Margaret (Spies) Billinger passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas at the age of 87. She was born on July 24, 1930 in Hays to the late August Spies, Sr. and Anna (Braun) Spies. On October 3, 1949 she was united in marriage to Adolph Billinger in St. Peter, Kansas. They were blessed with three girls, Diane, Linda, and Cindy.

Margaret was a loving farm wife, mother, and grandmother. Famous for her angel food cakes, dressings, and homemade noodles, she enjoyed cooking and baking, and always made sure that nobody left her table hungry. Not one to sit idle, she had a sense of humor that could light up the entire room, and was never without several things to talk about, often at the same time. She was a member of St. Ann’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches along with the Saint Ann’s Solidarity. She was a Rosary Prayer Leader, loved attending Mass and being a vibrant part in the life of the church and faith. She had a personal ministry of sending cards, letters, and notes to family, friends, and neighbors, whenever she thought they might need extra prayers or a word of encouragement.

Margaret is survived by her daughters Diane Gross and husband Paul of Gorham, Linda Brin and husband Arlen of Zurich, and Cindy Balthazor and husband Dennis of Palco; Brother William “Bill” Spies and wife Karen of Arvada, CO; sisters Martina Werth of Hays, and Elaine Cisneros of Omaha, NE; grandchildren David and Jennifer Mongeau, Lisa and Jason Nyp, Marla and Ryan Verlinde, Mark and Kate Mongeau, Jason and Megan Brin, Jeff Brin, Justin and Cathy Brin, Jessica and Dallas Lehmann, Steve and Sarah Balthazor, Sara and Karim Touijer, Dana and Zurab Tsereteli and James and Heather Balthazor; and 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents August and Anna Spies; husband Adolph Billinger; brothers Celestine Spies, Wilfred Spies, Daniel Spies, and August Spies, Jr.; sisters Anna Knoll, Glory June Partch, and Abilena Billinger; and great-granddaughter Parker Balthazor.

Our Lord Jesus told us, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will move mountains.” Greater than a mustard seed, Margaret’s faith was a constant source of strength for herself, and all of her friends and family, as she daily prayed for the mountains each one of us faced. Our own lives will forever bear witness to her faith, as even now she intercedes on our behalf, to help us move the mountains we do not yet see.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00pm on Monday at the funeral home with Ladies guild Rosary at 3:00pm, and from 6:00-8:00pm at the church with Prayer Vigil at 7:00pm. Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Catholic School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.

Wendell Ray Bohm was born October 19, 1946 at Ingelboro Hospital, Smith Center, KS, the youngest child of Fred L. and Viola F. (Smith) Bohm; he passed away March 16, 2018 at Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, KS.

Wendell was baptized as an infant at Zion Lutheran Church, ¼ mile from the family farm and was confirmed at the United Church in Athol. He attended Hopkins Country School, located 1 mile from the family farm, for 4 years, until the school was closed. He then continued his education at West Smith County schools in Kensington where he graduated from Kensington High School with the class of 1964. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard. During this time he began dating Terry Ayres and they were married July 14, 1968 at First St. John Lutheran church, Kensington. They made their home where Wendell lived his entire life, at the Bohm family farmstead, as Wendell had assumed the responsibility of running the family farm when his father died in June 1965.

Both having been raised on a farm, Wendell and Terry shared a love and passion for farming and conservation. They were blessed with 4 beautiful children, Andrea, Tyler, Courtney, and Derek. Although Wendell was busy farming he enjoyed being with his children and encouraging their interests. He and Terry were 4-H Leaders and team boosters. He served on the Athol Co-operative Board of Directors for 2 terms, ultimately serving as Board Chairman. He was a faithful member of First St. John Lutheran church of Kensington. He enjoyed doing woodworking and carpentry and along with Terry, hosting “Bohm Bonfires” and cook-outs for neighbors, family and friends.

