Alvin C. Johnston, 84, died on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Scott County Hospital in Scott City. He was born on December 3, 1934 in Lane County the son of James Clark & Bessie Gladys (Edmundson) Johnston. He married Janie Wilson on February 3, 1968 at Dighton. She died on July 9, 2013.

Alvin graduated from Dighton High School in 1953. He attended the farm management program at Kansas State University. He then served in the United States Army and was stationed in California. After his discharge he returned to the family farm and was a lifelong farmer- stockman. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Kansas Livestock Association and past board member of the Farm Bureau Board, FSA Board and the family was active in 4-H and Alvin was the Beef Leader. He enjoyed bowling, playing the guitar, his hunting trips to Arkansas and Colorado and attending the annual 3 I show.

He is survived by his 2 Sons- Von (Nancy) Johnston and James Johnston both of Dighton, Sister- Elsie Beth Speer of Dighton, 3 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday at United Methodist Church with Rev Berniece Ludlum officiating. Burial will be in Dighton Memorial Cemetery with military rites by Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to United Methodist Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Boomhower Funeral Home.

Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Joan Hartley of Goodland, KS, a longtime resident of Morningstar Care Home of Neodesha, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at Morningstar Care Home. She had celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 6, 2018.

Joan was born Dec. 6, 1918, in Ames, KS, to John Ira and Blanche (Raney) Miller.

In 1936, she graduated as valedictorian from Moreland High School in Moreland, KS. She attended Ft. Hays College where she received her teaching certificate. She taught for several years in a country school in western Kansas.

She was united in marriage to James Willard Hartley on Aug. 24, 1940, at the Methodist parsonage in Goodland. Willard and Joan began their lifetime of farming and ranching, establishing their own farmstead in northeast Sherman County. It remains an active farming operation. They were married for 68 years and were blessed with four daughters, Janet, Judy, JoAnne and Jackie. Willard preceded her in death in 2008.

When her children were young, she was both a 4-H and Brownie Scout leader. She enjoyed watching sporting events, the art of writing letters, playing bridge, golf, horseshoes and fishing. Joan also enjoyed boating, snowmobiling and playing pitch with her daughters. She planned many trips which included trips to two World’s Fairs.

Joan is survived by three daughters, Judy Siruta of Goodland, JoAnne Harper and her husband, Terry, of Neodesha and Jackie Witherspoon and her husband, Gary, of Shell Knob, MO; 17 grandchildren, Jim, Jeff and Joel McNerney, Brian, Scott and John Shuman, Barbara Shafer, Lynn and B.J. Baird, Chanda Shelton, Brooke Baird, Quinn Jones, Abbey Thomas, Wyatt Harper, Kyle Witherspoon, Kara Broeker and Brad Witherspoon; 32 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Janet; four sisters, Irene, Clare, Lucille and Jewell; four brothers, Faye, Jim, Wayne and Jack Miller; and two grandchildren, Travis and Ryan.

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Thomas Heck, age 81, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on December 26, 1937 in Slope County, North Dakota, the son of David & Kathryn Walter Heck. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1971 moving from Beach, North Dakota, he was a retired parts manager for Helmers Motors, Inc. for 40 years.
He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.

On June 27, 1961 he married Selma “Sally” M. Klug at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dickinson, North Dakota. She passed away on July 30, 2015 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include his Two Sons – Marlin & Marie Heck of Lawrence, Kansas, Wes & Deborah Heck of Ogallala, Nebraska, One Daughter – Melinda & Jamie Davis of Scott City, Kansas, Three Brothers – Leo Heck of Avon, Minnesota, Leonard Heck of Almont, North Dakota, David Heck, Jr. of Dickinson, North Dakota, Two Sisters – Josephine Stockert of Dickinson, North Dakota, Rita Plegge of Dickinson, North Dakota, Twelve Grandchildren and Eleven Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife – Sally Heck, One Sister – Clementine Wyman and One Grandson – Christian Davis.

Vigil Services will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 21 , 2019.

Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2019 with Fr. George Fajardo presiding.

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

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Glenna M. Strickler, age 94, passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the The Ranch House in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on October 23, 1924 in Irwin, Missouri, the daughter of William and Lenior Peacock Ford. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1950 moving from Irwin, Missouri and then she moved to Garden City, Kansas in September of 2016. She was a retired bus driver for USD 466 in Scott City, Kansas.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Scott County VIP Center in Scott City, Kansas.

On June 6, 1943 she married Rassie Andrew Strickler in Fort Scott, Kansas. He passed away on May 27, 1962 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Survivors include her One Son – Lee Strickler of Mobile, Alabama and One Daughter in Law – Nori Hendrix of Mobile, Alabama, Two GrandDaughters – Kali & AJ Woofter of Kansas City, Missouri, Kelsey & Russell Miller of North Platte, Nebraska and Three Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, and Husband.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with Steve Payne presiding.

Memorials may be made to the Glenna Strickler Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2018 at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

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

LaVern Heller passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County in Oberlin, Kansas at the age of 91. He was born on September 25, 1927 near Leonardville, Kansas to Otto and Ethel (Johnson) Heller. On December 25, 1949 LaVern was united in marriage to Wanda Lee Mickey at her parent’s home in Wakefield, Kansas. They were blessed with two children: Kathleen Anne and Robert LaVern.

LaVern grew up around Leonardville where he attended Lee School District 79 until 1937. He then attended the Leonardville Grade School for a year and later Riley Grade School. He graduated from Riley High School in 1946 and then enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Rifleman and a Bugler in the B Troup, 8th Calvary. He was stationed at Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Knox in Kentucky, Camp Stoneman in California, and Camp Omeiga in Japan. LaVern’s honorable service was recognized with the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan.

LaVern worked as a manager of the Bala Elevator and bookkeeper for the Riley Feed Store for 7 years until he moved to Palco where he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Slick’s Ditching Service for 34 years. LaVern was an active member, treasurer, and “coffee man” for the United Methodist Church for many years. During his spare time he enjoyed square dancing at the Palco Community Hall, keeping his yard looking nice, and fishing. When the weather got cold his favorite thing to do was travel with his wife to various locations in Arizona. LaVern was devoted to a life of serving God and his beloved family.

LaVern is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Shaffer and husband Brent of McCook, NE; son, Robert Heller of Palco, KS; grandchildren, Alicia Leith, Kirstyn Shaffer, and Andrew Heller; and great-grandchild, Zapleigh Zander.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ethel Heller, wife, Wanda Heller, and sisters, Arlene Gravenstein and Darlene Maginness.

It is said, “Life has meaning only to the degree it is lived in the service of others.” LaVern lovingly gave of himself to family, friends, neighbors, and community because he valued them above all else. His legacy of honor, integrity, and faith will continue to inspire those who knew him best, until we all meet together again in our everlasting home.

Memorial Services will be determined at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County or the Palco United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.

Irene Beilman, 95, passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 in the early hours surrounded by the love of family.

She was born on May 9, 1923, the daughter of Aquiline and Mary Romey. On May 23,1943, Irene married Ben “Bun” Beilman. Together, they shared 74 years of marriage until Bun’s passing on June 16, 2017. They lived in Hays, Kansas until 1975 then moved to Topeka, Kansas with one last move to Colorado in 2013.

Her greatest love was her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time gardening, writing long letters to her loved ones, taking pictures and putting them in her picture books as well as preparing delicious dinners for her ever-busy dinner table.

Survivors include six sons, Mick (Jeanne) of Broomfield, Co, Paul (Sharon) of Las Vegas, NV, Gene (Celina) of Hays, KS, Jim (Valerie) of Topeka, Ks, Chris (Theresa) of DeSoto, Ks, Bernie (Jeanette) of Topeka, Ks; two daughters, Clarita Beluscak of Broomfield, CO, and Laurie Toepfer (Phil) of Hays, KS; one sister, Kathy Riedel of Wichita, KS; one brother-in-law Allen Arnhold, 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Elmer Romey, three sisters, Marie Hertel, Ellie Young and Carole Arnhold.

