Melody Y. Stevens, age 60, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.

She was born on May 24, 1959, the daughter of Herbert A. & Margie B. Stevens. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 2005 moving from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she was a Ball Room Dance Teacher and in Advertising Sales.

She attended the First Christian Church as well as the First Baptist Church. Melody was a 1977 graduate of Scott Community High School and of Fort Hays State University and performed as a member of the Tiger Debs.

Survivors include her Father – Herbert Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Mother – Margie Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brothers – Rick Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Stacy Stevens of Colorado Springs, Colorado, One Sister – Colette & Steve Robinson of Vienna, Virginia , Five Nephews – Chad & Mara Stevens of St. Johns, Florida, Corbin & Heidi Stevens of Scott City, Kansas, Curtis & Theresa Stevens of Salina, Kansas, Sean Stevens of Kansas City, Missouri Seth Stevens of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Two Nieces – Crista Stevens-Kirchhoff of Smith Center, Kansas, and Stefanie Stevens & Mario Lozoya of Kansas City, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by One Brother – Mark Stevens and One Nephew – Brannon Chayston Stevens.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2019 at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Pastors Rodney Hopper and Steve Payne presiding.

Inurnment will be held at a later date and time.

There will be no calling times.

Mary D. Mead, 103, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Wheatland Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on January 15, 1916, in Johnston, Rhode Island to Germano and Anastasia (Girardi) Torrice who were immigrants of D’Evandro, Italy. Mary was one of 7 children and grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island. She was a secretary in the Pentagon during WWII. She met her future husband Jay Mead, who was from Waldo, Kansas, in Washington DC at a ballgame. Jay and Mary met while Jay was a soldier waiting to be shipped out for overseas duty.

After Jay’s return, Mary and Jay were married on October 02, 1944, at the Church of Saint Teresa of Avila in Providence, Rhode Island. Mary would say that her new life began when she moved to Kansas, which meant life would be without butchers and bakers and a great distance from everyone and everything she knew. She was a quick learner becoming a wonderful homemaker, and everything was made from scratch and laundry was done on a wringer washer and hung outside to dry. She often said she came to Kansas and got healthy. She resided at the homestead near Waldo until November 2000, when she moved to September Apartments in Russell and enjoyed many activities with the ladies who lived there.

Mary will be remembered for her ability to put on a meal for a crowd with seemingly little effort. She was a master at cinnamon rolls, homemade pizza and lemon meringue pie that people fought over at community dinners.

Mary is survived by her sons Stephen Mead of Hesston, Kansas, Allen Mead (Sandy) of Kismet, Kansas and Mark Mead (Patty) of Russell, Kansas; daughter Jackie Brown (Kevin) of Oberlin, Kansas; ten grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, sister Yolanda DePalo of Providence, Rhode Island, many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

A celebration of the funeral mass for Mary will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. Burial will follow at the Grand Center Cemetery north of Waldo, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, September 23, 2019, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening. Immediately following the graveside service the family would like to invite all funeral guests to join them for a lunch at the Waldo Senior Center in Waldo, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Waldo Senior Center and sent in care of the mortuary.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Local photographers are encouraged to participate in the Ellis County Conservation District plat book cover photo contest. Entry forms may be picked up the ECCD office, 2715 Canterbury Drive, Hays.

The rules are:

ELIGIBILITY: The Ellis County Conservation District Photo Contest is open to amateur photographers who are residents of Ellis County, KS. (An amateur photographer is one whose majority of income does not come from photography.) Persons of any age may compete in this contest. Ellis County Conservation District board of supervisors and employees and family members and employees working in the Hays Field Office are not eligible to enter.

SUBJECT MATTER: Photos should be taken within Ellis County. Photos can be of community events, friends, family, scenic, historical structures, or conservation practices** within the county. Do not use or show any copyrighted material in the photo.

