Carol H. Wheeler, 79, died on November 25, 2020 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, KS. She was born April 12, 1941, in Denver, CO., the daughter of Carl and Mildred (Rennison) Lidberg.

In 1959, Carol graduated from Lakewood High School in Lakewood, CO. and then attended Wichita State University majoring in Langue Arts. After college she worked for USD 308 as an English and Remedial Math teacher. On December, 24, 1975, Carol married Carl Hartman. He passed away in 1995. Carol loved music, reading and politics. She worked for the National Boy Scouts Office and she was a member and attended First Church of the Nazarene and National Educating Association.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Hartman and a brother, James Lidberg.

Survivors include her son, Stan (Akiyo Urano) Hartman and daughter, Carla (John) Smalley; a brother, Richard (Jeanne) Lindberg; a sister, Martha Lidberg and five grandchildren, Seiji and Kenji Urano and Isaac, Hannah and Samuel Smalley.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at First Church of the Nazarene, 4290 N. Monroe, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 7, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be given to The American Diabetes Association and sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family asks that masks be worn at visitation and funeral service. The service will be live streamed <a href="http://www.hutchfirstnaz.org/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607037955784.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Carol H. Wheeler, 79, died on November 25, 2020 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, KS. She was born April 12, 1941, in Denver, CO., the daughter of Carl and Mildred (Rennison) Lidberg.In 1959, Carol graduated from Lakewood High School in Lakewood, CO. and then attended Wichita State University majoring in Langue Arts. After college she worked for USD 308 as an English and Remedial Math teacher. On December, 24, 1975, Carol married Carl Hartman. He passed away in 1995. Carol loved music, reading and politics. She worked for the National Boy Scouts Office and she was a member and attended First Church of the Nazarene and National Educating Association.Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Hartman and a brother, James Lidberg.Survivors include her son, Stan (Akiyo Urano) Hartman and daughter, Carla (John) Smalley; a brother, Richard (Jeanne) Lindberg; a sister, Martha Lidberg and five grandchildren, Seiji and Kenji Urano and Isaac, Hannah and Samuel Smalley.A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at First Church of the Nazarene, 4290 N. Monroe, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 7, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be given to The American Diabetes Association and sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family asks that masks be worn at visitation and funeral service. The service will be live streamed <a href="http://www.hutchfirstnaz.org/">here</a>.

Carol H. Wheeler | 1941 - 2020 |

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Winter Sports season opens tonight with the Hutchinson Salthawk Wrestling team participating in a dual meet in Newton.

Hutch High Boys Swimming was to open today with a swim meet at Newton as well, but that meet has been cancelled.&nbsp; Next action for the Boys Swimming team will be at Barton Community College in Great Bend on Tuesday, December 8th.

Fans can tune into Newton's NFHS Network channel at 6pm for the match by clicking <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/newton-high-school-newton-ks/gam06afd051ca">HERE.</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan.—The Winter Sports season opens tonight with the Hutchinson Salthawk Wrestling team participating in a dual meet in Newton.Hutch High Boys Swimming was to open today with a swim meet at Newton as well, but that meet has been cancelled.&nbsp; Next action for the Boys Swimming team will be at Barton Community College in Great Bend on Tuesday, December 8th.Fans can tune into Newton's NFHS Network channel at 6pm for the match by clicking <a href="https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/newton-high-school-newton-ks/gam06afd051ca">HERE.</a>

Hutch High Winter Sports open with Wrestling at Newton

Marcus Lee “Mark” Gregory, age 68, of Buhler, Kansas passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020 in Hutchinson. He was born January 21, 1952, in Hominy, Oklahoma, the son of Marcus Leon and Dorothy Ann (Scott) Gregory.

Mark moved to Kansas when he was six months old, living most of his life in Buhler. He was a 1970 graduate of Buhler High School and a 1972 graduate of Hutchinson Community College. Mark owned and operated Gregory Inc. in Buhler. He served on the Buhler City Council from 1981-1991 and served as Mayor of Buhler from 1993-1997. He was baptized at First Southern Baptist Church in Hutchinson and was a member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.

Mark married Valerie Weaver June 10, 1978 at Bolivar, Missouri. She survives of their home.

Other survivors include children and grandchildren; Leah (Greg)Yoder and their children, Gavriel and Lily, all of Glendale, CA, Lindsay (David) Butler and their children, Vienna, Oliver and Cora, all of Scarborough, ME, Andrew Gregory of Buhler, and Claire (Jacob) Bowling of St. Louis, MO; his mother, Dorothy Ann Gregory of Buhler; siblings, Timothy (Donna) Gregory of Nixa, MO, Jonathan Gregory of Lincoln, NE, David (Beth) Gregory of Cornelius, NC, and Sarah (Todd) Kuykendall of Enid, OK.

A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church. Face coverings are required and social distancing will be observed. The service will be live streamed on the Buhler MB Church Facebook page. Friends may pay their respects from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Buhler Mortuary. Family will not be present. Private family committal will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Willard, MO. Memorials may be given to the Children’s Emergency Shelter Home in Hutchinson, in care of Buhler Mortuary, P.O. Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522.

Marcus Lee “Mark” Gregory, age 68, of Buhler, Kansas passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020 in Hutchinson. He was born January 21, 1952, in Hominy, Oklahoma, the son of Marcus Leon and Dorothy Ann (Scott) Gregory.Mark moved to Kansas when he was six months old, living most of his life in Buhler. He was a 1970 graduate of Buhler High School and a 1972 graduate of Hutchinson Community College. Mark owned and operated Gregory Inc. in Buhler. He served on the Buhler City Council from 1981-1991 and served as Mayor of Buhler from 1993-1997. He was baptized at First Southern Baptist Church in Hutchinson and was a member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.Mark married Valerie Weaver June 10, 1978 at Bolivar, Missouri. She survives of their home.Other survivors include children and grandchildren; Leah (Greg)Yoder and their children, Gavriel and Lily, all of Glendale, CA, Lindsay (David) Butler and their children, Vienna, Oliver and Cora, all of Scarborough, ME, Andrew Gregory of Buhler, and Claire (Jacob) Bowling of St. Louis, MO; his mother, Dorothy Ann Gregory of Buhler; siblings, Timothy (Donna) Gregory of Nixa, MO, Jonathan Gregory of Lincoln, NE, David (Beth) Gregory of Cornelius, NC, and Sarah (Todd) Kuykendall of Enid, OK.He was preceded in death by his father.A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church. Face coverings are required and social distancing will be observed. The service will be live streamed on the Buhler MB Church Facebook page. Friends may pay their respects from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Buhler Mortuary. Family will not be present. Private family committal will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Willard, MO. Memorials may be given to the Children’s Emergency Shelter Home in Hutchinson, in care of Buhler Mortuary, P.O. Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522.

Marcus Lee “Mark” Gregory | 1952 - 2020 |

BY JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-30/a-pandemic-exhaustion-and-threats-why-dozens-of-kansas-public-health-officials-are-quitting">Kansas News Service</a>

FREDONIA — Nick Baldetti resigned as director of the Reno County Health Department in July.

He
 left to head an effort to establish a school of health at McPherson 
College. It was a good opportunity, Baldetti said, but he likely would 
have stayed to see the department through the pandemic if not for the 
80-hour work weeks, the hostile political environment and the threats to
 his family.

“I had the local police watching my house because my 
family was home and I was not,” said Baldetti, who also served as the 
department’s health officer. “There was a period of time that I had 
escorts to and from work.”

Baldetti, like his counterparts across 
the state, spent years preparing to deal with a public health crisis 
like the COVID-19 pandemic. He never imagined that when the moment 
arrived he would encounter such antagonism for simply doing his job.

“By
 the end of the day, you just felt like you were on an island by 
yourself,” he said. “Whatever decision I made, 50% of people were going 
to be upset because it was too ‘restrictive’ and the other 50% were 
going to be upset because it wasn’t restrictive enough.”

Baldetti 
wasn’t alone. The pressure of dealing with the pandemic and the politics
 surrounding it triggered an exodus of public health workers across the 
state.

In the nine months since the state’s first documented 
coronavirus infection, 27 county health officials have left their posts.
 Some retired but others resigned or were fired.

The Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment says that number includes 15 county
 health department administrators and 18 health officers. Six of those 
leaving held both positions.

The same pressures are thinning the 
ranks of local public health officials across the country. Many are 
leaving because they’ve been physically threatened or “politically 
scapegoated” for doing their jobs, Lori Freeman, chief executive of the 
National Association of County and City Health Officials, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/11/25/938873547/embattled-public-health-workers-leaving-at-steady-and-alarming-rate" target="_blank">told National Public Radio</a>.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/12/kansas-public-health-workers-are-not-your-enemies-theyre-your-neighbors/" target="_blank">Vicki Collie-Akers,</a>
 a professor of public health at the University of Kansas Medical 
Center, said many of the health officials in Kansas who are leaving are 
doing so “because they can’t manage both the pandemic crisis and the 
harassment and denigration that’s come with it.”

