Elmer Elton "Pete" Bell
Elmer Elton "Pete" Bell, 79, died Jan 14, 1998, at his home. He was born Feb 28, 1918, at Bluejacket, Oklahoma, the son of John Franklin and Maude Bell. He was a 1936 graduate of Medicine Lodge High School. A longtime Kinsley resident, he was a pumper in the oil fields. He belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, stationed in the South Pacific. On June 19, 1950, he married Elma Bernice Packard at Lyons. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Stephen, Hays; two daughters, Mary Brehm, Pratt, and Bonnie Hirsch, Kinsley; two stepsons, Bill Packard, Goddard, and Mike Packard, Winfield; two brother, Oliver, Medicine Lodge, and James, Nashville; a sister, Mary Hommertzheim, Medicine Lodge; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan 17, 1998, at First United Methodist Church, Kinsley, with the Rev. David Bell presiding. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Kinsley. Memorials may be sent to South Wind Hospice, Pratt, or Jones-Barnes- Gasser Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7349, Kinsley, both in care of McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, Kinsley.

Lester R. Branson
Lester R. Branson, 82, died March 12, 1997, at the Meadowlark Hills Health Care Center, Manhattan. He was born Sept. 26, 1914, at Zenda, the son of Samuel J. and Katie J. Layne Branson. He was raised in Coats and attended Pratt County schools. He attended Ft. Hays University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1938 and his Master of Science in 1940. A resident of Manhattan since 1947, he was a conservation program specialist for the ABCS office of the USDA. He was a U.A. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the College Avenue United Methodist Church, Manhattan; the Kansas-Oklahoma Chapter of the Society for Range Management; Manhattan Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society; Riley County Council on Aging; National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees; Riley County Seniors Service Center; Masonic Lodge #0265, Pratt; the High 12 Club of Manhattan, Public Housing Advisory Board; was precinct committeeman for the Democratic Party and life member of the VFW. On June 1, 1941, he married Dorothy Hybsha at Medicine Lodge. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Lester L. Branson; a sister, Aline L. Buck, Cerritos, Calif; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 18, 1997, at the College Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Nancy Gammill officiating. Cremation followed the service. Memorials may be sent to the Riley County Seniors' Service Center, College Avenue United Methodist Church, and the Coats United Methodist Church, all in care of Edwards-Yorgensen-Meloan Funeral Home, Manhattan.

Winford M. 'Wimpy' Cummins
Winford M. 'Wimpy' Cummins, 83, died Nov. 29, 1996, at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital. He was born Sept. 14, 1913, at Konawa, Okla., the son of Walter W. Cummins and Nora F. Gardner. A Medicine Lodge resident since 1936, moving from Konawa, he was the owner and operator of the Cummins Barber Shop from 1962 to 1975. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. On Dec. 23, 1941, he married Virginia Lee Nurse at Medicine Lodge. She survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Ron Cummins, Boise, Idaho, and Terry Cummins, Iuka; two sisters, Agness Mae Cummins, Tonkawa, Okla., and Faye Medlinger, Wichita Falls, Texas; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral service were held Monday, Dec. 2, 1996, at the United Methodist Church, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Jim Godbey presiding. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Larrison- Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Lucille P. Petersen
Lucille P. Petersen, 85, died March 9, 1997, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph Campus, Wichita. She was born April 14, 1911, at Roxbury, the daughter of Bert A. and Lovie M. Bartz Parsons. A Wichita resident since 1951, moving from Hardtner, she was a bookkeeper. She was a member of Lutheran Church, Wichita. In 1934 she married Pete Petersen at Louisville, Ky. He died in Oct. 1947. Survivors includ: two daughters, Leigh Petersen, Wichita, and Lynne Nugent Rochester, N.Y.; a sister, Virginia Sizelove, Hardtner; and two grandchildren. Graveside services were held Thursday, March 13, 1997, in the Hardtner Cemetery, Hardtner, with the Rev. Lew Van Der Wege presiding. Memorials may be sent to Kansas Humane Society, 4218 SE Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67210 Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa, was in charge of arrangements.

