Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Randyl William Becker
1953 - 2006
RUSSELL - Randyl William Becker, 52, of Russell, died Saturday, July 8, 2006, at his residence. Randyl was born Dec. 11, 1953, at the Russell Hospital, the son of Wesley William and Lillian Mae (Olsen) Becker. He grew up southwest of Russell and attended country schools. He graduated from Russell High School with the Class of '72. Randyl was united in marriage to Alice Elaine Street on Aug. 11, 1973, at the First Southern Baptist Church in Russell. Randyl was a farmer and stockman most all of his life. He also was a contract oil pumper starting in the mid '70s. He worked for the Sale Barn starting in the early '80s and became the Yard Manager. He was a very dedicated and faithful friend to the Russell community. Randyl was a lifelong member of the Bible Baptist Church of Russell, where he was a Deacon and a board member. He also was a member of the Russell County Farm Bureau where he was the current President, the Russell County Extension Board, the Grant Township Board and the Agco Incorp. Coop Board. He loved collecting eagles, farm toys, coins and belt buckles. He was a big K-State fan. Besides farming, his children and grandchildren were his main interest. His surviving family includes his wife of 32 years, Alice, of the home; children, Brian William Becker and wife Mary of Hesston, Kan. and Julie Ann Robben and husband Shawn of Russell; father and step mother, Wesley and Irene Becker of Russell; sisters, Janet Machin and Sharon Weese both of Russell, Deanne Mills of Liberal, Kan. and Cathy Stiebens of McPherson, Kan.; and three grandchildren, Taylor, Kailey and Sophia. He was preceded in death by his mother. Celebration of Randyl's Life is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Pastor Dale Lane will be officiating. Interment will follow at Russell City cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bible Baptist Church of Russell. The family will be present to greet family and friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bible Baptist Church. A memorial has been established with the Bible Baptist Church of Russell. Contributions and condolences may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, which is assisting the family with these arrangements. Funeral arrangements provided by Pohlman - Varner - Peeler Mortuary 610 N. Maple Russell, KS 67665
Clara C. Wilhelm
1917 - 2006
HOISINGTON - Clara C. Wilhelm, 89, died July 9 at Cheyenne Meadows Living Center in Hoisington. She was born Feb. 23, 1917, in Russell County, the daughter of Henry and Lydia (Kraft) Steinert. She married
Emil Wilhelm on Nov. 8, 1936, at Hoisington. He died Oct. 29, 1974. She was a homemaker and a resident of Hoisington since 1941. Mrs. Wilhelm was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church in Hoisington. Survivors include one daughter, Geraldine Torgrimson of Spokane Valley, Wash.; one sister, Florence Steitz of Colby; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin and Paul Steinert. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with the Rev. John Sharp officiating. Burial will be at Hoisington cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Hoisington Ambulance Service or Kans for Kids, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 N. Main / P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544
Donna J. Driscoll
1935 - 2006
RUSSELL '“ Donna J. Driscoll, 71, died July 9 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell. She was born Feb. 23, 1935, at Los Angeles, Calif., the daughter of Charles and Mary (Beech) Briels. She married
Larry E. Driscoll on Sept. 1, 1951, at Castle Rock, Colo. They moved to Russell in 1954. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Driscoll was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church of Russell and St. Marys Guild. She also was a lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and belonged to several bridge clubs. Survivors include her husband, of the home; children, Terry Driscoll of Lawrence, Jim Driscoll of Russell, Shawn Driscoll of Dallas, Texas, Colleen Mudd of Russell, Connie Griffin of Iowa Park, Texas, Shelly Boxberger of Overland Park, Jenny Flach of St. Louis, Mo., and Maureen Johnston of Dallas, Texas; brothers Dennis Briels of Issaquah, Wash. and Doug Briels of Branson, Mo.; sister Darlene Caraway of Chatsworth, Calif.; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Corie Mudd. Celebration of the funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Charles Steier officiating. Interment will follow at the Catholic cemetery in Russell. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the church or to Russell Regional Hospital, in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary 610 N. Maple Russell, KS 67665
