Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Alice Mae Vlcek (1919-2003)
WILSON — Alice Mae Vlcek, 84, Wilson, died Sunday, July 6, 2003, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Vlcek was born June 29, 1919, at Kanopolis to Joe E. and Rose Z. Warta Valenta. She was a lifetime resident of the Wilson area, where she was a homemaker and a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society, ZCBJ and CSA lodges and the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She also was a Scout leader. Survivors include her husband, Joseph F. Vlcek of Wilson; a son, Douglas Vlcek of Wilson; a daughter, Carole Buehler of Anchorage, Alaska; a sister, Velma Klema of Wilson; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a great-grandchild. The funeral is at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Father Jerome Morgan officiating. Burial is in the Wilson Catholic Cemetery. The parish vigil was 7 p.m. Wednesday at Foster Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the church or to the Altar Society.
Waldo G. Webb (1921-2003)
Waldo G. Webb, 81, Ellsworth, died Friday, July 4, 2003, at Memorial Health Center, Sidney, Neb. Mr. Webb was born Nov. 14, 1921, at Iuka to Walter Samuel and Clara Belle Lee Webb. He moved from Frederick to Ellsworth in 1985. He was the former owner of Webb Construction and a heavy equipment operator for various road construction companies. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army with service during World War II. He married Mildred M. Bezemek June 1, 1944, at Ellsworth. She died in 2001. He also was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include five sons, Waldo Wayne and Dale, both of Kanopolis, James G. of Lorraine, Phillip Lee of Ellsworth and Robert R. of Lyons; two daughters, Linda J. Jenks and Cheryl A. Henry, both of Cheyenne, Wyo.; two sisters, Vada Whiting of Kansas City, Kan., and Vera Hayes of Wichita; 10 grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Pastor Jim Newkirk officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery with military honors by the Ellsworth American Legion. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Otto M.C. Choitz (1919-2003)
ROCHESTER, Ind. — Otto Martin Carl Choitz, 84, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003, at the Lie Care Center in Rochester, Ind. Mr. Choitz was born Jan. 17, 1919, in Ellsworth, Kan. to Friedrich F. and Helena M. (Pflughoeft) Choitz. He was a sales representative for Gehl Manufacturing of West Bend, Wisc. He was a 1937 graduate of Ellsworth High School. He moved to Indiana in 1940, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He served in the European theater of operations as a medic and first lieutenant. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1953. He married Esther Downs of Knox, Ind., Feb. 22, 1947, at Mishawaka, Ind. She survives. He moved to Gladwin, Mich., in 1967, as owner of the Valentine Motel, and retired in 1985. He moved to Rochester, Ind., in 1999. He was a member of the VFW and Lions Club of Gladwin, Mich. and Rochester, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Elsa Choitz, in 1916, and a brother, Dr. John Choitz, in 1996. Other survivors include two sons, James Choitz of Frankfurt, Germany; Steven Choitz and wife Rebecca, of Mesa, Ariz.; one daughter, Carolyn Cole, and husband Daniel of Cadiz, Ky.; three brothers, Walter Choitz, and wife Mary of St. Paul, Minn., Alfred Choitz, and wife Martha, of South Bend, Ind., and Harold Choitz, of Rochester, Ind.; one sister, Clara Tischer of Mishawaka, Ind.; and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be private. Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, 1101 Jefferson, Rochester, Ind. 46975 was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church of Rochester, Ind., the VFW, or the Lions Club.
Lenora M. Meier (1913-2003)
LINCOLN — Lenora M. Meier, 90, Lincoln, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003. Mrs. Meier was born Lenora Saenger Jan. 9, 1913, in Sylvan Grove. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Emil Hildebrandt, and her second husband, Otto Meier. Survivors include two daughters, Shirley McBride of Salina and Betty Edmondson of Clarksville, Tenn.; a sister, Florence Krueger of Ellsworth; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at Hall Funeral Home Chapel, 111 E. Elm, Lincoln 67455. Burial was in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lincoln. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Hour or to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home.
