Keith Edward Corzatt
Keith Edward Corzatt, son of Spencer Edward and Mary Edna (Haines) Corzatt, was born Sept. 21, 1919, in Media, Ill. He died Nov. 2, 1997, at Hays Plaza Apartments in Hays at the age of 78. He married Esther F. Harkleroad in 1969 at Amarillo, Texas. They lived in Amarillo for six years. He was a hog and cattle farmer at Clayton for four years, then retired and lived in New Almelo for 12 years before moving to Hays in 1995. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church at Hays. Survivors include his wife, Esther F., of the home; a son, Bill Corzatt, Stronghurst, Ill.; four daughters, Angela Myers, Media, Ill.; Mary Morrison and Theresa Cressler, LaCrosse; and Emily Teel, Hays; two brothers, James Corzatt, Media, Ill., and Kenneth Corzatt, Stronghurst, Ill; two sisters, Dorothy Blender, Monmouth, Ill., and Marilyn Peterson, Florida, and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Frank Corzatt and Ronald Corzatt, and one brother, Raymond Corzatt. Funeral services were scheduled at 10 a.m. today at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. The Rev. Bill Surmeier officiated and burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays. A memorial was established to the church.

Ronald Eugene Hester
Ronald Eugene Hester, son of Mae (Peterson) Hester, was born June 21, 1943, at Norton. He died Oct. 26, 1997, at his residence in Oberlin at the age of 54. He was reared in Oberlin where he attended school and was later employed as a brick layer. Survivors include his mother, Mae Hester, Oberlin; two sisters, Colene and Larry Chance, Harbor City, Calif., and Betty and Jack Bakk, Wichita; five nephews; a niece; seven great-nephews; and 10 great-nieces. He was preceded in death by a nephew, David Chance, and a great-nephew, Andrew Chance. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Oberlin Cemetery with Don Argabright officiating. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in his name.

Manuel 'Jim' White
Manuel "Jim" White of Clayton was born April 5, 1923, at Knowles, Okla. He died Nov. 1, 1997, at Decatur County Hospital at the age of 74. He had been an area resident for 20 years and was former owner of "Jim's Place" in Colby. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Isis Temple Shriners of Kansas and Masons of Orlando, Fla. Survivors include his companion, Louise New, Clayton; a daughter, Joyce Lynn Drennon, Wichita; a foster brother, Kenneth Reed, Colby; two sisters, Fern Hall and Olive Equels, Tulsa, Okla., and six grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Harrison Chapel in Colby. The Rev. Bruce Ferguson of Norcatur officiated and burial was at Monument Cemetery in Monument. A memorial was established to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital and contributions may be left at any Colby bank or at Harrison Chapel at Colby.

Scott John Williams
Scott John Williams, son of Cecil and Elsie Williams, was born Aug. 6, 1924, in San Francisco, Calif. He died Oct. 31, 1997, at the Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin at the age of 73. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of California in Berkeley, and Arizona State University in Tempe. He had a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geology. Doctoral work was completed at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He married Ann Dowling in 1965 in Florence, Ariz. He owned retail mineral businesses in Berkeley, Calif., and Scottsdale, Ariz. He began teaching in 1966 at Peru State College, Peru, Neb., teaching geography and geology for 25 years. He retired as Professor Emeritus of Geology in May, 1990. They moved to Oberlin in 1991, where he and his wife operated the Scott Williams Mineral Company. He was a member of the Nebraska Education Association; Nebraska Academy of Science and Southern California Chapter of Friends of Mineralogy. His hobbies included mineral collecting; stamp and coin collecting; opera; and sports. Survivors include his wife, Ann Dowling Williams, Oberlin, and daughter, Julie Williams, Omaha. His parents preceded him in death. A private memorial service is planned at a later date. Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin is in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation. The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society.

Charles A. Motz
Charles A. (Boy) Motz, son of Charles W. and Martha "Mattie" (Bain) Motz, was born Feb. 18, 1907, near Selden. He died Nov. 6, 1997, at Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin at the age of 90. He was reared in the Selden area and attended Shaul Country School. He married Thelma Blessman on Sept. 2, 1948, in Phillipsburg. They made their home at Selden, where he was a farmer and rancher. Survivors include his wife, Thelma, Oberlin; a daughter, Betty Jean and Kenneth Kuzma, Lapeer, Mich; a sister, Beryl Wachendorfer, Selden; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Gary Allan Motz; a brother, Everett Motz, and four sisters, Ila Reinhart, Opal Knitig, Iva Brantley, and Inez Bruggeman. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Pauls Funeral Home in Selden. The Rev. Ralph Jarboe officiated and burial was at the Selden Cemetery. A memorial was established in his name.