ENTRIES: Should be sent or delivered to Sandi Scott, District Manager, 2715 Canterbury Drive, Hays, KS 67601. Photos may also be digitally transmitted at sandi.scott@ks.nacdnet.net. Photos must be received NO LATER THAN CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON OCTOBER 1, 2019.

AWARDS: 1st place winner will receive a $50 cash prize. The winning picture will be featured on the cover of the 2020 Ellis County Conservation District Plat Book.

PHOTO RULES: Photo must have been taken any time from October 1, 2018 – October 1, 2019. Minor digital enhancements for cropping, red-eye removal, filters and corrective functions are permitted, but images that have been judged to be altered in any significant manner will be disqualified. Contestants are not to place watermarks, dates, signatures or copyright images on photos. Previously published photos are not eligible.

MOUNTING THE PHOTOGRAPH: Please mount on white mount board or paper. Mount the photo on the “whitest” and “smoothest” side of the board. Do not use foam core board or poster board. Remove white border from the enlargement before mounting. All photos must be 8” x 10”. If photos are mounted, leave a top edge of the print 1” below the top of the mount board. The sides of the print must be equal distance from the two sides of the mount. Photograph may use either a horizontal or vertical format. Use only adhesives designed for permanent photography mounting. Do not use rubber cement or other household glues (white glue, etc.).

NAME AND ADDRESS: A completed entry/release form must be submitted with the photo. Include a brief description of the photo, when and where the photo was taken, photographer’s full name and age, parent’s name if under the age of 18, home address, and contact number. Entry forms may be picked up at 2715 Canterbury Drive, Hays.

TERMS: In submitting photos, the photographer gives the Ellis County Conservation District permission to use their photo on the cover of the 2019 Plat Book and in any publications, social media, websites, displays and other places without payment or other consideration. An entry/photo release form is required to be submitted with the entry.

JUDGING STANDARDS: Photos will be judged on technical merit, composition and visual and aesthetic criteria. For technical merit, judges may check to see if the photo is well-framed, properly exposed, sharp and clear. For composition, judges determine if the photo features a recognizable center of interest, action and imagination and creativity. For visual and aesthetic criteria, judges will consider framing and choice of viewpoint, background, design elements and visual impact.

**Examples of conservation practices include Contour Buffer Strips, Contour Farming & Strip cropping, Cover Crop, Critical Area Planting, Crop Residue Management, Crop Rotation, Diversion, Field Borders, Grade Stabilization Structures (dam/embankment), Grass Waterways, Livestock Management, Manure Storage and Runoff Control, Nutrient Management, Pasture Planting, Pest Management, Riparian Buffer, Rotational Grazing, Stream bank & Shoreline Stabilization, Terrace, Tree Planting, Upland Wildlife Habitat, Water & Sediment Control Basin, Wetland Restoration, Wildlife Food Plot, Windbreaks, and Woodlot Management.

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

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Jennifer Ann Hernandez, 33, Great Bend, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 7 in Great Bend on suspicion of mistreatment of a dependent adult and theft by deception.

Ryan Alexander Lemons, 20, Wilson, was arrested at 3:20 a.m. Sept. 7 in the 100 block of West 18th on suspicion of underage purchase/possession/consumption of alcohol.

Shawn Michael Bryan, 26, Hays, was arrested at 6:43 p.m. Sept. 7 in the 4300 block of Vine on suspicion of theft.

Melinda Marie Rozean, 37, Hays, was arrested at 2:22 p.m. Sept. 5 in the 4300 block of Vine on suspicion of theft.

Charles Edward Ekey Sr., 60, Hays, was arrested at 5:35 p.m. Sept. 6 in the 1000 block of East Eighth on suspicion of criminal trespass.

Lan Edwin Schaaf, 20, Hays, was arrested at 11:26 p.m. Sept. 7 in the 300 block of West Sixth on suspicion of underage purchase/possession/consumption of alcohol.

