Velma Louise Underwood, 83, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, Marych 07, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Services are pending at this time and cremation has been selceted by the family. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangments.
Margaret JoAnn “Jody” Obholz, age 61, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2018 in Hays.
Funeral services will be 2:30 PM with a rosary prior to the service on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary 1919 E 22nd Hays, KS 67601.
Visitation will be Saturday 1 PM until service time at the mortuary.
A complete obituary is pending.
Geraldine “Jerry” Shaw, age 86, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Sheridan County Health Complex, Long Term Care, Hoxie, Kansas. She was born September 27, 1931 in Quinter to M.A. and Osie (Stubbs) Gillespie.
Jerry was a 1949 graduate of Grainfield High School. She was united in marriage to Curtis Shaw on June 19, 1949 in Wichita. They were married for 51 years until his death on March 3, 2001. For 54 years, Jerry worked as a bookkeeper for Shaw Motor Company. She was a member of the Grainfield United Methodist Church and American Legion Auxiliary. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, quick wit, and sarcasm.
Survivors include a daughter, Jann (Herman) Zerr of Grainfield; a son, Gene Shaw of Grainfield; eight grandchildren, Brian (Silvia) Zerr of New York City, Brett Zerr of Chicago, Ryan Shaw of Oakley, Lee (Evan) Miller of Kansas City, Missouri, Miles (Tara) Shaw of Oakley, Dillon (Jamie) Shaw of Salina, Kyle Shaw of Grainfield, Dayna (Jonathan) Alexander of Garden City; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Loretta Shaw and Beulah Gillespie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers, Jack, Bill, and Don Gillespie; and three sisters, Joy Coberly, Betty Priefert, and Shirley Verhoeff.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the United Methodist Church, Grainfield. Burial will be in the Grainfield Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday evening, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Grainfield United Methodist Church, Grainfield American Legion, or Grainfield Opera House. Contributions made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.
Condolences may be left online at www.schmittfuneral.com.
Vivian Loene (McCabe) Skrdlant, beloved daughter of Lowell and Naomi (Ritter) McCabe, was born October 8, 1928 in Norton County, Kansas, and left this earthly life on March 7, 2018 at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas, at the age of 89.
Vivian grew up on the family farm nine miles west of Norton. She attended Davis country school #111, grades first through eighth. She then attended Norton Community High School and graduated with the class of 1946. She enjoyed running and winning the county three legged and sack races as a child.
She was united in marriage to Emil Skrdlant on November 14, 1948 in Norton, Kansas. To this union four wonderful sons were born: Walter, Roy, Darrell, and Gary.
After Vivian’s marriage, she lived on a farm north of Norton, spending the first year even without electricity. She was a farm wife who also had a garden, raised chickens, and sold eggs to most of the restaurants in Norton. She greatly enjoyed crocheting and doing many handcrafts. She crocheted Afghans, for all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren except for the last ones when her health gave out. She was a member of the Sunshine Club, and she and Emil belonged to the Norton Squarenaders Square Dance Club. She enjoyed life, traveling coast to coast, and always worried about animals that had to stay outside in the heat or cold. Her greatest joy in life was her family and friends, and spending time with them. She enjoyed being a mother and grandmother. Emil and Vivian moved into Norton in 1983. Emil passed away in 1993. Vivian lived by herself until 2014, when she moved to Whispering Pines, and later to the Andbe Home. She was a member of the Norton Christian Church.
Survivors include: four sons, Walter, and wife, Elaine Skrdlant, Norton; Roy, and wife, Jean Skrdlant, Norton; Darrell, and wife, Kathie Skrdlant, Norton; Gary, and wife, Wendy Skrdlant, Manhattan, KS; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; numerous other relatives and friends.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Aletha Rule.
FUNERAL SERVICE- Saturday, March 10, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, Kansas
VISITATION – Friday, March 9, 2018 from 5:00 P.M until 7:00 P.M
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, Kansas
INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kansas
MEMORIALS – Vivian Skrdlant Memorial Fund
Marvin Dean Taylor was born on September 7, 1934 near Tasco, in Sheridan County, Kansas, to Orval and Bernice (Haynes) Taylor. He passed away on March 6, 2018 at the Sheridan County Long Term Care in Hoxie.
