Marilyn (Klaus) Leiker, 80, Hays, died Thursday, September 29, 2022, at her home.

She was born March 14, 1942, in Hays, 
the daughter of Paul and Emmerentia (Haselhorst) Werth.&nbsp; In 1960, she 
graduated from Girls Catholic High School.&nbsp; She was the owner of Klaus 
Carpet.&nbsp; On June 2, 1962 she was united in marriage to Norman J. Klaus 
in Schoenchen, and they celebrated nearly 34 years of marriage before he
 preceded her in death on May 24, 1996.&nbsp; On June 30, 2001, she was 
united in marriage to Alexius “Alex” Leiker.&nbsp; He preceded her in death 
on February 2, 2020.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church and the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include her two sons: Neil 
Klaus and wife Sondra of Hays and Nolan Klaus and companion Shelley of 
Olathe, four stepsons: Curt Leiker and wife Davina of Greeley, Wes 
Leiker and wife Jenni of Hays, Todd Leiker of Olathe, and Mike Leiker 
and wife Kelly of Hays, 14 grandchildren: Adam Klaus, Amber Albers and 
husband Kord, Mackenzie Klaus, Matthew Leiker, Bethany Boschert and 
husband Ian, Anjel Leiker, Alexis Leiker and husband Jason Banning, 
Emily Leiker and husband Nicholas Schmidt, Hannah Leiker, Brett Leiker, 
Nathan Leiker, Truan Leiker, Lizzie Leiker, and Jessica Leiker, four 
great grandchildren, four brothers: Arlen Werth and wife Gay of Great 
Bend, Ivan Werth and wife Shirley of Hays, Wayne Werth and companion 
Mary of Hutchinson, and Alton Werth and wife Terri of Pittsburg, TX, 
four sisters: Donna Jacobs and husband Ron of McCook, NE, Carolyn 
Windholz of Victoria, Joan Rogers of Ben Wheeler, TX, and Ellen 
Montgomery and husband Tom of Hays, two sisters-in-law: Lisa Werth of 
Hays and Irene Werth of Kanopolis.

She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her first husband Norman and second husband Alex, two brothers:
 Gary and Firman Werth, and two brothers-in-law: Wayne Windholz and 
Jerry Rogers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Monday, October 3, 2022, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. 
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday 
and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; A VFW Auxiliary rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a 
vigil service at 6:30 all on Sunday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are 
suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church or to TMP-Marian High 
School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Marilyn may be shared with her 
family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664651705251.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn (Klaus) Leiker, 80, Hays, died Thursday, September 29, 2022, at her home.She was born March 14, 1942, in Hays, 
the daughter of Paul and Emmerentia (Haselhorst) Werth.&nbsp; In 1960, she 
graduated from Girls Catholic High School.&nbsp; She was the owner of Klaus 
Carpet.&nbsp; On June 2, 1962 she was united in marriage to Norman J. Klaus 
in Schoenchen, and they celebrated nearly 34 years of marriage before he
 preceded her in death on May 24, 1996.&nbsp; On June 30, 2001, she was 
united in marriage to Alexius “Alex” Leiker.&nbsp; He preceded her in death 
on February 2, 2020.&nbsp; She was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church and the VFW Auxiliary.Survivors include her two sons: Neil 
Klaus and wife Sondra of Hays and Nolan Klaus and companion Shelley of 
Olathe, four stepsons: Curt Leiker and wife Davina of Greeley, Wes 
Leiker and wife Jenni of Hays, Todd Leiker of Olathe, and Mike Leiker 
and wife Kelly of Hays, 14 grandchildren: Adam Klaus, Amber Albers and 
husband Kord, Mackenzie Klaus, Matthew Leiker, Bethany Boschert and 
husband Ian, Anjel Leiker, Alexis Leiker and husband Jason Banning, 
Emily Leiker and husband Nicholas Schmidt, Hannah Leiker, Brett Leiker, 
Nathan Leiker, Truan Leiker, Lizzie Leiker, and Jessica Leiker, four 
great grandchildren, four brothers: Arlen Werth and wife Gay of Great 
Bend, Ivan Werth and wife Shirley of Hays, Wayne Werth and companion 
Mary of Hutchinson, and Alton Werth and wife Terri of Pittsburg, TX, 
four sisters: Donna Jacobs and husband Ron of McCook, NE, Carolyn 
Windholz of Victoria, Joan Rogers of Ben Wheeler, TX, and Ellen 
Montgomery and husband Tom of Hays, two sisters-in-law: Lisa Werth of 
Hays and Irene Werth of Kanopolis.She was preceded in death by her 
parents, her first husband Norman and second husband Alex, two brothers:
 Gary and Firman Werth, and two brothers-in-law: Wayne Windholz and 
Jerry Rogers.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Monday, October 3, 2022, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic 
Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in St. 
Joseph Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday 
and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home.&nbsp; A VFW Auxiliary rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a 
vigil service at 6:30 all on Sunday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are 
suggested to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church or to TMP-Marian High 
School.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Marilyn may be shared with her 
family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

Marilyn (Klaus) Leiker

Fort Hays State (1-3) at #23/19 Nebraska-Kearney (3-1) Saturday, October 1 - 7 p.m. Kearney, Neb. - Cope Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Football returns to action on Saturday in Kearney, Neb. The Tigers face the No. 23/19 ranked Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney at 7 p.m. at Cope Stadium. Fort Hays State is looking for a 10th-consecutive win over UNK, winning nine straight in the series between the schools going back to 2012. The Tigers are 9-0 against the Lopers in MIAA play. UNK joined the conference in 2012 and has yet to defeat FHSU since the transition from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The last win for UNK was in 2005, when both FHSU and UNK were members of the RMAC. Last year in Hays, the Tigers stormed back from a 21-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Lopers 42-35. The Lopers were ranked No. 12 in the nation during that meeting. The Tigers scored touchdowns on their first six possessions of the second half to get past the Lopers. The last meeting between the teams in Kearney occurred in 2018. The Tigers pulled out a double overtime thriller by a score of 29-26 before eventually winning a share of the MIAA title that year. The last four meetings in Kearney have been decided by 10 points or less. In his three starts at quarterback,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6719">Jack Dawson</a>&nbsp;has thrown for over 200 yards each game and has thrown four touchdowns to just one interception. He also has 62 rushing yards and three touchdowns scored on foot.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6766">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;leads the Tiger rushing attack with 252 yards on 43 carries, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6753">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6704">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;are the top receivers for the Tigers. Ramsey has 18 catches for 275 yards and Budke has 14 for 228. Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6792">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in tackles with 29 followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6752">Mason Perez</a>&nbsp;with 27. Williams has posted at least seven tackles in all four games this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6910">Jeremiah Jackson-Trotter</a>&nbsp;leads the team and MIAA in sacks with five.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664568126888.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (1-3) at #23/19 Nebraska-Kearney (3-1) Saturday, October 1 - 7 p.m. Kearney, Neb. - Cope Stadium Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE</a> Fort Hays State Football returns to action on Saturday in Kearney, Neb. The Tigers face the No. 23/19 ranked Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney at 7 p.m. at Cope Stadium. Fort Hays State is looking for a 10th-consecutive win over UNK, winning nine straight in the series between the schools going back to 2012. The Tigers are 9-0 against the Lopers in MIAA play. UNK joined the conference in 2012 and has yet to defeat FHSU since the transition from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The last win for UNK was in 2005, when both FHSU and UNK were members of the RMAC. Last year in Hays, the Tigers stormed back from a 21-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Lopers 42-35. The Lopers were ranked No. 12 in the nation during that meeting. The Tigers scored touchdowns on their first six possessions of the second half to get past the Lopers. The last meeting between the teams in Kearney occurred in 2018. The Tigers pulled out a double overtime thriller by a score of 29-26 before eventually winning a share of the MIAA title that year. The last four meetings in Kearney have been decided by 10 points or less. In his three starts at quarterback,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6719">Jack Dawson</a>&nbsp;has thrown for over 200 yards each game and has thrown four touchdowns to just one interception. He also has 62 rushing yards and three touchdowns scored on foot.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6766">Adrian Soto</a>&nbsp;leads the Tiger rushing attack with 252 yards on 43 carries, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6753">Manny Ramsey</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6704">Hunter Budke</a>&nbsp;are the top receivers for the Tigers. Ramsey has 18 catches for 275 yards and Budke has 14 for 228. Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6792">Makel Williams</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers in tackles with 29 followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6752">Mason Perez</a>&nbsp;with 27. Williams has posted at least seven tackles in all four games this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6910">Jeremiah Jackson-Trotter</a>&nbsp;leads the team and MIAA in sacks with five.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈🎧 LISTEN - Tigers face No. 23 Lopers in Kearney

Charles “Charlie” Joseph Hoch passed away Thursday, September 29, 2022, 
in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 63. He was born January 20, 1959, in 
Wilson, Kansas, to Rudy and Violette (Lank) Hoch. Charlie married 
Melanie Ann McComb on August 1, 1981, in Stockton, Kansas. They enjoyed 
41 years of fun and adventure together. Charlie grew up in 
Wilson and graduated from Wilson High School in 1977. He received his 
Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from Fort Hays State 
University in 1981. He taught Industrial Arts, Technology Education, and
 Drivers Education at Royal Valley High School in Hoyt, Kansas, from 
1982-2013, retiring after 31 years of service. He was also a high school
 track coach many of those years. After retiring from teaching, Charlie 
started a handyman service putting to use his woodworking and general 
“fix-it” skills. It was said by many that Charlie could fix anything, 
and he took pride in the quality of his work and being able to help 
others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. 
 Charlie had a passion for British sports cars. He was a founding member
 of the Topeka British Car Club and served as the club’s president for 
many years. He and Melanie enjoyed several adventurous trips across the 
U.S. in their Triumph Spitfire and MGA. He was also a member of the Lake
 Sherwood Sailing Club where he enjoyed competing in the sailing races. 
He also enjoyed boating, fishing, and entertaining friends and family on
 the lake. Charlie had quite an interest in black powder shooting and 
target shooting. He participated in competition shooting and was skilled
 in hitting the bullseye. Some of Charlie’s best memories were made 
during the many vacations he and Melanie took together. Some of their 
favorite places to travel were Colorado, the gulf coast of Florida, the 
Caribbean, and Mexico. Charlie is survived by his wife, 
Melanie, of Topeka; sisters, Toni (Mike) Pflughoeft of Ellsworth, and 
Sydney (Bill) Connelly of Kingman, Arizona; brothers, Joe (Linda) Hoch 
of Des Moines, Iowa, and John (DeAnne) Hoch of Wilson; and many nieces 
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Violette Hoch. 
 Family will greet friends at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 6th, at Kevin 
Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614, where
 Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Friends are invited to gather 
following the celebration at the Lake Sherwood Clubhouse, 6910 SW 
Fountaindale Road, Topeka KS 66614. An inurnment of ashes at Wilson 
Cemetery, Wilson, KS will be at a later date. In lieu of 
flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice, 200
 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. Condolences may be sent online to <a href="http://www.kevinbrennanfamily.com" target="_blank">www.kevinbrennanfamily.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664634170145.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Charles “Charlie” Joseph Hoch passed away Thursday, September 29, 2022, 
in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 63. He was born January 20, 1959, in 
Wilson, Kansas, to Rudy and Violette (Lank) Hoch. Charlie married 
Melanie Ann McComb on August 1, 1981, in Stockton, Kansas. They enjoyed 
41 years of fun and adventure together. Charlie grew up in 
Wilson and graduated from Wilson High School in 1977. He received his 
Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from Fort Hays State 
University in 1981. He taught Industrial Arts, Technology Education, and
 Drivers Education at Royal Valley High School in Hoyt, Kansas, from 
1982-2013, retiring after 31 years of service. He was also a high school
 track coach many of those years. After retiring from teaching, Charlie 
started a handyman service putting to use his woodworking and general 
“fix-it” skills. It was said by many that Charlie could fix anything, 
and he took pride in the quality of his work and being able to help 
others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. 
 Charlie had a passion for British sports cars. He was a founding member
 of the Topeka British Car Club and served as the club’s president for 
many years. He and Melanie enjoyed several adventurous trips across the 
U.S. in their Triumph Spitfire and MGA. He was also a member of the Lake
 Sherwood Sailing Club where he enjoyed competing in the sailing races. 
He also enjoyed boating, fishing, and entertaining friends and family on
 the lake. Charlie had quite an interest in black powder shooting and 
target shooting. He participated in competition shooting and was skilled
 in hitting the bullseye. Some of Charlie’s best memories were made 
during the many vacations he and Melanie took together. Some of their 
favorite places to travel were Colorado, the gulf coast of Florida, the 
Caribbean, and Mexico. Charlie is survived by his wife, 
Melanie, of Topeka; sisters, Toni (Mike) Pflughoeft of Ellsworth, and 
Sydney (Bill) Connelly of Kingman, Arizona; brothers, Joe (Linda) Hoch 
of Des Moines, Iowa, and John (DeAnne) Hoch of Wilson; and many nieces 
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Violette Hoch. 
 Family will greet friends at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 6th, at Kevin 
Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614, where
 Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Friends are invited to gather 
following the celebration at the Lake Sherwood Clubhouse, 6910 SW 
Fountaindale Road, Topeka KS 66614. An inurnment of ashes at Wilson 
Cemetery, Wilson, KS will be at a later date. In lieu of 
flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice, 200
 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. Condolences may be sent online to <a href="http://www.kevinbrennanfamily.com" target="_blank">www.kevinbrennanfamily.com</a>.&nbsp;

Charles 'Charlie' Joseph Hoch

Theresa (Braun) Kuhn, age 88, of Victoria, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 30, 2022, at Via Christi Village Care Center Hays, Kansas.

She was born December 6, 1933, to Raymond P. and Agnes (Staab) Braun on the Braun family farm two miles west of Victoria, and assisted by Doctor Bert Anderson.

She married Oliver A. Kuhn on April 18. 1953, at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria. &nbsp;He preceded her in death on August 1, 2004.

