Arleta “Joan” Thomas, age 87, of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays. She was born June 6, 1932 in Glen Elder, Kansas to Lloyd and Grace (Shaffer) Golladay. On October 5, 1995 she married Marvin Thomas in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Joan had worked as a bookkeeper of Oldham Sales in Hays and as a receptionist for Alliance Life Insurance Company in McPherson, Kansas as well as Home Insurance Company in Overland Park, Kansas. She was a member of the Beloit VFW Auxiliary and enjoyed time with her grandchildren and dancing.

She is survived by her husband Marvin of Hays; a son, Gary Guard of Hays; a step son, Duane Thomas of Hays; a daughter, Gayla Guard of Merriam, Kansas; two step daughters, Connie Schmidt and Michelle Hay both of Lincoln, Nebraska; a sister, Betty Krier of Beloit, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Shaun, Shanna, Connor, Craig, Matthew, Dena, Drew, Taylor, Madison and Katie as well as four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Greg Guard; a brother, Robert Golladay and a daughter-in-law, Glinda Guard.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, November 18, 2019 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Burial will be 3 PM Monday at St. John Cemetery in Beloit, Kansas.

Visitation will be Sunday 5 PM – 8 PM and Monday 10 AM until service time all at the funeral chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice at HaysMed or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Mark A. Roberts passed away on November 10, 2019 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado at the age of 60. He was born February 13, 1959 in Meadville, Pennsylvania to Raymond Lee and Mabel Frances (Taylor) Burris. He was one of seven children. Mark was very young when the family moved to Nebraska and eventually Wakeeney, Kansas. Mark attended elementary and high school in Wakeeney.

Mark worked as a ranch hand, truck driver, tree trimmer, and did feedlot work. He most recently worked for Baalmann Feed Yard. When he was not working, he enjoyed crabbing with his longtime friend, Lloyd who lives in Washington State. Though Mark never married, he enjoyed spending time with his seventeen nieces and nephews and three great-nephews. Family was very important to him and any time he could spend time with them he was the happiest. Mark always enjoyed listening to music. At a recent family gathering, Mark sang for them, and they were astounded at his beautiful voice.

Mark is survived by his brother, Mike Roberts (Georgeanna) of Wakeeney, Kansas; sisters, Jackie Brady of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jodi Kingery (Don) of Wakeeney, Kansas, and Jamie Burris (Jerry) of Hoxie, Kansas; seventeen nieces and nephews, Alan Roberts, Justin Rohr, Joe Rohr, Bobbi-Ann Rose, Tristan Burris, Taylor Burris, Troyal Burris, Jennifer Pfeifer, Calub Horton, Elissa Roberts, Rose Roberts, Genasea Roberts, Brody Roberts, Jaxson Roberts, Joshua Burris, Alex Pfiefer, Jeff Brady and three great-nephews..

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mabel Roberts; and brothers, Randal Roberts and Kevin Roberts.

A funeral service is planned for Saturday, November 16, 2019, 10:30 A.M. at the Hoxie Christian Church. The family has chosen cremation following the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Pennsylvania. Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2019 from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M all at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Words of comfort may be left for the family at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Mark was a quiet person who enjoyed spending time at his home and with his loving family. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. Mark is at peace, suffering no pain and smiling down. He is free.

Joseph Gerstner, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas.

He was born on March 6, 1931 in Trego County, Kansas, the son of Jacob J. & Marcianna Rohleder Gerstner. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1966 moving from Trego County, Kansas, he was a Soil Conservationist and was the owner and operator of Joe Gerstner Terracing since 1966 retiring in 1999.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights Of Columbus Council #5212 in Scott City, Kansas and the Kansas Land Improvement Contractor Association. Joe was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War.

On June 13, 1959 he married Sandra Crowl in Scott City, Kansas. She survives.

Survivors include his Wife – Sandra Gerstner of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sons – Terry Gerstner of Hutchinson, Kansas, Denis & Angela Gerstner of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Sonia Baker of Leoti, Kansas, Two Brothers – Rudy & Pam Gerstner of Sun Valley, Arizona, Wendy Gerstner of Trego, Kansas, One Sister – Caroline Klaus of Hays, Kansas, Ten Grandchildren, Two Step Grandchildren and Nineteen Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Eight Brothers & Sisters and One Infant Daughter.

Vigil Services will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 17, 2019 with Fr. Tim Hickey presiding.

Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 18, 2019 with Fr. Warren Stecklein presiding.

