Dateline: Hoisington

Mary Theresa Morgan, 93, died April 18, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.  She was born April 24, 1925 in Wheeling, West Virginia, the daughter of Charles & Matilda (George) Rahall.

On December 27, 1947 she married Arthur Glenn “Art” Morgan at Mansfield, Ohio.  He died July 31, 2018.

She raised the family while following Art in his 21-year military career.  After settling in Hoisington in 1969 she became an avid collector of antiques and had her own shop, Mary Morgan’s Antique Shop.

She is survived by her three children; Ann Eulert and husband Bud of Hays, Hope Krug and husband David of Topeka, and Scott Morgan of Great Bend; brothers: James Rahall and wife Helen of Ohio and Robert Rahall and wife Sandy of Florida; three grandchildren, Heather McGlocklin of Wichita, Bobbi Hase of Miami, Florida, and Austin Krug of Kansas City, Missouri; and two great grandchildren, Memphis and Liberty.

She was preceded in death by her husband, son, Glenn Morgan, brothers, Joseph, Ronald, and Phillip Rahall, and a sister, Patricia Van De Mark.

Family will greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow in Olivet Cemetery. Friends may sign the book Monday through Saturday, there will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Locust Grove Village (Capital Fund Campaign) or Hospice of Hays Medical Center, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

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

Richard C. Lohr, age 79 years, of Burdett, Kansas and formerly of Pawnee Rock, Kansas, passed away at his home in Burdett on Friday evening, April 19, 2019. Richard was born on June 23, 1939 at Rock Falls, Illinois to Cleo and Ida (McKeel) Lohr. He was united in marriage to Janice Ellis on July 3, 1962 at Great Bend, Kansas, and they had a son, Rick Lohr. Richard was later united in marriage to Laura McCormick-Lohr on June 6, 2002. A U.S. Navy Veteran, he served aboard the repair ship USS Markab. After coming to this area, Richard attended Barton County Community College, taking courses for electrician and machine technology. He worked in the oilfield as a pumper. Richard loved hunting and fishing, scuba diving, and co-owned and operated Lohr’s House of Treasures antique and collectibles shop in Pawnee Rock for 5 years. He had been a resident of Burdett for the past two years.

Survivors include one son, Rick (and his wife, Sandi) Lohr of Arkansas City, Kansas; one daughter, Chelsea (and her husband, Justin) Hoffman of Burdett, Kansas; six grandchildren: Derek (and his wife, Alex) Lohr, Ryleigh Hayden, Mason Mostrom, Kaydance Mostrom, Addison Hoffman, and Skylar Stein; one sister, Mary Green of Florida; nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his second wife Laura McCormick-Lohr on July 30, 2017; two brothers (Donald “Doc” Lohr and Bill Lohr) and two sisters (Nora Lohr and Dorothy Vanaman).

According to Richard’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, Kansas with Pastor Larry J. Schumacher officiating. Private family inurnment will follow at a later date in Colorado. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php.

Arrangements Entrusted To
Charter Funerals
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
(620) 793-6161

GREAT BEND – Marc E. Huslig, DDS, 55, passed away Friday April 19, 2019, in Great Bend. Marc was born September 9, 1963 in Great Bend the son of Marcus and Caraleta (Lonnon) Huslig. He married Teri Turkle on June 7, 1986 at Mulvane. She survives.

Marc was a Great Bend resident since 1997, coming from Mulvane. He owned Marc E. Huslig, DDS, Chartered. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, Central District Dental Society and Academy of General Dentistry. He enjoyed hunting, biking, gardening, playing video games, fly-fishing, coaching his children, and watching Wichita State Shocker basketball.  He was an accomplished musician. 

Survivors include, wife Teri of the home; his mother, Caraleta Huslig; one son, Matthew Huslig of Great Bend; three daughters, Taylor Huslig, Madison Huslig and Reagan Huslig, all of Great Bend; one brother, Aaron Huslig and wife Becky of Andover; one sister, Valerie Chancellor and husband Tom of Mulvane; 5 nieces and 10 nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; and a brother, Matthew Huslig; and one niece.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or Holy Family School Endowment, 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 – Claflin

Dwight “Lee” Blair, 76, died April 20, 2019, at his home in Claflin after struggling with several health issues. He was born May 11, 1942, in Halfway, Missouri, the son of Samuel Dwight and Naomia May (Goldsberry) Blair. Lee served as a drill sergeant in the United States Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972.

