Maurice Anthony Ruder passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.

He was born on June 13, 1931, in Hays, Kansas. Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Agnes Ruder, and his wife Frankie Ruder, he is survived by his son, Terry Ruder and his wife Cindi Ruder; and two daughters, Jolene Ruder and Susan Lee, all of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Angela Stanich and her husband Cliff Stanich of Houston, Texas, Sarah Mattler and her husband Mike Mattler of Mansfield, Texas, Joseph Ruder and his wife Lauren Ruder of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and Jasper Staab of Honolulu, Hawaii; eleven great-grandchildren, Adrienne, Alissa, and Jillian Ruder and Lonni, Charlyt, and Sydni Reich of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Abigail and Madelyn Eskew and James and Tate Mattler of Mansfield, Texas, and Olivia Stanich of Houston, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Maurice was an outpouring of God’s love. His marriage of 57 years to his wife, Frankie, was a joy to behold by all who witnessed their love for one another. He was an incredible father. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. His home and heart was open to all; he knew no stranger. From the farm to the oilfield, to his own pump and supply business, to Tret-o-lite and Baker Hughes, and, as a retiree, a Wal-Mart greeter, Maurice loved to live and lived to love. He fished, metal detected, played golf, cards, bingo and dominos. He was a member of the OKC and Epiphany Woodcarvers’ Club.

His faith was his life; as a member of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church he worked with RCIA and taught religious education. He worked with Birth Choice of Oklahoma, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Hospice, and St. Ann’s Nursing Home. He will be missed beyond words. The family is eternally grateful for the compassionate care of St. Ann Retirement Center and the Oklahoma Heart Hospital.

Viewing will be Sunday, 11am-9pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. A Vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2018, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, both to be held at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 7336 W Britton Road, Oklahoma City. Burial will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Maurice Ruder to Birth Choice of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 94533, Oklahoma City, OK 73143, St. Vincent De Paul Society, 7336 West Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132 or the Center of Family Love, 635 West Texas Ave, Okarche, OK 73762.

Ashley Frances Wolf was born August 7, 1991 in Quinter Ks. She was the youngest child of Steve and Brenda Wolf of Grinnell. Ashley passed away Thursday, May 31 2018 in Hays, Ks, at the age of 26.

Ashley attended Grinnell Elementary and Jr. High and Oakley High School where she graduated in 2010. Ashley received services from many amazing educational professionals through the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center.

Ashley was a member of the VFW Auxiliary # 1361 and was an Athlete of the Special Olympics of Northwest Kansas. She enjoyed working at Hometown Grocery and Checkers and His in Grinnell. She greatly enjoyed spending her free time down at the Senior Citizen Center in Grinnell where she would do exercises and play the WII game. Ashley was also an active member of the Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Ashley was always smiling and could light up any room. She had an incredible impact on anyone who met her. Ashley never let her cerebral palsy define who she was or what she could accomplish.

Ashley was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandmother; Marlene Wolf, Maternal Grandparents; Lawrence ‘Lavern’ Coker and Frances Carlman; Uncle Timothy Coker, and Twin Infant Siblings.

Ashley is survived by her Parents, Steve and Brenda (Coker-Carlman) Wolf of Grinnell; a brother Brandon (Sarah) Wolf of Colby; a Niece Bailey Wolf and Nephew Axten Wolf; Paternal Grandfather Melvin Wolf of Grinnell; Paternal Aunts, Pat (Dave) Farris of Nixa MO and Melanie (James) Slayton of Tyler Tx; Paternal Uncles, Rick (Marcie) Wolf of Grinnell and Anthony (Judy) Wolf of Quinter; Maternal Aunts, Marie (Don) Taylor of Great Bend and Cynthia (Dave) Ortman of Mankato; and many other Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2018, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, Grinnell, KS with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grinnell, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Grinnell Senior Center or the Ashley Wolf Memorial Fund, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

John “Jack” August Karls, 82, of Selden, Kansas passed away on Monday, May 28, 2018 at the Oberlin Hospital. John was born to August and Josephina Karls on November 4, 1935 in Hays, Kansas. He attended Leoville Rural Grade and High Schools and graduated with the class of 1953. After graduation, John attended St. Benedicts College and Fort Hays State College and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays in 1960.