Galen E. Bennett
Galen Elden Bennett, son of James B. and Susan (Bendon) Bennett, was born Sept. 19, 1917, in Leavenworth. He died Nov. 6, 1997, in Jennings at the age of 80. He grew to manhood in Jennings, where he attended grade school and graduated from Jennings High School in 1935. He also attended Fort Hays State College. He married Mary Hill on May 11, 1940, in Phillipsburg. They lived in the Jennings and Norcatur areas where he taught school. In 1942 he joined the Kansas Highway Patrol as a trooper. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944-1946. Following his discharge, he returned to his career as a trooper and the family lived in Wichita, Phillipsburg, Columbus, Hays, and Norton. After his retirement, they moved from Wichita to Norton, where he served as magistrate judge from 1973 to 1978. He later moved to Jennings. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, the Masonic Order 32nd Degree; Harmonson-Redd American Legion 63; Eagles Lodge; Emergency Medical Technicians; and the Retired Troopers Association. He was a past member of the Norton school board. Survivors include two sons, Mike and Dorothy Bennett, Overland Park, and Pat and Merilee Bennett, Lakewood, Colo.; a daughter, Sue and Kermit George, Hays; a sister, Cecil Patrilla, Toledo, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Elynor Bennett, Jennings; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his companion, Neva Jean Taylor, Jennings, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Regis. Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Norton. The Rev. Dennis Gilhousen officiated and Enfield Funeral Home of Norton was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the American Heart Association.

Alice A. Ehler
Alice A. Ehler, daughter of Conrad and Laura (Kominski) Ehler, was born March 14, 1902, northwest of Dresden. She died Nov. 9, 1997, at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin at the age of 95. She was reared near Hastings, Neb., and attended Liberty Bell Grade School and Hastings High School, graduating in 1920. She earned a teaching degree from Hastings College. She taught school in Nebraska over 35 years. She was a member of the Dresden United Methodist Church. Survivors include two nieces, Ethyl and Joe Nemeth, Lakewood, Colo., and Helen Brooks, Oberlin; three great-nieces, Sharon Black, and Betty and David Heisel, Oberlin, and Vicki and Vivan Heisel, Fort Morgan, Colo.; six great-great-nieces and nephews; and nine great-great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant brothers; four other brothers, Fred, Chris, Bryan and William Ehler; two sisters, Marie Stevens and Nettie Ehler; and two nephews, Carrol and Don Ehler. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. Elin Colglazier will officiate and burial will be at the Dresden Cemetery. A memorial was established in her name.

Verle E. Rule
Verle Emmett Rule, son of Vyrus and Effie (Duncan) Rule, was born June 19, 1921, in Norton County. He died at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., on Oct. 18, 1997, at the age of 76. His mother died when he was three years old and he was raised by his grandparents, B.P. and Elfie Rule on a farm southwest of Norton. He attended District 111 rural grade school. On June 27, 1942, he married Aletha Mae McCabe in Norton. They lived in Norton until 1945 when they moved to Steamboat Springs, Colo. They returned to the farm west of Norton from 1949 until 1982 when they moved to their home on the edge of Norton and ran a boarding kennel and raised pups for 12 years. In 1994, due to his failing health, they moved into Norton. He attended the First Church of God in Norton. Survivors include his wife, Aletha, of the home in Norton; three sons, Richard and Elaine Rule, Norton; Dr. John and Carolyn Rule, Steamboat Springs, Colo., but formerly of Oberlin; and Phil and Dianne Rule, Lenora; a daughter, Sharron and Phil Knox, Brewster; two brothers, Bennie and Norieta Rule, Anchorage, Alaska; and Jim Rule, Paonia, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents who raised him; his step-mother, Vivian (Gleason) Rule; a brother, Raymond; and a great-grandson, Tyson Kinderknecht. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1997, at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton. The Rev. Ralph Barclay officiated and burial was at the Norton Cemetery.

