-law:&nbsp; Belinda Bauer, three brothers:&nbsp; Leonard, Clell, and 
Lee Norton, and by a sister:&nbsp; Jeanne Borthwick.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on
 Friday, February 14, 2020, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays with 
Pastor Rocco Mallardi officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be at 2:00 pm at the 
Arnold Cemetery in Arnold, Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be on Thursday from 
4:00 pm until 7:00 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and on 
Friday from 9:30 am until service time at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are 
suggested to the Community Assistance Center, Hospice of HaysMed, or to 
Messiah Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Faye may be left 
for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581177909573.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marion “Faye” Bauer, 89, Hays, died Friday, February 7, 2020 at Via Christi Village.She was born October 6, 1930 in Utica, 
Kansas the daughter of Thomas “Tom” and Juanita (Lehman) Norton.&nbsp; On 
January 4, 1949 she was united in marriage to David Walter “Dave” Bauer 
and they celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage before he preceded her 
in death on January 3, 2009.&nbsp; &nbsp;Along with her husband Dave, Faye was a 
farmwife and a custodian at Roosevelt School for 27 years and a number 
of students saw them as an extra pair of grandparents.&nbsp; A member of 
Messiah Lutheran Church, Faye was very active in her church and enjoyed 
volunteering for church projects and baking cookies at Christmas time.&nbsp; 
She was also a volunteer at the Hays Public Library, the Community 
Assistance Center, and was very much a servant to the community.&nbsp; She 
enjoyed gardening and quilting, was a fantastic cook and baker, and her 
family always anticipated the holidays and her delicious butterballs.Faye is survived by two daughters:&nbsp; 
Susan F. Wolf and husband Bob of Hays, and Nancy E. Meitl and husband 
Duane of Rush Center, a daughter-in-law:&nbsp; Cindy Bauer of Hays, two 
sisters:&nbsp; Wilma Ochs and husband Norman of Granbury, TX, and Judith 
Carter and husband Herb of Colorado Springs, CO, ten grandchildren:&nbsp; 
Jeff Wolf (Jenny, Chrissy Bandel (Corey, Curtis Wolf, Shelly New 
(Greg, Tara Comerci (Ben, Tessa Mayfield (Derek, Jennifer Conrad 
(Keith, Rhonda Hughes (Evan, Cory Bauer (Cassie, and Joey Bauer, 
twenty great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her step-mother:&nbsp; Elizabeth Norton, her husband:&nbsp; David W. 
Bauer, two sons:&nbsp; Dr. Richard D. Bauer and Thomas D. Bauer, a 
daughter-in-law:&nbsp; Belinda Bauer, three brothers:&nbsp; Leonard, Clell, and 
Lee Norton, and by a sister:&nbsp; Jeanne Borthwick.Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on
 Friday, February 14, 2020, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays with 
Pastor Rocco Mallardi officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be at 2:00 pm at the 
Arnold Cemetery in Arnold, Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be on Thursday from 
4:00 pm until 7:00 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and on 
Friday from 9:30 am until service time at the church.&nbsp; Memorials are 
suggested to the Community Assistance Center, Hospice of HaysMed, or to 
Messiah Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Faye may be left 
for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Marion 'Faye' Bauer

JoAnn Cecilia (Stramel) Billinger, age 77, of Victoria, Kansas died 
Thursday, February 6, 2020, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kanas.

She was born January 27, 1943, in Hays, Kansas to Leo and Hubertine 
(Urban) Stramel.&nbsp; She married Earl Billinger on October 9, 1961 in 
Victoria, Kansas.

She was a homemaker and a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis.&nbsp; She
 grew up in Pfeifer, and was a 1961 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; 
She lived in Victoria, Hays, and then moved a number of years ago to the
 Wheatland Nursing Care Center at Russell.

