ANNA
GARRELTS
Mrs. Anna Garrelts, 85, for 60 years a resident of the
Brownell community, passed away at the Grisell Memorial Nursing home of a heart
attack on Friday, January 17. She had
been a resident there for about six weeks.
She was born at Stormlake, Iowa, on April 27, 1883, and married
John Garrelts on December 23, 1907, at Dubuque, Kansas. He passed away March 10, 1947.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sarah
Christine.
Survivors include two sons, Johnnie M. Garrelts of Ransom, and
Kenneth A. Garrelts of Tacoma, Wash.; a sister, Mrs. Jennie Hendrix of Denver,
Colo.; three grandsons, five great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held from the Brownell United Methodist
Church on Monday afternoon, January 20, conducted by the pastor, Rev. William
McFall of Ransom. Interment was in the
Ransom Cemetery with Fitzgeralds in charge.
Ness
Co. News, Jan. 23, 1969
Anna I. Garrelts, a resident of the Brownell community
for 50 years, passed away of a heart attack at the Ransom Nursing Home on
Friday, January 17, 1969. She had been
a resident of the nursing home six weeks.
She was born on April 27, 1883, at Storm Lake, Iowa, to George
and Sarah Milton. The family moved to
eastern Kansas in 1895, and on to Barton County in 1905.
She was united in marriage to John Garrelts on December 23,
1907, at Dubuque, Kansas; they moved to Ness County in 1918.
She was a member of the Assembly of God Church of McCracken,
Annie’s favorite pastimes were gardening, sewing and
corresponding with her many friends.
Those who knew Annie cherished her for her wit and sense of humor. She clung so steadfastly to the old fashioned
ways, and in so doing, enjoyed life so much.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sarah Christina, who
died in infancy February 20, 1909; and her husband, John, who passed away March
10, 1947.
She leaves to mourn her passing: Two sons, Johnnie of Ransom, and Kenneth of Tacoma, Wash.; one
sister, Jennie Hendrix of Denver, Colo.; three grandsons, David of
Independence, Mo., Gayle of Topeka, and Chester of Tacoma, Wash.; five great
grandchildren.
Now she belongs to the ages, but she’ll live on in our hearts
forever.
Ness
Co. News, January 30, 1969
CLEO
GARRELTS
OBITUARY
Cleo Pauline, daughter of Mae and Delevan Tillitson, was
born December 23, 1913, near Arnold, Kans., where she has made her home her
entire life.
She was united in marriage to Glenn Ernest Garrelts on July 19,
1934.
After a lingering illness of several months and in spite of all
that medical skill and loving hands could do she passed to her heavenly reward
May 2, 1937, at the age of 23 years, four months and eight days.
In early girlhood she accepted Christ as her savior and joined
the Methodist Church at Arnold, where she was a member at the time of her
death.
Cleo was a loving wife and daughter and her cheerful
disposition spread happiness and joy to her family and all who knew and loved
her.
She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Glenn Garrelts, of
Arnold; her mother and father, one sister, Letha, two brothers, Oliver and
Leslie, and a great uncle, Lum Larkins, all of Arnold; one aunt, Edna Tyson, of
Larned, Kans.; two uncles, Eddie Taylor of Ness City, and A.E. Tillitson, of
Belton, Mont., and many other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held from the Methodist Church at Ransom
last Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Nutter, pastor of the Arnold Church
and assisted by Rev. Rothweiler of the Ransom church. Miss Lila McNinch, pianist, played softly as the casket was borne
into the church and placed near the altar amid a bower of flowers. A double mixed quartet composed of Mrs. Ira
Stutzman, Mrs. F.T. McNinch, Mrs. Nutter, Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Dubbs, Theron
LaPlante, Geo. Shellenberger and Elmer Clyne sang “In the Sweet By and By”,
“Does Jesus Care?”, and “Sometime We’ll Understand”.
Pallbearers were Cleo’s classmates assisted by two from Glenn’s
class. They were Ray Sonnenberg,
Charles Smith, Orville Conkright, Victor Breit, Charles Yost and Joe Lyon. Funeral Director John Aeby had charge of the
body which was tenderly laid to rest in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ransom
Record, May 13, 1937
JOHN
GARRELTS
Funeral services for John Garrelts, 68, of
Brownell will be held on Friday, March 14, from the Brownell High School at 2
p.m. The deceased passed away on
Monday, March 10, following an extended illness.
Ness
Co. News, March 13, 1947
OBITUARY
John Marion Garrelts, oldest son of John and Christine Garrelts, was
born at Harrisburg, Ill. July 9, 1878 and passed away at the Grisell Memorial
Hospital in Ransom, March 10, 1947, at the age of 68 years, 8 months and 1 day,
after an illness of more than 15 years.
He spent many weeks in different hospitals where all that medical skill
and loving hands could do for him were of no avail and he gradually grew weaker
until the end.
He came to Barton County with his parents and sisters when only
a few months old, where he grew to manhood.
He was united in marriage to Miss Anna I. Milton December 23,
1907. To this union three children were
born: Sarah Christine, who passed away
at the age of six weeks; John Milton of Ransom; and Kenneth Alexander of Boise,
Idaho. The family moved from Barton
County in August, 1918, and located on a farm west of Brownell where they lived
for several years.
John was one of a family of 10 children, all of whom preceded
him in death except two sisters: Mrs.
Anna Lubbers of Ensign, and Mrs. Effie Hammerstead of Redlands, Calif. He is also survived by his wife, Anna, who
was constantly by his side during his illness; their two sons, two
daughters-in-law, three grandsons, and a host of other relatives and friends.
One of his greatest pleasures was to spend an afternoon up town
visiting his many friends. His family
was always first in his thoughts and until poor health overtook him, he was
never too busy to lend a helping hand wherever needed.
Garrelts was baptized into the Presbyterian Church when a baby,
and when a young man he attended church regularly. A short time before his passing he told members of his family
that he was ready to go Home, and was going soon.
Funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon, March 14, at 2
o’clock at the Brownell Methodist Church by Rev. Eugene Woolverton of
Hays. A quartet composed of Orville
Hair, Donald Weeks, Woodrow Stull and Francis Zeller, sang “The Old Rugged
Cross”, “Sweet Bye and Bye” and “Abide with Me.” Pall bearers were: Ben
and Roy Skaggs, Virgil Snodgrass, Carl Richolson, Chet Ricks, all of Brownell,
and Frank Ramsey of Salina. The remains
were tenderly laid to rest in the Ransom Cemetery with Mortician Fitzgerald in
charge.
Out-of-town guests who attended the funeral were: David Garrelts, Mrs. Betty Grimes and Frank
Ramsey of Salina; Mrs. Emma Thorne and Henry of Hoisington; Mr. and Mrs. E.R.
Lubbers of Ensign; Mr. and Mrs. John Lubbers of Dodge City; and Mrs. Mary
Hendrix and Wayne of Modoc.
Ness
Co. News, March 20, 1947
JOHNNIE
GARRELTS
Johnnie Milton Garrelts, 81, died May 27, 1992, at St.
Anthony’s Hospital, Hays.
He was born June 9, 1910, in Barton County near Redwing, the
son of John M. and Anna Milton Garrelts.
He was a near lifelong resident of Ransom and a trucker and farmer.
On June 18, 1937, he married Jackie Ramsey at Dodge City. She survives.
Other survivors include:
a son, Gayle, Meriden; a grandson.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Fitzgerald Funeral
Home, Ness City. Friends may call from
1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and until service time Friday at the funeral
home. Burial will be in the Ransom
Cemetery.
Memorial may be sent to the donor’s choice.
Unknown
newspaper source
Johnnie Milton Garrelts, 81, a longtime resident of Ness
County, died Tuesday, May 27, 1992, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays. He was a retired trucker and farmer.
Born June 9, 1910, in Barton County, he married Jackie Ramsey
June 18, 1937, at Dodge City.
He is survived by his wife, of the home; a son, Gayle of
Meriden; and one grandson.
The funeral was Friday afternoon at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home
in Ness City with the Rev. Charles Cryderman, pastor of the Ransom United
Methodist Church, presiding. Burial was
in the Ransom Cemetery. The family
suggests memorials to the donor’s choice.
Ness
Co. News, June 4, 1992
MARY
GARRELTS
Mary Barbara Milton was born at Storm Lake, Iowa,
February 13, 1891, and died at her home at Crowley, Colo., October 2, 1924. She came to Prescott, Kansas with her
parents, brothers and sisters in 1895 and lived near Pleasanton, Linn Co., for
several years, later moving to Barton County, near Hoisington, where she was
married to Tony J. Garrelts, May 26, 1908.
To this union 5 children were born, Herbert, Glenn, Gladys,
Wayne and Geneva, all of whom survive her.
They moved to Crowley, Colo., in April 1917, where they have lived ever
since.
She was converted and joined the Presbyterian Church about 3
years ago and has lived a devoted Christian life ever since, taking an active
part in church work. She was a faithful
and loving wife and mother, a dutiful daughter, and sister, and a friend and
neighbor always ready to help where needed.
She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Milton, her brother, Will,
her sisters, Mrs. Helen Trott and Mrs. Anna Garrelts, all of Brownell, and Mrs.
Jennie Hendrix of Modoc, Kansas. One
brother, Alex preceded her ten years ago.
At the time of her death, she was 33 years, 8 months and 2 weeks
and 4 days old. Funeral services were
held at Crowley, Colo., Friday morning, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Hughes,
and the remains, accompanied by her husband and children and her mother, were
brought to Brownell Friday evening where the train was met by a crowd of
relatives and friends. The remains were
taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. J.M. Garrelts until Sunday afternoon when
short services were held at the house and funeral services conducted by Rev.
Wright, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Ness City, were held in Brownell.
The beautiful flowers which covered her casket were silent messages of love and
esteem in which she was held. Interment
was made in the Vansburg Cemetery near Brownell. Mrs. Garrelts had not been in good health for some time, yet her
condition was not considered serious until Wednesday. Death was due to heart
failure.
TONY
GARRELTS
Tony Joseph Garrelts was born near Dubuque, in
Barton County, Kansas, on the 14th of June, 1882, and departed this life at the
Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas, after all that loving hands and
medical care could do on the 2nd day of August, 1940, aged 58 years 1 month and
18 days.
On the 26th day of May, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Barbara Milton, and to this union were born five children all of whom
survive his going: George Herbert, of
Hutchinson, Kansas; Glenn Ernest, of Salina, Kansas; Gladys Maurine, Wayne Earl
and Geneva Irene of the home.
He made his home in Barton County until April, 1917, when he moved
with his family to Crowley, Colo., where he resided until the time of his
wife’s death in 1924, when he moved to Ness County, and on the 3rd day of
August, 1927, moved to his farm west of Ransom where he resided until the time
of his death.
He transferred his membership from the Crowley Presbyterian
Church in Crowley, Colo., to the Brownell Methodist Church and then to the
Ransom Methodist Church, of which he has been a most faithful and loyal member,
with a kindly and cheery smile and word of encouragement for his pastors and a
prayer for the success of his church in the work of His Lord.
His wife’s death on the 2nd day of October, 1924, left him to
be both mother and father to his children, and none can say but that he did
this great task both cheerfully and well.
