Dateline: Claflin, Kansas

Doris K. Smith, 87, died March 25, 2018, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  She was born June 19, 1930, on the farm in rural Claflin, Kansas, the daughter of Frank J. and Louise (Zecha) Miller.  Doris was a graduate of Claflin High School.

On February 22, 1949, she married Francis Harold Smith, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, Kansas.  He preceded her in death on February 22, 1991.

A lifelong resident of Claflin, she was a homemaker. Doris was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and the Altar Society. She was a former member of the Daughters of Isabella and a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors include; two sons, Mark H. Smith and wife Maria Emma of Buford, Georgia, and Gerard L. Smith and wife Marsha of Salina; sisters, Teresa Dolechek of Hoisington, Marie Hoss and Rita Doll, both of Claflin, and Roberta Prosser, of Hoisington; three grandchildren, Thomas Smith and wife Maggie, Brittan Smith, and Gabriel Smith; and two great grandchildren, Malcolm and Inara Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons, and a daughter, two brothers, William and Martin Miller; and a sister Leona Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, celebrated by Fathers Terrence Klein and Meinrad Miller.  Burial will follow in Claflin Cemetery.  Friends may call 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544.

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Donald Fredrick “Ruffy” Meyer, 88, passed away March 25, 2018, at Pleasant Hills Assisted Living, Hutchinson. Don was born June 10, 1929, at Ayr, Neb., to Carl Fredrick and Elsie Ida Charlotte (Schroeder) Meyer. He married Erma Lou Kimle Feb. 16, 1958, at Campbell, Neb. Erma died Nov. 26, 2017.

Don, a resident of Great Bend since 1954, was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, earning the rank of Corporal. His infantry mountain training was at Camp Carson, Col., continuing his infantry ski training in the Alps of Austria. Don built REA lines for Foree Construction Company from 1947 to 1951, until gaining employment with Central Kansas Electric. Serving as a lineman for many years, Don retired as a meter technician for Midwest Energy, Inc., in 1988. Don was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Argonne Post 180, and VFW Post 3111, all of Great Bend. Don volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Barton County Food Bank, enjoyed gardening and fishing with Erma, and cherished time with his family.

Survivors include one son, Mark Meyer and his wife Elaine of Great Bend; three daughters, Cynthia Lee Smith and her husband Gene of Great Bend, Mary McGee and her husband Tony of Joplin, Mo., and Denise Thode and her husband Dr. Jeffery of Hutchinson; one brother, Wilbur Meyer of Omaha, Neb.; nine grandchildren, Craig Legleiter, Kathy Graham, Chris Stephens, Melissa Adelhardt, Travis Lee, Donald McGee, Matthew McGee, Eli Thode and Cristina Thode; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Shirley Buck.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Barbara Jones presiding. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, March 29, with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home.

Memorial funds have been established with Trinity Lutheran Church or Barton County Relay for Life, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Iviona Marae May Lewis, 2, passed away March 18, 2018 in Barton County. Iviona was born April 3, 2015 to Devonte Lewis and Annissia Houp in Topeka.

Iviona was a loving little girl, she could make you feel good if you were in a sad mood. She was outgoing, smart and kind. Iviona was a mother hen, she would look after her brothers. She loved and took care of everybody.

Survivors include father Devonte Lewis and mother Annissia Houp; brothers Ja’Mari Lewis and Killian Stephens both of Great Bend; sister Ania Lynch of Hays; grandmother Rochell Lucas of Kansas City, grandfather John King and wife Yolonda Enyart- King of Kansas City, MO.; grandfather Felix Lewis of Salina; Uncle John Houp and Aunt Daisy Jones both of Great Bend; many more relatives and friends that will miss Iviona

She was preceded in death by grandmother Rejena Lewis.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday April 6, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Brudvig officiating. No visitation, cremation has taken place.

Memorial has been established to help with funeral expense, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

HOISINGTON — Luella Viola Miller, 97, died March 31, 2018, at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend, Kan.  She was born August 28, 1920, at home in northern Barton County, the daughter of Jacob and Agnes (Strecker) Stettinger.  She attended country school and was a lifetime resident of Barton County.   She was a homemaker, and belonged to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington.

On February 24, 1946, Luella was united in marriage with Emanuel W. Miller.  They lived in Hoisington, where they raised their family and lived until health issues forced moves to care facilities in Great Bend.  Emanuel preceded her in death on October 2, 2005.

