ABILENE - Join us for Ike's Book Club where this year we will read and discuss various books about leadership. Generally held the second Tuesday evening of every other month, our theme this year is titled "Dwight Eisenhower: The Making of a Leader." Our book selection focuses on the categories of family, military, presidency, and mentorship. The book discussions will each focus on how they relate to Dwight Eisenhower's leadership. The first book in February is "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni with the discussion led by Dr. Gene Chaves with Humanities Kansas.

The March selection is perfect for the entire family to read and join in the discussion. 

This year-long leadership series culminates in October with Susan Eisenhower discussing her recent book "How Ike Led."

The full&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_loH7oL8aydDiUfTHKfqCvnK4cLe_IFc75YWw1Qub7ILmALzrPCHw2yZ1PY-p8mr2_Z7Fz2rWdGMCQXwD6fhDOmt65azOhN5PRgqY8glBeCFO7PwAgKcQyTe2SJVZP-vFiOzytFP49_364MpVgqCsgNsTUQB1QIenYGMP_kinmfMcfQEFEwl9z6Q=&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">reading list and schedule</a>&nbsp;is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_lv6CnU9TCLzhh-D1Gi9Nge5rza9J8pYXG6IRiRm6BMqXTluUvErnCaqKytaTmWV06_quLITVyGveuIYQ67ihuyeGn60yvOyDQg==&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>. Ike's Book Club will meet using the Zoom platform where you can register to attend each book discussion and add the connection details on your personal calendar.

President Eisenhower was a voracious reader. We honor his love for reading with our book club. You are welcome to share your related stories and experiences even if you haven't yet read the book or just listen in to gain insight from others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642439417951.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedABILENE - Join us for Ike's Book Club where this year we will read and discuss various books about leadership. Generally held the second Tuesday evening of every other month, our theme this year is titled "Dwight Eisenhower: The Making of a Leader." Our book selection focuses on the categories of family, military, presidency, and mentorship. The book discussions will each focus on how they relate to Dwight Eisenhower's leadership. The first book in February is "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni with the discussion led by Dr. Gene Chaves with Humanities Kansas. The March selection is perfect for the entire family to read and join in the discussion. This year-long leadership series culminates in October with Susan Eisenhower discussing her recent book "How Ike Led." The full&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_loH7oL8aydDiUfTHKfqCvnK4cLe_IFc75YWw1Qub7ILmALzrPCHw2yZ1PY-p8mr2_Z7Fz2rWdGMCQXwD6fhDOmt65azOhN5PRgqY8glBeCFO7PwAgKcQyTe2SJVZP-vFiOzytFP49_364MpVgqCsgNsTUQB1QIenYGMP_kinmfMcfQEFEwl9z6Q=&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">reading list and schedule</a>&nbsp;is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001J4mX-WsH4RahqtaGpeHrsw4fLzGeabAySyCln1mCzFdlPGk6NjK_lv6CnU9TCLzhh-D1Gi9Nge5rza9J8pYXG6IRiRm6BMqXTluUvErnCaqKytaTmWV06_quLITVyGveuIYQ67ihuyeGn60yvOyDQg==&amp;c=5lxQlOHLMTNp6rbsO8V4s0zWvgHs8KZe7fK4QZvQxebPRFWTnMifSw==&amp;ch=1oSBdT4lpuKF1wdgbpPYVea11eazSAAM-03-Dfu3sph6kLY_Z70Usw==" target="_blank">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>. Ike's Book Club will meet using the Zoom platform where you can register to attend each book discussion and add the connection details on your personal calendar.President Eisenhower was a voracious reader. We honor his love for reading with our book club. You are welcome to share your related stories and experiences even if you haven't yet read the book or just listen in to gain insight from others.

Virtual Ike's Book Club resumes next month

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs were going nowhere on offense against Pittsburgh early Sunday night, so coach Andy Reid had wide receiver Mecole Hardman take a shotgun snap and hand off to running back Darrel Williams on a trick play.

Their exchange hit the ground, T.J. Watt picked it up and returned the fumble for a touchdown.

It was precisely the kind of play that should have energized the heavy underdogs, playing in a tough environment on the road, but it wound up doing something else entirely: It ticked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

He proceeded to throw for 404 yards and five scores, leading Kansas City to the end zone on six straight possessions after the turnover, and the Chiefs cruised through the second half for a 42-21 wild-card victory.

“We were all pissed at ourselves,” Mahomes said. “We weren't playing with enough energy. We weren't playing at a high enough level. We all motivated ourselves. Everyone was talking to each other, and we came out with a different urgency.”

Byron Pringle caught touchdown passes from both Mahomes and Kelce, and Jerick McKinnon and Tyreek Hill also had scoring catches, while the Chiefs (13-5) shut down the retiring Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.

The performance not only sent Kansas City into the divisional round of the playoffs, it also turned next Sunday night's game against Buffalo — a rematch of last year's AFC title game — into appointment viewing. The Bills had a similarly easy time with their 47-17 victory over New England on Saturday.

“When you’ve been to the Super Bowl the last two years and you walk off that field with a loss last year, you want to go back and get that revenge, get that win,” Mahomes said. "We have the Bills coming here this next week and we’re going to have to play our best football.”

Roethlisberger, who acknowledged the Steelers (9-8-1) were “not a very good football team” this week, wasn't very good in his own right. The 39-year-old quarterback was 29 of 44 for 215 yards with two meaningless TD passes late in the game, providing the coda to a career that includes six Pro Bowl trips and two Super Bowl wins.

“I mean, we lost. It stinks. But when you get to the tournament, only one team is going to end the season the way you want,” Roethlisberger said. “I will say, I'm proud of the way our guys fought tonight.”

Judging by the final score, you'd never guess the first quarter was all about defense: The Steelers ran 14 plays and went 12 yards, while the Chiefs had more punt return yards (70) than they had from scrimmage (62).

Made sense that the first points would be scored on defense, too.

After the Steelers punted for a fifth straight time, the Chiefs inexplicably had Hardman take a snap rather than their four-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Williams bobbled the exchange, Watt grabbed the fumble and Pittsburgh had a 7-0 lead.

Mahomes responded by completing his next six passes, capping a 76-yard drive with a nifty underhand flick to McKinnon that tied it. Then the brilliant young quarterback found Pringle in the corner of the end zone for a score, and he put an exclamation mark on the half by hitting Kelce with a 48-yard touchdown strike.

In the span of less than six minutes, Mahomes and the Chiefs had turned a seven-point deficit into a 21-7 lead.

“You know what? I didn't have to say much,” Reid said. “The players know better than anybody when there's a screwup. They beared down. Nobody was hanging their head. They said, ‘Let’s go. We need to amp it up here a little bit.'"

It wasn't quite the 23-0 halftime advantage the Chiefs had in their December blowout of the Steelers, but it sure felt that way. Roethlisberger was 5 of 14 for 24 yards in the first half and Pittsburgh had 55 yards total offense.

Not much of a retirement party if Roethlisberger indeed calls it quits.

“I don't think any of us played well,” he said. “We didn't make the plays we had to early to give ourselves a chance, and doing that, we didn't keep our defense off the field. Those are tough situations to go against such a high-powered offense.”

As for the Chiefs, their celebration started in earnest after Mahomes led them on another TD drive to start the second half. The game was such a laugher by that point that when Hill was ruled down just shy of the goal line, Mahomes simply threw his next pass on third-and-goal to offensive tackle Nick Allegretti for the score.

Hill got his TD catch eventually; it came after Steelers rookie Najee Harris lost a fumble for the first time all season.

The Chiefs kept scoring, too — Kelce's mom, who began the day watching her other son, Jason, and his Eagles lose in Tampa Bay, got to see her younger son throw a TD pass in the fourth quarter. By that point, the Chiefs had scored so often, they had to post a message on the Arrowhead Stadium video boards that they had run out of fireworks.

Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs had provided enough of their own.

“As opposed to coming in here and talking about the things we didn't do — I just expressed it to the football team — the classy thing to do is compliment the Kansas City Chiefs,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “They have a really good football team, they have an explosive team, and they did a really good job tonight.”

Steelers: Their ego was severely bruised.

Chiefs: CB Rashad Fenton hurt his shoulder before the game.

Pittsburgh heads to the offseason contemplating how they might replace their long-time starting quarterback.

The Chiefs welcome Buffalo next Sunday night for a rematch of a game the Bills won 38-20 in October. Mahomes threw three TD passes in a 38-24 victory for the AFC crown last January.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs were going nowhere on offense against Pittsburgh early Sunday night, so coach Andy Reid had wide receiver Mecole Hardman take a shotgun snap and hand off to running back Darrel Williams on a trick play.Their exchange hit the ground, T.J. Watt picked it up and returned the fumble for a touchdown.It was precisely the kind of play that should have energized the heavy underdogs, playing in a tough environment on the road, but it wound up doing something else entirely: It ticked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.He proceeded to throw for 404 yards and five scores, leading Kansas City to the end zone on six straight possessions after the turnover, and the Chiefs cruised through the second half for a 42-21 wild-card victory.“We were all pissed at ourselves,” Mahomes said. “We weren't playing with enough energy. We weren't playing at a high enough level. We all motivated ourselves. Everyone was talking to each other, and we came out with a different urgency.”Byron Pringle caught touchdown passes from both Mahomes and Kelce, and Jerick McKinnon and Tyreek Hill also had scoring catches, while the Chiefs (13-5) shut down the retiring Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.The performance not only sent Kansas City into the divisional round of the playoffs, it also turned next Sunday night's game against Buffalo — a rematch of last year's AFC title game — into appointment viewing. The Bills had a similarly easy time with their 47-17 victory over New England on Saturday.“When you’ve been to the Super Bowl the last two years and you walk off that field with a loss last year, you want to go back and get that revenge, get that win,” Mahomes said. "We have the Bills coming here this next week and we’re going to have to play our best football.”Roethlisberger, who acknowledged the Steelers (9-8-1) were “not a very good football team” this week, wasn't very good in his own right. The 39-year-old quarterback was 29 of 44 for 215 yards with two meaningless TD passes late in the game, providing the coda to a career that includes six Pro Bowl trips and two Super Bowl wins.“I mean, we lost. It stinks. But when you get to the tournament, only one team is going to end the season the way you want,” Roethlisberger said. “I will say, I'm proud of the way our guys fought tonight.”Judging by the final score, you'd never guess the first quarter was all about defense: The Steelers ran 14 plays and went 12 yards, while the Chiefs had more punt return yards (70) than they had from scrimmage (62).Made sense that the first points would be scored on defense, too.After the Steelers punted for a fifth straight time, the Chiefs inexplicably had Hardman take a snap rather than their four-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Williams bobbled the exchange, Watt grabbed the fumble and Pittsburgh had a 7-0 lead.It didn't last long.Mahomes responded by completing his next six passes, capping a 76-yard drive with a nifty underhand flick to McKinnon that tied it. Then the brilliant young quarterback found Pringle in the corner of the end zone for a score, and he put an exclamation mark on the half by hitting Kelce with a 48-yard touchdown strike.In the span of less than six minutes, Mahomes and the Chiefs had turned a seven-point deficit into a 21-7 lead.“You know what? I didn't have to say much,” Reid said. “The players know better than anybody when there's a screwup. They beared down. Nobody was hanging their head. They said, ‘Let’s go. We need to amp it up here a little bit.'"It wasn't quite the 23-0 halftime advantage the Chiefs had in their December blowout of the Steelers, but it sure felt that way. Roethlisberger was 5 of 14 for 24 yards in the first half and Pittsburgh had 55 yards total offense.Not much of a retirement party if Roethlisberger indeed calls it quits.“I don't think any of us played well,” he said. “We didn't make the plays we had to early to give ourselves a chance, and doing that, we didn't keep our defense off the field. Those are tough situations to go against such a high-powered offense.”As for the Chiefs, their celebration started in earnest after Mahomes led them on another TD drive to start the second half. The game was such a laugher by that point that when Hill was ruled down just shy of the goal line, Mahomes simply threw his next pass on third-and-goal to offensive tackle Nick Allegretti for the score.Hill got his TD catch eventually; it came after Steelers rookie Najee Harris lost a fumble for the first time all season.The Chiefs kept scoring, too — Kelce's mom, who began the day watching her other son, Jason, and his Eagles lose in Tampa Bay, got to see her younger son throw a TD pass in the fourth quarter. By that point, the Chiefs had scored so often, they had to post a message on the Arrowhead Stadium video boards that they had run out of fireworks.Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs had provided enough of their own.“As opposed to coming in here and talking about the things we didn't do — I just expressed it to the football team — the classy thing to do is compliment the Kansas City Chiefs,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “They have a really good football team, they have an explosive team, and they did a really good job tonight.”INJURIESSteelers: Their ego was severely bruised.Chiefs: CB Rashad Fenton hurt his shoulder before the game.UP NEXTPittsburgh heads to the offseason contemplating how they might replace their long-time starting quarterback.The Chiefs welcome Buffalo next Sunday night for a rematch of a game the Bills won 38-20 in October. Mahomes threw three TD passes in a 38-24 victory for the AFC crown last January.

