Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Fisher, William I
Fisher, William I., 94, retired architect, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2009 in Clovis, CA. Memorial service will be at 10:30 AM., Friday, April 17, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East, 6555 East Central in Wichita. William and Wilma will be laid to rest at White Chapel Memorial Gardens after the Service. William was born in Plevna, KS but grew up in Douglass and Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by wife, Wilma; his parents; 1 brother, and 4 sisters. William is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Fred Carstensen, two grandsons, Karl Carstensen and wife, Trish, Keith Carstensen and Dale Pereira, great-grandson, Jakob, all from California, and one sister, Micki Koblitz of Wellington, KS.
William is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was an architect for 40 years in Wichita, as well as Kansas and other states. He loved working in his garden, woodcarving, and raising parrots with his wife, Wilma. He was always a gentleman and will be very much missed. Memorial to: Alzheimer’s Association, 347 Laura, Wichita, KS, 67211.
Leonard, Josie M
Leonard, Josie M., 81, died Wednesday, April 8, 2009. Service 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 11, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Survivors: husband of 61 years, Charles (Benny) Leonard; children, Craig and Becky Leonard and Robert Leonard, all of Wichita, and Laurie and Bob Williamson of Sea Girt, NJ; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with University Congregational Church, 9209 E. 29th N., Wichita, KS, 67226.
Carpenter-Manzano, Melissa Ann
Carpenter-Manzano, Melissa Ann, 38, United States military volunteer for soldiers serving in Iraq, died Wednesday, April 8, 2009. Service, 1:00 P.M., Monday, April 13, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M., Calvary Cemetery in Garden Plain. Preceded in death by father, William Charles Carpenter, Sr.; brothers, William Charles Carpenter, Jr. and David A. Carpenter. Survivors: mother and stepfather, Carolyn Carpenter-Crook and Ben Crook; sister, Pam Carpenter-Anzelmo and husband, David, all of Wichita.
Cohlmia-Souligny, Lorayne “Lee”
Cohlmia-Souligny, Lorayne “Lee”, 90, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2009. The Trisagion Prayers will be at 6:00 P.M., Monday, April 13, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East, 6555 E. Central. The funeral service will be 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 14, at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. Burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery. Lee was born March 1, 1919 to Saleem “Sam” and Saidy Cohlmia in Gage, OK. She worked in the fashion industry for many years, then in real estate, until her retirement in 1972. Lee is survived by a sister, Blanche Ruffin of Wichita, brother, George V. Cohlmia and his wife, Ann of Bellevue, NE and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. A memorial has been established with St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E. 13th, Wichita, KS, 67206.
Ross, Thelma M.
Ross, Thelma M., 96, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Memorial service 3:00 P.M., Friday, April 17, St. James Episcopal Church. Thelma owned and operated Wayne’s in the Lassen Hotel, managed a retail shop for Russ Calkins, was a buyer for the Pendelton Shop in Sheplers and was a buyer/manager for Dorman’s, retiring in 1995. Preceded in death by husband, Sam. Survivors: nieces, Holly Bromley and Leslie Lyles, both of Reno, NV and Terri Caputa of Florissant, MO; caregivers, Max and Jerry LeFever, Delaine Hartman and Nonie Hollowell. Memorials have been established with St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS, 67208 and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS, 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Mingle, Kelley Ann
Mingle, Kelley Ann, 41, York International routing logician, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2009. Service 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 13, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Preceded in death by sister, Jamie Zackula, grandparents, Ellsworth Curmode and Kathryn Zackula. Survivors: husband, Greg Mingle; son, Carson DeMuth of the home; step-son, Greg Mingle of Mulberry, KS; father and step-mother, Richard and Dawn Zackula of Wichita; mother and step-father, Sharon and Bob Jobe of Wichita; step-brothers, Larry and Taylor Nelson of Savannah, GA and Kelly Wayne Jobe of Goddard, KS; step-sisters, Annette and Clif Hartzog and Sherry and Gaylan Smith, all of Wichita; grandparents, Milan Zackula and Marie Curmode, both of Wichita; mother-in-law, Angela and Rex Turner of Wellington, KS; father-in-law, Donald Neal and Helen Mingle of Anthony, KS.
