Judy Ann Weigel, age 80, died July 26, 2022, at The Arbors at Waldron 
Place Memory Care Assisted Living in Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; She was born 
February 17, 1942, in Munjor, KS, to Felix and Elizabeth (Herrman) 
Schumacher.&nbsp; Everyone who knew Judy, knows she was a “social butterfly” 
and her greatest talent was her “gift of gab."&nbsp; This earned her the 
nickname of the Munjor Lilly early in life.

Judy had a passion for music she inherited from her father at an 
early age.&nbsp; During High School, she would often travel with her father on
 the weekends playing her saxophone while he played the accordion in the
 Hermanettes polka band for anniversaries and weddings all over Kansas.&nbsp;

Judy graduated from Hays High School in 1960, where she was crowned 
homecoming queen.&nbsp; While still in high school, she worked at her uncle’s
 beauty salon after school, helping wash client’s hair.&nbsp; It was there 
Judy became interested in being a Cosmetologist.&nbsp; After high school she 
attended Sidney’s Hairdressing Academy in Hutchinson, KS while living 
with her sister Alma and her family.&nbsp; Judy absolutely loved all 
children.&nbsp; Her nephews often share stories about waiting at the front 
door for Judy to get out of school so she could rescue them from the 
house for a bit as she walked them to Peter Pan for ice cream cones.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While working for another uncle at his local ice cream parlor in 
Hays, KS, Judy met the love of her life Darrell, as he chased her around
 the ice cream cabinet one day when he delivered milk and ice cream from
 the LK Dairy.&nbsp; They married April 29, 1961, and shared almost 40 years 
of marriage prior to his death April 17, 2001.&nbsp; As Darrell climbed the 
corporate ladder with Dillon’s Food Stores, they moved across Kansas and 
Arkansas, sometimes transferring within weeks or months after the last 
move.&nbsp; Judy’s social nature was a godsend during these times as she 
worked to help Darrell and their three girls adjust to the constant 
moves. She quickly found work either at local salons or opening her own 
salon in their home.&nbsp; Once Darrell got assigned to the Dillon Offices as
 a Meat Market supervisor, Judy retired for a few years before 
purchasing Faircrest Beauty Salon in 1980 the year their oldest daughter
 graduated from High School.&nbsp; She continued to manage and work as a 
stylist at the salon until 1994 after her and Darrell paid the last 
college bill for their girls.&nbsp; Judy often said, besides raising her 
three daughters her greatest accomplishment and gift to the girls was 
their college education.

Judy had numerous hobbies and interests.&nbsp; Her greatest joy was 
traveling all over Kansas to attend as many of her grandchildren’s 
sporting events as she possibly could.&nbsp; She also enjoyed playing golf, 
bridge, and going to the casinos.&nbsp; Judy was known as a “wicked” card 
player.&nbsp; She enjoyed following politics and everything going on in her 
country.&nbsp; After her husband, Darrell died, Judy volunteered selling 
tickets at all the Trinity High School Basketball games, where she was 
known as “Grandma Judy” by all the Junior and High School students and 
staff.&nbsp; She was a member of Church of the Holy Cross (where she served 
as a Eucharistic Minister and Rosary Leader) and St. Teresa Catholic 
Church.&nbsp; She absolutely cherished all of her thirteen grandchildren, 
twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.&nbsp; She often 
thanked her girls for bringing such amazing son-in-laws into the family.

Judy is survived by:&nbsp; children, Sandra Pangburn (Steven) of 
Hutchinson; Stacey Cahn (Robert) of Derby; Suzanne Schowalter (Travis) 
of Overland Park; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 
great-great-grandchild.

She was proceeded in death by: her husband, Darrell; her parents; 
infant brother, Harry Schumacher; sister, Alma Aich; brother, LeRoy 
Schumacher; and a nephew, Ricky Schumacher.

Parish Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022, with
 Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m., both at Church of the
 Holy Cross, Hutchinson, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. The 
Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed on the Holy Cross 
Catholic Hutchinson YouTube page. &nbsp;Private entombment will follow at the
 Fairlawn Mausoleum, Hutchinson, for immediate family only.&nbsp; Friends may
 call from 9 to 8 Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to The Church of the Holy Cross, Hospice and 
HomeCare of Reno County, or Arbors Memory Care Assisted Living, in care 
of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658868241787.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Judy Ann Weigel, age 80, died July 26, 2022, at The Arbors at Waldron 
Place Memory Care Assisted Living in Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; She was born 
February 17, 1942, in Munjor, KS, to Felix and Elizabeth (Herrman) 
Schumacher.&nbsp; Everyone who knew Judy, knows she was a “social butterfly” 
and her greatest talent was her “gift of gab."&nbsp; This earned her the 
nickname of the Munjor Lilly early in life.Judy had a passion for music she inherited from her father at an 
early age.&nbsp; During High School, she would often travel with her father on
 the weekends playing her saxophone while he played the accordion in the
 Hermanettes polka band for anniversaries and weddings all over Kansas.&nbsp;Judy graduated from Hays High School in 1960, where she was crowned 
homecoming queen.&nbsp; While still in high school, she worked at her uncle’s
 beauty salon after school, helping wash client’s hair.&nbsp; It was there 
Judy became interested in being a Cosmetologist.&nbsp; After high school she 
attended Sidney’s Hairdressing Academy in Hutchinson, KS while living 
with her sister Alma and her family.&nbsp; Judy absolutely loved all 
children.&nbsp; Her nephews often share stories about waiting at the front 
door for Judy to get out of school so she could rescue them from the 
house for a bit as she walked them to Peter Pan for ice cream cones.&nbsp;&nbsp;While working for another uncle at his local ice cream parlor in 
Hays, KS, Judy met the love of her life Darrell, as he chased her around
 the ice cream cabinet one day when he delivered milk and ice cream from
 the LK Dairy.&nbsp; They married April 29, 1961, and shared almost 40 years 
of marriage prior to his death April 17, 2001.&nbsp; As Darrell climbed the 
corporate ladder with Dillon’s Food Stores, they moved across Kansas and 
Arkansas, sometimes transferring within weeks or months after the last 
move.&nbsp; Judy’s social nature was a godsend during these times as she 
worked to help Darrell and their three girls adjust to the constant 
moves. She quickly found work either at local salons or opening her own 
salon in their home.&nbsp; Once Darrell got assigned to the Dillon Offices as
 a Meat Market supervisor, Judy retired for a few years before 
purchasing Faircrest Beauty Salon in 1980 the year their oldest daughter
 graduated from High School.&nbsp; She continued to manage and work as a 
stylist at the salon until 1994 after her and Darrell paid the last 
college bill for their girls.&nbsp; Judy often said, besides raising her 
three daughters her greatest accomplishment and gift to the girls was 
their college education.Judy had numerous hobbies and interests.&nbsp; Her greatest joy was 
traveling all over Kansas to attend as many of her grandchildren’s 
sporting events as she possibly could.&nbsp; She also enjoyed playing golf, 
bridge, and going to the casinos.&nbsp; Judy was known as a “wicked” card 
player.&nbsp; She enjoyed following politics and everything going on in her 
country.&nbsp; After her husband, Darrell died, Judy volunteered selling 
tickets at all the Trinity High School Basketball games, where she was 
known as “Grandma Judy” by all the Junior and High School students and 
staff.&nbsp; She was a member of Church of the Holy Cross (where she served 
as a Eucharistic Minister and Rosary Leader) and St. Teresa Catholic 
Church.&nbsp; She absolutely cherished all of her thirteen grandchildren, 
twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.&nbsp; She often 
thanked her girls for bringing such amazing son-in-laws into the family.Judy is survived by:&nbsp; children, Sandra Pangburn (Steven) of 
Hutchinson; Stacey Cahn (Robert) of Derby; Suzanne Schowalter (Travis) 
of Overland Park; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 
great-great-grandchild.She was proceeded in death by: her husband, Darrell; her parents; 
infant brother, Harry Schumacher; sister, Alma Aich; brother, LeRoy 
Schumacher; and a nephew, Ricky Schumacher.Parish Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022, with
 Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m., both at Church of the
 Holy Cross, Hutchinson, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. The 
Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed on the Holy Cross 
Catholic Hutchinson YouTube page. &nbsp;Private entombment will follow at the
 Fairlawn Mausoleum, Hutchinson, for immediate family only.&nbsp; Friends may
 call from 9 to 8 Friday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials may be made to The Church of the Holy Cross, Hospice and 
HomeCare of Reno County, or Arbors Memory Care Assisted Living, in care 
of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Judy Ann Weigel

Ronald Lewis Estes went home to be with his Lord on March 18, 2020, 
at the age of 85, following complications from a stroke. He was preceded
 in death by his wife of 55 years, Rowena Sue (Hodge) Estes (1939-2015) 
and son Michael Edward Estes (1971-2014). He is survived by siblings 
Hazel Estes of Kanorado, KS, Stan (Bev) Estes of Scandia, KS, Arlene (d.
 Tom) Stephenson of Cross Plains, TX, Bryan (d. Kitty) of Jacksonville, 
FL, sons Larry (Julie) Estes of Carlisle, PA, Tim (Lori) Estes of Castle
 Rock, CO, and his “favorite daughter”, Terri (Chris) Brady of Cary, NC 
as well as 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces 
and nephews.

Ron, “Ronnie,” “Dad”, “Pop Pop,” was the first-born to his parents, 
Raymond Estes (1902-1987) originally of Gallatin, MO and C. Fern Estes, 
originally of Modoc, KS (1916-2016) in their home in the rural outskirts
 of Tribune, KS, of Greeley County. In 1941, the family moved to the 
farm, “Peaceful Valley,” off exit 1 of I-70 in Kanorado, KS, which 
remained in the family until his mother’s death in 2016.

His brilliance was often hidden by his quiet demeanor, but the mental
 giant would sometimes let his intelligence be shown. After beginning in
 a rural one-room-schoolhouse in the early 1940’s, he was promoted from 
3rd to 5th grade in 1944, skipping 4th grade altogether. In 1952, he 
graduated from Kanorado (KS) High School, where he had football, 
basketball and baseball experience, though he often touted that he 
weighed 98 pounds soaking wet at the time. The first college graduate in
 his family lineage, he began at Ft. Hays State University in fall of 
1952, and graduated from Kansas State University in May of 1957 with a 
degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to obtain his Professional 
Engineering License in Pennsylvania in 1969 and in Colorado in 1993, and
 then a Master Electrician Certification in Colorado in 1994.

After college, he immediately began his engineering career at 
Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) in Crystal City, MO, but was sidetracked by
 being drafted into the US Army, in December of 1957. His two-year Army 
service began in Camp Carson, Colorado Springs, CO, but quickly moved to
 Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, where he was assigned a cute 
civilian secretary, Rowena Sue Hodge (of Talladega, AL), who feigned 
“car problems,” to get his attention one day after work. Sue and Ron 
were married April 3, 1960, shortly after Ron was reinstated as an 
electrical engineer in the management path at PPG back in Crystal City, 
MO.&nbsp; From Crystal City, MO to Pittsburgh, PA to Carlisle, PA, Ron 
transferred with PPG, picking up several patents in glass-making along 
the way. Retiring from PPG in 1990, with a now empty Pennsylvania nest, 
Ron and Sue moved back west to their dream area of Ft. Collins, CO, 
where Ron started his own company called EWorks and did contract 
Professional Engineering work in the area, including work for Merit 
Electric. After his bride’s death in 2015, Ron relocated to Aurora, CO 
and in 2019, Castle Rock, CO.

As a father, he will be remembered as a devoted Moreland Elementary 
School PTA President, a dedicated Teener League baseball coach for his 
boys and an active Boy Scouts of America Scout Master in Carlisle, PA – 
including receiving the prestigious BSA Silver Beaver award for his 
service. He claimed he gave all of his musical ability to his children 
and is why he had none left, but he was a continual support for their 
music activities, including a stint as president of the Carlisle High 
School Band Boosters.

It was never clear whether he really preferred burned cookies, extra 
brown bananas or overdone meat, but he always selflessly took the less 
desirable, never wasting and always grateful to the chef. Common 
courtesy was important to him, and he would never leave a grocery cart 
in a parking lot, causing work or harm for someone else – a metaphor for
 his life.&nbsp; He will be remembered for quotes like, “Do your best; angels
 can do no more;” “You wouldn’t care what people thought of you if you 
realized how rarely they do;” “People don’t care how much you know till 
they know how much you care;” And “Let’s go to bed, so these nice people
 can go home,” (how he seemed to quickly bring his wife’s social events 
at home to an end.) His attitude was always positive, and when asked how
 he was, he would cheerily reply, “Upright and taking nourishment!”

Faith was an important part of his life, as he led in such a way as 
to, “Preach Christ; and if you must, use words.” He was actively 
involved in Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, PA; Bible Study 
Fellowship and First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Collins, CO; and Eagle 
Bend Church in Aurora, CO. Ron was a regular blood donor for decades, 
and as a result is likely responsible for the saving of many lives.

The “Ol’ Farmer” – as he often referred to himself, despite his 
degrees and titles –&nbsp;could leave his Kansas childhood farm, but the farm
 could never leave him. He often commented on the height of the corn or 
the space between rows of beans when driving across the country. Sunsets
 were his favorite. In his final days on this earth, he gave 
instructions regarding the planting of a garden that spring – a reminder
 that life does go on.

A Celebration of Life Service for Ron will be held on July 1, 2022, at
 2:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.&nbsp; Those who are 
unable to attend can watch on Facebook Live, by following the 
Koons-Russell Funeral Home page on Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Second Presbyterian Church 
in Carlisle, PA, donating blood or having a blood drive in his memory at
 your local Red Cross or Vitalant location.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655919784766.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald Lewis Estes went home to be with his Lord on March 18, 2020, 
at the age of 85, following complications from a stroke. He was preceded
 in death by his wife of 55 years, Rowena Sue (Hodge) Estes (1939-2015) 
and son Michael Edward Estes (1971-2014). He is survived by siblings 
Hazel Estes of Kanorado, KS, Stan (Bev) Estes of Scandia, KS, Arlene (d.
 Tom) Stephenson of Cross Plains, TX, Bryan (d. Kitty) of Jacksonville, 
FL, sons Larry (Julie) Estes of Carlisle, PA, Tim (Lori) Estes of Castle
 Rock, CO, and his “favorite daughter”, Terri (Chris) Brady of Cary, NC 
as well as 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces 
and nephews.Ron, “Ronnie,” “Dad”, “Pop Pop,” was the first-born to his parents, 
Raymond Estes (1902-1987) originally of Gallatin, MO and C. Fern Estes, 
originally of Modoc, KS (1916-2016) in their home in the rural outskirts
 of Tribune, KS, of Greeley County. In 1941, the family moved to the 
farm, “Peaceful Valley,” off exit 1 of I-70 in Kanorado, KS, which 
remained in the family until his mother’s death in 2016.SchoolHis brilliance was often hidden by his quiet demeanor, but the mental
 giant would sometimes let his intelligence be shown. After beginning in
 a rural one-room-schoolhouse in the early 1940’s, he was promoted from 
3rd to 5th grade in 1944, skipping 4th grade altogether. In 1952, he 
graduated from Kanorado (KS) High School, where he had football, 
basketball and baseball experience, though he often touted that he 
weighed 98 pounds soaking wet at the time. The first college graduate in
 his family lineage, he began at Ft. Hays State University in fall of 
1952, and graduated from Kansas State University in May of 1957 with a 
degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to obtain his Professional 
Engineering License in Pennsylvania in 1969 and in Colorado in 1993, and
 then a Master Electrician Certification in Colorado in 1994.Career and marriageAfter college, he immediately began his engineering career at 
Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) in Crystal City, MO, but was sidetracked by
 being drafted into the US Army, in December of 1957. His two-year Army 
service began in Camp Carson, Colorado Springs, CO, but quickly moved to
 Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, where he was assigned a cute 
civilian secretary, Rowena Sue Hodge (of Talladega, AL), who feigned 
“car problems,” to get his attention one day after work. Sue and Ron 
were married April 3, 1960, shortly after Ron was reinstated as an 
electrical engineer in the management path at PPG back in Crystal City, 
MO.&nbsp; From Crystal City, MO to Pittsburgh, PA to Carlisle, PA, Ron 
transferred with PPG, picking up several patents in glass-making along 
the way. Retiring from PPG in 1990, with a now empty Pennsylvania nest, 
Ron and Sue moved back west to their dream area of Ft. Collins, CO, 
where Ron started his own company called EWorks and did contract 
Professional Engineering work in the area, including work for Merit 
Electric. After his bride’s death in 2015, Ron relocated to Aurora, CO 
and in 2019, Castle Rock, CO.PersonalAs a father, he will be remembered as a devoted Moreland Elementary 
School PTA President, a dedicated Teener League baseball coach for his 
boys and an active Boy Scouts of America Scout Master in Carlisle, PA – 
including receiving the prestigious BSA Silver Beaver award for his 
service. He claimed he gave all of his musical ability to his children 
and is why he had none left, but he was a continual support for their 
music activities, including a stint as president of the Carlisle High 
School Band Boosters.It was never clear whether he really preferred burned cookies, extra 
brown bananas or overdone meat, but he always selflessly took the less 
desirable, never wasting and always grateful to the chef. Common 
courtesy was important to him, and he would never leave a grocery cart 
in a parking lot, causing work or harm for someone else – a metaphor for
 his life.&nbsp; He will be remembered for quotes like, “Do your best; angels
 can do no more;” “You wouldn’t care what people thought of you if you 
realized how rarely they do;” “People don’t care how much you know till 
they know how much you care;” And “Let’s go to bed, so these nice people
 can go home,” (how he seemed to quickly bring his wife’s social events 
at home to an end.) His attitude was always positive, and when asked how
 he was, he would cheerily reply, “Upright and taking nourishment!”Church and philanthropyFaith was an important part of his life, as he led in such a way as 
to, “Preach Christ; and if you must, use words.” He was actively 
involved in Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle, PA; Bible Study 
Fellowship and First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Collins, CO; and Eagle 
Bend Church in Aurora, CO. Ron was a regular blood donor for decades, 
and as a result is likely responsible for the saving of many lives.The “Ol’ Farmer” – as he often referred to himself, despite his 
degrees and titles –&nbsp;could leave his Kansas childhood farm, but the farm
 could never leave him. He often commented on the height of the corn or 
the space between rows of beans when driving across the country. Sunsets
 were his favorite. In his final days on this earth, he gave 
instructions regarding the planting of a garden that spring – a reminder
 that life does go on.A Celebration of Life Service for Ron will be held on July 1, 2022, at
 2:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.&nbsp; Those who are 
unable to attend can watch on Facebook Live, by following the 
Koons-Russell Funeral Home page on Facebook.In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Second Presbyterian Church 
in Carlisle, PA, donating blood or having a blood drive in his memory at
 your local Red Cross or Vitalant location.

