Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Marjorie Hand (1911-2004)
KANOPOLIS — Marjorie Hand, 93, died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004, at Salina Regional Health Center. Mrs. Hand was born Aug. 10. 1911, in Adams County, Colo., to Orville J. and Emma Kendall Kimball. Since 1937, she had lived in Kanopolis, where she was a homemaker, telephone operator and cook at Kanopolis Grade School. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion Auxiliary and the United Methodist Church, both in Kanopolis. She married Oscar Hand Nov. 14, 1937, at Smith Center. He died in 1995. Survivors include two sons, David J. of Kanopolis and James H. of Portland, Ore.; and four grandchildren. The funeral was Saturday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Pastor Stephen Holmes officiating. Burial was in Kanopolis Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kanopolis Library or the Kanopolis United Methodist Church.
Clara Elizabeth Galliart (1909-2004)
RUSSELL — Clara Elizabeth Galliart, 95, died Monday, Sept. 27, 2004. Mrs. Galliart was born Clara Elizabeth Keil April 16, 1909, in Milberger. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, in 1992, and a son, Gene Ernest. Survivors include two sons, Vernon Dean of Folsom, Calif., and Kenneth Lee of Bunker Hill; a brother, Hubert Harry of Milberger; a sister, Josephine Springer of Hoisington; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be Saturday at the First Lutheran Church, Dorrance. Burial will be in Dubuque Cemetery, south of Dorrance. Memorials may be made to the church in care of Pohlman-Heise Mortuary, 610 N. Maple, Russell 67665.
Floyd Edward Thompson (1933-2004)
McCRACKEN — Floyd Edward Thompson, 71, died Thursday, Sept. 30, 2004, at his home in McCracken. Mr. Thompson was born Jan. 23, 1933, at LaCrosse to Floyd Audice and Ruby Eleanor Yawger Thompson. He was a lifetime resident of Ness and Rush counties, where he was a farmer-stockman. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the McCracken Historical Society, the National Drovers Hall of Fame, McCracken Alumni Association and American Legion Post 59 of McCracken. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He married Carolyn Dennis Dec. 29, 1962, at Great Bend. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Susan Keith of Ellsworth; a brother, Ben of McCracken; and a granddaughter, Shannon Elyse Keith. The funeral was Saturday at the United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dean Gilbert officiating. Burial was in the McCracken Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Southwind Hospice of Pratt, the McCracken United Methodist Church or the McCracken Jail Museum in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, P.O. 96, Ness City, Ks. 67560.
Edwin H. Westerman (1921-2004)
Edwin H. Westerman, 83, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, at Ellsworth’s Good Samaritan Retirement Center. Mr. Westerman was born March 12, 1921, in Ellsworth County to Edwin and Hedwig Hoffman Westerman. He was a long-time Ellsworth County resident. Survivors include a sister, Fern Zajic of Holyrood; and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral was Tuesday at Parsons Funeral Home, Dr. Jim Morford officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Center.
Beverly Mae Dougherty
AURORA, Colo. — Beverly Mae Dougherty, Aurora, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004. She also lived in Great Bend, Kan., and Ellsworth, Kan. She is survived by her five children, Michael Dougherty of Littleton, Colo., Randy Dougherty of Longwood, Fla., Kevin Dougherty, of New Millport, Pa., Daniel Dougherty of Aurora and Gaye Becker of Greeley, Colo.; three brothers, Lee Choitz of California, Richard Choitz of Kansas, and Ernie Choitz of Texas; a sister Linda Epley of Texas; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; a brother, Bob Choitz; and a sister, Ruth Whitcher.
