Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Harold Muninger (1925-2005)
KANOPOLIS — Harold Muninger, 79, Kanopolis, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, at the Salina Regional Health Center. Mr. Muninger was born Aug. 4, 1925, in Chanute to Edwin and Lottie Weiland Muninger. He moved to Kanopolis in 1967, where he was a retired grade and middle school principal. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Army with service during World War II and a member of the American Legion and the United Methodist Church, both in Kanopolis. He married Virginia Harz March 18, 1951, in Salina. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Telma Reed of Olathe; two sons, Sheldon and Eric, both of Salina; two sisters, Nita Bain of Chanute and Mary Jane Eastburn of Leavenworth; a brother, Benny Muninger of Buffalo; and two grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Pastor Stephen Holmes officiating. Burial was in Kanopolis Cemetery with military rites. Memorials may be made to the Harold Muninger Memorial Fund or the Kanopolis United Methodist Church.
Patricia Dee Walsh (1942-2005)
NESS CITY — Patricia Dee Walsh, 62, Ness City, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005. Mrs. Walsh was born Patricia Dee Cunningham July 21, 1942, in Ellsworth County. She worked in food service in the hospital. Survivors include a son, Lawrence L. Coker of Canton; two daughters, DeAnna Jones of McPherson and Terri L. Lindholm of Lindsborg; her mother, Marian Cunningham of McPherson; two sisters, Barbara J. Hettinger and Leslie Ann Cunningham, both of Denton, Texas; her companion, L.A. “Roy” Krug of Ness City; and five grandchildren. A memorial service was Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Ness City. Burial was in Wilson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or Ness County Bank building. Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, was in charge of arrangements.
Florence V. Boeken (1931-2005)
Florence V. Boeken, 73, Ellsworth, died Monday, Feb. 14, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Mrs. Boeken was born Dec. 23, 1931, in Red Rock, Okla., to John and Martha Gilham. She was a homemaker and a guide at the Fort Harker Museum, Kanopolis. Survivors include her husband, Merle, of the home; a daughter, Carrol Nather of Timken; a son, Terry of Lorraine; a sister, Mary Folle of Derby; a brother, Homer Gilham of Deer Creek, Okla., and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Larry, and a brother, Evrette Gilham. A memorial service is planned at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Lorraine Baptist Church, the Rev. George Reddington officiating. Memorials may be made to the OCCK Transportation Service of Salina, Hospice of Salina or the Ellsworth Senior Center. Cornerstone Cremation Society, 3700 E. Douglas, Suite 52, Wichita, Kan. 67208, was in charge of arrangements.
Chester A. Buckley (1924-2005)
FORT DODGE — Chester Alden Buckley, 80, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at Halsey Hall, Fort Dodge. He was born April 8, 1924, at Ames to Grant E. and Emma Kolling Buckley. He graduated from Emporia State Teachers College in 1947. A Fort Dodge resident since 1999, moving from Dodge City, he was a music instructor. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sig Tau Gama fraternity, honorary member of the Phi Mu Alpha, the SPEBSQSA organization, the Lions Club and a former member of the American Legion at Wilson. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. On June 4, 1959, he married Helen Miller at Wilson. She survives. Other survivors include two brothers, Charles Buckley of Norman, Okla., and Melvin Buckley and wife Augie of Orange City, Fla. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Alden Buckley, and sister, Dorothy Gaston. The memorial service was Feb. 5 at the First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, with the Rev. Lance Carrithers presiding. Cremation took place, and a private family burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Kansas Soldiers Home Alzheimer Unit in care of Burkhart-Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kan., 67801.
Frank J. Cikanek (1915-2005)
WILSON – Frank J. Cikanek, 89, Wilson, died Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005. Mr. Cikanek was born Dec. 11, 1915, in Ellsworth County. He was a farmer-stockman. He was married to Rose Pejsha Mattas June 17, 1961. He was a member of Vesmir CSA Lodge, a Czech lodge. Survivors include two daughters, Alma Deutsch and Wilma Olds, both of Wilson; a sister, Evelyn Lyons of Denver; four stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at Foster Mortuary Chapel, 610 24th, Wilson 67490, with Sister Diane Wagner officiating. Burial was in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wilson Opera House Corp., in care of the mortuary.
George Huff (1921-2005)
TOPEKA — George Huff, 84, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at his home in Topeka. Mr. Huff was born Jan. 9, 1921, in Florence to Clarence Huff and the former Nora Bass. He lived most of his life in Ellsworth before moving to Topeka three years ago. He owned and operated a jewelry store in Ellsworth for 40 years and also had other businesses. He was active in many community activities and organizations. Survivors are his wife, Norma, Topeka; son, Jerry and his wife Paula and their son, Kristopher, Topeka; daughter, Jan Foresman and her husband Matt and their daughter, Kelli, Kansas City, Mo. As per his request, Mr. Huff’s body was cremated and his ashes will be placed in the Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Ellsworth Senior Center.
