Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Leona A. Haden(1911-2007)
Leona A. Haden, 96, Ellsworth, died Sunday, April 29, 2007, at the Golden LivingCenter, Wilson. Mrs. Haden was born Feb. 1, 1911, at Holyrood to Frank and Therese Hartwig Ploutz. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth County, where she was a homemaker and worked with the Red Cross Bloodmobile. She also was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aide organization. She married Gerald L. Haden April 16, 1936, at Ellsworth. He died in 1989. Survivors include two sons, Lonnie Haden of Ellsworth and Gary Haden of Topeka; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The funeral is at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Dennis Dufon officiating. Burial is in Ellsworth Cemetery. Visitation was from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Parsons Funeral Home and from 1 to 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the church. Memorials may be made to the church.
Kathleen Jarrett(1952-2007)
Kathleen Jarrett, 54, Ellsworth, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Jarrett was born Aug. 17, 1952, at Newton to Wendle and Jean Berger Redinger. She was a retired x-ray technician who moved to Ellsworth a decade ago from Lyons. She was a member of the Church of Christ, Salina. She married Ken Jarrett Jan. 9, 1987. He survives. Other survivors include a son, Jason Linden of Lyons; two daughters, Lisa Stout of Sterling and Stephanie Shimer of Lenexa; a stepson, Tony Jarrett of Joplin, Mo.; a stepdaughter, Tosha Jarrett of Joplin; her mother and stepfather, Jean and George Adrian of Hutchinson; two brothers, Dennis Redinger of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Bruce Redinger of Las Vegas, Nev.; a stepbrother, Marvin Adrian of Wichita; two stepsisters, Brenda Gilbert of Hutchinson and Colleen Hajek of Marion; six grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father in 2006 and a brother, Stephen Redinger, in 1949. The funeral was Monday at the Church of Christ, Jimmie Keas officiating. Burial was in Halstead Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research, Kansas State University. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
John Malhado(1918-2007)
KANOPOLIS — John Malhado, 88, Kanopolis, died Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Malhado was born May 31, 1918, at Provincetown, Mass., to John Sr. and Maria Conceicab Malhado. He moved from Michigan to Kanopolis in 1979. He was a master mechanic at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mt. Clemens, Mich. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Navy with service in World War II and Korea and a member of VFW Post 6485, Ellsworth. Survivors include a son, Gary Malhado of Marble Falls, Ark.; a daughter, Linda Malhado of Michigan; a special friend and former wife, Luella Mahlado of Kanopolis; and several grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Father Daniel Scheetz officiating. Burial was in Kanopolis Cemetery. Memorials may be made to VFW Post 6485.
LaVerne Nuss(1923-2007)
WILSON — LaVerne Nuss, 84, Wilson, died Friday, April 20, 2007, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Nuss was born Feb. 10, 1923, in Barton County to Reuben T. and Lydia Herbel Nuss. He was graduated in 1941 from Dorrance High School and served in the 1st Infantry Division of the Big Red One during World War II. In additional to farming all his life, Mr. Nuss also sold DeKalb seed and served on many boards, including 25 years on the Russell County Conservation Board, the Farm Service Agency, school, church, water and co-op. He also was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Dorrance. He married Estella Crabtree May 26, 1948. She survives. Other survivors include four sons, their spouses and families, Daryl and Donna Nuss of Poway, Calif., and David and Daniel; Marvin and Hazel Nuss of Shawnee and Patrick, Seattle, Wash.; Lyman and Rosmary Nuss of Dorrance and Katy Nuss and Michael and Teresa Connell and great-grandson, Colin Connell; and Bryce and Tracea of O’Fallen, Mo., and Raylyn and Rileigh; two sisters, Ruby Mitchell and husband, George, of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and Doris Janssen of Lyons. The funeral was April 25 at the Dorrance Lutheran Church, Sister Diane Wagner and Pastor James Wagner officiating. Memorials may be made to the Kansas Association of Conservation Endowment Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Foster Mortury, Wilson.
