Nancy Jane Balloun, 90, died on December 15, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, with Pastor Ezekiel Koech officiating. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at the mortuary, with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening.
Memorials may be made to the Russell County Food Pantry and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
Charles E. “Chuck” Vsetecka, age 96, of Victoria, KS, passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018 at Via Christi Village-Hays.
He was born on July 10, 1922 in Sargent, NE to Frank and Rose (Seda) Vsetecka. On August 27, 1946 he was united in marriage to Estelle M. Schmidtberger. To this union they had three children. Estelle passed away on May 1, 1976 after 29 years of marriage. Chuck then found love again and married Leona J. (Herrman)-Schuckman on June 17, 1977. To this union brought four step-children. Leona passed away on November 6, 2018 after 41 years of marriage.
Chuck retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSSgt) from the United States Air Force. He enlisted during World War II and also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was very proud of his military career. After retirement from the military, he was a Crop Adjuster for the Cimarron Insurance Company. He enjoyed farming as well as assisting area farmers with their crop insurance needs. Chuck was an avid gardener. His backyard would be full of fruits and vegetables during the summer and fall months. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and would spend time dancing to polka music at the dance halls on the weekends. Above all, Chuck admired his family. From family barbecues and holidays, he loved being around his family and enjoying a cold beverage. His grandchildren would always refer to him as, “PoPo.” He will be dearly missed by his family.
Chuck’s memberships included, The Basilica of St. Fidelis Catholic Church, VFW Post #1751 & Past Commander, Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree and Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly all of Victoria. He was a member of the American Legion of Hays and a member of AFA-Air Force Association. He served on the City of Victoria from 1980-1987.
Survivors include one son, Charles F. Vsetecka of Almena, KS; two daughters, Cheryl McNamara of Bonner Springs, KS and Michelle Schuckman and her husband Dominic of Newton, KS; two step-sons, Dominic Schuckman and his wife Michelle of Newton, KS and Samuel Schuckman of Ashville, NC; two step-daughters, Theresa Wasinger and her husband John of Hays and Martha Boardman and her husband Rob of Hays; 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and a loving extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Estelle M. Vsetecka and second wife, Leona J. Vsetecka; one brother, Frank “Swede” Vsetecka; three sisters, Rose Pechanec, Bessie Swanek and Mary Cecil.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 A.M., December 19, 2018 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria. Burial will follow with military honors provided by the Victoria VFW Post #1751 at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.
Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday and from 9:30 to 10:45 A.M., Wednesday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main St. in Victoria.
A combined Victoria VFW, Knights of Columbus 3rd & 4th Degree and Christian Mothers rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M., followed by a parish vigil service at 7:15 P.M., all at the mortuary on Tuesday. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 6:30-7:30 P.M.
Memorial contributions can be made in his loving memory to DAV-Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Contributions can be mailed or left with the mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.
Condolences can be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].
Dean L. Gawith, 88, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 in Colby, Kansas. He was born Dec. 31, 1930.
Visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 17, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Baalmann Mortuary, 190 S. Franklin Ave., Colby.
Services are Wed., Dec. 19, 1:30 p.m. at Dresden Church, 100 Kansas Ave., Dresden, Kansas, with officiant Pastor Ed Woods. Burial is in Dresden Cemetery.
Cathy Lewis, age 66, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018 in Great Bend, Kansas.
She was born on July 10, 1952 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Bruce E. & Patricia Greenlee Lewis. She was a Scott County High School graduate.
Survivors include her Two Brothers – Bill & Lonnie Lewis of Scott City, Kansas, Gil & Liz Lewis of Scott City, Kansas and One Sister – Lisa & Kelly Crist of Scott City, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons – Shiloah Norton & Sky Norton.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 21, 2018 at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.
Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be made to the Cathy Lewis Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.
Randy Barry “Big Bear” Madden, son of James Madden and Gail (Barry) Rhodes, was born July 31, 1976, in Monticello, Utah, and passed away at the Norton County Hospital in Norton, Kansas, on December 13, 2018, at the age of 42.
Barry lived in Utah with his family until 1988, when they moved to Norton, where he graduated from the Norton Community High School. Barry was an employee with the City of Norton.
Barry had many interests including, hunting, fishing, and collecting movies. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and was involved with the races at the Elmwood race track in Norton. His favorite times were spent barbequing and camping with family and friends.
Survivors include: his mother, Gail Rhodes, of Norton; one daughter, Hannah Marie Madden, Hoxie, Kansas; one brother, Michael (Jessica) Madden, Norton; one sister, Ciri (Dan) Eagleburger, Hoxie; three nephews, three nieces, two great-nephews, and three great-nieces; other relatives and many friends.
Barry was preceded in death by his step-father, David Rhodes, and his grandparents, Bob and Leota Barry, Doleras Scarlet and Bob Madden.
MEMORIAL SERVICE – Saturday, December 29, 2018—10:30 a.m.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main – Norton, KS
INURNMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, KS
VISITATION – Friday, December 28, 2018 – 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
MEMORIAL – Barry Madden Memorial Fund
Susan L. Woodring, 64, passed away suddenly on November 19, 2018 at McPherson Hospital.
