The following obituaries
are of the deceased buried in Ransom Cemetery, St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery,
and Cyrus Cemetery, Ransom, Ness County, Kansas. These obituaries and news
articles were collected and contributed by Mark Horchem.
MARY DOTY
Mrs. Mary B. Doty, 78, long time Ransom community resident,
passed away at a Hays hospital early Saturday, April 6, 1963, where she
had been a patient for almost a month.
She was born February 25, 1885, at Bronson, and married
Harry P. Doty on April 12, 1903, at La Harpe. Mr. Doty passed away February
14, 1961.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom Methodist
Church, of which she was a member, Tuesday afternoon, April 9, conducted
by the pastor, Rev. Bruce Blake. Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery,
with Fitzgerald’s in charge.
Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Helen Clouston
of Ness City, and Mrs. Amy Ummel, Mrs. Raymond Schweitzer, and Mrs. Vincent
Schreiber, all of Ransom; three sons, Kenneth Doty of Ransom, Edwin Doty
of Pocatello, Idaho, and Shelby Doty of Jefferson City, Mo.; 15 grandchildren,
13 great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Ness Co. News, Apr. 11, 1963
OBITUARY
Mary Belle, youngest daughter of John and Sarah Moules,
was born on February 25, 1885, on a farm near Bronson in Bourbon County,
Kansas. She departed this life at Hadley Hospital in Hays, Kansas, on April
6, 1963.
When a young child she moved with her family to Moran
in Allen County. There was spent her girlhood and young womanhood. It was
there that she became a member of the Moran Methodist Church. She attended
the Moran grade and high school. She then taught one term of school.
The following spring she was married to Harry P. Doty
on April 12, 1903 at LaHarpe, Kansas. The couple lived in Moran during
the early years of their marriage and there was born the first two of the
10 children born to this union. These two children died in early infancy
as well as another baby son born later. Seven children survive her.
She and her husband then moved to Denver, Colo. After
a year’s stay they returned to Allen County and made their home in LaHarpe.
They moved to the Ransom community in 1914. For nearly 50 years Mrs. Doty
resided in the Ransom community.
For most of the last 14 years of her life Mrs. Doty was
confined to a wheelchair. A paralytic stroke deprived her of the use of
her right leg but she was very happy that she was able to regain the use
of her voice and partial use of her right hand so that she was able to
continue with her needle work. She was an expert with the needle and the
crochet hook and was seldom seen without a piece of work in her lap. She
and Mr. Doty entered the Ransom Nursing Home on May 20, 1959. Mr. Doty
passed away on February 14, 1961.
Her last Christmas in the Home was a very happy one for
her because she was so proud of having contributed to so much to the success
of the first Christmas bazaar held by the ladies of the Nursing Home. She
was so happy when she was asked to help pick out the porch furniture for
which the bazaar money was used.
Mrs. Doty was a faithful wife and a devoted mother, who
gave her whole life to her home and to her children. She will be greatly
missed by her sons: Edwin, Shelby and Kenneth;and by her daughters: Helen
Clouston, Rosalie Schweitzer, Reita Schreiber and Amy Ummel; her sons-in-law;
Vincent Schreiber and Raymond Schweitzer; and her daughter-in-law Gloria
Doty; also by her 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren whom she
dearly loved.
Funeral services were held on April 9 from the Ransom
Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Bruce Blake. Interment was in the Ransom
Cemetery with Fitzgerald’s in charge.
Ness Co. News, Apr. 25, 1963
ALBERT DUBBS
Ransom, 8;00 p.m., April 6th -- A.M. Dubbs, pioneer settler
and member of G.A.R. is dead. Funeral will be held Friday.
Ransom Record, April 7, 1927
FUNERAL SERVICES
The funeral service was held at the M.E. church on Friday,
April 8, at 10:30 a.m. Rev. J.L. Mitchell had the service in charge and
Rev. Bisbee of Arnold preached a very fine sermon. A large company was
in attendance and the casket was covered with flowers. All living relatives
were present. Interment was made in the Ransom Cemetery.
----------------------
Albert M. Dubbs was born at Burnt Cabins, Pennsylvania on
February 24th, 1846, and departed this life at his home near Ransom, Ness
County, Kansas, at the ripe age of 81 years, 1 month and 12 days.
In the year 1870 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Aller
at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
Their home was in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, until
the year 1879 in February, when, with his father and brother, he came “out
west”, to Ness County, Kansas, and homesteaded some government land. That
fall his wife and two boys, Burd and Charlie, joined him, and the home
which has endured for 48 years, was established, ---- a pleasant home where
love and good will reigned and none, of whatever race or creed, was ever
turned away.
When quite young, Mr. Dubbs served his country for about
two years, in the Civil War.
The old pioneer will be missed by all who knew him as
neighbor, host, or friend; by his three sisters, Mrs. Lillie Traver of
Ransom, Kans.; Mrs. Minnie Kelly of Kansas City, Mo.; and Mrs. Louise Kelly
of Decorum, Pennsylvania; by his two brothers, William O., and Samuel E.
Dubbs of Ransom, Kans.; by his wife, faithful companion for 57 years; two
sons, Charles F. and Lewis Burdette of Ransom, Kans.; three grandchildren,
Charles E. Dubbs of Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. Torrence Curry of Oklahoma City,
Okla.; and Mrs. Rex Guipre of North Platte, Neb.; and two great grandchildren,
Francis Jean and Curtis Rex Guipre.
It is an unusual thing for a man of his age to have five
living brothers and sisters, and all were present at his funeral.
This quiet, kindly man exemplified, during his long life,
---Galatians 5:22 --- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against
such there is no law”.
One of our poets, James Whitcomb Riley, thus describes
“A Good Man”
A good man never dies --
In worthy deed and prayer
And helpful hands and honest eyes,
If smiles or tears be there;
Who lives for you and me --
Lives for the world he tries
To help -- he lives eternally,
A good man never dies.
Who likes to bravely take
His share of toil and stress,
And, for his weaker fellow’s sake,
Makes every burden less --
He may, at last seem worn--
Lie fallen -- hands and eyes
Folded -- yet, though we mourn and mourn,
A good man never dies.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in
Ransom, Rev. Bisbee, Methodist pastor at Arnold, preaching the sermon and
Rev. Mitchell, of Ransom, assisting in the services. Rev. Mitchell conducted
the services at the grave in the Ransom Cemetery. A large crowd attended,
as the Dubbs family is well known throughout the county.
CELIA DUBBS
Celia Dubbs, daughter of L.B. and Mary Maxwell, was born
February 23, 1871, in Missouri, and passed away at Crowley, Colo., October
30, 1955.
At the age of one year, the family moved to Wilson County,
Kansas, and when she was 16 they came to Ness County.
She attended church services at little Cyrus school where
she later confessed her faith in Christ and was baptized. It was in this
same church that she was united in marriage to Samuel E. Dubbs on October
28, 1888. They established their home in southern Trego County where Mr.
Dubbs had taken a homestead and built a sod house.
To this union were born three children, Maurice E. of
Ransom, Alice Gravatt of Selma, Calif., and Mabel Adkinson of Crowley,
Colo. This was a typical pioneer family who endured all the hardships of
the early day settlers. In 1900, they bought a farm west of Ransom where
they resided until 1925 when they retired to their home in Ransom.
Mr. Dubbs preceded her in death on April 13, 1945, shortly
after celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary. Her entire life was centered
in her home, her family, and any religious or worthwhile activity of her
community. Due to illness, she had made her home for the last six years
with her daughter and husband, Mabel and Omer Adkinson of Crowley, Colo.
Although bedfast for the last two years, patience and cheerfulness reflected
the faith she maintained in her Savior and her life was a benediction to
those whose privilege it was to care for her during her illness.
She leaves to mourn her loss, her three children, eight
grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and
friends.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom Methodist
Church, Wednesday afternoon, November 2, conducted by Rev. Paul McDowell
of Crowley, Colo. Music was furnished by Mrs. Louis Horchem, organist,
and a mixed quartette composed of Mrs. Reginald Buxton, Mrs. Willard Horchem,
Charles Shellenberger and Jess Dieffenbach, who sang “My Jesus I Love Thee”,
“God Will Take Care of You” and “In The Sweet By and By.” Bearers were
Lyman Conard, John Petty, Orville Horchem, Clarence Horchem, Charles Miller
and John G. Mishler. Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery, John Aeby in
charge.
