Dolores Nadine (Wills) Fischli was born September 30, 1927 on the Wills farm one mile north of Logan, Kansas.

As an only child, she loved animals and made many of them her pets. When she started school, she cried because she wanted to stay home with her pets. Riding horses was her favorite pastime. In high school, writing and public speaking were her favorite subjects. Dolores became a member of Eastern Star of Logan, at an early age and remained a member the rest of her life.

She attended college in Denver, Colorado then transferred to Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas. Later, she transferred to the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

Dolores and Richard were married December 28, 1951 while Richard was in the Army. Upon his discharge, they farmed for one year. Since both were close to obtaining a college degree, they went to Fort Hays State University. After graduation, they went on to obtain their Masters’ Degrees.

Dolores chose theatre as she had taken specialty-theatre courses at K.U., such as Set Design and Stage Lighting and Directing. After obtaining their Masters’ Degrees, Dolores and Richard taught school in Burrton, Kansas for two years and Wichita, Kansas for three years, during which time Dolores attended a six week theatre workshop at Emporia State University where she, along with 29 other teachers put on five productions in a six-week time period.

In 1960, Dolores and Richard moved to California and in 1969, built their home in the Santa Monica Mountains. Dolores taught in two schools—Westchester High School and, her favorite, El Camino Real in Woodland Hills. Each school in the L.A. Unified School System had about 3,300 students. In addition to the theatre classes she taught each semester, she would direct one full length production and two full length Shakespearean productions. Her desire had been to direct a musical. Her wish came true as she and the music department developed a successful Theatre Arts Workshop.

Her last 10 years at El Camino Real were spent directing a full-length drama in the fall and spring in addition to a spring and summer musical. All musicals had at least 100 students and an accompanying orchestra of 30 to 40 students. Dolores enjoyed the accolades that came with theatre for a number of years. Her main memory was when Meredith Wilson came backstage. He will not only be remembered for his famous creation, The Music Man; also his great contribution to the musical theatre world. Dolores was humbled by his attention when he came to see her after the performance. Dolores taught 29 years and retired in 1984.

In April of 2010, Dolores and Richard built a new home and moved back to Logan, Kansas. They believed it was a good move and enjoyed their later years there together.

Having no family, Dolores and Richard started their Endowment program in 1997. Their Estate is pledged to Fort Hays State University of Hays, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2018, in the Logan United Methodist Church, Logan, with Pastor Ted Stapleton officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.

Mrs. Fischli will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, in the Logan Funeral Home, Logan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Manor Nursing Home.

Logan Funeral Home, 102 E. Church Street, Logan, KS is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Pawnee Rock – James R. Unruh, 77, passed away with Rosie by his side; Saturday June 16, 2018 at Cherry Village in Great Bend, Kansas.

He was born August 22, 1940 at Great Bend, the son of Dean and Nancye Converse Unruh. Jim was a life-long farmer in the Pawnee Rock area.

Jim and Rosie met at Vin’s Pharmacy in 1960 in Larned; he worked at Craig Millers body shop; he also worked at Flex Weight Corp., R&S Transportation as a truck driver and Ark Valley Sand Co. He retired in 2012 and then enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren. Jim and Rosie attended the Pawnee Rock Christian Church.

On April 28, 1962 he married Rose Mary Salmans in the First Christian Church, Larned; she survives.

Other Survivors include: five children, Thomas, Great Bend, Teresa (Blair) McPherson, Hays, Larry, Great Bend, Gary (Adria), Great Bend and Katie (John) Kessler, Colorado Springs, CO.; two brothers, William E., (Cinda), Salina and George M. (Kim), St. John; a sister, Susan (Don) Ellis, Metairie, LA; nine grandchildren, Hope, Calvin, Emily, Tanisha, Regan, Kaylee, Sydney, Conner and Chase and two great grandchildren, Lawson and Hannah.

He was preceded in death by; a sister, Janet Bowman and a daughter-in-law, Heather Unruh.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Charles Winkler presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday with family present from 5-7 p.m. at the mortuary. Burial will be in the Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, KS.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Ervin J. “Tex” Kober, 78, La Crosse, Kansas, died Monday, June 11, 2018, in Hays, Kansas.