Survivors include one son, Galen Billinger, Derby, KS; three 
daughters, Cindy Boor, and husband, Stan, Hays, KS; Lisa Scott-Sauber, 
Wichita, KS; Laura Rome and husband, Mark; Hays, KS; one brother, Gary 
Stramel and wife, Arlene, Hays, KS; four sisters, Bernadette Strong and 
husband, Merv, Littleton, CO; Carol Billinger and husband, Gilbert, 
Victoria, KS; Kathleen Pryor and husband, Wayne, Colorado Springs, CO; 
Janice Seib and husband, Don, Munjor, KS; ten grandchildren: Jordan 
Koehn, Tessa Koehn (Aaron Van Der Wege, Shawn Scott (Emily, Tyler 
Scott (Nikki, Austin Scott (Madelyn Dower, Scott Rome (Diana Yensi, 
Eric Rome, Allie Rome (Josue Lopez, Luke Billinger, Garret Billinger; 
eight great grandchildren: Maggie Van Der Wege, Solomon Scott, Dominic 
Scott, Wilson Scott, Ellie Scott, Anderson Scott, Rayden Scott, Taygen 
Scott; and the children’s father, Earl Billinger, Ellis, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Leslie Stramel
 and his wife, Catherine; two sons-in-law, Mike Scott and Ron Sauber; 
and a grandson, Aaron Koehn.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 10, 
2020, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will be in
 Holy Cross Cemetery, Pfeifer, Kansas.&nbsp;

A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, at 
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 
67601.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley
 Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at Holy Cross 
Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to Holy Cross Charitable, Inc.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 
E.22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Condolences can be sent via e-mail 
to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at 
www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com&nbsp;

JoAnn Cecilia (Stramel) Billinger, age 77, of Victoria, Kansas died 
Thursday, February 6, 2020, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kanas.She was born January 27, 1943, in Hays, Kansas to Leo and Hubertine 
(Urban) Stramel.&nbsp; She married Earl Billinger on October 9, 1961 in 
Victoria, Kansas.She was a homemaker and a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis.&nbsp; She
 grew up in Pfeifer, and was a 1961 graduate of Victoria High School.&nbsp; 
She lived in Victoria, Hays, and then moved a number of years ago to the
 Wheatland Nursing Care Center at Russell.Survivors include one son, Galen Billinger, Derby, KS; three 
daughters, Cindy Boor, and husband, Stan, Hays, KS; Lisa Scott-Sauber, 
Wichita, KS; Laura Rome and husband, Mark; Hays, KS; one brother, Gary 
Stramel and wife, Arlene, Hays, KS; four sisters, Bernadette Strong and 
husband, Merv, Littleton, CO; Carol Billinger and husband, Gilbert, 
Victoria, KS; Kathleen Pryor and husband, Wayne, Colorado Springs, CO; 
Janice Seib and husband, Don, Munjor, KS; ten grandchildren: Jordan 
Koehn, Tessa Koehn (Aaron Van Der Wege, Shawn Scott (Emily, Tyler 
Scott (Nikki, Austin Scott (Madelyn Dower, Scott Rome (Diana Yensi, 
Eric Rome, Allie Rome (Josue Lopez, Luke Billinger, Garret Billinger; 
eight great grandchildren: Maggie Van Der Wege, Solomon Scott, Dominic 
Scott, Wilson Scott, Ellie Scott, Anderson Scott, Rayden Scott, Taygen 
Scott; and the children’s father, Earl Billinger, Ellis, KS.She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Leslie Stramel
 and his wife, Catherine; two sons-in-law, Mike Scott and Ron Sauber; 
and a grandson, Aaron Koehn.Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 10, 
2020, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas.&nbsp; Burial will be in
 Holy Cross Cemetery, Pfeifer, Kansas.&nbsp;A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, at 
Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 
67601.Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley
 Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at Holy Cross 
Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas.The family suggests memorials to Holy Cross Charitable, Inc.Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 
E.22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.&nbsp; Condolences can be sent via e-mail 
to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at 
www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com&nbsp;

JoAnn Cecilia (Stramel) Billinger

Winona Mae Strange, age 86, of 
Comanche, peacefully passed away on Tuesday evening, January 28, 2020 in
 Duncan, OK.&nbsp; Winona was born on September 12, 1933 in Liberal, Kansas 
to Omas and Clara (Nass) Stickert.&nbsp; She graduated from Liberal High 
School.&nbsp; In June of 1952 she and TJ Strange were united in marriage in 
Clayton, New Mexico.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She retired from Southwest Title and 
Abstract Company in 1985. In the early 1990’s they moved to Duncan, and 
later then to Comanche.&nbsp; Winona was known as a great cook.&nbsp; She used to 
enjoy riding both horses, and motorcycles. She loved working in her 
garden.&nbsp; She had a great love for her pets, including dogs and cats.&nbsp; 
Winona was an active member of the Comanche Garden Club and also the Red
 Hat Society.

