Daniel Wyatt Spitzer, 18, passed away Monday, July 4, 2022 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born on August 10, 2003 in Pratt to Brian Matthew and Loretta Kay (Torrance) Spitzer.

Daniel graduated from Spitzer Academy in 2022 and had one semester left to obtain his Welding Degree at Pratt Community College. He worked for Spitzer Ranch and Sean Kirby and family. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church, Glendale Reapers 4-H Club and American Quarter Horse Association. He enjoyed COWBOYING, hanging out with friends, hunting, fishing, shooting guns, welding, being an American and taking care of his family.

He is survived by his parents; sisters, Hannah (Cade) Lonker, Haley Spitzer and Samantha Spitzer all of Pratt, Shiloh Murray of Manhattan and Carson Towe of Westminster, South Carolina; grandmother, Kay Torrance of Gage, Oklahoma; and grandparents, John and Patricia Spitzer of Pratt. Daniel is preceded in death by his grandfather, Curtis Torrance.

Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Monday, July 11, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at First Southern Baptist Church, with Pastor Steve Taylor presiding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Daniel Wyatt Spitzer, 18, passed away Monday, July 4, 2022 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born on August 10, 2003 in Pratt to Brian Matthew and Loretta Kay (Torrance) Spitzer. Daniel graduated from Spitzer Academy in 2022 and had one semester left to obtain his Welding Degree at Pratt Community College. He worked for Spitzer Ranch and Sean Kirby and family. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church, Glendale Reapers 4-H Club and American Quarter Horse Association. He enjoyed COWBOYING, hanging out with friends, hunting, fishing, shooting guns, welding, being an American and taking care of his family. He is survived by his parents; sisters, Hannah (Cade) Lonker, Haley Spitzer and Samantha Spitzer all of Pratt, Shiloh Murray of Manhattan and Carson Towe of Westminster, South Carolina; grandmother, Kay Torrance of Gage, Oklahoma; and grandparents, John and Patricia Spitzer of Pratt. Daniel is preceded in death by his grandfather, Curtis Torrance. Cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the book Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Monday, July 11, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt. A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at First Southern Baptist Church, with Pastor Steve Taylor presiding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Daniel Wyatt Spitzer  |2003-2022|

Janice O. Zamecnik, 81, of Lucas, KS, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, surrounded by family at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.&nbsp;

Jan was born on September 18, 1940, in Luray, the daughter of Elmer John and Barbara Ruth (McDaniel) Wolberd. &nbsp;In 1958, she graduated high school in Lodi, CA.&nbsp; On June 15, 1958, Jan was united in marriage to James J. “Jim” Zamecnik, Jr., in Lodi, CA. This union was blessed with three children, Julie, Joni, and John. Jim and Jan were married 48 years before his passing on July 23, 2005.&nbsp;

She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church (Wilson).&nbsp; Jan was also a member of the Sunflower Polka Club, Lucas OES, Post Rock Red Hat Brats, Lucas Domino Group, Lucas-Luray Bunco Group, and the Wilson Pinochle Group. &nbsp;She delivered Meals on Wheels and served on the board and was past president of the Grassroots Art Center.&nbsp;

Survivors include: daughter, Joni Regnier (Randy) of McPherson; a son, John Zamecnik (Sandra) of Salina; son-in-law, Mark Wallace (fiancé, Shawn Nelson) of New Cambria; brother, Patrick Wolberd (Anita) of Boise, ID; sister-in-law, Dorene Nelson (Ronald) of Lucas; six grandchildren, Ryan Regnier, Paige Woodruff (Cameron), Trenton Zamecnik (Shannon), Jadyn Zamecnik, Brooke Wallace (fiancé, Nick Terrapin), and Sierra Wallace; two great-grandchildren, Zane Morris and Emma Regnier; and many nieces, nephews, &nbsp;cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Zamecnik, Jr., &nbsp;daughter, Julie Wallace, and grandson, Tanner Zamecnik.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 15, 2022, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church (Wilson) with Fr. Tony Kulandaijesu officiating.&nbsp; A private burial will be held in the Lucas Cemetery (Lucas).

Janice O. Zamecnik, 81, of Lucas, KS, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, surrounded by family at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.&nbsp;Jan was born on September 18, 1940, in Luray, the daughter of Elmer John and Barbara Ruth (McDaniel) Wolberd. &nbsp;In 1958, she graduated high school in Lodi, CA.&nbsp; On June 15, 1958, Jan was united in marriage to James J. “Jim” Zamecnik, Jr., in Lodi, CA. This union was blessed with three children, Julie, Joni, and John. Jim and Jan were married 48 years before his passing on July 23, 2005.&nbsp;She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church (Wilson).&nbsp; Jan was also a member of the Sunflower Polka Club, Lucas OES, Post Rock Red Hat Brats, Lucas Domino Group, Lucas-Luray Bunco Group, and the Wilson Pinochle Group. &nbsp;She delivered Meals on Wheels and served on the board and was past president of the Grassroots Art Center.&nbsp;Survivors include: daughter, Joni Regnier (Randy) of McPherson; a son, John Zamecnik (Sandra) of Salina; son-in-law, Mark Wallace (fiancé, Shawn Nelson) of New Cambria; brother, Patrick Wolberd (Anita) of Boise, ID; sister-in-law, Dorene Nelson (Ronald) of Lucas; six grandchildren, Ryan Regnier, Paige Woodruff (Cameron), Trenton Zamecnik (Shannon), Jadyn Zamecnik, Brooke Wallace (fiancé, Nick Terrapin), and Sierra Wallace; two great-grandchildren, Zane Morris and Emma Regnier; and many nieces, nephews, &nbsp;cousins, and friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Zamecnik, Jr., &nbsp;daughter, Julie Wallace, and grandson, Tanner Zamecnik.A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, July 15, 2022, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church (Wilson) with Fr. Tony Kulandaijesu officiating.&nbsp; A private burial will be held in the Lucas Cemetery (Lucas).

Janice O. Zamecnik  |1940-2022|

James Kelly Harms, 65, of rural Newton passed away July 7th.  Kelly was born August 10, 1956 to Willis and Wilma Harms of rural Whitewater.  He was baptized on May 21, 1972 in the Grace Hill Church.  Kelly attended Country Side Grade School, Elbing Grade School and Remington High School.  He graduated from Bethel College. 

 Kelly worked in the court system for a number of years and was most recently employed by Bethel College until he retired in January of 2022.  On August 16, 1980, Kelly married Cindy Bogart of Phillipsburg.  They were married 42 years.  Kelly had many business interests including farming and raising cattle.  He enjoyed antique and coin collecting, camping, fishing, bicycling, jogging, and traveling.  Throughout his life he was active in several sports.  He could frequently be seen at auctions, flea markets and antique stores, quite often finding treasures for others.  He loved spending time with family.  Kelly had a keen wit and a teasing sense of humor.  He loved history and had a terrific memory for historical details and facts. 

  Survivors include his wife, Cindy, and mother, Wilma Harms.  Other survivors are brother Gary and, wife, Linda Harms of rural Whitewater, sister Jane and, husband, Tom Washburn of rural Newton, several nieces and nephews with numerous great nieces and great nephews.  Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Willis Harms. 

 Visitation at Petersen’ Funeral Home Tuesday, July 12 from 5pm to 8pm.  The family will be present from 6pm to 8pm.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am at Salem United Methodist Church (of which Kelly was a member), Newton.&nbsp;

James Kelly Harms, 65, of rural Newton passed away July 7th. Kelly was born August 10, 1956 to Willis and Wilma Harms of rural Whitewater. He was baptized on May 21, 1972 in the Grace Hill Church. Kelly attended Country Side Grade School, Elbing Grade School and Remington High School. He graduated from Bethel College. Kelly worked in the court system for a number of years and was most recently employed by Bethel College until he retired in January of 2022. On August 16, 1980, Kelly married Cindy Bogart of Phillipsburg. They were married 42 years. Kelly had many business interests including farming and raising cattle. He enjoyed antique and coin collecting, camping, fishing, bicycling, jogging, and traveling. Throughout his life he was active in several sports. He could frequently be seen at auctions, flea markets and antique stores, quite often finding treasures for others. He loved spending time with family. Kelly had a keen wit and a teasing sense of humor. He loved history and had a terrific memory for historical details and facts. Survivors include his wife, Cindy, and mother, Wilma Harms. Other survivors are brother Gary and, wife, Linda Harms of rural Whitewater, sister Jane and, husband, Tom Washburn of rural Newton, several nieces and nephews with numerous great nieces and great nephews. Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Willis Harms. Visitation at Petersen’ Funeral Home Tuesday, July 12 from 5pm to 8pm. The family will be present from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am at Salem United Methodist Church (of which Kelly was a member), Newton.&nbsp;

James Kelly Harms  |1956-2022|

Larry D. Kasselman born April 9, 1945 to Eddie and Mary (Smiley) Kasselman in Great Bend.&nbsp; He went to be with our Lord on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Survived by his daughter Tammy Kasselman (Martin Navarrete) and son Daron Kasselman (Holly); sister Phyllis Roberds (Dale) of Pittsburg; grandchildren Samantha Hill (Jeff), Devan Navarrete, Brittany Young (Jake Wright) and Jacob Kasselman; great grandchildren Dannielle, Waylen, and Charlie Hayes, Jarrod and Jace Hill, and Jianna and Josie Wright; numerous nieces, nephews and other family. Preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Mary Kasselman, wife Darlene Kasselman on June 21, 2022, and grandson Jesse Navarrete.

Larry married the love of his life, Darlene, on April 2, 1966 in Great Bend. They were very active in Central Baptist Church. They were youth fellowship leaders and played for the church on the softball team. Larry was the coach and Darlene the pitcher. Aside from his great love of God and Darlene, he enjoyed many outdoor sports like hunting, fishing and water skiing.

Larry went to night classes to get his journeyman electrical license and upon being transferred from Great Bend to Wichita he returned to night classes to earn his Master Electrician license. After obtaining his master license he became self-employed, opening Valley Industrial Electric.

Darlene gradually became worse with her Alzheimers disease. Over the years he had become her primary caregiver. Family helped out with some cleaning, sitting with her, as well personal care. There were a number of caregivers over the years, some stayed longer than others.

We are certain that Dad has joined Mom in that mansion in the sky. We respectfully request that donations be made to Alzheimers Awareness c/o Daron Kasselman, 3425 W. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67203.

We also wish to thank All Saints Home Care and Phoenix Hospice in providing excellent care for Dad in his last days with us.

Larry D. Kasselman born April 9, 1945 to Eddie and Mary (Smiley) Kasselman in Great Bend.&nbsp; He went to be with our Lord on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Survived by his daughter Tammy Kasselman (Martin Navarrete) and son Daron Kasselman (Holly); sister Phyllis Roberds (Dale) of Pittsburg; grandchildren Samantha Hill (Jeff), Devan Navarrete, Brittany Young (Jake Wright) and Jacob Kasselman; great grandchildren Dannielle, Waylen, and Charlie Hayes, Jarrod and Jace Hill, and Jianna and Josie Wright; numerous nieces, nephews and other family. Preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Mary Kasselman, wife Darlene Kasselman on June 21, 2022, and grandson Jesse Navarrete.Larry married the love of his life, Darlene, on April 2, 1966 in Great Bend. They were very active in Central Baptist Church. They were youth fellowship leaders and played for the church on the softball team. Larry was the coach and Darlene the pitcher. Aside from his great love of God and Darlene, he enjoyed many outdoor sports like hunting, fishing and water skiing.Larry went to night classes to get his journeyman electrical license and upon being transferred from Great Bend to Wichita he returned to night classes to earn his Master Electrician license. After obtaining his master license he became self-employed, opening Valley Industrial Electric.Darlene gradually became worse with her Alzheimers disease. Over the years he had become her primary caregiver. Family helped out with some cleaning, sitting with her, as well personal care. There were a number of caregivers over the years, some stayed longer than others.We are certain that Dad has joined Mom in that mansion in the sky. We respectfully request that donations be made to Alzheimers Awareness c/o Daron Kasselman, 3425 W. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67203.We also wish to thank All Saints Home Care and Phoenix Hospice in providing excellent care for Dad in his last days with us.