Olive West Carter (1903-2007)
LINCOLN — Olive West Carter, 103, died Monday, April 23, 2007. Mrs. Carter was born July 12, 1903, in Lincoln County, to Merritt and Lydia Clark Powell. She was a lifetime resident of Lincoln County, where she was a homemaker and a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the O.E.S., both of Lincoln. More recently, Mrs. Carter lived with her great-granddaughter, Megan Choitz of Ellsworth. She married Howard West Jan. 1, 1922, at Lincoln. He died in 1975. She married Orvice Carter Oct. 14, 1987, at Beloit. He died in 2002. She also was preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth West in 1968, and Keith West in 2006. Survivors include a daughter, Madonna Anderson of Burlington, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 31 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Lincoln, with services by Order of the Eastern Star. Pastor Kay Metzler will officiate. Burial will be in Lincoln Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to the VFW Auxiliary or Carnegie Library, both at Lincoln.
Harold O. Burgenger(1920-2007)
Harold O. Burgenger, 87, Ellsworth, died Monday, April 23, 2007, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mr. Burgenger was born March 7, 1920, in Lincoln County to William and Martha Catenhusen Burgenger. He was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth and a retired truck driver for White Construction, Kanopolis. He also was a veteran of the U.S. Army with service during World War II, a member of American Legion Post 174 and a member and past commander of VFW Post 6485. He married Ruth Peppiatt March 24, 1950, at Ellsworth. She survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Annie Waldron of Lincoln, Neb., and Susan Deaton of Wichita; a brother, Reinhold Burgenger of Sacramento, Calif.; a sister, Pearl Blundell of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Wendy Rush, in 1999; four sisters; and two brothers. The funeral is at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Dennis Dufon officiating. Burial is in Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery with military rites. The family received visitors from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Parsons Funeral Home and from 1 to 2 p.m. today at the church. Memorials may be made to the church or VFW Post 6485.
Clark Ellis Davis(1938-2007)
LYONS — Clark Ellis Davis, 68, died Friday, April 20, 2007, at his home in Lyons. Mr. Davis was born April 26, 1938, in Theresa, N.Y., to George N. and Anna Van Tassel Davis. He was a general contractor who moved to Lyons 17 years ago from California. He married Shirley I. Swinscoe Nov. 26, 1984, at Yucca Valley, Calif. She survives. Other survivors include: five sons, Junior, Kenny, Mark, Glen and Stacy Davis; four daughters, Rhoda, Rhonda, Theresa and Evan Davis; four step-sons, Scott Parish and David, Michael and Richard Chamberlain; a step-daughter, Deborah Furgason; 13 brothers; 12 sisters; 34 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The memorial service is at 11 a.m. today (Thursday) at the United Methodist Church, Ellsworth, Pastor Linda Toms officiating. Memorials may be made to the Fraternal order of Police in care of Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons.
Kathleen Jarrett(1952-2007)
Kathleen Jarrett, 54, Ellsworth, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center. Mrs. Jarrett was born Aug. 17, 1952, at Newton to Wendle and Jean Berger Redinger. She was a retired x-ray technician who moved to Ellsworth a decade ago from Lyons. She was a member of the Church of Christ, Salina. She married Ken Jarrett Jan. 9, 1987. He survives. Other survivors include a son, Jason Linden of Lyons; two daughters, Lisa Stout of Sterling and Stephanie Shimer of Lenexa; a stepson, Tony Jarrett of Joplin, Mo.; a stepdaughter, Tosha Jarrett of Joplin; her mother and stepfather, Jean and George Adrian of Hutchinson; two brothers, Dennis Redinger of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Bruce Redinger of Las Vegas, Nev.; a stepbrother, Marvin Adrian of Wichita; two stepsisters, Brenda Gilbert of Hutchinson and Colleen Hajek of Marion; six grandchildren; and four stepgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father in 2006 and a brother, Stephen Redinger, in 1949. The funeral was Monday at the Church of Christ, Jimmie Keas officiating. Burial was in Halstead Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Terry C. Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research, Kansas State University. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
John W. Mehl(1944-2007)
John W. Mehl, 62, Ellsworth, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at Salina Regional Health Center. Mr. Mehl was born June 29, 1944, at Arkansas City to Ernest and Aileen Choitz Mehl. He was a retired welder for Tampa, Fla., shipyards and a member of the Sterling American Legion. He also was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Survivors include two sons, Bill Mehl of Ellsworth and Mike Mehl of Colby; a sister, Carol Hicks of Ellsworth; and 10 grandchildren. A memorial service was Friday at Parsons Funeral Home, Pastor Philip Hoppe officiating. There was a private inurnment. Memorials may be made to the John W. Mehl family to defray expenses.