Wendell was blessed with musical talents which he shared by singing and playing the harmonica; often as part of a duet, member of “The Athol Red Barn Opry” or “The Three Amigos” which delighted audiences near and far. Wendell was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Athol, when he and Thaine Larson, Tom Hardacre, and new pastor of First St. John Lutheran Church, David Hutson were asked to entertain at an Athol Co-op Expo. Wendell was a most fabulous harmonica player, and Dave is a very talented lead guitar player. Their love of music and sense of humor created a very special kinship – friends, like brothers. Soon, the love of music led to a group with members: Carol Rahjes, Bethie Smith, Holly Overmiller Lueth, Galen Larson, Jim Fetters, Dave Hutson, and Wendell Bohm. The group called themselves The Athol Red Barn Opry. They performed for many, many functions for 9 years, including a special program at the Kansas State Fair. In recent years, Wendell, Dave Hutson and Galen Larson entertained together as “The Three Amigos”.

Wendell and Terry and their children transferred their church membership to First St. John Lutheran church of Kensington, where they were married, and have been members for 30 years.

Wendell was the most kind, sweet, loving, giving, and talented man. He was respectful of everyone. A soft-spoken man with a heart of gold. His family, especially his grandkids, was his life. Wendell had many, many friends who he cherished.

Wendell leaves to celebrate his life and to keep in their memories forever: his wife of nearly 50 years, Terry; children Tyler Bohm of Kensington; Courtney (Daniel) Coleman of Shawnee, KS; and Derek Bohm, Kansas City, MO; five grandchildren loving their Grandpa are: Nathan Bohm and Corrine Bohm of Kansas City, MO; Connor Bohm-Fitzpatrick of Kansas City, MO; Lydia and Vincent Coleman of Shawnee, KS. Also celebrating his life are brothers Duane (Shirley) Bohm of Elk Falls, KS and Ross (Beverly) Bohm of Yuma, CO.; brother-in-law, Dale Lyon; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Andrea Bohm; sister, Dolores Lyon; sister-in-law, Alice Bohm.

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Gladys Mae (Schuette) Kennedy was born to Henry J. and Ella E. (Jones) Schuette February 27, 1917, in their home in Lebanon, next door to Schuette Motor Company. She went home to be with the Lord on March 15, 2018.

She attended Lebanon schools from 1st through 12th grades, graduating from Lebanon High School in 1934. She took piano lessons from Bernice Scott ten years and continued playing, for church, school, other organizations and in later years every month for the nursing homes. She also enjoyed playing the saxophone in bands. She actively played the piano to the end of her life.

After high school she was the bookkeeper for Schuette Motor Company except for a few years when she was home with her children.

She married Kenneth Kennedy August 16, 1940 and they lived in Esbon for a year. She also was with Kenneth six months in South Dakota when he was in service. Otherwise she lived in Lebanon her entire life.
She was baptized in the Lebanon Christian Church in 1930. She has been a member of the CWF and played for the choir specials, also taught several Sunday School classes.

She was a member of the Over 60 Club, a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Music Club, Smith County Historical Society, Kanza House Genealogical Library, Red Cross Volunteer, Hub Club, Cub Scout leader, participant in the Maverick Band, royalty for Old Settlers Day, and a life member of the Girl Scouts. She was a leader or on the troop committee of Girl Scouts from 1949 to 2009 and quit because she broke her hip.

Gladys enjoyed throughout her life; traveling on family vacations, quilting, giving blood, playing the piano, making jelly, leading the Girl Scout troops, going to church, walking in parades, and working on history for the Lebanon Centennial books.

She made a lot of quilts and did a lot of quilting, taking over the planning of community quiltings from Frances Ellner, in 1981. She provided quilts for law officials to have for children in various instances. She was known far and wide for making, selling, and mostly giving of her jelly. Her biggest cause was to promote Lebanon and support all factions of making Lebanon a better place for all.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, RJ & Henry; a baby sister Helen Irene; husband Kenneth; son in law, Robert “Bob” Weber.

