Kent Lee Chesney – proud father, jovial grandpa, lover of animals, and good friend of many –died December 15, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center at the age of 71.

Kent was born October 18, 1947, in Stockton, Kansas to Warren Kent and Wanda Zee Chesney. Always a joker and prankster, he graduated from Woodston High School in 1965. Later, while working on a custom cutting crew, he was one of many Rooks County farmers who brought home and married a North Dakota girl. During his short marriage to Sandra Hackett Rogers, his first two children, Phillip and Angie were born. In approximately 1967, he joined the United States Navy. During his 4-year service to his country, he was a “plank owner” in the commissioning crew of the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. He told tales of his escapades in such foreign lands as Greece and the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1976, Kent married the love of his life, Susan Renee Baxter. Sue added to the family her daughter, Monica, and they later had two sons, Andy and Scott. For more than 20 years, he worked from dawn to dusk as a farmer, ranch hand, and cattle foreman. But together, Kent and Sue also lived life to its fullest. They loved to eat and dance at the Branding Iron in Speed, Kansas every weekend, where they gained some of their closest friends.

In 1998, he cheated death the first time when he suffered a serious farming accident. After months of multiple surgeries and therapies, he surprised his family at Christmas 1998 by standing from his wheelchair. Although he never farmed again, he found a renewed dedication to his family and threw himself into a new passion – foster care.

Kent and Sue opened their home to their first foster children in the early 2000’s. Numerous children came to the Chesney house during traumatic times in their lives, to find themselves a bit of stability and a warm welcome into the family, regardless of their length of stay. Kent and Sue decorated and redecorated bedrooms in an attempt to make each child feel at home. In approximately 2005, two young sisters arrived at the ages of 3 and 6. After years of loving the girls as their own, the bond Kent and Sue felt in their hearts became official when Marisa and Allie were adopted in 2007.

In 2013, Kent’s life took another daunting turn when Sue died unexpectedly. Faced with life as the single dad of two preteen girls, he threw himself into the daily care of his young daughters. Unfortunately, life only became more difficult when just weeks into single fatherhood, he was faced with a life-threatening medical condition. Although he spent months in and out of hospitals, with help from friends and family, he eventually overcame that year’s challenges.

Kent’s recognizable belly was a literal billboard for his favorite one-liners, worn on his beloved t-shirts. Very seldom was he seen without a crazy shirt – whether it was around Stockton, at a doctor’s appointment, or even at his grandson’s wedding rehearsal. He loved the chickens, ducks, peacocks, and donkeys he accumulated at his “Bet Your Sweet A** Farm”, and hardly profited from the sale of his fresh eggs, because he so willingly shared them with his favorite friends.

Kent is survived by his seven children: Monica Engelhardt of Salina; Phillip (Wendy) Chesney of Quincy, Illinois; Angie (Mark) Coble of Salina; Andy (Kim) Chesney of Wichita; Scott (Brooklyn) Chesney of Pratt; and Marisa and Allie Chesney of Stockton. He is also survived by many grandchildren who love him: McKentzee Engelhardt; Tyler, Taite (Kylie), Timeri, and Trevor Herrington; his namesake Kent, Kalin, and Kolton Chesney; David, Derek, Danae, Dylan, Ava, and Daron Chesney; Stefan and Logan Coble; and Grace Godsey and Sophie (RG) Yule. Some of his greatest smiles also came from spending time with his young great-grandchildren, Avah Engelhardt and Jeremiah Herrington. He is also survived by his siblings, Keith (Patty) Chesney of Woodston; Kevin (Sherri) Chesney of Santa Maria, California; and Judy (Steve) Blecha of Woodston, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and multiple cousins. He also leaves behind countless numbers of friends whose lives were undoubtedly enriched by his easy grin and teasing nature.

Kent was unique in his beliefs and requested no formal visitation or church services. His explicit instructions to his children regarding the content of his funeral have been heeded. A celebration of Kent’s life will be held at the Stockton City Hall at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 21. Lunch will follow, and a graveside service is planned for 2:00 p.m. at the Survey Cemetery south of Woodston. Memorials may be made to the Allie and Marisa Chesney Educational Fund and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Georgine Agnes (Jacobs) Fisher passed away December 15, 2018 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 94. She was born July 2, 1924 to John and Regina (Bieker) Jacobs in Ellis County, Kansas. Georgine married Alfred J. Fisher on August 23, 1943 in Antonio, Kansas. They were blessed with six children: Fred, Gary, June, Melba, Connie, and Jean.