The long-term 
impact of the exodus on the state’s already undermanned and underfunded 
public health system, Collie-Akers said, will be profound.

Lee 
Norman oversees the public health system as secretary of KDHE. Recently 
assigned a security detail, Norman said the departure of so many 
frontline workers is “disheartening and cause for concern.”

Gianfranco
 Pezzino recently announced that after 14 years as the health officer of
 the Shawnee County Health Department he would step down at the end of 
the year.

“There’s a lot of burnout, anger and frustration,” Pezzino said.

A
 doctor and public health researcher, Pezzino said months battling 
county commissioners over how to contain the coronavirus had worn him 
out.

“I’m tired emotionally, I’m tired physically,” Pezzino said. “I don’t think I have the energy … to do another year like this.”

The amount of misinformation spread on social media — much of it <a href="https://khn.org/morning-breakout/trump-fueled-38-of-pandemic-misinformation-conspiracies-study/" target="_blank">emanating from the White House</a> — politicized the nation’s response to the pandemic, Pezzino said.

“If
 there had been a unified message coming down from the federal 
government to the state and local levels,” he said, “it would have been 
much easier for everybody.”

Jennifer
 Bacani McKenney is also tired and frustrated. Nevertheless, she’s 
fighting to stay on as Wilson County’s health officer.

McKenney, a doctor, grew up in Fredonia, the county seat. She returned about a decade ago to join her father’s medical practice.

Initially,
 she said, citizens of the county in the southeast corner of the state 
embraced orders issued by Gov. Laura Kelly and her department aimed at 
slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Those orders sequestered people 
in their homes, closed schools and some businesses.

“That first probably two months we were everybody’s best friend,” McKenney said. “We were here to take care of you.”

But
 support for those policies eroded as the number of unemployed Kansans 
grew to levels not seen since the Great Recession. Republican 
legislative leaders responded by reining in Kelly’s emergency powers and
 those of local health officials.

The legislative changes allowed 
county commissioners to opt out of Kelly’s mask mandate and gave them 
authority over all local policies aimed at containing the virus.

As
 the political debate grew more heated — nationally and in Kansas — 
hostility towards public health officials, like McKenney, increased.

She got threatening emails and was the target of personal attacks on social media.

“It
 hurts your heart, it really does,” McKenney said. “It’s not only that 
people are mean, it’s that you’ve lost friends. Relationships are 
broken.”

During the worst of it, McKenney said, she often sat alone in her office and cried after seeing her last patient of the day.

“There’s nothing else to do,” she said.

Andy
 Miller, a Wilson County commissioner, said McKenney brought some of the
 criticism on herself by disparaging President Donald Trump’s handling 
of the pandemic in social media posts.

“When you start getting political,” Miller said, “you’ve created a storm.”

When that happens, he said, the attacks run both ways.

“I’ve
 probably got a dozen emails or so that are just, ‘it’s either a mask 
(mandate) or you’re a killer,’” he said. “There’s no in between.”

Early last month, commissioners rejected McKenney’s proposal for a 
mask mandate. But as COVID-19 cases in the county and across the state 
surged and Kelly called for a statewide policy they agreed to consider a
 compromise.

They scheduled a rare evening meeting to hear from 
the public. Most of the 80 people who showed up opposed the mandate as 
an assault on their personal liberty.

“My fear doesn’t happen to 
be the COVID virus but the overreach of national and state officials who
 believe because of their positions or ego that their opinions are 
fact,” said Charles Fox, a Fredonia veterinarian.

Donovan 
Hutchinson, the owner of the Dry Creek Saloon in Neodosha, said giving 
in to a mask mandate would lead to further abuses of government power.

“What will they come after next, our guns, our children?” he said.

Burt Carlson, a 70-year-old retiree from Fredonia, recently spent a week in the hospital for COVID-19 but opposed the mandate.

Despite more than 265,000 U.S. deaths it has caused, Carlson said the coronavirus isn’t as bad as health officials claim.

“It’s no more than a super bad flu,” he said.

When
 it became apparent that the commission was ready to approve the 
compromise — a 30-day mandate — several people walked out in protest.

Sheriff’s deputies escorted McKenney to her car after the meeting.

Still, she doesn’t want to add her name to the growing list of local public health officials calling it quits.

“That’s not me,” she said. “I can’t have this knowledge and ability to help people and just walk away.”

Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks?lang=en" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606838282342.png" alt="Dr. Jennifer McKenney, Wilson County health officer, in her office at the Fredonia Regional Medical Center. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jennifer McKenney, Wilson County health officer, in her office at the Fredonia Regional Medical Center. Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>BY JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-11-30/a-pandemic-exhaustion-and-threats-why-dozens-of-kansas-public-health-officials-are-quitting">Kansas News Service</a>FREDONIA — Nick Baldetti resigned as director of the Reno County Health Department in July.He
 left to head an effort to establish a school of health at McPherson 
College. It was a good opportunity, Baldetti said, but he likely would 
have stayed to see the department through the pandemic if not for the 
80-hour work weeks, the hostile political environment and the threats to
 his family.“I had the local police watching my house because my 
family was home and I was not,” said Baldetti, who also served as the 
department’s health officer. “There was a period of time that I had 
escorts to and from work.”Baldetti, like his counterparts across 
the state, spent years preparing to deal with a public health crisis 
like the COVID-19 pandemic. He never imagined that when the moment 
arrived he would encounter such antagonism for simply doing his job.“By
 the end of the day, you just felt like you were on an island by 
yourself,” he said. “Whatever decision I made, 50% of people were going 
to be upset because it was too ‘restrictive’ and the other 50% were 
going to be upset because it wasn’t restrictive enough.”Baldetti 
wasn’t alone. The pressure of dealing with the pandemic and the politics
 surrounding it triggered an exodus of public health workers across the 
state.In the nine months since the state’s first documented 
coronavirus infection, 27 county health officials have left their posts.
 Some retired but others resigned or were fired.The Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment says that number includes 15 county
 health department administrators and 18 health officers. Six of those 
leaving held both positions.The same pressures are thinning the 
ranks of local public health officials across the country. Many are 
leaving because they’ve been physically threatened or “politically 
scapegoated” for doing their jobs, Lori Freeman, chief executive of the 
National Association of County and City Health Officials, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/11/25/938873547/embattled-public-health-workers-leaving-at-steady-and-alarming-rate" target="_blank">told National Public Radio</a>.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/11/12/kansas-public-health-workers-are-not-your-enemies-theyre-your-neighbors/" target="_blank">Vicki Collie-Akers,</a>
 a professor of public health at the University of Kansas Medical 
Center, said many of the health officials in Kansas who are leaving are 
doing so “because they can’t manage both the pandemic crisis and the 
harassment and denigration that’s come with it.”The long-term 
impact of the exodus on the state’s already undermanned and underfunded 
public health system, Collie-Akers said, will be profound.Lee 
Norman oversees the public health system as secretary of KDHE. Recently 
assigned a security detail, Norman said the departure of so many 
frontline workers is “disheartening and cause for concern.”Frustration, fear and fatigueGianfranco
 Pezzino recently announced that after 14 years as the health officer of
 the Shawnee County Health Department he would step down at the end of 
the year.“There’s a lot of burnout, anger and frustration,” Pezzino said.A
 doctor and public health researcher, Pezzino said months battling 
county commissioners over how to contain the coronavirus had worn him 
out.“I’m tired emotionally, I’m tired physically,” Pezzino said. “I don’t think I have the energy … to do another year like this.”The amount of misinformation spread on social media — much of it <a href="https://khn.org/morning-breakout/trump-fueled-38-of-pandemic-misinformation-conspiracies-study/" target="_blank">emanating from the White House</a> — politicized the nation’s response to the pandemic, Pezzino said.“If
 there had been a unified message coming down from the federal 
government to the state and local levels,” he said, “it would have been 
much easier for everybody.”Mask mandate backlashJennifer
 Bacani McKenney is also tired and frustrated. Nevertheless, she’s 
fighting to stay on as Wilson County’s health officer.McKenney, a doctor, grew up in Fredonia, the county seat. She returned about a decade ago to join her father’s medical practice.Initially,
 she said, citizens of the county in the southeast corner of the state 
embraced orders issued by Gov. Laura Kelly and her department aimed at 
slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Those orders sequestered people 
in their homes, closed schools and some businesses.“That first probably two months we were everybody’s best friend,” McKenney said. “We were here to take care of you.”But
 support for those policies eroded as the number of unemployed Kansans 
grew to levels not seen since the Great Recession. Republican 
legislative leaders responded by reining in Kelly’s emergency powers and
 those of local health officials.The legislative changes allowed 
county commissioners to opt out of Kelly’s mask mandate and gave them 
authority over all local policies aimed at containing the virus.As
 the political debate grew more heated — nationally and in Kansas — 
hostility towards public health officials, like McKenney, increased.She got threatening emails and was the target of personal attacks on social media.“It
 hurts your heart, it really does,” McKenney said. “It’s not only that 
people are mean, it’s that you’ve lost friends. Relationships are 
broken.”During the worst of it, McKenney said, she often sat alone in her office and cried after seeing her last patient of the day.“There’s nothing else to do,” she said.Andy
 Miller, a Wilson County commissioner, said McKenney brought some of the
 criticism on herself by disparaging President Donald Trump’s handling 
of the pandemic in social media posts.“When you start getting political,” Miller said, “you’ve created a storm.”When that happens, he said, the attacks run both ways.“I’ve
 probably got a dozen emails or so that are just, ‘it’s either a mask 
(mandate) or you’re a killer,’” he said. “There’s no in between.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606839930252.png" alt="Wilson County Commissioner Andy Miller on his ranch near Fredonia in southeast Kansas. Jim McLean" />
 <figcaption>Wilson County Commissioner Andy Miller on his ranch near Fredonia in southeast Kansas. Jim McLean</figcaption>
 </figure>Early last month, commissioners rejected McKenney’s proposal for a 
mask mandate. But as COVID-19 cases in the county and across the state 
surged and Kelly called for a statewide policy they agreed to consider a
 compromise.They scheduled a rare evening meeting to hear from 
the public. Most of the 80 people who showed up opposed the mandate as 
an assault on their personal liberty.“My fear doesn’t happen to 
be the COVID virus but the overreach of national and state officials who
 believe because of their positions or ego that their opinions are 
fact,” said Charles Fox, a Fredonia veterinarian.Donovan 
Hutchinson, the owner of the Dry Creek Saloon in Neodosha, said giving 
in to a mask mandate would lead to further abuses of government power.“What will they come after next, our guns, our children?” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606839970395.png" alt="Donovan Hutchinson, owner of the Dry Creek Saloon in Neodosha, speaking against a mask mandate at a Wilson County Commission meeting on Nov. 23, 2020. Jim McLean" />
 <figcaption>Donovan Hutchinson, owner of the Dry Creek Saloon in Neodosha, speaking against a mask mandate at a Wilson County Commission meeting on Nov. 23, 2020. Jim McLean</figcaption>
 </figure>Burt Carlson, a 70-year-old retiree from Fredonia, recently spent a week in the hospital for COVID-19 but opposed the mandate.Despite more than 265,000 U.S. deaths it has caused, Carlson said the coronavirus isn’t as bad as health officials claim.“It’s no more than a super bad flu,” he said.When
 it became apparent that the commission was ready to approve the 
compromise — a 30-day mandate — several people walked out in protest.Sheriff’s deputies escorted McKenney to her car after the meeting.Still, she doesn’t want to add her name to the growing list of local public health officials calling it quits.“That’s not me,” she said. “I can’t have this knowledge and ability to help people and just walk away.”Jim McLean is the senior correspondent for the Kansas News Service. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks?lang=en" target="_blank">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur.org.

