Claflin – LaVerne Georgina Davidson, 97, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington. She was born April 8, 1921, in rural Barton County the daughter of Fred and Alice (Bochow) Kraft. She was united in marriage to Charles F. Davidson September 8, 1943, in Claflin. He passed away January 6, 2011.

LaVerne was a lifetime resident of Barton County, moving to Claflin in 1979. LaVerne was a member of Claflin United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Claflin Boosters and the Plus 55 Club. She enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, letter writing and sending cards. 

Survivors include, one son, Dale Davidson and wife Mary Ann of Derby; two daughters, Lynann Fraker and husband Dan of Shawnee and Sue Woydziak and husband Steve of Emporia; seven grandchildren, Philip (Trisha) and Andrew (Erin) Davidson, Rod (Megan) and Brett Fraker, Neil (Jodi) and Adam (Mindy) Woydziak, Amber (Chris) Navarro; thirteen great grandchildren, Drew, Kyle, Chloe and Cainan Davidson, Joshua, Lucas and Alaina Fraker, Kaden, Logan and Taryn Woydziak and Ian, Rylan and Brysen Navarro. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence and Alford Kraft.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday April 3, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with family present 6:00 to 7:00 pm Funeral service will be 10:30 am Thursday April 4, 2019 at the Claflin United Methodist Church in Claflin, with Pastor Diana Webster officiating. Burial will follow at Claflin Cemetery.

Memorials have been established with Claflin United Methodist church, Claflin Ambulance Service or the Independent Township Library, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

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

Elenora Moeder, 89, La Crosse, Kansas, died Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

Mrs. Moeder was born May 25, 1929, in rural La Crosse, Kansas, the daughter of Nicholas and Veronica (Legleiter) Herrman.  She was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas.  A 1947 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, she was a homemaker and farm wife.

She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

On June 15, 1948, she married Thomas J. “Tommy” Moeder at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.  He preceded her in death August 6, 2003.

Survivors include:  five sons, Larry Moeder (Deanna), Manhattan, Kansas, Leon Moeder (Susan), Wichita, Kansas, Kurt Moeder, La Crosse, Kansas, Kevin Moeder (Cheryl), La Crosse, Kansas, and Duane Moeder (Linda), La Crosse, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and two  brothers, Marvin Herrman (Florence), La Crosse, Kansas, and Albert “Al” Herrman (Mary), Lindsborg, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; six  brothers, Chris Herrman, Elmer Herrman, Alvin Herrman, Alex Herrman, Kenneth Herrman, and Raymond Herrman; and five sisters, Emma Moeder, Agnes Herrman, Bertha Sauber, Edith Bollig, and Sister Louise Herrman.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Church visitation will be Wednesday, April 3, 2019, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating.  Interment will be in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Liebenthal, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, or Locust Grove Village 40^th Anniversary Capital Campaign Fund, La Crosse, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

GREAT BEND – Mabel M. Bender, 87, passed away April 2, 2019 at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend. She was born Feb. 10, 1932 at Claflin to Henry & Anna (Christians) Riemann. She married Oscar Bender Aug. 29, 1954 at Salina. He died Oct. 1, 2002.

Mabel had been a resident of Great Bend since 1946, coming from Claflin.  She graduated from Great Bend High School and Salt City Business College, Hutchinson.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, and held former employment at First National Bank as a bookkeeper.  She enjoyed Bingo, crocheting, knitting, quilting and spending time at the baseball fields.

Survivors include, one son, Douglas “Doug” Bender of Great Bend; one sister, Ruth Ummen of Great Bend; eight grandchildren, Benjamin McDowell of Denver, CO, Heath McDowell of Garden City, Blake McDowell of Provo, UT, Tommy McDowell of Dumas, TX, Danica Bender of Emporia, Laura McDowell of Dumas, TX, Dalton Bender of Great Bend and Audrianna Bender of Great Bend; and eight great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include her two dogs, Shadow a Miniature Collie and Howie a Pekinese. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oscar Bender; two brothers, Willis Riemann and Albert Riemann; one sister, Opal Cox; and one grandson, Brandon Bender.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, with Rev. Kathie Luke and Pastor Mike Joiner presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Great Grandchildren’s Education Fund, 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

Norma Mae (Spacil) King, 86, peacefully passed away Monday, April 1, 2019 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood, Kansas. Norma was born May 11, 1932 to Ernest Frank and Alice Marie (Batchman) Spacil at the family homestead on the Barton/Stafford County line. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Ellinwood and Sacred Heart Academy in Wichita.  While attending Sacred Heart, Norma entered the sisterhood at the Dominican Convent where she took her initial vows as a Novitiate. A short time later she left the convent and returned to graduate from Sacred Heart. She went on to receive her Registered Nursing Certificate from St. Rose School of Nursing in Great Bend and worked as an RN for Drs. White, Swan, Evans and Hill.