On December 15, 1969, John Karls and Helen Halbert Boultinghouse were married in Denver, Colorado. Upon marrying Helen, John became the father of six children adopting them all in the fall of 1978 and was a good father to them all. John and Helen lived in Oberlin, Kansas prior to moving to Selden in 1981. John followed the Karl’s family tradition to become the owner and manager of Karls Cash Store, a business his father August J. Karls started on June 23, 1921. John and Jacque worked together in the family business. Jacque has worked with John in the store for over 30 years

In his spare time, he farmed and raised cattle. John was a very community minded person serving as Mayor of Selden, was a County Commissioner, and worked to promote the community of Selden. When he was not working, John loved watching the news and was up on current events. He was a “historian,” and one could ask him anything about the Leoville and Selden Area. John and Helen loved to watch baseball, and basketball. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden.

John is survived by his wife, Helen of Oberlin; three daughters, Barbara Nelson of McPherson, Kansas, Jacque Boultinghouse of Selden, Robyn Mendiola of Lawrence, Kansas, and three sons, Shane Boultinghouse and wife Jill of Great Bend, Kansas, Shawn Boultinghouse and wife Charlena of Lawrence, Kansas, Bart Karls of Hays, Kansas; sister, Helen Jo Ochs and husband Henry of Hoxie, Kansas; 13 Grandchildren; 24 Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, August and Josephina Karls; brothers Winfrid Karls, Robert Karls, Joseph Karls; Sisters, Dolores Fleckenstein, Agnes Chvatal, Audrey Schroer; Sons-in-law, Ambrosia Mendiola and Ralph Nelson.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, June 4, 2018, 1:30 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Paul’s Funeral Home in Selden with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. On Monday, June 4, 2018, from 9:00 A.M. until Noon there will be visitation at the funeral home in Selden. Memorials are suggested to the City of Selden and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Selden. Online condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com

John was a hardworking man who never wanted to “put anyone out”. He loved to visit with people and was always willing to do whatever he could to help others. He had a deep love for his Lord Jesus Christ and family. He leaves his family the memories of a man who was hardworking, laid back, cared for others and his love of the Lord.

Patricia “Pat” Jane Richter, 83, of Stockton, KS, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Arbor House Assisted Living in Midwest City, OK. Born November 14, 1934, in Follett, TX, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Vera Laubhan.

Pat attended Woodward High School and completed one year at Oklahoma State University. She married Earl G. Richter in the spring of 1973 and moved with her sons to Cherryvale, KS where she worked at Jim Gill Insurance agency as a real estate agent and office support staff. They moved to Stockton, KS in the early 1980’s where Pat continued her work in office support at the Rooks County Treasury Office. Pat enjoyed card games, board games, puzzles and going antiquing with her husband. She had a quick wit that stuck with her even when the dementia set in, and made everyone who met her love her.

Pat is survived by her sons Darel Kip Valentine and his wife, Amber, of Shawnee, KS; Craig Valentine and his wife, Janece, of Fort Dodge, IA; stepson Richie Richter and his wife, Glenna, of Midwest City, OK; grandchildren, Cammie Valentine and Mia Valentine of Olathe, KS; Crystal Canaday and her husband, James, of Oklahoma City, OK; Cody Richter and his wife Brittany, of Choctaw, OK; sister, Sydney Courington and her husband Newt, of Castle Rock, CO; sister-in-law Karen Laubhan, of Enid, OK; 6 nieces and nephews; 5 great-grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Peggy Green on September 15, 2013; Douglas Laubhan on October 11, 2015, and stepson Rusty Richter on July 17, 1981.

Earl Glen Richter, 89, of Stockton, KS, passed away on Wednesday May 23, 2018 in Midwest City, OK. Born May 21, 1929, in Cherokee, OK, he was the son of Delmer and Blanche Richter.

Earl left Cherokee in his teen years when his parents moved to Parsons, KS. He graduated from Erie High School and attended Pittsburg State University on a basketball scholarship. After his 3rd year, Earl enlisted in the Army, during the Korean War and after serving, he returned to Pittsburg State to graduate with a degree in education.

Earl started his career in education as a teacher but advanced quickly to the administration level and did what he loved most, being a principal. Some of his favorite places were the Kansas communities of Glen Elder, Cherryvale and Stockton, where he retired. He later served as a Councilman for the City of Stockton.

In 1973, Earl married his soulmate Patricia Richter and moved to Cherryvale to begin their 44 year loving journey together. Earl loved to fish but his great enjoyment was going to estate sales collecting his antiques. Dad loved to share his enthusiasm for college basketball season and especially his loved Kansas Jayhawks. He loved having company for many card games and the pure genuine joy of spending time with his family, neighbors and friends.

