Kay (Niernberger) Brandt, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, artist and gardener, age 69 of Highlands Ranch, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She was born to Leo and Lietta Niernberger on March 29, 1949, in Hays, Kansas. She married Jim “JB” Brandt on August 27, 1994.

In addition to her husband, Kay is survived by her son Ryan McMullen and his wife Staci; daughter Amber Tokle and her husband Brian; Jim’s children Barb Brandt and Scott Brandt; grandchildren Rylie McMullen, Jameson Tokle, Delanie McMullen, Lauren Brandt, Jack Tokle and Griffin Tokle; brother Nick Niernberger and his wife Pauletta; brother Greg “Skeeter” Niernberger and his wife Sue; sister Mary Ann Ross and her husband Dan; sister Jackie Bollig and late husband Rick; brother Mike Niernberger and his wife Steph; sister-in-law Deborah Hall and husband Ellsworth; and many cousins, nephews and nieces and their children.

Kay grew up in Hays, Kansas, and graduated from Marian High School. Shortly after she moved from Kansas to Colorado, she began her career as a store manager at Sears.  She worked there for many years and developed several friends for life. She met her beloved husband in 1992 and they were married in 1994 in the garden of their home that she had decorated beautifully. Kay spent her time attending to her gardens and found peace through painting, creating, and decorating. She adored the time with her family and loved to laugh with her grandkids. She spent as much time with her grandkids as she could, following their sporting events and performances at their schools. Her determination and attention to detail was admired by many. Through her battle and fight with cancer, she remained positive and was at peace with God. She will live in our hearts everyday and watch over us as our guardian angel.

A Celebration of Her Life for all those that loved her and wish to attend will be held Friday, January 4, 2019 at 11:00 am in Highlands Ranch, Colorado at St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 9203 S. University Blvd. A lunch reception at the church will immediately follow the memorial service.

Help the Gardens Grow! In memory of Kay, a fund has been set up for purchase of a tribute paver and donations to enhance and conserve the beauty of the gardens at the Denver Botanical Gardens.  Donations can be made through the Donate page on the website. Please note on the Tribute line and state, “In Memory of Kay Brandt”.   

https://flourish.botanicgardens.org/botanicgardensgiving

Jeffrey Keith Hague, age 34 of Bennington, Kansas formerly of Newtown, Missouri, died Sunday, December 30, 2018 in Oakley, Kansas, the result of a railroad accident. He was born January 27, 1984 in Kirksville, Missouri to Dale Keith and Kelly Kay (Wollenzien) Hague. He graduated from Newtown-Harris High School in 2002 where he was the Salutatorian. He then received an Associate’s degree from North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Missouri and then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Missouri Western University in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Jeffrey was working as a conductor with Union Pacific railroad. He loved to be outdoors especially hunting, fishing and doing farm work. He was very fond of his nephew, Marshall.

He is survived by his parents, Dale and Kelly Hague of Newtown, MO; his significant other and special friend, Sabrina Jones and her children, Tyler and Tydus Jones all of the home; a brother, Jason Hague and friend Lindsey Silvey of Pollock, MO; a sister, Krista Hague; a nephew, Marshall Hague all of Newtown, MO; his uncles, Dean (Linda) Hague, Don Hague all of Newtown, MO, Dan (Theresa) Wollenzien of Harris, MO; his aunts, Tracy Detwiler of New Port, RI, Susanne (Eddie) Crawford of Harris, MO and Melissa (Tony) Mcnear of Browning, MO; step grandfather, Richard Foster of Harris, MO; a step uncle, Steve Foster of Harris, MO as well as numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dale and Shirley Hague; his maternal grandparents, August Wollenzien and Carolyn Foster; a second cousin, Lexi Donna Boone.

Funeral services will be 1 PM Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Trenton, MO. Burial will follow in the Half Rock Cemetery in Half Rock, MO.

Visitation will be Wednesday January 2, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina, Kansas from 6 PM – 8 PM with a closing devotion at 7:45 PM. Friday visitation will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Trenton, MO from 6 PM – 8 PM.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601 and in Missouri by Roberson Funeral Home 305 N. Broadway Princeton, MO 64673

Memorials are suggested to the Half Rock Cemetery Fund or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Trenton.

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

Larned – William Landon Winkler, 83, passed away December 28, 2018 at Banner Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ. He was born January 19, 1935 to Harry and Ada Patterson Winkler of Rozel, KS. Bill married Edith Mae Schultz in September 1958. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at a reception with family and friends, and renewed their vows to Bill’s surprise.

Bill grew up working on the family farm where his love for plaid shirts undoubtedly started. He graduated from Rozel High School in 1953 at the top of his class of 12. Following high school Bill served in the U.S. Army and made a lifelong friend of Bill Conaway while stationed at Fort Riley. Bill often remarked that his Army career consisted of digging holes and filling them back up at his Sargent’s pleasure.