Survivors include her husband TJ, of 
the home; one daughter, Debbie Grabbe, Hays, Kansas; two grandsons: 
Matthew Grabbe and wife Jennifer, Hays, Kansas; John Grabbe and wife 
Julie, Hays, Kansas; four grandchildren: Jackson Grabbe, Ren Grabbe, 
Wyatt Grabbe, and Mark Grabbe.&nbsp; Also, a brother-in-law, Bill Strange and
 wife Claudia, Canton, Ohio.

Winona was preceded in death by her parents, and her son-in-law Michael Grabbe.

Private family burial will be in the Grabbe Family Cemetery.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581177708395.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Winona Mae Strange, age 86, of 
Comanche, peacefully passed away on Tuesday evening, January 28, 2020 in
 Duncan, OK.&nbsp; Winona was born on September 12, 1933 in Liberal, Kansas 
to Omas and Clara (Nass) Stickert.&nbsp; She graduated from Liberal High 
School.&nbsp; In June of 1952 she and TJ Strange were united in marriage in 
Clayton, New Mexico.&nbsp;&nbsp;She retired from Southwest Title and 
Abstract Company in 1985. In the early 1990’s they moved to Duncan, and 
later then to Comanche.&nbsp; Winona was known as a great cook.&nbsp; She used to 
enjoy riding both horses, and motorcycles. She loved working in her 
garden.&nbsp; She had a great love for her pets, including dogs and cats.&nbsp; 
Winona was an active member of the Comanche Garden Club and also the Red
 Hat Society.Survivors include her husband TJ, of 
the home; one daughter, Debbie Grabbe, Hays, Kansas; two grandsons: 
Matthew Grabbe and wife Jennifer, Hays, Kansas; John Grabbe and wife 
Julie, Hays, Kansas; four grandchildren: Jackson Grabbe, Ren Grabbe, 
Wyatt Grabbe, and Mark Grabbe.&nbsp; Also, a brother-in-law, Bill Strange and
 wife Claudia, Canton, Ohio.Winona was preceded in death by her parents, and her son-in-law Michael Grabbe.Private family burial will be in the Grabbe Family Cemetery.Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Winona Mae Strange

Harlan W. Ritter passed away Monday, February 3, 2020.&nbsp; He was born 
May 11,1941, to Ralph and Marie Ritter in Hoisington, Kansas. He was 
preceded in death by his parents and youngest sister Lonetta Perrotti. 
He is survived by his wife Rita and son Darrin of Houston, Texas; 
brother, Darwin Ritter and wife Vicki; sister, Nancy Clark and husband 
Randy, all of Salina, Kansas;&nbsp;and brother-in-law, Adam Perrotti of 
Flemington, New Jersey; plus many nieces and nephews.

Harlan graduated from Hoisington High School in 1959 and Ft. Hays 
State college in 1964.&nbsp; He started to work for Missouri Pacific Railroad
 in 1961 and upon graduation from college pursued a career in railroad 
management. His career included positions with Missouri Pacific, Union 
Pacific, Houston Belt Terminal, Texas City Terminal and Kansas City 
Southern railroads.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service&nbsp;will be 2 p.m., Friday, 
February 21, 2020, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor 
Sandy Kennedy presiding. Family will greet friends from 1 to 2p.m. prior
 to the service. Burial to follow at the Hoisington City Cemetery. 
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Presbyterian Manor of Salina
 (Employees Christmas Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO
 Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581177972589.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harlan W. Ritter passed away Monday, February 3, 2020.&nbsp; He was born 
May 11,1941, to Ralph and Marie Ritter in Hoisington, Kansas. He was 
preceded in death by his parents and youngest sister Lonetta Perrotti. 
He is survived by his wife Rita and son Darrin of Houston, Texas; 
brother, Darwin Ritter and wife Vicki; sister, Nancy Clark and husband 
Randy, all of Salina, Kansas;&nbsp;and brother-in-law, Adam Perrotti of 
Flemington, New Jersey; plus many nieces and nephews.Harlan graduated from Hoisington High School in 1959 and Ft. Hays 
State college in 1964.&nbsp; He started to work for Missouri Pacific Railroad
 in 1961 and upon graduation from college pursued a career in railroad 
management. His career included positions with Missouri Pacific, Union 
Pacific, Houston Belt Terminal, Texas City Terminal and Kansas City 
Southern railroads.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service&nbsp;will be 2 p.m., Friday, 
February 21, 2020, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor 
Sandy Kennedy presiding. Family will greet friends from 1 to 2p.m. prior
 to the service. Burial to follow at the Hoisington City Cemetery. 
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to Presbyterian Manor of Salina
 (Employees Christmas Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO
 Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Harlan W. Ritter

Velma Jean Winter, 89, passed away February 5, 2020 in La Crosse.