He grew up on a farm, and began doing chores and running the tractor at an early age. Whenever they weren’t working, Marvin and his brothers could be found playing football, basketball, or baseball, or pitching horseshoes. Marvin was educated in the schools of Sheridan County graduating from Sheridan Community High School with the class of 1952. Marvin attended and graduated from Kansas State University with a BS degree in Agriculture in 1957.
After a period of active duty in the US Army, he returned to the farm, and farmed in partnership with his father and his brother Harold, raising wheat, alfalfa, and feeding cattle. After their father’s retirement, Marvin and Harold continued farming in partnership. The partnership lasted more than sixty years.
He married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Smith on August 21, 1953, and they attended Kansas State University together. They became the parents of Jeannine, Neil, and Daniel. After 55 years of marriage, Kathleen passed away. Marvin was later blessed by the companionship of Patricia Blair during the last five years of his life.
He is survived by children Jeannine of the home; Neil and wife Jolene, Overland Park, KS; and Daniel and wife Stacey, Olathe, KS; five grandchildren: Catherine Taylor, Anna Taylor, Scott Taylor, Matthew Taylor, and Emma Taylor; brothers Harold and wife Arvilla of Hoxie; Ralfe and wife Lorena of Payson, AZ; Larry and wife Brenda of Overland Park, KS; Keith and wife Paula of Overland Park, KS; brother-in-law Bob Smith of Westminster, CA; sister-in-law Shirley Taylor of Grand Junction, CO; brother-in-law Tom Wentz of Pasadena, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen, his parents, sisters Ellen Mae and Ruby Smith, and brother Dale.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Hoxie Presbyterian Church at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Dixie Anders officiating. Interment will be in the Hoxie City Cemetery following the Service. Visitation will be held Friday, March 9, 2018, from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk, the Sheridan County Historical Society, or the Sheridan County Library. On-line condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
Graveside Memorial Service: Saturday, March 10th at 11:00 am at Big Timber Cemetery, rural Jennings, Kansas, with Kent Morgan officiating
Military Rites: Oberlin American Legion Post #70.
Memorial Fund: Decatur County Food Pantry (contributions may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749)
In Loving Memory
Lee Edward Franklin passed away March 4, 2018, at the age of 72. He was born October 6, 1945, in Oberlin, Kansas, to Leo H. Franklin (1913-2001) and Charlotte J. (Cilek) Franklin (1916-1988).
Lee spent his youth on the family farm northwest of Jennings and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1963. He attended Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University. Lee joined the US Air Force where he rose to the rank of Captain during the Vietnam War. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action. Lee was a proud veteran who loved his country and understood through real experience that freedom isn’t free.
After leaving the Air Force, he completed his university studies then worked in the securities and exchange business for many years in Colorado before retiring to the family farm near Jennings. In his retirement, Lee spent countless hours promoting economic development in rural counties. He was also an accomplished chef and barbeque pro, well known for his special Memorial Day gatherings.
In December 1968, Lee married Ardis Marie Crouse in Haigler, Nebraska. They later divorced.
Lee is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Christian and Kristen Franklin of Hopkinton, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Ryan and Kate Franklin; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanne and Allen Hooper of Oberlin; two nieces; and many cousins. His parents preceded him in death. Because of his mother’s blood connection to the original Decatur County pioneer families of Cilek, Rohan, Heiman, Tacha, Hess, and Petracek, Lee is related to hundreds of people in the area. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Lifelong Phillipsburg resident Noma M. Keesee passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018, in the Phillips County Retirement Center, Phillipsburg, at the age of 88.
She was born December 4, 1929 in Phillips County, KS the daughter of Erl & Theresa (Schulke) Haskett.
She was united marriage to Lowell Keesee on February 9, 1950 in La Junta, Colorado. He preceded her in death on March 4, 2009.
Survivors include her 3 sons, John of Shirley, Massachusetts, Robert of Phillipsburg and Tony of Mannford, Oklahoma; 2 daughters, Amy Gordon of Trevor City, Michigan and Rita Graham of Haltom City, Texas; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and her sister, Bernice Werner of Phillipsburg.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. Burial will follow in the Agra Cemetery, Agra, KS.
Mrs. Keesee will lie in state from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from Noon until 9 p.m. Sunday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends Sunday evening at the funeral chapel from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Christ or Senior Companions.
Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.
Robert “Bob” Hinca of Plainville, KS went to meet his Savior Jesus face-to-face on Wednesday, March 7, 2018. He was born on June 11, 1933 in Buffalo, New York to Leo and Rose (Maciejewski) Hinca. He was united in marriage to Loretta Garvert on April 25, 1959 in Plainville, Kansas.
