Keith Everett Holtsclaw, 84, passed away July 9, 2022 at Hillsboro Community Hospital in Hillsboro. He was born December 22, 1937 in Fredonia, to Marvin and Lula (Dryden) Holtsclaw. 

He married Norine Fadley December 15, 1957 in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Survivors include: daughter, Sarah Holtsclaw of Hillsboro; brothers, Bennie Holtsclaw, Richard Holtsclaw; sisters, Carol Laird, Allora Crownover; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Preceded by: wife, Norine Holtsclaw in 2021; son, Mark Holtsclaw in 2014.

 A Celebration of Life service is being planned at the Marion Christian Church officiated by Pastor Carl Helm. Service time will be announced soon.&nbsp;

Keith Everett Holtsclaw, 84, passed away July 9, 2022 at Hillsboro Community Hospital in Hillsboro. He was born December 22, 1937 in Fredonia, to Marvin and Lula (Dryden) Holtsclaw. He married Norine Fadley December 15, 1957 in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Survivors include: daughter, Sarah Holtsclaw of Hillsboro; brothers, Bennie Holtsclaw, Richard Holtsclaw; sisters, Carol Laird, Allora Crownover; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Preceded by: wife, Norine Holtsclaw in 2021; son, Mark Holtsclaw in 2014. A Celebration of Life service is being planned at the Marion Christian Church officiated by Pastor Carl Helm. Service time will be announced soon.&nbsp;

Keith Everett Holtsclaw  |1937-2022|

Donna Kay Kater, 84, passed away July 8, 2022 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born November 15, 1937 in Syracuse, to Clifford and Ruth (Davis) Schmidt. 

She was a marriage and family counselor. Survivors include: husband, Clifford Kater of Wichita; daughter, Tamlette Pouncil of Wichita. 

No services are planned at this time.&nbsp;

Donna Kay Kater, 84, passed away July 8, 2022 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born November 15, 1937 in Syracuse, to Clifford and Ruth (Davis) Schmidt. She was a marriage and family counselor. Survivors include: husband, Clifford Kater of Wichita; daughter, Tamlette Pouncil of Wichita. No services are planned at this time.&nbsp;

Donna Kay Kater  |1937-2022|

Brian E. “Brogts” Vogts, 57, of Moundridge, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2022.&nbsp; He was born July 15, 1964 in Newton, the son of Roger E. and Gwen A. (Goering) Vogts.

He graduated from Moundridge High School with the class of 1983.

Brogts worked as a Lead Man at Moridge Manufacturing for 33 years.

Brogts was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends every chance he could get.&nbsp; Brogts loved the outdoors, spending his summers at his second home, Pete’s Puddle, where he enjoyed fishing, playing washers, riding four-wheelers, and hanging with his family and friends.&nbsp; He was a very social person and never met a stranger.&nbsp; Everyone he met he welcomed with open arms, making a lasting impression.&nbsp; Brogts had a kind soul and a big heart.&nbsp; He will forever be missed by so many.

He was united in marriage to Pamela Foth.&nbsp; They later divorced. Brogts later married Joann Calderon on November 15, 2005 in Hutchinson.&nbsp; She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his son, Cody (Lisa) Vogts of Newton; daughters, Abby Smith of Moundridge, and Brialen and Brooklen Vogts of the home; eight grandchildren; brother, Brandon (Coleen) Vogts of Moundridge; brothers-in-law, Jim (Metrice) Calderon of Moundridge and John Calderon of Moundridge; and several nieces and nephews.

Brogts was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Weldon and Esther Goering; and paternal grandparents, Herman and Frieda Vogts; uncle, Sherwin Neihagi and wife Carol; and aunt, Rita Vogts.

Friends may pay their respects to Brogts from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 15, 2022 at Moundridge Funeral Home with family present from 5 to 7 p.m.&nbsp; Cremation will follow.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be made to Pete’s Puddle in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

Brian E. “Brogts” Vogts, 57, of Moundridge, passed away Saturday, July 9, 2022.&nbsp; He was born July 15, 1964 in Newton, the son of Roger E. and Gwen A. (Goering) Vogts.He graduated from Moundridge High School with the class of 1983.Brogts worked as a Lead Man at Moridge Manufacturing for 33 years.Brogts was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends every chance he could get.&nbsp; Brogts loved the outdoors, spending his summers at his second home, Pete’s Puddle, where he enjoyed fishing, playing washers, riding four-wheelers, and hanging with his family and friends.&nbsp; He was a very social person and never met a stranger.&nbsp; Everyone he met he welcomed with open arms, making a lasting impression.&nbsp; Brogts had a kind soul and a big heart.&nbsp; He will forever be missed by so many.He was united in marriage to Pamela Foth.&nbsp; They later divorced. Brogts later married Joann Calderon on November 15, 2005 in Hutchinson.&nbsp; She survives of the home.Other survivors include his son, Cody (Lisa) Vogts of Newton; daughters, Abby Smith of Moundridge, and Brialen and Brooklen Vogts of the home; eight grandchildren; brother, Brandon (Coleen) Vogts of Moundridge; brothers-in-law, Jim (Metrice) Calderon of Moundridge and John Calderon of Moundridge; and several nieces and nephews.Brogts was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Weldon and Esther Goering; and paternal grandparents, Herman and Frieda Vogts; uncle, Sherwin Neihagi and wife Carol; and aunt, Rita Vogts.Friends may pay their respects to Brogts from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 15, 2022 at Moundridge Funeral Home with family present from 5 to 7 p.m.&nbsp; Cremation will follow.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be made to Pete’s Puddle in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

Brian E. “Brogts” Vogts  |1964-2022|

Gary Lloyd Bontrager, 76, of Hutchinson, died July 11, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born January 2, 1946, in Hutchinson, to LeRoy and Esther (Schrock) Bontrager.

