Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Kathleen Kay ‘Kathy’ Hendrix (1946-2005)
SALINA — Kathleen Kay “Kathy” Hendrix, 58, Salina, died Saturday, May 7, 2005. Mrs. Hendrix was born June 10, 1946, in Kansas City, Mo., to the late Walter Benjamin-Gerhard and Ema Emily-Louise Schwerdtfeger Wiegert. She received her welding certification at Newton. She worked as a welder at Excel Industries in Hesston for many years and later as a department head at Hobby Lobby in Salina. She was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lincoln. She married William “Bill” F. Hendrix Dec. 2, 1997, at Salina. He survives. She also is survived by a daughter, Diane Tripp of Kanopolis; two sons, Rick Rogers of Newton and Terry Rogers of Salina; a sister, Gloria Wilson of Beloit; and nine grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Russell “Ferd” LaGree, who lived at Newton. A memorial service was conducted Tuesday at the Carlson-Ford Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina, the Rev. Glenn Davis officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina, 139 N. Penn, Salina, Kan. 67401, or the American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, Kan. 66604. Condolences may be sent to www.carlsonford.com.
Z. Kathryn Bray (1923-2005)
MINNEAPOLIS — Z. Kathryn Bray, 82, died Monday, May 2, 2005, at the Ottawa County Health Center, Minneapolis. Mrs. Bray was born Jan. 22, 1923, in Carol County, Mo., to Earl and Naomie O’Neal Canaday. She moved from Kanopolis to Minneapolis in 1994. Mrs. Bray was a retired daycare provider and a member of the Community Bible Church, Minneapolis. She married William J. Bray Nov. 6, 1940, at Salina. He died in 1981. Survivors include four daughters, Mary Markle of Tescott, Bonnie L. Robison of Beverly, Judy Long of Minneapolis and Barbara Ahlquist of Salina; two sons, Billy Bray of Beverly and David Bray of Natoma; a sister, Anna Macklin of Springdale, Ark.; 24 grandchildren, including Timothy Casto of Beverly; 59 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. The funeral is 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth. Burial is in Kanopolis Cemetery. Visitation was 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m., and today (Thursday) at the funeral home from 8 a.m. until the service. Memorials may be made to the Golden Wheels Senior Center, Minneapolis.
Herschel W. Henderson (1920-2005)
Herschel W. Henderson, 84, Ellsworth, died Saturday, April 30, 2005, at the Good Samaritan Retirement Center, Lyons. Mr. Henderson was born Sept. 2, 1920, in Columbus to Claude and Faye Graham Henderson. He moved from Webb City, Mo., to Ellsworth in 2002. He was a watch foreman at a power distribution plant and a member of the VFW Post and Masonic Lodge, both of Columbus, and the Methodist Church of Webb City. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Army with service during World War II. He married Marion H. Kimball Sept. 6, 1947, at Bridgeport, Conn. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Scott of Ellsworth and Greg of Fort Worth, Texas; a granddaughter; and a great-grandson. He was preceded in death by a brother, George, and half-brothers, Albert and Roy. The graveside service was Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Carneiro Cemetery, Pastor Tom Richards officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimers Association. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dale K. Hicks (1915-2005)
Dale K. Hicks, 89, died Friday, April 29, 2005, at the Salina Regional Health Center. Mr. Hicks was born Nov. 18, 1915, at Norcatur to Leonard G. and Ida Summit Hicks. In 1960, he moved to Ellsworth, where he was International Harvester parts manager at Ellsworth Truck and Tractor. He was a member of O.E.S. Chapter 44, the Smoky Hill Campers and the Trinity Lutheran Church, Greenleaf, and a 60-year member of Ellsworth Masonic Lodge No. 146. He married H. Hope Thompson June 16, 1938, at Norcatur. She died in 2000. He also was preceded in death by a son, Rick, in 1963. Survivors include two sons, Bob of Ellsworth and Ron of Colby; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The funeral was Monday at Parsons Funeral Home, Dr. Jim Morford officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Masonic Lodge 146 or the Good Samaritan Retirement Village, both at Ellsworth.