Bob will ever be known as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend; a diligent and dedicated worker and provider; the avid radio announcer “Bob Hammer”; an intense fan of all sports teams yielding from Buffalo, NY; a lover of Big Band and Jazz music; and a magneto genius. His heart of service was obvious to his country as he served in the Air Force, to his community through years of service to youth as a Sunday School teacher, and to his family as a dedicated provider.
He is survived by is wife “Angel” Loretta Hinca, celebrating 59 years together; his four children and their spouses: son Mark L. Hinca and wife Linda of Salina, KS; daughter Mary A. Hurlbut (Hinca) and husband Bryan of Edmond, OK; daughter Lisa M. Ward (Hinca) and husband Neal of Hays, KS; and, Craig A. Hinca with wife Laura of Salina, Kanasas. Bob is preceded in death by two brothers, Alphonse “Al” and Leonard, both of Buffalo, New York. His two surviving sibling Rita and Mildred still reside in Buffalo. Bob is also succeeded by eight grandchildren: Ron Gabriel, Tim Gabriel, Landon Hurlbut, Abby Hurlbut, Paige Hinca, Nathan Ward, Ryan Ward, and Grant Hinca.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at New Life Center Church in Hays, Kansas. A closed casket visitation will be 6:30-8:00PM on Friday at the funeral home in Plainville.
Alex A. Herrman, 82, La Crosse, Kansas, met his creator Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Rush County Memorial Hospital, La Crosse.
Alex was born June 28, 1935, on the family farm in rural Rush County, Kansas, to Nicholas and Veronica (Legleiter) Herrman. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County. A 1953 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, he spent his time as a farmer and also worked at Cross Manufacturing for 13 years.
He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, and a former member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. He was an honorary life member of Knights of Columbus Council 2970, La Crosse, where he was a former Grand Knight, District Deputy, a member of the degree team, and a delegate to the Supreme Convention. He was a 4th degree member of the Pope Paul VI Assembly, La Crosse, a former USD 395, La Crosse, school board member, and a former board member of the Rush County Farmer’s Co-op.
He enjoyed attending all of his grandchildren’s activities, and was also an avid “La Crosse Leopard Fan”. He was proud of his Leopard history, and helped construct the current high school.
On April 23, 1956, he married Twila Mae Staab at St. Joseph’s Church, Hays, Kansas.
Survivors include: his wife, Twila Herrman of the home; four daughters, Janel Weigel, and husband, Rick, La Crosse, Jillane Koochel, and husband, Pat, Great Bend, Kansas, Jerilyn Stull, and husband, Mike, McCracken, Kansas, and Joyce Temanson, and husband, Bill, Pratt, Kansas; one son, Glenn Herrman, and wife, Shanon, La Crosse; fourteen grandchildren, Nicholl Weigel, Nathan (Nicole) Weigel, Rachel (Tyler) Thompson, Christopher (Lindsey) Koochel, Emily Koochel, Ethan Koochel, Tayler Stull, Colby Stull, Eli Temanson, Aden Temanson, Isaac Temanson Brett Herrman, Blake Herrman, and Brooke Herrman and four great grandchildren, Madeline Koochel, Avery Koochel, Charlie Weigel, and Jace Weigel; two brothers, Marvin Herrman, and wife, Florence, La Crosse, and Albert (Al) Herrman, and wife, Mary, Salina, Kansas; and two sisters, Edith Bollig, La Crosse, and Elenora Moeder, La Crosse.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Chris Herrman, Elmer Herrman, Alvin Herrman, Kenneth Herrman, and Raymond Herrman; and four sisters, Emma Moeder, Agnes Herrman, Bertha Sauber, and Sister Louise Herrman,
Visitation will be Sunday, March 11, 2018, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A vigil service and 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.
Church visitation will be Monday, March 12, 2018, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse.
Funeral service will be Monday, March 12, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Liebenthal.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal.
Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.
Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.
David A. Weber, 62, a lighthearted, loving soul of rural Oakley, died Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at the Logan County Hospital, surrounded by family and the prayerful community he loved.
He was born December 13, 1955, in Oakley, to Celestine and Katherine (Brungardt) Weber. Growing up, David enjoyed playing and helping on the farm, which was his lifelong passion. In 1974, he graduated from Grinnell High School. After graduating high school, he went to Goodland Vo-Tech for two years to master his carpentry skills. He enjoyed working with his hands, and making improvements to his own farm equipment. David married the love of his life, Cheri Jacobs, on June 12, 1982, in Leoville, KS.