Ronald Lewis Estes

Kenneth Dean “Kenny” Schwindt – LEOTI, KS – The man. The myth. The legend.&nbsp;

Ken
 died on May 11, 2022, at the age of 81 ½ years. Born October 22, 1940, 
in Scott City, KS to Clifford Leslie Schwindt and Lillie May Smith, he 
loved flying, telling jokes (and he remembered EVERY joke he ever 
heard!), hosting Rocky Mountain oyster fries, raising hogs, figuring out
 puzzles and brain stumpers and Dr. Pepper. Not necessarily in that 
order.&nbsp; He hated hypocrites, snakes, and a job poorly done. Not 
necessarily in that order.&nbsp; 

Ken
 was great at, well, just about everything. He was a master craftsman 
who single-handedly built a tilt trailer in high school shop class long 
before this type of trailer was even on anyone’s radar. A skilled and 
self-taught mechanic, he could make any motor purr once again, 
regardless of why it now didn’t run and not charge an arm and a leg or 
the first-born child. But make no mistake, Ken loved kids. Teaching was 
truly his gift and he made a game out of learning. He probably taught 
hundreds of little ones how to tie their shoelaces over the years.&nbsp; 
Actually, you learned from Ken whether you wanted to or not. A seasoned 
carpenter, Ken turned the shattered remnants of a tornado-hit singlewide
 into he and wife Sue’s first family home. &nbsp;He was great at farming, 
growing a garden, making everyone feel welcome, and figuring out an 
easier way to get a job done. He made things work FOR him including 
things like weather and gravity. He figured out how to harness leverage –
 accomplishing an amazing amount of work by himself. When it came to 
grilling Rocky Mountain oysters, he cornered the market in western 
Kansas. He loved hosting this event (much to his wife’s chagrin who was 
often left with the kitchen to clean up). 

Ken
 loved to tell stories (most of them true) but was especially good at 
telling jokes and he was good at it…really, REALLY good at it…a perfect 
delivery every…single….time! 

What
 Ken loved most was flying (second of course to his wife and family).&nbsp; 
During his flight exam, the Captain, so impressed with Ken’s knowledge 
and judgment, offered him a pilot’s job with Continental Airlines simply
 because Ken refused the final taxi until the Captain had closed and 
locked his window.&nbsp; According to the Captain, most guys failed right 
there! But Ken declined, choosing instead to remain on the family farm 
in northeastern Wichita County where he’d invested so much of himself 
over the years. This love of flying was never far from his heart 
however. Not long after, he signed on as a private pilot chauffeuring 
his favorite Uncle Hallie about as he built the High Plains Feedlot 
north of Leoti. But that wasn’t the end of his flying years. Ken knew no
 fear and was ecstatic when asked to join in the Weather Mod cloud 
seeding project.&nbsp; Each time the storm clouds appears, he’d wait 
anxiously for that phone call asking him to load up and fly on the 
leading edge of the thunderstorm to encourage rain and dissipate hail. 
When asked if it was dangerous, he would smile and say, “No, the guys on
 the ground have our back” but then offered no explanation of the hail 
dents on the plane??!! Hmmm, perhaps a little too close to the action?? 
He’d never tell.

Ken’s
 energy knew no bounds, even at an early age. He attended elementary 
school at&nbsp;Pleasant Valley (where the old schoolhouse still stands), 
Lydia and R.B. Stewart. His day started at 4:30 am milking&nbsp;30 plus&nbsp;dairy
 cows, then he’d drive his sister and brother to country school, and 
finally head to town to start his own day at school. Ken was so 
dedicated to the success of the family farm that he literally “raised 
and sold the bacon” to help generate extra income to sustain the family 
farm. But what was learned on the farm didn’t always stay on the farm. 
Ken had an incredible memory and would often take all he’d learned and 
parlay into various small businesses and side gigs. 

Jack of All Trades….Master of Darned Near Every Single One of Them too!

The
 list of all Ken did is impressive: he farmed, ranched, drove truck and 
custom harvested, and ran a trenching and excavating business laying 
miles and miles of water line in the remote Kansas wilderness. He 
mastered butchering and sausage-making long before it was the new 
homesteading-prepper trend. Self-taught master plumber, electrician, 
carpenter and mechanic, he’d even diagnose problems over the phone!&nbsp; He 
made the best popcorn and potato donuts this side of outer space. 
Seriously, what couldn’t he do? Well, he couldn’t stay single and in 
1964 Linda Sue Burkart nabbed him or maybe….just maybe…he talked her 
into marriage? After all, Ken could indeed “sell ice to an Eskimo.” 

But
 the favored story begins like this: Ken was a Sunday School teacher and
 a youth group sponsor at the Assembly of God church where the entire 
family was baptized together. Ken believed God was responsible for an 
encounter he had with a rattlesnake (one of literally hundreds he’s 
slain over his lifetime) while farming in the Lamar, CO area. The area 
was full of abandoned cisterns and rattlesnakes and at least 30 minutes 
from civilization. The rattlesnakes were so bad that it wasn’t even safe
 to walk from the pickup to the tractor. The safest entrance in and out 
of the tractor was crawling through an open window from the bed of the 
pickup, feet never touching the ground. Early one fall morning, Ken 
drove up to the tractor, decided to open the pickup door, and get out, 
thinking the cool, brisk morning had surely stalled the slithers. He 
took his first step and as he lifted his foot for the second, he heard a
 strange noise that sort of sounded like a rattle. He looked back and 
realized that his first step had been planted squarely on the head of a 
rattler and that the twist in his step had dislocated the snake’s jaw, 
preventing what would have been a deadly bite. Truly God had protected 
him exactly as his wife had prayed every morning: “He that dwelleth 
in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the
 Almighty.....Thou shall tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion
 and adder shall thou trample underfoot .” (Psalm 91: 1 &amp; 12) Whew! God’s Protection!!

Ever
 compassionate and kind (well, not to rattlesnakes), Ken never&nbsp;met a 
stranger. He truly loved visiting with everyone. Generous to a fault and
 always glad to help, no strings attached, he believed the best in 
people. He always went out of his way when he discovered someone 
in&nbsp;sincere need, and even if it took extra effort on&nbsp;his&nbsp;part, he made 
sure they felt like they were earning their way rather than being given a
 mere handout.

When
 Ken boarded the plane for his last and final flight, he left his wife, 
Linda Sue (Burkart) Schwindt of the home, eldest daughter Kendra (David 
Kennelly) Schwindt of Marienthal, KS, youngest daughter Lynda (Allen) 
Brockmeier of Hays, KS, grand-daughter Dr. Megan Swope of Beaverton, OR,
 sister Lois Tucker of Wellington, CO, sister Norma (Bob) Marsh of 
Phoenix, AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews who all know how to tie 
their shoes. &nbsp;

Join the family along with Rev. Paul NcNall and Rev. Tod &nbsp;Anthony on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Leoti, KS to wish Ken safe travels. 

Ever
 appreciative of their service, the Leoti EMS in care of Price &amp; 
Sons is deserving of memorials in lieu of flowers in Ken’s name. Please 
make checks to the Leoti EMS and mail to Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO
 Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861. Obituary Guest Book/Tribute Wall at 
www.PriceandSons.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655496847107.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth Dean “Kenny” Schwindt – LEOTI, KS – The man. The myth. The legend.&nbsp; Ken
 died on May 11, 2022, at the age of 81 ½ years. Born October 22, 1940, 
in Scott City, KS to Clifford Leslie Schwindt and Lillie May Smith, he 
loved flying, telling jokes (and he remembered EVERY joke he ever 
heard!), hosting Rocky Mountain oyster fries, raising hogs, figuring out
 puzzles and brain stumpers and Dr. Pepper. Not necessarily in that 
order.&nbsp; He hated hypocrites, snakes, and a job poorly done. Not 
necessarily in that order.&nbsp; Ken
 was great at, well, just about everything. He was a master craftsman 
who single-handedly built a tilt trailer in high school shop class long 
before this type of trailer was even on anyone’s radar. A skilled and 
self-taught mechanic, he could make any motor purr once again, 
regardless of why it now didn’t run and not charge an arm and a leg or 
the first-born child. But make no mistake, Ken loved kids. Teaching was 
truly his gift and he made a game out of learning. He probably taught 
hundreds of little ones how to tie their shoelaces over the years.&nbsp; 
Actually, you learned from Ken whether you wanted to or not. A seasoned 
carpenter, Ken turned the shattered remnants of a tornado-hit singlewide
 into he and wife Sue’s first family home. &nbsp;He was great at farming, 
growing a garden, making everyone feel welcome, and figuring out an 
easier way to get a job done. He made things work FOR him including 
things like weather and gravity. He figured out how to harness leverage –
 accomplishing an amazing amount of work by himself. When it came to 
grilling Rocky Mountain oysters, he cornered the market in western 
Kansas. He loved hosting this event (much to his wife’s chagrin who was 
often left with the kitchen to clean up). Ken
 loved to tell stories (most of them true) but was especially good at 
telling jokes and he was good at it…really, REALLY good at it…a perfect 
delivery every…single….time! What
 Ken loved most was flying (second of course to his wife and family).&nbsp; 
During his flight exam, the Captain, so impressed with Ken’s knowledge 
and judgment, offered him a pilot’s job with Continental Airlines simply
 because Ken refused the final taxi until the Captain had closed and 
locked his window.&nbsp; According to the Captain, most guys failed right 
there! But Ken declined, choosing instead to remain on the family farm 
in northeastern Wichita County where he’d invested so much of himself 
over the years. This love of flying was never far from his heart 
however. Not long after, he signed on as a private pilot chauffeuring 
his favorite Uncle Hallie about as he built the High Plains Feedlot 
north of Leoti. But that wasn’t the end of his flying years. Ken knew no
 fear and was ecstatic when asked to join in the Weather Mod cloud 
seeding project.&nbsp; Each time the storm clouds appears, he’d wait 
anxiously for that phone call asking him to load up and fly on the 
leading edge of the thunderstorm to encourage rain and dissipate hail. 
When asked if it was dangerous, he would smile and say, “No, the guys on
 the ground have our back” but then offered no explanation of the hail 
dents on the plane??!! Hmmm, perhaps a little too close to the action?? 
He’d never tell.Ken’s
 energy knew no bounds, even at an early age. He attended elementary 
school at&nbsp;Pleasant Valley (where the old schoolhouse still stands), 
Lydia and R.B. Stewart. His day started at 4:30 am milking&nbsp;30 plus&nbsp;dairy
 cows, then he’d drive his sister and brother to country school, and 
finally head to town to start his own day at school. Ken was so 
dedicated to the success of the family farm that he literally “raised 
and sold the bacon” to help generate extra income to sustain the family 
farm. But what was learned on the farm didn’t always stay on the farm. 
Ken had an incredible memory and would often take all he’d learned and 
parlay into various small businesses and side gigs. Jack of All Trades….Master of Darned Near Every Single One of Them too!The
 list of all Ken did is impressive: he farmed, ranched, drove truck and 
custom harvested, and ran a trenching and excavating business laying 
miles and miles of water line in the remote Kansas wilderness. He 
mastered butchering and sausage-making long before it was the new 
homesteading-prepper trend. Self-taught master plumber, electrician, 
carpenter and mechanic, he’d even diagnose problems over the phone!&nbsp; He 
made the best popcorn and potato donuts this side of outer space. 
Seriously, what couldn’t he do? Well, he couldn’t stay single and in 
1964 Linda Sue Burkart nabbed him or maybe….just maybe…he talked her 
into marriage? After all, Ken could indeed “sell ice to an Eskimo.” But
 the favored story begins like this: Ken was a Sunday School teacher and
 a youth group sponsor at the Assembly of God church where the entire 
family was baptized together. Ken believed God was responsible for an 
encounter he had with a rattlesnake (one of literally hundreds he’s 
slain over his lifetime) while farming in the Lamar, CO area. The area 
was full of abandoned cisterns and rattlesnakes and at least 30 minutes 
from civilization. The rattlesnakes were so bad that it wasn’t even safe
 to walk from the pickup to the tractor. The safest entrance in and out 
of the tractor was crawling through an open window from the bed of the 
pickup, feet never touching the ground. Early one fall morning, Ken 
drove up to the tractor, decided to open the pickup door, and get out, 
thinking the cool, brisk morning had surely stalled the slithers. He 
took his first step and as he lifted his foot for the second, he heard a
 strange noise that sort of sounded like a rattle. He looked back and 
realized that his first step had been planted squarely on the head of a 
rattler and that the twist in his step had dislocated the snake’s jaw, 
preventing what would have been a deadly bite. Truly God had protected 
him exactly as his wife had prayed every morning: “He that dwelleth 
in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the
 Almighty.....Thou shall tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion
 and adder shall thou trample underfoot .” (Psalm 91: 1 &amp; 12) Whew! God’s Protection!!Ever
 compassionate and kind (well, not to rattlesnakes), Ken never&nbsp;met a 
stranger. He truly loved visiting with everyone. Generous to a fault and
 always glad to help, no strings attached, he believed the best in 
people. He always went out of his way when he discovered someone 
in&nbsp;sincere need, and even if it took extra effort on&nbsp;his&nbsp;part, he made 
sure they felt like they were earning their way rather than being given a
 mere handout.Yes, the stories are true.When
 Ken boarded the plane for his last and final flight, he left his wife, 
Linda Sue (Burkart) Schwindt of the home, eldest daughter Kendra (David 
Kennelly) Schwindt of Marienthal, KS, youngest daughter Lynda (Allen) 
Brockmeier of Hays, KS, grand-daughter Dr. Megan Swope of Beaverton, OR,
 sister Lois Tucker of Wellington, CO, sister Norma (Bob) Marsh of 
Phoenix, AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews who all know how to tie 
their shoes. &nbsp;Join the family along with Rev. Paul NcNall and Rev. Tod &nbsp;Anthony on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Leoti, KS to wish Ken safe travels. Ever
 appreciative of their service, the Leoti EMS in care of Price &amp; 
Sons is deserving of memorials in lieu of flowers in Ken’s name. Please 
make checks to the Leoti EMS and mail to Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO
 Box 161, Leoti, KS 67861. Obituary Guest Book/Tribute Wall at 
www.PriceandSons.com

Kenneth Dean 'Kenny' Schwindt

Darlene M. Curry passed away on June 10, 2022,&nbsp;in Salina, Kansas at the age of 84. She was born to Leo and Lola (Benoit) Thibault on May 13, 1938,&nbsp;in Rooks County, Kansas on the family farm near Damar. Darlene was united in marriage to Rex Curry on June 27, 1957,&nbsp;in Osborne, Kansas at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with five children: Kendall, Cheryl,&nbsp;Dale,&nbsp;Mark, and Darren.

Darlene grew up in Osborne where she graduated from Osborne High School in 1956. Following high school,&nbsp;she married Rex,&nbsp;and&nbsp;after the loss of Dale the couple moved from&nbsp;Smith Center&nbsp;to make their&nbsp;home in Plainville, Kansas. Darlene went to work for&nbsp;Travelnol&nbsp;in Hays, Kansas as one of the first and last employees of the business.

Once&nbsp;Travenol&nbsp;relocated,&nbsp;she went to work as head of housekeeping for Redbud Village for several years&nbsp;and then continued to keep busy&nbsp;with odd jobs and&nbsp;her&nbsp;grandchildren.&nbsp;She and Rex were also locally known for their firework stand that helped the community celebrate the 4th&nbsp;of July for 35 years.&nbsp;She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and D of I.

Darlene enjoyed sewing, gardening, and baking. She was&nbsp;known&nbsp;for her pies, and the amount she would bake at a time&nbsp;-&nbsp;18! Her husband even invented a little device to help carry 4 pies at a time.&nbsp;If she wasn’t enjoying time with her family, baking a plethora of pies, Darlene enjoyed testing her luck at casinos or getting away on a camping trip.&nbsp;

As a woman of strong faith and love, her family was second only to God. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will forever remain.