Ora Erway (1903-2004)
Ora Erway, 101, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Mrs. Erway was born Nov. 1, 1903, in Lincoln County to August Lambert and Emma Mollenkamp Feldkamp. She lived in Natoma before moving to the Kanopolis area, where she was a long-time resident. She taught for more than 40 years, including at Wilson and Thomas Elementary schools. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She married Russell Erway Aug. 2, 1927, in Osborne. He died in 1976. Survivors include a son, Douglas Erway of Paso Robles, Calif.; a daughter, Sara Sue Schmidt of Des Plaines, Ill.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, Pastor Leonard Goering officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the J.H. Robbins Memorial Library, the Ellsworth County Medical Center or the church. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Betty Herndon (1927-2004)
COALINGA, Calif. — Betty Herndon, 77, died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, at the Ralph Neate Extended Care Center. Mrs. Herndon was born Feb. 25, 1927, in Ellsworth, Kan. to William and Leona Doubrava Fry. She worked for many years at the family business, Whitey’s Meats, and for the California Department of Water Resources. She married Nim “Whitey” Herndon of Salem, Mo., in 1944. He preceded her in death. Survivors include two daughters, Sheryl of the Woodlands, Texas, and Judy Good; and a granddaughter. Memorials may be made to the Coalinga Community Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
Nelly Caroline Nelson (1905-2004)
BURLINGTON, Iowa — Nelly Caroline Nelson, 98. died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004, at Rose Bush Gardens Assisted Living, Burlington. Mrs. Nelson was born Dec. 18, 1905, in rural Lorraine, Kan., to Henry and Carrie Dees Janzen. She graduated from Lorraine High School in 1924 and the Burlington School of Nursing in 1929. She married Arthur W. Nelson June 4, 1930, in Lorraine. He died in 1984. They owned and operated Dairy Queens from 1947 until 1968. Mrs. Nelson was a member of the West Hill United Methodist Church and its Sunshine Circle and a former member of Senior Citizens organizations. Survivors include two sons, Ronald K. and James E., both of Burlington; a daughter, Caroline Hoover of Phoenix, Ariz.; a sister, Edna Schroeder of Wichita, Kan.; a sister-in-law, Elsie Janzen of Halstead, Kan.; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son and grandson and 10 brothers. The funeral was Saturday at Lunning Chapel, Burlington, the Rev. William Porter officiating. Burial was in Burlington. Memorials may be made to the Great River Hospice or the West Hill United Methodist Church.
Rodger L. Wiles (1943-2004)
HUNTER — Rodger L. Wiles, 61, Hunter, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004. Mr. Wiles was born April 4, 1943, in Beloit. He was a truck driver. Survivors include his wife, Marlene, of the home; two sons, Troy of Hunter and Todd of Salina; two daughters, Machelle Wiles of Hunter and Malinda Cunningham of Ellsworth; two brothers, Bob of Hunter and Brad of Beloit; and six grandchildren. A memorial service was 2 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church, Hunter. Inurnment was in Rose Valley Cemetery, near Hunter. Memorials may be made to the family. McDonald-Roberts Funeral Service, Beloit, was in charge of arrangements.
Ann Elizabeth Wilson (1935-2004)
Ann Elizabeth Wilson, 69, Ellsworth, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004, at the Salina Regional Health Center. Miss Wilson was born Aug. 20, 1935, in Oberlin to Francis Lesher and Vesta Duckwall Wilson. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth, living the last 20 years of her life in the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. She attended Marymount College, Salina, and worked five years at the Ellsworth hospital as an aide. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include a brother, Alan D. Wilson of Littleton, Colo.; two nieces, Wendy Habicht of McClean, Va., and Nancy Backes of Pullman, Wash., and numerous grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date. A private family graveside service was Tuesday in Ellsworth Cemetery, Pastor Leonard Goering officiating. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Village or the First Presbyterian Church. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jerry M. Barton (1936 2004)
DORRANCE — Jerry M. Barton, 68, Dorrance, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004, at the Wilson Nursing Center. Mr. Barton was born Feb. 6, 1936, to Fred and Dora Park Barton. He lived most of his life in Russell, where he was an oil field worker. He was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wilson. He married Joanna Koerner July 13, 1957, at Russell. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Melody Giebler and husband, Mike, of Littleton, Colo., and Jo Lana Elam of Gorham; two sons, Jerry Dean Barton of Russell, and Theron Barton and wife, Vickie, of Shawnee; a brother, Rod Barton of Long Beach, Calif.; a sister, Norma Poulter of Garber, Okla.; and six grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at the St. Wenceslaus Church, Father Dave Metz officiating. Burial was in the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Munjor. Memorials may be made to the church. Foster Mortuary, Wilson, was in charge of arrangements.