His greatest aim was to make the best home possible for them
and in all things his children were first in his thought. He was a kind and loving father and will be
sadly missed by his family.
Besides his children he leaves to mourn his passing, two
sisters, Mrs. Anna Lubbers, of Ensign, Kansas, and Mrs. Effie Hammerstead, of
Santa Ana, California; one brother, John, of Brownell, a number of nieces and
nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held at the Ransom Methodist Church,
Sunday afternoon. Pallbearers
were: Clinton Scherzinger, Will Baer,
Fred Amstutz, Ira Stutzman, Maurice Dubbs and Will Schweitzer. Burial was made in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Aug. 8, 1940
GLENN
GARTEN
Memorial graveside services for Glenn Garten will be
held at the Ransom Cemetery Saturday, March 22, at 1:30 p.m.
Glenn Garten was born April 18, 1918, in Commanche County.
He attended schools in Plains and graduated from Ft. Hays Kansas
State College. He was a music teacher
in several Kansas towns, teaching in Ransom for two years from 1939-41. While teaching in Ransom, he met and married
Vera Miller, daughter of early Ransom pioneers Lee and Helen (Curtis) Miller.
After leaving Ransom, Glenn and Vera farmed in Kansas and
Genoa, Colo. He later was a licensed
real estate agent in Colorado Springs.
He died at his home Jan. 30, 1997.
Survivors include his wife, Vera of Foster City, Calif.; a daughter, Gay
Innis of Belmont, Calif.; and sisters, Faye Dickey of Indianapolis, Ind. and
Merle Batman of Meade. He was preceded
in death by a son, Adrian Vaughn Nov. 22, 1958. He will be buried in the family lot in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, March 13, 1997
OBITUARY
Glenn Clayton Garten was born on a farm south of
Coldwater, Kansas, on April 18, 1917.
His parents were Reed A. and Zella Garten. He had one older brother, Kenneth, and two sisters, Faye Dickey and
Merle Batman. The family moved to
Plains, Kansas where he attended high school.
He had a beautiful baritone voice and received a music scholarship in a
contest at Fort Hays State College in Hays, Kansas. He attended Fort Hays and graduated with a music major in
1939. While he was there he sang in the
college glee club, played in the college band, and was a member of the choir at
First Presbyterian Church.
After graduating from college, he was hired as a high school
music teacher in Ransom, Kansas. There
he met the home economics teacher, Vera Mae Miller, and they were married on
August 29, 1940. He taught for another
year at Ransom and then two more years in Arlington, Kansas. While teaching in Arlington, they had their
first child, a boy whom they named Vaughn.
After much consideration he left teaching and returned to his
first love, farming. He went to Plains
to help his father, but since there was no land for sale in that area, he,
Vera, Vaughn, and a new baby daughter, Glenna Gay, moved to a farm close to
Genoa, Colorado where they lived from 1945 until 1971. During that time he sometimes served as
music teacher and superintendent at the Genoa Public School, was a member of
the Genoa Lions Club, was a member and choir director of the Genoa Evangelical
United Brethren Church, and started an Easter Cantata that became a tradition
in the community. At one time it had as
many as 100 community singers.
Glenn and Vera lost their son, Vaughn, in an automobile
accident in 1958. That tragedy and a
desire to try a new profession, led to the eventual sale of the farm and a move
to Colorado Springs. There he dealt in
real estate until they moved to California to be near their daughter and
son-in-law, James E. Innis, in July, 1984.
The time in California was busy with Lion’s Club, SIRS, The First
Presbyterian Church of Menlo Park, family, friends, and traveling.
All of his life reflected his values of family, honesty,
integrity, community service, and love.
He died peacefully at home on January 30, 1997. He had asked to be cremated and have his
ashes buried next to his son Vaughn’s grave, in Ransom, Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Vera, his
daughter, Gay, his sisters, Faye and Merle, and his nieces, Charlee, Diane,
Janet, Bonnie, and nephews, John and Kim and their families.
Obituary
read at graveside service.
VAUGHN
GARTEN
Vaughn Garten, age 16, was killed Saturday evening
near Arriba, Colo., in a car accident.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Garten and grandson of Mrs. Helen
Miller of Ransom. Mr. Garten was music
teacher at the Ransom High School in the early 1940’s.
Ness
Co. News, Nov. 27, 1958
OBITUARY
Adrian Vaughn Garten was born June 24, 1942, at
Hutchinson, Kansas. His short life
ended November 22, 1958. Vaughn was the
only son of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Garten and is survived by his parents and
sister, Gay.
His interests were many.
He joined the Evangelical United Brethern Church at Genoa, Colo., on
April 11, 1954. He was a leader in the
youth work of his church locally and in the district. He was active in 4-H, loved music and sports, but his prime interest
was the farm and working with his father.
His happy disposition and sense of responsibility made him a favorite of
all, both young and old.
His life will be an influence for more good than can be known
about. His parents can be comforted in
knowing that through their efforts and guidance, Vaughn had become the kind of
young man that earned and deserved every privilege and responsibility given
him.
Besides his parents and sister, he leaves to mourn his
loss: His grandmothers, Mrs. L.C.
Miller of Ransom, and Mrs. R.A. Garten of Plains; also four aunts, Mrs. Henry
R. Daily of San Antonio, Texas, Fern Miller of Denver, Colo., Mrs. Richard
Batman of Meade, Mrs. Otis M. Dickey of
Grosse Pointe, Mich; one uncle, Kenneth D. Garten of Limon, Colo.; along with
11 cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside services were held at the Ransom Cemetery on
Wednesday, November 26.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 4, 1958
DELILAH
GIDDINGS
Died: - At her home west of Ransom, Sunday, December 7, 1902,
after a brief illness, Lilla, wife of John A. Giddings, aged about
forty-three years. The remains were
interred in the Ransom Cemetery Tuesday, December 9.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 13, 1902
In Memoriam.
Written
from the National Military Home at Leavenworth, Kansas, by Uncle Hardy Bobbitt.
--
Delilah
A. Giddings, the late loving wife
Of
a kinsman who is near and dear,
Has
passed to the realms of that better life-
Gone
to dwell with the angels up there.
Husband,
four daughters, and two sons,
And
with them are many another,
Who
in sympathy weep with the stricken ones
For
the loss of that dear sainted mother.
Yes,
‘tis night in that once happy home,
All
is wrapt in the mantle of woe,
And
the winter must go, and bright flowers come,
Ere
the sorrowing tears cease to flow.
Almost
three decades have passed since the day
When
we first saw her bright smiling face,
And
noted the brisk but quiet way
She
was filling a dead mother’s place.
She
was scarce in her teens, and yet like a sage,
She
was soothing a father’s deep grief,
And
brothers and sisters, without reference to age,
In
their troubles sought her for relief.
The
playtime of childhood to her never come
Nor
the long toil-earned rest of the old,
But
her labor of love for the dear ones of home
Can
by pen, or tongue never be told.
Dear
Father, our faith, keep it ever unshaken,
And
from murmuring wonder when we are bereft
Why
the good and the useful and dearest are taken,
And
we who are selfish and useless are left.
Ness
Co. News, Jan. 10, 1903
(Delilah
Giddings and her baby were later disinterred and moved to the Arnold, Ks.
Cemetery)
ARTHUR GIFFIN
Arthur N. Giffin, 87, a native of the McCracken
community, passed away at a nursing home at St. Francis Saturday, June 16. He had been a resident of the home the past
year and a half.
Born at McCracken April 25, 1886, he had lived there the
greater part of his life. He had
resided in Ness City and later in Ransom for several years before moving to St.
Francis.
He was a veteran of World War I.
Funeral services were held at St. Francis Tuesday morning, June
19, and in the afternoon from the Fitzgerald Funeral Home here with interment
being in the Ransom Cemetery with graveside services presented by the Ransom
VFW.
Survivors include the widow, Mrs. Clara Giffin of St. Francis;
two step-sons, Keith Lloyd and Gaylord Lloyd, both of St. Francis; along with
other relatives and friends.
Ness
Co. News, June 21, 1973
NEWTON
GIFFIN
Newton T. Giffin, 77, former Ness City
merchant and brother of Arthur Giffin of Ransom, passed away at LaCrosse on
Sunday, April 22. He had been ill for
several days.
Mr. Giffin lived in this community for many years, first on a
farm southeast of Ness City, and then here where he and his mother, Mrs. M.L.
Haag, operated the Southside Market for several years.
Funeral services were held from the Fitzgerald Funeral Home
Tuesday afternoon, April 24, conducted by Dr. Armour H. Evans. Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery.
Survivors, besides the brother, include distant relatives and
many friends.
Ness
Co. News, Apr. 26, 1962
OBITUARY
Newton Tibbet Giffin, son of Newton H. Giffin and Mrs.
Mariam L. Haag, was born at Galva, Kansas, November 8, 1883, and passed away at
the Rush County Memorial Hospital, LaCrosse, April 22, 1962, following a heart
attack.
At the age of three years, he moved with his parents to the
site that is now known as McCracken, living in that community all of his young
manhood. The later years of his active
life were spent with his mother, Mrs. Haag, on her farm south of Ness
City. He then moved with her to Ness
City, operating the Southside Market until his mother’s death in 1951.
He spent the last several years in the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Rolly Mills at LaCrosse.
Survivors are his brother, Arthur Giffin of Ransom; cousins Roy
Leighton of Butte, Mont., Bill Griffith of Minneapolis, Minn., May Middleton of
Elkhart, and J.E. Combest of Ransom; other relatives and friends.
Ness
Co. News, May 3, 1962
MYRTLE
GLASS
Mrs. Myrtle Glass, 76, long time Ness City
resident, passed away at the Grisell Memorial Hospital at Ransom on Monday,
March 3. She had been in poor health
for some time, and seriously ill for several days.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon, March 5,
2:30 o’clock from the Fitzgerald Funeral Home here, conducted by Rev. Jona
Unruh, pastor of the First Baptist Church.
Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Frances Huss of San Diego,
Calif., three sisters, Mrs. D.B. Delaney of Ness City, Mrs. Frank Wood of
Tribune, and Mrs. Nola Pickerill of Kansas City, Mo.; a brother, Albert Stevens
of Ness City; two grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Ness
Co. News, March 6, 1958
OBITUARY
Myrtle Rosetta, daughter of Mahlon and Ellen Stevens,
was born on October 16, 1882, at Olney, Ill.
She departed this life on March 3, 1958, at the Sterling Community
Hospital, Sterling, Kansas, at the age of 75 years, 4 months and 15 days.
She came to Kansas from Illinois with her father and mother and
family in 1885.
In 1905, she married P.H. Harkness and to this union was born
one daughter, Frances. Mr. Harkness
passed away in 1923.
In 1925 she married Rev. P.T. Glass, who passed away in 1939.
In 1926 she was united with the First Baptist Church of Ness
City, where she continued to serve until her final illness. She was a near lifetime citizen of the Ness
City community.
Mrs. Glass was a good mother, a good neighbor and friend. She loved her home and family and she loved
her church.
