Leon Keith Dirks was born to Elmer and Katherine (Dick) Dirks on September 30, 1935 in Hutchinson. Keith passed away on March 13, 2022 at Hospice House in Hutchinson at the age of 86 years old.

They moved to Buhler, when Keith was in 5th&nbsp;grade.&nbsp; About that time his Dad took up custom harvesting.&nbsp; Keith became a member of Buhler Mennonite Church and was baptized on May 25, 1950.&nbsp; Upon graduating from Buhler High School and one year at Hutchinson Jr. College, Keith went into the 1-W service at Colorado General Hospital as an orderly for two years.&nbsp; During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Della Neufeld on September 30, 1956.&nbsp; They were married 66 years.&nbsp; We were blessed with two sons, Daniel Leon and Toby K.

Custom harvesting was a natural occupation for Keith and he took his family from Buhler to Texas to Montana and back for 37 years.

In 1997 after his retirement, Keith still had wanderlust so they enjoyed summers traveling to Colorado and winters to Texas and Phoenix, Arizona.

Keith loved to visit with family and friends.&nbsp; He spent his spare time in his shop on Dutch Avenue tinkering or shining or fixing something of interest.&nbsp; “A man needs his dog house!!”

He leaves his wife, Della; sons, Dan and wife, Nicole, and Toby; granddaughter, Tiffany and husband, Nick Miller; grandson, Justin and wife, Jessie Dirks; great-grandchildren, Carson and Coen Miller, and Quinn and Greyson Dirks.

Thank you all for the prayers, hugs, words of encouragement, cards, flowers and actions of love.&nbsp; Keith’s family thanks Buhler Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community for all the great care and genuine love given to our parents.&nbsp;

Cremation is planned.&nbsp; Friends may come to the chapel to view pictures and sign a register book from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022 at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community.&nbsp; A private burial will take place at Buhler Municipal Cemetery. &nbsp;

Leon Keith Dirks was born to Elmer and Katherine (Dick) Dirks on September 30, 1935 in Hutchinson. Keith passed away on March 13, 2022 at Hospice House in Hutchinson at the age of 86 years old.They moved to Buhler, when Keith was in 5th&nbsp;grade.&nbsp; About that time his Dad took up custom harvesting.&nbsp; Keith became a member of Buhler Mennonite Church and was baptized on May 25, 1950.&nbsp; Upon graduating from Buhler High School and one year at Hutchinson Jr. College, Keith went into the 1-W service at Colorado General Hospital as an orderly for two years.&nbsp; During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Della Neufeld on September 30, 1956.&nbsp; They were married 66 years.&nbsp; We were blessed with two sons, Daniel Leon and Toby K.Custom harvesting was a natural occupation for Keith and he took his family from Buhler to Texas to Montana and back for 37 years.In 1997 after his retirement, Keith still had wanderlust so they enjoyed summers traveling to Colorado and winters to Texas and Phoenix, Arizona.Keith loved to visit with family and friends.&nbsp; He spent his spare time in his shop on Dutch Avenue tinkering or shining or fixing something of interest.&nbsp; “A man needs his dog house!!”He leaves his wife, Della; sons, Dan and wife, Nicole, and Toby; granddaughter, Tiffany and husband, Nick Miller; grandson, Justin and wife, Jessie Dirks; great-grandchildren, Carson and Coen Miller, and Quinn and Greyson Dirks.Thank you all for the prayers, hugs, words of encouragement, cards, flowers and actions of love.&nbsp; Keith’s family thanks Buhler Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community for all the great care and genuine love given to our parents.&nbsp;Cremation is planned.&nbsp; Friends may come to the chapel to view pictures and sign a register book from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022 at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community.&nbsp; A private burial will take place at Buhler Municipal Cemetery. &nbsp;

Leon Keith Dirks  |1935-2022| 

Brian Dale Taylor, 48, of Kansas City, MO,
passed away unexpectedly from this world on March 11, 2022, at his home.&nbsp;
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service has not yet been scheduled.

Brian was born on March 31, 1973, in
Hutchison, to Don and Connie Taylor.&nbsp; He graduated from Blue
Springs High School with the Class of 1991.

Brian is survived by his daughter, Brianna
Taylor, and grandson, Rasheed Jr., both of Blue Springs, MO; his parents, Don
and Connie Taylor of Napoleon, MO; sister, Stefanie Harding of Clinton, MO;
nephew, Dakoda Joyce of Grandview, MO; niece, Emily Joyce of Kansas City, MO;
and his dear friend, Jennifer Pinkerton of Kansas City, MO.

Brian will truly be missed by all – God
rest his soul.

Brian Dale Taylor, 48, of Kansas City, MO,
passed away unexpectedly from this world on March 11, 2022, at his home.&nbsp;
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service has not yet been scheduled.Brian was born on March 31, 1973, in
Hutchison, to Don and Connie Taylor.&nbsp; He graduated from Blue
Springs High School with the Class of 1991.Brian is survived by his daughter, Brianna
Taylor, and grandson, Rasheed Jr., both of Blue Springs, MO; his parents, Don
and Connie Taylor of Napoleon, MO; sister, Stefanie Harding of Clinton, MO;
nephew, Dakoda Joyce of Grandview, MO; niece, Emily Joyce of Kansas City, MO;
and his dear friend, Jennifer Pinkerton of Kansas City, MO.Brian will truly be missed by all – God
rest his soul.

Brian Dale Taylor  |1973-2022|

Marilyn Rochelle Rose, 56, passed away February 24, 2022 in Haviland. She was born in Fredrick, OK. October 30, 1965 to John and Gene (Farris) Myers. Marilyn married Robin Rose January 29, 1983 at the Glendale United Methodist Church of Glendale. They were married for 39 years. Marilyn graduated from Pratt High School. She worked in the Deli Deparment at Dillons in Pratt and also the Haviland Care Center in Haviland. She was a case Manager for Iriquois in Greensburg. Marilyn enjoyed Crafts, making jackets and wreaths for family and friends. She attended the Methodist Church in Haviland and Pratt. She is survived by her husband Robin, sons, Matt (Jami) Rose of Alva, OK, Michael (Christan) Rose of Towanda; daughter, Melissa McDuff of Jacksonville, FL;. Her parents John (Gene) Myers, of Alva, OK. Brother, Michael (Julie) Myers; mother-in-law Mary Ann Rose, Pratt, KS. and many neices and nephews. Grandchildren, Kanyon and Wyatt Culwell, Joey Clayton, Rylan, Westin and Jensen Rose, Josh Manderick, Jaylyn Scribner, Travis Hazelwood, Emma and Kobi Rose. Marilyn is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Fred Rose, grandparents Alton and Inabelle Farris, aunt Elaine Evans, and cousin Vicki Evans. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial service will be 11:00 am Wednesday April 23, 2022 at the Haviland Methodist Church.

Marilyn Rochelle Rose, 56, passed away February 24, 2022 in Haviland. She was born in Fredrick, OK. October 30, 1965 to John and Gene (Farris) Myers. Marilyn married Robin Rose January 29, 1983 at the Glendale United Methodist Church of Glendale. They were married for 39 years. Marilyn graduated from Pratt High School. She worked in the Deli Deparment at Dillons in Pratt and also the Haviland Care Center in Haviland. She was a case Manager for Iriquois in Greensburg. Marilyn enjoyed Crafts, making jackets and wreaths for family and friends. She attended the Methodist Church in Haviland and Pratt. She is survived by her husband Robin, sons, Matt (Jami) Rose of Alva, OK, Michael (Christan) Rose of Towanda; daughter, Melissa McDuff of Jacksonville, FL;. Her parents John (Gene) Myers, of Alva, OK. Brother, Michael (Julie) Myers; mother-in-law Mary Ann Rose, Pratt, KS. and many neices and nephews. Grandchildren, Kanyon and Wyatt Culwell, Joey Clayton, Rylan, Westin and Jensen Rose, Josh Manderick, Jaylyn Scribner, Travis Hazelwood, Emma and Kobi Rose. Marilyn is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Fred Rose, grandparents Alton and Inabelle Farris, aunt Elaine Evans, and cousin Vicki Evans. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial service will be 11:00 am Wednesday April 23, 2022 at the Haviland Methodist Church.

Marilyn Rochelle Rose  |1965-2022| 

Melissa Lorine Couture, 51, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. She was born on November 26, 1970 in Floydada, Texas to Franklin and Judy (Wilcox) Cuthbertson. Melissa married Scott Alan Couture on September 15, 2001 in Bow, New Hampshire. They were married for 20 years. Melissa worked as an independent sales representative for 3 years for Tupperware Inc. She was also a certified Medical Aide at South Wind Home. She enjoyed painting, collecting Tupperware and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Scott; sons, Matt Wilcox and Cody Maxey both of Wichita; stepson, Brandon Couture of Goffstown, New Hampshire; father, Franklin (Dale) Cuthbertson of Fairfield, Texas; mother, Judy Stephens of Red Oak, Oklahoma; brother, Daniel Wilcox of Red Oak, Oklahoma; sister, Hattie Cuthbertson-Wilcox of Bozeman, Montana; and grandchildren, Corbyn West, Mason Maxey, Kyla Wylie, John Swope, Cataryna Swope, Joseph Wilcox and Christian Wilcox. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 28, 2022 at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Melissa Lorine Couture, 51, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. She was born on November 26, 1970 in Floydada, Texas to Franklin and Judy (Wilcox) Cuthbertson. Melissa married Scott Alan Couture on September 15, 2001 in Bow, New Hampshire. They were married for 20 years. Melissa worked as an independent sales representative for 3 years for Tupperware Inc. She was also a certified Medical Aide at South Wind Home. She enjoyed painting, collecting Tupperware and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Scott; sons, Matt Wilcox and Cody Maxey both of Wichita; stepson, Brandon Couture of Goffstown, New Hampshire; father, Franklin (Dale) Cuthbertson of Fairfield, Texas; mother, Judy Stephens of Red Oak, Oklahoma; brother, Daniel Wilcox of Red Oak, Oklahoma; sister, Hattie Cuthbertson-Wilcox of Bozeman, Montana; and grandchildren, Corbyn West, Mason Maxey, Kyla Wylie, John Swope, Cataryna Swope, Joseph Wilcox and Christian Wilcox. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 28, 2022 at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Melissa Lorine Couture  |1970-2022| 

Gerod Alan Kimball, 38, of Wichita, son of James A. Kimball of Wichita, KS and Deborah Oller of Kingman, KS, born February 6, 1984 in Medicine Lodge, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022 at his residence. 

