Elaine Weigel, age 75, WaKeeney, died Monday, November 26, 2018 at her home. She was born April 11, 1943, in Hays, Kansas, to Leo and Mabel (Harger) Faulkner.

Elaine was a graduate of Marion High School in Hays. She married Norbert Weigel on December 30, 1961, in Hays, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was a member of Christ the King Parish in Wakeeney. Elaine worked at the Trego Manor and Trego County Hospital. She taught CCD for 23 years and worked at the Trego County Fair Office for 30 plus years. She was a long-time member of the Friendly Dozen EHU and Red Hatters.

Survivors include five children, Gloria (Robert) Custer of Hays, Kansas, Claudette (Steve) Sands of Meriden, Kansas, Sue Weigel of Omaha, Nebraska, Eric (Stephanie) Weigel of Austin, Texas, and Vince (Staci) Weigel of Wakeeney; grandkids, Zachary, Cody, Courtney, Colby and Conner Custer, Tyler Sands, Seth and Malory Weigel, and Nathan and Drew Weigel; great-grandchildren, Melanie and Xander Custer, Khloe, Kennedy, Kacie and Karson Bartling; sisters, Margaret (Alvin) Armbrister of Ellis, and Katheryn (Bob) Wilson of Abilene; and brothers, David Faulkner of Wakeeney, and Leo Faulkner of Hays.

She was preceeded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Tammy Sue; and grandson, Adam Sands.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Wakeeney. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Schmitt Funeral Home, Wakeeney. A parish vigil service will follow at 7 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Trego County Fair Board or Christ the King Catholic Church. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

William Edward “Ed” Froelich, 93, Hays, formerly of Walker, died Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Via Christi Village.

He was born June 7, 1925 in McAllen, Texas the son of Jonas and Sylvia (Cox) Froelich. He was a medic in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was stationed in the Philippine Theater and near Guam. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received during the war.

On April 22, 1947 he was united in marriage to Dolores A. Stroemel at St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, Kansas. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on July 13, 2010. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker, the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #2794 in Gorham, and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #6240 in Russell, Kansas.

He enjoyed playing Pinochle and the game Aggravation, gardening and growing roses, and he was very charitable and giving. He loved to polka and square dance with his wife Dolores, and he possessed a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes.

Survivors include a daughter; Margie Hawk and husband Duane of North Platte, Nebraska, a son; Van Froelich and wife Darla of Walker, Kansas, a brother; Morris Froelich, Sr. and wife Mary Ann of Gorham, Kansas, a sister; Ina Bell Wilkerson of Dighton, a sister-in-law; Twila Froelich of Russell, two step-granddaughters; Cindy Halstead and Tiffany Sanford and fiancé Chad Hammerschmidt, five step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dolores, and by four brothers; Art, Albert, Donald, and Elmer Froelich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 30, 2018 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Walker with Fr. John Schmeidler officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Ann Cemetery with military honors by the Hays and Russell VFW Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 9:00 am until service time on Friday at the church. A vigil service will be at 6:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:30, both on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed or to St. Ann Cemetery, Walker, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Ed may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com

Larned – Robert (Bob) Ledel Bixby, 80, passed away November 25, 2018 at University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus, Great Bend.

He was born August 21, 1938, in Great Bend, the son of Delbert and Ethelene Dyer Bixby. A longtime area resident he was a retired postal worker.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Great Bend where he sang in the choir. He was in the United States Army and also a member of the Fort Larned Road Runners, and loved to ride motorcycles.

On June 5, 1967, he married Alicia Jane Cunningham at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Larned, she survives.

Other survivors include; a daughter, Susan Lynn Bixby, Seattle, Washington; a son, Dale Lee (Suzanne) Bixby, Dexter, Michigan; a sister Sandra Hawk, Wichita; two grandchildren, Zachary and Carter Bixby, both of Dexter, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Norval Bixby.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church, Great Bend with Pastor Joshua Leu presiding. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, with military graveside rites.