She leaves to mourn her passing one daughter, Mrs. Frances Huss
of San Diego, Calif.; two granddaughters, Katharine and Myrtle; three sisters,
Mrs. Frank Woods of Tribune, Mrs. May Delaney of Ness City, and Mrs. Nola
Pickerill of Kansas City, Mo., and one brother, Albert Stevens of Ness City.
Besides her family she will be missed by a great host of
friends.
Funeral services were held from the Fitzgerald Funeral Home
here on Wednesday, March 5, conducted by Rev. Jona Unruh, pastor of the First
Baptist Church. Interment was in the
Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, March 13, 1958
ELLA
GLAZIER
Mrs. Ella Glazier, 53, formerly of Ransom,
passed away at Wichita on Tuesday,
November 1. Although complete funeral
arrangements had not been announced Wednesday morning, they will be held Friday
afternoon, November 4, with Fitzgerald’s of Ness City in charge. The remains were brought here late Tuesday.
Ness
Co. News, Nov. 3, 1960
OBITUARY
Ella Rebecca Jarvis Glazier was born to Caleb and Liddy
Jarvis, February 23, 1897, in Trego County, and departed from this life
November 1, 1960, in Wichita at the age of 63 years, 8 months and 23 days.
When she was three years old the family moved to the farm
southwest of Ransom. She grew to young
womanhood there, helping to care for a family of eight brothers and sisters and
attending Bellview and Ransom High School.
She was united in marriage on September 15, 1917, to James
Wilbur Glazier. They established their
first home at Hutchinson and two of their four children were born there. There are two sons and two daughters.
In 1920 they moved to Ransom and made Ransom their home, moving
to Kress, Texas, six years ago.
Many of her friends will remember her work at the Ransom
Hospital where she worked as a nurses aid.
At Columbus, Ohio, in 1932, she was baptized as a Jehovah
Witness and spent he remaining years a faithful witness.
Ella Glazier departed from this life in Wichita, Kansas, after
an illness of three and a half weeks.
Her passing left a place in the heart of her family that will never be
filled. Her grandchildren were a great
pleasure, and her ninety-four year old father was always close to her heart.
She leaves to mourn her husband, Wilbur of Kress, Texas; her
children, Gene Vincent Glazier, Mr. and Mrs. Logan Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Millard
Blunt, and Mr. and Mrs. Laverne Glazier; nine grandchildren; her father, Caleb
Jarvis of Ransom and five brothers and sisters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jarvis
of Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Jarvis of Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Jarvis of
Wichita, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Jarvis of Ness City, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Jarvis of
Ransom; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Frye of
Arnold, Mrs. Maye Herbel of Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Harold McNinch of Arnold; 17
nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Dodge City congregation conducted the funeral November 4,
1960, from the Methodist Church in Ransom.
Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Nov. 10, 1960
EUGENE
GLAZIER
Word was received that Gene V. Glazier of Benton City,
Wash., passed away at his home Sunday evening, Aug. 23. Funeral services will be Wednesday in
Prosser, Wash., with burial later in the Ransom Cemetery. Gene was formerly of Ransom.
Ness
Co. News, Aug. 27, 1987
WILBUR
GLAZIER
Wilbur J. Glazier, 89, long time Ransom community
resident before moving to Jetmore two years ago, passed away there Monday, July
14.
Born March 28, 1891, in Haskell County, he married Ella Jarvis
in 1917. She died in November of 1960.
He was a retired blacksmith and was a member of Jehovah’s
Witnesses in Jetmore.
Funeral services were held Thursday morning, July 17, from the
Fitzgerald Funeral Home here with interment made in the Ransom Cemetery.
Survivors include:
sons, Eugene of Benton City, Wash., and Laverne of Wichita; daughters,
Mrs. Logan Smith of Bunker Hill, Mrs. Millard Blunt of Hesperia, Calif.; a
sister Mrs. Myrtle O’Neal of Vernal, Utah; nine grandchildren.
Ness
Co. News, July 24, 1980
ARLANDO
GOODVIN
A.D. Goodvin was born in Daviess County, Mo., August 27,
1879, and passed away September 22, 1951, at his home in Wichita, Kansas, at
the age of 72 years and 26 days.
He came to Kansas when a small child, settled on a farm near
Ransom, Kansas, where he grew to manhood.
He was a faithful member of the church of Christ since early manhood.
He was married to Sadie Wagner October 7, 1903. To this union were born five children. He was a loving husband, father and
grandfather.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his faithful wife, Sadie; his
children, Mrs. Stella Shutt, Isaac, Bryan, and Wayne Goodvin of Wichita, and
Cline of Fort Worth, Texas; a son-in-law; three daughters-in-law; and 16
grandchildren. One daughter-in-law
preceded him in death. Also mourning
his passing are his five sisters: Mrs.
Dora Beamer of Larned, Mrs. Mollie Barber of Pueblo, Colo., Mrs. Laura Osborn,
Mrs. Bertha Scott, and Mrs. Ida Conard of Ransom and their families, and a host
of other relatives and friends.
Out-of-town people attending funeral services at Ransom Monday,
other than the family, were: Mrs. Alice
Smith and Blanche McMillon of Dighton; Mr. and Mrs. Ross Beamer of Oakley; Mr.
and Mrs. Clare Brewer of WaKeeney; Mr. and Mrs. Edd Cranston of Ness City; Mr.
and Mrs. Tommy Rickart and Nancy, Mrs. Verna Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Selig,
Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Beamer, Mr. and Mrs. John Beamer, and Mrs. Thayne Beamer
and children, all of Larned.
Ness
Co. News, Sept. 27, 1951
Funeral services for A.D. Goodvin were held last Monday
afternoon from the church of Christ in Ransom.
Bro. Raymond McDaniel delivered a comforting sermon. Singers were: Mildred Clark, Bessie Rogers, Dorothy McDaniel, Chloe Horchem,
Junior Clawson, Ronald Horchem and Ward Scott.
Pall bearers were Tommy Rickart, Nathan Carroll, Robert Scott, Nay
Combest, John Petty and Harold Petty.
Lando had a lot of friends, both at Ransom and at Wichita. His jolly, friendly ways won people to
him. He is well known in Ransom, having
lived there for a number of years. He
was married there and his five children were born there. The last few years he lived in Wichita. It was his wish to be brought back home for
burial and be buried beside his parents, Mr. and Mrs. I.N. Goodvin. The many beautiful flowers were a token of
the high esteem in which he was held by all who knew him.
Ness
Co. News, Oct. 4, 1951
I.N. GOODVIN
I.N.
Goodvin died at his home in Ransom, Kansas, Tuesday morning, November 30,
1920, aged 77 years, two months and 28 days.
Death came to him after several weeks of intense suffering.
Before
he was stricken with his last illness, Mr. Goodvin prepared for the Record a
story of his life, to be used in its columns when he should answer the summons
of the Grim Reaper, but thru a misunderstanding, it was taken to the country
and rendered unavailable for publication.
The following is from notes gathered by a friend:
In
the passing of Mr. Goodvin, Ransom loses one of her most beloved and respected
citizens. Of him can be truly spoken that
highest of all compliments, he was a good man; all who have been associated
with him in any way, testify to his conscientious, every day Christian life, he
did the right as he saw it. He was a
familiar figure in the affairs of Ransom, a politician, soldier and a
Christian, he took a prominent part in affairs of church and state and local
enterprise. He will be greatly missed
and sincerely mourned by a host of friends.
I.N.
Goodvin was born in Illinois, September 2, 1843, removing to Missouri when still
quite young. He was in the Missouri
state militia three years and one year in the U.S. army, 43rd Regiment, Co. F.
Missouri. He became converted in 1868
and was baptized into the church of Christ by Rev. Benjamin Lockhart, later
becoming himself a minister of the Gospel.
On April 16, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Ann Cline
and of this union were born nine children, six of whom, with the faithful
companion of nearly fifty years, still survive him. He came with his family to the Cyrus neighborhood about
thirty-five years ago, and has made this his home most of the time since. He was elected to the state legislature by
the People’s Party and was the first representative sent from Ness County by
the “Pops.” When that party came to its
political end Mr. Goodvin became a Democrat and his last trip down town was
made on November 2, to cast his ballot.
He is
survived by his wife, and six children; Mrs. John Beamer, of Parker, Kansas;
Mrs. Fred Barber, of Kutch, Colorado; A.D. Goodvin, Mrs. George Osborn, Mrs.
Charles Scott and Mrs. Lyman Conard, of Ransom; a sister and brother, both of
Jamesport, Missouri; several grandchildren and other relatives.
Funeral
services were conducted, Wednesday afternoon, at the church of Christ, by the
pastor, J.M. Briggs, and interrment made in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ransom
Record, December 2, 1920
I.N. GOODVIN
I.N.
Goodvin died at his home in Ransom, Kansas, Tuesday morning, November 30,
1920, aged 77 years, two months and 28 days.
Death came to him after several weeks of intense suffering.
Before
he was stricken with his last illness, Mr. Goodvin prepared for the Record a
story of his life, to be used in its columns when he should answer the summons
of the Grim Reaper, but through a misunderstanding it was taken to the country
and rendered unavailable for publication.
The following is from notes gathered by a friend.
In
the passing of Mr. Goodvin, Ransom loses one of her most beloved and respected
citizens. Of him can be truly spoken
that highest of all compliments, he was a good man; all who have been
associated with him in any way, testify to his conscientious, everyday
Christian life; he did the right as he saw it.
He was a familiar figure in the affairs of Ransom, a politician, a
soldier and a Christian; he took a prominent part in affairs of church, state
and local enterprise. He will be
greatly missed by a host of friends.
I.N.
Goodvin was born in Illinois, September 2, 1843, removing to Missouri when
still quite young. He was in the
Missouri state militia three years and one year in the U.S. army, 43rd
Regiment, Co. F. Missouri. He became
converted in 1868 and was baptized into the church of Christ by Rev. Benjiman
Lockhart, later becoming himself a minister of the Gospel. On April 16, 1871, he was united in marriage
with Miss Nancy Ann Cline and of this union were born nine children, six of
whom, with the faithful companion of nearly fifty years, still survive
him. He came with his family to the
Cyrus neighborhood about thirty-five years ago, and has made this his home most
of the time since. He was elected to
the state legislature by the People’s Party and was the first representative
sent from Ness County by the “Pops.”
When that party came to its political end, Mr. Goodvin became a Democrat
and his last trip to town was made on November 2, to cast his ballot.
He is
survived by his wife, and six children:
Mrs. Fred Barber, of Kutch, Colorado; Mrs. John Beamer, of Parker,
Kansas; A.D. Goodvin, Mrs. George Osborn, Mrs. Charles Scott and Mrs. Lyman
Conard, of Ransom; a sister and a brother, both of Jamesport, Missouri; several
other grandchildren and relatives.
Funeral
services were conducted Wednesday afternoon, at the church of Christ, by the
pastor, J.M. Briggs, and interment in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness Co.
News, Dec. 4, 1920
I.N. GOODVIN
I.N.
Goodvin was born in Pike Co. Ill., Sep. 2, 1843. Died at Ransom, Kans. Nov. 30, 1920, at the age of 77 years, 2
months and 28 days.
