Paul (Paulie) Neff, 89, of Selden, Kansas died on March 27, 2019. He was born on September 12, 1929, to P. D. and Laura Neff at Selden, KS. He graduated from 8th grade while he was farming for his dad. He joined the army on February 15, 1951, and served as an Artillery Sargent in the Korean War. While at Camp Chaffee, he was a pitcher for the Divarty baseball team. He was discharged from the army on February 4, 1953. When he returned, he met the love of his life, Velma Marie Kaus, and they married on November 12, 1953, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Leoville, KS. The couple began their married life together on a farm north of Selden, KS. A year later they moved to Selden and operated a filling station. They then moved back to the farm. A short time later they moved to Oberlin, where he worked at Brown Motor Company and Decatur County Co-op. In 1962, they returned to the family farm where he resumed farming, which he loved. To this union were born six children: Bill, Chuck, Dorothy, Juanita, Mary, and Frank.

Paulie never met a stranger and treated everyone like a neighbor. Whether he was selling a bailer or sitting in a waiting room, he would strike up a conversation and make one walk away feeling like they had made a new friend. He announced baseball games, car shows, and many other community functions. He was very proud of what he called his “Gift of Gab”. Another one of the highlights of his life was helping Santa out at Christmas. For almost anyone who asked, whether it was a group function or just a neighbor wanting to see Christmas joy in their children’s faces, he would grab his suit and bag and head out to spread his Christmas cheer. Paulie also had a passion for fishing. Some of the family’s best memories are of fishing at Norton Lake.

He was a member of the Lion’s Club, American Legion, and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Selden, where he was an usher regularly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma (Kaus) Neff; brother Leo E. Neff; brothers-in-law Bill Kaus and Merlin Diederich; brother-in-law Jim Kaus and wife Twila.

Survivors include: three sons, Bill Neff, Norton, KS; Chuck Neff, Dresden, KS; Frank Neff and Sherry Green, Newton, KS; three daughters, Dorothy Prusa and husband Ken, Ames, IA; Juanita Jones and husband Richard, Westfield, IN; Mary Wilson and husband Todd, Rocksprings, TX; brother, Carl Neff and wife Charlotte, Norton, KS; sisters-in-law, Eileen Neff, North Platte, NE, and Lola Diederich, McCook, NE; brothers-in-law, Joe Kaus and wife Nora, Lafayette, CO, Tom Kaus and wife Teri, McAllen, TX, Alvin Kaus, and wife Ardis, Colby, KS; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, with 2 great-grandchildren on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Elsie Fern (Follis) Mowry, 96, of Hoxie, Kansas passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care Unit. She was born December 4, 1922 in Sheridan County, Kansas, Bowcreek Township, to David and Mary Ellen “Mamie” (Neal) Follis. She married Verl Mowry on September 25, 1948 at the Presbyterian Church in Hoxie. They later divorced. Elsie and Verl had two children, a daughter, Lois Elaine who passed away at birth, and a son, Vern Ray.

Elsie grew up on a farm in rural Sheridan County. Throughout her life, she shared fond memories of living on the farm. In 1942, Elsie attended Stewart Beauty School in Topeka, Kansas. She returned to Hoxie and was owner and operator of a beauty salon for some years. Faithful to her country roots, Elsie was crowned the 1949 Hoxie Rodeo Queen. Later, she worked in the kitchen of the Sheridan County Hospital. After retirement, Elsie kept busy helping families in the community care for loved ones in their homes. Caring for and helping others was her lifelong passion. Elsie had a patient and gentle nature, combined with a steady work ethic, and brought comfort to others by simply being with them. Her family was always her greatest pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and “Mamie” Follis; brothers, James Follis and Dale Follis; a sister, Erval; infant daughter, Lois Elaine; son, Vern Mowry; grandson, Vess Mowry; daughter-in-law, Cindy Mowry; and sister-in-law, Barbara Follis.

Elsie is survived by brother, Dee Follis of Asher, Oklahoma; one grandson, Vince Mowry and wife Tara of St. George, Kansas; three great-grandsons, Cooper, Jacob and Rylan Mowry; and nieces, nephews and friends dear to her.