Pandemic, exhaustion, threats: Dozens of Kan. public health officials quitting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners were introduced
to their new Health Department Director during Tuesday’s regular meeting. &nbsp;Karla Nichols was named to replace Nick
Baldetti who resigned to take a position with McPherson College.

Nichols is an Andale High graduate and has a master’s in
healthcare administration from the University of Kansas. She has held
leadership roles at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas, as well as
Kansas Joint and Spine Specialists. Nichols was clinic administrator for Bob
Wilson Memorial Hospital and managed the operations, human resource functions,
and risk management for the rural hospital-clinic system. Nichols lives near
Pretty Prairie with her husband, Scott, and has two adult children.

Nichols said she will be working to make the transfer over
to her new duties in the coming days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners were introduced
to their new Health Department Director during Tuesday’s regular meeting. &nbsp;Karla Nichols was named to replace Nick
Baldetti who resigned to take a position with McPherson College.Nichols is an Andale High graduate and has a master’s in
healthcare administration from the University of Kansas. She has held
leadership roles at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas, as well as
Kansas Joint and Spine Specialists. Nichols was clinic administrator for Bob
Wilson Memorial Hospital and managed the operations, human resource functions,
and risk management for the rural hospital-clinic system. Nichols lives near
Pretty Prairie with her husband, Scott, and has two adult children.Nichols said she will be working to make the transfer over
to her new duties in the coming days.

Nichols introduced to County Commission

Joseph Leo ‘Joe’ Keating, 82, of Hutchinson, died November 25, 2020, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 19, 1938, in Frankfort, to Leo A. and Marie A. (Culhan) Keating.

Joe grew up on the family dairy farm near Home City and graduated from Beattie High School in 1956. He attended Benedectine College and Kansas State University. Joe served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1962 and the National Guard from 1962 to 1966. He began his career with Borton Incorporated in 1957 and held many jobs over the years, from timekeeper to job superintendent to safety director to director of human resources to assistant general superintendent. Joe retired in 2003, after 46 years with the company.

He was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church and was a 3rd&nbsp;Degree Knight with Knights of Columbus Council #612 and 4th&nbsp;Degree Knight with the Father Cushing Assembly.

On January 9, 1971, Joe married Kay M. (Minihan) Spitler, in Emporia. She died August16, 2015.

He is survived by children, Terri Shurtleff, Wichita, Rick Spitler (Amy), Hutchinson, Joey Keating (Sarah), Russellville, AR; grandchildren, Kristie McClellan (Roger), Ryan Spitler, Lexie Boor (Brad), Katie Shurtleff, Courtney Keating, Abby Spitler, Emily Keating; great-grandchildren, Connor Shurtleff, Theodore Boor, and one on the way; siblings, Patsy Micheletti (Norm), Blue Springs, MO, Jean Nordhus (Jerry), Shawnee, Rose Marie Keating (Jim Brauer), Albuquerque, NM, Mick Keating (Jane), Marysville; and many extended family members.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay; son, Doug Spitler; brother, Louis; and sisters, Mary Ellen, Rita, and Ann.

Parish Rosary will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E 5th&nbsp;Ave., Hutchinson, with Father Michael J. Maybrier officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. The funeral will be live-streamed on the church’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintteresahutchinson/">Facebook page</a>.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606783701140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/images/icons/vet_color_ffffff.gif" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joseph Leo ‘Joe’ Keating, 82, of Hutchinson, died November 25, 2020, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 19, 1938, in Frankfort, to Leo A. and Marie A. (Culhan) Keating.Joe grew up on the family dairy farm near Home City and graduated from Beattie High School in 1956. He attended Benedectine College and Kansas State University. Joe served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1962 and the National Guard from 1962 to 1966. He began his career with Borton Incorporated in 1957 and held many jobs over the years, from timekeeper to job superintendent to safety director to director of human resources to assistant general superintendent. Joe retired in 2003, after 46 years with the company.He was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church and was a 3rd&nbsp;Degree Knight with Knights of Columbus Council #612 and 4th&nbsp;Degree Knight with the Father Cushing Assembly.On January 9, 1971, Joe married Kay M. (Minihan) Spitler, in Emporia. She died August16, 2015.He is survived by children, Terri Shurtleff, Wichita, Rick Spitler (Amy), Hutchinson, Joey Keating (Sarah), Russellville, AR; grandchildren, Kristie McClellan (Roger), Ryan Spitler, Lexie Boor (Brad), Katie Shurtleff, Courtney Keating, Abby Spitler, Emily Keating; great-grandchildren, Connor Shurtleff, Theodore Boor, and one on the way; siblings, Patsy Micheletti (Norm), Blue Springs, MO, Jean Nordhus (Jerry), Shawnee, Rose Marie Keating (Jim Brauer), Albuquerque, NM, Mick Keating (Jane), Marysville; and many extended family members.Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay; son, Doug Spitler; brother, Louis; and sisters, Mary Ellen, Rita, and Ann.Parish Rosary will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2020, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 211 E 5th&nbsp;Ave., Hutchinson, with Father Michael J. Maybrier officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. The funeral will be live-streamed on the church’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintteresahutchinson/">Facebook page</a>.Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials are suggested to Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Joseph Leo 'Joe' Keating | 1938 - 2020 |

Robert H. Howe, 84, died November 25, 2020 at the Medicalodge of Wichita. He was born March 1, 1936 in Larned, the son of Henry and Iola Hartwig Howe.