Theresa was a homemaker, a farmer’s wife, working with her husband whether it was cattle, hogs or harvest. &nbsp;She worked with her husband and son, as traffic controller and photographer for many years on all the house moving jobs they completed.&nbsp;

She lived all her life on the farm and attended Victoria High School. &nbsp;Theresa was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, the St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella, and the Victoria V.F.W. Auxiliary. &nbsp;

She enjoyed her beautiful peonies in her huge yard, her vegetable garden and blackberries. &nbsp;She baked lots of harts and kuchens for funeral dinners. &nbsp;Her family was very precious to her, attending all of her grandsons sports activities, and no patching or sewing job was impossible. &nbsp;She was a seamstress for many years making formals and wedding dresses. &nbsp;

She is survived by her son, Robert Kuhn and wife, Debbie, Victoria, KS; her daughter Sharon Bleske and husband, Calvin, Victoria, KS; her grandson, Jordan Bleske and companion, Marcy Gaines; Ryan Bleske and wife, Kaitlynn; her great grandson, Kelton Bleske; her brother, John Braun and wife, Josie, Victoria, KS, her sister-in-law, Stella Braun, Hays, KS; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Theresa is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Kathleen Thomas on March 19, 2013; her brothers, Charles Braun and wives, Lucille and Lillian; Albert Braun; Elmer Braun; her sisters, Lillian&nbsp;Braun; Clara Baier and husband, Loren;&nbsp;Irene Leiker and husband, Clarence; Fidelia&nbsp;Honas and husband Eddie; her sister-in-law, Lavina (Kuhn) Vonfeldt and husband, Lavern. &nbsp;This obituary was composed and written by Theresa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday October 4, 2022, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with Father John Schmeidler officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A Victoria V.F.W. Auxiliary Memorial Service with a St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Monday, and a Vigil Service will be at 7:00 P.M. all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials made payable to: the organization, Victoria V.F. W. Post #1751 or St. Fidelis Cemetery Fund in care of the mortuary.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664633610251.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Theresa (Braun) Kuhn, age 88, of Victoria, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 30, 2022, at Via Christi Village Care Center Hays, Kansas.She was born December 6, 1933, to Raymond P. and Agnes (Staab) Braun on the Braun family farm two miles west of Victoria, and assisted by Doctor Bert Anderson.She married Oliver A. Kuhn on April 18. 1953, at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria. &nbsp;He preceded her in death on August 1, 2004.Theresa was a homemaker, a farmer’s wife, working with her husband whether it was cattle, hogs or harvest. &nbsp;She worked with her husband and son, as traffic controller and photographer for many years on all the house moving jobs they completed.&nbsp;She lived all her life on the farm and attended Victoria High School. &nbsp;Theresa was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, the St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella, and the Victoria V.F.W. Auxiliary. &nbsp;She enjoyed her beautiful peonies in her huge yard, her vegetable garden and blackberries. &nbsp;She baked lots of harts and kuchens for funeral dinners. &nbsp;Her family was very precious to her, attending all of her grandsons sports activities, and no patching or sewing job was impossible. &nbsp;She was a seamstress for many years making formals and wedding dresses. &nbsp;She is survived by her son, Robert Kuhn and wife, Debbie, Victoria, KS; her daughter Sharon Bleske and husband, Calvin, Victoria, KS; her grandson, Jordan Bleske and companion, Marcy Gaines; Ryan Bleske and wife, Kaitlynn; her great grandson, Kelton Bleske; her brother, John Braun and wife, Josie, Victoria, KS, her sister-in-law, Stella Braun, Hays, KS; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Theresa is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Kathleen Thomas on March 19, 2013; her brothers, Charles Braun and wives, Lucille and Lillian; Albert Braun; Elmer Braun; her sisters, Lillian&nbsp;Braun; Clara Baier and husband, Loren;&nbsp;Irene Leiker and husband, Clarence; Fidelia&nbsp;Honas and husband Eddie; her sister-in-law, Lavina (Kuhn) Vonfeldt and husband, Lavern. &nbsp;This obituary was composed and written by Theresa.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday October 4, 2022, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with Father John Schmeidler officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be in Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.A Victoria V.F.W. Auxiliary Memorial Service with a St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Monday, and a Vigil Service will be at 7:00 P.M. all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday and from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. Tuesday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.The family suggests memorials made payable to: the organization, Victoria V.F. W. Post #1751 or St. Fidelis Cemetery Fund in care of the mortuary.Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left at guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Theresa (Braun) Kuhn

Lyndell May Dykes, age 79, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022 in WaKeeney. She&nbsp;was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on June 15, 1943, to Gladys and Roy Dykes.&nbsp; Lyndell lived in Cheyenne through high school.&nbsp; She was in the first graduating class of Cheyenne East High School in 1961, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.&nbsp; Lyndell went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Hastings College in 1965.&nbsp; Upon graduation from Hastings College, she earned a prestigious grant to the Parson's School of Design in New York City where she studied art and worked for about two years.&nbsp; She decided to pursue a Master's degree at Fort Hays State and made Kansas her permanent home. Lyndell spoke four languages - English, French, Italian, and Spanish.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She taught high school art in Hill City for several years.&nbsp; She also owned The Studio in WaKeeney for 20+ years where she was an expert framer providing custom frames for many customers. Lyndell had the privilege of framing all of Dr. John Cody's original prints, which eventually hung on display at the Smithsonian and later at Johns Hopkins.

In May of 1979, Lyndell accepted a position with High Plains Mental Health Center to apply her teaching and art experience in working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. She worked in the partial hospital program teaching life skills and assisting clients in gaining the skills to live more independently. She became a licensed substance counselor and provided payee support for those needing assistance. Both clients and staff appreciated her compassion and her genuine concern for each individual. Because of her compassion, kindness and ability to hold the line, some clients referred to her as “Mother Teresa with an Attitude."&nbsp; She served the people of Northwest Kansas for 23 years.

&nbsp;She loved to travel, listen to music, play the violin, paint, play cards, golf with friends, and work in her greenhouse and garden. Throughout her lifetime, she loved her kitties as close friends.&nbsp; Lyndell had an abundance of friends; she never met a stranger.&nbsp; She was a bit of a foodie and loved peanut butter, chocolate, and all things lemon.&nbsp; Lyndell had a great dislike of the color green, which her brother teased her about profusely, and she and her nieces laughed about often.

Lyndell is survived by her brother, Howard G. Dykes (Jackie) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; nieces, Stacy Maestas (Christopher) and Kimberly Southworth (Jerome) who also live in Cheyenne; great nephews, Garrett Maestas (Haley) and Reagan Kosowicz; great nieces, Lakiea Jenkins (Jordan), Brenna Kosowicz, and Hannah Maestas; four great great nephews and one great great niece; her trusty companion, Dusty the Black Cat; and her adoptive families, too many to name, in WaKeeney.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Roy Dykes; numerous aunts and uncles, and life-long friends over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Her family and close friends will host a reception with light refreshments to celebrate Lyndell’s life on Saturday, October 8, from 11:00 to 1:00 at the WaKeeney Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 332 N 6th Street, WaKeeney, KS. Use the East entrance.

Memorial contributions are suggested to&nbsp;NWKareS Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas&nbsp;424 8th Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661 or&nbsp;Amazing Grace Home Care 2004 Hall, Hays, KS 67601.

Memories may be shared by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664633359280.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lyndell May Dykes, age 79, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022 in WaKeeney. She&nbsp;was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on June 15, 1943, to Gladys and Roy Dykes.&nbsp; Lyndell lived in Cheyenne through high school.&nbsp; She was in the first graduating class of Cheyenne East High School in 1961, where she was a member of the National Honor Society.&nbsp; Lyndell went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Hastings College in 1965.&nbsp; Upon graduation from Hastings College, she earned a prestigious grant to the Parson's School of Design in New York City where she studied art and worked for about two years.&nbsp; She decided to pursue a Master's degree at Fort Hays State and made Kansas her permanent home. Lyndell spoke four languages - English, French, Italian, and Spanish.&nbsp;&nbsp;She taught high school art in Hill City for several years.&nbsp; She also owned The Studio in WaKeeney for 20+ years where she was an expert framer providing custom frames for many customers. Lyndell had the privilege of framing all of Dr. John Cody's original prints, which eventually hung on display at the Smithsonian and later at Johns Hopkins.In May of 1979, Lyndell accepted a position with High Plains Mental Health Center to apply her teaching and art experience in working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. She worked in the partial hospital program teaching life skills and assisting clients in gaining the skills to live more independently. She became a licensed substance counselor and provided payee support for those needing assistance. Both clients and staff appreciated her compassion and her genuine concern for each individual. Because of her compassion, kindness and ability to hold the line, some clients referred to her as “Mother Teresa with an Attitude."&nbsp; She served the people of Northwest Kansas for 23 years.&nbsp;She loved to travel, listen to music, play the violin, paint, play cards, golf with friends, and work in her greenhouse and garden. Throughout her lifetime, she loved her kitties as close friends.&nbsp; Lyndell had an abundance of friends; she never met a stranger.&nbsp; She was a bit of a foodie and loved peanut butter, chocolate, and all things lemon.&nbsp; Lyndell had a great dislike of the color green, which her brother teased her about profusely, and she and her nieces laughed about often.Lyndell is survived by her brother, Howard G. Dykes (Jackie) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; nieces, Stacy Maestas (Christopher) and Kimberly Southworth (Jerome) who also live in Cheyenne; great nephews, Garrett Maestas (Haley) and Reagan Kosowicz; great nieces, Lakiea Jenkins (Jordan), Brenna Kosowicz, and Hannah Maestas; four great great nephews and one great great niece; her trusty companion, Dusty the Black Cat; and her adoptive families, too many to name, in WaKeeney.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Roy Dykes; numerous aunts and uncles, and life-long friends over the years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her family and close friends will host a reception with light refreshments to celebrate Lyndell’s life on Saturday, October 8, from 11:00 to 1:00 at the WaKeeney Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 332 N 6th Street, WaKeeney, KS. Use the East entrance.Memorial contributions are suggested to&nbsp;NWKareS Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas&nbsp;424 8th Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661 or&nbsp;Amazing Grace Home Care 2004 Hall, Hays, KS 67601.Memories may be shared by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Lyndell May Dykes

HARRISONVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A northwest Missouri man pleaded guilty Friday to killing two brothers from Wisconsin after they came to his farm in 2019 to collect a debt from a cattle contract.

Garland Nelson, of Braymer, pleaded guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-us-news-ap-top-news-kansas-city-wisconsin-d979d903133f475f941d1be6a8ce5fe3">two counts of first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;in the deaths of 24-year-old Justin Diemel and 35-year-old Nicholas Diemel, of Shawano County, Wisconsin.

He was given two life sentences without parole, which will run consecutively.

In exchange for his plea, charges of abandonment of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, armed criminal action and tampering with a motor vehicle were dropped. the St. Joseph News-Press&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/courts/nelson-pleads-guilty-gets-two-life-sentences-in-brothers-murders/article_9a86aad6-40c4-11ed-8e46-7fb718cb3f68.html">reported.</a>

In 2020, one of Nelson’s defense attorneys said the state planned to seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9ec813dce6b49739ce4cefe408145fd3">the death penalty</a>&nbsp;if Nelson was convicted in the killings.

The brothers’ father reported them missing July 21, 2019, after they didn’t return from a visit to Nelson’s farm, where they had gone to collect a $250,000 debt. Nelson was supposed to be caring for cattle for the brothers, according to court records.

The Diemel family sent livestock to Nelson's farm to be cared for and sold between 2018 and 2019. The animals were neglected and many died but Nelson charged the family full price, according to court documents.

When the Diemels asked for their money back, Nelson intentionally sent a damaged check to Nicholas Diemel, which prompted the brothers' visit to his farm.

Prosecutors said Nelson shot the brothers and drove their pickup truck off of his farm. He told authorities he put the men's bodies in 55-gallon barrels and burned them. Nelson told investigators he dumped the remains on a manure pile and hid the barrels on his property, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ffa79ba7ccfc4763b1cdc53d93b8f92a">remains were later found</a>&nbsp;in Missouri and in a livestock trailer in Lincoln County, Nebraska, that had been purchased in Missouri.

In 2020, the families of the victims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/90822d5fc306e2c5f44f0fe2986ebcae">reached a $2 million settlement</a>&nbsp;in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Nelson, his mother, Tomme Feil, and the family's cattle business, J4S Enterprises.

At the time of the brothers’ deaths, Nelson was on parole after serving 17 months in federal prison for an October 2016 conviction for cattle and insurance fraud. Prosecutors said he sold more than 600 head of cattle that did not belong to him, causing more than $262,000 in losses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664560665379.png" alt="Garland Nelson -photo Caldwell County" />
 <figcaption>Garland Nelson -photo Caldwell County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARRISONVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A northwest Missouri man pleaded guilty Friday to killing two brothers from Wisconsin after they came to his farm in 2019 to collect a debt from a cattle contract.Garland Nelson, of Braymer, pleaded guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-us-news-ap-top-news-kansas-city-wisconsin-d979d903133f475f941d1be6a8ce5fe3">two counts of first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;in the deaths of 24-year-old Justin Diemel and 35-year-old Nicholas Diemel, of Shawano County, Wisconsin.He was given two life sentences without parole, which will run consecutively.In exchange for his plea, charges of abandonment of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, armed criminal action and tampering with a motor vehicle were dropped. the St. Joseph News-Press&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/courts/nelson-pleads-guilty-gets-two-life-sentences-in-brothers-murders/article_9a86aad6-40c4-11ed-8e46-7fb718cb3f68.html">reported.</a>In 2020, one of Nelson’s defense attorneys said the state planned to seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9ec813dce6b49739ce4cefe408145fd3">the death penalty</a>&nbsp;if Nelson was convicted in the killings.The brothers’ father reported them missing July 21, 2019, after they didn’t return from a visit to Nelson’s farm, where they had gone to collect a $250,000 debt. Nelson was supposed to be caring for cattle for the brothers, according to court records.The Diemel family sent livestock to Nelson's farm to be cared for and sold between 2018 and 2019. The animals were neglected and many died but Nelson charged the family full price, according to court documents.When the Diemels asked for their money back, Nelson intentionally sent a damaged check to Nicholas Diemel, which prompted the brothers' visit to his farm.Prosecutors said Nelson shot the brothers and drove their pickup truck off of his farm. He told authorities he put the men's bodies in 55-gallon barrels and burned them. Nelson told investigators he dumped the remains on a manure pile and hid the barrels on his property, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northeast of Kansas City, Missouri.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ffa79ba7ccfc4763b1cdc53d93b8f92a">remains were later found</a>&nbsp;in Missouri and in a livestock trailer in Lincoln County, Nebraska, that had been purchased in Missouri.In 2020, the families of the victims&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/90822d5fc306e2c5f44f0fe2986ebcae">reached a $2 million settlement</a>&nbsp;in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Nelson, his mother, Tomme Feil, and the family's cattle business, J4S Enterprises.At the time of the brothers’ deaths, Nelson was on parole after serving 17 months in federal prison for an October 2016 conviction for cattle and insurance fraud. Prosecutors said he sold more than 600 head of cattle that did not belong to him, causing more than $262,000 in losses.

