Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Turner, Olivia M.
Turner, Olivia M., 30, cosmetologist, died Saturday, April 18, 2009. Private service. Survivors, husband, David; son, Mackenzie; parents, Jon & Denise Auer, all of Wichita. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Peterka, Thomas J. "Tom",
Peterka, Thomas J. �Tom�, 58, Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School instructor, died Saturday, April 18, 2009. Visitation with the family will begin at 6:00 P.M. with Rosary to follow at 8:00 P.M., both Wednesday, April 22, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral service, 2:00 P.M., Thursday, April 23, St. Mary�s Cathedral. Survivors: wife, Martha; sons, Aaron and Andrew of Wichita; brothers and sisters, Delores Young and Larry Peterka of Nebraska, Don Peterka and Rita Peterka of South Dakota; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Tom will be missed by family, friends, colleagues and students. Memorials established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and American Cancer Society.
Calvert, Rayburn Dean �Bud�
Calvert, Rayburn Dean �Bud�, loving husband and father, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009. His upbeat, confident spirit and love of life brought joy to family, treasured friends and business associates. He filled a room with his personality and we will all miss him greatly. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 23, at the Matfield Green Cemetery, Matfield Green, KS. Survivors: wife, Carol; sons, Spencer and Angie Calvert of Jacksonville, FL and Christopher Lawrence of Andover, KS; sisters, Linda Ayala of Reno, NV and Connie Frederiksen of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Miles, Macie, Brody and Dawson. Preceded in death by daughter, Melinda Lawrence. Memorials have been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS, 67202 and Cleaveland Traditional Magnet, (Autism Program), 3345 W. 33rd St. S., Wichita, KS, 67217. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Triana, Martha S.
Triana, Martha S., 73, GM Clothes Horse seamstress, died Sunday, April 19, 2009. Rosary, 7:30 P.M., Wednesday, April 22; service, 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 23, both at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Preceded in death by parents, Martin and Catalina (Contreras) Sandoval; husband, Fernando Triana; sister, Cuquita Robles; stepson, David Triana. Survivors: children, Judy Triana, Victor Triana (Shannon), Luis Triana, Rene Triana (Martha), all of Wichita; stepchildren, Anita Ryan, Thomas Triana (Conchita), Debbie Triana, Theresa Lopez (Michael), all of Wichita, Patricia Sanchez (Ignacio) of San Antonio, TX; brothers, Froylan Sandoval, Cesar Sandoval, Martin Sandoval, all of Mexico; sisters, Celia Santiago, Conchita Triana, Suzy Echevarria, all of Wichita, Caty Macias of Mexico; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Simonson, Gertrude
Simonson, Gertrude, 93, loving mother and grandmother, New Jersey native, passed away, Tuesday, April 21, 2009. Rosary 8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 23; Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M., Friday, April 24, both at Church of the Magdalen. Gertrude was a former resident of Boynton Beach, FL and most recently resided at Georgetown Village in Wichita. She was a dear friend to many. Preceded in death by husband, George. Survivors: daughter, Eileen and Richard Zeitler of Wichita; son, George and Barbara Simonson of York, PA; sister, Eileen and Robert Linnon of Boynton Beach, FL; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with A Better Choice, 3007 E. Central, Wichita, KS, 67208. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Cole, Eva Christine Tucker
Cole, Eva Christine Tucker, was born August 21, 1908 in the little farming town of Jet, Alfalfa Co., Oklahoma. She died in Wichita, Sedgwick Co., Kansas on April 20, 2009, at the age of 100 years, 7 months, 30 days. She was the daughter of Samuel Wilson and Mary Bettie Harned Tucker. Sam was the local banker and Bettie was a wife and mother who had homesteaded and patented land close to Jet. Christine received her education in the Jet school before going to Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, Oklahoma where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and went into the teaching profession. Her first job was in the town of Lamont, Grant Co., Oklahoma where she met her future husband, Thomas Ross Cole, III. Before she marred she also taught in Nowata, Nowata Co., Oklahoma. On July 3, 1941, she married Thomas Ross, the son of Thomas Ross, II and Alice Maria Tucker Cole, and they moved to Wichita, Kansas where they remained. Thomas Ross died on March 12, 1998, leaving Christine in their family home until February of 2006, when she moved to Georgetown Retirement Village. In