Ronald E. Childs, 62, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 at his home.

Ronald was born April 2, 1955 in Topeka, Kansas, the son of  Robert and Martha Jane (Roghwdll). He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, until high school when he moved to the Holton, Kansas, area where he graduated from Jackson Heights High School.

Ronald was a grocery store manager in Holton for over 20 years before his health forced him to retire.

Surviving family include his wife, Sharon Fitzsimmons of the home; daughters, Kerri Taylor (Kyle) of Mayetta, Kansas, and Stacy Homas of Wetmore, Kansas; son, Ryan Childs (Christa) of Circleville, Kansas; step-daughters, Sherri Wheless (Bo) of Mayetta, Kansas, and Terry Young (Greg) of Holton, Kansas; mother, Martha Childs of Belleview, Nebraska; brother, Mike Childs of Blair, Nebraska; sister, Barbara Prestito of Omaha, Nebraska; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.

A private family service will be in Nebraska at a later date. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Kay L. (Polcyn) Morris, 76, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018 at the Main Street Manor in Russell, Kansas.

She was born on Feb. 28, 1941 in Hays, Kansas to parents Loretta and William Polcyn.
Kay grew up and attended school in Russell graduating Russell High School in 1959. She attended Loreto Heights College in Denver, Oklahoma State University and Fort Hays State University. She was united in marriage to Bill Morris in 1982, and recently celebrated their 35th anniversary. They lived their entire married life on the farm located 17 miles southeast of Russell. For about four years, Kay was a tractor driver and at harvest time a truck driver. She then went to work for Dr. Sam for 14 years as a medical insurance specialist. After retirement she enjoyed her hobbies. She would sew very special dolls that went to her daughter in California to be auctioned for several hundred dollars at various charities. She enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Japan, Egypt, Europe, Caribbean and many trips to Las Vegas where she enjoyed playing Craps and Texas Holden poker. She always had a smile on her face and had a special ability to be able to carry on an interesting conversation with just about anyone. Politics were one of her favorite subjects. She helped with many community services in Russell County and was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.

She loved being at the ocean and was happiest boogie boarding, swimming or shelling. She would find a big shell and tell you to hold it to your ear and listen to the ocean. Kay was passionate about the piano, ’50s music and taught her children how to twist! She was simply the most fun person you’d ever met, someone you’d follow anywhere. If you were her friend, you were her friend for life. Her exuberance and optimism were legendary.

She leaves behind her husband Bill Morris of Bunker Hill, daughter Sharian Bond Spencer (Martin) of Santa Monica, California, and James Davis Bond, of Guntown, Mississippi; stepson Case Morris (Deb) of Russell; stepdaughter Kelly Cline (Carl) of Lawrence, Kansas; and her grandchildren she loved with all of her heart, Jack, Tristan, Caroline and James Henry, and step-grandchildren, Coady, Kale, Kendall and Kelsey. Her brother James Polcyn passed in 1998.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Memorials may be given to the Dream Theater and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

, 77, died Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Delmar Gardens Overland Park in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born August 23, 1940 in Wichita, Kansas to Joe and Tina (Brungardt) Schmidt. She attended Girls Catholic High School/Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays, Kansas. She then entered nurses training at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas and graduated with an RN in 1961. Judy then attended Marymount College in Salina, Kansas and received her bachelor degree in nursing. Her classmates honored her by voting her Miss Marymount in 1963.

Judy was married to Dr. Joseph Schaefer from 1963 to 1970. She was then married to Don Covington from 1974 until his death in 2011. Judy practiced nursing in Kansas City for 35 plus years including working at Shawnee Mission Hospital in the recovery room for many years. She enjoyed cooking, reading and caring for her children.

Survivors include: her daughter, Mary Lisa Schaefer (Ed) Gillem of Overland Park, Kansas; sons, Joseph Patrick Schaefer and Christopher Paul Schaefer of Lawrence Kansas; sisters, Janet (Len) Jacob of Castle Pines, Colorado, Joanne (Jerry) Stecklein of Colleyville, Texas, Jacinta (Don) Behne of Fallbrook, California.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Don; her parents, Joe and Tina Schmidt; and a sister, Mary Ann Schmidt.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Delmar Gardens Overland Park and Homestead of Leawood Assisted Living who took such excellent care of Judy.

Judy had a beautiful spirit and was loved by everyone who knew her. She had a heart of gold and will be missed tremendously.