Luella was a sweet, gentle woman who provided loving care for her children and grandchildren, and babysat for several families in her neighborhood.  She loved to cook and bake with her specialties being bierocks, kuchen, cinnamon rolls, butterball soup, angel food cakes, and her signature butterscotch, coconut cream, cherry and apple pies.  She loved spending time outside tending her roses and flower and vegetable gardens.   Visiting with and caring for her neighbors brought her great joy.

She is survived by a son, Randy Miller, Hoisington; daughter, Kathy Unruh and husband David, Salina; five grandchildren, Brian Miller (Lindsay) of Austin, Texas, Valerie Fanning (Joe) of Lindsborg, Monique Straw of Austin, Texas, Stacie (Rob) Frobenius of Kansas City, Mo., Bethanie (Cody) Ast of Wichita; ten great grandchildren, Miles Miller, Landon, Weston, and Haydon Snyder, Ethan and Elliot Frobenius, Oakley and Sawyer Ast, Eleanor and Drew Fanning; and special nieces and nephews.

Also preceding her in death were her brother, Leonard Stettinger, of Great Bend and her sister, Rosetta (Rose) Ochs, of Hays.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday April 6, 2018, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington, with the Reverend Wayne Baldyga officiating. Interment will follow at Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorials have been designated to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Kindred Hospice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home of Hoisington.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

HOISINGTON — Esther Leona Stimmel, 90, passed away March 30, 2018, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  She was born February 1, 1928, at Victoria, to Andrew and Mary (Hauser) Denning.  Esther married Herbert Paul Stimmel July 25, 1953, at Aurora, Col.  He passed away June 10, 2004.

Esther, a resident of Hoisington since 2000, coming from Otis and Denver, was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz.  She was a homemaker, also holding previous CNA employment with Shoenberger Nursing Agency, Ellis, and Eldercare.  She enjoyed owl collectibles, housekeeping and caring for others.

Survivors include one son, Bradley Leiker and wife Theresa of Hoisington; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, William Addison Leiker; five brothers, Alois, Richard, Alvin, Paul and Gilbert Denning; and two sisters, Alice Denning and Olivia Lichtenhahn.

A Rosary will be recited 9:30 a.m. Saturday April 7, 2018, with Father Louis Trung Dinh Hoang, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with inurnment graveside services immediately following at Hoisington Cemetery.  There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place.  Memorials have been designated to Esther Stimmel Expense Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

GREAT BEND – Beatrice M. Weber, 86, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation.  Bea was born March 31, 1931, in Victoria, Kan., to Wendelin and Bridget (Geist) Stegman.  She married Neil Weber August 18, 1952, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend.

A long-time resident of Great Bend, Beatrice was a retired bank teller, and a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

Bea is survived by one daughter, Pandora Weber of Great Bend; one son, Sean Weber and wife Anita of Flower Mound, Texas; two granddaughters, Sydney and Cheyenne Weber; three sisters, Bertille Walker and husband Willard, Albertena Blevins and Husband Larry, Christine Southwick and husband Leslie; and nephews and nieces, Anita Dreiling-Exline, Rhonda Hall, Kevin Hall, Brett Hall, Steve Cleveland, and Jeff Cleveland.

Bea is preceded in passing by her husband, Neil; her parents; special uncle and aunt, Jerry and Wilma Stegman; step-mother, Helen (Schoenfeld) Stegman; in-laws, John and Mary (Keenan) Weber and Luke and Lila Hall-Myers.

A Memorial Service for Bea will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Bryant Funeral Home with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding.  Inurnment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Seward, Kans.  Visitation with the family present will be 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7, with a Rosary at 10:00 a.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be directed to Great Bend Public Library, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

Great Bend—Dolores Stevens, 88, passed away April 4, 2018, at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita. Dolores was born April 1, 1930, in Oil Hill, the daughter of Earl and Opal (Wood) Dowler.

Dolores was a Great Bend resident. Dolores married Marion Dean “Smokey” Stevens on August 24, 1950, in Great Bend.  He passed away June15, 1994. She was a homemaker, holding previous employment at the nursing home in Greensburg and Friends Bible College in Haviland. She enjoyed bible studies, teaching Sunday School and making quilts and crafts. Dolores was a member of Western Area Women’s Aglow, serving as treasurer, and the Friends Church in Haviland.