Anthony Joseph Moshier, 20, Hoisington, was arrested at 1:54 p.m. Sept. 6 in the 700 block of Oak on suspicion of underage purchase/possession/consumption of alcohol.

Nathaniel Garrett Larkin, 19, Hoisington, was arrested at 2:10 a.m. Sept. 6 in the 700 block of Oak on suspicion of underage purchase/possession/consumption of alcohol.

Clinton Perry Vaughn, 31, Killmichael, Miss., was arrested at 10:54 p.m. Sept. 5 in the 100 block of West Seventh on suspicion of transporting an open container of alcohol.

Christina Kay Riedel, 50, Hays, was arrested at 10:34 p.m. Sept. 5 in the 100 block of West Seventh on suspicion of driving under the influene of alcohol or drugs.

Maklinlie Jade Hennes, 21, Hays, was arrested at 12:13 p.m. Sept. 7 in the 100 block of West 12th on suspicion of failure to appear.

Gregory Charles Gresock, 48, Hays, was arrested at 9:16 a.m. Sept. 7 in the 100 block of West 12th on suspicion of failure to appear.

Maria Alicia Montoya, 42, Hays, was arrested at 12:34 p..m. Sept. 8 in the 100 block of West 12th on suspicion of failure to appear.

Michael Dale Buckmaster, 36, Rapid City, S.D., was arrested at 6:25 p.m. Sept. 7 in the 4300 block of Vine on suspicion of parole violation.

Mark Gutierrez Cadiz, 64, Lodi, Calif., was arrested at 2:55 a.m. Sept. 5 in the 3200 block of Vine on suspicion of drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fred Mitchell

Fredrick Oliver Mitchell, Sr., 82, of Great Bend, Kansas, died on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Ellinwood Hospital in Ellinwood, Kansas.

Fred was born on October 30, 1936, in rural Russell, Kansas, on the family farm, the son of Oscar Rolland and Zelda Beatrice (Carroll) Mitchell. He grew up on the farm in Russell and attended local schools. He joined the United States Army and served during the Korean war. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Virginia Ann Hill on January 29, 1961, in Russell, Kansas.

He was self-employed installing irrigation systems and later worked in the oilfield. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Great Bend, Kansas. He enjoyed farming, fishing, playing cards, preaching the word of God and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Virginia of the home, sons Fredrick O. Mitchell, Jr. and Martin Mitchell and wife Kathey all of Great Bend, Kansas; brother Stanley M. Mitchell and wife Earlene of Garden City, Kansas; sisters Glenna Pascal and Marceline Bender both of Russell, Kansas; 3 grandchildren: Trinity Mitchell, Ashley Stanley, and Chelsea Mitchell; and 3 great grandchildren Charlotte, Peter & Claire Stanley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jason John Mitchell; brothers Kenneth and Charles Mitchell, Gail Terry and Oscar B. Mitchell; sisters Margaret Kennedy and Daisy Pfannenstiel.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Great Bend, Kansas with Pastor Josh Foster officiating. Family will greet guests the day of the service from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the church. No visitation will take place at the mortuary. The family will host a funeral dinner at the church immediately following the church service. A graveside service will be held at 2 P.M. Thursday afternoon at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.

Memorials can be given to the First Church of the Nazarene and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Urban

Brenda K. Urban, age 74, of Ellis, Kan., passed away Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 peacefully at Hays Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones. May she now rest after suffering so long. She was born on May 3, 1945 in Hays, the eldest daughter of Earl and Eleanor (Stramel) Saunders. Brenda grew up in Hays and graduated from Hays High School in 1963.

Brenda was united in marriage to Darrell Dodge and this union was blessed with her daughters Dena and Kristi. Brenda was later united in marriage to the true love of her life Edward G. Urban. Brenda and Ed made their home in Ellis, Kan.