Gerod attended South Ridge High School in Beaverton, Oregon, graduating in 2002, where he excelled in art, math, and chasing girls. After high school, he worked as an auto mechanic, metal fabricator, oilfield roughneck and tattoo artist. He enjoyed fishing, skateboarding, soccer and many other outdoor activities. Gerod’s gentle spirit gave him a special way with animals. His children, family and friends were his most treasured blessings.

Surviving are his father, his mother, his companion, Bobbi Callison of Safford, AZ; three daughters, Ember and Savy of Tucson, AZ and Emma of Safford, AZ one son, Aroe of Safford, AZ; one brother, Shaun (Amanda) Kimball of Derby; his paternal grandparents, Larry and Jean Kimball of Medicine Lodge; three nephews, Aiden, Bryson &amp; Cody; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Funeral Home, 120 E. Lincoln, Medicine Lodge, 67104. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, with Pastor Tom Walters officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.

Gerod Alan Kimball, 38, of Wichita, son of James A. Kimball of Wichita, KS and Deborah Oller of Kingman, KS, born February 6, 1984 in Medicine Lodge, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022 at his residence. Gerod attended South Ridge High School in Beaverton, Oregon, graduating in 2002, where he excelled in art, math, and chasing girls. After high school, he worked as an auto mechanic, metal fabricator, oilfield roughneck and tattoo artist. He enjoyed fishing, skateboarding, soccer and many other outdoor activities. Gerod’s gentle spirit gave him a special way with animals. His children, family and friends were his most treasured blessings.Surviving are his father, his mother, his companion, Bobbi Callison of Safford, AZ; three daughters, Ember and Savy of Tucson, AZ and Emma of Safford, AZ one son, Aroe of Safford, AZ; one brother, Shaun (Amanda) Kimball of Derby; his paternal grandparents, Larry and Jean Kimball of Medicine Lodge; three nephews, Aiden, Bryson &amp; Cody; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.Visitation will be on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Larrison Funeral Home, 120 E. Lincoln, Medicine Lodge, 67104. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, with Pastor Tom Walters officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.

Gerod Alan Kimball  |1984-2022| 

Raymond “Dale” Gustus, 86, of Geneseo; passed away March 22, 2022, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born January 2, 1936, in Geneseo, the son of Cyryl and Olive Roby Gustus.

 Dale was a lifelong Geneseo resident. He graduated from Geneseo High School with the class of 1954. Dale was a machinist for Gustus Manufacturing and worked in the salt mines in Lyons and Hutchinson, Kansas. He was a volunteer firefighter for Geneseo Fire Department for 56 years. Dale loved hunting and fishing, enjoyed playing golf, feeding the neighborhood cats, watching TV; and was an avid Chiefs, Royals, University of Kansas, and NASCAR fan. 

On September 11, 1965, Dale was united in marriage with Betty Marie Shadle in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2008. He is also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Don, Cliff, and Dean Gustus; granddaughter, Krista Shannon; and numerous cousins. Dale is survived by his stepson, Tim Young and wife Jeanette of Garnett; stepdaughter, Debbie Polson and husband Don of Louisburg; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; lifelong friend, Randy Hager of Geneseo; and numerous cousins. 

Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with Steve Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Geneseo Cemetery, Geneseo. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home with family present.&nbsp;

Raymond “Dale” Gustus, 86, of Geneseo; passed away March 22, 2022, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born January 2, 1936, in Geneseo, the son of Cyryl and Olive Roby Gustus. Dale was a lifelong Geneseo resident. He graduated from Geneseo High School with the class of 1954. Dale was a machinist for Gustus Manufacturing and worked in the salt mines in Lyons and Hutchinson, Kansas. He was a volunteer firefighter for Geneseo Fire Department for 56 years. Dale loved hunting and fishing, enjoyed playing golf, feeding the neighborhood cats, watching TV; and was an avid Chiefs, Royals, University of Kansas, and NASCAR fan. On September 11, 1965, Dale was united in marriage with Betty Marie Shadle in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2008. He is also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Don, Cliff, and Dean Gustus; granddaughter, Krista Shannon; and numerous cousins. Dale is survived by his stepson, Tim Young and wife Jeanette of Garnett; stepdaughter, Debbie Polson and husband Don of Louisburg; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; lifelong friend, Randy Hager of Geneseo; and numerous cousins. Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with Steve Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Geneseo Cemetery, Geneseo. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home with family present.&nbsp;

Raymond “Dale” Gustus  |1936-2022| 

Chizu I. Smith, 88, of Hutchinson, passed away March 20, 2022, at Hospice House of Hutchinson. She was born March 20, 1934, in Kagoshima, Japan, the daughter of Ayami and Kimiko Matsusawa Iwashige. 

Chizu has resided in Hutchinson since December of 2018, formerly of Sterling, Kansas. She worked at Locke Stove Foundry in Lyons, Sterling Grade School Cafeteria, Cessna in Hutchinson, and was a bus monitor for special needs children for USD 376. Chizu enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, cross-stitching, shopping, camping, and watching TV. 

On January 13, 1953, Chizu was united in marriage with Vernon L. Smith in Fukuoka, Japan. He preceded her in death on December 12, 2018. She is also preceded in death by her son, Kenny Smith; sibling, Sadao Iwashige; and a great-granddaughter, Kassius Savage. 

Chizu is survived by her two daughters, Beverly Exposito and husband Parker of Hutchinson; and Debbie Savage of Ark City; two brothers, Saiji Iwashige and wife Ikuko of Japan and Hiromi Iwashige and wife Miriam of Partridge; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. 

Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Monday, March 28, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present.&nbsp;

Chizu I. Smith, 88, of Hutchinson, passed away March 20, 2022, at Hospice House of Hutchinson. She was born March 20, 1934, in Kagoshima, Japan, the daughter of Ayami and Kimiko Matsusawa Iwashige. Chizu has resided in Hutchinson since December of 2018, formerly of Sterling, Kansas. She worked at Locke Stove Foundry in Lyons, Sterling Grade School Cafeteria, Cessna in Hutchinson, and was a bus monitor for special needs children for USD 376. Chizu enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, cross-stitching, shopping, camping, and watching TV. On January 13, 1953, Chizu was united in marriage with Vernon L. Smith in Fukuoka, Japan. He preceded her in death on December 12, 2018. She is also preceded in death by her son, Kenny Smith; sibling, Sadao Iwashige; and a great-granddaughter, Kassius Savage. Chizu is survived by her two daughters, Beverly Exposito and husband Parker of Hutchinson; and Debbie Savage of Ark City; two brothers, Saiji Iwashige and wife Ikuko of Japan and Hiromi Iwashige and wife Miriam of Partridge; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. Burial will follow at Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Monday, March 28, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling with family present.&nbsp;

Chizu I. Smith  |1934-2022| 

Barbara Jean Arensman Snyder, 90, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away March 20, 2022, at Legend of Hutchinson. She was born July 26, 1931, in Woodbine, the daughter of Dorven Daniel and Lillian Barbara Biegert Hummel. 

Barbara has resided in Hutchinson since 2008, formerly of Palmer Lake, Colorado and rural Chase. She graduated from Chapman High School, Chapman, with the class of 1949, and later received her bachelor’s degree in music at Kansas Wesleyan University in 1953. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and United Methodist Women both in Hutchinson. 

On December 22, 1954, Barbara was united in marriage with Virgil Arensman in Lyona Church, rural Junction City. She was a homemaker, and worked with Virgil, running Arensman Sand &amp; Gravel near Raymond. She also taught school for several years. He preceded her in death on October 3, 2008. 

On June 5, 2011, Barbara was united in marriage with Dale Snyder in Hutchinson. He preceded her in death on December 18, 2017. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel Arensman; stepson, Daniel Snyder; and sister, Ila Polson. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Debra Stelter and husband Jim of Oklahoma City, OK; step-son, David Snyder and wife Terrie of Phoenix, AZ; two step-daughters, Melinda Chambers and husband Bryce Corfman of Valley Center; and Susan Crosby of Lawrence; step-daughter-in-law, Karen Snyder of McPherson; two brothers-in-law, Ed Polson of Lyons; and Dwight York of Oakley; nephews, John Polson of Kansas City; and Daren York of Scott City; nieces, Denise York of Edmond, OK; and Dana Shay of Healy; Joann Soderlund of Leavenworth; three grandchildren, Reed Stelter, Erin Stelter, and Tony Stelter; six step-grandchildren, and one-great-grandson, Ethan Stelter. 

Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Salem United Methodist Church, rural Bushton, with Pastor Kim Shank officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem United Methodist Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M.&nbsp;

Barbara Jean Arensman Snyder, 90, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away March 20, 2022, at Legend of Hutchinson. She was born July 26, 1931, in Woodbine, the daughter of Dorven Daniel and Lillian Barbara Biegert Hummel. Barbara has resided in Hutchinson since 2008, formerly of Palmer Lake, Colorado and rural Chase. She graduated from Chapman High School, Chapman, with the class of 1949, and later received her bachelor’s degree in music at Kansas Wesleyan University in 1953. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and United Methodist Women both in Hutchinson. On December 22, 1954, Barbara was united in marriage with Virgil Arensman in Lyona Church, rural Junction City. She was a homemaker, and worked with Virgil, running Arensman Sand &amp; Gravel near Raymond. She also taught school for several years. He preceded her in death on October 3, 2008. On June 5, 2011, Barbara was united in marriage with Dale Snyder in Hutchinson. He preceded her in death on December 18, 2017. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel Arensman; stepson, Daniel Snyder; and sister, Ila Polson. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Debra Stelter and husband Jim of Oklahoma City, OK; step-son, David Snyder and wife Terrie of Phoenix, AZ; two step-daughters, Melinda Chambers and husband Bryce Corfman of Valley Center; and Susan Crosby of Lawrence; step-daughter-in-law, Karen Snyder of McPherson; two brothers-in-law, Ed Polson of Lyons; and Dwight York of Oakley; nephews, John Polson of Kansas City; and Daren York of Scott City; nieces, Denise York of Edmond, OK; and Dana Shay of Healy; Joann Soderlund of Leavenworth; three grandchildren, Reed Stelter, Erin Stelter, and Tony Stelter; six step-grandchildren, and one-great-grandson, Ethan Stelter. Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Salem United Methodist Church, rural Bushton, with Pastor Kim Shank officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem United Methodist Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, March 25, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M.&nbsp;

Barbara Jean Arensman Snyder  |1931-2022| 

Ruth Elizabeth James, 96, passed away in Hutchinson, Kansas on March 18, 2022.&nbsp; She was born on July 7, 1925 to Bernard and Cora Lee Toombs.