Edson, Lola Mae
Edson, Lola Mae (Clevenger-Long), Lola Edson went to be with her Lord April 8, 2009, Golden Living Center, Rogers, AR. Lola has had a long term illness of Alzheimer’s and has suffered many years with a steady decline in her physical and mental health along with congestive heart failure. Lola was born on a farm North of New Hampton, Missouri, February 9, 1913, to Julia (Smith) and Nat Clevenger. Lola grew to woman hood living and working on the family farm. Lola enjoyed many talents including, gardening, sewing, most crafts, crocheting, and ceramics. Lola operated Lola’s Ceramics for many years in Andover, Kansas, where people came to visit and council as well as do their craft. December 24, 1933 she married Harold Everett Long in New Hampton, Missouri. To this union were born three daughters, Rosalie Courter, Margaret Kropf, and Mary Schaffer. They moved to Wichita, Kansas about 1950 and in 1956 moved to Andover, Kansas where they lived until after Harold died in 1969. After the death of her first husband she married Huber Edson in 1972. Lola lived with her daughter, Mary and John Schaffer, in Tucson, AZ for about ten years before she moved to Rogers, AR where she entered the nursing home. Preceding her in death, her husband, Hap; her second husband Huber; her two daughters Rosalie and Mary; granddaughter Sandy, two great grandson’s Timothy Graumann and Brandon Perryman a sister Myrle Whitaker and a brother Claton Clevenger. Loved ones left to mourn her passing are sister, Mildred Smith, Bethany, MO; daughter Margaret Kropf (John), Rogers, AR, son-in-laws Dewey Courter, Oklahoma City, OK, John Schaffer, Mesa, AZ; grandchildren: Debbie Cheatum, Wichita, KS, Candy Miller (Lester), Quincy, CA, Cindy Fenimore (Glen), Oklahoma City, OK, Everett Kropf, Wichita, KS, Julie Oliver (Jim), Park City, KS, Crystal Schaffer, Phoenix, AZ, and Tresa Tarbox (Neal), Surprise, AZ; 15 great grandchildren; 13 1/2 great-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, April 14 at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East, Wichita, KS. Memorial donations may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, 347 Laura, Wichita, KS, 67211.
Koehn, Gene A.
Koehn, Gene A., 79, former radio broadcasting owner and manager, died Thursday, April 9, 2009. Visitation with the family, 4:00-6:00 P.M., Monday, April 13; service, 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 14, both at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Preceded in death by parents, Harley and Dolores Koehn; son, Todd Koehn. Survivors: wife, Jeannette; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Larry Satterfield of Wichita; son, Doug Koehn of Quincy, IL; grandchildren, Jason and Nathan Satterfield, Matt and Erica Koehn; 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial established with Carson Regional Radiation Center, c/o Carson Cancer Center, 2700 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701.