Lee was a resident of Claflin for the last 16 years, living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Salina, Kansas before that. While living in Salina, Lee worked as a painter for Salina Body and Fender, he then became an over the road truck driver, working for Graves and ANR Trucking. Lee was an avid sportsman, he loved hunting, fishing, guns, and old cars.

On June 27, 1981, he married Vera G. Klima in Salina, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Vera Blair of the home, and dog, Candice; son, Derek Blair of Citrus Heights, California; granddaughter, Savanna Blair of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; siblings, Dixie P. King of Springfield, Missouri, Eddie J. Blair of Overland Park, Kansas, Dorothy M. Antwiler of Independence, Missouri, Jack A. Blair of Emery, South Dakota; 29 nieces and nephews, and 40 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Darren Blair, infant daughter, Tresca Blair; and sisters, Katie Jo Wall and Darlene Covell.

Services were held Monday, April 22, 2019 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Claflin E.M.S. Fund or Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

PENDING FUNERAL NOTICE 

Dateline: Ellinwood, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Joyce L. Vaught                                 Age: 87

Date of Death: April 22, 2019

Place of Death: Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood, Kansas

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

ELLINWOOD – Joyce Lucille (Davis) Noah Vaught, 87, passed away April 22, 2019 at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood. She was born January 16, 1932 at Nishnabotna, MO to John Carl “JC” and Fannie Mae (Bettinger) Davis. She married Robert D. Noah June 15, 1973 in Nebraska. He died in 2015.

Coming from Tyrone, OK in 1993, Joyce was a CNA working in many area nursing homes and as a home health aide. She enjoyed cleaning house and caring for others.

Survivors include, eight children, John Lewis Stevens and wife Michelle of Grant, IA, Carroll Eugene Olson of Baxter, IA, Brenda Joyce Hall and husband Robert of Ellinwood, Larry Dee Olson of Great Bend, Emelia Kathleen Johnson and husband Lloyd of Great Bend, Sandra Kay Burr of TX, Mark Edward Burr of AZ, and Rodney Dean Noah and wife Renee of Great Bend; 16 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Roger Eugene Olson; one brother, Leroy Davis; one sister, Helen Davis; and 3 grandchildren, Sonya Walker, Robert H. Hall, and C.J.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2019 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend, with Rev. Dick Ogle presiding. Memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice, 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 – Darrin Willard Hearn, 33, passed away April 21, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born February 12, 1986 to Dennis and Charlene (Bobeck) Hearn.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Dennis was a vendor for 7 Up.

Survivors include, his stepfather, James Woods; his brother, Derrick W. Hearn; an aunt, Kathy Henry; and two cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis Hearn and Charlene Bobeck.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the Darrin Hearn 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 – Wayne Rathbun, Sr., 86, passed away April 24, 2019, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born April 16, 1933, at McPherson to Lyle & Geneva (Leeper) Rathbun. He married Joan Easdon on February 14, 1954, at Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Wayne was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge. He was self-employed as an oil field truck driver and structural pipe salesman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and boating and especially loved his grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife, Joan of the home; one son, Wayne Rathbun, Jr. and wife Connie of Great Bend; three daughters, Charlotte Rowe of Enid, OK, Cheryl Lawson of Casa Grande, AZ, and Chris Rathbun of La Mesa, CA; cousin, Jim Leeper and wife Julie of Burleson, TX; eight grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2019, at First Southern Baptist Church, with Pastor Tim Singleton presiding. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church Trustee Account, 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 – Myrna Faye Campbell, 87, passed away April 24, 2019 at her home in Great Bend. She was born November 11, 1931, in Rural Smith Center to Melvin & Velma (Staley) Yenne. She married Donald Gene Sheets on February 7, 1950 and they later divorced. She then married Eldon Spike Campbell on October 6, 1978. He died July 2, 1987.

Coming from Smith Center in 1962, Myrna was employed as a bookkeeper for Doonan Truck for 6 ½ years, the Great Bend Tribune for 23 ½ years and then retired in March 1994. She worked part time then for Lou’s Printing, Dairy Queen, Dollar Tree, and Satellite Pros. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Great Bend. She graduated from Smith Center High School and was a volunteer for Compeer & Hospice. She enjoyed going to Branson, MO and playing Black Jack, golf and going to baseball and basketball games and spending time with her family.