Survivors include sons, Ricky Stevens and wife Carmen of Haviland, Kelly Stevens of Larned and Joe Stevens and wife Kayleen of Haviland; daughter Susan Coulson and husband George of Great Bend; sisters, Earleen Offutt of Trinity, Texas and Flora Lee Ceskue of Hernando, Miss.; grandchildren, Brannan Coulson, Megan Shanley, Staci Moore, Cody, Logan, Amber, Natasha, Kyle, Braden, and Tanner Stevens. She was preceded in death by daughter Linda Stevens, brothers Jim and Keith Dowler.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018, with Rev. Matt Schaffer officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday April 6, 2018, all at Bryant Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorial has been established with Angels Home Health, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas 

Robert E. “Bob” Pryor, 73, died April 3, 2018, at Almost Home, Great Bend, Kansas.  He was born June 22, 1944, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, the son of F.L. and Sarah Lucille (O’Dell) Pryor.  Bob attended schools in Polo, Missouri, until moving to Raymore, Missouri, where he graduated from Raymore High School. He then joined the Air Force and served as an Airman First Class from 1965 to 1971.

Bob was a resident of Great Bend since 1985 moving from Omaha, Nebraska. He worked his whole lifetime in sprinkler fitting and was President of Pryor Automatic Fire Sprinkler.

He was a member of the NRA, the Local Union #669, and National Fire Sprinkler Association. He enjoyed his family, annual fishing trips, and most importantly celebrating his birthday.

On June 7, 1985, he married Mary Zink-Haberman in Great Bend, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary Pryor of the home; and three children, Michael L. Pryor and wife Marla of Blue Springs, Missouri, Wendy L. Lockwood and husband Kevin, and Shelly A. Arnberger and husband Kevin, all of Great Bend; a sister, Donna Messick and husband Bill of Omaha, Nebraska; and five grandchildren, Curtis Arnberger, Representative Tory Marie Arnberger, Thomas Lockwood and wife Brittany, Ethan Lockwood, and Hunter Pryor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Roger Pryor, parents-in-law, Leo and Marilyn Kaiser, and two grandchildren, Michael Pryor, Jr. and Brooklyn Pryor.

Friends may call 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. with Vigil at 7 p.m., Sunday, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 9, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima, Prince of Peace Parish, Great Bend, Kansas, celebrated by Father Ted Stoeklein. Burial will follow in Holy Name Cemetery, rural Bushton, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to Barton County Transfer, Almost Home, or Kindred Hospice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.

Great Bend–Margaret E. Gorsline, 94, passed away Tuesday March 13, 2018, at Cherry Village Care Home. She was born November 23, 1923 in Kansas City, KS to O.H. and Ester (Gelahar) Bender. She was a resident of Great Bend for forty years.

Survivors include son Miles Linroth of Stanwood, Wash.; sister Maxine Brown of Pocatello, Idaho.; brothers William Bender of Kansas City, Kans., Jim Bender of Farmington, N.M.; granddaughter Emily Linroth of Pullman Wash. She was preceded in death by husband George Gorsline, sister Florence Foster, brothers Robert, Chuck and Harry Bender.

Memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday April 11, 2018, at Cherry Village Care Home Chapel with Rev Dick Ogle officiating. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial has been established with Cherry Village Care Home, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Great Bend—Pauline Darline Mong, 85, passed away April 6, 2018, at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood. Pauline was born April 3, 1933, in Wakeeney the daughter of Orville and Tabea (Eichman) Pierce.

Pauline was a resident of Great Bend since 1957 coming from Russell Springs. She was united in marriage to Clayton Mong on September 2, 1951, in Hill City. She was a homemaker that took care of her family and loved them dearly. Pauline was a volunteer at the Senior Center, an officer with the Elks Lodge and a member of TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly).

Survivors include husband Clayton of the home; son Clinton Mong and wife Cindy of Spearville; daughter Barbara Bitnoff of Belpre; brother David Leroy Pierce and wife Luella of Wakeeny; sisters Lillian Large of Wakeeney, Shirley Glider and husband Gene of Denver, Colo., Lucille Reif and husband Charles of Plainville, and Myra Kraft and Jack; ten grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son Anthony Mong.