She is survived by her children, Kendall (Sheryl) Curry of Topeka, KS, Cheryl&nbsp;Schremmer(Chuck) of Salina, KS, Mark (Rhonda) Curry of Florence, KS,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Curry of Salina, KS; siblings, Delmar (Marilyn) Thibault of La Crosse, KS, Leola Crittenden of Albuquerque, NM, Sister Carmella Thibault of Concordia, KS,&nbsp;Gerry Peterson of Salina, KS, Joyce (Dan) Rice of Hays, KS, Marion (Paul) Steichen of Salina, KS, Gary (Gayle) Thibault of Omaha, NE, Alvin (Danette) Thibault of&nbsp;Omaha,&nbsp;NE, Lonnie (Lea) Thibault of Osborne, KS, Lester Thibault of Osborne, Ks,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bob Thibault of Topeka, KS; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Darlene joins in her heavenly home, her parents, Leo and Lola Thibault; husband Rex Curry; and son, Dale Curry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022,&nbsp;at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be on Sunday at the funeral home from 2 PM until 5 PM&nbsp;and will be moved to the church from 6 PM until 8PM with a&nbsp;Vigil Service and Rosary starting at 7 PM.

Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Grade School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease&nbsp;Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd&nbsp;St., Plainville, KS 67663.&nbsp;Online condolences&nbsp;may&nbsp;be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com/">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655154081574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Darlene M. Curry passed away on June 10, 2022,&nbsp;in Salina, Kansas at the age of 84. She was born to Leo and Lola (Benoit) Thibault on May 13, 1938,&nbsp;in Rooks County, Kansas on the family farm near Damar. Darlene was united in marriage to Rex Curry on June 27, 1957,&nbsp;in Osborne, Kansas at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with five children: Kendall, Cheryl,&nbsp;Dale,&nbsp;Mark, and Darren.Darlene grew up in Osborne where she graduated from Osborne High School in 1956. Following high school,&nbsp;she married Rex,&nbsp;and&nbsp;after the loss of Dale the couple moved from&nbsp;Smith Center&nbsp;to make their&nbsp;home in Plainville, Kansas. Darlene went to work for&nbsp;Travelnol&nbsp;in Hays, Kansas as one of the first and last employees of the business. Once&nbsp;Travenol&nbsp;relocated,&nbsp;she went to work as head of housekeeping for Redbud Village for several years&nbsp;and then continued to keep busy&nbsp;with odd jobs and&nbsp;her&nbsp;grandchildren.&nbsp;She and Rex were also locally known for their firework stand that helped the community celebrate the 4th&nbsp;of July for 35 years.&nbsp;She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and D of I.Darlene enjoyed sewing, gardening, and baking. She was&nbsp;known&nbsp;for her pies, and the amount she would bake at a time&nbsp;-&nbsp;18! Her husband even invented a little device to help carry 4 pies at a time.&nbsp;If she wasn’t enjoying time with her family, baking a plethora of pies, Darlene enjoyed testing her luck at casinos or getting away on a camping trip.&nbsp;As a woman of strong faith and love, her family was second only to God. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will forever remain.She is survived by her children, Kendall (Sheryl) Curry of Topeka, KS, Cheryl&nbsp;Schremmer(Chuck) of Salina, KS, Mark (Rhonda) Curry of Florence, KS,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Curry of Salina, KS; siblings, Delmar (Marilyn) Thibault of La Crosse, KS, Leola Crittenden of Albuquerque, NM, Sister Carmella Thibault of Concordia, KS,&nbsp;Gerry Peterson of Salina, KS, Joyce (Dan) Rice of Hays, KS, Marion (Paul) Steichen of Salina, KS, Gary (Gayle) Thibault of Omaha, NE, Alvin (Danette) Thibault of&nbsp;Omaha,&nbsp;NE, Lonnie (Lea) Thibault of Osborne, KS, Lester Thibault of Osborne, Ks,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bob Thibault of Topeka, KS; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.Darlene joins in her heavenly home, her parents, Leo and Lola Thibault; husband Rex Curry; and son, Dale Curry.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022,&nbsp;at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be on Sunday at the funeral home from 2 PM until 5 PM&nbsp;and will be moved to the church from 6 PM until 8PM with a&nbsp;Vigil Service and Rosary starting at 7 PM.Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Grade School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease&nbsp;Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd&nbsp;St., Plainville, KS 67663.&nbsp;Online condolences&nbsp;may&nbsp;be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.plumeroverlease.com/">www.plumeroverlease.com</a>

Darlene M. Curry

Carrol Deane Young, age 83, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at
 the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, Kansas. She was born on April 
19, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas to David &amp; Frances Wilcox 
Stephenson. In 1943, at the age of 4, her family moved to Greeley County
 where she would live the rest of her life. On November 2, 1958, she 
married Ralph W. Young in Goodland, Kansas. He survives. She was a 
homemaker first and foremost but used her skills in interior design and 
landscaping in her community. She was a member of the Community of 
Christ Church in Tribune, Kansas. Carrol was faithful in attending a 
weekly community Bible study and found great joy in getting a Coke and 
dragging main and the alleys with her sisters-in-law; Frances and Hazel 
in their senior years. Her other joy was found in spending time with her
 loved ones.

Carrol lived a full life, having owned and managed the Boot N’ Buckle
 clothing store for several years in the 1980s as well as owning and 
managing the family farm with her husband in Northwest Greeley County 
from 1962 until 2017. In May of 1977, Carrol and Ralph moved from the 
farm to their home in Tribune. She also served as Secretary at the 
Extension office in Greeley County. Later in life, she attended the 
Sheffield School of Design and used those skills in her beloved 
hometown.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph Young of Tribune, Kansas, four 
daughters, Sherry &amp; (Alan) Peter of Tribune, Kansas, Connie &amp; 
(Ken) Shafer of Tribune, Kansas, Lisa Young of Hays, Kansas, Billie 
&amp; (Dale) Kuhlman of Olmitz, Kansas, and one brother, Don &amp; 
(Stephanie) Stephenson of Oakley, Kansas, nine grandchildren, and 
fourteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Davie Stephenson, one sister, Patsy Hapes, and one son, Larry Rae Young.

Graveside services will be held at the Greeley County Cemetery on 
Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 11:00 Mountain time with Ron Riley and Jerry 
Young presiding.

Visitation will be at the Price and Sons funeral home in Tribune, 
Kansas on Monday, June 13, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. 
Mountain time.

Memorials may be given to the Greeley County Hospital or the Greeley 
County Cemetery Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161,
 Leoti, KS 67861.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654966163184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carrol Deane Young, age 83, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at
 the Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, Kansas. She was born on April 
19, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas to David &amp; Frances Wilcox 
Stephenson. In 1943, at the age of 4, her family moved to Greeley County
 where she would live the rest of her life. On November 2, 1958, she 
married Ralph W. Young in Goodland, Kansas. He survives. She was a 
homemaker first and foremost but used her skills in interior design and 
landscaping in her community. She was a member of the Community of 
Christ Church in Tribune, Kansas. Carrol was faithful in attending a 
weekly community Bible study and found great joy in getting a Coke and 
dragging main and the alleys with her sisters-in-law; Frances and Hazel 
in their senior years. Her other joy was found in spending time with her
 loved ones.Carrol lived a full life, having owned and managed the Boot N’ Buckle
 clothing store for several years in the 1980s as well as owning and 
managing the family farm with her husband in Northwest Greeley County 
from 1962 until 2017. In May of 1977, Carrol and Ralph moved from the 
farm to their home in Tribune. She also served as Secretary at the 
Extension office in Greeley County. Later in life, she attended the 
Sheffield School of Design and used those skills in her beloved 
hometown.Survivors include her husband, Ralph Young of Tribune, Kansas, four 
daughters, Sherry &amp; (Alan) Peter of Tribune, Kansas, Connie &amp; 
(Ken) Shafer of Tribune, Kansas, Lisa Young of Hays, Kansas, Billie 
&amp; (Dale) Kuhlman of Olmitz, Kansas, and one brother, Don &amp; 
(Stephanie) Stephenson of Oakley, Kansas, nine grandchildren, and 
fourteen great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Davie Stephenson, one sister, Patsy Hapes, and one son, Larry Rae Young.Graveside services will be held at the Greeley County Cemetery on 
Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 11:00 Mountain time with Ron Riley and Jerry 
Young presiding.Visitation will be at the Price and Sons funeral home in Tribune, 
Kansas on Monday, June 13, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. 
Mountain time.Memorials may be given to the Greeley County Hospital or the Greeley 
County Cemetery Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 161,
 Leoti, KS 67861.

Carrol Deane Young

Oral surgeon, great outdoorsman, devoted father, loving husband, loyal friend, and all-around really nice guy, Dr. Paul Dean Wagner (Wags) died peacefully surrounded by his immediate family in Lawrence, Kansas, June 1, after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s. He leaves behind an enormous legacy and wonderful memories of adventure, leadership, friendship, general orneriness, and undeniable service to those around him.  He carried a quiet, caring demeanor, a surprising sense of humor, and a strong, adventurous spirit.

Born Christmas Eve 1937 in Concordia, KS.  His parents, Oral and Mary, instilled a sense of honor, fairness, hard work, and devotion to his family at a young age. Early years included working on farms and at the family drugstores, school athletics, lifeguarding, and Boy Scouts of America, where he became an honored Eagle Scout. Here he developed an immense appreciation for the great outdoors, leadership, and physical fitness. He graduated in 1957 from Mankato High School. (KS)

Before graduating in 1961 from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, he played drums in the KU Bands and Orchestra, worked as a physiology lab assistant, and was a member of Alpha Nu Chapter, Beta Theta Pi.  He also met and married the love of his life, Sharon, who happened to live next door.

Paul worked at Family Drug in Lincoln, Nebraska, witnessing the birth of two beautiful daughters, Anne and Mary Beth, and decided he would rather write prescriptions instead of filling them.  So, he moved his young family to Memphis, where he was able to work his way through the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in 3 years, completing 4 quarters a year. He continued with a medical internship at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and residency at Hershey Medical Center and Harrisburg Hospital, finishing in 1972.  He soon became a diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

While living and practicing Oral Surgery in Hershey, he introduced his growing family to running, canoeing, back-packing, and hiking in beautiful Pennsylvania and neighboring states!  He served on the boards of the Pennsylvania Sierra Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conference, leading a group who saved Stony Creek Valley, and helped maintain hiking trails.  He ran the Harrisburg Marathon, the first of many to come, including Boston, National Capital of Canada and NYC.

In 1975 Kansas friends and family recruited the Wagners to come home. And, the Wagner pre-teen daughters agreed to leave their beloved Hershey for Kansas – if they could ski in Colorado and get a cat!  That being achievable, Paul returned to Kansas with his family and began his own OMS practice in Hays.  Appropriately on Labor Day, Paul Jr. (PJ) was welcomed to complete their family!  Soon Paul organized the Hays Area Road Runners, (HARR! HARR!) and a fun-loving group of running addicts developed.  A bicycling group followed. Suddenly, marathon, triathlon, and distance bicycling competition and recreational trips were in order, and great friendships were born!  He served in professional capacities there as well:  Chief of Staff of Hays Medical Center, State President of KS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Society, President of the energetic Western KS Dental Study Club.

Dr. Wagner and his family loved to back pack and canoe in the Minnesota and Canadian Boundary Waters, and the Colorado Mountains.  They were able to ski in Colorado, Ride the Rockies, Bike Across Kansas, Tour Wyoming, and compete in numerous races and events!  Laughing, joking, loving, challenging, developing great friendships, creating special memories, all part of his persona, continued in his retirement.

In 2005, Paul retired from his OMS practice, and moved with Sharon to Arrowhead Mountain in the Vail Valley.  Here, the beautiful mountains were in his backyard, skiing was available every day the lifts were open.  Terrific friendships were established with like minded residents who loved the clean air, beautiful mountains, and the active lifestyle.  These friends were a special mix of different cultures, from many parts of our country.  Yet, all were still contributing to our world, working for Habitat of Humanity, Mountain Rescue, and in many other volunteering capacities.

Paul was married to Sharon Mather on July 17,1960 in Stafford, Kansas. Sharon survives him and resides in Lawrence. Other survivors are his children:  Anne Wagner Dewitz, of Olathe, KS, Mary Beth (Gregg) Minion of Glenwood Springs, CO. and Paul Dean (Elizabeth Curry) Wagner, Jr. of West Hollywood, CA. and his grandchildren:  Kyle Dewitz of Nashville, TN, Alec (Tom Bethany) Hynes of New York, NY,  Casey Hynes-(Nathan) Seaford of Solvang, CA, and Elissa Dewitz of North Hollywood, CA. and his great granddaughter, Roo Elliot Seaford of Solvang, CA.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Oral Harlan Wagner and Mary Amis Wagner of Mankato KS and his brother Sam Wagner of Smith Center, Kansas.

A member of the Unitarian Church of Memphis and Harrisburg, Paul lived a life honoring diversity, tolerance, and service to others. Because he requested cremation, a celebration of life event will take place in Lawrence in the fall of 2022.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Paul’s name to:  Friends of the Boundary Waters, (https://www.friends–bwca.org/donate/) The Parkinson’s Foundation, Sierra Club, or Habitat for Humanity, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654882663398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Oral surgeon, great outdoorsman, devoted father, loving husband, loyal friend, and all-around really nice guy, Dr. Paul Dean Wagner (Wags) died peacefully surrounded by his immediate family in Lawrence, Kansas, June 1, after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s. He leaves behind an enormous legacy and wonderful memories of adventure, leadership, friendship, general orneriness, and undeniable service to those around him. He carried a quiet, caring demeanor, a surprising sense of humor, and a strong, adventurous spirit.Born Christmas Eve 1937 in Concordia, KS. His parents, Oral and Mary, instilled a sense of honor, fairness, hard work, and devotion to his family at a young age. Early years included working on farms and at the family drugstores, school athletics, lifeguarding, and Boy Scouts of America, where he became an honored Eagle Scout. Here he developed an immense appreciation for the great outdoors, leadership, and physical fitness. He graduated in 1957 from Mankato High School. (KS)Before graduating in 1961 from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, he played drums in the KU Bands and Orchestra, worked as a physiology lab assistant, and was a member of Alpha Nu Chapter, Beta Theta Pi. He also met and married the love of his life, Sharon, who happened to live next door.Paul worked at Family Drug in Lincoln, Nebraska, witnessing the birth of two beautiful daughters, Anne and Mary Beth, and decided he would rather write prescriptions instead of filling them. So, he moved his young family to Memphis, where he was able to work his way through the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in 3 years, completing 4 quarters a year. He continued with a medical internship at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and residency at Hershey Medical Center and Harrisburg Hospital, finishing in 1972. He soon became a diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.While living and practicing Oral Surgery in Hershey, he introduced his growing family to running, canoeing, back-packing, and hiking in beautiful Pennsylvania and neighboring states! He served on the boards of the Pennsylvania Sierra Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conference, leading a group who saved Stony Creek Valley, and helped maintain hiking trails. He ran the Harrisburg Marathon, the first of many to come, including Boston, National Capital of Canada and NYC.In 1975 Kansas friends and family recruited the Wagners to come home. And, the Wagner pre-teen daughters agreed to leave their beloved Hershey for Kansas – if they could ski in Colorado and get a cat! That being achievable, Paul returned to Kansas with his family and began his own OMS practice in Hays. Appropriately on Labor Day, Paul Jr. (PJ) was welcomed to complete their family! Soon Paul organized the Hays Area Road Runners, (HARR! HARR!) and a fun-loving group of running addicts developed. A bicycling group followed. Suddenly, marathon, triathlon, and distance bicycling competition and recreational trips were in order, and great friendships were born! He served in professional capacities there as well: Chief of Staff of Hays Medical Center, State President of KS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Society, President of the energetic Western KS Dental Study Club.Dr. Wagner and his family loved to back pack and canoe in the Minnesota and Canadian Boundary Waters, and the Colorado Mountains. They were able to ski in Colorado, Ride the Rockies, Bike Across Kansas, Tour Wyoming, and compete in numerous races and events! Laughing, joking, loving, challenging, developing great friendships, creating special memories, all part of his persona, continued in his retirement.In 2005, Paul retired from his OMS practice, and moved with Sharon to Arrowhead Mountain in the Vail Valley. Here, the beautiful mountains were in his backyard, skiing was available every day the lifts were open. Terrific friendships were established with like minded residents who loved the clean air, beautiful mountains, and the active lifestyle. These friends were a special mix of different cultures, from many parts of our country. Yet, all were still contributing to our world, working for Habitat of Humanity, Mountain Rescue, and in many other volunteering capacities.Paul was married to Sharon Mather on July 17,1960 in Stafford, Kansas. Sharon survives him and resides in Lawrence. Other survivors are his children: Anne Wagner Dewitz, of Olathe, KS, Mary Beth (Gregg) Minion of Glenwood Springs, CO. and Paul Dean (Elizabeth Curry) Wagner, Jr. of West Hollywood, CA. and his grandchildren: Kyle Dewitz of Nashville, TN, Alec (Tom Bethany) Hynes of New York, NY, Casey Hynes-(Nathan) Seaford of Solvang, CA, and Elissa Dewitz of North Hollywood, CA. and his great granddaughter, Roo Elliot Seaford of Solvang, CA.Paul was preceded in death by his parents Oral Harlan Wagner and Mary Amis Wagner of Mankato KS and his brother Sam Wagner of Smith Center, Kansas.A member of the Unitarian Church of Memphis and Harrisburg, Paul lived a life honoring diversity, tolerance, and service to others. Because he requested cremation, a celebration of life event will take place in Lawrence in the fall of 2022.Memorial Contributions may be made in Paul’s name to: Friends of the Boundary Waters, (https://www.friends–bwca.org/donate/) The Parkinson’s Foundation, Sierra Club, or Habitat for Humanity, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Dr. Paul Dean Wagner 

Laura Elaine (Getty) Casper was complex. Rooted in small town Kansas, 
she was the sixth child born into a household of seven. The place, 
Downs, Kansas, is a speck of a town just off Highway 24, where everyone 
listened on the party-line and knew what an ornery and impetuous Elaine 
Casper was up to—even before her doting father and stern mother found 
out—unless they too were listening. The community was tight knit and so 
were the Gettys. It was this environment that shaped her loyalty to 
family and a consciousness that kept her anchored and resilient during 
her most difficult life challenges. Elaine was musically trained in both
 the saxophone and piano, entered College at Fort Hays State University 
(FHSU) with aspirations to teach, become a sorority girl with Delta 
Zeta, and maybe find a husband. She fulfilled all of her aspirations. It
 was at FHSU where Elaine met Jim Casper on the steps of Sheridan Hall. 
She was neither impressed or interested in going for coffee with Jim. 
When he declared that she would marry him one day, Elaine laughed and 
walked away. His dogged persistence eventually won her over. Their 
54-Year marriage was one of devotion, negotiation, confrontation, 
teamwork and love.