Earl is survived by his son Richie Richter and wife Glenna of Midwest City, OK; stepson Kip Valentine and wife Amber of Shawnee, KS; stepson Craig Valentine and wife Janece of Fort Dodge, Iowa; grandchildren Crystal Canaday and husband James of Oklahoma City, OK, Cody Richter and wife Brittany of Choctaw, OK, Cammie Valentine of Colorado Springs, CO, Mia Valentine of Olathe, KS; and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Delmer and Blanche Richter, son Rusty Richter, sister Shirley Jarbo and brother Rex Richter.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the funeral home in Stockton. A private family inurnment will follow at a later date.

SMITH CENTER – Bill J. Brown, 93, passed away June 4, 2018 at the Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, Kansas.

Bill, the son of Fred and Beatrice (Grewell) Brown was born on March 10, 1925 on the farm in Pawnee Township, Smith Center, Kansas. He attended Fairview Grade School and Lebanon High School where he excelled in school, FFA, Football, and Basketball; starting as a Junior and Senior. He always looked forward to watching KU and KSU Football and Basketball,as well as, Redmen football. From the time Bill was a little boy, he knew that he wanted to be a farmer, so after graduation, he started his farming career.

Bill married Ardis Shipman on August 8, 1951 and shared nearly 67 years of marriage and memories together. They purchased the farm next door to where he grew up in Pawnee Township; where they lived until moving to Smith Center in 1992. This union was blessed with two children, Jerry Dell Brown and Janet Kae Brown. Bill took great pride in his farm receiving the Kansas Bankers Association’s Soil Conservation Award in 1999. He took an even greater pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bill was a model for what it means to be a friend, to serve others, and to love deeply. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and put others first. He enjoyed attending the activities of his children, church activities and his friendships, but being with family gave him the greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife, Ardis (Shipman) Brown of Smith Center, KS; a son, Jerry Brown of Smith Center, KS; a daughter, Janet Brown of Salina, KS; four grandchildren: Brandon Simmelink and wife Lisa of McPherson, KS; Chris Brown of Russell, KS; Matt Brown and fiance Alicia of Smith Center, KS; Jessica Tolson and husband Brad Reed of Salina, KS; and four great-grandchildren: Hannah, Baylee, Bryant, and Emma.

He was preceded in death by one great-grandchild KaeLynn Tolson.

Click HERE for service details.

Esther Lillian Russell, age 94 years and 11 months, died on June 3, 2018 at Long Term Care in WaKeeney.

Esther was the 11th child of 12 of Alexander and Katharina Elisabeth (Flath) Graf. The first 3 children of Alexander and Katharina Graf were born in Neu Weimar, Russia — Esther was born in Wiley, Colorado.

Esther attended grade schools in Marion & Dickinson counties and like all her siblings, took first grade twice — the first year to learn English, the second year to learn first grade.

Esther attended high school in Longford, KS and was the second in her family to graduate from high school. Esther studied NORML training in high school but suffered from rheumatic fever her first year out of high school so never did teach, although she always remembered her NORML training.

Esther’s siblings were all in Milwaukee, WI by 1943, so Esther went there also and worked in factories supplying arms for WW II. Esther was laid off like everybody else on the last day of WW II, and she returned to Clay County, KS. On February 24, 1948, Esther Lillian Graf married Johnnie William Russell in the parson’s home in Longford, KS.

Johnnie and Esther lived in Talmage, then moved to Colby in 1955, then to Collyer in 1960, and to WaKeeney in 1967. Esther was a homemaker until 1964. She then worked in the Quinter and WaKeeney hospitals, then Travenol in Hays, and then Johnnie and Esther opened the Thrift Shop next to their home and Esther ran that for several years.

Esther enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, her fruit trees, western movies, genealogy, making Bierrocks & Schlagerbam, and collecting antiques along with her husband of nearly 70 years, Johnnie William Russell. Johnnie passed on February 16, 2018.

Esther is survived by daughter Sharon LeCount, son Warren, a granddaughter, 2 greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be in the Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the Trego County Historical Society or the Trego Community High School, or to do a small favor for a friend or a complete stranger.

Phillipsburg resident Gerald “Rusty” Carswell passed away May 31, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS at the age of 65. He was born April 11, 1953 in Osborne, the son of John & Jimmie (Clark) Carswell.