Mr. Kober was born October 16, 1939, in Bison, Kansas, the son of Frank and Viola (Krestine) Kober. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. He was a recycler before his retirement.

Survivors include: two brothers, Donald Kober (Dalene), La Crosse, Kansas, and Raymond Kober (Kathy), Great Bend, Kansas; and two sisters, Grace Harris (Carl), Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, and Lillian Cross (Steve), St. George, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Alvin Kober.

Cremation has been chosen. A private family graveside memorial service and inurnment was held.

Memorials are suggested to Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, 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.

Betty Ann Porter, age 86, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2018 in her home, with family and loved ones by her side.

She was born January 5, 1932 in McPherson, KS to parents Chester and Pearl (Crumbpacker) Murrey of Conway, KS.

Betty Ann married Irwin Porter on December 16, 1951 at the Monitor Church of the Brethren. She and her husband, Irwin, raised four children; Randy Porter of Quinter, Jana Dee of Warrensburg, MO, Kay Ann of Rosemont, MN, and Denny Porter of Denver, CO. They were blessed with nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

She joined the Monitor Church of the Brethren by baptism at an early age and always kept her faith in God, Jesus, and eternal life.

Betty Ann attended a rural one-room schoolhouse, riding her pony three miles to school. Following High School graduation in McPherson, she attended McPherson College where she was inducted into the “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities,” after receiving a degree in Home Economics. She loved her Alma Mater and encouraged several students to attend there by paying for their tuition.

Her passion was her family and helping others. She sent hundreds of “Get Well” wishes and “Congratulations” cards to her many friends in the community, and she made many phone calls to her neighbors and friends in need.

The time spent in raising her four children was shared with teaching Sunday school, playing in the Bell Choir, in youth counselor leadership, and representing her church in various meetings and conferences.

Betty Ann kept a daily diary for many years. Her most notable entry was dated August 14, 1945: “What a historic day! It is really wonderful to be at peace once more with the world.”

Betty Ann was a life-long “4-H’er”, starting at an early age with her sewing and baking projects, and was always pleased with the blue ribbons she won at the Kansas State 4-H Fair. The motto she lived by was the 4-H pledge; “I pledge my heart to greater loyalty; my hands to larger service; and my heart to better living for my club, community, my country, and my world.”

Better Ann was a Hospice volunteer for several years at the LTCF, where she passed on her love to her many friends there.

She always reminded her family that God should come first, then your neighbor, and finally yourself.

Thank you, Betty Ann, for your presence here on planet Earth for a short time, to make a difference.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at the Quinter Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant St., Quinter, KS along with a display of Betty Ann’s personal memorabilia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Hospice Foundation. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Don Michael Brown, age 63, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2018, at his home near Hays, Kansas. He was born October 17, 1954 in Russell, Kansas, to Thomas Eugene “Gene” and Mary Lou (Sarver) Brown.

Don was a 1972 graduate of Plainville High School. He went on to serve our country in the United States Navy. On December 9, 1979, Don was united in marriage to Sharyl Gerber, in Plainville. He worked in his family’s oil business, and then became owner and operator of The Don Brown Company, an independent oil producer. In 2003, while living in Stockton, Don saw a community need for a good car wash. The result was “The Auto Wash”, which he was very proud of building. Most people who knew Don, know that he loved motorcycles. He was always up for a group ride to about anywhere. He loved the comradery that came with riding. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Association and a life member of Harley Owners Group. He was also a member of the American Legion. Don was also known for keeping a perfectly manicured and maintained lawn and landscape. His spirit will live on in the lives of many. He will be missed.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Lou Brown of Plainville; his wife, Sharyl of the home; a daughter, Gina and husband Ben Errebo of Topeka; a son, Jeremiah of Plainville; six grandchildren, Bradey Chard of Kansas City, Kansas; Noah Chard of Topeka, Kansas; Devin Brown of Plainville; Elizabeth Brown and Emily Norton, both of Plainville, and Emma Errebo of Topeka; two sisters, Kathy and husband Bob Wise of Plainville, and Debra Brown of Topeka; and numerous nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Tom, a nephew, Michael Dreiling, and a niece Jessica Brown.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Plainville. Burial will be in the Plainville City Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation and viewing will be Wednesday evening, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Plainville.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Service Inc., or Cancer Council of Ellis County. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Clifford E. Roach, 95, of Alton, KS, died on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS. He was born to Orva & Lillian (Lampman) Roach in Osborne County, KS.

