Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Kathryn Elizabeth Stevens Hunt 1921-2003
Kathryn Elizabeth Stevens Hunt, 81, of Great Bend, died May 2 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. She was born Aug. 2, 1921, at Hutchinson, the daughter of Stanley J. (1896-1961) and Anna K. Strobel (1901-1981) Rychlec. She graduated from Great Bend High School, received her bachelor's degree from Sterling College and her master's degree from Emporia Teachers' College. She married
Lee W. Stevens Jan. 11, 1945, at Hutchinson. Stevens served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He died Oct. 20, 1959. She married
James H. Hunt Dec. 26, 1987, at Great Bend. Hunt retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1954- 1974. A resident of Great Bend since 1938, coming from Hutchinson, she was a teacher, teaching at Riley, Washington and Jefferson Elementary Schools, and Harrison Junior High, all of Great Bend, as well as in Wichita. Mrs. Hunt was a member of Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Extension Homemakers Unit, St. Rose Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Charles L. and wife Barbara Stevens of Downs; one daughter, Dianna and husband Kenneth Stevens Sadberry of Conroe, Texas; one brother, Robert L. Richley of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Joshua Brandt Stevens, Seth Lee Stevens, Jessie Lee and wife Denise Sadberry, and Kimberly Ann Sadberry; and one great-grandchild, Jessica Analee Sadberry. Rosary will be at 2 p.m. May 10 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend. Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. May 10 at the church, with Father Warren Stecklein officiating. There will no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home of Great Bend.
Lester R. Spong 1907-2003
THORNTON, Colo., - Lester R. Spong, 95, formerly of Great Bend and Wichita, passed away on April 28 at Alpine Living Center in Thornton, Colo. He was born Sept. 2, 1907, in Fredonia, the son of the late M.T. and Olga Spong. He graduated from Fredonia High School and Ottawa University and received his master's degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He was married
to Gladys Carlson on Aug. 14, 1936, at the Carlson farm near Buffalo. Spong taught high school chemistry and physics for 42 years. He began his teaching career in Edna, Oketa and Richmond, but most of his career was at Great Bend High School where he retired in 1973. In 1969 he was named Master Teacher by the Great Bend High School. He also worked as Camp Superintendent at Camp Christy near Scott City, for six summer camping seasons. Spong was a member of Central Baptist Church in Great Bend and later of the First Baptist Church in Wichita. He served in the following organizations: director of Ottawa University Alumni Board; treasurer and president of Great Bend Association of Churches; board member of Brit Spaugh Zoological Society; member of AARP, Barton County Historical Society, Stamp Club, Great Bend Education Association, Kansas State Teachers Association and National Education Association. In 1990 the Spongs moved to Pacific Homestead in Wichita. He lived there until 2001 when he moved to Thornton, Colo., to be near his son. Survivors include his daughter, Carolyn McPherson of Ithace, N.Y.; his son, Richard and Pris Spong of Westminster, Colo.; his sister, Margaret Bailey of Overland Park; his grandchildren, Scott and Melody McPherson of Franklin, Tenn., Cheryl and Trent Hampton of Englewood, Colo., Kay and Johnny Lozano of Seattle, Wash., and Andrea and Richard Kely of Athens, Ga.; his great-grandsons, Zachary McPherson, Griffith and Drake Hampton, Joshua and Nolan North; nephews, nieces, sisters- and brothers-in-law and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Spong; and his brother, Clarence Spong. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Colfax Baptist Church near Chanute with the Rev. Bill Shook of Wichita officiating. Burial will be at Colfax cemetery. Gibson- Koch-Friskel Chapel of Chanute is in charge of arrangements. Kindly omit the flowers and consider a memorial gift to Central Baptist Church, Harrison and Lakin Street, Great Bend, KS 67530; Prairie Homestead, 1605 May Ave., Wichita, KS 67213; or Ottawa University, 1001 S. Cedar, Ottawa, KS 66067- 3399.
Dee Rochelle Van Natta 1960-2003
Dee Rochelle Van Natta, 42, of Great Bend, died April 28 at her residence. She was born Oct. 31, 1960, at Hutchinson, the daughter of Jack Darwin and Ethel Francis Fassauer Van Natta. She was a resident of Great Bend since 1990. Survivors include her companion, David Adams of Great Bend; two brothers, Leslie Richard Van Natta of Denver, Colo., and Roger Van Natta of Golden, Colo.; and one sister, Rletta Cain of Wells, Maine. She was preceded in death by one brother, Ray Darwin Van Natta. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. May 7 at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with the Rev. Don Paden officiating. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. May 7 at Fairlawn Burial Park and Mausoleum in Hutchinson. There is no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Dee Rochelle Van Natta Expense Fund or Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice, both in care of the funeral home.