On January 12, 1957 she married Kenneth Ballard King in Ellinwood. They were married for 58 years before Kenneth passed away on August 31, 2015.

Norma was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church and it’s Altar Society. Her Catholic faith was important to her and she was an active member of the Daughters of Isabella, serving as Vice Regent, Regent and Past Regent.  In recent years, she was welcomed to and enjoyed celebrating weekly Mass with the Sisters of the Dominican Convent.

She was very active in her children’s lives and activities and served in Camp Fire as a Bluebird and Camp Fire Leader, Board President and Camp Chu-Wa-Ni Director. She also served with the Boy Scouts in Pack 120 as a Den Mother, Den Leader Coach and Committee member, and with the Cheyenne District of the Kanza Council as a Committee Member, Cub Chairman and Key Three Member. She was a recipient of the Silver Fawn Award.

Norma is survived by her children, James King and his wife Diane, Pittsburg, Karen Smith, Great Bend, Lori Jacobs and her husband Paul, Great Bend, Martin King and his wife Julie, Lenexa, and Jason King and his companion Kendra Beakey, Great Bend; and 11 grandchildren, Alyssa and her husband Matt Cook, Nichole and her husband Shiloh Walker, Jayme King and her fiance’ William Dorr, Dustin Rhodes and his companion Lora Saul, Andrew and his wife Amanda Jacobs, Alexander Jacobs and his fiance’ Becky Tolle, Austin Jacobs, Adam Jacobs, Haley and her husband Ian Evans, Spencer King, and Hayden King. Additional survivors include seven great-grandchildren, Cameron and Donovan Cook, Tripp Walker, Gaige Gunderson, Zoey and Kason King, and Isabella Rhodes; one sister, Marilyn Brehm, Phoenix, Arizona; and special friends Ken and Lisa Edgett, Great Bend, and Margaret Bartholomew, Great Bend. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers Ronald Spacil and Raymond Spacil. 

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m., with an Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m., and Vigil Service with Daughters of Isabella Rosary held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at Dominican Sisters of Peace Convent in Great Bend with Father Don Bedore celebrating. Burial will be at Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Friends may call from 12 to 9 p.m. on Friday at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Dominican Sisters of Peace or the Daughters of Isabella in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Karen Sue (Roeder) Cecil, age 61, former Goodland, Kansas resident died Friday, March 29, 2019 at her daughter’s home in Hays, Kansas.

She was born November 29, 1957, in Goodland, Kansas to Ronald Paul and Dorothy Pauline (Nondorf) Roeder Sr. She married Mike Cecil on April 28, 1990.

She was a loan officer and program technician for 29 years at the USDA, Farmers Home Administration office in Goodland, Kansas. Karen began her education in Colorado Springs, Colorado and several other states. She also spent 2 ½ years in Germany and was a 1975 graduate of Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Michigan.

She moved to Goodland in 1975 and became a certified nurse and worked at the Goodland Hospital until starting with the USDA in 1977. In 2009 she moved to Medford, Oklahoma and was diagnosed with the Swine Flue and shortly after developed COPD.

Karen moved in 2018 to her daughter’s home in Hays, she enjoyed playing cards, gardening, camping and her only grand cat, “Squirt”.