Memorials may be given to First Christian Church, Great Bend in care of Beckwith Mortuary P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.

Curtis David Nelson, 67, died November 25, 2018, at his home in Ellsworth. He was born August 12, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of John A. and Virginia L. (Wickert) Nelson.

Curtis graduated in 1969 from Shawnee Mission South High School and then received his Associate Degree from Barton County Community College in 1991.

A resident of Ellsworth since his retirement, Curtis worked as a correctional officer for the Department of Corrections in Ellsworth for 25 years.

He lived most of his life in Claflin, where he was the former mayor and a member of the city council. He was also a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth.

On May 10, 1985, he married Jan R. Lupton in Great Bend, Kansas. She preceded him in death on November 12, 2016.

Survivors include; three children, Alethea Nelson of Las Vegas, Nevada, David Nelson and wife Carissa of Great Bend, and Jennifer Garcia and husband Frank of Harrison, Arkansas; brother, Mark Nelson and wife Jeanie; and sister, Julie Myers and husband Nathan all of Tiej, New Mexico; seven grandchildren, Samantha, Sara, Zander, Micah, Lauren, Macy, and Steven; and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a stepmother, Margaret Nelson.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Roger Dennis presiding. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Claflin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Delores E. Rous died November 25, 2018, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born August 14, 1934, in Cootie’s Bluff, Oklahoma, the daughter of William Victor “W.V.” and Goldia Ula (Adamson) Coker. Delores was in the 1952 class of Claflin High School.

She was a lifetime resident of Claflin, until moving to Great Bend in 2010 and later to Ellinwood in 2014.

On January 16, 1953, she married Lester D. Shaw in Great Bend. He preceded her in death on July 15, 1983. She then married Clarence Rous on April 30, 1989, in Claflin. He preceded her in death on September 27, 2009.

Survivors include; son, Kirby Shaw and wife Paula of Bison; daughter, Vicky Webb of Ellinwood; step sons, Vernon Rous of Hays, Steven Rous and wife Linda of Fairmont, Oklahoma, Sheldon Rous and Bennie of Claflin, and Calvin Rous and wife Terri of Hoisington; step daughters, Kathy Kirmer and husband Alan of Claflin, Kayleen Gaddis and husband Mike of Claflin; 10 grandchildren; 12 step grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, daughter, Debra Kay Shaw and son, Mickey Ray Shaw, brother, Kenneth Coker, and sisters, Betty Straub, Shirley Foos, and Gene Simmons.

Funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Claflin Cemetery. Family receive friends Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Claflin Ambulance Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dennis P. Woods, age 69, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at his home in Scott City, Kansas.

He was born on February 7, 1949, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of George Andrew and Thelma Lucille Coleman Woods. A resident of Scott City since 1987 moving from Garden City, he was a paint contractor.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

On October 13, 1968, he married Linda Sue Loper in Garden City. She survives.

Survivors Include his Wife – Linda Sue Woods of Scott City, Kansas
One Son – Jamie & Janelle Woods of Scott City, Kansas,
One Daughter – Kim & Tom Yakle of Wapello, Iowa
One Brother – Carter Woods of El Dorado, Kansas
Two Sisters – Rosetta Hayes of Leoti, Kansas, and Jackie Aldrich of Olathe, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers — Darrell Woods, Manley Woods — and one granddaughter, Shelby Woods.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City with Rev. Don Williams presiding.

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

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to the Dennis P. Woods Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

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

Phillip Karl Erickson, 83, was born on October 14, 1935 to Elof and Genevieve (Pittman) Erickson at home in Herndon Township. He was welcomed into his heavenly home on November 25, 2018. Phil, as he was known by most, was married to Margaret Anne Morton from 1957-1984 and to this union were born Ken (Pam) of Russell, Kristi Reneberg (Ron) of Kensington, and Mary Long (Greg) of Oberlin.