Some of Brenda’s greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren. Brenda also enjoyed traveling, especially if the destination was a casino. During her later years, Brenda suffered from numerous strokes as well as cancer. Throughout her illnesses she maintained her love of life and family. Brenda made a point to never miss a grandchild’s school program or ball game. Brenda loved to work on puzzles with her daughters while listening to Elvis.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Ed of the home; daughters, Dena Kreutzer and husband Kevin of Abilene, Kan., and Kristi Whitman and husband Fred of Paradise, Kan.; step-daughters Tammy of Oakley, Kan., and Debbie of Colby, Kan.; a step-son Mike of Oakley, Kan.; sisters Pam Bryant and husband Ernie of Hays, and Gloria Capaluto and husband David of Redlands, Calif. Brenda’s greatest legacy lives on in her four grandchildren that she loved so dearly. Brett Kreutzer, Holly Whitman, Ryan Kreutzer and Kyle Whitman who will carry fond memories of their grandmother throughout their lives. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Eleanor Saunders of Hays and her sister Barb Heuser of Ventura, Calif.

A celebration of Brenda’s life will be at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

Stella Marie Vonfeldt, age 90, of Aurora, Colo., passed away Sept. 19, 2019 in Aurora.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday with a Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 6:30 p.m. followed by a parish vigil all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine,  Hays, KS 67601.

Penka

HEALY- Jason Carl “JP” Penka, 44, died on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 in Lane County. He was born on July 18, 1975 at Scott City the son of Larry J. and Brenda Lee (Powers) Penka.

Jason was a lifetime Lane County resident. He graduated from Healy High School in 1993 and joined the family farm. He was a lifelong farmer and also did some part-time jobs such as helping Rick Roemer dig graves. He was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church of Dighton and the Lane County Bowling Association. He enjoyed cooking, fixing things, mechanics and especially being involved with youth.

He was preceded in death by his mother-Brenda Penka, step-mother-Jody Penka and sister- Monett LaPointe.

He is survived by his father Larry Penka of Healy, brother Michael and Jamie Penka of Healy, niece MacKenzie Penka and seven nephews Nathan Penka, Trenton Cantrell, Brian Penka, Skyler Cantrell, Mitchell Penka, Quinton LaPointe and Kaleb LaPointe.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St Theresa Catholic Church in Dighton with Father Bernard Felix officiating. Burial will be in Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Boomhower Funeral Home in Dighton. Memorials are suggested to Jason Penka Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Schneider

Alice Schneider, 95, of Hays, passed away Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 at Brookdale of Hays.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Thursday until service time at the church.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

A complete obituary is pending

Espinosa

Christopher Neal Espinosa, 50, passed away Sept. 21, 2019, at St. Luke’s on the Plaza, Kansas City. He was born July 17, 1969, at Great Bend to Lawrence Francisco and Karla (Neal) Espinosa. He married Rebecca Anderson on April 18, 1992 at Great Bend. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Christopher was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He enjoyed weightlifting and was the founder of Brutal Strength weightlifting of Great Bend, and a member of Club One Fitness. Christopher also loved listening to music and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include, his wife, Rebecca of the home; his parents, Lawrence and Karla Espinosa of Great Bend; one son, Zachary Espinosa of Great Bend; one daughter, Jazmine Jones of Great Bend; one brother, Michael Espinosa and wife Graciela of Great Bend; two grandchildren, Natalie Jones and Harley Jones; and two nephews, Michael Espinosa and Marco Espinosa of Great Bend.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, with Edward Forton presiding.

Memorials are suggested to the Christopher Espinosa Expense Fund or Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Marvin Willie Wudtke, beloved son of Paul Emil and Agnes (Dicks) Wudtke, was born Oct. 2, 1926 at the family farm 8.5 miles northwest of Norton, and passed away in Norton on Sept. 22, 2019 at the age of 92.

Marvin was baptized on Oct. 10, 1926, confirmed and remained a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church throughout his lifetime. Marvin attended Lutheran parochial school completing the eighth grade in 1940. He later earned his high school diploma from Colby Community College in 1971.