Logan, Ernest W. "Ernie"
Logan, Ernest W., 86, went to meet his “heavenly manager” on April 10, 2009. He knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was ready to join Him in eternity. Service 1:00 P.M., Monday, April 13, University United Methodist Church. Ernest was born January 19, 1923 to parents, Henry P. and Fannie L. Logan in Meno, OK. His parents, a sister, Alice Walters and a brother, George Logan, preceded him in death. He received a scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma to play baseball where he also played drums in the O.U. College band. He later transferred to Northern Oklahoma Junior College, Tonkawa, OK, until interrupted by WWII and 3 years of service with the U.S. Coast Guard. He later graduated in 1961 with a degree in journalism from Wichita State University while working full-time at Boeing Aircraft and raising his family. While attending college and working in Tonkawa, he met and married a classmate and the love of his life, Dorothy Louise Miller, on August 17, 1942, with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage. From the “old sand lot” day, playing baseball in and around Enid, OK, in college and the Coast Guard, he was then drafted to play professionally with the Southern Association in and around Atlanta, GA, Charleston, SC, etc. for three years. The St. Louis Cardinals then purchased him and he continued as a right outfielder with their AAA team out of Columbus, OH. In later, years, Ernie received the very special honor of being inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. In 1949, he became gainfully employed by Boeing as a technical manual writer, editor and illustrator. He played for the national and global championship Boeing Bombers’ semi-pro baseball team for several years. He was also active in working with Boy Scouts, Urban League baseball, teaching Sunday School classes and later working with “Groups of the Twelve” prayer groups. Ernie accepted a position with the Kansas West Methodist Conference, and in 1965 went on to serve as a lay evangelist on the Methodist National Board of Evangelism in Nashville, TN. Later he received a call to serve as Lay Minister of Evangelism for the First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, CO. He also worked in advertising and printing, public speaking, motivation classes, tour business, and a family lawn sprinkler business in Wichita. He continued designing for twenty more years until retiring at the age of 83. He had an avid interest in sports, painting, big band music, and crosswords. His zest for life, determination and positive humility were admired by all. He leaves to mourn his wife, Dorothy; a son Gary (Sheril), and sons, Aaron (Dana), Jeff (Jenny) and Richard (Norma), all of Wichita and daughter, Diana (Sam) Noffsinger of Ft. Worth, TX and children, Mary (James) Dare of Edmond, OK, David (Sarah) Noffsinger of Houston, TX and Amy Noffsinger of Ft. Worth, TX and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorials to: University United Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale, Wichita, KS, 67220. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Hauck, John Harold
Hauck, J. Harold, 79, of Wichita died Saturday, April 11, 2009, at Larskfield Place after a battle with esophageal cancer. Harold was born January 23, 1930 in Newton, the son of Lawrence and Helen (Horn) Hauck. He was a graduate of Newton High School in 1948 and Washburn University in 1953. Harold served in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Nagoya, Japan in 1954-56. He earned his Masters Degree from the University of Colorado in 1961. Harold was a science teacher, school counselor, basketball and track coach, high school principal, and school administrator working for more than thirty-five years in public education in Durham, Peabody, Medicine Lodge, and Holton school districts. Harold retired in 1991. He was married to Katie Hovorka (deceased) for 43 years. Harold married Dorothy Johansen in 1997 and they made their home in Wichita for the last twelve years. Harold was preceded in death by a son, Edward Lewis Hauck. Harold is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Michael and Debbie Hauck of Seattle, Washington; his son and daughter-in-law Tom and Dilyn Hauck of Knoxville, Tennessee; his daughter-in-law Debbie Hauck of Niwot, Colorado; his daughter and son-in-law Tracy and David Marshall of Fort Worth, Texas, a step-son and wife, Butch and Ginger Hudson of Wichita, Kansas, 6 granddaughters, 4 grandsons, 1 step-granddaughter, 1 step-grandson and 8 nieces. Harold enjoyed traveling on intergenerational elder hostel trips with his grandchildren, playing bridge, ballroom dancing, attending athletic and fine art programs, yoga, and various leadership roles with University Congregational Church. Harold’s experience as a member of the Newton High School, Kansas State University, Washburn University, and U.S. Air Force Nagoya Comets basketball teams influenced greatly his passion for teaching and learning. Harold said, “the educational and athletic opportunities at Newton High School gave me the experience and confidence to participate in and enjoy an active and varied life. A life that I hope my family and peers will judge to be worthy.” A Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2009 at the University Congregational Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the University Congregational Church, Choir Fund, 9209 East 29th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67226 or to the Holton City Park Improvement Fund. Park contributions may be mailed to Holton City Hall, 430 Pennsylvania, Holton, Kansas 66436.