A visitation will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, February 22, with Mass to follow at 11 AM, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W 103rd St, Overland Park, KS 66214. Inurnment will be at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens in Overland Park, Kansas at 2:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Julia Catherine Rietcheck, age 94, of Oakley, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Logan County Hospital, Oakley, surrounded by family.

She was born July 6, 1923 in Park, KS to David and Lydia (Scherr) Cooksey.  Julia grew up in Park and married Fred Rietcheck on October 27, 1947 in Park.  They were blessed with 7 children.

Julia graduated salutatorian of her class from Park High School.  She then traveled to Washington D.C. to work as a secretary at the Pentagon during WWII.  She returned to Oakley, married, and worked as a homemaker, and later, as a secretary at the Logan County Extension Office for 17 years.  She loved music, played the piano, and loved to dance with Fred.  She was an avid bowler, played cards, especially bridge, until age 93.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

Julia was a loving Mother and a fun, devoted Grandma.  She enjoyed having family come to visit for big holiday gatherings where she entertained with wonderful food and lively board games and pitch matches.  Julia’s faith and family were an important part of her life.

Julia’s husband, Fred, died in 2012.  Her son, David, and daughter, Joan Baalman, preceded her in death.  Also preceding her in death were her brothers:  Bud, Bob, Gig, and Jim Cooksey, and sisters:  Aderea Hartman and Tema Poindexter.

Survivors include her sons:  Roger of Lawton, OK, Thomas of Lake Tahoe, NV, John of San Francisco, CA, and Jerry (wife Jocelyn) of Lawrence, daughter, Jane Rietcheck of Oakley; four grandchildren:  Rodney, Sean, Julia, and Jordan; four great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oakley, with Fr. Donald Pfannenstiel officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation:  Thursday, February 22nd, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, with a rosary/wake service at 7:00 p.m.  Memorials:  St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s School may be sent to the Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, PO Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.

Online guest book. www.kennedykosterfh.com

Howard Lee Cass passed away at the Sheridan County Health Complex, Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the age of 72. On October 10, 1945, he was born on the family farm in rural Sheridan County to Clyde Aden and Circea Arlene (Hite) Cass. He grew up on the family farm in Sheridan County and attended Tasco Grade School thru eighth grade and Sheridan Community High School thru his junior year. Howard was a member of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club and enjoyed participating in the Sheridan County Fair where he won grand champion on his hog.

After leaving high school, he worked in the oil fields for a short time, worked for a custom cutter and in the winter of 1965, Howard went to Washington State to work in his Uncle Clark’s excavating business. In 1966, it was back to Kansas to custom cut wheat with his brother, Doug. Howard and Doug cut all summer going all the way to Canada. Later in 1966, Doug, his wife Sharyl, and Howard went to Moses Lake, Washington to work with their Uncle Clark.

Howard was drafted into the Army in 1967. He served in Viet Nam for thirteen months as a Scout Dog Handler. After Howard was discharged from the army, he went to Moses Lake, Washington where he worked with his Uncle Clark. Due to their uncle’s failing health, Howard and Doug took over his business calling it Cass Bros. Excavation. When Doug and Sharyl moved to Denver, Howard continued to run the business.

In 1970, Howard met and married Sannia Callison. They were blessed with a daughter, Connie Lee. After several years of marriage, they divorced.

In 1978, Howard was in a boating accident, resulting in his neck being broken and leaving him paralyzed. He then moved back to Hoxie, Kansas to be closer to his parents & brother. His daughter, Connie flew out to spend every summer and many Christmas Breaks with him. He enjoyed spending time with her on the old farmstead ten miles east of Hoxie. They both shared a love of animals and spending time outdoors. Connie’s favorite memories are summers on the farm with her chickens, catching turtles and riding her minibike. Howard enjoyed all her adventures.

Howard enjoyed animals, car races, football and all his many friends stopping by to not only bet on and watch games but just to visit. His “Divas”, Lisa Rall, Suzie Newell, Carleen Gillespie, and Niceta Farber were especially important and close to him. Our Family thanks them for the special friendship they had with Howard. A very special thank you to Lisa Rall for all her dedication and hours spent with Howard during his final hours and to his brother and wife, Doug and Sharyl Cass, who comforted Howard and were with him when he passed.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Connie Lee Moore and her husband Tim of Ephrata, Washington; two grandchildren, Sydney and Tyler Moore of Ephrata, Washington; a brother, Douglas C. Cass and wife Sharyl of Hoxie, Kansas; a niece, Tami Porsch and husband Mike of Hoxie, Kansas; a nephew, Ty Cass and wife Becca of Ellis, Kansas; Great-nieces, Marissa and Chloe Porsch; great-nephews, Tristan and Dayton Porsch, Tage and Rylan Cass; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Circea Cass and his loving cat, Coco.

