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Year: 2019

Hays Lions receive grant to provide workshop for hearing-, visually-impaired veterans

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Low vision devices include hand-held magnifiers, telescopes and a talking watch.

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Many senior adults in rural Kansas, age 55 and older, are unaware of the services and resources available to them through the Veterans Administration and private sector that help address challenges they experience because of combined low vision and hearing loss. For some, the losses in these two major senses are hard to describe and perhaps even harder to acknowledge. The magnitude and complexity of the everyday challenges can seem overwhelming.

The Hays Lions Club has received a grant from the Heartland Community Foundation to conduct a workshop September 18, 2019, at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Hays, for hearing and visually impaired veterans. The workshop is in cooperation with the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, Wichita.

This  one-day workshop is based on a peer support model and is designed to provide information about low vision and hearing loss, which will in turn reduce the fear, isolation, helplessness and loneliness by many seniors who did not expect their “Golden Years” to be like this. The workshop is an event where each participant can count on acceptance and accommodation for his or her hearing and vision loss.

Participants obtain information and an introduction in the following areas: coping with hearing and vision loss, enhancing independent living and communication skills, experiencing new technology, community integration and developing community sources, and sharing life experiences.

Participants will also be screened to determine their level of hearing and vision impairment to advise them as to available resources though the Veterans Administration and other agencies.

Bob Hamilton, Visually Impaired Service Coordinator with the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, is working with the Helen Keller Foundation which will be providing presenters and assistance.

Fort Hays State University Leadership Studies professor Seth Kastle, an Army veteran, is committing some of his leadership class to help with the project.

As part of the workshop, we will be performing vision and hearing screenings utilizing the Kansas Lions Club Mobile screening unit.

The number of rural senior citizens is growing throughout Hays and northwest Kansas and the number challenged with this dual cognitive disability is growing as well.

Western Kansans have always placed emphasis on independent living, and when independence is lost, it many times results in isolation and loneliness for the individual.

Awareness of specialty aides, opportunities to enhance communication with others with like challenges can help improve one’s independence.

U.S. Census data identifies 1,597 veterans living in Ellis County in in 2017, of which only 8 have been identified with dual low vision and hearing loss who are currently receiving services through the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, the closest facility providing these services.

There are a significant number of dual impaired veterans also living in Rooks and Trego counties that have needs.

The workshop will expand awareness of rehabilitation and specialty devices specifically for those with dual sensory impairments. Provide attendees opportunities to discuss the challenges of living with dual sensory impairments and ways to enhance daily living. It will provide education for the senior veterans families and communities where they live to understand and provide additional resources to those who are challenged.

Many senior Kansans hold strong religious beliefs and are active in their faith-based communities. The Hays Ministerial Alliance, with guidance from the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center Chaplaincy Department, will be supportive of the project.

The following are involved in the workshop:

  • Hays Lions Club
  • FHSU Leadership Studies Department
  • FHSU Communication Sciences and Disorders Dept., Dr. Karmen Porter
  • Hays Ministerial Alliance
  • Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging
  • Blinded Veterans Association
  • Independent Living Center of Northwestern Kansas
  • Robert J. Dole VA
  • Hays VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic
  • Helen Keller National Institute
  • Hays Senior Center
  • Kendall Krug, OD Diplomate, American Board of Optometry
  • Bob Hamilton, Visually Impaired Service Coordinator, Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center

For more information contact Hay Lions Club Jim Huenergarde at 785-650-7338.

Joshua David Berens

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Joshua David Berens

Joshua David Berens, 15, of Colby, died Thursday, July 4, 2019. He was born August 6, 2003, in Goodland, KS, to Kevin and Angela (Flickner) Berens. Josh was saved through faith in Christ June 20, 2019. He followed in believer’s baptism June 30, 2019. Knowing Jesus and heaven as Josh does now, face to face, he would urge you to repent and place your faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior and only hope of Salvation. We have faith we will see Josh again.

Josh had a close relationship with his family. He was very social and could start a conversation with anyone. He loved people, especially kids, animals and had a smile that could light up a room. Josh took time to pick berries and share them with a friend, play with neighborhood kids, hold a baby, share a smile and lend a helping hand. He also desired to help others by being an organ and tissue donor.

