We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Alvin ‘A.J.’ Doty

Garden City – Alvin “A.J.” Doty, 81, died on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

He was born on November 29, 1937 at Horrace the son of Arthur Alvin & Hattie Maragertha (Ruhs) Doty. He married Christine Ellen Mayo on December 6, 1980 at Garden City. She died on July 19, 2018

Alvin grew up in Greeley County. He moved to Garden City to work on grain elevators and then became the owner operator of Al’s Barber Shop for many years.

There will be a private graveside service in Greeley County Cemetery at Tribune. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Patricia D. Bartels

Patricia D. Bartels, 91, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away at 2:50 p.m., Thursday, November 29th, 2018 while in the company of family members, at Santa Marta Retirement Center, Olathe, Kansas.

Patricia was born in Topeka, KS on June 6, 1927, the daughter of Earl S. and Frances E. (Essex) Rice. She graduated from Seaman High School in1945 and attended Huff Business College in Kansas City. She worked for the Kansas Bankers Association for five years and then Kansas Corporation Commission as a court reporter. Pat went on to work along side her husband Jim as the Personnel Director at Farmers State Bank and Trust Co. in Hays, KS.

Pat is survived by her children Jeannie Slack (Tom), of Leawood, KS, Janet Euston (Doug), of Leawood, KS and Jenny Bartels of Olathe, KS. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ryan and Kelsey Slack, David, Jimmy and Brian Euston.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Lloyd Rice and the love of her life James Bartels. She and Jim were married in Topeka on December 14, 1952. In their 63 years together they treasured most of all spending time with family and friends. They traveled frequently to golf courses around the country but mostly enjoyed playing at Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas City and Smoky Hill Country Club in Hays, KS. She also enjoyed her bridge clubs and bible study and she was a wonderful cook and hostess. We will remember her for perfectly planned holidays and many memorable celebrations. We loved her dearly and will miss her.

The family visitation and service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Glidden-Ediger Chapel in McPherson, KS. Followed by burial at the North Inman Cemetery, Inman, KS. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: donate.themmrf.org or 203-229-0464 or they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home; 222 W. Euclid St.; McPherson, Kansas 67460.

Lola Nadine Wiley

Lola Nadine Wiley, age 84, of Goodland passed away Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in Goodland.

Lola was born October 28, 1934 to Harry and Vera (Bennett) Moore in Goodland. She grew up and went to high school in Goodland. In 1952, she married Harold Riley, and in 1970, she married Robert Wiley.

Lola worked for Model Laundry for many years. She enjoyed bingo, country music, movies, playing the lottery and spending time with her family and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husbands; son, Curtis Wiley; sisters, Norma Ringer, Margaret Wolfrum, Shirley Childers; and her brother, Ellis Moore.

She is survived by her son, Michael (Victoria) Riley of Brewster, KS; son, Harold “Max” Riley of Goodland, KS; brother, Dean Moore of Las Animas, CO; nine grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 2 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street, Goodland. Interment will follow the service at the Goodland Cemetery, North Main Street.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 4 to 6 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street in Goodland.

Memorials will be designated by the family later and may be left at the services or mailed to Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Online condolences and information www.batemanfuneral.com

Donald Emery William

Donald Emery William passed peacefully at the Sheridan County Health Complex on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the age of 90. Born on October 9, 1928 in rural Sheridan County as the fourth of five children to Lorenzo Lewis and Ada Rena (Selbe) William, he lived nearly his entire life in the community of Hoxie.

Before graduating high school Don worked numerous jobs, including Vic’s Grocery Store, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of customer service.

Don married Helen Eileen Mowry on December 6, 1948, and they were blessed with four children.

An entrepreneur at heart and gifted with a personality that prevented him from ever meeting a stranger, Don joined his father as co-owner of William Tire Shop in 1948. In 1964, he purchased the remainder of the company and operated the business from the building he constructed at the SE corner of Royal and Main Streets until selling the business in 1982.

Along the way, Don owned and invested in numerous other small businesses including the bowling alley and Don’s Auto Sales. He also invested in feeding cattle for several years. While he was driven to provide a viable financial future for his family, a love of his community and desire to see Hoxie prosper also drove many of his investment decisions.

He was active on the city commission, with the Chamber of Commerce, the volunteer fire department and in the community’s economic development efforts. Perhaps a few of his most notable activities included being an original investor in the Hoxie Feeders, co-founder of the real estate company that developed the Wheatridge subdivision and being a founding principal of the Door Factory. Don served on the Board of Directors for First National Bank of Hoxie for approximately twenty years. He recognized the importance of a vibrant business environment and impact it had on the entire community’s small business owners. While not all of these activities produced favorable results, it certainly demonstrated the love he possessed for his community and garnered the respect of his peers.