A funeral service is planned for Thursday, February 22, 2018, at 10:00 A.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, KS. Burial will follow the service in the Bow Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2018 from 11:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Family suggests memorials to Sheridan County Amusement Company or the Hoxie Grade School Playground Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.

Howard was a man of courage. Even after his accident he lived his life to the fullest. He loved his family, friends, and was extremely proud of his daughter and grandchildren. He would tell you to miss him but not too long and to celebrate the life he lived.

Dr. A.M. “Doc Pete” Pederson passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, after suffering a fall on Wednesday, February 14, at the age of 95. He was born on October 22, 1922 on the family farm in Teton County, Montana to the late Mathias and Marie (Holt) Pederson. At age six he and his brothers were placed in the Montana Children Center in Twin Bridges, Montana. He lived there until his sophomore year of high school at which time he moved to Sparta,Georgia with Dr. Paul Ensign where he graduated from Sparta High School. He was active in Boy Scouts of America attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Doc began the first year of his post-secondary education at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas. The next two years were spent at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. While there he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a pilot, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant, during World War II. After the war he attended the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, graduating in 1946. He then went on to medical school at the University of Kansas graduating in 1951. On January 1, 1946 he was united in marriage to Nancy L. Isaacson in Topeka, Kansas. After medical school they made their home in Norton, Kansas while Doc worked for the Kansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium before moving to Plainville, Kansas in 1953. He practiced medicine in Plainville for 38 years before retiring in 1991.

During his life in Plainville Doc served the community in many ways, not only as a physician, but through his membership in The Shriners, where he helped raise money for children’s hospitals, and served on the local school board for many years, as well as the Board of Directors for Plainville State Bank. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Plainville, the American Medical Association, and helped start the Plainville Jeep Club. He also loved to travel, especially with his family. One of his favorite places to visit was Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. He enjoyed all live entertainment his favorites being classical and country western music.

Doc is survived by his children Christine Pederson of Santa Fe, NM, Doug Pederson and wife Ann of Topeka, Jan Becker and husband Charlie of Frontenac, and Ron Pederson and wife Jaymme of Louisville, KY; grandchildren Julie Akins and husband Travis, Lisa Wells and husband Nicholas, Jason Becker and wife Casey, David Pederson, Betsy Pederson, and Tyler Pederson; and great-grandchildren Jordan Akins, Jace Akins, Andrew Akins, Mariah Wells, Miles Wells, and Will Becker.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mathias and Marie Pederson, wife Nancy Pederson, brothers Norman Pederson, Rudy Pederson, and John Kjos, sister Esther Lee, half-sister Jeane Klette, and grandson Ryan Pederson.

In the tradition of Hippocrates, physicians conclude their promise to care for the sick by saying, “So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the respect of all men for all time.” Indeed Doc Pederson lived his life not only caring for the physical ailments of his community but their entire health, prosperity, and wellbeing. His love, compassion, and care will carry on, for he was well respected, and will be fondly remembered, forever.

Dr. A.M. “Doc Pete” Pederson passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, after suffering a fall on Wednesday, February 14, at the age of 95. He was born on October 22, 1922 on the family farm in Teton County, Montana to the late Mathias and Marie (Holt) Pederson. At age six he and his brothers were placed in the Montana Children Center in Twin Bridges, Montana. He lived there until his sophomore year of high school at which time he moved to Sparta,Georgia with Dr. Paul Ensign where he graduated from Sparta High School. He was active in Boy Scouts of America attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Doc began the first year of his post-secondary education at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas. The next two years were spent at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. While there he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a pilot, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant, during World War II. After the war he attended the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, graduating in 1946. He then went on to medical school at the University of Kansas graduating in 1951. On January 1, 1946 he was united in marriage to Nancy L. Isaacson in Topeka, Kansas. After medical school they made their home in Norton, Kansas while Doc worked for the Kansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium before moving to Plainville, Kansas in 1953. He practiced medicine in Plainville for 38 years before retiring in 1991.