Alice M. Redding
Alice M. Redding, 70, died Jan. 9, 1998, at Medicine Lodge. She was born Oct. 30, 1927, at Greeley, Colo., the daughter of Claude and Sarah Jane "Sadie" Fair Burrous. She was a homemaker. On Nov. 5, 1944, she married Lemuel Appling at Bentonville, Ark. He died Sept. 11, 1969. In 1973 she married C. Haynes Redding. They were married until 1977. He died May 19, 1997. Survivors include: two sons, L.C. Appling, Suwanee, Ga., and Gary Appling, Attica; three daughters, Carol Newlin and Ann Moser, both of Wichita, and Donetta Foss, Fruitland, Idaho; two brothers, Roy Burrous, Topeka, and Donald Burrous, St. Marys, Kan.; three sisters, Dorothy Rice, Colorado, Ruby Duensing, San Diego, and Clarice Reese, Mason, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; five step-grand- children; 11 great-grandchildren; and 17 step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998, at Assembly of God Church, Attica, with the Rev. Jerry Yates presideing. Burial was in Spring Grove Cemetery, Anthony. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Elliott Mortuary, Attica.

Monte C. Watkins
Monte C. Watkins, 51, died Dec 16, 1996, at the University of Colorado Hopital, Denver. He was born May 20, 1945, at Anthony, the son of Bill and Mary Ellen Brady Watkins. A lifetime area resident, he was a woodworker and yardsman. He was a member of Driftwood Christian Church, Driftwood, Okla. Survivors include: a son, Jason Watkins, Enid, Okla.; a daughter, Marci Watkins, Burlington, Okla.; parents, Bill and Mary Ellen Watkins, Kiowa; a brother, Brad Watkins, Nickerson; a sister, Kay Wiley, Rose Hill; and a grandchild. Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 20, 1996, at Driftwood Christian Church, with the Rev. Rollin Boothby presiding. Burial was in the Riverview Cemetery, Kiowa. Memorials may be sent to the Monte Watkins Scholarship Fund with Burlington Schools, in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.

Fola Mae Axline
Fola Mae Axline, 70, of Medicine Lodge, died Jan 22, 1997 at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital. She was born Oct. 29, 1926 in Medicine Lodge, the daughter of Ernie A. and Mary A. Turnage Melkus. She was a lifelong resident of Medicine Lodge, a homemaker. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for fifty- five years, and a member of the VFW Auxiliary. During high school she was a twirler for the marching band and a member of several other school organizations such as FFA and Glee Club. After graduating from high school, she worked for National Gypsum as a telegrapher, Parker's IGA, Nixon's Mens Wear, and Palmer's Floral. On July 19, 1950, she married Bill Axline in Alva, Okla. They enjoyed their years on the Axline Ranch north of Medicine Lodge where they raised their three children. He preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother and his wife, Dean and Kay Melkus of Topeka; her children and their spouses, Carol Ann and Keith of Lake City, Clay and Cathy, Mark and Joni, all of Medicine Lodge; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Trayce and Mark, Greg and Amy, Josh, Michael, Gabrielle, Logan, and Michelle; three great-grandchildren, Shayne, Macy and Darah Marie. A memorial service was held Monday, Jan 29, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Medicine Lodge, with Rev's Jim Godbey and Russel Stolp presiding. Memorials may be sent to the United Methodist Church in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Virgil C. Cole
Virgil C. Cole, 87, died Oct. 30, 1996, in Tillimook, Ore. He was born Feb 8, 1909, in Medicine Lodge, the son of Parmenius Briscoe and Catherine Barbara Aubley Cole. He was raised in Kansas. He received his master's degree in science at the University of Wyoming. He was a teacher of math and physics and coached at several high schools in Kansas, Colorado, Bend, Ore., and Tillamook, Ore. While in Rye, Colo., he was school district superintendent. In 1946 he retired from teaching and became a fulltime cattle and dairy rancher in the Beaver area. He also started a life-time hobby of electronic repair. Later he bought several farms in the Willamina area, then in 1950 he purchased what is now known as the Cole Ranch on Blaine Road. Mr. Cole retired from ranching in 1995 at the age of 86. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Epperson on May 25, 1932 in Kansas. She died in 1991. Survivors include: one son, Wade Cole, Bremerton, Wash; six daughters, Rosalie Langston, Wenatchee, Wash., Sharon Dodge, Yuba City, Calif., Wanda Nickel, El Paso, Texas, Nancy Wallace, Willow, Ark., Patricia Knapp, Ilwaco, Wash., Ruth Ellen McWayne, Tigard, Ore.; a sister, Faye Bolin, Seattle, Wash.; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Nov 4, 1996, at Waud's Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Woodby officiating. Vault interment was held at Blaine Community Cemetery.