Survivors include, one daughter, Donna Marbut; one son, John Sheets and wife Vicki of Great Bend; two step daughters, Cathy Winters of Phillipsburg and Sheila Stocker and husband Randy of Shelton, NE; one brother, Robert Yenne of Arvada, CO; three step sisters, Carolene Stutterheim, Lorraine Wells and husband Roger of Phillipsburg, Shirley Stutterheim of Almena; step brother-in-law, Dick Van Der Wege of Lindsborg; a host of nieces and nephews; 5 grandchildren, Jason Marbut and wife Mandi, Jennifer Keener and husband Jarrod, Trevor Marbut and wife Samantha, Rachelle Sheets and Joshua Sheets; step grandchildren, Talatha Reese and husband Jay and Jason Winters, all of Phillipsburg; 7 great grandchildren, Tyler Marbut and wife Taylor, Kelsie Brown and husband Trent, Kameron Keener, Kaleigh, Addilie and Waylon Sheets, and Blake Sheets, all of Great Bend; 4 step great grandchildren, Hannah, Abbigal, and Jacob Winters, Kaleigh and Makenzie Marbut; three great great grandchildren, Brantlie Mae Marbut, Kayson Brown and Carter Marbut. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Eldon; her step father William DeBoer, two son-in-laws, Dale Marbut and Leon Winters; two step sisters, Helen DeBoer, Elnor Van Der Wege; and brother-in-law Roger Stutterheim.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 9:00 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Johnson presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church or Kindred Hospice, 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

(Walter) Mark Garrett, age 90, passed away on April, 29, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Dec. 16, 1928, near Central City, Neb., the son of Walter B. and Frankie Virginia (Good) Garrett. He graduated from Central City High School in 1946 and attended Doane College in Crete, Neb.  Mark married Marjorie Ann Peck, Nov. 28, 1948, in Archer, Neb.  She preceded him in death on October 18, 2010.

After several years of employment with the B.F. Goodrich Co., he moved to Great Bend in 1959 as manager of the local B.F. Goodrich store. In 1967 he founded G-B Tires, Inc. and remained active in the business until shortly before his death.

Mark was a member of the First United Methodist Church since 1959, serving on the Board of Trustees and several committees, Chamber of Commerce, Stoneridge Country Club and the Lake Barton Golf Association, all of Great Bend.

Mark loved to play golf, making several holes-in-one through the years. He shared his love of golf with his wife and children, teaching them all how to play. Mark and Marjorie enjoyed traveling on 5 continents and managed to play a round of golf on most. He was a sports fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Basketball. Above all, Mark and Marjorie were avid Nebraska Football fans and season ticket holders for over 40 years, traveling to many of their bowl games.

They treasured the fellowship and friendships that were developed while playing bridge and traveling to golf destinations and NU ball games.

Survivors include two sons, Rickard Garrett and wife Karen and Timothy Garrett both of Great Bend; two daughters, Deborah McGreevy and husband Bob of Pratt and Penelope Pinkston and husband Chris of St. John; brother, David Garrett; 9 Grandchildren, Tina Lamb, Tiffany Dick and husband Bob, Jason Pinkston and wife Beth, Haley Kern and husband Peter, Brandon Garrett and wife Amanda, Jennifer Garrett, Kelsey Scheuerman and husband Todd, Abby Hinman and husband Jeff, Logan Garrett and wife Dru; and 22 Great Grand Children, Dalton Lamb, Dylan Lamb, D.J. Lamb, Micah Dick, Kaitlyn Dick, Mckenna Kern, Jaidyn Pinkston, Darrin Lamb, Grady Pinkston, Kirstin Pinkston, Leah Pinkston, Konnor Garrett, Garrett Kern, Tyler Scheuerman, Kamryn Garrett, Madilyn Scheuerman, Cooper Garrett, Stanley Kern, Hudson Hinman, Meadow Phillips, Kynslee Garrett and Hazel Hinman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marjorie; daughter-in-law, Lynda Garrett; grandson-in-law, Scott Lamb; brothers, Warren and Wesley Garrett; sisters, Virginia Stalker, Helen Hoffman, Muriel Schroyer and Mary Fritz.

Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Morita Truman officiating. A private family interment will be in Great Bend Cemetery.  Visitation will be from Noon until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church or Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice 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

Larned – G. Carol Gross, 89, passed away April 29, 2019 at University of Kansas Health Systems Hays Medical Center, Hays.

She was born June 10, 1929 In Knob Noster, Missouri to Leslie F. and Georgia M. Musser Gowin.

