Lela Gravette
Lela Gravette, 85, longtime Wellington resident, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 1997, at Columbia Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. 
Born Dec. 10, 1911 in Glen Allen, Mo., she was the daughter of W.L. and Euda Leona (Roark) Wallace. She moved to Paducah, Ky., as a young girl, then to Wynoka, Okla. before settling in Wellington when Lela was in the fifth grade.
She graduated from Wellington High School and was married to Martin E. Gravette on Oct. 1, 1937 in Wellington. He preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 1957.
Lela was self-employed for many years, operating the Cat'n Lantern Confectionery Store in Wellington, which she sold in 1953. She then owned the Rainbow Drive-In Theater in Wichita from October 1953 to July 1960. 
Lela was then a partner with Harry's Cafe in Wellington until the mid-1960s. After operating these businesses, Lela worked for Riley's Jewelry, Byler Lumber Company and Sober's Jewelry, all in Wellington. 
She was a member of the First Christian Church in Wellington, as well as Christian Womens Fellowship, Phoenix Chapter No. 159, Order of the Eastern Star and was past worthy matron and past district aide.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Reva Justice and Irene Glenn.
Survivors include her son, William M. Gravette of Abilene; her daughter, Nancy G. Gravette of Palm Desert, Calif.; and her granddaughters, Meg Ellen Gravette and Beth Ann Gravette, both of Abilene.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Sumner Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Kendale d. Finley, of the First Christian Church, will officiate.
Eastern Star services will be provided by the Phoenix Chapter No. 159 Order of the Eastern Star. 
A memorial has been established with the First Christian Church. Contributions may be left at the funeral home
Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 this evening.
Arrangements are by Hawks Funeral Home.

Helen Violet Woodman
Services for Helen Violet Woodman, who died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1997, were held Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Hawks Funeral Home. The Rev. Marshall Schirer officiated.
Special musical selections were "He The Pearly Gates Will Open" and "Under His Wings." Betty Pattrick was organist and David Milhon was vocalist.
Casketbearers were Harlan Thomas, John DeJarnett, Kenneth Phillips, Jim Gallemore, George DeJarnett Jr. and Forrest Stalcup. 
Concluding services were at Prairie Lawn Cemetery.
Arrangements were by Hawks Funeral Home. 

Lela M. Oglesby
Lela M. Oglesby, 90, of Bedford, Texas, longtime resident of Wellington, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1997, in Bedford. She had been a resident of Bedford since October 1996.
Lela was born Dec. 4, 1906 in Ponder, Mo., the daughter of Robert Andy and Ethel Jerusah (Morris) Towell. She was raised in Missouri and moved to Belvedere, Kan.
She was united in marriage to Al Oglesby on Aug. 16, 1934 in Pratt. The couple moved to Wellington in 1938 from Belvedere. 
Lela was bookkeeper and business manager for the Wellington Daily News , retiring in 1971 after 30 years with the newspaper. She was a member of the Church of Christ; a past president of the Wellington Business and Professional Womens Club; past worthy matron of the Phoenix Chapter No. 159 Order of the Eastern Star; and was in the "Sweet Adelines."
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Al, on Jan. 25, 1974. Survivors include her nephews, Bradley and Bill Plough, both of St. Louis, Mo.; and her nieces, Jean Mizell of Tulsa, Okla. and Shirley McCauley of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and numerous other nephews and nieces by marriage, who were close to Lela.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Church of Christ in Wellington. Stanten Sikes will officiate.
Interment will be in Prairie Lawn Cemetery. Eastern Star services will be provided by Phoenix Chapter No. 159.
A memorial has been established with the Church of Christ. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.
Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 this evening.
Arrangements are by Hawks Funeral Home.

Walter "Wicks" Pappan
OXFORD - Walter "Wicks" Pappan, 84, of Oxford, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1997, at the Riverview Manor in Oxford.
Born March 15, 1912 on the Kaw Indian Reservation in Washunga, Okla., he was the son of Murphy and Effie (Withe) Pappan. Most of Walt's young adult life was spent working on the ranches around and in Hardy, Okla. Walt was employed by the Chapman-Barnard Ranch near Foraker, Okla., and the N.T. Olsen Ranch at Hardy. 
While in Hardy, Walt met Sylvia Killingsworth. The couple was married March 31, 1932 in Newkirk, Okla. After many years of ranch work, Walt went to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, where he retired after 30 years of service. 
During those years, Walt spent working cattle, breaking horses, roping, participating in rodeos, fishing and coon hunting.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Sylvia of Oxford; his son, Walter of Greensburg; daughters, Donna Wilson and Charlotte Shaw-Gribble, both of Wichita; his sister, Dorcas Tate of Wichita; nine grandchildren, including Bill Shaw of Wellington, whom he and Sylvia raised; and several great-grandchildren.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 7, 1997 at the Oxford Christian Church. The Rev. Danny Ginn officiated.
Interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery.
Memorials have been established with the Riverview Manor and the Oxford Christian Church. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Oliver-Hawks Funeral Home, Oxford.