Helen C. Crole
Helen C. Crole, 91, died March 2, 1997, at Hilltop Manor, Cunningham. She was born March 31, 1905, at Cunningham, the daughter of Conrad and Ida Rush Liedl. A Wichta resident, she was a retired co-owner of Crole Machine Shop. Other survivors include: step-daughter, Ann Clasby, Colorado Springs, Colo.; a brother, Leonard Liebl, St. Leo; a sister, Eulanda "Butch" Criser, Sharon; and one grandchild. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 5, 1997, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Wichita. Burial was at Resurrection Cemetery, Wichita. Memorials may be sent to Hilltop Manor Nursing Home, Cunningham.

Consuella Mary `Connie' Dolenz
Consuella Mary `Connie' Dolenz, 71, died Feb. 10, 1997, at Andover. She was born July 10, 1925, at Liberty, the daughter of John and Martha Strutzel Startz. She grew up on a farm near Liberty and attended Clymore grade school. She graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School and attended Coffeyville Junior College. She graduated with a degree in business administration from Fort Hays State University. Formerly of Coffeyville, she lived in Lyons at the time of her death. She was a homemaker, secretary and teacher. She was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Lyons, St. Paul's Altar Society and Fort Hays Alumni Association. On Aug 25, 1951, she married James A. Dolenz at Coffey- ville. He died Jan 6, 1988. Survivors include: four sons, James, Wichita, Jerry, Woodward, Okla., Tom, Iola, and Tim, Andover; five daughters, Teresa Cottrell, Meade, Patti Tharp, Medicine Lodge, Kathy Dolenz, Junction City, Rosemarie Debnam, Anchorage, Alaska, and Mary Hardiman, Chandler, Ariz.; five brothers, John Startz, Groves, Texas, James Startz, Kansas City, Kan., Ray Startz, Mission, Clarence Startz, Topeka, and Elmer Startz, Midland, Texas; and 12 grand- children. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, 1997, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Coffeyville. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Coffeyville. Memorials may be sent to Hospice Inc. of Butler County or Hospice of Reno County, both in care of Graves Funeral Home, Coffeyville.

Michael A. Fanning
Michael A. Fanning, 44, died March 4, 1997, at his home. He was born Oct. 9, 1952, at Wichita, the son of Ronald D. and Suzanne "Sue" White Fanning. A Hutchinson resident since 1975, he was an employee of TECH Inc. of Hutchinson. He was active in the Hutchinson Recreation Commission Bowling League and was a former Special Olympics partic- apant. Survivors include: parents, Lyons; two sisters, Brenda Sterneker, Cunningham, and Becky Fischer, Isabel; two nephews, Jeremy Willims and Brandon Sterneker, both of Cunningham; and four nieces, Kristin Sterneker and Alisson Sterneker, both of Cunningham, and Liz Graham, and Brooke Fischer, both of Isabel. Funeral services were held Thursday, March 6, 1997, at Lyons United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Gary Appleton presiding. Burial was in Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to TECH Inc, in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.

Harold R. Mitchell
Harold R. Mitchell, 72, died March 6, 1997, at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 27, 1924, near Andover in Butler County, the son of Marion J. and Vada M. Rawlings Mitchell. A resident of Medicine Lodge since 1976, formerly living in Augusta and Alva, Okla., he was a carpenter and homebuilder. He was a member of United Methodist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Medicine Lodge. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. On Aug. 4, 1965, he married E.A. "Van" Hamilton at Neosho, Mo. She survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Jerry R. Mitchell and Steven L. Mitchell, both of Wichita, and Ron Ward, Medicine Lodge; three daughters, Peggy A Mitchell and Janet R. Coleman, both of Wichita, and Judy F. Phillips, Udall; mother, Vada Mitchell, Augusta; brother, Bob Mitchell, Augusta; two sisters, Donna Jones and Marilyn Llewellen, both of Norman, Okla.; 10 grand- children; and five great-grand children. Funeral services were held Monday, March 10, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Medicine Lodge, with the Revs. Jim Godbey and Tom Walters presiding. Burial was in Highland Cemetery in Medicine Lodge. Memorials may be sent to the church or to the American Cancer Society in care of Larrsion-Gorsyth Funeral Home in Medicine Lodge.