Jacqueline M. Alstrom
Jacqueline M. "Jackie" Alstrom, daughter of Guy D. and Ruth (Coppage) Loper, was born Oct. 26, 1926, at McCook, Neb. She died at her rural home in Decatur County on Nov. 15, 1997, at the age of 71. She was reared at McCook, where she attended school, then later went to school in Kansas City to become a registered X-ray technician. She married Max E. Alstrom on Sept. 28, 1950, in McCook. They made their home on a farm southwest of Oberlin and she was also an X-ray technician. She was a member of Eastern Star, Calico Gals Club, Neighborhood Bible study, and the Lund Covenant Church. Survivors include four sons, Steve and Shelly Alstrom, David City, Neb.; Larry and Diana Alstrom, Hoxie; Rod and Lorie Alstrom, Oberlin; and Tom and Robi Alstrom, Moundridge; a sister, Phyllis and John Winston, McCook; and 15 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1993; and a sister, Jane Loper. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today at the Lund Covenant Church. The Rev. Tom Smith will officiate and burial will be in the Lund Cemetery. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, is in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in her name.

Bonnie Bethel
Bonnie Bethel, daughter of Glenn and Lora (Hunsaker) Heller, was born Nov. 4, 1926, at Norcatur. She died Nov. 5, 1997, at Aldie, Va., following a vehicle accident at the age of 71. She attended Mount Pleasant Rural School and was a 1944 graduate of Decatur Community High School. She married Harold Bethel on Oct. 30, 1944, and they lived at Danbury and McCook. She was employed by Dr. L.E. Dickenson of McCook and her husband owned Bethel Real Estate. After their retirement they moved to Aldie, Va. Survivors include her husband, Harold, Aldie, Va.; two daughters, Cheryl and John Trail, Arapahoe, Neb.; and Marla and Kim McIntyre, Aldie, Va.; a brother, Daughn Heller, North Platte, Neb.; and three sisters, Roxie Tuller, Cambridge, Neb.; Ruby Taylor, McCook; and Maxine Mockry, Manhattan; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Glenda Conry. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. on Nov. 10, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Wilsonville, Neb., with the Rev. George Probasco officiating. Burial was in the Wilsonville Cemetery with Williamson Funeral Home of Arapahoe in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in her name.

Bertha Olson
Funeral services are pending for Bertha Olson, who died Monday at Cedar Living Center. She was 93. Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin is in charge of arrangements.

Darrol W. Irby
Darrol W. Irby, son of Siegle Horace and Inez M. (Wing) Irby, was born Aug. 3, 1929, in rural Graham County. He died Nov. 12, 1997, at his home, rural Bogue, on Nov. 12, 1997, at the age of 68. He was a lifetime resident of the area and was a farmer-stockman. He married Ora Mae Kennedy on Oct. 17, 1954, in Topeka. He was a Mason and a member of the Bogue United Methodist Church. He served as Graham County Commissioner for 24 years; president of the Kansas Association of County Commissioners for one term; was on the library board and had been on the Bogue school board for many years. He was also a township committeeman and a member of the Bogue School Alumni board and of the Bogue Men's Service Club. Survivors include his wife, Ora Mae, Bogue; two sons, Siegle Irban, Denton, Texas; and Murlin Irby, Overland Park; three daughters, Sara Seller, Oberlin; Janet Reynolds, Agra; and Tina Green, Lascassas, Tenn.; two brothers, Harold and Robert Irby, Bogue; a sister, Roma Lee Irby, Bogue; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one sister. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Bogue. The Revs. Mehl Cruit and Kay Kincaid officiated and burial was at Wildhorse Township Cemetery at Bogue. Spencer Chapel of Hill City was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the Bogue United Methodist Church.