Samuel G. Jones (1943-2005)
WILSON — Samuel G. Jones, 61, Wilson, died Monday, May 2, 2005, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center, Ellsworth. Mr. Jones was born Aug. 11, 1943, in Kansas City, Mo., to Steven Roy and Bertha Mae Wright Jones. He was a retired Baptist pastor and a member of the Ellsworth County Ministerial Alliance who ministered to residents at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village and Wilson Nursing Center. He also was a member of the Bales Baptist Church, Kansas City. He married Billie Wheeler Feb. 14, 1981, in Kansas City. She survives. Other survivors include two step-sons, Jeff Swan of Wilson and Kent Swan of Independence, Mo.; his mother, Bertha Mae Jones of Kansas City; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral is 10 a.m. today (Thursday) in Foster Mortuary Chapel, Pastor Charles Kirk officiating. Burial is in Wilson City Cemetery with graveside military honors by American Legion Post 262. Visitation is from 8 a.m. until service time.
Frances Rezac (1916-2005)
WILSON — Frances Rezac, 89, died Friday, April 29, 2005, at the Wilson Nursing Center. Mrs. Rezac was born Feb. 10, 1916, at Wilson to Joseph and Mattie Belt Zelenka. She was a lifetime resident of the Wilson area, where she was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She married Emil Rezac Aug. 8, 1936, at Ellsworth. He died in 1993. Survivors include two daughters, Vada Malir of Wilson and Alice Ann Soukup of Ellsworth; a sister, Elma Soukup of Ellsworth; a brother, Harold Zelenka of Lake Odessa, Mich.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at Foster Mortuary Chapel, Pastor Kris Bair officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in care of the mortuary, 610 24th St., Wilson, Ks 67490.
Doris A. Walsch (1916-2005)
WILSON — Doris A. Walsch, 88, Wilson, died Monday, May 2, 2005, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center, Ellsworth. Mrs. Walsch was born Oct. 30, 1916, in Campbell, Neb., to Ernest and Anna Heyer Grauer. She lived in Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado before moving to Lincoln, where she retired in 1989 as a homemaker and moved to Wilson. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, the United Christian Women and the United Methodist Church, all at Wilson. She married Thomas Walsch Nov. 11, 1937, at Campbell. He survives. She also is survived by a brother, Gerald Grauer of Lincoln, Neb. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul in 1993 and Ellis. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church, Pastor Kris Bair officiating. Burial will be in Wilson City Cemetery. Visitation will be today (Thursday) from noon to 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. until service time at Foster Mortuary.
Montra Eugene Jones Jr. (1951-2005)
NORTON — Montra Eugene Jones Jr., 53, died Friday, June 17, 2005, at the St. John’s Nursing Home, Hays. Mr. Jones was born Nov. 20, 1951, at Norton to Montra Eugene Sr. and Mary Opal Berney Jones. He grew up at Edmond and later lived in Colby, where he was an oil field laborer. Survivors include his parents of Kensington; four children, Paul Jones of Salina, Lana Jones of Colorado and Jason and Amanda Jones, both of Colby; a brother, George Jones of Ellsworth; two sisters, Opal Urbanek of Ellsworth and Betty Gitchell of Phillipsburg; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Jones. The graveside service and inurnment was Tuesday in Edmond Cemetery, Pastor Lew Van Der Wege officiating. Memorials may be made to the Monta E. Jones Jr. Memorial Fund. Enfield Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Norton, was in charge of arrangements.