Elaine could see herself in all of her children—the good and the 
complicated. She knew how to push all of their “buttons” which often 
resulted in her end-goal—to manage the chaos created by equally ornery 
and willful children. An often-heard declaration when she was at her 
breaking point: “Wait until your father gets home.” She learned this 
well from her mother and watching the world from a younger sibling 
vantage point. Elaine did become a teacher but left the profession for 
an equally noble career as Mom. She was her children’s first and best 
teacher, educating them in the basics (reading, writing and arithmetic) 
and guiding them to navigate the world with humility, humanity, 
resilience and introspection. She was stern and yet soft, intensely 
loyal and awed by the intellectual curiosity and adventure inherent in 
her children and grandchildren. Her six children, (with their mother) 
have been an eclectic cabal, fiercely loyal to each other and to the 
larger Getty/Casper family. With Elaine’s passing the family has lost 
its anchor and its haven.

When she was Elaine, she was a funny, sarcastic, irreverent, moody 
and a curious aficionado of whodunnits. When she was Laura, she was 
intellectual, well-read, observant, an attentive listener, steeped in 
good etiquette, and a thoughtful caregiver. Her best self was when her 
Laura and Elaine merged together—which was most of the time. She was 
wonderfully, amazingly, frustratingly, complex.

Laura Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hazel 
Getty; three sisters, Jeannie, Helen and Liz; her beloved husband Jim, 
and grandsons Nicholas and John Patrick Short. She is survived by 
brothers, Bill and Steve Getty and sister, Patricia Steen. Elaine’s 
legacy is her six children: Stephanie Grinage (Richard), Sarah Short 
(John), Timothy Casper (Jennifer), Todd Casper (Julie), Suzanne Steele 
(Walter) and Thomas Casper (Heidi). She was smitten with her 
grandchildren Katherine and Alaura Short and Jaxson and Rylinn Pross; 
Andie Stalder (Garrett), Allie, Abigail and Charlie Casper and Gracie 
and Ayden Crozier; Matthew Casper (Shannon); Mike Lowe (Laura); Sturling
 Steele (Tara); Trisha Schumer (Scott); Hannah Bradbury (David), Sophie,
 TJ, Sadie, Michael, William and Drew Casper. Elaine’s great 
grandchildren Shiloh and Silas Stalder and Brytnee Berthot; Lyla Steele;
 and Wilkes Schumer were her joy. Elaine influence extended to her 
nephews Scott Hesse (Anne) and Greg Hesse (Trish); Brent (CJ) and Marc 
Getty (Angela) and niece, Lynne Getty.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 3rd, 2022, at 3:00 PM
 in the St. Peter's Episcopal Church with Father Ryan Willis 
officiating. The service will be live streamed on our website 
(brennermortuary.com) through Laura Elaine’s obituary page. The Family 
requests that no flowers be sent to the home or memorial service. 


Memorial gifts honoring Laura Elaine may be made to the Short Fine Arts 
Scholarship held at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, 100 
South Broadway Street, Suite 100, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762 or to the 
Casper Family Education Scholarship honoring both Jim and Laura Elaine, 
held at Fort Hays State University Foundation, One Tiger Place, Hays, 
Kansas 67601. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner 
Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654178979993.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Laura Elaine (Getty) Casper was complex. Rooted in small town Kansas, 
she was the sixth child born into a household of seven. The place, 
Downs, Kansas, is a speck of a town just off Highway 24, where everyone 
listened on the party-line and knew what an ornery and impetuous Elaine 
Casper was up to—even before her doting father and stern mother found 
out—unless they too were listening. The community was tight knit and so 
were the Gettys. It was this environment that shaped her loyalty to 
family and a consciousness that kept her anchored and resilient during 
her most difficult life challenges. Elaine was musically trained in both
 the saxophone and piano, entered College at Fort Hays State University 
(FHSU) with aspirations to teach, become a sorority girl with Delta 
Zeta, and maybe find a husband. She fulfilled all of her aspirations. It
 was at FHSU where Elaine met Jim Casper on the steps of Sheridan Hall. 
She was neither impressed or interested in going for coffee with Jim. 
When he declared that she would marry him one day, Elaine laughed and 
walked away. His dogged persistence eventually won her over. Their 
54-Year marriage was one of devotion, negotiation, confrontation, 
teamwork and love.Elaine could see herself in all of her children—the good and the 
complicated. She knew how to push all of their “buttons” which often 
resulted in her end-goal—to manage the chaos created by equally ornery 
and willful children. An often-heard declaration when she was at her 
breaking point: “Wait until your father gets home.” She learned this 
well from her mother and watching the world from a younger sibling 
vantage point. Elaine did become a teacher but left the profession for 
an equally noble career as Mom. She was her children’s first and best 
teacher, educating them in the basics (reading, writing and arithmetic) 
and guiding them to navigate the world with humility, humanity, 
resilience and introspection. She was stern and yet soft, intensely 
loyal and awed by the intellectual curiosity and adventure inherent in 
her children and grandchildren. Her six children, (with their mother) 
have been an eclectic cabal, fiercely loyal to each other and to the 
larger Getty/Casper family. With Elaine’s passing the family has lost 
its anchor and its haven.When she was Elaine, she was a funny, sarcastic, irreverent, moody 
and a curious aficionado of whodunnits. When she was Laura, she was 
intellectual, well-read, observant, an attentive listener, steeped in 
good etiquette, and a thoughtful caregiver. Her best self was when her 
Laura and Elaine merged together—which was most of the time. She was 
wonderfully, amazingly, frustratingly, complex.Laura Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hazel 
Getty; three sisters, Jeannie, Helen and Liz; her beloved husband Jim, 
and grandsons Nicholas and John Patrick Short. She is survived by 
brothers, Bill and Steve Getty and sister, Patricia Steen. Elaine’s 
legacy is her six children: Stephanie Grinage (Richard), Sarah Short 
(John), Timothy Casper (Jennifer), Todd Casper (Julie), Suzanne Steele 
(Walter) and Thomas Casper (Heidi). She was smitten with her 
grandchildren Katherine and Alaura Short and Jaxson and Rylinn Pross; 
Andie Stalder (Garrett), Allie, Abigail and Charlie Casper and Gracie 
and Ayden Crozier; Matthew Casper (Shannon); Mike Lowe (Laura); Sturling
 Steele (Tara); Trisha Schumer (Scott); Hannah Bradbury (David), Sophie,
 TJ, Sadie, Michael, William and Drew Casper. Elaine’s great 
grandchildren Shiloh and Silas Stalder and Brytnee Berthot; Lyla Steele;
 and Wilkes Schumer were her joy. Elaine influence extended to her 
nephews Scott Hesse (Anne) and Greg Hesse (Trish); Brent (CJ) and Marc 
Getty (Angela) and niece, Lynne Getty.A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 3rd, 2022, at 3:00 PM
 in the St. Peter's Episcopal Church with Father Ryan Willis 
officiating. The service will be live streamed on our website 
(brennermortuary.com) through Laura Elaine’s obituary page. The Family 
requests that no flowers be sent to the home or memorial service. 
Memorial gifts honoring Laura Elaine may be made to the Short Fine Arts 
Scholarship held at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, 100 
South Broadway Street, Suite 100, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762 or to the 
Casper Family Education Scholarship honoring both Jim and Laura Elaine, 
held at Fort Hays State University Foundation, One Tiger Place, Hays, 
Kansas 67601. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner 
Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762.

Laura Elaine (Getty) Casper

Anne Laura Marie Werth Klaus, 93, died Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. She was born December 28, 1928, on the family farm near Schoenchen, Kansas, the daughter of Wendelin and Brigitta (Dinges) Werth.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Edwin Klaus September 13, 1949, in Schoenchen. He died September 20, 2007, shortly after their 58th anniversary.&nbsp; Laura grew up on the family farm west of Schoenchen with her 10 brothers and sisters and attended school in Schoenchen. When her mother became ill, Laura stayed home to help take care of her younger siblings. She continued in that role after her mother’s death in 1946, until she was married.&nbsp; She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she helped with many funeral dinners and was a member of the St. Joseph’s Christian Mothers. She also attended the Perpetual Adoration Chapel regularly. Laura loved to cook but was most well-known for the numerous rugs she crocheted for people. She loved music, playing her accordion, card games and family get togethers. She babysat in her home for many years, then worked as a cook at Vernie’s Hamburger House, St. John’s Rest Home (now Via Christi) and Hays Medical Center until her retirement.&nbsp; Survivors include sons Elden (Kay) and Robert (Suzanne) Klaus of Hays; daughter Ellen (Richard) Call of Hays; brother Paul (Donna) Werth of Great Bend; sisters Clarice Stoecklein of Ness City, and Dorothy (John) Moeder of Hays; grandchildren Allyson (Sam) Sullivan of Larned, Rachel Klaus of Hays, Sayre Shuck of Hays, Brandon Klaus of Topeka, Sheena (Tim) Piotrowski of Austin, Texas, Jerree Call of Topeka; great-grandchildren Tayden, Dylan and Shaely Shuck, Gwendolyn Rose and Isabelle Jean Piotrowski, Amathist Johnson and Emerson Sullivan; sisters-in-law Wilma Braun, Marilyn Leiker and Christa Werth; brother-in-law Eugene (Irma) Klaus; and many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers Ralph (Martina), Linus (Bernice), Donald (Charlotte) and LeRoy Werth; sisters LaVera (Elmer) Schuckman, Joyce (Robert) Klaus and Mary Catherine (Tom) Barnes; brothers-in-law Leonard Stoecklein, Marvin (Mary Frances) Klaus, Norman Klaus and Gerald Braun; and granddaughters Schöene Klaus and Lynay Call. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 6 PM – 8 PM and Thursday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. A rosary service will be Wednesday at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil service at 7 PM all at the funeral chapel. The family suggests memorials to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Unify, Beautify and Glorify Fund or Hospice of Hays Medical Center. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653406735690.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Anne Laura Marie Werth Klaus, 93, died Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. She was born December 28, 1928, on the family farm near Schoenchen, Kansas, the daughter of Wendelin and Brigitta (Dinges) Werth.&nbsp; She was united in marriage to Edwin Klaus September 13, 1949, in Schoenchen. He died September 20, 2007, shortly after their 58th anniversary.&nbsp; Laura grew up on the family farm west of Schoenchen with her 10 brothers and sisters and attended school in Schoenchen. When her mother became ill, Laura stayed home to help take care of her younger siblings. She continued in that role after her mother’s death in 1946, until she was married.&nbsp; She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she helped with many funeral dinners and was a member of the St. Joseph’s Christian Mothers. She also attended the Perpetual Adoration Chapel regularly. Laura loved to cook but was most well-known for the numerous rugs she crocheted for people. She loved music, playing her accordion, card games and family get togethers. She babysat in her home for many years, then worked as a cook at Vernie’s Hamburger House, St. John’s Rest Home (now Via Christi) and Hays Medical Center until her retirement.&nbsp; Survivors include sons Elden (Kay) and Robert (Suzanne) Klaus of Hays; daughter Ellen (Richard) Call of Hays; brother Paul (Donna) Werth of Great Bend; sisters Clarice Stoecklein of Ness City, and Dorothy (John) Moeder of Hays; grandchildren Allyson (Sam) Sullivan of Larned, Rachel Klaus of Hays, Sayre Shuck of Hays, Brandon Klaus of Topeka, Sheena (Tim) Piotrowski of Austin, Texas, Jerree Call of Topeka; great-grandchildren Tayden, Dylan and Shaely Shuck, Gwendolyn Rose and Isabelle Jean Piotrowski, Amathist Johnson and Emerson Sullivan; sisters-in-law Wilma Braun, Marilyn Leiker and Christa Werth; brother-in-law Eugene (Irma) Klaus; and many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers Ralph (Martina), Linus (Bernice), Donald (Charlotte) and LeRoy Werth; sisters LaVera (Elmer) Schuckman, Joyce (Robert) Klaus and Mary Catherine (Tom) Barnes; brothers-in-law Leonard Stoecklein, Marvin (Mary Frances) Klaus, Norman Klaus and Gerald Braun; and granddaughters Schöene Klaus and Lynay Call. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 6 PM – 8 PM and Thursday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. A rosary service will be Wednesday at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil service at 7 PM all at the funeral chapel. The family suggests memorials to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Unify, Beautify and Glorify Fund or Hospice of Hays Medical Center. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/" target="_blank">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Laura Klaus

Darlene Ann Brungardt Holzmeister was born September 29, 1931, at St. Joseph Hospital in Hays, Kansas. She passed from this life on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. Darlene was the youngest of nine children born to John and Magdalena (Mermis) Brungardt, who lived in rural Russell County, Kansas. She was the only one of the children to be born in a hospital. At age six, Darlene and her family left the farm and moved to Hays. She graduated from Hays High School and then graduated from beauty college in Wichita, Kansas. While in Wichita, Darlene also met her husband, Edwin Holzmeister. They were married in Hays on August 27, 1951. The couple were blessed with five sons and one daughter. Darlene was a talented artist. She painted with both acrylics and oils. Darlene and her brother, Lawrence, were once honored to display some of their work at Farmers State Bank in Hays. Darlene also loved to knit, sew, crochet and quilt. Darlene always had two or three “projects” going at any one time. Darlene was also a fabulous cook. Due to her mother’s health, Darlene started cooking for the family as a rather young girl, and she kept getting better and better. There was nothing she could not make, and she could feed a crowd. Just ask her kids and grandkids, and all of their friends. Darlene was a homemaker, ran a daycare, and operated Holzmeister Shoe Repair (1974-1994) and Holzmeister Liquor Store (1978-1998) alongside her husband, Edwin. Darlene and Ed retired when they sold the liquor store. Darlene and Ed were heavily involved for years with the American Legion and Auxiliary. Darlene served as the Sixth District President of Kansas Legion Auxiliary from 1978-1979. During that year, Darlene and the Sixth District Commander of the Legion, Melroy Kopsa of Cuba, Kansas, hosted their District Homecoming in Hays. Ed was able to book a big 18-piece band from Czechoslovakia from behind the Iron Curtain for the homecoming dance. The dance sold out and everyone had a fantastic time. It was always a treasured memory and a great example of how Darlene and Ed always worked and had fun together. Darlene and Ed loved to travel and dance. They loved to camp at Wilson Lake with their children and friends. In 1987, Darlene and Ed purchased a cabin at Cedar Bluff Lake where they spent countless hours and regularly entertained family and friends. So many great memories! Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Lioba Weigel and Celeste Herman; and brothers James Brungardt, Leo Brungardt, George Brungardt, Lawrence Brungardt, Tom Brungardt, and Donald Brungardt. Darlene is survived by her husband, Edwin of Hays; daughter, Susan &nbsp;(Shirley Grecian) Holzmeister of Hays; and sons, Ivan (Charlene) Holzmeister of Hays, Kevin (Chris) Holzmeister Hays, Tom (Julie) Holzmeister of &nbsp;Lawrenceville, Ga, Greg (Miriam) Holzmeister of Gypsum, KS, and Eric Holzmeister of &nbsp;Hays; grandchildren, Adele Runge, Brock Holzmeister, Greyson Holzmeister, Miranda Stein, Andrea Holzmeister, Brieanna Holzmeister, Brandon Holzmeister, Shannon Brandenburg, Madison Holzmeister, Dylan Holzmeister, Austin Holzmeister, Nathan Holzmeister, Rachel Byarlay, and Victoria Jones; five great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and her beloved pets Lilly and Tinker. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, April 21, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays with Fr. Rich Daise officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM. Thursday visitation will be 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650289572144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Darlene Ann Brungardt Holzmeister was born September 29, 1931, at St. Joseph Hospital in Hays, Kansas. She passed from this life on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. Darlene was the youngest of nine children born to John and Magdalena (Mermis) Brungardt, who lived in rural Russell County, Kansas. She was the only one of the children to be born in a hospital. At age six, Darlene and her family left the farm and moved to Hays. She graduated from Hays High School and then graduated from beauty college in Wichita, Kansas. While in Wichita, Darlene also met her husband, Edwin Holzmeister. They were married in Hays on August 27, 1951. The couple were blessed with five sons and one daughter. Darlene was a talented artist. She painted with both acrylics and oils. Darlene and her brother, Lawrence, were once honored to display some of their work at Farmers State Bank in Hays. Darlene also loved to knit, sew, crochet and quilt. Darlene always had two or three “projects” going at any one time. Darlene was also a fabulous cook. Due to her mother’s health, Darlene started cooking for the family as a rather young girl, and she kept getting better and better. There was nothing she could not make, and she could feed a crowd. Just ask her kids and grandkids, and all of their friends. Darlene was a homemaker, ran a daycare, and operated Holzmeister Shoe Repair (1974-1994) and Holzmeister Liquor Store (1978-1998) alongside her husband, Edwin. Darlene and Ed retired when they sold the liquor store. Darlene and Ed were heavily involved for years with the American Legion and Auxiliary. Darlene served as the Sixth District President of Kansas Legion Auxiliary from 1978-1979. During that year, Darlene and the Sixth District Commander of the Legion, Melroy Kopsa of Cuba, Kansas, hosted their District Homecoming in Hays. Ed was able to book a big 18-piece band from Czechoslovakia from behind the Iron Curtain for the homecoming dance. The dance sold out and everyone had a fantastic time. It was always a treasured memory and a great example of how Darlene and Ed always worked and had fun together. Darlene and Ed loved to travel and dance. They loved to camp at Wilson Lake with their children and friends. In 1987, Darlene and Ed purchased a cabin at Cedar Bluff Lake where they spent countless hours and regularly entertained family and friends. So many great memories! Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Lioba Weigel and Celeste Herman; and brothers James Brungardt, Leo Brungardt, George Brungardt, Lawrence Brungardt, Tom Brungardt, and Donald Brungardt. Darlene is survived by her husband, Edwin of Hays; daughter, Susan &nbsp;(Shirley Grecian) Holzmeister of Hays; and sons, Ivan (Charlene) Holzmeister of Hays, Kevin (Chris) Holzmeister Hays, Tom (Julie) Holzmeister of &nbsp;Lawrenceville, Ga, Greg (Miriam) Holzmeister of Gypsum, KS, and Eric Holzmeister of &nbsp;Hays; grandchildren, Adele Runge, Brock Holzmeister, Greyson Holzmeister, Miranda Stein, Andrea Holzmeister, Brieanna Holzmeister, Brandon Holzmeister, Shannon Brandenburg, Madison Holzmeister, Dylan Holzmeister, Austin Holzmeister, Nathan Holzmeister, Rachel Byarlay, and Victoria Jones; five great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and her beloved pets Lilly and Tinker. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, April 21, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays with Fr. Rich Daise officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7:00 PM. Thursday visitation will be 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Darlene Ann Brungardt Holzmeister

Longtime Goodland, KS resident Lowell Floyd Guyer, 87, passed away on
 Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in 
Goodland.