Ness Co. News, Sept. 10, 1955
CHARLES DUBBS
Chas. F. Dubbs, 94, widely known and highly respected
Ransom community man, passed away at the Ransom Hospital on Monday, December
30. He had been in failing health for some time.
Funeral services will be announced by Fitzgeralds later
in the week.
He was born at Burnt Cabins, Penna., March 30, 1874,
and came to the Ransom community with his parents and brother, the late
L.B. Dubs, in 1879. He had since resided there.
He was a successful farmer over the years before retiring
to the home in Ransom.
He was married to Bertha Funk on May 17, 1917, who passed
away in December of that year.
Mr. Dubbs served four terms as sheriff of Ness County,
first being elected in 1918, serving the 1919-23 four year limit, and then
again serving from 1927 to 1931.
In 1934 Mr. Dubbs was elected county commissioner from
the third district, and served in that capacity until retiring from active
work in 1953.
The body will lie in state at the Fitzgerald Funeral
Home here. The casket will not be opened at the funeral service.
Survivors include two nieces, Mrs. Netta Curry and Mrs.
Bertha Whitaker, both of Ransom; and Chas. E. Dubbs of Kansas City, a nephew;
other distant relatives and many, many friends.
Ness Co. News, Jan. 2, 1969
OBITUARY
Charles Franklin Dubbs was born March 30, 1874, at Burnt
Cabins, Pa., the younger son of Albert M. Dubbs and Elizabeth Aller Dubbs.
He passed away at the Grisell Memorial Hospital at Ransom, December 30,
1968.
When a boy of five, Charles with his parents and grandparents
moved to the Ransom community where he had lived ever since. His first
home with his parents and his elder brother Burd was in a sod house on
his father’s homestead, three miles west of Ransom. He recorded the patent
to his own homestead just north of his family home, on December 20, 1904.
This patent was signed by Theodore Roosevelt. For the past 25 years he
had lived with his brother, Burd, who preceded him in death by less than
six months; and his two nieces, Mrs. Netta Curry and Mrs. Bertha Whitaker,
who with their brother, Charles of Kansas City, survive him.
Charles with his brother, Burd, received his elementary
education in the Centralia school which was organized through the efforts
of his mother whom everyone called “Aunt Lib.” Later, he and Burd attended
Central Normal college in Great Bend.
On May 18, 1917, he was united in marriage to Bertha
Funk of Ransom, who died in December the same year.
Throughout his entire life, Charles’ two main interests
were his community and his occupation as farmer and rancher. He was always
deeply concerned about, and took an active part in the business and political
activities of Ness County. He was a member of the board of directors, and
for many years the president of the Arnold State Bank through it’s half-century
of service. He was a director, and at one time, the president of the Farmers
State Bank of Ransom. When The Farmers State Bank and the First State Bank
of Ransom merged, he was elected a member of the new board.
In 1918 he was elected sheriff of Ness County, an office
which he held for four terms. (1919-1923 and 1927-1931): In 1934 he was
elected to the office of county commissioner from the third district and
served in that office continuously until 1954.
Charles Dubbs was known to practically everyone in Ness
County, and many persons sought his advice and counsel which was given
more often than not in his short, terse, and witty manner. A little known
side of his character was his habit of contributing generously to many
of the community projects and benevolent enterprises. He leaves a heritage
of his exemplary life for all to imitate. He constantly lived the pioneer
way of hard work, frugality, the lending of a “helping hand” and a profound
faith in the progress of his community.
Ness Co. News, Jan. 9, 1969
FLORENCE DUBBS
Mrs. W.O. Dubbs, an honored resident of Ransom since 1882,
died at her home there this Monday night following a long illness. Mr.
Dubbs preceded her in death several years ago.
Mrs. Dubbs is survived by six children, all of whom are
especially well known. Mrs. G.G. Hays, state president of the Kansas W.C.T.U.;
L.A. Dubbs, state representative and Democratic floor leader of the present
legislature; Mrs. Lynn Stover, all of Ransom. Miss Minnie Dubbs, who returned
in recent months from Detroit, Mich., to assist in the care of her mother;
Wendell Dubbs of New York and Mrs. Margaret McMillan of Lamar, Colo. Another
daughter, Rebecca Dubbs, preceded her mother in death.
Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon
at 2:00 p.m. from the Ransom Methodist Church.
Ness Co. News, Dec. 15, 1938
OBITUARY
Florence Emily LaPlante was born May 13, 1868, in the
village of Papineau, Illinois, and died at her home in Ransom, December
12, 1938, aged 70 years, 6 months, and 29 days.
She was baptized a member of the Presbyterian Church
of St. Anne, Illinois, in early childhood and retained her membership in
that church throughout her life. Her church home in Ransom was in the Christian
Church where her presence was highly valued and she enjoyed a fine fellowship.
In 1881 her parents came to Ness County residing first
at Schoharie and later moving to a farm northeast of Ransom. After completing
the course of study in the pioneer schools she attended the Emporia State
Normal for two years and returned to teach in the schools at Ness City
and Ransom.
On June 28, 1892, she married William O. Dubbs and they
established their home in Ransom where she has resided continuously since.
Her husband and her daughter, Rebecca, and her brother, Isaac LaPlante,
have preceded her to the unseen world. She is survived by six children,
Albert Dubbs, Mrs. Agnes Hays, and Mrs. Myrtle Stover of Ransom, Minnie
Dubbs of Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. Margaret McMillin of Lamar, Colo., and
Wendell Dubbs of New York City, a sister, Mrs. Rena Parker of Long Beach,
Calif., a brother, Lionel C. LaPlante of Chillicothe, Illinois, and six
grandchildren.
Her life work was being a mother. In accomplishing this
her influence extended far beyond the limits of her own family. Her home
was always open and her energy never failing when good might be accomplished.
Many of our community’s ideals and institutions exist
because she gave of herself freely in every cause of community betterment.
She aided in organizing the first Sunday School in Ransom of which their
present Methodist Sunday School is a successor. Through her efforts a Christian
Endeavor society was organized. This society still carries on as the Mennonite
Christian Endeavor. Her insistence that the children of the community must
be permitted to secure advanced education at home resulted in the organization
of Ransom High School.
Through all the years her greatest interest outside of
her home has been the temperance movement. The Woman’s Christian Temperance
Union was the organization which gave her the opportunity to forward her
ideals and in it she worked incessantly.
Nor did her busy life keep her from the many deeds of
personal helpfulness known only to those who were blessed by them. Her
pleasing personality and alert intelligence won many friends for her. Her
thoughtful kindness and unselfish generosity endeared her to all who knew
her.
Rev. Henry Bondurant of Fort Lupton, Colo., gave the
funeral sermon at the M.E. Church, Thursday afternoon, where a very large
group of friends had gathered to pay their last respects. He eulogized
the life of a Christian character and expressed the belief that Mrs. Dubbs’s
noble influence would never cease.
More than forty members of the Woman’s Christian Temperance
Union occupied a reserved section of the church and took part in the ritual
conducted by Mrs. A.W. Wilson of Ness City and Mrs. Albert Brock of Ransom.
A quartet: H.C. Anderson, Mrs. F.T. McNinch, Mrs. Ira Stutzman, and C.J.
Shellenberger, sang. Miss Mary Stutzman sang “Lead Kindly Light” as a solo.
They were accompanied by Miss Lila McNinch at the piano.
The entire front of the sanctuary was banked with beautiful
flowers. Old friends and neighbors were pall bearers: E.A. Jesse, A.C.
Tilley, Omer Douglas, Peter Horchem, H.F. Dieffenbach and C.J. Shellenberger.
Burial was made in the family plot in the Ransom Cemetery
with her husband and daughter.
Ness Co. News, Dec. 22, 1938
HANNAH DUBBS
Dwight Mettlen was called to teach for Miss Dora Dubbs
as her grandmother, Mrs. Howard Dubbs, who has been ill, is very low.
Ransom Record, Feb. 2, 1922
OBITUARY
Hannah Sabina Hommon was born in Franklin County, Penn.
Oct. 14, 1842. Her parents removed to Illinois when she was quite young.
On June 16, 1868, she was married to Howard J. Dubbs at Henderson, Illinois.
One son, Ora Dubbs, was born to them.