Georgine was one of eight siblings growing up in Palco. She attended eight years of school at the Good Hope Rural School by Antonio. Georgine was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ladies Guild, St. Ann’s Sodality, and Palco Library Board. She kept busy early on at home raising her children and later as a line worker for Travenol in Hays for fifteen years. Georgine loved gardening, canning, and baking. She was famous for her cookies and pies which she sold in various restaurants and places in Palco. She enjoyed crafting with Alfred, exercising, and cooking fried chicken for all her family every Sunday. Her last couple of years she could often be found at Dairy Queen eating her favorite meal of chicken strips and barbeque sauce.

Left to cherish Georgine’s memory are her children Fred Fisher and wife Terry of Plainville, June Mongeau and husband Keith of Plainville, Melba Hammerschmidt and husband Leon of Plainville, Connie Keller and husband Dennis of Zurich, and Jean Larsen and husband Donald of Russell; daughter-in-law Connie Fisher of Plainville; sisters-in-law Gladys Jacobs of Colorado and Elsie Jacobs of Overland Park; 22 grandchildren, Marla Jones (Doug), Sandy Keller (Norman), Jamie Hammerschmidt (Denise), Kelli Hansen (Chris), Amanda Mayo (Mitch), Nicole Dopita (Tony), Troy Fisher, Todd Fisher, Tory Fisher, Tyler Fisher, Laurie Augustine (Craig), Matt Mongeau (Janelle), Scott Mongeau (Karen), Travis Larsen (Darlene), Jennifer Pfannenstiel (Jake), Tony Fisher (Krystal), Chris Fisher (Stephanie), Amy Dumler (Todd), Sara Gier (Ryan), Jeff Keller (Lacey), Justin Keller, and Josh Keller (Andrea); 52 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Georgine is preceded in death by her parents John and Regina Jacobs; husband Alfred Fisher; son Gary Fisher; grandson Brandon Larsen; great-grandson Acetin Benedick; sisters Alma Leiker, Vera Milke, Betty Werth, Janice Kaba, Joyce Jacobs; and brothers Vernon Jacobs and Harvey Jacobs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Pleasantview Cemetery in rural Palco. Visitation will be Tuesday, 1:00 to 8:00 P.M. with the family receiving friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., a Ladies Guild Rosary at 3:00 P.M., and Vigil Service and Rosary at 7:00 P.M. all at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Palco Public Library or Sacred Heart School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.

Georgine will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will never be forgotten. For to each one of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving her, she leaves a legacy of true kindness, deep caring, and devoted love.

Garfield – James “Jim” D. Appel, 58, passed away December 16, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS.

He was born September 27, 1960 in Kinsley, KS, the son of Kenneth George Herman and Martha Price Appel. A lifetime area resident, he was a farmer.

He was of the Lutheran faith.

Survivors include: two daughters, Jana (Dustin) Weiszbrod, Manhattan, KS, Jaime Appel, Alexandria, VA; six sisters, Cynthia L. Johnson, Atlanta, GA, Ginger L. Merlau, Wichita, KS, Jeanette S. Appel, Plano, TX, Jo Ann (Murry) Key, Henryetta, OK, Janice K. (Dan) Hammonds, Piedmont, OK, Judi L. (Jim) Allison, Delphos, KS; two grandchildren, Ethan and Ellie.

He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Martha Jayne Appel.

Private family graveside service will be held at the Garfield Cemetery, Garfield, KS, with Rev. Rita Gagelman presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, KS.

Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.

Lillian Ida Stoppel, 89, of Osborne, KS passed away on December 15, 2018 at the Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS. Lillian was born on May 5, 1929 to Rev. Andrew & Ida (Henne) Schempp in Bruneville, Iowa.

Lillian completed 12th grade. Lillian and her late husband, Dale, were married for 62 years. To this union, 3 children were born. Lillian was a farm wife, and for many years she worked as a clerk at Ridgway Drug in Osborne, KS. She was a faithful member of the Faith Luthern Church of Osborne.

