Obituaries in Kansas Newspapers (arranged by city)
Louis W. 'Louie' Ross 1924-2003
HAYS - Louis W. 'Louie' Ross, 79, died Nov. 1 at St. John's of Hays Nursing Home. He was born Oct. 23, 1924, at Hays, the son of Frank and Andrea Meier Ross. He married
Justina 'Tina' Meier Oct. 20, 1948, at Hays. He was an electrician contractor and owner of Ross Electric for many years and was a pumper for Baruch-Foster Oil prior to his retirement. Ross was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Hays. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Tom Ross and Roger Ross, both of Edmund, Okla.; three daughters, Carol Ledbetter of Edmund, Joan Scott of Pampa, Texas, and Lois Cook of Amarillo, Texas; three brothers, Francis Ross of Wichita, Lawrence 'Pete' Ross of Great Bend and Alan Ross of Hays; two sisters, Mary Ellen Fromm of Grand Junction, Colo., and Irene Hauser of Louisville, Colo.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Norbert Ross and Richard 'Dick' Ross; and one granddaughter, Camilla Ross. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. today at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the church or Pheasants Forever, in care of the funeral home.
Grace E. Ditch 1916-2003
ST. JOHN - Grace E. Ditch, 86, died Nov. 1 at Leisure Homestead in St. John. She was born Dec. 23, 1916, at Dewey, Okla., the daughter of Albert Newton and Eliza Messenger Franklin. She attended Tulsa Business College. She married
George W. Ditch Sept. 7, 1946, at Tulsa, Okla. He died Aug. 8, 2002. A resident of St. John for 46 years, she was a seamstress, worked for Douglas Aircraft during World War II and was a nurses' aide. Mrs. Ditch was a member of First Baptist Church and Mothers Club, both of St. John. Survivors include one son, Tim Ditch of Denver City, Texas; two daughters, Jennifer Gillespie and Jessie LeRoy, both of St. John; two sisters, Pauline Pannell of Bartlesville, Okla., and Ruth Wesley of Crescent, Okla.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at the church, with the Rev. David A. Ford officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Park cemetery in St. John. Memorials are suggested to Sandyland Shepherd's Center or Arthritis Foundation, both in care of Minnis Chapel of St. John.
Claudia 'Toby' Bennett 1915-2003
Claudia 'Toby' Bennett, 88, of Great Bend, died Nov. 1 at her home in Great Bend. She was born May 13, 1915, at Lansing, Mich., the daughter of Alan B. and Alice Humphrey Robertson. She married
Robert A. Bennett May 21, 1938, at Lansing. He survives. She was a homemaker and was a Great Bend resident since 1976, coming from Canoga Park, Calif. Mrs. Bennett was a member of First Presbyterian Church, United Presbyterian Women and FS Chapter P.E.O, all of Great Bend. She was preceded in death by three sisters. Survivors include her husband of Great Bend; one son, Richard R. Bennett, D.V.M., of Hudsonville, Mich.; two daughters, Barbara S. Beahm of Great Bend and Jane A. Hight of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Matthew Bennett of Flint, Mich., Andrew Bennett of Grand Rapids, Mich., Zachary Bennett and Audra Bennett, both of Hudsonville, Robert Beahm of San Diego, Calif., David Beahm of Roeland Park, Scott Beahm of Great Bend and Kate-Carlson-Hight of Manhattan. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend. Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to service time Monday at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. The Revs. Hal Staats and Shawn Winters will officiate the funeral service. Burial will be at Great Bend cemetery. Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church, Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or Abilene Public Library, all in care of the funeral home. Toby, as her friends would call her, was always more concerned about others than herself. Whether teaching her daughter's high school football team how to dance so that they could enjoy the school homecoming celebration, or cooking dinner for someone in need, she was always involved in helping others. Not one to seek attention for herself, Toby made sure those around her knew each other were included in the discussions. Share a bus ride with her and you would soon know everyone on the bus. She was your friend and a loyal one. Her heartfelt laugh erupted easily and often. Somehow, she always had a needed small toy in her purse for a grandchild who was beginning to get bored. Her gifts to her grandchildren were appropriate for their age and their interests, even to the amazement of their parents. She was a 'people person' and delighted in meeting you. You were most welcome at her home. She lived her faith and exemplified the phrase, 'the greatest of these is love.' She shared her faith in God with others reaching out with service and kind deeds, never asking reward nor recognition. She touched our lives and we are blessed. Through her example, many of these wonderful qualities were passed on to her children and grandchildren. Mom, we will miss you, but look forward to a reunion with you in Heaven with our Lord.