Francis 'Sainty' St. Clair
Francis "Sainty" St. Clair, son of Emmett J. and Dorothy (Brandt) St. Clair, was born Oct. 22, 1924, at Oberlin. He died Nov. 13, 1997, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., at the age of 73. He attended Oberlin schools and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1944. He married Marilyn Tice on Nov. 27, 1948. He was employed at a grain elevator in Oberlin. He had been a member of the I.O.O.F., Decatur County Museum Board, and Oberlin Fire Department, had served as one of the first Decatur County Emergency Medical Technicians and was a Boy Scout leader for many years. He enjoyed muzzleloading and participated in many Black Powder Shoots. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, Oberlin; two sons, Steve and Suzanne St. Clair, Vista, Calif.; and Larry St. Clair, Oberlin; a daughter, Judy and Conrad Reed, Colby; two grandchildren, Abie Frances Reed and Nathan Dean St. Clair; three brothers and their wives, Larry and Judy Droppleman, Hastings, Neb.; Jerry and Ryoko Droppleman, Aurora, Colo.; and Donald and Doris St. Clair, Pueblo, Colo; three sisters, Violet Brents and Dolores Kliest, Colorado Springs; and Faye Akers, Denver; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lester St. Clair; and a sister, Ethel Janousek. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Oberlin United Methodist Church. The Rev. David Randall officiated and burial was at the Oberlin Cemetery with Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the Oberlin Fire Department or Oberlin Boy Scouts.

Helen M. Zodrow
Helen M. Zodrow, daughter of Andrew and Helen (Grimm) Sulzman, was born May 11, 1892, at Phiefer. She died Nov. 11, 1997, at Cedar Living Center in Oberlin at the age of 105. She was reared in the Selden area and attended Old Sheridan School and normal training to become a teacher. She married Anthony Zodrow on Aug. 24, 1915, in Leoville. They lived in the Selden area. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Altar Society of Leoville. Survivors include two sons, John P. and Monica Zodrow, Gentry, Ark., and Conrad and Mary Ann Zodrow, Leoville; three daughters, Alexine Spresser, Selden; Irma Warren, Sharon Springs; and Audrey and Simon Zimmerman, Newton; 38 grandchildren; 90 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1963; two sons, Ralph and Seraphine; and two sons-in-law, Norman Spresser and Junior Warren. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville. The Rev. James Hoover and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated and burial was at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leoville. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the church at Leoville or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Selden.

Ray Shelton Kincaid
Ray Sheldon Kincaid, 92, a retired Jennings farmer, died Nov. 30, 1997, at the Decatur County Hospital. He was born March 26, 1905, in Phillips County, the son of Richard Druery and Lena Leota (King) Kincaid. He was reared in the Allison and Jennings area and attended Delmar, Allison and Jennings schools, graduating from Jennings High School in 1926. He married Mabel Tucek in 1934 and she died in 1961. He married Ruby Nelson in 1970 and she died in 1975. He married Amy Rohan in 1979 and they lived in Oberlin. He was a member of the Jennings United Methodist Church; ZCBJ Lodge of Jennings; Mountain Slope Lodge and Order of Eastern Star of Oberlin; Isis Shrine Temple of Salina; and Elks Lodge, McCook. Survivors include his wife, Amy of Oberlin; two daughters, JoAnn Long, Garden City, and Connie Rae and Art Meads, Goodrich, Colo.; seven sisters, Donna and Bill Stofer, Littleton, Colo.; Gleda and Don Scroggs, Vera Kincaid, and Annie May Winget, Denver; Vada Smith, Kensington; Winona "Fern" Frazier, Quinter; and Elda and Albert Campbell, Selden; a step-son, Vayle Rohan, Oberlin; 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a step-daughter, Irma Joy Neal; four brothers, Forrest Glen "Tuffy", Melvin "Bill", Myron, and Vane; two sisters, Bula Sawyer and Helen Aumiller; two infant siblings; and a grandson. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall will officiate and burial will be at Big Timber Cemetery, rural Jennings. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Lung Association or Decatur County Shrine Club, at the funeral home.

Stella M. Sattler
Stella M. Sattler, 83, a native of the Herndon area, died Nov. 30, 1997, at Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin. She was born Jan. 21, 1914, at rural Herndon in Rawlins County, the daughter of Martin and Catherine (Leitner) Niemeth. She attended District 71 School; St. Mary's Parochial School, and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1932. She married Clarence Sattler on May 5, 1936, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon. They lived on a farm northwest of Herndon until 1957 when they moved to Herndon. She was a member of St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church; the Christian Mothers Altar Society and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, all of Herndon. Survivors include her husband of the home in Herndon; three sons, Gerald and Carol Sattler, Madison, Wis.; Tom and Myra Sattler, Herndon; and Kenneth and Linda Sattler, Kenosha, Wis.; five daughters, Pat and George Cardinal, Salina; Lois and Jerry Solko, St. Paul, Neb.; Norma and Roger Cichorz, Boulder, Colo.; Theresa and Richard Rippe, Ludell; and Pat "Louise" and Gary Sloan, Colby; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Leo Niemeth on Sept. 10, 1986, and Harry Niemeth on Oct. 9, 1993. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon. The Rev. Damian Richards will officiate and burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in her name and left at Brantley Funeral Home in Atwood.