A longtime area resident, she was a member of the First Christian Church, Larned Country Club, both of Larned. She served on the Larned Housing Board for 17 years and the Library Board for 18 years. She enjoyed golfing, going to the lake, ladies bridge club and helped to organize a charity auction for the American Cancer Society.

On June 15, 1947 she married Leonard R. Gross at Warrensburg, Missouri. He preceded her in death on March 6, 1990.

Survivors include; longtime partner, Kenneth “Red” Langley; two sons, Terry (Phyllis) Gross, Knoxville, Tennessee, Tim (Connie) Gross, St. John; one daughter, Maryl (Mike) Chain, Independence, Missouri; one step-son Floyd (Darlene) Guernsey, Enid, Oklahoma; one step-daughter, Candace (Steve) Dolan, Denver, Colorado; seven grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by; her parents; her husband; three brothers, Don Gowin, Glenn Gowin, Charles Gowin; a sister, Pauline Wheeler; a grandson, Chris Gross.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Larned Cemetery, Larned. A celebration of life service will be held immediately following the graveside service at the J.A. Haas Building, Larned, with Pastor Wade Russell presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.

Memorials may be given to Jordan Memorial Library or First Christian Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Dateline – Otis

Laurel Jacob Hergert, 84, died April 30, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse. He was born December 12, 1934, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Jacob and Frieda (Ochs) Hergert.

Laurel grew up on a farm west of Albert, Kansas, and graduated from Otis Rural High School.  On October 9, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Anita Dumler, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis.

Laurel’s career began in janitorial and maintenance for the high schools in Otis and Sublette, Kansas. After a year of sales work for Hilts in Wichita, the family then moved to Larned for a year, finally settling in Garden City in 1970 where he traveled throughout southwest Kansas performing sales and service work.  Laurel and Anita owned Hergerts Cleaning, Equipment and Supplies.

In 1971, Laurel became a charter graduate of the Finney County Volunteer Sheriff’s Posse.  He was promoted to sergeant in 1975 and also served as commander of the 25 member organization under Sheriff Grover Craig in the late 70’s.

As empty nesters in the 1980’s, Laurel and Anita began square dancing lessons. They formed many dear friendships while participating in festivals for over 20 years.

Laurel is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anita of the home; son, Blane Hergert and wife Sue of Jetmore; and daughter, Gay Tuttle and husband Tom of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother, Merril Hergert and wife Rachel of Marshfield, Wisconsin; sister, Nettie Foos of Tracy, California; grandchildren, Justin, Melissa, and Nicole Hergert, and Emily Viskup and husband Clay; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Cecil Hergert.

Friends may sign the book Monday through Friday at the funeral home, there will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Otis, with Reverend Shelly Klingensmith presiding. Inurnment will follow in Otis Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Society Relay for Life or American Heart Association in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

GREAT BEND – Charles S. Button, 86, passed away May 2, 2019, at Country Place Senior Living, Ellinwood. He was born July 20, 1932, at Great Bend, to Dee E. & Grace E. (Dorfshaffer) Button. He married Marilyn M. Hiss, May 24, 1952, at Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Charles was farmer and pilot. He was a member of the NRA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the First Congregational Church. He graduated from GBHS with the Class of 1950 and Spartan School of Aeronautics. He loved flying, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, and being with his family.

Survivors include, his wife, Marilyn of the home; one son, David Button and wife Barbara of Great Bend; three daughters, Kathryn Button and husband Darrel Ratlief of McPherson, Lori Vincent and husband Jack of Hill City, and Carolyn Sutherland and husband John of Parker, CO; one brother, Robert E. Button; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, William H. Button.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019, at the First Congregational Church in Great Bend, with Rev. Debby Rains presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the NRA or March of Dimes, 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

Christopher Gotts, 57, died May 2, 2019, at his home in Great Bend. He was born September 27, 1961, at Northrepps, Norfolk, England or United Kingdom, the son of Rodney and Brenda (Coates) Gotts.

A resident of Great Bend since 2008, moving from Hays, Christopher had worked as a health tech for Larned State Hospital.

Married Amanda R. Woydziak on October 17, 2009, at the Dozier Vineyard in Ellinwood.

Survived by his wife of ten years, Amanda R. Gotts of the home; and three children, Wyatt Woydziak, Addisyn Gotts, and Paisley Gotts; mother, Brenda Gotts; sisters, Valerie (Michael) Baker, Maureen Powell and Linda (Michael) Gibbons.