Anderson, Randall P. "Randy"
Anderson, Randall P. (Randy) 80, retired Certified Public Accountant, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2009. Visitation 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Downing & Lahey East Chapel. Service 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Reformation Lutheran Church. Graveside service 3:30 P.M. Wednesday, Maplewood Cemetery, Washington County, KS. “Randy”, as he was known throughout his life was born at Frankfort, KS on July 13, 1928. He grew up amid a loving, Swedish family of aunts, uncles and cousins in Marshall County, graduating from Axtell High School in 1946. He immediately joined the Army and after training spent a year and half in Japan with the Army Engineers before going to Kansas State College, graduating in 1951. There he was married to Reeva Hansen and worked briefly for Van Valkenberg Accounting in Manhattan before beginning his thirty year association with Kennedy and Coe Accounting firm in Salina in 1954. He became a member of both the Kansas Society of CPA’s and the American Institute of CPA’s in 1955. Randy helped charter the Sertoma Club in Salina in 1955 and was elected the chapter’s first president. He served as president of the Kansas Society of CPA’s in 1981. During and throughout his career Randy was a member of the Council of the American Institute of CPA’s, the Federal Tax Division of the AICPA, Executive Committee of the Wichita Crime Commission and a member of the Rotary Club, Wichita Consistory, and the Midian Shrine. He retired from Kennedy and Coe in 1984. In 1986, he and retired partner, John Poos, opened the first Kansas affiliate of Corporate Finance Associates, an information firm with 75 offices specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He again retired and moved into Larksfield Place. Randy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He led his family on many camping and vacation adventures. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, and snow skiing. He loved to share their motorhome, and later their second home at Grand Lake, OK. He was a devoted member of his church and loved serving on the council many times. Survivors: wife, Reeva of Wichita; children, Karen Anderson of Middleton, WI, Steven Anderson of Lake Jackson, TX, Janet Anderson (Stephen Gest) of Fort Collins, CO, Robert (Carnella) Anderson of Wichita; brother, Russell (Dorothy) Anderson of Visalia, CA; grandchildren, Kyle, Matt and Ryan Anderson of Wichita, Paul and Mae Sussman of Middleton, WI, Petra and Riley Gest of Fort Collins, CO; step-grandchildren, Heath and Jake Andres of Wichita. Preceded in death by parents, Paul and Gladys. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 N. W. Avenue/Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136-1494 and Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 E. 13 Wichita, KS 67206.
Yaussi, Abigail Rose "Abby"
Yaussi, Abigail Rose “Abby”, formerly of Wichita, 17-month-old daughter of Jason and Lori (White) Yaussi, was peacefully called to Heaven on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Mass of the Resurrection, 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 16, St. Jude Catholic Church in Wichita, KS. Survivors include parents, Jason & Lori of Cabot, AR; sister, Kyleigh Yaussi of the home; paternal grandparents, Mike and Sharon Yaussi of Wichita; maternal grandparents, Kevin & Rose White of Wichita; great-grandparents, Bob & Christine (Marceau) Patterson, Robert Harpenau, Betty Morin, all of Wichita, Pam Armstrong of Denver, CO; numerous aunts, uncles & cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church Building Fund, 3130 Amidon, Wichita, KS 67204 or Pleasant Valley Toys For Tots, c/o Colonel Hester, 923 Cleveland, Wichita, Kansas 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Nelson, Betty
Nelson, Betty, 84, homemaker, died Sunday, April 12, 2009. Rosary will be 7:00 pm, today, with the mass 10:00 am, Wednesday, April 15, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Preceded in death by her husband Jack Nelson who was a retired Boeing Wichita B-52 program manager of 42 years. Survivors: son, Michael (Linda) Nelson of Mill Valley, CA; daughter, Marcia (Frank) Yardley of Flower Mound, TX; grandchildren, Sara & Allena Nelson, Christopher, Jennifer & Bryan Armstrong; 6 great grandchildren. A memorial has been established with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 Stratford, Wichita, KS 67206. Downing & Lahey East Chapel
Avila, Lupe R.