In 1878 they came west to Iowa, then in 1879 on to Kansas,
where they located near Ransom. In that pioneer home many a weary traveler
realized the meaning of true hospitality. About seven years were spent
in California, then they returned to Ransom, where the home has existed
for twenty-five years.
January 18, 1898 Mrs. Dubbs was baptized and entered
into fellowship with the church of Christ at Ransom, where she has since
continued faithful although physically unable to attend services.
On Oct. 6, 1913 Howard Dubbs departed to the better land,
and Aunt Sibbie, although a little lonely, but always brave and cheerful,
kept the home fires burning, until at 8 p.m. Feb. 2, 1922, she departed
this life at the ripe age of 79 years, 3 months and 18 days. She leaves
to miss her, one son, Orra V., eight grandchildren, and two great grandsons;
three sisters, Mrs. Mary Btuckburn, Dexter, Iowa, Mrs. Agnes Adams and
Mrs. Catherine Owens, Santa Cruz, California, besides a host of friends
in Ransom and vicinity.
Funeral services were held at the church of Christ at
Ransom, Kas. Feb 4, 1922 at two o’clock. Rev. J.W. Vanderlip preached a
helpful and comforting sermon and Bro. Briggs assisted in conducting the
service. Burial was in the Ransom Cemetery beside her husband.
“O still, white face of perfect peace
Untouched by passion, freed from pain,
He who ordained that work should cease
Took to Himself the ripened grain.
Of human care you left no trace
No lightest trace of grief or pain.
On earth an empty form and face
In Heaven stands the ripened grain.”
Ransom Record, Feb. 9, 1922
HOWARD DUBBS
Howard John Dubbs was born June 24, 1844, at Burnt Cabins,
Pennsylvania, and died October 16, 1913, at Ransom, having attained the
age of 69 years, 3 months and 11 days.
On June 16, 1868, he was married to Hannah Sabina Hammond
at Henderson, Illinois. To this union was born one child, Ora V. Dubbs,
of Ransom.
He came to Ransom in the fall of 1879, and his home has
been in or near Ransom ever since.
He obeyed the gospel November 19, 1898, under the preaching
of D.W. Nay, of the church of Christ, and was a consistent member to the
time of his death.
The funeral service was held at the church of Christ
at 2 o’clock p.m., Tuesday, October 7, 1913, and was conducted by Rev.
Laybourn, of the M.E. church, who spoke from the text, “Be not afraid:
only believe,” and his words were full of consolation and promises to the
relatives and friends of the deceased.
The floral offerings contributed by the school children
and friends were beautiful.
Mr. Dubbs being an old and respected citizen of Ness
County, a large concourse of friends gathered to pay their last respects
to him.
The remains were laid to rest in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness Co. News, Oct. 11, 1913
Howard John Dubbs was born June 24, 1844, at Burnt Cabins,
Pennsylvania, and died October 6, 1913, at Ransom, Kansas, having attained
the age of 69 years, 3 months and 11 days.
On June 16, 1868 he was married to Hannah Sabina Hammond
at Henderson, Illinois. To this union was born one child, Ora V. Dubbs
of Ransom.
In the fall of 1879, he came to Ransom and his home has
been in or near there ever since.
He obeyed the gospel November 19, 1899, under the preaching
of D.W. Nay of the church of Christ and was a consistent member to the
time of his death.
The funeral service was held at the church of Christ
at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, October 7, 1913, and conducted by Rev.
Laybourn of the Methodist Church, who spoke from the text: “Be not afraid:
only believe” and his words were full of consolation and promise to the
relatives and friends of the deceased.
The floral offerings contributed by the school children
and friends were beautiful.
Mr. Dubbs being an old and highly respected citizen of
Ness County, a large concourse of friends gathered to pay their last respects
to him.
The remains were laid to rest in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness Co. Echo, Oct. 11, 1913
LEWIS DUBBS
Lewis Albert Dubbs, 77, died Sunday morning, Nov. 29,
1970 at the Ransom Hospital.
Born April 15, 1893, in Ransom, he married Mary Vaile,
June 20, 1921, in Hickman Mills, Mo. She died June 7, 1965. He then married
Opal M. Wade, April 10, 1966, in Topeka. He was a lifetime resident here.
He was a member of the First Christian Church, Manhattan;
Kansas Association of the Blind; Lyons Club International; Kansas Grain
Dealers Association; Kansas Hospital Advisory Council; Lobbyists for the
Blind; Kansas Citizens Council on Aging; Council for the Visually and Physically
Handicapped; National Rehabilitation Association; Kansas Public Health
Association; Braille Association of Kansas; and the Southwestern Kansas
Association for the Visually Impaired. He attended the Mennonite Church,
Ransom.
Survivors include the widow; daughters, Clara Louise
Dubbs, Wichita; Mrs. Roy (Florence) Roat, San Jose, Calif.; brother, Wendell,
Palo Alto, Calif.; sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Stover, Palo Alto, Calif.; Mrs.
G.G. Hays, Wesley Towers, Hutchinson; Mrs. Raymond Millbrook, Topeka; two
grandsons.
Funeral will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church; Rev.
McFall, Rev. Garman Wedel, Bill Buggeln, Father Cornelius Leunissen. Burial
will be in the Ransom Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Monday and
until services at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home.
Unknown newspaper source
L.A. Dubbs, 77, lifelong resident of the Ransom community,
passed away at the home there early Sunday, November 29, 1970, of an apparent
heart attack.
He was born at Ransom April 15, 1893, the son of the
late Mr. and Mrs. W.O. Dubbs. He became well known over the county through
his many activities in the educational, banking and grain dealing fields,
and over the state through his activities with the visually handicapped
organizations in later years, after losing his sight in midlife.
He was a member of the First Christian Church at Manhattan,
and of the Ransom Lions Club, Kansas Grain Dealers Association, Kansas
Citizens Council on Aging, Kansas Council for Library Services to Visually
and Physically Handicapped, National Rehabilitation Association, Kansas
Public Health Association,
Braille Association of Kansas, Kansas Hospital Advisory
Council, Southwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired, and was
a registered lobbyist for the Blind in Kansas.
He was united in marriage to Mary Vaile on June 20, 1921,
at Hickman Mills, Mo. She passed away June 7, 1965.
He married Opal M. Wade April 10, 1966, in Topeka, who
survives him.
Other survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Roy (Florence)
Roat of San Jose, Calif., and Clara L. Dubbs of Wichita; three sisters,
Mrs. Myrtle Stover of Palo Alto, Calif., Mrs. G.G. Hays of Hutchinson,
and Mrs. Raymond Millbrook of Topeka; a brother, Wendell Dubbs of Palo
Alto, Calif., two grandsons, Dale and Leon Roat of San Jose, Calif.; a
step-daughter, Mrs. Joanne Hatter of Ormond Beach, Fla.; a step-son, James
R. Wade of Whitewater; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom United Methodist
Church Tuesday afternoon, December 1, with interment made in the Ransom
Cemetery with Fitzgeralds in charge.
Ness Co. News, Dec. 3, 1970
OBITUARY
Lewis Albert Dubbs, son of William O. and Florence LaPlante
Dubbs, was born April 15, 1893, in Ransom, Kansas, his home town where
he resided almost continuously until his death, November 29, 1970.
First born of a family of seven children in a pioneer
town, Albert grew up with the community. Always studious, he finished grade
school before he was 12 years old, and as a high school senior was Valedictorian
of the class of 1913, first class to graduate from Ransom High School.
After graduation from the Kansas State University at
Manhattan, where he earned a Pi Kappa Delta key in debate, he taught for
several years, being superintendent of schools in Arnold and Beeler, 1921
to 1931.
On June 20, 1921, he married Mary Vaile of Hickman Mills,
Mo., whom he had met in college. On the death of his father in 1931, they
returned with their two small daughters to live in Ransom. He continued
in his home after Mary’s death, June 7, 1965.
Always interested and active in community affairs he
enjoyed serving his church, the First Christian Church at Ransom as elder,
deacon and Bible school teacher for many years.
Elected to represent Ness County in the Kansas Legislature
in 1936 he filled the position of minority floor leader throughout his
second term.
Having lost the sight of one eye in 1927 he became completely
blind in 1949. This misfortune necessitated severe readjustment in the
pattern of his life but he refused to accept it as a handicap. With cheerful
determination, he trained himself to use his other senses to compensate
for his blindness and was soon an instructor for sightless students in
the Kansas Center of the Rehabilitation of the Blind where he had his basic
training.