Lillian moved off the farm in 2015 to live in Osborne. After 3 years of living in Osborne, she moved to Salina, KS just recently to be close to her brother.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents & husband, Dale (2011). She is survived by 3 sons: Larry of Washington, KS; Mark of Ballwin, MO; Thomas of Hillsboro, KS; sister: Eunice Prediger of Dorrance, KS; brother: Andrew Schempp Jr., of Salina, KS; 7 grandchildren & 5 great-grandchildren.

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Kathleen “Kay” Mae (Rajewski) Sander, 87, went to meet her Lord, December 13, 2018, passing away at Kansas Medical Center in Andover. She was born January 29, 1931, on the farm at Vincent Kansas, to Leo B. and Anna H. (Huser) Rajewski. She attended Vincent School through the 8th grade and graduated from Victoria High School in 1949.

On June 14, 1949, she married Gilbert F. Sander at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Vincent. They lived in Victoria, Salina, Hays and Plainville before settling in Great Bend in 1955. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She was very active in the St. Rose Altar Society where she was instrumental in starting the funeral luncheon committee. She was also credited with founding the St. Monica’s Sewing Circle in 1972 with the help of friends. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, joining in Victoria in 1947 then transferring to the Great Bend circle in 1955. She dedicated much of her free time to many other church organizations and committees.

Kay loved gardening and spending time in her many flowerbeds. She also loved to quilt and made personalized quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her passion for many years was collecting information for her family’s genealogy. The family tree was on display at many reunions and was available to the families.

Survivors include, husband, Gilbert F. Sander of the home; four children, Debbie Ann Sander Walker of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Glen Sander and wife Becky of Great Bend, Mark Sander and wife Vicki of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Kirk Sander and wife Joan of Great Bend; eight grandchildren, Debbie’s son, Cameron Andreas Sander Walker and wife Patricia of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Glen’s children, Andrea and husband Joe Babb of Wichita, Mathew Sander of Wichita and Tyler Sander and wife Elizabeth of Great Bend, Bert’s daughter, Stephanie Hamm, Kirk’s daughters, Monica and husband Anthony Kruse of Wichita, Nicole and husband Justin Tracy of Great Bend and Brandi Dawn Sander of Great Bend; 13 great-grandchildren, Noah Aaron and Scott Henry Walker, Blaize and Brecken Babb, Tatum, Jordan and Cameron Sander, Haily O’Donnell and Noah Hamm, Nathan, Braden and Madelyn Kruse and Jack, Logan and Ella Rose Tracy; two brothers, Howard L. Rajewski and wife Aquina of Vincent and Delando F. Rajewski and wife Donna of Arvada, Colorado; sister-in-law, Clairnelle Rajewski of Wichita. She was preceded in death by a son Bert, infant daughter Yvonne Amy, three infant angels, two sisters and their husbands, Marceline and Gilbert J. Denning of Great Bend and Juliana and Victor J. Dinkel of Brownell.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and Vigil and Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 20, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Stockton resident Tommy “Butch” McLaughlin passed away December 14, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS, at the age of 64. He was born December 8, 1954 in Smith Center, KS, the son of Tom & Lola (McQueen) McLaughlin.

Survivors include his wife Barbara of the home; 3 daughters: Laura Betty of Pueblo, CO, Wendy Walker and Jamie Becker of Stockton & 7 grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, Stockton, with Pastor Nick Talbott officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Butch McLaughlin Memorial Fund.

Friends may sign the book at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Charles Patrick “Pat” Carroll, 77, of Atwood, went to meet the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, Kansas. He was born September 17, 1941 to Charles Miles Carroll and Angela “Violet” Meloragno-Lombardi in Denver, Colorado.

Pat attended Mount Carmel Catholic School in Denver where he was a three sport athlete, who excelled in football as a linebacker and baseball as a catcher. He also sang in a band, the Rivieras, who earned an invitation to American Bandstand. Pat graduated in 1959 and later joined the Marine Reserves, where he set a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) target shooting record in basic training while stationed in San Diego.

In April 1961, he met the love of his life, Magdalene “Madge” Horinek on a blind date. They wed in October of that same year. To this blessed union were born seven children.