Avila, Lupe R., 83, homemaker, peacefully passed away at home Saturday, April 11, 2009. Visitation with the family, beginning at 5:00 P.M. followed by a rosary at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 15, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Graveside service, 11:00 A.M., Thursday, April 16, Resthaven Cemetery. Preceded in death by husband, Urban; son, Tom. Survivors: daughters, Cecilia Blackwell, Margaret (Ken) Prichard, Irene (Randy) Follin, all of Wichita, Maria (Dan) Pellett of Goddard; sons, Mike (Debi) Avila, Ernie Avila, all of Wichita, Robert (Debbie) Avila of Kingman; sister, Blasa Chavez; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren. Memorial established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.
Steele, Colleen (Gearhart)
Steele, Colleen (Gearhart), 76, retired Inman (Kansas) Schools, high school English teacher of 20 years, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2009. Service, 1:30 P.M., Friday, April 17, Trinity Presbyterian Church. Colleen earned her undergraduate degree from McPherson College and her Master’s from Wichita State University. She was an avid bridge player, fisherman, loved reading books, traveling, and was her grandchildren’s #1 sports fan. Colleen was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy I. Gearhart; son, Craig R. Gearheart; brother, John McCue and sister, Patricia Belveal. Survivors: husband, Loren Steele of the home; daughter, Rochelle (Lee) Nikkel of Goddard; son, Roy “Mac” M. (Karen) Gearhart of Easley, SC; grandchildren, Garrett and Allyssa Nikkel of Goddard and Zachary Roy Gearhart of Wichita; stepson, Michael (Janet) Steele of Wichita; step-grandchildren, Amy (Matt) Tener of Dover, DE and Dale Steele of Wichita; brothers, Jim (Nadine) McCue, Robert McCue, Will McCue, all of Hutchinson, Jerry (Connie) McCue of McPherson and Larry (Jane) McCue of Leawood; sister, Jane (Barry) Smith of Portland, OR. Memorial established with Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2258 Marigold, Wichita, KS 67204 67204. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Mies, Daniel J. "Danny"
Mies, Daniel “Danny” J., 64, Boeing mechanic, died Friday, April 10, 2009. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 16; Funeral Mass, 10:00 A.M., Friday, April 17, both at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, 19230 W. 29th N., St. Mark, KS. Preceded in death by parents, Sylvester and Philomena A. Mies and brother, Patrick J. Mies. Survivors: brother, Sylvester “Joe” Mies of Topeka; sisters, Wanda Butterfield of El Dorado, Velma Zogelman of Mesa, AZ, Yvonne Seiwert of Wichita; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Bradstreet, Michael E. "Mike"
GODDARD – Bradstreet, Michael E. “Mike”, 56, A.T.&T. engineer for 35 years, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009. Visitation with the family, 6:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 16, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Service, 10:00 A.M., Friday, April 17, Goddard United Methodist Church. A graveside service will follow at 4:30 P.M., Dighton Memorial Cemetery, Dighton, KS. Mike was a member of the Masonic Order and the Scottish Rite. Preceded in death by mother, Mary Bradstreet. Survivors: wife, Debbie (Germann) Bradstreet; sons, Dustin Bradstreet of Shreveport, LA, Derrick Bradstreet of Shawnee; father, Rex Bradstreet of Wichita; brother, Terry Bradstreet of Hutchinson. Memorials established with Goddard United Methodist Church, 300 N. Cedar, Goddard, KS 67052 and American Diabetes Association, 837 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67211.