Don J. Long (1931-2004)
LORRAINE — Don J. Long, 73, died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004, at the Kansas Soldiers Home at Fort Dodge. Mr. Long was born Feb. 4, 1931, at Haviland to Preston and Mabel White Long. He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served in the Korean War. In 1972, he moved to Lorraine, where he was a member of the Lorraine Baptist Church. He was a retired custodian at Quivira Heights High School, Bushton. He married Fredya Berry Nov. 26, 1954, in Hazelhurst, Miss. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Donna Coykendall of Kingman, Janice Klug of Lorraine and Leah Watts of Lorraine; two brothers, Butch Long of Lewis and Gary Long of Fulton, Mo.; and four sisters, Shirley Busby of Oklahoma City, Okla., Myra Morrison of Pratt, Connie Wilson of Stafford and Mary Ann Clair of Lewis. He was preceded in death by a son, Douglas, and a brother, LeRoy. A graveside service was Tuesday in the Lorraine Cemetery, the Rev. George Reddington officiating. Memorials may be made to the Kansas Soldiers Home or the Quivira Heights Athletic Fund in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.
Orrin W. Miller (1925-2004)
WILSON — Orrin W. Miller, 79, died Monday, Nov. 15, 2004, at Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Miller was born June 22, 1925, at Russell, to Henry and Dorothea Bisterfeld Miller. He was a lifetime resident of the Wilson area and had worked as a salesman. He married Erma Dewald in 1955. He married Carolyn Herbel in 1975. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wilson. He was preceded in death by his first wife; a daughter, Kyra Gayle in 1958; a granddaughter, Cassey Porter; and two brothers, Levi Miller in 1967, and Henry Miller in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Miller of Wilson; a son, Adrian Miller of Wilson; a daughter, Suzanne McGuire of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a stepson, Don Herbel of Salina; three stepdaughters, Pam Kasper of Manhattan, Cathy Smith of Wilson, and Joni Moran of Claflin; a brother, Edwin Miller of Wilson; four sisters, Velma Borell and Arline Stoppel of Wilson, and Helen Buckley and Margaret Miller of Dodge City; and 11 grandchildren. Visitation was from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until the funeral today (Thursday). The funeral was 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at the church with Pastor James Strassen officiating. Burial was to be in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Foster Mortuary, Wilson, was in charge of arrangements.
Janice Rose "Pat" Wilson (1934-2004)
LAJUNTA, Colo. — Janice Rose “Pat” Wilson, 70, LaJunta, died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004, at the Arkansas Valley Nursing Home. Mrs. Wilson was born March 17, 1934, in Lincoln County, Kan., to Raymond P. and Rose (Pichner) Vanek. She married Eugene Wilson on Sept. 8, 1956, in Hays. She graduated from Wilson High School, Wilson, Kan. and from Asbury Hospital School of Nursing, Salina, Kan. She was a registered nurse for 40 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Ray J. Vanek, Holyrood, Larry L. Vanek, Sylvan Grove, and Bob D. Vanek, Sylvan Grove. She is survived by her husband of the home, daughters Debra and her husband, Mark, Johnston, LaJunta; Michele Wilson, Indianapolis, Ind.; and Kimberly and her husband, Sam, Grimsley, LaJunta; a brother, Kay K. Vanek and his wife, Joyce, Holyrood; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Private family services will be conducted later. Memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice, P. O. Box 1067, LaJunta, Colo. 81050. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home and Crematorium, LaJunta, Colo., was in charge of arrangements.
