Miscellaneous Barton County, Kansas Obituaries

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Edith Saxton 1912-2000
BURDETT - Edith Saxton, 88, died June 27 at Hodgeman County Health Center
in Jetmore. She was born March 15, 1912, in rural Pawnee County near
Burdett, the daughter of Hugh and Emma Elizabeth Keller Saxton. A lifetime
resident of Burdett, she was a homemaker.
She was a member of United Methodist Church in Burdett.
Survivors include five nieces and 10 nephews. She was preceded in death by
one brother, Harry Saxton; and seven sisters, May Saxton, Bessie Pucket,
Jenny Saxton, Hazel Steffen, Pearl Dixon, Rosalee Saxton and Gertrude Klein.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Rob Schmutz
officiating. Burial will be at Browns Grove Cemetery in Burdett. Friends
may call until 8 tonight and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Morell Funeral
Home in Larned. Memorials are suggested to Hodgeman County Long Term Care
or Gideon Memorial Bible Fund, in care of the funeral home.

Loren Manford Baum 1932-2000
PLEVNA - Loren Manford Baum, 68, died June 24 at Medicalodge in Kinsley. He
was born April 13, 1932, the son of Loren "Roy" and Ada Roberta Hinshaw
Baum. A lifetime resident of Plevna, he was a laborer.
Baum was a member of United Methodist Church in Larned and Royal Neighbors
of America.
Survivors include two sisters, Maxine Henry Smith of Larned and Helen
Bridgeman of Loveland, Colo.
Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Plevna Cemetery with the
Rev. Alva Goossen officiating. Friends may call until 8 tonight at Beckwith
Mortuary in Larned. Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association
or Medicalodge of Kinsley, both in care of the mortuary.

Esther Joy Ziegler 1935-2000
ATCHISON - Esther Joy Ziegler, 65, died June 25 at St. Luke's Hospital in
Kansas City, Mo. She was born April 30, 1935, in Blue Earth, Minn., the
daughter of Joseph C. and Elsie M. Cowger Johnson. She was a graduate of
Garden City High School of Garden City, Minn., and attended Mankato
Commercial College and Mankato State College. She married Robert Ziegler
Oct. 18, 1959, at Claflin. A resident of Atchison since 1969, she was a
homemaker and had previously served at church secretary at Zion Lutheran
Church in Claflin.
Mrs. Ziegler was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Women's
Missionary League, Rebecca Circle, served as a Kennedy Caller, director of
church, was a Sunday school teacher and Bethel teacher, all of Atchison.
She was a member of Mission of Love, choir and handbell-choir member,
prayer minister, was a member of Shepherd's Center, Christian Women's Club,
former member of United Way board, the Kidney Foundation and Hospice
volunteer.
Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Andrew Ziegler of
Grafton, Ohio; two daughters, Anne Compton of Waynesboro, Va., and Allison
Arends of Melvin, Ill.; her mother of Blue Earth; one brother, Stan Johnson
of Blue Earth; one sister, Lois Busse of Blue Earth; and eight grandchildren. She
was preceded in death by one daughter, Angela J. Williams.
Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church with the Revs. Howard
Patten, Kansas District president of LCMS, and Mark Eichler, pastor of
Christ Lutheran Church of Wathena, officiating. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday at Vesta Cemetery in Tecumseh, Neb. Friends may call from 7-9
p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran School gymnasium. The body will be moved
to the church one hour prior to services. Memorials are suggested to the
church mission endowment fund, scholarship fund, school grant fund or
Atchison Shepherd Center, all in care of Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home
in Atchison. 

Daulton Michael Doll 1994-2000
RAYMOND - Daulton Michael Doll, 6, died June 22 in an auto accident in
rural Rice County. He was born March 2, 1994, in Hoisington, the son of
Mick and Deana Hershey Doll. A lifetime resident of rural Raymond, he would
have been a first-grade student at Chase Grade School in Chase.
Survivors include his parents; one brother, Jeremy Schwartz of Ellinwood;
one sister, Angie Miller of Ellinwood; and grandparents, John Franklin Doll
of Eureka, Kay Doll of Chase and Norrine Hershey of Ellinwood.
Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Kimple Funeral Home in Ellinwood.
Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in
Ellinwood with the Revs. David Flagor and Andy Keltner officiating. Burial
will be at Hilltop Cemetery near Raymond. Friends may call from 5-9 p.m.
Saturday and from 1-9 p.m. Sunday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are
suggested to Chase Grade School Library Computer Department, in care of the
funeral home.