Robert D. Meili (1926-2005)
LINCOLN – Robert D. Meili, 78, Lincoln, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2005. Mr. Meili was born June 22, 1926, in rural Lincoln to William A. and Esther Ione Line Meili. He was a mechanic who also served as a Lincoln volunteer firefighter for 28 years, part of that time as chief. He also was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and a past master. Survivors include his wife, Ann of the home; three daughters, Carol Panzer and husband, Don Ray, of Ellsworth, Jayne Feldkamp of Lincoln, and Lisa Kennedy and husband, Darrell, of Liberal; a brother, William R. Meili and wife, Larinda, of Lincoln; four sisters, Wilma Block of Topeka, Alice Gilmore and husband, Leroy, of Vesper, Dorothy Meier of Lincoln, and JoAnn Hemmer and husband, Norman, of Topeka; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ray Meili; a step-brother, Albert Ripple; and grandson, Benjamin Feldkamp. The funeral was Monday at Hall Chapel, Lincoln, the Rev. Gerald Radtke officiating. Burial was in Lincoln City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lincoln County Hospital Medical Equipment Fund.
Vivian H. Anschutz (1914-2005)
DORRANCE – Vivian H. Anschutz, 90, Dorrance, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005. Mrs. Anschutz was born Vivian H. Thielen May 16, 1914, in Dorrance. She was a homemaker and nursing assistant. Her husband, Louis G. Anschutz, died in 1994. Survivors include a son, Norman of Russell; three daughters, Joyce Barker and Eileen Keenan, both of Great Bend, and Ellen Spaulding of Andover; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dorrance. Burial was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church in care of Foster Mortuary, 610 24th, Wilson 67490.
Gloria Jeanne Bigsby (1923-2005)
MANHATTAN — Gloria Jeanne Bigsby, 81, Manhattan, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community. Mrs. Bigsby was born Nov. 29, 1923, in Omaha, Neb., to Richard and Lucille Hill Rhyno. She was a long-time resident of Manhattan, where she was a homemaker, worked for several women’s retail clothing stores, was a Welcome Wagon hostess and provided day care in her home. She married R.A. “Bun” Bigsby June 12, 1945, in Omaha, Neb. He survives. Other survivors include four children, Sandra Lou Zavesky of Ellsworth, Allen Glenn “Bim” Bigsby and Richard Warren Bigsby, both of Manhattan, and Sara Beth “Buffy” Caruso of Los Angeles, Calif.; a brother, Richard Rhyno of Sparks, Nev.; a sister, Virginia Christensen of Broomfield, Colo.; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 3 at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, Manhattan, the Rev. Neil Engel officiating. Cremation followed with inurnment at a later date in Sunrise Cemetery, Manhattan. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
Jane Davidson (1934-2005)
Jane Davidson, 70, Ellsworth, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Davidson was born June 23, 1934, at Ellsworth to Harry Wilbur and Jessie Beatrice Bailey Long. She was retired, living in Ellsworth for the past 15 years. She was a member of the Willing Workers, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 44 and the Ada O’Donell Fellowship of the United Methodist Church. Survivors include a foster son, Thomas Hay of Lyons; three daughters, Ginger Sanders of Salina, Brenda Thomson of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., and Vinessa Hess of Madison, N.J.; two sisters, Joan Wilson of Salina and Annetta Shepherd of Wichita; a brother, Don Long of Ellsworth; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Harriet Nickels. The memorial service was Monday at the United Methodist Church, Pastor Chad Young officiating. The body was cremated. Memorials may be made to the J.H. Robbins Memorial Library, 219 N. Lincoln, Ellsworth, Ks. 67439, or the United Methodist Church of Ellsworth, 322 N. Douglas Ave., Ellsworth, Ks. 67439.
Jane Marie Nelson (1950-2005)
LINCOLN – Jane Marie Nelson, 54, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, in Wichita. Mrs. Nelson was born June 20, 1950, to Milford and Mary Campbell Wolting. She was a school cook. Survivors include her husband, Steve, of the home; a son, Chad Nelson of Wichita, a daughter, Julie Nichols of Hutchinson; her mother, Mary Wolting of Sylvan Grove; two brothers, Tim Wolting and John Wolting, both of Barnard; and two sisters, Margaret Wilbeck of Lincoln and Nancy Howg of Sylvan Grove. She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Dan Wolting. The funeral was Feb. 3 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lincoln, the Rev. Gary Wolf officiating. Burial was in Lincoln City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. Hall Funeral Home, Lincoln, was in charge of arrangements.