Mary M. McCary Wooster (1918-2004)
Mary M. McCary Wooster, 86, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Wooster was born Jan. 30, 1918, in Smith County to William and Clara Koch Camp. In 1957, she moved from Smith County to Ellsworth, where she was a housekeeper at the Veterans Memorial Hospital. She also was a member of Ellsworth’s VFW auxiliary. She married Harvey L. McCary May 28, 1939, at Lebanon. He died in 1981. Her second husband was Wendell Wooster, who she married March 25, 1982, at Newton. He died in 1991. Survivors include a son, Melvin McCary of Ellsworth; two stepdaughters, Leta Christoffel of St. Louis, Mo., and Andra Lampert of Beloit; two grandchildren; five step-grandsons; a great-grandchild; and three step great-grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Philip Hoppe officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Village or the VFW Auxiliary.
Nancy Ann Reid Jameson (1949-2004)
COPPERAS COVE, Texas — Nancy Ann Reid Jameson, 55, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004, at Copperas Cove. Mrs. Jameson was born July 27, 1949, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Ina N. and Alva Lowell Reid. She was raised in Holyrood, Kan., and Midland, Texas. She earned an associate degree in computer accounting in Tucson, Ariz., took correctional officer training at Central Texas College and worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at Gatesville, Texas. She was a member of the Robertson Avenue Baptist Church, Coppereas Cove. Survivors include her mother; three sons, Randy Wayne Gulley of Midland, John Wesley Gulley of New Mexico and Michael Ross Gulley of Copperas Cove, Texas; two brothers, David L. Reid of Shriveport, La., and Roy R. Reid of Boyd, Texas; a sister, Brenda Sherinian of Copperas Cove; and two grandchildren. The funeral is today at 3 p.m. at the Robertson Avenue Baptist Church, Pastor John Hooser officiating. Burial is in Piocoke Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Scott & White Hospice, the Windcrest Nursing Home or the church. Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Copperas Cove, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary D. Kirk (1905 2004)
Mary D. Kirk, 99, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004, at Ellsworth’s Good Samaritan Retirement Center. Mrs. Kirk was born June 18, 1905, in Noble Township, southeast of Wilson, to John and Mary Wanasek Dlabal. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she taught at many rural schools and Kanopolis Grade School from 1951 until her retirement in 1969. She was a member of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and a life member of the Kansas and National Education Associations and Kansas Retired Teachers Association, AARP, Ellsworth County Historical Society, VFW Auxiliary, Ellsworth County HDU, Dorcas Society and the St. Bernard’s Altar Society. She also was a charter member of the St. Francis Circle, Daughters of Isabella, Wilson. She served as a local officer and also chancellor and vice regent at the state level. Mrs. Kirk attended Kansas Wesleyan in Salina and Fort Hays State University. She married Earl D. Kirk June 8, 1944. He died in 1971. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Verna Vodraska, and a brother, Steve Dlabal. Survivors include a son, Robert Kirk of Manhattan; a daughter, Jean Campbell of Winfield; a brother, Pete Dlabal of Ellsworth; three grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the St. Bernard’s Church, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the Good Samaritan Center. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Eldon Dean McCall (1927-2004)
McPHERSON — Eldon Dean McCall, 77, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004. Mr. McCall was born March 24, 1927, in Carneiro. He was a mechanic at Consolidated Motors, McPherson, retiring in 1979. He was preceded in death by a grandson. Survivors include his wife, Winnie M. of the home; two daughters, Mary E. McFarland of Omaha, Neb., and Barbara A. McIntosh of Honey Creek, Iowa; two sons, Ronald D. of Del City, Okla., and Clifford E. of Odessa, Mo.; a brother, Wayne G. of Moran; eight grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren. The funeral was Wednesday at the First Congregational Church, McPherson. Burial was in McPherson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas or the church. Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home, McPherson, was in charge of arrangements.
Alvina Motzner
MADISON, Ala. — Alvina Motzner, 87, formerly of Wilson, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Huntsville Hospital in Alabama. Mrs. Motzner is survived by three daughters, Sharen McCarty of Madison, Alene Kaye Grubb of Atlanta, Ga., and Janet Chaloupka of Ormond Beach, Fla.; a son, Keith Motzner of Denver, Colo.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be today (Nov. 11) at 10 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wilson. Burial will be in the Wilson Cemetery.