October of 2007 she moved to the Life Care Center of Wichita where she remained until her death. To this union, two children were born; Nancy Christine and Thomas Ross, IV. When her children were older, Christine went back into the teaching profession and taught Algebra at Wichita High School East until she retired in 1973. Christine has been a member and active participant of her church, College Hill United Methodist Church, for over 65 years. She belonged to the United Methodist Women, Church Circles, W.S.C.S. and Amity. She was a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for over 60 years. She also was an active member in the following organizations: Twentieth Century, Helianthus, Project Beauty, Delta Kappa Gamma, Daughters of the Nile, and Cornelius. Christine also enjoyed traveling. She has been to six of the seven continents and all fifty states. Most of all, Christine loved to play bridge. We all hope there are cards in Heaven! Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Bettie Tucker, brothers, Clyde Leroy Tucker, Walter Gordon Tucker and Randolph Harned Tucker, sister, Mary Beulah Tucker Nelson, and grandson, Steven Andrew Guziec. She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Christine and her husband, Ronald Andrew Guziec, son, Thomas Ross and his wife, Kathy Elaine Robison Cole, grandchildren, Andrea Christine Guziec, Douglas Alan Guziec, Kirstie Renee Cole and Thomas Ross Cole, V, and great-grandchildren, Andrew Michael Guziec, Peyton Elizabeth Guziec and Carson Steven Guziec. Funeral services 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 23, at College Hill United Methodist Church. Interment 3:00 P.M., in the Lamont Cemetery, Lamont, OK. In lieu of flowers, memorials to :College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, KS, 67214 and Project Beauty of Wichita, 4430 N. Spyglass Circle, Wichita, KS, 67226. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Cranmer, Celesta Mae (Weber)
Cranmer, Celesta Mae (Weber), was born December 5, 1920 in Tyler, KS to Floran and Clara (Schild) Weber. She passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the age of 88. Celesta married Ira Cranmer on November 9, 1945 and together they raised 3 children. She retired from Sears in 1979. After retiring, Celesta enjoyed volunteering at her parish, All Saints Catholic Church, and spent countless hours on sewing projects including quilts, afghans, and clothing for her grandchildren and even their dolls. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ira, in 1982, and siblings, Rose Marie Thesing, Jean Wilson, Bernard Weber and Harlan Weber. She is survived by sister, Carol Ann Blackmore of Wichita; son, Jim Cranmer of Denver, CO; daughter, June (Bob) Blanton of Wichita; son, Chris (Evelyn) Cranmer of Wichita; daughter-in-law, Jan Cranmer of Centennial, CO; grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Grabendike, Jay and Laura Cranmer, Monica (Aaron) DeGraffenreid, Michelle (Andy) Dalbom, Drew Cranmer and Mandy (Damien) Eck.; great-grandchildren, Robbie, Jacob, Audra, Dawson, Ira, Gemma and one on the way. Rosary 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 24 and Funeral Mass 11:00 A.M., Saturday, both at St. Elizabeth Chapel, Catholic Care Center, Bel Aire, KS. A memorial has been established with Calvary Cemetery, 610 S. Vassar, Wichita, KS, 67218. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Wedel, Rick
Wedel, Rick, 62, certified financial planner, died Monday, April 20, 2009. Memorial service, 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 24, 2009, First Presbyterian Church. Survivors: wife, Karen; children and their spouses, Jonathan and Laura Wedel of Longmont, CO, Elisabeth and Brent Watson of DeSoto, Rebekah and Tim Dolloff of Minneapolis, Elizabeth and Ryan Parks of Overland Park, Rebekah and Brad Kingsley of Prairie Village; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Patty Wedel of Chesterfield, MO; grandchildren, Greta Wedel, Rachel, Lawrence and Maggie Watson, Micah, Brenna and Jordy Dolloff, Brandon Parks. Memorials established with First Presbyterian Church Foundation, 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214 and Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Phillips, Joyce Ilene
Phillips, Joyce Ilene, 82, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Thursday, April 23, 2009. Service, 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 27, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Graveside service will be at 12 noon at the Indianola Cemetery near Andover. Joyce was an avid gardener, and in the past was distinguished as a Master Gardener by the Extension Service. She is survived by her children, James (Arlene) and Randall; grandchildren, Adam, Laura Hedden, Sarah, Zachary, Nicholas, Amanda Samuel, James and Michael Flaigle and six great-grandchildren.