Forrest W. Erickson 1922-2000
Forrest W. Erickson, 78, died June 22 at Central Kansas Medical Center, St.
Rose Campus in Great Bend. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be
announced by Bryant-Christians Funeral Home in Great Bend.

Dean Schwartzkopf 1921-2000
LA CROSSE - Dean Schwartzkopf, 74, died June 22 at Rush County Nursing Home
in La Crosse. He was born June 8, 1921, at Bison, the son of David and
Edith Louise Schwartzkopf. A lifetime resident of Rush County, he was
employed by a lumberyard, stockyard and the circus.
Schwartzkopf was a member of United Methodist Church in La Crosse.
Survivors include one sister, Anita Hubbard of Fallon, Nev. He was preceded
in death by one brother, Merle Schwartzkopf; and one sister, Dorothy.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Janousek Funeral Home in La Crosse
with the Rev. Marilyn Christmore officiating. Burial will be at La Crosse
City Cemetery. Friends may call prior to the service Saturday at the
funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Rush County Nursing Home or
donor's choice, both in care of the funeral home.

Charlene Bobeck 1965-2000
HUTCHINSON - Charlene Bobeck, 35, died June 23 at Hutchinson Hospital.
Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced by Bryant-Christians
Funeral Home in Great Bend.

Brian Ewen Zeretzke 1963-2000
Brian Ewen Zeretzke, 37, died June 19 at his home in Great Bend. He was
born May 27, 1963, in Bottineau, N.D., the son of Eddie and Francis
Zeretzke. A resident of Great Bend for 16 years, coming from North Dakota,
he was a homemaker.
Zeretzke was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend.
Survivors include two sons, Michael and Aaron; his parents; one brother,
Bruce; and one sister, Nancy.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Great Bend Army Reserve Center
with Bob LaPierre officiating. Bryant-Christians is in charge of arrangements.

Lawrence C. Meek 1926-2000
CLAFLIN - Lawrence C. Meek, 74, died June 20 at his home in Claflin. He was
born June 16, 1926, at Oilton, Okla., the son of Jessie and Rose Bullings
Meek. He married Pat Mathis Aug. 9, 1978, at Van Buren, Mo. A resident of
Claflin for 50 years, coming from Windom, he was a retired oilfield
superintendent and a security guard at Doonan Truck and Equipment.
Meek was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8668 of Claflin and
American Legion of Ellinwood. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in World
War II.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Rex Meek of Hoisington;
three daughters, Peggy Ostmeyer of Pecos, N.M., Cheri Chesney of Aurora,
Colo., and Brenda Campbell of Preston; one stepson, Mike Brungardt of Lee's
Summit, Mo.; one stepdaughter, Teri Elder of Independence, Mo.; one
brother, Gene Meek of Lyons; two sisters, Inez Johnson of Coyle, Okla., and
Della Ellwood of Windom; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Carl Meek.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in
Hoisington with the Rev. Arlo Lehmann officiating. Burial will be at Windom
Cemetery in Windom with military rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends
may call until 8 tonight and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at the
funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health Care and
Hospice, in care of the funeral home.

Charles Scott Clowers 1924-2000
ST. JOHN - Charles Scott Clowers, 76, died June 20 at Terrace Gardens
Nursing Home in Wichita. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be
announced by Minnis Chapel in St. John.

Brian Ewen Zeretzke 1963-2000
Brian Ewen Zeretzke, 37, died June 19 at his home in Great Bend. He was born May 27, 1963, in Bottineau, N.D., the son of Eddie and Francis Zeretzke. A resident of Great Bend for 16 years, coming from North Dakota,
he was a homemaker.
Zeretzke was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend.
Survivors include two sons, Michael and Aaron; his parents; one brother,
Bruce; and one sister, Nancy.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Great Bend Army Reserve Center
with Bob LaPierre officiating. Bryant-Christians Funeral Home is in charge
of arrangements.