Roberta P. "Birdie" Greeno
Roberta P. "Birdie" Greeno, 64, homemaker, died Saturday morning, Feb. 8, 1997, at Sumner Regional Medical Center. She was a Wellington resident most of her life, after living seven years in Siloam Springs, Ark.
Birdie was born Feb. 18, 1932 in Wellington to Robert and Margaret (Fuller) Knowles. She married Everett Greeno on Aug. 24, 1950 in Wellington. 
She was a graduate of Wellington High School. She was a member of the First Christian Church.
Survivors include her husband, Everett, of the home; her sons, Jay Greeno of Wichita and Scott Greeno of Topeka; her daughter, April Greeno of Wellington; her grandchildren, Jennifer and Malorie Kinyon and Melissa and Matthew Greeno.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the First Christian Church. Pastor Sallie Shore will officiate.
Interment will be at Sumner Memorial Gardens. 
A memorial has been established with the First Christian Church. Donations may be left at the funeral home.
Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 this evening.
Frank Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth L. Voigtlander
ARKANSAS CITY -- Ruth L. Voigtlander, 83, Arkansas City, died Monday.
Graveside services -- 2 p.m., Wednesday, Forest Hill Cemetery in Ashton.
Survivors -- son, Ernest Eugene Voigtlander of Arkansas City; daughters, Mary Long and Matha Buchanan, both of Arkansas City, Eva Duncan of Sedan and JoAnn Stoddard of Rock; stepdaughter, Pearl Wolf of Lee's Summit, Mo.; sister, Helen Baker of Wellington; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation -- until 9 this evening and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon, at the funeral home.
Memorial -- Center for Basic Cancer Research of Kansas State University. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.
Hawks Funeral Home, Arkansas City. 
[Published February 11, 1997]

Cecilia L. Gass
HASTINGS, Neb. -- Cecilia L. Gass, 93, of the Kensington, died Feb. 6 [1997].
Services -- were held Monday, First Presbyterian Church, Hastings. 
Survivors -- daughter, Leila Hemmingsen of Wellington; son, W. Camden of East Moline, Ill.; and sister, Cozette Cranor of Hutchinson.

Thurston "Atch" Atchley
AMARILLO, Texas -- Thurston "Atch" Atchley, 73, of Amarillo, formerly of Wellington, retired Santa Fe Railroad clerk, died Tuesday.
Memorial services -- 4 p.m., Thursday, Blackburn-Shaw Memorial Chapel, Amarillo. Graveside -- 3 p.m., Saturday, Hawkins Cemetery, Parks, Ark.
Survivors -- wife, Carol Atchley, of the home; daughters, Susan Raney of Pine, Colo., Deborah Camp of Amarillo and Tamara Allen of Canyon, Texas; sons, Michael Lister of Cedar Hill, Texas and Stephen Atchley of Wellington; mother, Thelma Atchley of Parks; and sister, Venice Keener of Parks; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial -- Wellness Center of Mid American Nazarene College in Olathe.