His
father and mother, with a family of 10 children, drove from Pike Co. to McClean
Co., Ill. in 1850. From there, with two
or three neighbors, he started in May to look at the Kansas Territory, but he
took sick and died before he reached his destination. The mother and children, in 1858, drove from their home to find a
new home in the west and landed in Daviess Co., Mo., where they made a home. I.N. seemed to be more progressive than any
of the rest of the family and moved on west and settled in Ness Co., Kansas, in
1886.
Bro.
Goodvin and Nancy A. Cline were united in marriage April 16, 1871, and enjoyed
each other in wedded life 49 years, 7 months and 14 days, almost reaching the
golden days of wedded life. To this
union nine children were born. Three
have departed.
When
the south rebelled against the government - Bro. Goodvin volunteered as a
soldier and did what he could to put down that rebellion.
Bro.
Goodvin was a member of the State Legislature of Kansas, from 1891 - 1893. He engaged in business some, but his chief earthly calling was a
tiller of the soil and at different times has been the owner of farms in Ness
and Trego Counties.
But,
notwithstanding all this, the supreme effort of his life was that part of it
that was Christian. He obeyed the
gospel, at the hands of Benjamin Lockhart, in Sept. 1868. For a number of years he was a gospel
preacher. Much of his Christian work
was done at Cyrus, where he with some other pioneers planted the cause of
Christ and where he was one of the elders for about thirty years. Thus an active life, in many ways, has come
to an earthly end. He leaves his life’s
companion, six children, Arlando, Dora Beamer, Mollie Barber, Laura Osborn, Bertha
Scott, and Ida Conard, a brother, Sam J. Goodvin of Jamesport, Mo., a sister
living at the same place, Mrs. Malissa Royston, 21 grandchildren and 7
grand-grandchildren, a host of friends and many brethren.
The
companion has lost a faithful husband, the children a kind parent, the
community, a helpful citizen, the church an active worker and the government a
loyal citizen.
Hand
written copy of
I.N.
Goodvin obituary
(in
posession of his grandson, Robert Scott)
NANCY
GOODVIN
Nancy A. Clyne was born near Des Moines, Iowa, June 15,
1843, and departed this life at her home in Ransom, Kansas, Sept. 18, 1926, age
83 years, 3 months and 3 days.
She was united in marriage to Isaac Goodvin April 16, 1871,
enjoying each other in wedded life 49 years, 7 months and 14 days.
Nine children were born to them; Dora Beamer of Dighton,
Kansas; Mollie Barber of Penrose, Colorado; Arlando Goodvin, Laura Osborn,
Bertha Scott, and Ida Conard all of Ransom.
One son Daniel, died at the age of 22 years and two died in
infancy. She also leaves one sister of
Seattle, Washington, and two brothers; Alex Clyne of Port Orchard, Washington,
and Polk Clyne of Larned, Kansas, 22 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
She united with the church of Christ in early life and was a
faithful devout member thereof until death.
A good mother, a true friend, a loyal citizen and a generous soul has
left us. She fought a good fight, her
course is now ended, and there is laid up for her a crown of life, which her
Lord will give her at that day.
Ransom
Record September 23, 1926
GOODVIN
FUNERAL
In spite of lowering skies and drizzling rain a large number
gathered at the church of Christ Sunday, September 19th to pay their last
respects to Mrs. Nancy Goodvin.
Music was furnished by the choir from the church of Christ who sang
beautifully as the casket was borne into the church. One of the songs “Just Beyond the Jordan River” was sung at the
funeral of Mr. Goodvin. Rev. James
Briggs conducted the services and delivered a very effective address on the subject
of “Immortality”, presenting in a clear manner the view of the Atheist who
looks on death as the wreck of life, the Philosopher as a faint hope that love
must triumph while the Scientist makes of it all a mystery and only the Gospel
of Christ contains the glorious hope and promise of resurrection. The scripture read was the last chapter of
Proverbs, describing a virtuous wife and mother. The casket was covered with beautiful floral tributes given by
relatives and friends. Interment was
made in the Ransom Cemetery beside the husband who had proceeded her in death.
Ransom
Record September 30, 1926
SADIE
GOODVIN
Funeral services for Mrs. Arlando Goodvin of Wichita
were held Monday afternoon at the church of Christ with burial in the Ransom
Cemetery. She is a sister-in-law of
Mrs. Bertha Scott, Mrs. George Osborn and Mrs. Ida Conard.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 1, 1955
LUCY
GOSS
OBITUARY
Lucy (Schoeppel) Goss, 88, died Thursday, January
14, 1993 from heart failure in Maple Plain, MN. She was born March 6, 1904 at Ransom, the daughter of George John
and Anna Schoeppel. Lucy married Ray
Evermond Goss August 6, 1928 at Seattle, WA.
He died October 3, 1978.
Lucy attended grade and high school at Ransom and taught school
at Nonchalanta before attending the University of Nebraska. When her sister, Elizabeth graduated from
the university and left for Oregon, Lucy went with her. She got a job teaching in Dallas, OR where
she met her future husband, Ray, who was a pharmacist.
After their marriage they moved to Forks, WA and opened a drug
store which they operated until 1946.
They sold the store and their home and spent almost a year traveling
with a trailer. They settled in Apache
Junction, AZ where they built a desert adobe home. Ray worked as a prescription pharmacist and Lucy assisted
him. They took time to do considerable
traveling and after retiring in 1965 they spent a year exploring Europe, living
for six months in Tenerife, Canary Islands.
They spent five months traveling in South America during 1968-69.
They moved to Atascadero, CA in 1971. In 1972 they enrolled as students aboard the Chapman College
World Campus for a five month around-the-world study cruise. They were the oldest students.
During their years in Forks, Lucy and Ray collected artifacts
and basketry of the Northwest Indian tribes and the Eskimos They continued to add to their
collection. Ray was an excellent
photographer, taking many beautiful pictures during their travels and
especially of their favorite part of the country, the great Northwest. In 1977 Lucy and Ray gave their entire
collection to the Cuesta College Museum in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Lucy is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Russell, Seal
Beach, CA and Mrs. Daisy Jacobus, Santa Monica, CA and by six nieces and
nephews. There will be a memorial
service later.
Ness
Co. News, Feb. 4, 1993
CLARA
GRAF
Mrs. Clara I. Graf, 63, a long time resident of Ransom,
passed away at Abilene Thursday, December 29.
Born Clara Schlitter at Loretta December 5, 1914, she married
Isidor Graf January 23, 1940, at Ransom.
She had lived at Ransom since.
Her husband died November 22, 1965.
She was a member of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, and of
the Daughters of Isabella, both of Ransom.
Funeral services were held from the church Monday morning,
January 2, conducted by the pastor, Msgr. George Stewart. Interment was in the St. Aloysius Cemetery
at Ransom.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Lauxman of Abilene;
sons, Eugene Graf of Fort Riley, and Elmer Graf of Ashdown, Ark.; sisters, Mrs.
Veronica Pfannenstiel of Hoisington, and Mrs. Mary Bass of California;
brothers, Linus Schlitter of Dagsboro, Del., Anthony Schlitter of Milton, Del.,
Raymond Schlitter of Hays, Daniel Schlitter of Great Bend, and Frank Schlitter
of Watsonville, Calif.; eight grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Ness
Co. News, Jan. 5, 1978
ISIDOR
GRAF
Isidor Graf, 59, well known Ransom businessman, passed away
at the hospital there on Monday, November 15.
He had been in poor health for the past several months and seriously ill
in recent weeks.
He was born at Munjor on December 14, 1905, and moved to the
Ransom community in 1937. He operated
the Graf Produce in Ransom since opening the business shortly after moving to
that town.
He was married to Immaculate Schletter on January 27, 1940, at
Ransom. They had made their home there
since.
He was a member of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Ransom,
and of the Ransom Knights of Columbus.
He was always active in civic activities of his community.
Rosary was said at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home here on
Wednesday evening, November 17, 7:30 o’clock.
Funeral services will be held from the St. Aloysius Church in Ransom
Thursday morning, November 18, 9:00 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, Fr.
Cornelius Leunissen. Interment will be
in the St. Aloysius Cemetery with Fitzgerald’s in charge.
Survivors include: The
widow, Mrs. Immaculate Graf of the home; a daughter, Eleanor Graf of the home;
two sons, Eugene Graf of the Army presently stationed at Stuttgart, Germany,
and Elmer Graf of the home; three sisters, Sister M. Roberts of Tulsa, Okla.,
Mrs. Ira Brown of Minneola, and Mrs. Elmer Pfannenstiel of Dodge City; five
brothers, Peter Graf of Ness City, Alexander Graf of El Monte, Calif., Alban
Graf of Pratt, Aloysius Graf of Omaha, Nebr., and Edwin Graf of Great Bend;
other relatives and many friends.
Ness
Co. News, Sept. 18, 1965
BERTHA
GRAHAM
Bertha Dubbs Graham died Wednesday, December 24,
1997. She was born in Ransom, February
19, 1902, the youngest of the three children of Mollie Curtis and Louis
Burdette Dubbs.
She married Rexford Guipre of Simpson in 1921. In their early married life they co-founded
the Mid-West Stages, the first bus line to run north/south regularly through
Ransom and Ness City.
Bertha and Rexford had two children, Frances Jean and Curtis
Rex. After the death of her husband in
1930, she and her children lived in Ransom where she helped her father in his
grocery store.
She is preceded in death by parents, Rexford , Curtis Rex, a
sister, Netta Curry, a brother, Charles Edward Dubbs, and Harold Graham, also a
Ransom native who she married in 1976.
They enjoyed 12 years together in Falls Church, VA.
For the last 10 years Bertha has been living with her daughter
in Gulf Breeze, FL.
Survivors include her daughter, Jean, grandson, Greg and wife, Linda,
granddaughters, Zantha and Heather, and six great-grandsons, Rian, Matthew,
Yasha, Eli, Tyler and Cory.
A memorial service will be held in Ransom at a later date.
Ness
Co. News, Jan. 1, 1998
OBITUARY
Graveside memorial services for Ransom native, Bertha
(Dubbs) Graham will be held Saturday, July 25, at the Ransom Kansas
Cemetery, 10:30 a.m.
Bertha Mae Dubbs was born in Ransom, February 19, 1902, the
youngest of three children born to Louis Burdette (Burd) and Mollie Priestley
(Curtis) Dubbs. She was a life-long
member of the United Methodist Church placing her membership at Ransom on July
27, 1913. She attended schools in
Ransom, graduating from the Ransom High School in 1919.
Following high school, Bertha attended Kansas State
Agricultural College in Manhattan, where she met Fred Rexford Guipre of
Simpson. They were married August 24,
1921. In their early married life they
cofounded the Mid-West Stages with her sister Netta and husband Torrance Curry. This bus route was the first bus line to run
north/south regularly through Ransom and Ness City, and became known in later
years as the Bickel Bus Line.
Bertha and Rexford had two children, Frances Jean and Curtis
Rex. Rexford was killed in an automobile
accident in August, 1931 at which time Bertha and children moved to Ransom
where she helped her father in his store, the L.B. Dubbs Mercantile.
In 1939 Netta and Torrance moved to Port Arthur, TX for
employment and Bertha and children moved with them. While living in Port Arthur, Bertha met and married Mr.
