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Month: November 2018

DCCC’s partnership with FHSU helps pave way for STEM, medical students

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By SCOTT EDGER
DCCC

DODGE CITY — Dodge City Community College is helping to pave the way forward for STEM and medical students by coordinating with outside agencies to provide scholarship and advanced training opportunities for dedicated students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of students successfully completing STEM baccalaureate degree programs and matriculate into programs of graduate study.

Dodge City Community College was one of the original Kansas LSAMP schools when the alliance was brought to the state in 2013. The continuation of the five-year, $3 million program through 2023 adds Barton County and Wichita State to the alliance.

The LSAMP program is funded through the National Science Foundation, which also offers the Noyce Grant – a program with the purpose of increasing the supply of well-qualified middle and high school science and math teachers.

Additionally, DC3 is proud to partner with Fort Hays State University in its STEM Educator initiative. The role of Dodge City Community College is to identify, mentor and encourage students to become STEM educators, and assist college students majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, or mathematics in applying for the Noyce Scholarships at FHSU.

There are seven $13,000 scholarships available for eligible students at FHSU. The scholarships are renewable for a second year and are available to community college transfer students with at least a 2.75 GPA, have earned 60-plus hours and are majoring in secondary or elementary education and a math/science discipline.

In healthcare, the Scholars in Rural Health program through the University of Kansas School of Medicine is designed to identify and encourage healthcare undergrads from rural Kansas to return to rural areas of the state as primary care doctors.

The program seeks to enroll students with at least a 3.5 GPA and who gave completed general biology and chemistry prior to their junior year.

Participants in the Scholars in Rural Health program are strong candidates for the Kansas Medical Student Loan program, which provides tuition and living expenses. Loan recipients agree to specialize in primary care or emergency medicine and work in a medically underserved area of Kansas.

68th annual Christmas tree lighting this weekend in WaKeeney

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68th annual celebration in the “Christmas City of the High Plains”

WAKEENEY — A cherished tradition continues in WaKeeney, known as “the Christmas City of the High Plains.” WaKeeney lights up the prairie skies with twinkling lights and fresh greenery and garlands during the holidays. This annual tradition began in 1950 and is considered one of the largest displays between Kansas City and Denver.

Each November WaKeeney is magically transformed into a holiday wonderland. A magnificent handmade, 35-foot tree of fresh greenery rests under a canopy of heavenly blue lights in the middle of the main downtown intersection. A four-square block area around the tree is draped with garlands, handcrafted decorations, and more twinkling lights.

The original idea was born in 1948 by two local businessmen. Art Keraus, the owner of the local hardware store and “a man who could build anything,” teamed up with Jake Heckman, the local banker and artist, to design the original Christmas display. The first display went up in 1950 and more decorations were added each year until 1956. These decorations are still used today.

Today the City of WaKeeney employees get the decorations ready to be put up. Many man hours go into preparing the display for the tree raising. Workers spend approximately two weeks preparing the display and putting it up. Then right before the lighting ceremony, City employees and employees from several local utility companies use their bucket trucks to assemble the large tree and put up the final decorations. Many volunteers have donated hundreds of hours through the years, which has become a source of pride for the community. The Christmas “Tree” is a tribute to the will and cooperation of our local residents.

A new addition this year are the LED Color-Changing Perimeter Lights which were installed in the past month. Funds for these lights were raised through the “Get Lit” Campaign in 2018. We would like to thank Dane G. Hansen Foundation for a grant to help with the purchase of the lights. We would also like to thank the City of WaKeeney for allowing the city employees to install the lights as well as donating the utility costs and Nex-Tech for donating the wifi monthly charges. We also owe a lot of gratitude to the local community for supporting our campaign through purchasing t-shirts and donating to the campaign. These lights replaced the original perimeter lights which were destroyed in the August 2017 hail storm. The perimeter lights will be lit year-round and feature thousands of colors and combinations. Plans are to highlight holidays and special events throughout the year.

For the 68th year, WaKeeney will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 24.