Survivors include her daughter, Natashia Cecil, Hays, Ks; her former husband, Mike Cecil, Goodland, KS; two brothers, Ron Roeder Jr, and wife, Tina, Goodland, KS; Curtis Roeder and wife, Donna, Hominy, OK; two sisters, Phyllis Ailey, Goodland, KS; Rita Gattshall and husband, Todd, Thornton, CO; six nephews and nieces; and 5 great nephews and great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

A celebration of her life memorial service is at 10:00 A.M. (Mountain Time) Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 222 West 13th Street, Goodland, Kansas. Inurnment will be at the Goodland Cemetery in Goodland, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to the Humane Society of the High Plains, 2050 Hwy 40, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eagle.com

GREAT BEND – James “Jimmy” Alan Langer, 64, passed away April 4, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born

September 14, 1954 at Ness City to Leonard & Mary Helen (Younger) Langer. He married Gloria Rush September 14, 1989 at Kinsley. She survives.

Coming from Ness City in 1973, James was a Great Bend resident. He was a truck driver in the oilfield for 30 years, having worked for Butterfly Supply and Great Plains Inspection. He loved gardening, especially his watermelons. He enjoyed watching monster trucks and old tv shows and especially enjoyed his geese. He loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife Gloria Langer of the home; one son, Timothy Langer and his wife Amber of Great Bend; three daughters, Angela Henry and Crissy Charles and her husband Jack, all of Great Bend, and Stephanie Langer of Augusta; one brother, Robert Langer of Great Bend; one sister, Becky Kumle and her husband Mark of Great Bend; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Katrina; and sister Rose Mai.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the James Alan Langer Funeral Expense Fund, 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

Cyrill M. “Bud” Pivonka, 96, Timken, Kansas, died Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Rush County Memorial Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas.

Mr. Pivonka was born January 3, 1923, in rural Timken, Kansas, the son of Ralph M. and Antonia (Holopirek) Pivonka.  He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas.  A 1939 graduate of Bison High School, Bison, Kansas, he and his wife, Melva, together with Edward and Thelma Fiala, built and operated the La Crosse Bowl in La Crosse, Kansas.  In 1952, they moved to Timken, Kansas, and operated Pivonka Implement with Bud’s  brother, Jim, later moving the implement dealership to La Crosse, Kansas, until 1979.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, the VFW Post 3147, La Crosse, Kansas, and American Legion Post 33, La Crosse, Kansas.

He was a United States Navy veteran, serving in World War II, and the Korean Conflict.

On December 24, 1946, he married Melva L. Gillig at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.  She preceded him in death May 1, 2014.

Survivors include:  two sons, Steve Pivonka (Sharnon), Lenexa, Kansas, and David Pivonka, Great Bend, Kansas; one daughter, Nancy Pivonka (Sue), Santa Fe, New Mexico; five grandchildren, Andy Pivonka, Melissa Pivonka, Kimberly Bartly, Jeremy Pivonka, and Aaron Pivonka; and six great grandchildren, Jake Bartly, Easton Bartly, Kohen Pivonka, Genevieve Pivonka, Brooklynn Pivonka, and Connor Pivonka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers, Ralph C. Pivonka, and James R. “Jim” Pivonka; and two sisters, Marie Mahoney, and Matilda Meneley.

The family will be receiving friends Thursday, April 11, 2019, from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Memorial service will be Thursday, April 11, 2019, at 1:30 P.M., at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Pastor Angie Vertz officiating.  Inurnment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials  to the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas, or Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

GREAT BEND –

Ray C. “R.C.” Ingram, 72, died April 6, 2019, at his home in Great Bend, Kansas.  He was born October 1, 1946, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of William Joseph and Mamie Mary (Dunn) Ingram.

On April 5, 1965, he married Mary E. Zamarripa in Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Ray was a roughneck and worked in the oil field until his retirement in 1986.

He was a member of the Cheyenne Bottoms Sportsmen Club, where he loved to fish and spend time with his dog Shadow.  He also loved to play softball and coached for his kids when they were younger.  He was an avid solitaire player and junker, finding treasures to bring home.  He cared for many elderly ladies, he affectionately called his girlfriends, doing yardwork and handyman work for them.  He also really loved spending time with all of his oil field buddies. He loved his grandchildren and had a special bond with Mason.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ingram of 54 years; and six children, Gina VanSkike, Paula Ingram both of Great Bend, John Ingram and wife Jessie of Wamego, Ramona Anderson and husband Wes of Floydada, Texas, Debra Courville & husband Robbie of Topeka, and Tosha Zamarripa-Perales of Liberal; 19 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and 7 siblings, Dora and Dannelda Ingram, Alice Harrod, Leona Bowman, Jay, Keith, and Eldon Ingram, and a granddaughter, Elisa Schmitt.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dick Ogle presiding.  Friends may sign the book Monday – Thursday, with family to receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.  There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 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

Vernon M. Felder, 96, Nekoma, Kansas, died Friday, April 5, 2019, at Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse, Kansas.