Whitaker. Their marriage was short as a
heart attack took “Whit” four years
after their marriage.
Sorrow again struck Bertha December 14, 1945, when her son
Curtis Rex was killed in an airplane accident.
In the early 1950’s Bertha returned to Ransom to take care of
her aged parents and “Uncle Charlie”.
Upon celebrating their 50th high school reunion in 1969, Bertha
renewed her friendship with former classmate, Harold “Hal” Graham. They dated for a time, marrying in
1976. They moved to Harold’s home at
Falls Church, VA and enjoyed 12 years together before death took Harold,
October 20, 1988.
Following Harold’s death, Bertha moved to Gulf Breeze, FL to
make her home with her daughter Jean and son-in-law Lyle LaFon and their
family.
Bertha passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 1997
at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 5 days.
Although Bertha lived in many places during her life, she
always held on to her roots-her heritage, through her memories and the land
that had been homesteaded by her grandparents, Albert Moses and Margaret
Elizabeth (Aller) Dubbs. Her pastures
and crops held her heart and were so much enjoyment to her. It is this heritage that she was proud to
share and pass on to her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Curtis
Rex; three husbandss; her son-in-law, Lyle LaFon; her sister, Netta Curry and
nephews Jack and Joe Curry; and a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and
Florence Dubbs.
Survivors include her daughter, Jean LaFon, Gulf Breeze, FL;
grandson Greg and wife Linda, Gulf Breeze, FL; granddaughters, Zantha, of
Marine on St. Croix, MN and Heather, of Suwanee, GA; six great-grandchildren,
Rian, Matthew, Yasha, Eli, Tyler and Cory.
The family request no flowers, but suggests memorials to the
Ransom Cemetery Improvement Fund, P.O. Box 1, Ransom, KS 67572.
Ness
Co. News, July 16, 1998
Graveside memorial services for Ransom native, Bertha
(Dubbs) Graham will be held Saturday, July 25, at the Ransom Kansas
Cemetery, 10:30 a.m.
Bertha Mae Dubbs was born in Ransom, February 19, 1902, the
youngest of three children born to Louis Burdette (Burd) and Mollie Priestley
(Curtis) Dubbs.
Bertha passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 1997
at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 5 days.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Curtis
Rex; three husbands; her son-in-law, Lyle LaFon; her sister, Netta Curry and
nephews Jack and Joe Curry; and a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and
Florence Dubbs.
Survivors include her daughter, Jean LaFon, Gulf Breeze, FL;
grandson Greg and wife Linda, Gulf Breeze, FL; granddaughters, Zantha, of
Marine on St. Croix, MN and Heather, of Suwanee, GA; six great-grandchildren,
Rian, Matthew, Yasha, Eli, Tyler and Cory.
Ness
Co. News, July 23, 1998
IDA
GRAHAM
Friday evening about 8:00 p.m. as they were on their way to the
high school to attend an operetta, Mr. and Mrs. Graham were struck by a car. Mrs. Graham died within a few minutes
without regaining consciousness. Mr.
Graham was dazed and delirious for several hours. He became conscious Saturday but with no recollection of even
starting for the high school the evening before.
The accident occurred in front of the high school building on
the west crossing. There was the usual
congestion of traffic at this junction in the evening. Mr. Francis Luetters was driving the car
that struck them. He had stopped at the
Mid-West Hospital and then driven north two blocks to the BeeLine Hiway,
turning west on his way home. There
were cars coming from the west and south and in order to avoid danger Mr.
Luetters (who is known as a careful driver) was driving slowly close to the
ditch on the north side of the trail.
He was watching the other cars as well as he could under their
glaring headlights and did not see Mr. and Mrs. Graham until they stepped in
front of his car just as he reached the crossing. He stopped before the rear wheels had entirely cleared the
crossing and ran to their assistance.
Leo Schreiber who was coming from the west on the south side of the
street, was anxious about meeting so many cars at the intersection and
intending to turn south. He was from 25
to 40 feet from the crossing when the accident occurred and did not see the
Grahams until the accident occurred. He
stopped at once to render assistance, and at almost the same time Mr. Floyd
Lynn, who was driving to the intersection, from the south came to help. Probably Mrs. Leo Schreiber, who was with
her husband had the best opportunity of anyone to see what happened, and this
account was written after talking with her and trying to understand the events
as she saw them. She saw the Grahams
walk out on the crossing in front of their car and thought they must have
thought the car facing them on the other side of the hiway had stopped as they
showed no fear of it.
After the accident of course events happened so rapidly no one
could get a clear idea of all that was transpiring.
A line of cars was following rather closely each of the three
cars mentioned, there was also a good many already at the high school and very
soon all was confusion. Mrs. Graham was
taken to the hospital at once but expired before it was possible to do much for
her. Mr. Graham was also rushed to the
hospital where he is being tenderly cared for, but he is so badly bruised the
extent of his injuries is not yet determined.
He was unable to attend his wife’s funeral which was held Tuesday
forenoon. His age and the fact that he
has been rather frail adds to the anxiety of his friends.
This tragedy struck at the very foundation of our community
life. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have both
been active in every cause for community betterment; they have both been
members of the governing body of the city, and had a large share in shaping its
public policies; both had been for years officials of the Methodist Church, and
each had a part in the business life of the city. Perhaps such an accident to no other family would have caused so
great a shock to the entire community.
We cannot understand just how or why it happened, but those
most familiar with all the circumstances sympathize not only with Mr. Graham
and the other bereaved relatives, but also with Francis Luetters, who we
believe did his best at the time of the accident and in coming to the relief of
the victims. It was a tragedy and we
feel that no one person could have been said to be responsible. Perhaps it is incorrect to say any accident
is unavoidable, however we may say in this case that unforeseen circumstances
more than any individuals were to blame.
Since the accident, it has been constantly in people’s
thoughts, and the topic of conversation.
Many plans have been suggested for traffic rules and changes but we
doubt if any of them would have made such a tragedy impossible. However we shall always be glad, and now
more than ever, to give space to carefully thought out plans for safety on our
highways. Until we have something
better it will be wise for all of us to carefully observe all driving rules and
regulations and for pedestrians to be more cautious. “It is better to be safe than sorry.” It is even better to be over safe (if that is possible) many
times than to be sorry once.
Ransom
Record, December 19, 1929
OBITUARY
Ida May Hazen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hazen, was
born in Clay County, Kansas, September 28, 1878. In 1889 the family moved to Trego County and homesteaded north
and east of Ransom where they shared in the struggles of pioneer life.
She was married to J.A. Graham on February 22, 1898. They began life together on a farm five
miles east of Utica. In 1899 they moved
to Ransom where Mr. Graham held the position of Postmaster. In 1902 they purchased the home where they
have since resided and where they have always kept open house for their
friends, to their pastors and visiting ministers, thus making their home an
example of rich Christian hospitality.
On December 13, 1929 came the accident which proved fatal to
Mrs. Graham and severely injured the husband.
Besides the husband and two sons, Harold and Ralph, she is
survived by her father and mother, six brothers and two sisters.
At the age of 17 years she united with the Methodist Episcopal
Church. During her entire adult life in
this community Mrs. Graham has been an example of faithful Christian living and
willing service. Outside of her own
home life her interests have centered in the church and religious work. She has taught in the Sunday School for many
years, has been the efficient Superintendent of the Junior League while several
groups of boys and girls have been under her training, and has been active in
all departments of the Church. She has
also been a worker in the W.C.T.U. and was always loyal to the cause represented
by the white ribbon.
The life companion is lonely, other loved ones sorrow, the home
is broken, her church and the entire community feel keenly the sense of loss;
but while the Spirit has been taken to the Heavenly Home, the influence of a
good life lives on.
The funeral service was held in the Methodist Church Tuesday
December 17th, conducted by the pastor, Rev. C.E. Hall and a former pastor,
Rev. C.A. Fisher of Ellsworth. The many
beautiful flowers and the large assembly of people were expressions of the
esteem in which Mrs. Graham was held by all who knew her.
The music was furnished by a choir, representing the church at
Arnold and different churches of this City, with Miss Fern Horchem at the
piano. The following songs were used;
“Sometime We’ll Understand”, “The City Four Square”, “There’ll Be No Dark
Valley When Jesus Comes”, and by request Mrs. Fisher very sweetly sang, “A Hymn
of Consolation”.
Relatives attending the funeral from a distance were: The sons,
Harold and Ralph, of San Bernardino, California, (They also came to be with
their father), Mr. and Mrs. Orlo Hazen and three children of Kam, Colo., Floyd
Hazen of Springfield, Colo., George Hazen, of Roxbury, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew
Marine, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Marine, Harry Marine, Mr. and Mrs. Obenhaus and Mrs.
A.J. Hazen, all of Dodge City, Mrs. A.J. Hazen, Mrs. Graham’s mother, had gone
as far as Dodge City, and was visiting relatives there before going on to
Arizona to spend the winter, Mr. Herbert Graham of Bremen, Indiana, a brother of
A.J. Graham was here for the funeral and will remain awhile with his brother.
Ransom
Record, December 19, 1929
No accident has ever occurred
in Ransom that was more of a shock to the people here than the one which
happened at the street crossing in front of the high school Friday evening of
last week at about ten minutes before eight o’clock, when Mrs. J.A. Graham lost
her life and Mr. Graham was severely injured, when struck by an automobile as
they were crossing the road. They were
on their way to attend a high school play, and of course there were many cars
on the road coming and going and in addition many were parked along the sides
of the street which obstructed the view from either way and undoubtedly was a
material contribution to the cause of the accident. As they stepped out to cross the road the car coming from the
east struck them, knocking them both to the ground, causing injuries from which
Mrs. Graham died in a few minutes. It
is evident that the driver of the car was partially blinded by the headlights
of approaching cars as several were coming from the west at the same time just
a short distance away. From statements
made by those who witnessed the accident, it seems that it was, or seemed to
be, unavoidable under the circumstances.
No one was speeding, but driving slow and safely it was thought, yet in
some way, circumstances seemed to combine to cause this regrettable accident.
People of Ransom are heart broken over the death of this
estimable woman, this mother and friend of all, never too busy to render help
to the needy and always trying to make someone’s burden lighter. For the past four years Mrs. Graham had been
employed in the L.B. Dubbs Store, where she became associated and endeared to
many, especially the children of the community, in whom she always showed deep
interest. She was ever ready to take
active part in the affairs of the city and community and set an example of
service and self-sacrifice which is inspiring.
She was one who knew the secret of beautiful living. The profound and heartfelt sympathy of the
community is with the bereaved ones, and may we all take comfort in the thought
that there is a time coming when there shall be no more death, neither sorrow
nor parting.
OBITUARY
(another newspaper accounting
reads the same as the copy of the Ransom Record issue with the exception of the
last few paragraphs; they are as follows:)
The funeral service was held in the Methodist Church on
December 17, conducted by the pastor, Rev. C.E. Hall and a former pastor, Rev.
C.A. Fisher, of Ellsworth. The many
beautiful flowers and the large assembly of people were expressions of the esteem
in which Mrs. Graham was held by all who knew her. The body was tenderly laid to rest in Ransom Cemetery beside that
of her baby daughter gone before.