A memorial mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at St Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays, Kansas, with Father Fred Gatschet officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church, and a rosary will begin at 9:40 a.m. An inurnment will take place after mass at St. Joseph Cemetery-Hays, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or for masses in her honor.

Clinton Clifford Karst, 88, passed away on Feb. 17, 2019, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born Nov. 28, 1930, at Galatia, to Seigmond and Pauline (Miller) Karst. Clinton married Loene Schwein on Aug. 28, 1955, at Milberger.

A lifetime resident of Barton County, Clinton was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy, earning the rank of DC3. He was an accomplished welder, working in the construction field all of his life, owning and operating Karst Welding. Previous employment were held at Bureau of Mines, Otis, Stanion Wholesale and Murphy Tractor and Equipment. Clinton had been a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington, where he had served faithfully on church council, life member of V.F.W. Post 7428, Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Sunflower Polka Club.

Survivors include wife, Loene of the home; two sons, Curtis Karst of Great Bend, Craig Karst and wife Amy of Hoisington; one daughter, Colleen Karst and husband Joe Hines of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; one brother, Leonard Karst and wife May of Great Bend; one sister, Darlene Reber of Roseville, Cal.; two grandchildren, Amber Young and husband Austin of Great Bend, Ally Karst of Hoisington; one great grandchild, Bentley Young of Great Bend; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services have been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington, with the Rev. Wayne Baldyga presiding. A prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends at 6:00 p.m. A private family inurnment will be at Hoisington City Cemetery, Hoisington, at a later date with military honors conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS.

Stephen C. Rush, 72, died Wednesday February 13, 2019 at the Osborne Co. Memorial Hospital. Steve was born on April 27, 1946 to Merritt and Maxine (Hughes) Rush in Smith Center, Ks. He attended school in Smith Center and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1964. He then joined the Air Force for a 4 yr. term. It was during this tour of duty that he married the love of his life, Kathy Martin. To this union 3 children were born – 1 daughter and 2 two boys.

Steve retired after 44 yrs. working in several capacities at Hardman Lumber Co. in Osborne. He was a member of the United Christian Church, VFW, American Legion and served as the Chief of the Osborne City Fire Dept. for 10 yrs. Steve’s second love after Kathy was golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Kathy of the home; daughter Janae of Bellevue, Neb.; son Tim (Stacie) of Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin and Todd (Kathya) of El Paso, Tex.; sister Carol Rush of Osborne and brother Richard of Big Springs, Tex. and 4 grandchildren.

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Sheldon Jay Rous, 61, passed away Feb. 15, 2019, at his home in rural Claflin. He was born Nov. 28, 1957, in Great Bend, to Clarence and Winnifred (Slayton) Rous.

Sheldon was a lifetime Barton County resident and farmer. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved to garden and BBQ, especially enjoying Memorial Day celebrations at he and Bennie’s home. In his younger years, Sheldon relished many camping trips to the lake.

Survivors include his partner of 27 years, Bennidetta “Bennie” Krier; three brothers, Vernon Rous of Hays, Steven Rous and wife Linda of Fairview, Okla., Calvin Rous and wife Terri of Hoisington; three sisters, Susan Klug and husband Mark of Lawrence, Kathy Kirmer and husband Alan of Claflin, and Kayleen Gaddis and husband Mike of Claflin; two step sons, Michael Paul Krier and fiancé Valerie of Shawnee, and Kody Krier of Saben, Minn.; one step daughter, Jennifer Dolney and husband Ray of Overland Park; one step brother, Kirby Shaw and wife Paula of Bison; one step sister Vicki Webb of Ellinwood; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his parents.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, with the family receiving friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Rev. Daniel Harders will preside and inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Beaver. Memorials may be given to Claflin Ambulance Service, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.