Lawrence C. Meek 1926-2000
CLAFLIN - Lawrence C. Meek, 74, died June 20 at his home in Claflin. He was born June 16, 1926, at Oilton, Okla., the son of Jessie and Rose Bullings
Meek. He married Pat Mathis Aug. 9, 1978, at Van Buren, Mo. A resident of
Claflin for 50 years, coming from Windom, he was a retired oilfield
superintendent and a security guard at Doonan Truck and Equipment.
Meek was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8668 of Claflin and
American Legion of Ellinwood. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in World
War II.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Rex Meek of Hoisington;
three daughters, Peggy Ostmeyer of Pecos, N.M., Cheri Chesney of Aurora,
Colo., and Brenda Campbell of Preston; one stepson, Mike Brungardt of
Lee's Summit, Mo.; one stepdaughter, Teri Elder of Independence, Mo.; one
brother, Gene Meek of Lyons; two sisters, Inez Johnson of Coyle, Okla., and
Della Ellwood of Windom; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Carl Meek.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home in
Hoisington with the Rev. Arlo Lehmann officiating. Burial will be at Windom Cemetery
in Windom with military rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call until 8 tonight
and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested
to Golden Belt Home Health Care and Hospice, in care of the funeral home.
Charles Scott Clowers 1924-2000
ST. JOHN - Charles Scott Clowers, 76, died June 20 at Terrace Gardens
Nursing Home in Wichita. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be
announced by Minnis Chapel in St. John.

Opal Faye Ellis Seifert 1907-2000
KINGMAN - Opal Faye Ellis Seifert, 93, died June 18 at the Kingman
Community Hospital. She was born March 14, 1907, in southeast Reno County,
the daughter of Clifford and Armintie Humphrey Ellis. She married Leonard
W. Seifert June 2, 1935, at Hutchinson. He died May 11, 1983. A longtime
resident of Kingman County, she was a retired employee of Knorr Schlaudt
Wholesale House, Barton Salt Co. and Kingman Soil Conservation office.
Mrs. Seifert was a member of First Presbyterian Church and United
Presbyterian Women, both of Kingman.
Survivors include one daughter, Beverly Nelson of Claflin; and one
grandson. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Ellis and Rollie
Ellis; and one sister, Ruby Ellis.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Livingston Funeral Home in Kingman
with the Rev. Jane Brigden Graham officiating. Burial will be at Walnut
Hill Cemetery in Kingman. Friends may call from 5-8 tonight and from noon
until 8 p.m. Wednesday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to
Wheatlands Health Care Center or the church, both in care of the funeral
home.

Lawrence C. Meek 1927-2000
CLAFLIN - Lawrence C. Meek, 73, died June 20 at his home in Claflin.
Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced by Nicholson-Ricke
Funeral Home in Hoisington.

Emilie Bitter Demek 1906-2000
HOISINGTON - Emilie Bitter Demek, 93, died June 17 at Central Kansas
Medical Center, Long Term Care in Ellinwood. She was born Oct. 24, 1906, in
Golga, Russia, the daughter of Ferdinand and Katherine Keil Schmidt. She
came to America from Russia in 1912. She married Julius Bitter July 25,
1926, in rural Barton County. He died Feb. 3, 1953. She married Robert
Dumler July 14, 1957. He died July 4, 1967. She married Carl Demek Oct. 29,
1982. He died July 14, 1985. A resident of Barton County since 1921, she
was a homemaker.
Mrs. Demek was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and Quilters of the
church, both of Hoisington.
Survivors include two sons, Harry Bitter and Eugene Bitter, both of
Hoisington; one daughter, Ruth Howard of Utica; eight grandchildren; 17
great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two
step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild. She was
preceded in death by eight brothers and three sisters.
Prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
in Hoisington. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church with
the Rev. Kelly Taylor Schaus. Burial will be at Hoisington Cemetery.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and
from 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Memorials are
suggested to the church or donor's choice, both in care of the funeral home. 

Alta Faye Blanke 1938-2000
RUSSELL - Alta Faye Blanke, 61, died June 17 at Via Christi Regional
Medical Center, St. Francis Campus in Wichita. She was born June 29, 1938,
at Athens, Ark., the daughter of Elbert and Pauline Tollett Golden. She
married Kenneth Blanke March 17, 1967, at Borger, Texas. A resident of
Russell since 1968, coming from Great Bend and Plainville, she was a
homemaker.
Mrs. Blanke was a member of Calvary Chapel Assembly of God Church in Russell.
Survivors include her husband of the home; three sons, Jerry Mayberry of
Borger, Ricky Mayberry of Russell and Ronny Mayberry of Natoma; one
daughter, Lynn Smith of Hoisington; two step-sons, Eugene Blanke of
Claremore, Okla., and David Blanke of Florissant, Mo.; two step-daughters,
Heidi Blanke of St. Louis, Mo., and Star Blanke of Wichita; 17
grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pohlman's Memorial Chapel in
Russell with the Rev. James Alexander officiating. Burial will be at
Russell City Cemetery. Friends may call until 9 tonight and from 9 a.m.
until service time Tuesday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are
suggested to the church or Shrine Hospitals, both in care of the funeral
home. 

