Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Goldia Miller
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008
Goldia D. Miller, 93, passed away September 10, 2008, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
She was born October 12, 1914, in Acme, Kansas, to Otis and Josie Sexton. She was raised in Abilene, Kansas, and moved to Denver, Colorado, at the age of 16 and lived there for over 40 years where she owned the Three Coins Boutique.
She retired at the age of 70 and moved back to Abilene, then moved to Tulsa at the age 89.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred R. Miller and son Fred R. Miller, Jr.
Goldia is survived by her grandchildren: Judy Rodkey and husband Jack, Debbie Jacoby and husband Steve, Sharon Robinson and husband Don, John Sanders and wife Brenda, great-grandchildren: Shannon and Stephanie Jacoby, Brian and Kevin Rodkey, Rachel and David Robinson and Owen Sanders; daughter-in-law: Arlene Sanders and husband Bob, and sister, Erma Bruns.
Interment will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2008, at Abilene Cemetery in Abilene, Kansas, with a family service on September 13, 2008, at Moore’s Memory Chapel, 1403 S. Peoria, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Herbert Backhus
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008
TAMPA — Herbert J. Backhus, 84, died Friday, Sept. 12, 2008.
He was born June 25, 1924, near Tampa to John G. and Helena (Ottensmeier) Backhus.
Survivors include his brothers, Harry of Leavenworth, John of Enterprise and Wilbert of Tampa; sisters, Ema Meyer of Tampa, Ella Heidemann of Decatur and Frieda Bentz of Tampa; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida; brothers, Erwin, Emil, Adolph and Edwin; and one sister, Wilma Nunn.
A prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Monday) at the Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion, with visitation from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tampa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the church in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.
Mildred Hartenstein
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008
Mildred F. Hartenstein, 100, of Abilene, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at Memorial Hospital in Abilene.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, Abilene.
James H. Debenham
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008
CLAY CENTER -- James R. Debenham, 74, died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, at Stormont-Vail Regional Medical Center, Topeka.
He was born April 29, 1934, in Clay County, to Elmer Ray and Hazel May (Pooler) Debenham. He was raised in Gill Township, attended Clarke District 62 country school and was a 1952 graduate of Clay Center High School. He farmed with his father before serving four years in the U.S. Air Force.
He worked as a civilian helicopter mechanic at Ft. Riley, then worked for C& W Electric. In 1970, he started Debenham Electric. He retired in 2004.
On July 4, 1954, he married Dorothy Fritz. In 1961, he and his family moved to Clay Center. She survives, of the home.
He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was an elder, Sunday School superintendent and taught Sunday school. He also served on the state legislative committee for the National Federation of Businessmen, the Clay County election board, was a member of Clay County Historical Society, delivered Meals of Wheels and was a Boy Scout leader.
Other survivors are two sons, Steve Debenham of Clay Center, and Randy Debenham of Topeka; one daughter, Janet Lewis of Wichita; one sister, Betty Debenham of Palmetto, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Clay Center with Pastor Paul Tessaro officiating. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home of Clay Center. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.
Janice Barrett
Wednesday, Jul 30, 2008
Janice C. Barrett
SOLOMON -- Janice C. Barrett, 69, Niles, died Monday, July 28, 2008, at her home.
She was born Feb. 27, 1939, in Manhattan, the daughter of Cecil and Helen (Kauffman) Hersh. She grew to womanhood in the community of her birth, attended the local schools and was a 1958 graduate of Kinsley High School.
On Feb. 27, 1960, she married Tom Barrett in Salina. They have made their home in Niles since that time.
A homemaker, she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Solomon, and a former post master of Niles.
Survivors include her husband, Tom, of the home; two sons, Tommy of Niles and Mark of Huntington Beach, Calif.; three grandchildren, her mother, Helen Hersh of Abilene; and one sister, Julie Krull of Phoenix, Ariz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Solomon, with Father John Wolesky officiating.
Inurnment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Solomon. A parish rosary will be said at the church at 7 p.m. Friday. The Carlson-Becker Funeral Home, Solomon, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to Hospice Care of Kansas. Memorials may be left at the funeral home.