Clifford graduated from Harlan High School in 1944. He has lived in the Alton area all his life. He married Marcella Theresa Mans and to this union, several children were born. Clifford farmed in the Alton area.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marcella in 1998, a brother, Paul Evans, sisters, Beryl Schoenberg, Velva Reinking & Euleta Gregory. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryle (Jerry) Roach-Anderson of Highlands Ranch, CO; sons: Orvan Roach, Randy (Shelley) Roach, Stan (Deanna) Roach & Mark (Claudia) Roach, all of Alton, KS; sister: Avis Walker of Stockton, KS; 9 grandchildren & 20 great-grandchildren.

Click HERE for service details.

Mike Mahorney, age 59, passed away June 14, 2018, in the presence of loved ones at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, KS. Born in Colby, KS, June 14, 1959 to J. D. and Dorreen Mahorney. Mike was married and two sons, Micheal and Brett were born from that union.

Mike worked at many jobs during his life with the most recent as shop foreman for Northwest Fire Extinguishing.

Mike loved staying in touch with family and friends. Social media giving him the opportunity to catch up with all. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends. He could be found hanging out at the Bee Hive catching up with friends.

Mike is survived by sons: sisters Melody (Larry) Higgins of Riverton, WY, and Tanya Grubb of Colby, KS. Step brother Dennis (Kathy) Mahorney and step sister Kim Urbanek. Niece Michelle (Mike) Nelson, nephews Matthew Higgins of Riverton, WY, and Lucas Higgins of Rock Springs, WY, and numerous aunt, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents J. D. and Dorreen Mahorney, grandparents Lloyd and Veneta Graham, Fred and Ethel Dean and Aunt Sandy Owen.

Memorial services will be held Monday, June 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel. Donations may be made to the Mike Mahorney Memorial Fund.

rairie View resident Connie K. Graham passed away June 18, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE at the age of 71. She was born August 1, 1946 in Wabash, IN, the daughter of Jim & Betty (Knee) Smith.

Survivors include her husband Glen of Prairie View, KS, her mother, Betty Smith of Wabash, IN; her son Doug of Independence, KY; 2 daughters, Laura Jansonius of Prairie View and Susan Smith of Ellis, KS; 2 sisters, Shirley Long of Wabash, IN and Linda Tilley of Treaty, IN; 5 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren & 1 step great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Sat. June 23 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sonshine Christian Church, Smith Center, KS with James Swanson officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sat. in the Prairie View Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday & Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Friday evening.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ozark Christian College.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Rita M. Bell, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center.

Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Richard D. Schmalzried, age 80, of Quinter , passed away Monday, June 18, 2018 at Quinter Long Term Care.

Service are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.

COLBY – Don Rohn, 73, died Wednesday, June 20, 2019, at his residence in Colby, KS.

Services are pending with Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.

Richard Dwain Schmalzried, age 80, of Quinter, went to be with his Lord on June 18, 2018 with family by his side.

He was born March 29, 1938, in Dighton, KS to parents Dayton and Selma (Uppendahl) Schmalzried.   On July 21, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Rozan Heath.  After getting married, they lived in Dighton, KS and moved to Quinter in 1971.   To this union, 5 children were born and he felt his family was the best crop he ever raised.

Richard graduated Dighton High School in 1956 and attended Fort Hays State University for several years.  He graduated from the Colorado School of Banking in 1972.

Richard wore many hats throughout his life, working as a loan officer for First National Bank in Dighton and Quinter, manager of Flex-King Manufacturing, farmer, entrepreneur with the Town and Country Shop and later the Pizza Station in Quinter, real estate salesman, and postman.  But he spent most of his life as a school bus driver and he loved interacting with the school children.