Susan was born February 25, 1954, in Phillipsburg, Kansas to Richard “Dick” and Dorothy (Marsh) Woodring. She graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1972. Susan worked at Hospira for 15 years before retiring in 2009. She loved the Kansas City Chiefs and the University of Kansas Jayhawk Basketball teams. Susan loved to do puzzles and had a very big heart for animals.
She is survived by: her brothers, Joe Scott and wife, Donna, Vic Scott and wife, Lori; sister-in-law, Sue Ann Woodring; nephews, Richard “Rich” Woodring and wife, Suzie, and their kids, Sarah and Shaylie, Kelly Woodring; and niece Sharro Jo Woodring. She is also survived by her husband, Jim Geren and his children, Brenda Hoffman and husband, Tom, Allen Geren and wife, Susan, and Kevin Geren and wife, Janet. Susan was an awesome grandmother to Casey Haines and his children, Teegan and Gabriella Haines; Kylie and Josh Fenstermaker and their children, Krysten, Alexis, Emmalyn and Makenlee, and grandson Tyler Peterson. She is also survived by her best friend of 55 years, Karen Smith; and special friends, Rita Hopson and Cathy DeWitt.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard “Rick” Woodring.
At her request, there will be no services and cremation has taken place. Memorials may be sent to McPherson Humane Society in care of Stockham Funeral Home at 205 N Chestnut St, McPherson, KS 67460.
Judy Kay Zimmer was born on June 4, 1944 in Concordia, Kansas. She passed away on December 11, 2018 at her home in Randall, Kansas at the age of 74 years.
Judy graduated from Randall High School in 1962 and from Brown Mackie in 1963. On January 19, 1964, she married Roger Zimmer. Two daughters were born from this marriage Sandra Lea and Angela Joye.
Judy was a loving mother and homemaker while her children were at home. Before her children were born she worked for the Jamestown Bank. When her children completed high school she worked in retail sales as a bookkeeper and sales associate in different retail stores in Concordia. She was retired at the time of her death.
She was a member of the Randall Community Church and shared the word of God with those around her.
Judy was preceded in death by her father, Carl McElroy.
Judy is survived by her mother Opal McElroy; sister, Carol Flinn and husband Larry of Lebanon, MO; daughters, Sandra Henningsen and husband Russ of Hays, KS, and Angela Dreher of Topeka, KS; five grandchildren, Trevor Henningsen, Garden City, KS, Trenton Henningsen, Hays, KS, Ashton, Austin, and Ashley Dreher of Topeka; nephews, Shawn Kibbe and wife Sharon of Sabetha, KS, Jason Kibbe of Lawrence, and Jeremy Stover and wife Karl Dawn of Beloit.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, December 14 at the Randall Cemetery. The casket will remain closed & there will be no visitation. Memorials may be given to Heart Choices or the Randall Community Church.
Robert Wayne Miller, age 84, passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on March 19, 1934 in Stamford, Texas, the son of Lewis Oliver and Ila Lynn Corley Miller. A resident of Scott City, Kansas, since February of 2018 moving from Oberlin, Kansas, he was retired from the motion picture industry.
After High School, Robert was recruited by Washington State to play football. From there, he went on to play two years for the Los Angeles Rams. Following an injury he worked as a Key Grip in the movie studios, working on many westerns and movies such as “Deliverance” and “El Dorado” as well as the “Star Trek” TV series and many, many, commercials. He also had a great love for the outdoors and spent many hours hunting and fishing, was a collector of antiques and loved watching college football, especially his Washington State Cougars. He was known for his story telling and will be greatly missed by his family.
Survivors include his wife Elaine of Scott City, two sons, Robert Jr.(Bo) and wife Carla of Northridge, California, Tom and wife Carol of Ennis, Montana, two daughters, Debra Tuttle and husband Jon of Scott City and Tara O’Dell and husband Mike of McCook, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, a half-brother Dean Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Lee and a brother Louis. Robert graduated from Canoga Park High School, Canoga Park, California in 1952. Robert married Elaine A. Sager on July 18, 1953 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Funeral Services will be held at a later date and time.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Robert Miller Memorial fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.
Arlene E. Hanzlicek, 94, of Salina, passed away, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. She was born Sept. 25, 1924, in Claflin, to Charles and Ella Lingo. Arlene married Ernie Hanzlicek in 1947, in Wilson. After moving to Salina, she worked for USD 305 food service for over 30 years.
She is survived by: her husband of 71 years, Ernie; son, Dale Hanzlicek (Edna) of Newton; grandchildren, Kyle Hanzlicek (Katie) of Hesston, and Kristen Hajek (Darrin) of Lost Springs; great-grandchildren, Greyson Hanzlicek, and Dayton and Karston Hajek; sister, Pauline Branda (Don) of Hays; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Ronnie Hanzlicek; and brothers, Eldon and Lee.
Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at Trinity United Methodist Church, with burial following in Roselawn Cemetery.
Memorials to Trinity United Methodist Church in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Nita Louise (Culley) Lambert, age 74, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS.