Lela Christlieb
Wednesday, Jul 30, 2008
HERINGTON -- Lela M. Christlieb, 89, of Herington, died Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at the Herington Municipal Hospital.
She was born Feb. 12, 1919, at El Campo, Texas, the daughter of Leroy M. and A. Inez (Gillett) Giger, and was raised near Elmdale, Kan.
A 1936 graduate of Elmdale High School, she received a teaching certificate from Emporia Teachers College and taught in a rural school for a few years. She was also a homemaker, and lived in Herington since 1995, moving from Louisville, Tenn.
She married Glen R. Christlieb on Dec. 24, 1939, in Saffordville, Kan. He survives, of the home.
Other survivors are two sons, Edgar Leroy and Donald, both of Grand Junction, Colo.; one daughter, Barbara Garber of Grand Junction, Colo.; a brother, Edwin Giger of Elmdale; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by two sisters, Julia Whitney and Irma Shehi, and two grandchildren.
A private cremation service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice and may be sent in care of the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, Kan., 67449-3038.
William 'Bill' Kohman
Thursday, Sep 18, 2008
HOPE — William J. “Bill” Kohman, 73, passed away Monday, September 15, 2008, of heart failure in his home after a long battle with renal failure.
He was born August 9, 1935, in Elmo, KS, the son of Ernest James and Eva (Fromm) Kohman. Bill grew up and lived his entire life on the family farm in rural Hope, KS. After graduating from Hope High School, he attended Kansas State University before returning home to take over the family farming operations.
In 1964, he married Geraldine “Geri” Holt of rural Abilene, KS.
After retiring from farming, Bill was elected as a Dickinson County Commissioner, serving one four-year term. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, painting, attending church and reading the Bible. He especially cherished the time he spent with his eight grandchildren. Bill also enjoyed flying and held a commercial pilot’s license with instrument rating.
Surviving, are his spouse, Geri, of rural Hope; son Steve, residing in Andover, KS, with spouse Nancy and children Megan, Sarah and Kyle; son Brent, residing in Blue Springs, MO, with spouse Melissa and children, Katie and Craig; son Michael, residing in Salina, KS, with spouse Denise and children Chelsie, Baylee and Lacie; and a brother Fred, of Perry, OK.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ernest James “Jim” Kohman II of Augusta, KS.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2008, from the Emmanuel Church, 1300 N. Vine, Abilene, KS. Interment will follow in the First Baptist Church Cemetery, rural Hope.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening, September 18 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye.
The family suggests memorial contributions in his name be given to the Emmanuel Church. They may be left at or sent in care of the Danner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 785, Abilene, KS 67410, or left at the church the day of the service.
Charles Garten
Thursday, Jul 31, 2008
COALINGA, Calif -- Charles H. Garten, 82, died Jan. 23, 2008.
He was born July 21, 1925, in Abilene, Kan., the son of Harry and Beulogh Garten. He grew up in Abilene.
After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force. After his honorable discharge, he graduated from Central State College, Edmond, Okla. He did graduate work at Oklahoma University and later earned a master’s degree in school administration from Denver University.
He married Mary Ruth Smith in 1950. She survives, of the home.
He taught history and coached sports, including football, basketball and wrestling in Tuttle, Okla., Elkhart, Kan. and Coalinga, Calif. He coached the city-county All-Star game on four separate occasions while teaching in Coalinga. He retired from teaching in 1987 but coached football until 1993.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, was affiliated with the Lion’s Club, Elk’s Lodge and Polvadero Country Club.
Other survivors include a daughter, Lisa Hunt; four grandchildren; and several cousins and an aunt in the Abilene area.
Funeral services were Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church in Coalinga. The California Honor Guard performed military honors. Burial was at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Coalinga High School Athletic Foundation, 750 Van Ness St., Coalinga, Calif., 93210.
Charley Stevenson
Friday, Sep 19, 2008
Charley I. Stevenson
PARSONS — Charley I. Stevenson, 63, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008.
He was born March 27, 1945, in Salina, to Albert F. and Iva Marie (Cooper) Stevenson.