🏈 Mahomes leads Chiefs to wild-card romp over Steelers

Viola Rosa Hurst, 94, Hays, died Sunday, January 9, 2022, at her home.

She was born April 10, 1927, on the 
family farm near Blakeman in rural Rawlins County, the daughter of Peter
 James and Margaret Oletha (Bliss) Heaton.&nbsp; She was a 1945 graduate of 
Atwood High School.&nbsp; On September 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to
 Donald J. Hurst at the Atwood Christian Church.&nbsp; They celebrated 70 
years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 27, 2021.&nbsp; 
Viola and Don raised nine children and lived most of their lives in 
Hays.&nbsp; She was an excellent cook and known for her delicious pies.&nbsp; Her 
family knew they were lucky to have such a wonderful mother and 
grandmother.&nbsp; Family was her passion.&nbsp; Viola was a member of Hays First 
United Methodist Church.&nbsp; After some years at home raising their family,
 she worked at Travenol, then as the school secretary at Wilson 
Elementary School prior to her retirement in 1992.&nbsp; Viola and Donald 
enjoyed many summers in the Colorado mountains after retirement.

Survivors include two sons: James Hurst
 and wife Terri, Douglas Hurst, seven daughters: Margaret “Jodi” 
Brungardt, Beverly “Jill” Schuckman, Joyce Klaus and husband Al, DJ 
Hurst, Connie Hurst-Bayless and husband Ben, Ardie Hurst, and Marsha 
Stremel and husband Cary, one sister: Beulah Coulson, and many 
grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, and two grandchildren: Janice Schuckman and Cambry Dinkel.

Funeral services were Friday, January 
14, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Rev. Craig Hauschild
 officiating.&nbsp; Burial followed in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; 

Memorials
 are suggested to Hays First United Methodist Church or to the Ronald 
McDonald House Charities Wichita, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Viola may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642261760653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Viola Rosa Hurst, 94, Hays, died Sunday, January 9, 2022, at her home.She was born April 10, 1927, on the 
family farm near Blakeman in rural Rawlins County, the daughter of Peter
 James and Margaret Oletha (Bliss) Heaton.&nbsp; She was a 1945 graduate of 
Atwood High School.&nbsp; On September 1, 1951, she was united in marriage to
 Donald J. Hurst at the Atwood Christian Church.&nbsp; They celebrated 70 
years of marriage before he preceded her in death on October 27, 2021.&nbsp; 
Viola and Don raised nine children and lived most of their lives in 
Hays.&nbsp; She was an excellent cook and known for her delicious pies.&nbsp; Her 
family knew they were lucky to have such a wonderful mother and 
grandmother.&nbsp; Family was her passion.&nbsp; Viola was a member of Hays First 
United Methodist Church.&nbsp; After some years at home raising their family,
 she worked at Travenol, then as the school secretary at Wilson 
Elementary School prior to her retirement in 1992.&nbsp; Viola and Donald 
enjoyed many summers in the Colorado mountains after retirement.Survivors include two sons: James Hurst
 and wife Terri, Douglas Hurst, seven daughters: Margaret “Jodi” 
Brungardt, Beverly “Jill” Schuckman, Joyce Klaus and husband Al, DJ 
Hurst, Connie Hurst-Bayless and husband Ben, Ardie Hurst, and Marsha 
Stremel and husband Cary, one sister: Beulah Coulson, and many 
grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, and two grandchildren: Janice Schuckman and Cambry Dinkel.Funeral services were Friday, January 
14, 2022, at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Rev. Craig Hauschild
 officiating.&nbsp; Burial followed in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; Memorials
 are suggested to Hays First United Methodist Church or to the Ronald 
McDonald House Charities Wichita, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Viola may be shared with the 
family at www.haysmemorial.com

Viola Rosa Hurst

Marilyn Sauer, 77, died January 12, 2022, at her home in Dodge City. 
She was born on October 6, 1944, in Cimarron, Kansas the daughter of John
 and Leola (Miller) Wendel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

She married Vincent “Mike” Sauer on September 28, 1963, in Cimarron, 
he passed away on January 12, 2022. Mrs. Sauer enjoyed Gardening and 
taking care of her fur babies “pets” in her spare time. She worked as a 
secretary for Cimarron Insurance Company for years and later for the 
Gray County Road and Bridge Department. She had a great sense of humor. 
She loved watching Wheel of Fortune never missing a episode.

She is survived by her two sons Eric Sauer and wife Jennifer of 
Topeka, Kansas; Kevin Sauer and wife Christy of Manhattan, Kansas; one 
brother Glen Wendel of Manhattan, Kansas; one sister Marla Duncan and 
husband Scott of Reeds Spring, Missouri. She is also survived by four 
Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Bob Wendel.

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Friday 
January 21, 2022, at 2:00 PM with Mr. Jeff&nbsp; Hiers presiding. Inurnment 
will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. There will be no 
visitation as cremation has taken place. 

Memorials are suggested to Ford
 County Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and 
memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642188379579.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn Sauer, 77, died January 12, 2022, at her home in Dodge City. 
She was born on October 6, 1944, in Cimarron, Kansas the daughter of John
 and Leola (Miller) Wendel. &nbsp;&nbsp;She married Vincent “Mike” Sauer on September 28, 1963, in Cimarron, 
he passed away on January 12, 2022. Mrs. Sauer enjoyed Gardening and 
taking care of her fur babies “pets” in her spare time. She worked as a 
secretary for Cimarron Insurance Company for years and later for the 
Gray County Road and Bridge Department. She had a great sense of humor. 
She loved watching Wheel of Fortune never missing a episode.She is survived by her two sons Eric Sauer and wife Jennifer of 
Topeka, Kansas; Kevin Sauer and wife Christy of Manhattan, Kansas; one 
brother Glen Wendel of Manhattan, Kansas; one sister Marla Duncan and 
husband Scott of Reeds Spring, Missouri. She is also survived by four 
Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Bob Wendel.Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Friday 
January 21, 2022, at 2:00 PM with Mr. Jeff&nbsp; Hiers presiding. Inurnment 
will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. There will be no 
visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Ford
 County Humane Society in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and 
memories may be shared in the online guest book at 
www.swaimfuneralhome.com.&nbsp;

Marilyn Sauer

Rhea Jean Schartz, 62, passed away on January 12, 2022, at St. 
Catherine Hospital, Garden City, Kansas. She was born on October 26, 
1959, at Great Bend, Kansas, to Robert Eugene &amp; Dora Jean (Smith) 
Applegate. Rhea married Kevin Schartz December 17, 1977, at Great Bend, 
Kansas.&nbsp;

A lifetime area resident, she worked for St. Joseph Catholic School 
as a cook for 18 years. Rhea enjoyed playing the lottery and casinos, 
specifically slots. She loved the school children, holidays especially 
the family time that came with them, and spoiling her grandkids.

Rhea is survived by her husband Kevin Schartz of the home; two sons, 
Aaron (Lindsey) Schartz of Great Bend, Seth (Krystal) Schartz of 
Ellinwood; three brothers: Robert “Lynn” (Noreen) Applegate of Topeka, 
Randy (Diane) Applegate of Hoisington, Ryan (Chawntae) Applegate of 
Hebron, Kent.; and three grandchildren, Avery, Payton, and Parker 
Schartz. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2022, from 1:00 to 
8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral 
Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 
17, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father 
Terrance Klein presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. 


Memorials can be made to the St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642114349250.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rhea Jean Schartz, 62, passed away on January 12, 2022, at St. 
Catherine Hospital, Garden City, Kansas. She was born on October 26, 
1959, at Great Bend, Kansas, to Robert Eugene &amp; Dora Jean (Smith) 
Applegate. Rhea married Kevin Schartz December 17, 1977, at Great Bend, 
Kansas.&nbsp;A lifetime area resident, she worked for St. Joseph Catholic School 
as a cook for 18 years. Rhea enjoyed playing the lottery and casinos, 
specifically slots. She loved the school children, holidays especially 
the family time that came with them, and spoiling her grandkids.Rhea is survived by her husband Kevin Schartz of the home; two sons, 
Aaron (Lindsey) Schartz of Great Bend, Seth (Krystal) Schartz of 
Ellinwood; three brothers: Robert “Lynn” (Noreen) Applegate of Topeka, 
Randy (Diane) Applegate of Hoisington, Ryan (Chawntae) Applegate of 
Hebron, Kent.; and three grandchildren, Avery, Payton, and Parker 
Schartz. She is preceded in death by her parents.Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2022, from 1:00 to 
8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral 
Home. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 
17, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father 
Terrance Klein presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. 
Memorials can be made to the St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of 
Bryant Funeral Home.

Rhea Jean Schartz

Henry L. “Hank” Geist, 69, Hays, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Morningside Place in Overland Park.

He was born September 18, 1952 in Hays,
 the son of Joseph and Virginia (Klaus) Geist.&nbsp; He was a 1971 graduate 
of Hays High School.&nbsp; On October 6, 1978 he was united in marriage to 
Susan Weber in Hays.&nbsp; He worked for many years at Hi-Plains Alignment 
with his dad.&nbsp; After semi-retiring, he picked up cars for Hays 
dealerships and worked a couple of summers for the city of Hays watering
 newly planted trees and mowing at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp; 
He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and enjoyed 
fishing, boating, and camping.&nbsp; Henry took great pride in teaching young
 people to ski and was always willing to help family, neighbors, and 
friends.&nbsp; He could fix anything and was knowledgeable in building, 
plumbing, electrical, and cars.&nbsp; Henry never knew a stranger, could talk
 to anybody, and loved to visit.