Lillian B. Shambaugh (1909-2003)
OVERLAND PARK — Lillian B. “Aunt Bea” Shambaugh, 94, died Aug. 16, 2003. Mrs. Shambaugh was born Jan. 27, 1909, in Drury, Mo., to George and Florence Slaight. She lived in Long Beach, Calif., for 60 years, and moved to Overland Park in 1991. She was a volunteer for the American Heart Association and Cancer Foundation. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, her parents, and four brothers. Survivors include a stepson, John Shambaugh of Stevensville, Mont.; three step-grandchildren; two nephews, Larry Slaight of Overland Park, and Al Slaight, Sequim, Wash.; four nieces, Betty Johnson of Kanopolis, Shirley Lundy of Wichita, Lois Shaw of Solomon, and Lola Fair of Salina; and many great-nieces and greatnephews. Memorial services were Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Valley View United Methodist Church in Overland Park. Graveside services will be Saturday, Aug. 23 in Cypress, Calif. D.W. Newcomer’s Funeral Chapel in Overland Park, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 6800 W. 93rd, Overland Park 66212, or Valley View United Methodist Church, 8412 W. 95th, Overland Park 66212.
Frederick E. Simmons (1913-2003)
LAWRENCE —F r e d e r i c k Earle Simmons, 81, died Aug. 14, 2003 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Mr. Simmons was born March 29, 1922, in rural Coffey County to Fred and Aretha K. (Fann) Simmons. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Navy as a carpenter mate third class. He received his bachelor’s of science degree in education from Kansas State University. He taught for 35 years in many Kansas schools, including USD 497-Lawrence, Overbrook, Wilson, and Burlington. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. He was also a member of the Alford-Clarke Post No. 852, VFW of Lawrence; a lifetime member of the National Education Association; and a lifetime member of the American Legion. He married Effie L. Kelly on Dec. 26, 1944, at Burlington. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Nancy L. Martin of Newton; four sons, Dr. Robert E. Simmons of Newton, Alan K. Simmons of Lyons, Colo., STeven C. Simmons and Brian L. Simmons, both of Lawrence; two brothers, H. Ellis Simmons of Lincoln, Neb., and James Simmons of Camarillo, Calif.; three sisters, Ina Merle Williams of Waverly, Ava M. Prochaska of Emporia, and C. Elinor Kinder of Forsyth, Mo.; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathryn Koppenhaver and Ora A. Wagaman. Graveside inurnment services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at the Rock Creek Cemetery, Waverly. A potluck lunch will be held at the Waverly Community Center following the services. Memorial services will be Sept. 6, at the First United Methodist Church, Lawrence. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, in care of the Warren- McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th, Lawrence 66044.
Grant O. Wikoff (1928-2003)
BROOKVILLE — Grant O. Wikoff, 74, Brookville, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003. Mr. Wikof f was born Sept . 5, 1928, in Ellsworth County, to Tom and Minnie (Wagner) Wikoff . He was a rancher and lifetime resident of Ellsworth County. He was a member of t he Brookville United Methodist Church. He had memberships in the Farmers Union, Ellsworth Coop, Farm Bureau, and was a past member of the Kansas Live s tock Association. On Nov. 15, 1952, at Salina, he married Mildred Kalb. She survives . Also surviving are a daughter, Sandi Harper, and husband Brent of Randolph; a brother, Lester Wikoff of Brookville; two sister s, Helen Graves and Florence Schwerdtfager, both of Salina; and a granddaughter, Kolbi Jae Harper of Randolph. The funeral was Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with Pastor Gene Langhofer officiating. Burial was in Carneiro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to t he Brookville United Methodist Church or Carneiro United Methodist Church .
Henry J. Mattas (1925-2003)
WILSON — Henry J. Mattas, 78, Wilson, died Friday, Aug. 8, 2003. Mr. Mattas was born Feb. 21, 1925, in Ellsworth County to Frank E. Mattas and the former Mary E. Vopat. He was a lifetime resident of the Wilson area, where he was a farmer-stockman. He was a member of the John F. McManus American Legion Post 262, the Catholic Workman and the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Survivors include three brothers, Frank M. Mattas of Huntsville, Ala., Emil Mattas of Wilson and the Rev. Louis Mattas of Abilene; and three sisters, Mary Ann Erickson of McPherson and Rose Rita Pearce and Frances Arnold, both of Pearland, Texas. The funeral was Monday at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, the Rev. Louis Mattas officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or to the American Legion post. Foster Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Waldo Wienholt (1905-2003)
HEMET, Calif. — Waldo Wienholt, 97, a former resident of Ellsworth, Kan., died Sunday, July 20, 2003, at the Cloverleaf Healthcare Center in Hemet, Calif. Mr. Wienholt was born Aug. 25, 1905, in Ellsworth, where he was graduated in 1924 as valedictorian of his class. He started working for the Ellsworth Messenger newspaper in 1921, later becoming a printer/typesetter and in the mid-1930s a partner in the business. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as an instructor at the Navy Pier in Chicago, Ill., during World War II. He moved to San Bernardino in 1948 and worked as a printertypesetter. He moved to Hemet in 1969, where he was a member of the United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 53. He married Rhoda Munson of Wilson, Kan. in 1931. She preceded her husband in death. Survivors include a brother, Ray of San Bernardino; a sister, Esther Buckner of La Mirada, Calif., and nieces and nephews. The funeral service was July 25 at the McWane Family Funeral Home, 350 N. San Jacinto St., Hemet. Private burial was in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside. Memorials may be sent to the Hemet United Methodist Church, 530 S. Buena Vista St., Hemet, Calif. 92543.
