Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Anita A. Schultz (1921-2004)
Anita A. Schultz, 83, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Schultz was born Jan. 10, 1921, in Ellsworth County to Gustav and Christina Behrens Gerbitz. She was a lifetime resident of the Ellsworth area, where she was a homemaker and a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aide and the VFW auxiliary. She married Elmer Schultz June 2, 1946, in rural Ellsworth. He died in 1994. She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Marsha in 1988; a brother; and a sister. Survivors include a son, Delvin Schultz of Ellsworth; a daughter, Carol Joanis of Copperas Cove, Texas; two grandsons, Jonathan Joanis of Killeen, Texas, and Michael Homeier of Ellsworth; four granddaughters, Christina Vague and Laura Homeier, both of Ellsworth, Amanda Schultz of Salina and Deanna Schultz of Wichita; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 23 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pastor Philip Hoppe officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the VFW auxiliary. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Michael Dean Sutton
WILLIAMSBURG, KY. — Michael Dean Sutton, 36, died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, at his home in Sioux Falls, S.D. He is survived by his father and step-mother, Robert and Dana Sutton of Seymour, Tenn.; his mother, Deanne Carr of Salina, Kan.; a half-brother, Evan Robert Sutton of Seymour; and his grandmother, Carolyn Kasiska of Ellsworth, Kan. The funeral was Friday at Croley Funeral Chapel, Williamsburg, Ky., the Rev. Roy Sutton officiating. Burial was in Piney Grove Cemetery.
Willard A. ‘Bud’ Wright (1915-2004)
SALINA — Willard A. “Bud” Wright, 89, Salina, died Friday, Dec. 24, 2004. Mr. Wright was born Aug. 10, 1915, at Carneiro to Zimry and Elizabeth Wright. He worked as a machinist for Wyatt Manufacturing and Roberts Industries, both in Salina. He was a member of Salina’s Grand Avenue Methodist Church and VFW Post 1432. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances; his second wife, Dean; two brothers, Harry and Joe Wright; and a sister, Irene Wright. Survivors include a daughter and her husband, Kaye and Jon Lindquist of Brookville; three grandchildren, Brandon Lindquist of Brookville, Justin Lindquist of Lindsborg, and Jenni Lindquist of Las Vegas, Nev.; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at the Brookville United Methodist Church. Burial was in Carneiro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Brookville United Methodist Church. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, was in charge of arrangements.
Ruth E. Rogers (1921-2004)
Ruth E. Rogers, 83, Ellsworth, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village, Lyons. Mrs. Rogers was born Ruth E. Walker Nov. 30, 1921, in Boston to Henry R. and Georgiana E. Perkins Walker. She was an artist and past owner of Rogers Art Gallery. In 1968, she moved from Great Bend to Ellsworth, where she was a member of the Episcopal Church Women and the Ellsworth Fine Arts Club and a past board member of the Ellsworth Area Arts Council. She married Charles B. Rogers Dec. 27, 1954, in Las Vegas. He died in 1987. Survivors include a son, Robert C. of Ellsworth. The funeral was Monday at the Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, Ellsworth, the Revs. Kevin Schmidt and Layne Smith officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Shane Thomas Bouska (1981-2004)
WICHITA — Shane Thomas Bouska, 23, Wichita, died Monday, Dec. 13, 2004. Mr. Bouska was born May 4, 1981, in Wichita. He was a student at Wichita State University. Survivors include his parents, Chuck and Sally Bouska of Wichita; two brothers, Seth of Hillsboro, Ore., and Scott of Lawrence; a sister, Sasha of Wichita; grandparents, Lyle and Merilee Berry of Hooker, Okla.; and his godparents, Gordon and Carla Lee of Wichita. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Christine Bouska of Wilson. The vigil was Friday at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Wichita. A graveside service was Saturday at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery, Wilson. Memorials may be made to the Shane Thomas Bouska Varsity Baseball Memorial Fund for Wichita East and Bishop Carroll High Schools. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West was in charge of arrangements. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.downingandlahey.com
Ada Mae Griffith (1916-2004)
Ada Mae Griffith, 88, Ellsworth, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004, at the Wilson Nursing Center. Mrs. Griffith was born April 1, 1916, at Carneiro to Charles Benjamin and Jennie Frances Elias Hoffman. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a homemaker and taught for a few years at the Kanopolis school. She married Robert B. Griffith April 30, 1944, at Ellsworth. He died in 1985. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Hoffman, and a grandchild, Richard Griffith. Survivors include two sons, Harold and Larry, both of Ellsworth; two grandsons, Terry and John, both of Ellsworth, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Myers of Fort Smith, Ark.; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parsons Funeral Home, the Rev. Don Ray officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wilson Nursing Home.