A graduate of Hutchinson High School, he attended Hutchinson Junior College, where he received his vocational certificate in welding. He was a resident of Hutchinson most of his life where he was an auto mechanic and a lifetime member of the AmVets. He served in the Kansas National Guard and then in the United States Army. While in the Army, he served in Korea and his last assignment was in Washington, DC with the honor guard.

Survivors include a brother, Doyle Howe; a sister, Mary J. Wait; nieces and nephews, Felix, Charles, and Alan Howe; Steve Love; Janette Love Cohlmia, Greg, Mike, and Don Phillips; Anne Wait McGreevy, and Dr. Adam Wait.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, N. Jocene Love and Joanne M. Phillips.

Per Robert’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Inman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be live streamed on Inman Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Social distancing will be observed and masks will be required. Military honors will be provided by Ft. Riley honor guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the AmVets- Dept. AmVets; 1427 East Ave B; Hutchinson, KS 67501. To leave a condolence for the family, visit <a href="http://www.inmanfh.com">www.inmanfh.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606610689566.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Robert H. Howe, 84, died November 25, 2020 at the Medicalodge of Wichita. He was born March 1, 1936 in Larned, the son of Henry and Iola Hartwig Howe.A graduate of Hutchinson High School, he attended Hutchinson Junior College, where he received his vocational certificate in welding. He was a resident of Hutchinson most of his life where he was an auto mechanic and a lifetime member of the AmVets. He served in the Kansas National Guard and then in the United States Army. While in the Army, he served in Korea and his last assignment was in Washington, DC with the honor guard.Survivors include a brother, Doyle Howe; a sister, Mary J. Wait; nieces and nephews, Felix, Charles, and Alan Howe; Steve Love; Janette Love Cohlmia, Greg, Mike, and Don Phillips; Anne Wait McGreevy, and Dr. Adam Wait.He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, N. Jocene Love and Joanne M. Phillips.Per Robert’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Inman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be live streamed on Inman Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Social distancing will be observed and masks will be required. Military honors will be provided by Ft. Riley honor guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the AmVets- Dept. AmVets; 1427 East Ave B; Hutchinson, KS 67501. To leave a condolence for the family, visit <a href="http://www.inmanfh.com">www.inmanfh.com</a>.

Robert H. Howe | 1936 - 2020 |

Vicki Sue Johnson, 60, died November 23, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born January 3, 1960, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Ray Emory and Opal Jane (Ford) Davenport, Jr.&nbsp;

Vicki graduated from Inman High School in 1978 and Hesston College in 1990, receiving her registered nursing degree. For over 30 years, she was a nurse at various medical facilities, from Halstead, Hutchinson, and McPherson Hospitals, to a flight nurse for Life Team. Vicki’s nursing passion was helping emergency room patients. For the past five years, she worked at the Cancer Center of Kansas, located in McPherson. Vicki also volunteered for the McPherson Saddle Club, Relay for Life, and Inman Fire Department. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially horseback riding and fishing. However, Vicki’s favorite calling was as a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Inman.

On June 15, 1979, Vicki married her high school sweetheart, Russell Lyle ‘Rusty’ Johnson, at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. They shared over 41 years of marriage.

Vicki is survived by husband, Rusty of Inman; son, Austin Johnson of Buhler; daughter, Alexis Gunn (Jed) of Wakefield; grandsons, Jordan Gunn and Bryant Gunn; sister, Debra Friesen; brother, Bill Davenport (Marcy) all of McPherson; and mother-in-law, Zora Johnson of Inman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Opal Davenport, and father-in-law, Ron Johnson.

Private memorial service will be Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dennis Ureche and Pastor Erik Graefe officiating. Inurnment will follow in North Inman Cemetery. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the family present from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp;

To view the service online, the link will be available at the end of Vicki’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website the day of the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to PanCAN (to benefit those with pancreatic cancer), Cancer Center of Kansas (located in McPherson), or the Giving Hope Fund (to help cancer patients in McPherson County), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606523470385.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vicki Sue Johnson, 60, died November 23, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born January 3, 1960, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Ray Emory and Opal Jane (Ford) Davenport, Jr.&nbsp;Vicki graduated from Inman High School in 1978 and Hesston College in 1990, receiving her registered nursing degree. For over 30 years, she was a nurse at various medical facilities, from Halstead, Hutchinson, and McPherson Hospitals, to a flight nurse for Life Team. Vicki’s nursing passion was helping emergency room patients. For the past five years, she worked at the Cancer Center of Kansas, located in McPherson. Vicki also volunteered for the McPherson Saddle Club, Relay for Life, and Inman Fire Department. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially horseback riding and fishing. However, Vicki’s favorite calling was as a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Inman.On June 15, 1979, Vicki married her high school sweetheart, Russell Lyle ‘Rusty’ Johnson, at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. They shared over 41 years of marriage.Vicki is survived by husband, Rusty of Inman; son, Austin Johnson of Buhler; daughter, Alexis Gunn (Jed) of Wakefield; grandsons, Jordan Gunn and Bryant Gunn; sister, Debra Friesen; brother, Bill Davenport (Marcy) all of McPherson; and mother-in-law, Zora Johnson of Inman.She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Opal Davenport, and father-in-law, Ron Johnson.Private memorial service will be Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Dennis Ureche and Pastor Erik Graefe officiating. Inurnment will follow in North Inman Cemetery. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the family present from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp;To view the service online, the link will be available at the end of Vicki’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website the day of the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m.Memorials are suggested to PanCAN (to benefit those with pancreatic cancer), Cancer Center of Kansas (located in McPherson), or the Giving Hope Fund (to help cancer patients in McPherson County), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Vicki Sue Johnson | 1960 - 2020 |

Bill Allen Stull, 70, of Hutchinson, died November 22, 2020, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, after a long battle with COPD. He was born June 5, 1950, in Hutchinson, to Howard and Charity (Scholtisseck) Stull.

Bill graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1968, and then from Regents College. He served in the Kansas Army National Guard and later in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a Major. Bill worked for the BNSF Railroad as a machine operator for over 40 years.&nbsp; He was a member of VFW Post 906 and American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68. Bill was interested in ancestry, history, and politics. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who will be missed by his family dearly.

On July 30, 1977, Bill married Margaret Wilson in Wichita. They shared 43 years together.

He is survived by: wife, Margaret Stull, Hutchinson; sons, Roger Stull, Hutchinson, Rodney Stull, Kansas City, Missouri, Robert Stull (Jackie), Wichita; daughter, Rebecca Rivera (Maurice), Hutchinson; grandchildren, Dominic, Sabrina, and Isabella Rivera, Hutchinson; sisters, Jane Hawks (Sidney), Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Sue Cone, Farmington, Arkansas; nieces, Angela Simon, Arkansas, Joanie Trout, Tennessee;&nbsp; nephew, Josh Hawks, Tennessee; and many other family members.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Stephen Hawks.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Military honors will be conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. &nbsp;Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 29 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, November 30 at Elliott Mortuary. To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the end of Bill’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the service beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606522845225.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/images/icons/vet_color_ffffff.gif" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bill Allen Stull, 70, of Hutchinson, died November 22, 2020, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, after a long battle with COPD. He was born June 5, 1950, in Hutchinson, to Howard and Charity (Scholtisseck) Stull.Bill graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1968, and then from Regents College. He served in the Kansas Army National Guard and later in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a Major. Bill worked for the BNSF Railroad as a machine operator for over 40 years.&nbsp; He was a member of VFW Post 906 and American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68. Bill was interested in ancestry, history, and politics. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who will be missed by his family dearly.On July 30, 1977, Bill married Margaret Wilson in Wichita. They shared 43 years together.He is survived by: wife, Margaret Stull, Hutchinson; sons, Roger Stull, Hutchinson, Rodney Stull, Kansas City, Missouri, Robert Stull (Jackie), Wichita; daughter, Rebecca Rivera (Maurice), Hutchinson; grandchildren, Dominic, Sabrina, and Isabella Rivera, Hutchinson; sisters, Jane Hawks (Sidney), Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Sue Cone, Farmington, Arkansas; nieces, Angela Simon, Arkansas, Joanie Trout, Tennessee;&nbsp; nephew, Josh Hawks, Tennessee; and many other family members.Bill was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Stephen Hawks.Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Military honors will be conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. &nbsp;Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 29 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, November 30 at Elliott Mortuary. To view the funeral service online, the link will be available at the end of Bill’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website on the day of the service beginning at 10:30 a.m.Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Bill A Stull | 1950 - 2020 |

With the fan restrictions announced Tuesday by the Kansas High School Activities Association, Eagle Radio will be able to bring the action straight to you from the safety of home!