E.M. 'Annie' Pickle E.M. 'Annie' Pickle, of Great Bend, died April 30 at Hutchinson Hospital. born at Waverly, Ill., she was the daughter of Ollie and Henry Rowland. She attended Waverly schools. She married
William 'Bill' Pickle in 1961 at Camp Forsyth Chapel. A resident of Great Bend, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Pickle was a member of Kansas Women's Bowling Association. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Thomas William Pickle of Great Bend; one daughter, Pam Pennington of Goodland; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Rowland and Carl Rowland; and one grandson, Jody Charles. The body was cremated. A private family inurnment at Golden Belt cemetery in Great Bend is planned at a later date, with the Rev. Dick Ogle officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Barton County Relay for Life, in care of the funeral home.
Lester R. Spong 1907-2003
THORNTON, Colo., - Lester R. Spong, 95, formerly of Great Bend and Wichita, passed away on April 28 at Alpine Living Center in Thornton, Colo. He was born Sept. 2, 1907, in Fredonia, the son of the late M.T. and Olga Spong. He graduated from Fredonia High School and Ottawa University and received his master's degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He was married
to Gladys Carlson on Aug. 14, 1936, at the Carlson farm near Buffalo. Spong taught high school chemistry and physics for 42 years. He began his teaching career in Edna, Oketa and Richmond, but most of his career was at Great Bend High School where he retired in 1973. In 1969 he was named Master Teacher by the Great Bend High School. He also worked as Camp Superintendent at Camp Christy near Ft. Scott, for six summer camping seasons. Spong was a member of Central Baptist Church in Great Bend and later of the First Baptist Church in Wichita. He served in the following organizations: director of Ottawa University Alumni Board; treasurer and president of Great Bend Association of Churches; board member of Brit Spaugh Zoological Society; member of AARP, Barton County Historical Society, Stamp Club, Great Bend Education Association, Kansas State Teachers Association and National Education Association. In 1990 the Spongs moved to Pacific Homestead in Wichita. He lived there until 2001 when he moved to Thornton, Colo., to be near his son. Survivors include his daughter, Carolyn McPerson of Ithace, N.Y.; his son, Richard and Pris Spong of Westminster, Colo.; his sister, Margaret Bailey of Overland Park; his grandchildren, Scott and Melody McPerson of Franklin, Tenn., Cheryl and Trent Hampton of Englewood, Colo., Kay and Johnny Lozano of Seattle, Wash., and Andrea and Richard Kely of Athens, Ga.; his great-grandsons, Zachary McPerson, Griffith and Drake Hampton, Joshua and Nolan North; nephews, nieces, sisters- and brothers-in-law and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Spong; and his brother, Clarence Spong. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Colfax Baptist Church near Chanute with the Rev. Bill Shook of Wichita officiating. Burial will be at Colfax cemetery. Gibson-Koch-Friskel Chapel of Chanute is in charge of arrangements. Kindly omit the flowers and consider a memorial gift to Central Baptist Church, Harrison and Lakin Street, Great Bend, KS 67530; Prairie Homestead, 1605 May Ave., Wichita, KS 67213; or Ottawa University, 1001 S. Cedar, Ottawa, KS 66067- 3399.
Henrietta M. Farmer 1935-2003
HOISINGTON -Henrietta M. Farmer, 67, died April 29 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus in Wichita. She was born Nov. 24, 1935, at Schoenchen, the daughter of John A. and Rosella A. Wasinger Tauscher. She married
Herman R. Farmer April 4, 1955, at Compton, Ark. A lifetime resident of Hoisington, she was a CNA for 25 years at Hoisington Nursing Home. Mrs. Farmer was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Altar Society and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, all of Hoisington. Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Richard S. Farmer of Chouteau, Okla.; three daughters, Elizabeth J. Boyd of Salina, Kathryn M. Scott of Hoisington and Gloria S. Loomer of Sidney, Mont.; five brothers, Eldon Tauscher of Larned, Ernie Tauscher and Kenny Tauscher, both of Arkansas City, Harold Tauscher of Chicago, Ill., and Ronnie Tauscher of Hoisington; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Daniel Farmer; two brothers, Lee Tauscher and Gerald Tauscher; and one sister, Bernice Riedel. Vigil will be at 7 tonight followed by Altar Society rosary, both at Nicholson- Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Pascal Klein officiating. Burial will be at St. John Church cemetery in Hoisington. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 9 tonight and from 9 a.m. until service time Friday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church or American Diabetes Association, both in care of the funeral home.