Graveside service will be held at the Highland Cemetery, 803 Iliff Street, Medicine Lodge, on April 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;

Ruth Elizabeth James, 96, passed away in Hutchinson, Kansas on March 18, 2022.&nbsp; She was born on July 7, 1925 to Bernard and Cora Lee Toombs.Graveside service will be held at the Highland Cemetery, 803 Iliff Street, Medicine Lodge, on April 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;

Ruth Elizabeth James  |1925-2022| 

Sherlyn “Sherry” A. Smith, 70 years of age passed away peacefully on March 17th, 2022 at Hospice House of Reno County.

Sherlyn was born May 21st, 1951 in Hutchinson, to Kenneth and Ardith Marcum.

She worked at the Tyson facility in South Hutchinson for 41 years.

Sherlyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Smith, Jr., and both parents. She is survived by her children, Ardith Smith, Robert Smith III, and Kenneth Smith of Hutchinson, and one grandson, Shon Garcia of Wichita. Other survivors are her brothers and sister. Ronald (Anna Lou) Marcum, Craig (Janice) Marcum, Shawn (Mikelle) Marcum, Jason (Katie) Marcum and Lorrie Ray, all of Hutchinson, KS.

Sherlyn enjoyed working in her yard, taking care of her kids and spoiling her grandson. And when she wasn’t doing those things, she loved to escape from reality by taking a trip to the casino or even just hanging out with her best friend and partner in crime, Sylvia “Ethel”.

Per her request, cremation has taken place and a celebration in her honor will take place at a later date.&nbsp;

Sherlyn “Sherry” A. Smith, 70 years of age passed away peacefully on March 17th, 2022 at Hospice House of Reno County.Sherlyn was born May 21st, 1951 in Hutchinson, to Kenneth and Ardith Marcum.She worked at the Tyson facility in South Hutchinson for 41 years.Sherlyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Smith, Jr., and both parents. She is survived by her children, Ardith Smith, Robert Smith III, and Kenneth Smith of Hutchinson, and one grandson, Shon Garcia of Wichita. Other survivors are her brothers and sister. Ronald (Anna Lou) Marcum, Craig (Janice) Marcum, Shawn (Mikelle) Marcum, Jason (Katie) Marcum and Lorrie Ray, all of Hutchinson, KS.Sherlyn enjoyed working in her yard, taking care of her kids and spoiling her grandson. And when she wasn’t doing those things, she loved to escape from reality by taking a trip to the casino or even just hanging out with her best friend and partner in crime, Sylvia “Ethel”.Per her request, cremation has taken place and a celebration in her honor will take place at a later date.&nbsp;

Sherlyn “Sherry” A. Smith  |1951-2022| 

Ray W. Troyer, 92, passed away March 21, 2022, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.&nbsp; He was born September 4, 1929, in Hutchinson, to Jacob S. and Sarah Ann (Schrock) Troyer.

Ray was a dairy farmer who loved his animals.&nbsp; He, along with his wife Mary, owned a grocery store in Yoder for several years.&nbsp; Ray was involved in the 1W Service Program for two years as an orderly at the Rose Hill Hospital, Denver, CO.&nbsp; He was one of the early board members at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson, and sang in the 500 Mennonite Mens Chorus.&nbsp; Ray was a member of Journey Mennonite Church, Yoder, serving as an Elder and an adult Sunday School teacher.

He was an avid supporter of the Kansas City Royals and enjoyed watching sports on television.&nbsp; If something needed fixed or repaired, Ray was the person to call.&nbsp; He loved to volunteer and he had a huge charitable heart when it came to helping those in need.

On June 2, 1957, Ray married Mary Elizabeth Kaufman, at the Yoder Mennonite Church, Yoder.&nbsp; They shared over 64 years of marriage, prior to her death on February 9, 2022.

He is survived by: his sons. Loren (Stephanie) Troyer of Angola, IN, and Timothy L. (Maria L.) Troyer of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren, Madison Troyer, Max Troyer, Matt Harding, and Miles (Becky) Harding; great-grandchildren, Kendall Harding, Colton Harding, and Keira Harding; and sister-in-law, Frieda Troyer of South Hutchinson.

Ray was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; wife; and son, Kenneth Troyer.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at Journey Mennonite Church, Yoder, with Pastors Eric Miller and Judy Miller officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Yoder Cemetery located next to the church.&nbsp; Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at Elliott Mortuary, and from 10 a.m. to service time on Friday, March 25, with the family present at the church.

Ray W. Troyer, 92, passed away March 21, 2022, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.&nbsp; He was born September 4, 1929, in Hutchinson, to Jacob S. and Sarah Ann (Schrock) Troyer.Ray was a dairy farmer who loved his animals.&nbsp; He, along with his wife Mary, owned a grocery store in Yoder for several years.&nbsp; Ray was involved in the 1W Service Program for two years as an orderly at the Rose Hill Hospital, Denver, CO.&nbsp; He was one of the early board members at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson, and sang in the 500 Mennonite Mens Chorus.&nbsp; Ray was a member of Journey Mennonite Church, Yoder, serving as an Elder and an adult Sunday School teacher.He was an avid supporter of the Kansas City Royals and enjoyed watching sports on television.&nbsp; If something needed fixed or repaired, Ray was the person to call.&nbsp; He loved to volunteer and he had a huge charitable heart when it came to helping those in need.On June 2, 1957, Ray married Mary Elizabeth Kaufman, at the Yoder Mennonite Church, Yoder.&nbsp; They shared over 64 years of marriage, prior to her death on February 9, 2022.He is survived by: his sons. Loren (Stephanie) Troyer of Angola, IN, and Timothy L. (Maria L.) Troyer of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren, Madison Troyer, Max Troyer, Matt Harding, and Miles (Becky) Harding; great-grandchildren, Kendall Harding, Colton Harding, and Keira Harding; and sister-in-law, Frieda Troyer of South Hutchinson.Ray was preceded in death by:&nbsp; his parents; wife; and son, Kenneth Troyer.Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at Journey Mennonite Church, Yoder, with Pastors Eric Miller and Judy Miller officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Yoder Cemetery located next to the church.&nbsp; Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at Elliott Mortuary, and from 10 a.m. to service time on Friday, March 25, with the family present at the church.

Ray W. Troyer  |1929-2022| 

Janet Kay (Stewart) Perry-Schreck, 82, earned her heavenly angel’s wings on March 20, 2022. She was born September 4, 1939, in Hutchinson, to Otis and Marie Nicholson. At 10 months old, she was adopted by John and Katherine Stewart.

Janet had a great life growing up in Hutchinson. Her dad was a projectionist at the Fox theater and she attended nearly all the movies and events there. After her parents’ deaths, Janet reconnected with her birth family; mother, Marie Wheeler; and siblings, Delores, Joan, Marlene, and Gary. Janet and her sisters enjoyed estate sales, rummage sales, and finding bargains.

She worked for 38 years for the Polk Co. and Wolverine Printing and Publishing, working in the camera room and was the manager of the ad room for many years before she retired.

Janet accepted Christ as her Savior at age 12 and was an active member of First Congregational Church and loved her church family. She was a very positive person and her love for Christ was strong. Janet volunteered at Cancer Council of Reno County, helping raise money. She also enjoyed water aerobics at the YMCA with her close friend, Darlene, and her friends there became family. Janet also enjoyed planning her class reunions at Hutchinson High School.

In 1956, she married Kenneth Cooper. They later divorced. In 1965, Janet married John Perry and they shared 43 years of marriage before his death in 2008.

On May 7, 2016, she married Maurice ‘Mo’ Schreck and much happiness developed from that marriage. He survives.

Also surviving are: children, Noni Dennis (Joe) of Rapid City, SD; Kerry Cooper and Brett Cooper, both of Colorado Springs, CO; Gina Perry (Austin Allen) of Mount Hope; grandchildren, Jennifer Cyr-Clegg (Dan), Nicole Berry (Jason), Christina Cooper, Kari Dennis (Tanister Peterson), Michelle Catlett (Hugo Madrid), Dustin Stubby (Natasha), Brett Stubby, Casey Sanchez (Jacob), Spencer Cooper, Karissa Reid (Shaun); 19 great-grandchildren; many extended family members; as well as an abundance of friends. Although her family was scattered all over the United States, Janet made sure she communicated with them often.

Janet was preceded in death by: her parents; grandson, Michael Graves; siblings, Joan White, Marlene Madden, Delores Livingston, and Gary Nicholson.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on the church's website firstcongregationalhutch.org.

Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp;

Janet Kay (Stewart) Perry-Schreck, 82, earned her heavenly angel’s wings on March 20, 2022. She was born September 4, 1939, in Hutchinson, to Otis and Marie Nicholson. At 10 months old, she was adopted by John and Katherine Stewart.Janet had a great life growing up in Hutchinson. Her dad was a projectionist at the Fox theater and she attended nearly all the movies and events there. After her parents’ deaths, Janet reconnected with her birth family; mother, Marie Wheeler; and siblings, Delores, Joan, Marlene, and Gary. Janet and her sisters enjoyed estate sales, rummage sales, and finding bargains.She worked for 38 years for the Polk Co. and Wolverine Printing and Publishing, working in the camera room and was the manager of the ad room for many years before she retired.Janet accepted Christ as her Savior at age 12 and was an active member of First Congregational Church and loved her church family. She was a very positive person and her love for Christ was strong. Janet volunteered at Cancer Council of Reno County, helping raise money. She also enjoyed water aerobics at the YMCA with her close friend, Darlene, and her friends there became family. Janet also enjoyed planning her class reunions at Hutchinson High School.In 1956, she married Kenneth Cooper. They later divorced. In 1965, Janet married John Perry and they shared 43 years of marriage before his death in 2008.On May 7, 2016, she married Maurice ‘Mo’ Schreck and much happiness developed from that marriage. He survives.Also surviving are: children, Noni Dennis (Joe) of Rapid City, SD; Kerry Cooper and Brett Cooper, both of Colorado Springs, CO; Gina Perry (Austin Allen) of Mount Hope; grandchildren, Jennifer Cyr-Clegg (Dan), Nicole Berry (Jason), Christina Cooper, Kari Dennis (Tanister Peterson), Michelle Catlett (Hugo Madrid), Dustin Stubby (Natasha), Brett Stubby, Casey Sanchez (Jacob), Spencer Cooper, Karissa Reid (Shaun); 19 great-grandchildren; many extended family members; as well as an abundance of friends. Although her family was scattered all over the United States, Janet made sure she communicated with them often.Janet was preceded in death by: her parents; grandson, Michael Graves; siblings, Joan White, Marlene Madden, Delores Livingston, and Gary Nicholson.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on the church's website firstcongregationalhutch.org.Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp;

Janet Kay (Stewart) Perry-Schreck  |1939-2022| 

Darlene Marie Main, 85, of Hutchinson, died March 19, 2022, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. She was born October 29, 1936, in Chicago, IL, to William and Mary Carsten.