10 am-4 pm, 18th Annual Christmas Bazaar, Trego County Fairgrounds
10am-Noon & 1-4 pm, Festival of Nativities, Trego County Historical Society Museum
4pm, Ticket Booth Opens, What Knot’s in Pine, 126 N. Main, FREE Tickets to visit Santa Claus or ride the VR “Santa’s Sleigh”
4:30 pm, Benefit Soup Supper, VFW Hall by the VFW Auxiliary
4:30-5:45 pm Live Music by Gypsy Kansas, The Studio 128
5-9 pm experience a thrilling ride on “Santa’s Sleigh”. This “Virtual Reality In Motion” ride is provided by JNT Co. from Manhattan, KS. The ride is free, courtesy of WaKeeney Travel & Tourism.
5-8 pm, “Santa’s Downtown Workshop”. Area businesses will be hosting crafts, games, snacks and drinks for the kids while they wait to visit Santa or ride the VR InMotion “Santa’s Sleigh” ride.
6 pm gather round the tree for the Lighting Ceremony. Everyone has been waiting in anticipation for the arrival of Santa Claus. Isaiah Fabrizius will lead the crowd in Christmas carols around the tree as Santa arrives to flip the switch. After lighting the tree, Santa Claus will visit with all the children and listen to their Christmas wishes. All the children will receive special treats from Santa.
6:30-8 pm, Live Music, The Studio 128

Carriage Rides by Big Creek Horse & Carriage after the Tree Lighting courtesy of Solutions North Bank

Barbershop Concert, VFW Hall, after the Tree Lighting sponsored by the Trego Arts Council

The holiday display remains lit through New Years and is free to the public. For more information, please contact Toll Free at (877)962-7248; (785)743-8325; www.wakeeney.org; or on Facebook.

— Submitted

Exploring Outdoor Kansas: Hunting with her

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Steve Gilliland
The first few years Joyce and I were married I traveled to southwestern Kansas to hunt deer on ground operated by her uncle.

After 3 or 4 years, she accompanied me for the first time, and one particular evening decided to tag along for the evening hunt. She comes from a mostly non-hunting family, so she didn’t have a tag or carry a gun. We were tucked into a clump of weeds at the edge of an overgrown patch surrounding a wheat field. Before us lay miles of short-cropped pasture riddled with deep brushy draws and craggy hills. I could tell she was seriously questioning her decision to sit with me there in the middle of nowhere, and wondering what on God’s green earth we were doing.

I pointed to a steep rise a few hundred yards away and told her to watch closely because deer would soon be coming up and over that hill. I will take to my grave the look on her face as one-by-one mule deer began popping up and over that rise just as I’d predicted. She was hooked, and today has harvested a handful of Kansas deer herself, one of which hangs on our wall and was taken from almost the exact spot we sat that first night.

A spouse’s transition from tending the home fires to accompanying you on the hunt won’t happen overnight. Let me share some things that have helped Joyce and I become hunting partners.

First and foremost, be patient. Anyone acquainted with me knows that patience is not one of my virtues, but I’m learning to be more patient when it comes to explaining outdoor things to Joyce. Whether its pointing out coyote tracks or telling her about a deer scrape, I have to remind myself that it’s the same principle as if she were trying to teach me to crochet (now there’s a mental picture!).

We definitely hunt deer differently when we’re together than I do when I’m alone. When alone, I’m inclined to simply tuck myself in under the overhanging boughs of a cedar, or climb into the rubble of a fallen tree. When we hunt together however, we are always in our elevated blind which offers protection from the elements and allows for muffled conversations.

I just have to swallow my pride when she shoulders her “bag” containing a book, snacks, a drink, etc. My advice here is to buy a pop-up blind or put together some sort of shelter for you to hunt from as a “couple.” Trust me; it won’t detract from your masculinity!

My first deer gun was a little SKS military rifle chambered for rounds in 7.62 x 39; probably the absolute smallest I’d want for harvesting Kansas deer, but the recoil is minimal. When Joyce decided she wanted her own deer rifle, I gave her the little SKS and moved up to a .270 for myself. I sometimes wish she felt comfortable with something a little bigger that packs more knock-down power, but the SKS fits her well, she’s comfortable with it and well-placed shots from that little bugger have cleanly harvested both whitetail and muleys’ here in Kansas. My advices on guns for your spouse is to let her shoot a few then allow her to decide on the “hardware” she’ll carry to the woods. Whatever you do, don’t “over-gun” her. The same applies for shotguns too. If your spouse is short and petit like mine, a youth model may fit her best. Remember, she must enjoy shooting if you expect her to remain a hunting partner.