Man pleads guilty in deaths of Wisconsin brothers near Kansas City

It is with profound sadness, that I announce the death of my dad, 
Billy J. Alumbaugh.&nbsp; He passed away peacefully on September 26, 2022, 
surrounded by his family in Larned, KS.

My dad loved gardening, landscaping, and spending time with his 
family.&nbsp; Billy was especially fond of his grandchildren and was so 
excited to meet his new great-granddaughter, Claire, who is expected to 
be here soon.

Billy was born May 8, 1955, in Chula Vista, CA, and lived in 
Nickerson, Hutchinson, Turon, Lincoln, and most recently, Larned.&nbsp; He 
graduated from Nickerson High School in 1973 and worked as a laborer.&nbsp; 
He served in the United States Army from July 1973 to March 1976.

My dad could plant anything in the ground, and it would blossom into 
the most beautiful masterpiece.&nbsp; He tried in vain each year to teach me 
his craft, but finally succumbed to the realization that I just did not 
have the “magic touch” and allowed me to water his plants instead (but 
not too much and only during certain times of the day)!&nbsp; Billy loved 
mowing yards – any yard with any type of mower and at any time of the 
day.&nbsp; He knew exactly how to perfectly care for and maintain the most 
beautiful yards.&nbsp; Billy was also known for his beautiful food gardens 
that he planted every year.

Throughout his life, my dad was known for many things; making friends
 easily, helping anyone in need, loving his family, and being one of the
 most accident-prone people you had ever met.&nbsp; Billy’s stories of injury
 and near-death experiences always ended in a mixture of disbelief and 
belly laughs from his captivated audiences.

Billy is survived by the love of his life, Debra Alumbaugh – a woman 
who should be considered for sainthood solely by withstanding all the 
stitches, broken bones, surgeries, car wrecks, explosions, 
electrocutions, lightning strikes, snake bites, and other traumatic 
events she witnessed during their 46 years together.

Other survivors include:&nbsp; his daughter, Jessica (David) MacMahon; 
grandchildren, MacKenzie (Preston) Pittman, David (Brandy Trengove) 
MacMahon, and Sarah MacMahon.&nbsp; Anytime he spoke about us, it brought a 
smile to his face and he always said that he was so proud of all of us 
and the people we turned out to be.&nbsp;

He is also survived by: &nbsp;his brothers,&nbsp; Don Michael (Kathy) Minnich 
of East Mountain, TX, and Mark (Carolyn) Blair of Longview, TX; sisters,
 Tammy (Rusty) Yarborough of McPherson, KS, Tammy Vincent of Marshall 
TX, and Vicky (LeRoy) Kuzel of Washington state; sisters-in-law, 
Kimberly and the late Melvin Hooker, and &nbsp;Vicki Dority and the late John
 Holmes; brother-in-law, Mitchell Dority; and a plethora of nieces and 
nephews, family, and friends.

Billy was preceded in death by: his adoptive parents, Faye and Dwight
 Alumbaugh; birth parents, Joe (Stella) Brackeen and Daile (Jerry) 
Harris; brothers, Randy Brackeen, Rodney Minnich, and Jerry Harris; and 
sisters, Gaile Long, Terry Scroggins, Darlene Pryor, and an infant 
sister.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 3, 
2022, at the South Hutchinson Community Building, 101 West Avenue C, 
South Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; Military honors will be conducted by the Fort 
Riley Honor Guard.&nbsp; Family and friends are invited to stay for a light 
meal after the service.

Honorary casket bearers are David MacMahon, David J. MacMahon, 
Brandon Brewer, William Demoret, James Manges, and Preston Pittman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Billy J. Alumbaugh
 Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main,
 Hutchinson, KS.

Our family would also like to thank Irene Johnson, RN, with Kindred 
Hospice, Hutchinson, the nursing staff and Dr. Herwich at Pawnee Valley 
Community Hospital in Larned for their compassionate care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664558510045.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It is with profound sadness, that I announce the death of my dad, 
Billy J. Alumbaugh.&nbsp; He passed away peacefully on September 26, 2022, 
surrounded by his family in Larned, KS.My dad loved gardening, landscaping, and spending time with his 
family.&nbsp; Billy was especially fond of his grandchildren and was so 
excited to meet his new great-granddaughter, Claire, who is expected to 
be here soon.Billy was born May 8, 1955, in Chula Vista, CA, and lived in 
Nickerson, Hutchinson, Turon, Lincoln, and most recently, Larned.&nbsp; He 
graduated from Nickerson High School in 1973 and worked as a laborer.&nbsp; 
He served in the United States Army from July 1973 to March 1976.My dad could plant anything in the ground, and it would blossom into 
the most beautiful masterpiece.&nbsp; He tried in vain each year to teach me 
his craft, but finally succumbed to the realization that I just did not 
have the “magic touch” and allowed me to water his plants instead (but 
not too much and only during certain times of the day)!&nbsp; Billy loved 
mowing yards – any yard with any type of mower and at any time of the 
day.&nbsp; He knew exactly how to perfectly care for and maintain the most 
beautiful yards.&nbsp; Billy was also known for his beautiful food gardens 
that he planted every year.Throughout his life, my dad was known for many things; making friends
 easily, helping anyone in need, loving his family, and being one of the
 most accident-prone people you had ever met.&nbsp; Billy’s stories of injury
 and near-death experiences always ended in a mixture of disbelief and 
belly laughs from his captivated audiences.Billy is survived by the love of his life, Debra Alumbaugh – a woman 
who should be considered for sainthood solely by withstanding all the 
stitches, broken bones, surgeries, car wrecks, explosions, 
electrocutions, lightning strikes, snake bites, and other traumatic 
events she witnessed during their 46 years together.Other survivors include:&nbsp; his daughter, Jessica (David) MacMahon; 
grandchildren, MacKenzie (Preston) Pittman, David (Brandy Trengove) 
MacMahon, and Sarah MacMahon.&nbsp; Anytime he spoke about us, it brought a 
smile to his face and he always said that he was so proud of all of us 
and the people we turned out to be.&nbsp;He is also survived by: &nbsp;his brothers,&nbsp; Don Michael (Kathy) Minnich 
of East Mountain, TX, and Mark (Carolyn) Blair of Longview, TX; sisters,
 Tammy (Rusty) Yarborough of McPherson, KS, Tammy Vincent of Marshall 
TX, and Vicky (LeRoy) Kuzel of Washington state; sisters-in-law, 
Kimberly and the late Melvin Hooker, and &nbsp;Vicki Dority and the late John
 Holmes; brother-in-law, Mitchell Dority; and a plethora of nieces and 
nephews, family, and friends.Billy was preceded in death by: his adoptive parents, Faye and Dwight
 Alumbaugh; birth parents, Joe (Stella) Brackeen and Daile (Jerry) 
Harris; brothers, Randy Brackeen, Rodney Minnich, and Jerry Harris; and 
sisters, Gaile Long, Terry Scroggins, Darlene Pryor, and an infant 
sister.A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 3, 
2022, at the South Hutchinson Community Building, 101 West Avenue C, 
South Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; Military honors will be conducted by the Fort 
Riley Honor Guard.&nbsp; Family and friends are invited to stay for a light 
meal after the service.Honorary casket bearers are David MacMahon, David J. MacMahon, 
Brandon Brewer, William Demoret, James Manges, and Preston Pittman.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Billy J. Alumbaugh
 Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main,
 Hutchinson, KS.Our family would also like to thank Irene Johnson, RN, with Kindred 
Hospice, Hutchinson, the nursing staff and Dr. Herwich at Pawnee Valley 
Community Hospital in Larned for their compassionate care.

Billy Joe Alumbaugh

Marilyn Edna Brehm, 86, passed away on February 26, 2022, at her home
 in Phoenix, Ariz. She was born on September 25, 1935, in the family 
homestead on the Barton/Stafford County line, in Stafford County to 
Ernest and Alice (Batchman) Spacil. Marilyn was married to William Brehm
 on June 25, 1965, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood, Kan. He 
passed away on July 22, 1996.

Marilyn grew up in Ellinwood, Kan., graduating from Ellinwood High 
School. She received all her sacraments at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 
in Ellinwood, Kan., 64 year member of the Daughters of Isabella 
Immaculate Conception Circle #744, and a member of St. Joseph Catholic 
Church in Phoenix, Ariz. Marilyn was a lady of many hobbies and skills: 
bowling, playing cards, being an excellent cook and homemaker.

Survivors include, a son, William “Bill” Brehm, II, and his fiancé, 
Janet Mariscal, of Phoenix, Ariz.; a grandson, William “Billy” Brehm, 
III, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She 
was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, Ronald 
and Raymond Spacil; and a sister, Norma Mae (Spacil) King.

She was preceded in death by brother, Ronald Spacil, brother, Raymond Spacil, sister, Norma Mae (Spacil) King.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Mass of 
Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 
2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, presided by Father 
Terrance Klein, preceded by the Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 9:30 
a.m. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery. 

Memorials can be 
made to Daughters of Isabella, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664558338008.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marilyn Edna Brehm, 86, passed away on February 26, 2022, at her home
 in Phoenix, Ariz. She was born on September 25, 1935, in the family 
homestead on the Barton/Stafford County line, in Stafford County to 
Ernest and Alice (Batchman) Spacil. Marilyn was married to William Brehm
 on June 25, 1965, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood, Kan. He 
passed away on July 22, 1996.Marilyn grew up in Ellinwood, Kan., graduating from Ellinwood High 
School. She received all her sacraments at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 
in Ellinwood, Kan., 64 year member of the Daughters of Isabella 
Immaculate Conception Circle #744, and a member of St. Joseph Catholic 
Church in Phoenix, Ariz. Marilyn was a lady of many hobbies and skills: 
bowling, playing cards, being an excellent cook and homemaker.Survivors include, a son, William “Bill” Brehm, II, and his fiancé, 
Janet Mariscal, of Phoenix, Ariz.; a grandson, William “Billy” Brehm, 
III, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She 
was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, Ronald 
and Raymond Spacil; and a sister, Norma Mae (Spacil) King.She was preceded in death by brother, Ronald Spacil, brother, Raymond Spacil, sister, Norma Mae (Spacil) King.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Mass of 
Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 
2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, presided by Father 
Terrance Klein, preceded by the Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 9:30 
a.m. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery. Memorials can be 
made to Daughters of Isabella, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Marilyn Edna Brehm

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Fort Hays State cross country teams both finished in the top four at the Gans Creek Classic, hosted by the University of Missouri. The women's team placed second with three Tigers in the top seven, while the men were fourth after placing one runner in the top five. The women were second overall and first amongst Division II competition, including topping the team leaderboard amongst the six MIAA programs in attendance. The Tigers collected 55 points from their top five runners, with all five finishing in the top 21 out of 120 runners. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6990">Regan Hodsden</a>&nbsp;was the top finisher for the women's team, finishing fifth with a time of 22:18.1.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7114">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;was close behind in sixth after crossing the line in 22:25.8, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6976">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;making it three-straight Tigers to cross the line with a seventh-place finish in 22:30.0. Hodsden, Vath and Hudgeons ran in a pack for much of the race, starting the race towards the back of the top 20 at the first 1,000m split before slowly working their way forward the rest of the way. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7056">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;traversed the six-kilometer course in 23:14.8 to place 16th, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7064">Elizabeth Fender</a>&nbsp;rounded out the Tiger scoring five in 21st place with a time of 23:31.5. The men placed fourth out of 14 teams in attendance with 128 team points, including wins over two of the other four MIAA programs that competed at Gans Creek.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6995">Grant Bradley</a>&nbsp;picked up another top-five finish while pacing the Tigers for the third time this year, finishing fifth in 24:53.0. The sophomore ran with the front of the pack all morning, never falling below fifth at any of the 1,000m splits. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7001">Ethan Fisher</a>&nbsp;finished in 18th place out of 150 runners with a time of 25:38.5. After starting the race in the middle of the pack, the Garden City, Kan. native worked his way through the crowd at almost every split. He sat in 41st at the 1,000m mark before reaching the top 20 by the 6,000m line. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7034">Cori DeBoest</a>&nbsp;shaved more than 40 seconds off his eight-kilometer time from two weeks ago, finishing in 25th place with a time of 25:51.4.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7063">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;ran a collegiate career-best 26:10.2 to finish in 37th place, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7000">Erick Estrada</a>&nbsp;rounded out the Tiger top five in 51st place after crossing the finish line in 26:27.0. The Tigers will compete in one more regular season race at the Trojan Invitational in Colby, Kan. on October 15 before jumping into the postseason in November. Full FHSU Results Women 2nd - Team - 55 points 5th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6990">Regan Hodsden</a>&nbsp;- 22:18.1 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7114">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;- 22:25.8 7th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6976">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;- 22:30.0 16th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7056">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;- 23:14.8 21st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7064">Elizabeth Fender</a>&nbsp;- 23:31.5 38th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6989">Ashlyn Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;- 24:22.2 41st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6982">Hattie Lukert</a>&nbsp;- 24:26.7 42nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7048">Brooke Navarro</a>&nbsp;- 24:26.9 56th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7052">Mya Navarro</a>&nbsp;- 25:00.9 80th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6988">Ursula Billings</a>&nbsp;- 26:04.7 93rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7060">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;- 27:07.2 95th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6987">Elka Billings</a>&nbsp;- 27:14.0 DNF -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7040">Gretchen Kuffel</a> Men 4th - Team - 128 points 5th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6995">Grant Bradley</a>&nbsp;- 24:53.0 18th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7001">Ethan Fisher</a>&nbsp;- 25:38.5 25th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7034">Cori DeBoest</a>&nbsp;- 25:51.4 37th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7063">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;- 26:10.2 51st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7000">Erick Estrada</a>&nbsp;- 26:27.0 54th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7026">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;- 26:30.1 61st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7036">Corbin Ricke</a>&nbsp;- 26:39.3 66th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7007">Aaron Mangan</a>&nbsp;- 26:46.7 67th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7011">Matthew Schrag</a>&nbsp;- 26:48.4 71st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6997">Javyn Contreras</a>&nbsp;- 26:59.2 77th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7033">Lucas Cisneros</a>&nbsp;- 27:10.6 98th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7005">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;- 27:53.0 101st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7017">Isaac Radke</a>&nbsp;- 28:01.2 118th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6998">Ethan Emmons</a>&nbsp;- 28:48.1&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsCOLUMBIA, Mo. - The Fort Hays State cross country teams both finished in the top four at the Gans Creek Classic, hosted by the University of Missouri. The women's team placed second with three Tigers in the top seven, while the men were fourth after placing one runner in the top five. The women were second overall and first amongst Division II competition, including topping the team leaderboard amongst the six MIAA programs in attendance. The Tigers collected 55 points from their top five runners, with all five finishing in the top 21 out of 120 runners. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6990">Regan Hodsden</a>&nbsp;was the top finisher for the women's team, finishing fifth with a time of 22:18.1.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7114">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;was close behind in sixth after crossing the line in 22:25.8, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6976">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;making it three-straight Tigers to cross the line with a seventh-place finish in 22:30.0. Hodsden, Vath and Hudgeons ran in a pack for much of the race, starting the race towards the back of the top 20 at the first 1,000m split before slowly working their way forward the rest of the way. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7056">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;traversed the six-kilometer course in 23:14.8 to place 16th, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7064">Elizabeth Fender</a>&nbsp;rounded out the Tiger scoring five in 21st place with a time of 23:31.5. The men placed fourth out of 14 teams in attendance with 128 team points, including wins over two of the other four MIAA programs that competed at Gans Creek.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6995">Grant Bradley</a>&nbsp;picked up another top-five finish while pacing the Tigers for the third time this year, finishing fifth in 24:53.0. The sophomore ran with the front of the pack all morning, never falling below fifth at any of the 1,000m splits. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7001">Ethan Fisher</a>&nbsp;finished in 18th place out of 150 runners with a time of 25:38.5. After starting the race in the middle of the pack, the Garden City, Kan. native worked his way through the crowd at almost every split. He sat in 41st at the 1,000m mark before reaching the top 20 by the 6,000m line. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7034">Cori DeBoest</a>&nbsp;shaved more than 40 seconds off his eight-kilometer time from two weeks ago, finishing in 25th place with a time of 25:51.4.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7063">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;ran a collegiate career-best 26:10.2 to finish in 37th place, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7000">Erick Estrada</a>&nbsp;rounded out the Tiger top five in 51st place after crossing the finish line in 26:27.0. The Tigers will compete in one more regular season race at the Trojan Invitational in Colby, Kan. on October 15 before jumping into the postseason in November. Full FHSU Results Women 2nd - Team - 55 points 5th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6990">Regan Hodsden</a>&nbsp;- 22:18.1 6th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7114">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;- 22:25.8 7th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6976">Darian Hudgeons</a>&nbsp;- 22:30.0 16th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7056">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;- 23:14.8 21st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7064">Elizabeth Fender</a>&nbsp;- 23:31.5 38th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6989">Ashlyn Harbaugh</a>&nbsp;- 24:22.2 41st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6982">Hattie Lukert</a>&nbsp;- 24:26.7 42nd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7048">Brooke Navarro</a>&nbsp;- 24:26.9 56th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7052">Mya Navarro</a>&nbsp;- 25:00.9 80th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6988">Ursula Billings</a>&nbsp;- 26:04.7 93rd -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7060">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;- 27:07.2 95th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6987">Elka Billings</a>&nbsp;- 27:14.0 DNF -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7040">Gretchen Kuffel</a> Men 4th - Team - 128 points 5th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6995">Grant Bradley</a>&nbsp;- 24:53.0 18th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7001">Ethan Fisher</a>&nbsp;- 25:38.5 25th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7034">Cori DeBoest</a>&nbsp;- 25:51.4 37th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7063">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>&nbsp;- 26:10.2 51st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7000">Erick Estrada</a>&nbsp;- 26:27.0 54th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7026">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;- 26:30.1 61st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7036">Corbin Ricke</a>&nbsp;- 26:39.3 66th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7007">Aaron Mangan</a>&nbsp;- 26:46.7 67th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7011">Matthew Schrag</a>&nbsp;- 26:48.4 71st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6997">Javyn Contreras</a>&nbsp;- 26:59.2 77th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7033">Lucas Cisneros</a>&nbsp;- 27:10.6 98th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7005">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;- 27:53.0 101st -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7017">Isaac Radke</a>&nbsp;- 28:01.2 118th -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6998">Ethan Emmons</a>&nbsp;- 28:48.1&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 Both FHSU teams in top-five in Columbia