As legislative representative for the Kansas Association
for the Blind he attended each session of the state legislature for the
past 18 years. He was in demand as a speaker for service clubs on the problems
of the blind.
At the time of his death he was serving the state as
a member both of the Kansas Hospital Advisory Council and the Advisory
Council to the State Library for Services to the Physically Handicapped.
In addition to managing an extensive grain business,
Albert was a member of the board of directors of both the First State Bank
at Ransom and the First State Bank at Ness City.
His most rewarding civic undertaking was his promotion
of the Ransom Nursing Home and Grisell Memorial Hospital at Ransom which
resulted in the first rural medical center in western Kansas. His service
on the board of these two splendid institutions dates from 1936.
His marriage to Mrs. Opal Wade of Topeka in 1966 brought
him a helpmate who supported his efforts in every field of his endeavor.
She survives him at their home in Ransom.
He is also survived by his two daughters, Clara Louise
Dubbs of Wichita and Mrs. Florence Roat, her husband Roy and two sons,
Dale and Leon of San Jose, Calif.; one brother, W.P. Dubbs of Palo Alto,
Calif.; his brother-in-law, Donald McMillin of Lamar, Colo.; three sisters,
Mrs. Myrtle Stover of Palo Alto, Calif., Minnie Millbrook of Topeka, and
Mrs. Agnes Hays of Hutchinson; a step-son, Jim Wade and his family of Whitewater;
a step-daughter, Mrs. Joanne Hatter and her husband of Ormond Beach, Fla.;
and a wide circle of friends throughout the state.
Ness Co. News, Dec. 18, 1970
LOUIS DUBBS
L.B. Dubbs, 97, one of the county’s eldest and most highly
respected residents, passed away at the hospital at Ransom Thursday, July
18. He had been in failing health for some months.
Born at Burnt Cabins, Penna., March 6, 1871, he came
to the Ransom community with his parents in 1879, and had resided there
since.
After reaching manhood on the family homestead northwest
of Ransom, he spent a year as a school teacher, and then became associated
with the Shellenbergr and Dubbs store in Ransom, clerking there for many
years before opening his own store in 1920.
His service to people of his community through the retail
operation spanned a period of some 58 years before his retirement.
He was united in marriage with Mollie P. Curtis on March
30, 1897. She passed away on October 26, 1962.
Mr. Dubbs retained an active interest in the affairs
of his community well past his retirement age, and served his community
over the years in many ways.
He was a member of the Ransom Methodist Church and of
the Ransom WCTU.
Survivors include: Two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Curry
and Mrs. Bertha Whitaker, both of Ransom; a son, Charles E. Dubbs of Kansas
City; a brother, Charles F. Dubbs of Ransom; three grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren,
other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom Methodist
Church Saturday morning, July 20, conducted by the pastor, Rev. William
McFall. Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery with Fitzgeralds in charge.
Ness Co. News, July 28, 1968
OBITUARY
Louis Burdette Dubbs was born at Burnt Cabins, Penna.,
March 6, 1871, the elder son of Margaret Elizabeth Aller and Albert M.
Dubbs, and passed away at Ransom, July 18, 1968, Ransom’s oldest resident,
having passed his 97th birthday by four months and 12 days.
As a child of seven years, Burd with his mother and younger
brother, came to Kansas to join his father who had taken a homestead a
few miles northwest of Ransom in February of 1879. On that farm, still
family owned, he grew to manhood. His memories of the rigors of those pioneer
days were pleasant ones, walking across country several miles under a cloudless
Kansas sky to visit the nearest neighbor, happy associations in the country
school near the Dubbs homestead.
As a young man, he taught one term of school He and his
brother, Charles, attended Central Normal college in Great Bend. There
he met another young teacher, Mollie Priestly Curtis. They were married
March 30, 1897, and established a home in Ransom which endured for more
than 65 years, until her death October 26, 1962.
Mr. Dubbs was a Ransom merchant for 58 years, clerking
in the Shellenberger and Dubbs store until he opened his own grocery, the
L.B. Dubbs Store, in 1920. With the motto “If it isn’t right, we’ll make
it right”, he took pride in handling quality produce and enjoyed nothing
more than visiting with his customers. His outgoing, cheerful disposition
extended a warm welcome to everyone who stepped into his store, the small
child with a penny, and the farmer with several cases of eggs.
After the death of his wife, Mr. Dubbs continued to live
in the family home in Ransom with his younger brother, Charles F. Dubbs,
and his two daughters, Mrs. Netta Curry and Mrs. Bertha Whitaker, whose
loving care prolonged his happy years far beyond the span of three score
and ten.
In addition to his brother and daughters, he is survived
by a son, Charles E. Dubbs, and daughter-in-law, Florence, of Kansas City;
three grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
A faithful member and attendant of Ransom Methodist Church,
he taught a Bible Class until advancing years limited his activity. A staunch
and vocal advocate of what he believed to be right, he was a long time
member of the Prohibition party and the WCTU. He was a candidate for the
United States Senate on the Prohibition ticket. The Christian Endeavor
society was a major and continuing interest; he and his wife traveled to
Chicago and other cities to attend its conventions.
Burd was proud of the community in which he lived, always
ready to assume his share of responsibility. He served both as a member
of the city council and mayor of Ransom.
He believed in the basic goodness of mankind, regardless
of race or religion. His confidence in his fellow man was an inspiration
to many. The scores of friends who knew and valued L.B. Dubbs will miss
him but not the meaning of his life which is a continuing presence.
Ness Co. News, July 28, 1968
MARGARET DUBBS
The entire county was saddened last Friday when it was
learned that one of the Pioneer Mothers of Ness County, Mrs. Albert M.
Dubbs, had passed away at her home near Ransom.
Mrs. Dubbs had lived in the same house the past 54 years
and in recent years her son, Chas. F. Dubbs, had been her mainstay, making
his home with her. The other son, L.B. Dubbs, also being with his mother
many times every week.
She was widely known over the county as she had always
taken an active part in church and community affairs, even in recent years.
Elizabeth Aller was born November 19, 1848, at Knobsville,
Penn., one of the ten children of George and Ann Aller, and departed this
life at her home near Ransom, on February 23, 1940, at the age of 91 years,
3 months and 3 days.
In 1870 she married Albert M. Dubbs and they established
their home at Burnt Cabins, Penn., where their two sons were born. In 1879
the family came to western Kansas and homesteaded west of Ransom. In that
neighborhood she lived thruout the remainder of her life, the last 54 years
in the same home.
Mrs. Dubbs had the true pioneer spirit, she was able
to make the best of hardships and enjoy the good things. She considered
it no more than neighborly to walk two or three miles to call upon a new
settler. Herself a former teacher, she looked upon the erecting of the
sod schoolhouse as the most noteworthy sign of advancement in the pioneer
country.
The Dubbs home was noted thruout the country side for
its hospitality to both friend and stranger. The best that the home afforded
was offered to every visitor for “she stretched out her hand to the poor
and reached forth her hands to the needy.”
Mrs. Dubbs became a church member in early life and her
long life was full of evidence of Christian living. An outstanding characteristic
was her custom of speaking some good for everyone of whom she spoke. “The
law of kindness upon her tongue” enabled her to single out the good in
all she knew. The love her neighbors, friends and family bore for her,
express the goodness of the life she lived.
Her husband preceded her in death in 1927. The two sons,
L.B. Dubbs and Chas. F. Dubbs, both of Ransom, survive. Other surviving
relatives are her grandchildren, Chas. E. Dubbs of Kansas City, Mo., Mrs.
Netta Curry and Mrs. Bertha Mae Guipre of Port Arthur, Texas; her great-grandchildren,
Frances Jean and Curtis Rex Guipre, Jack and Joe Curry; her sisters, Mrs.
Agnes Gunnell of Crete, Nebr., and Mrs. Myrta McDonald of Ransom, Kansas;
her brothers, John Aller of Manchester, Okla., and McClellan Aller of Camp
Hill, Penn., and a large number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the
Ransom Methodist Church with the Rev. L.R. Fish in charge. The Rev. Abraham
Albrecht of the Mennonite Church assisted with the service. Burial was
made in the Ransom Cemetery beside her husband.