One of the first years we deer hunted seriously together, opening morning was brutally cold and windy. Joyce had been dressing in whatever we had in the closet that fit her and was warm. She got terribly cold that morning and we actually went to town over lunch and bought her a really good insulated sweatshirt that’s still part of her regular deer hunting ensemble today. After that, we took her shopping for good quality boots, gloves, insulated coveralls and whatever else she needed to stay warm and comfortable. Don’t scrimp on hunting apparel for your new hunting buddy! Take her shopping and let her get what fits her best. Don’t be afraid to offer your suggestions, but let her choose. For a little more money she can even choose from lines of hunting apparel specially tailored just for women.

There are times when I want to question Joyce’s commitment, but again I have to rein-in my judgment and put my thinking in perspective. So my final piece of advice is to lighten-up a little when hunting with a spouse. If she gets cold before you, let her go to the pickup and warm-up; if she gets bored and wants to read her book or throw in the towel for the morning before you, let her do it. Don’t be afraid to point out to her other things about nature as you sit there either, like the antics of a noisy squirrel in the tree next door, or the silent, graceful air show put on by a hunting hawk. Nature will provide the entertainment if you just look for it.

All these things also apply when hunting with a son or daughter. The more enjoyable and satisfying you can make their entry level experiences, the more likely they are to stick with it and to help carry-on your hunting traditions. Please remember it’s never too soon or too late to take a son, daughter or spouse to the deer blind, the pheasant field, he duck lease or the farm pond and help them Explore Kansas Outdoors with you!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at [email protected].

Refuse, recycling route changes for Thanksgiving holiday

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CITY OF HAYS

Due to the observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 refuse/recycling route collection schedules in the city of Hays will be altered as follows:

Crews will start with Monday’s collection routes and progress throughout the week. Crews anticipate that the collection routes will be as followed:

o There are no expected changes to the Monday, Nov. 19 collection schedule.

o The Wednesday, Nov. 21 collection schedule will be picked up with Tuesday’s collection schedule on Tuesday, November 20.

o Thursday and Friday’s (Nov. 22 and 23) collection schedule will be picked up on Wednesday, November 21.

It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays. Please be sure to have your refuse/recycling out by 7:00 a.m. on the collection day, and keep in mind the trucks have no set time schedule and will be running late in the day.

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Robert E. Acre, Jr.

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Robert E. Acre, Jr., 91, of Osborne, KS, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital in Osborne, KS. He was born on April 10, 1927 to Robert Edgar & Martha Hazel (Johnson) Acre, Sr., in a farm house SE of Bucklin, KS. Robert began his schooling at the Liberty Rural Grade School. He graduated from Bucklin High School in 1944. He attended 1 semester at Kansas State College of Manhattan, KS.

Robert enlisted in the U. S. Navy on March 25, 1945. He received an honorable discharge in July, 1946. He continued his college career at Kansas State, where he graduated in January 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He began his working career as a county club agent with Extension Division of Kansas State College in Feb., 950. With further training and experience, he became the County Agricultural agent in Osborne County from 1952-54.

Robert married Ramona A. Dudley in 1954. To this union, 1 daughter was born.

Robert belonged to several organizations throughout his life. Among some of those memberships were, American Legion, Osborne County Farm Bureau, KS Livestock Ass., KS Quarter Horse Ass. and the Osborne County Fair Board. He was a lifetime member of Kansas State University Alumni Ass. He held offices in several organizations, such as Osborne Saddle Club, Osborne Lions Club & Osborne Development, Inc. Robert was a member of the Presbyterian Church and later the Osborne Christian Church.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Romona, of the home; daughter, Melanie Zabel of Smith Center, KS; sister, Lois Kurtz of Bradenton, Florida; 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Click HERE for service details.