Bill worked in plumbing with his father-in-law, Vernon Schultz, for a short time before realizing that he did not like small crawl spaces and spider webs. He became a licensed mental health aide and worked at Larned State Hospital for 28 years before happily retiring.

Bill loved his family and was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He was also passionate about Chevrolet cars. He enjoyed his time working on them, racing them and performing general maintenance on them. Bill was also an avid NASCAR fan and made several cross country trips to attend races. When Bill wasn’t visiting his friends at Dwight Shank Auto, Reed Pharmacy, and the Welcome Inn, he could often be found “dragging the gut”.

Bill is survived by his wife Edith Mae; their daughters, Cyndi (Brant) Carroll, Amherst, NH and Connie Winkler, Great Bend, KS; his sister Nada (Larry) Marshall, Fredericksburg, VA; three grandchildren, Blair and Quinn Carroll, and Landon Winkler; and two nephews, Brent (Lyn) and Alan (Wendy) Marshall.

A memorial service will be held at Beckwith Mortuary in Larned, KS in May.

Lois Hubert died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, in Colby, Kansas. Hubert was born March 5, 1926.

Services are pending with Baalmann Mortuary, 304 E. 8th St., Oakley, Kansas and officiant Rev. Michael Brockman.

Norma Jean (Schropp) Lewis was born on March 20, 1925 to Max M. and Ida F. (Davis) Schropp on the McCartney farm in Sheridan County, Kansas and departed her earthly life at the Sheridan County Heath Complex, Hoxie, Kansas on December 29, 2018 at the age of 93. Norma Jean spent her childhood with her parents and brother, Rex on a farm southeast of Hoxie. She attended grade school at Mosier School, District 76 and high school at Sheridan Community High School graduating with the class of 1943. She worked two years as an office secretary at the high school.

Norma Jean married Gerald Dee Lewis on May 1, 1945 when he returned to the United States from overseas. Following his discharged from the Army, they lived on a farm northeast of Hoxie and raised their children, Deanna, Tim, and Dan. They moved to Hoxie in December of 1988 where they resided until her death.

Norma Jean attended Tasco Presbyterian Church as a youth. Later she became a member, Sunday School Teacher, and Ruling Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Hoxie serving her Lord in the church and the community. She belonged to Bow Creek FCE and Sheridan County Historical Society and Monday night Bible Study. Norma Jean was a volunteer for the Historical Society, the Swap Shop, and played piano for worship at Ridgewood Manor and the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care.

Norma Jean and Dee began attending high school wrestling in the mid 50’s and continued to support each team since that time. They have enjoyed their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren and sports events through the years.
Those left to morn her passing are her daughter, Deanna Kness and husband Larry of Apache Junction, Arizona; sons, Tim Lewis and wife Kristine of Concordia, Kansas and Dan Lewis and wife Gail of Dresden, Kansas; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Bonnie Schropp of Amarillo, Texas; and other relatives and friends.

Norma Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Dee Lewis; parents, Max and Ida Schropp; a granddaughter, Karen Lynn Lewis; brother, Rex Schropp; and her father-in-law and mother–in-law, Glen and Reta Lewis.

A funeral service is planned for Friday, January 4, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church of Hoxie, Kansas, at 10:30 A.M., Reverend Dixie Anders presiding. Burial will follow in the Hoxie City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas, on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers,the family suggests memorials to the First Presbyterian Church of Hoxie, Sheridan County Historical Society, or the Hoxie High School Wrestling Program and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

LaVerne Eugene Nettleingham, 95, died December 31, 2018, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born February 12, 1923, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Guy LaVerne and Amelia Lucille (Nuss) Nettleingham.

On May 17, 1948, he married Gladys Ehrlich at the Emmaus Lutheran Church in Hoisington.

A lifetime resident of rural Galatia, LaVerne was a farmer and a cattleman.

LaVerne had a strong faith and was a longtime member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Hoisington. LaVerne loved to farm, especially driving the tractor, and did so up until his 90th birthday. He was also a big fan of pro wrestling cheering on his favorite wrestlers. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gladys Nettleingham of the home; children, Kent Nettleingham and Kevin Nettleingham both of Galatia, and Colette Keeler and husband Ray of Great Bend; son-in-law, Steve Bilyew of Claflin; eight grandchildren, three step grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, six step great grandchildren, and one step great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Coleen Bilyew, daughter-in-law, Suzy Nettleingham, brother, Albert Nettleingham, and a sister, Marlene Morrison.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2018, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Hoisington, with Reverend Gary Wolf presiding. Burial will follow in Hoisington City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Ruth Alverda Mai, 94, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, December 30, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Ruth was born on October 12, 1924, in Russell County, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Amelia (Karst) Nuss. She grew up in the Russell area and attended local schools. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Bernard Mai on February 06, 1944, in Russell, Kansas. Her beloved husband passed away on April 02, 2003. She was the owner and operator of Star Cleaners for over 20 years. She also was owner and operator of B & R Tailors as a seamstress. She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. She was also a member of the Russell V.F.W. and America Legion Auxiliaries and was also a past president of the V.F.W. auxiliary. She enjoyed polka music, dancing with her husband, yard work, cooking and sewing.