Survivors include his wife Susan of 
Hays, son: Michael Schmidtberger and wife Marcey of Walker, two 
daughters: Sarah Thomason and husband Jared of Olathe and Amber Zeman of
 Wichita, a brother: Joe Geist, Jr. of Hays, a sister: Nancy Seib and 
husband Mike of Hays, seven grandchildren: Taylor Schmidtberger, Cole 
Schmidtberger, Kiley (Schmidtberger) Beagley and husband Braden, Gavin 
Thomason, Ashlyn Thomason, Layton Zeman and Layla Zeman, and a great 
grandchild due in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Christopher Geist.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic
 Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in 
St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until
 8:00 on Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am 
until service time on Wednesday at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service and 
rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are
 suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Nicholas of Myra 
Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Henry may be shared with 
the family at www.haysmemorial.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642103561959.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Henry L. “Hank” Geist, 69, Hays, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Morningside Place in Overland Park.He was born September 18, 1952 in Hays,
 the son of Joseph and Virginia (Klaus) Geist.&nbsp; He was a 1971 graduate 
of Hays High School.&nbsp; On October 6, 1978 he was united in marriage to 
Susan Weber in Hays.&nbsp; He worked for many years at Hi-Plains Alignment 
with his dad.&nbsp; After semi-retiring, he picked up cars for Hays 
dealerships and worked a couple of summers for the city of Hays watering
 newly planted trees and mowing at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp; 
He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and enjoyed 
fishing, boating, and camping.&nbsp; Henry took great pride in teaching young
 people to ski and was always willing to help family, neighbors, and 
friends.&nbsp; He could fix anything and was knowledgeable in building, 
plumbing, electrical, and cars.&nbsp; Henry never knew a stranger, could talk
 to anybody, and loved to visit.Survivors include his wife Susan of 
Hays, son: Michael Schmidtberger and wife Marcey of Walker, two 
daughters: Sarah Thomason and husband Jared of Olathe and Amber Zeman of
 Wichita, a brother: Joe Geist, Jr. of Hays, a sister: Nancy Seib and 
husband Mike of Hays, seven grandchildren: Taylor Schmidtberger, Cole 
Schmidtberger, Kiley (Schmidtberger) Beagley and husband Braden, Gavin 
Thomason, Ashlyn Thomason, Layton Zeman and Layla Zeman, and a great 
grandchild due in July.He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Christopher Geist.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic
 Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in 
St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until
 8:00 on Tuesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am 
until service time on Wednesday at the church.&nbsp; A vigil service and 
rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are
 suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Nicholas of Myra 
Catholic Church.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Henry may be shared with 
the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Henry L. 'Hank' Geist

Robert Joseph “Bob” Litson, 73, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Bob was born July 24, 1948, in Quinter, Kansas, the son of Ralph 
Wayne and Maxine (Mendenhall) Litson.&nbsp; He was a resident of La Crosse, 
Kansas, for 42 years, moving from Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob was a 1966 
graduate of Gove High School, Gove, Kansas, and a 1968 graduate of Brown
 Mackie College, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He was employed for 11 years by 
Dechant &amp; Taylor, La Crosse, Kansas, before his retirement.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, a 
life member of Rush County VFW Post 3147; and a member of Walnut City 
Masonic Lodge #215, Rush Center, Kansas.&nbsp; He also crafted the belt 
buckles for the McCracken Rodeo every year since the rodeo’s very first 
year.

Bob was a United States Air Force veteran serving in Vietnam from 
1969 to 1970, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery.

On October 27, 1968, he married Merlynn O. “Lynn” Brack at the United Methodist Church, Hoisington, Kansas.

Survivors include:&nbsp; his wife, Merlynn “Lynn” Litson, La Crosse, 
Kansas; his daughter, Rachelle Hartwich (Brent), Shawnee, Kansas; his 
grandson, Tyler Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas; and his granddaughter, Reese 
Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ron Litson, and Larry Litson.

Visitation will be Friday, January 21, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 
P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family 
receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Church visitation will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. 
to 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Memorial service will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at
 the&nbsp; United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Scott 
Tempero officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, 
La Crosse, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the 
Rush County EMT’s, or the McCracken Rodeo, McCracken, Kansas, or the 
United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642083505618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Joseph “Bob” Litson, 73, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.Bob was born July 24, 1948, in Quinter, Kansas, the son of Ralph 
Wayne and Maxine (Mendenhall) Litson.&nbsp; He was a resident of La Crosse, 
Kansas, for 42 years, moving from Omaha, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob was a 1966 
graduate of Gove High School, Gove, Kansas, and a 1968 graduate of Brown
 Mackie College, Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; He was employed for 11 years by 
Dechant &amp; Taylor, La Crosse, Kansas, before his retirement.He was a member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, a 
life member of Rush County VFW Post 3147; and a member of Walnut City 
Masonic Lodge #215, Rush Center, Kansas.&nbsp; He also crafted the belt 
buckles for the McCracken Rodeo every year since the rodeo’s very first 
year.Bob was a United States Air Force veteran serving in Vietnam from 
1969 to 1970, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Bravery.On October 27, 1968, he married Merlynn O. “Lynn” Brack at the United Methodist Church, Hoisington, Kansas.Survivors include:&nbsp; his wife, Merlynn “Lynn” Litson, La Crosse, 
Kansas; his daughter, Rachelle Hartwich (Brent), Shawnee, Kansas; his 
grandson, Tyler Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas; and his granddaughter, Reese 
Hartwich, Shawnee, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ron Litson, and Larry Litson.Visitation will be Friday, January 21, 2022, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 
P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family 
receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.Church visitation will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. 
to 10:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.Memorial service will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at
 the&nbsp; United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Scott 
Tempero officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, 
La Crosse, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the 
Rush County EMT’s, or the McCracken Rodeo, McCracken, Kansas, or the 
United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Robert Joseph 'Bob' Litson

Nora Irene Meerian, age 101, of Oakley, passed away on January 10, 
2022, at the Logan County Senior Living Nursing Home, Oakley.&nbsp; Nora was 
born on October 3, 1920, in rural Russell Springs, Logan County, to Oscar
 and Ruth (Hill) Huey.&nbsp; Nora married William "Bill" Meerian on December 
21, 1956, in Grinnell.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church 
and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and quilting. Nora was 
preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, two brothers:&nbsp; 
Allen Huey and Jim Huey, and her sister, Sarah Sutton. She is 
survived by three sons:&nbsp; Raymond Meerian of Wichita, Francis (Cindy) of 
Andover, and Chuck Meerian of Peck, and her daughter, Kathy (Gary) 
Sutphin of Denver. A complete obituary to follow.

Visitation will be Monday, January 17, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at 
Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home. Vigil Service &amp; Rosary will be in the 
evening (time to be determined.) Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, 
Tuesday, January 18 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Oakley, with Fr. 
Luke Thielen officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;


Memorials to the Nora Irene Meerian Memorial Fund, your choice of local
 animal shelter, or Logan County Senior Living, Oakley may be sent in 
care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748. Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642083436296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nora Irene Meerian, age 101, of Oakley, passed away on January 10, 
2022, at the Logan County Senior Living Nursing Home, Oakley.&nbsp; Nora was 
born on October 3, 1920, in rural Russell Springs, Logan County, to Oscar
 and Ruth (Hill) Huey.&nbsp; Nora married William "Bill" Meerian on December 
21, 1956, in Grinnell.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church 
and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and quilting. Nora was 
preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, two brothers:&nbsp; 
Allen Huey and Jim Huey, and her sister, Sarah Sutton. She is 
survived by three sons:&nbsp; Raymond Meerian of Wichita, Francis (Cindy) of 
Andover, and Chuck Meerian of Peck, and her daughter, Kathy (Gary) 
Sutphin of Denver. A complete obituary to follow.Visitation will be Monday, January 17, 2022, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at 
Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home. Vigil Service &amp; Rosary will be in the 
evening (time to be determined.) Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, 
Tuesday, January 18 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Oakley, with Fr. 
Luke Thielen officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp;
 Memorials to the Nora Irene Meerian Memorial Fund, your choice of local
 animal shelter, or Logan County Senior Living, Oakley may be sent in 
care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS&nbsp; 67748. Sign the online guestbook at www.kennedykosterfh.com

Nora Irene Meerian

Patricia Ann Daniels, age 74, of Beaver City, Nebraska departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at
Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege. She has left a hole in our hearts that won't be filled again until we meet
our Creator. She was born in Wray, Colorado on March 6, 1947 to Rex Harrold and Florence Lorraine (Reed)
Daniels. She was the first of their three daughters.


"Patsy," as her father called her, grew up on a ranch that is about as far northwest in Kansas as you can get.
In fact, the tri-state marker was about three miles from the house where she grew up, and the family ranch now
encompasses the marker.


Pat grew up in the saddle, working with livestock, and knowing what it meant to work and to work hard. She
never seemed to complain about the work she did. Even later in life, family members cannot recall a time where
she complained about it. She loved the outdoors, and in her youth she and her sisters would trade chores- Pat
taking the outside chores while Peggy and Sally did the indoor chores. She remained true to this until the day
she died. 
Pat started first grade in Cheyenne County, Pleasant Hill West 10, a one-room country school. The same
teacher taught all eight grades. She attended just one year here, then went to Haigler where she graduated in
1965 as Valedictorian. She attended Kansas Wesleyan for 2 years and transferred to Fort Hays State, where
she rodeoed for 1 year. She had dreamed of being a vet, but her father discouraged her from this. Pat was well
educated in multiple areas and loved to study, despite not having a college degree.

She met her soul mate during flying lessons with Glenn Packard in Imperial, and they went on their first date
on October 12, 1968. Just short of six months later, on April 3, 1969, she married Charles Keith Theobald. They
lived in Imperial during the week where he taught Industrial Arts. Pat and Keith both had their pilot’s licenses
and would fly home to Beaver City every weekend to farm.


They officially moved to Beaver City in 1971, renting various houses in or near town. One day Keith told her to
draw up a house plan, and she did so on the back of an envelope. They started building their new home, moving
in 50 years ago this coming spring.


They welcomed their first baby, Travis Daniel Theobald, on February 6, 1974. Sandi Lorraine Theobald joined
them on October 12, 1977. Raising her children became the most important job she ever had. Both agree that
while they may not have always had everything they wanted, they always had more than they needed. Pat did
everything for her family, always putting her needs second to those of her family.


She had had many jobs over her nearly 75 years, many of which were volunteer positions. Pat loved to help
others. Many can share a personal story of such generosity. If following one’s passion can be called a “job,” her
longest role was as leader of the 4-H Horse Club. She did this religiously for 50 years. She loved her horses and
would drop about anything to go for a ride.


Her second longest service was that of being an EMT, serving in the capacity of EMS Chief for many years.
She did this for nearly 30 years, which included many years of being an EMT and CPR instructor as well. She
would leave whatever she was doing to go on a call. Even after her health began to decline approximately one
year ago, she still responded when able. She was a member of the Nebraska Troop D Critical Incident Stress
Management (CISM) team. Pat spent at least 10 years as Beaver City Pool Manager, where she enjoyed
teaching swimming lessons, lifeguard training and doing water aerobics.


Pat grew up attending the Haigler United Methodist Church, and after coming to Beaver City became an active
member of the First Presbyterian Church. She and Keith were members of the Presbyterian Mariners for many
years. She taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church and later at the Wilsonville United Baptist-Christian
Church, when Keith became a minister there. Her love for the Lord was evident in both word and deed.


Pat drove the school bus both in Imperial and Beaver City. She worked as a locksmith for Edgar Hatheway in
Imperial for almost four years. She loved to paint, draw and write, contributing a sports column to the Beaver
City Times-Tribune for a few years. Memories of her childhood in northwest Kansas were included in a short
story published in the “Sod Houses and The Dirty Thirties” book. Local author Warren Dunlap asked her to draw
the cover for his book “Purgatorie Shooting.” Ever humble, she never felt any of her work was "good".


Pat was a humble, gracious, and amazing woman of God. She was a true Prayer Warrior. She loved others
and would take anyone in as her own. She loved animals, especially her horses.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Florence Daniels; father- and mother-in-law, John and
Metta Theobald; and brothers-in-law Kelley Theobald, David Theobald, and Larry Hardenbrook.


She is survived by her husband Keith; son Travis (Dolly) Theobald of Beaver City; daughter Sandi (Chad)
Longfellow of Ansley; sisters Sally (Dan) Leinen of Haigler, Nebraska, and Peggy (Bill) Deremer of Arvada, Colo.;
sister-in-laws Karen Hardenbrook of Beaver City and Pat Theobald of Michigan; brother-in-law Blake (Tere)
Theobald of New Mexico; grandchildren Jordyn Vincent, David Theobald, Jett Vincent, Trey Vincent, Ashton,
Maisy and Madison Longfellow, and Daniel and Jacy Theobald; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.


Memorials are suggested to the Beaver City Ambulance, Gideons International, or the Furnas County 4-H
Council.