Harold ‘Red’ Wilkens (1907-2003)
LORRAINE — Harold “Red” Wilkens, 95, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, at the Hester Care Center, Hutchinson. Mr. Wilkens was born Dec. 11, 1907, in Ellsworth County to Oscar Wilkens and the former Anna Homburg. He lived most of his life in Lorraine, where he was a farmer and a member of the Flying Farmers Association of Kansas and the First Baptist Church. He recently moved to Hutchinson. He married Ruth Schroeder in 1931 at Lorraine. She died in 1988. He also was preceded in death by two brothers, Ted and Kenneth; and two sisters, Frances Kessler and Ruth Huebner. Survivors include a son, Bob, of Bend, Ore.; a daughter, Adele Ronen of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren; and 18 greatgrandchildren. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, the Revs. Don Decker and Tom Wilkens officiating. Burial will be in the Lorraine Baptist Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 to 8 p.m. today (Thursday) at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the church or to Wesley Towers of Hutchinson.
Adeline D. Cunningham (1918-2003)
STUART, Va. — Adeline D. Cunningham, 85, Stuart, Va., died Wednesday, July 2, 2003, at the R.J. Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital in Stuart. Mrs. Cunningham was born in Kansas March 28, 1918, to James J. and Stephonnie “Stella” Pechacek Wanek. She was a deputy county treasurer in Ellsworth, Kan. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lawrence O., and two sisters, Betty G. Praefke and Mary Ann Kolarik. Survivors include a daughter, Anita Jo Cunningham of Stuart; three sons, Larry K. Cunningham of Davison, Mich.; E. Robert Cunningham of Stuart, and Roger L. Cunningham of Madison, Ala.; five sisters, Irene Hummel of Salina, Kan., Dorothy Kremarik of New Lothrup, Mich., Katerine Fleming of Oklahoma City, Carrol Hochman of Oklahoma City, and Patricia Rippens of Claremont, Calif.; a brother, Leo J. Wanek of Littleton, Colo.; 12 grandchildren; and 15 greatgrandchildren. The funeral was July 5 at the Church of the Risen Lord, Father Charles Brickner officiating. Burial was in Patrick Memorial Gardens. Moody Funeral Home, Stuart, was in charge of arrangements.
Jim Lee Dougherty (1934-2003)
DENVER, Colo. — Jim Lee Dougherty, 69, of Denver, formerly of Great Bend, Kan., died Saturday, July 26, 2003, after a long illness. He was born Feb. 5, 1934, in Paradise, Kan. to Ora and Mary Dougherty. He was graduated from Lorraine High School and attended McPherson College. He married Beverly Choitz Nov. 29, 1953, in Ellsworth. She survives. Other survivors include four sons, Michael of Littleton, Colo., Randy of Longwood, Fla, Kevin of New Millport, Pa., and Daniel of Aurora; a daughter, Gaye Becker of Greeley; a brother, Neil of Denver; a sister, Mayme Rolfs of Denver; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Haase; and two brothers, Warren and Richard. The funeral was July 30 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Denver. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Rundus Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Phyllis Fleming (1932-2003)
KANOPOLIS — Phyllis Fleming, 70, Kanopolis, died Thursday, July 31, 2003, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus, Wichita. Mrs. Fleming was born Sept. 7, 1932, in Rice County to Harold and Helen Elizabeth White Hoss. She had lived in Kanopolis for the past 55 years, where she was a homemaker. She also worked in home health care in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties for Social and Rehabilitation Services. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Ellsworth, and the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, Kanopolis. She married William H. Fleming Aug. 10, 1948, at Hays. He survives. Also surviving are a son, William H. Fleming Jr. of Kanopolis; two daughters, Diane Mangels of Ulysses and Barbara Holm, Ellsworth; two brothers, Willard Hoss, Geneseo, and Melvin Hoss, Kanopolis; eight grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Roberta Hoss. The funeral was Saturday at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Gene Langhofer officiating. Burial was in Buckeye Cemetery, rural Kanopolis. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Kanopolis.