Brady Luke McNickle 1993-2000
STAFFORD - Brady Luke McNickle, 7, died June 17 at Stafford District
Hospital. He was born Feb. 18, 1993, at Dodge City, the son of Keith and
Sharilyn Hornbaker McNickle. He would have been a second-grade student at
Stafford Elementary School. He was a resident of Stafford for four years.
McNickle attended the Stafford Church of Christ.
Survivors include his parents; one brother, Brennan McNickle of the home;
two sisters, Brianna McNickle and Brooke McNickle, both of the home;
grandparents, Byron and Annette McNickle and Harold and Irene Hornbaker,
all of Stafford, and Connie and Dave Wilson of Potwin; and
great-grandparents Marlyn Scott of Manhattan and Doris McNickle of Stafford.
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church with Aaron Arthaud and Ted
Grossi officiating. Burial will be at Peace Creek Cemetery in rural
Stafford. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Stafford.
Memorials are suggested to Stafford Educational Foundation Playground Fund
or Maude Carpenter Children's Home, both in care of the funeral home. 

Leroy Meyer 1933-2000
STAFFORD - Leroy Meyer, 66, died June 17 at his home in Stafford. He was
born Dec. 28, 1933, at Stafford, the son of Roy H. and Frankie Jenkins
Meyer. He was a 1951 graduate of Stafford High School. He married Olive
Franklin Aug. 4, 1957, in St. John. A lifetime resident of Stafford, he was
a retired farmer, school bus driver and previous owner of Elroy's Pizza and
Elroy's II, all in Stafford.
Meyer was a member of Church of Christ, Masonic Lodge, past president of
Stafford Chamber of Commerce, former trustee for the West Cooper Township
and had served on the Ritz Theatre and Octoberfest committees. He was a
veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany from 1954-1956 with the 54th
Engineer Battalion, Company B.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Jeff Meyer of Stafford;
two daughters, Cindi Martinez of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Jennifer
Alpers of Hudson; one sister, Evelyn Brown of Sublette; and five
grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Minnis Chapel in Stafford with
Aaron Arthaud and Carl Feril officiating. Burial will be at Stafford
Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the
chapel. Memorials are suggested to the church or Stafford Educational
Foundation, both in care of the funeral home.

Mildred Dowse Peschka 1903-1999
RATON, NM - Mildred Dowse Peschka, 96, died Dec. 19, 1999, at her home in
Raton. Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at St. John the
Evangelist Church in Hoisington with the Rev. Gerald Hammeke. Inurnment
will be at St. John's Cemetery in Hoisington. Memorials are suggested to
St. John's Cemetery Fund, 122 East Fifth in Hoisington or to donor's choice.

Eloise M.Loesch 1929-2000
RAYMOND - Eloise M. Loesch, 70, died June 14 at Central Kansas Medical
Center, St. Rose Campus in Great Bend. She was born Dec. 11, 1929, at
Raymond, the son of Francis and Hilda Rose Smith. She married Lewis Loesch
Jan. 8, 1951, at Ellinwood. A lifetime resident of Raymond, she was a H & R
Block tax accountant and homemaker.
Mrs. Loesch was a member of United Methodist Church and United Methodist
Women, both of Alden.
Survivors include her husband of the home; three sons, Jim Loesch of
Hoisington, Jerry Loesch of Great Bend and Jeff Loesch of Dodge City; one
daughter, Janean Hicks of Great Bend; two brothers, Wayne Smith and Lowell
Smith, both of Raymond; and six grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. William
Stapleton officiating. Burial will be at Raymond Hilltop Cemetery. Friends
may call from 2-7 p.m. Friday at Sillin Funeral Home in Lyons. Memorials
are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home.