Survivors include his wife Lisa of the home; his mother, Jimmie Carswell of Alton; 3 sons, Travis of Phillipsburg, Keith of Lincoln, NE and Paul of Kensington; his brother, Kendal of Garden City and 1 grandchild.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Sat., June 9 at 11:00 a.m. in the First St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, with Pastor Dave Hutson officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Friday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Physical Therapy Dept. or the Phillipsburg Fire Dept.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Phillipsburg resident Foster D. Matteson passed away June 1, 2018 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg at the age of 92. He was born November 14, 1925 in Phillipsburg, The son of Lee and Dorothy (Hassler) Matteson. He was the former owner of Matteson Motors.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane Kaup of Phillipsburg and Debra Matteson of Lakewood, CO; his son, David of San Antonio, TX; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lew VanDerWege officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 Wed. and 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Thursday evening at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Foster Matteson Memorial for Phillipsburg Improvements.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Copeland – Robert F. “Bob” Briggs, 82, died June 1, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby. He was born on October 21, 1935 in Holyoke, Colorado to Claude James and Bessie (Jones) Briggs.

Bob was raised in Holyoke, Colorado where he graduated from high school in 1955. He went to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado playing football, basketball and track. Later he continued his education at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska where he received his Bachelor’s of Science. Bob then earned his Master of Science degree from Fort Hays State University.　　

In 1957, Bob began a teaching, coaching, and administrative career that spanned 41 years. He taught and coached at Madrid and Wauneta, Nebraska, Wray, Colorado, and Atwood, Kansas. Later he held principal positions at Moscow, Copeland, Dighton, and Fairfield-Langdon. He ended his career as Superintendent/Principal at Bazine and Ness City. After his official retirement from education, Bob continued to coach football and basketball for another eight years as well as working for Heartland Crop Insurance.

On June　21, 1956, Bob married Shirley Milner in Holyoke, Colorado. To this union five children were born, Rhonda Jo, Melinda Jane, infant son, Rodney Lee, and Troy Mitchell. In 1985, he became good friends with a colleague, Gay Beth Moore. They were married on June 10, 1990 at the Copeland Christian Church. Bob enjoyed fishing, camping, playing golf, and traveling. His greatest enjoyment came from attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He was a member of the Sublette Christian Church, Elks Club, United School Administrators, Kansas Association of Secondary Principles, Kansas Athletic Directors Association, National Coaches Association, Kansas Coaches Association, Kansas Football Association, and Atwood Ambassadors. He also was a former deacon at the First Christian Church in Atwood.

Bob is survived by his wife, Gay Beth Moore-Briggs of Copeland; two daughters, Rhonda Berry and husband Gaylon of Port Aransas, Texas and Melinda Fikan of Colby; two sons, Rodney Briggs and wife Michelle of Independence, Missouri and Troy Briggs of Sublette; three step children, Dale W. Moore and wife Faith of Owings, Maryland; Doug Moore and wife Shannon of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Vicki Hesser and husband Troy of Louisburg; a brother, James C. Briggs and wife Beverly of Apache Junction, Arizona; two sisters, Betty McConnell of Greeley, Colorado and Maxine Stegall and husband Keith of Leadville, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Briggs of Sublette; sister-in-law, Ruth Wyckoff and husband Don of Norman, Oklahoma; 13 grandchildren, Alicia Fikan Siruta and husband Jason, Bradley Fikan and wife Shannon, Meredith Berry Castor and husband Charles, Amy, Stacy, Brooke and Bailey Briggs, Dustin Moore and wife Amy, Michael Moore and wife Elena, Cutter and Blade Moore, Stephanie Hesser Unruh and husband Jeff, and Brigit Hesser; 16 great grandchildren, Ashley Mosier and husband Josh, Callie and Jadon Siruta; Taden, Ella, Emery, Brasen, Rence, and Pierce Fikan, Mia, Parry, Gage, Lyra, and Atti Moore; and Paige and Jace Unruh, one great-great grandson, Maxen Mosier and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Willard Briggs and wife Jean; brother-in-law, Everett McConnell; and infant son; and one granddaughter, Tiffany Ann Briggs.

Funeral service will be held at Sublette Christian Church on Wednesday June　6, 2018 at 2:00 PM with Pastors Brandon Mildren and Doug Harris　presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Tuesday June 5, 2018 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Bob Briggs Memorial Fund to be designated by the family at a later time. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

Russell M. O’Donnell, age 78, of Largo, Florida, died Monday, May 28, 2018.