Josh loved working at Bellamy Farms. He enjoyed being part of the First Baptist Church of St. Francis, Colby Swim Club and Solomon Valley 4-H Club, participating in woodworking and shooting sports. His hobbies included reading, knife making and trap shooting. He also participated in AWANA’s, youth group, basketball, yearbook staff, readers theater, choir, musicals and plays, most recently preparing for the role of Prince Charming in a production of Cinderella. He was educated through Soli Deo Gloria Homeschool and was a member of the Heartland Christian School Scholar’s Bowl team, attending the National Academic Championships in 2018.

Josh was preceded in death by his grandmother Sharon (McQueen) Flickner; great grandparents, Dave and Margaret Flickner, Garland and Freda McQueen, Wendell and Ann Berens, Robert and Pansy Barton, and Frankie Lee Nichols.

He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Angie Berens and brother, Matthew Berens, of Colby; grandparents, Ellis Flickner, of Kingman, KS, Gary and Marsha Berens and Barbara Nichols, of Colby, and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Visitation is 4-6:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2019 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Celebration Church, Colby, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials are suggested to Matthew Berens Education Fund, First Baptist Church of St. Francis, Colby Swim Club or Pioneer Memorial Library, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.

Wichita getting national help amid high violent crime rate

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WICHITA (AP) — A violent crime rate about twice the national average has prompted Wichita law enforcement officials to join a national program that aims to drive down crime.

The Wichita Eagle reports the city is among 10 selected this year to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice National Safety Partnership.

Wichita cited the latest figures published by the FBI and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in its application for the program, saying the city has experienced a “precipitous increase” in violent crime over the past three years.

Shootings have climbed steadily since 2014. Murders, rapes and aggravated assaults all ticked up between 2016 and 2018. And domestic violence “has risen sharply,” now accounting for nearly half of all aggravated assaults reported in the city.

“To make matters worse, Wichita PD is severely underfunded and understaffed,” with about 650 officers for a city that one study suggests should employ around 980, according to the application.

The partnership, a three-year program established in 2017, will provide training and technical assistance to the department at no cost. Wichita is among 40 participating cities total and 10 selected to join this year.
The rising crime rates have been fueled by drugs, gangs and domestic arguments. But the swell is a far cry from crime levels seen in the 1990s before a law enforcement crackdown on drugs, gangs and racketeering.

“Overall across the country crime is still continually going down. We’re seeing just a few spikes,” Wichita State University professor of criminal justice Michael Birzer said.

The Wichita Police Department has introduced a series of strategies it says are already working to counter the boost in violence, including hiring crime analysts, centralizing Violent Crimes Task Force members and asking gun dealers and owners to save spent ammunition so it is easier to identify firearms, especially stolen ones, used in crimes.

Nationwide there were an average of 382.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2017, according to FBI statistics. Wichita logged nearly three times that — 1,019 violent crimes for every 100,000 people — that same year.

Three of the four types of violent crimes tracked by the KBI and FBI ticked up from 2016 to 2018. Homicides, including police-involved killings, surged 37%; rape rose 25%; and aggravated assaults increased by 13%, according to the Wichita Police Department.

Shootings almost doubled between 2014 and 2018, to an average of nearly three a week. Meanwhile, aggravated assaults and batteries swelled to 3,015 incidents in 2017 — 76% of all violent crimes reported that year. That’s about eight a day on average.

“The reality is that there is a high level of gun violence,” Wichita police spokesman Officer Paul Cruz said. “And it’s an issue. But it’s a community-wide issue.”

Prairie Doc Perspectives: Skin cancer questions

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Rick Holm

Q: What are some types of skin cancer?
A: The three major types are basal cell, squamous cell and malignant melanoma. In general, one in five, or 20 percent of people in the U.S. have had or will have some type of skin cancer. In Australia where the sun is intense, two out of three skin cancers are basal cell, one in four are squamous cell, and one in twelve are malignant melanoma.

Q: Should I go to a dermatologist for screening?
A: The dermatologist is the most experienced with skin cancer, but primary care providers can help, too. Realize, however, that the first person to discover skin cancer should be you, along with a partner to look over places you cannot see. Self-screening is especially important for those at high risk for skin cancer.