During his life in Plainville Doc served the community in many ways, not only as a physician, but through his membership in The Shriners, where he helped raise money for children’s hospitals, and served on the local school board for many years, as well as the Board of Directors for Plainville State Bank. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Plainville, the American Medical Association, and helped start the Plainville Jeep Club. He also loved to travel, especially with his family. One of his favorite places to visit was Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. He enjoyed all live entertainment his favorites being classical and country western music.

Doc is survived by his children Christine Pederson of Santa Fe, NM, Doug Pederson and wife Ann of Topeka, Jan Becker and husband Charlie of Frontenac, and Ron Pederson and wife Jaymme of Louisville, KY; grandchildren Julie Akins and husband Travis, Lisa Wells and husband Nicholas, Jason Becker and wife Casey, David Pederson, Betsy Pederson, and Tyler Pederson; and great-grandchildren Jordan Akins, Jace Akins, Andrew Akins, Mariah Wells, Miles Wells, and Will Becker.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mathias and Marie Pederson, wife Nancy Pederson, brothers Norman Pederson, Rudy Pederson, and John Kjos, sister Esther Lee, half-sister Jeane Klette, and grandson Ryan Pederson.

In the tradition of Hippocrates, physicians conclude their promise to care for the sick by saying, “So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the respect of all men for all time.” Indeed Doc Pederson lived his life not only caring for the physical ailments of his community but their entire health, prosperity, and wellbeing. His love, compassion, and care will carry on, for he was well respected, and will be fondly remembered, forever.

A graveside service for Gary L. Miller will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at the Norcatur Cemetery, Norcatur, Kansas, with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating.

Miller was born Oct. 18, 1934 and died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.

Memorial funds may be given to Norcatur Citizens Alliance and Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Pauls Funeral home in Oberlin.

Emma Louise Wiesendanger Yanda, 94, of Sun City West, Arizona, passed away after a brief illness on Feb. 3, 2018. She was born on Sept. 28, 1923 in Randolph, Kansas, to J.J. and Marie Elizabeth Peterson Wiesendanger.

She graduated from Salina High School in 1941 and Kansas City Art Institute in 1946. On Sept. 4, 1948, Emma married Albert Yanda in Salina, Kansas. Emma owned her own Graphic Design Studio for 30 years, retiring in Del Mar, California, for six years prior to moving to Sun City West. While in Sun City West, she began weaving, and taught and gave presentations on the art of weaving throughout Arizona, and had her work published in Handwoven Magazine.

Emma and her late husband of 55 years, Albert, traveled extensively throughout the world. Emma moved to Grandview Terrace in 2004, and was elected vice president of the Grandview Terrace Community Service Foundation and Funds Developer until prior to her death.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert, an architect; and her parents. Survivors include her sister, Mary Elzea of Lawrence, Kansas; brother, James Wiesendanger of Salina, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 24, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kansas. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

A memorial gathering will also be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 28, 2018 at Grandview Terrace in Sun City West, Arizona.

Memorials are suggested to The Grandview Terrace Scholarship Fund, Sun City West, Arizona. Contributions may be left at the service or sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12^th St., WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Irene Pauline Rohrbough, 83, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on Aug. 12, 1934 in Marienthal, Kansas, the daughter of John and Barbara Kessler Chvilicek. A resident of Scott County, Kansas, since 1962, moving from Logan County, Kansas, she was a homemaker.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas. She was also a past member of Homemakers EHU, Scott County VIP Center, Pink Ladies and was a 4-H Leader.

On Feb. 23, 1952, she married Dale Rohrbough in Marienthal, Kansas. He passed away on July 3, 2001 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her two sons—Galen Rohrbough of Scott City, Kansas, Jimmy and Carol Rohrbough of Garden City, Kansas; four daughters—Kathy and John Gregory of Assaria, Kansas, Dalene and Rusty Haynes of Scott City, Kansas, Jeannie and Steve Moore of Scott City, Kansas, Karla and Gilbert Limon of Garden City, Kansas; one brother—Jerry Chvilicek of Belpre, Kansas; one sister—Janice Schroth of Larned, Kansas; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son—Lonnie Rohrbough, one grandson—Derek Rohrbough and three brothers—Harry Chvilicek, Raymond Chvilicek and James Chvilicek.

Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas, with Fr. Warren Stecklein presiding.

Memorials can be given to the Scott County VIP Center in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.