Merle Dean Lonnon passed away in Boulder, Colorado, on August 1st, 2002. He was 89 years old. Merle was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1933, on his grandfather’s homestead three miles east and two miles south of Ellis, Kansas. Merle’s loving parents were Inez Isabelle (Louage) Lonnon and John Jennings Lonnon. He was the youngest child in a family of five children. Merle had two sisters, Zoe and June, and two brothers, Gene and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Phyllis Ann (Disney) Lonnon, and siblings, Wiley Eugene Lonnon, Zoe Eileen (Lonnon) Moorehouse, and John Louage Lonnon. Merle’s dear sister, June Isabelle (Lonnon) Loveridge, survives and has been a wonderful comfort to Merle in his later years. Merle lived an exciting boyhood, helping his parents farm wheat by driving a tractor, and caring for cattle and horses. He attended a one-room country school house, Beaver Bank, before moving onto Main Street in Ellis, Kansas, across from the Methodist Church. Merle said the most important thing he learned from High School happened accidentally when his brother, John, and a friend gave him a beat-up old Model T car. Merle and his friends worked on five other cars and learned a lot by reading manuals and experimenting. In Merle’s own words, he had a good time going to high school, getting average grades, and playing basketball. After high school, Merle joined the Air Force applying as an auto or diesel mechanic but tested with an aptitude for a radar technician. Merle was stationed in Alaska from 1954 to 1956 in the 4th Mobile Squadron. After being discharged from the Air Force, Merle started a military career on the DEW Line as a Crypto-Radician, encoding and deciphering secret messages from U2 spy planes. Merle served two Air Force contracts, but on the flip of a coin, decided to leave the Air Force and go back to college. Merle started classes at Fort Hays State University and started dating Phyllis Disney that summer. Merle and Phyllis fell in love. Merle said it best himself, “The best part of Phyl was how she made me feel about myself; she had more confidence in me than I did. She would even laugh at my bad jokes.” They were married in a small ceremony in the Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas, with a reception at the Disney home. Early in his married life, Merle received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. In 1965, Merle and Phyllis moved to Arden Hills, MN, where Merle started his 30-year career in the computer tech industry at Control Data and later Bit 3 Computer.&nbsp; Merle and Phyllis started their family of four children on Noble Road and would live there for the rest of their married life together. Merle encouraged his children to be active by playing table tennis and basketball, running cross country, and lifting weights. He spent many hours supporting his children’s activities. Merle inspired all his children to pursue college degrees in engineering fields. Ardith, Gene, Greg, and Daryl graduated from the University of Minnesota. Many also went on to receive more advanced engineering degrees. Without a doubt, his children had the same aptitude as Merle, but his encouragement and shining example were invaluable. In 2006, Merle was diagnosed with a Meningioma Brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Merle and Phyllis always felt great gratitude to Dr. Meyer, head of Neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic, who performed the surgery, and the Mayo Clinic for their role in his surgery and recovery. With courage and grace, Merle always confronted his health issues head-on and was rewarded with more than fifteen additional years of productive life. During their retirement years, Merle and Phyllis enjoyed working on and visiting the Disney family home they owned in Ellis, Kansas. They traveled around the country to visit their growing family, with the addition of eight grandchildren. Ardith’s family, including Sam and their children Julia, and Grant, grew up in Colorado. Gene’s family with Rosanna and their children Matthew, Samantha, Cole, and Paige live in Florida. Greg and Melissa live in Idaho. Daryl’s family, including Sudha and their children Maya and Ethan, also live in Colorado. On December 10, 2014, Phyllis passed away at 80 years of age in St. Paul, Minnesota. Merle remained in Minnesota for almost five years before moving to Colorado a few months before the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns. His daughter, Ardith, and son, Daryl, feel fortunate to have shared those final years with their father, Merle. As both Merle and Phyllis wished, their memorial will be a joint ceremony honoring them both on October 8, 2022, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, at 1:30 PM. In place of flowers, please consider donating to the Mayo Clinic, in honor of Merle, at&nbsp;<a href="https://mayocl.in/3zQDYYT">https://mayocl.in/3zQDYYT</a>. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th, Ellis, KS 67637.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664551131745.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Merle Dean Lonnon passed away in Boulder, Colorado, on August 1st, 2002. He was 89 years old. Merle was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1933, on his grandfather’s homestead three miles east and two miles south of Ellis, Kansas. Merle’s loving parents were Inez Isabelle (Louage) Lonnon and John Jennings Lonnon. He was the youngest child in a family of five children. Merle had two sisters, Zoe and June, and two brothers, Gene and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Phyllis Ann (Disney) Lonnon, and siblings, Wiley Eugene Lonnon, Zoe Eileen (Lonnon) Moorehouse, and John Louage Lonnon. Merle’s dear sister, June Isabelle (Lonnon) Loveridge, survives and has been a wonderful comfort to Merle in his later years. Merle lived an exciting boyhood, helping his parents farm wheat by driving a tractor, and caring for cattle and horses. He attended a one-room country school house, Beaver Bank, before moving onto Main Street in Ellis, Kansas, across from the Methodist Church. Merle said the most important thing he learned from High School happened accidentally when his brother, John, and a friend gave him a beat-up old Model T car. Merle and his friends worked on five other cars and learned a lot by reading manuals and experimenting. In Merle’s own words, he had a good time going to high school, getting average grades, and playing basketball. After high school, Merle joined the Air Force applying as an auto or diesel mechanic but tested with an aptitude for a radar technician. Merle was stationed in Alaska from 1954 to 1956 in the 4th Mobile Squadron. After being discharged from the Air Force, Merle started a military career on the DEW Line as a Crypto-Radician, encoding and deciphering secret messages from U2 spy planes. Merle served two Air Force contracts, but on the flip of a coin, decided to leave the Air Force and go back to college. Merle started classes at Fort Hays State University and started dating Phyllis Disney that summer. Merle and Phyllis fell in love. Merle said it best himself, “The best part of Phyl was how she made me feel about myself; she had more confidence in me than I did. She would even laugh at my bad jokes.” They were married in a small ceremony in the Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas, with a reception at the Disney home. Early in his married life, Merle received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. In 1965, Merle and Phyllis moved to Arden Hills, MN, where Merle started his 30-year career in the computer tech industry at Control Data and later Bit 3 Computer.&nbsp; Merle and Phyllis started their family of four children on Noble Road and would live there for the rest of their married life together. Merle encouraged his children to be active by playing table tennis and basketball, running cross country, and lifting weights. He spent many hours supporting his children’s activities. Merle inspired all his children to pursue college degrees in engineering fields. Ardith, Gene, Greg, and Daryl graduated from the University of Minnesota. Many also went on to receive more advanced engineering degrees. Without a doubt, his children had the same aptitude as Merle, but his encouragement and shining example were invaluable. In 2006, Merle was diagnosed with a Meningioma Brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Merle and Phyllis always felt great gratitude to Dr. Meyer, head of Neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic, who performed the surgery, and the Mayo Clinic for their role in his surgery and recovery. With courage and grace, Merle always confronted his health issues head-on and was rewarded with more than fifteen additional years of productive life. During their retirement years, Merle and Phyllis enjoyed working on and visiting the Disney family home they owned in Ellis, Kansas. They traveled around the country to visit their growing family, with the addition of eight grandchildren. Ardith’s family, including Sam and their children Julia, and Grant, grew up in Colorado. Gene’s family with Rosanna and their children Matthew, Samantha, Cole, and Paige live in Florida. Greg and Melissa live in Idaho. Daryl’s family, including Sudha and their children Maya and Ethan, also live in Colorado. On December 10, 2014, Phyllis passed away at 80 years of age in St. Paul, Minnesota. Merle remained in Minnesota for almost five years before moving to Colorado a few months before the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns. His daughter, Ardith, and son, Daryl, feel fortunate to have shared those final years with their father, Merle. As both Merle and Phyllis wished, their memorial will be a joint ceremony honoring them both on October 8, 2022, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, at 1:30 PM. In place of flowers, please consider donating to the Mayo Clinic, in honor of Merle, at&nbsp;<a href="https://mayocl.in/3zQDYYT">https://mayocl.in/3zQDYYT</a>. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th, Ellis, KS 67637.