Jean was born April 22, 1930 in Marina Township, Hodgeman County to Ralph Jacob and Laura Mae Cox Brown.

A lifetime Hodgeman and Pawnee County resident, she was a teacher, a homemaker and a farm wife. She was of the Methodist faith.

On May 21, 1949 she married Henry O. Winter at Burdett; he survives.

Other survivors include: two sons, Roland O. (Marlene) Winter, Keith 
Winter, both of Burdett; a daughter, Lana Jean (David) Strom, Des 
Moines, IA; a sister, Myrna Kaiser, Delphos; three grandchildren, 
Rolland Winter, Jolene Roth, and Julianna Montgomery; five great 
grandchildren, Alexis Winter, Jake Montgomery, Joey Montgomery, Cameron 
Roth, Haley Roth; one great-great granddaughter, Evie Winter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Dwight 
Brown, Robert Brown, and Donald Brown; two sisters, Louise Herl, and 
Janelda O’Brien.

Funeral service 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2020 at Beckwith 
Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Gary Winget presiding. Visitation 
1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Beckwith Mortuary, 
Larned. Burial in Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be given to Burdett EMS or Christ Pilot Me Hill, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581110258572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Velma Jean Winter, 89, passed away February 5, 2020 in La Crosse.Jean was born April 22, 1930 in Marina Township, Hodgeman County to Ralph Jacob and Laura Mae Cox Brown.A lifetime Hodgeman and Pawnee County resident, she was a teacher, a homemaker and a farm wife. She was of the Methodist faith.On May 21, 1949 she married Henry O. Winter at Burdett; he survives.Other survivors include: two sons, Roland O. (Marlene) Winter, Keith 
Winter, both of Burdett; a daughter, Lana Jean (David) Strom, Des 
Moines, IA; a sister, Myrna Kaiser, Delphos; three grandchildren, 
Rolland Winter, Jolene Roth, and Julianna Montgomery; five great 
grandchildren, Alexis Winter, Jake Montgomery, Joey Montgomery, Cameron 
Roth, Haley Roth; one great-great granddaughter, Evie Winter.She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Dwight 
Brown, Robert Brown, and Donald Brown; two sisters, Louise Herl, and 
Janelda O’Brien.Funeral service 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2020 at Beckwith 
Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Gary Winget presiding. Visitation 
1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Beckwith Mortuary, 
Larned. Burial in Larned Cemetery, Larned.Memorials may be given to Burdett EMS or Christ Pilot Me Hill, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp;

Velma Jean Winter

Wednesday, January 15th, 1930 - Thursday, February 6th, 2020

An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Wednesday, January 15th, 1930 - Thursday, February 6th, 2020An obituary and services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary.

Russell "Rusty" C. Williams III, 62, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, February 05, 2020, at the Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler, Arizona, while living in Arizona.

Rusty was born on August 02, 1957, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Russell C., Jr. and Gail (Sack) Williams.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1975, and after high school attended Ft. Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.  He married Pam Ehrlich in Russell, Kansas, and from this union he was blessed with two daughters Heather and Lindsay.  Later in life he and Pam were divorced and Rusty found love a second time with Crystal Davis.  Rusty was in the in the oil field industry and started out working in the family business with RC Williams Incorporated.  Later he was an oil investor and was owner and operator in H &amp;L Productions and other businesses.  He and Crystal enjoyed sharing their time in Russell and Sun Lakes, Arizona.  He was a former member of Elks and Shrine.  He enjoyed working and investing in Oil ventures, gambling and drinking the Glenlivet Scotch.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends playing golf.

