Lorene Mary Faimon, 61, of Hebron, NE., died Monday, February 18, 2019. She was born May 5, 1957, in Lincoln, NE. In 1960 at the age of 3, she and her brother, Michael, were adopted by Ben and Agnes (Pianalto) Faimon.

Her early education was spent at Stratton Public Schools until she needed more specialized care. She attended other educational facilities. Lorene then lived and worked at SWATS in McCook earning her way and achieving skills according to her abilities. Lorene enjoyed various activities as doing latch hook crafts, coloring, and playing games. She especially enjoyed the monthly dances. Because she liked small dogs, she had numerous stuffed animals by her side. As her health deteriorated she spent her final years in nursing homes. In 2013 she moved to the Blue Valley Lutheran Care Center, Hebron, NE.

Lorene was preceded in death by a older biological brother, Larry Hennessey, and her parents.

She is survived by her biological brothers, Michael Faimon (fiancée Alicia Ulmer) and Steven Hennessey, and adopted brother, Phillip Faimon, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Sacred Catholic Church, Atwood, with a Rosary at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Mr. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to SWATS (Southwest Area Training Services of McCook, NE) in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com.

Susan Marie Aldridge, age 64, from Russell, Kansas died Saturday, February 16, 2019, at the Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center, Wilson, Kansas.

She was born July 27, 1954, in Hays, Kansas to Cecil E. and Patricia ‘Patty” (Koerner) Hashenberger. She married Michael A. Aldridge Sr. on July 5, 1974 at Golden, Colorado.

She worked in housekeeper for the Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn both in Hays and the Super 8 Motel in Russell. She grew up in Catharine, Kansas, was a 1973 graduate of Hays High School, a member of the Hays Eastern Star No. 228 and lived in Russell for a number of years. In 2017, she moved to the care center in Wilson.

Survivors include her husband, Michael A. Aldridge Sr., of the home; two sons, Michael A. Aldridge Jr. and wife Alicia, Benkelman, NE; Cecil T. Aldridge, Russell, KS; one daughter, Cathy “Catherine” S. Eledge and husband, Tony, Waldo, KS; one brother, Cecil Jr Hashenberger, Andover, KS; four sisters, Sandy Braun and husband, James, Brighton, CO; Kris Delimont and husband, Rany, Victoria, KS, Linda Schmidt, Agra, KS; Karen Schebler, Davenport, Iowa; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services are 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 25, 2019, at Clines-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Inurnment will be at St. Catherine Cemetery, Catharine, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, at the mortuary. The family suggests memorial to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2901 Canal Blvd., Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Bobby Lee Feck, 75, passed away February 17, 2019 at the University of Kansas Health System, Great Bend Campus. He was born July 27, 1943 at Great Bend to Sydney J. & Loretta Ann (Doeden) Feck. He married Shirley Surface, Nov. 23, 1963 at Kansas City, Missouri. She survives.

A lifetime Ellinwood resident, Bobby worked in construction and was a heavy equipment operator. He loved hot rods and dune buggies, along with camping, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed working in the yard and wood crafts. He especially enjoyed being with his family and loved his grandchildren.

Survivors include, his wife, Shirley of the home; four sons, Yancy Allen Feck and his wife Michelle of Great Bend, David Wayne Feck and his wife Diane of Clarksville, TN, Monte Ray Feck and his wife Lori of Winfield and Shannon Lee Feck and his wife Samantha of Eureka; one daughter, Cynthia Renea Patterson and her husband Keith of Great Bend; two sisters, Vivian Link and her husband Glenn of Chase and Angie Cook and her husband Jerry of Boise, ID; 14 grandchildren, Wyatt, Shania, Tyler, Austin, Shaylee, Michael, Tegan, Tyrece, Blake, Kloey, Skylar, Cierra, Garrett and Alicia; and 1 great-grandchild, Aiden.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Tim Singleton presiding. Interment will follow at the Hilltop Cemetery, Raymond. Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

April 8, 1980 – February 16, 2019

An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

Click HERE for service details.