Ness Co. News, Feb. 29, 1940
MARY DUBBS
Mrs. L.A. Dubbs, 69, a long time Ransom community woman,
passed away at the hospital in Ransom on Monday, June 7. She had been in
poor health for almost a year.
She was born in Kansas City, Mo., on June 20, 1895. She
was a former school teacher, and had resided in the county since 1921.
She married L.A. Dubbs of Ransom at Hickman Mills, Mo.,
on June 20, 1921. The couple lived their entire wedded life in the Ransom
community.
She was a member of the Ransom Methodist Church, the
Kansas Association for the Blind, WCTU, and the Monday Evening study club
of Ransom.
Survivors include: The widower; two daughters, Clara
Dubbs of Wichita, and Mrs. Roy Roat of San Jose, Calif.; a sister, Mrs.
Lulu Phelps of Independence, Mo.; a brother, Alan Vaile of Grandview, Mo.;
two grandsons, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom Methodist
Church on Wednesday morning, June 9, conducted by the pastor Rev. Bruce
Blake, and assisted by Rev. P.K. Regier of the Ransom Mennonite Church.
Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery with Fitzgeralds in charge.
Ness Co. News, June 10, 1965
OBITUARY
Mary Laura Vaile was born in Kansas City, Mo., June 20,
1895, the youngest child of H.A. and Clara Rodgers Vaile, and died at Ransom,
Kansas, her home for 34 years on the morning of June 7, 1965, two weeks
before her 70th birthday.
Following her graduation from Kansas State University,
she married L.A. Dubbs on June 20, 1921, at Hickman Mills, Mo. The young
couple made their first home at Beeler where they taught in the high school.
Later they taught at Arnold where their two daughters were born.
Mrs. Dubbs joined the Methodist Church as a young girl
and was always active in church work in every community in which she lived.
In Ransom she participated in every phase of the work of the Christian
Church and was superintendent of the junior department of the Bible School
for 15 years. She was an active member and held a number of offices in
her garden and study clubs and the WCTU, serving as director of the Child
Welfare Department of Kansas for several years.
She loved her garden and her flowers, which grew so profusely
under her expert care that she furnished bouquets for many public events
as well as bringing joy and comfort to friends and neighbors innumerable.
In spite of the numerous interests which claimed her
attention, her life work of chief importance has been in serving as eyes
for her husband since he lost his sight in 1939. They traveled extensively
while she described to him the countryside through which they passed, or
interpreted for him the reference material he needed to study or the reports
from the many conventions which they attended. She was always at his side
enabling him to see the needed details whether in business, community service
or pleasure. She was a life member of the Kansas Association for the Blind
and for many years secretary to the board of Grisell Memorial Hospital.
Her later years were brightened by the satisfaction she
found in the accomplishments of her daughters and two lively grandsons.
She is survived by her husband of the home, two daughters,
Clara Louise of Wichita and Mrs. Florence Roat of San Jose, Calif.; her
son-in-law, Roy Roat, two grandsons, Dale and Leon Roat; a sister, Mrs.
Lulu Phelps of Independence, Mo.; a brother, Allen Vaile of Grandview,
Mo.; a nephew, Harry Phelps of Oakley; and a niece, Mary Carroll of Independence,
Mo.
Ness Co. News, June 17, 1965
MAURICE DUBBS
Maurice E. Dubbs, 82, near lifelong resident of the Ransom
community, passed away at the Grisell Memorial Hospital there Saturday,
August 12, 1972, following an apparent heart attack. Although he had been
a resident of the Ransom nursing home the past 1 1/2 years, his passing
came unexpectedly.
He was born at El Dorado July 19, 1890, and came to the
Ransom community in early childhood with his parents, the late Mr. and
Mrs. Samuel Dubbs. He married Nellie Rufenacht at Ransom June 16, 1920,
and she passed away in November of 1960.
He was a retired farmer and a stockman, and a member
of the Ransom church of Christ.
Funeral services were held from the Fitzgerald Funeral
Home here Tuesday morning August 15, conducted by Bro. Bill Buggeln, pastor
of the Ransom church of Christ and Bro. Lee Lacy of the Utica church of
Christ. Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Leslie (Melba)
Tillitson of Ransom, and Mrs. Donald (Thelma) Anderson of Wichita; two
sisters, Mrs. Roy Gravatt of Selma, Calif., and Mrs. Omer Adkinson of Crowley,
Colo.; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, other relatives and
friends.
Ness Co. News, Aug. 17, 1972
OBITUARY
Maurice E. Dubbs, son of Samuel and Celia Dubbs, was born
near El Dorado, on July 19, 1890, and departed this life on August 12,
1972, at the age of 82 years and 24 days.
He was brought as a tiny baby to the family homestead
and lived his early days in a sod house. He learned to love the land and
as a young boy, he was found taking his place behind the plow to turn the
fertile land. To further his educational interest in agriculture, he attended
Kansas State college at Manhattan and has spent most of his life in this
community as a farmer and stockman.
At the age of 14, Maurice was baptized and became a member
of the church of Christ and remained in steadfast faith.
On June 16, 1920, he was united in marriage to Nellie
Rufenacht. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary just 5 months
prior to Nellie’s passing. To this happy home were born two daughters,
Thelma and Melba.
In later years he built a new house on his farm, doing
most of the building himself. He also enjoyed working with woods, making
gifts for his children and grandchildren.
In January, 1970, he suffered a stroke leaving him an
invalid. In his passing, he leaves two daughters and their husbands: Thelma
and Don Anderson of Wichita, Melba and Leslie Tillitson of Ransom; five
grandchildren, two great-grandsons; two sisters and their husbands: Mr.
and Mrs. Roy Gravatt of Selma,Calif., and Mr. and Mrs. Omer Adkinson of
Crowley, Colo.; and other relatives and many friends.
Ness Co. News, Aug. 24, 1972
MOLLIE DUBBS
Mrs. L.B. Dubbs, 89, a resident of Ransom for over 65
years, passed away at the home in Ransom on Friday, October 26, 1962.
Born in Massac County, Miss., the daughter of the late
Dr. and Mrs. D.B. Curtis on October 15, 1873, she came to Kansas with her
parents when a small child. Her parents were homesteaders on a farm on
the Ness-Trego County line.
Upon reaching womanhood she taught school for several
terms.
She was united in marriage to L.B. Dubbs on March 30,
1897. They established their home in Ransom, and had lived their entire
wedded life in that city.
She was a member of the Ransom Methodist Church and of
the WCTU of that city.
Survivors include the bereaved husband, L.B. Dubbs; two
daughters, Mrs. Netta Curry and Mrs. Bertha Whitaker, both of Ransom; one
son, Charles E. Dubbs of Kansas City; a sister, Mrs. Helen Miller of Ransom;
three grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, other relatives and a host
of friends.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom Methodist
Church Sunday afternoon, October 28, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Bruce
Blake. Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery with Fitzgerald’s in charge.
Ness Co. News, Nov. 1, 1962
OBITUARY
Mollie Priestley Curtis was born October 15, 1873, in
Massac County, Ill., one of the 11 children of Dr. and Mrs. David B. Curtis,
and passed away at her home in Ransom, Kansas, on October 26, 1962.
As a child of five, she with her twin brother, John,
and other members of the large family had the thrilling experience of a
covered wagon journey from Illinois to Kansas. For health reasons, Doctor
Curtis moved his family from an area where drainage was a problem to a
homestead on the Trego-Ness County boundary line. Vivid in her memory were
the biscuits and cornbread baked enroute on the kitchen stove installed
in the moving wagon and the family cow who walked the long miles behind
the wagon furnishing a regular supply of sweet milk.
As a young woman she taught for several years in the
schools of Trego County and Ness County and attended Central Normal College
in Great Bend. There she became acquainted with a fellow student, L.B.
Dubbs. They were married on March 30, 1897, and established a home in Ransom
where she resided throughout the 65 years of her married life.
Her husband and her three children, Charles E. Dubbs
of Kansas City, Kansas, Mrs. Netta Curry and Mrs. Bertha Whitaker of the
home survive her. Also surviving are her youngest sister, Mrs. Lee C. (Helen)
Miller of Ransom, three grandchildren, Mrs. Jean LaFon of Okinawa, Joe
Curry of Rosemead, Calif., and Jack Curry of Hutchinson; her brother-in-law,
Charles F. Dubbs of the home, and 10 great-grandchildren. Other members
of her immediate family and a grandson, Curtis Rex Guipre, preceded her
in death.