Viewing and visitation will be Friday, January, 14, 2022 from 5 PM till 7 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home in
Beaver City, Nebraska. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2 PM at Faith Community Church
of Beaver City, Nebraska with Travis Theobald, officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, of
Beaver City. Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolence and personal
reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com


Patricia Ann Daniels, age 74, of Beaver City, Nebraska departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at
Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege. She has left a hole in our hearts that won't be filled again until we meet
our Creator. She was born in Wray, Colorado on March 6, 1947 to Rex Harrold and Florence Lorraine (Reed)
Daniels. She was the first of their three daughters.
"Patsy," as her father called her, grew up on a ranch that is about as far northwest in Kansas as you can get.
In fact, the tri-state marker was about three miles from the house where she grew up, and the family ranch now
encompasses the marker.
Pat grew up in the saddle, working with livestock, and knowing what it meant to work and to work hard. She
never seemed to complain about the work she did. Even later in life, family members cannot recall a time where
she complained about it. She loved the outdoors, and in her youth she and her sisters would trade chores- Pat
taking the outside chores while Peggy and Sally did the indoor chores. She remained true to this until the day
she died. 
Pat started first grade in Cheyenne County, Pleasant Hill West 10, a one-room country school. The same
teacher taught all eight grades. She attended just one year here, then went to Haigler where she graduated in
1965 as Valedictorian. She attended Kansas Wesleyan for 2 years and transferred to Fort Hays State, where
she rodeoed for 1 year. She had dreamed of being a vet, but her father discouraged her from this. Pat was well
educated in multiple areas and loved to study, despite not having a college degree.
She met her soul mate during flying lessons with Glenn Packard in Imperial, and they went on their first date
on October 12, 1968. Just short of six months later, on April 3, 1969, she married Charles Keith Theobald. They
lived in Imperial during the week where he taught Industrial Arts. Pat and Keith both had their pilot’s licenses
and would fly home to Beaver City every weekend to farm.
They officially moved to Beaver City in 1971, renting various houses in or near town. One day Keith told her to
draw up a house plan, and she did so on the back of an envelope. They started building their new home, moving
in 50 years ago this coming spring.
They welcomed their first baby, Travis Daniel Theobald, on February 6, 1974. Sandi Lorraine Theobald joined
them on October 12, 1977. Raising her children became the most important job she ever had. Both agree that
while they may not have always had everything they wanted, they always had more than they needed. Pat did
everything for her family, always putting her needs second to those of her family.
She had had many jobs over her nearly 75 years, many of which were volunteer positions. Pat loved to help
others. Many can share a personal story of such generosity. If following one’s passion can be called a “job,” her
longest role was as leader of the 4-H Horse Club. She did this religiously for 50 years. She loved her horses and
would drop about anything to go for a ride.
Her second longest service was that of being an EMT, serving in the capacity of EMS Chief for many years.
She did this for nearly 30 years, which included many years of being an EMT and CPR instructor as well. She
would leave whatever she was doing to go on a call. Even after her health began to decline approximately one
year ago, she still responded when able. She was a member of the Nebraska Troop D Critical Incident Stress
Management (CISM) team. Pat spent at least 10 years as Beaver City Pool Manager, where she enjoyed
teaching swimming lessons, lifeguard training and doing water aerobics.
Pat grew up attending the Haigler United Methodist Church, and after coming to Beaver City became an active
member of the First Presbyterian Church. She and Keith were members of the Presbyterian Mariners for many
years. She taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church and later at the Wilsonville United Baptist-Christian
Church, when Keith became a minister there. Her love for the Lord was evident in both word and deed.
Pat drove the school bus both in Imperial and Beaver City. She worked as a locksmith for Edgar Hatheway in
Imperial for almost four years. She loved to paint, draw and write, contributing a sports column to the Beaver
City Times-Tribune for a few years. Memories of her childhood in northwest Kansas were included in a short
story published in the “Sod Houses and The Dirty Thirties” book. Local author Warren Dunlap asked her to draw
the cover for his book “Purgatorie Shooting.” Ever humble, she never felt any of her work was "good".
Pat was a humble, gracious, and amazing woman of God. She was a true Prayer Warrior. She loved others
and would take anyone in as her own. She loved animals, especially her horses.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Florence Daniels; father- and mother-in-law, John and
Metta Theobald; and brothers-in-law Kelley Theobald, David Theobald, and Larry Hardenbrook.
She is survived by her husband Keith; son Travis (Dolly) Theobald of Beaver City; daughter Sandi (Chad)
Longfellow of Ansley; sisters Sally (Dan) Leinen of Haigler, Nebraska, and Peggy (Bill) Deremer of Arvada, Colo.;
sister-in-laws Karen Hardenbrook of Beaver City and Pat Theobald of Michigan; brother-in-law Blake (Tere)
Theobald of New Mexico; grandchildren Jordyn Vincent, David Theobald, Jett Vincent, Trey Vincent, Ashton,
Maisy and Madison Longfellow, and Daniel and Jacy Theobald; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorials are suggested to the Beaver City Ambulance, Gideons International, or the Furnas County 4-H
Council.
Viewing and visitation will be Friday, January, 14, 2022 from 5 PM till 7 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home in
Beaver City, Nebraska. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2 PM at Faith Community Church
of Beaver City, Nebraska with Travis Theobald, officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, of
Beaver City. Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolence and personal
reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann Daniels

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-10/dealers-are-spiking-drugs-with-fentanyl-and-killing-even-more-kansans-during-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>

People come to Valley Hope in Atchison, Kansas, to get clean. They’re
 fed up with addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine or OxyContin.

And
 that’s when some find out through a drug test that they’re actually 
hooked on something else, too: A drug they didn’t even know they were 
taking.

This synthetic opioid is <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/29/why-fentanyl-is-deadlier-than-heroin/" target="_blank">far more potent</a> than morphine or heroin. Even small amounts can kill. Withdrawal from it is painful.

And
 the growing practice of spiking other drugs with fentanyl — to heighten
 the addiction and keep buyers coming back for more — is fueling a sharp
 increase in fatal overdoses across Kansas and the U.S.

Physician 
Jon Siebert, Valley Hope Association’s medical director, sees the shock 
that patients experience when they learn they’re addicted to fentanyl. 
He asks them what they’ve been buying.

“The typical answer is, 
they’ll say, ‘Well, I’m doing Oxy-30,’” he said. “People who are 
manufacturing fentanyl, they press it into a pill.”

The pills look
 like 30mg OxyContin. It’s enough to trick people into trying it. Some 
eventually realize it contains fentanyl, but by then stopping is no easy
 feat.

The latest <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">preliminary federal and state tallies</a> of drug deaths paint an alarming picture for 2020 that appears to be worsening in 2021.

Overdose deaths increased 30% <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">across the country</a> in 2020, and rose by one-quarter in Kansas and by one-fifth in Missouri.

The federal government says the national death toll — it topped 
90,000 in 2020 — set a grim record. In Kansas, it appears nearly 500 
people died from overdoses.

Figures aren’t complete for 2021, but 
the most recent tallies published by the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention suggest fatal overdoses continue to trend upward.

Experts say the alarming trend is fueled largely by the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">prevalence of fentanyl</a> and similar substances that people often consume unknowingly when mixed into other opioids and drugs.

National
 health officials suspect a direct link to the spread of COVID-19, which
 isolated people, destabilized their finances and housing, and 
complicated their access to medical and mental health care.

For
 many people, he said, “addiction is a disease of isolation.” Staying 
clean requires support, and the pandemic cuts off more people from loved
 ones, friends or professionals.

“You’re not able to be around your peers and get the help you need when you’re having a bad day,” he said.

Valley
 Hope Association, which has residential centers in seven states, has 
continued to serve people through the pandemic. COVID-19 regularly 
interrupts that work.

Across the Valley Hope network, Siebert said COVID-19 disruptions happen almost weekly.

“You
 can’t guarantee that everyone’s not got COVID when they check in,” 
Siebert said. “And so occasionally someone does get sick, and you have 
to pause admissions.”

Though a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">federal survey</a>
 found many people said the pandemic interrupted their access to illegal
 drugs, it also found that millions reported increasing their 
consumption in 2020.

In October, the Biden administration said it would back strategies meant to save lives among people struggling with addiction.

That
 includes approaches that are sometimes controversial, such as providing
 test strips that help drug users check for fentanyl contamination in 
other substances they buy from dealers, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049245787/biden-hhs-tackle-drug-overdose-deaths" target="_blank">NPR reported</a>.

Kansas is one of a handful of states <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm" target="_blank">reporting the biggest jumps</a> — percentage-wise — in lives lost to overdoses during a 12-month period early in the pandemic.

Kansans can get <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free training</a>
 in administering naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. 
Naloxone (also known by the brand name, Narcan) counteracts the 
overdose.

<a href="https://pharmacy.ks.gov/k-tracs/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing" target="_blank">Many pharmacies</a> across Kansas dispense it without a prescription. A state-federal program also offers limited supplies of <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free naloxone</a>.

Kansas
 health officials say that an analysis of overdoses during the first six
 months of 2021 shows the vast majority of deaths involved 
methamphetamine, fentanyl or similar substances called fentanyl analogs.

Prescription opioids and cocaine also played a role, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says.

Federal officials say even in fatal overdoses on methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">fentanyl contamination</a> is usually involved.

The federal government operates <a href="https://findtreatment.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">a website</a>
 meant to help people struggling with addiction to find treatment. The 
Kansas hotline for substance addictions is (866) 645-8216.