Mr. Felder was born January 5, 1923, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Andy and Steffie (Proksch) Felder.  He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas.  He was a farmer.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

On February 14, 1952, he married Ruth Mayfield at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Survivors include:  his wife, Ruth Felder, Nekoma, Kansas; one son, Fred Felder (Kathy), Rush Center, Kansas; two grandsons, Michael Felder (Megan), La Crosse, Kansas, and Bruce Felder, Rush Center, Kansas; two great grandsons, Dice Felder, and Drew Felder; one brother, Louis Felder, WaKeeney, Kansas; and one sister, Pauline Oborny, Denver, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joe Felder; and three sisters, Bertha Johnsen, Marie Vondracek, and Sister Dorothy Felder.

Visitation will be Monday, April 8, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas.  A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Church visitation will be Tuesday, April 9, 2019, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:20 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating.  Interment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, or the donor’s choice.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

PENDING FUNERAL NOTICE

 Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Nick D. Leiker                                   Age: 37

Date of Death: April 10, 2019

Services are pending with Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, Kansas.

GREAT BEND – Deborah Nadine Cobb, 68, passed away April 9, 2019 at her home in Great Bend. She was born January 27, 1951 at Belvidere, to Donald & Nellie (Hembree) Cobb.

Deborah had been a long-time Haviland resident and homemaker. She liked to listen to classical music, read, paint and draw. She especially loved to have tea parties with her grandkids and read to each of them.

Survivors include, one son, Garrison Cobb and his wife Brittaney of Great Bend; one brother, Grant Cobb and one sister, LaDonna Herman, both of Missouri; and six grandchildren, Christopher Avery, Adalynn Cobb, Daniel Lewis, MaKynna Lewis, Teigan Cobb and Brinley Cobb. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has taken place and Private Family Services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Deborah Cobb Funeral Expense Fund, 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 – Donald E. “Don” Baker, 88, passed away April 9, 2019 at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born October 22, 1930 at Great Bend, the son of Elmer and Velma Neva (Cook) Bortz. He married Joan Jecha July 7, 1956 at Bison.

Don, a long time resident of Rush and Barton Counties, was a graduate of Fort Hays State University. Don was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, based at Schilling Air Force Base, Salina, serving during the Korean War, earning the rank of 1st Lt.  Much of his military career was spent on tankers and B-47 bombers.  Following his military discharge, Don continued his aviation career with Boeing in Wichita as a B-52 test pilot. It was not long before he and Joan found their way back to the family farm, where he farmed, raised livestock and worked for Timken State Bank.  After retirement from the farm, Don was blessed with employment with Dee Doves, KVGB, KSN and Head Start.  Don was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #3111, member of the American Legion Argonne Post #180, and enjoyed sports, reading, playing cards and fishing.

Survivors include, his wife Joan of the home; two sons, Stuart Baker and wife Lisa Ann and Clark Baker, all of Great Bend; one daughter, Lisa Oborny and husband Jim of Bells, TX; and six grandchildren, Andrew Baker, Jonathan Baker, Amber Hart and husband Michael, Nicholas Oborny and wife Samantha, Alexander Oborny and wife Rachel, and Victoria Oborny. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elizabeth Jeanne Degner.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, with Military Rites conducted by the United States Air Force. Memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society or Kansas Wetlands Education 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

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Michael E. “Mike” Ney, 66, passed away on April 11, 2019, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  He was born on March 4, 1953, in Hoisington, to Francis and Margaret (Koeller) Ney.  Mike married Debra Kay Bennett on October 22, 1976, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington.  She died on December 10, 2008.

Mike, a life time resident of Hoisington, was a 1971 graduate of Hoisington High School, furthering his education at Pittsburgh State Vo-Tech.  Mike managed Cardinal Apartments, Hoisington, and was a skilled flooring installer, operating Ney’s Furniture and Carpet in Hoisington.

