Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Ellis Pridgett Sr.
Ellis Pridgett Sr., 74, of Wichita, father of Jerry Pridgett of Kechi and Judy Shipman of Bel Aire, died Feb. 4, 2005. He was a retired Cudahy Meat Packing and Delhi, La., boat factory employee. Service was Feb. 11 at Greater St. Mary’s Baptist Church.
Other survivors include his sons, Steve Lewis, Ellis Pridgett, both of Wichita, Horace Pridgett of Topeka, Donald R. Pridgett of Rayville, La.; daughters, Shirley Roundtree of Kansas City, Mo., Jane Maggett, Vonda Pridgett, Ronda Goode, all of Wichita, Patricia A. Maholmes of Harrisonburg, Va.; brothers, Hollis Pridgett of Wichita, John Pridgett of Monroe, La.; sisters, Frances Harris of Delhi, La., Bonnie Cooksey of Florida; and 13 grandchildren.
Jackson Mortuary had charge.
John Jackson
John D. Jackson, 93, of Whitewater, brother of Louise Cason of Valley Center, died Jan. 31, 2005. Memorial service was Feb. 12 at Potwin Christian Church, Potwin.
He was born June 23, 1911. He retired from Star Lumber Co. in 1973.
Other survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Lee “Sonny” Pierce of Dolittle, Mo., Richard and Joy Adkins of Cuba, Mo., Harold Jackson Sr. of Wichita, Ronnie and Nancy Jackson of Potwin, Jerry Jackson; daughters and sons-in-law, Alice and Max Lemmons of Wichita, Vivian and Ed Wood of St. Roberts, Mo.; sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Dean Womack of Wichita; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
David Fontes
David Edward Fontes, 63, of Topeka, father and father-in-law of Robert and Janice Fontes and grandfather of Amanda, Hanna and Jessica Fontes, all of Valley Center, died Feb. 20, 2005. Cremation is planned. Memorial service is at 2 p.m. Saturday in the chapel at Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration Hospital, Topeka. Private inurnment will be at Leavenworth National cemetery.
He was born June 26, 1941, in Indianapolis, Ind., the son of Norman Fontes and Betty Grider. He served two years in the U.S. Army in Korea, twice in Vietnam and in Germany before retiring in 1979. He volunteered at the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration Hospital in Topeka for many years. He was a member of Topeka North Post #400 American Legion, Philip Billard Post #1650 VFW, Chapter 3 Disabled American Veterans, Golden Rule Lodge #90 AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, and the Arab Shrine, where he was a member of the Legion of Honor. He married
Annita Pollin on Oct. 27, 1962, in Germany. She survives. He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Other survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Anne Fontes of Salina; daughter and son-in-law, Anna-Maria and Neil Martin of Brighton, Mich.; mother, Betty Fontes of Daphne, Ala.; sisters, Joan Garnett of Daphne, Sue Reis of New Lenox, Ill.; and grandchildren, Michelle, Matthew and Andrew Fontes and Adam Martin.
A memorial has been established with VA Volunteer Services, 2100 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka 66622. Newcomer Family Funeral Home, Topeka, has charge.
Joseph Washington
Joseph Darnell Washington, 54, brother of Larry F. Bates Sr. of Valley Center, died Feb. 12, 2005. He was employed by Bates Electrical Maintenance and Service Inc. of Valley Center. Servce is at 11 a.m. today (Thursday) at St. Mark United Methdist Church, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jonica Darnell Washington, and aunt and uncle, Clara and Arzel Washington.
Other survivors include his sons, JoRon Washington of Lawton, Okla., Joe Washington Jr., Kevin Evitt, Darryl Jackson, all of Tulsa, Okla., Brandon Engram of Wichita; daughters, Valarie Washington of Okmulgee, Okla., Brandie Engram of Muskogee, Okla.; brothers, Anthony Anderson, Vernon Anderson, Harry “Pete” Anderson III, all of Wichita, Terry Anderson Sr., Micheal Anderson of Port Orchard, Wash.; sisters, Harriette Bryant of Bremerton, Wash., Valerie Frazier of Fairfield, Calif., Cheryl Anderson, Lilly Haydon, Darlene Washington-Neal, all of Wichita; mother, Claretha Anderson of Wichita; father and stepmother, Joseph and Barbara Jones of Kansas City, Mo.; stepfather, Harry Anderson Jr. of Wichita; companion, Leza Engram and daughter Brittney Engram of the home; and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Joseph D. Washington Memorial Trust, in care of Emprise Bank, 100 N. Meridian, Valley Center 67147. Jackson Mortuary, Wichita, has charge.