The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">American Medical Association</a>
 says every state has seen overdose spikes during the pandemic. It wants
 the federal government to help remove insurance hurdles and other 
barriers to addiction treatment.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on
 consumer health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on 
Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641841246356.png" alt="Fake OxyContin pills often contain fentanyl. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration" />
 <figcaption>Fake OxyContin pills often contain fentanyl. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-01-10/dealers-are-spiking-drugs-with-fentanyl-and-killing-even-more-kansans-during-the-pandemic">Kansas News Service</a>People come to Valley Hope in Atchison, Kansas, to get clean. They’re
 fed up with addiction to cocaine or methamphetamine or OxyContin.And
 that’s when some find out through a drug test that they’re actually 
hooked on something else, too: A drug they didn’t even know they were 
taking.Fentanyl.This synthetic opioid is <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2016/09/29/why-fentanyl-is-deadlier-than-heroin/" target="_blank">far more potent</a> than morphine or heroin. Even small amounts can kill. Withdrawal from it is painful.And
 the growing practice of spiking other drugs with fentanyl — to heighten
 the addiction and keep buyers coming back for more — is fueling a sharp
 increase in fatal overdoses across Kansas and the U.S.Physician 
Jon Siebert, Valley Hope Association’s medical director, sees the shock 
that patients experience when they learn they’re addicted to fentanyl. 
He asks them what they’ve been buying.“The typical answer is, 
they’ll say, ‘Well, I’m doing Oxy-30,’” he said. “People who are 
manufacturing fentanyl, they press it into a pill.”The pills look
 like 30mg OxyContin. It’s enough to trick people into trying it. Some 
eventually realize it contains fentanyl, but by then stopping is no easy
 feat.The latest <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">preliminary federal and state tallies</a> of drug deaths paint an alarming picture for 2020 that appears to be worsening in 2021.Overdose deaths increased 30% <a href="https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/VSRR-Provisional-Drug-Overdose-Death-Counts/xkb8-kh2a" target="_blank">across the country</a> in 2020, and rose by one-quarter in Kansas and by one-fifth in Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641841308282.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The federal government says the national death toll — it topped 
90,000 in 2020 — set a grim record. In Kansas, it appears nearly 500 
people died from overdoses.Figures aren’t complete for 2021, but 
the most recent tallies published by the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention suggest fatal overdoses continue to trend upward.Experts say the alarming trend is fueled largely by the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">prevalence of fentanyl</a> and similar substances that people often consume unknowingly when mixed into other opioids and drugs.National
 health officials suspect a direct link to the spread of COVID-19, which
 isolated people, destabilized their finances and housing, and 
complicated their access to medical and mental health care.Siebert agrees.For
 many people, he said, “addiction is a disease of isolation.” Staying 
clean requires support, and the pandemic cuts off more people from loved
 ones, friends or professionals.“You’re not able to be around your peers and get the help you need when you’re having a bad day,” he said.Valley
 Hope Association, which has residential centers in seven states, has 
continued to serve people through the pandemic. COVID-19 regularly 
interrupts that work.Across the Valley Hope network, Siebert said COVID-19 disruptions happen almost weekly.“You
 can’t guarantee that everyone’s not got COVID when they check in,” 
Siebert said. “And so occasionally someone does get sick, and you have 
to pause admissions.”Though a <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">federal survey</a>
 found many people said the pandemic interrupted their access to illegal
 drugs, it also found that millions reported increasing their 
consumption in 2020.In October, the Biden administration said it would back strategies meant to save lives among people struggling with addiction.That
 includes approaches that are sometimes controversial, such as providing
 test strips that help drug users check for fentanyl contamination in 
other substances they buy from dealers, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/27/1049245787/biden-hhs-tackle-drug-overdose-deaths" target="_blank">NPR reported</a>.Kansas is one of a handful of states <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm" target="_blank">reporting the biggest jumps</a> — percentage-wise — in lives lost to overdoses during a 12-month period early in the pandemic.Kansans can get <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free training</a>
 in administering naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. 
Naloxone (also known by the brand name, Narcan) counteracts the 
overdose.<a href="https://pharmacy.ks.gov/k-tracs/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing" target="_blank">Many pharmacies</a> across Kansas dispense it without a prescription. A state-federal program also offers limited supplies of <a href="https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">free naloxone</a>.Kansas
 health officials say that an analysis of overdoses during the first six
 months of 2021 shows the vast majority of deaths involved 
methamphetamine, fentanyl or similar substances called fentanyl analogs.Prescription opioids and cocaine also played a role, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says.Federal officials say even in fatal overdoses on methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/22/989833102/overdose-deaths-surged-in-pandemic-as-more-drugs-were-laced-with-fentanyl" target="_blank">fentanyl contamination</a> is usually involved.The federal government operates <a href="https://findtreatment.gov/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">a website</a>
 meant to help people struggling with addiction to find treatment. The 
Kansas hotline for substance addictions is (866) 645-8216.The <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/issue-brief-increases-in-opioid-related-overdose.pdf" target="_blank">American Medical Association</a>
 says every state has seen overdose spikes during the pandemic. It wants
 the federal government to help remove insurance hurdles and other 
barriers to addiction treatment.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on
 consumer health for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on 
Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Dealers spiking drugs with fentanyl, and killing even more Kansans

GEARY COUNTY—The United State's Army is asking the public for help and offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of&nbsp;Enfinnity Hayes.

According to the Geary County Sheriff,&nbsp; On October 3, a man described as 6-foot-1 or taller and dressed in all black approached 22-year-old Enfinnity Hayes and her husband at the&nbsp; Milford State Park Group Shelter. The suspect&nbsp; attempted to rob the couple at gun point and shot&nbsp;Enfinnity. Her husband drove her to Geary Community Hospital where she died.

Anyone with any information on a suspect is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261, or after hours at 785-762-5912.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637156736481.png" alt="Enfinnity Hayes- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Enfinnity Hayes- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—The United State's Army is asking the public for help and offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of&nbsp;Enfinnity Hayes.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGearyCountySheriffsDepartment%2Fposts%2F237576788555786&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="497" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>According to the Geary County Sheriff,&nbsp; On October 3, a man described as 6-foot-1 or taller and dressed in all black approached 22-year-old Enfinnity Hayes and her husband at the&nbsp; Milford State Park Group Shelter. The suspect&nbsp; attempted to rob the couple at gun point and shot&nbsp;Enfinnity. Her husband drove her to Geary Community Hospital where she died.Anyone with any information on a suspect is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261, or after hours at 785-762-5912.

Army offers $25,000 reward for info in murder of Kan. woman

Helen Marie (Mason) Isom was born October 14, 1932, in Rooks County 
near Woodston, Kansas, to Lawrence and Winnie (Haines) Mason.  She was 
the oldest of six children, having three brothers and two sisters.  She 
was baptized in the First Methodist Church in Woodston.  Helen attended 
elementary and high school through her junior year in Woodston, KS.  She
 spent her senior year of high school with the family of Nick 
Heidtschmidt and graduated from Covert High School with the Class of 
1950.  After high school, Helen moved to Osborne, KS and worked at 
Duckwalls, JC Penney’s, and several cafes. 

Helen met the love of her life, Arden
 Isom, in January of 1952.  They were married on June 22, 1952, on one 
of the hottest days of the year, and were blessed with seven children:  
five boys and two girls.  At the time of Helen’s passing, they had 
celebrated 69 years of marriage.  During these many years together, they
 moved several times as that was part of working in the fossil fuel 
industry and lived in as many as five state in one year.   

They settled in Banner County, NE in 
1962 where they lived for 27 years.  From there, they moved to LaSalle, 
CO where they were again involved in the fossil fuel industry.  During 
their time in Colorado, Helen had a cleaning business and worked in 
property management.  There were very few that could outwork Helen, a 
quality she was proud of and instilled in her children.  Goodness knows 
that Helen had a knack for getting everyone up and moving as there was 
always something that needed to be done! 
Helen’s first priority was her family and very often, friends became 
family and were treated as such.  Wherever Arden and Helen lived, they 
had the gift of making many life-time friends, with Helen often keeping a
 watchful eye on neighbors, sharing meals, and generally just looking 
out for those around her.  Helen was an excellent cook and her kitchen 
was always open.  She was known for her hot rolls, jellies, and cinnamon
 rolls.  Helen took great pleasure in preparing favorite meals for those
 at her table.  Helen loved to garden and to preserve her produce which 
she gladly shared with those around her.  There are many stories about 
how many loaves of bread and hot rolls she baked while kids were still 
at home and about the huge gardens planted all over the county just in 
case one might be hailed on.  The Banner County Cookbook was never far 
away and she made sure all her children and their children had a copy of
 their own, as it was the “Kitchen Bible.”  She took great pride and 
enjoyment in gathering those important to her and cooking for all of 
them, which was rarely a small gathering.  It is hard to say how many 
electric roasters Helen has worn out over the years, doing just that. 


Helen was involved with and 
supportive of her children and did whatever she could to attend their 
many events through the years, often traveling many miles and sometimes 
in weather that it might have been better stay home in.  Many of you 
might remember the blue station wagon packed with whatever you might 
need for travel or feeding several hungry kids along the way. 

Helen was a lifetime member of the 
Order of the Eastern Star.  Arden and Helen retired back to Ogallala, NE
 in 2006 to be centrally located among their children.  It didn’t hurt 
to have a lake big enough to put a boat in and spend a little time 
fishing.  Very often, Helen was along to fish but also made sure 
everyone had a great meal at the end of the day and a bed to stay in for
 the night. 

Helen is survived by her husband, 
Arden, of 69 years; brother Clifford Mason of Hays, KS; sister Peggy 
(Gene) Bockeresett of Cuttoff, LA; children:  Larry (Gloria) of 
Lewistown, MT, Thresa Cary of Gillette, WY, Stephen (Jamie) of 
Valentine, NE, Charles (Michele) of Hemingford, NE, Jerry (Bobbi) of 
North Platte, NE, and Barbara (Larry) Wolfe of Cheyenne, WY; 17 
grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and 
many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. 

Helen was preceded in death by her 
son John Oliver; son-in-law Wayne Cary, parents Lawrence and Winnie 
Mason, brothers Delane Mason and Dale Lee Mason, and sister Louise 
Johnson and her husband Arlen. 

Helen’s visitation will be held from 4
 to 7 PM on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in 
Scottsbluff. Her graveside funeral service will be held at 2 PM on 
Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Chaulk Creek Cemetery with Phillip 
McConnell officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at <a href="http://www.shareomaha.org;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.shareomaha.org;</a>
 select Nebraska Walleye Association Kids Fishing, and use Isom for the 
code or a charity of the donor’s choice. Fond memories and expressions 
of sympathy may be shared at <a href="http://www.dugankramer.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.dugankramer.com</a> for the Isom family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642000070998.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Helen Marie (Mason) Isom was born October 14, 1932, in Rooks County 
near Woodston, Kansas, to Lawrence and Winnie (Haines) Mason. She was 
the oldest of six children, having three brothers and two sisters. She 
was baptized in the First Methodist Church in Woodston. Helen attended 
elementary and high school through her junior year in Woodston, KS. She
 spent her senior year of high school with the family of Nick 
Heidtschmidt and graduated from Covert High School with the Class of 
1950. After high school, Helen moved to Osborne, KS and worked at 
Duckwalls, JC Penney’s, and several cafes. Helen met the love of her life, Arden
 Isom, in January of 1952. They were married on June 22, 1952, on one 
of the hottest days of the year, and were blessed with seven children: 
five boys and two girls. At the time of Helen’s passing, they had 
celebrated 69 years of marriage. During these many years together, they
 moved several times as that was part of working in the fossil fuel 
industry and lived in as many as five state in one year. They settled in Banner County, NE in 
1962 where they lived for 27 years. From there, they moved to LaSalle, 
CO where they were again involved in the fossil fuel industry. During 
their time in Colorado, Helen had a cleaning business and worked in 
property management. There were very few that could outwork Helen, a 
quality she was proud of and instilled in her children. Goodness knows 
that Helen had a knack for getting everyone up and moving as there was 
always something that needed to be done! 
Helen’s first priority was her family and very often, friends became 
family and were treated as such. Wherever Arden and Helen lived, they 
had the gift of making many life-time friends, with Helen often keeping a
 watchful eye on neighbors, sharing meals, and generally just looking 
out for those around her. Helen was an excellent cook and her kitchen 
was always open. She was known for her hot rolls, jellies, and cinnamon
 rolls. Helen took great pleasure in preparing favorite meals for those
 at her table. Helen loved to garden and to preserve her produce which 
she gladly shared with those around her. There are many stories about 
how many loaves of bread and hot rolls she baked while kids were still 
at home and about the huge gardens planted all over the county just in 
case one might be hailed on. The Banner County Cookbook was never far 
away and she made sure all her children and their children had a copy of
 their own, as it was the “Kitchen Bible.” She took great pride and 
enjoyment in gathering those important to her and cooking for all of 
them, which was rarely a small gathering. It is hard to say how many 
electric roasters Helen has worn out over the years, doing just that. 
Helen was involved with and 
supportive of her children and did whatever she could to attend their 
many events through the years, often traveling many miles and sometimes 
in weather that it might have been better stay home in. Many of you 
might remember the blue station wagon packed with whatever you might 
need for travel or feeding several hungry kids along the way. Helen was a lifetime member of the 
Order of the Eastern Star. Arden and Helen retired back to Ogallala, NE
 in 2006 to be centrally located among their children. It didn’t hurt 
to have a lake big enough to put a boat in and spend a little time 
fishing. Very often, Helen was along to fish but also made sure 
everyone had a great meal at the end of the day and a bed to stay in for
 the night. Helen is survived by her husband, 
Arden, of 69 years; brother Clifford Mason of Hays, KS; sister Peggy 
(Gene) Bockeresett of Cuttoff, LA; children: Larry (Gloria) of 
Lewistown, MT, Thresa Cary of Gillette, WY, Stephen (Jamie) of 
Valentine, NE, Charles (Michele) of Hemingford, NE, Jerry (Bobbi) of 
North Platte, NE, and Barbara (Larry) Wolfe of Cheyenne, WY; 17 
grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and 
many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Helen was preceded in death by her 
son John Oliver; son-in-law Wayne Cary, parents Lawrence and Winnie 
Mason, brothers Delane Mason and Dale Lee Mason, and sister Louise 
Johnson and her husband Arlen. Helen’s visitation will be held from 4
 to 7 PM on Friday, January 14, 2022 at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in 
Scottsbluff. Her graveside funeral service will be held at 2 PM on 
Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Chaulk Creek Cemetery with Phillip 
McConnell officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at <a href="http://www.shareomaha.org;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.shareomaha.org;</a>
 select Nebraska Walleye Association Kids Fishing, and use Isom for the 
code or a charity of the donor’s choice. Fond memories and expressions 
of sympathy may be shared at <a href="http://www.dugankramer.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.dugankramer.com</a> for the Isom family.

