Feb 01, 2022

Alta M. Michaelis

Posted Feb 01, 2022 4:41 PM

Alta M. Michaelis, age 83, of Hays, KS, formerly of Independence, Mo., passed away Monday, January 24, 2022, at Hays Medical Center.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date with inurnment in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Independence or VFW Post 1186 and sent to Zach Webb Family Funeral Service, 1475 S. 10th, Independence, KS 67301.

Alta Marie Michaelis was born June 9, 1938, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Vern and Velma (Orton) Miller. The family moved to Cherryvale, KS, and Alta graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1956. She attended business school in Independence before receiving her paralegal certificate from Pittsburg State University. She worked for Sinclair Pipeline Company and later Arco Pipeline Company as Secretary to Vice President and Chief Counsel. She also worked for Vico Group in Independence. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxilary. Alta married Mick Michaelis on March 21, 1970, in Independence. Mr. Michaelis passed away November 24, 2002.

Survivors of Alta M. Michaelis include; Her daughter, Kristin Hernandez (Anthony) of Hays, KS. Four grandchildren Nick Hernandez (Hannah) of Topeka, KS, Ryan Hernandez, Ashton Hernandez, Lindsey Hernandez all of Hays, KS. One sister Alyce Ferrell of Kiowa, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Don Miller and brother-in-law Tommy Ferrell.


The family of Alta Michaelis has entrusted the arrangement of the services to Zach and Dee Webb of locally-owned Zach Webb Family Funeral Service of Independence.