On Jan. 3, 1976, Marvin and Mary Slipke were united in marriage. They were devoted to each other and lived their entire married life in Norton until Mary’s passing on April 28, 2007.

Marvin farmed northwest of Norton until he retired. He took pride in being a good farmer and supported the agriculture industry through local, state, and national organizations and was also an active member of the American Agriculture Movement in the 1970s.

Marvin enjoyed bowling for many years and competed in local and state tournaments. He was proud of his many trophies and awards. Marvin also collected toy tractors and was eager to talk about their history, and who in the neighborhood owned that specific model of tractor and when he operated them.

Survivors include: one sister, Norma Jean Davis, Colorado Springs, Colo.; one sister-in-law, Miriam Slipke, Hoxie, Kan.; many loving nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, Herman and Arthur Wudtke, three sisters, Leanora Braun, Ida Gowens, and Alma Schulze.

FUNERAL SERVICE – Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 – 10:30 a.m.

PLACE – Immanuel Lutheran Church – Norton, Kansas

VISITATION –from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019 at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton.

INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kan.

MEMORIALS – Immanuel Lutheran Church or Norton Senior Center

To send flowers to the family of Marvin Wudtke, please visit Tribute Store

Shirley Mae McDonald, 83, passed away on Sept. 21, 2019 at the Ness County Hospital in Ness City, Kansas. She was born on March 7, 1936 in Hays, the daughter of Clarence and Claire (Hurt) Kutina.

Shirley was a homemaker, and she enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, and arts and crafts. She was a member of the Gradatim Club and involved in the Ness County Relay for Life. She married Gerald McDonald on Saturday, July 22, 1989, in Topeka, Kan. He died on April 19, 2013.

Survivors include: four sons, Donald (Leann) McGranahan of Topeka, Bruce McGranahan of Wamego, Jeff (Jessica) McGranahan of Ness City, Jamie (Faith) McGranahan of Collinsville, Okla.; two daughters, Debra Kubes of Clay Center, Trudy Padilla of Paola; sister, Jeanette Parson of Ellis; 21 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Ness City, Kan. Burial will be in the Ness City Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ness City High School Girls’ Softball Team or Ness County Fire District No. 1.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by signing the guestbook.

Janice Lynn Chase was born November 2, 1946 in Smith Center, KS to JR B. and Dorothy (Cochran) Chase. She passed away September 14, 2019 at the age of 72.

Janice grew up in Smith Center and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1964. She went on to attend college for four years. Janice married Galen W. Olson on March 5, 1977 in Arvada, CO. She loved antiques and had her own business selling them. Janice also enjoyed reading and classical music. She was a member of SAI (a women music sorority).

Janice was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Galen of the home; sisters-in-law, Arian and Steve Arnold of Herndon, KS and Nione and Mike Rhodin of Loveland, CO.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be held at a later date also. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church, Lupus Foundation or Dr. Donald Stout Scholarship Fund at Fort Hays State University. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com

Marvin Willie Wudtke, beloved son of Paul Emil and Agnes (Dicks) Wudtke, was born October 2, 1926 at the family farm 8.5 miles northwest of Norton, and passed away in Norton on September 22, 2019, at the age of 92.

Marvin was baptized on October 10, 1926, confirmed and remained a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church throughout his lifetime. Marvin attended Lutheran parochial school completing the 8th grade in 1940. He later earned his high school diploma from Colby Community College in 1971. On January 3, 1976, Marvin and Mary Slipke were united in marriage. They were devoted to each other and lived their entire married life in Norton until Mary’s passing on April 28, 2007. Marvin farmed northwest of Norton until he retired. He took pride in being a good farmer and supported the agriculture industry through local, state, and national organizations and was also an active member of the American Agriculture Movement in the 1970s.