Helen Marie (Mason) Isom

Jack Faber, 93, of Brewster, Kansas died on Friday, December 31, 2021, 
in Lakewood, Colorado, surrounded by family. He was born October 27, 
1928, to Artie (Smith) and John Faber, at his Aunt Ella’s home in 
Kearney County, Nebraska and baptized January 25, 1929. He began primary
 school at the age of three, scored high on exams, and by the age of 12 
he started, but never finished, high school in Colby. Instead, the teen 
went to work on the farm and worked for other local ranchers. Known for 
some antics, his mother could have probably attested to the need to keep
 Jack busy when she shockingly discovered he had wired the outhouse seat
 with a battery charger. 
On December 9, 1945, 17-year-old Jack eloped with his sweetheart, Mary, 
all the way to Goodland. After Mary’s unplanned reveal of their secret 
marriage the following day, Jack’s folks were not happy, and Mary’s 
folks gave the newlyweds $50. Some of the money went toward a honeymoon 
in Denver; Mary spent the remaining bounty on a pretty dress. Jack and 
Mary spent many evenings together at local barn dances, where Jack might
 also have been found playing the guitar or the fiddle. The neighbors 
said it would never last. Jack’s smitten eyes and affectionate smile as 
he held Mary’s hand 75 years later would beg to differ. 
Jack was a loving husband and father, a skilled farmer, and a sensible 
businessman, who devoted his life, above all else, to family. He served 
as a role model and a resource for family and community alike for life 
and business. He will always be remembered for his strong, steady 
presence and compassion for others, selflessness, and integrity. Jack’s 
capacity for acceptance and unconditional love cultivated strong 
reciprocal love and respect from so many others throughout his life. 
Jack and Mary’s home in Brewster was the center for family meals and 
holiday gatherings and a safe place for people to just exist. Grandkids 
commonly greeted their Grandpa Jack by tickling their fingers across the
 top of his crew cut head. 
Over their 75 years together, Jack and Mary built a family and a farming
 business. During drought times, he would drive truck from Denver to 
haul cars to Chicago or work as a custom harvester, even taking his own 
crew one year. Jack later stepped away from full-time farming and turned
 his focus to his work with the Department of Agriculture and the 
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Eventually, in the 
1970s, Jack attained his GED to formalize his high school education so 
he could work for Federal Crop Insurance. After briefly living in Hays 
and Manhattan for Jack’s work, the couple returned to Brewster, where 
their family eagerly awaited their return. For some time, he also sold 
Triumph Seed with his son, John, and won a salesmanship award. 
Always community-minded, Jack was a longtime member of Our Savior’s 
Lutheran Church in Brewster, the Brewster Lions’ Club, the Elks’ Club, 
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and was a charter member of the 
Brewster Senior Center. He sat on the boards of the Farmers’ Co-Op, 
Brewster Senior Center, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Farm Management, 
and the Mirage and Brewster Schools. In 1966, Jack was recognized with a
 Rawlins County Conservation Award. Later, in 2007, he was awarded the 
Brewster Community Award. Let us not forget the many years he called 
bingo for all the gambling folk, including Mary, in the greater 
northwest Kansas region. The community remembers him for his humility, 
quiet presence, observant nature, and that canny smile that let everyone
 know that he knew. Jack seemed to know everything about everyone for 
generations of folks and, in his later years, even kept up to date on 
everyone’s lives through his own social media account. 
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents; sister, Dinah 
Faber Knight; granddaughter Jennifer Renee Faber; and son-in-law Albert 
Holub. 
He is survived by his children, Jackie (Darrell) Jorgensen, of Brewster,
 KS; Vonita Holub, of Brewster, KS; and John (Renee) Faber, of Brewster,
 KS; sister, Kathleen O’Neal; grandchildren David (JimMarie) Jorgensen, 
Daniel (Jennifer) Jorgensen, Sarah Jorgensen (Dustin Wessels), Julie 
Williams, Matthew (Stacy) Wallsmith, Jessica (James) House, Joshua 
(Ronda) Faber, Jeremiah Faber, Jacob Faber; so many great and 
great-great grandchildren from whom he adored visits; and many nieces 
and nephews. 
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2022, at Our 
Savior’s Lutheran Church, Brewster, KS. Burial will be performed later 
at the Faber Family Cemetery in rural Rawlins County. Memorials are 
suggested to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Brewster Heritage Center, in 
care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online 
condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641942380347.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jack Faber, 93, of Brewster, Kansas died on Friday, December 31, 2021, 
in Lakewood, Colorado, surrounded by family. He was born October 27, 
1928, to Artie (Smith) and John Faber, at his Aunt Ella’s home in 
Kearney County, Nebraska and baptized January 25, 1929. He began primary
 school at the age of three, scored high on exams, and by the age of 12 
he started, but never finished, high school in Colby. Instead, the teen 
went to work on the farm and worked for other local ranchers. Known for 
some antics, his mother could have probably attested to the need to keep
 Jack busy when she shockingly discovered he had wired the outhouse seat
 with a battery charger. 
On December 9, 1945, 17-year-old Jack eloped with his sweetheart, Mary, 
all the way to Goodland. After Mary’s unplanned reveal of their secret 
marriage the following day, Jack’s folks were not happy, and Mary’s 
folks gave the newlyweds $50. Some of the money went toward a honeymoon 
in Denver; Mary spent the remaining bounty on a pretty dress. Jack and 
Mary spent many evenings together at local barn dances, where Jack might
 also have been found playing the guitar or the fiddle. The neighbors 
said it would never last. Jack’s smitten eyes and affectionate smile as 
he held Mary’s hand 75 years later would beg to differ. 
Jack was a loving husband and father, a skilled farmer, and a sensible 
businessman, who devoted his life, above all else, to family. He served 
as a role model and a resource for family and community alike for life 
and business. He will always be remembered for his strong, steady 
presence and compassion for others, selflessness, and integrity. Jack’s 
capacity for acceptance and unconditional love cultivated strong 
reciprocal love and respect from so many others throughout his life. 
Jack and Mary’s home in Brewster was the center for family meals and 
holiday gatherings and a safe place for people to just exist. Grandkids 
commonly greeted their Grandpa Jack by tickling their fingers across the
 top of his crew cut head. 
Over their 75 years together, Jack and Mary built a family and a farming
 business. During drought times, he would drive truck from Denver to 
haul cars to Chicago or work as a custom harvester, even taking his own 
crew one year. Jack later stepped away from full-time farming and turned
 his focus to his work with the Department of Agriculture and the 
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. Eventually, in the 
1970s, Jack attained his GED to formalize his high school education so 
he could work for Federal Crop Insurance. After briefly living in Hays 
and Manhattan for Jack’s work, the couple returned to Brewster, where 
their family eagerly awaited their return. For some time, he also sold 
Triumph Seed with his son, John, and won a salesmanship award. 
Always community-minded, Jack was a longtime member of Our Savior’s 
Lutheran Church in Brewster, the Brewster Lions’ Club, the Elks’ Club, 
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and was a charter member of the 
Brewster Senior Center. He sat on the boards of the Farmers’ Co-Op, 
Brewster Senior Center, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Farm Management, 
and the Mirage and Brewster Schools. In 1966, Jack was recognized with a
 Rawlins County Conservation Award. Later, in 2007, he was awarded the 
Brewster Community Award. Let us not forget the many years he called 
bingo for all the gambling folk, including Mary, in the greater 
northwest Kansas region. The community remembers him for his humility, 
quiet presence, observant nature, and that canny smile that let everyone
 know that he knew. Jack seemed to know everything about everyone for 
generations of folks and, in his later years, even kept up to date on 
everyone’s lives through his own social media account. 
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents; sister, Dinah 
Faber Knight; granddaughter Jennifer Renee Faber; and son-in-law Albert 
Holub. 
He is survived by his children, Jackie (Darrell) Jorgensen, of Brewster,
 KS; Vonita Holub, of Brewster, KS; and John (Renee) Faber, of Brewster,
 KS; sister, Kathleen O’Neal; grandchildren David (JimMarie) Jorgensen, 
Daniel (Jennifer) Jorgensen, Sarah Jorgensen (Dustin Wessels), Julie 
Williams, Matthew (Stacy) Wallsmith, Jessica (James) House, Joshua 
(Ronda) Faber, Jeremiah Faber, Jacob Faber; so many great and 
great-great grandchildren from whom he adored visits; and many nieces 
and nephews. 
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2022, at Our 
Savior’s Lutheran Church, Brewster, KS. Burial will be performed later 
at the Faber Family Cemetery in rural Rawlins County. Memorials are 
suggested to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Brewster Heritage Center, in 
care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online 
condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jack Faber

Christopher Lee “Chris” Weigel, 57, of Gorham, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Chris was born October 22, 1964, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Cecil &amp; Ruth (Dreiling) Weigel.&nbsp; He grew up and attended schools in Gorham.&nbsp; He graduated from Gorham High School and then attended classes at Barton County Community College, where he was a member of the BCCC baseball team.

Chris was united in marriage to Donna Hammersmith on February 25, 1984, in Gorham.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two children: Cassandra and Justin.&nbsp; They made their home in Gorham.

Chris spent his life in the Gorham area, grew up working on the family farm, and multiple jobs in the oil and gas and manufacturing business.&nbsp; He served on the Gorham City Council, Gorham Fire Department and St. Mary's Church Council.&nbsp; He was a member of&nbsp; the Gorham Community Development Association and a member of&nbsp; St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Gorham and was a 4th&nbsp;Degree Knights of Columbus.&nbsp;&nbsp; In his free time he really enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing baseball and watching sports, and loved spending time with his grandchildren.&nbsp; He especially enjoyed watching all their activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chris’ surviving family include his wife of 37 years, Donna of the home; daughter, Cassandra Dinkel (Jesse) of Russell, Kansas; son, Justin Weigel (Annie) of Gorham, Kansas; parents, Cecil and Ruth Weigel of Gorham, Kansas; three sisters, Tonya Murphy (Mike) of Gorham, Kansas, Jackie Jaimez (Shawn) of Lawrence, Kansas and April Basgall (Brad) of Hays, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Gracelynn, Braigan, Nyliah, Aubree, Bryker, Brailey and Kipton.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 14, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gorham.&nbsp; Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 13, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp; 

A Memorial has been established with&nbsp; GCDA Park or Junior Broncos Football.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641918744475.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Christopher Lee “Chris” Weigel, 57, of Gorham, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.Chris was born October 22, 1964, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Cecil &amp; Ruth (Dreiling) Weigel.&nbsp; He grew up and attended schools in Gorham.&nbsp; He graduated from Gorham High School and then attended classes at Barton County Community College, where he was a member of the BCCC baseball team.Chris was united in marriage to Donna Hammersmith on February 25, 1984, in Gorham.&nbsp; This union was blessed with two children: Cassandra and Justin.&nbsp; They made their home in Gorham.Chris spent his life in the Gorham area, grew up working on the family farm, and multiple jobs in the oil and gas and manufacturing business.&nbsp; He served on the Gorham City Council, Gorham Fire Department and St. Mary's Church Council.&nbsp; He was a member of&nbsp; the Gorham Community Development Association and a member of&nbsp; St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Gorham and was a 4th&nbsp;Degree Knights of Columbus.&nbsp;&nbsp; In his free time he really enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing baseball and watching sports, and loved spending time with his grandchildren.&nbsp; He especially enjoyed watching all their activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris’ surviving family include his wife of 37 years, Donna of the home; daughter, Cassandra Dinkel (Jesse) of Russell, Kansas; son, Justin Weigel (Annie) of Gorham, Kansas; parents, Cecil and Ruth Weigel of Gorham, Kansas; three sisters, Tonya Murphy (Mike) of Gorham, Kansas, Jackie Jaimez (Shawn) of Lawrence, Kansas and April Basgall (Brad) of Hays, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Gracelynn, Braigan, Nyliah, Aubree, Bryker, Brailey and Kipton.Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 14, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gorham.&nbsp; Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 13, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.&nbsp; A Memorial has been established with&nbsp; GCDA Park or Junior Broncos Football.&nbsp; Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Christopher Lee 'Chris' Weigel

Glendoris I. Foos Blattner, 90, passed away January 9, 2022, at her home in Rozel.