Gladys is survived by her five children: 3 sons Kent Kennedy, and wife Soni, of Lebanon, Kansas; Carl Kennedy of Miltonvale, Kansas; and Joe Kennedy, and wife Sandy of Great Bend, Kansas. Two daughters: Kay Weber, of Hoxie, Kansas, and Lynn Schneider, and husband Les, of Lucas, Kansas.

Grandchildren: Todd Kennedy, and wife Annette of Phillipsburg, Kansas; Nicole Kennedy of Manhattan, Kansas; Tyler Kennedy, and wife Kristina of Manhattan, Kansas; Anne Rogers, and husband John of Plainville, Kansas; Arminta Culver of Oakley, Kansas; Kenneth Weber, and wife Carrie of Colby, Kansas; Brodie Kennedy of Miltonvale, Kansas; Jessica Griffith, and husband Adam of Moundridge, Kansas; Joel Schneider, and wife Beth of Hays, Kansas; and Samantha Schneider, and friend Matthew Hyman of Hutchinson, Kansas
Great Grandchildren: Dakota, Cheyenne, Taylor and Riley Rogers; Amelia, Anthony, and Olivia Culver; R.J., Elliot, Nathan, and Harper Weber; Ashlynn, Collette and Hannah Kennedy; James, Bailey, Tea and Ethan Kennedy; Elena (Ellie) and Zora Griffith; Jaylan Schneider and Maysyn Tippy.
Great Great Grandchildren: Jaxxon Conlin.

Click HERE for service details.

Oneita Press, age 94, of Quinter, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter.

Services are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.

Frances “Fran” R. Glimes, age 97, of Victoria, KS, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center.

Funeral services are pending will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are pending with the Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

JoAnn (Betson) McCurdy, age 87, of WaKeeney, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born August 8, 1930 in Wichita to Ivan and Hilma (Gillcrest) Betson.

JoAnn was a graduate of Bentley High School, and went on to attend St. Francis Nursing School, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. On January 13, 1953, she was united in marriage to Wayne McCurdy in Wichita. To this union, three children were born. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage together. Wayne preceded her in death on October 27, 2002. Wayne was an insurance agent, and his job took the McCurdy Family to many different towns around Kansas, but JoAnn was always able to find great jobs as a nurse. JoAnn enjoyed many hobbies, including playing pinochle with friends and sitting down to read a good book. In her earlier years, JoAnn loved a good fishing and camping trip with family. Throughout her family and friends, she was known for her “dish scratchers”. She would make them by the dozens for friends and family to use for anything from dishes to cleaning cars. Music and dancing was a passion of hers; it wasn’t uncommon to find JoAnn and Wayne on the dance floor doing the two-step or swinging to country music. Of all the things JoAnn loved, she absolutely cherished time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by many.

Survivors include two children, Mike McCurdy and wife Paula, and Cindy and husband Mark Basgall, all of WaKeeney; daughter-in-law, Marita McCurdy of Overland Park, Kansas; ten grandchildren; and twenty-four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a son, Robert “Bob” McCurdy.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Inurnment will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

There will be no viewing or visitation as cremation was chosen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Keeney Village. Donations made to Keeney Village may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be sent online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

The Janousek Funeral Home of La Crosse, Kansas, has announced funeral services for Bernadine P. Gray, 89, La Crosse, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse.

Burial will be at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018, at First Baptist Cemetery, Lorraine, Kansas.

Margaret Elizabeth Ridgway, age 97, of Ellis, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis. She was born on February 7,1921, at home in WaKeeney, KS, to Beryl (Hanks) and W.C. Wollner and was the third of four children. A cum lauded graduate of Trego community High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society. While in high school, she worked as an usher at the Kelly Theatre in WaKeeney.

She worked as a writer and copy editor at the Western Kansas World in WaKeeney where she met her future husband, Roy LuVerne Ridgway, who was a Linotype operator there. Margaret and LuVerne married in 1941 and made their home at the Ridgway farm in Trego County which was homesteaded by Cleggett Castille Ridgway, LuVerne’s grandfather in 1878. Their only child, Richard, was born in 1944.