Larry D. Kasselman  |1945-2022|

Nina Faye Salter, 100, of Alden, passed away July 6, 2022, at Hospice House of Hutchinson. She was born October 4, 1921, in Alden, the daughter of Ira and Ella Simmons Wallace. 

Nina was a lifelong Alden resident. She attended Alden High School. Nina was a housewife and worked for social services as a caretaker. She was a member of the Alden United Methodist Church, where she served on various church committees; and was a board member for Rice County Council on Aging. Nina enjoyed gardening and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. 

On August 10, 1949, Nina was united in marriage with Norman Clinton Salter in Clayton, New Mexico. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1988. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Douglas Salter; and sister, Beulah Long. Nina is survived by her son, Richard “Dick” Salter and wife Peggy of Sterling; three grandchildren, Jessica Mihm and husband Andrew of Kearney, NE, Heather Lang and husband Craig of Burrton, KS, and Zach Salter and significant other Saucha Silvers of Sterling; and seven great-grandchildren, Caleb Claussen, Cameron Claussen, Carson Claussen, Haley Mihm, Wallace Lang, Lillian Lang, and Bria Salter. 

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 11, 2022, at Alden United Methodist Church, Alden, with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Burial will follow at Alden Valley Cemetery, Alden. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present.&nbsp;

Nina Faye Salter, 100, of Alden, passed away July 6, 2022, at Hospice House of Hutchinson. She was born October 4, 1921, in Alden, the daughter of Ira and Ella Simmons Wallace. Nina was a lifelong Alden resident. She attended Alden High School. Nina was a housewife and worked for social services as a caretaker. She was a member of the Alden United Methodist Church, where she served on various church committees; and was a board member for Rice County Council on Aging. Nina enjoyed gardening and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. On August 10, 1949, Nina was united in marriage with Norman Clinton Salter in Clayton, New Mexico. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1988. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Douglas Salter; and sister, Beulah Long. Nina is survived by her son, Richard “Dick” Salter and wife Peggy of Sterling; three grandchildren, Jessica Mihm and husband Andrew of Kearney, NE, Heather Lang and husband Craig of Burrton, KS, and Zach Salter and significant other Saucha Silvers of Sterling; and seven great-grandchildren, Caleb Claussen, Cameron Claussen, Carson Claussen, Haley Mihm, Wallace Lang, Lillian Lang, and Bria Salter. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 11, 2022, at Alden United Methodist Church, Alden, with Pastor Rob Bolton officiating. Burial will follow at Alden Valley Cemetery, Alden. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M., Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present.&nbsp;

Nina Faye Salter  |1921-2022|

Edwin E. Hicks, 65, died peacefully at home in Chicago, July 4, 2022. At his side was his loving partner, Greg Tabaczynski. Edwin was preceded in death by his partner of many years Michael Stanton. Edwin was born, April 4, 1957, to Grace(Dulabahn) and Walter Hicks, in Protection, and the family moved to Lyons, when he was a child. 

He attended Lyons High School where he developed all the skills and interests which would occupy his future life. edwin became intensely involved in music, playing piano, singing and learning many other instruments. Active in the Lyons High School Band and their performance ensemble, “The Lionaires”, he was president of the Band in his senior year and he personally and the ensemble received “One” and “One Plus” ratings in the state music competitions. He played the Wizard in “The Wizard Of Oz” in the high school musical performance. edwin also was active in Journalism and his love of books led him to work at the public library while in high school. Academically he was invited to the Honors Banquet all four years and was graduated as Salutatorian in 1975. 

He then studied Organ Performance at the University of Kansas, where he lived for a number of years in the Battenfeld Scholarship Hall, gave outstanding junior and senior recitals, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1979. During this time he also began working at B. Dalton Booksellers in Kansas City and eventually transferred to the Chicago location. Edwin was fond of saying he moved in 1980 to Chicago temporarily -- and never left. From the bookstore scene he moved into the advertising world and enjoyed a successful career as a production coordinator in several well-known Chicago agencies: Leo Burnett, J. Walter Thompson and Bozell. But Edwin’s true passions were always music, literature and language, and gardening. Rarely would he be seen without a book in tow and was known by sight to his local librarians. Often he could be seen about in the late evening pinching seeds from neighbors' plants, trying to get anything whatsoever to grow. He was intensely proud of his farmland roots and worked to recreate a piece of the Prairie on his property in Chicago (to the consternation no doubt of his neighbors), allowing wildflowers to flourish to meet the needs of the birds and butterflies. His love for living things also extended to raising a long series of kittens and cats throughout his adult life. He also loved travelling and notably undertook two solo expeditions to Europe and the Far East. Besides his advertising jobs, Edwin also pursued his musical vocation as the organist &amp; music director for Gethsemane UCC church in Chicago for many years. He was a patron of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a fixture at the Lyric Opera of Chicago for many decades, eager to share his knowledge of librettos, composers and musical nuances. His idea of a wonderful evening started with a Rob Roy (or two), a fine Italian dinner, and a really good cry at a Verdi opera. 

Edwin’s generosity of spirit led him to be involved in many community activities. As an activist during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, Edwin volunteered at hospital in AIDS wards. Adhering to his musical roots, he was an active member in the DePaul Community Chorus and dabbled in other forms such as shape note singing, square dancing, contra dancing... In retirement he learned to "dance Tai Chi", becoming a Tai Chi instructor, and more recently organizing outdoor practice sessions in Welles Park, Chicago, during the insanity of the COVID lockdown, even as he was bravely living with cancer. To have known Edwin was a gift. No one could deliver an acerbic comment or some grammar tutelage as lovingly as edwin. His wit, the deep rivers of his emotions and empathy, and strength of character will be missed by the many that loved him dearly. 

Graveside service will take place in his home town of Lyons, at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, with Pastor Chris Lehew officiating.

Edwin E. Hicks, 65, died peacefully at home in Chicago, July 4, 2022. At his side was his loving partner, Greg Tabaczynski. Edwin was preceded in death by his partner of many years Michael Stanton. Edwin was born, April 4, 1957, to Grace(Dulabahn) and Walter Hicks, in Protection, and the family moved to Lyons, when he was a child. He attended Lyons High School where he developed all the skills and interests which would occupy his future life. edwin became intensely involved in music, playing piano, singing and learning many other instruments. Active in the Lyons High School Band and their performance ensemble, “The Lionaires”, he was president of the Band in his senior year and he personally and the ensemble received “One” and “One Plus” ratings in the state music competitions. He played the Wizard in “The Wizard Of Oz” in the high school musical performance. edwin also was active in Journalism and his love of books led him to work at the public library while in high school. Academically he was invited to the Honors Banquet all four years and was graduated as Salutatorian in 1975. He then studied Organ Performance at the University of Kansas, where he lived for a number of years in the Battenfeld Scholarship Hall, gave outstanding junior and senior recitals, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1979. During this time he also began working at B. Dalton Booksellers in Kansas City and eventually transferred to the Chicago location. Edwin was fond of saying he moved in 1980 to Chicago temporarily -- and never left. From the bookstore scene he moved into the advertising world and enjoyed a successful career as a production coordinator in several well-known Chicago agencies: Leo Burnett, J. Walter Thompson and Bozell. But Edwin’s true passions were always music, literature and language, and gardening. Rarely would he be seen without a book in tow and was known by sight to his local librarians. Often he could be seen about in the late evening pinching seeds from neighbors' plants, trying to get anything whatsoever to grow. He was intensely proud of his farmland roots and worked to recreate a piece of the Prairie on his property in Chicago (to the consternation no doubt of his neighbors), allowing wildflowers to flourish to meet the needs of the birds and butterflies. His love for living things also extended to raising a long series of kittens and cats throughout his adult life. He also loved travelling and notably undertook two solo expeditions to Europe and the Far East. Besides his advertising jobs, Edwin also pursued his musical vocation as the organist &amp; music director for Gethsemane UCC church in Chicago for many years. He was a patron of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a fixture at the Lyric Opera of Chicago for many decades, eager to share his knowledge of librettos, composers and musical nuances. His idea of a wonderful evening started with a Rob Roy (or two), a fine Italian dinner, and a really good cry at a Verdi opera. Edwin’s generosity of spirit led him to be involved in many community activities. As an activist during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, Edwin volunteered at hospital in AIDS wards. Adhering to his musical roots, he was an active member in the DePaul Community Chorus and dabbled in other forms such as shape note singing, square dancing, contra dancing... In retirement he learned to "dance Tai Chi", becoming a Tai Chi instructor, and more recently organizing outdoor practice sessions in Welles Park, Chicago, during the insanity of the COVID lockdown, even as he was bravely living with cancer. To have known Edwin was a gift. No one could deliver an acerbic comment or some grammar tutelage as lovingly as edwin. His wit, the deep rivers of his emotions and empathy, and strength of character will be missed by the many that loved him dearly. Graveside service will take place in his home town of Lyons, at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, with Pastor Chris Lehew officiating.

Edwin E. Hicks  |1957-2022|

Linda Kathleen Merritt, 73, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, passed away July 2, 2022, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park. She was born December 18, 1949, in Hutchinson, to Frank Wilbur and Thelma Maria (Owston) Eldridge.

Linda graduated from Nickerson High School. She enjoyed crochet, Chiefs football, collecting M&amp;M novelty items, and cheating at a game of marbles.

Linda is survived by: her sisters, Maxine Edison, Juanita Buck; brother, Wade Allen D. (Jean) Eldridge; son, Brent Michael Belote; daughter, Stacey Lynn Sedwick; grandchildren, Brooklyn Dawn Belote-Ingram, Colter James and Nisa Keene, Quintin Lee and Rebecca Keene, Leigha Briann Belote, Alexander Aron Parks, Joshua Allen Sedwick, Gaines Michael Sedwick; great-grandchildren, Christian Elizabeth Ingram, Dawson James Keene, Beau Wess Keene, Jameson Ray Wasson, Case Walker Keene, and Laily Faye Boker.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, PFC James W. Eldridge; and brothers-in-law, Orval Edison Sr. and Larry Buck.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Elliott Chapel, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, followed by a potluck meal in Sterling. The exact location will be provided later.

Linda Kathleen Merritt, 73, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, passed away July 2, 2022, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park. She was born December 18, 1949, in Hutchinson, to Frank Wilbur and Thelma Maria (Owston) Eldridge.Linda graduated from Nickerson High School. She enjoyed crochet, Chiefs football, collecting M&amp;M novelty items, and cheating at a game of marbles.Linda is survived by: her sisters, Maxine Edison, Juanita Buck; brother, Wade Allen D. (Jean) Eldridge; son, Brent Michael Belote; daughter, Stacey Lynn Sedwick; grandchildren, Brooklyn Dawn Belote-Ingram, Colter James and Nisa Keene, Quintin Lee and Rebecca Keene, Leigha Briann Belote, Alexander Aron Parks, Joshua Allen Sedwick, Gaines Michael Sedwick; great-grandchildren, Christian Elizabeth Ingram, Dawson James Keene, Beau Wess Keene, Jameson Ray Wasson, Case Walker Keene, and Laily Faye Boker.She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, PFC James W. Eldridge; and brothers-in-law, Orval Edison Sr. and Larry Buck.A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Elliott Chapel, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, followed by a potluck meal in Sterling. The exact location will be provided later.

Linda Kathleen Merritt  |1949-2022|

Susan J. Smith, 76, died July 5, 2022, at Azria Health, Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born July 8, 1945, in Monett, MO, to Carl and Frances (Burrow) Fricks.