Surviving family include her brother Leland Nuss and wife Francis of Russell, Kansas; sister in-laws Deloris Nuss and Velda Nuss of Russell, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Delmar, Earlin and Eugene Nuss.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, January 03, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis Officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. Wednesday, January 02, 2019, at the mortuary. Family will greet guests the day of the funeral.

Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Barbara Ann “Bobbi” Parsons, 86, Hays, was reunited in Heaven with many loved ones on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Bobbi was born October 24, 1932 in Wichita, Kansas. She and her two siblings, Anona and Eldon “Don” were raised by their parents, Willis K. and Anna M. Myers. Bobbi was much younger than her two siblings so she was doted on by her family. She had a very happy childhood with many fond memories.

In 1951, she graduated from Mount Carmel Academy High School in Wichita. She was a devout Catholic. Bobbi met Richard Parsons and they married on October 10, 1953 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wichita. They were blessed with three girls; Karen, Pamela, and Jennifer. They moved to Hays in 1964.

Bobbi was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, chairing many positions and serving as Kansas Master chairperson. She enjoyed many long-lasting friendships through this organization. Bobbi loved sewing and quilting and made many costumes over the years for her own children, grandchildren, and the theatre. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker, kept a lovely home, and had quite a knack for decorating. Bobbi had a love of animals (small dogs) and there was always a beloved pet in her life… Penny and Rudy to name a couple. These dogs were so lucky to be cared for and loved by her.

She had an incredible work ethic and volunteered for many organizations (Community Assistance Center and local book store, just to name a couple). She was known and loved by so many in her community. Bobbi wore many hats over the years. (She had a collection of old hats, too!) She worked at the Topeka State Bank, Consumer’s Finance Company, Ann’s Dress Shop on Main Street, was secretary/receptionist at Ellner-Bickle Realty, and the manager of Rainbow Bread Store.

In 2011 Bobbi was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer’s. She moved to Cedar View in 2015 and then to Via Christi for the last year of her life, where she was taken care of lovingly by her eldest daughter, Karen.

Survivors include her husband Richard of Hays, three daughters; Karen Allen and husband Stan of Hays, Pamela Brady and husband Pat of Tomball, TX, and Jennifer Kruger and husband Kelly of Thornton, CO, seven grandchildren; Alyson, Rebecca, Brenna, Jessica, Jordan, Kelsey, and Luke, and five great grandchildren; Xavier, Chloe, Ellis, Tessa, and Jack.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Don, and sister Anona.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, January 4, 2019 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time on Friday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date in Pioneer Cemetery, Cheney, KS.

Memorials are suggested to the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home or the Community Assistance Center, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Bobbi may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Larned — Cecilia Maxine Ackerman passed away Dec. 29, 2018 in San Angelo, Texas.

Maxine was born on July 27, 1922 in Plevna, Kansas, to Leo and Bertha Brown. She was the oldest of four children, including Robert Brown and twins, Arlene and Darlene Brown.

She married Wayne (Jack) Ackerman in 1939 with whom she had eight children: Larry, Linda, Cynthia, Connie, Thomas, Kathryn, Barbara and Michael.

She was a lifelong resident of Larned, Kansas, who retired from Larned State Hospital where she worked as an arts and crafts coordinator for several years. She was also a life-long member of Sacred Heart Parish and was in the first graduating class of Sacred Heart Parochial School.

Maxine was an accomplished artist and gardener. She excelled in stained glass, wood carving and green lawns, enjoying the hours and hours of time she put into all her passions.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack, children Michael, Barbara, and Linda.

She is survived by sons, Larry (Bea) Ackerman, Lady Lake, Florida, and Thomas (Deana) Ackerman, Hutchinson, Kansas; daughters Cynthia Garvey, Metarie, Louisiana; Connie (Lloyd) Blakely, San Angelo, Texas, and Kathryn (Charlie) Beach, San Angelo, Texas; son-in-laws Lynn Salmans, Claremore, Oklahoma, and Nolan Eakin, Larned, Kansas, plus 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Bernard Felix presiding. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary. Interment will be in Larned Cemetery, Larned.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.