All Hutchinson High School games will be broadcast on KWBW 1450 AM/ 98.5 FM, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com.

In January, all Hutchinson Community College Men and Women games will be broadcast on Country 102.9 KHUT, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com via the Blue Dragon Sports Network

Eagle Radio is here for our listeners and viewers!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587646217274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the fan restrictions announced Tuesday by the Kansas High School Activities Association, Eagle Radio will be able to bring the action straight to you from the safety of home!All Hutchinson High School games will be broadcast on KWBW 1450 AM/ 98.5 FM, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com.In January, all Hutchinson Community College Men and Women games will be broadcast on Country 102.9 KHUT, as well as carried in video live-stream on HutchPost.com via the Blue Dragon Sports NetworkEagle Radio is here for our listeners and viewers!

Eagle Radio Sports will bring high school sports to you in 2020-21

Ima Jane Elwell, 80, of Inman, Kansas, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 of natural causes at Pleasant View Home. She was born September 27, 1940 in Collinsville, Oklahoma, the daughter of Herman D. and Kathryn (Hildebrand) Klaassen.

In the third grade, she accepted Jesus as her Savior during Sunday school.&nbsp; She was a member of Inman Mennonite Church.

Ima worked at a variety of places such as Cessna in Hutchinson, Kansas; in the Hutchinson hospital cafeteria; Inman Café; and as a custodian at Inman High School, where she retired from. Upon her retirement, Ima started oil painting classes at Hutchinson Community College and became quite an artist.&nbsp; Her flower beds flourished around her house and her yard grew thick and lush. Through the years Ima proved herself to be an accomplished seamstress, cook, baker, painter, crafter and student who was always ready to learn something new.&nbsp; Her skills knew no limits.

A Bible verse Ima was fond of was Samuel 16:7, “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature . . . For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart’”.

Ima is survived by her son, Leon (Ruth) Heidebrecht of Inman; daughter, Linda (Steve) Innes of Belton, Missouri; grandsons, Stephen Heidebrecht of Pittsburg and Aaron (Alexandra) Heidebrecht of Lawrence; great-grandson, Finn Heidebrecht of Lawrence; brother, Dayle Klaassen of Pittsburg; and sister, Joyce Graber of Wichita.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Darlene Schmidt.

Private services will be held at Inman North Cemetery, Inman, Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may pay their respects to Ima from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Buhler Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Inman Mennonite Church or Pleasant View Home in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522

To send a flower arrangement to the family of&nbsp;Ima Jane Elwell, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/ima-elwell/flowers">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606178745664.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ima Jane Elwell, 80, of Inman, Kansas, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 of natural causes at Pleasant View Home. She was born September 27, 1940 in Collinsville, Oklahoma, the daughter of Herman D. and Kathryn (Hildebrand) Klaassen.In the third grade, she accepted Jesus as her Savior during Sunday school.&nbsp; She was a member of Inman Mennonite Church.Ima worked at a variety of places such as Cessna in Hutchinson, Kansas; in the Hutchinson hospital cafeteria; Inman Café; and as a custodian at Inman High School, where she retired from. Upon her retirement, Ima started oil painting classes at Hutchinson Community College and became quite an artist.&nbsp; Her flower beds flourished around her house and her yard grew thick and lush. Through the years Ima proved herself to be an accomplished seamstress, cook, baker, painter, crafter and student who was always ready to learn something new.&nbsp; Her skills knew no limits.A Bible verse Ima was fond of was Samuel 16:7, “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature . . . For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart’”.Ima is survived by her son, Leon (Ruth) Heidebrecht of Inman; daughter, Linda (Steve) Innes of Belton, Missouri; grandsons, Stephen Heidebrecht of Pittsburg and Aaron (Alexandra) Heidebrecht of Lawrence; great-grandson, Finn Heidebrecht of Lawrence; brother, Dayle Klaassen of Pittsburg; and sister, Joyce Graber of Wichita.She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Darlene Schmidt.Private services will be held at Inman North Cemetery, Inman, Kansas.&nbsp; Friends may pay their respects to Ima from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Buhler Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Inman Mennonite Church or Pleasant View Home in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522To send a flower arrangement to the family of&nbsp;Ima Jane Elwell, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/ima-elwell/flowers">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Ima Jane Elwell | 1940 - 2020 |

Eva Julia (Delker) (Cox) Allard, 93, of Lyons, passed away November 20, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society, hastened by COVID. She was born February 14, 1927, to Clayton and Dora (Clarke) Delker, on a farm near St. John.

Eva graduated from Byers High School, received her bachelor’s degree from Sterling College, and her master’s degree from Emporia State Teacher’s College. She taught elementary school for 34 years in Texas and Kansas. Eva was a member of First Assembly of God, Jacksboro, TX.

On February 26, 1944, she married Alton ‘Red’ Cox. He passed January, 2001. On December 31, 1977, Eva married Jim Allard. He passed July, 2010.

She is survived by: children, Janet McGonigle (Phyll), Nickerson, Dan Cox, Denver, CO; grandchildren, Leigh McGonigle (Arlene), Wichita, Angie Kroeker (Jeremy), Nickerson, Kelly Haviland, Denver, CO, Neil Cox, Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren, Tyler Kroeker, Wichita, Ashley Scarborough (Gino), Hutchinson, Alyson McGonigle, Bel Aire, Brittnay Brown (Bobby), Kayla and Merissa Haviland, Denver, CO, Clayton and Cayden Cox, Dallas, TX; great-great-grandchildren, Verra and Vincell Haviland, Charlotte Brown, all of Denver, CO.

Eva was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Clayton ‘Bud’ Delker; cousin, Ken Willinger; and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Salem Community Church Cemetery.&nbsp;

<a href="https://youtu.be/-x-nepHzlbI">Click here to watch funeral service</a>.

Friends may sign her memorial book from 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to Cancer Council of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606178252755.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eva Julia (Delker) (Cox) Allard, 93, of Lyons, passed away November 20, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society, hastened by COVID. She was born February 14, 1927, to Clayton and Dora (Clarke) Delker, on a farm near St. John.Eva graduated from Byers High School, received her bachelor’s degree from Sterling College, and her master’s degree from Emporia State Teacher’s College. She taught elementary school for 34 years in Texas and Kansas. Eva was a member of First Assembly of God, Jacksboro, TX.On February 26, 1944, she married Alton ‘Red’ Cox. He passed January, 2001. On December 31, 1977, Eva married Jim Allard. He passed July, 2010.She is survived by: children, Janet McGonigle (Phyll), Nickerson, Dan Cox, Denver, CO; grandchildren, Leigh McGonigle (Arlene), Wichita, Angie Kroeker (Jeremy), Nickerson, Kelly Haviland, Denver, CO, Neil Cox, Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren, Tyler Kroeker, Wichita, Ashley Scarborough (Gino), Hutchinson, Alyson McGonigle, Bel Aire, Brittnay Brown (Bobby), Kayla and Merissa Haviland, Denver, CO, Clayton and Cayden Cox, Dallas, TX; great-great-grandchildren, Verra and Vincell Haviland, Charlotte Brown, all of Denver, CO.Eva was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Clayton ‘Bud’ Delker; cousin, Ken Willinger; and many aunts and uncles.Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Salem Community Church Cemetery.&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/-x-nepHzlbI">Click here to watch funeral service</a>.Friends may sign her memorial book from 12 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials are suggested to Cancer Council of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Eva Julia Allard of Lyons, Kansas | 1927 - 2020 |

Harold Stauffer, 86, of Hutchinson, died Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Pleasant Hills, Hutchinson. He was born November 17, 1934, in rural Reno County, to John Keith and Beulah Mary (Gleason) Stauffer.

Harold was a 1952 graduate of Reno Community (Nickerson) High School, a 1954 graduate of Hutchinson Community Junior College, and a 1957 graduate of Kansas State University, with an Agriculture and Applied Science degree. He served in the United States Army National Guard Reserves. Harold was a rural letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 40 years of service. He served as a board member on the Unified School District #309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson, and the Reno County Education Co-op. Harold’s memberships included the Reno County Cattlemen’s Association, Reno County Farm Bureau, the Kansas and National Rural Letter Carrier’s Association, and National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). He was also a 4-H leader and a farmer-stockman. Harold was a lifetime member of Mitchell Chapel.

On May 31, 1959, Harold married Beverly England, in Hutchinson. They shared over 61 years of marriage.