Peter John McQuade 1919-2003
ELLINWOOD - Peter John McQuade, 83, died Oct. 31 at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood. He was born Nov. 17, 1919, at Frontenac, the son of Peter Harrison and Mary Rose Grannan McQuade. He was a 1939 graduate of Pittsburg High School. He married
Mary Eileen Lavery Feb. 19, 1945, at Frontenac. A longtime Ellinwood resident, he was a pumper for Phillips Petroleum for 35 years and manager of 66 Kan-Colo Credit Union for 25 years. McQuade was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a lifetime member of Veteran of Foreign War 5659, and a member of Knights of Columbus 1187, all of Ellinwood, and a member of U.S.S. Mass Memorial Foundation. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the U.S.S. Mass during World War II, and also in North Africa. Survivors include his wife of the home; six sons, Michael McQuade and Mark McQuade, both of Ellinwood, Timothy McQuade of Hoisington, Owen McQuade of Russell, Kevin McQuade of Hutchinson and Dennis McQuade of St. Charles, Mo.; four daughters, Patricia Engelhardt of Winslow, Ariz., Kathleen Mass of Ralston, Neb., Elaine Kallaus of South Hutchinson and Maureen Schwartz of N. Kansas City, Mo.; one brother, William McQuade of Pittsburg; 32 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Catherine McClaskey and Midge Masquelier; one daughter, Mary Anne McQuade; and one grandson, James Peter McQuade. Rosary will be at 3 p.m. today at the church. Vigil will be at 8 p.m. at the church. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. John Maes officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Commanche District cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph's School Endowment Fund or VFW Memorial Scholarship Fund, both in care of Kimple Funeral Home of Ellinwood.
J. Paul Stonebraker 1912-2003
J. Paul Stonebraker, 91, of Great Bend, died Oct. 29 at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend. He was born July 17, 1912, at Lincoln, the son of Otto I. and Agnes Driscoll Stonebraker. He married
Patricia A. Miller Sept. 3, 1967, at Denver, Colo. A resident of Great Bend since 1975, coming from Wichita, he was a chef for the Petroleum Club, Five Oaks and Holiday Inn, all of Great Bend. Stonebraker was a member of First United Methodist Church of Great Bend, was former president of Swinging Stars Square Dance Club of Hoisington, past president and treasurer of State Square Dance Association, former secretary-treasurer of Denver Square Dance Council, Kansas Chef of the year in 1973 and elected to American Academy of Chefs. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in World War II. Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, David John Miller of Omaha, Neb., Bernard Neil Miller of Boise, Idaho, and Randy Miller of the home; four daughters, Patricia Ann Wheeler of Albuquerque, N.M., Francene Joy Stonebraker of San Francisco, Calif., Marsha Stonebraker-Greenburg of Highland Ranch, Colo., and Terri Susan Stonebraker of Aurora, Colo.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Mel Stonebraker; and two sisters, Marie Peterson and Frances Schackleford. Funeral took place Saturday at the church with the Rev. Gary Brooks officiating. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park cemetery north of Great Bend.Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home of Great Bend.