Susan graduated from Joplin High School, Joplin, MO, &nbsp;Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education- social sciences, and Emporia State University with a master’s degree.&nbsp; She was a retired social sciences teacher from Hutchinson High School after twenty-one years in the classroom.&nbsp; Susan was an avid reader, a member of PEO, a dog mom to Nelson, and a very proud, doting grandmother to her five grandchildren. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Hutchinson.

Susan is survived by: son, Tim (Ashley) Smith of McPherson; daughter, Cadi Smith of Hutchinson; five grandchildren: Courtney Smith of Springfield, MO, Amelia and Owen Smith of McPherson, and Mary and Lola Sanchez of Hutchinson; and a brother, Charles Fricks of Salt Lake City, UT.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Carl and Bill.

Memorial service will be 11am Saturday July 9, 2022, at Grace Episcopal Church, 2 Hyde Park Dr, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Doctor Ted Blakley officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at a later date in the Grace Episcopal Memorial Garden columbarium.

Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022, before the service.

Susan J. Smith, 76, died July 5, 2022, at Azria Health, Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; She was born July 8, 1945, in Monett, MO, to Carl and Frances (Burrow) Fricks.Susan graduated from Joplin High School, Joplin, MO, &nbsp;Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education- social sciences, and Emporia State University with a master’s degree.&nbsp; She was a retired social sciences teacher from Hutchinson High School after twenty-one years in the classroom.&nbsp; Susan was an avid reader, a member of PEO, a dog mom to Nelson, and a very proud, doting grandmother to her five grandchildren. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Hutchinson.Susan is survived by: son, Tim (Ashley) Smith of McPherson; daughter, Cadi Smith of Hutchinson; five grandchildren: Courtney Smith of Springfield, MO, Amelia and Owen Smith of McPherson, and Mary and Lola Sanchez of Hutchinson; and a brother, Charles Fricks of Salt Lake City, UT.She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Carl and Bill.Memorial service will be 11am Saturday July 9, 2022, at Grace Episcopal Church, 2 Hyde Park Dr, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Doctor Ted Blakley officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be at a later date in the Grace Episcopal Memorial Garden columbarium.Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.Family will greet friends from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022, before the service.

Susan J. Smith  |1945-2022|

Dwight Alan Schmidt was welcomed into this world by his parents Peter Schmidt Jr. and Hilda E. Schmidt on May 21, 1956. He was born in Goessel, and brought home to meet his siblings Jolene, Darrel &amp; Janet in their home in Lehigh. The family was blessed with two more children, LaVonne and Julia, in the following years.

Dwight attended Lehigh Grade &amp; Junior High School and Hillsboro High School. He attended the Lehigh Mennonite Church where he was baptized. Currently he was a member of First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro. Growing up in a small town was a wonderful experience for children in those years. We were free to roam the town and play with all the neighbor kids till dark without fear. We all loved to visit our father at the local filling station where he worked and spent many hours there. Dwight remembered helping our father read water meters and replace light bulbs on the town’s streetlights. He remembered having the time of his life running down the halls in Lehigh High School where our father was the custodian, as do the rest of us. He remembered the smell of baking zweibach with mom on Saturdays and working in the garden with the family. He also remembered mother helping the children with their Sunday School lessons every Saturday evening. As a family we spent many hours on the farms of our grandpas and grandmas and playing with cousins on the weekends was a big highlight. Dwight participated in making rubber band boats for races in the stock tank with his brother and cousin and then, of course, plunging in to cool off in the summer heat.

During high school years he played in intramural sports. Word has it that he could make a basket from “pretty far out”. He had a group of friends he hung out with; we aren’t quite sure what kinds of shenanigans they were up to. He also spent time at Henry’s Auto Shop in downtown Lehigh and helped work on cars. It was a hangout place in the evenings and weekends for Lehigh kids. Dwight was a very dedicated and hard worker. He started working at AMPI in Hillsboro when he was 16 years old both before and after school. He would get up early and roar down the road in his white Corvair. He started out loading and unloading freight and rose to the position of manager, doing the ordering of all ingredients for the Baskin Robbins ice cream that was made at that plant. He also ran the store they had on the premises. For Christmas the family always got gifts of “cheese” he purchased from AMPI -- and it sure was tasty! This was all, of course, before computers so he had to keep all manual inventory records. He could still recite phone numbers for the places he called and names of the salespersons he dealt with. He had a very sharp mind and memory. He was one of the last employees to walk out the door when AMPI closed. He also worked on the trailer assembly line at Circle D in Hillsboro for several years. After that he worked for some years at Walmart in McPherson where he was placed in charge of stocking the entire dairy department and he was very well liked there. He was also a faithful volunteer at the Et Cetera shop in Hillsboro. He was a quiet person but one-on-one he was very friendly and cared deeply about people. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor which we all loved and will miss.

Dwight was a good cook and loved to look up recipes and try them out. He would also make up his own. He hunted pheasants and would try various ways of fixing them to eat. He loved nature and would take peaceful drives in the country for pleasure. He had several vehicles over the years that he was quite proud of – a red 1977 T Bird, a 1978 black &amp; gold El Camino (called The Black Knight), a BMW motorcycle and several pickups. He planted flowers and rhubarb in pots outside his door and took good care of them. He put out water and bird seed for the birds and frequently had to chase the squirrels away. He was an avid reader and always had a book beside him. He won the award in his elementary years for “Most Books Read” during the school year. He kept up on all the current news and always seemed to know what was going on before any of us did. He had a love of music and had an extensive collection of record albums and CD’s. He recently got a record player and was listening to his old albums. He loved KU basketball and the Chiefs. He watched most all their games and could tell you exactly how they were doing. He had a coin collection. He loved hats and had “a zillion of them”. When mother was still with us he would visit her in the nursing home in Hillsboro several times a week. His visits cheered her up and made him feel like he was doing what a faithful son would do. 2018 was a hard year as he battled cancer. He was very brave as he faced radiation and chemotherapy. He never complained but remained upbeat. It was during this time that he rediscovered his faith and love for God. He read Scripture and devotionals and many books to learn more and more about living a life to please the Lord. That continued until the end of his life.

2019-2021 were good years for Dwight. He had moved to his apartment on West Grand in Hillsboro and was asked to be on the Board of the Hillsboro Housing Authority which he accepted. He thoroughly enjoyed those meetings, making friends with the executive director as well as the maintenance man. He even helped with little projects in the housing development. He always enjoyed visits with our family and he loved his little apartment and his life there. 2022 again saw the return of cancer. He said that it felt like the movie “Groundhog Day” as he had to return to Tammy Walker Cancer Center in Salina for radiation and chemotherapy. We are so thankful for the kind doctors and nurses who assisted him there. He was once again very brave and never complained. This is a quote from Dwight – “Life on this earth can be very hard at times. But the Lord has plans for each of us. We all have to put our trust in Him.” After sending Dwight the Scripture from Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you; I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” he replied “The Lord’s hand is on my shoulder”. We know that this was the true expression of his faith, as he had given his life to Jesus and was ready to follow the path that was chosen for him. Dwight passed into the presence of our Lord on July 3, 2022 at 2:57 pm “with the Lord’s hand on his shoulder” after an emergency air flight to KU St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.

He is now with our mother, father, sister Janet and nephew Marshal as well as many relatives and friends who have gone on before. We are sad but do not grieve without hope because we know we will see him again in Heaven. We love you, Dwight Alan Schmidt, our dear precious brother, and we will carry on here on earth with the “Lord’s hand on our shoulders” until we meet again. Your dear brother and sisters, Jolene, Darrel, LaVonne and Julia&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dwight Alan Schmidt was welcomed into this world by his parents Peter Schmidt Jr. and Hilda E. Schmidt on May 21, 1956. He was born in Goessel, and brought home to meet his siblings Jolene, Darrel &amp; Janet in their home in Lehigh. The family was blessed with two more children, LaVonne and Julia, in the following years. Dwight attended Lehigh Grade &amp; Junior High School and Hillsboro High School. He attended the Lehigh Mennonite Church where he was baptized. Currently he was a member of First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro. Growing up in a small town was a wonderful experience for children in those years. We were free to roam the town and play with all the neighbor kids till dark without fear. We all loved to visit our father at the local filling station where he worked and spent many hours there. Dwight remembered helping our father read water meters and replace light bulbs on the town’s streetlights. He remembered having the time of his life running down the halls in Lehigh High School where our father was the custodian, as do the rest of us. He remembered the smell of baking zweibach with mom on Saturdays and working in the garden with the family. He also remembered mother helping the children with their Sunday School lessons every Saturday evening. As a family we spent many hours on the farms of our grandpas and grandmas and playing with cousins on the weekends was a big highlight. Dwight participated in making rubber band boats for races in the stock tank with his brother and cousin and then, of course, plunging in to cool off in the summer heat. During high school years he played in intramural sports. Word has it that he could make a basket from “pretty far out”. He had a group of friends he hung out with; we aren’t quite sure what kinds of shenanigans they were up to. He also spent time at Henry’s Auto Shop in downtown Lehigh and helped work on cars. It was a hangout place in the evenings and weekends for Lehigh kids. Dwight was a very dedicated and hard worker. He started working at AMPI in Hillsboro when he was 16 years old both before and after school. He would get up early and roar down the road in his white Corvair. He started out loading and unloading freight and rose to the position of manager, doing the ordering of all ingredients for the Baskin Robbins ice cream that was made at that plant. He also ran the store they had on the premises. For Christmas the family always got gifts of “cheese” he purchased from AMPI -- and it sure was tasty! This was all, of course, before computers so he had to keep all manual inventory records. He could still recite phone numbers for the places he called and names of the salespersons he dealt with. He had a very sharp mind and memory. He was one of the last employees to walk out the door when AMPI closed. He also worked on the trailer assembly line at Circle D in Hillsboro for several years. After that he worked for some years at Walmart in McPherson where he was placed in charge of stocking the entire dairy department and he was very well liked there. He was also a faithful volunteer at the Et Cetera shop in Hillsboro. He was a quiet person but one-on-one he was very friendly and cared deeply about people. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor which we all loved and will miss. Dwight was a good cook and loved to look up recipes and try them out. He would also make up his own. He hunted pheasants and would try various ways of fixing them to eat. He loved nature and would take peaceful drives in the country for pleasure. He had several vehicles over the years that he was quite proud of – a red 1977 T Bird, a 1978 black &amp; gold El Camino (called The Black Knight), a BMW motorcycle and several pickups. He planted flowers and rhubarb in pots outside his door and took good care of them. He put out water and bird seed for the birds and frequently had to chase the squirrels away. He was an avid reader and always had a book beside him. He won the award in his elementary years for “Most Books Read” during the school year. He kept up on all the current news and always seemed to know what was going on before any of us did. He had a love of music and had an extensive collection of record albums and CD’s. He recently got a record player and was listening to his old albums. He loved KU basketball and the Chiefs. He watched most all their games and could tell you exactly how they were doing. He had a coin collection. He loved hats and had “a zillion of them”. When mother was still with us he would visit her in the nursing home in Hillsboro several times a week. His visits cheered her up and made him feel like he was doing what a faithful son would do. 2018 was a hard year as he battled cancer. He was very brave as he faced radiation and chemotherapy. He never complained but remained upbeat. It was during this time that he rediscovered his faith and love for God. He read Scripture and devotionals and many books to learn more and more about living a life to please the Lord. That continued until the end of his life. 2019-2021 were good years for Dwight. He had moved to his apartment on West Grand in Hillsboro and was asked to be on the Board of the Hillsboro Housing Authority which he accepted. He thoroughly enjoyed those meetings, making friends with the executive director as well as the maintenance man. He even helped with little projects in the housing development. He always enjoyed visits with our family and he loved his little apartment and his life there. 2022 again saw the return of cancer. He said that it felt like the movie “Groundhog Day” as he had to return to Tammy Walker Cancer Center in Salina for radiation and chemotherapy. We are so thankful for the kind doctors and nurses who assisted him there. He was once again very brave and never complained. This is a quote from Dwight – “Life on this earth can be very hard at times. But the Lord has plans for each of us. We all have to put our trust in Him.” After sending Dwight the Scripture from Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you; I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” he replied “The Lord’s hand is on my shoulder”. We know that this was the true expression of his faith, as he had given his life to Jesus and was ready to follow the path that was chosen for him. Dwight passed into the presence of our Lord on July 3, 2022 at 2:57 pm “with the Lord’s hand on his shoulder” after an emergency air flight to KU St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. He is now with our mother, father, sister Janet and nephew Marshal as well as many relatives and friends who have gone on before. We are sad but do not grieve without hope because we know we will see him again in Heaven. We love you, Dwight Alan Schmidt, our dear precious brother, and we will carry on here on earth with the “Lord’s hand on our shoulders” until we meet again. Your dear brother and sisters, Jolene, Darrel, LaVonne and Julia&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dwight Alan Schmidt  |1956-2022|