He is survived by: wife, Beverly Stauffer of Hutchinson; daughters, Patti (Robert) Kennedy of Hutchinson, Kay (John) Alexander of Ely, IA, and Amy (Jim) Theis of Hutchinson; siblings, Mary Fern Woods of Kansas City, KS, and Ray Dean (Phyllis) Stauffer of Lenexa; granddaughters, Kristin (Thomas) Watts, Kayley Alexander, Brooke (Trenton) Koehn, and Jenna (Stephen) Rifner; and great-granddaughter, Ryley Watts; great-grandsons, Cooper Watts, and Kaelen Koehn.

Harold was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, John Charles Stauffer and Glenn Stauffer; and grandson, James Kennedy.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at Mitchell Chapel United Methodist Church, 5512 N. Pennington Road, with The Reverend Jeff Goetzinger presiding. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mitchell Chapel United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

If you do not feel comfortable joining us to celebrate the life of Harold Stauffer in person, the service will be live-streamed on the church Facebook page. To view the service, click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HutchMitchellChapelUMC">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606177794653.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harold Stauffer, 86, of Hutchinson, died Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Pleasant Hills, Hutchinson. He was born November 17, 1934, in rural Reno County, to John Keith and Beulah Mary (Gleason) Stauffer.Harold was a 1952 graduate of Reno Community (Nickerson) High School, a 1954 graduate of Hutchinson Community Junior College, and a 1957 graduate of Kansas State University, with an Agriculture and Applied Science degree. He served in the United States Army National Guard Reserves. Harold was a rural letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 40 years of service. He served as a board member on the Unified School District #309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson, and the Reno County Education Co-op. Harold’s memberships included the Reno County Cattlemen’s Association, Reno County Farm Bureau, the Kansas and National Rural Letter Carrier’s Association, and National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). He was also a 4-H leader and a farmer-stockman. Harold was a lifetime member of Mitchell Chapel.On May 31, 1959, Harold married Beverly England, in Hutchinson. They shared over 61 years of marriage.He is survived by: wife, Beverly Stauffer of Hutchinson; daughters, Patti (Robert) Kennedy of Hutchinson, Kay (John) Alexander of Ely, IA, and Amy (Jim) Theis of Hutchinson; siblings, Mary Fern Woods of Kansas City, KS, and Ray Dean (Phyllis) Stauffer of Lenexa; granddaughters, Kristin (Thomas) Watts, Kayley Alexander, Brooke (Trenton) Koehn, and Jenna (Stephen) Rifner; and great-granddaughter, Ryley Watts; great-grandsons, Cooper Watts, and Kaelen Koehn.Harold was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, John Charles Stauffer and Glenn Stauffer; and grandson, James Kennedy.Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at Mitchell Chapel United Methodist Church, 5512 N. Pennington Road, with The Reverend Jeff Goetzinger presiding. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mitchell Chapel United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.If you do not feel comfortable joining us to celebrate the life of Harold Stauffer in person, the service will be live-streamed on the church Facebook page. To view the service, click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HutchMitchellChapelUMC">here</a>.

Harold K. Stauffer | 1934 - 2020 |

On the afternoon of November 19, 2020, Grace Snyder Hessman of 
Hutchinson, KS died at the age of 102.&nbsp; 

Grace was born in Ness County, 
Kansas, the daughter of Ronald Wayne Snyder and Phoebe Jane (Lamoreux) 
Snyder.&nbsp; She attended Ness County schools and shortly after graduating 
from high school moved to Dodge City, Kansas where she attended Dodge 
City Junior College and later married Roy J Hessman in August of 1946. 
&nbsp;They lived in Dodge until 1996 when they moved to Hutchinson, Kansas. 
While at Dodge, Grace was an employee of Eckles Department store and a 
proofreader at the High Plains Journal for more than 30 years.

Grace was a member of the First Methodist Church in Hutchinson.&nbsp; She 
was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Hessman, on May 28, 2001;&nbsp; a 
brother, Robert Snyder, of Russel, Kansas; three sisters, Naida Moeder 
of Colorado Springs, CO, Lois Towns of Dighton, KS and later Garden 
City, KS, Ona Stecklein, Ness City, KS; and Grace’s son, Ronald (Rock) 
Hessman, and her best friend Sam Hessman (her cat and companion of 21 
years).

She is survived by her son, Robert Hessman, and his wife, Lisa, of 
Temecula, CA, her daughter in law, Donna Hessman, Hutchinson, KS; four 
grandchildren; four great grandchildren and 13 nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID, a memorial service will be scheduled sometime during 
the spring of 2021.&nbsp; In leu of flowers please give a donation to the 
Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606152441292.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On the afternoon of November 19, 2020, Grace Snyder Hessman of 
Hutchinson, KS died at the age of 102.&nbsp; Grace was born in Ness County, 
Kansas, the daughter of Ronald Wayne Snyder and Phoebe Jane (Lamoreux) 
Snyder.&nbsp; She attended Ness County schools and shortly after graduating 
from high school moved to Dodge City, Kansas where she attended Dodge 
City Junior College and later married Roy J Hessman in August of 1946. 
&nbsp;They lived in Dodge until 1996 when they moved to Hutchinson, Kansas. 
While at Dodge, Grace was an employee of Eckles Department store and a 
proofreader at the High Plains Journal for more than 30 years.Grace was a member of the First Methodist Church in Hutchinson.&nbsp; She 
was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Hessman, on May 28, 2001;&nbsp; a 
brother, Robert Snyder, of Russel, Kansas; three sisters, Naida Moeder 
of Colorado Springs, CO, Lois Towns of Dighton, KS and later Garden 
City, KS, Ona Stecklein, Ness City, KS; and Grace’s son, Ronald (Rock) 
Hessman, and her best friend Sam Hessman (her cat and companion of 21 
years).She is survived by her son, Robert Hessman, and his wife, Lisa, of 
Temecula, CA, her daughter in law, Donna Hessman, Hutchinson, KS; four 
grandchildren; four great grandchildren and 13 nieces and nephews.Due to COVID, a memorial service will be scheduled sometime during 
the spring of 2021.&nbsp; In leu of flowers please give a donation to the 
Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

Grace Snyder Hessman

Ralph Cecil Thode, 90, of Lawton, OK, formerly of South Hutchinson, died November 17, 2020, at The Brentwood Senior Living, Lawton, OK. He was born March 27, 1930, in rural Plevna, to Albert Daniel and Thelma Elnora (Drake) Thode.&nbsp;

Ralph was a 1948 graduate of Plevna High School, Plevna, and 1966 graduate of Sterling College, Sterling. He was a member of Chi Sigma Theta. Ralph was an elementary and middle school teacher, and a college instructor. In 1972, he was awarded the Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award. Ralph also farmed, served in the United States Naval Reserve, excavated archeological sites for Plateau Science and the Smithsonian Institute, and co-owned Westwind Productions Photography.

On June 3, 1951, he married Muriel Ruth Hill at the Huntsville Methodist Church, Huntsville, KS. They shared over 68 years of marriage, prior to her death on December 2, 2019.

Ralph is survived by children, Alan Thode of Lawton, OK, Andrew Thode of Hutchinson, and Arlis (Daryl) Schmaltz of Gallup, NM; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Larry Thode of Hutchinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Muriel Thode; infant son, Joel Thode; daughter, Ann Bearden; and brothers, Estel Thode and Edward Thode.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mennonite Friendship Communities (formerly The Mennonite Manor), South Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605914542288.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/images/icons/vet_color_ffffff.gif" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ralph Cecil Thode, 90, of Lawton, OK, formerly of South Hutchinson, died November 17, 2020, at The Brentwood Senior Living, Lawton, OK. He was born March 27, 1930, in rural Plevna, to Albert Daniel and Thelma Elnora (Drake) Thode.&nbsp;Ralph was a 1948 graduate of Plevna High School, Plevna, and 1966 graduate of Sterling College, Sterling. He was a member of Chi Sigma Theta. Ralph was an elementary and middle school teacher, and a college instructor. In 1972, he was awarded the Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award. Ralph also farmed, served in the United States Naval Reserve, excavated archeological sites for Plateau Science and the Smithsonian Institute, and co-owned Westwind Productions Photography.On June 3, 1951, he married Muriel Ruth Hill at the Huntsville Methodist Church, Huntsville, KS. They shared over 68 years of marriage, prior to her death on December 2, 2019.Ralph is survived by children, Alan Thode of Lawton, OK, Andrew Thode of Hutchinson, and Arlis (Daryl) Schmaltz of Gallup, NM; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Larry Thode of Hutchinson.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Muriel Thode; infant son, Joel Thode; daughter, Ann Bearden; and brothers, Estel Thode and Edward Thode.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mennonite Friendship Communities (formerly The Mennonite Manor), South Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Ralph Cecil Thode | 1930 - 2020 |

Donald Eugene Smith, 82, of Hutchinson, died November 15, 2020, at his home. He was born June 6, 1938, in Hutchinson, to Willard Louis and Pauline Gondolia (Young) Smith.