Richard was a strong believer in Christ.  He served as the youngest elder at First Christian Church while in Dighton and joined the Quinter Church of the Brethren in Quinter and served as a deacon, church moderator, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and member of the district board.  He also was a member of Gideons International.

Within the community, Richard volunteered with the Quinter Ambulance Service for many years and served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in both Quinter and Dighton.  He also acted as Interim County Commissioner and was involved with Prairie Community Theater.  Richard often opened up his house or offered jobs to people who were struggling.  He loved old cars and could identify almost every make and model, even from a distance.

Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years and 11 months,  Rozan Schmalzried; 3 sons, Rick (Liz) Schmalzried of Lafayette, IN; Rory (Dawn) Schmalzried of Castle Rock, CO; Rhett (Patty) Schmalzried-Lugo of Olathe, KS;  2 daughters  Rache (Marlan) Wente of Quinter and RaLynn (Joe) Schmalzried Schmidt of Topeka, KS;  Grandchildren Heath (Amanda) Schmalzried, Tyler (Amber) Schmalzried, Jennifer (Larry) Bolan, Jack Schmalzried, Samuel Schmalzried, Shayla (David) Stuenkel, Nicholas Wente, Hope (Norris) Payne, Thomas Schmalzried, Alana Schmalzried-Lugo, Derek Schmalzried-Lugo, Lillie Wente, Carina Schmalzried-Lugo, Brody Schmalzried-Lugo, Timothy Wente, and Eliza Schmidt and 4 great-grandchildren, a twin brother Ronald (Virginia) Schmalzried of Topeka, KS and a sister, Mary Wagner of Lincoln, NE.   He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Francis and Edward Schmalzried.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the Quinter Church of the Brethren and a 3:00 graveside service and burial in the Dighton Memorial Cemetery.   The family has opted to host visitation from 2:00-8:30 p.m. Friday at the family home at 2590 County Road 74, Quinter, because one of the last things Richard told them is that “When the nurses come, I want to catch a ride home.”

Memorials are suggested to Gove County Medical Center Vein Finder Fund and may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, in Quinter.

Rita “Ritie” M. Bell, age 84, of Hays, KS, passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center. Ritie was born on February 5, 1934 in Catharine, KS to Alphonse and Albina (Schukman) Wolf.

She was an Environmental Specialist with Fort Hays State University for almost 30 years. Ritie was a senior companion that volunteered and help facilitate activities at nursing homes. She enjoyed babysitting for her family, friends, neighbors and was always helpful and generous of giving herself to help others. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Daughters of Isabella, both of Hays. Most of all, Ritie had a special bond with her family and especially with her niece, Jackie Eakin.

Survivors include her sister, Darlene Rogers of Hays; niece, Jackie Eakin and her husband Shannon of Hays; great-niece, Cassie Johnson; two great-nephews, Cody Johnson & Brandon Kahrs two great-great-nieces, Emry & Jazmine and two great-great-nephews, Lucas & Rowen.

She is preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Joey Jacobs; husband, Leonard “Doc” Bell and a brother-in-law, Charlie Rogers.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 22, 2018 from 5-8:00 PM and on Saturday from 9-9:45 AM both at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS.

A parish vigil service will be held on Friday at 6:30 PM followed by a Daughters of Isabella rosary service at 7:00 PM all at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ritie’s loving memory to the church. Donations can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be made via email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.

Shirley Kaye Carter Weeks, age 64 of Brownell, was called home to be with the Lord on June 19, 2018 in Ness City, Kansas. She passed away from complications of a vehicle accident while helping her husband and son on the farm. She was born on January 14, 1954 to Charles and Estelene (Curtis) Carter in Ransom, Kansas.

She graduated from Ransom High School in 1972, Fort Hays State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1976, and an M.S. in Gifted Education in 1987.

She married Larry Weeks on August 15, 1973 in Brownell, Kansas. To this union three children were born Jay Michael, Erin Lynn, and Eric John.

Shirley worked as an elementary education teacher for 24 years teaching in the Ransom, WaKeeney and Jetmore school districts.

