Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Ruben Bender
1919 - 2006
RUSSELL - Ruben Bender, 86, died Jan. 15 at Russell Regional Hospital. He was born March 12, 1919, in Russell County, the son of David Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Dietz) Bender. He grew up on the family farm south of Russell, and attended the rural Bender Hill School District No. 24. He married
Lavina Brack on Nov. 9, 1947, at the Bender Hill Lutheran Church south of Russell. For several years, Bender worked on the family farm and helped at the Dietz Meat Processing Plant. He retired from active farming in July 1978. He was also employed by the Kansas State Highways Department for 20 years, retiring in 1989. Bender was baptized and confirmed at Bender Hill Trinity Lutheran Church, and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6240 and the Russell American Legion. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army 635th tank Destroyer Battalion, with service in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns. Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Dianna Michaelis of Sioux City, Iowa, and Ramona Kramer of Manhattan; one son, Duane Bender of McPherson; one brother, Ernest Bender of Great Bend; two sisters, Hilda Dietz of Russell and Linda Coe of McPherson; and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Bender, and a sister, Tabea Bender. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church in Russell, with the Rev. Peter Rupprecht officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at Pohlman-Heise Mortuary in Russell, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials have been established for St. John Lutheran Church or the Rebecca Morrison House, Salina, in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Pohlman-Heise Mortuary 610 No. Maple Street Russell, KS 67665
Marie Ella Duke
1912 - 2006
RUSSELL - Marie Ella Duke, 93, died Jan. 15 in Lindsborg. She was born March 16, 1912, at Vivian, La., the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Ruby Ella (Owens) Latham. She was a homemaker and resident of Russell. Survivors include two sons, James Earl Powell, of Hardner, and Dan Powell, of Russell; three daughters, Mary Nell Fisher, Albany Ore., Betty Marie Swicegood, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and Vera Joyce Denny, Salina; one sister, Allie Mae Chiles, Bossier City, La.; 14 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great-greatgreat grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Cleve Latham, and an infant sister, Lucille Latham. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday at Pohlman-Heise Mortuary in Russell with the Rev. Leon Irwin officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials have been established for St. Judes Hospital in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Pohlman-Heise Mortuary & Monuments 610 North Maple Street Russell, Kan. 67665
Dorothy Ann Schaller
1939 - 2006
DODGE CITY - Dorothy Ann Schaller, 66, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center, Dodge City. She was born Oct. 23, 1939, at Spearville, the daughter of John V. and Clara C. Hines Slattery. She moved to Dodge City after graduating from Spearville High School and worked at the Water Department for the City of Dodge City for 13 years before her health declined. She enjoyed bowling, her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dodge City. Survivors include: three sons, Mitch, Springfield, Mo., George, Meade, Kan., and Rodney and wife Karla, Kirwin, Kan.; a daughter, Chris Peters and husband Gary, Dodge City; her brother, Alvin Slattery, Dodge City; her sister, Leona Duft, Ellinwood, Kan.; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Geno and two brothers, Vincent and John Slattery. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Burkhart-Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Wesley W. Schawe presiding. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Burkhart-Ziegler Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in St. John cemetery, Spearville. The family suggests memorials to March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation in care of the funeral chapel. Personal condolences may be sent to www.burkhart-ziegler.com. Funeral arrangements provided by Burkhart-Ziegler Funeral Chapel 1901 N. 14th Ave. Dodge City, KS 67801
Arturo 'Arthur' Jesus Ramirez
1947 - 2006
Arturo 'Arthur' Jesus Ramirez, 58, of Great Bend, died Jan. 14 at Harry Heinz Memorial Hospice in Wichita. He was born June 20, 1947, at San Antonio, Texas, the son of Frank and Lottie Sauceda Ramirez. He was a resident of Great Bend. Survivors include three brothers, Frank Ramirez, Rudy Ramirez, and Harry Ramirez, all of San Antonio, Texas; and three sisters, Mary Lou and Janie, both of Great Bend, and Gloria of San Antonio, Texas. A private family service will be held at a later date. There are no visitations as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Hungry Heart Soup Kitchen in care of Charter Funerals in Great Bend. Funeral arrangements provided by Charter Funerals 2115 Washington Great Bend, KS 67530