Survivors include his mother, Margaret Ann Ney, Hoisington; one son, Heath Ney and wife Afton of Hoisington; one daughter Heather Marsh and husband Gary of Great Bend; two brothers, John F. Ney and wife Marie “Nicky” of Great Bend and Bob Ney and wife Hope of Hoisington; five grandchildren, Cody Ney, Caitlin Ney, Hunter Ney, Ethan Ney and Harley J. Ney.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Debra; one son, Shawn Ney; and one sister, Mary Lou Degenhardt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2019, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, with Father Anselm Eke, MSP presiding.  Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Hoisington.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary and Vigil at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials have been designated to the Shriners’ Children’s Travel Fund or St. John Cemetery Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.

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

GREAT BEND – James Darin Cline, 46, passed away April 10, 2019 at the University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus, Great Bend. He was born November 30, 1972 at Columbia, Missouri to James Dee & Wanda (Whisnat) Cline.

Survivors include, his father, James Cline; his mother, Wanda Lee; one son, Dalton Cline and two daughters, Darrien Cline and Samantha Cline, all of Great Bend; two brothers, Charley Haynes and Clayton Martin, both of Ellinwood; one sister, Brandi McCaskill; and two grandchildren, Trevor and Lillith.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the James Cline Funeral Expense Fund, 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 – Hoisington

Lila Jean Ehrlich, 86, died April 15, 2019, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington.  She was born September 11, 1932, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Alvin C. and Irene (Foos) Ochs.

On October 29, 1950, she married Roy M. Ehrlich in Otis, Kansas.  He preceded her in death on December 2, 1997.

A lifetime resident of Barton County, Lila was a farm wife, also working at Pete’s Flower Shop, and later for Town and Country Market. She was a longtime member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  Lila enjoyed spending time in her flower garden and decorating the house for holidays.

Survivors include: four children, Lonnie Ehrlich of Sylvan Grove, RoxAnn Reiser and husband Douglas of Great Bend, Jolene Ehrlich of Arkansas City, and Karla Newport of Great Bend; a sister, Judeen Wegele and husband Melvin of Wichita; four grandchildren, Cory Ehrlich and wife Traci, George Ehrlich, Kylie Heiler and husband Clint, and Kristie Brautman; and two great grandchildren, Zach and Andrew Brautman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter-in-law, Denise Ehrlich; and son-in-law, Kent Newport.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, per family’s request casket will be closed. Prayer service will begin at 7 p.m., all at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, April 18, 2019, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Wayne Baldyga presiding.  Burial will follow in Hoisington City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made Emmanuel Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

GREAT BEND – Kenneth Dale Steinert, 84, passed away April 15, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born June 30, 1934 in Barton County, KS to Albert Leo & Martha (Steitz) Steinert. He married Donna L. Sarver August 15, 1954 in Russell. She survives.

A Great Bend resident, Kenneth was a member of the St. Mark Lutheran Church. He was a floor covering installer for Steinert’s & Kimple Furniture and self-employed for 38 years. He liked gardening and cutting wood.

Survivors include, his wife Donna of the home; three sons, Chris K. Steinert of Great Bend, Royce A. Steinert and his wife Kimberly of Hutchinson and Nolan H. Steinert of Kalamazoo, MI; one brother, Robert Lee Steinert of Aurora, CO; two sisters, Alberta M. Brack of Hoisington and Anna Marie Powell and her husband Bill of Salina; four grandchildren, Christen Steinert, Valerie Adams, Lance Steinert and his wife Amanda and Makya Steinert; and four great grandchildren, Braxton, Ryder, Aliza, and Seth. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kelly Duane Steinert; and two brothers, Eugene L. Steinert and Waldean O. Steinert.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2019, at the Great Bend Cemetery, with Pastor Andy Addis presiding. Memorials are suggested to Quilts of Valor, in care 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 – Virgil F. Kober, Sr., 80, passed away April 16, 2019 at Leisure Homestead in St. John. He was born November 8, 1938 at Rural Olmitz to Alfred and Mary (Stremel) Kober. He married Violet Ridley June 27, 1958 at Seattle, WA. She died January 23, 1995. He then married Melva (Sohm) Mays in 2001, in Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Barton Co. resident, Virgil lived in Great Bend. He was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, the NRA and Knights of Columbus. He was owner of Sunflower Backhoe & Trenching, Inc. and a farmer. He was veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing.