Unbroken
was our number, a happy family band,
Ere
Jesus called our loved one to dwell in Heaven’s land.
With
grief our hearts are saddened, with tears our eyes do swell,
But
our broken hearts still murmur,
“God
doeth all things well.”
Empty
is thy chamber, vacant is thy chair,
Where
e’er we turn, reminders say our loved one is not there.
O,
how we miss thee, loved one, mother, sister, friend,
But
we hope to meet in Heaven, where earthly cares shall end.
Just
a little while we’re parted,
Thou
art only gone before,
Soon
we’ll meet and join in praising and be parted never more.
J. A.
GRAHAM
J.A. Graham, an old time resident of Ness County, passed
away at his home in San Bernardino, Calif., September 7, 1949. He was born in Ohio in 1860, moved with his
parents when two years old to Indiana where he grew to young manhood, from
there came to Ness County, Kansas, when he was 25 years old. His first years here were spent
farming. He later moved to Ransom,
Kansas, and made that his home until 1933 when he moved to San Bernardino,
Calif. While in Ransom he was employed
as postmaster and operated a feed store and elevator.
He was united in marriage to Ida Mae Hazen in 1897. To this union three children were born: Harold W. Graham, of Frankfurt, Germany,
Ralph F. Graham of San Diego, Calif., and a baby girl who died in infancy. His wife, Ida, also preceded him in death.
“Ach” as he was better known was greatly interested in the
welfare of the community and especially in the growth of the church which he
became a member in his young manhood and was faithful to the end.
His sister, Miss Hattie, has been a faithful companion in his
home the past 20 years. She, as well as
a host of other relatives and friends will miss his smiling face and cheery
words.
Ness
Co. News, Sept. 15, 1949
(headstone
only at Ransom Cemetery, J.A. Graham buried in California)
JOSEPH
GREEN
Joseph Martin “Bud” Green, 66, of Ransom, passed away at
the Grisell Memorial Hospital there early Wednesday morning, April 16. He had been hospitalized there for nearly a
month.
The remains were brought to the Fitzgerald Funeral Home here
where it will lie in state until final funeral arrangements can be made. The tentative date for the funeral has been
set for Saturday, April 19, pending information from California relatives.
Survivors in the immediate family include the widow, Mrs. Maude
Green of Ransom; four daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Ummel of Ransom, Mrs. Pauline Smith
of Broomfield, Colo., Mrs. Tony Marroney of San Leandro, Calif., and Mrs.
Raymond Hein of Derby, Colo.; three sons, Clyde Green of Arcadel, Calif.,
Orville Green of Sheridan, Wyo., and Donald Green of Wichita; other relatives
and friends.
Ness
Co. News, Apr. 17, 1958
OBITUARY
Joseph Martin Green was born May 4, 1891 at Brownell,
Kan. He departed this life April 16,
1958, at the age of 66 years, 11 months, and 20 days, at Grisell Memorial
Hospital in Ransom after an illness of nearly a month.
He was united in marriage June 19, 1912 to Maude E. Likes in
Cherokee, Okla. Four sons and four
daughters were born to this union.
Most of his married
life was spent in Kansas with the exception of five or six years in Nebraska,
where he owned and operated a shoe shop.
“Bud” as he was called by his friends, was baptized into Christ
June 5, 1952 and had been a faithful member of the Ransom church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two
sisters and one son, George Clayton, who died in infancy.
He is survived by his wife, Maude; his daughters, Mrs. Mildred
Ummel of Ransom, Mrs. Pauline Smith of Broomfield, Colo., Mrs. Virginia
Marooney of San Leandro, Calif., and Delores Hein of Derby, Colo.; his sons,
Clyde Green of Arcata, Calif., Orville Green of Sheridan, Wyo., and Donald
Green of Wichita, Kan.; 15 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and
friends.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom church of Christ,
Saturday afternoon, April 19, 2:30 o’clock, conducted by Lewis Stowe,
pastor. Interment was in the Ransom
Cemetery with Fitzgerald’s of Ness City in charge.
Ness
Co. News, Apr. 24, 1958
MAUDE
GREEN
Maude Erma Green, 99, died Saturday, Feb. 13, 1993, at
the Grisell Long Term Care Center in Ransom.
Born Aug. 29, 1893, near Ransom, she married Joseph Martin
Green, June 19, 1912, at Cherokee, Okla.
He died April 16, 1958.
A resident of the Ransom community most of her life, she was a
cook for many years at Grisell Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Ransom church of Christ.
She is survived by two sons, Donald of Memphis, Tenn. and Clyde
of Manteca, Calif.; three daughters, Pauline Smith Wilson of Broomfield, Colo.;
Virginia Marroney of San Leandro, Calif. and Delores Sloat of Ripon, Calif.; 19
grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and several great, great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be Thursday afternoon, Feb. 18, at the Ransom
church of Christ with her son, Donald D. Green, of the church of Christ, East
Frayser, Memphis, Tenn., presiding.
Burial will be in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Feb. 18, 1993
OBITUARY
Maude Erma Likes was born on a farm northeast of Ransom
August 29, 1893 and departed this life February 13, 1993 at Ransom Nursing
Home. She lived 99 years, five months
and 15 days. Maude was baptized into
the family of God at an early age and remained a faithful member of Ransom
church of Christ.
She was united in marriage to Joseph “Bud” Green of Brownell at
Cherokee, Ok. June 19, 1912. Four sons
and four daughters were born to this union.
Except for a short time when they lived in Mountain View, Mo. and North
Bend, Ne. where they owned and operated a shoe shop, most of her life was spent
in Kansas, where she was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend to a host of
neighbors.
This mother is gone in body, but her spirit will ever dwell and
abide in those she loved and reared.
Surviving her are two sons:
Clyde of Monteca, Ca. and Donald of Memphis, Tn.; three daughters: Pauline Wilson, Broomfield, Co.; Virginia
Marroney, San Leandro, Ca. and Delores Sloat, Ripon, Ca.; sons and
daughters-in-law: Lloyd Ummel, Anthony
Marroney, Ann Green and Reba Green; 19 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren;
several great-great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were her husband; daughter, Mildred
Green Ummel and two sons, Orville, and son George Clayton, who died in infancy.
Funeral services were held at the Ransom church of Christ
Thursday, February 18. The service was
conducted by her son, Missionary Donald Green.
She was laid to rest in the Ransom Cemetery with Fitzgerald’s Funeral
Home officiating.
Ness
Co. News, Mar. 4, 1993
ORVILLE
GREEN
Orville Victor Green, 67, died Friday, July 13, 1990 at
Humana Hospital in Dodge City.
He was born Nov. 18, 1922, in Ness County, the son of Joseph
and Maude Likes Green. A retired custodian,
he was a resident of Fort Dodge since 1977.
He was a member of the Ransom church of Christ.
He is survived by his mother, Maude Green of Ransom; two
brothers, Clyde of Ripon, Calif.; and Donald of the Republic of Singapore; and
three sisters, Pauline Wilson of Denver, Colo.; Virginia Morroney of San
Leandro, Calif.; and Delores Sloat of Ripon, Calif.
The funeral was Monday morning, July 16, at the Ransom church
of Christ with Mr. Ralph Bryant presiding.
Burial was in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, July 19, 1990
EUNICE
GREENE
Eunice Stanley Greene, 75, died Sept. 11, 1986, at
the WaKeeney Long Term Care Center, WaKeeney.
Born Eunice Easley Dec. 3, 1910, at Garfield, Ark., she married V.B.
Stanley. He died in April, 1956. She then married C.E. Greene in November of
1957. She was a resident of WaKeeney
for 2 1/2 years.
She was a member of the church of Christ.
Survivors: husband,
Albuquerque, N.M.; son, Bob Stanley, DeRidder, La.; brother, Clare Easley,
Rogers, Ark.; sister, Wanda Sannella, San Diego, Calif.; and three
grandchildren.
Graveside service will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Ransom
Cemetery, Charles Wharton officiating.
Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, is in charge of arrangements.
(unknown
newspaper source)
Eunice Stanley Greene, 75, died Sept. 11, 1986 at WaKeeney Long Term Care
Center.
Born Dec. 3, 1910 at Garfield, Ark. to Clarence and Grace
Murphy Easley, Eunice married V.B. Stanley, who died in April of 1956. In November of 1957 she married C.E. Greene. The Greenes made their home in Albuquerque,
N.M.
A member of the church of Christ, Eunice had spent her last few
years at the Ransom and WaKeeney Long Term Care Units. She was preceded in death by her parents,
Mr. Stanley, and a sister, Vera McDaniel of Ransom.
Survivors include the husband of Albuquerque; son Bob Stanley
of De Ridder, La.; brother Clare Easley of Rogers, Ark.; sister Wanda Sannella
of San Diego, Ca.; and three grandchildren.
She was the aunt of Dorothy Horchem of Ransom.
A memorial graveside service was Sept. 12 at Ransom Cemetery,
with Pastor Charles Wharton of the Ransom church of Christ.
Ness
Co. News, Sept. 18, 1986
ANNA
GRIFFITH
Anna Griffith, 72, a Ransom resident since 1971, died
Saturday, Feb. 29, 1992, at St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita.
Born Oct. 29, 1919, at Timken, she married Lyle Sweasy Jan. 29,
1939, at Caldwell. He died July 10,
1965. She married J.L. Griffith May 10,
1968. He died March 3, 1976.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Wichita, the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of Ransom and the Eagles Lodge of WaKeeney.
She is survived by a son, Larry Sweasy of Potwin; two
daughters, Brenda Soles of Wichita and Vicky Auman of Hays; three brothers,
Louis Andrasek of Garden City, Bohuslav Andrasek of Fort Collins, Colo. and
Joseph Andrasek of Great Bend; three sisters, Mildred Peters, Fort Collins,
Colo., Rosie Hill of Sharon Springs and Marie Cofer of Ransom; six
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral was Tuesday afternoon at the Fitzgerald Funeral
Home in Ness City with the Rev. Marjorie Ediger, pastor of the Ransom Mennonite
Church, presiding. Burial was in the
Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Mar. 6, 1992
CASSIE
GRISELL
Mrs. Cassie Grisell, 89, passed away Wednesday evening,
December 22, at the Ransom Hospital, after failing health for the past year.
Born in Saline County, Nebr., on October 15, 1876, she had
lived in Ransom in the 1920’s, but had lived since then in Bartley, Nebr.,
Emporia and Centralia, before moving to the nursing home in Ransom last year.
She was married to Simeon R. Grisell on March 23, 1894, in
Nebraska.
Survivors are: Four
daughters, Mrs. Alma See of Ransom, Mrs. Geneva Shank of Indianola, Nebr., Mrs.
Nelle Lee of Emporia, and Mrs. Shirley Madden of Topeka; three sons, Gary of
Centralia, Albert of Emporia, and William of Ransom; 18 grandchildren, 42
great-grandchildren, other relatives and family friends.
Funeral services were held from the Ransom Methodist Church
Sunday afternoon, December 26, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Bruce Blake. Interment was in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 30, 1965
OBITUARY
Cassie Ann Grisell, daughter of Nathaniel and Amey
Moore, was born on October 15, 1876, in Saline County, Nebr., and passed away
at the Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom Wednesday, December 22, bringing to
a close almost 90 years of living with and for others.