Robert Joseph Murphy
Robert Joseph Murphy, 68, died Jan 3, 1997, at his home in Anton, Colo. He was born Marcy 7, 1928, at Hazelton, the son of Joseph E. and Ica Aldrich Murphy. A resident of Anton for the past year, he lived most of his life in Medicine Lodge and worked as a warehouse truck loader in the wholesale oil business. Survivors include: a son, Michael L. Murphy, Hutchinson; and two grandchildren, Lacey and Zachery Kovarna, both of Hutchinson. Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan 9, 1997, at Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home Chape, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Tom Walters presiding. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.

Anita Jane McCormick
Anita Jane McCormic, 70, died Feb 14, 1997, at her home in Enid, Okla. She was born August 27, 1926, in Barber County, the daughter of Raymond Holmes and Hazel Florence Rankin Donovan. She was raised and educated in Medicine Lodge, where she graduated from high school. She attended Oklahoma University, and Phillips University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Masters in Education. She taught Elementary Education at Hayes Elementary from 1967 to 1971 when she became principal of Eisenhower School. She was Principal of Hayes Elementary from 1972 until her retirement in 1986. She was a member of the First presbyterian Church of Enid, Order of Eastern Star, and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. On Dec 7, 1947, she married Forrest Eugene McCormick in Medicine Lodge. He preceeded her in death. Survivors include: two sons, Dr. Jeffrey Trent McCormick, Edmond, Okla. and Jod D. McCormick, Woodward, Okla.; a daugher, Linda C. Mackey, Edmond, Okla.; her mother, Hazel F. Donovan, Medicine Lodge; one brother, James R. Donovan, Medicine Lodge; a sister, Carol King, Albuquerque, N.M.; and five grandchildren, Meghan, Evan, Colin, Lauren, and Ryan McCormick. Funeral services were held Friday, Feb 21, 1997, at the First Presbyterian Church, Enid, Okla., with Rev. Dr. J. Bruce Byers officiating. A second service was held Saturday, Feb. 22, 1997, at the First Presbyterian Church, Medicine Lodge with Mr. Wayne DeVries officiating. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge. Memorial may be sent to the American Diabetes Association or the First Presbyterian Church in care of Brown Funeral Home, Enid, Okla.

Opal Eunice Marquand
Opal Eunice Marquand, 93, died Feb. 18, 1997, at Riverside Hospital, Wichita. She was born July 23, 1903, in Beaver County, Okla., the daughter of Emory F. and Mary S. Jenkins Harper. A Medicine Lodge resident since 1932, moving from Coldwater, she was a homemaker. She was a member of First Christian Church and the American Legion Auxiliary, both at Medicine Lodge, and helped start the Lone Eagle 4-H, southwest of Medicine Lodge. On May 1, 1926, she married Joseph W. Marquand at Pratt, He preceeded her in death. Survivors include: a daughter, Melba Jones, Wichita; a brother Merrel Harper, Plaines; two grandchildren; five great-grand- children; and a great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Friday, Feb 21, 1997, at First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Tom Walters presiding. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge. Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge, was in charge of arrangements.

H. Lynn Randels
H. Lynn Randels, 93, died Feb. 13, 1997, at Bonell Good Samaritan Center, Greeley, Colo. He was born Oct. 29, 1903, in Grant County, Okla., the son of Horace M. and Bessie E. McArtor Randels. A resident of Greeley, Colo., since 1992, moving from Topeka, where he had lived from 1981-1992, and Medicine Lodge, where he had lived from 1941-1981, he was a former Probate Judge in Barber County from 1956 to 1978. He was a member of First Christian Church, Delta Lodge No. 77, AF&AM, Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce, all in Medicine Lodge. On July 16, 1933, he married Margaret Zoe Davis. She died in 1977. On June 2, 1981, he married Berdine Priest. She survives in Greeley, Colo. Other survivors include: a son, Robert L. Randels, Sharon; a daughter, Jane Marcey, Greeley, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 17, 1997, at the First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, with Rev. Tom Waltes presiding. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge. Memorials may be sent to Bonell Good Samaritan Center, Greeley, Colo., in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Gary Lloyd Wing
Gary Lloyd Wing, 47, died March 25, 1997, at Pratt Regional Medical Center, Pratt. He was born Oct. 13, 1949, at Alamosa, Colo., the son of Bill and Naomi Helms Wing. A Sun City resident for 10 months, moving from Alamosa, Colo., he was a carpenter. On Sept. 4, 1996, he married Charlot Upshaw at Medicine Lodge. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Shawn, South Carolina; two step-sons, James Ogle, Arkansas, and Chris Ogle, Sun City; a step-daughter, Becky Ogle, Arkansas; mother, Alamosa, Colo.; a sister, Linda Wing, Sun City; and a step-grandchild, Robert Bushnell, Arkansas. Private family services will be held at a later date. Larrison Mortuary, Pratt, is in charge of arrangements.