Arlene Ruth Girton passed peacefully from this life the morning of July 5, 2022 after a gradual decline in health.&nbsp;

Arlene was born on June 23 ,1933 to Paul W and Bessie (Mathis) Falen in Dillon, west of Herington.&nbsp; She was the third of five children.&nbsp; Arlene graduated from Herington High School in 1951.&nbsp;

Arlene, like her siblings, helped her Mom in the local Peter Pan Ice Cream shop, which is now Braum’s. It was there that she met the love of her life, Russell.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

They were married December 1, 1951 and celebrated 60 years of marriage before Russell’s death, December 12, 2011.&nbsp; Arlene was a dedicated mother first and foremost.&nbsp; She treasured her four daughters and embraced every moment with them.&nbsp; She especially loved her role as Granny &amp; Great Granny.&nbsp; She knew just how to make each one feel extra special. She was an avid Royals fan and enjoyed bringing all of her grandchildren to Kauffman Stadium any chance she could.&nbsp;

Arlene &amp; Russell owned and operated Russell L.P. Gas in Clyde, KS for over 25 years.&nbsp; They retired from the propane business and eventually found their perfect retirement community in Sun Lakes, AZ.&nbsp; She loved playing golf &amp; entertaining friends and family.&nbsp; Health issues brought Russell &amp; Arlene back to Moundridge, Kansas to live closer to family in 2011.&nbsp; Arlene never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with the residents at Pine Village.&nbsp; In 2015, she was awarded Volunteer of the Year at Pine Village and in 2016, she was presented the award of Leading Age Volunteer of the Year.&nbsp; She continued to make her daily visits to “her people” until her health deteriorated.&nbsp; One of her favorite activities was putting puzzles together, finishing her last one just a few days before her death.&nbsp;

She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, daughter Shari Tobyne and siblings Pauline Allen, Lois Miller, Delmar Falen and Joyce Rush.&nbsp; Survivors include three daughters, Vicki (Bruce) Roy,&nbsp;Clyde; Lori (Aaron) Begnoche, Moundridge; and Tina (Alex) Contreras, Trophy Club, TX. Ten grandchildren &amp; 16 great-grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ”.&nbsp;

Cremation is planned with a private family burial service at Ashton Cemetery, Hope.

Arlene Ruth Girton passed peacefully from this life the morning of July 5, 2022 after a gradual decline in health.&nbsp;Arlene was born on June 23 ,1933 to Paul W and Bessie (Mathis) Falen in Dillon, west of Herington.&nbsp; She was the third of five children.&nbsp; Arlene graduated from Herington High School in 1951.&nbsp;Arlene, like her siblings, helped her Mom in the local Peter Pan Ice Cream shop, which is now Braum’s. It was there that she met the love of her life, Russell.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They were married December 1, 1951 and celebrated 60 years of marriage before Russell’s death, December 12, 2011.&nbsp; Arlene was a dedicated mother first and foremost.&nbsp; She treasured her four daughters and embraced every moment with them.&nbsp; She especially loved her role as Granny &amp; Great Granny.&nbsp; She knew just how to make each one feel extra special. She was an avid Royals fan and enjoyed bringing all of her grandchildren to Kauffman Stadium any chance she could.&nbsp;Arlene &amp; Russell owned and operated Russell L.P. Gas in Clyde, KS for over 25 years.&nbsp; They retired from the propane business and eventually found their perfect retirement community in Sun Lakes, AZ.&nbsp; She loved playing golf &amp; entertaining friends and family.&nbsp; Health issues brought Russell &amp; Arlene back to Moundridge, Kansas to live closer to family in 2011.&nbsp; Arlene never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with the residents at Pine Village.&nbsp; In 2015, she was awarded Volunteer of the Year at Pine Village and in 2016, she was presented the award of Leading Age Volunteer of the Year.&nbsp; She continued to make her daily visits to “her people” until her health deteriorated.&nbsp; One of her favorite activities was putting puzzles together, finishing her last one just a few days before her death.&nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, daughter Shari Tobyne and siblings Pauline Allen, Lois Miller, Delmar Falen and Joyce Rush.&nbsp; Survivors include three daughters, Vicki (Bruce) Roy,&nbsp;Clyde; Lori (Aaron) Begnoche, Moundridge; and Tina (Alex) Contreras, Trophy Club, TX. Ten grandchildren &amp; 16 great-grandchildren.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ”.&nbsp;Cremation is planned with a private family burial service at Ashton Cemetery, Hope.

Arlene Ruth Girton  |1933-2022|

Lila Louise (Cook) Emmert, 84, passed away July 3, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society-Hutchinson Village.&nbsp; She was born April 28, 1938, in Lyons, to Clarence Bernard and Alma (Ellis) Cook.

Lila was a 1956 graduate of Lyons High School, Lyons.&nbsp; She attended McPherson College, McPherson, for three years where she met the love of her life, Ed.&nbsp; Lila was a member of Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Portage, MI.&nbsp; Since moving to Hutchinson, she attended Community Church of the Brethren.

Lila, along with Ed, raised their three daughters in Portage MI.&nbsp; She had a love for sewing that her daughters were the recipients of many of her exceptional sewing projects.&nbsp; Along with everyday clothes, she made prom dresses, costumes for Halloween and school plays, and bridesmaid’s dresses.&nbsp;&nbsp; Lila also had a love for cooking and baking.&nbsp; Home-cooked meals, hosting dinner parties with friends, and holiday meals with family were specialties of hers.&nbsp; Oyster stew for Christmas, lemon ice for holiday meals, cinnamon rolls for the Easter sunrise breakfast at church and, of course, homemade ice cream for visitors were among the favorites.&nbsp; Lila was the ’State of Kansas 4-H Cherry Pie Champion’ in 1955.&nbsp; It is said that she won Ed over with a cherry pie as a thank you for borrowing his car.

On June 10, 1959, Lila married Dale ‘Ed’ Edward Emmert, in McPherson.&nbsp; They shared over 61 year of marriage, prior to his death on August 18, 2020.

She is survived by:&nbsp; her daughters, Teresa (John) Hiemstra of Edmonton Alberta Canada, Annette Emmert of Hutchinson, and Michelle Emmert Bresser of Houston, TX; fourth daughter (according to Ed and Lila), Sharla Powell of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Josiah (Laura) Hiemstra, David (Erin) Hiemstra, Sara Bresser, and Adam Bresser; great-grandsons, Wiley Hiemstra, Andrew Hiemstra, and Tyrion Hiemstra; siblings, John (Jane) Cook of Lyons, Gary (Carol) Cook of Lyons, and Margaret Cook of Wichita, KS; and sister-in-law, Donna Emmert of Perry, IA.

Lila was preceded in death by:&nbsp; her parents; husband; and brother-in-law, Roger Emmert.

Memorial service for Ed and Lila will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, at Community Church of the Brethren, 1600 N. Severance, Hutchinson, with Matt Christian officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, at Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons.&nbsp; Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, with the family present at the church.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk30MFw-kD4">Click here to view the memorial service.</a>

Lila Louise (Cook) Emmert, 84, passed away July 3, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society-Hutchinson Village.&nbsp; She was born April 28, 1938, in Lyons, to Clarence Bernard and Alma (Ellis) Cook.Lila was a 1956 graduate of Lyons High School, Lyons.&nbsp; She attended McPherson College, McPherson, for three years where she met the love of her life, Ed.&nbsp; Lila was a member of Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Portage, MI.&nbsp; Since moving to Hutchinson, she attended Community Church of the Brethren.Lila, along with Ed, raised their three daughters in Portage MI.&nbsp; She had a love for sewing that her daughters were the recipients of many of her exceptional sewing projects.&nbsp; Along with everyday clothes, she made prom dresses, costumes for Halloween and school plays, and bridesmaid’s dresses.&nbsp;&nbsp; Lila also had a love for cooking and baking.&nbsp; Home-cooked meals, hosting dinner parties with friends, and holiday meals with family were specialties of hers.&nbsp; Oyster stew for Christmas, lemon ice for holiday meals, cinnamon rolls for the Easter sunrise breakfast at church and, of course, homemade ice cream for visitors were among the favorites.&nbsp; Lila was the ’State of Kansas 4-H Cherry Pie Champion’ in 1955.&nbsp; It is said that she won Ed over with a cherry pie as a thank you for borrowing his car.On June 10, 1959, Lila married Dale ‘Ed’ Edward Emmert, in McPherson.&nbsp; They shared over 61 year of marriage, prior to his death on August 18, 2020.She is survived by:&nbsp; her daughters, Teresa (John) Hiemstra of Edmonton Alberta Canada, Annette Emmert of Hutchinson, and Michelle Emmert Bresser of Houston, TX; fourth daughter (according to Ed and Lila), Sharla Powell of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Josiah (Laura) Hiemstra, David (Erin) Hiemstra, Sara Bresser, and Adam Bresser; great-grandsons, Wiley Hiemstra, Andrew Hiemstra, and Tyrion Hiemstra; siblings, John (Jane) Cook of Lyons, Gary (Carol) Cook of Lyons, and Margaret Cook of Wichita, KS; and sister-in-law, Donna Emmert of Perry, IA.Lila was preceded in death by:&nbsp; her parents; husband; and brother-in-law, Roger Emmert.Memorial service for Ed and Lila will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, at Community Church of the Brethren, 1600 N. Severance, Hutchinson, with Matt Christian officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, at Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons.&nbsp; Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2022, with the family present at the church.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk30MFw-kD4">Click here to view the memorial service.</a>

Lila Louise (Cook) Emmert  |1938-2022|  

Patricia Ann “Pat” Hopengardner, 88, died July 5, 2022, at Hospice House. She was born May 22, 1934, in Hutchinson, to Clarence A. and Questa F. (Smith) Miller.

Pat graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1952. She was a co-owner, with her husband Jim, of Central Glass and Window Treatments. Pat was also a real estate agent and worked at the Kansas State Fair supervising the Girl Scout Department and later the outdoor concessions. She volunteered for the Red Cross Blood drives, for Hospice of Reno County, for First Presbyterian Church and she worked the Reno County election sites. Pat was very active, playing softball into her 60’s, running, enjoyed water-skiing, snow skiing, riding motorcycles, and square dancing. She went sky-diving with her husband Jim on his 60th&nbsp;birthday. Pat was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School.

On June 22, 1952, Pat married James C. “Jim” Hopengardner, in Hutchinson. He died May 10, 2018.

