Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Richard M. Pettijohn
1933 - 2004
EUCHA, Okla. - Richard M. Pettijohn, 71, died Sept. 29 at his home in Lakemount Shores. He was born May 9, 1933, in Inman, the son of Murel and Cecile Alberta Swan Pettijohn. He married
Thelma Louise Lowe. He owned and operated Dick's Barber Shop in Great Bend for 40 years before retiring in 1994 and was associated with the Wichita Eagle Beacon for 20 years. He was a member of First Church of God and later a member of Four Square Church in Great Bend. Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Mark Pettijohn, Phillip Pettijohn and John Sutton; three daughters, Sue Joiner, Becky Ramirez and Barbara Palmer; two brothers, Charles Miller and Jim Pettijohn; two sisters, Lillian Walters and Erma Carmichael; 17 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, George Pettijohn and Darrell Pettijohn; and one sister, Elsie Ferreria. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Worley-Luginbuel Chapel in Jay, Okla., and at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Burial will be at Golden Belt cemetery in Great Bend. Funeral arrangements provided by Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home 711 S. Main / P.O. Box 450460 Grove, OK 74345-0460
Mary E. Patterson
1940 - 2004
HOLCOMB - Mary E. Patterson, 64, died Sept. 27 at her home in Holcomb. She was born Jan. 24, 1940, in Moore, Okla., the daughter of Charles and Alta Steffans Gibbons. She attended school in Pratt. She married
DeVon E. Patterson Jr. on Feb. 9, 1955, at Alva, Okla. She had lived in various places in Oklahoma and Kansas and moved to Holcomb in 1998. She was a member of the Baptist faith. Survivors include three sons, David Patterson and DeWayne Patterson, both of Great Bend, and DeVon Patterson of Holcomb; one brother, Wayne Steffans of Burlington; two sisters, Carolyn Owens of Langley, Okla., and Wanda Boone of Ocala, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City with the Rev. Jon Becker officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn cemetery in Pratt. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association, both in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Garnand Funeral Home 412 N. 7th St. Garden City, KS 67846
Robert James Younger Sr.
1945-2004
HAYS - Robert J. 'Jimmy' Younger Sr., also know as 'Badger,' 59, died Nov. 27 at the Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend. He was born April 14, 1945, at Hays, the son of Bal and Helen Pfannenstiel Younger. He was a former Hays and Russell resident. Younger was an equipment operator for KDOT in Russell, and a former Boy Scout Master in Russell. Survivors include one son, Robert Younger Jr. of Great Bend; two daughters, Angelina Hill of Russell and Kristina Scott of Hays; his father, Bal Younger of Hays; four brothers, Dennis Younger of Ellis, David Younger and Don Younger, both of Hays, and Tony Younger of Atchison; one sister, Barbara Paul of Hays; and six grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. today at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will be at the St. Joseph cemetery in Hays. Friends may call from 9 to 9:30 a.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established with the Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in his name and memory. Funeral arrangements provided by Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 20th and Pine Hays, KS 67601
Lester M. Stieben
1921-2004
OTIS - Lester M. Stieben, 83, died Nov. 28 at Hays Medical Center in Hays. He was born Aug. 29, 1921, in Brownell, the son of Fred and Julia Schlegel Stieben. He married
Velma V. Miller on Aug. 29, 1943, in Otis. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County. Stieben and his brother Norman were co-owners of Stieben Service and Garage in Otis from Nov. 1947 until his death. Stieben was a member of the United Methodist Church in Otis. Survivors include his wife, of the home; one son, Kenneth V. Stieben; and one daughter, Linda Stieben both of Otis; one brother, Norman W. Stieben of Otis; one sister, Lenora M. Ochs of Great Bend; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church in Otis, with the Rev. Marilyn Christmore officiating. Burial will be at the Otis Methodist cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. today with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Janousek Funeral Home in La Crosse, and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the church in Otis. Memorials may be made to Otis EMTs or the church, both of Otis. Funeral arrangements provided by Janousek Funeral Home 719 Pine La Crosse, KS 67548
Robert H. Shaffer
HAZLET, N.J. - Robert H. Shaffer, 83, died Saturday, Nov. 27, at Holmdel Healthcare Center. born in Great Bend, he came to Brooklyn at the age of 21 to serve in the Coast Guard during World War II. In 1943, he married
Geraldine Jenkins. After the war, he owned an auto body repair shop. Mr. Shaffer worked after that for Central N.Y. Freightways as a truck driver/mechanic, and then as a terminal manager for 25 years. In 1974, he joined Maersk Inc. as its container maintenance manager for the Moller Steamship division. He traveled to many of the world's steamship ports, the highlight being a trip through the Panama Canal. Among his hobbies were vegetable gardening, woodworking, and an avid passion for golf. He was predeceased by his daughter, Ellen Shaffer, in 1947, and his parents, Fred and Hazel Pettit Shaffer. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Geraldine Jenkins Shaffer; three daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and James Burk of Greenville, N.C., Patricia and Donald Ross of Crest Hill, Ill., and Kim and Charles Daetz of Oceanport, N.J.; one sister, Marian E. Shaffer of Surprise, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Tricia, Kelli, James, Melissa, Ashley, and Jordan; and eight great-grandchildren, Alexis, Hailey, Kayla, Ross, John, Gavyn, Caleb and Sophiya. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown, N.J. A funeral service will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with entombment at Holmdel Mausoleum, Holmdel, N.J.