Dianne Mercia Murray(1923-2007)
HOLYROOD — Dianne Mercia Murray, 83, Holyrood, died April 16, 2007, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita. Mrs. Murray was born Dec. 16, 1923, at Wyalong NSW, Australia, to Oswald A. Tattersall and Veronica Walsh Tattersall. On Dec. 31, 1943, she married John Vincent Murray in Townsville, Australia. The couple moved to Holyrood in 1946. She was a retired postmaster for Holyrood and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holyrood. She also served in the Australian Women’s Army Service Signal Corps. She was preceded in death by her husband John Vincent Murray, Oct. 28, 1985; a son, John Vincent Murray II, Dec. 31, 2006; and a granddaughter, Sue Murray, Dec. 6, 1998. Survivors include two daughters, Jackie Yager of Holyrood and Niki L. Murray of Hutchinson; a brother, Maurice Tattersall, Sydney, Australia; two sisters, Mary Stewart of Sydney, Australia, and Elaine Sommer of Canberra, Australia; four grandchildren, seven great-granddaughters, two great-great-grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. The funeral service was April 19, 2007, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holyrood, Father David Metz officiating. Burial was in the Odin Cemetery, Odin, Kan. Memorials may be made to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center at St. Francis. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of the arrangements.
Estella R. Siemer(1918-2007)
BUSHTON — Estella R. Siemer, 89, Bushton, died Sunday, April 22, 2007, at the Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. Mrs. Siemer was born Jan. 2, 1918, in Ellsworth County to Casper and Regina Zink Maes. She was a lifetime resident of the Bushton area and a homemaker. She was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church, Bushton, and the Altar Society. She married Nolan Siemer Feb. 17, 1946, at Bushton. He died in 1995. Survivors include: three sons, Gary Siemer of Houston, Texas, Larry Siemer of San Antonio, Texas, and Alan Siemer of Bushton; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at the Holy Name Catholic Church, Fathers Steven Scheier and James Roth officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. A vigil service was at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the church or the Bushton First Responders. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of arrangements.
Patricia Ann Schroeder Steinbacher(1940-2007)
Patricia Ann Schroeder Steinbacher peacefully passed April 20, 2007, after a 40-year battle with multiple sclerosis. Pat was born July 31, 1940, at Claflin. She was the beloved mother of and survived by Matt Steinbacher of Lawrence and Katherin Steinbacher and her husband, Frank McMahon, of Lawrence and foster daughter, Johanna Mora Guarino, of Pennsylvania. Also surviving her are former husband, Charles Steinbacher of Lawrence; a sister, Betty Dohrman, of Kansas; a brother, Jim Schroeder of South Dakota; and sister-friends, Christie Knust, Sandra Hick and Karen Grisafe. She was preceded in passing by infant daughter, Mary Ann Steinbacher, her parents, Regina Friedel Schroeder and Edward Schroeder. Pat was the rarest of gifts — a true friend, and was a most courageous inspiration to everyone who knew her. Family and friends joined to celebrate Pat’s life with a memorial service at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 conducted by Father John Schmeidler. The gathering started at 1 p.m. at Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence. Memorials in Pat’s honor are suggested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Palliative Care Unit at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Bushton Community Scholarship Fund and may be sent in care of the mortuary. Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com Subject: Steinbacher.