Darlene graduated from high school in Chicago. She moved to Hutchinson in 1959 and worked in the jewelry department at Pegues for many years before she retired. Darlene enjoyed flower gardening and was a member of Hutchinson Iris Club. She was a huge Chicago Bears fan.

On May, 22, 1959, Darlene married John A. Main, in Chicago. He died October 23, 2004.

She is survived by: her son-in-law, David McCamant of Hutchinson; grandson, Cooper McCamant of Overland Park; and sister, Bonnie White of Chicago.

Darlene was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; son, Bill; daughter, Kim McCamant; and brother, Bill Carsten.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Tuesday.

Darlene Marie Main, 85, of Hutchinson, died March 19, 2022, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. She was born October 29, 1936, in Chicago, IL, to William and Mary Carsten.Darlene graduated from high school in Chicago. She moved to Hutchinson in 1959 and worked in the jewelry department at Pegues for many years before she retired. Darlene enjoyed flower gardening and was a member of Hutchinson Iris Club. She was a huge Chicago Bears fan.On May, 22, 1959, Darlene married John A. Main, in Chicago. He died October 23, 2004.She is survived by: her son-in-law, David McCamant of Hutchinson; grandson, Cooper McCamant of Overland Park; and sister, Bonnie White of Chicago.Darlene was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; son, Bill; daughter, Kim McCamant; and brother, Bill Carsten.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Tuesday.

Darlene Marie Main  |1936-2022| 

Brian G. Hemphill, 42, died March 17, 2022, at his home in Hutchinson, after a long battle with the pain he has endured for many years, he is now renewed and at peace with our Heavenly Father. Brian was born November 7, 1979, to Bobby Hemphill, Sr., and Donna Truitt, in Lyons.

Brian attended Hutchinson High School. On September 26, 2009, Brian married Brandi Hoefer, in Hutchinson. Brian was very artistic and loved to draw and sketch. He enjoyed fast cars and racing, combat sports, and being outdoors as much as possible. More than anything else, he enjoyed spending time with his children and family.

Brian is survived by: wife, Brandi; daughter, Natalie Hemphill; sons, , Dylan and Dayton Hemphill, of the home, Bryson Hemphill, Hutchinson; parents, Donna (David) Truitt, and Bobby Hemphill, Sr.; brothers, Rodney (Megan) Henry, Bobby Hemphill, Jr. all of Hutchinson; sister, Christi (Don) Raybern, Radium; grandparents, Kenny King, Jr., and Shirley Colvin; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Brian was preceded in death by: grandparents, Bob and Doris Hemphill, Jody “Donna” King, Jack Colvin and Doug Payne.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at the funeral home.

Brian G. Hemphill, 42, died March 17, 2022, at his home in Hutchinson, after a long battle with the pain he has endured for many years, he is now renewed and at peace with our Heavenly Father. Brian was born November 7, 1979, to Bobby Hemphill, Sr., and Donna Truitt, in Lyons.Brian attended Hutchinson High School. On September 26, 2009, Brian married Brandi Hoefer, in Hutchinson. Brian was very artistic and loved to draw and sketch. He enjoyed fast cars and racing, combat sports, and being outdoors as much as possible. More than anything else, he enjoyed spending time with his children and family.Brian is survived by: wife, Brandi; daughter, Natalie Hemphill; sons, , Dylan and Dayton Hemphill, of the home, Bryson Hemphill, Hutchinson; parents, Donna (David) Truitt, and Bobby Hemphill, Sr.; brothers, Rodney (Megan) Henry, Bobby Hemphill, Jr. all of Hutchinson; sister, Christi (Don) Raybern, Radium; grandparents, Kenny King, Jr., and Shirley Colvin; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.Brian was preceded in death by: grandparents, Bob and Doris Hemphill, Jody “Donna” King, Jack Colvin and Doug Payne.A Celebration of Life service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at the funeral home.

Brian G. Hemphill  |1979-2022| 

Verna M. Harder, 86, of Newton passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, March 20,2022.

Verna was born Verna Mae Chapple to George Harold Chapple and Anna Mary (Sommerfeld) Chapple on September 18, 1935.&nbsp; Her parents preceded her in death.&nbsp; Verna was preceded in death by Carroll L. Harder, her husband of 55 years.&nbsp; Verna is survived by sons Randy (Lori) and David (Vicki); grandsons Todd (Jaime), Andrew (Lorisa) and Alex; and great grandchildren Austin, Lillian, Sophie, Allison, Addyson, Gemma, and Reese.

Verna grew up attending Gem School just down the road from where she grew up.&nbsp; She was involved in the Macon 4-H club and later was part of the first group of Gem Go Getters 4-H club.&nbsp; She attended high school at Hesston Mennonite Academy.&nbsp; She then attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia.&nbsp; After teachers’ college, she taught at Countryside School between Whitewater, Elbing and Potwin.&nbsp; This is where she met her husband, Carroll.&nbsp; They were married on May 4, 1957.

Carroll and Verna were long time active members of Swiss Church in Whitewater which is now Whitewater Community Church. &nbsp;Verna taught Sunday School and VBS while in high school and later was superintendent of the primary department when she was in college.&nbsp; While at Swiss Mennonite Church, both Carroll and Verna taught various age groups at many different times.&nbsp; Ponca Bible Camp was a big part of their lives up until their sons were old enough to attend.&nbsp; Carroll worked as a counselor and Verna in the kitchen.

Carroll and Verna started Harder Service in the early 1960’s.&nbsp; The company later became known as Harder Construction.&nbsp; Verna was the company’s bookkeeper, go-fer, and she put a lot of miles on the trucks she drove.

A family and friends’ visitation will be held on Thursday March 24, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater.&nbsp; Private burial will be held in Green Valley Cemetery, Furley followed by a Celebration of Life service Friday March 25, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Newton Bible Church, Newton.&nbsp; The Celebration of Life will be live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>&nbsp;MCTV20LIVE at the time of the service.

Verna M. Harder, 86, of Newton passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, March 20,2022.Verna was born Verna Mae Chapple to George Harold Chapple and Anna Mary (Sommerfeld) Chapple on September 18, 1935.&nbsp; Her parents preceded her in death.&nbsp; Verna was preceded in death by Carroll L. Harder, her husband of 55 years.&nbsp; Verna is survived by sons Randy (Lori) and David (Vicki); grandsons Todd (Jaime), Andrew (Lorisa) and Alex; and great grandchildren Austin, Lillian, Sophie, Allison, Addyson, Gemma, and Reese.Verna grew up attending Gem School just down the road from where she grew up.&nbsp; She was involved in the Macon 4-H club and later was part of the first group of Gem Go Getters 4-H club.&nbsp; She attended high school at Hesston Mennonite Academy.&nbsp; She then attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia.&nbsp; After teachers’ college, she taught at Countryside School between Whitewater, Elbing and Potwin.&nbsp; This is where she met her husband, Carroll.&nbsp; They were married on May 4, 1957.Carroll and Verna were long time active members of Swiss Church in Whitewater which is now Whitewater Community Church. &nbsp;Verna taught Sunday School and VBS while in high school and later was superintendent of the primary department when she was in college.&nbsp; While at Swiss Mennonite Church, both Carroll and Verna taught various age groups at many different times.&nbsp; Ponca Bible Camp was a big part of their lives up until their sons were old enough to attend.&nbsp; Carroll worked as a counselor and Verna in the kitchen.Carroll and Verna started Harder Service in the early 1960’s.&nbsp; The company later became known as Harder Construction.&nbsp; Verna was the company’s bookkeeper, go-fer, and she put a lot of miles on the trucks she drove.A family and friends’ visitation will be held on Thursday March 24, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater.&nbsp; Private burial will be held in Green Valley Cemetery, Furley followed by a Celebration of Life service Friday March 25, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Newton Bible Church, Newton.&nbsp; The Celebration of Life will be live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>&nbsp;MCTV20LIVE at the time of the service.

Verna M. Harder  |1935-2022| 

Arley L. Porter 88, died Saturday March 19, 2022 at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. He was born August 4, 1933 in Boise, Idaho to Archie and Ruth (Wimmer) Porter. On June 1, 1957 he married Mary Robinson and she preceded him in death on July 15, 2008

Arley served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.

He was the owner and operator of the former American Investment Insurance Company in Newton and Peabody.

Arley was a member of the Newton American Legion and VFW Posts’.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time playing golf, fishing and bowling. He enjoyed dancing and would go to various senior center dances in the area.&nbsp; His family was important to him and looked forward to spending time with them, especially time camping at Marion reservoir.

He is survived by his son Brett Porter, daughter Jana Iniguez, sister Marietta Walla and grandson Justin Phillips.

Arley is preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister Verna Leckington and brother Elvin Porter.