Don made a point to know everyone on a first name basis and was frequently relied upon when a community historian was needed. Don’s grandchildren held a special place in his heart and afforded his smiles on a daily basis.

Don is survived by his wife, Helen of the home; a sister, Myrtle Prussner of Clifton, Illinois; children, Janice Brown (Dale) of Hoxie, Kansas, Jerry William (Lisa) of Cleveland, Ohio, Dan William (Mary) of Hoxie, Kansas, and Marisa Fleenor (Rick) of Mission Hills, Kansas; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ranz and Ada William; sisters, Ina Taylor and Norma Ackerman; a brother, Ronald William; and a grandson, Timothy Brown.

The funeral service will be held at the Hoxie United Methodist Church, Hoxie, Kansas on Tuesday , December 4 ,2018 at 10:30 A.M. Don will be laid to rest at the Hoxie City Cemetery following the service. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Amusement Company or Mickey Museum and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Ruth E. (Unrein) Slater

Ruth E. (Unrein) Slater, 81, passed away November 29, 2018, at her home in Great Bend. She was born January 22, 1937, at the Baker Hospital in LaCrosse. She was the daughter of Jacob and Apollonia (Kreutzer) Unrein. She married Walter L. Slater March 27, 1956 at Raton, New Mexico.

Coming from California in 1976, Ruth was formerly of Bison, LaCrosse, Ellinwood and currently Great Bend. Ruth worked diligently as a medical transcriptionist for 25 years for both CKMC and Dr. Jeffrey Brozek, being very committed to her profession. In her early employment years, she worked as a waitress, soda jerk and nurse aide. While residing in California she was employed as a secretary for various companies, including the City of Hope, Los Angeles, and as a temp for Kelly Girls. Ruth enjoyed music, reading, playing cards, auctions, gardening, cooking, antiques, traveling and family reunions. She was a member of the World Wide Church of God and United Church of God, both in Hays, and involved in many different Bible study groups. She loved spending time with her family and being a grandmother, but especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include, one daughter, Elizabeth “Elle” Slater and fiancé Ryler Bass of Great Bend; three sons, James A. Slater and wife Blanca of Orlando, Florida, Timothy J. Slater and wife Deb of Jacksonville, Florida, and Matthew Slater and wife Kimberly of Great Bend; 5 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; one brother, Gary Unrein and wife Janet of Lincoln, Nebraska; one sister-in-law, Cindy Unrein; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Apollonia Unrein; four brothers, Edwin Unrein, Marvin Unrein, James Unrein, and Kenneth Unrein; and seven sisters, Martina Flax, Mary Weber, Mildred Kirmer, Hedwig Bucl, Rosa Unrein, Catherine Unrein, and Elizabeth Unrein.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, December 6, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 7, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Curly Leiker presiding. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Schoenchen. Memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Ed Purinton

Ed Purinton, age 67, WaKeeney, died Thursday, November 29, 2018, at his home. He was born February 3, 1951 in Quinter, KS to Leonard W. and Irene (Royce) Purinton.

Ed graduated from TCHS with the Class of 1969. While in high school he was proud to be a part of the 1968 M.C. L. High School Championship team that finished with an 8-0 record.
On August 7, 1971 he married Debby Pickering in WaKeeney Kansas. Ed was a member of the United Methodist Church of WaKeeney, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge of WaKeeney.

Ed worked for Montgomery Wards in Denver, CO from 1974-1976, until returning to the family farm south of Collyer, KS in 1976 to work with his Dad and brother, Wayne. While still engaged in farming he took on the job of groundskeeper at the WaKeeney Municipal Golf Course which he continued to do until he accepted a position with the City of WaKeeney in the Parks Department. He retired from the City in 2013.

Ed was a “people” person and never knew a stranger. Once someone met him they never forgot him. He loved to hunt and spent many memorable pheasant seasons and deer seasons hunting and swapping stories with family and friends. He was happiest when he was with a group of friends talking and laughing.

While his health permitted he went on several snowmobile trips to Idaho with his brother, Ron, and enjoyed playing golf with friends.

Survivors include his wife, Deb, brothers Wayne (Sandy) Purinton of WaKeeney, Chuck Purinton, and Ron (Cindy) Purinton, all of Sacramento, CA, a sister-in-law, Karen Pickering of Pueblo CO, nephews Troy Purinton, Cletus (Ashley) Purinton, Royce (Megan) Purinton, and nieces Kelly Pickering, Kim Fisher, Gina (Chris) Herren, and Shawnee (Scott) Legere, 15 great nieces and nephews, and many many wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Irene, a sister-in-law, Donette Purinton, and a brother-in-law, Larry Pickering.

Ed loved life and wanted to live it to its fullest. His courage and determination in battling his COPD in later years was amazing to behold. He never complained and didn’t let it slow him down while trying to do the things he enjoyed. His family and friends were a support and comfort to him.