He was born March 26, 1940, in Chicago, IL to Thomas W. and Lillian M. (Shersh) O’Donnell. He married Patricia Ann (Denning) on October 15, 1966 at Gorham, Kansas. She preceded him in death on April 30, 1995.

He was an engineer in telecommunications field and retired from A T & T in 1995. He then went back to work until 2003 and moved to Largo Florida. He was a 1959 graduate of the Reavis High School in Burbank, IL. He was veteran of the US Air Force from 1961-1965.

Survivors include two sons, Shan O’Donnell and wife, Allison, Oklahoma City, OK; Russell O’Donnell and wife, Lynn, Poplar Grove, IL; four grandchildren, Shaa, Taylaa, Russell Jr. and Noah O’Donnell; one brother-in-law, Clarence Denning and wife, Marilyn, Colby, KS; two sisters-in-law, Judy Lohrmeyer and husband, Mike, Russell, KS; Mary Bender, Great Bend, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one sister, Mary and one brother, Jake; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alphonse and Clara (Hoff) Denning.

Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 6. 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Gorham, Kansas. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Gorham, Kansas with military honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post No. 1751.

Visitation will be form 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary,
412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671 and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Gorham, Kansas.

A vigil service will be at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggest memorial to St. Mary Cemetery, Gorham, Kansas.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent e-mail to clinesmortaury@eaglecom.net

Eldon A. “Woody” Schmidtberger, age 85, of Victoria, Kansas died Saturday, June 2, 2018, at his home.

He was born December 30, 1932, in Victoria, Kansas to Frank and Elizabeth (Weigel) Schmidtberger. He married Alberta Marie (Kurz) York-Goscha on June 19, 1976, in Victoria, Kansas.

He was a truck driver hauling grain and cattle. He hauled for High Plains Grain, Weilert Enterprises, Leiker Farms, J Corp and some oil fields companies. He retired from truck driver in 2008. He then drove a few years for Attley Auto Auction and was a driver the Fort Hays Chapter #18 DAV Veterans Van since 2013. He grew up in Victoria and attended Victoria High School. He was a retired US Navy Veteran and served during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until his retirement in 1972. He was on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier and was a plank owner.

He was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, St. Fidelis 3th Degree Knights of Columbus and 4th Degree Assembly, a Lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post No. 1751 and a Past Commander, all of Victoria. He enjoyed playing pinochle and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Alberta Schmidtberger, of the home; two sons, Doyle York and his companion, Terry Taffner, Jasper, MO; Bradley Goscha, Victoria, KS; one daughter, Shawnda Rumbaugh and husband, Bruce, Hays, KS; one brother-in-law, Charles Vestecka and wife, Leona, Victoria, KS; ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his: parents; one brother, Edwin F. Schmidtberger and wife, Laurentine; nine sisters, Loretta Braun and husband, W.J. “Wendelin; Catherine Melchoir and husband, Joseph; Melfreda Rucker and husband, Arthur; Evelyn Gross and husband, Herman; Virginia Wilkes-Schmeidler and husbands, James and Ernest; Stella Vestecka; Viola Lodovici and husband, Olinto “Shine”; Marian Vance and husband, Rufus; Vera Mae McClurg and husband, Dean; and one infant sister, Evelyn Schmidtberger.

Services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 11, 2018, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Inurnment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas with military honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post # 1751.
A vigil service will be at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, and a Knights of Columbus / V.F.W. rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Sunday all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671. The 4th Degree Assembly will stand honor guard from 6:30 to 7:30 PM Sunday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation is from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, Kansas, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggest memorial to the DAV Veterans Van. Condolences can be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net

Bryce Galen Morris, 26, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bryce was born April 12, 1992 in Greensburg, Kansas, the son of Derek G. Morris and Michelle Kamenicky. He grew up in Greensburg until his family moved to Russell during his junior high years. Then he attended high school in Marion, Kansas.

Bryce worked in the oil field business on pulling units, as a pipe tester and water filtration. His love was the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, training dogs, and interacting with friends and family.