Tigner, Mary Jane
Tigner, Mary Jane, of Wichita, KS, formerly of Clio, Michigan, now has the peace she longed for as she died Saturday, April 11, 2009. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 26, 3:00 ~ 5:00 P.M., at Bethany United Methodist Church, Clio, MI. She was a loving and compassionate person with special love for God’s nature and wildlife. She loved to laugh ~ most of all at herself. MJ took pride in her work, which encompassed Secretary to the Prosecuting Attorney, Executive Secretary at Buick, and her volunteer work as a member of McLaren Hospital Auxiliary. She regularly attended Bethany United Methodist Church, Clio. She was especially proud of her family: sons, Michael Neville of Lake Tahoe, NV and Patrick Neville and wife, Marianne of Wichita, KS, granddaughters, Darci Zelley, Melanie McGinnis, Amanda Westerman and Sara Neville, grandsons, Zachary Neville and Sam Neville, 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving friend, Elton Barnes. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Stella Brooks, brother, Jack Brooks, sister, Dolores Draper and husbands, Donovan Neville and Curtis Tigner. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Kansas Humane Society, 4218 SE Blvd., Wichita, KS, 67210. In true MJ style, she did not want her age mentioned as it “ain’t none of their business”. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Biggs-Sterbenz
Biggs-Sterbenz, Cora, 97, former teacher and homemaker, died Thursday, April 16, 2009. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 17, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Service, 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 18, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M., Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons, KS. Preceded in death by husbands, Raymond Biggs and Larry Sterbenz. Survivors: daughters, Alice Wiggins (Dale) of Wichita and Mary Nelson of Rogers, AR; sons, Sam Biggs (Erin) of Beverly Hills, CA, Dean Biggs (Dorothy) of Wichita and Dennis Biggs (Sheila) of Abilene; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren. Memorials established with Stepstone, 1329 S. Bluffview, Wichita KS 67218; Faith Hospice, 7804 E. Funston, S-203, Wichita, KS 67207 and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 861 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212.
Gibson, Lola Maye
Gibson, Lola Maye, passed away peacefully in her sleep during Easter Sunday night, April 12, at the age of 90, at her home in Redding, CA. She was born on a Kansas farm in 1918, and grew up there. After marrying Virgil Gibson (8-10-1942), she became very adept at creating a cozy, welcoming home wherever her location, since his US Air Force career kept them on the move. Lola taught grammar school for 2 years, was a beautician for several years, and even lead a Cub Scout Troop while their 2 boys were young. Her family always topped her favorites list. She was a fantastic gardener, a note-worthy cook, and family celebrations seemed to be her specialty. She will be missed by her husband of 66 years, her 2 sons, daughters-in-law, and 3 grandchildren, in addition to other relatives and friends. A memorial service to celebrate Lola’s life will be held for friends and family at 2:00 P.M., on Monday, April 20th, at First United Methodist Church, 421 West Central, El Dorado, KS. Flowers may be sent to the church or because Lola loved to sew, and desired to help those in need, you may send a donation to ADRA, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Springs, MD, 20904. The funds will support the purchase of sewing machines for women in the Philippines to earn a living for their families. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Bartholomew, Albert
Bartholomew, Albert, of Wichita left his earthly family on April 15, 2009. He was born September 29, 1913 in Medicine Lodge, KS. This 95 year young gentleman married Lois Shaw July 2, 1934, and was happily married for 47 years until her death on July 29, 1981. Bert was lucky enough to find love again when he married Jean Thompson on August 6, 1983, and they were together for 20 years in his beloved Colorado Springs, CO; until her death in November of 2003. After Jean’s passing Albert came back home to Kansas to live with his son. Albert was a wonderful father to his daughter, Sherry Shriner of Cimarron, KS and son, John Bartholomew and wife, Erica, of Wichita. He also was a fantastic grandfather of 8, great-grandfather of 15, and great-great grandfather of 13. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters and son in law, Ellis Shriner. Albert loved his Lord, all of his children, and his summer vegetable garden. This dear, sweet, loving man will be missed everyday by everyone who knew him. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West, 10515 W. Maple.
Werth, Julia J.