Clara May Yourdon 1912-2003
LARNED ‹ Clara May Yourdon, 91, died June 26 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Larned. She was born June 3, 1912, at Kiowa County, the daughter of Samuel G. and Mertle Schooley Kelly. She married
Lloyd Oliver Yourdon Aug. 16, 1933, at Dodge City. He died July15, 1981. A lifetime Larned resident, she was a homemaker. Mrs. Yourdon was a member of First Christian Church in Larned. Survivors include one son, Fred Yourdon of Reno, Nev.; two daughters, Barbara Beth of Larned and Donna Kopek of Bolingbrook, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Swisher; three brothers, Dale Kelly, Neal Kelly and Earl Kelly; one grandson; and one great-grandson. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Larned cemetery with the Rev. Dan Lundgren presiding. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home.
Orville Jones 1917-2003
RUSSELL ‹ Orville Jones, 85, died June 27 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. He was born Sept. 11, 1917, at Bartlesville, Okla., the son of Charlie and Bonnie Beckham Jones. He married
Orpha Pearl Ogle Oct. 7, 1939, at Springfield, Colo. She died Nov. 14, 1994. He married
Marilyn Ann Norman Stone Aug. 26, 1995, at Russell. He was a resident of Russell, coming from Oklahoma and also Colorado and western Kansas. He was employed by Cities Service Oil Company for 32 years as a roustabout and production foreman and was a farmer. Jones was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Russell and was a former member of First Baptist Church, also of Russell, a life member of Veterans of Foreign War and a member of Masonic Lodge, both of Russell. Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Sharon Hilgenberg and Orma Bilbrey, both of Russell, and Diane Van Sike of Wichita; three step-daughters, Rebecca Moor and Amber Renee Cartwright, both of Wichita, and Ramona Parker of Mission Viejo, Calif.; one sister, Daisy Mae Blackford of Ft. Smith, Ark.; seven grandchldren; three step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by one brother, William Jones. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First Southern Baptist Church with the Rev. Leon Irwin officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Russell City cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 8 a.m. to noon Monday at Pohlman¹s Mortuary in Russell. Memorials are suggested to First Southern Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.
Merle E. Trout 1906-2003
PRATT ‹ Merle E. Trout, 96, died June 28 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born Nov. 12, 1906, at Pratt, the son of Clifford C. and Alta Garrison Trout. He married
Erna Viola Gagelman Nov. 5, 1944. She died June 5, 1991. He married
Novadea League Bowers Oct. 28, 1955, at Pratt. A resident of Pratt most of his life, he was a retired owner and operator of Trout Motors auto dealership in Pratt. Trout was a member of Western Savings board, United Way board, RSVP advisory board, PCC Endowment Association, president of Lions Club and president of Pratt Chamber of Commerce, all of Pratt. Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Merleen Bean of Springfield, Mo.; one step-daughter, Luella Waterman of Langdon; three stepsons, Ora Bowers of Langdon, Darrel Bowers of Bartlesville, Okla., and Keith Shelman of Iuka; one grandson; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Gladys Lilly; one grandson, David Bean; one step-daughter, Yvonne Shelman; and step-mother, Ella Gillett. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Kendal Utt and Chaplain Fred Pinkerton both officiating. Burial will be at Great Bend cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Larrison Mortuary in Pratt. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or Multiple Sclerosis Society, both in care of the funeral home.
Robert B. Kaiser Sr. 1928-2003
CLAFLIN ‹ Robert B. Kaiser Sr., 75, died June 28 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. He was born Feb. 20, 1928, at Barton County, the son of Joe F. and Mary Meyeres Kaiser. He married
Teresa M. Kowalsky Krier Nov. 20, 1957, at Dubuque. A lifetime resident of Barton County, he was a farmer and stockman. Kaiser was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Veterans of Foreign War, both of Claflin, Knights of Columbus of Odin and Farm Bureau. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served as private first class in the Korean War. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Bob J. Kaiser of Odin and David W. Kaiser of Claflin; three step-sons, Thomas D. Krier of Excelsior Springs, Mo., Dennis J. Krier of Great Bend and Pete L. Krier of Claflin; one step-daughter, Sheryl A. Oberle of Janesville, Wis.; three brothers, Leo N. Kaiser of Claflin, Louis Kaiser of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Don Kaiser of Great Bend; one sister, Lucille Beck of Beaver; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Barry Kaiser; one brother, Richard L. Kaiser and one sister, Mary Elizabeth Kaiser. Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday followed by a vigil at 7 p.m., both at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in Hoisington. Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. John J. Maes officiating. Burial will be at Claflin cemetery with military rites provided by VFW Post 8668 and American Legion Post 786. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Monday, both at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the church in care of the funeral home.