The Methodist Church, the Woman’s Christian Temperance
Union, and flowers were the interests on which Mrs. Dubbs centered much
of her time and effort. She knew flowers and loved to raise them in the
church yard as well as at her own home, and to supply them to innumerable
friends and neighbors. Until her later years when illness curtailed her
activity, she taught Sunday school class, sponsored the Loyal Temperance
Legion and furnished bouquets for countless church and community events.
Although shy and retiring by nature she is loved and and remembered by
many who benefited by the kindness and concern for others which molded
her life.
Rev. Bruce Blake conducted the funeral services from
the Ransom Methodist Church with Mrs. Reginald Buxton as soloist and Mrs.
Russell Shellenberger as organist. Pallbearers were Edwin Shellenberger,
Clyde, Orville, and Wilbur Willour, John Marhofer and Donald Friess. Interment
was in Ransom Cemetery.
Ness Co. News, Nov. 1, 1962
NELLIE DUBBS
OBITUARY
Nellie Agnes Owens was born at Rio, Illinois, September
9, 1873, and departed this life at her home in Arnold, Kansas, June 3,
1930, aged 56 years, 8 months, and 23 days.
While a small child her parents moved to Iowa. When she
was 14 years old, they moved to California where she grew to womanhood.
On May 10, 1893 she was united in marriage to Orra V.
Dubbs at Santa Cruz, California. The young couple came to Ransom, Kansas,
and have since lived here and at Arnold, except one year spent in Idaho.
Eight children were born at Ransom.
When a young woman, she became a member of the church
of Christ of which she was still a member.
She was a faithful wife and a devoted mother, and was
never too tired to do some service for her family.
Although her sickness extended over a period of several
months, she never complained; and when her suffering was most intense she
always had a smile for those about her.
She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, O.V. Dubbs,
Beth, Owen, and Dale Dubbs, and Vera Huxman of Arnold, Kansas; Dora Tuttle
of Jetmore, Kansas, Maye Shertz of McCracken, and Grace Petty, and Ruth
Harkness of Ransom, Kansas; two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Ayer of Santa Cruz,
California, and Mrs. Grace Streib of Calgary, Canada; three brothers, Art
Owens, San Francisco, Clark Owens, Oakland, and Earl Owens, Vallajo, California;
nine grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and
one brother. Mrs. Dubbs has been in poor health for several years and has
suffered much during the last six months. Her daughter Beth has been constantly
at her side, besides looking after the home and telephone office also.
The other daughters having their own homes were often with their mother,
bringing the grandchildren, and the two boys often came to her room.
Although suffering great pain, she always had a kind
word and smile for each one.
She was conscious, and knowing the end was near called
her little flock about her and told them of her readiness to go, kissing
each one goodbye, with a farewell word of love.
She has been faithful to her allotted task, the successful
raising of eight children and now hear this, “Well done, good and faithful
servant”.
“She took the role of mother in a home,
And here she showed her wondrous charm and grace
She made that home, not common, but sublime;
A bit of heaven here on earth to show,
How men should live to honor God above
Her children call her blessed, and tis so”.
Ransom Record, June 13, 1930
NELLIE DUBBS
Mrs. Maurice Dubbs, 69, life-long resident of the Ransom
community passed away there on Friday, November 4, after a short illness.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom Mennonite
Church Monday, November 7, with interment being made in the Ransom Cemetery.
Survivors include: The husband, Maurice of Ransom; two
daughters, Mrs. Melba Tillitson of Ransom, and Mrs. Thelma Anderson of
Wichita; her mother, Mrs. Emma Rufenacht of Ransom; six sisters, Mrs. Celia
Nimz of Arnold, Mrs. Anna Day of LaJunta, Colo., Mrs. Eva Coopersmith of
Rockford, Wash., Mrs. Emma Pierce of Springfield, Colo., Mrs. Ida Todd
of Ness City, and Mrs. Eleska Mishler of Ransom; one brother, Fred Rufenacht
of Scott City; five grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
Ness Co. News, Nov. 10, 1960
OBITUARY
Nellie Rose Rufenacht, daughter of Gottfried and Emma
Rufenacht, was born on a farm north of Ransom on September 5, 1891, and
departed this life at the Grisell Memorial Hospital on November 4, 1960,
at the ago of 69 years and 2 months.
At an early age she joined the Mennonite Church at Ransom
and continued in steadfast faith until her death.
On June 16, 1920, she was united in marriage to Maurice
E. Dubbs. To this union were born two daughters.
Nellie was a devoted wife and mother. She spent her entire
life serving her family and church. For the past 25 years she had taught
the kindergarten class in Sunday school. Another of her great joys was
in sharing her plants and flowers with her friends and neighbors.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Maurice;
her two daughters and their husbands, Thelma and Don Anderson of Wichita,
and Melba and Leslie Tillitson of Ransom; five grandchildren, Gwendolyne
and Coleen and Ronald, Jeanette, and Vona Jo; her mother, Mrs. Emma Rufenacht;
six sisters, Mrs. Celia Nimz of Arnold, Mrs. Anna Day of LaJunta, Colo,
Mrs. Eva Coppersmith of Rockford, Wash., Mrs. Emma Pearce of Springfield,
Colo., Mrs. Ida Todd of Ness City and Mrs. Eleska Mishler of Ransom; and
one brother, Fred Rufenacht of Scott City; and a host of other relatives
and friends.
She does not die who leaves her thought
Imprinted on life’s deathless page
She passes on but the work she wrought
Lives on from age to age.
Ness Co. News, Nov. 17, 1960
ORRA DUBBS
The many friends of Ora Dubs will be grieved to learn
of his death which occurred Tuesday afternoon at the hospital to which
place he was brought from his home in Arnold last Thursday after an attack
of heart trouble and complications.
The funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon
1:30 o’clock at the church of Christ in Ransom.
Ransom Record, April 29, 1937
REBECCA DUBBS
OBITUARY
Rebecca Lillian Dubbs was born February 14, 1907, at Ransom,
Kansas and died August 14, 1931 at Halstead, Kansas at the age of twenty-four
years and six months. She leaves her mother, Mrs. W.O. Dubbs, and these
brothers and sisters: Wendell, Myrtle, Minnie, Albert and Mary Dubbs, Glenn
and Agnes Hayes, Don and Margaret McMillin, and three small nieces. She
is with her father, who preceded her to the Great Beyond last February.
Rebecca was Valedictorian of the class of 1924 of Ransom
high School. She was graduated from the Kansas State Agricultural College
in 1929. In both high school and college she won scholastic honors and
took an active part in literary and social affairs.
At the age of nineteen she became a member of the Christian
Church.
Her chosen life work was teaching. She had completed
two very successful years of work in the high schools of Scott City and
Bison.
She was much appreciated in college and teaching for
her executive ability. But even more did we appreciate her quiet humor,
her cheerfulness, her kindly care for all of us and her Christian way of
life as she expressed it in service to all. Although her earthly form has
gone from us, her sweet spirit abides.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Monday
afternoon, Bro. J.D. Scott, pastor of the Christian Church at Scott City
and a personal friend of Rebecca, preaching the sermon.
“It singeth low in every heart,
We hear it, each and all --
A song of those who answer not,
however we may call;
They throng the silence of the breast,
We see then as of yore --
The kind, the brave, the true, the sweet,
Who walk with us no more
‘Tis hard to take the burden up,
When these have laid it down;
They brightened all the joy of life,
They softened every frown;
But o, ‘tis good to think of them,
When we are troubled sore!
Thanks be to God that such have been,
Though they are here no more!
More homelike seems the vast unknown,
Since they have entered there;
To follow them were not so hard,
Wherever they may fare;
They cannot be where God is not,
On any sea or shore;
Whate’er betides, thy love abides,
Our God, forever more!”
Ransom Record, Aug. 21, 1931
SAMUEL DUBBS
OBITUARY
Samuel E. Dubbs, youngest son of Louis and Agnes Dubbs,
was born March 15, 1863, in Fulton County, Pa., and died at his home in
Ransom, April 13, 1945, less than a month after celebrating his eighty-second
birthday anniversary.