Gary graduated from Partridge High School and served in the United States Army and Kansas Army National Guard. Apart from working at Cessna for a short time, he was a proud farmer for most of his life and loved summer wheat harvest the most. Gary enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, car shows and auctions, and watching sports on TV. He especially enjoyed watching the Yellowstone TV series.

On December 21, 1968, Gary married Kay D. Repass, in Hutchinson. They shared 50 years of marriage before her death on September 4, 2019.

He is survived by: his daughters, Jill Bontrager and boyfriend Steve Gulick, of Hutchinson and Joni Bontrager and husband Brian Devers of Olathe; brother, Franklin Bontrager and wife Leta of Lakewood, CO; and several extended family members.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Berma Graber.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Elliott Chapel. Military honors will be conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. Cremation will follow. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Reno County Veterans’ Memorial or Gary Bontrager Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Gary Lloyd Bontrager, 76, of Hutchinson, died July 11, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born January 2, 1946, in Hutchinson, to LeRoy and Esther (Schrock) Bontrager.Gary graduated from Partridge High School and served in the United States Army and Kansas Army National Guard. Apart from working at Cessna for a short time, he was a proud farmer for most of his life and loved summer wheat harvest the most. Gary enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, car shows and auctions, and watching sports on TV. He especially enjoyed watching the Yellowstone TV series.On December 21, 1968, Gary married Kay D. Repass, in Hutchinson. They shared 50 years of marriage before her death on September 4, 2019.He is survived by: his daughters, Jill Bontrager and boyfriend Steve Gulick, of Hutchinson and Joni Bontrager and husband Brian Devers of Olathe; brother, Franklin Bontrager and wife Leta of Lakewood, CO; and several extended family members.Gary was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Berma Graber.Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Elliott Chapel. Military honors will be conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. Cremation will follow. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials may be made to Reno County Veterans’ Memorial or Gary Bontrager Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Gary Lloyd Bontrager |1946-2022|

Ronald Dean Bohannon, 73, passed away on July 7th, 2022 in Wichita, KS.

He was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Earl Bohannon and Daisy (Byrd) Bohannon. In his late teens, he lived in California for a short period and graduated high school there. After graduation, he worked as a salesman for Graybar Electric until his father became ill and he decided to help with the family painting business, eventually taking it over.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Daisy Bohannon, brother Earl Jr. Bohannon, and his wife of 50 years Donna Bohannon.

Ronald is survived by his children Jake Von Meatlug, Susan (Brian) and Robert (Brandy) and grandchildren Sunny, Peyton, Morgan, Sadie, Nathaniel, and Piper and his sister Vergie Hancock.

A memorial service for Ronald will be held on Friday, July 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center, Kansas. Condolences may be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bakerfhvc.com/">www.bakerfhvc.com</a>.

Ronald Dean Bohannon, 73, passed away on July 7th, 2022 in Wichita, KS.He was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Earl Bohannon and Daisy (Byrd) Bohannon. In his late teens, he lived in California for a short period and graduated high school there. After graduation, he worked as a salesman for Graybar Electric until his father became ill and he decided to help with the family painting business, eventually taking it over.He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Daisy Bohannon, brother Earl Jr. Bohannon, and his wife of 50 years Donna Bohannon.Ronald is survived by his children Jake Von Meatlug, Susan (Brian) and Robert (Brandy) and grandchildren Sunny, Peyton, Morgan, Sadie, Nathaniel, and Piper and his sister Vergie Hancock.A memorial service for Ronald will be held on Friday, July 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar, Valley Center, Kansas. Condolences may be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bakerfhvc.com/">www.bakerfhvc.com</a>.

Ronald Dean Bohannon |2022|

Elmer N. Henning, age 93, passed away on the 5th&nbsp;of July, 2022, in Wichita, Kansas, after entering hospice care.

Born in Kingman, Kansas to John J. Henning and Mary E. Bohrer Henning of Kingman, Kansas, he was the fifth in line of twelve children.&nbsp; In his early years he did his part on the family farm, and later worked for neighboring farms and businesses to help support the family after his father’s untimely passing in 1941.&nbsp;

Elmer took on his military duty by joining the U.S. Navy Reserves.&nbsp; Before heading to his first active-duty assignment, he married his sweetheart Doneta J. Fulton on November 24, 1951, in Kingman.&nbsp; He eventually was stationed at US NAAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida, where his first child was born.&nbsp; While stationed there, he found time to perfect his ability to fish the saltier waters.&nbsp;

Upon completing his tour, Elmer’s family settled in Kingman, where two more children arrived.&nbsp; Taking advantage of VA benefits, he continued his education and earned his Radio and Television Operation and Maintenance certification.&nbsp; After landing a job at Boeing Aircraft Company, he relocated his growing family to the Wichita area, where they were blessed with three more children.&nbsp; Elmer took his responsibilities serious. As family needs increased and making ends meet a struggle, he took on other income streams including working weekends for a radio and TV repair shop, teaching at Wichita Technical Institute a couple nights a week, and selling Amway products.&nbsp; In January 1965, the lay-offs caught up to him at Boeing and he had to work even harder.

Presented with an opportunity Spring of 1965, Elmer became part of an automotive repair business located in South Wichita -- H &amp; H Motor Company; and one more child rounded out his family of nine. &nbsp;It was not unusual for him to work 12-15 hours a day grooming the fledgling business; it grew and continues to operate with his sons Ed and Joe (and occasionally David) turning the wrenches.&nbsp; His five sons each have taken their turn to learn his craft, and three make it their career today.&nbsp; Although in his 90’s, he was in that shop nearly every day talking with customers and guiding his sons in the ways of the business.