Richie P. Gordon
1928 - 2006
GOODLAND - Longtime Goodland, Kan., resident Richie P. Gordon, 77, died Thursday, July 6, 2006, at Salina Regional Medical Center. She was born Nov. 2, 1928, at Ashland, Va., in Hanover County, the daughter of James Richard Mallory and Ivey P. (Patterson) Mallory. She attended schools in Ashland. In 1956, she and Norman E. Gordon were married
in Ashland, Va. In 1972, they moved to Goodland. She was a member of First Baptist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, and was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, all in Goodland. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Norman E. Gordon, who died Aug. 17, 1995; and two sisters, Rosa White and Gay Johnson. Surviving family includes two daughters, Laura King and her husband Robert of Flat Rock, Ala., and Bonnie Peacock and her husband Randall of Great Bend, Kan.; three sons Don Gordon and his wife LeAnn of Hoisington, Kan., Norman Gordon and his wife Melissa of Senoia, Ga., and Richard Gordon and his wife Melissa of Salina; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; three brothers, Jack Mallory of Ashland, Va., Wesley Mallory and his wife Judy of Morganton, N.C., and Lesley Mallory and his wife Karen of Richmond, Va.; and one sister, Frances Seay of Ashland, Va. The funeral will be Tuesday, July 11, at 10:30 AM Mountain Time, at First Baptist Church in Goodland, with Pastor Travis Blake officiating. Burial will follow in the Goodland cemetery. Friends may share their respects at at the church before the service. Memorials may be designated to the American Diabetes Association, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Koons Funeral Home 211 N. Main St. Goodland, KS 67735
Helen Lucille Adams
1908 - 2006
LARNED - Helen Lucille Adams, 97, died July 9 at Larned Healthcare Center. She was born August 25, 1908, at Macksville, the daughter of John H. and Ella Bryan McMorran. A resident of Larned since 1945, she was a piano teacher and homemaker. She graduated from Macksville High School in 1926, and the University of Kansas in 1930, with a Bachelor of Arts in piano. Helen was a piano teacher since 1930 and taught lessons until late 2000. She was well known for her outstanding piano teaching, and had several accomplished students. She became a member of the Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the choir. She was a 60-year member of Chapter CB PEO and former member of Larned Music Club and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority at KU. On Feb. 25, 1933, she married
Jim S. Adams at Sedgwick. He died Jan. 19, 2001. Survivors include a son, John C. and wife Nancy Adams; two grandchildren, Kevan Adams and Amy Seeman, both of Larned; great grandchildren Lyndse Adams, Tyler Adams and Sam Adams, all of Olathe, and Katie Seeman, Larned; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Eugene McMorran and a sister, Kathleen Yeager. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Larned cemetery, with Pastor Dennis Scheibmeir presiding. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until noon Wednesday at the funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to the Presbyterian Church, Jordaan Memorial Library or Alzheimers Association in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Morell Funeral Home P.O. Box 124 Larned, KS 67550-0124
Gwennyd Gupton Gunn
1927 - 2006
Gwennyd Gupton Gunn, 78, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died Thursday, July 6, 2006, at Lifecare Center of Wichita. She was born Sept. 3, 1927, at Greensburg, the daughter of Hade and Enid Moss Gupton. After graduating from Greensburg High School, Gwen went on to the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and received her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts. It was while at KU that Gwen met Robert Ray Gunn of Great Bend, and they were married