Janis K. Schieferecke
Janis K. Schieferecke, 54, daughter-in-law of Clara Schieferecke of Dresden, died Nov. 25, 1997, in Westminster, Colo. Survivors include her husband, John Schieferecke, Westminster; her mother, Theresa Schwarz; five sons, George and Teresa; Michael and Karen; Brian and Amy; Donald and Theresa; and Howard; nine grandchildren; three brothers; and five sisters. She was preceded in death by her father, Alexander F. Schwarz, and a sister. Funeral services were held on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville. The Rev. James Hoover and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated and burial was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leoville. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of local arrangements. Memorial contributions may be given to the Early Childhood Development Center at Front Range Community College, or Denver Area Council of Boy Scouts of America at the funeral home.

Edyth Melba Vermillion
Edyth Melba Vermillion, 89, a 1926 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Nov. 20, 1997, at the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater. She was born May 17, 1908, at St. John, the daughter of Frank Charles and Lizzie Johnson) Betzer. She was a retired businesswoman and musician. She married Orland Dale Vermillion at Cimarron on July 5, 1925. He died Jan. 18, 1997. They returned to Coldwater from Wichita in 1992, where they had lived for over 50 years. She was a charter member of First Christian Church, Coldwater, where she had served as pianist; Sunday School teacher; and past leader of the Christian Endeavor Youth Group. She was a lifetime member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Survivors include a daughter, Betty Jo and Norman Hadley, Coldwater; a sister, Marjorie Barr, Loma Linda, Calif.; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Among nieces and nephews are Howard, Chuck and Dale Votapka; Faye Meitl; Norma Anderson; and the late J. Neil Votapka. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Wilford Betzer; and two sisters, Mildred White and Phyllis Blount. Graveside services and burial were Monday at Crown Hill Cemetery at Coldwater with Jack Wingate presiding. Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church; Pioneer Lodge Nursing Home; or the Chief Theater, c/o Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Box 417, Coldwater, Kan. 67029.

Gladys C. Ebinger
Gladys C. Ebinger, 83, a resident of Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin for the past 10 years, died there on Dec. 8, 1997. She was born Aug. 17, 1914, in Sturgis, Ky., the daughter of John and Mary Adams. She was reared there and attended school there, along with a brother. She married Peter Ebinger and they made their home in Evansville, Ind. She worked for Mead-Johnson Pharmaceutical in Evansville for over 20 years. Survivors include three nephews, John Adams, Holdrege, Neb.; Bob Adams, Hastings, Neb.; and Michael Adams, McCook; two nieces, Geraldene Adams, McCook; and Barbara Fetterolf, Salina; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Harry Adams; and sister-in-law, Jewel Adams. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. Bill Duncan officiated and burial was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Evansville, Ind. A memorial fund was established in her name to Decatur County Good Samaritan Center and contributions may be left there or at the funeral home.

Dorothy Maxine Stanle
Dorothy Maxine Stanley, 78, a cook at Decatur County Hospital and the Oberlin schools for many years, died Dec. 9, 1997, at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin. She was born Dec. 6, 1919, in Wray, Colo., the daughter of John L. and Rose (Dannels) Hays. As a young child, her family moved to Smith County. She attended school in Reamsville and graduated from high school there. As a young woman, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, to work. She married Norman M. Stanley in Columbus on Oct. 17, 1942. They lived in Phillips, Wis., until 1948 when they moved to Norton. They moved to Oberlin two years later. She was a member of the Oberlin American Legion Auxiliary and had served as president. Survivors include six sons, Norman and Charlene Stanley, Topeka; Russell and Donna Stanley, Cimarron; John and Linda Stanley, Oberlin; Jim and Margaret Stanley, Colby; Joe and Regina Stanley, Oberlin; and Jeep and Debbie Stanley, Wichita; two daughters, Rosemary Gaede, McAllen, Texas; and Nan and Rick Ediger, Liberal; four step-sons, Richard and Bernadette Stanley, Vancouver, Wash.; Norman and Penny Stanley, Oak Creek, Wis.; Dale Stanley, Berger, Mo., and Kenneth Stanley, Milwaukee, Wis.; 31 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Delbert Hays; and sister, Arvilla Harrison. Funeral services were held Friday morning at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be addressed in her name and left at the funeral home.