Elmer found time to “play” a bit with the business by sponsoring owner/driver of stock race car #169.&nbsp; Exploring a creative interest in woodworking, he started a hobby business making pens and desk items, clocks, turned bowls, trinket boxes, etc. &nbsp;He further honed his skill to create replicas of trucks and heavy equipment, finishing the last rig a couple years ago while in his 90s.

As he settled into the role of sole proprietor and the family grew up, Elmer was able to take some time to pursue his love of fishing, and perfect his talent to find and catch crappie. &nbsp;Over the decades he shared his plentiful catches with others; many still requesting a fish-fry event.&nbsp;

Preceded in death by his devoted wife of 53+ years, Doneta, his parents, John and Mary Henning, and siblings Evelyn K. Henning Denison, Mary Ann Henning Mies, William M. (Bill) Henning, Ralph B. Henning, Emily A. Henning Kathman Ward, Victoria (Vickie) Henning Weber Martin, Donald P. Henning, Herman J. Henning, Charles V. Henning, and Marvin W. Henning.&nbsp;

Survived by daughters Donna Davis of Augusta KS, and Lori Igo of Wichita KS; sons Allan Henning of Sarasota FL, David Henning of Wichita KS, Joseph Henning of Wichita KS, Terry Henning of Independence KS, Edward Henning of Derby KS; sister Joyce J. Beasley of Bon Aqua TN; plus, fifteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Rosary followed by the Funeral Mass will begin 9:30 am Saturday, July 16, 2022, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2801 S Seneca, Wichita KS 67010.&nbsp; Services will also be live-streamed:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stannewichita.org/">www.stannewichita.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Graveside services will be 12:30 pm at Walnut Hill Cemetery, 900 N. Marquette, Kingman KS.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, please designate in his memory to:&nbsp; Saint Anne Catholic Church, Wichita KS, &nbsp;Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Kingman KS, or &nbsp;American Heart Association (<a href="https://www.heart.org/">https://www.heart.org/</a>).

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge.&nbsp; Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com

Elmer N. Henning, age 93, passed away on the 5th&nbsp;of July, 2022, in Wichita, Kansas, after entering hospice care.Born in Kingman, Kansas to John J. Henning and Mary E. Bohrer Henning of Kingman, Kansas, he was the fifth in line of twelve children.&nbsp; In his early years he did his part on the family farm, and later worked for neighboring farms and businesses to help support the family after his father’s untimely passing in 1941.&nbsp;Elmer took on his military duty by joining the U.S. Navy Reserves.&nbsp; Before heading to his first active-duty assignment, he married his sweetheart Doneta J. Fulton on November 24, 1951, in Kingman.&nbsp; He eventually was stationed at US NAAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida, where his first child was born.&nbsp; While stationed there, he found time to perfect his ability to fish the saltier waters.&nbsp;Upon completing his tour, Elmer’s family settled in Kingman, where two more children arrived.&nbsp; Taking advantage of VA benefits, he continued his education and earned his Radio and Television Operation and Maintenance certification.&nbsp; After landing a job at Boeing Aircraft Company, he relocated his growing family to the Wichita area, where they were blessed with three more children.&nbsp; Elmer took his responsibilities serious. As family needs increased and making ends meet a struggle, he took on other income streams including working weekends for a radio and TV repair shop, teaching at Wichita Technical Institute a couple nights a week, and selling Amway products.&nbsp; In January 1965, the lay-offs caught up to him at Boeing and he had to work even harder.Presented with an opportunity Spring of 1965, Elmer became part of an automotive repair business located in South Wichita -- H &amp; H Motor Company; and one more child rounded out his family of nine. &nbsp;It was not unusual for him to work 12-15 hours a day grooming the fledgling business; it grew and continues to operate with his sons Ed and Joe (and occasionally David) turning the wrenches.&nbsp; His five sons each have taken their turn to learn his craft, and three make it their career today.&nbsp; Although in his 90’s, he was in that shop nearly every day talking with customers and guiding his sons in the ways of the business.Elmer found time to “play” a bit with the business by sponsoring owner/driver of stock race car #169.&nbsp; Exploring a creative interest in woodworking, he started a hobby business making pens and desk items, clocks, turned bowls, trinket boxes, etc. &nbsp;He further honed his skill to create replicas of trucks and heavy equipment, finishing the last rig a couple years ago while in his 90s.As he settled into the role of sole proprietor and the family grew up, Elmer was able to take some time to pursue his love of fishing, and perfect his talent to find and catch crappie. &nbsp;Over the decades he shared his plentiful catches with others; many still requesting a fish-fry event.&nbsp;Preceded in death by his devoted wife of 53+ years, Doneta, his parents, John and Mary Henning, and siblings Evelyn K. Henning Denison, Mary Ann Henning Mies, William M. (Bill) Henning, Ralph B. Henning, Emily A. Henning Kathman Ward, Victoria (Vickie) Henning Weber Martin, Donald P. Henning, Herman J. Henning, Charles V. Henning, and Marvin W. Henning.&nbsp;Survived by daughters Donna Davis of Augusta KS, and Lori Igo of Wichita KS; sons Allan Henning of Sarasota FL, David Henning of Wichita KS, Joseph Henning of Wichita KS, Terry Henning of Independence KS, Edward Henning of Derby KS; sister Joyce J. Beasley of Bon Aqua TN; plus, fifteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family.Rosary followed by the Funeral Mass will begin 9:30 am Saturday, July 16, 2022, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2801 S Seneca, Wichita KS 67010.&nbsp; Services will also be live-streamed:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stannewichita.org/">www.stannewichita.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Graveside services will be 12:30 pm at Walnut Hill Cemetery, 900 N. Marquette, Kingman KS.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, please designate in his memory to:&nbsp; Saint Anne Catholic Church, Wichita KS, &nbsp;Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Kingman KS, or &nbsp;American Heart Association (<a href="https://www.heart.org/">https://www.heart.org/</a>).Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge.&nbsp; Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com

Elmer N. Henning |2022|

Garry Gene DeVault, 79, died July 9, 2022, at Diversicare Center, Hutchinson. He was born August 30, 1942, in Hutchinson, the son of Leland and Ona Mae Wiard DeVault. He was a 1962 graduate of Buhler High School and then went on to serve four years in the United States Army. After that, he served in the United States Army Reserves #346 during the Vietnam War and Iraq War, retiring in 1991. He worked for Cessna for 10 years, drove for Jackson’s Dairy, and for Dillons. He was a member of Crossroads Christian Church, American Legion #68, and the Teamsters #795.