A Memorial Service is planned for April 26, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hoxie, Kansas at 11:00 am . Inurnment will be in the Hoxie City Cemetery immediately following the service. No family visitation is planned. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Health Complex and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.

Ralph V. Mowry, 65, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019, at the Sheridan County Health Complex. He was born October 6, 1953 at the Sheridan County Hospital in Hoxie, Kansas. Ralph was the sixth child of Eugene and Pearl (Kreft) Mowry. He attended schools in Philipsburg, Kansas and Beaver City, Nebraska. He graduated from Morland High School in 1971. He attended Colby Community College and Fort Hays State University.

Ralph served three years in the U.S. Air Force and three years in the U.S. Army. He worked several jobs; then, he eventually ended up in Phoenix, Arizona. He drove a truck there for several years and moved back to Western Kansas four years ago. He returned to Morland, Kansas one year ago and drove a grain truck.

Ralph was a “people person”. He enjoyed visiting with everyone. His hobbies included photograph and studying history.

Ralph is survived by his brothers, Richard Mowry and wife Donna (Sealock, Farber) of Hoxie, Kansas, Robert of Boston, Massachusetts ; sister, Helen William of Hoxie, Kansas, many nieces and nephews; and friends.

A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 11:00 A.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Inurnment will immediately follow the service in the Hoxie City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Sheridan County Health Complex of Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Charles Robert Easton (“Charlie, Chuck,”) 82, of Quinter, KS, passed away March 27, 2019, at his home.

Charlie was born to Norris Charles and Edna (Spillman) Easton August 20, 1936, in Quinter, KS. Attended Quinter Elementary and Quinter High School, graduating in 1954. He then went into the Air Force for 4 years and was stationed in Japan most of that time. He came home from the service in 1958 and went to work for Bill Miller on his farm south of town.

He met and married Nancy (Russell) Methvin October 16, 1965, and also greeted two little girls Sherri (4) and Becky (2) into their home. To this union, Charles Norris was born May 20, 1966, and Abe Wiles on August 10, 1971. Charlie adopted Sherri and Becky in October 1970.

He worked for Flex-King and Samuel Flora, building up a herd of Holstein heifers and started his own dairy in 1971. He also put up hay for area farmers. Charlie was a member of the Quinter Church of the Brethren and was as active as a busy dairyman can be.

Charles and Nancy divorced in 1982, and he met Judy (Magers) Guy at a singles dance in Norton, KS. They were married on July 1, 1989, in Norton, KS.

Charlie retired from dairying in 2005, and in 2008 they moved into Quinter after a tornado took out the farm. In town he enjoyed coffee-ing, gardening, visiting, watching traffic on I-70 and by his home in town.

Charles is survived by his wife Judy (Magers) Easton; sisters, Judy and husband Ray Farquer, Newton, KS, and LeAnna Base, Hutchinson, KS; daughters Becky and husband Bo Pajer, Roseville, CA, and Sherri Beske, Pittsburg, KS; sons Charlie and wife Kim Easton, Selden, KS, and Abe and Sherry Easton, Ulysses, KS; Mother-in-law, Margaret Magers, Norton, KS; sister-in-law, Jane Engelhardt, Norton, KS; step-son JT and wife Denise Guy, Abilene, KS; step-daughter, Joani and husband Kent Killen, Dade City, FL; grandchildren, Michelle and husband Rod Kurz; Sadie and husband Shawn Malotte; Roxan and Robert Beske, Rylee Easton, Macayla and Matt Wittman, Talon and Fantasia Easton, Kenny Regensberg, Buck, Trent, Bobby and Tara Pajer; step-grandchildren, Laura and Lorenzo Tully, Marshall and Kaycie Clapp, Katie, Kurstin, and Kendra Guy, Kori and husband Brian Zey, Madison and Cody Killen; great-grandchildren, Rachel, Stephen and Joshua Kurz, McKenzie Beske, Kaden, Zachary, baby girl in June, Malotte, Devin Kalert, Presley and Kennedy Pajer; great-great-grandson Jacob Easton Regensberg; great-great-granddaughter Zayda Zey; ex-spouse Nancy Methvin.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Carl Magers; a sister, Ruby Froman; brother-in-law, Richard Engelhardt; granddaughter Chelsey Pajer; and daughter-in-law Doreen (Wiseman) Easton.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at the Quinter Church of the Brethren, 700 Grant St., Quinter, KS.