Howard Milton Ray 1918-2000
CHASE - Howard Milton Ray, 81, died June 14 at Ellsworth County Hospital in
Ellsworth. He was born Dec. 2, 1918, in Wichita, the son of Forrest Leon
and Opal Messer Ray. He was a graduate of Leon High School and Sterling
College. He married Esther Richardson Dec. 14, 1940, at Eldorado. She died
May 29, 1963. He married Patricia Kelso Dec. 21, 1963, at Chase. A resident
of Chase since 1948, he was a retired truck driver and farmer.
Ray was a member of First Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge, both of Chase.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in World War II and Korea, where he
served as a chief cook for 10 years.
Survivors include three sons, James Milton Ray of Lorraine, David Lynn Ray
and John Charles Ray, both of Chase; one daughter, Melinda Galliart of
Chase; one sister, Pat Rockwood of Seminole, Fla.; 23 grandchildren; and 37
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one infant child; one
brother, John Cramm; and one sister, Ann Eder.
Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Lyons Municipal Cemetery in
Lyons with the Rev. Charles Kirk officiating. Full military honors will be
provided by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday
at Sillin Funeral Home in Lyons. Memorials are suggested to the church or
Kansas Sheriff Association, both in care of the funeral home.

Donald Dean Ostrander 1937-2000
Donald Dean Ostrander, 63, died June 14 at Hospice Residential Care Center
in Hutchinson. He was born Spril 28, 1937, at Lewis, the son of Ralph and
Eva Fern Atwood Ostrander. He married Ruth L. Powell June 7, 1964, in Fort
Dodge. A longtime resident of Larned, he was a Grounds Equipment Operator
II at the Larned State Hospital.
Ostrander was a member of Church of the Nazarene and Cub Scout Pack 122
leader, both of Larned.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Henry Ralph Ostrander of
Larned; one daughter, Victoria Louise Ostrander of Larned; two brothers,
Ronald Ostrander of Larned and Kenneth Ostrander of Garfield; and one
sister, Coletta Meier of Larned.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Rick Clark
officiating. Burial will be at the Wayne Cemetery in Lewis. Friends may
call until 8 tonight at Morell Funeral Home in Larned and from 9 a.m. until
service time Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the church,
in care of the funeral home.

Rose J. Leonard 1908-2000
DODGE CITY - Rose J. Leonard, 92, died June 13 at Trinity Manor in Dodge
City. She was born March 18, 1908, at Ingalls, the daughter of John and
Amelia Swiercinsky Minet. She married Sylvester B. "Bud" Leonard Aug. 18,
1931, at Dodge City. He died June 22, 1994. A resident of Dodge City since
1927, coming from Ingalls, she was a homemaker and school assistant at
Sacred Heart School in Dodge City.
Mrs. Leonard was a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Altar Society and
Daughters of Isabella, all of Dodge City.
Survivors include one son, Harold Leonard of Cripple Creek, Colo.; one
daughter, Connie Volkman of Wichita; one sister, Agnes Minet of Dodge City;
10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Phyllis J. Schnittker.
Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 4 today and vigil service will be
at 7 tonight, both at Burkhart Funeral Chapel in Dodge City. Funeral Mass
will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. John R. Strasser
officiating. Burial will be at Greencrest Memorial Gardens in Dodge City.
Friends may call until 7 tonight at the funeral home. Memorials are
suggested to Leukemia Society of America or Cerebral Palsy Research
Foundation, both in care of the funeral home.

Oscar A. Copple 1914-2000
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - Oscar A. Copple, 85, died June 11 at Sterling House
Assisted Living in New Braunfels. He was born Dec. 11, 1914. A resident of
New Braunfels, he was an agent for a railroad company.
Survivors include two sons, Glen M. Copple of Torrance, Calif., and Earl J.
Copple of Chicago, Ill.; two daughters, Cleda L. Meyer of Alma and Lorna R.
McFarren of Kansas; one sister, Helen Buchanan of Illinois; 11
grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral was today at New Braunfels Christian Church. Burial was at the
Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park in New Braunfels. Memorials are suggested to
the church, in care of Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels.