Gladys E. Venard
Gladys E. Venard, 62, died March 10, 1997, at Columbia Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. She was born June 17, 1934, at St. Leo, the daughter of Edwin and Marie Ridder Simon. She attended St. Leo schools and graduated from Nashville High School. The owner and operator of Southern Maid Donut Shop for 15 years, she also worked for USD 443 in food service and bookkeeping. She was a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral and Chamber of Commerce at Dodge City. On July 24, 1952, she married Lloyd Vanard at St. Leo. He survives. Other survivors include: a son, Don R. Venard, Dodge City; two brothers, Robert Simon, Garden City, and Gerald Simon, St. Leo; and seven grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, March 13, 1997, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Dodge City, with the Rev. Gregory LeBlanc presiding. Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Memorials may be sent to the Lupus Foundation in care of Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City.

Betty Jeane Rusk
Betty Jeane Rusk, 68, died March 29, 1997, at her home in Hazelton. She was born July 29, 1928, at McPherson, the daugher of Clarence and Nancy A. Hare McMahon. A longtime resident of Kiowa, formerly of Newton, she had lived in Hazelton since 1992. She was a nurses aid. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the UMW. On Nov. 23, 1949, she married William F. Rusk at Bentonville, Ark. He died Nov. 12, 1994. Survivors include: two sons, Wayne Allen Kidd, Kiowa, and Michael W. Rusk, Topeka; two daughters, Carolyn Sue Lilyblad, and Patricia LaVonne Rusk, both of Hazelton; a brother, Jess McMahon, Cottonwood, Ariz.; a sister, Delores Buie, Gainsville, Fla.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 1, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Kiowa, with the Rev. Lew Van Der Wege presiding. Burial was in Rose Hill-Hazelton Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Southwind Hospice, in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.

Loren Leroy Pyle
Loren Leroy Pyle, 60, died Feb. 26, 1997, in his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was born April 26, 1936 at Kingman, Kansas, son of Chester and Ruby Pyle. He was a graduate of Medicine Lodge High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Navy, moving to Scottsdale in 1967. Survivors include: his wife, Ellen of the home; his step-father Ralph Aubley of Medicine Lodge; three children, Sheri Baringer of Wichita, Tami Dickinson of Inman, and Ricky Pyle of Medicine Lodge; seven grand- children; four step-children; and 15 step-grandchildren. Burial was at the Veterans Cemetery, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Michelle Ann Mathis
Michelle Ann Mathis, 20, died March 25, 1997, at Ingris-Bass Hospital in Enid, Okla. She was born July 14, 1976, at Alva, Okla., the daughter of David L. and Janice L. Barr Mathis. A resident of Alva for only a few months, formerly of Kiowa and Cherokee, Okla., she was a waitress. She was a member of the Kiowa Southern Baptist Church, and a graduate of South Barber High School. Survivors include: her parents, of Kiowa, two brothers, David W. Mathis, Wichita, and Jess Mathis, Kiowa; a sister, Christie Swope, Kingman; paternal grandparents, Donald and Ruth Mathis, Cherokee, Okla.; maternal grandparents, Jim and Elsie Rodgers, Alva Okla.; maternal great-grandmother, Lorene Barr, of Alva; aunts, uncles, cousins; and two nephews. Funeral services were held Friday, March 28, 1997, at the South Barber High School Auditorium with the Rev. Alan Locke presiding. Burial was in the Cherokee Municpal Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Kiowa Southern Baptist Church in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.

Erma Mabel Lynam
Erma Mabel Lynam, 73, died March 26, 1997, at Pratt Regional Medical Center. She was born Aug. 31, 1923, at Hardtner, the daughter of the late Wallace and Nancy Jane Salsberry. A resident of Medicine Lodge since 1957, moving from Hardtner, she was a homemaker. On Aug. 19, 1940, she married Lewis Clyde Lynam at Anthony. He survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Darrel Lynam, Wichita, and Michael Lynam, Lindsborg; a brother, Sylvan Robinson, Amarillo, Texas; seven grandchildren; and several great- grandchildren. Graveside services were held Saturday, March 29, 1997, at Highland Cemetery in Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Tom Walters presiding. Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Heartland Share Program, in care of First Christian Church at Medicine Lodge.