Memorial Service will be 7:00 pm Friday, May 10, 2019 at Heritage Baptist Church, 2000 Monroe St, Great Bend. No visitation as cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to The Children’s Education Fund, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dateline – Hoisington 

Kenneth Dean Ummel, 88, died May 5, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.  He was born October 15, 1930, on the farm by Arnold, Kansas, the son of Henry and Catherine (Sargent) Ummel.  He graduated from Arnold High School in 1948, and attended one year at Kansas State University, and then went on the National Railroad School in Omaha, Nebraska, for two years. He then worked for the Rock Island Railroad for a year before moving to Hoisington to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for a year. He was then drafted in the Marine Corp in 1952 and served for 2 years as a Corporal during the Korean War.  Returning to Hoisington to the MoPac in 1954 to the same job. Kenny was employed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad later to be known as the Union Pacific and retired in 1989 after 37 years.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, the V.F.W., American Legion, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and the Marine Corp Reserves. Kenny loved a good game of golf and playing cards.

On March 27, 1981, he married Beth L. Humphrey Demel in Hutchinson.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Beth L. Ummel of the home; son, Gary D. Ummel of Kansas City, Missouri; step daughter, Denise Schreiber and husband Bob of Hoisington; brothers, Don Ummel of Des Moines, Iowa, and Marvin Ummel of Lady Lake, Florida; sisters, Mildred Fink and Eunice Ummel, both of Salina; grandchildren, William Demel of Otis, and Shani Stout and husband Kyle of Hoisington; and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson, Craig Demel, brother, Ralph Ummel, and sisters, Evelyn Clark, Dorothy Bell, and Phyllis Flaherty.

Friends may call noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Reverend Seong Lee presiding. Burial will follow in Hoisington Cemetery with military honors by the Marine Corps Honor Guard.

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

OVERLAND PARK – Roberta (Bobbi) Lorraine Peters (88) passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2019 in Great Bend, Kansas of natural causes.  Bobbi was born in Onaga, Kansas on December 2, 1930, to Adda Belle (Brown) and Charles Crumbaker.  Having grown up on a rural dairy farm, she knew the value of hard work, the love of nature, the importance of family and the value of compromise while growing up with 10 brothers and sisters.  She loved riding the family horse Topsy, and playing basketball and softball.

Bobbi graduated from Manhattan High School in 1948 and married Edward Peters in 1950.  To this union were two children who were the joy of their life.  Ron Peters and Jan Peters, both of whom graduated from Great Bend High School and traveled with Up With People (UWP).  Because of Bobbi’s love of music and the adventure of travel, she encouraged Ron and Jan to “see the world” and ultimately established worldwide friendships and lasting memories from their experience with UWP.  She always said, “the best thing you can give your children are roots and wings.”  And she so graciously gave them both.

After starting her career in accounting at Boeing in Wichita, while Ed served in the Air Force, she, along with her brother Don, a Kansas State Representative, and several other brothers and sisters, became major advocates for Kansas education.  Bobbi was the first Business Manager at both Colby Community College and Barton County Community College (BCCC).  In addition, she started the annual scholarship auction at BCCC which continues to raise funds for deserving students even today.  Knowing the importance of quality leadership, she was the first woman elected to the BCCC Board of Trustees and was the first woman to lead the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees Board of Directors as the Chairman of the Board.  In addition Bobbi served as the Business Manager at O’Neill & Whitaker, a Kansas City, Missouri-based customs broker and freight forwarder, and helped start Plating, Inc. in Great Bend.

Throughout her life, Bobbi was active in numerous business and community organizations throughout the state of Kansas.  She valued the true friends she made at Church of the Resurrection and enjoyed serving in church activities – Hope Circle, Red Coats Hospitality Group, Small Group and Stephen Ministry. She was also an active member of PEO Chapter IT.

Bobbi has been described as, “the best second mom anyone could ask for,” “a true champion for education in rural communities,” “such a compassionate and kind person,” “so generous and supportive,” “such a loyal friend and boss,” and “my angel on earth.”  She dearly loved her family and friends and was a devoted grandmother and so proud that her granddaughter Kaley continued the legacy of a career in helping students in education, her granddaughter Jayci serves those in need, and Eric believes in her value of hard work.