Ruth Virginia Lund
Ruth Virginia Lund, 89, of Salina, a former resident of the Traer community, died Dec. 6, 1997, at Salina. She was born July 21, 1908, at Fayetteville, Ark., and had lived in Salina for that past four years. She previously had lived at Neely, Neb.; Goodland and Burlington, Colo. Her first husband was Ernest Humes and he died in 1992. Survivors include her husband, Clair Lund, Salina; a son, LeRoy Humes, Orleans, Neb.; three daughters, Doris Mays and Darlene Walton, Clearwater, Neb.; and Darrol Lund, Salina; a sister, Grace Pash, St. Francis; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A private family service was held Dec. 12 in St. Francis with burial in the St. Francis Cemetery.

John Walter Reid
John Walter Reid, 84, a Norcatur area farmer for many years, died Dec. 18, 1997, at the Norton County Hospital. He was born Nov. 5, 1913, in Altamont, Mo., the son of Merit Wilson and Iona (Drake) Reid. His mother died when he was six weeks old and his father married Augusta Tolle when he was five years old. The family moved to Lyle where he attended school. He also attended grade and high school in Norcatur, graduating in 1933. He married Betty Jane Hix on Aug. 15, 1937. They lived in Lyle until moving to Norcatur around 1942. He was a member of the Lyle and Norcatur United Methodist Churches and the Commercial Club. He also served on the Norcatur Cemetery Board for over 30 years. Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home in Norcatur; a daughter, Wanda Jean and Minh Nguyen, Littleton, Colo.; two brothers-in-law and their wives; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother; and eight sisters, Sadie, Helen, Elsie, Addie, Lucinda, Rosa, Doraline and Agnes. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church in Norcatur. The Rev. Bruce Ferguson officiated and burial was at the Norcatur Cemetery. A memorial was established to Norcatur Citizens Alliance and contributions may be left at Enfield Funeral Home at Norton.

Raleigh Bergling
Raleigh Bergling, 78, a Rawlins County farmer and rancher, died Dec. 21, 1997, at the Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood. He was born Oct. 17, 1919, in Union Township, rural Rawlins County, the son of Arthur and Amy (Shipley) Bergling. He attended school at Pleasant View District 49 and graduated from Atwood High School in 1937. At the age of 17, he took over the family farm after the death of his father. He married Dorothy Towery on June 21, 1941, and they became the parents of two daughters, Peggy and Susan. His wife died on Feb. 19, 1973. He married Bettie Koch on Dec. 7, 1974. They lived in Atwood and spent their retirement wintering in Mesa, Ariz. He and his brother, Verol, were partners in their farming and ranching operation. He was a member of the Herndon Covenant Church; a charter member of the Herndon Lions Club; a 50-year member of the Atwood Masonic Lodge; and a member of the Elks Club of Mesa, Ariz. Survivors include his wife, Bettie, of Atwood; his daughters, Peggy Hanson, Colorado Springs, and Susan and Terry Tadlock, Honolulu, Hawaii; his wife's children, Denny and Susan Koch, and Darrie Ann Schnee, Topeka; and Regan and Vicki Koch, Wichita; a sister, June and Melvin Arkle, York, Neb.; a brother, Verol and Rosemary Bergling, Atwood; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Waldo; and his wife, Dorothy. Funeral services were held Dec. 26 at the Herndon Covenant church. The Revs. Noel Cisneros and Vernon Maelzer officiated and burial was in Atwood Fairview Cemetery with final rites conducted by Atwood Masonic Lodge. Brantley Funeral Home, Atwood, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the Second Century Fund of Atwood or donor's choice and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Scott D. Mowrey
Scott D. Mowrey, 19, of Kinsley, whose mother is a native of Oberlin, died Dec. 20, 1997, at Kinsley. He was born March 12, 1978, at Kinsley, the son of Robert B. Mowrey and Yvonne A. (Graves) Mowrey. He was a farmer. Survivors include his father, Robert B. Mowrey and step-mother, Charlene Mowrey, Park; his mother, Yvonne Rolfe, Kinsley; a sister, Wendi Jean Mowrey, Kinsley; his grandparents, Jim and Beryl Mowrey, Kinsley; and Florence Graves, Oberlin; and two great-grandmothers, Carrie Mowrey and Fern Clark, Kinsley. Funeral services were held Dec. 23 at McKillip Memorial Chapel in Kinsley. The Rev. William Vogel officiated and burial was at Hillside Cemetery. A memorial was established to St. Nicholas School Endowment Fund and contributions may be sent to McKillip Funeral Home, Kinsley, Kan.