Michael E. Sheil 1930-2003
Michael E. Sheil, 72, of Great Bend died June 28 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center in Great Bend. He was born Sept. 9, 1930, at Cherryvale the son of Edward and Pauline Grant Sheil. Sheil was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church of Great Bend. A resident of Great Bend, coming from Denver, Colo., he was a foreign language teacher at Denver Colorado public school system. He was a U.S. Airforce veteran, having served in the Korean War. Survivors include two sisters, Nita Jensen of Spokane, Wash., and Ruth Murray of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James Sheil and John Sheil; one one sister, Teresa Haag. Inurnment will be at Great Bend cemetery. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Great Bend Public Library in care of Bryant Funeral Home of Great Bend.
Stephen John Brown 1947-2003
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - Stephen John Brown, 56, died June 27. He was born May 30, 1947, at Plainville, the son of Gilbert and Darlene Brown. He was a musician. Survivors include two sons, Stephen Paul Brown and Robert Wade Brown; his mother, Darlene Brown Carter; two brothers, Gilbert Brown and Darwin Brown; one sister, Debbie Spires; and four grandchildren. Family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. today at 304 SE Moore St., Blue Springs, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family. Mt. Washington Forever Funeral Home cemetery in Independence is in charge of arrangements.
Raymond Schweitzer 1908-2003
RANSOM - Raymond Schweitzer, 94, died June 26 at Olathe Medical Center. He was born Sept. 10, 1908, at Enterprise, the son of Adolph and Anna Roediger Schweitzer. He married
Susie Walter March 10, 1933, in Wichita. She died March 13, 1940. He married
M. Rosalie 'Doty' Sonnenburg Aug. 8, 1946, at Ness City. She died Dec. 6, 1999. A resident of Ransom since 1913, he was a farmer. Schweitzer was a member of United Methodist Church and Go Getters Senior Center, both of Ransom, and a former member of Odd Fellows Lodge in Ness City. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Schweitzer of Leawood and Darrel Schweitzer of Wappapello, Mo.; two daughters, Linda McFadden of Shawnee and Barbara Poage of Hill City; four sisters, Selma Walter and Virginia Conkright, both of Ransom, Laurine Brown of Great Bend and Dora Brown of Ness City; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Garland Schweitzer, Harvey Schweitzer and Wallace Schweitzer; four sisters, Helen Zumbrunn, Sylvia Wassinger, Ruth Chapman and Lena Chapman; two grandsons, James and Jeffery Smith; and one great-granddaughter, Annie Marie Blau. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Bruce Ferguson officiating. Burial will be at Ransom cemetery. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City and from 10 a.m. to service time Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Go Getters Senior Center, in care of the funeral home.
Mary A. Pelzel 1919-2003
HAYS - Mary A. Pelzel, 84, died June 25 at Hays Medical Center. She was born Jan. 1, 1919, at Catherine, the daughter of Fred and Margaret Dinkel Schmidt. She married
Alphonse Pelzel at Catherine. A resident of Hays, she worked in housekeeping at Fort Hays State University McMindes Hall. Mrs. Pelzel was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Eagles Auxiliary. Survivors include her husband of Hays; four sons, Leon Pelzel of Hays, Dave Pelzel of Ellsworth, Steve Pelzel of Larned and Jerry Pelzel of Salina; one daughter, Diana Darnell of Clovis, N.M.; four brothers, Hilary Schmidt and Marcellus Schmidt, both of Hays, Clarence Schmidt of Montana and John Schmidt of Great Bend; four sisters, Tina Likiareopolous of Wichita, Ann Schmidt of Plainville, Marge Schmidt of Hays and Jane Jacobs of Minneapolis, Minn.; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Fidelis Schmidt, Joe Schmidt and Alex Schmidt; and one sister, Kate Quint. An Eagle's Auxiliary service will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday followed by a parish vigil service at 7 p.m., both at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hays. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph cemetery in Hays. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today, from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Unit at Hays Good Samaritan Center, in care of the funeral home.