Lois Dumler
Lois Lee McConkey Dumler, 65, of Valley Center, died Feb. 9, 2005. Service was Feb. 12 at Cimarron United Methodist Church with Rev Frank DeFisher officiating. Burial was at Fairview cemetery, Montezuma.
She was born Jan. 15, 1940, in Brunswick, Mo., the daughter of Elmer McConkey and Irene Little. She attended schools in Ingalls and Montezuma and graduated from Cimarron High School in 1958. She married
Donald Blaine Dumler on July 4, 1957. They farmed near Kalvesta. He preceded her in death on Sept. 19, 1979. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, farm life, and hosting and cooking for gatherings during hunting season and at other times of the year. She was a hemo-dialysis patient for more than 16 years as a result of polycystic kidney disease, and survived many life-threatening health problems through the years. She lived the past six years with her daughter and family in Valley Center. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and Cheerful Workers Club of Kalvesta. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant sister, Louise McConkey; and a brother, Donald Elmer McConkey.
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Denise and Stacy Lacy of Valley Center, Diana and Mark Underwood of Bartlett, Tenn., Debbie and Rick Boles of Midwest City, Okla.; son, Doug Dumler of Montezuma; sisters and brother-in-law, Sue Josserand of Copeland, Linda and Jon Lofgreen of Wichita; sisters-in-law and spouse, Betty McConkey of Oklahoma City, Okla., Ann and Roy Fercking of Kalvesta; grandchildren, Jake Underwood, Andrew Hale, Aaron Underwood, Rachel Underwood, D.J. Dumler and wife Miranda, Jason Dumler, Tyler Dumler, Corey Boles, Yancy Lacy, Hanh Lacy; and a great-grandson, Nash Dumler.
A memorial has been established with the Kansas Dialysis Association, in care of Swaim Funeral Home, 1901 Sixth Avenue, Dodge City 67801.
Marie Hess
Marie Ellen Hess, 87, of Wichita, mother and mother-in-law of Donna and Raymond Schroeder of Park City, died Feb. 10, 2005. She was a homemaker. Service was Feb. 14 at Catholic Care Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Hess Jr., and a son, Frankie Lee Hess.
Other survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Bernie and Cathy Hess of Wichita, Jerry D. and Carolyn Hess of Garland, Texas; daughter, Frances Sagerty of Wichita; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sedgwick County Fire Department, Station 32, 4343 N. Woodlawn, Wichita 67220.
Delores Hull
Delores Mae Hull, 70, of Lincoln, formerly of Valley Center, died Oct. 17, 2005. She was a driver/coordinator at Lincoln County Public Transportation, Lincoln. Service is at 9 a.m. Saturday at Lincoln United Methodist Church, Lincoln, with Rev. Kaye Metzler officiating. Inurnment will be later in Lincoln.
She was born April 11, 1935, in Valley Center, the daughter of Royal Eugene Ryno and Ruby M. Harp. She attended Wichita State University. She was an avid bowler and participated in Jeeps Motorcycle Club and the Motor Maids in Wichita. She attended Lincoln United Methodist Church. She married
Billy Joe Hull on Oct. 2, 1975. He preceded her in death on Nov. 15, 2003. She also was married
to Jerry McLaughlin, and he died April 19, 2002. She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, a stepbrother, Carl Ryno, and a granddaughter, Stephanie McLaughlin.
Survivors include her daughters, Jeri Underhill of Arkansas City, Janice Hunter of La Grange, Ind., Jackie Gourley of Osborne, Peggy Hull of Lincoln, Becky Widener of Arkansas City; stepdaughter, Joyce; son and daughter-in-law, John P. and Linda McLaughlin of Wichita; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Evie Ryno of Spokane, Wash.; 14 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Memorials have been established with the church and with Lincoln County Public Transportation. Carlson-Ford-Geisendorf Funeral Home & Crematory had charge.