Survivors include, one daughter, Julie Braymer and her husband Cary of Great Bend; three sons, Virgil Kober, Jr. and Fred Kober, Sr., both of Great Bend, and Leonard Kober of Colorado Springs, CO; Melva’s two children, Dr. Joe Rosenberg and his wife Tammy of St. John and Dan Rosenberg and her grandchildren; one brother, Al Kober of Boise, ID; three sisters, Leona Prosser of Great Bend, Bernadette Schmidt of Wamego and Helen Beebe of Wichita; 14 grandchildren, Melissa Swanson, Michael Braymer, Madisen L. Braymer, Chasity Levingston, Chelsea Kober, Craig Kober, Melanie Taylor, Shannon Kober, LaTosha Alvarez, Fred Kober, Jr., Sherri L. Kober, Jordan Kober, Tara Click and Jarrod Kober; 21 great-grandchildren; and his dogs, Mickey and Lucky. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Violet; and two sisters, Betty Stolzenburg and Agnes Kober.

A Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding. Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with military honors.  Memorials are suggested to the Prince of Peace Parish or Golden Belt Humane Society, 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 – Tia Koreé Hatten, 51, passed away April 15, 2019 at her home in Great Bend. She was born March 9, 1968 at Fall City, Ne to Albert and Cleo (Allen) Hatten.

Tia was a homemaker and avid animal lover. She loved the Lord and was very good with real estate.

Survivors include, her father Al Hatten and his wife Connie of Great Bend; significant other of 17 years, Virgil Clawson; two daughters, Crystal Wilder and Faith Hatten of Great Bend; two brothers, Albert L. Hatten of Baltimore, MD and Adam Hatten of Great Bend; and three grandchildren, Aiden, Damon and Chloe. She was preceded in death by her mother, Cleo Allen.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place and services will be announced at a later date.

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 – Kent Robert Yetschke, 68, passed away February 22, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born January 10, 1951 to Robert Eldon and Betty Ann (Bowsher) Yetschke.

A lifetime resident of the Great Bend area, Kent was a butcher for Dillons, Food-4-Less, Great Bend Packing, and the Butcher Block in Larned. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and even acted as a guide to hunters on excursions. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Survivors include, one daughter, Kendra Brown and her husband Eric of Burdett; one niece, Juli Sparkman and her husband George Webster of Bel Aire; and three grandchildren, Dawson Williams, Logan Williams and Mackenlie Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Tara Rene Yetschke; and sister, Barbara Yetschke.

Cremation has taken place and services are pending at a later date.

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

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

Dateline – Hoisington 

Frances Jean Flagor, 82, died April 19, 2019, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. She was born

January 27, 1937, in Barton County, the daughter of Robert E. and Aurelia (Schugart) Connor. Jean graduated from Hoisington High School in 1955.

She married Jackie Edward Shreve in 1955, he preceded her in death on November 16, 1960. She then married Reuben Flagor on April 28, 1962, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington.

A lifetime Barton County resident, Jean a mother of six children, she began working part time at the Hoisington Dispatch after the children were in school.  She later went on to work for Fuller Brush and Superior Essex, and finally for the Eldercare Program from which she retired.

Jean was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society. Jean was an avid gardener, quilter, card player, and gambler. She and Reuben loved to travel to the many nearby casinos together.

Survived by her husband of nearly 57 years, Reuben; and children, Jack Flagor and wife Sherri of Hays, Janet Palmer of Dumfries, Virginia, Ron Flagor and wife Mary Ann of Pensacola, Florida, David Flagor of Kansas City, Missouri, Earl Flagor and wife Julia of Hoisington, and Robert Flagor of Kansas City, Missouri; brother, John Connor of Ellinwood; sisters, Loretta Ulrey of Larned, and Barbara Lehning of Logan; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and one more on the way.

Preceded in death by parents, husband, Jackie Shreve; brothers, Robert and Jim Connor, and sisters, Margaret Ehrlich and Mary Lou Komarek.

Friends may call noon to 8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home with Vigil with Altar Society Rosary will be 7 p.m., Monday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, celebrated by Father Charles Mazouch. Burial will follow in St. John Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.