Together they moved to Wichita, where Cheri continued her education, and he worked for Hereford Cattle Operations, in Haven, KS. They then moved to Great Bend, where David worked in the maintenance department at the Black Angus Restaurant and Hotel, and helped on the family farm. In 1990 David, Cheri, Erica and Stephanie returned to the family farm south of Oakley. David began his own farming operation in 1992. He was a devoted family man, and was passionate about serving St. Joseph’s Church, school, community, surrounding area and others in need.
Most people comment on David’s loving generosity, as he always took the time to visit or call. In addition, he was known for his sense of humor and friendly smile. He served on the board for the Gove County FSA Committee, as well as, the St. Joseph School Council. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and previously served as Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight. David remained an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, including the school up to his death.
He was preceded in death by his father, Celestine J. Weber; son, Matthew David Weber; sister-in-law, Rose Weber and nephew, Joseph Weber.
He is survived by his wife, Cheri, of Oakley; daughters, Erica (Luke) Hayden, of Hutchinson, KS, Stephanie (Scott) Storie, of Aurora, CO and Joni Weber, of Oakley; grandchildren, Makayla Hayden, Alec and Emily Storie; his mother, Katherine Weber, of rural Oakley; brothers, William (Barbara), John (Nancy), Jacob (Michele), Edwin (Karen) and Leonard (Donna) and sisters, Margie (Gary) Dohm and Mary Ann (Phillip) Rietcheck; twenty-seven nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Visitation is 4:00-6:00 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2018 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. A vigil will take place at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the church, with burial to follow in the Church Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or School or the Joey Weber Endowment Fund at DSNWK, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
Phillipsburg resident Rose Erickson passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 83.
She was born August 23, 1934 in Prairie View, KS, the daughter of Herman & Elizabeth (Tillema) Wolters. On Nov. 4, 1955 she married Norman A. Erickson in Prairie View. Rose worked as a bookkeeper at the Coop Refinery in Phillipsburg for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Norman, of Phillipsburg and a sister, Dolores Walcott of Albuquerque, NM.
Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, KS, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the Prairie View Reformed Church, Prairie View, KS with Pastor Aaron Rust officiating.
Friends may sign the book Tuesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Services. Online condolences to: www.obchapel@ruraltel.net.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.
Kelly R. (Deiter) Riemann, beloved daughter of Paul and Patricia (Beck) Deiter, was born at Vandenberg AFB in California on March 30, 1964, and passed away at her home in Lake Ozarks, Missouri on March 6, 2018, at the age of 53.
Kelly attended school in Des Moines, Iowa and Colorado Springs, Colorado. She graduated from Doherty High School in 1982 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kelly went on to attend Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas receiving her Bachelor’s of Science In Education Degree. She taught in Derby, Kansas before teaching middle school reading at Lansing Middle School in Lansing, Kansas for 18 years. She was married to Kevin Riemann and to this union four wonderful children were born; Daniel Lee Riemann, Alex Thomas Riemann, Wesley Grant Riemann, and Leah Reagan Riemann. Kelly retired from teaching and moved to Norton, Kansas where she married the love of her life, Jim Richeson. Kelly and Jim lived in Norton for 5 years before moving to Lake Ozark, Missouri.
Kelly was a very kind hearted woman. She was passionate and active in the Just Say No Club and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Kelly enjoyed traveling with her husband, Jim to Herman, Missouri, shopping, going out to eat, and spending time with those she loved the most. Her greatest love was her family, especially her husband, children and grandchild.
Survivors include: her husband, Jim, of their home; mother, Patricia Deiter, Lansing, KS; three children; Alex Riemann, Lawrence, KS; Wesley Riemann, Lansing, KS; Leah Cook, Lansing, KS; cherished niece, Katie Smith, Kansas City, MO; one grandchild, Sydney Riemann; several nieces and nephews; numerous other relatives and friends.
Kelly was preceded in death by her father, Paul Deiter; one son, Daniel Lee Riemann; and sister, Jody Smith.