Minnie M. Mueller 1928-2000
CHANUTE - Minnie M. Mueller, 71, died June 13 at her home in Chanute. She
was born Nov. 16, 1928, in Woodson County, the daughter of Charlie and Etta
Faye Clark King. She was a graduate of Parker High School in Parker. She
married Paul E. Mueller Sept. 28, 1947, at Humboldt. He died Aug. 19, 1997.
A resident of Chanute since 1952, she was a homemaker.
Mrs. Mueller was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Silver Beaver Club and
Boy Scouts of America. She also served as a volunteer for American Red
Cross, Soupline and United Way.
Survivors include three sons, Ed Mueller of Yates Center, Wayne Mueller of
Columbus and Miles Mueller of Pittsburgh; three daughters, Roxie Stone of
Columbus, Etta Defenbaugh of Hoisington and Jill Haney of Chanute; one
brother, Charles King of Casper, Wyo.; one sister, Margaret Mueller of
Humboldt; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and three
step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Eearl Denis
Mueller; and two sisters, Mary E. King and Jo Barnett.
Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Otterbein United Methodist Church
in Chanute with the Rev. Jana Baxter officiating. Burial will be at
Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute. Friends may call until 8 tonight at
Gibson-Koch-Friskel Chapel in Chanute. Memorials are suggested to United
Way or donor's choice, in care of the funeral home.

Vern A. Thompson 1923-2000
JOHNSON - Vern A. Thompson, 76, died June 12 at St. Catherine Hospital in
Garden City. He was born Sept. 8, 1923, on a farm in Stafford County, the
son of Fred L. and Leila Reece Thompson. He married Jean Johnson Nov. 29,
1944, at Trousdale. A resident of Johnson since 1954, he was a farmer in
Hamilton, Morton, Kearney and Stanton counties and was a rancher.
Thompson was a member of First United Methodist Church, serving as a board
member, an Odd Fellow Lodge member holding several offices and was past
Nobel Grand. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, former
Johnson city council member, Farm Bureau board member and a Garden City PCA
board member. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving with
Company G. 13th Infantry, 8th Army, in Europe.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, David Thompson of Great
Bend, Keith Thompson of Johnson and Mark Thompson of Lawrence; three
daughters, Linda McCann of St. Peters, Mo., Janet Cassing of Aurora, Ore.,
and Karen Markley of Syracuse; two brothers, Harold Thompson of Syracuse
and Loren Thompson of Macksville; one sister, Verlie Bennett of Syracuse;
13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Glenn Fogo
officiating. Burial will be at the Stanton County Cemetery in Johnson.
Friends may call until 8 tonight at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson.
Memorials are suggested to the church or Kansas State University Cancer
Research Center, both in care of the funeral home.

Boyd R. Griffith 1920-2000
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Boyd R. Griffith, 79, died June 14 at Capitol Region
Medical Center in Jefferson City. He was born July 31, 1920, at Mexico,
Mo., the son of Harry E. and Mary Belle Jones Griffith. He was a 1940
graduate of Jefferson City High School and attended the Chillicothe
Business College in Chillicothe, Mo. He married Martha E. Pabor July 2,
1949, at Jefferson City. A lifetime resident of the Jefferson City area, he
was a structural designer for the Missouri State Highway Department for 35
years until his retirement in 1982.
Griffith was a member of First United Methodist Church, Jefferson Lodge 43,
A.F. & A.M., Order of the Eastern Star, Victoria Chapter 14, American
Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5, American Association of Retired Persons,
Association of Retired State Employees and a past member of the Jefferson
City Symphony and Kapital Kicks Band. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World
War II, serving with the 103rd Infantry in Europe.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Randall B. Griffith of
Great Bend; one brother, John L. Griffith of Barnett, Mo.; one sister, Mary
Lou Gardiner of Spokane, Wash.; and four grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Freeman Mortuary Chapel in Jefferson
City with the Rev. Mark West officiating. Burial will be at Riverview
Cemetery in Jefferson City. Friends may call from 1-2 p.m. Friday at the
mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the church, Heisinger Lutheran
Retirement Center or American Heart Association, all in care of the funeral
home.

Francis Zwenger 1927-2000
Francis Zwenger, 73, died June 14 at Hutchinson Hospital Hospice Care Unit.
He was born May 22, 1927, in Hays, the son of Samuel and Rosa Staab
Zwenger. A resident of Great Bend since 1984, he was a electronic service
technician and had worked at Hays Music, Interstate Electronics and Watson
TV, all of Hays.
Zwenger was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Great Bend and a
former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.
Survivors include one daughter, Paula Robinson of Great Bend; two sisters,
Lucille Ruder and Laurita Sanders, both of Overland Park; and two
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Mark Zwenger; two
brothers, Joseph Zwenger and Eddie Zwenger; and two sisters, Sylvia Rupp
and Lillian Naegele.
Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Cline's Mortuary in Hays. Funeral
will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays with the
Rev. Michael Scully officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery in
Hays. Friends may call from 1-8 p.m. Friday and from 8:30 a.m. until 9:45
a.m. Saturday, all at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of
Reno County or Masses, both in care of the funeral home. 

