Colby resident Lindsey Kay Shanks, 32, lost her battle with cancer on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Topside Manor in Goodland, KS.

Lindsey was born on September 10, 1987 to David and Kay (Heil) Rogers in Denver, CO. She was one of two children. Lindsey spent part of her younger years in Denver and in St. Francis, KS. She attended school in St. Francis for her Junior High years. She eventually moved back to Denver and graduated from high school in 2005. She had a full ride scholarship to college, started college, chose to move back home and take care of her mother. She got married and out of that marriage came her daughter, Morgan Shanks. Morgan was the joy of her life and her greatest blessing. She was an active member of NA and AA. She loved to dance, loved music of all genres, and loved to enjoy life with the people around her.

Lindsey was a giver, loved to be around people and help people. Lindsey’s life experiences and struggles equipped her to help others and give as she so graciously would. She was a fighter, a mom, a friend and an inspiration to many with her giving spirit. She entered many different arenas throughout her life, however in the end she found her way to the Lord and He led her home. She gave love and light out in the world, helping to touch many of those she encountered. She loved many and was loved by many.

Preceding her in death was her mother Kay Heil Rogers, and her maternal grandparents Julia and Wesly Heil.

She is survived by her daughter Morgan Shanks of Colby, KS, her mom and dad David and Patty Rogers and a niece Taylnn Wieck of St. Francis, KS, a brother Russell Rogers and girlfriend Kristi McRedmond of Thornton, CO, a sister Vanessa Wieck and Crockett Stortz, as well as their daughter Emberlynn of Colby, KS. She is also survived by her paternal grandmother Betty Rogers of Wray, Colorado and paternal grandfather Kenny Rogers of Meeker, CO; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

William Pelzel, age 99, of Catharine, Kansas, died Friday, November 1, 2019 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.

He was born April 27, 1920 in Catharine, one of eleven children to Leo and Sophia (Staab) Pelzel. He was a farmer and cattleman and also worked for Schwaller’s Lumber and did construction work. He previously worked in the oilfield and in the CC Camps. On May 19, 1941 he was united in marriage to Albertine Windholz in Emmeram, Kansas. They were married over 56 years before she preceded him in death on December 14, 1997. He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and the Eagles Lodge, and he loved the farm, wheat, cattle, and his dogs. He enjoyed driving and looking at the fields, playing cards, fishing, training his dogs, polka and waltz dancing, music, playing the harmonica, and socializing and visiting. He was everybody’s favorite uncle and he appreciated his nephews, family, and friends helping him on the farm. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include three daughters; Clarita Dinkel and husband Melvin of Hays, Elsie Ewing and husband L.D. of Hays, and Karen Pelzel and fiance Ray Irvin of Ellis, a brother; Jim Pelzel and wife Valeria of Wichita, seven grandchildren; Bill Dinkel of Hays, Chris Dinkel and wife Kim of Hays, Dane Ewing of Kansas City, KS, Cory Ewing of Hays, Holliann Stramel and fiance Trevor Calvin of Hays, Chase Stramel of Hays, and Clint Irvin of Hays, four great-grandchildren; Katie Dinkel, Joslyn Dinkel, Lincoln Calvin, and Briar Calvin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Albertine, an infant son; Billy Pelzel, a granddaughter; Angela Ewing, two brothers; Leo and Alphonse Pelzel, and by seven sisters; Beatrice Haas, Alice Brungardt, Clara Hetzel, Irene Bollig, Edna Goetz, Marie Mermis, and Frances Koester.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine, Kansas with Fr. Earl Befort officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 8:30 am until 9:30 on Tuesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. Catherine Cemetery or to Hospice of HaysMed, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of William may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Solomon Leiker, 99, Hays, formerly of Ellis, died Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Ascension Via Christi Village in Hays.

He was born July 30, 1920 in Ellis one of fourteen children of John and Suzanne (Dinkel) Leiker. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving from 1942 until 1946 during World War II and an engineer for the City of Ellis for many years. On October 27, 1948 he was united in marriage to Pauline Boos in Hays, Kansas and they celebrated over 53 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on February 6, 2002. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis for many years.