Merle Dean Lonnon

Phyllis Ann (Disney) Lonnon passed away in St. Paul, Minnesota, on December 10th, 2014. She was 80 years old. Phyllis was born on November 1st, 1934, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to her loving parents, Mayme Ethel (Nelson) Disney and Robert Eugene Disney. Phyllis was the sister of three brothers, Bob, Walt, and Kep. Her parents and brothers, Robert William Disney and Walter Eugene Disney, preceded her death. Phyllis’ dear brother, Richard Kepple Disney, currently lives with his family on the East Coast. As a young girl, Phyllis enjoyed participating in Sunday dinners and the large extended family gatherings of the Disney and Nelson families. She helped her family, who owned the Mobil Gas Station right off Interstate 70 in Ellis, Kansas, for many years. Phyllis attended Ellis High School, where she enjoyed her friends and cheerleading. During high school, she worked at Geyer’s Rexall Drug Store. She attended the high school basketball games of her future husband, Merle. On August 16, 1962, Phyllis married Merle Dean Lonnon. The ceremony took place at the Methodist Church. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Disney home on Ross Street in Ellis, Kansas. Phyllis's teaching career began after she received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kansas State University and a Master's Degree in Home Economics from the University of Arizona in Tucson. For ten years, Phyllis taught home economics in schools in Colby, Kansas, and Parker and Tucson, Arizona. When Merle graduated from college, Phyllis and Merle moved to Arden Hills, MN, and started their family of four children. Phyllis focused all her energy on nurturing and supporting her family. She perfected the art of teaching and designing almost anything, including furniture, clothing, food, and family life. Phyllis opened her home and yard to the Noble Road neighborhood, creating an environment where her children and friends always felt welcome. All four of her children have fond memories of those Noble Road years. Phyllis encouraged her children to enjoy life, study hard, and focus on a college education. By the time their college years were over, Ardith, Gene, Greg, and Daryl all had technical degrees, either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. Many went on to obtain advanced degrees, too. During their retirement years, Phyllis and Merle enjoyed working on and visiting the Disney family home they owned in Ellis, Kansas. They traveled around the country to visit their growing family, with the addition of eight grandchildren. Ardith’s family, including Sam and their children Julia, and Grant, grew up in Colorado. Gene’s family with Rosanna and their children Matthew, Samantha, Cole, and Paige live in Florida. Greg and Melissa live in Idaho. Daryl’s family, including Sudha and their children Maya and Ethan, also live in Colorado. Phyllis’s husband, Merle, passed away on August 1st, 2022, in Boulder, Colorado. In 2008, Merle and Phyllis built memorial boxes and planned to be buried together. So, their memorial will be a joint ceremony honoring them both on October 8, 2022, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, at 1:30 PM.&nbsp; In place of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association, in honor of Phyllis, at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give">https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give</a>. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th,&nbsp;Ellis, KS 67637.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664551065653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phyllis Ann (Disney) Lonnon passed away in St. Paul, Minnesota, on December 10th, 2014. She was 80 years old. Phyllis was born on November 1st, 1934, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to her loving parents, Mayme Ethel (Nelson) Disney and Robert Eugene Disney. Phyllis was the sister of three brothers, Bob, Walt, and Kep. Her parents and brothers, Robert William Disney and Walter Eugene Disney, preceded her death. Phyllis’ dear brother, Richard Kepple Disney, currently lives with his family on the East Coast. As a young girl, Phyllis enjoyed participating in Sunday dinners and the large extended family gatherings of the Disney and Nelson families. She helped her family, who owned the Mobil Gas Station right off Interstate 70 in Ellis, Kansas, for many years. Phyllis attended Ellis High School, where she enjoyed her friends and cheerleading. During high school, she worked at Geyer’s Rexall Drug Store. She attended the high school basketball games of her future husband, Merle. On August 16, 1962, Phyllis married Merle Dean Lonnon. The ceremony took place at the Methodist Church. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Disney home on Ross Street in Ellis, Kansas. Phyllis's teaching career began after she received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kansas State University and a Master's Degree in Home Economics from the University of Arizona in Tucson. For ten years, Phyllis taught home economics in schools in Colby, Kansas, and Parker and Tucson, Arizona. When Merle graduated from college, Phyllis and Merle moved to Arden Hills, MN, and started their family of four children. Phyllis focused all her energy on nurturing and supporting her family. She perfected the art of teaching and designing almost anything, including furniture, clothing, food, and family life. Phyllis opened her home and yard to the Noble Road neighborhood, creating an environment where her children and friends always felt welcome. All four of her children have fond memories of those Noble Road years. Phyllis encouraged her children to enjoy life, study hard, and focus on a college education. By the time their college years were over, Ardith, Gene, Greg, and Daryl all had technical degrees, either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. Many went on to obtain advanced degrees, too. During their retirement years, Phyllis and Merle enjoyed working on and visiting the Disney family home they owned in Ellis, Kansas. They traveled around the country to visit their growing family, with the addition of eight grandchildren. Ardith’s family, including Sam and their children Julia, and Grant, grew up in Colorado. Gene’s family with Rosanna and their children Matthew, Samantha, Cole, and Paige live in Florida. Greg and Melissa live in Idaho. Daryl’s family, including Sudha and their children Maya and Ethan, also live in Colorado. Phyllis’s husband, Merle, passed away on August 1st, 2022, in Boulder, Colorado. In 2008, Merle and Phyllis built memorial boxes and planned to be buried together. So, their memorial will be a joint ceremony honoring them both on October 8, 2022, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, at 1:30 PM.&nbsp; In place of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association, in honor of Phyllis, at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give">https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give</a>. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th,&nbsp;Ellis, KS 67637.

Phyllis Ann (Disney) Lonnon

Gilbert S. “Shorty” Dreiling, 84, Hays, died Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Rush County Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.

He was born February 23, 1938, in Hays, 
the son of Alex and Anna (Dechant) Dreiling.&nbsp; Shorty served in the Army 
National Guard and Army Reserves, and in 2020, he was awarded the Quilt 
of Valor.&nbsp; On November 26, 1960, he was united in marriage to Clara Marie
 Giebler in Antonino and they were married nearly 62 years.&nbsp; Shorty 
loved farming, being a cattleman, and also his work as a plumber.&nbsp; His 
memberships included Our Lady help of Christians Catholic Church and St.
 Nicholas Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #10044, and he 
enjoyed woodworking and driving in the country.&nbsp; He loved his wife and 
his farm, and he took such pride in his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Clara of 
Hays, three sons: Laverne Dreiling of Schoenchen, Gilbert Dreiling Jr. 
of Hays, and Joe Dreiling and wife Sarah of Hays, three daughters: Donna
 Rupp and husband Bob “Skeeter” of Hays, Marilyn Schuckman and husband 
Kevin of Overland Park, and Marlene Stumpf and husband Jeff of Omaha, 
NE, a sister: Lillian Dinkel of Victoria, 14 grandchildren: Jessica 
Giebler and husband Joe, Chelsea Downing and husband Logan, Clint 
Schuckman and wife Carrie Jo, Ashley Schmidt and husband Joe, Talisa 
Stumpf, Kayleigh Anaya and husband Felipe, Alyx Speed and husband Sean, 
Christian Stumpf, Taylor Hop and husband AJ, Sara Dreiling, Nicholas 
Dreiling, Elizabeth Dreiling, Eli Dreiling, and Emmitt Dreiling, 12 
great grandchildren: Bailey, Keeley, and Finley Lowry, Jozi and 
Lexi Downing, Ciara Schmidt, Koen, Treyson, and Keila Schuckman, James 
and Gianna Anaya, and Duncan Speed, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his 
parents, an infant daughter: Carol Jean Dreiling, five brothers: 
Benedict, Celestine, Gilbert, Lawrence, and Martin Dreiling, four 
sisters: Celestina “Sally” Braun, Evelyn Dechant, infant Barbara 
Dreiling, and Jenny Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Our Lady Help of Christians 
Catholic Church in Antonino.&nbsp; Inurnment with military honors by the Hays
 VFW Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home, and from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the 
church.&nbsp; A parish vigil service will be at 7:00 pm followed by a Knights
 of Columbus rosary, all on Monday at the funeral home.&nbsp; 

Memorials are 
suggested to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Shriners Children’s Twin 
Cities, or to masses.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Gilbert may be left 
for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664543657876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gilbert S. “Shorty” Dreiling, 84, Hays, died Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Rush County Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.He was born February 23, 1938, in Hays, 
the son of Alex and Anna (Dechant) Dreiling.&nbsp; Shorty served in the Army 
National Guard and Army Reserves, and in 2020, he was awarded the Quilt 
of Valor.&nbsp; On November 26, 1960, he was united in marriage to Clara Marie
 Giebler in Antonino and they were married nearly 62 years.&nbsp; Shorty 
loved farming, being a cattleman, and also his work as a plumber.&nbsp; His 
memberships included Our Lady help of Christians Catholic Church and St.
 Nicholas Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #10044, and he 
enjoyed woodworking and driving in the country.&nbsp; He loved his wife and 
his farm, and he took such pride in his children and grandchildren.Survivors include his wife Clara of 
Hays, three sons: Laverne Dreiling of Schoenchen, Gilbert Dreiling Jr. 
of Hays, and Joe Dreiling and wife Sarah of Hays, three daughters: Donna
 Rupp and husband Bob “Skeeter” of Hays, Marilyn Schuckman and husband 
Kevin of Overland Park, and Marlene Stumpf and husband Jeff of Omaha, 
NE, a sister: Lillian Dinkel of Victoria, 14 grandchildren: Jessica 
Giebler and husband Joe, Chelsea Downing and husband Logan, Clint 
Schuckman and wife Carrie Jo, Ashley Schmidt and husband Joe, Talisa 
Stumpf, Kayleigh Anaya and husband Felipe, Alyx Speed and husband Sean, 
Christian Stumpf, Taylor Hop and husband AJ, Sara Dreiling, Nicholas 
Dreiling, Elizabeth Dreiling, Eli Dreiling, and Emmitt Dreiling, 12 
great grandchildren: Bailey, Keeley, and Finley Lowry, Jozi and 
Lexi Downing, Ciara Schmidt, Koen, Treyson, and Keila Schuckman, James 
and Gianna Anaya, and Duncan Speed, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his 
parents, an infant daughter: Carol Jean Dreiling, five brothers: 
Benedict, Celestine, Gilbert, Lawrence, and Martin Dreiling, four 
sisters: Celestina “Sally” Braun, Evelyn Dechant, infant Barbara 
Dreiling, and Jenny Leiker.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 
10:00 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Our Lady Help of Christians 
Catholic Church in Antonino.&nbsp; Inurnment with military honors by the Hays
 VFW Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.&nbsp; Visitation 
will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday at Hays Memorial Chapel 
Funeral Home, and from 9:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the 
church.&nbsp; A parish vigil service will be at 7:00 pm followed by a Knights
 of Columbus rosary, all on Monday at the funeral home.&nbsp; Memorials are 
suggested to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Shriners Children’s Twin 
Cities, or to masses.&nbsp; Condolences and memories of Gilbert may be left 
for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>

Gilbert S. 'Shorty' Dreiling

John Lee Balderston, 72, was called to his Heavenly Home on September
 3, 2022, surrounded by his wife and family at his home in Beaver, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born July 10, 1950, in Clay Center, Kansas, the son of 
John William and Hazel (Forney) Balderston. John served as a SP4 in the 
Army from 1968 to 1974..&nbsp;

He worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in
 Great Bend from 1978 until his retirement in 2005.. He later began 
working as a custodian for USD 431, at Lincoln Elementary.

He loved his job, enjoyed the staff and interacting with the children who labeled him as “The Whistling Janitor."

On April 8, 1980, he married Mary E. (Meyeres) Flaherty, in Great 
Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; In 1988, on their anniversary, they renewed their vows at
 Holy Family Catholic Church, in Odin, Kansas. John was currently a 
member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Hoisington, Kansas
 and a member of the V.F.W. John loved the great outdoors, everything 
from fishing and camping to bowhunting.&nbsp; He excelled at archery and made
 his own arrows.&nbsp; He was a Boy Scout Leader in Claflin Kansas when his 
stepchildren were growing up.&nbsp; In his later years his family would often
 gather at Sylvan Park at Wilson Lake to camp. A handyman in all 
aspects, John could fix or build anything and never turned down an 
opportunity to help his kids in whatever they needed, whether it was 
home improvement or working on automobiles. &nbsp;He was always up for the 
task.&nbsp; John loved to listen to Christian Music.&nbsp; The Gaithers was just 
one of his many favorites.&nbsp; He learned to play the guitar and with his 
love of woodworking he built a cigar box guitar which brought him much 
joy. John will always be remembered for his deep love and dedication to 
God and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Balderston of the home; a son, Heath
 Balderston and wife Jamie of Andover; stepsons, John P. Flaherty of 
Lenexa, Michael Flaherty and wife Angela of Derby; and a stepdaughter, 
Shelly Keller and husband Travis of Hays; ex-wife, Sharon (Lagasse) 
Angelmeyer of Great Bend; and eight grandchildren, Dayton Balderston, 
Avery Balderston, Jordan Flaherty, Madisyn Keller, Quinton Flaherty, 
Kaitlyn Flaherty, Camryn Flaherty, and Karlynn Flaherty; and numerous 
nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Tanner Starkey 
Flaherty, brother, Larry Balderston, sisters, JoAnn Krager and LaDonna 
Rundle, and an infant brother, Ray.

Services will be Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.&nbsp; A Rosary will begin at 1:30 
p.m., with Memorial Service beginning at 2 p.m., with Father Anselm Eke,
 MSP, presiding.&nbsp;Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Beaver, 
Kansas, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Army Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department or St. 
John the Evangelist Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral 
Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664544098643.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>John Lee Balderston, 72, was called to his Heavenly Home on September
 3, 2022, surrounded by his wife and family at his home in Beaver, 
Kansas.&nbsp; He was born July 10, 1950, in Clay Center, Kansas, the son of 
John William and Hazel (Forney) Balderston. John served as a SP4 in the 
Army from 1968 to 1974..&nbsp;He worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in
 Great Bend from 1978 until his retirement in 2005.. He later began 
working as a custodian for USD 431, at Lincoln Elementary.He loved his job, enjoyed the staff and interacting with the children who labeled him as “The Whistling Janitor."On April 8, 1980, he married Mary E. (Meyeres) Flaherty, in Great 
Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; In 1988, on their anniversary, they renewed their vows at
 Holy Family Catholic Church, in Odin, Kansas. John was currently a 
member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Hoisington, Kansas
 and a member of the V.F.W. John loved the great outdoors, everything 
from fishing and camping to bowhunting.&nbsp; He excelled at archery and made
 his own arrows.&nbsp; He was a Boy Scout Leader in Claflin Kansas when his 
stepchildren were growing up.&nbsp; In his later years his family would often
 gather at Sylvan Park at Wilson Lake to camp. A handyman in all 
aspects, John could fix or build anything and never turned down an 
opportunity to help his kids in whatever they needed, whether it was 
home improvement or working on automobiles. &nbsp;He was always up for the 
task.&nbsp; John loved to listen to Christian Music.&nbsp; The Gaithers was just 
one of his many favorites.&nbsp; He learned to play the guitar and with his 
love of woodworking he built a cigar box guitar which brought him much 
joy. John will always be remembered for his deep love and dedication to 
God and his family.He is survived by his wife, Mary Balderston of the home; a son, Heath
 Balderston and wife Jamie of Andover; stepsons, John P. Flaherty of 
Lenexa, Michael Flaherty and wife Angela of Derby; and a stepdaughter, 
Shelly Keller and husband Travis of Hays; ex-wife, Sharon (Lagasse) 
Angelmeyer of Great Bend; and eight grandchildren, Dayton Balderston, 
Avery Balderston, Jordan Flaherty, Madisyn Keller, Quinton Flaherty, 
Kaitlyn Flaherty, Camryn Flaherty, and Karlynn Flaherty; and numerous 
nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Tanner Starkey 
Flaherty, brother, Larry Balderston, sisters, JoAnn Krager and LaDonna 
Rundle, and an infant brother, Ray.Services will be Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, at 
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.&nbsp; A Rosary will begin at 1:30 
p.m., with Memorial Service beginning at 2 p.m., with Father Anselm Eke,
 MSP, presiding.&nbsp;Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Beaver, 
Kansas, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Army Honor Guard.Memorials may be made to the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department or St. 
John the Evangelist Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral 
Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

John Lee Balderston

Regan Laine Lewis, 20, of Grinnell, KS, died Tuesday, September 27, 
2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center, in Kearney, NE. She was born 
in Hays, KS, on April 9, 2002, to Patrick and Connie (Werth) Lewis. 

Regan grew up on the family farm, where she loved being around animals. 
She enjoyed training horses, barrel racing, working and sorting cattle, 
and driving the combine. She was active in 4-H and FCCLA president. One 
of her favorite FCCLA projects was training her cat Tigger (Tubby) to 
become a service cat, which she took to the state level. Regan was also a
 talented artist and like painting. Along with caring for animals, Regan
 was good at caring for people, which lead her to pursue a career in 
nursing. Regan worked her way up from a CNA to a CMA, and then in May of
 2022, became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at Colby Health and
 Rehab and was continuing her studies at Colby Community College to 
receive her Associates Degree in Nursing and become a Registered Nurse. 
 