The Ridgway farm raised Richard, wheat and beef cattle. After Richard was in school, Margaret worked as a dental assistant to Dr. F.A. Brown in Ellis for several years. Margaret and LuVerne had many friends in the area and made many new ones during their winter trips to Casa Grande, AZ, traveling in and enjoying their Fifth Wheel camper. After a sudden illness and hospitalization, LuVerne died in 1995. Margaret continued to manage and live on the Ridgway farm keeping it as her husband would have kept it.

She was an active member of the Ellis United Methodist Church, the Y.M.P. Club and the P.E.O. and volunteered at long-term-care facilities in Ellis and WaKeeney up until the time she moved into the Meadowlark assisted living facility at the Good Samaritan Center in Ellis in 2010.

She is survived by her son, Richard and daughter-in-law, Krispen of St, Paul, MN, her granddaughter, Erin Zolotukhin-Ridgway (Andrei) and great grandson, Maxim of St. Paul, MN, her grandson Benjamin. Ridgway (Eugenie Chao) of Tacoma, WA.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Ellis United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Ogallah Cemetery.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Ellis United Methodist Church or the Good Samaritan Foundation to benefit the Ellis Good Samaritan Center.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Ryan William Struss, age 35, of WaKeeney, passed on to Heaven Thursday, March 1, 2018 in WaKeeney. He was born May 8, 1982 to Laura and Kevin Struss. He was delivered by Dr. James J. Hamilton at the Trego County Hospital, WaKeeney.

Ryan cherished his family. He loved farming, especially in John Deere tractors. He always said farming was his dream. He had many friends and was always known for his stories of the fun times he had at Cedar Bluff Lake, at Chuck’s Bar, and the Rose with his friends. When he entered a room, you could count on him having a smile on his face, while whistling a tune. Ryan loved “Sonny Boy” the family’s Shitzu dog; he spoiled him like no other. Ryan was a great friend, son, brother, cousin, and uncle to many. He will always be remembered for his giving nature and stubborn stature. Joking with everyone was a staple in his life; there was never a dull moment with Ryan!

Left to mourn his passing are his parents, Kevin Struss and fiancé Kellie Acker and Laura and husband Charlie Crook; sister, Jodi and husband Ron Desair; step brothers, Chuck (Lexi) Crook and Spencer Harvey. Ryan also had a lot of surviving extended family that will miss him dearly, including nieces, Addison Desair, Ayla Werth, and Whitney Desair; nephews, Connor and Brendan Karnes, Treygan Desair, and Charles E. Crook V; aunts, Carol Cavell, Marguirite McFarling, Sherry Cook, Krista Dietz, and Cindy Dietz; uncles, Richard Cook, Jim Dietz, Mike Cavell, and Ron McFarling; first cousins, Tate, Miles, Amy, Bridget, Hayden, Carson, Tatum, and Skylar Cook, Megan McFarling, Elizabeth McFarling, Cody Sandlin and family, Clair and Austin Dietz, Derek Dietz and families, Terah and Eric Bursch and family, Myles and Mary Cavell and family, Anna Cattua and family, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Julia Struss; grandparents, Elmer and Armella Struss, and Ferd and Wanda Dietz; brother, Kurt William Struss; and uncle, Ken Dietz.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney. Burial will take place at a later date.

There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ryan Struss Memorial Fund. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR WESTERN WEAR IF POSSIBLE TO HONOR RYAN.

Longtime Wallace, Kansas, resident David Renner, 74, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 17, 2018 at his home in rural Logan County.

He was born Sept. 3, 1943 in Colby, Kansas, son of James “Floyd” and Elnora (Moos) Renner. He grew up in Cheyenne County Colorado, attending Smokey Angle Country School, Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School and one year at Cheyenne County High School.

He served his country in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965 as a shipfitter metalsmith aboard the USS Oriskany Aircraft Carrier. During his service, David constructed a platform that President John F. Kennedy stood on to deliver a speech while aboard the ship.