Paul R. Sherard(1940-2007)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Paul R. Sherard, 67, Springfield, died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, in Cox South. Mr. Sherard was born March 12, 1940, in Maysville, Mo., to Herbert Andrew and Mary Ruby Cox Sherard. He was a graduate of Central Missouri State University in 1961 and a veteran of the U.S. Army with service in Korea. He lived in Kansas at Salina, Hutchinson and Hays before moving to Springfield in 1983. He was a certified public accountant and in Springfield owned Snelling & Snelling. He was a member of the Southeast Rotary Club, where he was a past president, and the Schweitzer United Methodist Church. He married Barbara Lynn Patterson June 15, 1969. She survives. Also surviving are: two sons, Vance J. of Springfield and Brett K. of Manassas, Va.; a daughter, Shari Sherard of Springfield; a sister, Vicki Bullaro of Springfield; and five grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at the Schweitzer United Methodist Church, the Rev. Bob Casady officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 2446 E. Madrid, Springfield 65804. Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Betty Zelenka(1920-2007)
MARION — Betty Zelenka, 86, died Thursday, April 19, 2007, at her home in Marion. Mrs. Zelenka was born Sept. 12, 1920, at Kanopolis to Ben and Lillie Schmaader Weidman. She lived in Ellsworth before moving to Marion in 1999. She was a clerk-secretary for the Ellsworth County court system and later retired as a clerk at Duckwall’s. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church, both of Ellsworth. She married Clarence Zelenka March 14, 1964, at Ellsworth. Survivors include a daughter, Marjorie B. Jensen of Marion; three granddaughters; and a great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2000 and a brother, Richard L. Hummel in 1964. The funeral was Tuesday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, Pastor Nathan Loudon officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the J.H. Robbins Memorial Library, Ellsworth, or Order of the Eastern Star.
Victor Hochstatter (1916-2007)
GREAT BEND — Victor Hochstatter, 90, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at the Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. Mr. Hochstatter was born Sept. 4, 1916, at Hoisington to Victor and Maude Brown Hochstatter Sr. He was a resident of Great Bend for 40 years and a conductor for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, St. Louis, Mo. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who served on the Savo Island Aircraft Carrier during World War II. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima, Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, former board member of the Great Bend Library, American Legion Agronne Post 180 and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1127, all of Great Bend, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7428, Hoisington. He married Evelyn Ehler, formerly of Holyrood, Oct. 9, 1938, at Denver. She survives. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Glenn Hochstatter, and two sisters, Gertrude Tolbert and Margaret Hochstatter. The funeral was March 15 at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Father Wesley Schawe officiating. Burial was in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Prince of Peace Parish or Great Bend Public Library in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Mary Louise Lorenz(1928-2007)
LOVELAND, Colo. — Mary Louise Lorenz, 79, Loveland, died Saturday, April 14, 2007. Mrs. Lorenz was born March 12, 1928, in Dorrance, Kan., to Joseph and Mary Malek Kejr. She was graduated from Colorado Teachers College, now the University of Northern Colorado, with a teaching degree. She was a member of the National Rose Society and was a new rose tester for Jackson and Perkins. She married Fred E. Lorenz June 28, 1958, in Salina, Kan. He survives. Other survivors include: four daughters, Anita Shoemaker of St. George, Kan., Lori Frick of Platteville, Colo., Lila McConnell of Loveland and Kendra Hahn of Sterling, Colo.; a brother, Harry Kejr of Brookville, Kan.; two sisters, Helen Aregood of Jackson, Miss., and Georgina Bates of Akron; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Kejr, and a sister, Marjorie Ruark. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church, Loveland. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Fort Collins, Colo. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Mrs. Lorenz’s name in care of the funeral home, 8426 S. Highway 287, Fort Collins, 80525.
Dianne Mercia Murray (1923-2007)
HOLYROOD — Dianne Mercia Murray, 83, Holyrood, died April 16 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita. Services are at 10 a.m. today (Thursday) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holyrood, Father David Metz officiating. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, is in charge of the arrangements.