Q: Who is at high risk for skin cancer?
A: At highest risk would be anyone who has had a bad sunburn or excessive lifetime sun exposure, especially when young, and those with light complexion, freckles, blue eyes, blond or red hair. At higher risk for malignant melanoma are those with many moles, with a prior personal history of skin cancer, and with a family history of malignant melanoma.

Q: Does sunscreen help prevent skin cancer?
A: This is widely presumed to be true but not yet scientifically proven. In fact, some speculate that people who use sunscreen may feel emboldened to expose themselves to more hours of damaging sunlight. Also, using sunscreen to shield skin from sunlight may possibly result in vitamin D deficiency. All that said, it is my opinion there is enough evidence to use sunscreen all year long and, if you live in the northern climates, take 2000 IU of vitamin D daily.

Q: How do I know when to go to the doctor?
A: The ABCDE mnemonic helps in knowing when a skin lesion might be dangerous. A: asymmetry or irregularly shaped; B: border fuzzy not sharp; C: more than one color in it; D: diameter wider than pencil width; and E: lesion evolving or changing. It is common to mistake a benign and safe look-a-like seborrheic keratosis for a possible malignant melanoma. Seborrheic keratosis is light brown to black, raised, and waxy. If one can partially peel or scratch off waxy material with a fingernail, then it is likely a benign keratosis. Malignant melanomas can be either flat or nodular…but never waxy.

No question, if ever you are in doubt, see your doctor.

For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® library, visit www.prairiedoc.org and follow The Prairie Doc® on Facebook, featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&A show streamed most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

Now That’s Rural: Patterson Health Center

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By RON WILSON
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

One plus one equals ten. Well, it’s obvious that I flunked new math. But today we’ll learn about one community which got together with another to co-create an exceptional new model of health care delivery in rural America.

Martha Hadsall is chair of the board of directors of the Patterson Health Center, a new health care facility in Harper County. Martha, a longtime teacher in Harper, was also involved with the local hospital.

Anthony, population 2,269, and Harper, population 1,473, are Harper County’s two largest communities, located 9 miles apart. Both had small, financially struggling hospitals. In 2012, a community health needs assessment identified integration between the two hospitals as the top concern. However, the two towns were longtime rivals.

In 2015, a proposal came from Neal Patterson, a native of Anthony who had grown up on a nearby family farm. According to the stories, when working in the fields, his father told Neal and his brothers to “do one more round after sundown.” Neal Patterson carried that work ethic and a brilliant mind into a career in medical information technology. He co-founded the highly successful Cerner Corporation in Kansas City.

Patterson was aware that the hospitals back in his home county were struggling with future plans. “He told us that if we were to do research on a merger that could create a new model of health care delivery, he would be our biggest benefactor,” Martha said.

Extensive research followed. Studies found that a new facility was the most financially sustainable option. The board committed to not increase property taxes for the new facility, and to not require a reduction in staff employment.

Following a successful petition drive, the two hospital districts merged and developed plans for a new joint facility. In 2017, the Patterson Family Foundation made a $35 million commitment to the new facility. Sadly, Neal Patterson passed away from cancer, but the commitment remained.

The boards selected the new site on 60 acres next to the shared high school, approximately halfway between Harper and Anthony. “We want to build connections,” Martha said. The next step was to design a state-of-the-art medical facility called the Patterson Health Center.

“It is intentionally called a health center, not a hospital,” Martha said. “We’re about health, not sickness.” It’s based on an integrated care model.

In addition to state-of-the-art equipment, the inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services are structured to maintain privacy, meet modern needs, utilize technology, and encourage collaboration among physicians and specialists. The facility will also include a rehabilitation area, hydrotherapy pool, tornado shelters, helipad, outdoor patios, and a café open to the public. Pat Patton was hired as CEO.

“Our theme is `Together for a healthy future,’ and the architects created `Two communities under one roof,’” Martha said. Together, the two hospital districts are able to eliminate duplication and achieve benefits. For example, the two existing hospitals each had what is called a 16 slice CT scanner, which required each one to have a $40,000 maintenance policy. The Patterson Health Center will have one new 64 slice CT scanner which operates in a matter of microseconds.

Inside the entrance, there is a beautiful wooden display of a map of the health center’s service area from Wellington to Medicine Lodge. Anthony and Harper are shown in the center, with Patterson Health Center in between. Outlying rural communities are shown as well, such as Milan, population 82, Danville, population 38, and Freeport, population 5 people. Now, that’s rural.