Olive C. Greenwood (1909-2004)
Olive C. Greenwood, 95, Madison, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004 at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Greenwood was born Nov. 5, 1909, in Hymer to Edward L. and Ada E. Barclay Carpenter. Her family moved to Pennsylvania before returning to Kansas in 1918. She taught in Russell and Russell County from 1960 to 1973. She moved to Madison in 1982 and in 2003 to the Wilson Nursing Center. She was a 75-year member of the Eastern Star and the United Methodist Church, both in Russell and Madison; and belonged to the Garden and Sunflower clubs, both in Madison. She married Harold F. Greenwood Dec. 25, 1937, in Emporia. He died July 30, 2004. She also was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. Survivors include a son, Ron Greenwood of Wilson; a daughter, Linda Bartlett of Las Cruces, N.M.; two brothers, Robert Carpenter of Hamilton, and Harold Carpenter of Boise, Idaho; seven grandchildren; and 13 greatgrandchildren. The graveside service was Tuesday at Blakely Cemetery, northwest of Madison, the Revs. Bob Robison and Ron Kite officiating. Memorials may be made to the Eastern Star in lieu of flowers. Contributions may be sent to the Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 488, Madison, Ks. 66860.
Delbert L. Loesch (1933-2004)
LYONS — Delbert L. Loesch, 71, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at the Hutchinson Hospital. Mr. Loesch was born March 6, 1933, in Lyons, to Phillip George and Hermina Blank Loesch. He was a lifetime resident of Rice County, moving from Raymond to Lyons in 1987. He was a farmer-stockman and retired mail carrier and a member of the Raymond Baptist Church, where he was a trustee, and the Handyman Club. He also was a former Raymond Township board member. He married Pat Stricklin Oct. 19, 1952, at Raymond. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, Rick and Roger, both of Lyons, and Kent of Raymond; a daughter, Debby Bach of Ellsworth; 10 grandchildren; a great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lewis. The funeral was Dec. 9 at the Raymond Baptist Church, the Rev. Robert Bethell officiating. Burial was in Raymond Hilltop Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.
B. Ruth Wallin (1913-2004)
B. Ruth Wallin, 91, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at her home in Ellsworth. Mrs. Wallin was born Nov. 15, 1913, at Mankato, Minn., to Charles and Alice Sullivan Maxfield. She moved to Ellsworth six years ago from Kanopolis Lake. She was a medication aide at Riverview Estates in Marquette and a member of the United Methodist Church and the Ladies Thanksgiving Club, both in Geneseo. She married Leander A. Wallin Jan. 13, 1933, at Mankato. He died in 1976. She also was preceded in death by a son, Larry, in 1936. Survivors include two daughters, Leah Sturn of Bushton and Patti Bateson of Billings, Mont.; a son, David, of Ellsworth; two sisters, Audrey Crane of Vero Beach, Fla., and Mary Lou Ballman of Cleveland, Minn.; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Geneseo, the Rev. Lyndelle S. Linde officiating. Inurnment was in the Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Riverview Estates, in care of the family. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
James Berry Carl Alder (1918-2004)
ELLINWOOD — James Berry Carl Alder, 86, died Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at his home in Ellinwood. Mr. Alder was born March 5, 1918, in Sneedville, Tenn. to Lloyd L. and Margaret Baldwin Alder. He was a life insurance agent, owner-operator of Alder Trucking in Dodge City, and a truck driver for Feaster Trucking, Great Bend. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Ellinwood, the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and Isis Shrine, the Lions Club, of which he served as district governor in 1996, and the Ellinwood City Council from 1990-2003. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow, coordinator of the Leader Dog Project, Ellinwood’s Distinguished Citizen in 1991 and winner of Ellinwood Schools Athletic Award in 2003. He married Olive Myers May 26, 1939, at Coldwater. She died in 1970. He also was preceded in death by a son, Ronald L. He later married Leona Florene Wright April 22, 1976, at Dodge City. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Donald D. of Coaldale, Colo., and James Jr. of Eudora; four daughters, Heather Barta of Ellsworth, Carlyne Holt of Yuma, Ariz., Mary Ann Watts of Eudora and Judith Regnier of Eud ora; a stepson, Lance Wright of Newton; two sisters, Helen Haskell of Wellington and Althea Alder of Everest, Ill.; 21 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the United Methodist Church, Ellinwood , the Rev. Vernon Maelzer officiating. Burial was in Plains Cemetery, Plains. Memorials may be made to the Ellinwood Food Bank or Lions Club. Kimple Funeral Home, 113 N. Main, Ellinwood 67526 was in charge of arrangements.
