LaVerna Lorraine Stambaugh, 98, born December 3, 1920, in Gem, Kansas to Arthur Jasper and Mary LaVerna Smith, passed away February 8, 2019.

Lorraine had one older sister, Ulala Royalynn Smith. Both of her parents, sister and husband preceded her in death. Lorraine worked various jobs in Colby, Kansas, including working at the Welfare Office, Thomas County National Bank, County Clerk’s Office and Office of Price Administration.

She married Cecil Leslie Stambaugh on September 3, 1950. They moved to Ainsworth, Nebraska, where Cecil worked at a J.M. McDonalds store. She and her husband then moved to Pueblo, Colorado, where Lorraine worked at Southern Colorado State College and then the University of Southern Colorado, where she was a secretary for the Music and Liberal Arts Department until she retired in 1987. Cecil preceded her in death on May 23, 1994.

They had one daughter, Patricia Ann (James) Sneed; one son, James Alan (Bonnie) Stambaugh; and one grandson, Jamin (Erin) Sneed. Lorraine will be laid to rest at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2019, in the Gem Cemetery, Gem, Kansas, next to her husband, sister and both parents. Special thanks to Frontier Hospice for their care and compassion.

Click HERE for service details.

Cindy S. Schmitt, 59, died on February 5, 2019, at St. Luke’s Northland Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Her selfless nature lives on through her generous gift of organ donation. She was recognized by the staff at St. Luke’s by being the recipient of their first ever honor walk. Cindy was born on May 18, 1959, in Scott City, the daughter of Pete and Vicky Steffens.

She was a resident of Scott City for 46 years before moving to Kansas City. She was a graduate of Scott Community High School in 1977. She married her husband of 42 years, Jeff Schmitt, in Scott City on July 10, 1976.

She ran an in-home daycare while raising her 3 boys. In 1994, she went to work for Kennedy & Coe, where she was an accounting specialist for 24 years. While a resident of Scott City, she was involved with the Catholic Church, teaching Catechism and confirmation classes.

Cindy’s life was centered around her husband, 3 boys and their wives, and 8 grandchildren. She enjoyed watching all of her boys’ sporting events and activities. In recent years, she has spent countless hours following her grandchildren in all of their activities. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, teaching them to cook, hosting tea parties, and playing any game they came up with. In her free time, Cindy was an avid flower gardener, always having the prettiest flower beds around. She was also very festive, always decorating her home for the season.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff, her three boys, Brandon (Vanida) Schmitt, Pierre, SD, Tyson (Amber) Schmitt, Kansas City, MO, and Colton (Lindsay) Schmitt, Scott City, KS; 8 grandchildren: Rylee, Aimee, Hunter, Camren, Kellen, Sage, Leighton, and Bo; her mother, Vicky Steffens of Scott City, brother Phil Steffens, sister Tammy Brand, 14 nieces and nephews, and mother-in-law, Joyce Schmitt.

She was preceded in death by her father, Pete Steffens, and two brothers, Charles and Galen Steffens.

A rosary will be held on Thursday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City. Services will be officiated by Father Steve Rogers. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude’s charities at st.jude.org or collected at the church.

Justin ‘George’ Ladenburger, 89, of Oakley, died Thursday, February 7, 2019, at Colby Health and Rehab. He was born April 18, 1929, in Angelus, Ks, to Peter and Carrie (Wehner) Ladenburger. George met Dorothy Albers and they were married on October 23, 1950 in Angelus. They were married 67 years.

Our Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa enjoyed farming and harvesting his crops; raising cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, geese, and even rabbits. George and his father –in-law Ben, built the home and farm buildings in which they lived with Dorothy for 67 years. He was a Eucharistic minister and a member of the St Joseph’s Church in Oakley; a member of the 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus, also serving as a past Grand Knight.

As a young man he played baseball on Grinnell’s traveling team, then later hit many baseballs in his yard to his kids and grandkids. He and his family spent time riding his horses, Shetland ponies, motorcycles and four wheelers. George played many card games with his family, friends, and Knights of Columbus members. He enjoyed his bowling team, playing horseshoes, fishing and being ornery and joking with anyone he ever met! He never knew a stranger and never missed many farm sales! (aka farm meetings) He liked collecting baseball caps, tractors, and key chains.

George traveled many miles to watch his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all sorts of events and activities. Dancing was his love, first with his wife, then daughters and granddaughters. George would never let us leave without his hug and “I love you” even if he didn’t win at cards.

George was preceded in death by his parents; Peter and Carrrie (Wehner) Ladenburger; his wife Dorothy (Albers) Ladenburger; his two sisters, Loreena and Bernadette; his four brothers, Richard, Willus, Kenneth, and Maurice and his grandchildren Chad and Scot Ladenburger. Survivors are his children, Dan (Susan) Ladenburger, Randall (Tomaye Hipp) Ladenburger, Kenton (Diane) Ladenburger, Kellie (Bob) Day, Brad (Sharon Reyes) Ladenburger and Melissa (Scott) Stephens; 18 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2019, at St Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortaury.com

Corey Lea (Santo) Bergsten, 44, of Winona, KS, died Sunday, February 10, 2019. She was born December 4, 1974, in North Platte, NE, to John and Connie Santo. Corey graduated from Stapleton High School, then attended McCook Community College and the University of Nebraska Kearney, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She loved children and enjoyed working with them as a Head Start Teacher. On June 11, 2005, Corey married Lamar Bergsten, in Stapleton, NE. They had three children, who were her life. Corey loved children and animals and enjoyed helping with 4-H and Girl Scouts. She was an excellent cook and would open her arms to anyone to make them feel included. Corey was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby.