Her childhood years were spent in Saline County, Nebr., where
she was joined in marriage to Simeon R. Grisell on March 22, 1894.
Her early married years were spent in Frontier, Murness and Red
Willow Counties in Nebraska, where she made a home for her seven children and
husband.
In the early 1920’s Mrs. Grisell accompanied her husband to
Ransom where he had contracted to build a new drug store. A short time later they again returned to
Ransom to build the Grisell Memorial Hospital, and made Ransom their home.
During these early years she was associated with the hospital
as a nurse or cook, and spent her time serving the needs of others. Mrs. Grisell always had a feeling of
religious involvement and was very active in the activities of the First
Christian Church.
The Grisell’s moved to Emporia in 1941, where they made
their home until the death of Mr. Grisell in 1957. Following the death of her husband she made her home with a son,
Guy, in Centralia until 1964, when she moved to the rest home in Ransom where
she was close to her daughter and son, Mrs. Alma See and Bill Grisell.
Mrs. Grisell is preceded in death by her husband and an infant
daughter, Mabel Glee.
She is survived by four daughters: Mrs. Geneva Shank of Indianola, Nebr., Mrs. Nellie Lee of
Emporia, Mrs. Alma See of Ransom, and Mrs. Shirley Madden of Topeka; and by
three sons, Guy of Centralia, Albert of Emporia, and William of Ransom; also 18
grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 30, 1965
LONA
GRISELL
OBITUARY
Lona B. Marhofer was born April 1, 1881, in a log house
near Goshen, Ind., the only daughter of Frederick and Ada Marhofer, and died
March 26, 1952 in Tempe, Ariz. In her
early childhood her parents moved to Windom, Kansas, and a few years later to
the Ransom community where she grew to womanhood and became a teacher. Throughout her life, her interests have
centered in the Ransom community.
In 1903, she was married to Dr. W.S. Grisell of Ransom. She became a registered pharmacist and spent
the major portion of her life in the drug business. From 1929 to 1945, she lived in Johnson, Kansas, where she owned
and operated a drug store. She was a
charter member of the Eastern Star at Johnson.
Her church was one of the supreme interests of her life. She joined the Methodist Church as a young
woman, and was an active member, especially using her talent as a singer in her
church work.
Outstanding among her characteristics were her selflessness and
her loyalty to any cause in which she believed. Her own comfort and welfare were never of first importance to
her, but her main concern and interests were centered in her brothers and their
families. She fitted admirably in the
role of elder sister, always ready with a helping hand or word of
encouragement. She never wavered in her
support of a cause she believed to be right.
Lona was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers,
Frederick Albert and Vernon J., and is survived by her brothers, Orris W., Ray
N., and Olin J., and their families, and the family of her brother, Vernon.
Services were held from the Ransom Methodist Church with Rev.
V.L. Chapman and Rev. Snyder in charge.
Burial was in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Apr. 3, 1952
SIMEON
GRISELL
Simeon R. Grisell, 87, of Emporia, father of Mrs. H.S.
See of Ransom, and a former Ransom resident, passed away at a Topeka hospital
on Wednesday, October 23, following an extended illness.
Mr. Grisell constructed several buildings in Ransom in the
1920’s, including the Ransom drug store building, and the hospital building for
the late Dr. W.S. Grisell, who later gave the building to the city.
Survivors, besides the daughter at Ransom, include: The widow, Ms. Cassie Grisell; three sons,
Guy Grisell of Centralia, Albert Grisell of Emporia, and William Grisell of Oakland,
Calif.; three daughters, Mrs. Geneva DeMere of Indianola, Nebr., Mrs. Nelle Lee
and Mrs. Shirley Madden of Emporia; a brother, 18 grandchildren, 26
great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
Services were conducted at Emporia Saturday morning, October
26, and interment was made in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Oct. 31, 1957
OBITUARY
Simeon Roswell Grisell was born June 26, 1870, in
Jerusalem, Ohio, the son of Simeon and Pheobe Grisell and departed this life
October 23, 1957, at the age of 87 years and 4 months at a hospital in Topeka.
He was united in marriage March 22, 1894, to Cassie A. Moore in
Furnas County, Nebr. To this union were
born three sons and five daughters.
Many of their married years were spent at Bartley, Nebr. In 1920 he moved to Ransom to build the drug
store and various other buildings. They
returned to Nebraska in 1922 but returned to Ransom in 1926 to build the
hospital which his brother, Dr. W.S. Grisell, later left to the city.
In 1941 they moved to Emporia where he made his home until he
entered the hospital in 1956.
Ross, as he was called by his friends, became a member of the
First Christian Church when quite young and attended that church as long as he
was able.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, John,
Hubert, Lon, Chal and William; two sisters, Lizzie and Alma; and one daughter,
Mable Glee, who died in infancy.
He is survived by his wife, Cassie; three sons, Guy of
Centralia, Albert of Emporia, and William of Oakland, Calif.; four daughters,
Mrs. Geneva DeMere of Indianola, Nebr., Mrs. Nelle Lee and Mrs. Shirley Madden
of Emporia and Mrs. Alma See of Ransom; one brother, Linley of Des Moines,
Iowa; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives
and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at Emporia Saturday morning,
October 26, and interment was in the Ransom Cemetery, services by Rev. Raymond
Keller.
Ness
Co. News, Nov. 7, 1957
WILLIAM
GRISELL
William C. Grisell, 59, long time Ransom
resident passed away at his home at Ransom on Thursday morning, February 27.
He was born on November 1, 1909, at Bartley, Nebr., and
operated the See Oil Company at Ransom.
Funeral services were held at WaKeeney on Saturday afternoon,
March 1, conducted by Rev. William McFall, pastor of the Ransom Untied
Methodist Church. Interment was in the
Ransom Cemetery.
Survivors include: Two
daughters, Mrs. Jack Creacy of Dublin, Calif., and Mrs. George Sonnier of
Oakland, Calif.; four sisters, Mrs. Alma See of Ransom, Mrs. Geneve Shank of
Indianola, Nebr., Mrs. Nelle Lee of Emporia, and Mrs. Shirley Madden of Topeka;
two brothers, Guy Grisell of Baileyville, and Albert Grisell of Emporia; other
relatives and friends.
Ness
Co. News, Mar. 6, 1969
OBITUARY
William (Bill) Grisell, son of Simeon R. and Cassie A.
Grisell, was born November 1, 1909, at Bartley, Nebr., and passed away at his
home at Ransom, Kansas February 27, 1969.
His early childhood was spent at Bartley, Nebr. The family later moved to Ransom where he
was a graduate of Ransom High School.
His early adult years were spent in Oakland, Calif. In early 1959 he returned to Ransom where he
made his home with Mr. and Mrs. H.S. See.
For the past seven years he had worked at the See Oil Company, living in
a trailer home near his work the past 1 1/2 years.
Bill was a handy man at all kinds of work and a friend to all
who knew him. He especially loved small
children and animals.
He leaves to mourn his passing, two daughters: Mrs. J.F. (Joyce) Creasy of Dublin, Cal., and
Mrs. G.V. (Barbara) Sonnier of Oakland, Cal.; two brothers, Guy of Baileyville,
and Albert of Emporia; four sisters, Mrs. Charles (Geneva) Shank of Indianola,
Nebr., and Mrs. G.H. (Nelle) Lee of Emporia, Mrs. Alma See of Ransom, and Mrs.
Lee (Shirley) Madden of Topeka; three grandchildren, Michael Watkins, Jennifer
and Sandra Creasy of Dublin, Calif.; a large number of other relatives and a
host of friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 1, and he was laid
to rest beside his father and mother in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Mar. 20, 1969
WILLIAM
GRISELL
Word was received at Ransom this Wednesday of the
death of Dr. W.S. Grisell that morning at his home in Bartley, Nebr.,
where he had resided in recent years since his retirement from the practice of
medicine.
Dr. Grisell was a most highly respected citizen of Ransom and
Ness County. He had established the
Grisell Memorial Hospital and presented much of the property of that
institution to the people of Ransom. He
had also presented the site of the Ransom City Park, which also bears his name.
Funeral services for Dr. Grisell will be held this Friday at
Ransom but the hour of the services could not be learned in time to publish.
Ness
Co. News, Apr. 14, 1938
OBITUARY
William Seward Grisell, son of Simeon and Phoebe
Grisell, was born January 31, 1873, at Jerusalem, Monroe County, Ohio, and
passed away at the home of his brother, Ross, in Bartley, Nebraska, at the age
of 65 years, 2 months, 13 days.
He had been in failing health for seven years, and bedfast for
more than two years, but was stricken with his fatal illness, pneumonia, just a
few hours before his death.
Dr. Grisell came to Ransom, Kansas, in 1899, direct
from Kansas City Medical College, and began his medical practice which
continued through 33 years. During all
those years he was true to his mission and ministered to those who called him,
no matter how far he must drive, or how bitter the weather. Although his medical practice was large and
demanding, he was always seeking to improve, and took additional courses in
medicine in both Chicago and New York.
He was married September 4, 1903, to Miss Lona B.
Marhofer. He was a dynamic personality,
eager for progress and accomplishment.
He was a fearlessly honest and upright man, and on every occasion stood
firmly by his principles. He had the
highest ambitions for the community.
His membership is in the Methodist Church of Ransom. He served the community well in his capacity
as a good citizen, having been a member of the school board for many years, and
chairman when the first high school building was built. He served as Mayor of Ransom for two
terms. During this period the electric
line was brought into Ransom and the town contracted for its first electric
power. While Dr. Grisell was mayor he
completed arrangements whereby a tract of land was set aside for a city park
and the first few trees were planted.
This park now stands a beautiful tribute to the vision he cherished.
In 1928 another of his cherished dreams was realized when he
built and opened the Mid-West Hospital in Ransom. When failing health made it impossible for him to supervise this
project longer, he expressed a desire to give it to the Ransom community. Two years ago this was done, and the board
of directors changed the name to Grisell Memorial Hospital that it might be a
symbol of the admiration and respect this community has for Dr. Grisell.
Although these various projects are tangible evidence of the
worthy accomplishments of Dr. Grisell, those older friends who have stood with
him through the years, and those hundreds of men and women who were ushered
into the world with his assistance will testify that Dr. Grisell’s strength of
character, his unyielding fight against wrong, and his persistent pursuit of
the right, are the greatest contribution he has made to this community and its
citizens. Dr. Grisell was a member of
the Masonic Lodge and proud of this affiliation.
During the World War he enlisted and served in the Medical
Corps of the United States Army.
For the past 4 1/2 years the doctor made his home in Bartley,
Nebraska, with his brother, Ross, and wife.
These two gave their entire time and attention to the tender care of the
doctor who bore his long illness patiently and without complaint. Besides this faithful brother and
sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. S.R. Grisell, of Bartley, Nebraska, he leaves his
twin brother, Linley S. Grisell, and his wife of Des Moines, Iowa; a half
sister, Alma Carle of Topeka, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Minnie Grisell, of
La Moille, Illinois, a large number of nieces and nephews, and a host of
friends.
Many will remember the motto which hung on the wall of Dr.