Graveside committal service with Navy honors will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday March 24, 2022 at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arley L. Porter 88, died Saturday March 19, 2022 at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. He was born August 4, 1933 in Boise, Idaho to Archie and Ruth (Wimmer) Porter. On June 1, 1957 he married Mary Robinson and she preceded him in death on July 15, 2008Arley served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.He was the owner and operator of the former American Investment Insurance Company in Newton and Peabody.Arley was a member of the Newton American Legion and VFW Posts’.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time playing golf, fishing and bowling. He enjoyed dancing and would go to various senior center dances in the area.&nbsp; His family was important to him and looked forward to spending time with them, especially time camping at Marion reservoir.He is survived by his son Brett Porter, daughter Jana Iniguez, sister Marietta Walla and grandson Justin Phillips.Arley is preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister Verna Leckington and brother Elvin Porter.Graveside committal service with Navy honors will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday March 24, 2022 at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas.&nbsp; Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arley L. Porter  |1933-2022| 

Norman F. Salmans, 88, passed away Friday, March 18, 2022, at home, surrounded by family in Newton.

He was born Norman Farrell Salmans on November 22, 1933 near Hanston, to Vance &amp; Sue (Hertel) Salmans.&nbsp; He graduated in 1951 from Hanston High School, Hanston.

On June 29, 1951, he married the love of his life, Joy E. Worley, in Jetmore. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He retired from St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, as a carpenter.&nbsp; He had worked hard his whole life for his family at various jobs including being a truck driver, heavy equipment operator, mobile home transporter, and construction worker.&nbsp; He enjoyed making people laugh with jokes and riddles. &nbsp;His favorite thing was to spend time with his family and friends.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was a member of the Circle 8 Square Dance Club, the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus, and the Moundridge Senior Center Billiards Team.&nbsp; He was active in St. Mary’s Church, serving for years as an usher and assisting with repairs and building projects.

Norman is survived by three children: Joseph “Joe” Salmans, Newton; Jack (Wanda) Salmans, Moundridge; and Sharon (Kelby) Harrison, Newton; grandchildren: Brenda (Mark) Swanson, Clearfield, Utah; Barbie (Calvin) Williams, Denison, Iowa; Brandon Salmans, Spencer, Iowa; Hannah Salmans, San Diego, California; Rebekah Salmans, Merriam; Shay (Mike) Waters, Derby; Lacey Salmans, Moundridge; Keaton Harrison, Newton; Amelia (Fernando) Fierros, Wichita, and Quinton Harrison, Newton; great-grandchildren: Devin, Willie, Macie, Colton, Alanna, Wyatt, Danicka, Daytona, Lily, Hunter, Mercutio, Temperance, D’Angelo, Alayna and Mateo; and great-great-grandchildren: Chloe, Kinsley, Jameson, Michael and Sarah; and his brothers, Nyle (Ginger) Salmans, McLouth; and Nevin (Jolene) Salmans, Pueblo, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy; his parents; daughter, Nancy; two sons, Norman “Leon” and Chris; daughter-in-law, Julie (Copeland) Salmans; his brothers, Neil and Nick Salmans; his brother-in-law, Maurice Worley and wife, Mary; his brother-in-law, Claude “Bud” Worley and wife, Lena; and grandchildren, Jason, Tiffany, Faith, and Isaiah.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Petersen Funeral Home. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be performed at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home by the Knights of Columbus.&nbsp; The graveside committal will follow the funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Norman F. Salmans, 88, passed away Friday, March 18, 2022, at home, surrounded by family in Newton.He was born Norman Farrell Salmans on November 22, 1933 near Hanston, to Vance &amp; Sue (Hertel) Salmans.&nbsp; He graduated in 1951 from Hanston High School, Hanston.On June 29, 1951, he married the love of his life, Joy E. Worley, in Jetmore. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He retired from St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, as a carpenter.&nbsp; He had worked hard his whole life for his family at various jobs including being a truck driver, heavy equipment operator, mobile home transporter, and construction worker.&nbsp; He enjoyed making people laugh with jokes and riddles. &nbsp;His favorite thing was to spend time with his family and friends.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was a member of the Circle 8 Square Dance Club, the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus, and the Moundridge Senior Center Billiards Team.&nbsp; He was active in St. Mary’s Church, serving for years as an usher and assisting with repairs and building projects.Norman is survived by three children: Joseph “Joe” Salmans, Newton; Jack (Wanda) Salmans, Moundridge; and Sharon (Kelby) Harrison, Newton; grandchildren: Brenda (Mark) Swanson, Clearfield, Utah; Barbie (Calvin) Williams, Denison, Iowa; Brandon Salmans, Spencer, Iowa; Hannah Salmans, San Diego, California; Rebekah Salmans, Merriam; Shay (Mike) Waters, Derby; Lacey Salmans, Moundridge; Keaton Harrison, Newton; Amelia (Fernando) Fierros, Wichita, and Quinton Harrison, Newton; great-grandchildren: Devin, Willie, Macie, Colton, Alanna, Wyatt, Danicka, Daytona, Lily, Hunter, Mercutio, Temperance, D’Angelo, Alayna and Mateo; and great-great-grandchildren: Chloe, Kinsley, Jameson, Michael and Sarah; and his brothers, Nyle (Ginger) Salmans, McLouth; and Nevin (Jolene) Salmans, Pueblo, Colorado.He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy; his parents; daughter, Nancy; two sons, Norman “Leon” and Chris; daughter-in-law, Julie (Copeland) Salmans; his brothers, Neil and Nick Salmans; his brother-in-law, Maurice Worley and wife, Mary; his brother-in-law, Claude “Bud” Worley and wife, Lena; and grandchildren, Jason, Tiffany, Faith, and Isaiah.The Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Petersen Funeral Home. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be performed at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home by the Knights of Columbus.&nbsp; The graveside committal will follow the funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Norman F. Salmans  |1933-2022| 

Admired and adored by all who were fortunate enough to share in her life, Dana Lynn Hamilton, 72, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed suddenly on March 16, 2022. 

     Dana was born June 30, 1949 in McPherson, to Linn and Ione Lundstrom. A small-town cheerleader with an infectious smile, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University before making her home in Kansas City. 

     Dana had a successful 30-year career with the Forrest T. Jones Company, becoming one of the first female officers in the company’s history and earning the respect and friendship of her colleagues. Recently described as “tough as nails with a heart of gold,” she was a rare combination of fierce strength and loving nurturer. Nowhere was this more true than in her role as a single mother to her two daughters, Shannon and Tara, who were the blessed recipients of her wisdom, guidance, unwavering support, and unconditional love. 

     Dana enjoyed cheering on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs, sharing wine with her “sewing circle” sisters, and hosting fabulous family holidays. But all who knew Dana were aware that the true lights of her life were her six grandchildren, Ryan, Jackson, Braeden, Katherine, Benjamin and Brooklyn, who will always know that their Nana thought they hung the moon. 

     Her loved ones will continue to honor her extraordinary legacy by elaborately celebrating life’s special occasions, prioritizing family above all else, and someday, soon, allowing laughter to return, as her wit and sense of humor were second to none. 

     Dana will be forever missed and is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Matthew) Briesacher of Jefferson City, MO; and Tara (Christopher) Garcia of Kansas City, MO; Grandchildren, Jackson, Katherine, Benjamin and Brooklyn Briesacher of Jefferson City, MO; and Ryan and Braeden Garcia of Kansas City, MO; Brother, Gregory (Susan) Lundstrom of Lindsborg; Nephew, Eric (Erin) Lundstrom of Lindsborg; Best friend and sister, Cynthia Cipolla of Kansas City, MO; and all of the family, friends and colleagues, whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Linn and Ione Lundstrom.

     A Memorial Service celebrating Dana will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11:00 am at The Park Place, 160 English Landing Drive, Parkville, MO 64152. At Dana’s request, a Committal Service will follow on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Lindsborg, KS.

Admired and adored by all who were fortunate enough to share in her life, Dana Lynn Hamilton, 72, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed suddenly on March 16, 2022. Dana was born June 30, 1949 in McPherson, to Linn and Ione Lundstrom. A small-town cheerleader with an infectious smile, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University before making her home in Kansas City. Dana had a successful 30-year career with the Forrest T. Jones Company, becoming one of the first female officers in the company’s history and earning the respect and friendship of her colleagues. Recently described as “tough as nails with a heart of gold,” she was a rare combination of fierce strength and loving nurturer. Nowhere was this more true than in her role as a single mother to her two daughters, Shannon and Tara, who were the blessed recipients of her wisdom, guidance, unwavering support, and unconditional love. Dana enjoyed cheering on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs, sharing wine with her “sewing circle” sisters, and hosting fabulous family holidays. But all who knew Dana were aware that the true lights of her life were her six grandchildren, Ryan, Jackson, Braeden, Katherine, Benjamin and Brooklyn, who will always know that their Nana thought they hung the moon. Her loved ones will continue to honor her extraordinary legacy by elaborately celebrating life’s special occasions, prioritizing family above all else, and someday, soon, allowing laughter to return, as her wit and sense of humor were second to none. Dana will be forever missed and is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Matthew) Briesacher of Jefferson City, MO; and Tara (Christopher) Garcia of Kansas City, MO; Grandchildren, Jackson, Katherine, Benjamin and Brooklyn Briesacher of Jefferson City, MO; and Ryan and Braeden Garcia of Kansas City, MO; Brother, Gregory (Susan) Lundstrom of Lindsborg; Nephew, Eric (Erin) Lundstrom of Lindsborg; Best friend and sister, Cynthia Cipolla of Kansas City, MO; and all of the family, friends and colleagues, whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Linn and Ione Lundstrom. A Memorial Service celebrating Dana will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 11:00 am at The Park Place, 160 English Landing Drive, Parkville, MO 64152. At Dana’s request, a Committal Service will follow on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery in Lindsborg, KS.

Dana Lynn Hamilton  |1949-2022| 

Alejandro Paul Mancillas, 16, of Hutchinson, died March 16, 2022. He was born February 20, 2006, in Hutchinson, to David Mancillas and Nichole Schroth-Hearon.

Alejandro was a student at Hutchinson High School. He was an athlete and enjoyed kickboxing, wrestling, basketball, football, and weightlifting. Alejandro also loved to spend time with his brothers and sister. &nbsp;He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson.