Carol Silver Larsen (1928-2005)
Carol Silver Larsen, 76, Ellsworth, died Thursday, June 16, 2005, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Larsen was born Sept. 28, 1928, at Ellsworth to Emil and Mona Silvers Prochaska. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth, where she was a retired assistant cashier and head teller at Citizens State Bank & Trust Co. from 1970 to 1997. She was a member of the Ellsworth-Kanopolis Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, the church Ladies Guild, PEO, American Legion Auxiliary and the medical center auxiliary. She married Robert J. Larsen in May 1950. He died in 1968. Survivors include four sons, Peder Jon Larsen and wife, Sharon, James Larsen and wife, Sandy, and Dirk Larsen, all of Ellsworth, and Samuel Larsen of Milaca, Minn.; a brother, George Prochaska of Topeka; and seven grandchildren, Lucas, Adam and Gracie Larsen, Amanda Surber and Darin Larsen and Brooke and Tarah Larsen. 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 Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance or the church. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
William D. Peverley (1927-2005)
LYONS — William D. Peverley, 77, died Friday, June 17, 2005, at the Lyons District Hospital. Mr. Peverley was born Sept. 7, 1927, at Little River to Homer C. and E. Blanche Downing Peverley. He moved from Geneseo to Lyons in 1999. He was a farmer-stockman, a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in World War II and a member of the United Methodist Church and American Legion and a former member of the cemetery board, all at Geneseo. He also was a member of Masonic Royal Lodge 192, Lyons, and a former member of the Lorraine Co-op board of directors, the Rice County Historical Society and Y2 Kampers. He married Naoma “Poodie” Taylor Dec. 15, 1952, at Geneseo. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, Rick Peverley of Hamilton, Mont., Kirk Peverley of Geneseo, and Guy Peverley of Wamego; a daughter, Sharon Simpson of Ulysses; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Bea Peverley. The funeral was Monday at the Geneseo United Methodist Church, the Rev. Lyndelle Linde officiating. Burial was in Geneseo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Reno-Rice County Hospice or the Geneseo United Methodist Church in care of Sillin Funeral Home, 214 West Ave. South, Lyons, Ks. 67554.
Sherry Viles (1956-2005)
GREAT BEND — Sherry Viles, 48, died Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at her home in Great Bend. Mrs. Viles was born Aug. 27, 1956, at Ellsworth to Don and Wadona Heitschmidt Bircher. She held a Master’s Degree in special education and was a pre-school special education teacher for the Great Bend School District. She moved from Ellsworth to Great Bend in 1982 and was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include her husband, Bob, of the home; two sons, Luke Viles and Tim Viles and his wife, Cheri, all of Great Bend; her parents, Don and Wadona Bircher of Ellsworth; her in-laws, Don and Phyllis Gantz of Pratt; and a sister, Karen Murphy of Fairview, Okla. The funeral was Saturday at the Church of Christ, Great Bend, Randy Willis officiating. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Golden Belt Community Foundation, the Sherry Viles Memorial Fund for the benefit of Helping Hands Pre-school or the Church of Christ in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend 67530.
Mary L. Perez Zapata (1935-2005)
TOPEKA — Mary L. Perez Zapata, 69, Topeka, died Monday, June 13, 2005, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. Mrs. Zapata was born Oct. 23, 1935, in Holyrood to Modesto and Angelina Sierra Perez. She worked at the Menninger Foundation for more than 30 years and most recently at Atria Hearthstone. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by a son, Johnnie Perez; two brothers, Manuel J. Vargas and Richard M. Perez; a sister, Rosie Angel Perez; a granddaughter, Chelsea Perez; and a great-granddaughter, Xiana Perez. Survivors include her husband, Ignacio Zapata of Topeka; a son, John J. Perez of Topeka; five brothers, Cruz J. Vargas of Wichita, Joe J. Vargas of LaVista, Neb., Ray Vargas and Ruben Perez, both of Topeka, and David Perez of Porcupine, S.D.; five sisters, Tomasita Perez Reyes of Hershey, Neb., Benita Perez Del Toro of Topeka, Jennie Perez Cuellar of Roscoe, Texas, Esther Perez Zanderholms of Lincoln, Neb., and Marina Perez Navarrette of Tucson, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday at the Holy Name Catholic Church. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mary Perez Zapata Memorial Fund and sent in care of the BrennanMathena Funeral Home.