Pete Bieberle 1940-2003
ELLINWOOD - Pete Bieberle, 62, died Oct. 30 at his home in Ellinwood. He was born Nov. 4, 1940, at Great Bend, the son of Leo Charles and Irene Rose Brunn Bieberle. He married
Pat Kelso Aug. 4, 1962, at Chase. A resident of both Rice and Barton counties and an Ellinwood resident since 1993, coming from Bushton, he was a mechanic at Bushton Garage for 34 years, a wheat farmer, and a former employee for Garvey Grain of Silica and Cal-Maine Food Inc. of Chase. Bieberle was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church of Bushton. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Robert Bieberle of Colby and Roger Bieberle of Wichita; one daughter, Kristen Stout of Ellinwood; one brother, Lee Bieberle of Claflin; two sisters, Adella Banks of Macksville and Marietta Mooney of Bushton; and eight grandchildren. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at the church. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church with the Revs. Steven Scheier and James J. Roth officiating. Burial will be at Holy Name cemetery in Bushton. Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to Wilbert Bieberle Family Fund in care of the funeral home.
Mary Ellen Reynolds 1915-2003
La Crosse - Mary Ellen Reynolds, 88, died Oct. 31 at Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care in La Crosse. She was born Aug. 19, 1915, at Nekoma, the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Cecelia O'Brien McCormick. She married
Everett Reynolds April 28, 1935, at La Crosse. He died March 9, 1972. A lifetime resident of Rush County, she was a homemaker. She was a member of the Christian faith. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Hoskins of Great Bend and Mary Dipman of Larned; one brother, Alex McCormick of Rush Center; one sister, Agnes Appel of La Crosse; six grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles McCormick and Mark McCormick. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Locust Hill cemetery in Rush Center with the Rev. Leroy Lyon officiating. Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. today at Morell Funeral Home in Larned. Memorials are suggested to Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care or Walnut Valley Seniors at Rush Center, both in care of the funeral home.
Lester Rogers 1913-2003
JETMORE - Lester Rogers, 90, died Dec. 28 at Good Samaritan Center in Dodge City. He was born March 18, 1913, on a farm in rural Hodgeman County, the son of John and Etta Thresher Rogers. He married
Mary Ruth Glenn Aug. 25, 1932, at Jetmore. She died April 15, 1995. A resident of Jetmore, he was a farmer. Rogers was a member of United Presbyterian Church of Jetmore and was a former mayor of Jetmore. Survivors include one sister, Ruby Young of Warsaw, Mo.; two grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, William Leroy Rogers. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Brad Hansen officiating. The body was donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church or Haun Museum, both of Jetmore, in care of Beckwith Funeral Home in Jetmore.
Betty Ruth Dick-Peddie 1922-2003
Betty Ruth Dick-Peddie, longtime Kansas City resident, passed away Dec. 28, 2003, at a Hot Springs, Ark., hospital. She was born Betty Ruth Guernsey Nov. 1, 1922, in Kansas City, Mo. She attended Border Star Elementary School and Southwest High School. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1943 with a B.S. in Education. There, she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Betty Ruth met her husband to be, Jack, at MU. They married
in 1943 and after Jack's service years in the Army they settled in Kansas City, where they raised their two daughters. Betty Ruth was preceded in death this last July 2003 by her husband of 60 years, Jack (John Walter Dick-Peddie Jr.); her brother, John Guernsey of Kansas City and her sister, Jeanne Moore of St. Louis, Mo. Betty Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Debbie Boyd, her husband, John, and her grandchildren Jake and Melissa of Indianapolis; Sandi Witt and her husband, Dan, of Hoisington; sister-in-law, Jean Leimert of Centreville, Va.; sisterin-law, Betty Lou Guernsey of Castle Rock, Colo.; nieces, Wanda, Becky, Judy and a nephew, John. Betty Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a beautiful lady, a gracious hostess, and loved a good party with good friends. She and Jack traveled extensively, loved golf, tennis, and played lots of bridge while in retirement in Hot Springs Village. A celebration of life will be held at Mount Moriah, 10507 Holmes, Kansas City, at 3 p.m. Friday. Lasting memorials may be made in her memory to the Arkansas Cancer Research Center Foundation for Lymphoma Research, 4301 West Markham Street No. 623, Little Rock, AR 72205, or to the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, 250 West 9th, Hoisington, KS 67544. Arrangements are by Caruth Village Funeral Home.