Emily Liles
Emily Liles, newborn, died Nov. 29 at Central Kansas Medical Center. She was born Nov. 29, in Great Bend, the daughter of Robert and Nicole Uthe Liles. Survivors include her parents, of the home; two brothers, Cody Liles and Drew Liles, both of the home; grandparents, Debra Uthe, and Brenda and Ralph Reichuber, all of Great Bend; and great-grandparents, Alan and Joan Brinkmeyer of S.D., Al and Leona Reichuber, and Erma Zimmerman, all of Great Bend. She was preceded in death by a grandfather, Curtis Uthe. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the Great Bend cemetery, with the Rev. Chuck Carpenter officiating. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Orville Kaufman
1929-2004
Orville Kaufman, 75, died Nov. 27, 2004, at his home in Great Bend. He was born July 23, 1929, the son of Carl and Carrie Cook Kaufman. He married
Lois Janda on April 26, 1952, at Dubuque. A resident of Great Bend since 1965, coming from Dorrance, he was a farmer. Kaufman attended First Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Lois Kaufman of the home; two daughters, Nathalea and Timothy Stephenson, of Salina, and Karleen and Abraham Williams of Albuquerque, N.M.; five sisters, Helen Stickney, and Dorothy Bay, both of Russell, LaFern Prediger, and Carol Herber, both of Salina, and Leona Champion of San Jose, Calif.; and two grandchildren, Brandon and Kendra Stephenson. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lloyd Kaufman. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Southern Baptist Church, with the Rev. Doyle Smith and the Rev. Harlan Palser officiating. Burial will be at the Wilson City cemetery in Wilson at 2 p.m. Visitation will be today, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church. The family will receive friends today from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to the Orville Kaufman Memorial Fund. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
Reva Hixon
1919-2004
PALCO - Funeral services for Reva Hixon, age 84, of Palco, were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2004, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, with Father Joe Popelka presiding. Mrs. Hixon passed away Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004, at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney. She was born Dec. 1, 1919, in Zurich, the daughter of O.C. and Flora Atherton Ouderkirk. She was a homemaker and an area resident for the past 55 years, moving from Idaho. On Dec. 31, 1937, she married
Frederick Hixon in Meridian, Idaho. He passed away March 7, 1997. Mrs. Hixon was a volunteer with the Senior Companions in Hays; she enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing cards, bingo, reading, dancing, and her family and friends. Survivors include three daughters, Connie Clayton of Lakeland, Fla., Sharon Hixon of Hill City, and Juanita Lumpkins of Palco; one son, Lowell Hixon of Spivey; one sister, Novella Steffey of Washington State; 13 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two infant brothers, Theron and Melvin Ouderkirk; four brothers, Delmer, Harold, Avery, and Milton Ouderkirk; two sisters, Jessie Murphy and Effie Pywell. Burial was at the Pleasant View cemetery in Palco. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the chapel. Funeral arrangements provided by Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel 409 S. Cochran Plainville, KS 67665
David Lauren Rasanen, M.D.