On May 13, 1967, he married Virginia Teichmer at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wallace and together they had three sons. During their marriage they lived in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, Shickley, Nebraska, then moved to the Teichmer family farm in Kansas in 1974. He worked at Cornhusker Hog Farm and owned a bar and grill, Everybody’s Place, while living in Nebraska. After moving to Kansas, he owned Renner Construction and farmed and ranched. He was a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs, Kansas.

A highlight of his life was riding horseback at the age of 16 from Cheyenne Wells, Colorado to Cheyenne Wyoming, round-trip, with his brother Larry and friends Nick and Adrian Mousel. The trip lasted 90 days during which the boys rode down Colorado Blvd in Denver, resulting in a law that horseback riding be banned in downtown Denver.  David will be remembered fondly as an animated storyteller, an avid card and game player, seven-iron golfer, inventor who held two patents, chief political commentator, a loving husband, hands-on father and grandfather and good friend and neighbor. David didn’t know a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He taught his children and grandchildren honesty, hard work and how to have fun.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Jim Renner, brother-in-law Paul Galli, brother-in-law Donnie Teichmer and granddaughter Kalee Renner. Surviving family includes his wife Virginia, son Jeff (Nancy) of Dodge City, Kansas; son Gene (Angi) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; son Joe (Michelle) of Oakley, Kansas; seven grandchildren Jacob Renner Clark, Nathan Renner, Ryan Renner, Alison Renner, Payton Renner, Jada Renner and Levi Renner; and two great-grandchildren Max and Berkeley Clark; brothers Larry, Murry (Carol), Roger (Hope); sisters Rosie Galli and Netty Eastlake (Sparky), sister-in-law Fern Renner, brother-in-law Walt Teichmer and many other family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. MT on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs, with Father Norbert Dlabal and Father Andrew Rockers officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Wallace Cemetery, Wallace, Kansas.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. MT Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.  A Vigil and Rosary Service will begin at 7 p.m. MT at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are designated to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, Kansas.

Larry E. Baldwin passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 71. He was born on March 16, 1947 in Hays, Kansas to the late Ora O. and Lila M. (Eichman) Baldwin. He grew up in Zurich, Kansas and graduated from Palco High School with the Class of 1965. He went on to receive an Associate’s Degree from Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland. On May 23, 1971 he was united in marriage to Karen A. Axelson in Palco.

Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor. Along with farming, he served his community for many years. Twenty-five years with the Zurich City Council, before moving to the farm, and the Zurich and St. Ann’s Cemetery Board, and the Township Cemetery Board, both of which he served for 25 years as well. He enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri, playing cards, bowling, and taking care of his pet cats, but the time he loved the most was spent with his family, most especially his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his wife Karen Baldwin of the home; daughters Tammy Devero of Stockton, and Amy Williams of Topeka; brother Steve Baldwin and wife Thea of Plainville; brother-in-law Roger Axelson and wife Brenda of Plainville; grandchildren Rachel Devero, Zachery Devero, Jacob Williams, and Emily Williams; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ora and Lila Baldwin,

It has been said, “Kindness is like a seed that when cultivated will continue to grow and grow.” Larry was a kind and loving man who lived to serve his family, friends, and neighbors. He not only tended the farm ground that made a living for his family, but he tended the hearts and souls of all knew him and made a life that will continue to grow for eternity.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in Green Mound Cemetery near Palco. Visitation will be Thursday 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 Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Plainville United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663. Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Alexis Diane Garcia, age 24, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 19, 2018 in Plainville.

Alexis was a correctional Officer for the State of Kansas Department of Corrections.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, April 24, 2018 at St Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Hoxie, Kansas. Private family inurnment will be in the St. Martin Cemetery in Seguin, Kansas.

Visitation will be Friday 7 PM – 9 PM at the church.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Oneita Ruth Tuttle was born October 29, 1923, on a farm north of Quinter, Kansas. Her parents were Ralph M. and Ada Ruth (Sprenkel) Tuttle. Oneita passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018, in the Gove County Medical Center in Quinter at the age of 94. She was a lifetime resident of Quinter.