She was born October 11, 1931, in Bazine, KS, the daughter of Fred and
 Clara Steiben Rein.&nbsp; A lifetime area resident, she was a farm wife, 
worked at Pawnee Heights School and the LaCrosse Sale Barn.&nbsp; She was a 
beloved Wife, Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma Dory.

She was a member of the Rozel Methodist Church and enjoyed embroidering, jigsaw puzzles, baking and gardening.

On March 12, 1950, she married Theodore “Ted” C. Foos in Bazine.&nbsp; He 
passed away October 3, 1993.&nbsp; On June 9, 2001, she married Eugene “Gene” 
T. Blattner in Rozel.&nbsp; He passed away February 19, 2017.

Survivors include: son, Ritch (Debra) Foos, Rozel; daughter, Pamela 
(DaVern) Spreier, Rozel; daughter-in-law, Sonja Foos, Burdett; sister, 
Genelda (Clarence) Gumescheimer, Great Bend; two sisters-in-law, Sherron
 Rein, Fort Collins, CO, Joyce Rein, Abilene; seven grandchildren and 
eleven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Terry Foos and three brothers, Cletus, Valis and Leland Rein.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 
Bazine Cemetery, Bazine, with Randy Blattner presiding. Visitation will 
be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Beckwith Mortuary.

Memorials may be given to the Rozel Fire Department, Western 
Wranglers 4-H Club or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital all in care 
of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Condolences may be left
 at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641849211501.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Glendoris I. Foos Blattner, 90, passed away January 9, 2022, at her home in Rozel.She was born October 11, 1931, in Bazine, KS, the daughter of Fred and
 Clara Steiben Rein.&nbsp; A lifetime area resident, she was a farm wife, 
worked at Pawnee Heights School and the LaCrosse Sale Barn.&nbsp; She was a 
beloved Wife, Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma Dory.She was a member of the Rozel Methodist Church and enjoyed embroidering, jigsaw puzzles, baking and gardening.On March 12, 1950, she married Theodore “Ted” C. Foos in Bazine.&nbsp; He 
passed away October 3, 1993.&nbsp; On June 9, 2001, she married Eugene “Gene” 
T. Blattner in Rozel.&nbsp; He passed away February 19, 2017.Survivors include: son, Ritch (Debra) Foos, Rozel; daughter, Pamela 
(DaVern) Spreier, Rozel; daughter-in-law, Sonja Foos, Burdett; sister, 
Genelda (Clarence) Gumescheimer, Great Bend; two sisters-in-law, Sherron
 Rein, Fort Collins, CO, Joyce Rein, Abilene; seven grandchildren and 
eleven great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her son, Terry Foos and three brothers, Cletus, Valis and Leland Rein.Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 
Bazine Cemetery, Bazine, with Randy Blattner presiding. Visitation will 
be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Beckwith Mortuary.Memorials may be given to the Rozel Fire Department, Western 
Wranglers 4-H Club or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital all in care 
of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.&nbsp; Condolences may be left
 at <a href="http://www.beckwithmortuary.com">www.beckwithmortuary.com</a>.

Glendoris I. Foos Blattner

Clarence Thomas “CT” Farr was born on October 27, 1949, in Garden City, KS, to Paul&nbsp;Thomas and Wanetta Marie (Rowton) Farr. He passed from this life to the next at&nbsp;Greeley County Hospital on January 8, 2021.

Clarence spent his early youth in Garden City and Scott City. His family then lived in&nbsp;many states, traveling for his father’s work: Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

On June 29, 1968, he married Dennice Dale Cloyd in Kanorado, KS. They had the&nbsp;opportunity to travel to many states while Clarence worked for Borton Inc. as a carpenter and concrete worker. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter Samantha to&nbsp;their family. In 1973, another daughter, ReNae, was born. They moved to the family&nbsp;farm in 1976, and in 1979, their son, Thomas, was born. They made their home around

Weskan for many years while he worked ranching, farming, and operating his own&nbsp;construction business. Clarence loved his cows, the farm, and his family.

Preceding him in death were his daughter Samantha Lyn Branson, his parents, and two&nbsp;brothers (Paul Wayne and Robert Eugene Sr.).

Survivors include: his wife Dennice, daughter ReNae Mann, and son Thomas Farr all of&nbsp;Weskan; son-in-law Greg Branson, Osawatomie; grandson Garrett (Rebekah) Branson, Kansas City; and granddaughter Claire Branson, Osawatomie. He is also survived by: brothers Loyd (Betty) Farr, Dale Farr, and Kenneth (Meredith) Farr; sisters Edith Blume,&nbsp;Leila (Steve) Walker, and Thelma (Sonny) Purvis; half-sister Ruth (Wayne) Vanstein; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 2:00 PM MT at the Risen King Community Church in Weskan with Pastor Mike Kuykendall officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be held at a later date.

The family asks for the Memorial contributions to be made to WCIA, and they may be left at the services or may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

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

Service have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland and Sharon Springs, KS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641831025396.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clarence Thomas “CT” Farr was born on October 27, 1949, in Garden City, KS, to Paul&nbsp;Thomas and Wanetta Marie (Rowton) Farr. He passed from this life to the next at&nbsp;Greeley County Hospital on January 8, 2021.Clarence spent his early youth in Garden City and Scott City. His family then lived in&nbsp;many states, traveling for his father’s work: Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.On June 29, 1968, he married Dennice Dale Cloyd in Kanorado, KS. They had the&nbsp;opportunity to travel to many states while Clarence worked for Borton Inc. as a carpenter and concrete worker. In 1969, they welcomed their daughter Samantha to&nbsp;their family. In 1973, another daughter, ReNae, was born. They moved to the family&nbsp;farm in 1976, and in 1979, their son, Thomas, was born. They made their home aroundWeskan for many years while he worked ranching, farming, and operating his own&nbsp;construction business. Clarence loved his cows, the farm, and his family.Preceding him in death were his daughter Samantha Lyn Branson, his parents, and two&nbsp;brothers (Paul Wayne and Robert Eugene Sr.).Survivors include: his wife Dennice, daughter ReNae Mann, and son Thomas Farr all of&nbsp;Weskan; son-in-law Greg Branson, Osawatomie; grandson Garrett (Rebekah) Branson, Kansas City; and granddaughter Claire Branson, Osawatomie. He is also survived by: brothers Loyd (Betty) Farr, Dale Farr, and Kenneth (Meredith) Farr; sisters Edith Blume,&nbsp;Leila (Steve) Walker, and Thelma (Sonny) Purvis; half-sister Ruth (Wayne) Vanstein; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 2:00 PM MT at the Risen King Community Church in Weskan with Pastor Mike Kuykendall officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be held at a later date.The family asks for the Memorial contributions to be made to WCIA, and they may be left at the services or may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.Online condolences for the family may be left at <a href="http://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com">www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com</a>.Service have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland and Sharon Springs, KS.

Clarence Thomas 'CT' Farr

Lillian Marie (Sander) Dreiling, 89, Hays, died peacefully on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Main Street Manor in Russell.

She was born August 4, 1932, in 
Victoria, the daughter of Peter M. and Julia (Mermis) Sander.&nbsp; Lillian 
attended Victoria High School and was the valedictorian of the class of 
1950.&nbsp; She was one of eight members of the first class of St. Anthony 
School of Nursing in Hays, graduating in 1954.&nbsp; On October 18, 1954, she 
was united in marriage to Anthony Francis “Frank” Dreiling, and they 
were married 20 years before he died on January 20, 1975.&nbsp; She was a 
Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan, enjoyed dancing, and had the 
opportunity to dance with the Fractured Follies when they came to Hays.&nbsp;
 Lillian had great love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, 
was a prayer warrior with strong faith, and loved attending church 
services at Westview Church where she was a member.&nbsp;

Survivors include her two sons:&nbsp; David 
N. Dreiling and wife Jalee of Antonino and Russell “Rusty” Dreiling and 
wife Tammy of Hays, two daughters: Anne Price and husband Charles of 
Wichita and Laurie Fleenor and husband Lee of Hays, two sisters: Alice 
Rohr and husband Al of McAllen, TX and Rosemary McMahon and husband Dan 
of Colleyville, TX, eleven grandchildren: Randi Dreiling, Kaleigh, 
Konner, Kyler, and Kylin Dreiling, Christopher Price and wife Robin, 
Abbie Booth and husband Joey, Joshua Fleenor and wife Sarah, Sarah 
Kriley, Melanie Romey, and Jennifer Lindsey and husband Jed, nine great 
grandchildren: Jaxon, Andon, Slayde, Axel, Elijah, Rhiannon, Adriana, 
Isaiah, and Lily, two sisters-in-law: Agnes Sander of Great Bend and 
Dorothy Dreiling of Hays, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, husband Frank, a daughter: Kathleen “Kathy” Dreiling, a 
grandson: Kash Dreiling, six brothers: Edwin, Ralph, Clarence, Don, 
Earl, and Norman Sander, and three sisters: Lorene Kuhn, Valerie Sander 
Coolidge, and Julianne Dreiling.&nbsp;

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on
 Friday, January 14, 2022, at Westview Church with Pastor Wes Oakley 
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; The family 
will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the 
church.&nbsp; 

Memorials are suggested to NCK Tech to go towards the Judy 
Murphy Memorial Scholarship for nursing students, in care of Hays 
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Lillian may 
be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641823470270.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lillian Marie (Sander) Dreiling, 89, Hays, died peacefully on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Main Street Manor in Russell.She was born August 4, 1932, in 
Victoria, the daughter of Peter M. and Julia (Mermis) Sander.&nbsp; Lillian 
attended Victoria High School and was the valedictorian of the class of 
1950.&nbsp; She was one of eight members of the first class of St. Anthony 
School of Nursing in Hays, graduating in 1954.&nbsp; On October 18, 1954, she 
was united in marriage to Anthony Francis “Frank” Dreiling, and they 
were married 20 years before he died on January 20, 1975.&nbsp; She was a 
Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan, enjoyed dancing, and had the 
opportunity to dance with the Fractured Follies when they came to Hays.&nbsp;
 Lillian had great love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, 
was a prayer warrior with strong faith, and loved attending church 
services at Westview Church where she was a member.&nbsp;Survivors include her two sons:&nbsp; David 
N. Dreiling and wife Jalee of Antonino and Russell “Rusty” Dreiling and 
wife Tammy of Hays, two daughters: Anne Price and husband Charles of 
Wichita and Laurie Fleenor and husband Lee of Hays, two sisters: Alice 
Rohr and husband Al of McAllen, TX and Rosemary McMahon and husband Dan 
of Colleyville, TX, eleven grandchildren: Randi Dreiling, Kaleigh, 
Konner, Kyler, and Kylin Dreiling, Christopher Price and wife Robin, 
Abbie Booth and husband Joey, Joshua Fleenor and wife Sarah, Sarah 
Kriley, Melanie Romey, and Jennifer Lindsey and husband Jed, nine great 
grandchildren: Jaxon, Andon, Slayde, Axel, Elijah, Rhiannon, Adriana, 
Isaiah, and Lily, two sisters-in-law: Agnes Sander of Great Bend and 
Dorothy Dreiling of Hays, and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, husband Frank, a daughter: Kathleen “Kathy” Dreiling, a 
grandson: Kash Dreiling, six brothers: Edwin, Ralph, Clarence, Don, 
Earl, and Norman Sander, and three sisters: Lorene Kuhn, Valerie Sander 
Coolidge, and Julianne Dreiling.&nbsp;Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on
 Friday, January 14, 2022, at Westview Church with Pastor Wes Oakley 
officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; The family 
will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the 
church.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to NCK Tech to go towards the Judy 
Murphy Memorial Scholarship for nursing students, in care of Hays 
Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Lillian may 
be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com &nbsp;&nbsp;

Lillian Marie (Sander) Dreiling

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation's
 tax season will start on Monday, January 24, 2022, when the tax agency 
will begin accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns.