Inurnment will take place at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2019, at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Quinter Church of the Brethren and Hospice Services, Inc.. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Donley F. Ruder, 79, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.

He was born on the family farm near Zurich, Kansas to Edmund and Martina (Dingus) Ruder. Don was a simple farm kid who learned to be detailed in his work through drilling straight lines of wheat, learned to be flexible through harvesting depending on the weather, and learned to weld, blacksmith and build out of necessity. Don went from the farm to Kansas State University (KSU). In 1960, he graduated from KSU with a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering Degree (B.S.E.E.). He accepted a Research Engineering position with North American Aviation in Downey, California for a top dollar salary of $550 per month.

On February 8, 1961, Don began working in Downey, California. He was instrumental in the development of the guidance system for the Minute Man Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. He continued his career advancing quickly through the ranks and taking on increasing responsibilities to include management. He was asked to lead the creation of the Micro Electronics Business Unit for the newly formed Rockwell North America. This business unit developed the integrated circuit chips that enabled the technology revolution that created the computers and cell phone that we rely on today. During the peak of the Cold War, he was asked to work on a project that became one of his most challenging and rewarding experiences, the development of the B-1 Bomber. He devoted the remainder of his career to the production, fielding, and sustainment of the “mighty B-1”. He completed his professional career at Boeing with numerous awards and accolades in October 2006. For a farm-reared, twenty-one year old kid, Don had a marvelous technical and managerial career.

Don was the father of five children. Don loved to work with his hands and wanted his five children to be able to do the same. He wanted them to be able to work on their cars, be able to do repairs and build things, and be self-sufficient productive individuals. The years the family spent building the upstairs in their Tideland house were his opportunity to ensure his kids knew how to frame, plumb, wire, and drywall. Don worked to instill in his children the values of integrity, hard work, being true to yourself, and speaking plainly. He was a member of NRA, Knights of Columbus, and the National Management Association.

After retirement, Don had the opportunity to take on a challenging volunteer opportunity, as docent at Rancho Los Cerritos, California portraying the historical character, Mr. George Brown, a blacksmith who worked at the Rancho in the period of 1878. One day every other week, you could find him leading students in performing actual chores of the everyday Rancho activities of 1878. This gave him a great sense of fulfillment and pride. In his last few years Don had a companion that he cherished, she was his dog Little Miss.

Don is survived by his sons, Robert Ruder and wife Sahar of Saudi Arabia, Timothy Ruder and wife Michelle of LA Ribera, Baja, Steven Ruder and wife Cindy of Roseville, California, and Daniel Ruder and wife Stacy of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter, Donna Jo Peek of Sioux Fall, South Dakota; brother, James Ruder and wife Shirley of Wakeeney, Kansas; sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; numerous colleagues and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Marina Ruder.

Don was a hardworking man. He was a servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and served him faithfully. He loved his family and left them a legacy of love, integrity, hard work, being true to themselves, and speaking plainly. His memory and life lessons will forever be in the hearts of those he loved and who loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 10:30 A.M., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church , Plainville, Kansas. Interment will follow the service in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Plainville. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the Plumer-Overlease Funeral , Plainville, Kansas from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2019, 7:00 P.M. at the funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School-Plainville and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, Kansas 67663.

Elizabeth “Betty” Franken Anschutz, of Hoover, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

She was born on May 29, 1934 in Cologne, Germany to the late Katharina and Otto Franken into a large family of eight sisters and one brother. After surviving WWII in Germany, she came to the United States in 1958. She self-taught and mastered the English language and went on to become a US Citizen in 1974.

Elizabeth “Betty” was strong willed, passionate, and full of life. She loved to spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking and was known for her amazing chocolate chip cookies. She also enjoyed swimming, camping, fishing, and spending time with family.

She is survived by her husband, with whom she celebrated their 47th Anniversary on Valentine’s Day, Wayne Anschutz; her children, Heide Hinds (Billy), Sue Stevens (David), Becki Hess (Ron), and John Johnson Jr. (Dorothy); eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
A visitation for Elizabeth “Betty” will be held Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 2:00 PM at Saint John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.southernheritagefunerals.com for the Anschutz family. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the graveside funeral service arrangements.