Lloyd J. Benefiel
Lloyd J. Benefiel, 87, died March 26, 1997, at Hutchinson Hospital. He was born Nov. 27, 1909, at Medicine Lodge, the son of Clarence and Nellie Benefiel. A longtime resident of Lyons, he owned Benefiel Hardware at Lyons from 1934 to 1976. He was a 1932 graduate of Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. He was a member of Presbyterian Church, American Legion and Royal Lodge No. 192 at Lyons, and belonged to Acacia Fraternity. On April 1, 1956, he married Beulah Strom at Lyons. She Survives. He is also survived by a son, John L. Benefiel, of Omaha. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 29, 1997, at Presbyterian Church in Lyons, with the Rev. Tom Robson presiding. Burial was in Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Sillin Funeral Home in Lyons.

Hazel F. Rankin Donovan
Hazel F. Rankin Donovan, 96, died March 29, 1997, at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital. She was born Aug 22, 1900, on the family farm near Nashville, the daughter of George W. and Harriet M. Osborn Rankin. A home- maker, she had been a resident of Medicine Lodge since 1939, moving from a ranch near Hardtner. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Medicine Lodge. On Dec. 1, 1923, she married Raymond H. Donovan at Medicine Lodge. He died June 23, 1983. Survivors include: a son, James R. Donovan, Medicine Lodge; a daugher, Carol Ann King, Albuquerque, N.M.; a brother, Jack M. Rankin, Sun City, Ariz.; two sisters, Gladys Griesinger, Tuscon, Ariz., and Evelyn Grigsby, Sun City, Ariz; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held Tuesday, April 1, 1997, at the First Presbyterian Church in Medicine Lodge with Wayne De Vries presiding. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Almeda A. Dugan
Almeda A. Dugan, 83, died March 26, 1997, at Harper Hospital, Harper. She was born Nov. 26, 1913, at Sharon, the daughter of Charles Joseph and Elizabeth Hrencher Winter. She grew up in Sharon and attended St. Boniface Catholic School through the eighth grade. She graduated from Sharon High School in 1932. She continued her education at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Wichita, where she received her degree in nursing in 1935. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital for the next five years. She later made her home near Milton where she and her husband farmed for many years. They retired in 1975 and later moved to Conway Springs in 1985. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs, and Alter Society. On March 25, 1940, she married James Edward Dugan at Sharon. He died May 7, 1986. Survivors include: two sons, Charles, Milton, and Tom, Conway Springs; three daughters, Rose Ann Reams, Monroeville, Pa., Catherine Poppelreiter, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mary Trook, Lebonon, N.J.; two sisters, Cecilia Ann Mull, Ashland, and Lillian Blahut, Sharon; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral Mass was held Saturday, March 29, 1997, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Conway Springs, with Father Robert B. Wachter presiding. Burial was in the Eden Cemetery, Milton. Memorials may be sent to st. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund, Conway Springs, or Conway Springs Volunteer Ambulance, both in care of Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs.

Fredrick A. Adelhardt
Fredrick A. Adelhardt, 60, died March 17, 1997, at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born March 15, 1937, at Nashville, the son of John and Emma Simon Adelhardt. A Pratt resident for 36 years, he was a retired superintendent for KPL Gas Co. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, both at Pratt. On April 15, 1961, he married Audrey Kay Lagree at St. Leo. She survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Curtis and Roger, both of Pratt, and Michael, Mesquite, Texas; a daughter, Renee Brubaker, Tampa, Flor.; five brothers, Alois, Zenda, Eugene, Kingman, Ronald, Partridge, John, Nashville, and Elmer, Cunningham; three sisters, Rita Adelhardt, Cunningham, Marcella Ford, Isabel, and Elenora Zogelman, Adnale; and five grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 19, 1997, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pratt, with Father Ted Skalsky presiding. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery in Pratt. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or to the church both in care of Larrison Mortuary in Pratt.