The January 24 start date for individual tax return filers allows the
 IRS time to perform programming and testing that is critical to 
ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. Updated programming helps ensure that
 eligible people can claim the proper amount of the Child Tax Credit 
after comparing their 2021 advance credits and claim any remaining 
stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 tax
 return.

"Planning for the nation's filing season process is a massive 
undertaking, and IRS teams have been working non-stop these past several
 months to prepare," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The pandemic 
continues to create challenges, but the IRS reminds people there are 
important steps they can take to help ensure their tax return and refund
 don't face processing delays. Filing electronically with direct deposit
 and avoiding a paper tax return is more important than ever this year. 
And we urge extra attention to those who received an Economic Impact 
Payment or an advance Child Tax Credit last year. People should make 
sure they report the correct amount on their tax return to avoid 
delays."

The IRS encourages everyone to have all the information they need in 
hand to make sure they file a complete and accurate return. Having an 
accurate tax return can avoid processing delays, refund delays and later
 IRS notices. This is especially important for people who received 
advance Child Tax Credit payments or Economic Impact Payments (American 
Rescue Plan stimulus payments) in 2021; they will need the amounts of 
these payments when preparing their tax return. The IRS is mailing 
special letters to recipients, and they can also check amounts received 
on IRS.gov.

Like last year, there will be individuals filing tax returns who, 
even though they are not required to file, need to file a 2021 return to
 claim a Recovery Rebate Credit to receive the tax credit from the 2021 
stimulus payments or reconcile advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.
 People who don't normally file also could receive other credits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation's
 tax season will start on Monday, January 24, 2022, when the tax agency 
will begin accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns.The January 24 start date for individual tax return filers allows the
 IRS time to perform programming and testing that is critical to 
ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. Updated programming helps ensure that
 eligible people can claim the proper amount of the Child Tax Credit 
after comparing their 2021 advance credits and claim any remaining 
stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2021 tax
 return."Planning for the nation's filing season process is a massive 
undertaking, and IRS teams have been working non-stop these past several
 months to prepare," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "The pandemic 
continues to create challenges, but the IRS reminds people there are 
important steps they can take to help ensure their tax return and refund
 don't face processing delays. Filing electronically with direct deposit
 and avoiding a paper tax return is more important than ever this year. 
And we urge extra attention to those who received an Economic Impact 
Payment or an advance Child Tax Credit last year. People should make 
sure they report the correct amount on their tax return to avoid 
delays."The IRS encourages everyone to have all the information they need in 
hand to make sure they file a complete and accurate return. Having an 
accurate tax return can avoid processing delays, refund delays and later
 IRS notices. This is especially important for people who received 
advance Child Tax Credit payments or Economic Impact Payments (American 
Rescue Plan stimulus payments) in 2021; they will need the amounts of 
these payments when preparing their tax return. The IRS is mailing 
special letters to recipients, and they can also check amounts received 
on IRS.gov.Like last year, there will be individuals filing tax returns who, 
even though they are not required to file, need to file a 2021 return to
 claim a Recovery Rebate Credit to receive the tax credit from the 2021 
stimulus payments or reconcile advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.
 People who don't normally file also could receive other credits.<h2>April 18 tax filing deadline for most</h2>The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to 
file and pay tax owed is Monday, April 18, 2022, for most taxpayers. By 
law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the
 same way federal holidays do. The due date is April 18, instead of 
April 15, because of the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of 
Columbia for everyone except taxpayers who live in Maine or 
Massachusetts. Taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 19, 
2022, to file their returns due to the Patriots' Day holiday in those 
states. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, 
October 17, 2022, to file.<h2>Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2021 returns</h2>Rettig noted that IRS employees continue to work hard on critical 
areas affected by the pandemic, including processing of tax returns from
 last year and record levels of phone calls coming in."In many areas, we are unable to deliver the amount of service and 
enforcement that our taxpayers and tax system deserves and needs. This 
is frustrating for taxpayers, for IRS employees and for me," Rettig 
said. "IRS employees want to do more, and we will continue in 2022 to do
 everything possible with the resources available to us. And we will 
continue to look for ways to improve. We want to deliver as much as 
possible while also protecting the health and safety of our employees 
and taxpayers. Additional resources are essential to helping our 
employees do more in 2022 – and beyond."The IRS continues to reduce the inventory of prior-year individual 
tax returns that have not been fully processed. As of December 3, 2021, 
the IRS has processed nearly 169 million tax returns. All paper and 
electronic individual 2020 refund returns received prior to April 2021 
have been processed if the return had no errors or did not require 
further review.Taxpayers generally will not need to wait for their 2020 return to be
 fully processed to file their 2021 tax returns and can file when they 
are ready.<h2>Key information to help taxpayers</h2>The IRS encourages people to use online resources before calling. 
Last filing season, as a result of COVID-era tax changes and broader 
pandemic challenges, the IRS phone systems received more than 145 
million calls from January 1 – May 17, more than four times more calls 
than in an average year. In addition to IRS.gov, the IRS has a variety 
of other free options available to help taxpayers, ranging from <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free assistance</a>
 at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly 
locations across the country to the availability of the IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a> program."Our phone volumes continue to remain at record-setting levels," 
Rettig said. "We urge people to check IRS.gov and establish an online 
account to help them access information more quickly. We have invested 
in developing new online capacities to make this a quick and easy way 
for taxpayers to get the information they need."Last year's average tax refund was more than $2,800. More than 160 
million individual tax returns for the 2021 tax year are expected to be 
filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the traditional 
April tax deadline.Overall, the IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund
 within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct 
deposit and there are no issues with their tax return. The IRS urges 
taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically. To avoid delays 
in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns wherever 
possible.By law, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax
 Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February, though 
eligible people may file their returns beginning on January 24. The law 
provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds 
from being issued.Some returns, filed electronically or on paper, may need manual 
review, which delays the processing, if our systems detect a possible 
error or missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or 
fraud. Some of these situations require us to correspond with taxpayers,
 but some do not. This work does require special handling by an IRS 
employee so, in these instances, it may take the IRS more than the 
normal 21 days to issue any related refund. In those cases where IRS is 
able to correct the return without corresponding, the IRS will send an 
explanation to the taxpayer.<h2>File electronically and choose direct deposit</h2>To speed refunds, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with
 direct deposit information as soon as they have everything they need to
 file an accurate return. If the return includes errors or is 
incomplete, it may require further review that may slow the tax refund. 
Having all information available when preparing the 2021 tax return can 
reduce errors and avoid delays in processing.Most individual taxpayers file IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR once 
they receive Forms W-2 and other earnings information from their 
employers, issuers like state agencies and payers. The IRS has 
incorporated recent changes to the tax laws into the forms and 
instructions and shared the updates with its partners who develop the 
software used by individuals and tax professionals to prepare and file 
their returns. Forms 1040 and 1040-SR and the associated instructions 
are available now on IRS.gov. For the latest IRS forms and instructions,
 visit the IRS website at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions">IRS.gov/forms</a>.<h2>Free File available January 14</h2>IRS Free File will open January 14 when participating providers will 
accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed 
electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software 
companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax
 returns before January 24 to submit the returns when the IRS systems 
open.The IRS strongly encourages people to file their tax returns 
electronically to minimize errors and for faster refunds – as well 
having all the information they need to file an accurate return to avoid
 delays. The IRS's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File program</a>
 allows taxpayers who made $73,000 or less in 2021 to file their taxes 
electronically for free using software provided by commercial tax filing
 companies. More information will be available on Free File later this 
week.In addition to IRS Free File, the IRS's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a> programs free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.&nbsp;<h2>Watch for IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments and third Economic Impact Payments</h2>The IRS started sending Letter 6419, 2021 advance Child Tax Credit, 
in late December 2021 and continues to do so into January. The letter 
contains important information that can help ensure the return is 
accurate. People who received the advance CTC payments can also check 
the amount of the payments they received by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">CTC Update Portal</a> available on IRS.gov.Eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments 
should file a 2021 tax return to receive the second half of the credit. 
Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments
 can claim the full credit by filing a tax return.The IRS will begin issuing Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact 
Payment, to individuals who received a third payment in 2021 in late 
January. While most eligible people already received their stimulus 
payments, this letter will help individuals determine if they are 
eligible to claim the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit</a>
 for missing stimulus payments. If so, they must file a 2021 tax return 
to claim their remaining stimulus amount. People can also use <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS online account</a> to view their Economic Impact Payment amounts.Both letters include important information that can help people file 
an accurate 2021 tax return. If the return includes errors or is 
incomplete, it may require further review while the IRS corrects the 
error, which may slow the tax refund. Using this information when 
preparing a tax return electronically can reduce errors and avoid delays
 in processing.The fastest way for eligible individuals to get their 2021 tax refund
 that will include their allowable Child Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate 
Credit is by filing electronically and choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.<h2>Tips to make filing easier</h2>To avoid processing delays and speed refunds, the IRS urges people to follow these steps:Organize and gather 2021 tax records including Social Security 
numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer 
Identification Numbers, and this year's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp01a-notice">Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers</a> valid for calendar year 2022.Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on
 reconciling advance payments of the Child Tax Credit or claiming a 
Recovery Rebate Credit for missing stimulus payments. There is no need 
to call.Set up or log in securely at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS.gov/account</a> to access personal tax account information including balance, payments, and tax records including adjusted gross income.Make final estimated <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">tax payments</a> for 2021 by Tuesday, January 18, 2022, to help avoid a tax-time bill and possible penalties.Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app 
to use direct deposit and will need to provide routing and account 
numbers. Learn how to open an account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the <a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National Credit Union Locator Tool</a>.File a complete and accurate return electronically when ready and choose direct deposit for the quickest refund.<h2>Key filing season dates</h2>There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:<ul>
 <li>January 14: IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can 
begin filing returns through IRS Free File partners; tax returns will be
 transmitted to the IRS starting January 24. Tax software companies also
 are accepting tax filings in advance. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>January 18: Due date for tax year 2021 fourth quarter estimated tax payment. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>January 24: IRS begins 2022 tax season. Individual 2021 tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins 
	&nbsp;</li><li>January 28: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
 to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – 
including the option to use prior-year income to qualify. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>April 18: Due date to file 2021 tax return or 
request extension and pay tax owed due to Emancipation Day holiday in 
Washington, D.C., even for those who live outside the area. 
	&nbsp;</li><li>April 19: Due date to file 2021 tax return or 
request extension and pay tax owed for those who live in MA or ME due to
 Patriots' Day holiday 
	&nbsp;</li><li>October 17: Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2021 tax returns</li>
 </ul><h2>Planning ahead</h2>It's never too early to get ready for the tax-filing season ahead. For more tips and resources, check out the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a> page on IRS.gov.Cover image courtesy Pixabay