She was baptized into the Church of the Brethren in 1937. She loved her church and worked in many different areas of it. She was on the church board, took care of the church’s plants for 30 years, helped with the annual comfort tying day, and enjoyed the many women’s fellowship activities. One of her proudest accomplishments was her help with the “Our Heritage” Church of the Brethren history book published in 1986. It was in conjunction with the Church of the Brethren’s 100th Centennial, she was one of eight writers.

She attended Quinter Grade School and graduated from Quinter High School in 1942. For a short while, she attended a secretarial school in Topeka. After arriving back in Quinter, she went to work for the First National Bank on Main.

On July 25, 1946, she married Lorne G. Press in the parsonage of the Quinter Church of the Brethren. She was a homemaker. Lorne and Oneita loved attending air shows, country music concerts, traveling to Port Aransas, Texas, and camping in general. When their family was young, it was off to Cedar Bluff Lake with family and friends for boating and fun. She loved each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, proudly telling friends ‘how many she had now’!

Oneita was a Charter Member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Gyne Fealti Club, and Stitch and Chatter Club; she attended them for 65 years. She also enjoyed being a member of the GCMC Auxiliary. She was very proud of being a Republican Committee Woman and served on the election board for 30+ years. In 1970, Oneita served as a board member for the low rent housing project. In her ‘golden years’ she attended the Birthday Bunch on Friday nights.

Oneita was known as the “Quinter Historian” and many times was called to see ‘whom was related to whom’. She loved family history, too: Tuttle, Sprenkel, Press, and Fischer!
Hobbies included: ceramics, oil painting with friends, candle making, crocheting, sewing, raising a big garden and canning, growing peonies, irises, and all kinds of trees. As she aged, her world revolved around sitting in her recliner, embroidering, and looking out her front window watching birds and traffic on Road Z. Her many tea towels are displayed in all her family and friend’s homes.

She is survived by her three children: Doug (Marcia) Press, Quinter, Marsha (Gary) Lang, Westminster, CO, and Kendra (Roy) Delzeit, Hays; nine grandchildren, Callie (Jeff) Brawner, Megan (Spencer) Herrman, Garret (Lauren) Press, Jordan (Michelle) Lang, Jarrod (Brenda) Lang, Robbie (Angela) Delzeit, Sheila Delzeit, Nikki (Cole) Cherryholmes, and Braydon Delzeit; 17 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Brooke & BrieAnn Brawner, Jaide, Scarlett Ruth & Adaline Herrman, Ryleigh & Delaney Hargitt, Brigham & Nelly Press, Landon & Sydney Lang, Brooklyn & Camden Lang, Braxton & Everly Delzeit, and Walker Cherryholmes; a sister-in-law Roma Tuttle; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lorne, and brothers, Elvin, Charles, Glen, and Delbert Tuttle.

She was a devoted Christian and prayed daily for her family. She was a pillar of strength and lived a long courageous life, always showing her children and grandchildren how to keep going! If you ever met her on the street you’d remember hearing her ‘low’ voice say, “Well Kid!”; or, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”; or, “I wouldn’t change a thing in my life. I’ve been happy with life and my family!”…We’ll miss you Mom!

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 23, 2018, at Church of the Brethren, Quinter. Burial will be in the Baker Township Cemetery following the service.
Visitation will be Thursday evening, from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Quinter Church of the Brethren and Quinter Volunteer Ambulance Service. Donations to the memorials may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Jaymi LeAnne Stewart, age 18, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018 in Ransom, Kansas. She was born November 27, 1999 in Henderson, Nevada. Her parents are Julie Ann Stewart of Ransom and Roy Wayne Stewart of Pahrump, Nevada.