Rose M. Woodburn
Rose M. Woodburn, 90, of Wichita, mother and mother-in-law of Joseph and Jeannie Woodburn of Bel Aire, died Oct. 11, 2005. She was a homemaker. Service was Oct. 14 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Edward Woodburn, and a daughter, Sandra Woodburn.
Other survivors include her grandchildren and their spouses, Holly and Darren, Zach and Kristen, Tim and Mary, and great-grandchildren, Gary, Will, Tristan.
A memorial has been eestablished with Blessed Sacrament Endowment Fund, 124 N. Roosevelt, Wichita 67208. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East had charge.
Thelma Rowley
Thelma Rose Young Rowley, 95, of Valley Center, died Oct. 15, 2005. She was a homemaker and farmer’s wife. Service was Oct. 19 at Calvary Baptist Church, Valley Center, with Pastor Doug Fraley officiating.
She was born June 1, 1910, in Liberal, the daughter of Charles Young and Carrie Dotson. She was raised in rural Satanta, where she attended school, graduated and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She also attended Friends University, where she met Frank F. Rowley Sr. They married
April 26, 1933, in Moscow, Kan. He preceded her in death, as did a son, Frank Rowley Jr.; her parents; brothers, Chester, Clifford, Ernest and Gale, and a sister, Lavina.
Survivors include her son and daughters-in-law, Larry and Margie Rowley, Marilyn Rowley, all of Valley Center; sister, Juanita Owings; grandchildren, Fran Wilson, Deborah Stephan, Meredith Holdaway, Andrea Rowley, Ryan Rowley, Lance Rowley, Rhonda Leigh Rowley, Rhonda Jean Henderson, Rick Roles; great-grandchildren, Adam, Eric, Lydia and Luke Wilson, Christopher Pendergraft, Jonathan, Justin, Jessica, Cooper and Carson Holdaway, Ben, Derek and Kalin Rowley, Ashley, Skylar and Taylor Rowley, Heather and Cody Weber, Brittany Singer, Trystin Roles, and a great-great-grandchild, Kaylie.
A memorial has been established with the Thelma Rowley Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Baker Funeral Home.
Theresa Smith
Theresa Charlene Smith, 57, of Salina, sister of Helen LeBlanc of Valley Center, died Oct. 28, 2005. Service was Nov. 2 at Carlson-Ford-Geisendorf Funeral Home & Crematory, Salina.
She was born Feb. 20, 1948, in Salina, the daughter of Clarence William Smith and Velva Ardena Ellyson. They preceded her in death. She was a waitress at Russell’s Restaurant in Salina until January 1998.
Other survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Michelle Werner of Salina; daughters and sons-in-law, Leslie C. and John Johnson of Brookville, Teri L. and Larry Dick of Quitman, Ark.; brothers, Bill Smith of Salina, John Smith of Brookville, Junior Smith of Salina; sisters, Dorothy Smith, Jill Barker, Donna Trowbridge, all of Salina, Velva Smith of Vilonia, Ark., Mary Margaret Machulda of California; special friend, Don Webb of Brookville, and seven grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Hospice of Salina, 139 N. Penn, Salina 67401, or Occupational Center of Central Kansas, Salina.
Bobby Rickel
Bobby L. Rickel, 63, of Dover, Ark., father and father-in-law of Brandon and Barbara Rickel of Valley Center, died Oct. 26, 2005. Service was Oct. 29 at Humphrey Funeral Service Chapel, Russellville, Ark. Burial is at McFadden cemetery, Dover.
He was born Jan. 9, 1942, in Atwood, Okla., the son of Everett Rickel and Bessie Casey. He married
Brenda Jean Mason on Oct. 4, 1963, at Russellville. She survives. He was a leadman and brake press operator at Coleman Company, Wichita, for 30 years. After his retirement, he returned to Dover where he enjoyed raising cattle. He attended Dover Assembly of God. He was preceded in death by his father.
Other survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Mike Smith of Inman, Bridgette and Gary Davis of Benton, Bretta and Mario Gonsalez of Batesville, Ark.; sisters and brother-in-law, Melvina Minks, Alta Ballard, Wanda and Don Williamson, all of Dover; mother, Bessie Rickel of Dover; six grandchildren.