Hays, Mary Jane
Hays, Mary Jane, 87, homemaker, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2009. Rosary 6:00 P.M., Sunday, and Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M., Monday, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Mary Jane was a Life Masters Bridge card player and Dodge Prairie Rodeo Queen. She volunteered with many organizations. Survivors: sons, Gary and Betsy Beddow of Tulsa, OK, Stephen Beddow, Dale and Becky Beddow and Paul Beddow, all of Wichita; sister, Margaret Schnittker of Cunningham, KS; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. Memorials have been established with the Kansas Humane Society, 4218 SE Blvd., Wichita, KS, 67210 and Hospice Care of Kansas, 808 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS, 67211. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Willis, Maynard "Chuck"
Willis, Maynard �Chuck�, 73, died Thursday, April 23, 2009. Survived by his wife of 49 years, Doris, and son, Michael Willis. Chuck was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on October 22, 1935 to Maynard and Gladys Willis. Before retiring in 1998 to pursue his love of aviation, he was the owner and operator of a Dairy Queen Brazier restaurant for 25 years. Memorial services celebrating Chuck�s life will be held April 28, 2009 at 2:30pm at Asbury United Methodist Church, 2801 W. 15th, Wichita, KS 67203. Memorials established with Asbury United Methodist Church and Alzheimer�s Association.
Townsley, Cyrus Omar "Bud"
Townsley, Cyrus Omar �Bud�, 78, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2009 at home in Wichita. Visitation with the family, 6:00-8:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 29; service, 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 30, both at Downing & Lahey West. Bud was raised on a farm north of Bronson, Kansas and attended grade school and high school in Bronson. He joined the Air Force in 1950 and was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. After his four year service in the Air Force, he returned to Bronson to help on the family farm. He moved to Wichita and worked for Boeing and then retired from John Deere after 20 years of service. He was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Beatrice Townsley, and stepson, Gregg Roets. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Clara (DeThample) Townsley; children, Bill Townsley and wife, Celia, of San Diego, CA, Sandra Drake and husband, Daryl, of Moran; stepchildren, Larry Roets and wife, Carol, of Wichita, Jack Roets of Haysville and Susie Roets of Wichita; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be offered to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.
Landwehr, Irene M.
Landwehr, Irene M., 89, homemaker, died Tuesday, April 28, 2009. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 30; service, 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 1, both at Christ the King Catholic Church. Preceded in death by husband, Leander; grandson, Johnny. Survivors: sons, David Landwehr (Brenda), Kenneth Landwehr (Cindy) all of Wichita; brothers, Art Halsig of Great Bend, E. Louis Halsig of Hutchinson; sister, Edna Bradley (Delbert) of Wichita; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. Memorials established with Christ the King Catholic Church, 4411 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209 and Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ, 1165 Southwest Blvd., Wichita, KS 67213. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
Pierce, Katherine A.
Pierce, Katherine A., 89, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away, Monday, April 27, 2009. Rosary 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 29, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Funeral Mass 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 30, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Katherine will be remembered for her unconditional love and nurturing, caring spirit. Preceded in death by her husband, Walter, parents, August and Golden Wassenberg, 4 sisters and 2 brothers. Survivors include daughter, Katherine (Don) Trippel of Haughton LA; granddaughter, Julie Fritz of Wichita, 3 step-grandchildren, sister, Thelma Moring of Viola, KS and brother, Jerry Wassenberg of Harlingen, TX. Special thanks to her caretakers, Johanna Kristan and Annette Gaye for their unselfish devotion, Progressive Hospice and staff, Wendy and Victoria and Dr. James Keller. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Parkinson Research, 1501 NW 9th Ave., Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL, 33136, the American Cancer Society, 818 N. Emporia, S-100, Wichita, KS, 67214, or the charity of your choice.
Meisinger, Merlin K.