Cecil Swisher
Cecil Swisher, 91, a former resident of Decatur County, died Dec. 10, 1997, in Payson, Ariz. He was born April 23, 1906, in Burr Oak, the son of Christopher Columbus and Hannah Elizabeth (Mitchell) Swisher. He married Clara Carlson on Aug. 25, 1928, at the home of her parents in Rawlins County. They farmed in Decatur County before moving to Colorado, where he worked in construction and painting. They moved to Payson in 1978. He was a member of Payson Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Clara; four sons, Wayne of Badger, Minn.; Wallace of Sonoita, Ariz.; Ronald of Rochester Hills, Mich.; and Stanley of Golden, Colo.; a daughter, Jeanette Miller, Payson; a sister, Wilma Monroe, Auburn, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruth Mick; seven brothers, John, Bill, Dallas, Gordon, Sam, Kenneth and Lowell Swisher; four sisters, Alice, Sina Godfrey, Opal Bryan, and Edna Bowser, and one grandson. Services were held Dec. 13 at the Payson Christian Church with Payson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Payson Christian Church, 501 East Rancho Road, Payson, Ariz., 85541.

Jessie Lee Waterman
Jessie Lee Waterman, 65, a native of the Traer community, died Dec. 19, 1997, at her home in Santa Ana, Calif. She was born Sept. 5, 1932, in Traer, the daughter of Hardy Lee and Lucy Irene (Silvers) Phillips. Her early childhood was spent in Traer until the family moved to McCook in 1946. She graduated from McCook High School in 1950. She married Rex Waterman of Lebanon, Neb., in Canon City, Colo., in 1953. They lived in Colorado Springs until moving to Garden Grove, Calif., in 1955. They later moved to Santa Ana where she worked for the school system for more than 17 years. Survivors include her husband, Rex, 1018 S. Elliott Place, Santa Ana, Calif., 92704; four sons, David and Linda Waterman, Trabuco, Calif.; Daniel and James Waterman, Santa Ana; and Mark and Teresa Waterman, Lake Forest, Calif.; her mother, Lucy Irene Phillips, McCook; two sisters, Mildred Grafton, Lower Lake, Calif.; and Miriam Tuller, McCook; three sisters-in-law, Donna Waterman, McCook; Laura and Marvin Green, Loveland, Colo.; and Faye and Duane Pennington, Forsythe, Mo.; and two granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her father. A memorial service was held at the Waverly Church at Fairhaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Santa Ana on Dec. 26. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Mildred Lucille Vacura
Mildred Lucille Vacura, 85, a native and farm wife of the Jennings area, died Dec. 29, 1997, at the Cedar Living Center in Oberlin. She was born Aug. 31, 1912, on a farm near Jennings, the daughter of Charley and Lillie (Fiala) Kasper. She was reared on the family farm north of Jennings and attended South Bethel Rural School. She married Venzel Albert "James" Vacura on Jan. 31, 1932, in Oberlin. They made their home on a farm west of Jennings until they retired in 1968 and moved to Oberlin. Her husband preceded her in death March 16, 1992. She was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge No. 153, Willing Workers, and a quilting club. Survivors include a son, DeWayne and Frances Vacura, Oberlin; a daughter, Donna and Neil Severns, Norton; two brothers, Louis Kasper, Oberlin; and James and Ann Kasper, Loveland, Colo.; a sister, Midge and Chuck Irwin, Arvada, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Vacura, Oberlin; and Helen Janousek, Cedar Living Center, Oberlin; five grandchildren, Tom Vacura, Jennings; Gayle and Jeff White, WaKeeney; Sinda Severns and Stuart Severns, Lincoln, Neb.; and Captain Shon-Neil and Buffie Severns, Dexheim, Germany; and eight great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Suze Ann Severns. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery. A memorial fund was established in her name to Cedar Living Center in Oberlin.

