Longtime Goodland, Kansas, resident James E. “Jim” Albers, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland, KS.  He was 58 years old.

Jim was born on April 1, 1960 in Oakley, Kansas to George F. and Helen Joan (Depperschmidt) Albers.  He was one of seven children.  He attended school in Colby, Kansas and graduated from Colby High School in 1979.

On June 9, 1989, Jim married Loraine M. Oren at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby.  To this union, four children; Sarah, Amanda, Troy and Christine were born.

Jim worked at CASE IH for about 40 years between Colby and Goodland before going to work at American Implement in Wheeler, Kansas as a Diesel Parts Mechanic.  Jim had a love for music and his faith.  You could always find Jim playing on his guitar or doing maintenance work at the Catholic Church in Goodland where he and his family were devout members. He loved playing croquet with Christine and DJing at any event. He loved any dog he came in contact with and they all loved him the same. Most importantly he loved his family and was willing to do anything for them.  

Preceding him in death was his father and one brother Gregory Albers.

He is survived by his mother Joan Albers of Kansas City, MO, his wife Loraine of the home in Goodland, his children Sarah Albers of Hays, KS, Amanda Albers of McPherson, KS, Troy (Braylyn) Albers of Goodland, and Christine Albers of Goodland.  He is also survived by his siblings, Mike (Patty) Albers of Colby, KS, Fred (Susan) Albers of Overland Park, KS, Bart (Mary Kay) Albers of Lawrence, KS, Mary (Rod) Jordan of Liberty, MO and Tom (Tina) Albers of Hays, KS.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 10:30 AM MT at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland with Father Andrew Rockers and Father Norbert Dlabal officiating.  Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland with a Vigil and Rosary Service to begin at 7:00 at the Church.

Memorials may be designated to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral service arrangements have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Sandy Beyer, 64, passed away December 17, 2018 at her home. She was born January 2, 1954 at Hays to Elmer J. and Bertille (Meier) Herrman.

Previously from Great Bend and Wichita, she was an Encinitas, California resident. She was of the Catholic faith and a previous member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She was an Assistant Manager for Wal-mart. Sandra loved to read, garden and spend time with her family.

Survivors include, two sons, Shawn Beyer and Carissa, Kent Beyer and Mallory, all of Encinitas, California; mother, Bertille “Berdy” Herrman; one brother, Neal J. Herrman and Faye of Great Bend; one sister, Rebecca J. Desmarteau and Mike of Gardner, Kansas; four grandchildren, Hana and Owen Beyer, Virginia and Westley Beyer; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer J. Herrman; a brother, Eugene J. Herrman; and a sister, Bonnie Cutrano.

There will be a visitation at 9:30 a.m. followed by a rosary, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding. Inurnment will take place at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the A.L.S. Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Betty Lou (Goetz) Wagner, 84, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Betty was born March 21, 1934 in Victoria, Kansas. She was one of five children born to William and Helen (Herman) Goetz. At age 8, the family moved from Victoria to Russell. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1951.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Paul J. Wagner on April 8, 1969 in Russell. This union was blessed with four children: Melanie, Kevin, Michelle and Paul.

Betty’s passion was the love and care of her family. She was known for not only nurturing her own children but the children of the entire neighborhood. She cared deeply for her family and instilled the value of faith and love within them.

Outside of the home, Betty was a Tax Preparer with H&R Block for 18 years. Her and her husband Paul built a contract pumping business, B&P Pumping where they worked side by side until Paul’s death in 2005. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the RCCW. Her hobbies included bowling, playing cards especially pinochle, bingo, dominos, puzzles and sewing. Upon the arrival of each of her grandchildren, she proudly quilted a baby blanket for them. She loved spending time with her family and friends and played a very active and important role in the lives of each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren

Betty’s surviving family include her two daughters, Melanie Banks (David) and Michelle Wagner (Todd Schneider) all of Russell, Kansas; two sons, Kevin Wagner (Shannon) of Seminole, Florida and Paul Wagner (Candi) of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Kayla, Chelsie, Brianna, Jordyn, Jacquelyn, Paulie (PJ) and great grandchildren Emma, Scarlett and Jensyn.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; brothers, Donald and Bill Goetz; sisters, Gloria Teel and Arlene Sturman; and grandson Sean Banks.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. Burial of Ashes will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. There is no visitation taking place. A Memorial has been established with St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church Maintenance Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Doris Marie (Cermak) Ptacek, 95, passed away at the Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living Facility in Shawnee, Kansas, on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

On May 11, 1923, she was born in Bee, Nebraska to James and Amelia (Bouska) Cermak. Her father passed away in 1927, and the family moved to Wilson, Kansas and later back to Bee, Nebraska where she attended school. While she was in school, Doris and her sister used to sing and dance to Czech songs at programs. After graduation from High School, she attended Lincoln Business College. Upon graduating from Business College, Doris worked at the Nebraska State Capitol for four years. In 1947, she married John Ptacek in Wilson, Kansas. John was a farmer in Wilson where they lived and raised their son Darell.

Doris helped her husband on the farm and continued to work at other jobs. During the construction of the Wilson Dam and Reservoir she worked for four years in the site office. Later, she worked in the Ellsworth County Hospital Administrative office for over twenty-seven years until she retired. In 1983, her beloved husband, John, passed away. After his death, Doris continued living on and running the family farm.

In 2000, Doris moved to Shawnee Heartland, Shawnee, Kansas, where she was one of the original residents when the facility opened. The move allowed her to be closer to her son Darell, his wife Linda and three active grandsons. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren. Doris enjoyed watching all of them grow-up and attended their sporting events whenever she could. Over the years Doris had many hobbies, including dancing, growing flowers and a garden, raising chickens and ducks, collecting antique glassware and her specialty collection of butterfly themed pins and jewelry. Doris was always an active member of the Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society and was a 4-H volunteer leader for ten years.

Doris is survived by her son, Darell and wife Linda of Lenexa; Grandchildren, Russ Ptacek and wife Erin of Louisburg, Travis Ptacek and wife Stephanie of Overland Park, Cody Ptacek and wife Kerri of Olathe; seven great-grandchildren, Ethan, Nova, Blair, Marie, Camden, Derek, and Quincy; Brother-In-Law, Frank Sisel of Raytown, Missouri, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ptacek; parents, James and Amelia Cermak; and two infant sons; and sister, Rosalyn Sisel.

Doris worked hard, loved her Lord Jesus and her family. Be encouraged by her legacy, live an inspired, spiritual and happy life as you did when she was living. Live each day with encouragement knowing that Doris is smiling down on you from Heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, January 21, 2019, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wilson, Kansas, 10:30 A.M., Father Matthew Chacko presiding. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Vigil and Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M. all at the Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Wilson, Kansas. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or American Macular Degeneration Research Foundation (AMDF).

Charles Isaac Andress, 87, passed away Jan. 17, 2019 at Medicalodges of Great Bend due to kidney failure.

He was born on Nov. 20, 1931 in Great Bend, Kansas. He was the son of Charles and Virginia (Pritchard) Andress. He married Mary R. Treux on July 26, 1959 in Great Bend. She died June 5, 2006.

He graduated from Great Bend High School in 1949 and Kansas State University in 1954. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served in Alaska. He was a retired loan officer of the Greensburg Production Credit Association, having lived in Greensburg for 42 years before returning to Great Bend in 2007. He belonged to the Order of Eastern Star in Greensburg and Masonic bodies in Great Bend and was active in civic organizations and circus related groups. He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Great Bend.

Survivors include, a son, John Andress and wife Rita of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Virginia Andress, and his wife, Mary Andress.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Great Bend Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Ronald Joe Ferguson, 73, passed away on Jan. 15, 2019 at the Ness County Hospital in Ness City. He was born on Aug. 28, 1945 in Ness City the son of Rex and Pauline (Foos) Ferguson.

He graduated from Bazine High School in 1963 and is a United States Army Veteran. He was the owner and operator Ron’s Standard and Ferguson Heating and Air. Ron was a talented woodworker and enjoyed the challenge of his work and took great pride in everything he did. Ron was a volunteer fireman for over 25 years. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He married Erma Gabel on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1968, in Ness City, Kansas. She survives.