Mr. Dubbs was one of those pioneers who have meant so
much to western Kansas. At the age of 16, he came with his parents to the
newly made dugout home one mile west of the present site of Ransom.
From that April day in 1879 to the morning of his death,
this community has been his home. When he reached his majority, he took
a homestead for himself in southern Trego County. With his own hands, he
built the snug sod house to which he took his bride, Celia Maxwell, following
the ceremony in the little Cyrus church on October 28, 1888. In this pioneer
sody, their three children were born.
The years were so hard and the crops were so scant, that
Mr. Dubbs often went east to work during the harvest season. But he stayed
with the west until he saw it blossom with fruitfulness.
On September 18, 1887, he confessed his faith in Christ
and was baptized. Through the years he has remained true to his faith and
his belief has never changed. Mr. Dubbs earned the respect and love of
his friends and neighbors because of his uprightness, integrity, and unswerving
adherence to principle. As the shadows of his years lengthened, he was
able to say, “I want to be remembered by the life I have lived.”
He is survived by his devoted companion of more than
56 years whose loving care prolonged his life by months and years, and
by his three children: Maurice E. of Ransom; Mrs. Alice Gravatt of Selma,
Calif.; and Mrs. Mable Adkinson of Crowley, Colo.; by eight grandchildren
and two great-grandsons, and by one sister, Mrs. Lillie Traver of Ransom.
The funeral was held at 2:00 Tuesday, April 17, from
the Methodist Church in Ransom. Rev. D.N. McAllister of LaCrosse, a personal
friend of the deceased, preached the funeral sermon.
Pall bearers were: Ward Scott, Bert Barber, George Shellenberger,
Fred Amstutz, Clinton Scherzinger, Charles Miller. A male quartet, Jesse
Dieffenbach, Rev. John Boehr, Cliff Anderson, and Charles Shellenberger
sang, “The Beautiful Land”, “Going Down the Valley” and “Asleep in Jesus”,
accompanied by Eleska Rufenacht.
On account of traffic restrictions, Mrs. Alice Gravatt
of California was unable to attend the funeral of her father.
Ness Co. News, Apr. 19, 1945
WILLIAM DUBBS
This community was shocked beyond words to learn that
one of its most prominent and worthy citizens, W.O. Dubbs, had suddenly
passed to the Great Beyond Sunday evening, February 22, 1931, at his home
in Ransom. The shock was greater because everyone knew that he had a strong
hardy physique and was scarcely ever sick. Mr. Dubbs had been out to his
farm west of town, as was his custom, performing his tasks of caring for
his stock. He always walked, as he said that he enjoyed the exercise. Upon
reaching home he complained of feeling tired. He took his paper, sat down
to read, and before his wife, who was with him, could realize that anything
was wrong, he had fallen asleep, never to waken on earth. Although this
was a shock to his loved ones, and hard to bear, this manner of passing
away was in accord with his wishes, as he had expressed to a friend. All
that was left for mortal hands to do, was to tenderly care for the earthly
temple which had been the dwelling place of this noble man.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church
Wednesday afternoon, February 25. Every seat, every nook and corner of
the large building was filled with sorrowing friends from his own community
and from all over the county, and many were standing outside. The seniors
of the high school and their sponsors, Miss Scott and Mr. Andree, attended
in a body and were given reserved seats. The flowers--words are as inadequate
to describe their beauty as is an artists brush to paint the gorgeous sunset.
They paid silent but beautiful tribute of respect and sympathy.
Rev. J.K. Shellenberger, Dean of Men, Cotner College,
Lincoln, Nebraska, delivered the comforting message. Looking over the large
congregation he said that those who filled the church were not there out
of curiosity, but had come to pay respect to one “who had loved his fellowmen”.
Miss Fern Horchem at the piano played softly as the quartet,
composed of H.C. Anderson, Mrs. Ethel McNinch, Mrs. Lena Sidebottom and
Rev. J.W. Bergen sang sympathetically the songs requested, “When My Life’s
Work is Ended”, and “True Hearted, Whole Hearted”, both favorites of Mr.
Dubbs, and “What a Friend We Have In Jesus”. The pall bearers were three
nephews, C.F. Dubbs, L.B. Dubbs and Maurice Dubbs; two sons-in-law, Glen
G. Hays and Donald C. McMillin, and a brother-in-law, Isaac LaPlante. The
greatest contribution that this man and his wonderful companion have made
to their country is their fine family of children, all college graduates
excepting Wendell, who will be in college next year, and all doing their
part in the life of the community in which they live and work. All were
at home for the funeral.
Undertaker John A. Aeby had charge of the body, which
was tenderly laid to rest in the Ransom Cemetery, beneath a mound of earth’s
rarest beauties--the flowers given in loving remembrance of the departed
friend and loved one, and heartfelt sympathy for those who mourn.
”So live, that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan, which moves
To that mysterious realm where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
There is no death! The stars go down
To rise upon some fairer shore;
And bright in Heavens jewelled crown
They shine forever more.
There is no death! An angel form
Walks o’er the earth with silent tread;
He bears our best beloved away
And then we call them “dead”.
********************
Announcement of the death of W.O. Dubbs at his home in
the west part of the city Sunday was received with sorrow and surprise
by this community, for he was one of our oldest residents here, was interested
in, and had gone far toward building this town and community.
He was among the first settlers in Nevada Township, coming
here in 1879, and was known at all as a man most congenial, upright, and
with high ideals.
Up to the hour of his death he had been seemingly in
good health, and as usual looked after his daily farm duties. Returning
home in the evening from his farm he complained some of not feeling as
well as usual. Labored breathing became noticeable to his wife, and she
phoned near friends to come in, but before their arrival he had passed
quietly away.
OBITUARY
William Orville Dubbs was born in Burnt Cabins, Pennsylvania,
August 28, 1854 and died February 22, 1931, at his home in Ransom, Kansas,
at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 24 days.
He came to Ness County in April of 1879 and had been
a resident of Nevada Township ever since. He endured the hardships of pioneer
life with his parents and did not found a home of his own until after the
death of his mother.
He was married to Florence E. LaPlante, who survives
him, on June 28, 1892. Seven children all of whom are still living came
to bless the home these two founded and to be blessed by it. They are L.A.
Dubbs, of Beeler, Mrs. G.G. Hays, of Utica, Minnie Dubbs, of Detroit, Michigan,
Mrs. D.C. McMillin, of Lamar, Colorado, Myrtle Dubbs, of Detroit, Michigan,
Rebecca and Wendell Dubbs, of Ransom.
Three brothers, Isaac, Howard and Albert and one sister,
Nora, preceded him to the other shore. He is survived by three sisters,
Mrs. Louise Kelly, of Decorum, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Minnie Kelly of Kansas
City, Missouri, Mrs. Lillie Traver, of Ransom, and one brother, Samuel
E. Dubbs, of Ransom. His late years were brightened by the visits of three
granddaughters, Clara Louise and Florence May Dubbs, and Margaret Virginia
McMillin.
Throughout the more than half a century that he gave
to western Kansas he was always to be found fighting loyally for the right
as he saw it. His faith in the abiding goodness of God was as great as
it was deep. His last years were blessed with a constantly widening range
of interests and a mellowing charity toward all. The hospitality of his
home was a benediction to all who partook of it.
His favorite poem, read frequently the last few months
was:
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold:
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said,
“What writest thou!” The Vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord”.
“And is mine one?” said Abou, “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerily still, and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men.”
The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great awakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest!
Even to the very last his life was blessed with strength
to do his daily work and, when evening was come, without pain or struggle,
he entered into that greater heritage, “Like one who wraps the drapery
of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams.”
J.K. Shellenberger, of Cotner College, Lincoln, Nebraska,
gave the sermon. He gave especial expression to rightful and better living
here, believing that a right life here would go very far in solving the
destiny and future of one in the hereafter. What he offered was finished
in expression and bore every evidence of truth, and was well received by
his listeners. Possibly the Methodist Church never held so many people.
The flower offering was profuse and came from everywhere,
east and west, and from friends at home.
Burial was made at the conclusion of the services in
the Ransom Cemetery.
Ransom Record, Feb. 27, 1931
CAROL DUFFIELD
Carol Lea Duffield, 47, died Oct. 26, 2000, at her home
in Prairie Village.
