Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Zelda A. Becker
1913-2004
DOWNS - Zelda A. Becker, 91, died April 21. She was born Feb. 28, 1913, at Claflin. She married
Walter Becker. She was a bookkeeper and housewife. Survivors include three sons, Herman Becker of Osborne, Ralph Becker of Downs and Donald Becker of Hays; nine grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons, Roy Becker, Alfred Leo Becker and Gilbert Becker. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Downs United Methodist Church. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul cemetery in Holyrood. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Domoney Funeral Home in Downs. Memorials are suggested to Downs Senior Center or Downs United Methodist Church, both in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Domoney Funeral Home 817 Morgan Ave., P.O. Box 127 Downs, KS 67437
Viola Lorraine Osborne
1916-2004
FLUSH - Viola Lorraine Osborne, 88, died April 19 at Westy Community Care Center in Westmoreland. She was born April 4, 1916, at Cleburne, the daughter of Ernest and Nellie Shelhi Johnson. She was a graduate of Hoisington High School. She married
Grover D. Osborne April 9, 1937, at St. John. He died April 21, 1994. A resident of Flush, formerly of Lynwood, Calif., and Palmdale, Calif., she worked for Douglas Aircraft during World War II as a 'Rosey the Riveter,' owner and operator of a yardage store, a seamstress and homemaker. She was a member of University Christian Church in Manhattan and American Legion Auxiliary of Olsburg. Survivors include one son, Verlyn 'Vern' Osborne of St. George; one daughter, Janet Lucas of Oak Grove, Mo.; seven grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, Erma Hogue; and two grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. David Papa officiating. Burial will be at Spring Creek cemetery in rural Fostoria. Friends may call beginning at 2 p.m. Friday at Campanella-Evans Mortuary in Wamego. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Memorials are suggested to Viola Osborne Memorial Fund, in care of Kufahl Funeral Home, 307 Center St., Wheaton, KS 66551. Funeral arrangements provided by Campanella-Evans Mortuary 612 E. Highway 24, P.O. Box 232 Wamego, KS 66547
Jeanamarie Schuster
WICHITA - Jeanamarie Schuster, 47, died April 21. She was a retired State of Kansas SRS employee. Survivors include her husband, Dave Schuster of the home; her father, Gene DuBois of Satanta; her grandmother, Thelma DuBois of Great Bend; and one brother, Craig DuBois of Wichita. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores Parmele. Memorial service will be at noon Saturday at Broadway Mortuary in Wichita. Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association, in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Broadway Mortuary 1147 S. Broadway Wichita, KS 67211
Stella Hirsch
1904-2004
ELLINWOOD - Stella Hirsch, 100, died April 21 at Ellinwood Long Term Care in Ellinwood. She was born April 2, 1904, near Marshall, Oklahoma Territory, the daughter of Daniel David and Stella Estes Dyche. She married
Charles Hirsch June 26, 1943, in St. Louis, Mo. He died March 30, 1979. A resident of Ellinwood since 1947, coming from Manhattan, she was a legal secretary and homemaker. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, charter member of Ellinwood Historical Society and Heritage Club, all of Ellinwood. She was also a member of Riley County Historical Society and Oklahoma Twin Territories. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Jo Cunningham of Ellinwood and Kathleen Hildebrand of Hutchinson; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Mose, Dan, Ed, Larkin and Joe; and five sisters, Florence, Agnes, Cora, Baby M and one stillborn. Altar Society Rosary will be at 3 p.m., followed by a Daughters of Isabella rosary and vigil service at 7 p.m., all today at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. Funeral will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. John Maes officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Community Historical Society, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Kimple Funeral Home 113 North Main Ellinwood, KS 67526
Ruth C. Hardy
1927-2004
Ruth C. Hardy, 77, of Great Bend, died April 18 at Central Kansas Medical Center. She was born Jan. 2, 1927, at Herington, the daughter of Edward and Latonia Hudson Hawkins. She was a 1945 graduate of Great Bend High School. She married