Other survivors include son, Jason Ferguson and his wife, Devonie of Frederick, Colorado; sister, Nancy Ferguson of Ness City and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Ferguson. He was preceded in death by his son, Heath Ferguson.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City. A private family inurnment will be at a later date.

A Rosary and visitation will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019  at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart School and the Ness City Fire Department.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Shirley Jean Miller, 89, passed away January 11, 2019 in Minden, Nebraska.

She was born November 11, 1929 in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Ivan Rhea and Mary V. Walker Detrich. A longtime area resident, she was co-owner of Miller Tire in Norton, KS and was the City Clerk in Radium, KS.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Larned and the Radium Senior Center.

On April 26, 1949, she married Ralph W. Miller in McPherson. He passed away December 19,1996.

Survivors include: two daughters, Monica Miller, Minden, NE, and Marla Farber, Great Bend, KS, a son, Monte Miller (Tasha), Richland Hills, Texas; half brother, Norman Detrich, Mio, MI; two sisters, Mable Hammond, Wichita, KS and Helen Deliere, Simi Valley, CA and six grandchildren, Jason Miller (Dee), Lyons, KS, Amie Miller-Rush (Rusty), Ellinwood, KS, Sara Miller (Matt Hodges), Ellinwood, KS, Charles Miller, Paris, Kentucky, Logan Farber (Patrice), St. Peters, MO and Meagan Barnett, (Jacob), Great Bend, KS, and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter, Mona Miller, two brothers, Robert Detrich and William Detrich and two sisters, Bonnie Kipple and Bette Herman.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, January 18, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Robert Sallee presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday with family present from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary. Burial will be in Point View Cemetery, Radium, KS.

Memorials may be given to the Point View Cemetery, Radium, KS, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550. Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Mary (Bretz) Glad, SEPTEMBER 16, 1924 ~ JANUARY 11, 2019 (AGE 94)

Doris Marie (Cermak) Ptacek, 95, passed away at the Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living Facility in Shawnee, Kansas, on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019.

On May 11, 1923, she was born in Bee, Nebraska, to James and Amelia (Bouska) Cermak. Her father passed away in 1927, and the family moved to Wilson, Kansas and later back to Bee, Nebraska, where she attended school. While she was in school, Doris and her sister used to sing and dance to Czech songs at programs.

After graduation from High School, she attended Lincoln Business College. Upon graduating from Business College, Doris worked at the Nebraska State Capitol for four years. In 1947, she married John Ptacek in Wilson, Kansas. John was a farmer in Wilson where they lived and raised their son Darell.

Doris helped her husband on the farm and continued to work at other jobs. During the construction of the Wilson Dam and Reservoir she worked for four years in the site office. Later, she worked in the Ellsworth County Hospital administrative office for over 27 years until she retired. In 1983, her beloved husband, John, passed away. After his death, Doris continued living on and running the family farm.

In 2000, Doris moved to Shawnee Heartland, Shawnee, Kansas, where she was one of the original residents when the facility opened. The move allowed her to be closer to her son Darell, his wife Linda and three active grandsons. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren. Doris enjoyed watching all of them grow-up and attended their sporting events whenever she could. Over the years, Doris had many hobbies, including dancing, growing flowers and a garden, raising chickens and ducks, collecting antique glassware and her specialty collection of butterfly-themed pins and jewelry. Doris was always an active member of the Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, Altar Society and was a 4-H volunteer leader for 10 years.

Doris is survived by her son, Darell and wife Linda of Lenexa; grandchildren, Russ Ptacek and wife Erin of Louisburg, Travis Ptacek and wife Stephanie of Overland Park, Cody Ptacek and wife Kerri of Olathe; seven great-grandchildren, Ethan, Nova, Blair, Marie, Camden, Derek, and Quincy; brother-In-Law, Frank Sisel of Raytown, Missouri, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ptacek; parents, James and Amelia Cermak; and two infant sons; and sister, Rosalyn Sisel.