Demis Kay Cloe Johnson

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Demis Kay Cloe Johnson, 72, died Nov. 14, 2018 at her home in rural Atwood. She passed away with her loving husband by her side after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and a recent stroke.

Demis was born to Bernard and Jessie Miner Cloe, Jan. 18, 1946, the youngest of three children, at the Colby hospital. She attended country school with her siblings and cousins at Blakeman. She graduated from Atwood Community High School, class of 1964.

Demis married her high school sweetheart, Dwayne, on May 14, 1966. They spent the next 52 years devoted to each other. Demis loved the fact that Dwayne could always make her laugh.

Demis completed her formal education at Brown-Mackie Business School in Salina. She was meticulous and diligent, taking pride in her ability to craft a perfectly written letter or balance sheet. She was an executive secretary at the State Bank of Atwood, office manager for Williams Brothers Supermarket and medical transcriptionist for Rawlins County Hospital.

Demis was a talented tole painter and had a flair for design, making any home a cozy and inviting place for her family. Demis helped to established the Ol’ Depot antique store by Lake Atwood. She loved living in the country, surrounded by lots of animals, and was a lifelong resident of Rawlins County.

Demis will be remembered for her grace and beauty; her avid faith, which she constantly shared with others; and her deep love for her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren. She went to sleep in death firm in her faith of a resurrection hope, and that Jehovah will reunite her with her loved ones when “death will be no more” (Rev 21:4).

Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, James Cloe, of Bartlesville, Okla. Left to honor Demis and remember her love are her husband, Dwayne; their three children, Brett Johnson and wife, Mica, of Atwood, Carmen and husband, Rolland Winter, of Hays, and Clay Johnson and wife, Loucinda, of Colby; her sister, Rosemary and husband, William Gordon; and sisters-in-law, Dwilia and husband, Don Argabright, and Linda Cloe.

Her pride and joy were her five grandchildren, Brody Malsom and wife, Chandy, Alexis Winter and Logan, Javan and Titus Johnson; along with many nieces and nephews.

The Johnson family would like to sincerely thank the medical staff at Rawlins County Hospital, University of Colorado Hospital and Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas for the excellent and compassionate care Demis received prior to her death.

The family chose cremation according to her wishes. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Johnson Family for a charity to be determined. Condolences can be sent to Dwayne at 17638 Road S, Atwood, KS 67730 or left online at www.kennedykosterfh.com.

Barbara Schumacher

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Barbara Schumacher, 79, passed away on November 16, 2018 at Hays Medical Center. She peacefully went to rest surrounded by family. She was born January 2, 1939 in Quinter, KS to Elmo and Pearl (Womeldorf) Cooper.

Barb married Hubert Schumacher on September 28, 1957 who preceded her in death on December 3, 1993. She was a housekeeper for Hays Medical Center. She enjoyed spending time with family.

Survivors include: two daughters; Becky and Fred Mickelson of Ellis, KS and Brenda and James Dechant of Victoria KS; four sons; Chuck and Virginia Schumacher of Maple Hill, KS, Pat and May Schumacher of Hays, KS, Jeff and Christine Schumacher of Hays, KS, and Mike and Michelle Schumacher of Wichita, KS. Three brothers: George Cooper of Hays, KS, John Cooper of Grainfield, KS, and Galen and Carol Cooper of Apopka, FL.

Barbara has 15 Grandchildren: Elizabeth Brown, Brett Mickelson, Kendra Beydler, Anna Dechant, Jake Dechant, Sierra Schumacher, Tyler Schumacher, Cole Schumacher, Caitlin Schumacher, Nick Schumacher, Jared Schumacher, Andrea Schmidtberger (Chad), Shelby Higdon (Kiowa), Shannon Schumacher, and Shyann Schumacher. Barb also has 9 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters-in-law, Ida Cooper and Nancy Cooper.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, Hays KS. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be Monday 6pm – 8pm at Brocks-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays KS 67601. Tuesday visitation will be 12:30 PM until service time at the church.

A combined rosary and parish vigil service will be 7 PM Monday at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice at Hays Medical Center or to be used according to the wishes of the family.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].