Regan was preceded in death by her grandparents, Julian Werth, Ronald 
Lewis and Jeannine Lewis; uncle Larri Lewis and her trained service cat 
Tigger (Tubby). 
She is survived by her parents Patrick and Connie Lewis, of Grinnell; 
brothers, Logan Lewis, Merritt Island, FL and Weston Lewis, Wichita, KS;
 grandmother Elaine Werth, WaKeeney, KS; aunts and uncles, Terry 
(Stefanie) Werth, Parkville, MO, Tami (Troy) Wilson, Galva, KS, Lynda 
(Mike) Jamison, Great Bend, KS, Julie Werth, Shawnee, KS, Rhonda (Tom) 
Unruh, Newton, KS, Brenda (Brent) Blocker, Chapman, KS, Brian (Rachael) 
Werth, Wichita, KS, Loren (Kristie) Werth, Dearborn, MO, Starla (Allen) 
Donnel, Edmond, OK and Teresa Lewis, of Grinnell; many cousins and 
friends and her beloved cats, Beans, Unyen and Kevin. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2022, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Oakley, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. 
Saturday, October 1, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley. Burial
 will take place in the Gove Cemetery, Gove, KS.

Memorials are suggested
 to the Northwest Kansas Animal Shelter or CCC Endowment Foundation, for
 the nursing program and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664456120860.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Regan Laine Lewis, 20, of Grinnell, KS, died Tuesday, September 27, 
2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center, in Kearney, NE. She was born 
in Hays, KS, on April 9, 2002, to Patrick and Connie (Werth) Lewis. 
Regan grew up on the family farm, where she loved being around animals. 
She enjoyed training horses, barrel racing, working and sorting cattle, 
and driving the combine. She was active in 4-H and FCCLA president. One 
of her favorite FCCLA projects was training her cat Tigger (Tubby) to 
become a service cat, which she took to the state level. Regan was also a
 talented artist and like painting. Along with caring for animals, Regan
 was good at caring for people, which lead her to pursue a career in 
nursing. Regan worked her way up from a CNA to a CMA, and then in May of
 2022, became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at Colby Health and
 Rehab and was continuing her studies at Colby Community College to 
receive her Associates Degree in Nursing and become a Registered Nurse. 
 
Regan was preceded in death by her grandparents, Julian Werth, Ronald 
Lewis and Jeannine Lewis; uncle Larri Lewis and her trained service cat 
Tigger (Tubby). 
She is survived by her parents Patrick and Connie Lewis, of Grinnell; 
brothers, Logan Lewis, Merritt Island, FL and Weston Lewis, Wichita, KS;
 grandmother Elaine Werth, WaKeeney, KS; aunts and uncles, Terry 
(Stefanie) Werth, Parkville, MO, Tami (Troy) Wilson, Galva, KS, Lynda 
(Mike) Jamison, Great Bend, KS, Julie Werth, Shawnee, KS, Rhonda (Tom) 
Unruh, Newton, KS, Brenda (Brent) Blocker, Chapman, KS, Brian (Rachael) 
Werth, Wichita, KS, Loren (Kristie) Werth, Dearborn, MO, Starla (Allen) 
Donnel, Edmond, OK and Teresa Lewis, of Grinnell; many cousins and 
friends and her beloved cats, Beans, Unyen and Kevin. 
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2022, at Baalmann 
Mortuary, Oakley, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. 
Saturday, October 1, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley. Burial
 will take place in the Gove Cemetery, Gove, KS. Memorials are suggested
 to the Northwest Kansas Animal Shelter or CCC Endowment Foundation, for
 the nursing program and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, 
Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit 
www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Regan Laine Lewis

Virginia Jacqueline Clapp, age 86, Hays, Kansas passed away on Wednesday September 28, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. She was born October 28, 1935, in Salina, Kansas, to Anthony and Edith (Pihl) Zamrzla. A 1953 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, she was known as "Zam" by her friends. She was particularly proud of this nickname, as it was shared with her dad, Sacred Heart basketball's Coach Zam. Virginia met the love of her life, a tall, handsome US Air Force airman named Gene Clapp, on her front porch for a blind date, a date that had been set up by her best friend. Gene and Virginia were married in Salina on June 2, 1957, the day after she graduated from Marymount College. Gene preceded her in death November 27, 1988. Making their home in several Kansas towns as teachers, the Clapps made their final move in 1971 to Hays, KS. Virginia began teaching English at Hays Junior High, which later transitioned to Felten Middle School, teaching in the same classroom for 23 years. She was known by all for her red grading pen, finding and correcting writing and grammatical errors of both pupils and colleagues. A favorite last day of school tradition blossomed during those years where Mrs. Clapp and a teaching friend would engage in a water gun fight in the hallways of FMS. Mrs. Clapp retired from teaching in 1992 but kept busy with many activities. She served as an elder, deacon, and chairwoman for Presbyterian Women of Hays First Presbyterian Church. A favorite part of her service was the weekly Wednesday Bible study with friends from church. She also met weekly with a group of retired teacher friends, known as "The Wednesday Night Club," who went out to eat at all the different restaurants Hays had to offer. Virginia also served several years as chairperson for the Humane Society of the High Plains' annual fundraiser, The Souper Bowl. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, daughter Gayla Amend, stillborn daughter Holly, her father and mother, brothers Bruce Zamrzla and Larry Zamrzla, sister-in-law Shirley Zamrzla, nephew Brett Zamrzla, father and mother-in-law Fred and Myrtle Clapp. She is survived by daughters Lanette Shaffer and husband Kevin of Fort Morgan, CO, Jenny Prine and husband Toby of Hays, KS, son-in-law Ty Amend of Wichita, KS, grandchildren Lexi (Nate) Rogers, Tyler Shaffer, Emily (Michael) Stefan, and Andrew Prine, great grandchildren Oaklyn and Easton Rogers, Eleanor Stefan, sister-in-law Jeanette Zamrzla, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30th, at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1st, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall Street, Hays. A private graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Salina, KS. Memorials are suggested to the HaysMed Hospice or Amazing Grace Homecare in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be shared by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664487664429.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Virginia Jacqueline Clapp, age 86, Hays, Kansas passed away on Wednesday September 28, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. She was born October 28, 1935, in Salina, Kansas, to Anthony and Edith (Pihl) Zamrzla. A 1953 graduate of Sacred Heart High School, she was known as "Zam" by her friends. She was particularly proud of this nickname, as it was shared with her dad, Sacred Heart basketball's Coach Zam. Virginia met the love of her life, a tall, handsome US Air Force airman named Gene Clapp, on her front porch for a blind date, a date that had been set up by her best friend. Gene and Virginia were married in Salina on June 2, 1957, the day after she graduated from Marymount College. Gene preceded her in death November 27, 1988. Making their home in several Kansas towns as teachers, the Clapps made their final move in 1971 to Hays, KS. Virginia began teaching English at Hays Junior High, which later transitioned to Felten Middle School, teaching in the same classroom for 23 years. She was known by all for her red grading pen, finding and correcting writing and grammatical errors of both pupils and colleagues. A favorite last day of school tradition blossomed during those years where Mrs. Clapp and a teaching friend would engage in a water gun fight in the hallways of FMS. Mrs. Clapp retired from teaching in 1992 but kept busy with many activities. She served as an elder, deacon, and chairwoman for Presbyterian Women of Hays First Presbyterian Church. A favorite part of her service was the weekly Wednesday Bible study with friends from church. She also met weekly with a group of retired teacher friends, known as "The Wednesday Night Club," who went out to eat at all the different restaurants Hays had to offer. Virginia also served several years as chairperson for the Humane Society of the High Plains' annual fundraiser, The Souper Bowl. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, daughter Gayla Amend, stillborn daughter Holly, her father and mother, brothers Bruce Zamrzla and Larry Zamrzla, sister-in-law Shirley Zamrzla, nephew Brett Zamrzla, father and mother-in-law Fred and Myrtle Clapp. She is survived by daughters Lanette Shaffer and husband Kevin of Fort Morgan, CO, Jenny Prine and husband Toby of Hays, KS, son-in-law Ty Amend of Wichita, KS, grandchildren Lexi (Nate) Rogers, Tyler Shaffer, Emily (Michael) Stefan, and Andrew Prine, great grandchildren Oaklyn and Easton Rogers, Eleanor Stefan, sister-in-law Jeanette Zamrzla, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30th, at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1st, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall Street, Hays. A private graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Salina, KS. Memorials are suggested to the HaysMed Hospice or Amazing Grace Homecare in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be shared by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Virginia Jacqueline Clapp

Darrell Keith Barton, 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Darrell was born on April 29, 1940, in El Dorado, Kansas. He was the son of Delmar Milton Barton and LaVada Mae (Strain) Barton. He was raised in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1958.&nbsp; Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States&nbsp;Marine Corps. His overseas duty assignments included Okinawa, Japan. DaNang Vietnam and Subic Bay, Philippines.&nbsp; While stationed in Japan he met, fell in love with and married Akemi (Kim) Honda on September 26, 1961, in Fukuoka, Japan. From this union Darrell &amp; Kim were blessed with two children, a son, Dan, and a daughter, Raelene. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Darrell served his country honorably in the Marine Corps for 20 years and while he had a few overseas assignments, he was fortunate to spend most of his career in the Kansas&nbsp;City area. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he spent several years in the trucking industry as well as owning his own business. He was a member of the local V.F.W.&nbsp;and the American Legion. He enjoyed watching his Kansas City Royals and Chiefs as well&nbsp;as the Kansas Jayhawks. If there was a Chiefs or Royals game on, he was watching it.&nbsp;

Surviving family include his son Dan and daughter-in-law Gayle of Cumming, Georgia;&nbsp;his daughter Raelene and son-in-law Bob Herndon of Overland Park, Kansas; and his grandchildren Emily, Matthew, Katie and Nick. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kim, his parents and sister, LaVonne Buehler.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A celebration of Darrell’s life will be held at 1:00 on Monday, October 3rd, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, KS. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the Russell&nbsp;City Cemetery&nbsp;where Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites. &nbsp;Visitation will be held Monday morning from 9:00 AM to Service time at the mortuary. &nbsp;

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of these arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664482281132.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Darrell Keith Barton, 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Darrell was born on April 29, 1940, in El Dorado, Kansas. He was the son of Delmar Milton Barton and LaVada Mae (Strain) Barton. He was raised in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1958.&nbsp; Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States&nbsp;Marine Corps. His overseas duty assignments included Okinawa, Japan. DaNang Vietnam and Subic Bay, Philippines.&nbsp; While stationed in Japan he met, fell in love with and married Akemi (Kim) Honda on September 26, 1961, in Fukuoka, Japan. From this union Darrell &amp; Kim were blessed with two children, a son, Dan, and a daughter, Raelene. &nbsp;&nbsp;Darrell served his country honorably in the Marine Corps for 20 years and while he had a few overseas assignments, he was fortunate to spend most of his career in the Kansas&nbsp;City area. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he spent several years in the trucking industry as well as owning his own business. He was a member of the local V.F.W.&nbsp;and the American Legion. He enjoyed watching his Kansas City Royals and Chiefs as well&nbsp;as the Kansas Jayhawks. If there was a Chiefs or Royals game on, he was watching it.&nbsp;Surviving family include his son Dan and daughter-in-law Gayle of Cumming, Georgia;&nbsp;his daughter Raelene and son-in-law Bob Herndon of Overland Park, Kansas; and his grandchildren Emily, Matthew, Katie and Nick. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kim, his parents and sister, LaVonne Buehler.&nbsp;&nbsp;A celebration of Darrell’s life will be held at 1:00 on Monday, October 3rd, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, KS. &nbsp;Burial will follow at the Russell&nbsp;City Cemetery&nbsp;where Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites. &nbsp;Visitation will be held Monday morning from 9:00 AM to Service time at the mortuary. &nbsp;Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of these arrangements.

Darrell Keith Barton

Thelma Mae Strecker Blasé, 90, of Sylvan Grove, Kansas, passed 
away Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Salina Regional Hospital.  Thelma 
was born June 1, 1932, in Russell County. 

 She was the daughter of David
 George Strecker and Elizabeth Mae Stellings Strecker.  She attended, 
was confirmed and graduated from the Bethlehem Lutheran Grade school.  
She attended Lucas high school but quit and got married to Raymond Blasé
 on November 27, 1949, in Sylvan Grove.  They had six children, 3 girls 
and 3 boys: Shirley Mae Blasé Small, Sylvan Grove; Judy Kay Blasé, 
Wilson; Marilyn Fay Errebo, Wilson; Louis Ray Blasé, Sylvan Grove; 
Robert David Blasé, Hoisington; and Richard Allan Blasé, deceased.   She
 also had 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 14 great-great 
grandchildren.

Thelma went back to high school in 1977 
and graduated with a diploma. Beside being a busy Mom, Grandma and Great
 Grandma, she was the bookkeeper for "Ray's Garage" on Main Street in 
Sylvan Grove. Thelma and Ray spent a lot of time fishing and camping.  
She took up tying fish flies; loved to read books from the library; 
collected butterflies and loved to cook.  She decorated many of her kids
 and grandchildren’s wedding cakes.

Thelma was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

A
 10 AM funeral service is planned for Monday, October 3, 2022, at 
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sylvan Grove.  Pastor Christopher Craig is 
the officiant.  Burial is at the Lutheran Cemetery.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664476324031.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thelma Mae Strecker Blasé, 90, of Sylvan Grove, Kansas, passed 
away Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Salina Regional Hospital. Thelma 
was born June 1, 1932, in Russell County. She was the daughter of David
 George Strecker and Elizabeth Mae Stellings Strecker. She attended, 
was confirmed and graduated from the Bethlehem Lutheran Grade school. 
She attended Lucas high school but quit and got married to Raymond Blasé
 on November 27, 1949, in Sylvan Grove. They had six children, 3 girls 
and 3 boys: Shirley Mae Blasé Small, Sylvan Grove; Judy Kay Blasé, 
Wilson; Marilyn Fay Errebo, Wilson; Louis Ray Blasé, Sylvan Grove; 
Robert David Blasé, Hoisington; and Richard Allan Blasé, deceased. She
 also had 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 14 great-great 
grandchildren.Thelma went back to high school in 1977 
and graduated with a diploma. Beside being a busy Mom, Grandma and Great
 Grandma, she was the bookkeeper for "Ray's Garage" on Main Street in 
Sylvan Grove. Thelma and Ray spent a lot of time fishing and camping. 
She took up tying fish flies; loved to read books from the library; 
collected butterflies and loved to cook. She decorated many of her kids
 and grandchildren’s wedding cakes.Thelma was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.A
 10 AM funeral service is planned for Monday, October 3, 2022, at 
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sylvan Grove. Pastor Christopher Craig is 
the officiant. Burial is at the Lutheran Cemetery.&nbsp;

Thelma Mae Blasé

WASHINGTON (AP) — Six Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration in an effort to halt its plan to forgive student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans, accusing it of overstepping its executive powers.