Surviving family include his longtime companion Crystal Davis of the home; daughters Heather Mayberry Williams of Salina, Kansas and Lindsay Lawrence and husband Melvin of Airway Heights, Washington; mother Gail Williams of Russell, Kansas; father Russell C. Williams, Jr. and wife Donna of Great Bend, Kansas; brothers Randy Williams and Tim Williams; sisters Kim Williams, Tammy Fuller and Jani Cook  and 5 grandkids.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

A celebration of Rusty's life will be held from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. on February 13, 2020, at the Elks Lodge in Russell, Kansas.  Food and drink will be available for the funeral guests.  Cremation has been selected by the family.  The family would like in lieu of flowers to please make contributions to the Russell High School Golf Team and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581101679426.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell "Rusty" C. Williams III, 62, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, February 05, 2020, at the Chandler Regional Hospital in Chandler, Arizona, while living in Arizona.Rusty was born on August 02, 1957, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Russell C., Jr. and Gail (Sack) Williams. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1975, and after high school attended Ft. Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He married Pam Ehrlich in Russell, Kansas, and from this union he was blessed with two daughters Heather and Lindsay. Later in life he and Pam were divorced and Rusty found love a second time with Crystal Davis. Rusty was in the in the oil field industry and started out working in the family business with RC Williams Incorporated. Later he was an oil investor and was owner and operator in H &amp;L Productions and other businesses. He and Crystal enjoyed sharing their time in Russell and Sun Lakes, Arizona. He was a former member of Elks and Shrine. He enjoyed working and investing in Oil ventures, gambling and drinking the Glenlivet Scotch. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends playing golf.Surviving family include his longtime companion Crystal Davis of the home; daughters Heather Mayberry Williams of Salina, Kansas and Lindsay Lawrence and husband Melvin of Airway Heights, Washington; mother Gail Williams of Russell, Kansas; father Russell C. Williams, Jr. and wife Donna of Great Bend, Kansas; brothers Randy Williams and Tim Williams; sisters Kim Williams, Tammy Fuller and Jani Cook and 5 grandkids. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.A celebration of Rusty's life will be held from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. on February 13, 2020, at the Elks Lodge in Russell, Kansas. Food and drink will be available for the funeral guests. Cremation has been selected by the family. The family would like in lieu of flowers to please make contributions to the Russell High School Golf Team and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Russell 'Rusty' C. Williams III

Dale Leon Pruter, 64, of Great Bend, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at his residence in Dundee, Kansas.

Dale is the oldest son of Orville and Betty (Zweifel) Pruter of Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born January 19, 1956 at the Plainville Hospital.&nbsp; Later he was joined by four more brothers and sister.&nbsp; He went to school in Plainville, and graduated from Plainville High School with the Class of 1974.

Dale served his country in the U. S. Marines.

Dale was united in marriage to Jane Thummel at the Church of the Nazarene in Plainville on November 24, 1979.&nbsp; They had three children; Joel, Amanda and Katie.

Dale was a Social Worker and later a Teacher in Syracuse, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked with foreign exchange students.&nbsp; Dale had traveled to Europe many times.

Dale loved his animals of all kinds.&nbsp; He enjoyed gardening, antiques, cooking and playing with his grandkids.&nbsp; He moved back to Natoma then to Great Bend where he has spent the last 20 years.&nbsp; He also worked at Loves Country Store.

Dale’s surviving family include his son, Joel Pruter (Erin) of Hays, Kansas; two daughters, Amanda Markley (Andrew) of Goodland, Kansas and Katie Snodgrass (Geoffrey) of Spavinaw, Oklahoma; father and mother, Orville and Betty Pruter of Natoma, Kansas; four grandchildren, Rayne Markley, Jensen Markley, Itzhak Pruter and Avram Pruter; four brothers, Gale Pruter (Teresa) of Osborne, Kansas, Daryl Pruter (Lisa) of Neodesha, Kansas, Doug Pruter (Dina) of Hays, Kansas and Kevin Pruter (France) of Blue Springs, Missouri; eight nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his sister Susan LaJoy Pruter.

Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Natoma United Methodist Church in Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; A Private family committal will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends from 10:00 AM to start of service, Monday at the Church.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581090646273.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dale Leon Pruter, 64, of Great Bend, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at his residence in Dundee, Kansas.Dale is the oldest son of Orville and Betty (Zweifel) Pruter of Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; He was born January 19, 1956 at the Plainville Hospital.&nbsp; Later he was joined by four more brothers and sister.&nbsp; He went to school in Plainville, and graduated from Plainville High School with the Class of 1974.Dale served his country in the U. S. Marines.Dale was united in marriage to Jane Thummel at the Church of the Nazarene in Plainville on November 24, 1979.&nbsp; They had three children; Joel, Amanda and Katie.Dale was a Social Worker and later a Teacher in Syracuse, Kansas.&nbsp; He worked with foreign exchange students.&nbsp; Dale had traveled to Europe many times.Dale loved his animals of all kinds.&nbsp; He enjoyed gardening, antiques, cooking and playing with his grandkids.&nbsp; He moved back to Natoma then to Great Bend where he has spent the last 20 years.&nbsp; He also worked at Loves Country Store.Dale’s surviving family include his son, Joel Pruter (Erin) of Hays, Kansas; two daughters, Amanda Markley (Andrew) of Goodland, Kansas and Katie Snodgrass (Geoffrey) of Spavinaw, Oklahoma; father and mother, Orville and Betty Pruter of Natoma, Kansas; four grandchildren, Rayne Markley, Jensen Markley, Itzhak Pruter and Avram Pruter; four brothers, Gale Pruter (Teresa) of Osborne, Kansas, Daryl Pruter (Lisa) of Neodesha, Kansas, Doug Pruter (Dina) of Hays, Kansas and Kevin Pruter (France) of Blue Springs, Missouri; eight nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his sister Susan LaJoy Pruter.Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Natoma United Methodist Church in Natoma, Kansas.&nbsp; A Private family committal will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends from 10:00 AM to start of service, Monday at the Church.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Dale Leon Pruter

Vesta Juliette Pratt was born on April 20, 1919, at the family farm northwest of Wakeeney, Kansas, to Walter and Ethel Moden. She graduated from Union 1 Grade School in Wakeeney in 1932 and subsequently graduated from Trego County High School in 1936. She then taught in the Trego grade schools for a while before going to Ft. Hays State University from 1938 to 1941 when she completed her major in Business Administration and Secretarial science in 1941 While at Ft. Hays, she not only worked at the Experiment Station for one year but met her future husband, Henry Pratt whom she married on January 11, 1943 and who predeceased her on March 27, 1996.

In July 1953, she and the children joined Hank in Japan where he had been recalled to service for the Korean Conflict. Before the family's return to the United States in 1961, Vesta who had a life-long interest in art took private lessons under Professor Kohei Aeita where she learned to do sumi painting and traditional Japanese painting on silk. She also took classes under various Japanese instructors in photography, woodcarving, flower arranging, sketching as well as oil and water painting. Woodcarving almost did her in as the shellac the Japanese use is sumac based and she had to be hospitalized for the severe poisoning. Her work was exhibited at the American Cultural Center in Yokohama. She was the recipient of many awards in the numerous shows that she had entered. She also had an interest in the physical world as well as the art world as evidenced by her climbing Mt. Fuji in 1957. It was not all play and no work in Japan as Vesta worked in the Command Section Headquarters of the Far Eastern Exchange Service in Ofuna, Japan for three years and at North Pier Terminal in Yokohama for a year. The highlight of her employment in Japan was flying to Seoul, Korea for an Area Council Meeting and making a trip to the DMZ at Panmunjom. Very exciting, particularly at that time.

Upon returning to the States, Mom after various moves from California to Kansas to Virginia to California went back to Kansas where she obtained a second major in art in 1969 at Ft. Hays specializing in graphics. That same year Mom and Hank moved to Kansas City, MO where she subsequently took printmaking at the

Kansas City Art Institute in 1971 and batik at Avila College in 1972. She was Vice-President of the Greater Kansas City Art Association in 1974-1975 as well as a member of the Tri-County Art League. When Hank retired in 1977, he and mom traveled extensively from their home at Clinton Lake, Kansas in the winter months throughout the South, Southwest and Mexico where she was able to sketch and paint the scenery of various State and National Parks. In 1994, Hank and Mom moved from Clinton to Wakeeney where she indulged in her great passion of yard and garden work while pursuing her artistic endeavors and of course caring for Penny, her boon companion little dog for many years. In June, 2012, Mom went to live with her daughter, Megan and son-in-law, Pat Hemming at their residence in Greeley, CO until her passing.