Jean E. Breeden
Jean Eleanor Breeden, 68, a native of the Jennings area, died Dec. 28, 1997, in Aurora, Colo. She was born Aug. 25, 1929, on a farm near Jennings, the daughter of Charlie and Marguerite Cleland. She spent her early childhood in Decatur County. The family moved to Colby in January of 1941, where she graduated from high school. She earned a degree in accounting at Kansas State University in 1950, then worked for Riddle Quarries in Marion and Salina. She married Henry W. Breeden on June 24, 1972. They owned Hanks Happy Acres Truck Stop at Bennett, Colo., and Hanks II in Strasburg, Colo. She retired as an accountant for the Air Force Finance Center. She was a member of Eastern Star and the Denver Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Survivors include her husband, Henry "Hank" Breeden; five step-children, Henry, Ron, Charlie and Jeffrey Breeden; and Marsha Mooney; a sister, Janice and Robert Underwood; numerous grandchildren; two nieces; and a nephew. Graveside services were held Sunday afternoon at the Norcatur Cemetery with the Rev. Bruce Ferguson of Norcatur officiating. Harrison Chapel of Colby was in charge of arrangements.

Newtalene Pavlicek
Newtalene Pavlicek, 63, a 1952 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Jan. 1, 1998, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. She was born March 18, 1934, near Caldwell, in Sumner County, the daughter of Albert and Mary (Strong) Kiger. She was reared at Caldwell, where she attended grade and junior high school before moving to Decatur County. She married Merle Pavlicek on Oct. 4, 1952, at the United Methodist Church in Oberlin. She had worked in housekeeping of the Decatur County Hospital and as a nurse aide at Good Samaritan Center and Cedar Living Center in Oberlin. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and Diabetes Under Control, both of Oberlin. Survivors include her husband, Merle; her mother, Mary Kiger, both of Oberlin; a son, Ken and Trudi Pavlicek, Liberal; a daughter, Joyce Pavlicek, Oberlin; two sisters, Arlene and Lyle Pummer, Stockton, Mo., and Izetta and Leroy Plante, El Dorado; and a grandson, Josh Pavlicek. She was preceded in death by her father in 1978. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Oberlin Cemetery. The Rev. David Randall officiated and Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to Northwest Kansas Library of Norton and Cottonwood Home Health of Oberlin. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Mary E. Kiger
Mary E. Kiger, 85, a native of Bluff City, died Jan. 3, 1998, at the Decatur County Hospital. She was born Nov. 15, 1912, at Bluff City, the daughter of Abner LeRoy and Ina Arinda (Livingston) Strong. She was reared in southeast Kansas and attended Sumner Country Grade School. She married Albert H. Kiger on Nov. 3, 1930, in Kingman. They lived at Wichita and Great Bend before moving to Traer in 1945. In 1960 they moved to Oberlin. She was a member of the Oberlin Assembly of God Church. Survivors include two daughters, Arlene and Lyle Pummer, Stockton, Mo.; and Izetta and LeRoy Plante, El Dorado; a son-in-law, Merle Pavlicek, Oberlin; a brother, John and Nettie Strong, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Lenora Strong, Caldwell; granddaughter, Joyce, and 11 other grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1978; a daughter, Newtalene Pavlicek on Jan. 1, 1998; a sister, Leola Strong in 1916; and a brother Elvin Strong. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Oberlin Cemetery. The Rev. Frank Pummer officiated and Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in her name and contributions may be left at the funeral home in Oberlin.

Hughbert Tice
Hughbert Tice, 78, of Farmington, N.M., brother-in-law of Dorothy Carver of Oberlin, died Dec. 13, 1997, at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. He was born Dec. 22, 1919, in Aztec, N.M., the son of Bert Hugh and Winona W. Tice. Survivors include his wife, Dollie (Carver) Tice, Farmington; a son, Bert Tice, Las Cruces; a daughter, Cathy Richter, Farmington; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Artamus Tice, and a sister, Luciele Mulnix; and his parents. Funeral services were held at Cope Memorial Chapel in Aztec, N.M., on Dec. 18 with Jack Wheat officiating. Burial was at the Aztec Cemetery with military honors by Veterans of War Post 2182.