FUNERAL SERVICE – Monday, March 12, 2018 – 2:00 P.M.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, Kansas
INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kansas
MEMORIALS – Kelly Riemann Memorial Fund
Gayle Clifford Bainter was born to Roy C and Bessie Jane (Randall) Bainter on the family farm northwest of Hoxie, Kansas on March 31, 1920 the first of 7 children. He passed away on March 9, 2018 at the age of 97 . He attended the McGraw country school through 8th grade, and graduated from high school in Dresden, Kansas in 1938. He worked for several years and saved money to attend business college in Chillicothe, MO which he began in the fall of 1941.
After the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor he was drafted into the US Army during WWII from and served from February 25, 1942 to December 31, 1945. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, in France, Belgium and Germany, and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in the crossing of the Sauer River. His unit liberated a concentration camp before the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945.
After the war, he married Ruth Mae Carstens on January 1, 1947 in Topeka, KS. To this union three children were born, Warren, Judy, and Wesley. They celebrated 71 years of marriage and were true partners in life.
Gayle graduated from Washburn University with a BS in accounting in 1952. He worked in Topeka, Ks for a medical laboratory while attending college and until 1957 when the family moved to the farm in northwest Sheridan County to assist his father in farming, who was 61 at the time. In addition to farming, he worked part time for Sheridan County Appraiser’s office for a number of years, and then became the County Appraiser from 1976 to 1984. He later served as County Appraiser for Decatur County for several years.
Gayle was active in a number of service organizations. He became a 32nd degree Mason in Topeka in 1957. He joined the Hoxie Rotary Club serving all the local offices, and was Rotary District 5670 Governor 1994-1995. He made 4 trips to Panama with Rotary groups to provide eye glasses to the poor in that country. He served as a mentor in the Kansas Rotary High School Leadership Academy for several years. He was a life member of the VFW Post in Grainfield, KS. He was a member of the McGraw Methodist Church all his life.
Gayle is survived by his children, Warren (Jan) Bainter of Oberlin, Judy Gaumer of Oberlin, and Wesley (Casey) Bainter of Hoxie, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-granchildren, and sisters Rayta Mues of Golden Colorado and Della Jean Shipley of Hoxie.
He was predeceased by his Wife, Ruth, his parents, and sisters, Leta Neeley, Norma Tice, and Irma Shipley, brother Dale Bainter, and grandson, Adam Gaumer.
Services are scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at the Hoxie United Methodist Church, at 10:30 A.M. Interment will follow in the Hoxie City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 12, 2018 from Noon until 7:00 P.M.at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas.
The family suggests memorials to the McGraw Methodist Church, and they may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. On-line condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com
Clarence R. Barta passed away Friday, March 9, 2018 at Almost Home in Great Bend, Kansas at the age of 89. He was born on September 2, 1928, on the family farm in Ellsworth County, Kansas near Wilson, to the late Oda and Eleanor (Svaty) Barta. Before finishing high school he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served for three years.
After being honorably discharged from the Coast guard, he completed school and began working in the oil industry. On October 18, 1954 he was united in marriage to Mary Podlena at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Together they lived in numerous Kansas towns, but spent most of their later life in Great Bend. Aside from his love of family, his greatest passion was playing cards. He was known for a life time of planting trees and saving stray animals. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great bend and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
Clarence is survived by son Randy Barta and wife Kayla of Overland Park; daughter Cindy McQuade and husband Tim of Hoisington; grandsons Mike Barta of Lenexa, Ryan McQuade of Hays, Mark Barta of Mission; granddaughter Holly Simpson of Topeka; great-grandson Chace Barta; great-granddaughter Charlotte Rose Barta; and sisters-in-law Emily Zorn of Hoisington, Anne Ehrlich of Haven, and Sister Loretta Podlena of Great Bend.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Barta, parents Oda and Eleanor Barta, brother and sister-in-law Alvin and Loretta Barta.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Burial will follow in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday at the funeral home with Prayer Vigil at 6:00pm.
Marcella D. Albers, 86, of Oakley, died Saturday, March 10, 2018, at her home.
She was born November 24, 1931, in Sheridan County, KS, to Levi and Margaret (Trembley) Ribordy. She attended Harmony Grade School, in Sheridan County and later received her G.E.D. from Colby Community College. Growing up Marcella enjoyed roller skating, which is how she met her husband, Ralph Albers. They were united in marriage on November 24, 1948, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, in Grainfield. The snowstorm of 1948 made it a memorable and event for friends and family. They were married 69 years. Marcella was a member of the Wheatland VFW Post #2864 Ladies Auxiliary, St. Joseph Altar Society and multiple card clubs. She was a talented seamstress, making clothes for her family. Her four daughters often returned home from school finding a dress for each of them only needing the hem to be finished.