Bobbi was preceded in death by her husband Ed Peters; her parents; brothers – Dale Crumbaker, Don Crumbaker, and Evan Crumbaker; sisters – Helen Dent, Frances Moyer, and Dorothy Shandy; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Survivors include her son Ron Peters (Overland Park, KS) and her daughter Jan Peters (Great Bend, KS); grandchild – Eric Peters and great-granddaughter – Ellie Peters (Great Bend, KS); grandchild Kaley and husband Chris Tyler and great-granddaughter Gemma Rose Tyler (Tampa, FL); grandchild Jayci Peters and Denzel Black (Wesley Chapel, FL); sisters – Nada Belle McCool (Wamego, KS), Ardith Murray (Bentonville, AR), Carol Adolph (Manhattan, KS), and Marge Knorr (Manhattan, KS); along with 30 nieces and nephews, 31 great nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

Words can never adequately describe the appreciation the family has for the amazing caregivers from ElderCare who cared for Bobbi for the last two and half years of her life.  Their kindness, love, and dedication is unmatched and beyond measure – Karen Branson, LPN, Carolyn Spracklin, Mandi Martin, and “Mother” Mary Ingram as well as Brandi Gruber, Executive Director.  The University of Kansas Health System – Hospice Care nurses are absolutely incredible as well.Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2019 with a celebration of memories for the life of Bobbi at 7:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, Kansas. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 2:30 p.m., in the Wesley Chapel at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.  Her final resting place will be alongside her husband in Wamego.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for the Music Department at Church of the Resurrection (Leawood) and ElderCare (Great Bend).

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

                Arrangements by               Bryant Funeral Home      

1425 Patton Road             Great Bend, Kansas          67530

MCPHERSON – Ronald Charles Maneth, 67, passed away May 7, 2019, at The Cedars in McPherson. He was born at Great Bend, on December 19, 1951, to Fred C. & Phyllis (Krampe) Maneth.

Ron grew up and lived most of his life in Great Bend, KS and his last 4 years he has resided at The Cedars in McPherson. Ron was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend. Growing up, Ron was actively involved in the Boy Scouts. Ron had an inquisitive mind and loved to figure out how things worked. He was very adept in working with electronics. Ron loved traveling, especially trips to Disney World, Disneyland, and Colorado. Ron also enjoyed being outdoors, taking long walks and visiting with people in the community. In his last 4 years, Ron became a favorite of The Cedars staff who cared for him with love and compassion.

Survivors include, two sisters, Cheryl Yunk and husband Dan of Manhattan and Carla Wynn Griffin and husband Kenneth of The Woodlands, TX; one brother, Kent Maneth and wife Debbie of Gilbert, TX; 6 nieces and nephews, Carey Rawson, Jill Riffel, Craig Yunk, Kelly Kearney, Cory Dodson and Jacob Maneth; and 10 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Richard Maneth.

Friends may come to the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2019, to sign the register book. Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2019, with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to The Cedars in McPherson, 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 – Darrin Willard Hearn, 33, passed away April 21, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born February 12, 1986 to Dennis and Charlene (Bobeck) Hearn.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Dennis was a vendor for 7 Up.

Survivors include, his stepfather, James Woods; his brother, Derrick W. Hearn; an aunt, Kathy Henry; and two cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis Hearn and Charlene Bobeck.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to the Darrin Hearn 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 – Darrin Willard Hearn, 33, passed away April 21, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born February 12, 1986 to Dennis and Charlene (Bobeck) Hearn.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Dennis was a vendor for 7 Up.

Survivors include, his step grandfather, James Woods; his brother, Derrick W. Hearn; an aunt, Kathy Henry; and two cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis Hearn and Charlene Bobeck.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. Memorials are suggested to the Darrin Hearn 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

Karen M. (Herrman) Williams, 64, Liebenthal, Kansas, died Thursday, May 9, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

Karen was born May 24, 1954, in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer F. Herrman, Sr., and Dolores G. (Burgardt) Herrman.  She was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas.  A 1972 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, she was an assembly line worker at Travenol, Hays, Kansas, for several years.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas.

She married Ray D. Williams, they divorced.

Survivors include:  three brothers, Kenny Herrman (Kathy), Liebenthal, Kansas, Jerry Herrman (Cindy), Liebenthal, Kansas, and Elmer Herrman, Jr. (Sandy), Timken, Kansas; and one sister, Connie Stewart (John), La Crosse, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 12, 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 Monday, May 13, 2019, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:20 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Monday, May 13, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating.  Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Liebenthal, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, 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.