She enjoyed more than anything spending time with her grandchildren at her house and their events. She loved spending time with her cats and maintaining the plants in her yard. She was a woman of great faith and a member of the Ransom United Methodist Church. She also loved gathering with her teacher friends of the Old Teacher Society. She was an avid KU basketball and Kansas City Royals fan.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Jay Michael; both parents, Charles and Estelene (Curtis) Carter; her father and mother-in-law, Clyde and Dorothy (Schwartzkopf) Weeks; and a brother-in-law, Robert Weeks.

She is survived by her husband, Larry of Brownell, Kansas, daughter, Erin (Chad) Manning, Norton, Kansas; son, Eric (Jamie) Weeks of Brownell; grandsons, Dakota, Dracen and Dalton Weeks of Brownell, Kansas and granddaughters Carly, Avery and Campbell Manning of Norton; brothers, Herb (Judith) Carter of Fountain, CO, Charles (Ethel Mae) Carter of Guymon, OK, Gary Carter of Quinter, Kansas; sister, Kelle (Dave) Tillitson of WaKeeney, Kansas; and sister-in-law, Rita Weeks of Brownell, Kansas.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the Ransom United Methodist Church and visitation will be from 7-9 p.m., Friday, June 22 with family present

Memorial contributions suggested to the Ransom United Methodist Church or the Brownell Community Funeral Dinner Fund.

Memories and words of support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com

Charles E. “Chuck” Seaman, 63, La Crosse, Kansas, died Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in rural Rush County, Kansas.

Mr. Seaman was born February 1, 1955, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Charles Glenn and Margaret Veronica (Delaney) Seaman. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. A 1973 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, he was employed at the Wet Walnut Creek Watershed Joint District #58 for 14 years before his retirement. Chuck’s passion was farming. He spent many years helping area farmers with their farm work.

He was a former member of the La Crosse Country Club, and Baker Memorial Sportsmans Club, both of La Crosse, Kansas.

Survivors include: four sisters, JoAnn Huber, La Crosse, Kansas, Karen Depperschmidt, El Reno, Oklahoma, Janet Basgall (Virgil), Carson City, Nevada, and Virginia “Ginger” Bott, La Crosse, Kansas; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Friday, June 22, 2018, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Per Chuck’s wishes, cremation will follow the visitation.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the Charles E. “Chuck” Seaman Memorial Fund.

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.

Norma Dee Holthus, 87, of Atwood, KS, entered God’s Kingdom on June 20, 2018. She was born February 21, 1931, to Del and Addie (Winslow) Porter, in Beardsley, KS. Dee attended grade school at McDonald, KS. After eighth grade the family moved to Atwood, KS, so she could attend high school. Dee graduated from ACHS in 1949. During high school, and two years following, she worked at Ridgeway Grocery store.

She married Everett Holthus on March 11, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ludell. To this union, three children were born: Terry William, Gregory Allan, and Nancy Jo. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church until it closed in 1966 and then transferred to Grace Lutheran Church in Atwood. She worked for many years at the Ludell Post Office. Everett and Dee resided at their farm for 45 years and then moved to Atwood in 1995. She became a resident of the Atwood Good Samaritan in May 2011.

She was active in LWML, Hobby Club and card club. Dee enjoyed baking, embroidering, working in the yard with her flowers, playing cards, listening to baseball games, and watching her favorite team, the KU Jayhawks. She loved to share stories with friends and visit about family history.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Jennie, Roma Lee, and Connie; brother Russell Porter and a great-grandson, Becken Holthus.

She is survived by her sons, Terry and wife Leslie, of Wahoo, NE and Greg and wife Pati, of McCook, NE; daughter Nancy and husband Kenton Taylor, of Colby, KS; five grandchildren, Stacey (Sam) Klein, of Phoenix, AZ, Phil Holthus, of Kansas City, MO, Jeff (Caitlin) Holthus, of McCook, NE, Kimberly Holthus and David Olson, of Kenard, NE and Brandon Taylor, of Hays, KS; four great-grandchildren, Alexis and Kourtney Klein, of Phoenix, AZ, Macklin Holthus ,of McCook, NE and Emalee Olson of Kenard, NE; sister Idella Schriner, of Dodge City, KS; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Sam) Willcoxen, of Highlands Ranch, CO and Lil Holthus, of Surprise, Arizona, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, June 22, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, KS. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 23, at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Atwood, KS. Burial will immediately follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Ludell, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Atwood Good Samaritan Society – for nursing staff, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS, 67701. For information or condolences, visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

James Sherwood Mortinger, 90, owner of JM Plumbing, Liberal, KS. Jim was born in St. Clair, Michigan on February 8, 1928. He died Saturday, June 16, 2018.