Alice Ellen Horst Hanken (1912-2004)
HOLYROOD — Alice Ellen Horst Hanken, 92, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at Plum Creek Plaza, Holyrood. Mrs. Hanken was born July 26, 1912, in rural Holyrood to Robert and Laura “Anna” Stoltenberg Horst. She lived most of her life in rural Albert, where she was a homemaker and member of the Peace Lutheran Church. In recent times she had attended the St. Paul United Church of Christ, Holyrood. She also was active in the High Rise Kitchen Band and the Sunshine Singers. She married Frederick George Hanken May 4, 1935, in Holyrood. He died in 1992. Survivors include a son, Raymond Lee Hanken of Holyrood; a daughter, Rosalia Ann Schick of Great Bend; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral was 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Peace Lutheran Church, Pastor Jack D. R ussell officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend. Memorials may be made to the Peace or St. Paul churches.
Duane L. Lindenmeyer (1934-2004)
Duane L. Lindenmeyer, 70, Ellsworth, died Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Lindenmeyer was born April 27, 1934, in Salina to Fred and Rachel DeWald Lindenmeyer. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. In 1962, he moved from Potwin to Ellsworth, where he taught at Ellsworth High School for 36 years before his retirement and at the St. Francis Academy for more t han 40 years. He was a member of AF & AM Lodge N. 146 and the United Methodist Church. He married Sharon Smysor June 6, 1965, at Ellsworth. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Karen Ann Hunter of Vero Be ach, Fla.; two sons, Daniel G. of Newton, and R. Scott of WaKeene y; three brothers, Robert of Salina, Chester of Grand Rapids, Mich. , and Fred of Hutchinson; a sister, Ruth Yandle of San Jose, Calif.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn, in 1970. The funeral was Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Dr. John Snook officiating. Burial was in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. Memorials may be made to the church or St. Francis Academy. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Allan Dean Sheridan (1929-2004)
PAYSON, Ariz. — Allan Dean Sheridan, 75, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004. Mr. Sheridan was born May 4, 1929, in Ellsworth, Kan. to Allan Alex and Freda Marie Milbradt Sheridan. He served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed i n Okinawa during the Korean Conflict, he was a medical specialist with a medic evacuation squad. He retired from the Public Service Company of Colorado in 1986, He and his wife, Darlene, began to travel the United States in their fifth-wheel trailer. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters by a previous marriage, Dee Kincade of Chandler, Ariz., and Barbara Sheridan of Denver, Colo.; three sisters, Melva Chamberlain of Newton, Kan., Edith Hummer of Fort Worth, Texas, and Sherry Scott of Salina, Kan; and four grandchildren. A memorial service was Nov. 26 with burial at Fort Logan Military Cemetery, Denver. Memorials may be made to RTA Hospice, 511 S. Mudsprings Rd. Payson, Az. 85541. Ann Elizabeth Wilson A memorial service is planned for Ann Elizabeth Wilson at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the First Presbyterian Church. Miss Wilson, 69, died Nov. 20, 2004, at Salina. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Village or the First Presbyterian Church, both at Ellsworth.
Lula M. Hoover De Leon (1921-2004)
MANSFIELD, Ark. — Lula M. Hoover De Leon, 83, died Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, at her home in Mansfield. Mrs. De Leon was born Nov. 18, 1921, in Kansas City, Mo., to John Alan and Lula Fleming Hoover. She lived in Lincoln County, Kan., before moving to Mansfield. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was a retired accountant and rancher. She was a member of the Mansfield First Baptist Church. Survivors include three daughters, Doreen De Leon of Hollywood, Fla., Nathalia Hiatt of Ponca City, Okla., and Orla Engstrom of Arkansas; and two grandchildren. The funeral was Wednesday at the Mansfield First Baptist Church. A graveside service with military honors was Friday in the Beverly, Kan., Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kim Martin Cancer Fund. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Kan., was in charge of arrangements.