Eldon H. Stearns
Eldon H. Stearns, 71, retired seismic observer for Geosearch, Inc., died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1997, at his home in Hays. He had lived in Hays for 19 years and was born and raised in Wellington. 
Stearns was born Sept. 29, 1925 in Wellington to William and Flora (Records) Stearns. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion in Hays.
He was preceded in death by his parents. His identical twin brother, Elwin, died on Friday, Feb. 14.
Survivors include his sons, James H. Stearns of Great Bend and Eric C. Stearns of College Station, Texas; his sisters, Nina Swanson of Overland Park and Wilma Rhea of Paris, Texas; and four grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery. The Rev. Kendale Finley, of the First Christian Church, will officiate.
Friends may sign the book at the funeral home from 6 to 9 on Wednesday evening. The casket will remain closed.
Frank Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Francis Dean Hess
Francis Dean Hess, 55, died in an accident in Fort Hood, Texas on Sunday, Feb. 16, 1997. He died in a sanctioned moto-cross race, pursuing his love of the organized sport of off-road dirt track racing.
He was born in Wellington on July 27, 1941, the oldest of two sons born to Melvin and Ethel Hess. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and attended the Wellington public schools, graduating with the class of 1959.
Francis was an extremely popular student, lettering three years in football and track, serving on the Kay Board and active in the Letterman's Club. His dedication to his classmates and fellow students never waned over the interceding 36 years. He worked diligently on class reunions and maintaining lasting friendships in Wellington, a difficult task from his home in Dickinson, Texas, near Houston.
Francis' dedication to his family, friends and hometown was an inspiration to all who knew him.
He attended Fort Hays State and served in the United States Navy. He was a contractor, working in several states and settling in southern Texas.
He is survived by his mother, Ethel Hess, of the family home in Wellington, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin, and his brother, Charles.
Graveside services will be held in Wellington at Prairie Lawn Cemetery on Friday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. 
Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7 to 9 and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. 
A memorial in his name has been established benefitting the Avenue of Flags. Donations may be left at the funeral home.
Frank Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Wilford Ray "Bill" Collins
Wilford Ray "Bill" Collins, of Blackwell, died Monday, Feb. 17, 1997 at Blackwell Regional Hospital. he was 69.
Services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Hackler Funeral Home Memory Chapel, 301 W. Blackwell. The Rev. Leon Jackson, fo the Bible Holiness Church, will be the officiant.
Burial will be conducted in the Caldwell Cemetery at Caldwell. Arrangements are under the direction of Hackler Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Mr. Collins was born March 20, 1927 in Argonia and was the son of Ray and Mildred (Davis) Collins. He graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1945, at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He and Bonnie Jean Eshelman were married March 18, 1950 at Caldwell. They resided in Caldwell after their marriage, before moving to a farm east of Hunnewell.
He was a custom harvester and followed the harvest from Texas to the Canadian border. He retired in 1977 and he and his family settled in the Deer Creek/Lamont, Okla. area.
In 1994, Mr. Collins and his wife, Bonnie, moved to Blackwell. He was a member of the Wesleyan Church of Blackwell.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of the home; his mother, Mildred Collins of Blackwell; two sons, Wilford Gene Collins and his wife, Christian, of Blackwell, and Richard Ray Collins and his wife, Paula, of Lamont; one sister, Joleen Cranmer and her husband, Bert, of Wellington; and four grandchildren, Wilford Collins, Morgan Collins, Sarah Collins and Westin Collins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Collins.

Dale Brenton Washburn
Military graveside services for Dale Brenton Washburn, who died Thursday, Feb. 13, 1997, were held Monday, Feb. 17, at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery. Chaplain Doug Smith, of the American Legion Tom Schwinn Post No. 90, officiated.
Casketbearers were Michael Washburn, Brent Washburn, John Brand, Kris Harrod, Russell Washburn, Larry Washburn, John Hernandez and Robert Nutter.
Frank Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

Lois Vivian Burke Allton
Lois Vivian Burke Allton, daughter of William Herbert "Ted" Burke and Maude Perry Burke, was born on Sept. 20, 1917 on a farm in Harper County, Kansas. She passed away on Feb. 6, 1997 at the Sumner Regional Medical Center in Wellington at the age of 79.
She was baptized and attended grade school at the Immaculate Conception in Danville. Lois graduated from Harper High School on May 24, 1935. 
On Aug. 11, 1936, she married Elmer Darous Allton in Wichita and to this union three sons were born. In August 1986, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Lois was an active member of her church, was devoted to her family and was a member of many genealogy groups. She traced her family's roots, and was very helpful to others who were looking for theirs. 
She loved to travel, to garden and she loved her cats and dogs. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer; and her brother, Ivan Burke.
She is survived by her three sons, Bill Allton and his wife, Kay, Philip Allton and his wife, Linda, all of Wellington, and Kevin Allton and his wife, Debbie, of Salina; her sister, Margurite Drouhard of Danville; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; other relatives; and many friends.
Recitation of the Rosary was held at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, in the Elliott Funeral Home at Harper.
The Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 10, in the Immaculate Conception Church in Danville. Father Robert Hartmann officiated.
Jill Drouhard sang "Amazing Grace," "Prayer of St. Francis" and "On Eagle's Wings." She was accompanied by the organist, Marie Alder. 
Alter servers were Nicholas Blanchat, Megan Blanchat and Joe Ricke. The reader was Randy Blanchat.
Casketbearers were Jeff Allton, Michael Allton, James Allton, David Allton, Albert Jansen, Ken Frazier and Ivan Burke.
Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery at Danville, under the direction of Elliott Funeral Home in Harper.
Memorials may be given to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in memory of Lois V. Allton.