Survivors include two sons; Keith Leiker of Ellis and Glenn Leiker and wife Dawne of Hays, a daughter; Janice Chambers of Hays, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren, and 15 step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline, five brothers; Fritz, Hank, Wilfred, Alex, and Ed Leiker, eight sisters; Isabella Unrein, Teckla Windholz, Agnes Wasinger, Mary Wiesner, Dorothy Augustine, Josephine Schmidt, Lucy Bixenman, and Annie Blanchard, a son-in-law; Glen Chambers, a grandson; Kenneth Chambers, and by a great-grandson; Cameron Chambers.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis with Fr. Dana Clark officiating. Inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested to Ascension Via Christi. Condolences and memories of Solomon may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Frances Pauline (Mayhew) Veatch passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the Red Bud Village in Plainville, KS, at the age of 101.

She was born on January 16, 1918 at the Mayhew farm in rural Rooks County to Ira and Sadie (Sollenberger) Mayhew. Frances was the 6th child and 4th daughter of Ira and Sadie. She attended West Plainville Grade School, having to walk 2 ½ miles to school, and graduated from Plainville High School in 1937. She then attended Crums Beauty School in Omaha, NE. Upon graduation in 1938, she returned to Plainville and began working for Georgie Rogers, along with Maime Dopita and Elveria Bieker.

On June 6, 1940, Frances and James “Millard” Veatch eloped at the Methodist Parsonage in Hays, KS. Frances continued to work until it became too difficult to drive back and forth from their rented farm south of Palco. She helped on the farm and they spent 71 years together until Millard passed away in Dec, 2011. They were blessed with three children: Jim, Eileen, and Ron.

Frances joined the Palco Canaan Chapel Church of the Nazarene in 1950. She was very active in the church serving as Young People’s President, Sunday school teacher, head steward, and on the board. She loved to crochet, make afghans, and hanger covers for the family.

As a servant of her Lord, all the days of her life, Frances touched many lives, always reaching out to help others. As a loving, caring mother, her family was second only to God; and although she has now gone home to be with her Lord, her memories, and kind and caring ways will live on in our hearts for all eternity.

Left to cherish Frances’ memories are her sons James Veatch and wife Gina of Chula Vista, CA and Ron Veatch and wife Suzanne of Palco; daughter Eileen Parks and husband Gary of Ellis; six grandchildren, Mike (Peaches) Veatch of Riverside, CA, Nicole (Joseph) Redd of Salina, Colleen (Todd) Nieman of Mujor, Tim (Katie) Parks of Washington, DC, Larisa (Shawn) Roy of Palco, and Troy (Sara) Parks of Great Bend; seven great-grandchildren, Quinton, Emily, Meagan, Anneliese, Brett, Raylyn, and Jasper; and sister-in-law Ruby Gilbert of Topeka.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Sadie; brothers, Paul, Howard, and Jack Mayhew; and sisters, Verda Pendergrass, Lenore Gibson, and Peggy Tucker.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at 10:30 am at the Nazarene Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Pleasantview Cemetery in Palco. Visitation will be held Monday 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm with the family receiving friends 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Nazarene Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.

Gloria Ann Jayne, age 76, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Sunday, November 3, 2019 at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 6, 2019 with a rosary service at 9:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.

A complete obituary is pending with Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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

Darrell Henry “Hank” Hays Jr., 66, of Alton, KS died on October 29, 2019 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS.

Hank was born on September 5, 1953 in Osborne, KS, the son of Darrell H., Sr., & Shirley (Campbell) Hays. He grew up in the rural Natoma, KS area and graduated from Natoma High School in 1971. Hank worked for area farmers during high school and was a member of Belleview 4-H Club and FFA. For a brief time after high school, he worked as a custom cutter and at a gas station only to return to his Dad’s farming operation north of Natoma. Hank was a 4th generation farmer. He raised cattle, sheep, donkeys, pigeons, geese, and a host of other animals through the years.