Survivors include his wife, Julia, of the home; a son, Paul of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a brother, Albert “Bert” Stevenson of Salina; a sister, Charlotte Lytle of Solomon; and 11 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Misty Lynn Stevenson; a son, Shawn Wade Stevenson; two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Springhill Cemetery.
A parish rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. today (Thursday) at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends immediately following the rosary.
Bruce Karns
Friday, Sep 19, 2008
Funeral services for Bruce H. Karns, 78, of Junction City, Kansas, will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2008, at the Zion United Church of Christ. Pastor Russ Glaser will officiate.
A visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at the Zion United Church of Christ 1811 McFarland Road. Burial will follow the service at St. John’s Cemetery.
Mr. Karns passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at his home in Junction City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Zion United Church of Christ 1811 McFarland Road Junction City, Kansas 66441. Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Bruce was born November 20, 1929 in Osborne, Kansas, the son of Henry Daniel and Helen (Lank) Karns. The family moved to Junction City in 1941. He graduated from Junction City High School in 1947 and from Kansas State University in 1951. He served in the United States Army as a 2nd Lt. He worked in Public Relations and was a Radio Broadcaster for many years with K.J.C.K. in Junction City.
Bruce had been involved in numerous organizations including the Junior Chamber of Commerce where he received the Distinguished Service Award as “Young Man of the Year” locally and on the state level. He was a fifty-plus year member and Past Commander of the American Legion Post No. 45 and the local No. 1029 40/8 Voiture. He had been a member of the Rolling Meadows Golf Course where he served on the advisory board. He was long associated with the Junction City U.S.O. and Y.M.C.A.
He was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ where he served on the Consistory and did lay ministry work. He also taught Sunday School and served in the Church Choir.
Bruce is survived by his wife Donna Lee of the home in Junction City, and one son, Brian J. Karns of Palm Springs, CA; one daughter, Susan G. Kohman of Junction City, KS; and four grandchildren, Todd, Shelly, Jana and Scott Kohman. He is survived by one sister, Carol J. Hall and husband Paul of Kansas City, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Helen Karns.
Casket bearers will be Larry Plaggerman, Harold Roesler, Keith Roesler, Don Dowdall, Mike Malec and Ted Hayden. Janette Vogelsang will be the organist.
He married Donna Lee Gfeller September 13, 1953, in Junction City. They just celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary.
Nancy Fager
Saturday, Aug 02, 2008
WICHITA — Nancy A. (Frischenmeyer) Fager, 60, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008.
She was born June 2, 1948 in Wichita, the daughter of Richard and the late Alma Frischenmeyer. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School and Mount St. Mary’s Nursing School before moving to Salina, where she was a nurse for the health department and Comcare. She also was a nurse for Wesley Rehabilitation Clinic in Wichita.
Survivors include one son, Jake Fager of Eudora; one daughter, Katie Greep of Enterprise; her father, Dick Frischenmeyer of Wichita; sisters, Connie Schrader and Pat Wells of Wichita; and one granddaughter.
A rosary service will be at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday) at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2007 Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67203.
A funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 3008, at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market St., Wichita, KS 67202, and the church in care of DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mor-tuary, Wichita.
Wilbur Horton
Sunday, Aug 03, 2008
Wilbur S. Horton, 72, died Aug. 1, 2008, at his home in Abilene.
He was born July 26, 1936, at Prue, Okla., the son of Floyd and Mannie Lay Horton. He grew to manhood in Sand Springs, Okla., and graduated from Sand Springs High School with the class of 1955.
He married Nadene Horton on July 24, 1955.
He was an Army veteran serving two tours in Germany. He was employed as a pressman/printer for newspapers in Sapulpa, Ardmore, Pryor and McAlister, Okla. They came to Abilene in 1990 and he was employed by the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle as a pressman.
Survivors include his wife, Nadene, of the home; one daughter, Jonita Morgan of Pryor, Okla., two sons, Stuart Horton of Locust Grove, Okla., and Phylip Horton of New Cambria; two brothers, John T. Coffman of Lawton, Okla., and John Horton of Cleveland, Okla; and six grandchildren.
His body was donated to the University of Kansas Medical School. The Danner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