Grisell’s office, “Let me live in the house by the side of the road and be a
friend to man.” This was a poem the
doctor loved, and a part of his creed for daily living.
“I see from my house by the side of the
road
By
the side of the highway of life,
The
men who press with the ardor of hope,
The
men who faint with the strife.
But
I turn now away from their smiles and their tears
Both
parts of an infinite plan-
Let
me live in a house by the side of the road
And
be a friend to man.
Let
me live in my house by the side of the road
Where
the race of men go by-
They
are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong
Wise,
foolish-so am I.
Then
why should I sit in the scorner’s seat
Or
hurl the cynic’s ban?
Let
me live in my house by the side of the road
And
be a friend to man.”
The following lines were written by the doctor’s twin brother,
Linley Grisell, a short time before the doctor passed on.
The
End of Life
“When the sun of life in the west shall
sink
And
I see the evening star;
When
the road that leads to the river’s brink
Shall
end at the harbor bar;
When
I see the boatman with lifted oar
As
he waits at the bar for me,
To
row me across to the unknown shore
The
brink of eternity;
When
I shall cross, I would leave behind
Not
estates of gold or fame,
But
only a life that is true and kind
And
a pure and spotless name.
And
I think I will rest more peaceful then
If
it can be truly said,
“He
was kind, and he loved his fellow men,
And
he earned his daily bread.”
It
will be a morsel of comfort sweet
To
know I have done my best
To
help smooth the road for other men’s feet
And
comfort some troubled breast.
And
when my spirit is wending its way
Across
the fathomless sea,
If
only someone by my bier can say,
“That
man was a friend to me.”
And
when I am laid on that western hill
By
the friends I leave behind,
I
long to live in their memory still,
Because
I was true and kind.
And
I think I shall rest more peaceful there
If
I know that it can be said,
“He
loved his fellow men everywhere,
And
he earned his daily bread.”
Funeral rites for the late Dr. Grisell were held in the
Methodist Church of Ransom on Friday afternoon, April 15. Rev. L.R. Fish, pastor, read the scripture
and offered prayer. Brother Howard
Halverson, Christian minister of Bartley, Nebraska, read the obituary and brought
a comforting message to those who packed the church to over flowing. Dr. H.C. Embry of Great Bend delivered a
very fitting eulogy. The choir was
composed of J.L. Dieffenbach, Mrs. Dorothea Barry, Mrs. Agnes Hays, Wilbur
Brock, H.C. Anderson, Mrs. Ethel McNinch, Miss Gladys Garrelts and Chas. J.
Shellenberger. They sang the favorite
songs of the doctor; “When My Life’s Work is Ended.” “Jesus Is Mine,” and “I
Know That My Redeemer Livith.” Wilbur
Brock sang as a solo, “Face to Face”.
Miss Lila McNinch was pianist.
Pall bearers were: C.E.
Scherzinger, Chas. H. Miller, L.C. Miller, Warren A. Willour, Chas. Stutzman
and Will Gill.
The following members of the Masonic Lodge, from Ness City,
occupied seats of honor at the services:
Chas. Beardslee, A.W. Wilson, O.L. Lennen, Hays Floyd, Vyrl Levan and
Harold Hunt.
Funeral director John A. Aeby had charge of the body which was
laid to rest in the Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Apr. 21, 1938
CURTIS
GUIPRE
Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Dubbs received word Friday, December 14, that
their grandson, Curtis Rex Guipre, was killed in an accidental landing
of an airplane at Port Arthur, Texas.
Rex was riding with a friend, Fred White, who was the owner of the
plane, and who also died from injuries received.
Rex was on a 30 day furlough after graduating from the
cryptography school at Scott Field, Ill.
He was known here, having spent most of his life here, and had been here
visiting his grandparents, other relatives and friends.
The funeral services were held at Ransom on Wednesday, December
19.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 20, 1945
OBITUARY
Curtis Rex Guipre was born in Topeka, Kansas, January
12, 1927, the son of Rex and Bertha Guipre, and lost his life as the result of
a tragic airplane accident which also took the life of his chum, Fred White, in
Port Arthur, Texas, on December 14, 1945, less than a month before his
nineteenth birthday.
When Rex was a baby, his father’s business took the family to
Dodge City, where they resided until a fatal automobile accident took the
father’s life in August of 1931. During
the remaining years of his life, Rex, with his mother, spent much of the time
with his grandparents in Ransom and with his aunt, Netta Curry.
His high school days were in Port Arthur, Texas, where he was
graduated in 1944. His interest in
flying developed while he was in school prompting him to take flying lessons
and to enlist in the Air Corps Reserve.
After graduation he successfully passed the tests required for the Army
Specialized Training Reserve program and was enrolled at New Mexico A & M
College. Later he enrolled at Lamar
College at Beaumont, Texas, where he was a student until he was inducted for
training at Sheppard Field, Texas.
From Sheppard Field, Rex was one of seven men selected for a
special training in cryptography and finished this training at Scott Field in
Illinois November 27, 1945. Upon
enlisting in the regular army, Rex was given a 30 day furlough until orders to
report at Kearns, Utah, on December 27, for further training in preparation for
overseas service. During his furlough
Rex had visited relatives at Ransom, Simpson, and Kansas City, and friends at
Port Arthur before the accident which caused his untimely death.
Always interested in books, he spent hours in the library and
from early childhood attempted to express his thoughts in writing. He wrote some very creditable verse and had
expressed his desire to continue and complete his education.
Curtis Rex was endowed with at least two qualities which made
life worth living and interesting for him.
He had a most active and receptive mind, he loved to read and
learn. Older friends often remarked at
his ability to discuss a wide variety of topics intelligently, and at his
evident enjoyment in talking with older people. He had a spontaneous interest in other people, a winning
personality, which made friends of all he met.
He endeared himself to old and young in every community in which he
lived.
Rex was reared in a Christian home and was a member of the
Methodist Temple in Port Arthur. The
memories he leaves to his family and friends are pleasant ones.
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Bertha Guipre of Port Arthur,
Texas; his sister and brother, Frances Jean and Lyle LaFon, and his baby nephew,
Gregory Lyle LaFon, of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. L.B.
Dubbs of Ransom, and Fred Guipre of Simpson; his aunts, uncles and cousins,
Mrs. Netta Curry, Jack and Joe Curry of Ransom; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. E. Dubbs of
Kansas City, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Loren McClintock and Diane of Simpson; Mr. and
Mrs. George Nelson and three sons of Parson; Chas. F. Dubbs of Ransom, other
relatives and many friends.
“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and
loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of
little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his tasks; who has
left the world better than he found it; who has always looked for the best in
others and given the best he had; whose life has been an inspiration, whose
memory a benediction.”
Corporal Radmer of Lake Charles, La., brought the remains to
Ransom where the funeral was in charge of J.A. Aeby at the Methodist Church,
Wednesday afternoon. Pall bearers were
men in uniform, Lieut. E.J. Shellenberger, Lieut. (j.g.) Wilbur Brock, Lieut.
Robert Bentley, Lieut. Walter Doerschlag, S/Sgt. Reginald Buxton, and Corp.
Vernon Marhofer.
Rev. S.E. Paulding preached a fitting sermon on the subject,
“Life’s Detours”. The singing was by
the high school chorus with a solo, “Sunrise Tomorrow” by Miss Rosanne
Willour. The beautiful floral tributes
from Port Arthur friends added to the profusion of flowers. The impressive military service at the
graveside was in charge of soldiers from the Great Bend Army Air Base. Interment was in Ransom Cemetery.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 27, 1945
ELBA
GULLETT
The body of Elba Gullet, who died in northern Montana,
was brought here for burial.
Elba Gullett was born in Logan County, Ohio, August 17, 1883,
and came to Trego County, Kansas, in 1885, where he resided with his parents on
Sand Creek, five miles north of town, until about three years ago, when he and
his father moved to Canada. He was
working in Montana at the time of his death, which was caused by a piece of
machinery striking him on the head, near the temple. The body arrived here Saturday night and funeral services were
held in the Methodist Church, of which he was a member, conducted by Rev.
Gilmore, and the remains interred in the Ransom Cemetery, Sunday afternoon,
September 26, 1915.
Elba was well known in this vicinity having lived here many
years and was loved by all who knew him.
He died at the age of thirty-two years, one month and three days.
He leaves a father, two brothers and three sisters, besides
other relatives to mourn him.
Ness
Co. News, Oct. 2, 1915
Word was received here last week that Elba Gullett formerly
of this place but who was working in Montana had been accidentally killed by a
piece of machinery. The body was
shipped here for burial arriving Sunday morning and funeral services were held
at the M.E. Church at 2:30 p.m. conducted by Rev. Gilmore.
Ness
Co. Echo, Oct. 2, 1915
Elba Joseph Gullett was born in Ohio, August 17, 1883
and died September 20, 1915. He leaves
a father, two brothers and three sisters; two sisters, Mrs. Eugene Holmes and
Mrs. Will Haug residing here and the father and one brother and sister living
in Canada.
Ness
Co. Echo, Oct. 2, 1915
Drawn beneath the wheels of a farm wagon which was being pulled along
at a rapid rate by a team of runaway horses, Elwin Gillette, [Elba Gullett],
ranch hand, was almost instantly killed yesterday noon upon the ranch of L.L.
Jones, about 15 miles southwest of this city on the river road.
Gillette was in the employ of William Roberts of this city who
had taken a contract for putting up hay on the Jones’ ranch. He had started to work for Roberts last Thursday
and was considered a very good workman.
It was just as the men in the field were loading the last wagon with hay
before going to lunch that the team attached to this wagon started to run. Gillette, who was upon the ground, grasped
the lines and was running along trying to pull the horses down when, by the
speed they were traveling, he was drawn against the wagon just between the
front and rear wheels and was thrown or fell to the ground so the rear wheel
passed over the back of his head, crushing the skull. Upon the spot where he fell he died within a few minutes.
Word of the accident was telephoned to this city and Coroner
W.D. Madden, Undersheriff M.D. Nicholson and Undertaker W.H. George went out to
the place by automobile, they bringing the body back to the W.H. George Company
undertaking establishment late yesterday afternoon.
Gillette was about 30 years of age and is thought to be a
resident of Canada. He had worked for
about a month upon the John Hughes farm about six miles below this city on the
opposite side of the river from the Jones’ place and had crossed over last week
to take employment on the latter place.
His trunk was left at the Hughes farm so the authorities had not been
enabled to investigate its contents last evening.
He had some good clothing at the Jones’ ranch and a small
amount of money. A note book found in
one of his pockets showed that he had been making deposits in some bank but a
portion of the entries in the book were in short hand, including the name of
the bank. It is evident from the
entries in the book that Gillette has at some time been a stenographer. The book in question is a souvenir, or
advertising novelty and bears the stamp “Compliments of Char. Boyer, tailor,
Wetaskiwin, Alberta.”
The body will be held until the authorities can get into
communication with relatives or friends, if any can be located.
Great
Falls Daily Tribune,
Tuesday, September 21, 1915
NANCY
GULLETT
Mrs. Andrew J. Gullett of Trego County died at her home
Saturday morning December 1, at 4:30 a.m.
Ness
Co. News, Dec. 8, 1906
HERE