on April 22, 1951, at Greensburg. He died on Nov. 4, 2002. After college Gwen and Bob moved back to Great Bend, where they ran a successful farming operation and real estate business. A resident of Great Bend for over 50 years, Gwen was involved in many organizations, including PEO Chapter DU, Athenian Club, Panhellenic and bridge club. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend. Her many interests included antiquing, quarter horses and local politics. Survivors include three sons, Robert Rock 'Rocky' Gunn, Wichita, Brad G. Gunn and wife Anita, Montgomery, Texas, and Jay C. Gunn, Moundridge; one daughter, Gena G. Dillard and husband Steve, Wichita; nine grandchildren, Joe Gunn, Jennifer Gunn Doyle, Brittany Dillard, Brad Dillard, Jarrod Gunn, Jana Gunn, Jordan Gunn, Lauren Gunn and Garrett Gunn; four great-grandchildren, Braylen Gunn, Caden Lyn Doyle, Kennah Doyle and Lily Gunn; and one great-grandchild on the way. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, with the Rev. Hal Staats officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Parkinson Disease Foundation or First Presbyterian Church or the Great Bend Humane Society, all in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Millard Dean Kelso
1940 - 2006
LYONS '“ Millard Dean Kelso, 65, died July 7 at Lyons District Hospital in Lyons. He was born Aug. 22, 1940, in Cleveland, Okla., the son of Raymond Garnett and Jessie Opal Raulston Kelso. A longtime Chase and Lyons resident, formerly of Wellington, he worked for many years with the family business, Kelso Casing & Pulling; in 1991 he started Mastertouch Carpet Cleaning in Wellington, retiring in 2001. He was a 1959 graduate of Chase High School. Kelso was a former member of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include three sons, Ross Tuey, Great Bend, Chris Kelso, Wellington, and Ed Canterbury, Houston, Texas; seven daughters, Darlene Case, Chase, Tammy Haltom, Great Bend, Rena Canterbury and Bobbi Brenneman, both of Houston, Texas, Terri Schneider and Tami Maize, both of Lyons, and Kelly Ellison, Galveston, Texas; four brothers, James Kelso, Tulsa, Okla., Darrell Kelso, Lyons, Leon Kelso, Jasper, Texas, and Roger Kelso, Houston, Texas; 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Chase Springdale cemetery in Chase, with the Rev. Gary Karas officiating. Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sillin Funeral Home in Lyons. Memorials are suggested to Center for Basic Cancer Research KSU, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Sillin Funeral Home 214 West Ave. South Lyons, KS 67554
Katherine Dorothy Markle
1943 - 2006
LYONS '“ Katherine Dorothy Markle, 63, died July 4 at Valley View Hospital in Goodyear, Ariz. She was born July 3, 1943, at Chilliwack, British Columbia, the daughter of John Carson and Hazel Irene Hodgson McGuire. She had been a Lyons resident since 1977, having formerly lived in Novato, Calif. in 1969, moving to Vacaville, Calif. in 1972. She was a teacher of seventh and eighth grade English at Ellinwood from 1989 to 1995. She graduated from Sterling College with a degree in education in 1988. She married
Philip W. Markle on March 9, 1968, at McChord Air Force Base in Washington. Mrs. Markle was a member of First Christian Church in Lyons, and was a former Assistant to the President of Lyons Booster Club. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Sept. 28, 1962. Survivors include her husband, of the home; two sons, Brett Markle, Seattle, Wash., Brian Markle, Los Angeles, Calif.; a daughter, Brynn Bowen, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; and a grandson. Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church in Lyons, with the Rev. Tom Eastman officiating. Private family inurnment will be at Lyons Municipal cemetery in Lyons. Memorials are suggest to First Christian Church in Lyons, in care of Sillen Funeral home in Lyons. Funeral arrangements provided by Sillin Funeral Home 214 West Ave. South Lyons, KS 67554
Virginia L. Murphy
1920 - 2006
SAWYER - Virginia L. Murphy, 86, died July 5 at Grandvilla Assisted Living in Ormond Beach, Fla. She was born April 16, 1920, at Sawyer, the daughter of Dean and Ethel Alexander Osborn. She married