Lowell, commonly referred to by many as "Alley Cat," was born on 
December 28, 1934, in Osborne, Kansas, to Floyd Dewitt and Ellen Grace 
(Lukens) Guyer.&nbsp; He was the oldest of two children.&nbsp; He graduated from 
Osborne High School in 1952, and then went on to completed one year at 
Fort Hays State University.

On May 7, 1961, Lowell married Carol Jean McClean in Arnold, KS.&nbsp; To 
this union, three children were born; Barry, Susan and Wendy.&nbsp; In 1984, 
the family moved from Osborne to Goodland, where Lowell liked the flat, 
open countryside. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He was a member of the Goodland United Methodist Church, the Goodland
 Elks Club and the Goodland Lions Club.&nbsp; Born and raised as a farmer, 
Lowell, dedicated his life to the land.&nbsp; For all his life, he farmed 
near his birthplace of Osborne and other locations in Goodland and 
Eastern Colorado. The Guyer name has 2 century farms, one in Osborne Co 
and Sherman Co, KS. &nbsp;He and his family spent their summers following the
 wheat harvest from Texas to North Dakota making friends along the way.&nbsp;
 Lowell had an uncanny way to fix virtually any piece of equipment he 
put his hands on.&nbsp; He also was ahead of the times and like to experiment
 and create new things.&nbsp; He made from scratch, one of the first 
satellite dishes as well as one the of the first 40-foot wheat 
headers.&nbsp;&nbsp; He loved old cars and had three 1920’s Model T cars that he 
restored himself. &nbsp;The grandkids called him ‘Boppy’ and friends called 
him ‘Alley Cat’, his CB handle from the late 70’s when CB radios were 
the new form of communication and he was able to talk to people all over
 the world.&nbsp; He loved to joke with people and tell stories of the past.&nbsp;
 He was not one to sit around and would always tell the guys to “get to 
work”.&nbsp; In his last days he continued to help out with any farming and 
harvesting that needed to be done.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and his brother Howard Guyer.

He is survived by his wife Carol Guyer of Goodland, KS, his children 
Barry (Joni) Guyer of Goodland, KS, Susan (Kevin) Weishaar of Spring, TX
 and Wendy (Gene) Noce of Ankeny, IA.&nbsp; He is also survived by seven 
grandchildren; Bailee Topliff of Goodland, KS, Bryan (Trista) Guyer of 
Goodland, KS, Kirsten Weishaar of Austin, TX, Paige Weishaar of Dallas, 
TX, Jordan (Jake) Snook of Ankeny, IA and Aaron and McKenzie Noce of 
Ankeny, IA; five great grandchildren; Jaxton and Jagger Topliff of 
Goodland, KS, John and Brenner Guyer of Goodland, KS and Bryleigh Snook 
of Ankeny, IA.

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/LowellAlleyCat-Guyer">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649163956879.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Longtime Goodland, KS resident Lowell Floyd Guyer, 87, passed away on
 Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in 
Goodland.Lowell, commonly referred to by many as "Alley Cat," was born on 
December 28, 1934, in Osborne, Kansas, to Floyd Dewitt and Ellen Grace 
(Lukens) Guyer.&nbsp; He was the oldest of two children.&nbsp; He graduated from 
Osborne High School in 1952, and then went on to completed one year at 
Fort Hays State University.On May 7, 1961, Lowell married Carol Jean McClean in Arnold, KS.&nbsp; To 
this union, three children were born; Barry, Susan and Wendy.&nbsp; In 1984, 
the family moved from Osborne to Goodland, where Lowell liked the flat, 
open countryside. &nbsp;&nbsp;He was a member of the Goodland United Methodist Church, the Goodland
 Elks Club and the Goodland Lions Club.&nbsp; Born and raised as a farmer, 
Lowell, dedicated his life to the land.&nbsp; For all his life, he farmed 
near his birthplace of Osborne and other locations in Goodland and 
Eastern Colorado. The Guyer name has 2 century farms, one in Osborne Co 
and Sherman Co, KS. &nbsp;He and his family spent their summers following the
 wheat harvest from Texas to North Dakota making friends along the way.&nbsp;
 Lowell had an uncanny way to fix virtually any piece of equipment he 
put his hands on.&nbsp; He also was ahead of the times and like to experiment
 and create new things.&nbsp; He made from scratch, one of the first 
satellite dishes as well as one the of the first 40-foot wheat 
headers.&nbsp;&nbsp; He loved old cars and had three 1920’s Model T cars that he 
restored himself. &nbsp;The grandkids called him ‘Boppy’ and friends called 
him ‘Alley Cat’, his CB handle from the late 70’s when CB radios were 
the new form of communication and he was able to talk to people all over
 the world.&nbsp; He loved to joke with people and tell stories of the past.&nbsp;
 He was not one to sit around and would always tell the guys to “get to 
work”.&nbsp; In his last days he continued to help out with any farming and 
harvesting that needed to be done.Preceding him in death were his parents, and his brother Howard Guyer.He is survived by his wife Carol Guyer of Goodland, KS, his children 
Barry (Joni) Guyer of Goodland, KS, Susan (Kevin) Weishaar of Spring, TX
 and Wendy (Gene) Noce of Ankeny, IA.&nbsp; He is also survived by seven 
grandchildren; Bailee Topliff of Goodland, KS, Bryan (Trista) Guyer of 
Goodland, KS, Kirsten Weishaar of Austin, TX, Paige Weishaar of Dallas, 
TX, Jordan (Jake) Snook of Ankeny, IA and Aaron and McKenzie Noce of 
Ankeny, IA; five great grandchildren; Jaxton and Jagger Topliff of 
Goodland, KS, John and Brenner Guyer of Goodland, KS and Bryleigh Snook 
of Ankeny, IA.Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/LowellAlleyCat-Guyer">HERE</a> for service details.

Lowell 'Alley Cat' Floyd Guyer

On October 15, 1928, the small town of Bellaire in Smith County, Kansas grew by one.&nbsp;


  Dr. I. E. Nickell made a house call and delivered a bouncing baby girl
 to Floyd and Mary Agnes (Morgan) Dick.&nbsp; Floyd proudly said, “That's 
making them pretty fine, isn't it?”&nbsp; The baby girl was given the name 
Barbara Joanne Dick.&nbsp; She was named after two of her parent’s favorite 
movie stars of the time:&nbsp; Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford.&nbsp; Dr. 
Nickell made a mistake on the birth certificate and spelled her middle 
name as “Joanne.”&nbsp; That little girl grew up going by the name of 
“Joanne” or “Jody” as her father nicknamed her and only used her first 
name when signing legal documents.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

In 1931, another daughter 
was born, Joyce, and Joanne became the “big sister” and “guardian.”&nbsp; 
Their sisterly bond lasted their entire lives.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Floyd was a 
school teacher by trade and got permission from the school 
superintendent to let his girls start their education in the Womer, 
District 21 school where he was teaching at the time.&nbsp; As it turned out,
 Floyd was their only teacher during their grade school years.&nbsp; Joanne 
attended Smith Center High School and graduated in the Class of 1946.&nbsp; 
After high school, she attended a summer school program at Ft. Hays 
Teacher's College and earned her teaching certificate.&nbsp; She taught 
school for several years prior to her marriage.&nbsp; She also worked for Dr.
 I. E. Nickell, the same doctor who brought her into the world.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On June 3, 1950 in the Methodist Parsonage in Mankato, Kansas, Joanne 
married Alvin C. Hill. The couple was married by Alvin's cousin, Rev. W.
 Carl Green.&nbsp; They began their married life on a farm 5 miles southeast 
of Smith Center that remained their home for many years.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Joanne 
was the mother of four children.&nbsp; Her first, Barbara Jane, was born in 
1952 and died in 1954.&nbsp; It was a loss that Joanne carried in her heart 
for the rest of her life.&nbsp; Her second child, Mary Jane, was born in 
1955.&nbsp; A son, Alan C. was born in 1958.&nbsp; Her last child, Patricia 
“Patty” was born in 1966.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

In the early 1960's, Joanne began a 
secretarial career at the Smith County Courthouse.&nbsp; She worked for the 
County Extension Agent, the County Treasurer's office, and finally in 
the County Attorney's office. Joanne loved working with numbers and her 
meticulous book keeping skills remained with her throughout her life.&nbsp; 
After leaving the courthouse, Joanne worked for a local insurance 
agent.&nbsp; She took the courses to become licensed and enjoyed that career 
for a number of years.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

When Alvin was diagnosed with cancer, 
the couple decided to turn the farming operation over to their son and 
move into Smith Center.&nbsp; They purchased a home at 218 N. Grant.&nbsp; That 
became the house where her family would congregate on holidays.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Alvin passed away in 1987.&nbsp; They were married 37 years.&nbsp; Joanne and her
 little dog, Scruffy, made a new life.&nbsp; Joanne was always involved in 
church whether it was the Presbyterian, Crystal Plains Church, the South
 Brethran Church in Portis, the Nazarene Church, or her current church 
home of Central Community Church in Smith Center.&nbsp; Her faith was 
unshakeable and she enjoyed reading her Bible, exploring the stories and
 history of Biblical times, and spending time in the presence of her 
Savior.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Any time of day was a good time for a cup of coffee!&nbsp; 
Joanne enjoyed coffee with friends at the Jiffy Burger, with her 
daughter Patty and grand dog, Belle, in the mornings.&nbsp; Joanne kept a 
supply of Vienna Sausages and would cut one up in little pieces, and 
feed them to Belle who would patiently wait on her daily treat.&nbsp; She 
also enjoyed coffee with her little “club” of high school friends.&nbsp; 
Coffee was also enjoyed while working a crossword puzzle, a Suduko 
puzzle, or a jigsaw puzzle.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

In 1994, Joanne surprised her 
children with the news that she was dating!&nbsp; She married Francis Runyon 
on November 26, 1994.&nbsp; She was escorted down the aisle by her oldest 
grandson.&nbsp; Thus began a new phase of life.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She and Francis 
enjoyed pulling the camper to various locations and seeing the sights.&nbsp; 
She loved going to the Black Hills.&nbsp; If they could find a fishing hole, 
that made the trip even better.&nbsp; They were always busy doing something 
until “older age” began to creep up.&nbsp; They loved visits from the 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

As the years crept up,
 Joanne slowed down, but didn’t give up!&nbsp; Health issues required that 
Francis move to the Smith Center Health and Rehab, and Joanne would 
faithfully pick up his laundry several times a week, wash it, and then 
iron.&nbsp; She would say, “I hate seeing wrinkles in men’s shirts!”&nbsp; The 
pandemic brought her social life to a screeching halt.&nbsp; No more coffee 
parties at Jiffy Burger.&nbsp; Only going to the grocery store when needed.&nbsp; 
The one thing that didn’t come to a halt was her weekly appointment to 
get her hair washed, set, and styled at the beauty shop by Patty.&nbsp; 
Throughout the pandemic, Joanne enjoyed her daily phone calls from 
Francis, her kids, and grandkids.&nbsp; She enjoyed her step-daughter, 
Joanna, popping in for a quick visit.&nbsp; She adored seeing her 
great-grandchildren and her one great-great grandson!&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Until 
recently, Joanne was living life to its fullest at the age of 93 years!&nbsp;
 She lived in her own house.&nbsp; She cooked her own meals.&nbsp; In the summer, 
she would make pickled beets and pass them out to anyone who would enjoy
 them!&nbsp; Her recipe was tops!&nbsp; She read here Bible daily aided by her 
large magnifying glass.&nbsp; And, she drove (probably not her wisest choice 
due to her cataracts).&nbsp; She always managed to find her way home safely.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Joanne passed away at the Smith Center Health and Rehab on Thursday, March 31, 2022.&nbsp; &nbsp;
 &nbsp; &nbsp;

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Agnes Dick, 
her infant daughter, Barbara Jane, her husband, Alvin, and sister, 
Joyce.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She leaves behind a wonderful legacy and memories with 
her husband, Francis Runyon, Smith Center; her daughter, Mary Jane 
McIntire of Salina, KS; son Alan (Lynne) Hill of rural Smith County; and
 daughter Patricia (Darren) of Smith Center, step-daughter, Joanna 
Runyon of Smith Center; 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 
great-great grandson.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Joanne was a fiercely independent woman 
who taught her children right from wrong, instilled them with 
self-confidence, and gave them pride.&nbsp; She taught them to love God and 
say their prayers nightly.&nbsp; She kissed many skinned knees and wrapped 
each of us in a warm hug!&nbsp; Hers was a long life that was well-lived.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

We celebrate her life, her memories, and her new heavenly home!&nbsp;
 &nbsp; 