Joan Gross, 88, of Hays, Kansas, died Sunday, February 17, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. 

She was born September 5, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland to Robert and Ethel (McCommons) Shively.  She married John M. Gross on November 26, 1948, in Elkton, Maryland.  He preceded her in death on February 3, 2015.  Joan and John celebrated 66 years of marriage together. 

She retired from Traveler’s Inn as the executive secretary in 1995.  She then moved with her husband John to Hill City, Kansas from Aurora, Colorado.  During her time in Hill City she relished working in her garden, cross stitching, quilting and volunteering at the hospital as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Club.  Joan and John moved to Hays, Kansas when John experienced health issues.  Joan was a loving mom, grandmother (MomMom) and wife.  She will be greatly missed by her family.

Survivors include four daughters, Ann Gross, Golden, CO; Susan Olezene, Littleton, CO; Terrie Woods and husband, Randy, Denver, CO; Candace Juntunen and husband Brad, Westminster, CO; three grandchildren, Carissa Le Brazidec and husband, Jean-Emilien; Elizabeth Juntunen and Nolan Juntunen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Dale Shively and his wife, Nancy.

The family suggests memorials to Via Christi Village Care Center of Hays, Kansas.

There will be a private family inurnment in Colorado.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919, East 22^nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be send via e-mail to [email protected]    

Lillian M. Weber, age 87, of Hays, KS, passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at Locust Grove Village in La Crosse, KS.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 E. 13th Street, Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hays.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 20 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601 and on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until service time at the church.

A combined rosary and parish vigil service will be Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the funeral chapel.

To share a memory or to leave condolences for Lillian, please visit, www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by can be left via email at [email protected].

Arrangements are made by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Ronnie Joseph Schmidt was born November 17, 1944 in Hays, Kansas, youngest of three children born to George and Monica (Urban) Schmidt. He grew up in Pfeifer where his family farmed. They were members of the Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Ronnie served his country in the United States Army and Army National Guard. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist E4 on December 12, 1969 after 5 and 1/2 years of service.

On September 16, 1967, Ronnie was united in marriage with Karen Vavra at St. Margaret Mary Church in Wichita, Kansas. This union was blessed with two sons: Nathan and Preston. The family made their home in Pfeifer, Kansas for many years before moving to Argonia, KS and later to their farm near Norwich, Kansas.

Ronnie retired from Farrar Inc. in Norwich where he worked many years as a machinist. He was skilled at mechanics and carpentry. He worked for Ellis County Highway Department when they lived in Pfeifer.

Ronnie was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time on his boat at many different lakes. Moving to the farm brought him great joy as he loved being in the quiet country. For many years he raised pheasant and quail. Some of his most favorite times were venturing back home to Pfeifer with his boys for weekend hunting and fishing getaways. He also made very tasty wines. Trips to Sokol Hall and card games were always exciting and interesting with family. He also never missed a chance at a good dance. Many great times were enjoyed at the Pfeifer Dance Hall.

On February 17, 2019, Ronnie passed away in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 74 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Milton; and sister, Elila Jean Butler.

Ronnie will be deeply missed by his wife of 51 years, Karen; sons: Nathan Schmidt and Preston Schmidt and wife, Joni; sisters-in-law, Alfreda Schmidt, Roberta Pryor and Julia Vavra; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2019 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pfeifer, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to service. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Ronnie may be made to Holy Cross Charities.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671. Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

William “D.D.” Strait, 75, of Salina, passed away Feb. 15, 2019, at his home. He was born in Concordia, May 19, 1943, the youngest of 14 children born to Charles and Evalyn Estella Earley Strait.

He attended school in Concordia and graduated from Concordia High School in 1961. He then attended Kansas State University on a football scholarship. He transferred to Fort Hays State University after his freshman year and attended on a basketball scholarship. He graduated from Fort Hays in 1967 with a degree in Political Science. Bill married Karen Hopkins, Aug. 9, 1964 at the First Baptist Church in Concordia. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Amy and Jill.