Eddie Murphy on Sept. 29, 1940, at Isabel, Kan. He died Sept. 13, 1993. A resident of Florida for three years, coming from Sawyer, she was a retired real estate broker and motel manager. Mrs. Murphy was a member of the Sawyer United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Pratt Order of Eastern Star, and Beta Sigma Phi. Survivors include one daughter, Judy Sullivan of Palm Coast, Fla.; one sister, Deana Henry of Sawyer; two grandchildren, Kristy Jones and Matt Sullivan; and two great-grandchildren, Courtney Jones and Deanna Sullivan. Services will be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Sawyer United Methodist Church or South Wind Hospice, in care of Larrison Mortuary in Pratt. Funeral arrangements provided by Larrison Mortuary 300 Country Club Rd. Pratt, KS 67124
Jerry Edwin Willis
1950 - 2006
RUSSELL - Jerry Edwin Willis, 56, died July 2 at the Russell Regional Hospital. He was born May 25, 1950, at Altus, Ark., the son of Ed and Lucille (Martin) Willis. He graduated from Catoosa High School with the class of 1968. He married
Ruth Terrell on Nov. 22, 1969, in Salina. He worked for the Allied Cementing Company when he first moved to the Russell area in 1973. He was the owner/operator of Jerry's Place, and JW Trucking. He was a resident of Russell coming from Clarksville, Ark. Willis was a life member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the Masonic Shrine in Russell. He served in the U.S. Army with the 173rd Airborne Division in Vietnam. Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Amy Dollison of Russell; his parents; two sisters, Marilyn Atchison of Fayetteville, Ark., and Janace Doughan of Gore, Okla.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Audra Lyn Willis. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell with the Rev. Warren Hett officiating. Burial will be at the Russell City cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Jerry Willis Memorial Fund in care of Pohlman - Varner - Peeler Mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Pohlman - Varner - Peeler Mortuary 610 N. Maple Russell, KS 67665
Sophie Ann Leiker
1931 - 2006
VICTORIA - Sophie Ann Leiker, 74, died June 29 at Hays Medical Center in Hays. She was born Aug. 12, 1931, in Walker, the daughter of Herman H. and Anna Marie (Riedel) Berens. She married
Julius J. Leiker on July 15, 1950, at Victoria. He died Dec. 23, 1984. She was a homemaker and moved to Victoria in 1985 from Gillette, Wyo. Mrs. Leiker was a member of St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, all of Victoria. She was a former member of the Sunflower Polka Club and Senior Companion. Survivors include three sons, Julius and Leon, both of Gillette, Wyo., and Robert of Sheridan, Wyo.; four daughters, Linda Lara of Great Bend, Dora Godwin of Anchorage, Alaska, Vicky Blackburn of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., and Sheri Burke of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two brothers, Severin Berens of Hays, and Jake Berens of Russell; one sister, Ventura Sander of Victoria; 20 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert Berens, Louis Berens, Julius Berens, and Arthur Berens; five sisters, Margaret Bieker, Christina Bricker, Theresa Pfannenstiel, Milthilda Augustine, and Elizabeth Klaus; and three grandchildren. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. today with Daughters of Isabella and Christian Mothers Rosary and a VFW memorial service following at 7:30 p.m., all at Cline's Mortuary in Victoria. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria. Burial will be at the St. Fidelis cemetery in Victoria. Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. today and from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, all at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to St. Fidelis Church and Masses in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Cline's Mortuary P.O. Box 252 Hays, KS 67601
Zelner D. Brown
1926 - 2006
PROCTOR, Ark. '“ Former South Hoisington resident Zelner D. Brown, 80, died July 2. He was born in 1926, the son of Euna and Albert Brown of Proctor, Ark. He married
Mable Smith of Bode. They had six children and later divorced. Survivors include his wife, Mary Brown; step-daughter Margret Thompson of Great Bend; Zelner Brown Jr., Danville, Ill., Morris Brown, West Memphis, Ark.; Zelma Brown, Kansas City, Mo.; Edward Brown, Memphis, Tenn.; Dr. Gilbert Brown, Bloomington, Ind.; Vernon Brown, Wichita; and Eileen Brown, Wichita; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at Greater Bethlehem Church in Proctor, Ark. Memorial service is pending with Anthony's Funeral Home of West Memphis, Ark. Burial will be at Paradise Garden.
Dale Duane Batt
1945 - 2006
RUSSELL '“ Dale Duane Batt died July 4, 2006, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, at age 60. He was born Aug. 13, 1945, at Great Bend, the son of Robert and Alice (Ochs) Batt. A lifetime resident of Russell County, Kan., he was a farmer and stockman. He served in the Army National Guard, 995th Maintenance Company, with the rank of Spc. 4, serving in Vietnam. Batt was baptized, confirmed, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Russell; served on the boards of the Galatia Coop and Rural Water District No. 3, and was a Lincoln Township Trustee. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6240, American Legion Post No. 99 and Elks Lodge No. 1715, all of Russell. Survivors include his mother, Alice Batt, of the home; brother Eugene and wife Dorothy Batt, Hoisington; sister-in-law Carla Batt, Holyrood; nephew Tim and wife K De Batt, Bushton; niece Laura and husband Eric McQuade, Victoria; two great nieces and one step-great-niece. Also surviving are a friend, Clifford Ackerson, and his dog Fred. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Batt, and a brother, Larry Batt, who unexpectedly passed away three weeks ago. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with Pastor Richard Monson officiating. Prayer service will be at 7:30 tonight at the funeral home. Burial will be at Hoisington cemetery in Hoisington with military graveside rites by VFW Post 6240 and American Legion Post 99 of Russell. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Dale Batt Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 North Main, P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544
A. 'Wayne' Rusco
1937 - 2006
A. 'Wayne' Rusco, 69, of Great Bend, died July 3 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend. He was born April 15, 1937, at Great Bend, the son of Alfred Benson and Edith Sophia Lebbin Rusco. He married
Judith A. Chumley on Jan. 23, 1960, at Ellinwood. She survives. A farmer and stockman, he was a lifetime resident of Barton County. Rusco was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, both of Great Bend, a charter member of FFA Alumni and an avid outdoor sportsman. Survivors include his wife, Judith A. Rusco, of the home; three daughters, Gail McDermott and husband John of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Lynn Simpson and husband Gordan of Dodge City, and Vicki Keffer and husband Bill of Great Bend; three sisters, Marvella Radenberg and husband Glenn of Claflin, Karen Baldwin of Junction City and Renee Pike and husband Bill of Great Bend; and six grandchildren, Johna McDermott and Kylie McDermott, both of Mt. Vernon, Tyler Simpson, ATAN, U.S. Navy, Sigonella, Sicily, Brice Simpson of Dodge City, Dustin Keffer of Kansas City, Mo., and Erica Keffer of Ellinwood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Edith Rusco, brother-in-law Howard Baldwin and a niece, Kimberly Baldwin. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 10, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, with the Rev. James A. Strasen officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the Cheyenne Bottoms Visitors Center or Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Rd. Great Bend, KS 67530
Dorothy Dick
1925 - 2006
EL DORADO '“ Dorothy Dick, 80, of El Dorado, died July 2 after a long but valiant struggle with illness. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family. A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at St. John's Catholic Church, 302 N. Denver, El Dorado. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Burial will follow in Lakin-Comanche cemetery in Ellinwood. She was born Oct. 13, 1925, in Drumwright, Okla., to Harley and Mary (Penix) Barger. On Nov. 11, 1948, she married
V.V. Dick in Ellinwood, who preceded her in death in February 1990. Also preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Bill Barger. Survivors include her son Gary and wife Robyn Dick of El Dorado; daughters and husbands Connie and Bill Brant of Wichita, Marilyn and Denny Tuttle of Augusta and Frances Janney of El Dorado; nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A memorial has been established with St. John's Catholic Church in care of Carlson Funeral Home in El Dorado. Funeral arrangements provided by Carlson Funeral Home 200 S. Star St. El Dorado, KS 67042