No services will be held. Cremation has taken place. Bryant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Great Bend—James W Rockhold, 95, passed away April 6, 2018 at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on August 17, 1922 at Nowata, Okla. to Howard R. & Huetta (Waugaman) Rockhold.

James married Bettye Erwin on May 12, 1953 in Albuquerque, N.M. She preceded him in death in June 5, 2005.  James was a Petroleum Engineer graduating with double degrees from OSU and OU. Mr. Rockhold was a Great Bend, resident and a member of KIOGA (Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association), OU Alumni Association, a pioneer member of the Oil and Gas Museum in Great Bend, Kansas Engineering Society, Cottonwood Gun Club and the Hoisington Gun Club.

James is survived by one son, Jeff and wife Kim Rockhold of Great Bend; one daughter: Lori and husband Chuck Hilton of Gentry Ark.; two sisters: Peggy Sellers of Sapulpa, Okla. and Margaret Garrett of Woodbine; three grandchildren, Megan Ragan and companion Richard Estes, Katherine and Jesse Lovett, and Tyler Rockhold; five great grandchildren Kassidy and Roger Lovett, Dace and Kylee Ragan and Zain Estes. He was preceded in death by son, James Randall Rockhold and two brothers; H. R. Rockhold, and Bill Rockhold.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home. With Pastor Larry Schumacher officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00-9:00 on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 with family receiving friends and relatives from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend. A memorial has been designated to the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum of Great Bend, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

Dale Francis Stoecklein passed away at his home in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 25, 2017. He was 56. Born on Aug. 25, 1961, in Colby, Dale was the fifth of nine children of Theodore and Pauline (Wirtz) Stoecklein.

After graduating from Colby High School in 1979, Dale received an associate’s degree from Colby Community College, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. In the years that followed, Dale made his home in many places throughout the country, including Oklahoma, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Denver.

Dale discovered that he had a unique gift for working with people, listening to their issues and needs, and making them feel important. He recently earned a national award for being one of the top customer relations representatives with IKEA.

There is a lot that Dale loved.

He loved spending hours exploring libraries. He loved watching baseball. He loved karate. He loved to laugh. He loved being an uncle. And he loved being one of those Stoecklein kids growing up in Colby—running barefoot on the hot sidewalks to the local pool, getting his fishing line tangled with those of his brothers, playing all sports and excelling especially in competitive swimming, and posing for photos with his brothers and sisters under the big tree in the backyard.

There is a lot that Dale loved. And there are a lot who loved Dale. We miss you, brother.

He is survived by his brothers Mike of Lakeville, Minn., Mark of Seattle, Wash., Paul of Idyllwild, Calif., and Fr. Ted of Great Bend; his sister Mary Disberger of Wamego; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenneth and David, and sister Linda Holzhuter.

Vigil will be 7:00 p.m. Monday April 9, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at St. Rose Catholic Church with Father Ted Stoecklein officiating. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to the Dale Stoecklein funeral expense fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Visit bryantfh.net to leave condolences for the family.

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

GREAT BEND — Elsie Hogan, 100, passed away March 9, 2018, at Evergreen Community of Johnson County, Olathe.  She was born August 21, 1917, at Redwing (Barton County), to Joseph and Katherine (Courange) Hickel.  Elsie married Marvin Hogan March 29, 1937, at Holyrood.  He died November 10, 1988.

Elsie, a long-time resident of Great Bend, was a homemaker also holding previous various clerical and secretarial positions.  Elsie was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, and the Altar Society.

Survivors include her grandson, Kelly Hogan of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Jane Hogan of Gardner; several nieces, nephews; and a host of friends.  She was preceded in death by son, Jim Hogan; grandchild, Scott Hogan; and brother, Art Hickel.

A memorial service Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend.  There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place.  Memorial funds have been established for Prince of Peace Parish or Evergreen Community of Johnson County, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

GREAT BEND – Judy Ann Rusco, 77, passed away April 9, 2018, at Abilene Memorial Hospital, Abilene, Kan. She was born February 4, 1941, at Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Walter Thomas and Margaret Bridgette Louise (Start) Chumley. Judy married Alfred Wayne Rusco January 1, 1960 at Ellinwood. He died July 3, 2006.