At the staff entrance, there is a huge and beautiful rendering of a pretty prairie sunset. “It’s a reminder to the staff of what Neal Patterson’s father said, to `make one more round after sundown,’” Martha said.

The Patterson Health Center is to be dedicated on July 19, 2019. See www.hhd5.com for more information.

One plus one equals ten. No, it’s not new math. It’s an example of two communities coming together to create something great. We commend Martha Hadsall, Pat Patton, and all those who are making a difference by creating this new model of rural health care. I hope it becomes a perfect 10.

Larks cruise past Pipeliners

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MCPHERSON – The Hays Larks used a pair of six-run innings on their way to a 14-4 win over the McPherson Pipeliners Saturday in McPherson.

After McPherson scored the game’s first run in the bottom of the first inning the Larks responded with a six-run second inning.

Max McGuire got the inning started with a two-run double. The next batter, Jimmy DeLeion singled home a pair of runs and then with the bases loaded Alex Strachen singled home two more to put Hays up 6-1.

McPherson got three back in the bottom of the fourth but Hays answered with two in the sixth and six in the seventh on their way to the 14-4 win.

Skyler Luna earned the win for the Larks he allowed three runs in two innings of relief. He struck out four and walk two.

Alex Strachen and Wyatt Divis each drove in four runs in the game.

With the win the Larks are 23-7. The two teams wrap up the two-game series in McPherson Sunday.

Margaret Marie Chrisler

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Margaret Marie Chrisler, 85, of rural Gorham, Kansas, died on Friday, July 05, 2019, at the Via Christi Assisted Living Center in Hays, Kansas.

Margaret was born on October 22, 1933, in Natoma, Kansas, the daughter of George and Agnes (John) Eickhoff. She grew up in Natoma and graduated from Natoma High School and lived in the Osborne and Ellis county areas most all her life. She worked as a clerk at Smardo Appliance Store before marriage. She was united in marriage to Ralph Chrisler on September 07, 1952, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Natoma. From this union Margaret and Ralph were blessed with 3 daughters Debra, Patricia and Lisa. She worked as a farm wife, helping Ralph manage the farm, as well as a homemaker raising their daughters. Ralph preceded her in death on July 07, 2017. She and Ralph were longtime members of the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and held several church offices. She was a member of the EHU Homemakers, Gold Circle and Life Member of the Russell V.F.W. Auxiliary and was a member of the election board. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, crafts, mowing and riding her 4 wheeler. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and enjoyed her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchild.

Surviving family include daughters, Debra Sprick of Salina, Kansas, Patricia “Patty” Mullen (Rick) of Plainville, Kansas and Lisa VanHorn (Kevin) of Hays, Kansas; four grandchildren Don Sprick, Nicole Burl (Greg), Kristina VanHorn-Cook (Eric), Bryan VanHorn (Kiley); Great Grandchildren Tori Burl & Rowen Cook; Great-Great Granddaughter Olivia; brother Ben Eickhoff, sister in-law Adeline Eickhoff, brother in-law Gene Chrisler (Dorene)

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 65 years Ralph Chrisler, brother Bob Eickhoff; brothers in law Delmar Chrisler and wife Myra & Eldon Chrisler; sister in law Ellen Ruth Strang.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 09, 2019, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma with Pastor Michael Schmidt officiating. Guests are invited to join the family for lunch at the church immediately following the funeral service. Burial will take place after the lunch at the Fairport Cemetery in Fairport, Kansas around 1:30 P.M.. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. the day of the service. Memorials may be given to Peace Lutheran Church or Honor flight and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Natoma, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Mary Ann (Vontz) James

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Mary Ann (Vontz) James, 73, of Colby, died July 5, 2019 at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, Kansas surrounded by her loved ones. She was born July 17, 1945, in McCook, Nebraska, the oldest child of Leonard John and Esther (Brown) Vontz.

Mary grew up on the family farm south of McCook, and attended grade school at District 8, graduating from McCook High School in 1963. On April 15,1964 she married Gurnie (Sonny) Eugene James, in McCook. To this union two daughters, Michelle Dawn and Lisa Marie and a son Rhett Walker were born. The family had lived in several places in Nebraska until 1975 when they moved to Colby and made Colby their permanent home. Mary & Sonny divorced in 2002.