Merle Ada Geil 1902-2000
EDMOND, Okla.- Merle Ada Geil, 97, died June 11. She was born Aug. 17,
1902, the daughter of Perry Columbus and Maggie May Hall Nairn. She was a
graduate of Pawnee Rock schools and attended business school in Los
Angeles, Calif. She married Earl Geil Aug. 21, 1928, at Pawnee Rock. He
died in 1964. A resident of Edmond, coming from Alexandria, Va., and Pawnee
Rock, she was a cook at Shady Grove Grade School and farmed with her
husband.
Mrs. Geil was a member of Liberty EHU, charter member of the 20th Century
Club of Pawnee Rock, 4-H Extension Council, and Pawnee Rock and Great Bend
Christian Churches.
Survivors include four sons, Donald D. Geil of Oklahoma City, Okla., Glenn
M. Geil of Edenburg, Texas, Gene W. Geil of Silver Springs, Md., and Larry
L. Geil of New Cambria; one daughter, Joan Hicks of Alexandria; 16
grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bryant-Christians Funeral Home in
Great Bend with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. Burial will be at
Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and
from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, all at the funeral home. Family
will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials
are suggested to Oklahoma Christian Home Operations, in care of the funeral
home.

W. H. Shoemaker 1923-2000
LARNED - W.H. Shoemaker, 77, died June 12 at Central Kansas Medical Center,
St. Joseph Campus, in Larned. He was born Jan. 2, 1923, in Violet Hill,
Ark., the son of Edmond and Amy Shoemaker. He married Wanda O. Reeves Aug.
25, 1944, at Oxford, Ark. A resident of Larned since 1946, coming from
Arkansas, he was a street supervisor for the city of Larned.
Shoemaker attended First Baptist Church in Larned.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Victor Shoemaker of
Larned; three daughters, Robbie Luttrell of Rogers, Ark., Mary Ostrander of
Topeka and Patsy Rinkie of Lawrence; 14 grandchildren; and four
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Eddie Shoemaker;
one brother, Robert Shoemaker; and one sister, Naomi Smith.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned with
the Rev. Johnny Augmon officiating. Burial will be at Larned Cemetery.
Friends may call until 8 tonight, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday and
from 9 a.m. until service time Friday, all at the mortuary. Memorials are
suggested to CME Church-Escue Chapel of Larned, in care of the funeral home.

Connie Jean Ray 1948-2000
LARNED - Connie Jean Ray, 52, died June 12 at her home in Larned. She was
born Jan. 2, 1948, in Paola, the daughter of Samuel and Hazel Fort Lile.
She married Ivan L. Ray April 26, 1966, at Goodrick. A resident of Larned
for 25 years, coming from Garnett, she was beautician at Simpley Unique.
Mrs. Ray attended First United Methodist Church in Greeley.
Survivors include her husband of the home; one son, Tracy Ray of
Osawatomie; one daughter, Michelle Ray of Paola; and one brother, Donald
Lile of Garnett.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned
with the Rev. Brad Richardson officiating. Burial will be at Paola
Cemetery. Another funeral service will be held Saturday at Wilson and Son
Funeral Home in Paola. Friends may call until 8 tonight and from 9 a.m.
until service time Thursday at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to
American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home.

Elmer Leroy 'Duke' Rush 1930-2000
WICHITA - Elmer Leroy "Duke" Rush, 69, of Wichita died June 10. He was born
June 27, 1930, at Langley, the son of Laurn and Edna M. Johnson Rush. He
married Diane Samms Dec. 12, 1975, in Wichita. A resident of Wichita, he
was a retired Wichita Eagle journalist.
Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Jeffery Donald Rush of
Talladega, Ala.; four daughters, Sharon S. Rush-Matchett and Saundra J.
Lacy, both of Wichita, Kathryn L. Rush of Cheney and Amy C. Rush of
Augusta, Ga.; his mother of Waynoka, Okla.; one brother, Sherril "Shenny"
L. Rush of Wichita; one sister, Karmen Patricia Gulliford of Waynoka; seven
grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at College Hill United Methodist
Church in Wichita. Graveside service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Geneseo
Cemetery in Geneseo. Memorials are suggested to Cal Farley Boys Ranch and
Affiliates, Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174; or to the church, 2930 East
First, Wichita, KS 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary of Wichita is in charge
of arrangements.