She was born February 29, 1944 in Omaha, NE to Charles and Elaine (Walden) Culley. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband Dennis of Thornburg, KS; sons Andy (Betsy) of Bethany, OK, Tim (Roxie) of Lindsborg, KS, Chuck (Kim) of Hutchinson, KS and John of Smith Center, KS; daughter Jodi (Brian) Fish of Arnold, MD; brothers Chuck (Barbara) Culley of Salina, KS and John (Linda) Culley of Concordia, KS and 21 grandchildren.
Burdett – Larry E. Dixon, 79, passed away December 12, 2018 at Kansas Soldier’s Home, Dodge City.
He was born October 25, 1939 in Telluride, Colorado, the son of Edward H. and Berniece Pauline Powell Dixon. A longtime area resident he worked in the nursing field.
He was of the Christian faith; he was an EMT for Burdett EMS, a member of Burdett Fire Department, and the American Legion, Burdett.
Survivors include two daughters, Shawne Ruiz and Inga (Albert) Vazquez, both of Dodge City; three sisters, Carol Wheeldon, Gaffney, South Carolina, Janet Dixon, Larned, Sharon Nichols, Derby; six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December, 19, 2018 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with Pastor John Thomas. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December, 18, 2018 at Beckwith Mortuary. Inurnment will be in Brown’s Grove Cemetery, Burdett with military graveside rites.
Memorials may be given to Burdett EMS or Burdett Senior Center, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. 477, Larned, KS 67550.
Elsie Mae Dreher, 75, died December 12, 2018, at her home in Hoisington. She was born March 22, 1943, in Munjor, Kansas, the daughter of Nicholas and Louise (Befort) Klaus. Elsie graduated from Hays High School.
She was a longtime Hoisington resident moving from Salina in 1964. Elsie worked for Fuller Brush for 36 years retiring in 2003. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society. She loved gardening, shopping, decorating for Christmas, spending time with her grandkids, and teaching her family how to cook German food.
On July 8, 1960, she married Ernest E. “Ernie” Dreher in Victoria, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 16, 2018.
Survivors include: children, Lee Allan Dreher and wife Patty of Drexel, MO; Michelle Morales of Wichita, and Kimberly Williams and husband Kurt of Hoisington; daughter-in-law, Denise Dreher of Wichita; grandchildren, Trevor and Jack Williams, Ryan and Shadawn Dreher, Jacob and Samuel Morales, Emily, Natalie, Claire, and Sophie Dreher; and her beloved dog, Muffin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Darren Dreher; brothers, Kenneth Klaus, Dean Klaus; sisters, Betty Schaffer, Patty Beaky, and Mildred Klaus.
Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, with family to receive friends from 5 to 7p.m.Vigil and Rosary will be 6 p.m. Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or Golden Belt Humane Society in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
John J. Wetter, age 91, passed away December 12, 2018 at the Andbe Home in Norton, Kansas; surrounded by family.
He was born to G. Henry and Margaret (Stroot) Wetter on December 7, 1927 at their family home in rural Norton County. A lifelong Norton County resident, John attended Highland School through the eighth-grade. He completed his freshman year at Norton Community High School, but his help was needed on the farm. He received his GED in May 1970.
On January 16, 1954 John married Verena V. Seiler at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in Wichita. They made their home near Norton in the house where John was born. To this union eleven children were born.
John spent most of his life farming, but also drove a school bus, worked at the sale barn, and for 21 years was the boiler fireman for the State of Kansas at Norton State Hospital-later Norton Correctional Facility. He also served on the Highland School Board. He was a life-time member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #1510 for 69 years.
He is survived by four sons: Fred (Megan) Wetter of Norton, Clarence (Rebecca) Wetter of Norton, Gerald (Justina) Wetter of Norton, and Paul Wetter of Hays; seven daughters Mary (Mike) Mattas of Wilson, Theresa (Stan) Blair of Oakley, Phyllis Wetter of Euless, TX, Leona (Neil) Rumford of Dodge City, Marcia (Terry) Kraft of Dodge City, Lois (Jack) Bunch of Halstead, Sara (Ernie) Valdez of Sandia Park, NM. In addition, he is survived by 16 grandchildren: Amanda (Kelby) Ternes, Andrea (fiancé Connor Flegler), ReChelle (Brad) Zerr, Natalie Blair, Veronica Blair, Luke Blair, Megan Canfield, Scott Rumford, Gina (Shaun) Cochran, Wesley (Helena) Bunch, Kylie Bunch, Ezra Wetter, Epiphany Grubbs, Piper Smith, Cody Valdez, and Alison Valdez; and eight great-grandchildren: Ty, Tatum, & Tristan Ternes, Corbin Boles, Maverick Cochran, Kynzlee & Emersyn Bunch, and Annabel Schwinabart, in addition to other family members and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verena; and sister, Helen McVay.
Visitation will be 6:00-7:00 PM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton on Friday, December 14, 2018. Rosary and Vigil service will be at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the church, with Fr. Ted Stoecklein presiding. Interment will be at Norton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus Council #1510.