Meisinger, Merlin K., 76, retired Raytheon mechanical test engineer, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2009. He was born June 8, 1932, in Great Bend, KS. Funeral service 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, and graveside service 2:00 P.M. Saturday, at the Otis Methodist Cemetery, Otis, KS. He was preceded in death by his son, Kent; parents, Henry and Marie (Kerbs) Meisinger; sister, Velma Miller; brothers, Melvin, Arlo and Glen. Survivors include his wife, Lois; daughter, Debra and her husband, Barry of Portland, OR. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 5701 East Mt. Vernon, Wichita, Kansas 67218.
Chavez, Blasa R.
Chavez, Blasa R., 86, beloved mom, grandma and best friend, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. Rosary, 7:30 P.M., Friday, May 1, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Service, 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 2, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Blasa was a woman who loved and lived life to the fullest. She had a passion for music and dancing and loved to play bingo. As her illness progressed, her family was given the gift of time and the opportunity to tell her how much she was loved. Although we are sad, we rejoice that she is now in Heaven with her beloved husband, Peter C. Chavez, and daughter, Maria Kathleen Ponce. She is survived by the following children who will forever cherish her memory: Elizabeth Joann Tejeda (Ricky), Roberta �Bobbie� Cline (Alan), Robert Chavez (Rita), Richard Chavez (Lisa), Daniel Chavez (Hope), Peter J. Chavez (Terri), Stella Cruz (Tino) and Christa Hernandez (Alex); 34 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established with Hospice Care of Kansas, 808 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67211.
Duncan-Edson, Pamela M.
Duncan-Edson, Pamela M., 56, Flight Safety assistant customer support manager, died Thursday, April 30, 2009. Memorial service, 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 5, Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Preceded in death by parents, James and Laura Duncan. Survivors: husband, Douglas, of the home; stepdaughters, Deborah Hopkins (Darren), Rachel Wolff (Chad) all of Kansas City, MO; brothers, Tim Duncan (Candy) of Orrick, MO, Jim Duncan of Kansas City, MO; nieces and nephews. Memorials established with Victory In The Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218; American Cancer Society, 818 N. Emporia, S-100, Wichita, KS 67214 and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.
Morley, Patrick, J.
Morley, Patrick J., 57, Kreonite and Lowe�s employee, passed away Friday, May 1, 2009. Rosary will be 7:00 pm Monday, May 4, with the mass 10:30 am Tuesday, May 5, both at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Andover. Survivors; brothers, Charles Jr. of Wichita, Gene of Spokane, WA, Richard of Wichita; sisters, Teresa Green of Wichita, Alice Beckish of Beaufort, SC, Kathleen Gideon of Wichita, Barbara Schmitz of Wichita, Mary Engelmann of Andover, Linda Hill of Andover; numerous nieces & nephews. Memorials have been established with St. Vincent de Paul, 123 N. Andover Rd, Andover, KS 67002 and ResCare Kansas, 229 S. Ellis, Wichita, KS 67211. Tributes may be sent via www.dlwichita.com. Downing & Lahey East Chapel
Rex Lee McLemore
McLemore, Rex Lee, 56, Learjet upholsterer, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2009. Private family service will be held. Preceded in death by mother, Virginia; sister, Lorraine. Survivors: wife, Audrey; daughter, Yvonne (Chris) Underwood of Arlington, TX; son, Charles Young of Wichita; father, Roy of Wichita; brothers, Don (Jamie) McLemore of Little Rock, AR, Van (Felicia) McLemore of Wichita, Ken (Laura) McLemore of Wichita; parents-in-law, John & Rebecca Rountree of Wichita: 5 grandchildren; many brother & sister-in-laws, nieces & nephews, the Ramey family and Mike & Linda Stoner. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com. Downing & Lahey East Chapel.