Cliftena Endsley
Cliftena “Tink” Endsley, 75, of Park City, died Oct. 29, 2005. Service was Nov. 1 at Kechi Township cemetery.
She was born in Excelsior Springs, Mo., the daughter of Clifton and Willa Potter. She married
Norman Endsley on Jan. 18, 1947, in Kansas City, Kan. He survives.
Other survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jeri Endsley; sister, Erma Hendricks of Missouri, and granddaughters, Chrissy Lewis, Kimberly Barnes, both of Wichita.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita 67202. Baker Funeral Home had charge.
Elizabeth McKenzie
Elizabeth Cornelia “Bettie” Bixby McKenzie, 80, of Red Oak, Iowa, died Oct. 29, 2005. Service is at 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Red Oak. She was born July 1, 1925 in Valley Center, the daughter of Dr. Benjamin P. Bixby and Ruth Wickham. She married
Lowell D. “Bob” McKenzie on Sept. 9, 1945, in McPherson. He preceded her in death on May 18, 2004. She graduated from the University of Kansas in May 1946. The McKenzies moved to Red Oak in 1950. She was active in the American Association of University Women, United Nations Association, Sunshine and Rainbow Daycare Center, the Democratic Party, PTA and the Iowa Humanities Board. She was a Red Oak Welcome Wagon hostess, research analyst for Midwest Survey and realtor for Hawkeye Insurance. She helped find homes for more than 600 families. She enjoyed women’s history and Iowa history. For nearly 20 years, she facilitated the Women’s History Week program in Montgomery County. She documented the history of the Thos. D. Murphy Company through the project “The Peoples Art.” She served in many capacities for the Montgomery County Historical Society, including president. She was instrumental in developing the Montgomery County History Center, currently under construction. Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Abigail and Rick Lancaster, Sarah and Mark Conrad, and son, Robert McKenzie, all of St. Paul, Minnesota; sister, Dr. Doris Hammett of Ashville, N.C.; grandchildren, Tom and Sam Lancaster; Ben and Nick Conrad, Abby and Kevin McKenzie, Jessica Johnson, and nieces and nephews. A memorial has been established with the Montgomery County Historical Society Endowment, 2700 North Fourth Street, Red Oak, Iowa 51566. Sellergren-Lindell-Demarce Funeral Home has charge.
Gertrude Sears
Gertrude Campbell Sears, 89, of Valley Center, died Oct. 30, 2005.Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today (Thursday) at Sawyer-George Funeral Home, Corpus Christi, Texas, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Service is at 10 a.m. Friday at Annaville Baptist Church. Burial will be at Memorial cemetery.
She was born July 11, 1916, in Trawick, Texas, the daughter of John H. Campbell and Annie Glascock. They preceded her in death, as did her husband of 55 years, G.T. “Bill” Sears; a sister, Frances Campbell, and two brothers, Talmage Clifford and S.C. Campbell. She graduated from Mt. Enterprise High School and A&I University. She taught elementary school at Calallen ISD, taught Sunday school at Morgan Avenue and Annaville Baptist churches, was an art teacher, homemaker and gardener. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Valley Center since 2002.
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Charlotte and Michael Scott of Valley Center, Ann Dillman and Kenneth Kuykendall, Trudy and Harold Langer, all of Alvin, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, James and Barbara Campbell; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.
Memorials have been established with Calvary Baptist Church of Valley Center, Annaville Baptist Church of Corpus Christi and South Park Baptist Church of Alvin, Texas. Baker Funeral Home had charge.
Lyle Garvey
Lyle Clayton Garvey, 80, of Coyville, father of Raymond Garvey of Valley Center, died Oct. 28, 2005. He was a retired aircraft electronics technician and former Derby resident. Service is at 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) at Timmons Funeral Home, Fredonia.
He was preceded in death by his son, Warren Russell; a sister, Betty Cochran, and a brother, Robert.
Other survivors include his wife of 58 years, Wanda; brother, Jack Garvey of Bentley; daughter, Barbara Flax of Wichita; sons, Ernest of Westminster, Colo., Richard of Wichita; nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorials have been established with Coyville Community Center and Derby Church of the Nazarene, in care of the funeral home.