It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-lawsuits-executive-branch-88a53926a6583fdb7b8c311206f5357f">at least the second legal challenge this week</a>&nbsp;to the sweeping proposal laid out by President Joe Biden in late August, when he said his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">would cancel up to $20,000 in education debt</a>&nbsp;for huge numbers of borrowers. The announcement, after months of internal deliberations and pressure from liberal activists, became immediate political fodder ahead of the November midterms while fueling arguments from conservatives about legality.

In the lawsuit, being filed Thursday in a federal court in Missouri, the Republican states argue that Biden's cancellation plan is “not remotely tailored to address the effects of the pandemic on federal student loan borrowers,” as required by the 2003 federal law that the administration is using as legal justification. They point out that Biden, in an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes” this month, declared the Covid-19 pandemic over, yet is still using the ongoing health emergency to justify&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-program-explained-d248f3b049c292856bb1c74be6aedef2">the wide-scale debt relief.</a>

“It’s patently unfair to saddle hard-working Americans with the loan debt of those who chose to go to college,” Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, who is leading the group, said in an interview.

She added: “The Department of Education is required, under the law, to collect the balance due on loans. And President Biden does not have the authority to override that.”

The states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Carolina joined Arkansas in filing the lawsuit. Iowa has a Democratic attorney general, but the state's Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, signed on the state's behalf. The states argue that Missouri's loan servicer is facing a “number of ongoing financial harms” because of Biden's decision to cancel loans. Other states that joined the lawsuit argue that Biden's forgiveness plan will ultimately disrupt revenue to state coffers.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-get-student-loan-refund-if-you-paid-during-pandemic-ac42ffdca1d37d1fe8d1d63f6faeaa6f">Biden’s forgiveness program</a>&nbsp;will cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-higher-pell-grant-fce8a300f7d7400283891dc223cbc378">Pell Grant recipients</a>, who typically demonstrate more financial need, will get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.

The administration also said it would extend the current pause on federal student loan repayments — put on hold near the start of the pandemic more than two years ago — once more through the end of the year.

The administration faced threats of legal challenges to its plans almost immediately, with conservative attorneys, Republican lawmakers and business-oriented groups asserting that Biden was overstepping his authority in taking such sweeping action without the assent of Congress.

Democratic lawmakers battling in tough reelection contests also distanced themselves from the student loan plan, as Republican officials called it an unfair government giveaway for relatively affluent people at the expense of those who didn’t pursue higher education.

In their lawsuit, the Republican attorneys general also contend that the forgiveness program violates the Administrative Procedures Act, which lays out how federal agencies should make regulations in order to ensure executive branch policies are well-reasoned and explained.

“The president does not have the authority to put himself in the place of Congress,” Rutledge said in the interview. “These actions must be taken by Congress and he can’t override that.”

To justify the plan’s legality, the Biden administration is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-education-0fea030a0875c0e4e1a39b0c098bd48a">relying on a post-Sept. 11, 2001, law</a>&nbsp;meant to help members of the military that the Justice Department says allows Biden to reduce or erase student loan debt during a national emergency. But Republicans argue the administration is misinterpreting the law because, in part, the pandemic no longer qualifies as a national emergency.

Another lawsuit against Biden’s student loan program was filed this week in an Indiana federal court by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a libertarian legal advocacy group that employs a lawyer who says he would be harmed by the forgiveness plan. The lawyer, Frank Garrison, says erasing his current debt load will trigger a tax liability from the state of Indiana, which is among at least a half dozen states where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-minnesota-mississippi-ffe9ed18bf0a434970ab09b1d89800e2">forgiven loan amounts will be subject to state taxes</a>.

The White House dismissed the lawsuit as baseless because any borrower who does not want the debt relief can opt out. The Education Department is still on track to unveil the application for the forgiveness plan in early October.

Republicans have also seized on the Biden plan’s price tag and its impact on the nation’s budget deficit. The Congressional Budget Office said this week that the program will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-congress-government-and-politics-359a28d9691745afd6154eac5f0550dc">cost about $400 billion over the next three decades</a>. The White House countered that the CBO’s estimate of how much the plan will cost just in its first year, $21 billion, is lower than what the administration initially believed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661367707782.png" alt="President Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona during an August 24, announcement on student loan forgiveness. -White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona during an August 24, announcement on student loan forgiveness. -White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Six Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration in an effort to halt its plan to forgive student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans, accusing it of overstepping its executive powers.It’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-lawsuits-executive-branch-88a53926a6583fdb7b8c311206f5357f">at least the second legal challenge this week</a>&nbsp;to the sweeping proposal laid out by President Joe Biden in late August, when he said his administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">would cancel up to $20,000 in education debt</a>&nbsp;for huge numbers of borrowers. The announcement, after months of internal deliberations and pressure from liberal activists, became immediate political fodder ahead of the November midterms while fueling arguments from conservatives about legality.In the lawsuit, being filed Thursday in a federal court in Missouri, the Republican states argue that Biden's cancellation plan is “not remotely tailored to address the effects of the pandemic on federal student loan borrowers,” as required by the 2003 federal law that the administration is using as legal justification. They point out that Biden, in an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes” this month, declared the Covid-19 pandemic over, yet is still using the ongoing health emergency to justify&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-program-explained-d248f3b049c292856bb1c74be6aedef2">the wide-scale debt relief.</a>“It’s patently unfair to saddle hard-working Americans with the loan debt of those who chose to go to college,” Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, who is leading the group, said in an interview.She added: “The Department of Education is required, under the law, to collect the balance due on loans. And President Biden does not have the authority to override that.”The states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Carolina joined Arkansas in filing the lawsuit. Iowa has a Democratic attorney general, but the state's Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, signed on the state's behalf. The states argue that Missouri's loan servicer is facing a “number of ongoing financial harms” because of Biden's decision to cancel loans. Other states that joined the lawsuit argue that Biden's forgiveness plan will ultimately disrupt revenue to state coffers.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-to-get-student-loan-refund-if-you-paid-during-pandemic-ac42ffdca1d37d1fe8d1d63f6faeaa6f">Biden’s forgiveness program</a>&nbsp;will cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-higher-pell-grant-fce8a300f7d7400283891dc223cbc378">Pell Grant recipients</a>, who typically demonstrate more financial need, will get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.The administration also said it would extend the current pause on federal student loan repayments — put on hold near the start of the pandemic more than two years ago — once more through the end of the year.The administration faced threats of legal challenges to its plans almost immediately, with conservative attorneys, Republican lawmakers and business-oriented groups asserting that Biden was overstepping his authority in taking such sweeping action without the assent of Congress.Democratic lawmakers battling in tough reelection contests also distanced themselves from the student loan plan, as Republican officials called it an unfair government giveaway for relatively affluent people at the expense of those who didn’t pursue higher education.In their lawsuit, the Republican attorneys general also contend that the forgiveness program violates the Administrative Procedures Act, which lays out how federal agencies should make regulations in order to ensure executive branch policies are well-reasoned and explained.“The president does not have the authority to put himself in the place of Congress,” Rutledge said in the interview. “These actions must be taken by Congress and he can’t override that.”To justify the plan’s legality, the Biden administration is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-education-0fea030a0875c0e4e1a39b0c098bd48a">relying on a post-Sept. 11, 2001, law</a>&nbsp;meant to help members of the military that the Justice Department says allows Biden to reduce or erase student loan debt during a national emergency. But Republicans argue the administration is misinterpreting the law because, in part, the pandemic no longer qualifies as a national emergency.Another lawsuit against Biden’s student loan program was filed this week in an Indiana federal court by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a libertarian legal advocacy group that employs a lawyer who says he would be harmed by the forgiveness plan. The lawyer, Frank Garrison, says erasing his current debt load will trigger a tax liability from the state of Indiana, which is among at least a half dozen states where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-minnesota-mississippi-ffe9ed18bf0a434970ab09b1d89800e2">forgiven loan amounts will be subject to state taxes</a>.The White House dismissed the lawsuit as baseless because any borrower who does not want the debt relief can opt out. The Education Department is still on track to unveil the application for the forgiveness plan in early October.Republicans have also seized on the Biden plan’s price tag and its impact on the nation’s budget deficit. The Congressional Budget Office said this week that the program will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-congress-government-and-politics-359a28d9691745afd6154eac5f0550dc">cost about $400 billion over the next three decades</a>. The White House countered that the CBO’s estimate of how much the plan will cost just in its first year, $21 billion, is lower than what the administration initially believed.

GOP states sue Biden administration over student loan plan

Ida Forristal passed away on September 17, 2022, at the age of 97. 
She was born on the family farm in Trego County, Kansas, on January 8, 
1925, to Nicholas and Anna (Stadelman) Dreiling. She was the youngest of
 nine children, was raised on the farm, and attended school in WaKeeney.
 She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, where she was 
united in marriage to William L. Forristal on August 12, 1946.

Ida was a devout Catholic all her life. She loved dancing, playing 
golf, cheating at games, laughing with her friends and her caregivers at
 Riverview Estates. Most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren, 
and great-grandchildren. She was a wife for 32 years, a mother for 74 
years, a grandmother for 45 years, and a great-grandmother for eight 
years.

Ida was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; five brothers; and two sisters.

Survivors include brother, Alfred Dreiling of Hays, who will soon be 
102; sons, David of Salina, and George Forristal (Nora) of Highlands 
Ranch, CO; daughters, Vicky Lonergan (Mark) of San Diego, CA, and Mary 
Kay Lindh (Kerry) of Marquette; eight grandchildren; and five 
great-grandchildren.

Her life will be celebrated with a Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in 
Salina on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. followed by 
interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina. 

Memorials in honor of Ida may
 be made to Riverview Estates in Marquette, KS, and sent in care of Ryan
 Mortuary, 137 North Eighth Street, Salina, KS 67401.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664471274876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ida Forristal passed away on September 17, 2022, at the age of 97. 
She was born on the family farm in Trego County, Kansas, on January 8, 
1925, to Nicholas and Anna (Stadelman) Dreiling. She was the youngest of
 nine children, was raised on the farm, and attended school in WaKeeney.
 She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, where she was 
united in marriage to William L. Forristal on August 12, 1946.Ida was a devout Catholic all her life. She loved dancing, playing 
golf, cheating at games, laughing with her friends and her caregivers at
 Riverview Estates. Most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren, 
and great-grandchildren. She was a wife for 32 years, a mother for 74 
years, a grandmother for 45 years, and a great-grandmother for eight 
years.Ida was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; five brothers; and two sisters.Survivors include brother, Alfred Dreiling of Hays, who will soon be 
102; sons, David of Salina, and George Forristal (Nora) of Highlands 
Ranch, CO; daughters, Vicky Lonergan (Mark) of San Diego, CA, and Mary 
Kay Lindh (Kerry) of Marquette; eight grandchildren; and five 
great-grandchildren.Her life will be celebrated with a Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in 
Salina on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. followed by 
interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina. Memorials in honor of Ida may
 be made to Riverview Estates in Marquette, KS, and sent in care of Ryan
 Mortuary, 137 North Eighth Street, Salina, KS 67401.

Ida (Dreiling) Forristal

Lloyd William Littrell was born on August 21, 1948, in Holdrege, 
Nebraska, the son of George and Genevive Smith Littrell. He died Monday,
 September 26, 2022, at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas, at
 the age of 74.

He grew up in California before his family moved back to Nebraska 
and Kansas. He attended Phillipsburg High School, where he graduated in 
1966.

On September 20, 1967, he was united in marriage with Joyce 
McClintock, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage together. 
Four children, Dawn, Jana, Jeremy, and Heath were born to this union.

Lloyd joined the United States Air Force, and served in the 
Vietnam War.&nbsp; They lived in California for a brief time before returning
 to Beloit, where they currently reside.

He worked for the City of Beloit for 34 years, serving as the 
Director of Plant Operations. He also served two terms on the Beloit 
City Council, and was also very active in the Zion Lutheran Church, 
serving on the Church Council for many years. He was a life member of 
the VFW Post #6242, and was also a member of the American Legion.

In his spare time, Lloyd enjoyed doing genealogy, coaching baseball, and being active in the Boy Scouts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Donna Maaske and
 Barbara Russell; brother, Darrell Bohl; parents-in-law, Vernice and 
Peggy McClintock; and a sister-in-law, Linda McClintock.

Lloyd is survived by his wife Joyce of the home; daughters, Dawn 
(Dale) Dolezal of Downs and Jana Fairchild of Lincoln, NE; sons, Jeremy 
(Tamara Brose-Littrell) of Lincoln, NE and Heath (Rhea 
Reitmeyer-Littrell) of Wamego; siblings, Gary (Peggy) of Phillipsburg, 
Dianne Johnson of Hays, and Eddie Bohl of Faucett, MO; brothers and 
sisters-in-law, Ralph Russell of Smith Center, Harry (Joan) McClintock 
of Clay Center, Randy (Paulette) McClintock of Beloit, Karl (Julie) 
McClintock of Lincoln, NE, Debbie (Dean) Walters of Beloit, and Kristi 
(Doug) Cox of Beloit; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and a 
host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 1 at the 
Zion Lutheran Church in Beloit. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with 
family present from 5-6 PM Friday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. 

In
 lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Church or VFW Post 
#6242.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664471151869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lloyd William Littrell was born on August 21, 1948, in Holdrege, 
Nebraska, the son of George and Genevive Smith Littrell. He died Monday,
 September 26, 2022, at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas, at
 the age of 74.He grew up in California before his family moved back to Nebraska 
and Kansas. He attended Phillipsburg High School, where he graduated in 
1966.On September 20, 1967, he was united in marriage with Joyce 
McClintock, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage together. 
Four children, Dawn, Jana, Jeremy, and Heath were born to this union.Lloyd joined the United States Air Force, and served in the 
Vietnam War.&nbsp; They lived in California for a brief time before returning
 to Beloit, where they currently reside.He worked for the City of Beloit for 34 years, serving as the 
Director of Plant Operations. He also served two terms on the Beloit 
City Council, and was also very active in the Zion Lutheran Church, 
serving on the Church Council for many years. He was a life member of 
the VFW Post #6242, and was also a member of the American Legion.In his spare time, Lloyd enjoyed doing genealogy, coaching baseball, and being active in the Boy Scouts.He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Donna Maaske and
 Barbara Russell; brother, Darrell Bohl; parents-in-law, Vernice and 
Peggy McClintock; and a sister-in-law, Linda McClintock.Lloyd is survived by his wife Joyce of the home; daughters, Dawn 
(Dale) Dolezal of Downs and Jana Fairchild of Lincoln, NE; sons, Jeremy 
(Tamara Brose-Littrell) of Lincoln, NE and Heath (Rhea 
Reitmeyer-Littrell) of Wamego; siblings, Gary (Peggy) of Phillipsburg, 
Dianne Johnson of Hays, and Eddie Bohl of Faucett, MO; brothers and 
sisters-in-law, Ralph Russell of Smith Center, Harry (Joan) McClintock 
of Clay Center, Randy (Paulette) McClintock of Beloit, Karl (Julie) 
McClintock of Lincoln, NE, Debbie (Dean) Walters of Beloit, and Kristi 
(Doug) Cox of Beloit; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and a 
host of nieces, nephews, and friends.Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 1 at the 
Zion Lutheran Church in Beloit. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with 
family present from 5-6 PM Friday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. In
 lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Church or VFW Post 
#6242.