Donald A. ‘Duck’ Charvat (1934-2005)
BELLE PLAINE — Donald A. “Duck” Charvat, 70, died Friday, June 10, 2005. Mr. Charvat was born Nov. 2, 1934. He owned Don’s Custom Shop and was active in the Crusillo Movement and marriage encounter, was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 52 years, and published, “Kansas Canoe Trails.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Edna Charvat; and a granddaughter, Brennee Smith. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; two sons, Dan of Oxford and Cody of Park City; two daughters, Kathy Engels of Wichita, and Mylea Walther of San Francisco, Calif.; two sisters, Jeanette Kerschen of Cunningham, and Carol Knoblauch of Norwalk, Iowa; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at the St. Michael Catholic Church, Mulvane. Memorials may be made to the Lord’s Diner. Senter-Smith Mortuary, Mulvane, was in charge of arrangements.
Ella ‘Toots’ Janne (1911-2005)
WILSON — Ella “Toots” Janne, 94, died Thursday, June 2, 2005, at the Wilson Nursing Home. Mrs. Janne was born March 23, 1911, in Topeka to Thomas and Ella Matoush Phillips. She was a lifetime resident of Wilson, where she was a homemaker and a member of the Hypatia Club, the Immanual Lutheran Church, Eve Circle and the Town & Country Rummy Club. She married Edward Janne Oct. 22, 1930, at Wilson. He died in 1985. Survivors include two sons, Marvin Janne of Mesa, Ariz., and Duane E. Janne of Wilson; two daughters, Marilyn Burkhead of Mesa, and Carol Kyner of East Chester, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The funeral was Monday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wilson, Pastor Jim Wagner officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church, Wilson Senior Center or the Wilson Nursing Center. Foster Mortuary, Wilson, was in charge of arrangements.
Drake Lee Ploutz
SUBLETTE — Graveside services for Drake Lee Ploutz, son of Derrick and Jessica Crandall Ploutz of Sublette, were conducted Tuesday, May 31, 2005, in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Walnut Shade, Mo. Drake died May 27, 2005, shortly after his birth. Other survivors include his grandparents, Curtis and Janet Crandall of Little River, and Tracy and Bonnie Ploutz of Ellsworth; the great-grandparents, Bill and Beulah Foster of Hutchinson, Norman and Nadine Crandall of Little River, Helen Ploutz of Ellsworth and Alfred and Marie Homeier of Wilson. He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, John Ploutz. Whelchel Funeral Chapel, Branson, Mo., was in charge of arrangements.
Connie Jo Van Pelt (1947-2005)
BUSHTON — Connie Jo Van Pelt, 58, Bushton, died Sunday, May 29, 2005, at the Lyons District Hospital. Mrs. Van Pelt was born May 13, 1947, at Ransom to Clemens Irving and Ella Josephine Finkenbinder Jones. She was a homemaker, a former bookkeeper for Big Valley Feeders of Scott City and a one-time employee of Farmers State Bank, Hays. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Dighton, and a former Girl Scout leader. She married Regan Van Pelt Aug. 26, 1967, at Dighton. He survives. Other survivors include: a son, Dae Van Pelt of Hoisington; a daughter, Jeana Dinkel of Gorham; a brother, Lyle Jones of Wichita; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Shirley Taylor Jones. The funeral was Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Bushton, the Rev. Sarah Hickson de Salazar officiating. Burial was in Bushton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Reno County Hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or Bushton Community Development, Inc.
Robert L. ‘Bob’ Schroeder (1939-2005)
LINCOLN — Robert L. “Bob” Schroeder, 66, Lincoln, died Friday, June 3, 2005. Mr. Schroeder was born May 24, 1939, at Denmark to Lloyd and Helen Knudson Schroeder. He was a heavy equipment operator. Survivors include his wife, Judith, “Judy,” of the home; his mother, Helen Schroeder of Lincoln; two sons, Randy Schroeder of Sylvan Grove, and Roland Schroeder of Lucas; three step-sons, Kenneth Maddox of Turlock, Calif., Keith Maddox of Kanopolis, and John Maddox of Olmitz; a daughter, Regina Millenheft of Sylvan Grove; a “special daughter,” Crystal Nichols, of the home; a step-daughter, Pamela Blackburn of Fayetteville, Ark.; a brother, Delbert Schroeder of Riverside, Calif.; 14 step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Dale. The funeral was Monday at Hall Funeral Home Chapel, 111 E. Elm, Lincoln, KS, 67455, the Rev. Don Howell officiating. Burial was in the Free Mission Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family, to be designated later.