She was born Oct. 20, 1953, at Ransom, the daughter of
Otis and Eunice Tilley Horchem. She attended Fort Hays State University,
Penn Valley Community College, Kansas City, Mo, and Johnson County Community
College. She was a homemaker.
She married Mike Anderson. On Aug. 8, 1987, she married
John Duffield at Leawood. He survives.
Other survivors include: her mother, of Ransom; a brother,
David Horchem, Ransom; a sister, Paula Huxman, Leawood; a nephew and a
niece.
Private family graveside services and burial will be
at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Ransom Cemetery, with the Rev. Bruce Ferguson
presiding.
Memorials may be sent to United Methodist Church, Ransom,
in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.
Hutchinson News, Oct. 29, 2000
Carol Lea Duffield, 47, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2000,
at her home in Prairie Village.
She was born Oct. 20, 1953, in Ransom, to Otis and Eunice
(Tilley) Horchem. She married Mike Anderson. Later she married John Duffield
on Aug. 8, 1987, in Leawood.
She was a homemaker and member of the Unity Church in
Kansas City, Kan. She attended Fort Hays State University, Penn Valley
Community College, Kansas City, Mo., and Johnson County Community College.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; her mother;
a brother, David Horchem, Ransom; and a sister, Paula Huxman, Leawood.
Private graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday
at the Ransom Cemetery with the Rev. Bruce Ferguson officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church,
Ransom.
Hays Daily News, Oct. 29, 2000
Carol Lea Duffield, 47, died Thursday, October 26, 2000
at her home in Prairie Village.
She was born October 20, 1953, in Ransom to Otis and
Eunice (Tilley) Horchem. She married Mike Anderson. Later she married John
Duffield August 8, 1987, in Leawood.
She was a homemaker and member of the Unity Church in
Kansas City, KS. She attended Fort Hays State University, Penn Valley Community
College, Kansas City, MO and Johnson County Community College.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; her mother;
a brother, David Horchem, Ransom; and a sister, Paula Huxman, Leawood.
Private graveside services were held Wednesday morning,
November 1, at the Ransom Cemetery with the Rev. Bruce Ferguson officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church,
Ransom.
Ness Co. News, Nov. 2, 2000
ELTON DUNCAN
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Duncan, near Shields,
was saddened Saturday afternoon, March 17, by the loss of their infant
son, Elton Dale, whose death occurred four hours after his birth. The little
body was brought to Ransom Monday afternoon and after a short burial service,
conducted by Rev. Mitchell at the grave, was laid to rest in the Ransom
Cemetery. The Record joins with the many friends of these young parents
in expressions of sympathy for their disappointed hopes. Mrs. Duncan has
been quite ill with measles but is thought to be doing as well as could
be expected under the sad circumstances.
Ransom Record, March 24, 1927
(Burial unknown location, no information in cemetery
records)
JOHN DUNCAN
John Duncan who has farmed for several years in Ness County,
was found dead in bed at Garden City Monday forenoon.
Mr. Duncan had sold his farm in Ness County and was moving
to Garden City. He had moved some goods into the house at Garden City and
the family were to bring the rest of the goods later.
Owing to storms we have few particulars. Mr. Duncan was
last seen alive Saturday evening. Monday forenoon he was found dead in
bed. Owing to his being a newcomer, there was some delay in notifying relatives.
A message reached here on Monday evening. Mr. Aeby, drove to Garden City
with the hearse for the remains Wednesday. He was accompanied by Mr. Tony
Sweasy. They found bad roads and were stuck several times.
No arrangements have been announced for the funeral as
we go to press. Probably it will not be before Friday.
The death certificate gives as cause and time of death;
Hemorrhage, some time Saturday night.
Ransom Record, Nov. 14, 1929
Word was received in Ransom Monday evening at 8:30 of
the death of John Duncan, who until recently lived on a farm near here.
Death occurred at Garden City where he was working and expected to move
his family soon.
Ransom Record, Nov. 14, 1929
OBITUARY
John Duncan was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania,
October 1, 1871, and departed this life at his home in Garden City, November
9, 1929 at the age of 58 years, 1 month and 9 days. At the age of 7 years
he moved with his parents to Idana, Clay County, Kansas. At the age of
24 he was married to Lura Alta Bay of Hopeton, Oklahoma. Eleven children
were born to them, two having died in infancy.
For the past 25 years Mr. Duncan has lived with his family
in Ness County.
He leaves his wife, four sons, Lawrence of Shields, Kansas,
Lloyd of Arizona, Hurley and Carol of Ransom, and five daughters, Mrs.
Nellie Petty of Ransom, Mrs. Stella Stieben of Bazine, and Fern, Lola and
Ola, of Ransom. Besides these he leaves four grandchildren, one sister,
Mrs. Anna Weaver, of Brownell, and three brothers; Homer Duncan of Fort
Scott, Kansas, Will Duncan of Santa Ana, California, and Harvey Duncan
of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania; other relatives and a host of friends.
Ransom Record, Nov. 21, 1929
LURA DUNCAN
Mrs. Lura Alta Duncan, 91, formerly of the Ransom community
but a resident of Denver, Colo., since 1936, passed away there on Tuesday,
October 4.
The body was brought to the Fitzgerald Funeral Home here
early Wednesday, October 5.
Fitzgeralds have announced that services have been tentatively
set for Saturday, October 8, 2:00 p.m. from the Ransom church of Christ.
Interment will be in the Ransom Cemetery.
Survivors include: Five daughters, Mrs. Fern Sonnenberg
of Ransom, Mrs. Nellie Petty of Sharon Springs, Mrs. Stella Stieben, Mrs.
Lola Steerman and Mrs. Ola Steerman, all of Denver, Colo.; three sons,
Carl Duncan of Sharon Springs, Hurley Duncan of Deerfield, and Laurence
Duncan of Sunnyside, Wash.
Ness Co. News, Oct. 6, 1966
OBITUARY
Lura Alta Bay, oldest child of Elisha and Clara Bay, was
born at Castleton, Kansas, February 20, 1875, and departed this life October
4, 1966, at the home of a daughter in Denver, Colo., at the age of 91 years,
7 months and 14 days.
She was married to John Duncan and to this union were
born 11 children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Lloyd,
and two children who died in infancy.
She was a member of the church of Christ.
She is survived by daughters, Nellie Petty, Stella Stieben,
Fern Sonnenburg, Ola Steerman and Lola Steerman; sons, Lawrence Duncan,
Hurley Duncan and Carl Duncan; 30 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren,
and one great-great-grandchild; one sister, three brothers, other relatives
and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 8, at 2:00
p.m. from the church of Christ at Ransom. Bro. Roy Lucas of the Utica church
of Christ officiated with interment in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness Co. News, Oct. 20, 1966
FLOYD DURR
Floyd Durr, 56, of Ransom passed away of a heart attack
at the home there early Wednesday morning, January 29, 1958.
No arrangement for funeral services had been made Wednesday
afternoon.
Survivors include the wife; one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy
Fabrizius of WaKeeney; two sons, Delbert Durr of Ransom, and Merrill Durr
of Ulysses; other relatives and friends.
Ness Co. News, Jan. 30, 1958
OBITUARY
Floyd Gilbert Durr, youngest son of Wesley and Alva Durr,
was born on a farm near Holyrood, Kansas, April 2, 1902, and passed away
at his home in Ransom, Wednesday morning, January 29, 1958, at the age
of 55 years, 9 months, 27 days.
He was united in marriage to Esther Boldt, June 18, 1924,
at Bushton, Kansas. To this union were born three children; Merril, Delbert
and Dorothy.
In 1924 he was a partner in a garage at Bushton until
1926, when he turned his full attention to farming interests near Bushton
and Holyrood.
In 1939 he moved to a farm near Ransom in Ness County,
to continue farming. In 1950 he moved to Ransom where he resided until
his death.
Floyd, despite his handicap, was active in the community,
enjoying life in its fullness and always willing to aid his friends whenever
possible for him to do so.
He was a good husband, loving father, and a friend to
all. His mother and father and one sister preceded him in death.
He leaves to mourn: His widow, Esther of Ransom; two
sons, Merril of Ulysses and Delbert of Ransom; one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy
Fabrizius of Harper; two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, five grandchildren,
one brother, Leonard of Holyrood, one sister, Vada Wilson of Salina, a
host of relatives and friends.
Ness Co. News, Feb. 6, 1958
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