She was an avid quilter and quilted for many friends and family. Gardening was another talent of hers and she enjoyed canning what she produced. Marcella also loved to cook, especially for big groups. Pheasant hunting was a yearly event with meals all weekend for the hunters which included a mountain oyster fry, loved by most all. Christmas and Easter were important holidays, with Santa distributing presents to all and the Easter egg hunt for the grand and great grandkids. The adults seemed to enjoy finding and re-hiding the other adults bag of candy as much as the younger kids. Marcella loved going to auctions and collecting antiques. Her trips to town always ended buying fabric she loved to make into something beautiful. Marcella was a very caring and involved Wife, Mother and Grandmother and Great grandmother. She was a very involved in everyone’s activities.
Marcella was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Kenneth, Lenard and Leon; sisters, Madeline Rumback and Marceline Rowland; and granddaughter, Stacy Taylor.
She is survived by her husband, Ralph, of Oakley; children, Eulalia (Gary) Muschik , of Union Bridge, MD, Marvin (Bette) Albers, of Oakley, Vickie (Rich) Farney, Wilson, KS, Elaine (Ken) Ptacek, Colby, KS, Stan Albers, Hoxie, KS, Sandy (Monty) Moore, Monument, KS, Chris (Terri) Albers, Oakley and Lynn (Vivian) Albers, Pagosa Springs, CO; sisters, Maryann Racette and Rita Huffman; 22 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be Thursday, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com
Mildred Gertrude Reif, 86, passed away March 10, 2018, at Via Christi Hospital St. Francis in Wichita, KS.
She was born on November 7, 1931, at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend, to John J. and Judith (Mater) Schneider.
On August 30, 1950, she married Steve Reif at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Olmitz. After the wedding, they settled on a farm near Odin, where they lived their entire married life of over 67 years.
A lifetime resident of Barton County, she was a homemaker. She loved music and going to dances with Steve. She enjoyed crocheting and gardening and was an active partner on the farm. She was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society of Odin.
Mildred was a 1949 graduate of Great Bend High School.
She is survived by her husband, of the home; four children, Melvin and wife Sammie Reif of Ellinwood, Raymond and wife Anne Reif and Janet and husband Gary Rapp of Great Bend, Theresa and husband Patrick Trapp of Hays; six grandchildren, Marci and husband Jason Elliott, Sarah and husband Tony Schmieg, Katie and husband Jason Beach, Emily Reif, Cole and wife Regan Reif, and Travis and wife Katrina Rapp; eight great-grandchildren, Brendan Elliott, Avery Elliott, Kylie Schmieg, Alexis Schmieg, Tanner Beach, Anna Beach, Sophie Arunski, and Fitz Reif; and one sister, Delores and husband Leo Frenzl of Great Bend.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Martin Schneider; and one sister, Marie Demel.
Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. and Vigil and Rosary at 7p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, Kansas, celebrated by Father Terrence Klein. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Holy Family Cemetery Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.
Velma Louise Underwood, 83, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, Marych 07, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Velma was born on December 07, 1934, in Sumner County, Kansas, the daughter of Paul D. and Viola Velma (Hutchins) Myers. She grew up in the Winfield and Tribune areas and graduated from Southwester High School in Waxahachie, Texas. After high school she attended college at Ft. Hays State University in Hays Kansas. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Lowell Patrick Underwood on September 03, 1951, in Tribune, Kansas. From this union Velma and Pat were blessed with 3 sons Ron, Randal and Rick. The family located to Russell, Kansas, and has made Russell their home for 57 years. Velma worked as a controller and office manager of Bella Vista Motor Homes then worked as the Executive Director of Lincoln Manor and Parkside Manor both in Russell. She was a longtime member and very active with Otterbein United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling and writing poetry with some of her poems having been published. Most of all she enjoyed being a wife, mother and homemaker and loved raising her children and grandchildren.
Surviving family include her husband Lowell “Pat” of 66 years of the home, son Rick Underwood and wife Sherri of Gorham, Kansas; daughter in-law Nancy Underwood Schmitt; brother Paul E. Myers of Tribune, Kansas; sister Paula Davis and husband Scott of Los Lunas, New Mexico; grandchildren Alex, Seth and Kelcie Underwood and Tisha Rein Coffelt and 2 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sons Ron and Randal Underwood; 2 sisters Virginia Martin and Clorene Stone.