Pat truly loved sports throughout his lifetime, playing years of both fast-pitch and, later slow-pitch softball well into his sixties. He was the award-winning sportswriter of “Dago’s Sports Shots” for the Citizen Patriot/Rawlins County Square Deal for over 40 years, covering his beloved Atwood/Rawlins County Buffaloes for the entirety of his career. He was also a well-respected and accomplished District Magistrate Judge for over 20 years, lauded by all for his fairness and understanding.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Madge, of the home; daughter Gina (Ron) Montgomery of Jennings; sons, Craig (Jackie) of Colby; Rodney of Atwood; Christopher (Nicki) of Colby; Tim of Dodge City; Roman (Katrina) of Goodland; brothers Billy (MaryAnn) Lombardi, Jeff (Sandy) Carroll all of Denver and Miles (Ruth) Carroll of Yuma, AZ; 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way), and many other relatives and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents, his son Keith, sister Kathy, brother Gary, grandparents, wife’s parents and five brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec 18 at Sacred Heart Church, Atwood, with burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery, also in Atwood. Memorials may be made to the Atwood Recreation Department, specifically the baseball/softball diamonds and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS, 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Rosemary “Rosie” Schulte, age 91, of Victoria, Kansas died Friday, December 14, 2018, at Homestead Assisted Living in Hays, Kansas.

She was born August 23, 1927, in Victoria, Kansas to Edgar F. and Lydia (Staab) Brungardt. She married Melvin J. “Meff” Gross on January 29, 1950, at West Covina, California. He preceded her in death on September 1, 1957. She then married Denis M. Schulte on May 2, 1964, at Victoria, Kansas. He preceded her in death on October 6, 2013.

She was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife. She worked at St. John’s Rest Home in Victoria, Kansas for over 35 years as a Social Services Director and Pastoral Care Director. She received her Social Services Designee and her C N A from Barton County Community College. She was a 1945 Graduate of Victoria High School and was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Christian Mothers, Daughters of Isabella and V.F.W. Auxiliary Post No. 1751 all of Victoria, Kansas. Rosie enjoyed cooking, making hatsya “heart cookies”, gardening, traveling and her family.

Survivors include three sons, John Gross and wife, Linda, Carlsbad, CA; Paul Gross and wife Diane, Gorham, KS; Tom Gross and wife, Aimee, Topeka, KS; two daughters, Lee Ann Hartwick and husband, Roger, Lawrence, KS; Rosanne “Rose” Kreller and husband, David, Manhattan, KS; two sisters-in-law, Betty Brungardt, Hays, KS; Delila Brungardt, Victoria, KS; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; two brothers, Frank Brungardt and wife, Twila; Eddie Brungardt; two sisters, Almeda Hoffman and husband, Albert; Betty Basgall and husband, Al.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis,
Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A V.F.W. Auxiliary memorial service/Christian Mothers and Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Monday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Monday and from 8:30 to 9:45 Tuesday all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to The Basilica of St. Fidelis or the Capuchin Franciscans.
Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

Larry R. Zerfas, age 76, of WaKeeney, passed away Nov 13, 2018 at Madisonville, Texas after a long battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 1, 1942, in Hays to Raymond and Flora Marie (Bowen) Zerfas. He graduated from Trego County High School in 1960. He married Jan Jacobs Jan. 28, 1961.

Survivors include a son, Brian Zerfas & companion Joann Fisher of Litchfield Park, Az., 2 daughters, Deb Jones and husband Tim of Tucson, Az. and Janet Bainter and companion Marlin Beougher, of Hoxie, Ks.; a sister, Connie Lynn and husband Vyrl of Cimarron, Ks.; 5 grandchildren Dylan, Brady, Tori, Katelyn, and Kaycie.

Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ellis United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67601

Memorials are suggested to The Ellis United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

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

Former Phillipsburg resident Clarissa A. Bretton passed away December 12, 2018 at the McPherson Health & Rehab in McPherson, KS at the age of 67. She was born April 7, 1951 in Concordia, KS, the daughter of Whitey & Clara (Staley) Benge.

Survivors include 2 sons; Brian Shrader of Phillipsburg and Wayne Shrader of New Castle, WY, 2 daughters; April & Angela Bretton of Smith Center, 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tues., December 18th at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarissa A. Bretton Memorial Fund.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.