When his son was young, Garry spent a lot of time umpiring for his sporting teams and being involved in other sports. The two of them bonded over their love of the Dallas Cowboys. He also taught Scott how to drive. He enjoyed attending all his granddaughter’s events and accomplishments. He loved to take her to the zoo. She was the light of his life.

When war broke out in Vietnam, Garry was sent to Germany to serve as an MP and guard the wall. His very last tour was in Iraq during Desert Storm. His last flight was with the Kansas Honor Flight with his son. This was very special for both him and his son to do together.

Garry enjoyed hunting, driving his truck to see the country, traveling to places with DeDe, such as Hawaii and the Caribbean, camping with his wife and son, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne. He lived a very full life until he got ill.

He married DeDe Powers on September 4, in Hutchinson. She survives.

Other survivors include a son, Scott DeVault, Plano, TX; granddaughter, Madison Scot DeVault, Austin, TX; and a brother, John DeVault, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Keith DeVault, Alice Hollinger, Eileen Griffith, Bill DeVault, infant twin boys, Marjorie Baerg, Robert “Bud” DeVault, Don DeVault, Bobby Dean DeVault, and Richard DeVault.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, July 15, 2022, at Crossroads Christian Church, Hutchinson, with the family present. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, at Crossroads Christian Church, with the service live streamed on Inman Funeral Home’s Facebook Page. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park. Military honors will be provided by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads Christian Church or the Kansas Honor Flight in care of Inman Funeral Home. To leave a condolence to the family, visit: <a href="http://www.inmanfh.com">www.inmanfh.com</a>.

Garry still has his first $2.00 he ever made in his wallet.

Garry Gene DeVault, 79, died July 9, 2022, at Diversicare Center, Hutchinson. He was born August 30, 1942, in Hutchinson, the son of Leland and Ona Mae Wiard DeVault. He was a 1962 graduate of Buhler High School and then went on to serve four years in the United States Army. After that, he served in the United States Army Reserves #346 during the Vietnam War and Iraq War, retiring in 1991. He worked for Cessna for 10 years, drove for Jackson’s Dairy, and for Dillons. He was a member of Crossroads Christian Church, American Legion #68, and the Teamsters #795.When his son was young, Garry spent a lot of time umpiring for his sporting teams and being involved in other sports. The two of them bonded over their love of the Dallas Cowboys. He also taught Scott how to drive. He enjoyed attending all his granddaughter’s events and accomplishments. He loved to take her to the zoo. She was the light of his life.When war broke out in Vietnam, Garry was sent to Germany to serve as an MP and guard the wall. His very last tour was in Iraq during Desert Storm. His last flight was with the Kansas Honor Flight with his son. This was very special for both him and his son to do together.Garry enjoyed hunting, driving his truck to see the country, traveling to places with DeDe, such as Hawaii and the Caribbean, camping with his wife and son, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne. He lived a very full life until he got ill.He married DeDe Powers on September 4, in Hutchinson. She survives.Other survivors include a son, Scott DeVault, Plano, TX; granddaughter, Madison Scot DeVault, Austin, TX; and a brother, John DeVault, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Keith DeVault, Alice Hollinger, Eileen Griffith, Bill DeVault, infant twin boys, Marjorie Baerg, Robert “Bud” DeVault, Don DeVault, Bobby Dean DeVault, and Richard DeVault.Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, July 15, 2022, at Crossroads Christian Church, Hutchinson, with the family present. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, at Crossroads Christian Church, with the service live streamed on Inman Funeral Home’s Facebook Page. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park. Military honors will be provided by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads Christian Church or the Kansas Honor Flight in care of Inman Funeral Home. To leave a condolence to the family, visit: <a href="http://www.inmanfh.com">www.inmanfh.com</a>.Garry still has his first $2.00 he ever made in his wallet.

Garry Gene DeVault |1942-2022|

Nettie Elizabeth Trost Bray, 82, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away July 9, 2022, at the Sterling Village.

Nettie was born August 23, 1939, in Salem, Oregon to Walter and Georgia (McLaress) Trost. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three younger brothers, Gerald, George and Thomas.

Growing up years were spent on the family farm north of Concordia, KS. Nettie was active in 4-H and helping on the farm. She attended Sibley country school and graduated from Concordia High School in the class of 1957. She worked at JC Penney in Concordia where her job included changing window displays. That’s where Nettie was spotted by her future beau and husband, Jack Bray, in 1959. They married September 26, 1959 after dating for only three months. Shortly after, they moved to Manhattan where Nettie assisted Jack in managing a rural gas station. Four years and three children later the family moved to Fowler, KS for another gas station opportunity. In June, 1968, they moved a final time to Sterling where they had purchased Superbe Oil Co. In the community Nettie served as a Sunday School teacher at the Methodist Church and a Girl Scout leader. During the 1971-72 school year, she attended Sidney’s Hairdressing College in Hutchinson earning her cosmetology license. She also worked for JC Penney in Lyons and People’s Savings and Loan in downtown Sterling.