Donald worked as a custodian at Prairie Hills Middle School, Hutchinson, and Hutchinson Community College. He served in the United States Army and the United States Navy. Donald was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church, Hutchinson. He enjoyed singing anywhere, especially for his church.

On October 31, 1960, Donald married Betty Jeane Kitterman, in Newton. They shared over 48 years of marriage, prior to her death on March 3, 2009.

He is survived by children, Donna Lee Chase of Nickerson, Richard Lee (Patricia) Smith of Hutchinson, and Jan Patrick of Hutchinson; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Smith; sister, Louise Goodwin; and brother, Lee Roy Smith.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2020, at New Hope Baptist Church, 4815 E. 4th&nbsp;Avenue, Hutchinson, with Pastor Brian D. Lee presiding. Masks are required for this service.

Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy Guard to begin the service.

Memorial suggestions are to the church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605800652631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://www.elliottmortuary.com/images/icons/vet_color_ffffff.gif" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Donald Eugene Smith, 82, of Hutchinson, died November 15, 2020, at his home. He was born June 6, 1938, in Hutchinson, to Willard Louis and Pauline Gondolia (Young) Smith.Donald worked as a custodian at Prairie Hills Middle School, Hutchinson, and Hutchinson Community College. He served in the United States Army and the United States Navy. Donald was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church, Hutchinson. He enjoyed singing anywhere, especially for his church.On October 31, 1960, Donald married Betty Jeane Kitterman, in Newton. They shared over 48 years of marriage, prior to her death on March 3, 2009.He is survived by children, Donna Lee Chase of Nickerson, Richard Lee (Patricia) Smith of Hutchinson, and Jan Patrick of Hutchinson; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Smith; sister, Louise Goodwin; and brother, Lee Roy Smith.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2020, at New Hope Baptist Church, 4815 E. 4th&nbsp;Avenue, Hutchinson, with Pastor Brian D. Lee presiding. Masks are required for this service.Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy Guard to begin the service.Memorial suggestions are to the church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Donald Eugene Smith | 1938 - 2020 |

Yvonne M. Liby, 74, passed peacefully into the eternal love of God on November 12, 2020.

A lifelong Hutchinson resident, she was born February 25, 1946, to the late Howard and Ida McFarland. Her passion for learning lead to an Associate Degree at Hutchinson Community College, then a Bachelor Degree in General Studies with a Minor in Business Administration and a Master Degree in Sociology at Wichita State University.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, James McFarland.

Yvonne will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Max Liby; son, Tom (Belinda) Ellis; daughter, Tammy (David) Thompson; stepsons, Harold (Barb) Liby and Darren (Sachiko) Liby; in addition to grandchildren, Luke, Lauren, Aisyn, Julian, Chase and Sadie; sisters, Emily McFarland and Mary (Michael) McCormick.

Hutchinson Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Yvonne M. Liby, 74, passed peacefully into the eternal love of God on November 12, 2020.A lifelong Hutchinson resident, she was born February 25, 1946, to the late Howard and Ida McFarland. Her passion for learning lead to an Associate Degree at Hutchinson Community College, then a Bachelor Degree in General Studies with a Minor in Business Administration and a Master Degree in Sociology at Wichita State University.She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, James McFarland.Yvonne will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Max Liby; son, Tom (Belinda) Ellis; daughter, Tammy (David) Thompson; stepsons, Harold (Barb) Liby and Darren (Sachiko) Liby; in addition to grandchildren, Luke, Lauren, Aisyn, Julian, Chase and Sadie; sisters, Emily McFarland and Mary (Michael) McCormick.Hutchinson Funeral Chapel and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Yvonne M. Liby | 1946 - 2020 |

Daniel James ‘Dan’ Stoecklein, 57, of Hutchinson, died November 12, 2020, at Hospice House. He was born on March 12, 1963, in Hutchinson, to Jim and Venita (Stegman) Stoecklein.

Dan graduated from Trinity Catholic High School in 1981, and Hutchinson Community College in 1983, with an Associates of Arts degree. In 1978, he began his first role at Dillon Stores as a courtesy clerk at Store #48 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Dan’s starting pay rate was $2.65 per hour. He later worked in the Produce, Grocery, and Scanning Departments before being named Scanning Manager in 1985. In 1992, Dan moved to the Distribution Center Office to be Store Systems Supervisor. Dan was named Inventory Specialist for Dillon Stores Division, in September 1996. He was then named Retail Pricing Coordinator at the Distribution Center Office, effective July 1997. Dan was named Network Analyst in Information Services at the Distribution Center Office, in August 2000. He was named Store Auditor, effective October 2010, and was in that position briefly before joining Kroger Accounting Services-Hutchinson (KASH) as Kroger Time &amp; Attendance Support Analyst, in late 2010. Dan was promoted to Kroger Time &amp; Attendance Group Leader, in November 2014.

Dan had many hobbies, including cooking and baking for an army and playing with his grandchildren -- pushing them way too high on the swing and taking them to the park or on long walks. He was also an avid grocery shopper, a recycling professional, a closet hoarder of many things and Monarchs Baseball host parent. He also participated in reluctant home improvement and completing Janet’s projects (the running “To-Do” list). One of his greatest loves was gardening and wood cutting therapy sessions, but he also enjoyed hunting (pheasant and “residential hunting”) and building things in the garage. He was a member at Church of the Holy Cross, in Hutchinson.

On August 4, 1984, he married his lovely wife, Janet Kay Koehn, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson. They shared 36 years together.

Dan is survived by wife, Janet Stoecklein, Hutchinson; daughters, Lacy Dowers (Rick), Hutchinson, Katie Raya (Derrick), Hutchinson, Kelsey Teagle (Deiondre), Wichita; grandchildren, Alba Rose Dowers, Ivy Jade Dowers, Alexis Ann Raya, and Asher Michael Raya, all of Hutchinson; parents, Jim and Venita Stoecklein, Hutchinson; siblings, Elaine Weninger (Mark), Denny Stoecklein (Michelle), and Pam Nelson, all of Hutchinson; and nephews, Michael Weninger, Logan Weninger, Jordan Stoecklein, Ryan Stoecklein, and Connor Nelson.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. To view the service online, visit the church’s YouTube page by searching “Church of the Holy Cross Hutchinson”. Private burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends Sunday, November 15, 2020, beginning at 3 p.m. followed by parish rosary at 4 p.m. at Church of the Holy Cross. Friends attending the service or rosary in person are encouraged to bring a small rock to leave with the family in Dan’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cancer Council of Reno County, Church of the Holy Cross, or Trinity Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605570466134.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Daniel James ‘Dan’ Stoecklein, 57, of Hutchinson, died November 12, 2020, at Hospice House. He was born on March 12, 1963, in Hutchinson, to Jim and Venita (Stegman) Stoecklein.Dan graduated from Trinity Catholic High School in 1981, and Hutchinson Community College in 1983, with an Associates of Arts degree. In 1978, he began his first role at Dillon Stores as a courtesy clerk at Store #48 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Dan’s starting pay rate was $2.65 per hour. He later worked in the Produce, Grocery, and Scanning Departments before being named Scanning Manager in 1985. In 1992, Dan moved to the Distribution Center Office to be Store Systems Supervisor. Dan was named Inventory Specialist for Dillon Stores Division, in September 1996. He was then named Retail Pricing Coordinator at the Distribution Center Office, effective July 1997. Dan was named Network Analyst in Information Services at the Distribution Center Office, in August 2000. He was named Store Auditor, effective October 2010, and was in that position briefly before joining Kroger Accounting Services-Hutchinson (KASH) as Kroger Time &amp; Attendance Support Analyst, in late 2010. Dan was promoted to Kroger Time &amp; Attendance Group Leader, in November 2014.Dan had many hobbies, including cooking and baking for an army and playing with his grandchildren -- pushing them way too high on the swing and taking them to the park or on long walks. He was also an avid grocery shopper, a recycling professional, a closet hoarder of many things and Monarchs Baseball host parent. He also participated in reluctant home improvement and completing Janet’s projects (the running “To-Do” list). One of his greatest loves was gardening and wood cutting therapy sessions, but he also enjoyed hunting (pheasant and “residential hunting”) and building things in the garage. He was a member at Church of the Holy Cross, in Hutchinson.On August 4, 1984, he married his lovely wife, Janet Kay Koehn, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson. They shared 36 years together.Dan is survived by wife, Janet Stoecklein, Hutchinson; daughters, Lacy Dowers (Rick), Hutchinson, Katie Raya (Derrick), Hutchinson, Kelsey Teagle (Deiondre), Wichita; grandchildren, Alba Rose Dowers, Ivy Jade Dowers, Alexis Ann Raya, and Asher Michael Raya, all of Hutchinson; parents, Jim and Venita Stoecklein, Hutchinson; siblings, Elaine Weninger (Mark), Denny Stoecklein (Michelle), and Pam Nelson, all of Hutchinson; and nephews, Michael Weninger, Logan Weninger, Jordan Stoecklein, Ryan Stoecklein, and Connor Nelson.Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. To view the service online, visit the church’s YouTube page by searching “Church of the Holy Cross Hutchinson”. Private burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will receive friends Sunday, November 15, 2020, beginning at 3 p.m. followed by parish rosary at 4 p.m. at Church of the Holy Cross. Friends attending the service or rosary in person are encouraged to bring a small rock to leave with the family in Dan’s memory.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cancer Council of Reno County, Church of the Holy Cross, or Trinity Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Daniel James "Dan" Stoecklein | 1963 - 2020 |