She is survived by: her children, Lynn Harris Kucharo and husband Larry, Mark Hopengardner and wife Kim, all of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jamie Taylor and husband Straun, Clint Harris and wife Ashleigh; great-grandchildren, Creede Taylor, Carter Harris, and Dahlia Harris.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Betty Wyer.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Patricia Ann “Pat” Hopengardner, 88, died July 5, 2022, at Hospice House. She was born May 22, 1934, in Hutchinson, to Clarence A. and Questa F. (Smith) Miller.Pat graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1952. She was a co-owner, with her husband Jim, of Central Glass and Window Treatments. Pat was also a real estate agent and worked at the Kansas State Fair supervising the Girl Scout Department and later the outdoor concessions. She volunteered for the Red Cross Blood drives, for Hospice of Reno County, for First Presbyterian Church and she worked the Reno County election sites. Pat was very active, playing softball into her 60’s, running, enjoyed water-skiing, snow skiing, riding motorcycles, and square dancing. She went sky-diving with her husband Jim on his 60th&nbsp;birthday. Pat was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School.On June 22, 1952, Pat married James C. “Jim” Hopengardner, in Hutchinson. He died May 10, 2018.She is survived by: her children, Lynn Harris Kucharo and husband Larry, Mark Hopengardner and wife Kim, all of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jamie Taylor and husband Straun, Clint Harris and wife Ashleigh; great-grandchildren, Creede Taylor, Carter Harris, and Dahlia Harris.Pat was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Betty Wyer.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Patricia Ann “Pat” Hopengardner  |1934-2022|  

Shelby Gaye Mardock, 30, passed away Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 15, 1991 in Kingman to Dennis James Heim and Judith Janelle (Stucky) Wing. Shelby married Nickolas Stephen Mardock on May 21, 2011 at Pratt County Lake. They were married for 11 years. Shelby graduated from Skyline High School in 2009. She graduated with her Associates Degree in 2015 and her Bachelors Degree in 2018 both from Barclay College, Haviland. She worked as a 911 Dispatcher in Pratt, Greensburg and Hutchinson, and Jenks, Oklahoma. She was a member of Life Church in Jenks, Oklahoma, Youth For Christ (YFC), Switch (Church Group) and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed attending concerts, listening to and singing music, making her own guitar, hiking, taking care of her chickens and traveling. She absolutely loved being a mother. She is survived by her husband, Nick; sons, Ezra James Mardock and Dmitri Jude Mardock; daughter, Eliza Janelle Mardock all of Pratt; brothers, Nicholas (Shelby) Heim of Pratt, Ty Wing and Matthew Sellers both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sisters, Amanda Gurr of Pratt, Deborah (Ryan) Farr of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Callie Kuhns of Hutchinson; grandmother, Mary Heim of Hutchinson; aunt, Marajah Spreier of Pratt; uncle, Raymond (Lovelita) Gates of Derby; stepfather, Bobby Wing of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and many other family members. Shelby is preceded in death by her father, Dennis James Heim; mother, Judith Janelle Wing; grandfather, Willis West; and stepmother, Michelle Sellers. Visitation will be Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Rd, Pratt. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 11, 2022 at Larrison Mortuary, Pratt with Tyler Vance presiding. Burial will follow at Hoosier Cemetery, Kingman.

Shelby Gaye Mardock, 30, passed away Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 15, 1991 in Kingman to Dennis James Heim and Judith Janelle (Stucky) Wing. Shelby married Nickolas Stephen Mardock on May 21, 2011 at Pratt County Lake. They were married for 11 years. Shelby graduated from Skyline High School in 2009. She graduated with her Associates Degree in 2015 and her Bachelors Degree in 2018 both from Barclay College, Haviland. She worked as a 911 Dispatcher in Pratt, Greensburg and Hutchinson, and Jenks, Oklahoma. She was a member of Life Church in Jenks, Oklahoma, Youth For Christ (YFC), Switch (Church Group) and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed attending concerts, listening to and singing music, making her own guitar, hiking, taking care of her chickens and traveling. She absolutely loved being a mother. She is survived by her husband, Nick; sons, Ezra James Mardock and Dmitri Jude Mardock; daughter, Eliza Janelle Mardock all of Pratt; brothers, Nicholas (Shelby) Heim of Pratt, Ty Wing and Matthew Sellers both of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sisters, Amanda Gurr of Pratt, Deborah (Ryan) Farr of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Callie Kuhns of Hutchinson; grandmother, Mary Heim of Hutchinson; aunt, Marajah Spreier of Pratt; uncle, Raymond (Lovelita) Gates of Derby; stepfather, Bobby Wing of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and many other family members. Shelby is preceded in death by her father, Dennis James Heim; mother, Judith Janelle Wing; grandfather, Willis West; and stepmother, Michelle Sellers. Visitation will be Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Rd, Pratt. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 11, 2022 at Larrison Mortuary, Pratt with Tyler Vance presiding. Burial will follow at Hoosier Cemetery, Kingman.

Shelby Gaye Mardock  |1991-2022|

James D. (Jim) Gaeddert went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 after a short stay in the hospital.&nbsp; Jim was the son of Walter and Harriett (Knowles) Gaeddert, both of whom preceded him in death.&nbsp; He was also preceded in death by brothers Richard (Dick) Gaeddert, Allen Gaeddert and Walter Jr. (stillborn), and his high school sweetheart Karen (Kaufman) Gaeddert.&nbsp; Survivors include Jim and Karen’s four children and their families; Doug (1959), Greg (1961), Brad (1965), and Janelle (1967), all of whom now mourn his passing but will remember his sense of humor, honesty, integrity and generosity along with the unconditional love he had for them.

Jim was born on September 20, 1938 and grew up in Moundridge, KS.&nbsp; Jim was baptized on January 8, 1950 and joined West Zion Mennonite Church. He attended Moundridge Grade School and graduated from Moundridge High School in 1956.&nbsp; Jim and Karen attended Bethel College and were married on June 2, 1957, a year into their college education.&nbsp; They moved to Newton, at this time and joined Bethel College Mennonite Church.&nbsp; With the support of Karen, and after-hours employment to help feed the family, Jim graduated from Bethel College in 1962 with a BS in Economics and Business Administration.

After college, Jim taught business education, drivers education, coached football, basketball and track at Overbrook and Hoisington High Schools.&nbsp; He then worked as bookkeeper for Newell Oil Company before transitioning to Hesston Corporation for the next 25 years. Jim started his career at Hesston as office manager, holding several roles in sales and marketing and ended his career as President and COO while living in West Chicago, IL.&nbsp; During Jim’s tenure with Hesston, he traveled extensively, mostly in North America.&nbsp; Highlights of these years included Hesston sales award trips and Hesston’s sponsorship of the National Finals Rodeo when Jim or Karen’s parents would stay with the children.&nbsp; He (and mom) also found time during these years to coach his kids in sports, founded Jim’s Honda in Newton, served on the Newton School Board and co-owned the GO-Mart in Augusta.

Hesston was sold to AGCO in 1991 but Jim elected to stay with Fiat.&nbsp; Jim’s new responsibilities with Fiat took him to New Holland, PA and a position with Ford New Holland.&nbsp; In 1992, Jim and Karen moved to London where he was named the VP of Commercial Operations (Sales, Marketing and Dealer Management) for New Holland Geotec, a combination of Fiat Ag &amp; Construction equipment and New Holland Ag &amp; construction equipment.&nbsp; While in London, Jim traveled to over thirty different countries, but the travel he and Karen enjoyed the most was visiting their children and grandchildren on trips back to the U.S.&nbsp; Other travel highlights included frequent trips to Japan where he was on the board of New Holland HFT Japan, Inc., a joint venture company owning equipment dealerships, and a couple of special trips with Karen to the Middle East, the Red Negro River in a remote part of Brazil and a memorable South Africa photo safari.

During his career, they lived in North Newton, Overbrook, Hoisington, Newton and Walton, West Chicago and St. Charles, IL, Lancaster, PA, Bella Vista AR, and London, England.&nbsp; They finished their life together in Leawood, where Karen was receiving her cancer treatments, eventually succumbing to the disease and passing away on January 28, 2011.

Jim married Leda Kaufman July 11, 2012 at Rainbow Mennonite Church.&nbsp; Together Jim and Leda would spend nearly 11 years traveling between their homes in Arizona and Kansas.&nbsp; Jim and Leda’s greatest joy were their kids, grandkids and great grandkids.&nbsp; Together Jim and Leda have 23 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.&nbsp; They enjoyed attending sporting events together, and taking in children, grandchildren and great grandchildren activities whenever possible.

Survivors include his wife Leda Kaufman: children, Doug and Lisa Gaeddert of Elkhart, IN, Greg and Terri Gaeddert, Leawood, Brad Gaeddert and Tracy Kruse, Overland Park, and Janelle and Dan Benninghoff of Overland Park; grandchildren, Cheralyn (Jordan) Roseman, Michael (Nada) Gaeddert, Michelle (Nick) Klein, Joel (Crystal) Gaeddert, Aaron (Hannah) Gaeddert, David (Leah) Gaeddert, Luke, Keely, and Mitch Gaeddert, Jessica (Austin) Yeager, Jack (Carley) Benninghoff, Tyler, and Thomas Benninghoff; great grandchildren, Thayer and Maddie Roseman, Collin and Brett Gaeddert, Emmet, Henry, and Eleanor Gaeddert, Brooks Klein, and Banks Benninghoff. Jim is also survived by Leda’s family with whom he had a strong family connection: Brian Kaufman, Warren and Jerri Kaufman, Sondra and Bob Tolle, Lynelle and Russ Stucky, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, at 3:00 in the afternoon.&nbsp;

James D. (Jim) Gaeddert went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 after a short stay in the hospital.&nbsp; Jim was the son of Walter and Harriett (Knowles) Gaeddert, both of whom preceded him in death.&nbsp; He was also preceded in death by brothers Richard (Dick) Gaeddert, Allen Gaeddert and Walter Jr. (stillborn), and his high school sweetheart Karen (Kaufman) Gaeddert.&nbsp; Survivors include Jim and Karen’s four children and their families; Doug (1959), Greg (1961), Brad (1965), and Janelle (1967), all of whom now mourn his passing but will remember his sense of humor, honesty, integrity and generosity along with the unconditional love he had for them.Jim was born on September 20, 1938 and grew up in Moundridge, KS.&nbsp; Jim was baptized on January 8, 1950 and joined West Zion Mennonite Church. He attended Moundridge Grade School and graduated from Moundridge High School in 1956.&nbsp; Jim and Karen attended Bethel College and were married on June 2, 1957, a year into their college education.&nbsp; They moved to Newton, at this time and joined Bethel College Mennonite Church.&nbsp; With the support of Karen, and after-hours employment to help feed the family, Jim graduated from Bethel College in 1962 with a BS in Economics and Business Administration.After college, Jim taught business education, drivers education, coached football, basketball and track at Overbrook and Hoisington High Schools.&nbsp; He then worked as bookkeeper for Newell Oil Company before transitioning to Hesston Corporation for the next 25 years. Jim started his career at Hesston as office manager, holding several roles in sales and marketing and ended his career as President and COO while living in West Chicago, IL.&nbsp; During Jim’s tenure with Hesston, he traveled extensively, mostly in North America.&nbsp; Highlights of these years included Hesston sales award trips and Hesston’s sponsorship of the National Finals Rodeo when Jim or Karen’s parents would stay with the children.&nbsp; He (and mom) also found time during these years to coach his kids in sports, founded Jim’s Honda in Newton, served on the Newton School Board and co-owned the GO-Mart in Augusta.Hesston was sold to AGCO in 1991 but Jim elected to stay with Fiat.&nbsp; Jim’s new responsibilities with Fiat took him to New Holland, PA and a position with Ford New Holland.&nbsp; In 1992, Jim and Karen moved to London where he was named the VP of Commercial Operations (Sales, Marketing and Dealer Management) for New Holland Geotec, a combination of Fiat Ag &amp; Construction equipment and New Holland Ag &amp; construction equipment.&nbsp; While in London, Jim traveled to over thirty different countries, but the travel he and Karen enjoyed the most was visiting their children and grandchildren on trips back to the U.S.&nbsp; Other travel highlights included frequent trips to Japan where he was on the board of New Holland HFT Japan, Inc., a joint venture company owning equipment dealerships, and a couple of special trips with Karen to the Middle East, the Red Negro River in a remote part of Brazil and a memorable South Africa photo safari.During his career, they lived in North Newton, Overbrook, Hoisington, Newton and Walton, West Chicago and St. Charles, IL, Lancaster, PA, Bella Vista AR, and London, England.&nbsp; They finished their life together in Leawood, where Karen was receiving her cancer treatments, eventually succumbing to the disease and passing away on January 28, 2011.Jim married Leda Kaufman July 11, 2012 at Rainbow Mennonite Church.&nbsp; Together Jim and Leda would spend nearly 11 years traveling between their homes in Arizona and Kansas.&nbsp; Jim and Leda’s greatest joy were their kids, grandkids and great grandkids.&nbsp; Together Jim and Leda have 23 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.&nbsp; They enjoyed attending sporting events together, and taking in children, grandchildren and great grandchildren activities whenever possible.Survivors include his wife Leda Kaufman: children, Doug and Lisa Gaeddert of Elkhart, IN, Greg and Terri Gaeddert, Leawood, Brad Gaeddert and Tracy Kruse, Overland Park, and Janelle and Dan Benninghoff of Overland Park; grandchildren, Cheralyn (Jordan) Roseman, Michael (Nada) Gaeddert, Michelle (Nick) Klein, Joel (Crystal) Gaeddert, Aaron (Hannah) Gaeddert, David (Leah) Gaeddert, Luke, Keely, and Mitch Gaeddert, Jessica (Austin) Yeager, Jack (Carley) Benninghoff, Tyler, and Thomas Benninghoff; great grandchildren, Thayer and Maddie Roseman, Collin and Brett Gaeddert, Emmet, Henry, and Eleanor Gaeddert, Brooks Klein, and Banks Benninghoff. Jim is also survived by Leda’s family with whom he had a strong family connection: Brian Kaufman, Warren and Jerri Kaufman, Sondra and Bob Tolle, Lynelle and Russ Stucky, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, at 3:00 in the afternoon.&nbsp;