Mary started working downtown at Svend’s Bakery, then went to work in the deli, at Larry’s IGA, she was nicknamed the “salad lady” making many salads over the years. Once the deli closed, she then went on to own her own business, Carroll Lee Donuts, for 14 years with co-owner Susie (Harper) Williams until they retired in 2001, when the building was torn down to allow for the expansion of the car wash. Mary really enjoyed the backdoor friendships of those who come to visit them in the early morning hours while they made the donuts. She really cherished those friendships and thought of you as her family. She still talked of you often as if it was just yesterday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Esther Vontz.

Survivors are daughters, Michelle (Dick) Snider and Lisa James, son Rhett (Julie) James, all of Colby; grandchildren, Cody (Caroline) Hatfield, Westminster, CO, Brena (Homero) Vargas, Selden, KS, Trenton (Melissa) Jones, Goodland, KS, Brock & Gage James, Colby, KS; step great grandchildren, Siena & Estella Vargas; great grandchildren, Makynslee & Emery Vargas and Joseph Hatfield; sisters, Judy (Mike) Ross, of Bartley, NE and Janet (Bob) Brenning, of McCook, NE; brothers, Tom (Mary) Vontz, and Terry Vontz, both of McCook, NE and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service is Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 2pm at the Gathering Place, 745 S Country Club Dr, Colby, KS 67701, with burial in Beulah Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Genesis Food Bank in Colby, KS or the Citizen’s Health Foundation and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For Information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Kansas in shrinking minority of states without measles cases

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The national measles outbreak has not hit Kansas yet, but it has come close with cases reported in neighboring Oklahoma, Missouri and Colorado.

Kansas health officials say they think a case in Kansas looks nearly inevitable given that more than 1,000 measles cases have been reported so far across the nation. Kansas is in a shrinking minority of states without cases.

KCUR-FM reports that the state’s annual survey of kindergartener vaccination rates suggests some counties do better than others at getting children their potentially life-saving shots. Though Kansas requires shots against illnesses such as measles, whooping cough and polio for school attendance, 15% of kindergartners last year weren’t up to date on those.

While measles gets all the headlines, other vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumonia, cancer rarely raise the same alarms.

People can reduce their risks with two vaccines against bacterial pneumonia recommended for adults ages 65 and older. Bacterial pneumonia hospitalizes hundreds of thousands of Americans a year and kills tens of thousands.

Researchers estimate inoculation against the cancer-causing HPV virus would wipe out 80 percent of the tens of thousands of cancer cases it causes across the country each year. Most people pick up HPV at some point in their lives, though most clear it out of their bodies naturally without necessarily ever knowing.

The federal government estimates just half of Kansas teens get even the first dose of the two-to-three dose HPV vaccine. The same low rates apply to the state’s elderly and the recommended pneumonia immunizations.
Children who do not have insurance or have poor-quality insurance, as well as those on Medicaid, qualify for free vaccines against 16 diseases, including HPV and measles.

“Our struggle right now is really being able to know what the true vaccination rate is in any county,” said Phil Griffin, who heads immunization programs at the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment.

Kansas calculates rates among kindergartners annually with cooperation from a solid sampling of schools that provide more precise data than some of what the Centers for Disease Control publishes. The CDC rate calculations cover a wider range of shots and age groups.

But state health officials will gradually get a better picture of immunization rates across the state in coming years after lawmakers tightened rules for electronic vaccine records starting next year.

That will fill in some of the gaps for health providers who often don’t know which shots a new-to-them patient has yet to get. Doctors and pharmacists will gain more consistent access to vaccines given in Kansas.
Starting this fall, Kansas plans to phase in two more vaccine requirements (for hepatitis A and meningococcal ACWY) for school attendance. Inoculation rates for both would likely increase, though the hep A rates were already fairly strong because they’re already required for day care in Kansas.

The state recently hired an epidemiologist to dig into vaccine rates across the state. It is seeking grants to support the effort and working with individual health providers to improve their practices.

Lawmakers also recently expanded vaccine access by letting pharmacists give more shots. That may particularly benefit teenagers who no longer visit their pediatricians as often and still lack a number of vaccines.