Lloyd William Littrell 

LaDonna Jean Dirks, 84, departed from her earthly adventure to enter 
her heavenly home on September 28, 2022, at Wesley Medical Center, 
Wichita, Kan. She was born on May 17, 1938, at Dodge City, Kan., to 
Louis &amp; Elma (Deines) Dirks.

LaDonna grew up on a farm south of Dodge City and had many fond 
memories of 4-H and life on the farm. A lifelong learner and educator, 
LaDonna attended school in rural Richland Valley Elementary school, 
Dodge City Jr. and Senior High Schools, Texas Lutheran University in 
Sequin, Texas, where she earned her BA in 1960, and later received her 
master’s in education from Kansas State University in 1986. She spent 
most of her teaching career at Dodge City elementary schools. LaDonna 
retired from teaching and moved to Great Bend where she worked as an 
assistant at Rosewood Services until retirement. LaDonna loved children 
and cared for several children that consider her their "adopted 
grandmother."

LaDonna was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, was involved in 
women’s associations with the church, and served on various committees.

Survivors include many beloved family members. She is preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Ruth (Virgil) Shank.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022,
 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Great Bend, Kan., with Pastor Adam Wutka 
and Pastor Chris Deines presiding. Inurnment will take place at 2:00 
p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Christ the King Cemetery, Dodge 
City, Kan. 

Memorials can be made to Oaks Indian Center or the LaDonna 
Dirks Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664471077430.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LaDonna Jean Dirks, 84, departed from her earthly adventure to enter 
her heavenly home on September 28, 2022, at Wesley Medical Center, 
Wichita, Kan. She was born on May 17, 1938, at Dodge City, Kan., to 
Louis &amp; Elma (Deines) Dirks.LaDonna grew up on a farm south of Dodge City and had many fond 
memories of 4-H and life on the farm. A lifelong learner and educator, 
LaDonna attended school in rural Richland Valley Elementary school, 
Dodge City Jr. and Senior High Schools, Texas Lutheran University in 
Sequin, Texas, where she earned her BA in 1960, and later received her 
master’s in education from Kansas State University in 1986. She spent 
most of her teaching career at Dodge City elementary schools. LaDonna 
retired from teaching and moved to Great Bend where she worked as an 
assistant at Rosewood Services until retirement. LaDonna loved children 
and cared for several children that consider her their "adopted 
grandmother."LaDonna was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, was involved in 
women’s associations with the church, and served on various committees.Survivors include many beloved family members. She is preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Ruth (Virgil) Shank.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A 
celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022,
 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Great Bend, Kan., with Pastor Adam Wutka 
and Pastor Chris Deines presiding. Inurnment will take place at 2:00 
p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Christ the King Cemetery, Dodge 
City, Kan. Memorials can be made to Oaks Indian Center or the LaDonna 
Dirks Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

LaDonna Jean Dirks

Pat Criss, of Colby, Thomas County, Kansas, passed from this life at her
 home on September 23, 2022, at the age of 85. Pat was born at Goodland,
 Kansas, to Alfred H. “Cotton” Stover and Fontella Mae (Perry) Stover on
 November 8, 1936, as Helen Patricia Stover. A few years later, Pat was 
joined by her sister, Kayla Sue Hawk Plume (d.2000). 
Pat grew up on the Stover family farm north of Winona, Kansas, and 
attended Winona High School in Winona. After graduation, she attended 
Kansas State University where she studied accounting, graduating cum 
laude with her Bachelors’ Degree in 1956. While at K-State she met and 
fell for her husband, B. Eugene Criss, whom she married in 1956. To this
 marriage, Pat and Gene welcomed a daughter, Nancy Lynne, and a son, 
Terry Dwayne. 
Pat and Gene worked together in Gene’s accounting practice in Colby and 
continued to do so after Gene sold the practice to Kennedy &amp; Coe, 
CPAs. Together they enjoyed weekends with friends at Lake Swanson, near 
Trenton, Nebraska, golf, bowling, travelling and Kansas State sports. 
They had a vacation home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado for many years. 
They were married for 54 years, until Gene’s death in 2010. 
Pat enjoyed golf and travelled around northwest Kansas playing in local 
tournaments with her friends. She played piano for many years. But 
undoubtedly, her most passionate interest was bridge. She was an intense
 player and competed for several years in tournaments throughout a 
multi-state region, eventually attaining status as a Gold Life Master in
 the American Contract Bridge Association. Pat was also active in 
community affairs and was an avid supporter of the Pickin’ on the Plains
 Bluegrass Festival, Prairie Museum of Art and History, and Colby 
Community College among others. Always a Wildcat, Pat generously 
contributed to scholarship funds at Kansas State University. She was a 
member of Pi Gamma Sorority and Colby Women’s League. 
Pat survived bouts with cancer in 1981 and 1998 before finally 
succumbing. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Selinger (Doug) of 
Colorado Springs, Colorado, and their children Gregory, of Denver, and 
Christina, of Fort Collins, Colorado and her son, Terry (Patty) of Kemp,
 Texas and his children Marie, of St. Charles, Missouri and Blaine, of 
The Colony, Texas. 
Services will be held at the Colby United Methodist Church on October 7,
 2022, at 10:00 am, followed by a lunch at The Gathering Place.

In lieu 
of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass
 Festival or to the Prairie Museum of Art and History and sent in care 
of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. 

For information or 
condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com. The many visits, prayers and 
kind thoughts for Pat over the last two months have been sincerely 
appreciated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664470937525.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pat Criss, of Colby, Thomas County, Kansas, passed from this life at her
 home on September 23, 2022, at the age of 85. Pat was born at Goodland,
 Kansas, to Alfred H. “Cotton” Stover and Fontella Mae (Perry) Stover on
 November 8, 1936, as Helen Patricia Stover. A few years later, Pat was 
joined by her sister, Kayla Sue Hawk Plume (d.2000). 
Pat grew up on the Stover family farm north of Winona, Kansas, and 
attended Winona High School in Winona. After graduation, she attended 
Kansas State University where she studied accounting, graduating cum 
laude with her Bachelors’ Degree in 1956. While at K-State she met and 
fell for her husband, B. Eugene Criss, whom she married in 1956. To this
 marriage, Pat and Gene welcomed a daughter, Nancy Lynne, and a son, 
Terry Dwayne. 
Pat and Gene worked together in Gene’s accounting practice in Colby and 
continued to do so after Gene sold the practice to Kennedy &amp; Coe, 
CPAs. Together they enjoyed weekends with friends at Lake Swanson, near 
Trenton, Nebraska, golf, bowling, travelling and Kansas State sports. 
They had a vacation home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado for many years. 
They were married for 54 years, until Gene’s death in 2010. 
Pat enjoyed golf and travelled around northwest Kansas playing in local 
tournaments with her friends. She played piano for many years. But 
undoubtedly, her most passionate interest was bridge. She was an intense
 player and competed for several years in tournaments throughout a 
multi-state region, eventually attaining status as a Gold Life Master in
 the American Contract Bridge Association. Pat was also active in 
community affairs and was an avid supporter of the Pickin’ on the Plains
 Bluegrass Festival, Prairie Museum of Art and History, and Colby 
Community College among others. Always a Wildcat, Pat generously 
contributed to scholarship funds at Kansas State University. She was a 
member of Pi Gamma Sorority and Colby Women’s League. 
Pat survived bouts with cancer in 1981 and 1998 before finally 
succumbing. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Selinger (Doug) of 
Colorado Springs, Colorado, and their children Gregory, of Denver, and 
Christina, of Fort Collins, Colorado and her son, Terry (Patty) of Kemp,
 Texas and his children Marie, of St. Charles, Missouri and Blaine, of 
The Colony, Texas. 
Services will be held at the Colby United Methodist Church on October 7,
 2022, at 10:00 am, followed by a lunch at The Gathering Place. In lieu 
of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass
 Festival or to the Prairie Museum of Art and History and sent in care 
of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or 
condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com. The many visits, prayers and 
kind thoughts for Pat over the last two months have been sincerely 
appreciated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Pat Criss

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-09-28/kansas-gets-ready-to-send-tax-dollars-to-small-businesses-hurt-by-pandemic-orders">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE —&nbsp;Tish Cobb figures she lost about $15,000 in
 the spring of 2020 when state and local health orders aimed at slowing 
the spread of the coronavirus shut down her hair salon.

“I lost business,” she said, “for eight weeks.”

Subsequent orders that limited the number of customers she could serve also cost her money.

Now, she and other small business owners can recoup some of their COVID-19 pandemic losses through a program established by the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2136_2022" target="_blank">Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act </a>passed in the final days of the Kansas Legislature’s 2022 session and signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly in June.

The
 law earmarks $50 million in federal COVID tax dollars for partial 
property tax refunds to retail businesses forced to close or cut 
occupancy during the pandemic. Businesses with pandemic-related losses 
in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for up to $10,000 – $5,000 for each year.

The <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20Retail%20Storefront%20Property%20Tax%20Relief%20Act&amp;text=House%20Bill%202136%2C%20enacted%20during,tax%20years%202020%20and%202021." target="_blank">Kansas Department of Revenue</a> will start processing refund applications in October.

Revenue
 Secretary Mark Burghart said the agency is putting the finishing 
touches on a one-page application that business owners will complete 
online.

“We’re trying to keep this as simple as possible,” Burghart said.

A date hasn’t been set for the start of applications, he said, because the agency is still testing is website.

Only
 certain brick-and-mortar businesses are eligible for the refunds. 
Cobb’s salon, located in downtown Lawrence, qualifies. So do restaurants
 and other types of small retailers.

But the law excludes a long 
list of businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores 
and service providers. Nonprofits, online businesses and companies that 
received more than $150,000 in Payroll Protection Loans or other types 
of federal and state COVID-19 assistance are also ineligible.

“That’s
 the way it should be,” Cobb said. “It was hard hearing about big 
companies getting bailouts when I don’t think they were impacted like we
 were.”

Refund amounts will be based on a businesses’ property taxes and the number of days it was affected by public health orders.

To
 assist businesses owners who may have incomplete records, the 
Department of Revenue has created a database of all the orders issued by
 the state and local governments during the pandemic. It will be linked 
to the online application form.

Business owners intending to apply for a refund from the state must first <a href="https://usfcr.com/" target="_blank">register online</a>
 for a federal ID number. Due to a backlog, Burghart said, that could 
take some time. So, he’s encouraging businesses to start the process 
before the state begins accepting refund applications.

“Because,” he said, “we will not be able to accept the application without that number.”

Kansas businesses have until April 15, 2023 to apply for assistance.

Jim McLean is the Statehouse Bureau Chief for Kansas Public Radio and
 the senior political reporter for the Kansas News Service. Follow him 
on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664401520936.png" alt="Tish Cobb hopes to recover some of the $15,000 she thinks she lost because of business restrictions during the pandemic. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Tish Cobb hopes to recover some of the $15,000 she thinks she lost because of business restrictions during the pandemic. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-09-28/kansas-gets-ready-to-send-tax-dollars-to-small-businesses-hurt-by-pandemic-orders">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE —&nbsp;Tish Cobb figures she lost about $15,000 in
 the spring of 2020 when state and local health orders aimed at slowing 
the spread of the coronavirus shut down her hair salon.“I lost business,” she said, “for eight weeks.”Subsequent orders that limited the number of customers she could serve also cost her money.Now, she and other small business owners can recoup some of their COVID-19 pandemic losses through a program established by the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2136_2022" target="_blank">Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act </a>passed in the final days of the Kansas Legislature’s 2022 session and signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly in June.The
 law earmarks $50 million in federal COVID tax dollars for partial 
property tax refunds to retail businesses forced to close or cut 
occupancy during the pandemic. Businesses with pandemic-related losses 
in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for up to $10,000 – $5,000 for each year.The <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20Retail%20Storefront%20Property%20Tax%20Relief%20Act&amp;text=House%20Bill%202136%2C%20enacted%20during,tax%20years%202020%20and%202021." target="_blank">Kansas Department of Revenue</a> will start processing refund applications in October.Revenue
 Secretary Mark Burghart said the agency is putting the finishing 
touches on a one-page application that business owners will complete 
online.“We’re trying to keep this as simple as possible,” Burghart said.A date hasn’t been set for the start of applications, he said, because the agency is still testing is website.Only
 certain brick-and-mortar businesses are eligible for the refunds. 
Cobb’s salon, located in downtown Lawrence, qualifies. So do restaurants
 and other types of small retailers.But the law excludes a long 
list of businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores 
and service providers. Nonprofits, online businesses and companies that 
received more than $150,000 in Payroll Protection Loans or other types 
of federal and state COVID-19 assistance are also ineligible.“That’s
 the way it should be,” Cobb said. “It was hard hearing about big 
companies getting bailouts when I don’t think they were impacted like we
 were.”Refund amounts will be based on a businesses’ property taxes and the number of days it was affected by public health orders.To
 assist businesses owners who may have incomplete records, the 
Department of Revenue has created a database of all the orders issued by
 the state and local governments during the pandemic. It will be linked 
to the online application form.Business owners intending to apply for a refund from the state must first <a href="https://usfcr.com/" target="_blank">register online</a>
 for a federal ID number. Due to a backlog, Burghart said, that could 
take some time. So, he’s encouraging businesses to start the process 
before the state begins accepting refund applications.“Because,” he said, “we will not be able to accept the application without that number.”Kansas businesses have until April 15, 2023 to apply for assistance.Jim McLean is the Statehouse Bureau Chief for Kansas Public Radio and
 the senior political reporter for the Kansas News Service. Follow him 
on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a>.