James D. (Jim) Gaeddert  |1938-2022|

Ron Barney, 71, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 peacefully at home in Valley Center. He was preceded in death by his wives Sarah Barney and Connie Barney. He is survived by one son, Jeremiah (Jackie) Barney, and daughters Susie (Kurt) Schroeder, Sandra Shields and Jessica Baughman; grandchildren “Little Sarah” Weaver, Dakota (Nicole) and Christian Sawyer, and Raegan Barney as well as five great grandchildren. It was his wish that there be no funeral services. He was loved and will be missed.

Ron Barney, 71, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 peacefully at home in Valley Center. He was preceded in death by his wives Sarah Barney and Connie Barney. He is survived by one son, Jeremiah (Jackie) Barney, and daughters Susie (Kurt) Schroeder, Sandra Shields and Jessica Baughman; grandchildren “Little Sarah” Weaver, Dakota (Nicole) and Christian Sawyer, and Raegan Barney as well as five great grandchildren. It was his wish that there be no funeral services. He was loved and will be missed.

Ron Barney  |2022|

Testimony of a Good Man When it came to this man you didn’t have to talk about acts of kindness – he was kindness. Jay was a man who treated others with respect and dignity. He loved his wife Jane for 47 years and was proud of and raised his children Shelley (husband Matt and grandchildren Grace and Jace – Overland Park), and Adam and Aaron (Lyons) to be honest and hard working. He was a private man who didn’t share his sorrows but was there to support others through theirs. He didn’t need the approval of others. He had the approval of his family and his God. His was a life well lived. This life is over. The next life has begun. Love never ends. Love you Jay/dad – your family. Jay is also survived by two sisters, Linda Hammersmith and Lona Werth (Hays). As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be no public viewing. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please give your donation directly to a charity of your choice. To the Sterling Literary Club – still “gotta a little somethin’ here.”&nbsp;

Testimony of a Good Man When it came to this man you didn’t have to talk about acts of kindness – he was kindness. Jay was a man who treated others with respect and dignity. He loved his wife Jane for 47 years and was proud of and raised his children Shelley (husband Matt and grandchildren Grace and Jace – Overland Park), and Adam and Aaron (Lyons) to be honest and hard working. He was a private man who didn’t share his sorrows but was there to support others through theirs. He didn’t need the approval of others. He had the approval of his family and his God. His was a life well lived. This life is over. The next life has begun. Love never ends. Love you Jay/dad – your family. Jay is also survived by two sisters, Linda Hammersmith and Lona Werth (Hays). As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be no public viewing. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please give your donation directly to a charity of your choice. To the Sterling Literary Club – still “gotta a little somethin’ here.”&nbsp;

Jay Ray Hrabik  |1947-2022|

Ronald D. “Dale” Whetstone, 76, of Lindsborg passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Lindsborg Community Hospital.  Dale was born February 27, 1946 in Stafford, to the late Clyde Chester and the late Zeela Audrey (Hall) Whetstone. 

 

He married Kristine Swenson on August 10, 1968 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Lindsborg.  Dale was a United States Army veteran and fought in the Vietnam War.  He worked as an aftermarket auto parts salesman.  Dale was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the VFW.


He is survived by his wife: Kristine, of the home; daughters: Alisa Jones of Lindsborg, and Rachel Whetstone (Mechelle Martinez) of Manhattan; sister: Carol Reed of McPherson; brother: Larry "Dean" Whetstone of Wichita; grandchildren: Emily Jones and Trevor Jones; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents and his sister: Dorothy Davis.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 9 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 224 S. Main St., Lindsborg, with Pastor Dallas Peterson officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.&nbsp;

Ronald D. “Dale” Whetstone, 76, of Lindsborg passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Lindsborg Community Hospital. Dale was born February 27, 1946 in Stafford, to the late Clyde Chester and the late Zeela Audrey (Hall) Whetstone. 

He married Kristine Swenson on August 10, 1968 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Lindsborg. Dale was a United States Army veteran and fought in the Vietnam War. He worked as an aftermarket auto parts salesman. Dale was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife: Kristine, of the home; daughters: Alisa Jones of Lindsborg, and Rachel Whetstone (Mechelle Martinez) of Manhattan; sister: Carol Reed of McPherson; brother: Larry "Dean" Whetstone of Wichita; grandchildren: Emily Jones and Trevor Jones; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents and his sister: Dorothy Davis.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 9 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 224 S. Main St., Lindsborg, with Pastor Dallas Peterson officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.&nbsp;

Ronald D. “Dale” Whetstone  |1946-2022|

Marshal Craig Funk, 43, of Redmond,
Washington and formerly of McPherson, passed away on Saturday, June 11,
2022, at his home.&nbsp; 

Marshal was born September 13, 1978, to
Willard R. and Janet I. (Schmidt) Funk in McPherson.&nbsp; He attended
Sonshine Preschool, Lincoln Elementary School, McPherson Middle School and
McPherson High School.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed school and learning.&nbsp; 

A friend and neighbor, Shawn Hein, was a
big part of Marshal’s childhood.&nbsp; It was almost as if they were
twins.&nbsp; Where one was, the other was never far away.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed
school and the relationships he had with his teachers.&nbsp; At an early age,
Marshal developed an interest in space exploration and meteorology.&nbsp; Many
hours were spent at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson.&nbsp; He knew the mission of
every space flight and what it involved.&nbsp; He was also interested in
observing weather.&nbsp; Initially he was terrified of storms and severe
weather.&nbsp; Needless to say, the weather channel was on almost constantly,
especially on days when there were weather alerts.&nbsp; When tornado sirens
went off, we usually went to the neighbor’s basement for shelter.&nbsp; On one
of those days, his dad noticed his backpack was moving and squirming.&nbsp;
Marshal had packed four kittens in there to take to the neighbor’s
basement.&nbsp;&nbsp; Eventually after learning what causes severe weather, he
became more rational and even wanted to go out and chase storms.

Marshal attended First Baptist Church
regularly with his family.&nbsp; In 1988, he was baptized after professing his
faith in Christ.&nbsp; Marshal would look forward to spending time with family
and friends.&nbsp; At family reunions, he enjoyed sharing his jokes and
puns.&nbsp; Marshal also enjoyed vacations with his family, especially time in
the mountains of Colorado.

Marshal played trombone in the Middle
School Band and Jazz Band.&nbsp; This carried over to the High School Marching
Band, Pep Band and Jazz Band.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed reading, and read many
books from a wide range of genres.&nbsp; Early in high school, Marshal was hired
at the local Dairy Queen where he developed a good work ethic.

Marshal graduated from high school in 1997
and went on to Kansas State University where he participated in Marching Band
his freshman year.&nbsp; He worked as an assistant for two years at Goodnow
Residence Hall.&nbsp; He graduated in 2002 with a degree in History and a minor
in Computer Science.

After graduating from college, Marshal
packed up his car and moved to Seattle, Washington, where he had a job waiting
for him through his friend, Daniel Horn.&nbsp; He worked at various software
companies, including Marchex, White Pages, Amazon and others, ending up at the
University of Washington.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed cooking and was happy to give
his advice on cooking procedures to those of us less able. In an uncharacteristic
move, Marshal became a dedicated Seattle Seahawks fan for several years when he
had access to season tickets through his apartment manager.&nbsp; In 2014 when
the Seahawks won a Super Bowl, it was time to move on.&nbsp; 

We always looked forward to Marshal being
home at Christmas and catching up on life’s events.&nbsp; Marshal had a quiet
and reserved personality, but he was a positive influence in the lives of
people he knew and worked with.&nbsp; Marshal will be greatly missed.

Marshal is survived by his father, Willard
Funk (Mary) of McPherson; step-brothers, Ryan Shaw (Jordan) and family of
Cheney, and Connor Shaw of Kansas City; and several aunts, uncles and
cousins.&nbsp; 

A special thanks to Roger and Karen Horn,
Daniel and Ashley Horn, and their families for including Marshal in their
holiday family celebrations and dinners.

He was preceded in death by his mother,
Janet Funk, and his grandparents, Peter Jr. and Hilda Schmidt and Roy and Mary
Ann Funk.

A memorial service will be held July 17th
at 2:00 p.m. at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E Marlin, McPherson.