Wilbert E. Matthew (1918-2003)
SALINA — Wilbert E. Matthew, 85, Salina, died Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital, Wichita. Mr. Matthew was born June 5, 1918, at Claflin to Thomas Matthew and the former Lily Whitney. He was a long-time resident of Ellsworth County before moving to Salina in 1992. He was a retired linotype operator for the Ellsworth Reporter. He also was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army-Air Force. He was a life member of VFW Post 6485, Ellsworth, and an active member of the 307th Army-Air Force Squadron reunions. Survivors include two stepsons, Larry Griffitt of Arvada, Colo., and Garry Griffitt of Solomon; three step-daughters, Audrene Brown of Boulder, Colo., Rosie Reed of Wellington and Gayle Griffitt- Green of Niwot, Colo.; and a special companion, Theda Lockhart of Salina. He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola Zajic Matthew in 1982. The graveside service was Tuesday in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery, Pastor Jim Newkirk officiating. Members of VFW Post 6485 provided military honors. Memorials may be made to the Ellsworth VFW or the Aviary Fund at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Wichita, in care of Gayle G. Green, 4691 Palmer Court, Niwot, Colo. 80503. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Jess Mize Jr. (1920-2003)
HOLYROOD — Jess Mize Jr., 83, Holyrood, died Thursday, July 31, 2003, at Great Bend Health & Rehabilitation. Mr. Mize was born July 3, 1920, in Decatur, Ala., to Jess T. Mize Sr. and the former Edna May Farrer. In 1950, he moved to Holyrood, where he worked until his retirement as a compressor operator for Northern Natural Gas in Bushton. He had lived at the health and rehabilitation center since 2001. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II and a 52-year member of the Holyrood American Legion. He also belonged to the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Holyrood. He married Elizabeth Blanche Merrill March 12, 1943, at Denver, Colo. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Lila M. Sohm and Zella Blanche Mize, both of Great Bend; a brother, George Mize of Dayton, Tenn.; five sisters, Sadie Patton of Dover, Del., and Dorthea Mitchell, Zeta Mize, Ann Snead and Martha Dotson, all of Dayton; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Gene and Clyde, and a sister, Dauzie Fraley. The funeral was Monday at the St. Peter Lutheran Church, Pastor John Sharp officiating. Burial was in the Kanopolis Cemetery with military honors by the Holyrood American Legion. Memorials may be made to the church. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Robert ‘Bob’ William Sangster (1921-2003)
PROTECTION — Robert “Bob” William Sangster, 82, Protection, died Monday, July 28, 2003, at the Comanche County Hospital, Coldwater. Mr. Sangster was born March 18, 1921, on a farm eight miles north of Protection to Ralph and Lucy Stevenson Sangster. He was a farmer and stockman. He also was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1942-45. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Protection, the Comanche County Farm Bureau, the Protection Co-op board of directors and the American Legion Edward Burghardt Post 167 for 50 years. He also was a Protection Township trustee for 25 years. He married Margaret Webb Aug. 7, 1944, at Protection. She survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Rodney Sangster of Greensburg, Randy of Oakley and Jeff of Protection; a daughter, Marilyn Huslig of Ellsworth; three brothers, Ralph “Dick” Sangster of Pratt, Dennis Sangster of Dodge City, and Harold “Hud” Sangster of Protection; five sisters, Betty Hester, Jennie Oller and Mary Ewy, all of Dodge City, Margaret Barrett of Amarillo, Texas, and Lila Blasi of Liberal; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. The funeral was July 31 at the First Baptist Church, Protection, Pastor Randy Dirrim officiating. Burial was in Protection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the First Baptist Church in care of the Hatfield- Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater.