Marvin enjoyed bowling for many years and competed in local and state tournaments. He was proud of his many trophies and awards. Marvin also collected toy tractors and was eager to talk about their history, and who in the neighborhood owned that specific model of tractor and when he operated them.

Survivors include: one sister, Norma Jean Davis, Colorado Springs, Co; one sister-in-law, Miriam Slipke, Hoxie, Ks; many loving nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, Herman and Arthur Wudtke, three sisters, Leanora Braun, Ida Gowens, and Alma Schulze.

FUNERAL SERVICE – Friday, September 27, 2019 – 10:30 A.M.
PLACE – Immanuel Lutheran Church – Norton, Kansas
VISITATION – Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 5:00 P.M until 7:00 P.M. at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton.
INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kansas
MEMORIALS – Immanuel Lutheran Church or Norton Senior Center

Karla Kay (Brown) Kingsbury, 64, of Dorrance, Kansas, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019 at her home.

Karla was born September 16, 1954 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the daughter of Bernard Franklin and Joyce Ann (Pfeifer) Brown. She grew up in Michigan until her family moved in 1968 to Boulder, Colorado. She graduated from Fairview High School in Boulder and then attended the University of Colorado where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority.

Karla was united in marriage to Duane Edward Kingsbury on October 8, 1977 in Boulder. This union was blessed with three children; Jennifer, Ryan and Steven. They moved to the family farm south of Dorrance in 1978. Duane preceded her in death on June 21, 2010.

Karla was a U.S. Postal Mail Carrier for many years in Russell. Before that she worked at an Accountant and later a Foreman for King Of The Road. She also worked for the parent company, Chief Industries, in York, Nebraska. She also worked at McDonalds in Russell for several years. She enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Russell Ladies Golf Association, spending time with friends, cheering on her beloved Denver Broncos and the University of Colorado Buffalos. But her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren.

Karla’s surviving family include her daughter, Jennifer Kingsbury (Bill Gould) of Temecula, California; brother, Craig Brown of Long Beach, California; sister, Pamela (Brown) Blasich of Temecula, California; and three grandchildren, Apryl, James and Aspyn.

Karla was preceded in death by her parents; husband Duane; sons, Ryan Kingsbury and Steven Kingsbury.

Celebration of Karla’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 7, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. A private family burial of ashes will follow at a later time. The family will be present to greet friends at 10:00 AM to Service Time at the mortuary. A Memorial has been established as the Grandchildren’s Education Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Howard L. Rajewski, age 91, from Vincent, Kansas, died Monday, September 23, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born March 13, 1928, on the family farm at Vincent, Kansas, to Leo and Anna Helen (Huser) Rajewski. He married Aquina (Leiker) on August 25, 1948, at Victoria, Kansas.

He was a farmer, a dairyman for over 50 years, worked for Hunter Construction for a number of years, and lived all of his life in the Vincent Community. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, served on the Parish Council at Vincent, Kansas, the Victoria 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, the Victoria 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus, and a former member of the Victoria Co-op Board. He spent several year as a volunteer basketball coach for the Vincent Grade School. Howard attended the Vincent Grade School, and was a 1946 graduate of Victoria High School.

Survivors include his wife, Aquina Rajewski, of the home; three sons, Dr. Richard Rajewski and his wife, Vicki, Hays, KS; Neal Rajewski, Vincent, KS and his friend, Deb Schmeidler, Hays, KS; Dr. Roger Rajewski and wife, Lian, Lawrence, KS; four daughters, Susan Kisner and husband, Deacon Dave, Hays, KS; Rosann Schippers and husband, Thomas, Wichita, KS; Joann Wheeler and husband, Rory, Wichita, KS; Leann Fortino and husband, John, Olathe, KS; one brother, Delando “Del” Rajewski and wife, Donna, Arvada, CO; one brother-in-law, Gilbert Sander, Great Bend, KS; 16 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, and one great grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Marceline Denning, Kathleen Sander and Juliana Dinkel.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 26, 2019, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent, Kansas.