M. Lynne Wooster

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M. Lynne Wooster, 72, passed away July 5, 2019, at the University Of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus. She was born January 15, 1947 in Wichita, to Benard “Ben” & V. Marian (Ludlow) Sauer. She married Paul Wooster on August 2, 1980 in Great Bend. He survives.

Coming from Wichita in 1956, Lynne was a bookkeeper for Globe Exploration in Great Bend. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She enjoyed her family, visiting with friends and cooking.

Survivors include, her husband, Paul Wooster of the home; one grandson, Nathan Fishburn of Salina; one stepdaughter, Patricia Gottschalk and husband Gregg of Hays; one stepson, Robert Wooster of Great Bend; three step grandchildren, Shayla Gottschalk, Janelle Wooster and Jayla Wooster; and one sister, Katrina Sauer of Aurora, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Thomas Romme; two brothers, Larry Sauer and David Sauer; and one step grandson, Shane Gottschalk.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Mon., July 8, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tues., July 9, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Shane Gottschalk Shane Strong Memorial Scholarship at Fort Hays State University, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Malinda Deel

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Malinda Deel, 52, Hays, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2019 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita surrounded by the ones she loved.

Malinda was born on February 16, 1967 in WaKeeney to Sylvanus and Firma Jean “Jeannie” (Rupp) Rome. On March 11, 1989 she married Shawn Hulse in Plainville, and to the marriage they brought two children, but later divorced. In 2006 she found Rick Deel, her puzzle piece and the love of her life, the one that made her life complete, and they were married November 16, 2013 in Walker. Malinda was employed by Cutty Six Hair Salon in Hays among a few other salons before deciding to stay at home with the children.

In later years, she pursued her love of nursing by starting out as a CNA and CMA at St. John’s Nursing home of Hays and later Via Christi Village and Brookdale Senior Living. She eventually had to give up her dream of nursing and quit working when her cancer progressed. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Hays and joined the Daughters of Isabella in Ellis, along with her mother and daughter to be together as a family in the group. Malinda helped with St. Joseph’s Religious Education for several years before she took ill to her cancer and had to stop. She enjoyed putting puzzles together, fishing, baking, sewing, and most of all camping with all her family whenever she got the chance.

One of her biggest joys was spending time with her grandson Boston whom made her heart so complete. When her cancer didn’t allow her to work anymore, she started pursuing her bucket list where, together with her husband and sometimes daughter and grandson, she went to multiple music concerts and MLB and NFL games.

Malinda is survived by her husband; Rick of the home, one son; Nathaniel Hulse and family of Topeka, one daughter; Hannah Hulse and her son Boston of WaKeeney, three step-children; Charles Deel of Proctor, VT, Allen Deel and his daughter Dalynn of Oakley, CA and Mechelle Nevin and husband Justin and their son Dominic of Garden City, her parents; Sylvanus and Jeannie Rome of Paradise, her in-laws; Charles and Peggy Brucker of Wilson, two brothers; Dennis Rome of St. Peter and James Rome and his wife Sandra and their daughters Lexie and Alyssa of Ellis, a sister; Lucinda Smith of Nebraska, a niece; Jenna Smith of Grandview, MO, and a nephew; Justin Smith and his son Weston of Hill City.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law; Joe Deel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Walker, Kansas, with Fr. John Schmeidler officiating. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:30 pm followed by a vigil service at 7:00 pm, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Church or the Cancer Council of Ellis County. Condolences and memories of Malinda may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Mary Ann Merklein

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Phillipsburg resident Mary Ann Merklein passed away Friday, July 5, 2019 at the Phillips County Hospital, Phillipsburg, at the age of 94.

She was born January 25, 1925 in Stuttgart, KS the daughter of Fred and Barbara (Weinman) Preuss.

She was united in marriage to Ehrhart Merklein on April 11, 1948 in Stuttgart, KS. He survives.

Other survivors include her two daughters, Jane Kirchhoff and Jolene Posson, both of Stuttgart, KS; two grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Verna Huiting, also of Stuttgart.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in the Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, KS with Pastor Lorna Paulus officiating. Burial will follow in Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Stuttgart.

Mrs. Merklein will lie in state from noon to 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church or Prairie Wind Villa.

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