Johnny Mac Showalter

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Johnny Mac Showalter, age 65, passed away at his home in McCracken, Kansas on November 17, 2018. He was born on October 29, 1953 in LaCrosse, Kansas the son of Kenneth and Goldie (Higgins) Showalter.

He was member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of McCracken and attended McCracken High School. He worked for the Deines Corporation and Fritzler Trucking, Rush County Landfill, two trash services, many area farmers including Showalter and Sons, and most recently drove a dump truck for Black Dog. Johnny Mac was very active in the McCracken community and helped with the community dinners and fundraising. He enjoyed coon and coyote hunting, golfing, Bingo, casino trips and playing the lottery. He was an exceptional cook and would typically make the gravy for family dinners. He loved auto racing and would travel anywhere to watch the races, but his greatest love was his grandchildren and great niece and great nephews. He attended any sporting, school, and church event that he could to support them.

On July 15, 1978, he married Diane McFarren in McCracken. Two children were born to this union.

Johnny Mac is survived by his son, Jason Showalter and his wife, Jessica, of LaCrosse; his daughter, Amanda Showalter, of El Dorado, Kansas; his former wife, Diane, McFarren of Lacrosse; two brothers, Kenneth Richard “Froggy” Showalter of McCracken and Terry Showalter and his wife, Helen, of LaCrosse; one sister, Helena McGaughey and her husband, Rob, of McCracken; 7 grandchildren, Havyn, Shaili, Taybree, and Ryker Showalter of LaCrosse and Rianne, Kyson, and Terren Showalter of El Dorado; 1 great grandchild, Jayde Yergey, also of El Dorado, two nephews, Aaron “Spanky” McGaughey, and his wife, Lesley, of Lacrosse and Austin McGaughey and his fiancé, Marcus Allen, of McCracken and one niece, Ashley Gonzales and her husband, Richard of Stanton, TX; his great niece and nephews, Lillian and Jackson McGaughey of Lacrosse and Roman Gonzales of Stanton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken. Rosary and parish vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. with family present on Monday, November 19 at the church. Viewing will be held on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas and at the church prior to the services.

Memorial contributions may be given in lieu of flowers to The Johnny Mac Funeral Fund, McCracken American Legion Post #59, The McCracken Country Club “McCracken Golf Course.”

Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook below.

Albina C. Besperat

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Albina C. Besperat, 90, La Crosse, Kansas, died Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Rush County Memorial Hospital Intermediate Swing Bed, La Crosse, Kansas.

Mrs. Besperat was born November 10, 1928, in rural Timken, Kansas, the daughter of John M. and Elsie (Stika) Oborny. She was lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas, moving to La Crosse, Kansas, in 1975. She was employed at the Dee Ge Café in Rush Center, Kansas, for 30 years before retiring in 1999. During her retirement, she volunteered at A Second Chance Thrift Shop in La Crosse, Kansas.

She loved cats, and always had one for a companion. She enjoyed visiting and working crossword puzzles.

She had a strong prayer life, and was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and St. Michael’s Altar Society, both of La Crosse, Kansas.

On April 15, 1947, she married Charles J. Besperat at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken, Kansas. They lived on the family farm until his death October 12, 1973.

Survivors include: two sons, John Besperat (Charmane), Timken, Kansas, and Charles Besperat (Debbie), Branson West, Missouri; two daughters, Patsy Basgall (Ron), Basehor, Kansas, and Kathy Basgall (Ray), Topeka, Kansas; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two step great grandsons; one nephew; and three nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant grandson, Jeffrey Lee Basgall; and a sister, Elizabeth Oborny.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 20, 2018, 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 Wednesday, November 21, 2018, from 9:00 A.M. to 9:50 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyambi officiating. Interment will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Timken, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family request memorials to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

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

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

Mary Ann Gabel

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Mary Ann Gabel, 85, Hays, died Friday, November 16, 2018 at Homestead of Hays.