Marilyn Adele Keller
1930 - 2006
Marilyn Adele (Zickefoose) Keller found her heavenly peace on Sunday, January 15, 2006. She died in her home with her daughters by her bedside. Her sons and grandchildren were able to say their goodbyes to Marilyn the previous day. Marilyn was born in Denver, Colorado on August 13, 1930 to parents, Franklyn Arr Zickefoose and Opal Jane Sparks Zickefoose. She spent her childhood days growing up in Oakley and Winona, Kansas. Her marriage to John Frederick Keller in 1947 took them from Page City, Kansas, Garden City, Kansas to Lawrence, Kansas and finally to Great Bend, where Marilyn lived from 1952 to the present. Along the way, four children were born to this union. They include Jon Randall Keller (and wife Mary) of Topeka, Christine Adele Keller of Kansas City, Missouri, Patricia (Patti) Sue (Keller) Atkinson (and husband Don) of Great Bend, and Kurt Mitchell Keller (and wife Mary), of Marshall, Missouri. Cherished and loved grandchildren are Jessica (Keller) Davis (and husband Andy), John Layne Keller (and wife Aleasha), Jared Keller, Kaci (Atkinson) Guthrie (and husband Dustin), Rachel Keller, Madelyn Keller and Rebecca Keller. Marilyn was also the proud great-grandmother of Sydney Davis and Aaron Davis. Marilyn fought her lymphoma courageously for many years, and then made a brave and selfless decision to discontinue treatment this winter when her doctor informed her the cancer had become quite aggressive. Marilyn loved her family, her church family, and her pets. Duke, her beloved poodle, survives her. She was passionate about her hobbies, including playing games and cards with her family and friends, traveling, painting, doing needlework, cooking, reading, listening to music and PLAYING BRIDGE. Marilyn just enjoyed having fun and you knew from her great smile and wonderful dimples that fun was being had. Her mother, Opal, and her husband John, preceded her in death, both in 2000. Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Great Bend, Kansas, with the Reverend Diana Coberly officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, January 19, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to First Congregational United Church of Christ or the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in care of the home. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, Kansas. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Rd. Great Bend, KS 67530
Vivian Lee Bunn
1944 '“ 2006
TULSA, Okla. - Vivian Lee Bunn, 61, went to be with her Lord on January 12, 2006 at the Tulsa Regional Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla. She was born on November 30, 1944 in New York City, New York, the daughter of Kenneth Pugh and Evelyn (Ludwig) Pugh. She graduated from West High School in Wichita Kansas in 1962. Vivian went on to graduate from Sterling College at Sterling, Kan. with a B.A. Degree in Education. She married
Richard Bunn on June 27, 1964 at Wichita. She was a member of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Pryor, Oklahoma where her husband, Richard serves as Pastor. Vivian was a wonderful supportive minister's wife in every way. She loved to cook and was famous for her yeast rolls. An accomplished seamstress, she also enjoyed arts and crafts of all kind. A loving wife, mother and grandmother who leaves a wonderful legacy of faith for her family to follow until they meet again. She is survived by her husband, Pastor Richard Bunn of the home; two sons, Roger and his wife, Candy Bunn of Great Bend and Troy and his wife, Janet Bunn of Pueblo, Colo.; one daughter, Karen and her husband, David Wright of Kenwood, Mich.; her grandchildren, Jessica, Cody, Taycee, Danielle, Kiralynn and Timothy. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Charlette McKelvey and an infant brother. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, January 16, in the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend David Wright officiating. Graveside Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, in the Kechi Township cemetery at Park City. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 493, Pryor, Okla., 74362. Sunday visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the funeral home and from 6 until 8 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Jim Green Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements provided by Shipman's Jim Green Funeral Home P.O. Box 217 Pryor, Okla. 74362
Virginia Rose Houghton
1921-2006
SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. - Virginia Rose Houghton, 84, died Jan. 14, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. She was born Feb. 6, 1921, in Attleboro, Mass., the daughter of Barney and Gertrude (Rushlow) Tolchinsky. She married
Thomas E. Houghton, June 13, 1942, at Attleboro, Mass. He died Oct. 7, 1970. She was a sales clerk for Puritan Clothing, Hyannis, Mass. She had been a resident of Satellite Beach, Fla., for 15 years. Mrs. Houghton was a member of The Republican Party of Brevard County, Fla. and was a clerk for the Phi Beta Kappa in Washington, D.C. Survivors include Michael and his wife, Julie Houghton, of Alexandria, Va., daughters Judith and husband Jerry Collier, Indialantic, Fla., Karen and husband Tom) Van Brimmer, Hoisington, four grand-children and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Robert Tolchinsky, and one sister Beatrice Beaulieu. Memorial services will be held in Mansfield, Mass., burial at St. Mary's cemetery, in Mansfield. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or donor's choice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 N. Main P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, Kan. 67544
Alene E. Fuller
1913 - 2006
STAFFORD - Alene E. Fuller, 92, died Jan. 12 at Leisure Homestead, Stafford. She was born Dec. 26 1913 at Rhea, Okla., the daughter of Tommie and Sallie (Canada) Ferrell. She married
Keith E. Fuller at Taloga, Okla. He preceded her in death on Sept. 20 1988. She was a sales manager for Fuller Brush, and a substitute teacher. Fuller was a member of the Church of Christ, Pilot Club and E.H.U. in Pratt. She was a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Sarah E. Stewart Chapter of Pratt. She volunteered for the American Red Cross, the Family Crisis Center and taught Sunday school. Survivors include two sons, Pete Fuller of Stafford, K.O. Fuller of McPherson; one daughter, Karen M. Jean of Pampa, Texas; brother, A.J. Ferrell of Great Bend; ten grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Visitation will Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary, Pratt. Funeral will be Monday, at 2 p.m. at Larrison Mortuary. Burial will be at Greenlawn cemetery, Pratt. Memorials suggested to the Maude Carpenter Children's Home or Leisure Homestead, Stafford in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Larrison Mortuary, LTD 300 Country Club Rd Pratt, Kan. 67124
Charlotte Rose Green
1927-2006
ST. JOHN - Charlotte Rose Green, 78, died Jan. 12 at Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend. She was born Nov. 9, 1927 at Callao, Mo. to L.D. and Lena Maude (Wilkes) Hughes Humphreys. A homemaker and resident of St. John since 1944. She married
Berton Green March 11 1947 in Oklahoma, he preceded her in death. Green was a member of the New Hope United Methodist church, rural St. John. Survivors include one son, Bruce Green, Great Bend, daughter, Cynthia May, Sterling, Colo, brother Warren Humphreys, Banning Calif., four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son Edward W. Green, brother Rex Hughes, and a sister Jeanne McKisson. Funeral services will be Monday, 10 a.m. at Minnis Chapel, St. John with Pastor Wade Russell presiding. Burial will be in Fairview Park cemetery, St. John. Visitation is Sunday 1 to 8 p.m. at Minnis Chapel. Memorials to the American Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements provided by Minnis Chapel 526 E. 4th St. John, Kan. 67576
Edna E. Key
1921 - 2006
GREAT BEND - Edna E. Key, 84, died Jan. 13. She was born March 17, 1921 at Beaver, Kan., the daughter of C.W. Chris and Stella Mae (Parker) Christians. She married
Roy Key Jr, Sept. 14, 1942 in Beaver. She was a homemaker and a resident of Great Bend moving from Oklahoma City in 1983. Key was a member of the First Christian Church, Martha's Group of the church, former Garden Clubs, and Cowboy Sam's Camper Club. Survivors include her husband, Roy Key Jr. of the home; a son, Larry Key of Camano Island W.Va.; a daughter, Dr. Deanie Wright of Edmond Okla.; three brothers, John Christians of Hoisington, Albert 'Chris' Christians of Lindsborg, Clarence Christians of Beaver; two grandchildren, Todd Dillen and Piper Strick; and five great grandchildren, Cody Dillen, Alex Dillen, Isabella Dillen, Austin and Gabriel Strick. She was preceded in death by brothers, Roy and Glen Dale Christians, sisters Laura Christians, Ella Jones and a grandson Scott Dillen. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Christian Church, Great Bend, burial in the Hillcrest cemetery in Great Bend. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be given to the church or American Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements provided by Christians Funeral Home 103 N Washington P.O. Box 386 Lindsborg, Kan. 67456
Charlotte Rose Green
ST. JOHN - Charlotte Rose Green, 78, died Jan. 12 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. Funeral is pending with Minnis Chapel in St. John.