Jaymi was a senior at Ness City High School, Ness City, Kansas. Singing, dancing, acting and painting were passions of hers. She excelled in band, choir, and forensics. She left this world undefeated on her Serious Solo in Forensics. She was very involved in Family, Career, and Community Leaders (FCCLA), where she was also recognized at the state level. Jaymi was a vivacious young lady who loved the outdoors; she loved riding in the country with her family chasing snakes, a badger and other critters. She loved catching turtles with her brothers. She also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Jaymi was LDS and cherished her Ward family and singing at church or leading at girls’ camp. She loved everyone she met. She loved cheering and all the hugs those little future Eagles gave her. She had been a member of Rush County Choir, Barton Community Choir, Great Bend City Band, and just found love for Barton Community Theatre. She planned to be a Cougar at Barton next year and major in music and drama. She was very outgoing and held herself to the highest of standards, no matter what she took on.

She leaves to mourn her passing her parents; maternal grandparents, Arlen and Verona Rogers, and paternal grandmother, Jeanette Stewart, all of Pahrump, Nevada; and five siblings, twin brothers Joshua and Joseph Stewart of the family home, Bryan Stewart of Kentucky, Amanda (Chris) McCaw and their three children of Kentucky, and Travis Stewart of Nevada. She is also survived by special extended family and friends, including close cousins, Hugh F. Miller, Jr., Michael Seery, and Madison Seery, “Aunt” Betty (Greg) Seery, and special friend of the family, Kip Rider. She was preceded in death by her sister, Vickie Ann Hargraves; and paternal grandfather, Roy Leon Stewart. Jaymi memory will remain in the hearts of many.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2018, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Burial will be in Ness City Cemetery.

Visitation and viewing will be Monday, from 1:00 p.m. to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Jaymi Stewart Memorial Fund, and may be sent in care of the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 207 North Penn, Ness City, KS 67560.

Barry A. Ellegood

Barry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Alice Ellegood; his grandmother Lucille Nelson, and his uncle Dick Nelson.

Barry is survived by his parents Ben and Donnette, daughter Taylor and her husband, Wayne; son Teigan; two grandchildren, Jax and Zoe;, brothers, Tracy (Tiffany), Shane (Melissa), and Lance; aunt Connie (Dan); nieces and nephews, Brittany (Jeff), Max (Renee), Bailey, Chelsey, Lucas, and Ryker, as well as many other relatives and close friends.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Gateway Fellowship Church, Oakley. Memorials are suggested to the Barry Ellegood Grandchildren Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Funeral services are pending for Gary Paul Johnston, who passed away Wed., March 21, 2018, in Colby. He was born Jan. 26, 1943.

Services are being arranged by Baalmann Mortuary, 190 S. Franklin Ave., Colby, Kansas.

Mary Frances Dreiling, age 97, of Victoria, Kansas died Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Via Christi Village Care Center in Hays, Kansas.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 26, 2018, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.
A vigil service will be at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, followed by a Victoria V.F.W. Auxiliary memorial service and rosary with the St. Fidelis Christian Mothers and St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella all at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sunday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria Kansas 67671.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels,com or can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net

Otto Crist VonLintel, age 82, of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018 in Hays.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 26, 2018 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday 6 PM – 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A complete obituary is pending.

Orville Leo Blanchett, 85, Damar, Kansas, died Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Mr. Blanchett was born March 10, 1933, in Weathers, Arkansas, the son of Joe and Nettie (Weber) Blanchett. He was a resident of Damar, Kansas. He attended grade school and high school in Minneola, Kansas.

He was a member of the Church of Christ, Minneola, Kansas, and VFW Post 1714, Dodge City, Kansas.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, obtaining the title of Corporal October 22, 1954. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army, he served in the Reserves until 1961.

In October 1952, he married Sharlene Smith in Dodge City, Kansas. They later divorced.

Survivors include: his former wife, Sharlene Gross, Hays, Kansas; his companion of more than 20 years, Georgia LaBarge, Damar, Kansas; four daughters, Charmane Besperat (John), Timken, Kansas, Michele Blanchett, Pueblo, Colorado, Tammy Marrs (Tim), Meade, Kansas, Kelli Thiel (Mark), Hays, Kansas; one son in law, Dennis Nowlin, Ellis, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Shane Blanchett, Ben Marrs, Christine Black, Shannon McGregor, Lance Gosser, Traci Burns, Melissa Erbert, and Rachel Lundstrom; nine great grandchildren; one brother, Bob Blanchett; and his twin sister, Cleo Hughes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Renee Nowlin; one brother, Truman Blanchett; and two sisters Wilma Hall, and Lorraine Axline.