Bill was employed by Bucher and Willis, Engineers, Architects and Planners, (later Bucher, Willis, and Ratcliff) for 40 years. He retired as a Managing Partner of the firm. He managed offices in Salina, Hays, and Homboldt, Neb. After retiring from BWR he worked in marketing for Kirkham Michael in Ellsworth before retiring for health reasons. Bill’s greatest enjoyment came from his family, hunting, and fishing.

He is survived by: his wife of 54 years, Karen; daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Wayne Counts, and Jill and Jeff Ryser; his beloved grandchildren, Hannah Farmer (A.J.), Cade Sullivan, Bailey Counts, Gunnar Sullivan (Fallyn Morrical), Grace Truelove, Dawsen Counts, Riley Counts, and Charles Truelove; great-grandchildren, Silas Farmer, and Anneliese Herman; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patty and Paul Smith, Phyllis and Hank Koster; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Betty Strait; sister-in-law, Eva Strait; special nephew, James Lanoue, Jr.; and special niece, Rosalee Landon.

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents; sisters, Ruth Moore, Helen Plumlee, Buena Reed, Alberta Lanoue, Fern Clark, Yvonne Snyder, and Gwendolyn Jasperson; and brothers, Jack Strait, Howard Strait, and James Strait.

Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the First United Methodist Church, 122 N. 8th St., Salina. A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall of the church.

Memorials to: the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, Checks Made to COTA “In Honor of Peter H” place on memo line and send in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Veta Marie Fischer, 91, passed away February 18, 2019, in Salina, Kansas.

She was born November 27, 1927 in Kinsley, the daughter of Otto and Aurelia V. Matzek Whitcomb. She was a homemaker.

She was a member of the Larned United Methodist Church, local Bridge Club and she enjoyed playing Pitch and was the best baker in the world.

On February 16, 1947, she married Rex Dean Fischer in Larned. He died April 9, 2002.

Survivors include: daughter Tami Fischer, Salina; a daughter-in-law Rita Fischer, Salina;

one grandchild, Renee Fischer, Denver, Colorado, and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son, Michael Fischer, sisters Velma Lindsay Malone, Virginia Yates Thomas, and Verle Hilton.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday at Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas, with Rev. Bethann Black presiding. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Salina Animal Services, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Richard Lee Norton, 83, passed away on February 17, 2019, at the Rhode Island Suites in Ransom, Kansas. He was born on July 29, 1935, on the Family Farm south of Utica. He was the son of Thomas and Juanita (Lehman) Norton.

Lee was raised in the Utica community where he graduated from the Utica High School in 1953. After a year of study at Fort Hays State University, Lee joined the United States Navy. After an honorable discharge, Lee returned to FHSU to continue his studies.

He married Delphine Rogers on July 31st, 1959, in St. Francis, Kansas. They returned to the family farm where Lee worked with his father. He was very active in his community throughout his life. He was a member of the McKinstry-Jones Post American Legion, Post Number 380 and the United Methodist Church, both of Utica. He was also a member of the Scott City Masonic Lodge. Lee refereed basketball for several years and was an avid sports fan. He frequently attended local high school activities. After retirement, Lee and Delphine enjoyed wintering in Arizona but returned home to be close to family.

Survivors include his wife, Delphine; son, Dr. Randy Norton and his wife, Dr. Judy Norton of Utica; daughter, Brenda Dinges and her husband Darren of Ness City; three sisters, Faye Bauer of Hays, Wilma Ochs of Granbury, Texas, and Judith Carter of Fountain, Colorado; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Elizabeth Russell Norton; one sister, Jeane Borthwick; and two brothers, Leonard and Clell Norton.

Funeral service will be on Thursday, February 21, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Utica, Kansas. Burial in the Utica Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Utica United Methodist Church or the Hospice of the Prairie, Dodge City.