Alejandro is survived by: father and stepmother, David and Amanda Mancillas, Hutchinson; mother and stepfather, Nichole Schroth-Hearon and Gerrod Hearon; sister, Caylin Mancillas; brothers, Javyn Hearon, Armando Mancillas, Manuel “Manny” Mancillas; grandparents, Paulino “Granpey” and Armida Mancillas, Hutchinson, Gary and Lori Algrim, Nickerson, Cindy Schroth, Hutchinson, Leslie Hale, Hutchinson; aunts and uncles, Adriana Armbruster (Chris), Dr. Annabel Mancillas (Dr. David Gajewski), Tyler Algrim (Kim), Chase Algrim (Jessica), Ashley Clifford (Jason),&nbsp; Derek Barnes (Crystal Pike), Cassie Castaneda (Kale), Maranda Barnes (Jamal Boyd), Tyishia Woods (Tomy), Tierra Hearon, Tionna Hearon, Darrian Holland, Destiny Ponds; and many cousins. Alejandro was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bill Sheldon.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary. &nbsp;Parish rosary will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday March 26, 2022, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson. A private family burial will follow the Mass service at Fairlawn Burial Park. &nbsp;Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, at Elliott Mortuary.

Alejandro Paul Mancillas, 16, of Hutchinson, died March 16, 2022. He was born February 20, 2006, in Hutchinson, to David Mancillas and Nichole Schroth-Hearon.Alejandro was a student at Hutchinson High School. He was an athlete and enjoyed kickboxing, wrestling, basketball, football, and weightlifting. Alejandro also loved to spend time with his brothers and sister. &nbsp;He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson.Alejandro is survived by: father and stepmother, David and Amanda Mancillas, Hutchinson; mother and stepfather, Nichole Schroth-Hearon and Gerrod Hearon; sister, Caylin Mancillas; brothers, Javyn Hearon, Armando Mancillas, Manuel “Manny” Mancillas; grandparents, Paulino “Granpey” and Armida Mancillas, Hutchinson, Gary and Lori Algrim, Nickerson, Cindy Schroth, Hutchinson, Leslie Hale, Hutchinson; aunts and uncles, Adriana Armbruster (Chris), Dr. Annabel Mancillas (Dr. David Gajewski), Tyler Algrim (Kim), Chase Algrim (Jessica), Ashley Clifford (Jason),&nbsp; Derek Barnes (Crystal Pike), Cassie Castaneda (Kale), Maranda Barnes (Jamal Boyd), Tyishia Woods (Tomy), Tierra Hearon, Tionna Hearon, Darrian Holland, Destiny Ponds; and many cousins. Alejandro was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bill Sheldon.Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary. &nbsp;Parish rosary will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday March 26, 2022, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson. A private family burial will follow the Mass service at Fairlawn Burial Park. &nbsp;Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, at Elliott Mortuary.

Alejandro Paul Mancillas  |2006-2022| 

Doris Elaine Sutton, 91, died March 17, 2022, at Pleasant Hills, Hutchinson.&nbsp; She was born July 13, 1930, in Dodge City, to Clarence Sherman and Goldie May (Hanna) Bishop.&nbsp;

Doris graduated from Dodge City High School in 1948, and Emporia State Teacher’s College in 1952, where she studied English, speech and music.&nbsp; Her hobbies included reading, traveling, volunteering, and attending or taking part in anything related to music. Doris was a member of PEO Chapter CM (since 1965), and Park Place Christian Church, Hutchinson.

On June 8, 1952, she married Jack Edward Sutton, in Dodge City.&nbsp; He died February 23, 2016, after they shared 63 years of marriage.

Doris is survived by: son, Michael D. Sutton (Deb) of Fort Collins, CO; daughter, Pamela Hartzler (David) of Harrisonville, MO; grandchildren, Jennifer Sutton Burns (Craig), Todd Sutton (Kelli), Whitney Hartzler (fiancé, Beau Sellers), and Stephanie Sharp (Lamont); and great-grandchildren, Dylan Burns, West Sutton, Orion Sutton, Will Sellers, and Luca Sharp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Jack.

Cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, at Elliott Chapel.&nbsp; Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Monday.

Doris Elaine Sutton, 91, died March 17, 2022, at Pleasant Hills, Hutchinson.&nbsp; She was born July 13, 1930, in Dodge City, to Clarence Sherman and Goldie May (Hanna) Bishop.&nbsp;Doris graduated from Dodge City High School in 1948, and Emporia State Teacher’s College in 1952, where she studied English, speech and music.&nbsp; Her hobbies included reading, traveling, volunteering, and attending or taking part in anything related to music. Doris was a member of PEO Chapter CM (since 1965), and Park Place Christian Church, Hutchinson.On June 8, 1952, she married Jack Edward Sutton, in Dodge City.&nbsp; He died February 23, 2016, after they shared 63 years of marriage.Doris is survived by: son, Michael D. Sutton (Deb) of Fort Collins, CO; daughter, Pamela Hartzler (David) of Harrisonville, MO; grandchildren, Jennifer Sutton Burns (Craig), Todd Sutton (Kelli), Whitney Hartzler (fiancé, Beau Sellers), and Stephanie Sharp (Lamont); and great-grandchildren, Dylan Burns, West Sutton, Orion Sutton, Will Sellers, and Luca Sharp.She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Jack.Cremation has taken place.&nbsp; Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, at Elliott Chapel.&nbsp; Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Monday.

Doris Elaine Sutton  |1930-2022| 

DeVerne Buchholz, 72, passed away March 19, 2022 at his residence. He was born August 17, 1949 in Hays, to LaVerne and Jane (Surprise) Buchholz. 

He married Sue Cosgrave June 7, 2008 at Aulne. Survivors include: wife, Sue Buchholz of rural Hillsboro; daughters, Krystal Aucutt of Missoula, Montana; Elisha Buchholz of Missoula, Montana; Bryna (Brad) Siemens of Wichita; sister, Jan (Leonard) Frantz of rural Hillsboro; 8 grandchildren. Predeceased by: his parents; brother, Kirk Buchholz in 1969. 

Celebration of Life service 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2022 at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro officiated by Pastor Tom Harder.&nbsp;

DeVerne Buchholz, 72, passed away March 19, 2022 at his residence. He was born August 17, 1949 in Hays, to LaVerne and Jane (Surprise) Buchholz. He married Sue Cosgrave June 7, 2008 at Aulne. Survivors include: wife, Sue Buchholz of rural Hillsboro; daughters, Krystal Aucutt of Missoula, Montana; Elisha Buchholz of Missoula, Montana; Bryna (Brad) Siemens of Wichita; sister, Jan (Leonard) Frantz of rural Hillsboro; 8 grandchildren. Predeceased by: his parents; brother, Kirk Buchholz in 1969. Celebration of Life service 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2022 at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro officiated by Pastor Tom Harder.&nbsp;

DeVerne Buchholz  |1949-2022| 

Richard L. "Rik" Clark, 74 of Canton died March 16, 2022 at Kansas Christian Home, Newton.&nbsp; He had been a resident of Canton for over 20 years and spent most of his working career in law enforcement.&nbsp;

He was born July 11, 1947 in Denver, Colorado,&nbsp; the son of Ray E. and Gwendolyn Faye (Minner) Clark.&nbsp; Rik served his country in the U.S. Navy, receiving his honorable discharge in 1970.

On October 16, 1987 he was united in marriage to Karen Wheeler in Arapahoe County, Colorado and she survives.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other survivors include their daughter, Katherine Clark of Maine; two sons, Nathan (Marina) Clark of Germany and Samuel (Caitlyn) Clark of Maine; a brother, Ralph Clark, Wichita; three sisters, Randi (Keith) Miwa, Denver, CO. Roxann Clark and Rae Lisa Petitjean, both of Yukon, OK. and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

Cremation has taken place.&nbsp; A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Richard L. "Rik" Clark, 74 of Canton died March 16, 2022 at Kansas Christian Home, Newton.&nbsp; He had been a resident of Canton for over 20 years and spent most of his working career in law enforcement.&nbsp;He was born July 11, 1947 in Denver, Colorado,&nbsp; the son of Ray E. and Gwendolyn Faye (Minner) Clark.&nbsp; Rik served his country in the U.S. Navy, receiving his honorable discharge in 1970.On October 16, 1987 he was united in marriage to Karen Wheeler in Arapahoe County, Colorado and she survives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other survivors include their daughter, Katherine Clark of Maine; two sons, Nathan (Marina) Clark of Germany and Samuel (Caitlyn) Clark of Maine; a brother, Ralph Clark, Wichita; three sisters, Randi (Keith) Miwa, Denver, CO. Roxann Clark and Rae Lisa Petitjean, both of Yukon, OK. and four grandchildren.&nbsp;Cremation has taken place.&nbsp; A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Richard L. "Rik" Clark  |1947-2022| 

Robert Stanley Floyd (Red) made it to the finish line here on Earth on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. He ran a great race!  He gave life 110% with intestinal fortitude!

A man with many titles and names:  husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa, Red, Bob, Robert, Uncle Bob, Uncle Red, Coach Floyd, Mr. Floyd, teacher, principal, boss, mentor, friend, teammate and if you happened to be on the receiving end of his paddle, you may have called him something else!

Born Robert Stanley Floyd on February 18, 1934 to Stanley Benton and Leta LaRean Floyd at the family’s farm house near Milton, Kansas. It was a snowy cold night and the doctor from Conway Springs could not make it by car. Stanley hooked a team of horses to the wagon and headed to get the doctor.  After the delivery, the doctor asked if LaRean had a name for her baby boy and she said no.  The doctor’s name was Robert and they decided to name their newborn son Robert.

Robert attended Milton’s one room school and excelled in sports. He also attended Southwestern College where he played football and Arkansas City JuCo!  He received his Masters Degree in Education from Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia. He taught school at Belle Plaine USD 357 and served as principal, until his retirement in 1988!  After retiring from USD 357, Robert worked for Mid-West TV and Appliance for a short time. He also spent his summers working for local farmers around Belle Plaine.

Avid sports fan, hunter, fisherman, golfer and master gardener were his favorite pastimes.  He especially enjoyed his grand and great grandkids!

He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Benton Floyd and mother, Leta LaRean (Jones) Floyd, sisters; Bonita (Floyd) Peck and Joan (Floyd) Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Stanley Ann (Young) Floyd, son, Larry Floyd (Gigi), daughter, Terri (Floyd) Alexander (Dennis), grandkids; Matthew Alexander, Katelyn Alexander Jon Alexander, Erin (Floyd) Faber, Ryan Floyd and Taylor Floyd and nine great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm with the family on March 24, 2022 at Petersen Family Funeral Services, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas.