After suffering a brain tumor and the loss of his Dad, he slowed his farm operation down to just livestock and recreational farming. He would spend his time watching his favorite show, FOX News or sports and caring for his animals. He would rescue dogs that were elderly, ill, or homeless. His loving care gave them all more time on earth such as Baby & Stroker, his dachshunds who he took in which were given 6 months to live. They lasted 3 additional years. He was given 2 pitbull puppies which he promptly named Baby George & George. They became his full time companions. With the passing of Baby George, Hank & George became inseparable until July, 2018 when he had to leave their home due to his failing health, Hank moved to Wellington Health & Rehab in Wellington, KS and later Westview Manor of Derby, KS where he lived until he passed away.

Hank is survived by a brother, Terry Hays, Natoma; sisters, Linda (Phill) Martin, Great Bend; Marsha (David) Erickson, Wellington; and Stephanie(David Austin) Massier, Palco. He has 6 nieces and 4 nephews and several great nieces & nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sheri, and his beloved companions, Baby George & George.

A celebration of Darrell’s life will be on Monday, November 4th at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church in Natoma, Kansas. Visitation & viewing is from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. the day of service at the church. Burial will follow at the Natoma Cemetery. Pohlman, Varner & Peeler Mortuary of Russell and Natoma, Kansas are in charge of the services

Memorials will be with K9 Karma Animal Advocates, an animal rescue non-profit. Donations in memory of Hank may be sent either on their website, k9karmarescue.org or mail to: K9 Karma, 809 Harding St., Wichita, KS 67208

Nancy Louise (Helsel) Strain passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019 in Wichita, Kan. with her family by her side. She was 66 years old. Nancy was born to Dale and Louise (Corn) Helsel on Feb. 16, 1953, in Great Bend, Kan.

Nancy was a loving mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend. Her favorite things in life were her grandkids and of course Bingo. She will be dearly missed by all.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Megan (Brenton) Heine, Great Bend, Kan.; stepmother, Rosina Helsel, Great Bend, Kan.; siblings, Michael Wilson, Wichita, Kan., Jerry Helsel, Topeka, Kan., Gerry (Leslie) Helsel, Great Bend, Kan., and Debra (Marty) Shank, Great Bend, Kan., grandchildren, Bradley Heine and Paige Heine, both of Great Bend, Kan. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three siblings, Terry Momyer, Mike Helsel, and Pat Davidson.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Wade Russell presiding. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery North. Memorials are suggested to the Nancy Strain Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Maurice Charles Schwartz, 92, passed away November 1, 2019, after battling cancer for three years, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. He was born on April 17, 1927, at St. Leo, Kansas to William & Martha (Blasi) Schwartz. He married Bernita Marie Pfeifer July 29, 1947 at Liebenthal. She died March 22, 2012.

A Great Bend resident for most of his life, Maurice grew up in St. Leo, Kansas. He was a carpenter for Morrison Construction for 21 years, and was self-employed for many years after he left Morrison Construction. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church and was very strong in his faith. He was also a member of the VFW Post #3111 and served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was considered a master carpenter, building several houses and also built a race car and boat.
He is survived by seven sons, Robert Schwartz and wife Barbara of Great Bend, Duane Schwartz of Grand Island, NE, Danny Schwartz and wife Stacy of Great Bend, Bill Schwartz and wife Jaynee of Great Bend, Kenny Schwartz and wife Dawn of Wichita, Kevin Schwartz of Great Bend and Keith Schwartz and wife Kay of Salina; three daughters, Kathy Pedigo and husband Don of Great Bend, Elaine Miller and husband Craig of McPherson, and Pam Stegman and husband Tom of Yukon, OK; one sister, Edith Keeler of Great Bend; 29 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren; and 4 step great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, B. Marie Schwartz; one daughter in law, Diane Schwartz; two brothers, Rheinard Schwartz and Arthur Schwartz; four sisters, Rosalynn Henning, Lydia Weber, Sally Gregg, and Marcelline Suchy; and two great grandchildren, Matthew Kearn and Faith Hitts.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend. Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.