A memorial service to celebrate Velma’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas with Pastor Michael Eurit officiating. Cremation has been selected by the family and inurnment will follow the services at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the mortuary with family to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening. Memorials may be given to the KU Med Center Alzheimer’s Unit and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
Florence Pauline Batt, 91, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 07, 2018, at the Via Christi Village in Wichita, Kansas.
Florence was born on October 24, 1926, in Bunker Hill, Kansas, the daughter of David and Pauline (Ehrlich) Keil. She was Baptized in the Trinity Lutheran Church on November 1, 1926. She excelled in school, but her father would only allow her to attend to the 8th grade. She did not let that stop her, and earned her GED and then took many college courses. She had a great love for reading and learning. She was united in marriage to Walter Popp on December 6, 1951. He preceded her in death on May 2, 1964. She was united in marriage to Walter Batt on June 14, 1969. He preceded her in death on May 11, 1986. She was a fulltime wife, mother and homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her family. She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. She enjoyed gardening and canning; china painting and teaching her granddaughter to china paint, collecting information on local schools in Russell County, dancing, was an avid Bridge player, golf and traveling. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Surviving family include her daughters, Linda Tittel and husband Doug from Sharon Springs, Kansas and Connie Ney of Russell, Kansas; son, Michael Popp and wife Ann of Wichita, Kansas; brother, Clarence Keil and wife Dee of Wichita, Kansas; 6 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents, both husbands, sister Palmena “Paule” Brock and brother Delmar Keil and Leroy Keil.
A celebration of Florence’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas. A Graveside Service will be at 2:00 PM, Wednesday at the Hoisington City Cemetery in Hoisington, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or the High Plaines Humane Society. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, who is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
Gerald Cecil (Jerry) Baldwin, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 28, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona.
Jerry was born October 8, 1928 in Palmer, Kansas to Olda and Alma (Lyon) Baldwin. He was the youngest of their five children. The family relocated to Goodland, Kansas during the Great Depression. It was there that Jerry met Anna Marie Colburn. He married her in Goodland, Kansas on September 14, 1950.
Anna preceded Jerry in death in 2003. Two sons survive him, Andy Baldwin (Vonnie); and Matthew Baldwin (Peggy). He also has a granddaughter, Matina (Baldwin) Schoonover (Casey) and two great-grandchildren Danica and Cayden.
Jerry entered the US Air Force in 1954. During his twenty year career, he was a crew chief on an H-19 rescue helicopter, guidance technician on TM-76B Mace missiles and Ballistic Missile Analyst Technician and First Sargent on Titan II missiles. It was the Titan assignment that brought him to Tucson Arizona where he retired in 1974.
Jerry loved sports. While at Sherman Community High School he lettered in wrestling, basketball, baseball, and football. He also enjoyed hunting, but his greatest hobby passion was fishing. He had favorite fishing spots wherever he lived. He brought home bass from Roosevelt Lake in Arizona, red snapper from the Jetty at Cape Canaveral and trout from Don Lake in Germany.
Funeral services for Jerry will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 10:30 AM MT at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland with Pastor Doug Amend officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will be held in the Goodland Cemetery following the service.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 12, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home.
Memorials are designated to the Gerald Baldwin Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral service arrangements are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Matthew V. “Matt” Guffey, age 44, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday March 9, 2018 in rural Ellis County, Kansas. He was born February 24, 1974 in Scott City, Kansas to Richard and Deborah (Hartman) Guffey. Matt graduated from Hays High School in 1992.
Matt was a rig hand working for Murphin Oil Company and currently with Discovery Drilling Company. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting knives. Matt was a proud and active father of Hunter, Maddy and Lona enjoying all the activities the children participated in.
He is survived by his parents, Richard and Deborah Guffey of Hays; his children, Hunter, Maddy and Lona Guffey all of Ellis; a brother, Nathan Guffey of San Diego; a sister, Amy Jensen and husband Mike of Hays; a niece, Elissa Jensen of Hays; a nephew, Ethan Jensen of Hays and his grandmother, Helen Hartman of Hays.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Van Hartman and his maternal grandparents, Vernon and Ruby Guffey.
Memorial services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church 2703 Fort Hays, KS.
Memorial visitation will be Monday 6 PM – 8 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Matt Guffey Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date with checks payable and in care of Deb Guffey.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com