Jerry Frederick Denney 1940-2003
Jerry Frederick Denney, 63, of Great Bend, died Dec. 27. He was born June 29, 1940, at Great Bend, the son of Joseph and Opal Schroeder Denney. He married
Georgia Sue Arnold Nov. 10, 1962, at Longton. A resident of Great Bend, he was employed in the water well service. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Joseph Denney and Christopher 'Kit' Denney, both of Great Bend; one daughter, Michelle Spivey of El Dorado; one sister, Connie Thompson of Great Bend; step-father, James Queen of Great Bend; one step-brother, James Queen Jr. of Great Bend; and nine grandchildren. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Jerry F. Denney Memorial in care of the funeral home.
Charles S. Taylor 1927 - 2003
PRATT - Charles S. Taylor, 76, died Dec. 30, at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 23, 1927, at Stafford, the son of Joseph William and Wilma Sidney Strong Taylor. He attended high school in Stafford and Hutchinson, graduating from St. John High School in 1947. He married
Mary Lee Blazer, July 22, 1948, at St. John. A resident of Pratt, he was the retired printer and owner of Taylor Printing of Pratt. He served in the U.S. Maritime Merchant Marines during World War II and the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of sergeant. Taylor was a member of First Baptist Church, Kiwanis Club and Pratt Community College Beaver Booster Club, all of Pratt. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Jeff Taylor and Brian Taylor, both of Pratt; two daughters, Debra Daniel, Abilene and Gail Sullivan, Great Bend; two brothers, Donald R. Taylor and Robert 'Bob' Taylor, both of Hutchinson; two sisters, Geneva Chapman, Kinsley and Celia Adams, Partridge; eight grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother Karl Taylor and sister Mary Calahan. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Doug Enick officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn cemetery, Pratt. Family and friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. today and 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Ayres-Calbeck Mortuary in Pratt. Memorials are suggested to South Wind Hospice Building Fund or to the church, in care of the mortuary.
Amelia Herrman 1912-2003
HAYS - Amelia Herrman, 91, died Dec. 25 at St. John's of Victoria Nursing Home. She was born Sept. 17, 1912, at Walker, the daughter of Jacob F. and Rosa Leiker Arnhold. She married
Walt Herrman May 10, 1937, at Liebenthal. He died Sept. 26, 1993. A resident of Hays, she was a homemaker. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Daughters of Isabella, both of Hays. Survivors include three brothers, Joe Arnhold of Doylestown, Pa., Rich Arnhold of Emporia and Jake Arnhold of Hays; and two sisters, Irene Witt of Great Bend, Rita Rohleder of Lincoln, Neb. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Alex Arnhold, Celestine Arnhold, Isador Arnhold and Fred Arnhold; and five sisters, Nora Seitz, Berniece Hoskins, Marietta Swim, Anna Rome and infant sister, Amelia. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at the church followed by burial at St. Joseph cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time today at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hays. Memorials are suggested to St. John's of Victoria Nursing Home in care of the funeral home.
Eldon Ray Reed 1927-2003
Eldon Ray Reed, 76, of Great Bend, died Dec. 26 at Via Christi Regional Medical Center St. Francis Campus in Wichita. He was born March 26, 1927, at Topeka, and was the adoptive son of Amos and Cora Overholser Reed. He married
Betty Loreg Oct. 22, 1946, at Great Bend. He then married
Joyce Oberle Feemster, Dec. 9, 1983, at Great Bend. A resident of Barton County for many years, coming from Plainville, he was a production manager and superintendent for Bankoff Oil of Tulsa, Okla. Reed was a 32nd degree Mason, Isis Shrine Temple. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Don Reed of Great Bend and Bruce Reed of Anacortes, Wash.; four step-sons, Sam Feemster and Frank Feemster, both of Ellinwood, Ronald Feemster of San Diego, Calif., and Richard Feemster of Dodge City; 18 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one step-daughter, Renee Marie Galyardt; and one grand-daughter, Tracy Reed. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Bryant Funeral Home of Great Bend with the Rev. Doyle Smith officiating. Burial will be at Lakin-Comanche Funeral Home in Ellinwood with Masonic Committal Rites. Memorials are suggested to Kidney Foundation in care of the funeral home.