He served in the US Army during World War II as a surgical tech. During his service, he was awarded Championship level as a sharp shooter. He returned to Michigan after the service and in 1965 was transferred to Liberal, KS with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline.

After retiring from Panhandle, he turned his part-time plumbing job into JM Plumbing, which he operated full-time. He retired at the age of 84. He was especially known for his red and white work truck that was seen from sun up to sun down helping out with all sorts of plumbing needs.

Jim served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years where he mentored numerous scouts to achieve the Eagle merit badge. His favorite thing to do after work was to pitch horseshoes. Pitching at the state and national levels became something Jim enjoyed doing and this was a hobby he shared with more than one of his sons.

Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Marie Mortinger.

Survived by his daughters, Yvonne (Tom) Ford of Galveston, TX, Vicky (Rick) Hiebsch of Andover, KS; sons, Randy (Kathy) Stark of Mulvane, KS, Jimmy (Laurie) Mortinger of Hays, KS, John (Betty) Mortinger of Port Huron, MI, Robin (Susan) Mortinger of Casco, MI, Joe (Karen) Mortinger of Rose Hill, KS; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

There will be a private graveside service. Memorials to: Alzheimer’s Association, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.

Dolores Nadine (Wills) Fischli was born September 30, 1927 on the Wills farm one mile north of Logan, Kansas.

As an only child, she loved animals and made many of them her pets. When she started school, she cried because she wanted to stay home with her pets. Riding horses was her favorite pastime. In high school, writing and public speaking were her favorite subjects. Dolores became a member of Eastern Star of Logan, at an early age and remained a member the rest of her life.

She attended college in Denver, Colorado then transferred to Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas. Later, she transferred to the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

Dolores and Richard were married December 28, 1951 in Arkansas while Richard was in the Army. Upon his discharge, they farmed for one year. Since both were close to obtaining a college degree, they went to Fort Hays State University. After graduation, they went on to obtain their Masters’ Degrees.

Dolores chose theatre as she had taken specialty-theatre courses at K.U., such as Set Design and Stage Lighting and Directing. After obtaining their Masters’ Degrees, Dolores and Richard taught school in Burrton, Kansas for two years and Wichita, Kansas for three years, during which time Dolores attended a six week theatre workshop at Emporia State University where she, along with 29 other teachers put on five productions in a six-week time period.

In 1960, Dolores and Richard moved to California and in 1969, built their home in the Santa Monica Mountains. Dolores taught in two schools—Westchester High School and, her favorite, El Camino Real in Woodland Hills. Each school in the L.A. Unified School System had about 3,300 students. In addition to the theatre classes she taught each semester, she would direct one full length production and two full length Shakespearean productions. Her desire had been to direct a musical. Her wish came true as she and the music department developed a successful Theatre Arts Workshop.

Her last 10 years at El Camino Real were spent directing a full-length drama in the fall and spring in addition to a spring and summer musical. All musicals had at least 100 students and an accompanying orchestra of 30 to 40 students. Dolores enjoyed the accolades that came with theatre for a number of years. Her main memory was when Meredith Wilson came backstage. He will not only be remembered for his famous creation, The Music Man; also his great contribution to the musical theatre world. Dolores was humbled by his attention when he came to see her after the performance. Dolores taught 29 years and retired in 1984.

In April of 2010, Dolores and Richard built a new home and moved back to Logan, Kansas. They believed it was a good move and enjoyed their later years there together.

Having no family, Dolores and Richard started their Endowment program in 1997. Their Estate is pledged to Fort Hays State University of Hays, Kansas.