She was preceded in death by an infant sister Kimberly Santo.

She is survived by her husband; Lamar and children Lacey, Carson and Libby, of Winona, KS; parents, John and Connie Santo, Stapleton, NE; sister Bobbi (Randy) Brening, North Platte, NE and brother John J. Santo, of North Platte.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 14, 2019, also at the church. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2019, at St. John’s Cemetery, Stapleton, NE. Memorials are suggested to the Bergsten Children Education Fund and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Donald E. Chegwidden, 82, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.

Memorials will can be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shrine Children’s Hospital and can be sent in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are being handled by Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.

Phillipsburg resident John D. Shea passed away Feb. 10, 2019 at the Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, NE at the age of 77. He was born June 6, 1941 in Norton, KS, the son of Hamilton and Elsie (Custer) Shea.

Survivors include his son Randie of Phillipsburg; 2 daughters, Bonnie Ewing of Phillipsburg and Tonia Driggs of Manhattan, KS; 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lee Bennight officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks & Phillips County 4-H Shooting Sports.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:00 Wednesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara Ann Fillmore, 84, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 at her home in Garden City. She was born Jan. 24, 1935 in Hill City, Kansas, the daughter of Harvey Roscoe and Mary Elizabeth (Law) Brandyberry.

Barbara grew up in Hill City where she attended school and graduated from high school. She then attended Kansas State University.

On Sept. 1, 1956, she married Keith Lloyd Fillmore in Hill City, Kansas. They lived in Manhattan, Topeka and Salina before moving to Garden City.

Barbara worked as a homemaker until 1988 when she became the owner of Bar K Fabrics in Garden City. She retired in 2015. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Pathfinders Sunday School Class, Garden City Iris Society and a club leader for Beacon Booster 4-H Club.

Barbara enjoyed cooking gardening, sewing, making all of her daughter’s wedding dresses, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include five daughters Diane (Bill) Simshauser of Lakin, Kansas, Patty (Chris) Woods of Garden City, Kansas, Paula (Ronnie) Wilson of Jetmore, Kansas, Jennifer (Roger) LaSalle of Garden City, Kansas, and Kimberly (Bob) Moser of Springfield, Virginia; a brother Willis (Elsie) Brandyberry of Hill City, Kansas; nine grandchildren Chelsea (Wesley) Gleason, Nathan (Jessica) Simshauser, Caleb Woods, Darci Woods, Lee (Alisha) Wehkamp, Matthew Wehkamp, Lindsay Wehkamp, Blake LaSalle, and Tyler LaSalle; and five great-grandchildren Lena Gleason, Quaid Gleason, Wyatt Simshauser, Maverick Wehkamp, and Rylee Wehkamp.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Keith who died on March 11, 1994. She is also preceded in death by her parents and two grandsons Jacob Simshauser and Garrett Simshauser.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Garden City with Rev. Joel Plisek officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and the family will be at Garnand Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday to visit with friends. The family suggests memorials be given to the First United Methodist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.

To plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann Fillmore, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Phillipsburg resident, John D. Shea, passed away Feb. 10, 2019 at the Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, at the age of 77. He was born June 6, 1941 in Norton, Kansas, the son of Hamilton and Elsie (Custer) Shea.

Survivors include his son Randie of Phillipsburg; two daughters, Bonnie Ewing of Phillipsburg and Tonia Driggs of Manhattan, Kansas; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14  in the Zion Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lee Bennight officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Phillips County 4-H Shooting Sports.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 at Zion Lutheran Church,  492 7th St., Phillipsburg, KS 67661.

Dennis C. Wilhelm, 73, Rush Center, Kansas, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at his home.

Dennis was born May 3, 1945, in La Crosse, Kansas, the son of John and June (Dumler) Wilhelm.  He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas.  A 1963 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, he was a farmer/stockman.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas; Walnut City Lodge No. 215, Rush Center, Kansas; and the Ft. Hays Shrine Club, Hays, Kansas.

On Nov. 4, 1967, he married Marilyn Foos at the United Methodist Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

Survivors include: his wife, Marilyn Wilhelm, Rush Center, Kansas; one son, Eric Wilhelm (Hilary), Rush Center, Kansas; one daughter, Carmen Wilhelm, Garden City, Kansas; one grandson, Tristen Wilhelm, Rush Center, Kansas; and one brother, Donald Gene Wilhelm (Sondra), Waverly, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Dennis’ wishes, the family has chosen cremation.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019,  at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with Brother Terry Warner officiating.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family request memorials to Shriners Hospitals For Children, or Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at  www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine St., P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785-222-2517.