Leahy, Rev. Msgr. Patrick Joseph "Pat"
Leahy, Msgr. Patrick Joseph �Pat�, 94, a retired priest of the Diocese of Dodge City, died April 30, 2009, at the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire. He was born in Abbeyfeale, Ireland, Oct. 6, 1914, the son of Patrick and Johanna (Ward) Leahy. He was ordained June 19, 1938, by the Most Reverend Thomas Keough at All Hallows College, Dublin. He was elevated to the rank of monsignor on October 14, 1965. He was known for his humor and energy. He used the weekly parish bulletins not only to disperse information, but to spread laughter, interesting historic notes and Church teaching. He came to the Diocese of Wichita long before the active recruiting trips of Msgr. John Cody in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He enjoyed telling the story of a conversation between David Leahy and Bishop August Schwertner. �David Leahy was in his day a Probate Judge in Sedgwick County, also editor of the Wichita Eagle and Wichita Beacon, �� When I was a seminarian in All Hallows, Dave said to Bishop Schwertner, �You have no Father Leahy in the diocese, I�d like to see one here before I die. A cousin of mine is in a Dublin seminary.� That�s the expedient story of my being incardinated into Wichita.� He served at St. Patrick�s, Parsons, (1938-1942); Sacred Heart, Fredonia, (1942-1945), and St. John the Evangelist, El Dorado (1945-1950). He was pastor at St. John the Evangelist, Hoisington, (1950-1965), when the Diocese of Dodge City was established in 1951. His other pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Dodge City were: Mary, Queen of Peace, Ulysses, (1965-1966); Sacred Heart, Larned, (1966-1969); St. Joseph, Offerle, (1969-1971); Immaculate Conception, Claflin, (1971-1980), and St. Mary, McCracken, (1980-1998). After he retired to the Priests� Retirement Center in Wichita, he spent five hours a day in the adjacent Catholic Care Center assisting the residents in wheelchairs to daily Mass and to the dining hall. Vigil for Msgr. Leahy will be Monday, May 4th, 7 pm at the St. Elizabeth Chapel, Catholic Care Center, 6700 East 45th Street North, Bel Aire. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, May 5th, 11 am, also in the St. Elizabeth Chapel with Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore presiding. Burial will be in Ascension Cemetery, Wichita. Memorials can be sent to the Ann and Virgil Dechant Foundation, P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, KS, 67801. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Bruch, Orville L.
Bruch, Orville L., 83, retired Boeing engineer, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2009. Service 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 7, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Preceded in death by wife, Hope L. (Albaugh) Bruch. Survivors: daughter, Michele Bruch and granddaughter, Ashley Graf (Stephen), all of Wichita.
Ferguson, Olive F.
Ferguson, Olive F., 92, sales auditor for Dillard�s, passed away, Monday, May 4, 2009. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 ~ 6:00 P.M., Thursday, May 7, Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Graveside service 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 8, Walton Cemetery, Walton, KS. Preceded in death by husband, Kenneth. Survivors: daughter, Christine Slaby (Vyrnon) of Wichita; grandchildren, Derek Slaby of Salina and Sean Slaby of Wichita, KS. A memorial has been established with the Kansas Humane Society, 4218 SE Blvd., Wichita, 67210.
Malone, Harold B. �Hal�
Malone, Harold B. �Hal� on May 5, 2009 died peacefully after a courageous fight with cancer.BornMarch 1, 1930 in Wichita, KS. Preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Monica Malone and brothers, Mike and Tim. He completed law school at KU. In 1976 he was elected District Court Judge and then Probate Judge, until his retirement in 2001. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Kasey, his children, Gregory of Wichita and Julie of Nashville, TN; brothers, Reverend Pat Malone, Don Malone and sister Nancy Schaefer; many nephews and nieces. A rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, 3800 E. Douglas: Rosary 7:30 P.M., Thursday, May 7 and Mass Friday, May 8, at 11:00 A.M. Inurnment will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to Holy Savior Catholic Academy, 1425 N. Chautauqua, Wichita, 67214, Victory in the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, 67214 and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
Rea, Richard A.
Rea, Richard A., 68, sales manager, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Service 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 8, Calvary United Methodist Church. Preceded by parents, James W. Rea and Elizabeth Hill Survivors: wife, Sandra (Funk) Rea; daughter, Dee Staudt of Wichita; sons, Brad and Angie Rea of Topeka, KS and Chris and Leslie Rea of Manhattan, KS; brothers, Bruce and Shirl Rea of Lawton, OK and Larry and Trina Rea of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Tyler, Rachael, Adam, Alex, Austin, Aiden and Riley; step-mother, Betty Rea of Wichita. A memorial has been established with the Stephen Ministry Program at Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, 67226. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.