Services will be held Wednesday, December 5th at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in WaKeeney, with burial to follow at the City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening December 4th from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Wakeeney.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church or the Trego Co Historical Society. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Clyde Dean Thomas

Clyde Dean Thomas, age 83 passed away on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born May 27, 1935, in Scott County, KS, the son of Everett & Ruby Burns Thomas. He graduated from Scott Community High School in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Velda Eaton, on June 14, 1956.

He and Velda lived in Garden City, KS while he was employed with Harkness Landleveling Construction. After moving to Scott City and building houses for Delbert Jones for two years, Clyde began working with Selwin Eggleston, and became co-owner of Eggleston-Thomas Real Estate Agency in 1967. He loved developing properties, and created several housing sub-divisions in Scott City. He was instrumental in Scott City’s commercial development in the seventies. In 1981, he established Thomas Real Estate Agency, enjoying his passion of selling residential, farm, and commercial properties. In recent years, Stephanie Shapland worked with Clyde selling real estate, and he enjoyed their special relationship.

Clyde had tremendous faith in God, and was devoted to his family and friends. He was always there to offer love and care whenever needed. He loved his wife dearly, and they were nearly inseparable, attending the many activities and events of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved watching the Scott City Beavers throughout the years, and following their successes. An avid history buff, he enjoyed Western heritage and traditions of the region. He was proud of his service in the Kansas National Guard, and leadership in the Scott City United Methodist Church for many years as a board member and usher. He was a city councilman for Scott City, a former president of the Scott County Historical Society, a member of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce, assistant scout master for Boy Scouts of America Troop 149, and Scott County Little League Baseball coach

Known to all as “Granddad”, his sparkling blue eyes, charming smile, wit, and loving heart will be terribly missed.

We celebrate his wonderful life, as he will live on forever in the hearts of his beloved wife, Velda of the home, children; Jerry (LeAnne) Thomas of Manhattan, KS, Tony (Jennifer) Thomas of Manhattan, KS, Shelli (Kirk) James of Scott City, KS, grandchildren; Jarrett (Kelsey) Thomas, Mandi (Kolby) Menard, Cody (Stephanie) Harms, Justina Harms, Cole Thomas, Staci Thomas, Jaydon Thomas, and great-grandchildren; Hadley Harms, Peyton Menard, Harrison Harms, Brielle Thomas, and Riley Menard. Brothers and sisters of Clyde include; Glenda and Clyde Schinnerer of Moore, OK, Theda and Phillip Whiteman of Johns town, CO, Wanda Patton of Johns town, CO, Ronnie Thomas of Florida, Keith and Betty Thomas of West Branson, MO, and Paula and Vic Ablang of Las Vegas, NV. Clyde was met in heaven by his grandson, Lane Harms.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 3, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. John Lewis presiding. Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas. Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be given to the Scott County Historical Society in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Mary Evelyn Stewart Eckart

Mary Evelyn Stewart Eckart passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the age of 98 ½ at Neuvant House in Lawrence, KS. Mary was born on May 30, 1920 in St. Anthony, Idaho, the daughter of Carl and Elizabeth (Reed) Falk. She graduated from Stockton High School in 1938. During WW II, she and her sister Fern moved to Denver, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City to work in government positions and support the war effort. They returned to Stockton, where Mary met and married her first husband, Edwin Stewart and had 3 daughters, Stephanie, Rhonda, and Jeanie.

Mary was appointed to the Kansas State legislature in 1959, after Edwin was elected but could not serve due to his employment. Mary was only one of four women in the legislature at that time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. After Edwin’s death in 1961 and over the years, Mary worked for several businesses in Stockton, but spent 30 years as legal secretary to Stan Krysl at the firm of Hindman & Krysl. She retired June 30, 1995 with a celebration. Stan and Mary worked very closely as a team, and Stan attributed much of his success as an attorney to her.

Mary married Bill Eckart of Plainville, KS on June 13, 1969 at St. Thomas Church. They built a home in Stockton where they lived for 20 years until Bill’s death in 1989. Mary continued to live in their home in Stockton until 2009 when she moved to Lawrence, KS to be close to her daughters and granddaughters. She remained in Lawrence until her death.

Mary was a fun-loving person who enjoyed people and loved to dance her whole life. She recounted stories of those that could dance well and those that could not. A good dancer was always someone to be admired. Mary loved shopping and fashion and was well-known for the high-heeled shoes she always wore, no matter the occasion. Spending time with her family and spoiling her granddaughters was a favorite pastime. She enjoyed traveling and family vacations to many interesting places. Her family has many hilarious memories of travel with Mary and her sister Fern.