A long time Great Bend area resident, Judy also previously resided in Liberal, Chanute, Wichita, Woodward, Okla., and Tyrone, Okla. She was a dedicated farm wife, holding prior employment with Merle Norman Cosmetics, E and E Paint and Glass, and Dr. Stone, DDS, Dentistry. Judy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and served her community and family as a Brownie and 4-H Community leader. She expressed her love for music by singing in the church choir, BCC musicals, and directing the church choir.

Surviving are three daughters, Gail McDermott and husband John of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Lynn Simpson and husband Gordan of Dodge City, and Vicki Keffer and husband Bill of Great Bend; one brother, Jim Chumley and wife Sharon of Sun Valley, Ariz.; seven grandchildren, Johna McDermott, Kylie McDermott and partner Adam Fein, Tyler Simpson, Brice Simpson and wife Allison, Dustin Keffer and wife Crystal, Erica Keffer, and Megan Willich and husband Jarrod; six great grandchildren, Marshall Simpson, Makenzie Simpson, Madison Simpson, Will Keffer, Beckett Willich, and Kaisa Willich.

Memorial services have been scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend, with The Reverend Barbara Jones officiating. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. The register book will be available to sign 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 13, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. The family will also receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until service time, Saturday, at Trinity Lutheran Church fellowship hall. Memorials have been designated to Trinity Lutheran Church and the Cheyenne Bottoms Visitor’s Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

GREAT BEND — Phyllis Maneth, 92, passed away Thursday April 12, 2018, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. Phyllis was born July 26, 1925, to Bernard and Dorothy (Brayton) Krampe, in Ellinwood. She was united in marriage to Fred C. Maneth October 25, 1948, in Great Bend. Fred passed away December 11, 1998.

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Bernadine Phyllis was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, Altar Society and D. of I. She loved playing cards with her friends, crafts, crocheting, reading and enjoyed her social groups.

Survivors include her children, Cheryl Yunk and husband Dan of Manhattan, Carla Wynn-Griffin and her husband Kenneth of The Woodlands, Texas, Kent Maneth and wife Debbie of Gilbert, Ariz., and Ron Maneth of McPherson; six grandchildren, Carey Rawson, Jill Riffel, Craig Yunk, Kelly Kearney, Cory Dodson, and Jacob Maneth; and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Richard Maneth, and three sisters, Lorraine Belford, Natalie Skillings and Arlene Lawrence Sampson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 16, 2018, St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Ted Stoecklein officiating. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, April 15, at Bryant Funeral Home, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Vigil with a D. of I. Rosary at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home.

A memorial fund has been established with Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Dateline: Timken, Kansas

TIMKEN — Kenneth Craig Wiltse, 71, passed away April 12, 2018, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.  Ken was born April 23, 1946, at Great Bend, to Charles Joseph and Mary Karline (Dyer) Wiltse.  He married Karen Elizabeth (Hagerman) August 27, 1966, at Peace Lutheran Church, rural Albert.

Ken, a long-time resident of Rush County, coming from Great Bend, was a farmer and stockman and a member of Peace Lutheran Church.  He was a Rush County 4-H leader, Peace Lutheran Councilman, and served as a board member for the Timken Co-op, Mid-State Co-op, Rush County F.S.A., and Rush County Fair.  He was a devoted church member, who taught Sunday School, and substituted in pastoral duties, in the absence of the minister.

Survivors include wife, Karen Elizabeth Wiltse, of the home; two sons, Curtis Wiltse and wife Amy of Westfield, Ind., Kevin Wiltse and wife Mandy of Timken; one daughter, Leane Palmer and husband Noel of Kearney, Neb.; two sisters, Jodi Wiltse of San Jose, Cal., and Gail Hamilton and husband Bob of Edmond, Okla.; and eight grandchildren, Ryan Wiltse, Shay Wiltse, Evan Palmer, Emily Palmer, Luke Palmer, Maitland Wiltse, Maddie Wiltse and Macie Wiltse.  He was preceded in death by brother, Larry Wiltse; and sister, Patricia Wiltse.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Peace Lutheran Church, rural Albert, with Rev. Wayne Baldyga officiating.  Interment will follow at Peace Lutheran Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday, April 16, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home.  Memorial funds have been established with Rush County Fair Association or Peace Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

Great Bend—Phillip Clark “Mr” Woodmansee, 83, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Edwards County Hospital in Kinsley. He was born April 5, 1935, the son of Russell and Viola (Barton) Woodmansee. Phillip was united in marriage to Carol Engle on August 23, 1959 in Ellsworth.