LaVon Shelite
LaVon Shelite, 68, of Hutchinson, died March 17, 1997, at Columbia Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. She was born Sept 23, 1928, at Wichita, the daughter of Zell and Helen Baxter Whitacre. She attended North High School in Wichita. A Hutchinson resident since 1960, moving from Caldwell, she was a homemaker. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star Silver Leaf Chapter No. 464 and Women of the Moose Hutchinson Chapter No. 1371, both of Hutchinson. On Oct. 5, 1946, she married Orval Shelite, at Medicine Lodge. He survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Gary, Marshall, Texas, Dale, Kansas City, Kan., and Brad, Hutchinson; a daughter, Roxann Davis, Fort Knox, Ky.; mother, Chillicothe, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; a step-grandchild; and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, March 21, 1997, at Elliott Chapel in Hutchinson, with Dave Henderson presiding. Burial was in the Fairlawn Burial Park in Hutchinson. Memorials may be sent to American Heart Association or American Lung Association, both in care of the mortuary.

Tommie Holser Arbsland
Tommie Holser Arbsland died March 29, 1997 at her home in Spearman, Texas. She was born Sept. 30, 1924 in Medicine Lodge. The daughter of John and Eulalia (Luallen) Holser. Survivors include: one daughter, Sue Robinette, Spearman, Texas; one sister, Janie McBrayer, Kiowa; two grandsons; and four great-grandsons. Memorial service was held April 3, 1997, at the Trinity Community Church in Spearman, Texas, with Pastor, Johnny Taylor officiating. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.

Theresa J. Hindman Burns
Theresa J. Hindman Burns, 30, died April 8, 1997, at Wichita. She was born May 12, 1966 at Medicine Lodge, the daughter of James and Mary Hindman. Survivors include: husband, Scott Burns, Pensacola, Fla.; a sister, Kimberly Mathis, Dighton; a stepbrother, Tony Simon, Pretty Prairie; a stepsister, Linda Mainzer, Garden Plain; father and step mother, James and Janet Hindman, Medicine Lodge; mother, Mary Hindman, Wichita, and grandmother, Edith Hindman, Medicine Lodge. Memorial services were held Saturday, April 12, 1997, at Hillside Funeral Home 'East' Wichita, with Bill Dyar of Kiowa United Methodist Church, officiating. Memorials may be sent to Literacy Resources of the Metro Area Insturctional Support Center, in care of the funeral home.

Raymond Hill Cook
Raymond Hill Cook, 79, died March 31, 1997, at Bass Baptist Hospital in Enid, Okla. He was born April 12, 1917, at Smithville, Mo., the son of Ray L. and Lulu D. Dale Cook. A Protection resident for 29 years after living in Sun City, he was a retired farmer, rancher and employee of Protection Co-op. He attended Sun City and Protection Baptist churches and was a member of Sun City Saddle Club. On Aug. 31, 1938, he married Doris Margaret Powell at Richmond, Mo. She died Oct. 25, 1996. Survivors include: two sons, Bob, Enid, Okla., and Jack, Wellington; three daughters, Pat Hart, Protection, Joyce Hindman and Elaine Nicholson, both of Blackwell, Okla.; a sister, Georgia Tapp, Liberty, Mo.; 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, April 4, 1997, at First Baptist Church in Protection, with the Revs. John Waterloo and Rod Young presiding. Burial was in Protection Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Protection Cemetery Directory Fund or American Cancer Society, in memory of Doris Cook, in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Myrtle Elna Davis
Myrtle Elna Davis, 87, died April 6, 1997, at Homestead Assisted Living. She was born Aug 1, 1909, at Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of John and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Meador Ball. She graduated from Sawyer High School. She moved to Kiowa in 1949 and then to Garden City in 1956. She had lived there since then. She was an Avon representative for 37 years and a homemaker. She was a member of First Christian Church, Garden City, Christian Women's Fellowship, the Loyal Leaders Sunday School class and taught Sunday school class for 27 years. On Oct. 18, 1927, she married Burl E. Davis at Medicine Lodge. He died Feb 17, 1971. Survivors include: two sons, Dale, Garden City, and J.C., Wilmington, N.C.; two daughters, Mildred Miller, Mulvane, and Mary Lou Wright, Kiowa; a sister, Mary Rose, Medicine Lodge; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held Wednesday, April 9, 1997, in Riverview Cemetery, Kiowa, with the Rev. Leonne Worchester presiding. Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church in Kiowa or in Garden City, both in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.