April 9, 1979, Nettie suffered a major stroke and was hospitalized for a month in Wichita. Her spirit of independence and determination remained strong through a long rehabilitation and permanent disability on her right side. She was able to work alongside Jack at the Co-op Service Station for a number of years until their retirement in 2000. Signs of dementia became evident around 2015 and in 2017 Nettie and Jack sold their home and moved into one of the Sterling Manor cottages. Due to ill health they moved into the manor in October 2018 and Jack passed away unexpectedly in March, 2019. The Manor became Sterling Village and Nettie continued to live there until her passing.

Nettie is survived by her three children and spouses, Cindy and Darryl Wittich, Mount Hope; Wendy and Steve Fiehler, Sterling, and Jeff and Kristen Bray, Penn Yan, NY. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and spouses: Chance and Sarah Fiehler, Stephanie and Robert Edgington, Jacob and Dakoda Fiehler, Wesley and Courtney Wittich, Kodi Fiehler, Tyler and Bethany Bray and Kelly Bray and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition, Nettie is survived by Jack’s sister and husband, Kathy and Gene Begnoche.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Dennis Corbett officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Monday, July 11, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to either the Sterling Village (please designate: Ice Cream Machine replacement fund -- Nettie loved a soft serve cone!!) or to Kindred Hospice.

Nettie Elizabeth Trost Bray, 82, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away July 9, 2022, at the Sterling Village.Nettie was born August 23, 1939, in Salem, Oregon to Walter and Georgia (McLaress) Trost. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three younger brothers, Gerald, George and Thomas.Growing up years were spent on the family farm north of Concordia, KS. Nettie was active in 4-H and helping on the farm. She attended Sibley country school and graduated from Concordia High School in the class of 1957. She worked at JC Penney in Concordia where her job included changing window displays. That’s where Nettie was spotted by her future beau and husband, Jack Bray, in 1959. They married September 26, 1959 after dating for only three months. Shortly after, they moved to Manhattan where Nettie assisted Jack in managing a rural gas station. Four years and three children later the family moved to Fowler, KS for another gas station opportunity. In June, 1968, they moved a final time to Sterling where they had purchased Superbe Oil Co. In the community Nettie served as a Sunday School teacher at the Methodist Church and a Girl Scout leader. During the 1971-72 school year, she attended Sidney’s Hairdressing College in Hutchinson earning her cosmetology license. She also worked for JC Penney in Lyons and People’s Savings and Loan in downtown Sterling.April 9, 1979, Nettie suffered a major stroke and was hospitalized for a month in Wichita. Her spirit of independence and determination remained strong through a long rehabilitation and permanent disability on her right side. She was able to work alongside Jack at the Co-op Service Station for a number of years until their retirement in 2000. Signs of dementia became evident around 2015 and in 2017 Nettie and Jack sold their home and moved into one of the Sterling Manor cottages. Due to ill health they moved into the manor in October 2018 and Jack passed away unexpectedly in March, 2019. The Manor became Sterling Village and Nettie continued to live there until her passing.Nettie is survived by her three children and spouses, Cindy and Darryl Wittich, Mount Hope; Wendy and Steve Fiehler, Sterling, and Jeff and Kristen Bray, Penn Yan, NY. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and spouses: Chance and Sarah Fiehler, Stephanie and Robert Edgington, Jacob and Dakoda Fiehler, Wesley and Courtney Wittich, Kodi Fiehler, Tyler and Bethany Bray and Kelly Bray and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition, Nettie is survived by Jack’s sister and husband, Kathy and Gene Begnoche.Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Dennis Corbett officiating. Burial will follow at the Sterling Community Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Monday, July 11, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to either the Sterling Village (please designate: Ice Cream Machine replacement fund -- Nettie loved a soft serve cone!!) or to Kindred Hospice.

Nettie Elizabeth Trost Bray |1939-2022|

Loretta Carol Sauerwein, age 64, after a long battle with cancer, died Thursday, July 7, 2022 at her Newton residence.&nbsp; She was born on December 30, 1957 in Anthony, to Vlastislav and Louise (Anton) Sheen. On September 12, 2009 she married Terry Sauerwein in Newton, and he survives of the home.

Carol was a member of the United Methodist Church and a retired early childhood education instructor and assessment coordinator.

She is survived by her husband Terry of the home; son Christopher Ihde, his fiancé Erica Morlan and children Georgia, Brenley, Cooper and Hudson. Christopher Sauerwein, wife Jenny, children Cody and MacKenzie, Kevin and Ginger Sauerwein, their children Leah and Nellie, sister Margaret Sheen and brother Edward Sheen.

Carol loved music, art and most of all her grandchildren. She loved spending time tending to her roses and many flowers around the home. She had a passion for helping children with learning disabilities and attending the grandchildren’s activities.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the Sauerwein Farm, 4108 North Hillside Road rural Newton with Pastor Tim Bever presiding. Please bring a chair as you can as there will be a limited number of chairs provided for the congregation.&nbsp; Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home. The family will be available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to receive family and friends at the funeral home. Following the service at the farm we will proceed to Restlawn Gardens of Memory for a committal service.

Loretta Carol Sauerwein, age 64, after a long battle with cancer, died Thursday, July 7, 2022 at her Newton residence.&nbsp; She was born on December 30, 1957 in Anthony, to Vlastislav and Louise (Anton) Sheen. On September 12, 2009 she married Terry Sauerwein in Newton, and he survives of the home.Carol was a member of the United Methodist Church and a retired early childhood education instructor and assessment coordinator.She is survived by her husband Terry of the home; son Christopher Ihde, his fiancé Erica Morlan and children Georgia, Brenley, Cooper and Hudson. Christopher Sauerwein, wife Jenny, children Cody and MacKenzie, Kevin and Ginger Sauerwein, their children Leah and Nellie, sister Margaret Sheen and brother Edward Sheen.Carol loved music, art and most of all her grandchildren. She loved spending time tending to her roses and many flowers around the home. She had a passion for helping children with learning disabilities and attending the grandchildren’s activities.Carol is preceded in death by her parents.Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 14, 2022 at the Sauerwein Farm, 4108 North Hillside Road rural Newton with Pastor Tim Bever presiding. Please bring a chair as you can as there will be a limited number of chairs provided for the congregation.&nbsp; Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home. The family will be available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to receive family and friends at the funeral home. Following the service at the farm we will proceed to Restlawn Gardens of Memory for a committal service.