Werth, Julia J., 72, homemaker, died Friday, April 17, 2009. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Monday, April 20; service, 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 21, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Survivors: husband, Arthur J. Werth; children and their spouses, Kim and David Stecklein of Wichita, Brenda and Rick Thomas of Trinidad, CO, Galen and Christy Werth of Wichita, Arlyn and Jeanne Werth of Kansas City, MO; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence and Betty Augustine of Lincoln, NE, Leroy and Betty Augustine of St. Peters, MO; sisters and brother-in-law, Frances Pfannenstiel of Denver, CO and Gladys and Dan Reiff of Salina; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. Memorials established with Catholic Care Center, 6700 E. 45th St. N., Bel Aire, KS 67226 and ALS Association, 3450 N. Rock Rd., Bldg. 200, S-211, Wichita, KS 67226. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Hampel, Raymond W.
Hampel, Raymond W., 89, retired from Carson’s Integrated Computer Systems, Ltd. (CICS), passed away Friday, April 17, 2009. Rosary, 4:00 P.M., Sunday, April 19; Funeral Mass, 10:30 A.M., Monday, April 20, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church.Bornon a farm south of Pretty Prairie, Kansas, Ray was a veteran of the United States Army and received the Purple Heart after being wounded at Guadalcanal during World War II. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4118. Survivors: wife, Tillie; children and their spouses, Linda and Bill Graf of Leavenworth, Mike and Connie Hampel of Wichita, Mary and Keith Hawkins of Medford, OK, Michelle and Steve Jahn of Wichita; sister, Esther Robey of Wichita; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial established with St. Joseph Catholic Church and School, 132 S. Millwood, Wichita, KS 67213. Downing and Lahey Mortuary West.
Gasper, Dr. John E.
Gasper, Dr. John E., 79, retired school administrator, died Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Monday, April 20; service, 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, April 21, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M., Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, KS. There will also be a memorial service, 4:00 P.M., Saturday, May 2, at Northwest High School in Wichita. John Gasper was born October 17, 1929 in Wellington, Kansas. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1947. He enlisted and served 18 months in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1948. John earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in 1952, and his Master of Education degree from Wichita State University in 1956. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Wyoming in 1967. John taught Physical Education at Arkansas Avenue Elementary School in Wichita beginning in 1952, and he ultimately became principal. In 1959, John became assistant principal at Wichita Southeast High School. In 1967, he was appointed principal at Mayberry Junior High in Wichita. He was principal at Wichita North High School from 1968 to 1977. In 1977, John was selected to be the first principal of the newly established Wichita Northwest High School. John worked closely with the architects and contractors of Northwest High School, and was influential in the design of the facilities. John was Principal of Northwest from 1977 to 1989, when he retired from the Wichita Public Schools. From 1989 to 1994, John served as Principal of Andover High School. John then served as the first principal of the newly built Derby High School during the 1994-95 school year. Thereafter, for several years, John taught graduate level courses in education at Friends University. Over the years, John had also taught education administration courses at Wichita State University. In 1978-1979, Dr. Gasper was the first recipient of the Wichita Administrators Association’s “Administrator of the Year” award for outstanding contribution to educational leadership in Wichita. He also served on the Executive Board of the Kansas State High School Activities Association from 1985 to 1987, and was President of the Association from 1986-1987. He was also an active member of the North Central Accreditation Association. In 1989, he was recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for educational leadership. John also received numerous awards for years of service, distinguished service, and dedication and commitment. John was known for his dedication and devotion to his students and staff. As was summed up in an award from the Board of Education, USD 260, Derby: “Dr. Gasper has earned a reputation for constantly heaping praise and appreciation to students and staff who take appropriate actions, but it is more than appropriate that praise be heaped upon him for his service not only to Derby High School but to thousands of students in Kansas.” Survivors: wife, Margaret; sons, Steven B. Gasper and John K. (Elisa) Gasper all of Wichita, Kerry M. Gasper of Topeka; brothers, Donald Gasper of Anthony, Gary Gasper of Wellington; grandchildren, Garrett Gasper, Logan Gasper, Amanda D. Gasper-Bruner and Mieshall E. Gasper; great-grandchildren, Zachary Posey and Jayden Smith. In addition to family, John leaves behind numerous close friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. John E. Gasper Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Credit Union of America, 212 S. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67209. The scholarship is for deserving students who desire a career in education. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