Keith E. Wyer (1930-2005)
TOPEKA — Keith E. Wyer, 74, Topeka, died Sunday, May 8, 2005, at a local care home. Mr. Wyer was born Nov. 29, 1930, in Sylvia to Verbal M. and Edna “Lucille” Helm-Wyer. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Manuel from 1949-1955 during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Peel’s Beauty Supply for 43 years. He began his career as a sales consultant calling on beauty salons and barber shops throughout Kansas. In 1968 he moved to Topeka and opened the first Peel’s there. He married Arneita Barta March 22, 1968, in Ellsworth. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, William of Hutchinson, Steven of San Diego, Calif., Douglas of Topeka; a daughter, Darci Little of Topeka; a brother, Elvin Wyer of Nickerson; and nine grandchildren. There was a memorial mass May 13 at the Saint Mathews Catholic Church, Topeka. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church or the Alzheimer’s Association of Kansas, Heart of America Chapter, 515 South Kansas Ave., Suite B-2, Topeka, KS, 66603. Penwell Gabel Midtown Chapel, Topeka, was in charge of arrangements.
Viona L. ‘Vi’ Eschbaugh (1919-2005)
WILSON — Viona L. “Vi” Eschbaugh, 86, Wilson, died Friday, May 27, 2005. Mrs. Eschbaugh was born April 11, 1919, in Higgensville, Mo., to Fred H. and Mattie Warken Kessner. She moved to Wilson in 1946, where she was office manager of Eschbaugh Advertising and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She married Luther Gustafson in 1942. He died in 1986. Her second husband was George Eschbaugh, who she married in 1990. He died Feb. 21, 2005. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Gretchen Thompson of Hays; a stepson, Steve Eschbaugh of Wilson; a sister, Ora Atchley of Higgensville; three grandsons; two nephews; and three nieces. The funeral was Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, Pastor Kris Bair officiating. Burial was in Wilson City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church in care of Foster Mortuary, Wilson.
Gladys M. Hokr (1923-2005)
HUTCHINSON — Gladys M. Hokr, 82, Hutchinson, died Sunday, May 29, 2005, at Hutchinson Hospital. Mrs. Hokr was born Feb. 17, 1923, at Wilson to Frank and Mary Kottas Kepka. She lived the past 10 years in Hutchinson after living in Salina and Ellsworth. She was a homemaker and a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church and Altar Society, both in Hutchinson, and the VFW Auxiliary, Ellsworth. She married Donald C. Hokr Dec. 30, 1947, at Ellsworth. He survives. Other survivors include a son, Randy Hokr of Hutchinson; a daughter, Denise Hokr of McPherson; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Kepka; and a sister, Helen Kepka. The funeral was 10 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church or the American Heart Association. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Patricia L. Schmidt (1929-2005)
CLAFLIN — Patricia L. Schmidt, 75, Claflin, died Tuesday, May 24, 2005. Mrs. Schmidt was born Patricia L. Jenkins Dec. 23, 1929, at Luray. She was a waitress, worked at El Kan in Ellsworth and was an Avon representative. Survivors include her husband, David E.; three sons, Gregory and Michael, both of Raleigh, N.C., and David of Claflin; a daughter, Cassandra Shuey of Russell; a brother, Steve Jenkins of Carrollton, Texas; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral was Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hutchinson. Burial was in Claflin Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or Claflin Ambulance in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Gerald Richards (1927-2005)
OKLAHOMA CITY — Gerald Richards, 77, Oklahoma City, died Thursday, June 30, 2005. He was born Sept. 2, 1927, in Kinsley, Kan., to Ermon and Theresa Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 49 years, Shirley; a daughter, Mary Ann Taylor, and a granddaughter, Lindy Jane Layton. Survivors include three daughters, Nancy Parker of Yukon, Okla., Susan Layton of Edmond, Okla., and Becky Preiss of Lake St. Louis, Mo.; three brothers, Ray Richards, Don Richards and Ermon Richards; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 5 at Vondel L. Smith North Chapel, Oklahoma City. Burial was in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.