Josephine Lillian Tobias (1913-2005)
PORTLAND, Ore. — Josephine Lillian Tobias, 91, Portland, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2005. Miss Tobias was born June 6, 1913, in Wilson, Kan., to Joseph F. and Lucy Grill Tobias. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1931 and received her teaching credentials from Fort Hays State College, Hays, Kan. She taught at several rural schools in the Wilson area, then fourth grade in Wilson from 1939 to 1943 and two years in Great Bend, Kan., before moving to Portland, in 1945, where she taught at Parkrose Elementary School for 30 years. She was a graduate of the University of Oregon and a member of the Westminister Presbyterian Church and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Leona Lambert and Eleanor Somer; and two infant brothers. Survivors include three nieces. The graveside service was Jan. 31 at Lincoln Memorial Park, Portland. Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes was in charge of arrangements.
Elsie J. Toman (1912-2005)
Elsie J. Toman, 92, Ellsworth, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Toman was born July 4, 1912, in Ellsworth County to John and Anna Stanka Adamek. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a cook at McAtee’s 45 Restaurant in Ellsworth. She married Ernest Toman Aug. 22, 1934, in Ellsworth County. He died in 1943. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. The graveside service was Monday at Ellsworth Cemetery, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ruth Mae Wallace Allen (1909-2005)
Ruth Mae Wallace Allen, 95, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Mrs. Allen was born Nov. 10, 1909, in Bunker Hill to William Robert Wallace and Della Flora Maynard Wallace. She lived in Franklin, Neb., and Geneseo before moving to Ellsworth in 1944. She was a homemaker and a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Lyons. She married Hillard Grant Allen Aug. 29, 1927, at Goodland. He preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by three sons, Harold, Duane and Donald; six brothers; five sisters; and two grandsons. Survivors include four daughters, Jan Perkins of Lorraine, Kay Shriner of Moody, Texas, Donna Davis of Ellsworth and Ruth Eloise Oriez of Lindsborg; three sons, Mike Allen of Tecumseh, Ken Allen of Waco, Texas, and Roger Allen of San Bernardino, Calif.; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. The funeral was Monday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, the Dr. Jim Morford officiating. Burial was in Resthaven Cemetery, Wichita. Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Village.
Donna Ruth Hafeman Consoli (1930-2005)
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. — Donna Ruth Hafeman Consoli, 75, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005, in the critical care ward of Del Webb Hospital in Sun City West. Mrs. Consoli was born Jan. 13, 1930, on a farm at Dorrance, Kan. She attended local grade and high schools in Kansas and graduated from Wilson High School in 1947. She graduated from the St. Joseph School of Nursing in Wichita, Kan., in 1952. She married William J. Hill in 1958. He died in 1986. During the course of her marriage, she attended the University of California Northridge and received a Masters Degree in nursing administration. She subsequently served as assistant departmental administrator for Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Woodland Hills, Calif. In 1987, she married Robert J. Consoli in Northridge, Calif. They moved to a retirement community in Sun City West in 1991. He died there in 1995. Survivors include two brothers, Gene Hafeman and Bill Hafeman; two sisters, Marjorie Dilley and Patricia Henry; nine nephews and seven nieces. She also was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Gerry. Funeral services were Saturday at the Prince of Peace Church, Sun City West. Burial was in Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City.
Edwin C. Fulford Jr. (1914-2005)
Edwin C. Fulford Jr., 90, Ellsworth, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2005, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Fulford was born Jan. 30, 1914, in Peoria, Ill., to Edwin Coles Fulford Sr. and the former Eleanor Niblock. In 1985, he moved from Phoenix, Ariz., to Ellsworth, where he was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the United Methodist Church. He was a photographer and woodcarver. He married Mary B. McAvoy April 25, 1958, at New Hope, Pa. She died in 2002. He also was preceded in death by sons Edwin C. III in 1983 and Chester in 2004. Survivors include two sons, Charles G. of Killeen, Texas, and Robyn K. of Washingtonville, N.Y.; two daughters, Mary B. Paulo and Deborah A. Fulford, both of Ellsworth; a sister, Kathryn Burrell of Terre Haute, Ind.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The graveside service was Jan. 27 in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery, Pastor Chad Young officiating. Memorials may be made to the Methodist Church. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Edna C. Schroeder (1899-2005)
WICHITA – Edna Schroeder, 105, Wichita, died Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005, at Wesley Hospital. Mrs. Schroeder was born Feb. 2, 1899, to H.L. and Carrie Janzen in Ellsworth County. She was one of 12 children and a triplet. She lived most of her life in Lorraine, Newton and Larned, where she was a member of the Baptist Church. She married Herman B. Schroeder Nov. 25, 1919. He died in 1968. She also was preceded in death by a grandson, Tyson, in 2000; eight brothers; and three sisters. Survivors include a daughter, Opal Weihe of Belle Vista, Ark.; five grandchildren; six great- grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are being handled by Downing & Labey East, Wichita.