Phillip has been a resident of Great Bend since 1961, coming from Manhattan. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, KNEA, NEA, Lake Barton Golf Association and the Golden Belt Wood Carvers. He was a teacher for thirty three years teaching, at Lucas Elementary and Great Bend Middle School.

Survivors include wife Carol of the home; sons David Woodmansee and wife Renate of Manhattan and Michael Woodmansee and wife Marissa of Great Bend; daughter Tamara Crow and wife Ren Hustoff of Santa Fe NM; seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers Glenn, Keith, Russell, Lyle and Harvey.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday April 20, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, with Rev. Bill Johnson officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. No visitation, as cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers family request memorials be given to the First Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

HOISINGTON — Marjorie Mae McCurry, 85, passed away April 15, 2018, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  She was born January 9, 1933, at Hoisington, to Clarence and Anna (Frieb) Hickey.  Marjorie married Edward McCurry August 17, 1964, at Hoisington.

Marjorie, a life-time resident of the Hoisington area, was a homemaker, holding previous employment at Western Auto.  She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, and Altar Society; and enjoyed playing cards and fellowship with her friends.

Survivors include husband, Edward McCurry, of the home; one son, Michael McCurry and wife Laurie of Hoisington; two grandchildren, Cole McCurry and fiancée Raegan King, and Nolan McCurry; one brother, Bill Hickey of Hoisington; and one sister, Betsy Seifert of Glendale, Ariz.  She was preceded in passing by nine brothers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with Father Anselm Eke officiating.  Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Hoisington.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2018, with a Vigil and Altar Society Rosary at 7:00 p.m., all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.  Memorial funds have been established for St. John Cemetery Fund or St. John Altar Society, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Terra Sue Dimitt, 66, died April 12, 2018, at her home in Hoisington, Kansas.

She was born September 9, 1951, in Garden City, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin and Mary Elizabeth (Routledge) Dimitt.  Terra was a graduate of Garden City High School.

She was a resident of Hoisington since 1990 coming from Bushton, Kansas. Terra retired from Essex where she worked in the shipping department.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where she was involved in the United Methodist Women.  She enjoyed cooking, dancing, and enjoyed serving her church.

She is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Moore and husband Jeff of Hoisington; and son, Bill Clay of Mt. Vernon, Washington; grandchildren, Brady Moore and wife Cara of Hoisington; Jordan Moore, and McKenzie Moore both of Hays; brother, Roger Dimitt of Hutchinson; sister, LeeAnn Shook of Ulyssses; step brother, David Thomas of Wichita; and step sister, Norma Overmiller and husband Roger of Smith Center and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a step father, Rev. Roger Thomas; brothers, Chris and David Dimitt, sisters, Mary Lane Keeling and Sherry Dimitt.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, April 20, 2018, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Reuben Lang ‘at presiding. Friends may sign the book today, Wednesday and Thursday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. Inurnment will be at a later date in Valley View Cemetery, Garden City.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, or Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Shealee A. Stover, 18, died April 17, 2018. She was born on July 26, 1999, in Springfield, Missouri.
Shealee was a senior at Hoisington High School, where she was involved in FCCLA, Upward Bound, Showcase, and was a teacher’s aide. She especially loved choir and had aspirations to be a music teacher. She loved children, and wanted to teach at all grade levels. She worked part time at the Pizza Hut in Hoisington. A lover of animals, especially cats, she sought the hurt and broken.
She is survived by mother and stepfather, Heather and Stephen Weber; and two brothers, Ollie and Leo Weber; grandparents, Dennis and Marie Stover of Reeds Spring, Missouri; uncles and aunts, Jamie and Kristy Stover of Abilene, Jason and Linsey Farmer of Halstead, Jeff and Julie Patterson, Jeff & Shayla Cobb, and Justin and Ashley Ferrell, all of Reeds Spring, Missouri; and many cousins; and dear friends, Christy Maneth and Alexis Doonan.
She was preceded in death by grandma, Terry Stover, great grandparents, Bill and Carole James, Matt Taber, and Harvey and Darlene Stover.
Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2018, at the Hoisington High School Auditorium, with Pastors Steve Hopkins and Reuben Lang ‘at presiding. Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.
Memorials may be made to the Shealee Stover Memorial Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.