Joe J. Echer (1917-2004)
SALINA — Joe J. “Pops” Echer, 87, Salina, died Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004. Mr. Echer was born May 26, 1917, near Dorrance. He was a retired farmer and stockman and was working at The Car Shoppe. He was a member of the United Methodist Church at Luray and Mentor and was on the Luray United Methodist Church Board. He was a member of Salina Moose Lodge, Doane School Board and Delhi Township Board. He married Claudine Brichacek Nov. 22, 1942, at Sylvan Grove. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Steve and Rex, both of Salina; two daughters, Ellen Cline of Marietta, Ga., and Kristy Brown of Wichita; two sisters, Ella Branda of Lincoln and Lydie Smith of Topeka; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral is 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) at the United Methodist Church, Mentor. Burial is at 2:30 p.m. today (Thursday) in Lucas Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Mentor, or the American Cancer Society. Visitation was from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Rodrick & Minear Funeral Home, 111 S. Fairview, Lucas 67648.
Dennis J. Farney (1908-2004)
WILSON — Dennis J. Farney, 96, Wilson, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Farney was born Oct. 12, 1908, in Lincoln County to Dennis and Magdalena Kasper Farney. He was a lifetime resident of Wilson, where he was a farmer-stockman and a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Nocturnal Adoration Society. He married Agnes E. Ptacek Aug. 31, 1938, at Wilson. She died in 1995. Survivors include four sons, Dennis D. of Kansas City, Mo., Robert F. of Evansville, Ind., Richard A. of Wilson, and Steven M. of McPherson; and 11 grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Father David Metz officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Foster Mortuary, Wilson, was in charge of arrangements.
Raymond E. Hoffhines (1918-2004)
Raymond E. Hoffhines, 86, Ellsworth, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004. Mr. Hoffhines was born March 23, 1918, in Esbon, to Earl and Mabel Kniesteadt Hoffhines. He was construction superintendent for Johnson Builders and Abbott Construction, Salina. Survivors include his wife, Edna of Ellsworth; four sons, Robert, Ross and Michael, all of Salina, and Edward of Ellsworth; a daughter, Deanna Cleveland of Salina; a brother, Max of Oklahoma City; 10 grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren. The funeral was Friday at Shields Funeral Home, Minneapolis. Burial was in Delphos Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Village or Ellsworth County Medical Center.
Orville Kaufman (1929-2004)
GREAT BEND — Orville Kaufman, 75, died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004, at his home in Great Bend. Mr. Kaufman was born July 23, 1929, to Carl and Carrie Cook Kaufman. In 1965, he moved from Dorrance to Great Bend, where he was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church. He was a farmer. He married Lois Janda April 26, 1952, at Dubuque. She survives. Other survivors are two daughters, Nathalea Stephenson of Salina and Karleen Williams of Albuquerque, N.M.; five sisters, Helen Stickney and Dorothy Bay, both of Russell, LaFern Prediger and Carol Herber, both of Salina, and Leona Champion of San Jose, Calif.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lloyd Kaufman. The funeral was 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First Southern Baptist Church, the Revs. Doyle Smith and Harlan Palser officiating. Burial was 2 p.m. in Wilson City Cemetery. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. to funeral time at the church. Memorials may be made to the Orville Kaufman Memorial Fund. Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, was in charge of arrangements.
Leonard Jacob Kepka (1939-2004)
GREAT BEND — Leonard Jacob Kepka, 65, Great Bend, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004. Mr. Kepka was born Sept. 20, 1939, at Russell. He was a sandblaster for O’Neil Tank co., later working for Essex, where he retired. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; a son, Robert L. of Olathe; a daughter, Susan Kepka of Hays; a brother, Raymond of Dorrance; two sisters, Adeline Bechard of Grinnell and Betty Mattas of Wilson; and two grandchildren. The funeral was at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend. Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary Cemetery, Ellis. Memorials may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation or Ronald McDonald House, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton, Great Bend 67530.
Reva Mae Woolsey (1913-2004)
Reva Mae Woolsey, 91, Ellsworth, died Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004. Mrs. Woolsey was born Reva Mae Jewell Sept. 16, 1913, at Kanopolis. She was a school teacher. Survivors include her husband, Paul, of Salina; two nephews, Jim and Rodney Jewell; and a niece, Kathy Jo Huseman. The graveside service was Saturday in Kanopolis Cemetery. Ryan Mortuary, Salina, was in charge of arrangements.