Mom was a member of the greatest generation having her youth in the Dirty Thirties, the Great Depression and WWII. She will be sorely missed by her family, relatives and friends.

Vesta was predeceased in death by her parents; sisters Vera (twin, Mija, Elene, Anna and Emily; brothers, John, Walter Il and Ernest; husband, Hank; sons, Bill and Dan; and grandson, Nicholas Hemming.

She is survived by her children, son, H. Jonathan Pratt, and daughter, Megan Kathleen Hemming; and granddaughter, Brigette Hemming.

Services will be held late this spring at the Studley, Kansas, Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to breast cancer research.

<a href="https://ncccremation.com/">Northern Colorado Crematory</a> is in charge of arrangements.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581025086394.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Vesta Juliette Pratt was born on April 20, 1919, at the family farm northwest of Wakeeney, Kansas, to Walter and Ethel Moden. She graduated from Union 1 Grade School in Wakeeney in 1932 and subsequently graduated from Trego County High School in 1936. She then taught in the Trego grade schools for a while before going to Ft. Hays State University from 1938 to 1941 when she completed her major in Business Administration and Secretarial science in 1941 While at Ft. Hays, she not only worked at the Experiment Station for one year but met her future husband, Henry Pratt whom she married on January 11, 1943 and who predeceased her on March 27, 1996.In July 1953, she and the children joined Hank in Japan where he had been recalled to service for the Korean Conflict. Before the family's return to the United States in 1961, Vesta who had a life-long interest in art took private lessons under Professor Kohei Aeita where she learned to do sumi painting and traditional Japanese painting on silk. She also took classes under various Japanese instructors in photography, woodcarving, flower arranging, sketching as well as oil and water painting. Woodcarving almost did her in as the shellac the Japanese use is sumac based and she had to be hospitalized for the severe poisoning. Her work was exhibited at the American Cultural Center in Yokohama. She was the recipient of many awards in the numerous shows that she had entered. She also had an interest in the physical world as well as the art world as evidenced by her climbing Mt. Fuji in 1957. It was not all play and no work in Japan as Vesta worked in the Command Section Headquarters of the Far Eastern Exchange Service in Ofuna, Japan for three years and at North Pier Terminal in Yokohama for a year. The highlight of her employment in Japan was flying to Seoul, Korea for an Area Council Meeting and making a trip to the DMZ at Panmunjom. Very exciting, particularly at that time.Upon returning to the States, Mom after various moves from California to Kansas to Virginia to California went back to Kansas where she obtained a second major in art in 1969 at Ft. Hays specializing in graphics. That same year Mom and Hank moved to Kansas City, MO where she subsequently took printmaking at theKansas City Art Institute in 1971 and batik at Avila College in 1972. She was Vice-President of the Greater Kansas City Art Association in 1974-1975 as well as a member of the Tri-County Art League. When Hank retired in 1977, he and mom traveled extensively from their home at Clinton Lake, Kansas in the winter months throughout the South, Southwest and Mexico where she was able to sketch and paint the scenery of various State and National Parks. In 1994, Hank and Mom moved from Clinton to Wakeeney where she indulged in her great passion of yard and garden work while pursuing her artistic endeavors and of course caring for Penny, her boon companion little dog for many years. In June, 2012, Mom went to live with her daughter, Megan and son-in-law, Pat Hemming at their residence in Greeley, CO until her passing.Mom was a member of the greatest generation having her youth in the Dirty Thirties, the Great Depression and WWII. She will be sorely missed by her family, relatives and friends.Vesta was predeceased in death by her parents; sisters Vera (twin, Mija, Elene, Anna and Emily; brothers, John, Walter Il and Ernest; husband, Hank; sons, Bill and Dan; and grandson, Nicholas Hemming.She is survived by her children, son, H. Jonathan Pratt, and daughter, Megan Kathleen Hemming; and granddaughter, Brigette Hemming.Services will be held late this spring at the Studley, Kansas, Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to breast cancer research.<a href="https://ncccremation.com/">Northern Colorado Crematory</a> is in charge of arrangements.

Vesta Juliette Pratt

A memorial service for&nbsp;Marla Gail (Long) Deines will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020, at Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney, 332 N. Sixth, WaKeeney. Casual attire is appropriate.

Marla was born on April 29, 1955 to James and Margaret (Schneider) Long in WaKeeney, Kansas.