A vigil service and a 3rd & 4th Degree Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday at the mortuary.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Thursday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to St. Boniface Catholic Church, St. Fidelis Catholic Church or The Capuchin Province of Mid-America.

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

Renetta (Schmidtberger) Witt, 93, of Russell, Kansas passed away September 23, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was born Renetta Marie Schmidtberger on March 12, 1926 in Gorham, Kansas the daughter of Frank and Mary (Mermis) Schmidtberger. She grew up on a farm in Gorham, Kansas with five other siblings.

Renetta spent the last five years living with her daughter Marlene Thompson in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Renetta was united in marriage to Lloyd J. Witt on April 6, 1948. Lloyd was engaged in farming and owned Witt Motor Company. Lloyd preceded her in death on May 19, 1967. As well as her parents Frank and Mary Schmidtberger, brothers Ed, Herman and Al and her sister Marcella Haselhorst. Surviving Renetta is her brother, Linus Schmidtberger, of Corpus Christi, Texas, many nieces and nephews.

From this union, Renetta and Lloyd were blessed with two daughters. Mrs. Connie (Gary) Patterson of Lawrence, Kansas and Ms. Marlene Thompson of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren who adored her, Ryan (Rachelle) Patterson, Charlotte, North Carolina, Laura Patterson, Austin, Texas, Mark (Elisabet) Thompson, Shawnee Kansas, Matt Thompson, Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Travis (Maria) Thompson, Stuttgart, Germany. Four great grandchildren Avery, Liam and Reid Patterson and Mia Thompson. She will be remembered as a caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend with a cheerful smile.
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Renetta worked at the City Bakery when she first came to Russell and the Safeway Store. Then she worked for over 40 years at Banker’s Mercantile from 1943-1985. She was seventeen years old when she began working for Banker’s in the Ladies Department. She loved her job and was especially fond of assisting customers to find the clothing fashions to best suit their needs and coordinating accessories. She loved going on vacations with her daughters and their families.

Renetta was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Ladies VFW Post #620 Auxiliary, St. Mary’s Church Guild, The Elks Lodge, Hallmark Collector’s Club and the Russell Antique Collector’s Club. She was an avid Kansas University basketball fan, cordially sent greeting cards and letters to family and friends, enjoyed embroidery work and loved flowers and all things that were glittery. She often attended auctions and had a passion for antique glassware.

A Celebration of the Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 AM, Friday, September 27, 2019 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Church of Russell with Father Mike Elan officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday September 26 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, September 26, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Memorials have been established with St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or Russell Legacy Fund (Russell Historical Society). Contributions and condolences may be left with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Dean Edward Turner, 88, of Osborne, KS passed away on Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital of Osborne, KS. Dean was born on December 1, 1930 in White Cloud, KS to George A. & Lola E. (Taylor) Turner. Dean had 1 sister.

Dean’s family moved to Hiawatha, KS at an early age. He graduated from high school there & attended KU for 1 year. Dean joined the U. S. Army & served for 2 years. Sixteen of those months he served in Korea. Dean was a member of the American Legion & was a Life Member of VFW. He was also a member of the United Christian Church of Osborne.

Dean was a Warehouse Examiner of the Kansas Grain Inspection Dept. for 31 years. He retired in 1993.

Dean married Norma J. Whaling and to this union, 3 children were born. Several years after Norma passed away, he later married Joan Oelke.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Norma in 2007.

Dean is survived by his wife, Joan; sons: Mitchel of San Antonio, TX; Michael (Richelle) of Kansas City, MO; daughter: Marty (Troy) Gaston of Apex, NC; 12 grandchildren & 11 great grandchildren; sister: Georgia ‘Jo’ (Dean) Marxer, of Costa Mesa, CA; 2 nieces & 1 nephew.

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