Loretta Carol Sauerwein  |1957-2022|

Debra Lee “Debbie” Miller, 60, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away July 5, 2022, at her home. She was born February 3, 1962, in Sterling, the daughter of Donald L. Williams and Audrey “Elaine” Tullis Ayers. 

Debbie was a lifelong Lyons resident. She was a crossing guard for the City of Lyons for many years. Debbie attended Faith Bible Church, Lyons, and was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Lyons. She enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers, babysitting, reading, watching TV, and loved her dogs. 

In 1991, Debbie was united in marriage with John B. Miller in Lyons. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2002. She is also preceded in death by her parents; companion, Allen Ray Julian; sister, Anita Gates; and nephew, Jeffery Thurman. Debbie is survived by her son, Anthony Williams and wife Andrea of Temple, TX; stepdaughters, Tresa Burrola of Kansas City, MO, and Mary Jerauld of Springfield, MO; two sisters, Kathy Weaver and husband Jerry of Lyons, and Velma Gomez both of Lyons; eighteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, July 11, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with Pastor Scott Pulley officiating. Burial will follow at Lyons Municipal Cemetery.

Debra Lee “Debbie” Miller, 60, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away July 5, 2022, at her home. She was born February 3, 1962, in Sterling, the daughter of Donald L. Williams and Audrey “Elaine” Tullis Ayers. Debbie was a lifelong Lyons resident. She was a crossing guard for the City of Lyons for many years. Debbie attended Faith Bible Church, Lyons, and was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Lyons. She enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers, babysitting, reading, watching TV, and loved her dogs. In 1991, Debbie was united in marriage with John B. Miller in Lyons. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2002. She is also preceded in death by her parents; companion, Allen Ray Julian; sister, Anita Gates; and nephew, Jeffery Thurman. Debbie is survived by her son, Anthony Williams and wife Andrea of Temple, TX; stepdaughters, Tresa Burrola of Kansas City, MO, and Mary Jerauld of Springfield, MO; two sisters, Kathy Weaver and husband Jerry of Lyons, and Velma Gomez both of Lyons; eighteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, July 11, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with Pastor Scott Pulley officiating. Burial will follow at Lyons Municipal Cemetery.

Debra Lee “Debbie” Miller  |1962-2022|  

Elmo’s life began on August 29. 1928 in rural Tryon, OK. He was the son of Floyd and Marjorie (Hutchinson) Murray. 

Elmo was educated in Tryon and later went to telegraph school. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Elmo worked as Station Agent for the Rock Island Railroad from October of 1946 to April of 1980. He also worked for the Elbing Grain Company from April of 1980 until his passing. Elmo was united in marriage to Dejah Roof on June 1, 1947, in Tryon. 

He was baptized in 1940 at the Valley Queen Baptist Church and later became active in Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing. He served as a deacon, secretary of the church board, Sunday school teacher and on the kitchen committee at Zion. Elmo served the Elbing community as the city clerk for 37 years and served on the grade school PTA. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his work. Elmo kept himself fit by exercising at the Newton Wellness Center. He was an avid local history buff, enjoyed keeping his mind sharp with crossword puzzles and reading the newspaper until his eyesight dimmed. Elmo enjoyed Facebook and had written, and self-published four local history books. He was thankful for his relationship with Christ and his felt God’s protection over himself daily. 

His loving family includes his daughters Debra Robinson of Newton and Pamela (Carl) Williams of Elbing; grandchildren Dawn Michelle Chappuis, Nathan Robinson, Dana Robinson, Benjamin Williams, Samuel Williams, Isaac Williams, Moses Williams, and Levi Williams; great grandchildren Ethan, Eli, Jessica, Kimberly, Jordan, Destiny, Libertee, Harley, and Camryn; great great grandchildren Ryker, Aryzza and Emmitt; and his brother Gene (Christine) Murray of Perkins, OK.  Elmo passed away on Wednesday July 6. 2022 at the Newton Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Dejah. 

His family will gather with friends on Friday July 15th from 5-7 p.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater. His funeral service will be held on Saturday July 16th at 10 a.m. at the Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing. He will be laid to rest in the Zion Cemetery, Elbing. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Zion Mennonite Church. Live streaming available at twitch.tv/zionmennonite.&nbsp;

Elmo’s life began on August 29. 1928 in rural Tryon, OK. He was the son of Floyd and Marjorie (Hutchinson) Murray. Elmo was educated in Tryon and later went to telegraph school. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Elmo worked as Station Agent for the Rock Island Railroad from October of 1946 to April of 1980. He also worked for the Elbing Grain Company from April of 1980 until his passing. Elmo was united in marriage to Dejah Roof on June 1, 1947, in Tryon. He was baptized in 1940 at the Valley Queen Baptist Church and later became active in Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing. He served as a deacon, secretary of the church board, Sunday school teacher and on the kitchen committee at Zion. Elmo served the Elbing community as the city clerk for 37 years and served on the grade school PTA. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his work. Elmo kept himself fit by exercising at the Newton Wellness Center. He was an avid local history buff, enjoyed keeping his mind sharp with crossword puzzles and reading the newspaper until his eyesight dimmed. Elmo enjoyed Facebook and had written, and self-published four local history books. He was thankful for his relationship with Christ and his felt God’s protection over himself daily. His loving family includes his daughters Debra Robinson of Newton and Pamela (Carl) Williams of Elbing; grandchildren Dawn Michelle Chappuis, Nathan Robinson, Dana Robinson, Benjamin Williams, Samuel Williams, Isaac Williams, Moses Williams, and Levi Williams; great grandchildren Ethan, Eli, Jessica, Kimberly, Jordan, Destiny, Libertee, Harley, and Camryn; great great grandchildren Ryker, Aryzza and Emmitt; and his brother Gene (Christine) Murray of Perkins, OK. Elmo passed away on Wednesday July 6. 2022 at the Newton Medical Center. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Dejah. His family will gather with friends on Friday July 15th from 5-7 p.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater. His funeral service will be held on Saturday July 16th at 10 a.m. at the Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing. He will be laid to rest in the Zion Cemetery, Elbing. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Zion Mennonite Church. Live streaming available at twitch.tv/zionmennonite.&nbsp;