She attended WaKeeney public schools and was a 1973 graduate of Trego Community High School.&nbsp; As an alumna of Fort Hays State University, Marla received Bachelor’s Degrees in German, Spanish, and Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in ESL.&nbsp; She also studied abroad in Germany and Costa Rica, and taught ESL in China.&nbsp;

Marla married Stanley H. Deines on November 17, 1973 in WaKeeney, Kansas.&nbsp; Together they had three sons: Joshua James, Lucas Herman, and Eastin Stanley.&nbsp; Eastin Stanley preceded Marla in death.

Early married life consisted of many long days of work on the farm, as Marla could work cattle and drive combine with the best of them.&nbsp; Marla and Stan traveled many places across the United States to support their sons in their various sports activities.&nbsp; Those long road trips were filled with songs, laughter and pizza. To save a few bucks, they stayed in budget motels. The money saved was quickly spent on Lysol. The best times were family times.

Marla taught school for 30 years in the Ellis and Hays, Kansas public schools.&nbsp; While teaching, she received an Associate Degree in Parish Ministry and served as a minister at Prairie Faith Shared Ministry in Trego and Ellis Counties, Faith Lutheran in Osborne, and First Presbyterian in WaKeeney. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In 2015, Marla and Stan moved to Redondo Beach, California to retire and live near family, especially their beautiful grandchildren, Kai Eastin and Jamie Margaret.&nbsp; With boundless energy in retirement, Marla channeled her love for education and children as an instructional aide at Jefferson Elementary School and volunteered with Beach Cities Health District and Trinity Lutheran Church.

After her battle with metastatic breast cancer, Marla passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 4, 2019.&nbsp; She is survived by her husband, Stanley; son Joshua and his wife, Belinda; son Lucas and his wife, Michelle; and two grandchildren, Kai and Jamie. &nbsp;

She loved being a teacher and a minister, a wife and a mother, but most of all, a grandmother.&nbsp; Marla, also known as “Gramms,” will be missed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581009929749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A memorial service for&nbsp;Marla Gail (Long) Deines will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020, at Presbyterian Church of WaKeeney, 332 N. Sixth, WaKeeney. Casual attire is appropriate.Marla was born on April 29, 1955 to James and Margaret (Schneider) Long in WaKeeney, Kansas.She attended WaKeeney public schools and was a 1973 graduate of Trego Community High School.&nbsp; As an alumna of Fort Hays State University, Marla received Bachelor’s Degrees in German, Spanish, and Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in ESL.&nbsp; She also studied abroad in Germany and Costa Rica, and taught ESL in China.&nbsp;Marla married Stanley H. Deines on November 17, 1973 in WaKeeney, Kansas.&nbsp; Together they had three sons: Joshua James, Lucas Herman, and Eastin Stanley.&nbsp; Eastin Stanley preceded Marla in death.Early married life consisted of many long days of work on the farm, as Marla could work cattle and drive combine with the best of them.&nbsp; Marla and Stan traveled many places across the United States to support their sons in their various sports activities.&nbsp; Those long road trips were filled with songs, laughter and pizza. To save a few bucks, they stayed in budget motels. The money saved was quickly spent on Lysol. The best times were family times.Marla taught school for 30 years in the Ellis and Hays, Kansas public schools.&nbsp; While teaching, she received an Associate Degree in Parish Ministry and served as a minister at Prairie Faith Shared Ministry in Trego and Ellis Counties, Faith Lutheran in Osborne, and First Presbyterian in WaKeeney. &nbsp; &nbsp;In 2015, Marla and Stan moved to Redondo Beach, California to retire and live near family, especially their beautiful grandchildren, Kai Eastin and Jamie Margaret.&nbsp; With boundless energy in retirement, Marla channeled her love for education and children as an instructional aide at Jefferson Elementary School and volunteered with Beach Cities Health District and Trinity Lutheran Church.After her battle with metastatic breast cancer, Marla passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 4, 2019.&nbsp; She is survived by her husband, Stanley; son Joshua and his wife, Belinda; son Lucas and his wife, Michelle; and two grandchildren, Kai and Jamie. &nbsp;She loved being a teacher and a minister, a wife and a mother, but most of all, a grandmother.&nbsp; Marla, also known as “Gramms,” will be missed.&nbsp;

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