Doris worked hard, loved her Lord Jesus and her family. Be encouraged by her legacy, live an inspired, spiritual and happy life as you did when she was living. Live each day with encouragement knowing that Doris is smiling down on you from Heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 21, 2019, at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wilson, Kansas, Father Matthew Chacko presiding.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 20, 2019 with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. with Vigil and Rosary Service at 7 p.m., all at the Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Wilson, Kansas.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or American Macular Degeneration Research Foundation (AMDF).

Norton – Ethel M. Dowling, 83, passed away Monday, January 14, 2019 at Norton Community Hospital, Norton, Kansas.

Ethel was born Oct. 1, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Otto and Mary (Cornelius) Amos.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Lawrence Amos and a great-grandchild.

Ethel is survived by her four daughters, Renne (James) Galgocy of Independence, Iowa, Roxanne (Bob) Williams of Eldora, Iowa, Claire Dowling  and Beth (Steve) Horney all of Norton; a sister, Elizabeth Anderson of Largo, Florida; two grandchildren, Sara Barnes of Independence, Iowa, Kenneth Barnes of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and ten great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 3:00 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Norton, Kansas. Immediately following mass there will be a dinner at the church parish hall.  There will not be a public visitation as cremation was chosen. Memorials may be given to the Andbe Home, 201 W. Crane St., Norton, KS  67654 and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

James E. McReynolds, 88, of Concordia, Kansas (formerly of Osborne, Kansas) died on Sunday, January 13, at Cloud County Health Center, Concordia, Kansas.  He was born in Osborne County, Kansas, on Feb. 12, 1930 to Alfred C. and Bessie (Porter) McReynolds.  Jim was one of several children.

James graduated from high school. He was an elevator manager for Midway Co-op in Osborne for 30 years.

On Sept. 12, 1954, James married Merna D. Kaser at the Osborne Christian Church.  They lived on a farm in the Covert area until they moved to Osborne in 1961.  In August 2013, they moved to Concordia to live at Sunset Assisted Living.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Merna in 2015; a daughter, Darla Keever in 2012; one great-grandson.

James is survived by a daughter, Dana (Bob) Hollerich of Tipton, Kansas; three sons: Daniel (Sheila) McReynolds of Concordia; Dwight (Deb) McReynolds of Alton, Kansas; Darwin (Tressie) McReynolds of Kensington, Kansas; sister: Rebecca Adcock of Osborne; brother: Robert McReynolds of Westminster, Colorado; 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

GARDEN CITY — Terry K. Gigot, 74, died on Monday, January 14, 2019 at St Catherine Hospital in Garden City. He was born on June 17, 1944 at Garden City the son of Clarence Joseph and Velma Irene (McLinn) Gigot.

He married Connie Jo Ray on Oct. 27, 1961 at Dodge City. She died on May 11, 2017.

Terry attended Plymell School and graduated from Garden City High School. While in school he was involved with showing livestock with 4-H and Future Farmers of America. After his schooling he started farming with his brother Jerry.

In 1965 after the first sprinkler was put in the sandhills he and his brothers formed Gigot Irrigation and Circle Land Company. They then formed Circle Feeders while also being involved with WW Feeders which later became Gigot Feeders. When they reached over 500 circle of corn they formed Maxima Fertilizer and later sold it to Helena. Then they started Southwest Corn Elevators to market their corn crop.

Terry did public speaking about the irrigation business and the brothers hosted international groups to educate them on irrigation. Away from work Terry’s passion was racing, he raced motorcross, snowmobiles, micro midgets, sprint cars and drag racing all across the Midwest.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two brothers — Jerry Gigot and Dean Gigot.

He is survived by his daughter-Kim Stanford of Prairie Village, son- Kevin Gigot of Garden City, two brothers- Mike Gigot and Jeff Gigot both of Garden City, two sisters- Marjorie Van Camp of Topeka and Jennifer Priddy of Garden City and five grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Presbyterian Church in Garden City with Rev Denise Pass officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Memorials are suggested to St. Catherine Hospice in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Garnand Funeral Home, 412 North Seventh, Garden City, KS 67839, 620-276-3219