Marshal Craig Funk, 43, of Redmond,
Washington and formerly of McPherson, passed away on Saturday, June 11,
2022, at his home.&nbsp; Marshal was born September 13, 1978, to
Willard R. and Janet I. (Schmidt) Funk in McPherson.&nbsp; He attended
Sonshine Preschool, Lincoln Elementary School, McPherson Middle School and
McPherson High School.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed school and learning.&nbsp; A friend and neighbor, Shawn Hein, was a
big part of Marshal’s childhood.&nbsp; It was almost as if they were
twins.&nbsp; Where one was, the other was never far away.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed
school and the relationships he had with his teachers.&nbsp; At an early age,
Marshal developed an interest in space exploration and meteorology.&nbsp; Many
hours were spent at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson.&nbsp; He knew the mission of
every space flight and what it involved.&nbsp; He was also interested in
observing weather.&nbsp; Initially he was terrified of storms and severe
weather.&nbsp; Needless to say, the weather channel was on almost constantly,
especially on days when there were weather alerts.&nbsp; When tornado sirens
went off, we usually went to the neighbor’s basement for shelter.&nbsp; On one
of those days, his dad noticed his backpack was moving and squirming.&nbsp;
Marshal had packed four kittens in there to take to the neighbor’s
basement.&nbsp;&nbsp; Eventually after learning what causes severe weather, he
became more rational and even wanted to go out and chase storms.Marshal attended First Baptist Church
regularly with his family.&nbsp; In 1988, he was baptized after professing his
faith in Christ.&nbsp; Marshal would look forward to spending time with family
and friends.&nbsp; At family reunions, he enjoyed sharing his jokes and
puns.&nbsp; Marshal also enjoyed vacations with his family, especially time in
the mountains of Colorado.Marshal played trombone in the Middle
School Band and Jazz Band.&nbsp; This carried over to the High School Marching
Band, Pep Band and Jazz Band.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed reading, and read many
books from a wide range of genres.&nbsp; Early in high school, Marshal was hired
at the local Dairy Queen where he developed a good work ethic.Marshal graduated from high school in 1997
and went on to Kansas State University where he participated in Marching Band
his freshman year.&nbsp; He worked as an assistant for two years at Goodnow
Residence Hall.&nbsp; He graduated in 2002 with a degree in History and a minor
in Computer Science.After graduating from college, Marshal
packed up his car and moved to Seattle, Washington, where he had a job waiting
for him through his friend, Daniel Horn.&nbsp; He worked at various software
companies, including Marchex, White Pages, Amazon and others, ending up at the
University of Washington.&nbsp; Marshal enjoyed cooking and was happy to give
his advice on cooking procedures to those of us less able. In an uncharacteristic
move, Marshal became a dedicated Seattle Seahawks fan for several years when he
had access to season tickets through his apartment manager.&nbsp; In 2014 when
the Seahawks won a Super Bowl, it was time to move on.&nbsp; We always looked forward to Marshal being
home at Christmas and catching up on life’s events.&nbsp; Marshal had a quiet
and reserved personality, but he was a positive influence in the lives of
people he knew and worked with.&nbsp; Marshal will be greatly missed.Marshal is survived by his father, Willard
Funk (Mary) of McPherson; step-brothers, Ryan Shaw (Jordan) and family of
Cheney, and Connor Shaw of Kansas City; and several aunts, uncles and
cousins.&nbsp; A special thanks to Roger and Karen Horn,
Daniel and Ashley Horn, and their families for including Marshal in their
holiday family celebrations and dinners.He was preceded in death by his mother,
Janet Funk, and his grandparents, Peter Jr. and Hilda Schmidt and Roy and Mary
Ann Funk.A memorial service will be held July 17th
at 2:00 p.m. at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E Marlin, McPherson.

Marshal Craig Funk  |1978-2022|

Jill Renae Horton, 54, passed away suddenly, but peacefully in her sleep, on July 2, 2022, in Mount Zion, IL.&nbsp; She was so loving and the best mother a child could ever ask for.&nbsp; Jill was selfless; always putting her family first.&nbsp; She enjoyed her many phone calls with her mother and with her kids to say ‘Hi’ and ‘I love you’.&nbsp; Jill enjoyed doing puzzles, watching cooking shows, spending time with her family, and babysitting her grand-pets.&nbsp; She was an expert at creating delicious meals for her family and her cookies and baked treats were nothing short of addictive sweetness.&nbsp; Jill especially loved Christmas time and all the joy of gift giving and spending hours laughing and telling stories.&nbsp; Her beauty was unforgettable, her laugh was contagious, and her smile would light up the darkest room.

Jill was born August 22, 1967, in Great Bend, to Edwin E. and Aileen (Meyeres) Reichuber.

She was a 1985 graduate of Buhler High School, Buhler.

On June 4, 1993, she married Scott Alan Horton, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson.&nbsp; They shared over 29 years of marriage with Jill giving birth to Andrew James on March 20, 1996, and to Allison Renae on June 14, 1999.

Jill is survived by: her husband, Scott Horton of Mount Zion, IL; children, Andrew (fiancée, Polet Horsley) Horton of Terre Haute, IN, and Allison (fiancé, John Pirelli) Horton of Morton, IL; parents, Edwin and Aileen Reichuber of Hutchinson; siblings, Karen (Steve Roth) Salke of Columbus, OH, and Kevin (Heather) Reichuber of Hutchinson; sister-in-law, Jen Reichuber of Carlsbad, CA; numerous nieces and nephews; and one great-nephew.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Jeff Reichuber.

Parish rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, at the church, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating both services.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary.

Jill Renae Horton, 54, passed away suddenly, but peacefully in her sleep, on July 2, 2022, in Mount Zion, IL.&nbsp; She was so loving and the best mother a child could ever ask for.&nbsp; Jill was selfless; always putting her family first.&nbsp; She enjoyed her many phone calls with her mother and with her kids to say ‘Hi’ and ‘I love you’.&nbsp; Jill enjoyed doing puzzles, watching cooking shows, spending time with her family, and babysitting her grand-pets.&nbsp; She was an expert at creating delicious meals for her family and her cookies and baked treats were nothing short of addictive sweetness.&nbsp; Jill especially loved Christmas time and all the joy of gift giving and spending hours laughing and telling stories.&nbsp; Her beauty was unforgettable, her laugh was contagious, and her smile would light up the darkest room.Jill was born August 22, 1967, in Great Bend, to Edwin E. and Aileen (Meyeres) Reichuber.She was a 1985 graduate of Buhler High School, Buhler.On June 4, 1993, she married Scott Alan Horton, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson.&nbsp; They shared over 29 years of marriage with Jill giving birth to Andrew James on March 20, 1996, and to Allison Renae on June 14, 1999.Jill is survived by: her husband, Scott Horton of Mount Zion, IL; children, Andrew (fiancée, Polet Horsley) Horton of Terre Haute, IN, and Allison (fiancé, John Pirelli) Horton of Morton, IL; parents, Edwin and Aileen Reichuber of Hutchinson; siblings, Karen (Steve Roth) Salke of Columbus, OH, and Kevin (Heather) Reichuber of Hutchinson; sister-in-law, Jen Reichuber of Carlsbad, CA; numerous nieces and nephews; and one great-nephew.She was preceded in death by a brother, Jeff Reichuber.Parish rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, at the church, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating both services.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary.

Jill Renae Horton  |1967-2022|

Shirley Kay Bell was born on November 25, 1935 at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Cedar Bluffs.&nbsp; Her parents were James R’Leigh Bell and Lucille Lydia Nemeth Bell.&nbsp; Shirley graduated Herington High School in 1953.&nbsp; Her dream was to become a hairdresser.&nbsp; In high school Shirley had good grades.&nbsp; She was a baton twirler and drum majorette with the band.&nbsp; Shirley worked babysitting, at the Frigid Queen, and as a nurse’s aide.&nbsp; Shirley has lived in Cedar Bluffs, Oberlin, Norton, Hays, Manhattan, Wichita, and Herington.&nbsp; She has also lived in Kentucky, Tennessee, California, and Missouri.

Shirley graduated from Venus Cosmetology School in Wichita in 1954.&nbsp; She then married Donald Herpich on December 13, 1954.&nbsp; Don served in the Army, and they lived in different places during that time.&nbsp; Tom was born at Ft. Ord, Ca, and Kerry at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. &nbsp;After discharge the couple lived on a farm in rural Herington.&nbsp; Gene, Scott, and Lori arrived and completed their family.&nbsp; Shirley was very happy raising her family on the farm.&nbsp; Many good times were had working together as a family.&nbsp; Church was very important to Shirley.&nbsp; She and the children were baptized together at the First Christian Church.&nbsp; Shirley realized her dream of being a cosmetologist.&nbsp; She had her beauty shop in 5 different locations.&nbsp; She had many happy clients and worked for nearly 40 years.&nbsp; A favorite memory of Shirley’s was winning a red Ford Pinto car at a cosmetology convention in Wichita.

Shirley and Lester Harmon were married on September 29, 1983 at the Christian Church in Herington.&nbsp; Lester worked as a railroader and Shirley worked in her beauty shop.&nbsp; Shirley and Lester kept very busy with their family.&nbsp; Shirley was very talented at cooking, baking, sewing, home decorating, painting, and gardening.&nbsp; Her cream pies were a special favorite of her family.

They took many memorable vacations and visited family, including Shirley’s brothers, James and Ken in California. &nbsp;Shirley has visited Washington D.C. and had taken some RV trips to Texas and Mexico.

Shirley and Lester have been very blessed with 8 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.&nbsp; Shirley has spent lots of time enjoying her family and friends.&nbsp; Her loving family includes, Lester Harmon of Topeka; Tom Herpich (Connie) of Burdick; Kerry Swinney (Ken) of Derby; Gene Herpich, deceased (Alfrieda) of Burdick, Scott Herpich (Kathy) of Herington; Lori Hughes (Art) of Wichita; brothers James Bell (Susan) of Santa Monica, CA; Kenneth Bell of Herington.&nbsp; Stepchildren, Rick Harmon (Connie) of Basehor; Lesli Girard (Tim) of Topeka; and Kim Nikoliasen (Kerry) of St Louis, MO. &nbsp;

Shirley passed away on July 2, 2022 at Brookdale Senior Living, Derby.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her son, Gene, and her parents. &nbsp;Family and friends will gather to remember Shirley on Saturday, July 9th&nbsp;at 10 am at the First Christian Church, Herington.&nbsp; Funeral will follow at 11 am led by Pastor Shawn Baird.&nbsp; She will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery following the service.&nbsp; Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington is serving the family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shirley Kay Bell was born on November 25, 1935 at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Cedar Bluffs.&nbsp; Her parents were James R’Leigh Bell and Lucille Lydia Nemeth Bell.&nbsp; Shirley graduated Herington High School in 1953.&nbsp; Her dream was to become a hairdresser.&nbsp; In high school Shirley had good grades.&nbsp; She was a baton twirler and drum majorette with the band.&nbsp; Shirley worked babysitting, at the Frigid Queen, and as a nurse’s aide.&nbsp; Shirley has lived in Cedar Bluffs, Oberlin, Norton, Hays, Manhattan, Wichita, and Herington.&nbsp; She has also lived in Kentucky, Tennessee, California, and Missouri.Shirley graduated from Venus Cosmetology School in Wichita in 1954.&nbsp; She then married Donald Herpich on December 13, 1954.&nbsp; Don served in the Army, and they lived in different places during that time.&nbsp; Tom was born at Ft. Ord, Ca, and Kerry at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. &nbsp;After discharge the couple lived on a farm in rural Herington.&nbsp; Gene, Scott, and Lori arrived and completed their family.&nbsp; Shirley was very happy raising her family on the farm.&nbsp; Many good times were had working together as a family.&nbsp; Church was very important to Shirley.&nbsp; She and the children were baptized together at the First Christian Church.&nbsp; Shirley realized her dream of being a cosmetologist.&nbsp; She had her beauty shop in 5 different locations.&nbsp; She had many happy clients and worked for nearly 40 years.&nbsp; A favorite memory of Shirley’s was winning a red Ford Pinto car at a cosmetology convention in Wichita.Shirley and Lester Harmon were married on September 29, 1983 at the Christian Church in Herington.&nbsp; Lester worked as a railroader and Shirley worked in her beauty shop.&nbsp; Shirley and Lester kept very busy with their family.&nbsp; Shirley was very talented at cooking, baking, sewing, home decorating, painting, and gardening.&nbsp; Her cream pies were a special favorite of her family.They took many memorable vacations and visited family, including Shirley’s brothers, James and Ken in California. &nbsp;Shirley has visited Washington D.C. and had taken some RV trips to Texas and Mexico.Shirley and Lester have been very blessed with 8 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.&nbsp; Shirley has spent lots of time enjoying her family and friends.&nbsp; Her loving family includes, Lester Harmon of Topeka; Tom Herpich (Connie) of Burdick; Kerry Swinney (Ken) of Derby; Gene Herpich, deceased (Alfrieda) of Burdick, Scott Herpich (Kathy) of Herington; Lori Hughes (Art) of Wichita; brothers James Bell (Susan) of Santa Monica, CA; Kenneth Bell of Herington.&nbsp; Stepchildren, Rick Harmon (Connie) of Basehor; Lesli Girard (Tim) of Topeka; and Kim Nikoliasen (Kerry) of St Louis, MO. &nbsp;Shirley passed away on July 2, 2022 at Brookdale Senior Living, Derby.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her son, Gene, and her parents. &nbsp;Family and friends will gather to remember Shirley on Saturday, July 9th&nbsp;at 10 am at the First Christian Church, Herington.&nbsp; Funeral will follow at 11 am led by Pastor Shawn Baird.&nbsp; She will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery following the service.&nbsp; Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington is serving the family.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shirley Kay Bell  |1935-2022|

Danny’s life began on November 22, 1949, in Newton. He was the son of Don and Betty R. (Thomas) Whiteside. 