Helen A. Peppiatt(1924-2007)
LYONS — Helen A. Peppiatt, 82, Lyons, died Monday, April 9, 2007, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River. Mrs. Peppiatt was born July 3, 1924, at Ellsworth to Anthony and Sophia Hajie Zvolanek. She moved from Black Wolf to Lyons in 1953. She was a service representative for Southwestern Bell in Lyons for 28 years and was a life member of the National Knife Collectors of America, the AT&T Pioneers and the Rice County Historical Society and a member of the Queen Esther Chapter 32, Order of the Eastern Star. She was married March 4, 1947, at Abilene to Francis McVey “Frank” Peppiatt. He survivors. Also surviving is her brother, Jack Zvolanek of Ellsworth. She was preceded in death by a brother, Victor Zvolanek. The funeral was Friday at Sillin Funeral Home, Lyons, Chaplain Scott Watford officiating. Burial was in Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas or the Rice County Historical Society in care of the funeral home.
Freeman A. Ruetz(1918-2007)
Freeman A. Ruetz, 88, died Monday, April 16, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center in Ellsworth. Mr. Ruetz was born Nov. 5, 1918, at Black Wolf to Arthur and Rose Slechta Ruetz. He was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth, retired from Northern Natural Gas after 29 years of employment. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge and American Legion Post 174, all of Ellsworth. He attended Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Ellsworth, and was a United States Army veteran of World War II. He married Arloa Averill Aug. 26, 1942, in Russell. She survives. Other survivors include a son, Dave Ruetz of Ellsworth; a daughter, Linda Novak of San Antonio, Texas; four grandaughters; and a niece, Paula Schneider of Kanopolis. The graveside service is 3 p.m. April 19 (today), at the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery with military graveside rites, Pastor Eileen Heden officiating. Interment will be in the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ellsworth American Legion Post 174. Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, was in charge of the arrangements.
Etta M. Sunderland(1911-2007)
GREAT BEND — Etta Sunderland, 95, died Thursday, April 12, 2007, at Cherry Village Benevolence, Inc., Great Bend. Mrs. Sunderland was born July 12, 1911, at Garnet to Andrew and Clara Majors McAfee. She moved to Ellsworth in 1939 and has lived the past eight years in Great Bend. She was a homemaker and a waitress at Charlotte’s Cafe and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Ellsworth. She married Guy Sunderland Sr. Dec. 3, 1928, at Ottawa. He died in 1994. She also was preceded in death by two daughters, Frances Donnell in 2003 and Ellen Wood in 2005; and three grandchildren, Debbie, Sue and Mandi. Survivors include a son, Guy Sunderland of Great Bend; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. The graveside service was Monday at Ellsworth Cemetery, Pastor Linda Toms officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary. Parsons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Marie A. Kerby (1920-2007)
OVERLAND PARK — Marie Kerby, 86, Overland Park, died Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at an Overland Park hospital. Mrs. Kerby was born Nov. 24, 1920, and lived in the Missouri towns of Norborne, Bogard, Browning and St. Joseph before her recent move to Overland Park. She was a member of the Copeland Baptist Church, St. Joseph and a more than 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and worked as a cook at the Marshall State School. She married Kenneth Kerby March 22, 1941, in Carrollton, Mo. He preceded her in death, along with her parents, Charles and Cornelia Rothove; brothers, Aloysius, Francis and Charles Rothove; sisters, Margaret VanLoo, Cornelia Wimmet and Evelyn Rothove; and a grandson. Survivors include five sons, Charles Kerby of Helena, Mo., Richard Kerby of Ellsworth, Jerry Kerby of Springfield, Ohio, James Kerby of Kansas City, Kan., and John Kerby of Merriam; two daughters, Patricia Williams of Overland Park and Joan Wooton of Kansas City; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; 12 stepgrandchildren; 29 great-stepgrandchildren; and a great-great-stepgrandchild. The funeral was Monday at the Coloma Baptist Church with burial in the Braden Cemetery, both in Coloma, Mo. Clark-Sampson Funeral Home, St. Joseph, was in charge of arrangements.