Survivors include her three daughters, Stephanie Stewart of Lawrence, KS, Rhonda Savage (Troy) of Independence, MO, and Jeanie Brown (Steve Blackwell) of Lawrence, KS; step-daughter Sue Eckart Riley of Holton, KS; two granddaughters, Barclay Hagen and Brianne Cook (Casey) of Lawrence, KS; and six great-grandchildren: Harleigh, Grayson, and Brogan Hagen; Cayman, Kiyana, and Brittyn Cook, all of Lawrence. Mary’s extended family includes six step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. Mary felt so blest to have her family close to her and celebrated many holidays and family milestones with them.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Elizabeth Falk; two sisters, Pearl Fulghum and Fern McDonald, first husband Edwin Stewart, and second husband Bill Eckart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with burial following in the Catholic cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 6, 2018, from 4:00pm until 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with Rosary and Vigil service at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to St. Thomas Parish and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, KS 67669.

Robert E. Peters

Robert E. Peters, age 76, of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Hays Medical Center. He was born July 29, 1942 in Pratt, Kansas to Robert J. and Munica Belle (Reynolds) Peters. He graduated from McCracken High School.

Robert managed Heims Appliance in Hays and Humburg Lumber in Lacrosse. He was a US Army veteran serving in Korea. He enjoyed reading, playing golf and KU Basketball.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandy and Darbey Frydendall of Meade, Kansas and Kerri and James Elsen of Ellinwood, Kansas; two brothers, Dennis Peters of Plano, Texas and Mike and Diane Peters of Olathe, Kansas; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Brenda Peters and a brother, Russell Peters.

Memorial services will be 2 PM on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to KU Medical Center (www.kumc.org)

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

James M. ‘Jim’ Baker

James M. “Jim” Baker, 72, died Thursday, November 29, 2018 at his home in Garden City. He was born February 15, 1946 in Garden City, Kansas the son of Melvie Ivan & Thelma Alberta (Hill) Baker.

Jim lived most of his life in Garden City, living a short time in Liberal and Great Bend. He attended Garden City schools and graduated from Pierceville High School. He then attended Denver Automotive school. He worked at Dillons, later working as a truck driver. Jim then worked and retired from the maintenance department at USD #457. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Jim enjoyed motorcycles, drinking coffee, and feeding stray cats in his neighborhood.

On July 29, 1967, he married Joyce Ehmke in Dighton, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include two children Kim Hamilton of Garden City and Mike Baker of Kansas City, Kansas; a brother Jim Gass of Edmund, Oklahoma; four grandchildren Devin & wife Michala Hamilton, Allyson Hamilton, Kyla Davis, & Dacoda Hamilton; and two great-grandchildren Alexstrasza Hamilton and Ysera Hamilton. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Ramona Berning.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Garden City with Rev. Michael Hageman officiating. Graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the Dudley Township Cemetery in Satanta, Kansas. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City.

The family suggests memorials given to Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo in care of the funeral home.

Nicholas J. ‘Nick’ Schmitt

Nicholas J. “Nick” Schmitt, 74, passed away November 29, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays. He was born May 29, 1944 at Hays, to Victor & Irene (Herman) Schmitt. He married Rose Oberle, May 4, 1965 at Holy Name Catholic Church, Bushton.

Coming from Kansas City in 1968, Nicholas was a Great Bend resident. He was an auto mechanic. He loved woodworking, collecting antiques and John Wayne.

Survivors include, wife, Rose Schmitt of the home; two sons, Tony Schmitt and wife Karen of Ellinwood and Bill Schmitt and wife Amy of Burdett; one daughter, Cindy Funk of Great Bend; five grandchildren, Savannah Schmitt, Sara Schmitt, Justin Schmitt, William Funk and Raymond Funk; two great-grandchildren, Hayden Gatewood and Lily Funk; and two sisters, Shirley Harris and Betty Bender, both of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Irene Schmitt; two grandchildren, Amber Schmitt and Brandon Funk; and a sister, Virginia Stroud.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, December 2, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 3, 2018, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Holy Name Catholic Cemetery, Bushton. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Gabriel M. ‘Gabe’ Lawrence Jr.

Gabriel M. “Gabe” Lawrence Jr., age 71, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on August 8, 1947 in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Gabe and Mary Alice Ross Lawrence, Sr. A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he was a farmer & custom harvester.

Memberships include the First United Methodist Church and the William Carpenter Foundation of Scott City, Kansas and was an active 4H Leader.

On April 3, 1976 he married Katherine A. Kirk in Scott City, Kansas. She passed away on October 26, 2006 in Wichita, Kansas.

Survivors include his One Son & Family – Chris & Jill Lawrence and Connor, Aubrey & Hannah of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother – Shorty & Deb Lawrence of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother In Law – Chuck & Barbara Kirk of Scott City, Kansas, One Sister In Law – Judy Gordon of The Colony, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, and One Daughter – Mindy A. Lawrence.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. John Lewis presiding.

Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers may be given to the Gabe Lawrence Memorial Fund (for scholarships) in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m Sunday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File