A private family graveside service will take place Saturday, April 
16, 2022, at Crystal Plains Cemetery, Smith County, KS, with Pastor 
Dennis Lambert officiating.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to Barbara J. Runyon
 Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113
 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649006692639.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On October 15, 1928, the small town of Bellaire in Smith County, Kansas grew by one.&nbsp;
 Dr. I. E. Nickell made a house call and delivered a bouncing baby girl
 to Floyd and Mary Agnes (Morgan) Dick.&nbsp; Floyd proudly said, “That's 
making them pretty fine, isn't it?”&nbsp; The baby girl was given the name 
Barbara Joanne Dick.&nbsp; She was named after two of her parent’s favorite 
movie stars of the time:&nbsp; Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford.&nbsp; Dr. 
Nickell made a mistake on the birth certificate and spelled her middle 
name as “Joanne.”&nbsp; That little girl grew up going by the name of 
“Joanne” or “Jody” as her father nicknamed her and only used her first 
name when signing legal documents.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;In 1931, another daughter 
was born, Joyce, and Joanne became the “big sister” and “guardian.”&nbsp; 
Their sisterly bond lasted their entire lives.&nbsp; &nbsp; Floyd was a 
school teacher by trade and got permission from the school 
superintendent to let his girls start their education in the Womer, 
District 21 school where he was teaching at the time.&nbsp; As it turned out,
 Floyd was their only teacher during their grade school years.&nbsp; Joanne 
attended Smith Center High School and graduated in the Class of 1946.&nbsp; 
After high school, she attended a summer school program at Ft. Hays 
Teacher's College and earned her teaching certificate.&nbsp; She taught 
school for several years prior to her marriage.&nbsp; She also worked for Dr.
 I. E. Nickell, the same doctor who brought her into the world.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;On June 3, 1950 in the Methodist Parsonage in Mankato, Kansas, Joanne 
married Alvin C. Hill. The couple was married by Alvin's cousin, Rev. W.
 Carl Green.&nbsp; They began their married life on a farm 5 miles southeast 
of Smith Center that remained their home for many years.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Joanne 
was the mother of four children.&nbsp; Her first, Barbara Jane, was born in 
1952 and died in 1954.&nbsp; It was a loss that Joanne carried in her heart 
for the rest of her life.&nbsp; Her second child, Mary Jane, was born in 
1955.&nbsp; A son, Alan C. was born in 1958.&nbsp; Her last child, Patricia 
“Patty” was born in 1966.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;In the early 1960's, Joanne began a 
secretarial career at the Smith County Courthouse.&nbsp; She worked for the 
County Extension Agent, the County Treasurer's office, and finally in 
the County Attorney's office. Joanne loved working with numbers and her 
meticulous book keeping skills remained with her throughout her life.&nbsp; 
After leaving the courthouse, Joanne worked for a local insurance 
agent.&nbsp; She took the courses to become licensed and enjoyed that career 
for a number of years.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;When Alvin was diagnosed with cancer, 
the couple decided to turn the farming operation over to their son and 
move into Smith Center.&nbsp; They purchased a home at 218 N. Grant.&nbsp; That 
became the house where her family would congregate on holidays.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;Alvin passed away in 1987.&nbsp; They were married 37 years.&nbsp; Joanne and her
 little dog, Scruffy, made a new life.&nbsp; Joanne was always involved in 
church whether it was the Presbyterian, Crystal Plains Church, the South
 Brethran Church in Portis, the Nazarene Church, or her current church 
home of Central Community Church in Smith Center.&nbsp; Her faith was 
unshakeable and she enjoyed reading her Bible, exploring the stories and
 history of Biblical times, and spending time in the presence of her 
Savior.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Any time of day was a good time for a cup of coffee!&nbsp; 
Joanne enjoyed coffee with friends at the Jiffy Burger, with her 
daughter Patty and grand dog, Belle, in the mornings.&nbsp; Joanne kept a 
supply of Vienna Sausages and would cut one up in little pieces, and 
feed them to Belle who would patiently wait on her daily treat.&nbsp; She 
also enjoyed coffee with her little “club” of high school friends.&nbsp; 
Coffee was also enjoyed while working a crossword puzzle, a Suduko 
puzzle, or a jigsaw puzzle.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;In 1994, Joanne surprised her 
children with the news that she was dating!&nbsp; She married Francis Runyon 
on November 26, 1994.&nbsp; She was escorted down the aisle by her oldest 
grandson.&nbsp; Thus began a new phase of life.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She and Francis 
enjoyed pulling the camper to various locations and seeing the sights.&nbsp; 
She loved going to the Black Hills.&nbsp; If they could find a fishing hole, 
that made the trip even better.&nbsp; They were always busy doing something 
until “older age” began to creep up.&nbsp; They loved visits from the 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;As the years crept up,
 Joanne slowed down, but didn’t give up!&nbsp; Health issues required that 
Francis move to the Smith Center Health and Rehab, and Joanne would 
faithfully pick up his laundry several times a week, wash it, and then 
iron.&nbsp; She would say, “I hate seeing wrinkles in men’s shirts!”&nbsp; The 
pandemic brought her social life to a screeching halt.&nbsp; No more coffee 
parties at Jiffy Burger.&nbsp; Only going to the grocery store when needed.&nbsp; 
The one thing that didn’t come to a halt was her weekly appointment to 
get her hair washed, set, and styled at the beauty shop by Patty.&nbsp; 
Throughout the pandemic, Joanne enjoyed her daily phone calls from 
Francis, her kids, and grandkids.&nbsp; She enjoyed her step-daughter, 
Joanna, popping in for a quick visit.&nbsp; She adored seeing her 
great-grandchildren and her one great-great grandson!&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Until 
recently, Joanne was living life to its fullest at the age of 93 years!&nbsp;
 She lived in her own house.&nbsp; She cooked her own meals.&nbsp; In the summer, 
she would make pickled beets and pass them out to anyone who would enjoy
 them!&nbsp; Her recipe was tops!&nbsp; She read here Bible daily aided by her 
large magnifying glass.&nbsp; And, she drove (probably not her wisest choice 
due to her cataracts).&nbsp; She always managed to find her way home safely.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Joanne passed away at the Smith Center Health and Rehab on Thursday, March 31, 2022.&nbsp; &nbsp;
 &nbsp; &nbsp;Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Agnes Dick, 
her infant daughter, Barbara Jane, her husband, Alvin, and sister, 
Joyce.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She leaves behind a wonderful legacy and memories with 
her husband, Francis Runyon, Smith Center; her daughter, Mary Jane 
McIntire of Salina, KS; son Alan (Lynne) Hill of rural Smith County; and
 daughter Patricia (Darren) of Smith Center, step-daughter, Joanna 
Runyon of Smith Center; 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 
great-great grandson.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Joanne was a fiercely independent woman 
who taught her children right from wrong, instilled them with 
self-confidence, and gave them pride.&nbsp; She taught them to love God and 
say their prayers nightly.&nbsp; She kissed many skinned knees and wrapped 
each of us in a warm hug!&nbsp; Hers was a long life that was well-lived.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;We celebrate her life, her memories, and her new heavenly home!&nbsp;
 &nbsp; A private family graveside service will take place Saturday, April 
16, 2022, at Crystal Plains Cemetery, Smith County, KS, with Pastor 
Dennis Lambert officiating.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to Barbara J. Runyon
 Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113
 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS&nbsp; 66967.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barbara J. Runyon

On 29 March 2022, Pat Dumcum, 78, of Osborne, Kansas set out on her last
 adventure. She passed peacefully at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, 
Kansas. Pat was born on October 31, 1943 in Little field Texas to 
Charlie and June (Sellers) Johnson. 


Pat was a spunky ball of fire and had a great passion for her 
family, creativity of all things DYI, cooking and not afraid to try new 
things. She also enjoyed junkin and loved the challenge of a good 
negotiation and getting everything to fit in her car and/or trailer.


Pat was never afraid to roll up her sleeves to get the job done.  
She worked in the food service arena and eventually obtained her 
Dietician certificate for healthcare. She used her love of cooking and 
baking to create many wonderful edible delights from appetizers to 
beautiful hand carved fruit pieces to 5 and 6 course meals.


Throughout her life, she was always willing to step out of the norm 
for adventure. She spent many hours traveling across the Midwest on her 
motorcycle. She took many of her family members on trips to her favorite
 state, Colorado, where they would enjoy river-rafting, zip-lining and 
being catapulted out over the vista. She always managed to bring a bit 
of Colorado home with her each time.


Pat is survived by her sister, Jodi Brummer of Osborne KS and her 
daughters, Judy Lacey of Chanute KS, Patti Vancil of Temple Tx, Kim 
Hampton of Ulysses KS, Mariah Seeley of McPherson KS, Jodi Boland of 
Alton KS and Sheila Conway of Osborne KS. She leaves behind 15 
grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.


She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Dumcum, her parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister and a beloved brother-in-law.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Pat-Dumcum?obId=24423614#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648645399053.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On 29 March 2022, Pat Dumcum, 78, of Osborne, Kansas set out on her last
 adventure. She passed peacefully at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, 
Kansas. Pat was born on October 31, 1943 in Little field Texas to 
Charlie and June (Sellers) Johnson. 
Pat was a spunky ball of fire and had a great passion for her 
family, creativity of all things DYI, cooking and not afraid to try new 
things. She also enjoyed junkin and loved the challenge of a good 
negotiation and getting everything to fit in her car and/or trailer.
Pat was never afraid to roll up her sleeves to get the job done. 
She worked in the food service arena and eventually obtained her 
Dietician certificate for healthcare. She used her love of cooking and 
baking to create many wonderful edible delights from appetizers to 
beautiful hand carved fruit pieces to 5 and 6 course meals.
Throughout her life, she was always willing to step out of the norm 
for adventure. She spent many hours traveling across the Midwest on her 
motorcycle. She took many of her family members on trips to her favorite
 state, Colorado, where they would enjoy river-rafting, zip-lining and 
being catapulted out over the vista. She always managed to bring a bit 
of Colorado home with her each time.
Pat is survived by her sister, Jodi Brummer of Osborne KS and her 
daughters, Judy Lacey of Chanute KS, Patti Vancil of Temple Tx, Kim 
Hampton of Ulysses KS, Mariah Seeley of McPherson KS, Jodi Boland of 
Alton KS and Sheila Conway of Osborne KS. She leaves behind 15 
grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry Dumcum, her parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister and a beloved brother-in-law.&nbsp;Click <a href="https://www.rfmortuaries.com/obituaries/Pat-Dumcum?obId=24423614#/celebrationWall">HERE</a> for service details.

Pat Dumcum

Michael “Mike” Dean Simon, 71, passed away on March 17, 2022, at Hays 
Medical Center in Hays, Kansas, surrounded by his life long best friends 
and loved ones. He was born on December 27, 1950, to James and Lola 
(Nichols) Simon in Wichita, Kansas. Mike was united in marriage to 
Marilyn (Ostrom) Simon on April 16, 1982, in Hays, Kansas. The couple 
was blessed with one son, Chad.
 Mike grew up in Rooks County, Kansas, and graduated from Palco High 
School in 1969. He went to work for Schult Manufacturing for a short 
stent before going to work as a station manager for Coffeyville 
Resources which was formally Farmland Resources, for 37 years before his
 retirement. He was a proud member of the NRA, Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church, and St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
 Mike was very handy and could build, forge, or weld anything he 
could look at a picture of. Mike moved into a late 1800’s schoolhouse 
and turned it into the home he would raise his family and build over 60 
years of memories. He lived in that home up until his earthly departure.
 Mike was a man that was known by many and loved by all. You could 
guarantee he would greet you with his well-known belly laugh and a 
rather rough back-pat. There wasn’t a whole lot more that could make 
Mike happier than when he and his best friends would get together for a 
cold beer, story time, and maybe even trouble; or time at the lake when 
he was camping with Chad and Aimee, fishing with his faithful dog, 
Milley; or when Aimee’s girlfriends would come over for pool parties.
 We find comfort that Mike was a man of God and of great love. He 
lived by example that each day is a blessing, and we need to find joy in
 every moment we get with the ones we love. We will see our father, 
brother, friend, and follower of Christ again, and with his famous 
greeting - a belly laugh and a good, rough, back-pat.
 Mike is survived by his mother, Lola Simon of Plainville, KS; son, 
Chad Simon (Aimee Gardanier) of Plainville, KS; sister, Jolene (Rod) 
McElroy of Ohio, Stanley (Maria) Simon of Plainville, KS; mother-in-law,
 Charlotte Ostrom; and a grand-pup, Piper Jo.
 He is preceded in death by his father, James Simon; wife, Marilyn Simon; and father-in-law, Delbert Ostrom.
 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022, 
at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, KS at 10:30AM. 
Visitation will be on Thursday from 2PM until 8PM with a Vigil Service 
and Rosary at 7PM at the funeral home. Family will be receiving friends 
from 6PM until 8Pm.
 Memorials are suggested to Hays Hospice or Friends of Webster State 
Park and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 
2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647867784791.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael “Mike” Dean Simon, 71, passed away on March 17, 2022, at Hays 
Medical Center in Hays, Kansas, surrounded by his life long best friends 
and loved ones. He was born on December 27, 1950, to James and Lola 
(Nichols) Simon in Wichita, Kansas. Mike was united in marriage to 
Marilyn (Ostrom) Simon on April 16, 1982, in Hays, Kansas. The couple 
was blessed with one son, Chad.
 Mike grew up in Rooks County, Kansas, and graduated from Palco High 
School in 1969. He went to work for Schult Manufacturing for a short 
stent before going to work as a station manager for Coffeyville 
Resources which was formally Farmland Resources, for 37 years before his
 retirement. He was a proud member of the NRA, Sacred Heart Catholic 
Church, and St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
 Mike was very handy and could build, forge, or weld anything he 
could look at a picture of. Mike moved into a late 1800’s schoolhouse 
and turned it into the home he would raise his family and build over 60 
years of memories. He lived in that home up until his earthly departure.
 Mike was a man that was known by many and loved by all. You could 
guarantee he would greet you with his well-known belly laugh and a 
rather rough back-pat. There wasn’t a whole lot more that could make 
Mike happier than when he and his best friends would get together for a 
cold beer, story time, and maybe even trouble; or time at the lake when 
he was camping with Chad and Aimee, fishing with his faithful dog, 
Milley; or when Aimee’s girlfriends would come over for pool parties.
 We find comfort that Mike was a man of God and of great love. He 
lived by example that each day is a blessing, and we need to find joy in
 every moment we get with the ones we love. We will see our father, 
brother, friend, and follower of Christ again, and with his famous 
greeting - a belly laugh and a good, rough, back-pat.
 Mike is survived by his mother, Lola Simon of Plainville, KS; son, 
Chad Simon (Aimee Gardanier) of Plainville, KS; sister, Jolene (Rod) 
McElroy of Ohio, Stanley (Maria) Simon of Plainville, KS; mother-in-law,
 Charlotte Ostrom; and a grand-pup, Piper Jo.
 He is preceded in death by his father, James Simon; wife, Marilyn Simon; and father-in-law, Delbert Ostrom.
 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022, 
at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, KS at 10:30AM. 
Visitation will be on Thursday from 2PM until 8PM with a Vigil Service 
and Rosary at 7PM at the funeral home. Family will be receiving friends 
from 6PM until 8Pm.
 Memorials are suggested to Hays Hospice or Friends of Webster State 
Park and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 
2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.&nbsp;

Michael 'Mike' Dean Simon

Our office is buzzing with people who are pulling their Walk KS teams together and that is great news. This signature program at K-State Research &amp; Extension is set to begin March 27thand runs through May 21st. Registration for this program that emphasizes healthy living can be completed on-line. For a $10 registration fee, participants will receive a weekly newsletter, as well as a meal provided at&nbsp;no charge during&nbsp;the&nbsp;celebration held in late May.&nbsp;Registration information is available at either of our Extension offices&nbsp;at 3007 10th&nbsp;Street in Great Bend or 601 Main Street in Hays.&nbsp;​

​Walk KS is&nbsp;it is the perfect time to remind&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to find a physical activity you enjoy and then make time in your schedule to do it! For me, that means getting back on the bike.&nbsp;When our office moved to a new location late last fall it&nbsp;increased&nbsp;my commuting time.&nbsp;I can log sixty minutes of&nbsp;exercise each day in fifteen-minute increments so that it is built into my normal routine.&nbsp;Even a few days off the routine of bike commuting to and from work makes me feel sluggish.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;I am anxious for&nbsp;Walk KS to&nbsp;begin!

​If you haven’t already&nbsp;pulled your&nbsp;team of six&nbsp;together, there is still time.&nbsp;Select a fun name that describes your team and when March&nbsp;27th&nbsp;rolls around start logging minutes exercised.&nbsp;If you prefer, you can sign up solo and log your minutes exercised online as well. Optional t-shirts may be ordered to help you get into the spirit of the program.&nbsp;People are always anxious to learn what colors the t-shirts are. This years’ t-shirt colors are a pretty&nbsp;heather clay or heather teal.&nbsp;Both are attractive with the Walk KS logo complete with sunflower.

​Walk Kansas Celebrations&nbsp;complete with a free lunch for Walk Kansas team members&nbsp;areset for&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th,&nbsp;at&nbsp;noon at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend, and Thursday, May 26th, at noon&nbsp;at the Ellis County Extension Office meeting room.&nbsp;I’ll have more information about these&nbsp;fun and educational events&nbsp;as the dates&nbsp;draws near.

​So,&nbsp;let’s hope for some warmer weather so we can get back into the swing of things with Walk KS!

Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Our office is buzzing with people who are pulling their Walk KS teams together and that is great news. This signature program at K-State Research &amp; Extension is set to begin March 27thand runs through May 21st. Registration for this program that emphasizes healthy living can be completed on-line. For a $10 registration fee, participants will receive a weekly newsletter, as well as a meal provided at&nbsp;no charge during&nbsp;the&nbsp;celebration held in late May.&nbsp;Registration information is available at either of our Extension offices&nbsp;at 3007 10th&nbsp;Street in Great Bend or 601 Main Street in Hays.&nbsp;​​Walk KS is&nbsp;it is the perfect time to remind&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to find a physical activity you enjoy and then make time in your schedule to do it! For me, that means getting back on the bike.&nbsp;When our office moved to a new location late last fall it&nbsp;increased&nbsp;my commuting time.&nbsp;I can log sixty minutes of&nbsp;exercise each day in fifteen-minute increments so that it is built into my normal routine.&nbsp;Even a few days off the routine of bike commuting to and from work makes me feel sluggish.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;I am anxious for&nbsp;Walk KS to&nbsp;begin!​If you haven’t already&nbsp;pulled your&nbsp;team of six&nbsp;together, there is still time.&nbsp;Select a fun name that describes your team and when March&nbsp;27th&nbsp;rolls around start logging minutes exercised.&nbsp;If you prefer, you can sign up solo and log your minutes exercised online as well. Optional t-shirts may be ordered to help you get into the spirit of the program.&nbsp;People are always anxious to learn what colors the t-shirts are. This years’ t-shirt colors are a pretty&nbsp;heather clay or heather teal.&nbsp;Both are attractive with the Walk KS logo complete with sunflower.​Walk Kansas Celebrations&nbsp;complete with a free lunch for Walk Kansas team members&nbsp;areset for&nbsp;Wednesday, May 25th,&nbsp;at&nbsp;noon at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Jack Kilby Square in Great Bend, and Thursday, May 26th, at noon&nbsp;at the Ellis County Extension Office meeting room.&nbsp;I’ll have more information about these&nbsp;fun and educational events&nbsp;as the dates&nbsp;draws near.​So,&nbsp;let’s hope for some warmer weather so we can get back into the swing of things with Walk KS!Donna Krug is the&nbsp;District Director and&nbsp;Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. &nbsp;You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Last call for Walk KS signups

Ronald Dee Underwood was born on 01/21/1948 in Agra, KS, in his 
family home.&nbsp; He attended Agra schools, graduating in 1966, enjoying 
baseball, basketball, and track and field while in school.&nbsp; As for 
academics, he excelled in math and was really the only subject that he 
cared much about; in his words, “there is only one answer; numbers make 
sense.”&nbsp; Thus, with this thinking, Ron attended Fort Hays State 
University, and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor’s in Accounting.&nbsp;

Ron met Joyce Dusin at the Phillipsburg bowling alley in 1973 and the
 two of them wed on February 16, 1974.&nbsp; The newly married couple ended 
up in Everest, KS, where Ron accepted a job at Evans Grain.&nbsp; The couple 
built their home there and have remained in Everest ever since.&nbsp;

The couple had a daughter, Billie Jo, on November 25, 1981.&nbsp; Billie 
Jo grew up at the ball field either playing in the dirt on the field as 
she got older, where her dad coached and ran the ball program with the 
help of Joyce for 18 years.&nbsp; When Ron was not coaching, you could still 
find him at the ball field umpiring or helping out in the concession 
stand.&nbsp;

After 22 years of working for the elevator in Everest, Ron went to 
work for the Golden Eagle Casino, starting as a cashier and working his 
way up to cage manager.&nbsp; Ron thoroughly enjoyed his time at the casino 
and the people he worked with, not retiring until 2019, after being 
there for 23 years.&nbsp;

Billie Jo married in April 2008 to Rick Boykin.&nbsp; With this union 
brought about an instant family as Rick had three daughters already; 
Camryn 3 at the time, and the twins, Alexandria and Briahna age 1.&nbsp; Ron 
and Joyce enjoyed watching the girls grow up, and then on June 9, 2009, a
 grandson (much needed), Ryland Benjamin Boykin, was born.&nbsp; Ron could 
not be more proud to have a grandson, and the bond between the two was 
instant.&nbsp; Up until the time of his passing, Ron enjoyed watching all 
four kids play sports; what he looked forward to the most. &nbsp;His absence 
in the stands will be noticed immensely.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

When Ron was not being grandpa, he enjoyed watching the Kansas City 
Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, but most of all, KU basketball.&nbsp; Before he 
went in for surgery, all Ron was concerned about was being awake and 
feeling well enough to get his brackets filled out for March Madness. 
Unfortunately, Ron passed away in the early morning hours of March 13th; however, his family knows he is still not missing a game and cheering on from above.