Danny was a 1967 graduate of Remington High School. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Danny was united in marriage to the former Jo Brenner on July 7, 1975, in Marion. He worked for over 30 years as a rural mail carrier. Dan was friendly and outgoing, which is why so many friends enjoyed casual time with him in his garage. He was a jokester and loved pulling pranks. Danny enjoyed coyote and bird hunting as well. He was very good at spoiling his grandchildren and he loved spending time with all of his family. 

Danny is survived by his wife of 46 years Jo Whiteside of Potwin; his mother Betty R. Whiteside of Potwin; children Brandi (Chris Smith) Garrison of El Dorado, Chris (Mary) Oberst of Potwin and Scott Oberst of Potwin; grandchildren Devan (Mallory) Poffinbarger, Caden Garrison, Jaxon Oberst, Brody Oberst, and Gracee Oberst. 

Danny passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday July 2, 2022, at his home. He is preceded in death by his father Don. Danny’s family will gather with friends on Tuesday July 5, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater. 

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 6, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Potwin Christian Church. Danny will be laid to rest in McGill Cemetery, Potwin in a private family service.&nbsp;

Danny’s life began on November 22, 1949, in Newton. He was the son of Don and Betty R. (Thomas) Whiteside. Danny was a 1967 graduate of Remington High School. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Danny was united in marriage to the former Jo Brenner on July 7, 1975, in Marion. He worked for over 30 years as a rural mail carrier. Dan was friendly and outgoing, which is why so many friends enjoyed casual time with him in his garage. He was a jokester and loved pulling pranks. Danny enjoyed coyote and bird hunting as well. He was very good at spoiling his grandchildren and he loved spending time with all of his family. Danny is survived by his wife of 46 years Jo Whiteside of Potwin; his mother Betty R. Whiteside of Potwin; children Brandi (Chris Smith) Garrison of El Dorado, Chris (Mary) Oberst of Potwin and Scott Oberst of Potwin; grandchildren Devan (Mallory) Poffinbarger, Caden Garrison, Jaxon Oberst, Brody Oberst, and Gracee Oberst. Danny passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday July 2, 2022, at his home. He is preceded in death by his father Don. Danny’s family will gather with friends on Tuesday July 5, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday July 6, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Potwin Christian Church. Danny will be laid to rest in McGill Cemetery, Potwin in a private family service.&nbsp;

Daniel Earl Whiteside  |1949-2022|

Delores Ann Funk, 76, passed away July 3, 2022 at Kidron Bethel in North Newton. She was born September 24, 1945 in Hutchinson to Otto and Linda (Martens) Schmidt. 

She married Gordon Funk August 16, 1966 at Inman. Survivors include: husband, Gordon Funk of Wichita; son, Jonathan (Dianna) Funk of Hesston; daughters, Jenel (Randy) Edwards of Wichita, Melisa (Brain) Cooper of McPherson; brothers, Leon Schmidt of North Newton, LeRoy Schmidt of McPherson; sister, Velda Braun of Seattle, Washington; 7 grandchildren. 

Celebration of Life 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church rural Inman.&nbsp;

Delores Ann Funk, 76, passed away July 3, 2022 at Kidron Bethel in North Newton. She was born September 24, 1945 in Hutchinson to Otto and Linda (Martens) Schmidt. She married Gordon Funk August 16, 1966 at Inman. Survivors include: husband, Gordon Funk of Wichita; son, Jonathan (Dianna) Funk of Hesston; daughters, Jenel (Randy) Edwards of Wichita, Melisa (Brain) Cooper of McPherson; brothers, Leon Schmidt of North Newton, LeRoy Schmidt of McPherson; sister, Velda Braun of Seattle, Washington; 7 grandchildren. Celebration of Life 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church rural Inman.&nbsp;

Delores Ann Funk  |1945-2022|

Roberto Mata
Velazquez, 82, of Salina, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 4, 2022,
at his residence in Salina.&nbsp; Before retirement, he worked in the bakery
for Tony’s Pizza, Salina.

Roberto was born
in Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, the son of Maximiliano Velazquez and Blasa
Mata.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Nancy “Ann” Scott.

He is survived by
his wife, Ann, and sons, Jon Velasquez (Trish) and Steven Velasquez (Abby), all
of Salina, and many extended family and friends.

A graveside
service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Culver Union
Cemetery, Tescott, with Chaplain Eric Anderson officiating.

Roberto Mata
Velazquez, 82, of Salina, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 4, 2022,
at his residence in Salina.&nbsp; Before retirement, he worked in the bakery
for Tony’s Pizza, Salina.Roberto was born
in Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, the son of Maximiliano Velazquez and Blasa
Mata.&nbsp; He was united in marriage to Nancy “Ann” Scott.He is survived by
his wife, Ann, and sons, Jon Velasquez (Trish) and Steven Velasquez (Abby), all
of Salina, and many extended family and friends.A graveside
service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Culver Union
Cemetery, Tescott, with Chaplain Eric Anderson officiating.

Roberto Mata Velazquez  |2022| 

Jo Ann Knop Schepmann, 91, passed away July 1, 2022, at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital, Medicine Lodge, Kansas. She was born June 15, 1931, at their farm home in rural Pratt, the only child of Edward Charles Knop and Ruby Alma (Voight) Knop. Jo Ann was baptized at their family home on July 20, 1931, as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She confirmed her Christian faith on April 2, 1944, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preston (Natrona). Jo Ann graduated from Preston High School in 1949 and then attended St. John’s College, Winfield. She graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1951 with a dual major in teacher training and church parish work. She taught kindergarten and was a youth counselor and parish worker at Zion Lutheran in Hinsdale, Illinois, and then taught second grade at Holy Cross Lutheran School, Fort Wayne, Indiana. On November 28, 1953, she married Nathan Frederick Schepmann at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preston (Natrona). He preceded her in death on December 26, 2019. They were married for 66 years. Jo Ann was a homemaker, bookkeeper, and Schepmann Farms partner. She and Nathan raised cattle and laying hens, grain crops, and sold Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds. She was a substitute teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School. She was a community leader for the Preston 4-H Club and worked part time at the Pratt County Treasurer’s Office. Jo Ann was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and Midweek school and served as a volunteer church secretary for more than fifteen years. She was a 68-year member of the Bethany Guild/Ladies Aid/Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League and served in all offices. She and Nathan were founding members of the Children's Christian Concern Society (now known as LeadaChild), and she served as the volunteer financial secretary. Through the LWML Mission of Love, Jo Ann worked with others to complete quilts to donate to those in need through Lutheran World Relief, Orphan Grain Train, and other local organizations. She is survived by two daughters: Brenda Piester and husband, Ronald, of Coats, and Carla Boyd and husband, Calvin, of Medicine Lodge; one son, Warren Schepmann and wife, Lori, of Preston, and Westcliffe, Colorado; five grandchildren: Austin (Misty) Piester, Andrew (Megan) Piester, Christopher (Chelsea) Boyd, Sara Schepmann, and Katie Schepmann; and 11 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Lincoln, Truman, and Hayes Piester; Kylee, Addelyn, Makenna, Carter, and Logan Piester; and Charlotte and Catherine Boyd. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Ryan Schepmann. Visitation will be Friday, July 8, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-8 at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt, Kansas. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preston (Natrona), with the Reverend Michael Schotte presiding. Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Jo Ann Knop Schepmann, 91, passed away July 1, 2022, at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital, Medicine Lodge, Kansas. She was born June 15, 1931, at their farm home in rural Pratt, the only child of Edward Charles Knop and Ruby Alma (Voight) Knop. Jo Ann was baptized at their family home on July 20, 1931, as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She confirmed her Christian faith on April 2, 1944, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preston (Natrona). Jo Ann graduated from Preston High School in 1949 and then attended St. John’s College, Winfield. She graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1951 with a dual major in teacher training and church parish work. She taught kindergarten and was a youth counselor and parish worker at Zion Lutheran in Hinsdale, Illinois, and then taught second grade at Holy Cross Lutheran School, Fort Wayne, Indiana. On November 28, 1953, she married Nathan Frederick Schepmann at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preston (Natrona). He preceded her in death on December 26, 2019. They were married for 66 years. Jo Ann was a homemaker, bookkeeper, and Schepmann Farms partner. She and Nathan raised cattle and laying hens, grain crops, and sold Pioneer Hi-Bred Seeds. She was a substitute teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School. She was a community leader for the Preston 4-H Club and worked part time at the Pratt County Treasurer’s Office. Jo Ann was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and Midweek school and served as a volunteer church secretary for more than fifteen years. She was a 68-year member of the Bethany Guild/Ladies Aid/Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League and served in all offices. She and Nathan were founding members of the Children's Christian Concern Society (now known as LeadaChild), and she served as the volunteer financial secretary. Through the LWML Mission of Love, Jo Ann worked with others to complete quilts to donate to those in need through Lutheran World Relief, Orphan Grain Train, and other local organizations. She is survived by two daughters: Brenda Piester and husband, Ronald, of Coats, and Carla Boyd and husband, Calvin, of Medicine Lodge; one son, Warren Schepmann and wife, Lori, of Preston, and Westcliffe, Colorado; five grandchildren: Austin (Misty) Piester, Andrew (Megan) Piester, Christopher (Chelsea) Boyd, Sara Schepmann, and Katie Schepmann; and 11 great-grandchildren: Jackson, Lincoln, Truman, and Hayes Piester; Kylee, Addelyn, Makenna, Carter, and Logan Piester; and Charlotte and Catherine Boyd. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Ryan Schepmann. Visitation will be Friday, July 8, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-8 at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt, Kansas. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2022 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preston (Natrona), with the Reverend Michael Schotte presiding. Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Jo Ann Knop Schepmann  |1931-2022|

Steven W Kelly, 63, passed away on July 1, 2022 in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born in Wichita to Fred and Deborah (Spencer) Kelly. A lifelong resident of Wichita, he graduated from Heights High School in 1977. He was a Delivery Quality Inspector at Textron Aviation and retired in 2018 after 41 years of service to the aviation industry.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, admiring his grandchildren, and most loved spending time with his grown sons. He passionately cared for his adopted bluebirds and dachshunds.

Steve is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jane (Hohn); sons Ryan, Jason (Emilee), and Kevin (Samantha); grandchildren Lela (10), Ethan (9), Henry (9), Noah (8), Owen (6) and Vivian (3); mother Deborah; brother Mike (Stephanie), sister Kathy (Richard) Owens; and five nieces and nephews.

Graveside Service will be held at 10 am on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Valley Center Memorial Cemetery, Valley Center, Kansas.

Steven W Kelly, 63, passed away on July 1, 2022 in Wichita, Kansas.He was born in Wichita to Fred and Deborah (Spencer) Kelly. A lifelong resident of Wichita, he graduated from Heights High School in 1977. He was a Delivery Quality Inspector at Textron Aviation and retired in 2018 after 41 years of service to the aviation industry.He enjoyed fishing, camping, admiring his grandchildren, and most loved spending time with his grown sons. He passionately cared for his adopted bluebirds and dachshunds.Steve is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jane (Hohn); sons Ryan, Jason (Emilee), and Kevin (Samantha); grandchildren Lela (10), Ethan (9), Henry (9), Noah (8), Owen (6) and Vivian (3); mother Deborah; brother Mike (Stephanie), sister Kathy (Richard) Owens; and five nieces and nephews.Graveside Service will be held at 10 am on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Valley Center Memorial Cemetery, Valley Center, Kansas.

Obituaries