1977 - 2004
Sandra Marie Rasanen
1977 - 2004
WATERLOO, IOWA - David Lauren and Sandra Marie Rasanen, (son and daughter-in-law of Rev. Jeffrey and Monna Rasanen, former Pastor in Great Bend and Larned, both 27, died in an auto accident, November 19, near their home in Shreveport, Louisiana. David was born June 24, 1977 in Rush City, Minnesota, son of Jeffrey D. and Monna L. Rasanen. Sandi was born June 6, 1977 in Michigan City, Indiana, daughter of Brian L. and Diane K. Carlson. David and Sandi became husband and wife December 28, 1996. During their eight years together, they lived life with great passion. David completed a medical degree and was in an orthopedic surgery residency program. Sandi was an elementary education teacher, loved by her students, parents, and faculty. In spite of their hectic schedule, they loved to be a part of their church and community. In every place they lived, they used their gifts and abilities to glorify God. They taught classes, led small groups, worked in children's ministries, and found time to know all their neighbors personally. Their love for others was evident by their constant involvement in the lives of those around them. David and Sandi lived their faith in Jesus Christ in every part of their lives. Their focus was to please and serve God with all of their hearts. Though their years were few, they lived a very rich and full life. They traveled to places all over the world, including New York, South Africa and Europe. David and Sandi dreamed dreams and their dreams became their reality. Now, the largest of all dreams has come true - they are standing in the presence of Almighty God. We are so very proud of David and Sandi. They have finished the race, kept the faith, and are home together. David is survived by his parents, Jeff and Monna Rasanen, sister Kristy Rasanen, brother Benjamin (Melanie) Rasanen, and grandfather Tom Palmer. Sandi is survived by her parents Brian and Diane Carlson, sisters Stephanie (Dustin) Brown and Stacey Carlson, brother Steven Carlson, grandparents Bruce and Marsha Carlson, Raine and Jose Granja, and Alden and Rosalie Baumgartner. A memorial service was held Tuesday, November 23, at the Louisiana State Medical Hospital in Shreveport, where David was in residency. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 27, at Cedar Valley Community Church, Waterloo, with burial in Waterloo Memorial Park cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the families for a memorial to be established in the honor of David and Sandi. Cards, letters and memorials may be mailed to the families: The Rev. and Mrs. Jeffrey (Monna) Rasanen, 300 Shirley Ave., Elk Run Heights, Iowa 50707 and Mr. and Mrs. Brian (Diane) Carlson, 419 Devonshire Road, Waterloo, Iowa 50701. Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Hagerty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service 300 W. Ridgeway Ave.; P.O. Box 1287 Waterloo, Iowa 50704-1287
Reva Hixon
1919-2004
PALCO - Funeral services for Reva Hixon, 84, of Palco, will be 10 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, with Father Joe Popelka officiating. Mrs. Hixon passed away Wednesday, Nov. 24, at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney. She was born Dec. 1, 1919 in Zurich, Kan., the daughter of O.C. and Flora (Atherton) Ouderkirk. She was a homemaker and an area resident for the past 55 years, moving from Idaho. On Dec. 31, 1937, she married
Frederick Hixon in Meridian, Idaho. He passed away March 7, 1997. Mrs. Hixon was a volunteer with the Senior Companions in Hays. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, playing cards, bingo, reading, dancing and her family and friends. Survivors include three daughters, Connie Clayton of Lakeland, Fla., Sharon Hixon of Hill City, Juanita Lumpkins of Palco; one son, Lowell Hixon of Spivey; one sister, Novella Steffey of Washington state; 13 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two infant brothers, Theron and Melvin Ouderkirk; four brothers, Delmer, Harold, Avery and Milton Ouderkirk; and two sisters, Jessie Murphy and Effie Pywell. Burial will be in Pleasant View cemetery at Palco. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel in Plainville. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the chapel. Funeral arrangements provided by Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel 409 S. Cochran Plainville, Kan. 67663
Dean H. Ratzlaff
1916 - 2004
Dean H. Ratzlaff, 88, of Great Bend, died Nov. 21 at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend. He was born April 6, 1916, in Great Bend, the son of Jake and Emma Unruh Ratzlaff. He married
Clara Belle Hixon on March 29, 1941, at Wichita. She died May 18, 1974. He married
Johnnie G. Dixon Bessette on May 6, 1978, at Great Bend. A Great Bend resident all of his life, he was an undersheriff for the Barton County Sheriff's Department. Ratzlaff was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. Survivors include, his wife, of the home; one daughter, Georgia Gates of Overland Park; one step-son, Bob Standerfer of Marlow, Okla.; two step-daughters, Steina Bessette of Carbondale, and Twilla McKee of Topeka; seven grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 20 step-great-grandchildren; and five step-great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife, Clara Belle Ratzlaff; one son, Marion Weese; one brother, George Ratzlaff; and one sister, Rhoda Avis. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Dundee Valley cemetery, in Dundee, with Milton Raymer officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Barton County DARE Association in care of the funeral home. Funeral arrangements provided by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, KS 67530