Survivors include his wife Joyce; daughter Billie Boykin and husband 
Rick of Horton, KS; four grandchildren: Ryland, Camyrn, Ali, and Bri 
Boykin; a sister Peggy Gale and husband Loren of Agra, KS; sister-in-law
 Carolyn Underwood of Bennington; nieces; and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Jerry Underwood.&nbsp;

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022, in 
the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lee Bennight
 officiating.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Olliff-Boeve-Memorial-Chapel-158648587502325/">The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page</a>.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Agra Cemetery, Agra, KS.

Mr. Underwood will lie in state Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. 
and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Mercy Hospital 
c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647442774327.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald Dee Underwood was born on 01/21/1948 in Agra, KS, in his 
family home.&nbsp; He attended Agra schools, graduating in 1966, enjoying 
baseball, basketball, and track and field while in school.&nbsp; As for 
academics, he excelled in math and was really the only subject that he 
cared much about; in his words, “there is only one answer; numbers make 
sense.”&nbsp; Thus, with this thinking, Ron attended Fort Hays State 
University, and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor’s in Accounting.&nbsp;Ron met Joyce Dusin at the Phillipsburg bowling alley in 1973 and the
 two of them wed on February 16, 1974.&nbsp; The newly married couple ended 
up in Everest, KS, where Ron accepted a job at Evans Grain.&nbsp; The couple 
built their home there and have remained in Everest ever since.&nbsp;The couple had a daughter, Billie Jo, on November 25, 1981.&nbsp; Billie 
Jo grew up at the ball field either playing in the dirt on the field as 
she got older, where her dad coached and ran the ball program with the 
help of Joyce for 18 years.&nbsp; When Ron was not coaching, you could still 
find him at the ball field umpiring or helping out in the concession 
stand.&nbsp;After 22 years of working for the elevator in Everest, Ron went to 
work for the Golden Eagle Casino, starting as a cashier and working his 
way up to cage manager.&nbsp; Ron thoroughly enjoyed his time at the casino 
and the people he worked with, not retiring until 2019, after being 
there for 23 years.&nbsp;Billie Jo married in April 2008 to Rick Boykin.&nbsp; With this union 
brought about an instant family as Rick had three daughters already; 
Camryn 3 at the time, and the twins, Alexandria and Briahna age 1.&nbsp; Ron 
and Joyce enjoyed watching the girls grow up, and then on June 9, 2009, a
 grandson (much needed), Ryland Benjamin Boykin, was born.&nbsp; Ron could 
not be more proud to have a grandson, and the bond between the two was 
instant.&nbsp; Up until the time of his passing, Ron enjoyed watching all 
four kids play sports; what he looked forward to the most. &nbsp;His absence 
in the stands will be noticed immensely.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;When Ron was not being grandpa, he enjoyed watching the Kansas City 
Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, but most of all, KU basketball.&nbsp; Before he 
went in for surgery, all Ron was concerned about was being awake and 
feeling well enough to get his brackets filled out for March Madness. 
Unfortunately, Ron passed away in the early morning hours of March 13th; however, his family knows he is still not missing a game and cheering on from above.Survivors include his wife Joyce; daughter Billie Boykin and husband 
Rick of Horton, KS; four grandchildren: Ryland, Camyrn, Ali, and Bri 
Boykin; a sister Peggy Gale and husband Loren of Agra, KS; sister-in-law
 Carolyn Underwood of Bennington; nieces; and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Jerry Underwood.&nbsp;Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022, in 
the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lee Bennight
 officiating.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Olliff-Boeve-Memorial-Chapel-158648587502325/">The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page</a>.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Agra Cemetery, Agra, KS.Mr. Underwood will lie in state Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. 
and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 
Phillipsburg.Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Mercy Hospital 
c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS&nbsp; 67661.

Ronald Dee Underwood

Blanche Elizabeth Zerr, 91, of Grainfield, died Monday, March 7, 2022, 
at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care, in Quinter, KS. She 
was born during the dirty thirties, on October 31, 1930, in Hill City, 
KS, and was the first born of Joseph and Elizabeth (Dinkel) Richmeier. 
She grew up in St. Peter, KS and attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School 
there, where she learned her prayers and received her sacraments. After 
the 8th grade, at age 12, Blanche was sent to live with a group of young
 girls at a convent in Topeka, KS, where she worked at a hospital and 
sent the money she earned home to help support her family. Blanche was 
homesick, so after six months she was transferred to Hays, KS, to be 
closer to her family. She lived and worked there until she was 17. 
In May of 1947, Blanche met Peter C. Zerr at the wedding of Clem and 
Pauline Zerr. On November 16, 1948, shortly after Blanche turned 18, 
they were married in the basement of St. Anthony’s School, in St. Peter,
 because the church was being rebuilt. Blanche fondly recalled her and 
Peter praying together with both of their parents before the wedding. 
The couple continued to carry on the faith to their own family. They 
were blessed with five children (though they initially both wanted 14). 
Blanche was a true model for her family in the way she lived her 
Catholic faith, following the 10 commandments, praying, and sharing her 
devotion for the rosary. 
Blanche was an excellent farm wife. She was hard working and always 
filled in wherever she was needed. She milked the dairy cows, raised a 
large garden, cooked full meals for her family and the hired hands, all 
while maintaining the household and attending all her children’s events.
 She loved spending time with her family on Sundays, going to church and
 attending get-togethers. Blanche lived for her children and later her 
grandchildren and was always there to support them in their endeavors. 
She was a member of the Go-Getters EHU, Hackberry Hoppers, Grainfield 
Tri S Federated Women’s Club, Immaculate Conception Altar Society and 
later the St. Agnes Ladies. 
Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; husband Peter; son Keith 
Zerr; daughter-in-law Karen Zerr and sisters, Luella Kinderknecht, 
Carmella Jones and Clarita Kollhoff. 
She is survived by her sons, Dennis Zerr, of Garden City, KS, Kevin Zerr
 (Peggy Huelsman), of Perry, KS and Darren (Sherri) Zerr, of Baldwin 
City, KS; daughter Lynette (Terry) Steinbrecher, of Denver, CO; 
daughter-in-law Jacky Zerr; sister Eileen Bellairs; brothers, Edwin and 
Larry Richmeier; ten grandchildren, Chad Zerr, Mike (Tiffany) Zerr, 
Christopher (Ines) Wildeman, Kelly Steinbrecher, Gregory (Casi) 
Wildeman, Jordan Zerr, Jason (Whitney) Zerr, Kenton (Jennifer) Zerr, 
Kaitlyn (Keaton) Knott and Kirsten Zerr (fiancé Collin Schmidt) and 11 
great grandchildren. 
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., 
followed by a Vigil, Friday, March 11, 2022, at the St. Agnes Religious 
Education Center, in Grainfield. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, 
March 12, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Grainfield, with burial in
 the Grainfield City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. Agnes 
Church or the Grainfield American Legion and sent in care of Baalmann 
Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. 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/2022/3/1646937690038.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Blanche Elizabeth Zerr, 91, of Grainfield, died Monday, March 7, 2022, 
at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care, in Quinter, KS. She 
was born during the dirty thirties, on October 31, 1930, in Hill City, 
KS, and was the first born of Joseph and Elizabeth (Dinkel) Richmeier. 
She grew up in St. Peter, KS and attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School 
there, where she learned her prayers and received her sacraments. After 
the 8th grade, at age 12, Blanche was sent to live with a group of young
 girls at a convent in Topeka, KS, where she worked at a hospital and 
sent the money she earned home to help support her family. Blanche was 
homesick, so after six months she was transferred to Hays, KS, to be 
closer to her family. She lived and worked there until she was 17. 
In May of 1947, Blanche met Peter C. Zerr at the wedding of Clem and 
Pauline Zerr. On November 16, 1948, shortly after Blanche turned 18, 
they were married in the basement of St. Anthony’s School, in St. Peter,
 because the church was being rebuilt. Blanche fondly recalled her and 
Peter praying together with both of their parents before the wedding. 
The couple continued to carry on the faith to their own family. They 
were blessed with five children (though they initially both wanted 14). 
Blanche was a true model for her family in the way she lived her 
Catholic faith, following the 10 commandments, praying, and sharing her 
devotion for the rosary. 
Blanche was an excellent farm wife. She was hard working and always 
filled in wherever she was needed. She milked the dairy cows, raised a 
large garden, cooked full meals for her family and the hired hands, all 
while maintaining the household and attending all her children’s events.
 She loved spending time with her family on Sundays, going to church and
 attending get-togethers. Blanche lived for her children and later her 
grandchildren and was always there to support them in their endeavors. 
She was a member of the Go-Getters EHU, Hackberry Hoppers, Grainfield 
Tri S Federated Women’s Club, Immaculate Conception Altar Society and 
later the St. Agnes Ladies. 
Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; husband Peter; son Keith 
Zerr; daughter-in-law Karen Zerr and sisters, Luella Kinderknecht, 
Carmella Jones and Clarita Kollhoff. 
She is survived by her sons, Dennis Zerr, of Garden City, KS, Kevin Zerr
 (Peggy Huelsman), of Perry, KS and Darren (Sherri) Zerr, of Baldwin 
City, KS; daughter Lynette (Terry) Steinbrecher, of Denver, CO; 
daughter-in-law Jacky Zerr; sister Eileen Bellairs; brothers, Edwin and 
Larry Richmeier; ten grandchildren, Chad Zerr, Mike (Tiffany) Zerr, 
Christopher (Ines) Wildeman, Kelly Steinbrecher, Gregory (Casi) 
Wildeman, Jordan Zerr, Jason (Whitney) Zerr, Kenton (Jennifer) Zerr, 
Kaitlyn (Keaton) Knott and Kirsten Zerr (fiancé Collin Schmidt) and 11 
great grandchildren. 
Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., 
followed by a Vigil, Friday, March 11, 2022, at the St. Agnes Religious 
Education Center, in Grainfield. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, 
March 12, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Grainfield, with burial in
 the Grainfield City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Agnes 
Church or the Grainfield American Legion and sent in care of Baalmann 
Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences 
visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Blanche Elizabeth Zerr

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

WaKeeney is hoping to welcome back the big screen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A local committee has kicked off a pledge drive to raise $160,000 to build a new drive-in movie theater in WaKeeney.

Although WaKeeney at one time had a drive-in theater, it's been years since the community has had a movie theater of any kind.

The nonprofit raising funds for the project hopes to show both first-run and classic movies. Some theme nights are also planned.

Drive-ins used to be common across Kansas, but the advent of digital movies killed many of the small operations, which could not afford to invest in new equipment.

The nearest drive-ins to WaKeeney are in Kanpolis and Dodge City. Wichita, Kansas City and Paola are the only other remaining communities in the state with drive-ins.

Lynelle Shubert, director of Trego County Travel and Tourism, is a spokeswoman for the project. She said she thinks the drive-in will be a regional draw for the community.

"It's really about bringing entertainment to rural Kansas, and giving people in rural communities something to do on the weekends during the summer," she said.

Drive-in&nbsp; movies are undergoing a revival, she said, and she sees the WaKeeney project beings a destination attraction. 

During the pandemic shutdown, Garth Brooks and AC/DC offered concerts to drive-in audiences in lieu of live concerts.

"I think there are people who still want to go out and do something," Shubert said. "I grew up on drive-ins. When we had babies, we were broke. We didn't have any&nbsp; money, so we threw the kids in the back of the car and we went to the drive-in."

She said the committee has yet to set admission prices for the theater, but the consensus is to keep prices affordable for families.

Shubert said the site could be used for other events. The drive-in committee has already been contacted about using the site for a car show. Some drive-ins also use their sites for flea markets.

The drive-in will be recruiting non-profit groups to offer concessions. The groups will keep the proceeds. There will be a no alcohol policy.

"The movie theater is not set up to make money," Shubert said. "The movie theater is set up for quality of life for our community and the surrounding communities."

The land on which the drive-in will be built is south of Interstate 70 at&nbsp; exit 128, which is the east WaKeeney exit. Trego County owns the land. Whether that land will be leased or gifted to the nonprofit has yet to be determined, Shubert said.

The project has raised $4,300 plus $14,848 in pledges as of Monday. The committee just launched the pledge drive last month and also plans to apply for grants.

Those who wish to donate to the project can send checks to Trego Sky View Drive-in, P.O. Box 83, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Pledge letters or cards can be sent to the same address. Please include your name, address and phone number on all pledges.

Pledge cards also are available on the drive-in's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tregoskyview">Facebook page</a>. You can also send questions to <a href="mailto:tregoskyview@gmail.com" target="_blank">tregoskyview@gmail.com</a>.

The timeline for the project is dependent on fundraising, Shubert said.

Once the money for the project is raised, construction should move forward quickly. Because of the topography of the land, little dirt work is expected.

A screen will be erected, as well as a projection building. Because there are no sewer lines in the area and to save on construction costs, the drive-in will use a restroom trailer, much like the bathrooms in a camper.

The committee would like to eventually build a small playground at the site.

If the theater would ever reach a point where it is making more money than is needed for the upkeep and operation of the theater, as a nonprofit, the organization could grant funds to other agencies in the community.

Shubert acknowledged the drive-in is a big dream. As an homage to this optimism, the committee has tentatively set "Field of Dreams" as the movie for its soft opening.

"This is truly an act of faith," Shubert said. ... "I'm a dreamer, I get that, but if you don't dream, nothing happens."

Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWaKeeney is hoping to welcome back the big screen.&nbsp;&nbsp; A local committee has kicked off a pledge drive to raise $160,000 to build a new drive-in movie theater in WaKeeney.Although WaKeeney at one time had a drive-in theater, it's been years since the community has had a movie theater of any kind.The nonprofit raising funds for the project hopes to show both first-run and classic movies. Some theme nights are also planned. Drive-ins used to be common across Kansas, but the advent of digital movies killed many of the small operations, which could not afford to invest in new equipment.The nearest drive-ins to WaKeeney are in Kanpolis and Dodge City. Wichita, Kansas City and Paola are the only other remaining communities in the state with drive-ins. Lynelle Shubert, director of Trego County Travel and Tourism, is a spokeswoman for the project. She said she thinks the drive-in will be a regional draw for the community."It's really about bringing entertainment to rural Kansas, and giving people in rural communities something to do on the weekends during the summer," she said. Drive-in&nbsp; movies are undergoing a revival, she said, and she sees the WaKeeney project beings a destination attraction. During the pandemic shutdown, Garth Brooks and AC/DC offered concerts to drive-in audiences in lieu of live concerts."I think there are people who still want to go out and do something," Shubert said. "I grew up on drive-ins. When we had babies, we were broke. We didn't have any&nbsp; money, so we threw the kids in the back of the car and we went to the drive-in."She said the committee has yet to set admission prices for the theater, but the consensus is to keep prices affordable for families. Shubert said the site could be used for other events. The drive-in committee has already been contacted about using the site for a car show. Some drive-ins also use their sites for flea markets.The drive-in will be recruiting non-profit groups to offer concessions. The groups will keep the proceeds. There will be a no alcohol policy."The movie theater is not set up to make money," Shubert said. "The movie theater is set up for quality of life for our community and the surrounding communities."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646155005402.jpeg" alt="Proposed location of the WaKeeney drive-in south of Interstate 70 at exit 128" />
 <figcaption>Proposed location of the WaKeeney drive-in south of Interstate 70 at exit 128</figcaption>
 </figure>The land on which the drive-in will be built is south of Interstate 70 at&nbsp; exit 128, which is the east WaKeeney exit. Trego County owns the land. Whether that land will be leased or gifted to the nonprofit has yet to be determined, Shubert said.The project has raised $4,300 plus $14,848 in pledges as of Monday. The committee just launched the pledge drive last month and also plans to apply for grants.Those who wish to donate to the project can send checks to Trego Sky View Drive-in, P.O. Box 83, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Pledge letters or cards can be sent to the same address. Please include your name, address and phone number on all pledges.Pledge cards also are available on the drive-in's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tregoskyview">Facebook page</a>. You can also send questions to <a href="mailto:tregoskyview@gmail.com" target="_blank">tregoskyview@gmail.com</a>.The timeline for the project is dependent on fundraising, Shubert said. Once the money for the project is raised, construction should move forward quickly. Because of the topography of the land, little dirt work is expected.A screen will be erected, as well as a projection building. Because there are no sewer lines in the area and to save on construction costs, the drive-in will use a restroom trailer, much like the bathrooms in a camper.The committee would like to eventually build a small playground at the site.If the theater would ever reach a point where it is making more money than is needed for the upkeep and operation of the theater, as a nonprofit, the organization could grant funds to other agencies in the community.Shubert acknowledged the drive-in is a big dream. As an homage to this optimism, the committee has tentatively set "Field of Dreams" as the movie for its soft opening."This is truly an act of faith," Shubert said. ... "I'm a dreamer, I get that, but if you don't dream, nothing happens." Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay

WaKeeney sets sights on building new drive-in theater

Aquina&nbsp;(Leiker)&nbsp;Rajewski, age 94, of Vincent, Kansas, died Saturday, February 26,&nbsp;2022,&nbsp;at her home on the farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was born February 12, 1928, in Victoria, Kansas, to Pius and Anna (Sander) Leiker. &nbsp;She married Howard L. Rajewski on August 25, 1948,&nbsp;in Victoria.&nbsp;He preceded her in death on September 23, 2019.