Phil graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1954. He attended Fort Hays State College and graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Education and received his teaching certificate in 1957. His first teaching assignment was in Ellsworth, KS, then Colby, KS and finished his 25-year teaching career in Oberlin. He took semi-retirement and was employed for the next 10+ years with Halliburton Oil Services. His longtime memberships include the Oberlin United Methodist Church (where he sang for many years in the choir), the Barbershop Chorus of McCook, NE and he was a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner.

His love for teaching continued for the rest of his life and many former students enjoyed (or lovingly tolerated) his sharing of knowledge on many occasions, such as visits at the nursing home and Sunday School. His hobby of handyman filled his retirement days, keeping up several rental properties in Oberlin.

Phil will be remembered most for his love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus, for his grumpy sense of humor and love of family and friends. He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren: Jason and Jordan Erickson, Alyce Peterson (Seth), Astine Bose (Ryan), Madeline Markley (Ben) Jackie Reneberg, Ethan Long (Dani) and Jenna Long, five great grandchildren: Elias Erickson, Ayden and Emalee Long, Genevieve and Asher Peterson, brothers Gary (Mary Anne) of Oberlin and Ron (Marlene) of rural Herndon, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service is planned for Friday, November 30, 2018, 10:00 A.M., at the Oberlin United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Oberlin Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018, from 10:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M, with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Pauls Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to the Oberlin United Methodist Church, Shriners Hospitals for Children or To the Family of Phillip Erickson and may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, Kansas 67749. Online condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com.

James William “Jim” Rodgers was born October 23rd, 1959 in Columbia City, Indiana, the third son of Carl and Shirley (Allsop) Rodgers.

Jim grew up in a busy household with two older brothers and a dad going to college on the GI Bill. There was very little money, but always love.

When he was just a few months old the family moved back to Kansas, settling in Agra, which would become his life-long home.

Jim was a free spirit. His love for the outdoors and nature began at an early age. As a young boy he could often be seen pedaling his bike, off to fish at Dean’s pond, always with his faithful dog by his side. Jim was a fun loving boy who loved to tease, especially his Mom. One occasion, during his sophomore year in high school, he was leaving for school with his wicked grin, when his mother walked into the kitchen to see a stuffed mole sitting in front of a heating vent.

Jim was an honor student but one of his great loves was his trumpet, which he could make “talk”. His senior year at the spring music concert, his band teacher gave him a nod and he played the theme to “Rocky”, which as someone recalled, gave you “goose bumps”. His other loves, besides hunting and fishing, were basketball and football. His senior year he received recognition by the All Salina Journal Area and Honorable Mention All-State in eight-man football.

Jim completed one year of college toward his goal to go into Wildlife Management. At the beginning of his sophomore year, the illness that was to change his life forever made its appearance. He struggled throughout the rest of his life, which left its mark not only on him but his family as well. The stigma attached to this illness is devastating, and leads to a very lonely existence for those that are burdened with it. Jim was blessed with a father who never gave up on him, and who loved and cared for him always.

Jim was diagnosed with cancer this summer and passed away at the Legends Care Facility in Tonganoxie, KS on November 10, 2018. He was blessed by loving care and concern from his sister and brothers, which made his last months so much better.

Fly with the geese and soar with the eagles, Jim – you were loved.

Jim is survived by his mom, Shirley Rodgers, of Agra, KS; his brothers, Chris & wife, Jackie of Durham, NC and John & wife, Lori of Lawrence, KS; his sister, Kim Beach & husband, Tracy of Phillipsburg; 11 nieces and nephews: Dee Dee Penny, Carisa Dodson & husband, Blair, Evan Rodgers, Ian Rodgers, Spencer Rodgers, Brendon Beach & wife, Sadie, Taylor Hardin & husband, Tommy, and Alexi Beach; caring aunts and uncles; cousins who helped brighten his last days; and five great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Carl; grandparents, William & Margery Allsop and Robert & Kathryn Rodgers.

A memorial service for Jim Rodgers will be held Sunday, December 2nd, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Community Church of God, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Tim Kraft officiating. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall of the church following the service.

A private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Agra Cemetery, Agra, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the Agra Lake.