Vernon "Elmo" Murray  |1928-2022|  

Wade's life began on November 13, 1960, in Kingman.  He was the son of Carl Stickley and Betty (Wolfe) Stickley. 

 Wade was united in marriage to Marty Tolland on August 1, 2016, in Tulsa, OK, after many years together.  He had a love for animals both large and small.  Wade had a lively sense of humor and loved the outdoors and rural living. 

 He is survived by his husband Marty Tolland of Marion, father Carl ( Karen) Stickley, son Jeremey (Debra) Gillen, sister Carla Morris, stepbrothers Ron (Bonnie) and Eric (Jerilyn) Chronister, and stepsister Lisa (Randy) Chronister. 

 Wade passed away July 4, 2022, in Marion.  He is preceded in death by his mother Betty, and stepbrother Doug (Glenda) Chronister.  There will be a private family celebration at a later date.&nbsp;

Wade's life began on November 13, 1960, in Kingman. He was the son of Carl Stickley and Betty (Wolfe) Stickley. Wade was united in marriage to Marty Tolland on August 1, 2016, in Tulsa, OK, after many years together. He had a love for animals both large and small. Wade had a lively sense of humor and loved the outdoors and rural living. He is survived by his husband Marty Tolland of Marion, father Carl ( Karen) Stickley, son Jeremey (Debra) Gillen, sister Carla Morris, stepbrothers Ron (Bonnie) and Eric (Jerilyn) Chronister, and stepsister Lisa (Randy) Chronister. Wade passed away July 4, 2022, in Marion. He is preceded in death by his mother Betty, and stepbrother Doug (Glenda) Chronister. There will be a private family celebration at a later date.&nbsp;

Wade Gillen  |1960-2022|  

Floyd Lewis Siemens was born February 15, 1930 in Hutchinson.&nbsp; He went to be with his Lord and Savior July 7, 2022 at the age of 92. He was the only son of Harry and Helen (Esau) Siemens.&nbsp; He has two older sisters, Lovella Adrian and Elma Jean Brandt and one younger sister, Evelyn Fay, who died in infancy.

As a boy, he lived on the homestead of his grandfather.&nbsp; His father, Harry Siemens, built an 11 room house on the home place.&nbsp; Floyd, Marie, Cyndi and Mark called this place home for a short time.&nbsp; Floyd bought a lot in town and built the house that they lived in for many years.&nbsp; Later he built the house east of town.

On September 27, 1952 Floyd married Marie Strauss.&nbsp; They had four children, Cynthia (Perry) Koehn, Mark (Sheila) Siemens, Tom (Mary) Siemens, and Christine (Alan) McFerren. They have eight grandchildren, Ryan (Erin) Koehn, Laurie Koehn, Clinton (Lindsey) Koehn, Molly (Bruce) Yoder, Amanda McFerren, Shelby (LaWayne) Slabaugh, Clay Siemens, and Baylee (Danny) Knapp.&nbsp; Seven great-grandchildren were added to the family, Joshua Koehn, Matthew Koehn, Colby Koehn, Nelsen Koehn, Boone Koehn, and Rhett Yoder.

Floyd had a custom harvesting business from 1954 to 1994.&nbsp; It was a family business with Marie doing the cooking, laundry and running the household for the family and crew.&nbsp; As the kids got old enough they helped too.&nbsp; Mark and Tom helped in the field and Cyndi and Chris helped with the housekeeping duties.&nbsp; Through this business, the kids learned to have a work ethic and by receiving wages they were taught to manage money at a young age.&nbsp; He also taught the family to have fun and taught God’s Creation as he drove us through National Parks.&nbsp; We saw the parks from the back of a wheat truck that also served as a camper.

During the winter months, he would get various temporary jobs.&nbsp; He started out driving truck for Hesston Corp. and later worked with electricians, plumbers and carpenters, learning skills that he would use over and over to build his own houses or help his kids remodel.

Floyd had an interest in woodworking.&nbsp; We all have something he made in his shop.&nbsp; He made toys, cabinets, furniture or just a special box for special treasures.&nbsp; He and Marie would design them, he would build them and she would finish them, often with artwork. He also rebuilt a 1949 Jeep CJ-2A and helped Ryan, his oldest grandson, rebuild a Jeep CJ-7.&nbsp; Floyd loved working in the shop creating, rebuilding or refinishing whatever he could find, anything to keep his mind and hands busy.&nbsp; In retirement, Floyd continued to stay in harvest mode.&nbsp; He drove a truck during fall harvest and worked at Gaeddert’s during corn season.&nbsp; He loved those jobs.

Floyd and Marie loved to travel and were overseas several times, going to Europe and the Holy Lands.&nbsp; They also visited all 50 states.