She was born October 28, 1933 in Antonino to Jacob and Amelia (Werth) Haas. She attended Girls Catholic High School and later received her GED. On August 6, 1951 she was united in marriage to Leon N. Gabel in Hays, and they celebrated over 51 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 12, 2003. She was a homemaker, farmwife, a cook at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and St. John’s New Horizons, substitute rural mail carrier, Southwestern Bell Telephone operator, and a volunteer at the ARC Thrift Shop. Her memberships included St. Joseph Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, and the Daughters of Isabella Circle #254. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, praying the rosary, and gambling trips with husband.

Survivors include a son; Anthony “Tony” Gabel and wife Christine of Hays, five daughters; Carol Legleiter and husband Clarence of Hays, Jackie Rothenberger and husband Danny of Olathe, Amy Dreiling and husband Dave of Colwich, Nicki Russell and husband Blair of Abbott, TX, and Kim Schmidtberger and husband Ron of Victoria, 17 grandchildren; Frank Legleiter and wife Donna, Leon Legleiter and wife Carrie, Matthew Legleiter, AJ Jensen and wife Theresa, Nick Jensen and wife Melissa, Christopher Rothenberger and wife Heather, Joshua Dreiling, Kenton Dreiling and wife Lindsay, Phillip Dreiling and wife Nichole, Kenneth Wolf and wife JJ, Jessica Neill and husband Chris, Lucas Wolf and wife Lauren, Cassie Hanks and husband David, Cammie Whisman and husband Geoff, Cody Schmidtberger, Michael Gabel, and Stephen Gabel, 23 great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leon, a daughter; Kathleen Gabel Jensen, two sisters; Helen Koerner and husband Ervin, and Alvera Boos and husband Gilbert, a son-in-law; Bob Hudson, and a granddaughter; Monique Rothenberger

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th Street, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 5:30 pm and a parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm, both on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Mary Ann may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Ruder

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HAYS – Anthony “Tony” Ruder, 91, of Hays, passed away Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at Hays Medical Center. He was born Dec. 30, 1926, in Antonino, the son of Albert and Adeline (Korbe) Ruder.

Tony was a 42-year employee of Central Kansas Power Co./Midwest Energy, where he was a longtime lineman and retired in 1988 as Midwest Energy’s line supervisor. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of VFW Post 9076 in Hays. He was a past commander-in-chief of the Hays post and a longtime member of the organization’s honor guard.

He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where he was an usher for several decades. He also was an honorary graduate of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in Hays and a longtime academic and athletic supporter of St. Joseph’s Military Academy and TMP-Marian. He was honored as a TMP-Marian Point of Light recipient in 2017 for his faithful dedication and commitment to Catholic education in Hays.

Tony was a loyal fan of Notre Dame football teams and a baseball fan of the Hays Larks. He coached youth baseball in Hays during the 1950s and ’60s.

Tony married Armella Denning on June 14, 1948, in Russell. They had four sons and one daughter.

He was the proud patriarch of a loving family and a loyal friend to many past and present Hays area residents.

Tony is survived by three sons, Roger and wife Carol, of Universal City, Texas, Rod and wife Donna, of Austin, Texas, and Russ and wife Janel, of Hays; a daughter, RaNell Ruder and husband Brad Catt, of Salina; a daughter-in-law, Donna Ruder, of Frisco, Texas; 13 grandchildren, Curtis (Kim) Ruder, Greg (Monica) Ruder, Patrick (Bonnie) Ruder, Cori Ruder, Erin Dann, Burke (Jessica) Ruder, Marissa (Bryan) Bunn, Lindsay (Kendal) Kershner, Bryanne Ruder, Shaunna Ruder, Heather Ruder, Ryan Ruder and Luke Ruder; and seven great-grandchildren, Katie, Lilly, Tony, Logan, Parker, Kayleigh and Charlie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Armella, in 2003; a son, Ron, in 2015; five brothers, Nick, Julius, Virgil, Albinus and Albert Jr.; a sister, Armella Lonnon; and a grandchild, Jeffrey Ruder.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays. Burial with military honors will be provided by the Hays VFW Honor Guard in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays 67401.

A combined parish vigil and VFW Auxiliary rosary service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel.

Memorials are suggested to TMP-Marian, VFW Post 9076 and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Condolences may be left by the guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].

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