Memorial service will be at 10:00 am on March 25, 2022 at Petersen Family Funeral Services, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas.

The family wishes to greet you immediately after the funeral at Petersen’s.

There will be a private burial ceremony later in the day on March 25, 2022.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a memorial fund titled “Floyd and Peck Families Memorial Fund”.  This fund is managed by Legacy Regional Community Foundation, P.O. Box 713, Winfield, Kansas 67156, telephone: 620-221-0532 or(www.legacyregionalfoundation.org). Money from this fund will be awarded to projects or needs within the Belle Plaine community.

Robert Stanley Floyd (Red) made it to the finish line here on Earth on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. He ran a great race! He gave life 110% with intestinal fortitude!A man with many titles and names: husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa, Red, Bob, Robert, Uncle Bob, Uncle Red, Coach Floyd, Mr. Floyd, teacher, principal, boss, mentor, friend, teammate and if you happened to be on the receiving end of his paddle, you may have called him something else!Born Robert Stanley Floyd on February 18, 1934 to Stanley Benton and Leta LaRean Floyd at the family’s farm house near Milton, Kansas. It was a snowy cold night and the doctor from Conway Springs could not make it by car. Stanley hooked a team of horses to the wagon and headed to get the doctor. After the delivery, the doctor asked if LaRean had a name for her baby boy and she said no. The doctor’s name was Robert and they decided to name their newborn son Robert.Robert attended Milton’s one room school and excelled in sports. He also attended Southwestern College where he played football and Arkansas City JuCo! He received his Masters Degree in Education from Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia. He taught school at Belle Plaine USD 357 and served as principal, until his retirement in 1988! After retiring from USD 357, Robert worked for Mid-West TV and Appliance for a short time. He also spent his summers working for local farmers around Belle Plaine.Avid sports fan, hunter, fisherman, golfer and master gardener were his favorite pastimes. He especially enjoyed his grand and great grandkids!He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Benton Floyd and mother, Leta LaRean (Jones) Floyd, sisters; Bonita (Floyd) Peck and Joan (Floyd) Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Stanley Ann (Young) Floyd, son, Larry Floyd (Gigi), daughter, Terri (Floyd) Alexander (Dennis), grandkids; Matthew Alexander, Katelyn Alexander Jon Alexander, Erin (Floyd) Faber, Ryan Floyd and Taylor Floyd and nine great grandchildren.Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm with the family on March 24, 2022 at Petersen Family Funeral Services, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas.Memorial service will be at 10:00 am on March 25, 2022 at Petersen Family Funeral Services, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas.The family wishes to greet you immediately after the funeral at Petersen’s.There will be a private burial ceremony later in the day on March 25, 2022.In Lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a memorial fund titled “Floyd and Peck Families Memorial Fund”. This fund is managed by Legacy Regional Community Foundation, P.O. Box 713, Winfield, Kansas 67156, telephone: 620-221-0532 or(www.legacyregionalfoundation.org). Money from this fund will be awarded to projects or needs within the Belle Plaine community.

Robert “Red” Stanley Floyd |1934-2022|

Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen, 93, was born on Friday, January 13, 1928, to Susanna (Susie) Hiebert Unruh and Henry Funk Unruh at their home in Newton, Kansas. She was the youngest of six children. She attended Bethel College Mennonite Church with her family and was baptized and joined the church in 1942. She died peacefully with family by her side on October 25, 2021, at Kidron Bethel Village Health Care in North Newton.

Mary Ann attended Cooper Elementary School, Newton Junior High School, and Newton High School, where she participated in many activities, including National Honor Society, Girl Reserves service organization, Forensics, and Debate, winning many tournaments, including the state championship. Following her graduation, she attended the University of Wichita (now Wichita State University). She was president of UNESCO, involved in YWCA, International Relations Club, Pi Sigma Alpha (national political science honor society), Kappa Delta Pi (international education honor society), and on the Dean’s Honor Roll every year. She was crowned Newton Cin Quinto Queen in 1947, commemorating Newton’s 75th birthday, having been selected by celebrity Bob Hope from photos of all the contestants. For several summers during college, she worked as a counselor at Camp Wood, and in 1950 she graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and minors in education, English, and history.

Mary Ann taught English and social studies at Newton Junior High for three years following college; many of her former students still refer to her as the best teacher they ever had, inspiring them to become lifelong learners and better persons. On June 10, 1951, she was united in marriage in the Bethel College Chapel with William Marvin Gertsen, a Newton High classmate whom she first met in Kindergarten, and they were in every class together at Cooper. They were blessed with three children: Jane Ellen, William Henry, and Karen Ruth. In the early 1950s, she organized efforts to charter the first Newton League of Women Voters, was on the state board and was nationally recognized for spearheading a campaign to promote voter registration and participation. During the years she was raising her family with the children living at home, she did a considerable amount of substitute teaching and volunteer work, being active in Girl Scouting, Cub Scouting, PTA (South Breeze Elementary School president and Life Member), church youth activities, Women’s Society of Christian Service, and Stephen Ministry. She sewed many of her own and her daughters’ clothing, often creating matching dresses for Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions, as well as bridal and attendants’ gowns. She taught the girls to sew while they were still in elementary school, and at various times through the years, she also worked part-time for Martha’s Sewing Shop, H&amp;R Block, and Sears.

When Karen started college, Mary Ann returned to full-time employment outside the home at Wichita State University and continued for more than 15 years: in the Administration of Justice Department, the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office, and the Dean’s Office in the College of Health Professions. While working at Wichita State, she was active in three campus organizations: Serving in Higher Education, Council of University Women, and the Classified Senate, which she helped organize and served as its first president. She retired in 1993.

In 1968, the family of five moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, and in 1975, Marvin, Mary Ann, and Karen moved to Wichita. Mary Ann and Marvin returned to Newton in 1991, and she renewed her memberships in Readers’ Review and MEO (Mama’s Evening Out), organizations she had first joined when the children were little and continued to be active in until her last few years. Mary Ann was a member of Prairie Quilt Guild in Wichita for many years, which she especially enjoyed participating in with her sister, Vi. Playing bridge was a favorite activity throughout most of her life, and at one time was a member of three different bridge clubs! For many years she volunteered monthly as a docent at the Warkentin House and weekly at the Et Cetera Shop, serving on their boards, and she continued to stay physically active as long as possible through her senior years with water exercise. Mary Ann attended and helped plan her high school class reunions every five years through the final, 65-year one, in 2011. She enjoyed cultural events, including Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Music Theatre Wichita, Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra, and Carriage Factory Art Gallery. Music was an essential part of her life, and she especially enjoyed singing with her sister, Vi, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Increasing mobility and balance issues brought on by Parkinson’s necessitated her moving to a Kidron Bethel Village Independent Living apartment in July 2017 and a Health Care room there in January 2019.

Mary Ann touched countless lives through the years with various community and church service endeavors, including tutoring at Methodist Youthville, delivering Meals on Wheels, shopping for seniors through the RSVP program, Head Start, teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, and helping care for toddlers in the church nursery. Her involvement at Bethel College Mennonite Church, where she was a member for almost 80 years, was extensive: as a youth, she was active in Christian Endeavor and Minnie-Beth Mission Society, and as a young adult, in Mission Study Circle and on the personnel nominating committee. She was involved in the Methodist churches Marvin and her children attended as they were growing up and, in the late 1970s-early 1980s, the Church of the Servant, a Mennonite house church in Wichita. Upon returning to Newton, she resumed more active involvement at BCMC: in the Fine Arts Sunday School Class, Women’s Fellowship (serving as president and vice president), serving on the church board, the worship, outreach, and education commissions, and the funeral, visitation, and personnel selection committees. She was very proud of her Mennonite heritage and loved attending and volunteering at Bethel College Fall Fest and the MCC Relief Sale, for which she and her sister, Vi, helped make verenike. Attending or volunteering at Kansas Day at the Kauffman Museum was also an annual activity they valued, and together they enjoyed numerous trips the Museum sponsored.

Another favorite annual activity the two sisters enjoyed was making special, delectable Christmas goodies together: caramels, hand-dipped chocolates with cream centers and other chocolate candies, and two types of peppernuts. Her family was blessed to be the recipients of these for years, as well as her delicious and lovingly prepared family dinners for many different occasions. Family was of the utmost importance to Mary Ann, and she had a way of making every holiday special and memorable for all. She was always very attentive and loving to her parents, in-laws, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews; planning and getting together for family reunions were especially meaningful to her throughout her life. She was thrilled with each addition of her four grandsons and three great-grandchildren, and they all became the light of her life just as her children had always been. She loved spending time and playing with them, going to the zoo, Botanica, and various museums together, attending as many of their special events and activities as possible, including traveling to the Dallas area on many occasions. Teaching card games to her grandsons and playing cards together during their visits was a favorite activity they all looked forward to and will cherish all their lives. When her first great-grandchild, Lily, was born, she coined her unique name: GGG, or Triple G, short for Great-Grandma Gertsen. Ian and Theo were her “cutie patootie” great-grandsons who brought her much joy in her last few years. During her final days, when COVID-19 and Parkinson’s had caused her very rapid decline, some of her last moments of responsiveness were during video chats with her grandsons and Lily.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by Marvin and her siblings: Ruth Unruh Willard (C.B. “Ben”), Sue Unruh Pack (George), Selma Unruh Fent (Lee), Ernest A. “Ernie” Unruh, and Viola Unruh; a nephew, Lee S. “Jack” Fent II, and a former daughter-in-law, Sally Jane Steele Maxwell. She is survived by her daughter, Jane Gertsen Yetts (Steve) of Lewisville, Texas; son, William H. “Bill” Gertsen of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Karen Gertsen (Brian Simpson) of Wichita, Kansas; four grandsons: Taylor Yetts (Erin Doyle) of County Wicklow, Ireland; Preston Yetts of Lewisville, Texas; Logan Yetts (Emilia Boxt) of Vallejo, California; and Will Simpson of Wichita, Kansas; three great-grandchildren: Lily Frank of North Richland Hills, Texas; Ian Rase-Yetts of Euless, Texas; and Theo Yetts of Vallejo, California; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Dudte Unruh of Newton and Marilyn Gertsen Borger (Larry) of Littleton, Colorado; and three generations of numerous nieces and nephews, as well as cousins and many friends.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton. Masks are required. A brief, private family inurnment service will take place at the BCMC Columbarium before the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Henry F. and Susie Unruh Endowment Fund, Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, 300 East 27th Street, North Newton, KS 67117, benefitting explicitly the Voth-Unruh-Fast House, where her father was born. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the caring staff at Kidron Bethel Village Health Care, especially Eric Massanari, Chaplain, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. The spiritual guidance and support provided by the pastors and members of BCMC greatly comforted Mary Ann and her family

Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen, 93, was born on Friday, January 13, 1928, to Susanna (Susie) Hiebert Unruh and Henry Funk Unruh at their home in Newton, Kansas. She was the youngest of six children. She attended Bethel College Mennonite Church with her family and was baptized and joined the church in 1942. She died peacefully with family by her side on October 25, 2021, at Kidron Bethel Village Health Care in North Newton.Mary Ann attended Cooper Elementary School, Newton Junior High School, and Newton High School, where she participated in many activities, including National Honor Society, Girl Reserves service organization, Forensics, and Debate, winning many tournaments, including the state championship. Following her graduation, she attended the University of Wichita (now Wichita State University). She was president of UNESCO, involved in YWCA, International Relations Club, Pi Sigma Alpha (national political science honor society), Kappa Delta Pi (international education honor society), and on the Dean’s Honor Roll every year. She was crowned Newton Cin Quinto Queen in 1947, commemorating Newton’s 75th birthday, having been selected by celebrity Bob Hope from photos of all the contestants. For several summers during college, she worked as a counselor at Camp Wood, and in 1950 she graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science and minors in education, English, and history.Mary Ann taught English and social studies at Newton Junior High for three years following college; many of her former students still refer to her as the best teacher they ever had, inspiring them to become lifelong learners and better persons. On June 10, 1951, she was united in marriage in the Bethel College Chapel with William Marvin Gertsen, a Newton High classmate whom she first met in Kindergarten, and they were in every class together at Cooper. They were blessed with three children: Jane Ellen, William Henry, and Karen Ruth. In the early 1950s, she organized efforts to charter the first Newton League of Women Voters, was on the state board and was nationally recognized for spearheading a campaign to promote voter registration and participation. During the years she was raising her family with the children living at home, she did a considerable amount of substitute teaching and volunteer work, being active in Girl Scouting, Cub Scouting, PTA (South Breeze Elementary School president and Life Member), church youth activities, Women’s Society of Christian Service, and Stephen Ministry. She sewed many of her own and her daughters’ clothing, often creating matching dresses for Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions, as well as bridal and attendants’ gowns. She taught the girls to sew while they were still in elementary school, and at various times through the years, she also worked part-time for Martha’s Sewing Shop, H&amp;R Block, and Sears.When Karen started college, Mary Ann returned to full-time employment outside the home at Wichita State University and continued for more than 15 years: in the Administration of Justice Department, the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office, and the Dean’s Office in the College of Health Professions. While working at Wichita State, she was active in three campus organizations: Serving in Higher Education, Council of University Women, and the Classified Senate, which she helped organize and served as its first president. She retired in 1993.In 1968, the family of five moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, and in 1975, Marvin, Mary Ann, and Karen moved to Wichita. Mary Ann and Marvin returned to Newton in 1991, and she renewed her memberships in Readers’ Review and MEO (Mama’s Evening Out), organizations she had first joined when the children were little and continued to be active in until her last few years. Mary Ann was a member of Prairie Quilt Guild in Wichita for many years, which she especially enjoyed participating in with her sister, Vi. Playing bridge was a favorite activity throughout most of her life, and at one time was a member of three different bridge clubs! For many years she volunteered monthly as a docent at the Warkentin House and weekly at the Et Cetera Shop, serving on their boards, and she continued to stay physically active as long as possible through her senior years with water exercise. Mary Ann attended and helped plan her high school class reunions every five years through the final, 65-year one, in 2011. She enjoyed cultural events, including Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Music Theatre Wichita, Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra, and Carriage Factory Art Gallery. Music was an essential part of her life, and she especially enjoyed singing with her sister, Vi, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Increasing mobility and balance issues brought on by Parkinson’s necessitated her moving to a Kidron Bethel Village Independent Living apartment in July 2017 and a Health Care room there in January 2019.Mary Ann touched countless lives through the years with various community and church service endeavors, including tutoring at Methodist Youthville, delivering Meals on Wheels, shopping for seniors through the RSVP program, Head Start, teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, and helping care for toddlers in the church nursery. Her involvement at Bethel College Mennonite Church, where she was a member for almost 80 years, was extensive: as a youth, she was active in Christian Endeavor and Minnie-Beth Mission Society, and as a young adult, in Mission Study Circle and on the personnel nominating committee. She was involved in the Methodist churches Marvin and her children attended as they were growing up and, in the late 1970s-early 1980s, the Church of the Servant, a Mennonite house church in Wichita. Upon returning to Newton, she resumed more active involvement at BCMC: in the Fine Arts Sunday School Class, Women’s Fellowship (serving as president and vice president), serving on the church board, the worship, outreach, and education commissions, and the funeral, visitation, and personnel selection committees. She was very proud of her Mennonite heritage and loved attending and volunteering at Bethel College Fall Fest and the MCC Relief Sale, for which she and her sister, Vi, helped make verenike. Attending or volunteering at Kansas Day at the Kauffman Museum was also an annual activity they valued, and together they enjoyed numerous trips the Museum sponsored.Another favorite annual activity the two sisters enjoyed was making special, delectable Christmas goodies together: caramels, hand-dipped chocolates with cream centers and other chocolate candies, and two types of peppernuts. Her family was blessed to be the recipients of these for years, as well as her delicious and lovingly prepared family dinners for many different occasions. Family was of the utmost importance to Mary Ann, and she had a way of making every holiday special and memorable for all. She was always very attentive and loving to her parents, in-laws, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews; planning and getting together for family reunions were especially meaningful to her throughout her life. She was thrilled with each addition of her four grandsons and three great-grandchildren, and they all became the light of her life just as her children had always been. She loved spending time and playing with them, going to the zoo, Botanica, and various museums together, attending as many of their special events and activities as possible, including traveling to the Dallas area on many occasions. Teaching card games to her grandsons and playing cards together during their visits was a favorite activity they all looked forward to and will cherish all their lives. When her first great-grandchild, Lily, was born, she coined her unique name: GGG, or Triple G, short for Great-Grandma Gertsen. Ian and Theo were her “cutie patootie” great-grandsons who brought her much joy in her last few years. During her final days, when COVID-19 and Parkinson’s had caused her very rapid decline, some of her last moments of responsiveness were during video chats with her grandsons and Lily.In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by Marvin and her siblings: Ruth Unruh Willard (C.B. “Ben”), Sue Unruh Pack (George), Selma Unruh Fent (Lee), Ernest A. “Ernie” Unruh, and Viola Unruh; a nephew, Lee S. “Jack” Fent II, and a former daughter-in-law, Sally Jane Steele Maxwell. She is survived by her daughter, Jane Gertsen Yetts (Steve) of Lewisville, Texas; son, William H. “Bill” Gertsen of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Karen Gertsen (Brian Simpson) of Wichita, Kansas; four grandsons: Taylor Yetts (Erin Doyle) of County Wicklow, Ireland; Preston Yetts of Lewisville, Texas; Logan Yetts (Emilia Boxt) of Vallejo, California; and Will Simpson of Wichita, Kansas; three great-grandchildren: Lily Frank of North Richland Hills, Texas; Ian Rase-Yetts of Euless, Texas; and Theo Yetts of Vallejo, California; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Dudte Unruh of Newton and Marilyn Gertsen Borger (Larry) of Littleton, Colorado; and three generations of numerous nieces and nephews, as well as cousins and many friends.A memorial service celebrating the life of Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton. Masks are required. A brief, private family inurnment service will take place at the BCMC Columbarium before the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Henry F. and Susie Unruh Endowment Fund, Kauffman Museum at Bethel College, 300 East 27th Street, North Newton, KS 67117, benefitting explicitly the Voth-Unruh-Fast House, where her father was born. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the caring staff at Kidron Bethel Village Health Care, especially Eric Massanari, Chaplain, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. The spiritual guidance and support provided by the pastors and members of BCMC greatly comforted Mary Ann and her family

Mary Ann Unruh Gertsen |1928-2021|

Ernest Clayton Graves Sr., 80, passed away on Monday, March 14th, 2022 in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born in Wichita, Kansas to Knute Graves and Hazel Lorena (Thompson) Graves.&nbsp; He was a lifelong resident of Wichita, and attended&nbsp; North High School,Wichita.&nbsp; After graduation he worked at and retired from Beech Aircraft after 40 years. &nbsp;He enjoyed golf, playing cards, attending church and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife Joyce; sons Ernest and Aaron; grandchildren Tyler, Emily and Meredith; and his brother David; other family and friends.Service will be held 10:00 am, Thursday, March 31st at Crossroads Fellowship Bible Church, 2139 South Maize Road, Wichita, Kansas&nbsp; 67209.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be designated in his memory to:&nbsp;Crossroads Fellowship Bible ChurchBaker Funeral Home Valley Center is handling arrangements.&nbsp; Condolences may be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bakerfhvc.com/" target="_blank">www.bakerfhvc.com</a>

Ernest Clayton Graves Sr., 80, passed away on Monday, March 14th, 2022 in Wichita, Kansas.He was born in Wichita, Kansas to Knute Graves and Hazel Lorena (Thompson) Graves.&nbsp; He was a lifelong resident of Wichita, and attended&nbsp; North High School,Wichita.&nbsp; After graduation he worked at and retired from Beech Aircraft after 40 years. &nbsp;He enjoyed golf, playing cards, attending church and spending time with family.He is survived by his wife Joyce; sons Ernest and Aaron; grandchildren Tyler, Emily and Meredith; and his brother David; other family and friends.Service will be held 10:00 am, Thursday, March 31st at Crossroads Fellowship Bible Church, 2139 South Maize Road, Wichita, Kansas&nbsp; 67209.In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be designated in his memory to:&nbsp;Crossroads Fellowship Bible ChurchBaker Funeral Home Valley Center is handling arrangements.&nbsp; Condolences may be left for the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bakerfhvc.com/" target="_blank">www.bakerfhvc.com</a>

Obituaries