Floyd accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 at a revival meeting.&nbsp; He was baptized in Finnamore Lake and was a lifelong member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.&nbsp; He was an Elder and served on several committees.&nbsp; He also loved to sing and the hymns were very special to him.&nbsp; He was a member of the 500 Mennonite Men’s chorus for several years.&nbsp; His faith was precious to him and his desire was that everyone will come to know Christ as their Savior.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Buhler Municipal Cemetery.&nbsp; A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.&nbsp; Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 11 at Buhler Mortuary with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Floyd Lewis Siemens was born February 15, 1930 in Hutchinson.&nbsp; He went to be with his Lord and Savior July 7, 2022 at the age of 92. He was the only son of Harry and Helen (Esau) Siemens.&nbsp; He has two older sisters, Lovella Adrian and Elma Jean Brandt and one younger sister, Evelyn Fay, who died in infancy.As a boy, he lived on the homestead of his grandfather.&nbsp; His father, Harry Siemens, built an 11 room house on the home place.&nbsp; Floyd, Marie, Cyndi and Mark called this place home for a short time.&nbsp; Floyd bought a lot in town and built the house that they lived in for many years.&nbsp; Later he built the house east of town.On September 27, 1952 Floyd married Marie Strauss.&nbsp; They had four children, Cynthia (Perry) Koehn, Mark (Sheila) Siemens, Tom (Mary) Siemens, and Christine (Alan) McFerren. They have eight grandchildren, Ryan (Erin) Koehn, Laurie Koehn, Clinton (Lindsey) Koehn, Molly (Bruce) Yoder, Amanda McFerren, Shelby (LaWayne) Slabaugh, Clay Siemens, and Baylee (Danny) Knapp.&nbsp; Seven great-grandchildren were added to the family, Joshua Koehn, Matthew Koehn, Colby Koehn, Nelsen Koehn, Boone Koehn, and Rhett Yoder.Floyd had a custom harvesting business from 1954 to 1994.&nbsp; It was a family business with Marie doing the cooking, laundry and running the household for the family and crew.&nbsp; As the kids got old enough they helped too.&nbsp; Mark and Tom helped in the field and Cyndi and Chris helped with the housekeeping duties.&nbsp; Through this business, the kids learned to have a work ethic and by receiving wages they were taught to manage money at a young age.&nbsp; He also taught the family to have fun and taught God’s Creation as he drove us through National Parks.&nbsp; We saw the parks from the back of a wheat truck that also served as a camper.During the winter months, he would get various temporary jobs.&nbsp; He started out driving truck for Hesston Corp. and later worked with electricians, plumbers and carpenters, learning skills that he would use over and over to build his own houses or help his kids remodel.Floyd had an interest in woodworking.&nbsp; We all have something he made in his shop.&nbsp; He made toys, cabinets, furniture or just a special box for special treasures.&nbsp; He and Marie would design them, he would build them and she would finish them, often with artwork. He also rebuilt a 1949 Jeep CJ-2A and helped Ryan, his oldest grandson, rebuild a Jeep CJ-7.&nbsp; Floyd loved working in the shop creating, rebuilding or refinishing whatever he could find, anything to keep his mind and hands busy.&nbsp; In retirement, Floyd continued to stay in harvest mode.&nbsp; He drove a truck during fall harvest and worked at Gaeddert’s during corn season.&nbsp; He loved those jobs.Floyd and Marie loved to travel and were overseas several times, going to Europe and the Holy Lands.&nbsp; They also visited all 50 states.Floyd accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 at a revival meeting.&nbsp; He was baptized in Finnamore Lake and was a lifelong member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.&nbsp; He was an Elder and served on several committees.&nbsp; He also loved to sing and the hymns were very special to him.&nbsp; He was a member of the 500 Mennonite Men’s chorus for several years.&nbsp; His faith was precious to him and his desire was that everyone will come to know Christ as their Savior.Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Buhler Municipal Cemetery.&nbsp; A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.&nbsp; Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, July 11 at Buhler Mortuary with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Floyd Lewis Siemens  |1930-2022|  

Roxanne L. Boldt Wheatley passed away July 4th, 2022, in South Carolina. 

She was born March 31, 1947, in Hutchinson KS. Roxie married Kenneth Wheatley on April 22, 1966. Ken served in the Air Force, so they lived in many places but spent several years in Hutchinson and Wichita, KS. 

While in Hutchinson Roxie worked in the Reno Co. appraiser’s office and was elected as Reno Co. Clerk. She also worked at the Hutchinson Clinic in the billing department and as a patient advocate in oncology. 

Ken and Roxie attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. After retirement they settled in the Rock Hill / Fort Mill area of South Carolina. Roxie volunteered with the Red Cross, Palmetto Free Clinic, Fort Mill Food Bank, Lutheran Feed the Hungry and Fort Mill Community Café.

Roxie will be missed by many but especially her husband Ken, daughters Denise, Keith and Heather Norman (Warren) and grandchildren Conner, Trevor, Brianna, and Haiden.

Roxanne L. Boldt Wheatley passed away July 4th, 2022, in South Carolina. She was born March 31, 1947, in Hutchinson KS. Roxie married Kenneth Wheatley on April 22, 1966. Ken served in the Air Force, so they lived in many places but spent several years in Hutchinson and Wichita, KS. While in Hutchinson Roxie worked in the Reno Co. appraiser’s office and was elected as Reno Co. Clerk. She also worked at the Hutchinson Clinic in the billing department and as a patient advocate in oncology. Ken and Roxie attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. After retirement they settled in the Rock Hill / Fort Mill area of South Carolina. Roxie volunteered with the Red Cross, Palmetto Free Clinic, Fort Mill Food Bank, Lutheran Feed the Hungry and Fort Mill Community Café.Roxie will be missed by many but especially her husband Ken, daughters Denise, Keith and Heather Norman (Warren) and grandchildren Conner, Trevor, Brianna, and Haiden.

Roxanne L. Boldt Wheatley |1947-2022|

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>

Obituaries