Thomas J. Hardy in 1945 in Great Bend. He died September 1990. A resident of Great Bend, she was a psychiatric aide at Larned State Hospital, retiring in 1992. She was a member of Myers Chapel AME and Eastern Star, both of Great Bend. Survivors include two daughters, Marva J. Alexander of Topeka and Marilyn J. Malbrough and husband Larry Malbrough of Great Bend; one sister, Sarah Williams of Detroit, Mich.; four grandchildren, Jamie T. Malbrough of Columbia, S.C., Alaina R. Alexander of Culver City, Calif., Alonda R. Alexander of Topeka and Justin K. Malbrough of Salina; two great-grandchildren, Jordan Malbrough and Alissa Malbrough, both of Columbia, S.C.; caretaker niece, Billie Perry-Robinson of Great Bend; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Mary F. Ramsey and Peggy M. Green. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Myers Chapel AME Church with the Rev. Johnny Augmon of St. John CME Church of Hutchinson officiating, the Rev. LeRoy Keith reading scripture, the Rev. Victor Williams leading prayer and Lianna Shorté reading the obituary. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Great Bend. Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Charter Funerals Chapel in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Myers AME Church of Great Bend, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Charters Funeral Chapel* 2115 Washington Great Bend, KS 67530
Helen Lucille Williams
1922-2004
BOULDER, Colo. - Helen Lucille Williams, 81, died March 27 in Boulder. She was born Nov. 22, 1922, in Springfield, Mo., the daughter of Ross J. and Helen E. Buck Thompson She married
James L. Williams March 25, 1944, in ElPaso, Texas. A resident of Boulder since 1976, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Williams was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Church Mariner's group, and a member of Hypathia of Boulder. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, David L. Williams of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil; three daughters, Linda Wittekind of Boulder, Nancy Rafeedie of Louisville and Beth Walker of Severna Park, Md.; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A private graveside service will be today at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. today at the church with the Revs. Peter Barnes and John Hess officiating. Memorials are suggested to the church or Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, both in care of M.P. Murphy and Associates in Layfayette, Colo. Funeral arrangements provided by M.P. Murphy and Associates 2594 Trail Ridge Drive East Suite A Layfayette, CO 80026
Crystal McCarty Toot
Crystal McCarty Toot passed away on April 19 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. Crystal was born in Great Bend and was a proud life-long resident. Her parents were Charles Edward and Josie Ann Tucker McCarty. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Verda Nelson, and her dear husband, Jack Toot. Crystal and Jack took great pride in their three daughters, all of whom survive. They are Chris Collier of Great Bend, Georgann Ville of Lawrence and Kay Keener of Arnolds Park, Iowa. Crystal is also survived by her brother, James McCarty of Hutchinson; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and many other devoted family members and friends. Crystal was a retired employee of Southwestern Bell Telephone and a member of SBC Telephone Pioneers. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star No. 92, and a member of American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliaries. Crystal was passionate about her community and she proved that time and again by her service to the city and the people of Great Bend. She was tireless in her commitment to making life in Great Bend, better for everyone put particularly for the people who lived in her beloved 4th Ward. She served that ward for over 10 years as a city council member. She was determined to make sure that the 4th Ward was never overlooked, or underestimated. Crystal's many accomplishments included: one of the founders of Great Bend Humane Society; honored for 25 years for continuous service by the American Humane Society; president of Riley Elementary Parent Teachers Association; Roosevelt PTA; vice-president and president of Kansas PTA; a lifetime member of National PTA; selected to represent Kansas PTA in Japan as part of the Japanese-U.S. Friendship Commission; first woman in Kansas to receive the Kansas State High School Activities Governor's Award for outstanding contributions to secondary education; a Girl Scout leader and trainer for 28 years; recipient of the Thanks Badge from National Association of Girl Scouts; served 12 years as an elected member of USD 428 Board of Education; and she helped organize and chaired volunteer reading programs for Riley Elementary first graders. Crystal Toot's spirit, energy and sense of humor will be missed every day that passes without her. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church in Great Bend with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Great Bend cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, all at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Great Bend Zoological Society to support and improve Brit Spaugh Zoo in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home* 1425 Patton Rd. Great Bend, KS 67530
Ruth C. Hardy
1927-2004
Ruth C. Hardy, 77, of Great Bend, died April 18 at Central Kansas Medical Center. She was born Jan. 2, 1927, at Herington, the daughter of Edward and Latonia Hudson Hawkins. She was a 1945 graduate of Great Bend High School. She married
Thomas J. Hardy in 1945 in Great Bend. He died September 1990. A resident of Great Bend, she was a psychiatric aide at Larned State Hospital, retiring in 1992. She was a member of Myers Chapel AME and Eastern Star, both of Great Bend. Survivors include two daughters, Marva J. Alexander of Topeka and Marilyn J. Malbrough and husband Larry Malbrough of Great Bend; one sister, Sarah Williams of Detroit, Mich.; four grandchildren, Jamie T. Malbrough of Columbia, S.C., Alaina R. Alexander of Culver City, Calif., Alonda R. Alexander of Topeka and Justin K. Malbrough of Salina; two great-grandchildren, Jordan Malbrough and Malissa Malbrough, both of Columbia, S.C.; caretaker niece, Billie Perry-Robinson of Great Bend; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Mary F. Ramsey and Peggy M. Green. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Johnny Augmon officiating of St. John CME Church of Hutchinson, the Rev. LeRoy Keith reading scripture, the Rev. Victor Williams leading prayer and Lianna Shorté reading the obituary. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Great Bend. Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Charter Funerals Chapel in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Myers AME Church of Great Bend, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Charters Funeral Chapel* 2115 Washington Great Bend, KS 67530
Guadalupe Aide Lujan
1968-2004
Guadalupe Aide Lujan, 35, of Great Bend, died April 19 at her home. She was born May 12, 1968, at Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico, the daughter of Isidro and Irma Renteria Rodriguez. She married
Socorro Lujan March 27, 1989, at Praxedis, Chihuahua, Mexico. A resident of Great Bend for 18 1/2 years, coming from Mexico, she was a homemaker. She was a member of Iglesia Bautista Genezaret. Survivors include her husband of the home; three sons, Jose Lujan, Daniel Lujan and Erick Lujan, all of the home; one daughter, Sahyra Lujan of the home; three brothers, Martin Rodriguez, Raul Rodriguez and Aaron Rodriguez, all of Great Bend; and two sisters, Irma Galvan and Mayra Contreras, both of Great Bend. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with the Rev. Arturo Ferrel officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Great Bend. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to service time Thursday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the family, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Rd. Great Bend, KS 67530
Seraphin Staab
1916-2004
STAFFORD - Seraphin Staab, 87, died April 18 at Stafford District Hospital. He was born Nov. 26, 1916, at Catherine, the son of Jacob and Amelia Walters Staab. He married
Isabelle Marie Schmeidler Sept. 16, 1940, in rural Ellis County. A resident of Stafford since 1942, coming from Hays, he worked for major pipeline companies including Standard Oil, Service Pipe Line, Skelly, Getty and he retired from Texaco. Staab was a longtime member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in St. John, past grand knight of Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree member of Father Kapaun Assembly Knights of Columbus, served on the board of Leisure Homestead Nursing Home and was a member of Stafford County Country Club. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Jerry Staab of Rose Hill and Dean Staab of Pratt; one daughter, Diana Pistole of Oklahoma City, Okla.; two sisters, Eugenia Lewis and Lucille Parker, both of Hays; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and one foster daughter, Sandra Thorp. He was preceded in death by two sons, Lawrence Staab and an infant; four brothers; and five sisters. Vigil service and Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7 p.m. today at Minnis Chapel in Stafford. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Rene Guesnier officiating. Burial will be at Stafford cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at the funeral chapel. Memorials are suggested to Make A Wish foundation or Knights of Columbus, Council 13019, both in care of the funeral chapel. Funeral arrangements provided by Minnis Chapel 125 N. Main Stafford, KS 67578
Mary R.H. Schroeder
1949-2004
HUTCHINSON - Mary R.H. Schroeder, 54, died April 16 at Hospice House in Hutchinson. She was born June 3, 1949, at La Crosse, the daughter of Lee Roy and Mary D. Skelton Brothers. A resident of Hutchinson since 1984, coming from Great Bend, she was a former manager of Chelsea's Restaurant in Hutchinson. Survivors include two sons, Steve Schroeder of Great Bend and Lee Allen Schroeder of Chadsworth, Ga.; one daughter, April Manheim of Hutchinson; one brother, Jimmy Brothers of Little Big Horn, Mont.; and one sister, Shirley Jones of Topeka. She was preceded in death by one sister, Debbie Brothers. Memorial service was Monday at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Hutchinson, with the Rev. Anita Crane officiating. Memorials are suggested to Mary Schroeder Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Heritage Funeral Home 528 N. Main Hutchinson, KS 67501