Robert ‘Bob’ L. Hendrickson (1925-2005)
LYONS — Robert “Bob” L. Hendrickson, 79, died Monday, March 21, 2005, at the Lyons District Hospital. Mr. Hendrickson was born Sept. 23, 1925, in Arkansas City to Samuel C. and Elizabeth Beu Hendrickson. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy with service during World War II and a resident of Lyons since 1935. He was a retired warehouse supervisor for Enron, a member of the First Christian Church, Lyons, where he was an elder emeritus, Eastern Star and Gideons International and a 32nd degree Mason with Royal Lodge 192. He also delivered Friendship Meals. He married Doris Eberhardt Aug. 7, 1946, at Great Bend. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Steve of Wilmington, N.C. and Randy of Hutchinson; a daughter, Debra Strawn of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Ancil Clay, Vernon Grooms, Virgil Grooms and Sam Hendrickson; and eight sisters, Mae Campbell, Mabel Ashley, Thelma Hoover, Lucile Reed, Gertrude, Thelma and Jennie Hendrickson and Elizabeth Hendrickson. The funeral was March 24 at the First Christian Church, Lyons, the Rev. Tom Eastman officiating. Burial was in Lyons Municipal Cemetery with full military honors by Fort Riley and Masonic graveside rites. Memorials may be made to Gideons International in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.
Velma McCarty (1914-2005)
HOLYROOD — Velma McCarty, 91, died Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village, Ellsworth. Mrs. McCarty was born Jan. 16, 1914, at Garnett to Harley O. and Winnie Lowe Collins. She was a lifetime resident of Holyrood, where she was a private piano instructor. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Lorraine. She married Harmie McCarty Jan. 20, 1932, in Fontana. He died in 1972. She also was preceded in death by a son, Leonard G., in 1997. Survivors include a son, Lonnie D. McCarty of Ellinwood; two daughters, Elaine Nienke of Ellsworth and Kay Kratzer of Holyrood; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The funeral was Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Pastor George Redington and Dr. Jim Morford officiating. Burial was in Goodrich Cemetery, Parker. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Good Samaritan Retirement Village. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Waneta Fay Redding Schulz (1913-2005)
BUSHTON — Waneta Fay Redding Schulz, 91, Bushton, died Sunday, March 27, 2005, at the Alterra Sterling House, Great Bend. Mrs. Schulz was born June 13, 1913, in Joplin, Mo., to Chester and Myrtle Gibbons King. She was a longtime resident of Bushton, where she was a homemaker and a member of the Methodist Church. She married Glen Ivan Redding March 24, 1934, at El Dorado. He died in 1957. She married John Schulz Jan. 1, 1959, at Bushton. He died in 1991. Survivors include two sons, Don Redding of Bushton and Dale Redding of Augusta; two daughters, Connie Appel of Ellsworth and Sue Meier of Ellinwood; a sister, Patricia Beckner of California; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, the Rev. Sarah de Salazar officiating. Burial was in Bushton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bushton Community Development, Inc. or a charity of the donor’s choice in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, Kan. 67544.
Ulalla ‘Lalla’ D. Drake (1927-2005)
RAYTOWN, Mo. — Ulalla “Lalla” D. Drake, 77, died Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at her home in Raytown. Mrs. Drake was born Nov. 22, 1927, to Theodore and Frances (Tobin) Buehler in Wilson, Kan. After her marriage to Robert Drake on Nov. 4, 1945, in Wilson, she moved to Niobrara, Neb., and lived there for a number of years. She attended school for licensed practical nurses in Norfolk, Neb. She then worked at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, S.D., for 18 years where the Drakes made their home after moving from Niobrara. In 1993 Mrs. Drake moved to the Kansas City, Mo., area, where she was a member of the Red Hat Society. Survivors include two sons, Ken Drake of Omaha, Neb., and Tom Drake of Cincinnati, Ohio; four daughters, Karen Christensen of Raytown, Mo., Peggy Terry of Castle Rock, Colo., Bonnie Merkel of Zionsville, Ind., and Barbara Drake of Teutopoles, Ill.; four brothers Dale Buehler of Wilson, Ted Buehler of Russell, Kan., Orval Buehler of Morrowville, Kan., and Glen Buehler of LaHabra, Calif.; a sister, Joyce Podlena of Wilson; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, and two sisters. The funeral service was Saturday at the Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, the Rev. Dave Lund officiating. Burial was in the Garden of Memories, Yankton. Memorials may be sent to the Kansas City Hospice, 3100 NE 83rd St., Suite 2300, Kansas City, Mo. 64119 or Cancer Action, 13905 E. 39th Street, Independence, Mo. 64055.