Per Leo’s wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Kansas School of Medicine Willed Body Program. A private celebration of Leo’s life be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

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.

Oneita Ruth Tuttle was born October 29, 1923, on a farm north of Quinter, Kansas. Her parents were Ralph M. and Ada Ruth (Sprenkel) Tuttle. Oneita passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018, in the Gove County Medical Center in Quinter at the age of 94. She was a lifetime resident of Quinter.

She was baptized into the Church of the Brethren in 1937. She loved her church and worked in many different areas of it. She was on the church board, took care of the church’s plants for 30 years, helped with the annual comfort tying day, and enjoyed the many women’s fellowship activities. One of her proudest accomplishments was her help with the “Our Heritage” Church of the Brethren history book published in 1986. It was in conjunction with the Church of the Brethren’s 100th Centennial, she was one of eight writers.

She attended Quinter Grade School and graduated from Quinter High School in 1942. For a short while, she attended a secretarial school in Topeka. After arriving back in Quinter, she went to work for the First National Bank on Main.

On July 25, 1946, she married Lorne G. Press in the parsonage of the Quinter Church of the Brethren. She was a homemaker. Lorne and Oneita loved attending air shows, country music concerts, traveling to Port Aransas, Texas, and camping in general. When their family was young, it was off to Cedar Bluff Lake with family and friends for boating and fun. She loved each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, proudly telling friends ‘how many she had now’!

Oneita was a Charter Member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Gyne Fealti Club, and Stitch and Chatter Club; she attended them for 65 years. She also enjoyed being a member of the GCMC Auxiliary. She was very proud of being a Republican Committee Woman and served on the election board for 30+ years. In 1970, Oneita served as a board member for the low rent housing project. In her ‘golden years’ she attended the Birthday Bunch on Friday nights.

Oneita was known as the “Quinter Historian” and many times was called to see ‘whom was related to whom’. She loved family history, too: Tuttle, Sprenkel, Press, and Fischer!

Hobbies included: ceramics, oil painting with friends, candle making, crocheting, sewing, raising a big garden and canning, growing peonies, irises, and all kinds of trees. As she aged, her world revolved around sitting in her recliner, embroidering, and looking out her front window watching birds and traffic on Road Z. Her many tea towels are displayed in all her family and friend’s homes.

She is survived by her three children: Doug (Marcia) Press, Quinter, Marsha (Gary) Lang, Westminster, CO, and Kendra (Roy) Delzeit, Hays; nine grandchildren, Callie (Jeff) Brawner, Megan (Spencer) Herrman, Garret (Lauren) Press, Jordan (Michelle) Lang, Jarrod (Brenda) Lang, Robbie (Angela) Delzeit, Sheila Delzeit, Nikki (Cole) Cherryholmes, and Braydon Delzeit; 17 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Brooke & BrieAnn Brawner, Jaide, Scarlett Ruth & Adaline Herrman, Ryleigh & Delaney Hargitt, Brigham & Nelly Press, Landon & Sydney Lang, Brooklyn & Camden Lang, Braxton & Everly Delzeit, and Walker Cherryholmes; a sister-in-law Roma Tuttle; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lorne, and brothers, Elvin, Charles, Glen, and Delbert Tuttle.

She was a devoted Christian and prayed daily for her family. She was a pillar of strength and lived a long courageous life, always showing her children and grandchildren how to keep going! If you ever met her on the street you’d remember hearing her ‘low’ voice say, “Well Kid!”; or, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”; or, “I wouldn’t change a thing in my life. I’ve been happy with life and my family!”…We’ll miss you Mom!

Memorial contributions are suggested to Quinter Church of the Brethren and Quinter Volunteer Ambulance Service. Donations to the memorials may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Click HERE for service details.