Vera Leone Melton
1914 - 2006
CONCORDIA - Vera Leone Melton, 91, died Jan. 10 at Cloud County Health Center in Concordia. She was born Dec. 15, 1914, in Mitchell County, the daughter of Charles Martin Overman and Sylvia Belle Dawes. She graduated from Simpson High School in 1932 and earned her Teacher's Certificate from the State of Kansas. She married
William N. Melton on Oct. 18, 1933, in Concordia. He died March 21, 1992. She was a homemaker and had lived in the Concordia area most of her life. Melton was a member of Prairie Point Sunday School, Friendship Club, a 4-H leader and served on the District 9 school board, and attended First Baptist Church in Concordia. Survivors include two sons, William Melton of Rush Center, and Jerry Melton of Vicksburg, Miss.; four daughters, Linda Essmiller of Great Bend, Janet Haney of Wichita, Janie Sihilling of Atlanta, Ga., and Vera Brichalli of Springfield, Mo.; two sisters, Avis Twaddell of Beloit and Mary Ozmun of Corona, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Orlin; and one sister, Marjorie. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Baptist church in Concordia with the Rev. David Fabarez and Dr. Warren Freeborn officiating. Burial will be at the Glasco cemetery in Glasco. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m. at Chapet-Buoy Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Baptist church or the donor's choice in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home 325 W. 6th St. / P.O. Box 606 Concordia, KS 66901
James 'Tom' Thomas Maxwell
1927 - 2006
PAWNEE ROCK - James 'Tom' Thomas Maxwell, 78, died Jan. 10 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation in Great Bend. He was born Nov. 25, 1927, in Plant, Ark., the son of William Samuel and Joanna Cates Maxwell. He married
Donna Griffin on Aug. 18, 1951, at Clinton, Ark. He was a Larned resident moving to Pawnee Rock in 1970, he was a Foreman for Road Construction for Broce and Smith and Venture Corp. for 48 years. Maxwell was a former member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Concordia. Survivors include his wife; one son, Jim A. Maxwell of Odin; two daughters, Vicky Clark of Aztec, N.M., and Linda Klug of Odin; one brother, Billy Joe Maxwell of Clinton, Ark.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Lillian Lay. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel will Don Paden officiating. Burial will be at the Pawnee Rock cemetery. Visitation will be today from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to service time, all at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House of Wichita or the Pawnee Rock Christian Church, both in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Beckwith Mortuary P.O. Box 477 Larned, KS 67550
Delbert Lee Wikel
1954 - 2006
LA CROSSE - Delbert Lee Wikel, 51, died Jan. 10 at his home in La Crosse. He was born March 1, 1954, at La Crosse, the son of Cecil W. Wikel and Dessie L. (Cravens) Wikel. He was a lifelong resident of La Crosse. Survivors include his mother; three brothers, Roger Wikel of Albany, Ore., Melvin Wikel of Salem, Ore., and Paul Wikel of Port Townsend, Wash.; and one sister, Elaine Meyer of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by one brother, Terry Wikel. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Janousek Funeral Home in La Crosse with the Rev. Marilyn Christmore officiating. Burial will be at the La Crosse City cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. The casket will remain closed. Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society Inc. in Great Bend or the South Wind Hospice in Russell. Funeral arrangements provided by Janousek Funeral Home 719 Pine La Crosse, KS 67548