Don Howe
MULVANE -- Don Howe, 66, Western Resources meter shop foreman, died Monday.
Services -- were held Thursday, Mulvane United Methodist Church. 
Survivors -- wife, Wilma of Mulvane; daughters, Debbie Howe-Rascoll of Lawrence, Peggy of Austin, Texas and Susan Hirt of Cheney; and three grandchildren.
Memorials -- Mulvane United Methodist Church and Kansas Korean War Memorial, 1703 N. Charles, Wichita, KS 67203.
Senter-Smith Mortuary, Mulvane.
[Published February 28, 1997]

John Lawrence LaBrue
John Lawrence LaBrue, 86, of Fresno, Calif., former resident of Wellington, retired Santa Fe Railroad employee, died Jan. 10 [1997].
Memorial services -- were held Jan. 17 at St. Lukes Methodist Church in Fresno.
Survivors -- wife, Betty; daughter, Johnette Moore of Lewiston, Ind.; sons, Jack of Roseville, Calif. and Terry of Seattle, Wash.; brother, Homer, of Thomas, Okla.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Michael Lee Newman
Michael Lee Newman, 50, of Wellington, died Sunday morning, March 2, 1997, in Wellington.
Born March 19, 1946 in Woodward, Okla., he was the son of Doss Curtis and Dorthy Ellen (Ramey) Newman. Mike was raised in and attended schools in Alva, Okla.
He moved to Wellington in 1969 and was employed as a cabinet maker with the Mobile Villa Trailer Factory.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dallas Curtis Newman. Survivors include his brothers, William "Bill" Newman of Wellington and sister, Mary White of Lake Jackson, Texas, Lila Brown of Arlington, Wash. and Doris Haltom of Vinita, Okla.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery. David Harader will officiate.
A memorial has been established with the Community Hospice of Wichita. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Arrangements are by Hawks Funeral Home.

Gerald D. Fowlie
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Gerald D. Fowlie, 78, former Caldwell and Wellington resident, retired district court judge and attorney in the Nuremberg Trials, died Feb. 22 [1997].
Services -- were held at Church of the Risen Savior, 7701 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque. 
Survivors -- wife, Georgina; son, Robert Fowlie of Albuquerque; and daughters, Katherine Matthews of Burlington, Vt., Lea Fowlie of Alexandria, Va.

Paul W. Demoret
WICHITA -- Paul W. Demoret, 82, retired Boeing Aircraft mechanic, died Sunday.
Services -- 3 p.m., Wednesday, Resthaven Mortuary Chapel, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita. Burial -- Resthaven Gardens of Memory. 
Survivors -- wife, Effie, of the home; daughter, Barbara Breitenbach of Wichita; and sisters, Esther McCarney of Wichita and Hulda Broughton and Ruth Freeman, both of Wellington.
Memorial -- American Diabetes Association.
Resthaven Mortuary.
[Published March 4, 1997]

Clara B. Gelvin
WINFIELD -- Clara B. Gelvin, 86, former employee at William Newton Memorial Hospital and Winfield Laundry and Dry Cleaners, died Monday. 
Graveside services -- 2 p.m., Wednesday, Union Cemetery, Winfield. 
Survivors -- sister, Bessie Waldrope of Wellington.
Memorial -- American Heart Association.
Visitation -- Until 8 this evening, Swisher-Taylor & Morris Funeral Home, 803 Loomis, Winfield.
[Published March 4, 1997]

Bertha Iona Byers
Bertha Iona Byers, 91, of Wichita, former South Haven, Wellington and Pratt resident, passed away Monday, March 4, 1997, at the Manor Care Health Services Center in Wichita.
Born Dec. 27, 1905 in Ellis County, she was the daughter of John and Anna (Rasmussen) Byers. She was raised in the South Haven community.
She graduated from South Haven High School with the class of 1923. She attended South West Sanitarium Training School for Nursing in Wichita, graduating in 1928.
She was employed in Wichita, Billings, Mont., Amarillo, Texas and was co-owner of the Stafford City Hospital as well as a supervisor of the Wellington Hospital and an administrator of Cedar View Good Samaritan Center in Wellington.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Florence Byers and Mary Britton; and her brothers, Frank, Herbert, Perry, Otto, Jack, Fredrick and Oliver "Buster" Byers. She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews and many friends.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 8, in Rose Hill Cemetery at South Haven.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. 
Arrangements are by Hawks Funeral Home.