After high school, she worked at the Victoria Co-op Grocery Store. After getting married, she and Howard operated the family farm. &nbsp;She was also a&nbsp;homemaker&nbsp;and&nbsp;seamstress.&nbsp;During the busy seasons, she&nbsp;helped her sisters&nbsp;as a seamstress&nbsp;at Feme`&nbsp;Dress &amp; Bridal&nbsp;Shop&nbsp;in Hays.

Aquina was a 1946 graduate of Victoria Rural High School, a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, and St. Boniface Christian Mothers of Vincent, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;She enjoyed sewing, cooking, canning, her flower gardens and her vegetable&nbsp;garden. &nbsp;Her pride and joy in life was her family and her faith.

Survivors include her children, Dr. Richard Rajewski and his wife, Vicki, Hays, KS; Neal Rajewski, of the home; Susan Kisner and husband, Deacon Dave, Hays, KS; Rosann Schippers and husband, Thomas, Wichita, KS; Joann Wheeler and husband, Rory, Wichita, KS; Dr. Roger Rajewski and wife, Dr. Lian Rajewski, Lawrence, KS; Leann Fortino and husband, John, Olathe, KS; her 15 grandchildren; her ten great grandchildren; her brothers-in-law, Dan Schmidtberger and wife, Donna, Hill City; George Gatschet,&nbsp;Hays, KS;&nbsp;Tom Wiesner, Punta Gorda, FL; her sisters-in-law, Ann Leiker, Hays, KS; Ada Leiker, Great Bend, KS; and Janice Leiker, Ellis, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers, Gilbert Leiker, Robert Leiker, Elmer Leiker, Neon Leiker, Laurian Leiker; her sisters, Luella Dreiling, Armella Wasinger-Thompson, Theresa Haselhorst, Rosaline Wiesner, Mary Ellen Schmidtberger, and Ethel Gatschet.&nbsp;

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas&nbsp;with Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. officiating and assisted by Deacon Dave Kisner.&nbsp;&nbsp;Burial will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent. &nbsp;The family&nbsp;requests&nbsp;that face masks be worn at the visitation and funeral mass. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday,&nbsp;at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis.

A vigil service and rosary with the Vincent Christian Mothers will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday,&nbsp;at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The family suggests memorials payable to the organization: St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Fidelis Catholic Church or The Capuchin Province of Mid-America in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646098450031.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Aquina&nbsp;(Leiker)&nbsp;Rajewski, age 94, of Vincent, Kansas, died Saturday, February 26,&nbsp;2022,&nbsp;at her home on the farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was born February 12, 1928, in Victoria, Kansas, to Pius and Anna (Sander) Leiker. &nbsp;She married Howard L. Rajewski on August 25, 1948,&nbsp;in Victoria.&nbsp;He preceded her in death on September 23, 2019.After high school, she worked at the Victoria Co-op Grocery Store. After getting married, she and Howard operated the family farm. &nbsp;She was also a&nbsp;homemaker&nbsp;and&nbsp;seamstress.&nbsp;During the busy seasons, she&nbsp;helped her sisters&nbsp;as a seamstress&nbsp;at Feme`&nbsp;Dress &amp; Bridal&nbsp;Shop&nbsp;in Hays.Aquina was a 1946 graduate of Victoria Rural High School, a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, and St. Boniface Christian Mothers of Vincent, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;She enjoyed sewing, cooking, canning, her flower gardens and her vegetable&nbsp;garden. &nbsp;Her pride and joy in life was her family and her faith.Survivors include her children, Dr. Richard Rajewski and his wife, Vicki, Hays, KS; Neal Rajewski, of the home; Susan Kisner and husband, Deacon Dave, Hays, KS; Rosann Schippers and husband, Thomas, Wichita, KS; Joann Wheeler and husband, Rory, Wichita, KS; Dr. Roger Rajewski and wife, Dr. Lian Rajewski, Lawrence, KS; Leann Fortino and husband, John, Olathe, KS; her 15 grandchildren; her ten great grandchildren; her brothers-in-law, Dan Schmidtberger and wife, Donna, Hill City; George Gatschet,&nbsp;Hays, KS;&nbsp;Tom Wiesner, Punta Gorda, FL; her sisters-in-law, Ann Leiker, Hays, KS; Ada Leiker, Great Bend, KS; and Janice Leiker, Ellis, KS.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers, Gilbert Leiker, Robert Leiker, Elmer Leiker, Neon Leiker, Laurian Leiker; her sisters, Luella Dreiling, Armella Wasinger-Thompson, Theresa Haselhorst, Rosaline Wiesner, Mary Ellen Schmidtberger, and Ethel Gatschet.&nbsp;Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas&nbsp;with Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. officiating and assisted by Deacon Dave Kisner.&nbsp;&nbsp;Burial will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent. &nbsp;The family&nbsp;requests&nbsp;that face masks be worn at the visitation and funeral mass. &nbsp; &nbsp;Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday,&nbsp;at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis.A vigil service and rosary with the Vincent Christian Mothers will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday,&nbsp;at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria. &nbsp;&nbsp;The family suggests memorials payable to the organization: St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Fidelis Catholic Church or The Capuchin Province of Mid-America in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671Condolences can be sent via e-mail to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net">clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net</a>&nbsp;or can be left &nbsp;by guestbook at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Aquina (Leiker) Rajewski

Alvina "Vickie" Smith, age 90, entered into rest Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022,
 at her residence at Wheatridge Apartments in Atwood, KS. She was born 
June 3, 1931 at her family farm near Herndon, KS, in Rawlins County, the
 fifth child of Otto and Elizabeth (Kirchner) Sattler. She was baptized 
into the Catholic Faith and remained Catholic until death. She graduated
 from Herndon High School in 1949. 
On Sept. 12, 1950, she married Ernest J. Riepl and to this union they 
were blessed with 3 children: Diana, Becky and Allen. Ernest died Dec. 
4, 1972. On June 4, 1976 she married Dan Smith. Dan died March 25, 2008.
 She outlived 2 husbands and a son. 
Vickie enjoyed living on the farm, raising chickens, milking cows, 
canning, baking, quilting, sewing and many other housewife duties. She 
made over 500 quilts. She always arranged to have the baby chickens 
ready to butcher the first day after school was out! The town kids got 
to go to the swimming pool. Vickie's kids got to butcher chickens and 
hang the clothes out on the clothesline. However, the town kids probably
 didn't have the blessing of getting off the school bus to the smell of 
fresh baked bread that the butter just melted on and was "oh so good!" 
Vickie kept very active with the Koffee Klatch Hobby Club for many 
years. She was a member of the Chirsitan Mothers Altar Society both at 
St. John's Church and Sacred Heart in Atwood. She helped make many 
rosaries for the Rosary Makers. She waited tables at the Buffalo 
Restaurant and Chris's Cafe and helped at the Snack Shack. She also 
helped the Scrappy Gals tie many quilts over the years. 
Preceding her in death were her parents; her two husbands; sisters, 
LaVern Calhoun, Roseanna McAdams and Eleanor Romine; brothers, George 
and Kenny Sattler; son Allen Riepl; niece Jeannie Jobs; nephew Bobby 
McAdams and son-in-law Leon Lang. 
Survivors include daughters, Diana (Mike) Tongish and Becky R. Lang, all
 of Atwood; 2 grandsons, (She was Grandma Giggles to them) Isaah (Betsy)
 Lang of Wichita, KS and Johnny (Jessica) Lang of Hays, KS; 4 great 
grandchildren, Carter and Ellee Lang of Hays, KS and Cameron and Hayden 
Lang of Wichita, KS; 3 sisters, Margaret McLaren of Chanute, KS, Doris 
(Dennis) Riener of Palisade, NE and Bernadine Pfannenstiel of 
Westminster, CO; sister-in-law Janice Sattler of Atwood, KS and many 
other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 
Memorials may be made to the St. John's Cemetery maintenance fund and 
sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS. Services will 
be held June 3, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atwood. For 
information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Alvina "Vickie" Smith, age 90, entered into rest Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022,
 at her residence at Wheatridge Apartments in Atwood, KS. She was born 
June 3, 1931 at her family farm near Herndon, KS, in Rawlins County, the
 fifth child of Otto and Elizabeth (Kirchner) Sattler. She was baptized 
into the Catholic Faith and remained Catholic until death. She graduated
 from Herndon High School in 1949. 
On Sept. 12, 1950, she married Ernest J. Riepl and to this union they 
were blessed with 3 children: Diana, Becky and Allen. Ernest died Dec. 
4, 1972. On June 4, 1976 she married Dan Smith. Dan died March 25, 2008.
 She outlived 2 husbands and a son. 
Vickie enjoyed living on the farm, raising chickens, milking cows, 
canning, baking, quilting, sewing and many other housewife duties. She 
made over 500 quilts. She always arranged to have the baby chickens 
ready to butcher the first day after school was out! The town kids got 
to go to the swimming pool. Vickie's kids got to butcher chickens and 
hang the clothes out on the clothesline. However, the town kids probably
 didn't have the blessing of getting off the school bus to the smell of 
fresh baked bread that the butter just melted on and was "oh so good!" 
Vickie kept very active with the Koffee Klatch Hobby Club for many 
years. She was a member of the Chirsitan Mothers Altar Society both at 
St. John's Church and Sacred Heart in Atwood. She helped make many 
rosaries for the Rosary Makers. She waited tables at the Buffalo 
Restaurant and Chris's Cafe and helped at the Snack Shack. She also 
helped the Scrappy Gals tie many quilts over the years. 
Preceding her in death were her parents; her two husbands; sisters, 
LaVern Calhoun, Roseanna McAdams and Eleanor Romine; brothers, George 
and Kenny Sattler; son Allen Riepl; niece Jeannie Jobs; nephew Bobby 
McAdams and son-in-law Leon Lang. 
Survivors include daughters, Diana (Mike) Tongish and Becky R. Lang, all
 of Atwood; 2 grandsons, (She was Grandma Giggles to them) Isaah (Betsy)
 Lang of Wichita, KS and Johnny (Jessica) Lang of Hays, KS; 4 great 
grandchildren, Carter and Ellee Lang of Hays, KS and Cameron and Hayden 
Lang of Wichita, KS; 3 sisters, Margaret McLaren of Chanute, KS, Doris 
(Dennis) Riener of Palisade, NE and Bernadine Pfannenstiel of 
Westminster, CO; sister-in-law Janice Sattler of Atwood, KS and many 
other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 
Memorials may be made to the St. John's Cemetery maintenance fund and 
sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS. Services will 
be held June 3, 2022 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atwood. For 
information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Alvina 'Vickie' Smith

Amazing delivery brings needed light to program critical to those in need

STOCKTON — The food ministry in Stockton received a shipment of a sweet treats last week — a large shipment of Zingers, the raspberry snack cake covered in coconut.

They received 56 pallets of this cousin to the Twinkie. That's 105 cases to a pallet, six boxes to case, 10 individually wrapped Zingers to a box.

Do the math: That's 352,800 cream-filled delights. If you stretched those end to end, that would cover about a mile and a half.

The Zingers are being stored in a shed with pallets stacked 10 feet tall. Thursday, during one of the pantry's giveaways, people were loading them onto trailers, stuffing them into trunks and wheeling them away on dollies — in Stockton, Kansas, a community of just 1,300 people.

The Zingers are past their best-by date, so the items could no longer be sold. However, the treats are perfectly good to eat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644614527478.jpeg" alt="The Pantry of Blessing in Stockton is giving away free Zingers. The food program received a shipment of 56 pallets of the snack cakes last week. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Pantry of Blessing in Stockton is giving away free Zingers. The food program received a shipment of 56 pallets of the snack cakes last week. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Amazing delivery brings needed light to program critical to those in need</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSTOCKTON — The food ministry in Stockton received a shipment of a sweet treats last week — a large shipment of Zingers, the raspberry snack cake covered in coconut.They received 56 pallets of this cousin to the Twinkie. That's 105 cases to a pallet, six boxes to case, 10 individually wrapped Zingers to a box.Do the math: That's 352,800 cream-filled delights. If you stretched those end to end, that would cover about a mile and a half. The Zingers are being stored in a shed with pallets stacked 10 feet tall. Thursday, during one of the pantry's giveaways, people were loading them onto trailers, stuffing them into trunks and wheeling them away on dollies — in Stockton, Kansas, a community of just 1,300 people.The Zingers are past their best-by date, so the items could no longer be sold. However, the treats are perfectly good to eat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644614995437.jpeg" alt="Far right, Loren Goodheart, Pantry of Blessing volunteer, and far left, Pastor Ted Stapleton, Pantry of Blessing coordinator, help load cases of Zingers out of the pantry's storage area. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Far right, Loren Goodheart, Pantry of Blessing volunteer, and far left, Pastor Ted Stapleton, Pantry of Blessing coordinator, help load cases of Zingers out of the pantry's storage area. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although the thought of that many filling-stuffed snack cakes might elicit a giggle, the delivery is part of a larger, very important, food program in rural Kansas called Convoy of Hope.Stockton United Methodist Church Pastor Ted Stapleton coordinates the food drop at the Pantry of Blessings in Stockton, a program that has been in operation for about four years. The name for the program comes from a story in the Bible about a widow going to the pantry, who never ran out of flour."God is doing that with this," Stapleton said. "Everything we bring in is something people need or can use."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644615491953.jpeg" alt="Cases of Zingers being loaded into a vehicle. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Cases of Zingers being loaded into a vehicle. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Convoy of Hope connects sites like the Pantry of Blessings with manufacturers or businesses that have overstock or, in the case of the Zingers, are reaching a best-by date.Stapleton said an incredible amount of food in this country is thrown away — food that could be feeding people. The Pantry of Blessings only pays for the shipping cost to get the products to Stockton. This typically ranges from $600 to $2,000, depending on how far the load has to travel. The program takes donations to pay for the trucking expenses. Stapleton said God always comes through with enough funds to get trucks to Stockton. When Stapleton first started the program in northwest Kansas, he was taking whatever vehicle he could find to bring back food, including renting a U-Haul. Now, the program receives food by the semi load.The pantry usually gets a shipment once every three months.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644615535255.jpeg" alt="Cases of Zingers stacked up in a warehouse in Stockton. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>Cases of Zingers stacked up in a warehouse in Stockton. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure>"Basically, we're bringing it out rural America instead of it all going to the cities," Stapleton said. He said it is like Christmas when they open up the truck, because they never know what they're going to receive. The last shipment was protein bars. It's also been water, Gatorade, cereal, tortillas and rice, among other products. The Zinger shipment was unusual in that the program received such a large quantity of all one item, Stapleton said. During the pandemic, Pantry of Blessings received produce shipments from the federal government. The government was buying those commodities straight from farmers, and the government paid for the shipping on those trucks."Most people don't understand that poverty is reality," Stapleton said, "and when times get tough, we don't get enough food. We are not feeding our families well enough. If I can bring product in that will help people, then it's well worth it."Pantry of Blessings is connected with food pantries and churches across the region. The food helps supplement what the pantries can offer to their clients.Diana Koerner and a friend made the drive to Stockton this week and brought back a carload, about 54 cases, of the Zingers to Hays. They delivered to the Hays food banks, Hays High School, Thomas More Prep- Marian, the Fort Hays State University food pantry, Hays Senior Center and Homestead of Hays, among other organizations.The Ellis Food Pantry also received a load of Zingers. Althea Cross, volunteer, said the food pantry doesn't usually receive sweet items. It prepares 6o to 74 food boxes each month for local families.Loren Goodheart, Pantry of Blessings volunteer, said he has delivered Zingers to the Norton Correctional Facility, hospitals, senior care homes and day cares.As of Thursday morning, the program had about 40 pallets of Zingers left. Food from Stockton, has also gone to Bird City, Goodland, Colby, Nebraska, Smith Center, Beloit and other communities."In rural America, it's just about making sure we're taking care of each other," Stapleton said.Once charitable organizations and pantries have been served, the pantry offers the remaining food to local individuals and families. There are no income restrictions — people are just handed the food."We wanted to make it so as many people could be served as possible," Stapleton said. "We are not making a judgment on who needs it and who doesn't because nobody knows the reality of anybody's life."We are humbled to continue to be able to get the product and share it like we do."Stapleton said he rarely does interviews. The program is not about him, it's about the smiles on people's faces when they receive food. He said program is about offering glory to God."It's in God's hands," he said. "We'll do this as long as God wants us to, and when he decides that we're done and we've done all that we can, then it'll stop. But until that moment, we're going to keep doing what we do." Anyone interested in donating funds to pay for the program's trucking costs can donate to Pantry of Blessings, in care of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/170885512930055">Long Island Methodist Church</a>, 524 W. Washington Ave., Long Island, KS 67647.