Ralph G. Bowen, a longtime Hutchinson resident who never met a stranger, took his last breath on earth, and first in Heaven, on November 14, 2020. Ralph, son of Lewis G. and Minnie E. (Burget) Bowen, was born and raised in Burlington, Kansas.

He lived an adventurous childhood with his twin brother, Roger, older brother, Don, and sister, Marjorie. Ralph and Roger carried their love of playing football together from Burlington High School to Hutchinson Community College, and finally as recruits at Washburn University, where Ralph, as team captain, led the team to league championships his junior and senior years.

Ralph also served as president of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, his senior year. He often kidded with his children that he was ‘BMOC,’ Big Man On Campus, and anyone who had the privilege to know him would not doubt this for a minute!

Ralph was smitten with a beautiful campus coed, Shirley Wilson, the daughter of a well-known Topeka police detective! That did not deter Ralph from gathering the courage to take her on their first date to see the legendary Ray Charles and Eartha Kitt at the Topeka Auditorium. The rest, as they say, is history! Ralph and Shirley made beautiful music together for over 65 years!

The couple made Hutchinson their home, building a house in 1961, that they have lived in since. Over the years, this home was filled with laughter and love as Ralph and Shirley hosted many backyard BBQs, birthdays celebrated with a red ‘You Are Special Today’ plate, baby and wedding showers, hotdog and chili nights on Halloween, and beloved family gatherings at Christmas.

Ralph’s hard-working and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to enjoy a fulfilling career in Hutchinson. The majority of his career was in the heavy equipment business, where he was co-owner of Equipment Rental. One of the highlights of his job was proudly placing the rockets and the SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane at the Cosmosphere. Ralph’s career culminated with his most fulfilling business yet, working with his son Kevin to grow a strong oil and natural gas exploration company.

Ralph and Shirley were an adventure-seeking couple who loved traveling with friends and family. On any given Friday night, everyone would know to find Ralph and Shirley with their friends at The Anchor Inn, enjoying Hutch’s tastiest homemade chips and salsa, and great company. There was one exception to this rule – if any of Ralph and Shirley’s grandkids had an event on a Friday night, they would be there showing support instead.

Ralph always maintained strong ties with HCC sports, as a charter member of the Quarterback Club, and he and Shirley were lifetime season ticket holders to the football and basketball games. Ralph was involved in the community as a member of the Reno County Planning Committee, and served his church, which was always an important part of his life, on building committees and as a friendly and welcoming usher.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; children, Andrea Siefkes (Tim), Hutchinson, Pam Kennedy (Kelly), Haysville, Kevin Bowen (Jodee), Hutchinson, and Tamara Harbour (Phil), Shawnee; grandchildren, Courtney Siefkes, Austin, TX, Amy Messer (Travis), Gardner, Matthew Peil (Loni), Hutchinson, Lauren Rickner (James), Ottawa, Aubrey Kennedy, Haysville, Elli Bowen, Kansas City, Trace Bowen, Kansas City, Abby Harbour, Shawnee, Reed Harbour, Shawnee, Cale Harbour, Shawnee, Tayt Harbour, Shawnee; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margaret ‘Peg’ Bowen; and many nieces and nephews, with whom he remained close, and loved seeing at family gatherings over the years.&nbsp;

Ralph was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie Long (Jesse); brother, Don Bowen; twin brother, Roger Bowen; sister-in-law, Jeanette Bowen; brother-in-law, Charles Brunton; sisters-in-law, Margaret Brunton Smith (Larry), Joann Hornak (Larry); nephew, Michael Brunton; and niece, Debra (Bowen) Fletcher.&nbsp;

Private graveside service will be Friday, November 20, 2020, at Fairlawn Burial Park. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be announced at a later date. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Church of the Nazarene, Hutchinson (for their building fund), or Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605570341387.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ralph G. Bowen, a longtime Hutchinson resident who never met a stranger, took his last breath on earth, and first in Heaven, on November 14, 2020. Ralph, son of Lewis G. and Minnie E. (Burget) Bowen, was born and raised in Burlington, Kansas.He lived an adventurous childhood with his twin brother, Roger, older brother, Don, and sister, Marjorie. Ralph and Roger carried their love of playing football together from Burlington High School to Hutchinson Community College, and finally as recruits at Washburn University, where Ralph, as team captain, led the team to league championships his junior and senior years.Ralph also served as president of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, his senior year. He often kidded with his children that he was ‘BMOC,’ Big Man On Campus, and anyone who had the privilege to know him would not doubt this for a minute!Ralph was smitten with a beautiful campus coed, Shirley Wilson, the daughter of a well-known Topeka police detective! That did not deter Ralph from gathering the courage to take her on their first date to see the legendary Ray Charles and Eartha Kitt at the Topeka Auditorium. The rest, as they say, is history! Ralph and Shirley made beautiful music together for over 65 years!The couple made Hutchinson their home, building a house in 1961, that they have lived in since. Over the years, this home was filled with laughter and love as Ralph and Shirley hosted many backyard BBQs, birthdays celebrated with a red ‘You Are Special Today’ plate, baby and wedding showers, hotdog and chili nights on Halloween, and beloved family gatherings at Christmas.Ralph’s hard-working and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to enjoy a fulfilling career in Hutchinson. The majority of his career was in the heavy equipment business, where he was co-owner of Equipment Rental. One of the highlights of his job was proudly placing the rockets and the SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane at the Cosmosphere. Ralph’s career culminated with his most fulfilling business yet, working with his son Kevin to grow a strong oil and natural gas exploration company.Ralph and Shirley were an adventure-seeking couple who loved traveling with friends and family. On any given Friday night, everyone would know to find Ralph and Shirley with their friends at The Anchor Inn, enjoying Hutch’s tastiest homemade chips and salsa, and great company. There was one exception to this rule – if any of Ralph and Shirley’s grandkids had an event on a Friday night, they would be there showing support instead.Ralph always maintained strong ties with HCC sports, as a charter member of the Quarterback Club, and he and Shirley were lifetime season ticket holders to the football and basketball games. Ralph was involved in the community as a member of the Reno County Planning Committee, and served his church, which was always an important part of his life, on building committees and as a friendly and welcoming usher.Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; children, Andrea Siefkes (Tim), Hutchinson, Pam Kennedy (Kelly), Haysville, Kevin Bowen (Jodee), Hutchinson, and Tamara Harbour (Phil), Shawnee; grandchildren, Courtney Siefkes, Austin, TX, Amy Messer (Travis), Gardner, Matthew Peil (Loni), Hutchinson, Lauren Rickner (James), Ottawa, Aubrey Kennedy, Haysville, Elli Bowen, Kansas City, Trace Bowen, Kansas City, Abby Harbour, Shawnee, Reed Harbour, Shawnee, Cale Harbour, Shawnee, Tayt Harbour, Shawnee; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margaret ‘Peg’ Bowen; and many nieces and nephews, with whom he remained close, and loved seeing at family gatherings over the years.&nbsp;Ralph was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie Long (Jesse); brother, Don Bowen; twin brother, Roger Bowen; sister-in-law, Jeanette Bowen; brother-in-law, Charles Brunton; sisters-in-law, Margaret Brunton Smith (Larry), Joann Hornak (Larry); nephew, Michael Brunton; and niece, Debra (Bowen) Fletcher.&nbsp;Private graveside service will be Friday, November 20, 2020, at Fairlawn Burial Park. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be announced at a later date. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to First Church of the Nazarene, Hutchinson (for their building fund), or Hospice &amp; HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.