Robert G. Stoltenberg (1927-2004)
HOLYROOD — Robert G. Stoltenberg, 76, Holyrood, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Stoltenberg was born Nov. 23, 1927, at Holyrood to George Henry Edward and Lena Denker Stoltenberg. He was a lifetime resident of the Holyrood area, where he was a retired farmer/stockman and a member of the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. He married Clara V. Schultz June 4, 1956, at Holyrood. She died in 1988. His second wife was Lois Clinton Hoffman, who he married June 8, 2004 at Holyrood. She survives. Other survivors include a stepdaughter, Linda Sauntmon of Wisconsin; a sister, Virginia Biltoft of Santa Clara, Calif.; a brother, Lyle Stoltenberg of Redondo Beach, Calif.; and three step-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Eunice Myers. The funeral was Friday at the United Church of Christ, the Rev. Deborah Rains officiating. Inurnment will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the church or the Holyrood Ambulance Service. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Laura Anne Wamhoff (1906-2004)
RUSSELL — Laura Anne Wamhoff, 98, died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, at the Hays Medical Center. Mrs. Wamhoff was born Nov. 2, 1906, at Black Wolf to Walter and Anne Svoboda Brown. She was a lifelong member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; two brothers; a sister; and her parents. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Diane Wamhoff of Hot Springs, Ark.; three sisters, Marie Wamhoff of Hutchinson, Ada Harman of Hays and Else Staz of Woodbine; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Inurnment services will be Nov 27 at 10 a.m. in the Ellsworth City Cemetery, the Rev. Henry Hartman officiating. Memorials may be made to the St. John’s Church. Russell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
August L. ‘Augie’ Zorn (1903-2004)
August L. “Augie” Zorn, 101, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Mr. Zorn was born Sept. 3, 1903, in Odin to Frank and Lena Shusky Zorn. He lived most of his life in Ellsworth, where he was a farmer-stockman. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II. He was a member of American Legion Post 174, VFW Post 6485, the Knights of Columbus and the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, all in Ellsworth. Survivors include four sisters, Catherine Zorn of Ellsworth, Eleanor Bradford of Wichita, Mary Mog of Ellinwood and Matilda Brown of Larned; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was Friday at the St. Bernard’s Church, Fathers Daniel Scheetz and Charles Steier officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery with military rites. Memorials may be made to the church or to the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Howard V. Brown (1936-2004)
LINCOLN — Howard V. Brown, 68, Lincoln, died Saturday, Dec. 25, 2004, at Salina. Mr. Brown was born Sept. 29, 1936, to Lloyd and Marjorie White Brown. He was a truck driver. Survivors include two sons, Allen and Dennis of Salina; a daughter, Brenda Hartnett of Casper, Wyo.; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene. The funeral was 2 p.m. Wednesday at the St. John Lutheran Church, the Rev. Gerald Radtke officiating. Burial was in Lincoln City Cemetery. Hall Chapel, Lincoln, was in charge of arrangements.
Harold L. Demoret (1938-2004)
DOVER, Ark. — Harold L. Demoret, 97, of Dover died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, at his home in Dover. Mr. Demoret was born Dec. 17, 1907, in Pretty Prairie, Kan. He was a retired farmer and bus driver for 12 years for the Dover Schools. He married Franke Phillips April 17, 1938 in Hodgeman County, Kan. She survives. He also is survived by one son, Harold Don Demoret and wife Wanda of Dover; four daughters, Judy Ann Byers and husband Eldon, Lucielle Brown and husband Emmitt, Sandra Ross and husband Martin, all of Dover, and Linda Bristow and husband Don of Wilson, Kan.; 16 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; one brother, Clarence Demoret and wife Mildred of Jetmore, Kan.; and one sister, Opal Eichman, also of Jetmore. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother, and a granddaughter, Lisa Carol Ross. The funeral was Friday at Humphrey Chapel, the Rev. Jackie Pledger officiating. Burial was in Owens Cemetery at Dover, Ark. by Humphrey Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Department of Health Hospice, Pope County Unit, 404 North El Paso, Russellville, AR 72801.