Surviving family include his mother and step father, Michelle & Brian Craven of Russell, Kansas; father and step mother, Derek & Joyce Morris of Goddard, Kansas; brother, Keltonn Morris of Russell, Kansas; sister, Kindra Morris of Hawaii; step brother, Cody Craven of Bucklin, Kansas; stepsister, Caitlyn Craven of Dodge City, Kansas; paternal grandmother, Virginia Hammond of Marion, Kansas; maternal grandfather, Harold Kamenicky of Houston, Texas; and numerous friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM, Friday, June 8, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday, June 8, 2018 at the mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to service time. Cremation has preceded the services. A Memorial has been established as the Bryce Morris Memorial Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Yvonne Gantz, 84, passed away on June 2, 2018 at Brookstone Village in Omaha, Nebraska. She was born on May 18, 1934 in Lebanon, Kansas the daughter of Albert and Jessie (Snyder) Kiener.

Her days were spent teaching and volunteering as well as traveling, bridge playing, and spending time with her grandkids.

She married Jack Daniel Gantz on Sunday, June 3rd, 1956, in Glen Elder, Kansas. He died on January 1, 1977.

Survivors include daughter, Paige and Mike Farrell of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, Jack and Elizabeth Farrell of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Leatrice and Hugh Renard of Casa Grande, Arizona; brother-in-law, Robert Gantz of Ness City, Kansas and nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Scott Gantz.

Funeral service will be on Friday, June 8, 2018, 10:00 A.M., at the United Methodist Church, Ness City, Kansas. Burial will be in the Ness City Cemetery, Ness City, Kansas. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., with the family present from 7:00 to 9:00P.M.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness City Library Foundation or the United Methodist Church of Ness City.

Esther Lillian Russell, age 94 years and 11 months, died on June 3, 2018 at Long Term Care in WaKeeney.

Esther was the 11th child of 12 of Alexander and Katharina Elisabeth (Flath) Graf. The first 3 children of Alexander and Katharina Graf were born in Neu Weimar, Russia — Esther was born in Wiley, Colorado.

Esther attended grade schools in Marion & Dickinson counties and like all her siblings, took first grade twice — the first year to learn English, the second year to learn first grade.

Esther attended high school in Longford, KS and was the second in her family to graduate from high school. Esther studied NORML training in high school but suffered from rheumatic fever her first year out of high school so never did teach, although she always remembered her NORML training.

Esther’s siblings were all in Milwaukee, WI by 1943, so Esther went there also and worked in factories supplying arms for WW II. Esther was laid off like everybody else on the last day of WW II, and she returned to Clay County, KS. On February 24, 1948, Esther Lillian Graf married Johnnie William Russell in the parson’s home in Longford, KS.

Johnnie and Esther lived in Talmage, then moved to Colby in 1955, then to Collyer in 1960, and to WaKeeney in 1967. Esther was a homemaker until 1964. She then worked in the Quinter and WaKeeney hospitals, then Travenol in Hays, and then Johnnie and Esther opened the Thrift Shop next to their home and Esther ran that for several years.

Esther enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, her fruit trees, western movies, genealogy, making Bierrocks & Schlagerbam, and collecting antiques along with her husband of nearly 70 years, Johnnie William Russell. Johnnie passed on February 16, 2018.

Esther is survived by daughter Sharon LeCount, son Warren, a granddaughter, 2 greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be in the Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the Trego County Historical Society or the Trego Community High School, or to do a small favor for a friend or a complete stranger. Donations may be left at the service or sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Matthew Francis Leiker, 19, Gorham, was arrested at 10:30 p.m. May 31 in Gorham on suspicion of burglary, criminal use of a financial card and theft.

Ethan Joseph Leiker, 19, Hays, was arrested at 11:23 p.m. May 31 in Russell on suspicion of burglary, criminal use of a financial card and theft.

Dave Wilbert Rivera, 51, Hays, was arrested at 1:03 p.m. June 3 in the 1000 block of East 29th on suspicion of failure to appear.

Wesley Louis Phillips, 34, Hays, was arrested at 7:04 p.m. June 3 in the 1600 block of East 41st on suspicion of domestic battery, failure to appear, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of stolen property.

John William Denison, 37, Hays, was arrested at 2:18 p.m. June 3 in the 600 block of East 13th on suspicion of theft.

Beth Elaine Roberts, 61, Zurich, was arrested at 3:48 p.m. June 2 in the 4300 block of Vine on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

William Earl Watkins, 41, Hays, was arrested at 2:35 p.m. June 2 in the 200 block of East Fourth on suspicion of criminal trespass.

Corrine Catharine Quick, 22, Hays, was arrested at 2:20 a.m. June 1 in the 500 block of West Seventh on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Nelda Louise Keith, 47, Hill City, was arrested at 12:05 p.m. June 1 in the 2700 block of Broadway on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.