Vella Lorene Dobrinski (1918-2003)
GENESEO — Vella Lorene Dobrinski, 85, died Monday, Sept. 22, 2003, at Via Christi-St. Francis Hospital, Wichita. Mrs. Dobrinski was born Feb. 2, 1918, in rural Ellsworth County to Henry Edward and Johanna Amanda Schroeder Janzen. She was a lifetime resident of Geneseo, where she was a farm homemaker and an early country schoolteacher. She was graduated from Geneseo High School in 1935 and attended Emporia Teachers College for a teacher’s certificate. She was a member of the Lorraine First Baptist Church. She married Arthur A. Dobrinski Dec. 22, 1940, at Lorraine. He died in 1995. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Eunice Rathbun. Survivors include two daughters, Dorothy Rolfs and husband, Ronald, of Albuquerque, N.M., and Jean Behnke and husband, Myron of Great Bend; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral is 3 p.m. today (Thursday) at the First Baptist Church, the Rev. Donald Decker officiating. Burial was in Lorraine Baptist Cemetery. Visitation was from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons. Family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Ellsworth County Historical Society in care of the funeral home.
Dorothy I. Dolezal (1923-2003)
Dorothy I. Dolezal, 80, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2003, at Salina Regional Health Center. Mrs. Dolezal was born July 1, 1923, in Ellsworth County to Charles Kroboth and the former Anna Homolka. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a homemaker. She married Emil Dolezal Feb. 23, 1954, at Ellsworth. He died Jan. 15, 1994. Survivors include two sons, Marvin Dolezal and David Dolezal, both of Ellsworth; a daughter, Marilyn Beauchamp, Ellsworth; a sister, Lillian Korinek of Oswego; and five grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 18 at Parsons Funeral Home, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Saline County Dialysis or the Smoky Hill Rehabilitation Center.
Mildred A. Schultz (1906-2003)
OSBORNE — Mildred A. Schultz, 97, Osborne, died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2003. Mrs. Schultz was born Mildred Bealby Jan. 13, 1906, in rural Ellsworth County. Her husband, Reginald H. “Reg,” died in 1979. Survivors include two sons, Rex and Roger, both of Osborne; a sister, Genevieve Petitjean of Brookville; five grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at the United Christian Church, Osborne. Burial was in Natoma Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Osborne Public Library or the church in care of Pohlman-Heise Mortuary, 610 N. Maple St., Russell 67665.
Brian Keith Betts (1959-2003)
YARMOUTH, Iowa — Pastor Brian Keith Betts, 44, Yarmouth, died suddenly Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003, at the Great River Medical Center, West Burlington, Iowa. Mr. Betts was born Feb. 2, 1959, at Memphis, Tenn., to LeRoy and Vivian Garrett Betts. He was graduated from Dorrance, Kan., High School in 1977. He attended Kansas State University and Northwest Community College, Powell, Wyo., where he received a degree in photo journalism. He attended Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in theology and also completed work for a Master’s degree in pastoral theology in 2003. He served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm and Desert Shield, working as a photojournalist in Kuwait. At his death, he served in the Iowa National Guard in public affairs, having returned Sept. 3 from a three-week tour with the guard in Korea. He married Trudy D. Luerman in 1978 in Salina. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Amber Dina of Eagle, Idaho, and Ashlee Hartman of Clearfield, Utah; his parents of Russell, Kan.; two brothers, Allan Betts of Antonio, Kan., and Roger Betts of Shattuck, Okla., and his in-laws, the Rev. Harlan and Darlene Palser of Russell. The funeral was Monday at the Yarmouth Baptist Church. Local funeral services were 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church, Wilson, Kan. Visitation was from 12:30 p.m. until the service at the church. Interment with full military honors by the U.S. Army from Fort Riley and VFW Post 6240, Dorrance, will follow in Dorrance City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Yarmouth Baptist Church Stained Glass Fund in care of Pohlman-Heise Mortuary, 610 N. Maple Street, Russell, Kan. 67665.
Charles E. ‘Charlie’ Caruthers (1936-2003)
GENESEO — A memorial graveside service will be conducted for Charles E. “Charlie” Caruthers at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) in the Geneseo Cemetery. Mr. Caruthers, 66, died Thursday, June 5, 2003, in Lane Ronan, Mont. He was born June 7, 1936, in rural Ellsworth County to Thomas and Ruth (Zimmerman) Caruthers. He was a 1956 graduate of Marquette High School and had served in the U.S. Army, worked in the oil fields in Great Bend and before his death had been employed as a handyman in the carpentry field in Lane Ronan. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Keith Caruthers, and a sister, Linda Caruthers. Survivors include two brothers, Wayne Caruthers, Geneseo, and Richard (Dick) Caruthers, Pratt; two sisters, Ruby Palmer, Lindsborg, and Martha Faust, Charlevoix, Mich.