Henry Jacob Miller 1908-2000
MESA, Ariz. - Henry Jacob Miller, 91, died May 29 at his home in Mesa. He
was born Nov. 11, 1908, in McCook, Neb., the son of Lyman Brooks and Dora
Miller. He received a bachelor of science degree in 1934 from Fort Hays
State College with a minor in biology and a minor in chemistry. In 1941, he
received a masters degree from the University of Southern California. He
married Lillian Smith Aug. 6, 1939, at Macksville. She died Feb. 21, 1999.
A resident of Mesa, he was a school teacher.
Miller was a life member of Parents Teachers Association and was past
president and vice president of Montebello Teachers Association. He was a
U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Survivors include one daughter, Amalia Balch of Mesa; and one grandchild.
He was preceded in death by eight brothers and three sisters.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Macksville Christian Church in
Macksville with Scott Moyer officiating. Burial will be at Farmington
Cemetery in Macksville. There will be no visitation. Memorials are
suggested to the church, in care of Minnis Chapel in St. John.

Debra Sue Dixon 1957-2000
Debra Sue Dixon, 43, died June 11 at her residence in Great Bend. She was
born Feb. 5, 1957, in Great Bend, the daughter of Lee Ray and Lois Marie
Smith Dixon. A lifetime resident of Great Bend, she was co-owner and
operator of Dixon Rental and former owner of Poodle Grooming by Debi.
She was a member of Eagles Auxiliary.
Survivors include her father of Great Bend; one brother, Nathan A. Dixon of
Great Bend; and one sister, Glenda I. Short of Great Bend.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Bryant-Christians Chapel in Great Bend
with the Rev. Julius C. Ellis officiating. Burial will be at the Great Bend
Cemetery. Friends may call from 1-9 p.m. Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until 9
p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. until service time Friday, all at the funeral
home. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society, in care of the
funeral home.

Lena Mae Bennett 1924-2000
HOISINGTON - Lena Mae Bennett, 76, died June 10 at Integrated Health
Services in Great Bend. She was born April 25, 1924, in Barnsdale, Okla.,
the daughter of Euna H. and Violet M. King Hollingsworth. She married
George Amos Bennett March 23, 1941, at St. John. He died Oct. 14, 1976. A
resident of Hoisington since 1940, coming from Barnsdale, she was a nurse's
aide and homemaker.
Mrs. Bennett was a member of First United Methodist Church, past president
of Hoisington Hospital Auxiliary, NARVE, Heritage Association, past
president of Rebecca Lodge 478, volunteer for Hoisington Food Bank and past
president of Victory EHU, all of Hoisington. She was district coordinator
of Kansas Hospital Association, past president and district vice president
of Christian Women's Fellowship and a graduate of Menninger Bible Class.
Survivors include two daughters, Raynetta Ruth Manweiler of Great Bend and
Marilyn Jane Koch of Austin, Minn.; one brother, Dr. Howard Hollingsworth
of Hutchinson; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by one sister, Imogene Kimbro.
Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral
Home in Hoisington with Gary Manweiler officiating. A private family burial
will be at Hoisington Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Clara Barton
Foundation, in care of the funeral home.

Edward Wayne Messner 1952-2000
ELLINWOOD - Edward Wayne Messner, 47, died May 27 at Logan, Okla. He was
born Aug. 15, 1952, at Darrouzett, Texas, the son of Wayne and Pauline
Messner. He was a 1970 graduate of Beaver High School, attended Cameron
University in Lawton, Okla., and graduated from Texas State Institute in
1977 in auto mechanics. He married Susan Foster Aug. 19, 1978, at
Darrouzett. A resident of Logan, Okla., he was employed by Enron Gas Co.
for the past 16 years and also worked with cattle and farming.
Messner was a member of American Legion 635 in Darrouzett. He was a veteran
of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam War on the USS Coral Sea
during the evacuation of American troops at the end of the Vietnam War. He
also served on the USS Ticonderoga during the recovery of the Apollo 17.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Darryl Messner and Donnie
Messner, both of the home; his mother of Logan; and three sisters, Texanna
Ollenberger of Paola, Deanna Rogers of Ellinwood and Coleen Bradley of
Sherida, Wy.
Funeral was June 1 at Darrousett. Burial was a Darrouzett Cemetery. Local
arrangements were handled by Kimple Inc. Funeral Home in Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to donor's choice, in care of the funeral home.


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