Dolores leaves to mourn her passing, her husband of 67 1/2 years, Richard J. Fischli, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2018, in the Logan United Methodist Church, Logan, with Pastors Ted Stapleton & Troy Buss officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.

Mrs. Fischli will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, in the Logan Funeral Home, Logan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Manor Nursing Home.

Logan Funeral Home, 102 E. Church Street, Logan, KS is in charge of arrangements

Richard Dwain Schmalzried, age 80, of Quinter, went to be with his Lord on June 18, 2018 with family by his side.

He was born March 29, 1938, in Dighton, KS to parents Dayton and Selma (Uppendahl) Schmalzried. On July 21, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Rozan Heath. After getting married, they lived in Dighton, KS and moved to Quinter in 1971. To this union, 5 children were born and he felt his family was the best crop he ever raised.

Richard graduated Dighton High School in 1956 and attended Fort Hays State University for several years. He graduated from the Colorado School of Banking in 1972.

Richard wore many hats throughout his life, working as a loan officer for First National Bank in Dighton and Quinter, manager of Flex-King Manufacturing, farmer, entrepreneur with the Town and Country Shop and later the Pizza Station in Quinter, real estate salesman, and postman. But he spent most of his life as a school bus driver and he loved interacting with the school children.

Richard was a strong believer in Christ. He served as the youngest elder at First Christian Church while in Dighton and joined the Quinter Church of the Brethren in Quinter and served as a deacon, church moderator, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and member of the district board. He also was a member of Gideons International.

Within the community, Richard volunteered with the Quinter Ambulance Service for many years and served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in both Quinter and Dighton. He also acted as Interim County Commissioner and was involved with Prairie Community Theater. Richard often opened up his house or offered jobs to people who were struggling. He loved old cars and could identify almost every make and model, even from a distance.

Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years and 11 months, Rozan Schmalzried; 3 sons, Rick (Liz) Schmalzried of Lafayette, IN; Rory (Dawn) Schmalzried of Castle Rock, CO; Rhett (Patty) Schmalzried-Lugo of Olathe, KS; 2 daughters Rache (Marlan) Wente of Quinter and RaLynn (Joe) Schmalzried Schmidt of Topeka, KS; Grandchildren Heath (Amanda) Schmalzried, Tyler (Amber) Schmalzried, Jennifer (Larry) Bolan, Jack Schmalzried, Samuel Schmalzried, Shayla (David) Stuenkel, Nicholas Wente, Hope (Norris) Payne, Thomas Schmalzried, Alana Schmalzried-Lugo, Derek Schmalzried-Lugo, Lillie Wente, Carina Schmalzried-Lugo, Brody Schmalzried-Lugo, Timothy Wente, and Eliza Schmidt and 4 great-grandchildren, a twin brother Ronald (Virginia) Schmalzried of Topeka, KS and a sister, Mary Wagner of Lincoln, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Francis and Edward Schmalzried.

Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the Quinter Church of the Brethren and a 3:00 graveside service and burial in the Dighton Memorial Cemetery. The family has opted to host visitation from 2-8:30 p.m. Friday at the family home at 2590 County Road 74, Quinter, because one of the last things Richard told them is that “When the nurses come, I want to catch a ride home.”

Memorials are suggested to Gove County Medical Center Vein Finder Fund and may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, in Quinter.

Donald “Donnie” Rohn, 74, died Wed., June 20, 2018, at his home in Colby, Kansas. Rohn was born Sept. 25, 1944, in Hays, Kansas. He was a retired route salesman for V&M Distributing and AA Coors Company in Colby.

Rohn is survived by his daughters Sherry Rohn, Lawrence, Kansas; Teresa Rohn-Penn, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kelly Ohrman, Colby, Kansas; Rebecca Edwards, Kingman, Arizona; and Nikki Brown, Littleton, Colorado, as well as 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services with officiant Fr. Richard Daise will be held Monday, June 25, 2018, 10 a.m., at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, 745 South Country Club Drive, Colby. Visitation will be Sunday, June 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Colby.

Memorials may be made to the Catholic Church K of C Building Fund in care of Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel.