Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Gwendolyn Faye Lewis
1937-2004
LARNED - Gwendolyn Faye 'Gwen' Lewis, 67, died Aug. 6 at her home in Larned. She was born March 7, 1937, at Kingman, the adopted daughter of Dr. Earl and Hilda Seyb Morris. She married
Richard H. Lewis June 18, 1965. A longtime Larned resident, formerly of Hays, she was a retired building superintendent for the First United Methodist Church in Larned. Mrs. Lewis was a member of First United Methodist Church in Larned. Survivors include her husband of the home; one daughter, Pam Lewis, of Larned; one son, Patrick Lewis, of Hesston; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Randall Lewis, and one sister, Betty Rucker. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned, with the Rev. Kevin Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in the Larned cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Dreiling & Schmidt Cancer Center of Hays in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Beckwith Mortuary Inc. P.O. Box 477 Larned, KS 67550
Irma J. Ernst
1931-2004
Irma J. Ernst, 73, died Aug. 5 at her home in Great Bend. She was born June 11, 1931, at Hoisington, the daughter of Arthur and Elsie Nickalus Steinert. She married
Robert L. Ernst May 27, 1950, at Hoisington. He died July 6, 1978. A lifetime Hoisington resident, recently moving to Great Bend, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Ernst was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary of Hoisington; Eagles Auxiliary No. 646, of Great Bend; and the Three Corner Rabbit Club. Survivors include two sons, Michael Ernst, of Hoisington, and Brian Ernst, of Haven; one daughter, Cathy Weber, of Pawnee Rock; two brothers, Don Steinert, of Halstead, and Elmer Steinert, of Temple, Texas; one sister, Ruth King, of Los Angeles, Calif; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Harlan Steinert. Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington with the Rev. Don Fisher officiating. Burial will be at Hoisington cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 North Main, P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544
Glennys Deane Shopteese
1938-2004
KANSAS CITY - Glennys Dean Shopteese, 65, died Aug. 5 at the University of Kansas Medical Center at Kansas City. She was born Dec. 19, 1938, at Little River, the daughter of Reo Glenn and Madge Evelyn Finkle Myers. She was a 1956 graduate of Russell High School. She married
Robert LaRue Shopteese March 19, 1966, at Russell. A resident of Kansas City for 35 years, formerly of Little River and Russell, she was a retired technician from Bethany Hospital in Kansas City. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son Randy Baum, of Olathe; two daughters, Debra Anderson, of Kansas City, and Jacquelyn Russell, of Gardner; one sister Laura Lee Redig, of Great Bend; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Jason Baum. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Bean Memorial cemetery in Little River with the Rev. Adelia Hooley officiating. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday at Sillin Funeral Home in Lyons. Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Sillin Funeral Home 214 West Ave. South Lyons, KS 67554
B. J. Ballhorst
1981-2004
SMITH CENTER - B. J. Ballhorst, 22, died Aug. 5. He was born Aug. 8, 1981, at Phillipsburg, the son of John E. and Gayle Ballhorst. He was a pharmacy student. Survivors include his parents, one brother, Blake Ballhorst of Hutchinson; his maternal grandparents, William H. and Berta Riegel of Eaton, Colo.; and his paternal grandparents, Floyd and Marie Rogers and Newton Ballhorst all of Great Bend. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First Chrisitian Church in Smith Center. Burial will be in Fairview cemetery in Smith Center. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Simmons Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Simmons Mortuary 116 W. First Street Smith Center, KS 66967
Georgia Ellen Hawkins
1920 - 2004
HOISINGTON - Georgia Ellen Hawkins, 83, died Aug. 5 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. She was born Oct. 5, 1920, at Gatewood, Mo., the daughter of Charlie and Addie Robinson Miller. She married
Bobbie C. Brewer on Jan. 19, 1943, at St. Louis, Mo. He died Nov. 11, 1959. She married
Ralph C. Hawkins on Feb. 20, 1970, at Hoisington. He died May 14, 1988. A Hoisington resident since 1945, coming from St. Louis and Gatewood, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Hawkins was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, all of Hoisington. Survivors include two sons, Garrel Ray Brewer, Lucas, and Charles Lee Brewer, Hoisington; a daughter, Jan A. Elliott, Great Bend; stepson Michael Hawkins, Wyoming; sister Anna Lee Hodo, Doniphan, Mo.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a stepson, Richard Hawkins; four brothers, Daily Miller, Baily Miller and Charlie Jay Miller, and infant Francis Miller; and two sisters, Vida Cunningham and Loretta RedusPaul. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Wayne Flanders officiating. Burial will be at Hoisington cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to service time Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church of Hoisington in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 North Main, P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544
Clifford Charles Litzenberger
1937-2004
Clifford Charles Litzenberger, 67, a very loving husband, father, and friend, ended his courageous battle with cancer on Aug. 3, 2004. He was surrounded by his loved ones. Clifford was born June 7, 1937, on a farm near Garden City, Kan., to Mr. and Mrs. Conard Litzenberger Jr. He enjoyed a successful career of 46 years in the transportation industry, where he leaves many endeared friends, coworkers and clients he has shared many wonderful years with. He enjoyed everything that he did to the fullest and has left family and friends with a multitude of special times and memories to cherish forever. Clifford is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Sherri of Edmond, Okla.; three sisters, Arlene Miller, Northglenn, Colo., Janis Bieberle, Claflin, Kan., and Karen Taylor, Albuquerque, N.M.; and his loving children and stepchild, Robin Shorb, Tulsa, Okla., Julie Mehl, Grapevine, Texas, Dallas Litzenberger, Tyler, Texas, and Jill Engleman, Great Bend, Kan. He is also survived by his endearing grandchildren: Kelsey, Matt, Taylor, MacKenize, Laura, Sarah, Michael, Brett, Madison, Zachary and Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Alfred, Richard and Morris; one sister, Margaret; and one grandson, John Mehl Jr. The family extends their thanks and gratitude for the loving care to Edmond Specialty Hospital, and a special thank you to Dr. Tim Grode. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8400 Silver Crossings #H, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Demuth Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements provided by Demuth Funeral Home 1145 W. Britton Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Marcia M. Unruh
1920-2004
Marcia M. Unruh, 83, died Aug. 3 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Nov. 10, 1920, at Fowler, the daughter of James Henry and Ruth Elsie Harvey Young. She attended Friends University and Chicago Conservatory of Music. She married
Everett Leigh Copeland at Dodge City. He died Dec. 2, 1952. She married
Albert L. 'Buck' Unruh on June 1, 1955. A resident of Great Bend since 1955, coming from Pawnee Rock, she was a retired music teacher. Mrs. Unruh was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Women's Christian Fellowship and Hi-Rise Kitchen Band, all in Great Bend. She was the former choir director for First Presbyterian Church and First Congregational United Church of Christ. Survivors include her husband of the home; two sons, Randolph Leigh Copeland, Gallup, N.M., and Albert L. Unruh Jr., Osawatomie; daughter Pamela Ann Copeland Munoz, Klamath Falls, Ore.; three brothers, Clifton Irvin Young, Oklahoma City, Okla., A. Ellsworth Young, Hennipin, Ill., and Robert Edwing Young, Fowler; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Cara Unruh, and a brother, Herschel Henry Young. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Diana Coberly officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Friday, both at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Memorials are suggested to First Congregational United Church of Christ, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Lawrence J. Cuthrell
1925-2004
OTIS - Lawrence J. Cuthrell, 78, died Aug. 2 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus in Wichita. He was born Nov. 7, 1925, in rural Rush County, the son of James and Augusta Miller Cuthrell. He married
Christabelle Karst on Nov. 14, 1948, at Milberger. She died Nov. 22, 2000. He was a retired farmer and stockman, and a lifetime resident of the Otis area. Cuthrell was a member of United Methodist Church of Otis and Sunflower Polka Club. Survivors include three daughters, Jean Clair and her husband Gary of Great Bend; Barb Walters and her husband Mike of Colby; and Carla Jecha and her husband Craig of Timken; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathryn Jones; and two brothers, Eugene Cuthrell and an infant brother. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at United Methodist Church in Otis with the Rev. Marilyn Christmore officiating. Prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Burial will be at Fairview cemetery in Galatia. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America or Otis United Methodist Church, both in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 North Main, P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544
Theaus NormaLea Burris
1923 - 2004
HOISINGTON - Theaus NormaLea Burris, 81, died July 30 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born March 7, 1923, at Great Bend, the daughter of Thomas Fox Sr. and Leathea Faye Shanes Fox. She married
Hugh G. Burris on March 3, 1946, at Hoisington. He died Feb. 19, 1995. She was a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Hoisington and formerly co-owned, with her husband, Burris Jewelry Store, also in Hoisington. After moving to Fenton, Mo., she was a switchboard operator for United Van Lines. She had been a lifetime resident of Barton County until moving to Fenton in 1963. She returned to Hoisington in 1993. Mrs. Burris was a member of the First Christian Church and Order of the Eastern Star-UNA Chapter No. 119, both of Hoisington. Survivors include two sons, James B. Burris, Escondido, Calif., and David J. Burris, Halls, Tenn.; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Fox Jr. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Paula Bell officiating. Interment will be at Hoisington cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, with family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m., all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association or First Christian Church, in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 415 North Main, P.O. Box 146 Hoisington, KS 67544
Rickey Lee DeTour
1929 - 2004
TUCSON, Ariz. - Rickey Lee DeTour passed away peacefully on July 29, 2004, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. He was born July 29, 1943, in McPherson, Kan., the first child of Lorene DeTour. Rick moved to Arizona in 1979 where he enjoyed the sunshine and endless golf. He was an avid golfer and die-hard Dallas Cowboys and Dodgers fan. Rick helped organize and participated in many charity golf tournaments in Tucson and was very well known in the golf community. He was a straight shooter and if you didn't want to hear the truth, 'don't ask.' He graduated from McPherson High School in 1961 where he excelled in sports. He worked on the family farm where he learned valuable life lessons from his grandfather. He received his college degree from McPherson College in 1972. He was a proud veteran serving in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He married
Elaine Meyer in December 1969 and they were blessed with a daughter, Megan Leigh DeTour, who was his pride and joy. Rick was passionate about working with disadvantaged and disabled children. He coached children, played intramural sports and was a top high school and college sports official in Kansas. He worked for Certain-teed Pipe in McPherson, Kan., and upon moving to Tucson he worked for General Instruments. The last 20 years he has followed his love of golf, working at golf courses and shops. Most recently, he worked for Pro Golf before retiring due to illness. Rick was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Dana L. Voshell and Eva Mae Voshell, who played a pivotal role in his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, much loved daughter, Megan Leigh; mother, Lorene DeTour; brothers, Bob (Judy) DeTour, Larry 'Bat' DeTour; sister, Janet DeTour, Hutchinson, Kan.; in-laws, George and Millicent Meyer; sisters and brother-in-law, Madeline and Frank Gabriel, Natalie and Kenny Windholz, Edward and Barbara Meyer, and Richard and Nikki Meyer; his uncle, Tony Voshell, and an aunt, Doris McGill; two cousins and six nephews, six nieces and three grandnieces also survive him. Rick was affectionately known as 'Poppy Rick' to his young nieces and nephews who adored him. Rick's sense of humor and love of life will be missed by his family and many dear friends and golf buddies. The family gives a special thanks to the physicians and nurses and staff at El Dorado Hospital for their loving and compassionate care of their beloved Rick. Memorials are suggested to the donor's favorite charity in memory of Rick. A celebration of Rick's life will be held at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, 710 South Kolb Rd., Tucson, Ariz., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. There will be a memorial in McPherson at a later date. Funeral arrangements provided by Bring's Broadway Chapel 6910 E. Broadway, P.O. Box 1423 Tucson, AZ 85702
Edward Jacob Joseph Polzin
1913 - 2004
LARNED - Edward Jacob Joseph Polzin, 91, died Aug. 2 at Kansas Soldiers Home, Fort Dodge. He was born June 18, 1913, in Barton County, the son of Edward J. and Sophie Esfeldt Polzin. He married
Ethal Smith on Sept. 16, 1939, at Great Bend. She died Aug. 19, 1978. He then married
Helen Fellow Wilson on Nov. 24, 1979, at Larned. She died Feb. 27, 2002. A longtime area resident, he was a floor craftsman and laborer. Polzin was a member of First Presbyterian Church, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Men's Prayer Group and Fort Larned Lions Club, all of Larned. Survivors include one daughter, Jewell Lewis, Larned; one step-daughter, Marjorie West, Littleton, Colo.; two sons, Marvin Polzin, West Plains, Mo., and James Polzin, Kinsley; one step-son, Bob Wilson, Toano, Va.; one brother, Leo Polzin, Great Bend; nine grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 13 great grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Cramer and Jean Ely, and two brothers, Tony Polzin and Frank Polzin. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned, with Chaplain Vernon Bogart presiding. Burial will be in Great Bend cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Wednesday at the mortuary. Memorials may be sent to the church or The Welcome Inn, both in care of the mortuary. Funeral arrangements provided by Beckwith Mortuary Inc. P.O. Box 477 Larned, KS 67550