Memorials can be made out to the Joseph Gerstner Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

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

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitors left Colleen Taylor’s house with a full belly and an unburdened heart. Colleen loved caring for people, and she did that by listening to and cooking for them as well as sharing laughter and tears. Her husband and children relied on her strength, support, specialty pecan pies, and green bean dumpling soup to see them through a lifetime of celebrations and challenges. On many summer days, Colleen could be seen investigating the waters searching for creatures only grandsons would enjoy at Big Creek Stepping Stones Park. Mama Colleen’s kindness and generosity spread to countless others and she always had plenty of time, energy, and room in her heart to nurture an extended group of non-biological family members that she collected over the years. An extraordinary gift that she shared with others was to make each person she cared about feel seen, accepted, and loved. Although Colleen’s passion was to build community through hospitality at home and work, she was also committed to wringing as much fun out of life as she could. Her fully stamped passport, and Dolly Parton ticket stubs are a testament to her adventurous spirit.

Colleen Kae Taylor (née Hovey) was born on June 9, 1950 in Trenton Nebraska to Wilma Lucille and Robert Louis Hovey. She graduated in 1968 from Downs High School, and then went on to earn her civil service certification in Manhattan, Kansas. Colleen began working in the Department of Art and Design at Fort Hays State University in 1971. This marked the beginning of an amazing 45-year career as a senior administrative assistant of which she retired in 2016. During her time at FHSU, she encouraged and mentored a myriad of students and faculty that will never forget her kindness and lively spirit. Colleen married her true love, Paul Taylor, on March 6, 1982. Together they raised five children—each of which had their own unique strengths and personalities. As a mother, Colleen created a secure, loving, and supportive space for each of them to discover their path in life and was always there to provide open arms and incredible advice whenever you needed it.

On November 9, 2019, at age 69, Colleen passed away in Hays, Kansas. Colleen will be forever remembered by her husband and best friend Paul, and their children, Nicole, Andrea, Joel, Charles, and Paul II, and her grandchildren River and Castle. She will also be remembered by her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Bette, numerous friends, and loyal service dog Nikka. Per usual, Colleen never wanted anyone making a fuss about her and requested not to have a funeral. Instead, the family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date (TBA). In lieu of flowers or other gifts, Colleen requested any gifts should be in the way of scholarships for the thousands of students she loved and the thousands of lives she touched. She lived with a giving and full heart, and after all her years at the Art and Design Department, it was clear her heart was truly for the students and the people she worked with. Her family wishes to honor her request. Colleen, thank you for everything. We will miss you forever. Luv u and HUGS!

If you would like to make a memorial donation to the Art and Design scholarship fund in Colleen’s name, you can do so in two ways.

Donations can be mailed to:
FHSU Foundation
P.O. Box 1060
Hays, KS 67601
*Please state the donation is in honor of Colleen Taylor on the memo line of your check.
Donations can also be made online:
www.foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/
*Please designate “Other/Memorial” donation in honor of Colleen Taylor.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected] Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601

Sue Jeannie Murphy, 82, passed away November 6, 2019, at Western Plains Medical Complex, Dodge City, KS.

She was born August 2, 1937, in Hodgeman County, the daughter of Lawrence and Dorothy Narey Whipple. She was a registered nurse and art teacher.

On August 18, 1960, she married Dr. Bob Murphy in Great Bend. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include: son, Steven (Silvana) Murphy, Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Susan Murphy, Wichita, KS; brother, Jerry Whipple, Jetmore, KS; two sisters, Joyce Ochs, Jetmore, KS, Jo Dempsey, Mankato, KS and four grandchildren, Colton Murphy, Brenna Murphy, Keegan Murphy and Erin Murphy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a sister, Jan Hornung.

Rosary will be 9:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019, followed by a funeral Mass, 10 a.m. at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Jetmore, with Father John Forkuoh presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Larned Cemetery, Larned, KS, with Father Bernard Felix presiding.

Memorials may be given to the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Jetmore, or the Ford County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663 Jetmore, KS. 67854.

Goodland resident Harold “Max” Riley, age 64, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2019 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas.

Max was born January 10, 1955 to Harold and Lola (Moore) Riley in Goodland. He grew up in Goodland and graduated from Goodland High School. Max was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He attended the Northwest Kansas Technical College Carpentry Program and Fort Morgan Community College Heating and Airconditioning Program. Max enjoyed fishing, music, shooting pool, playing cards and spending time with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Curtis.

He is survived by his daughters, Bertha Jean, Angela, Annette, Sarah and Paula; brother, Michael Riley; and nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial service will be Friday, November 15, 2019 at 1 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street in Goodland.

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

Ofelia Garcia Viuda De Murillo, age 87, died at her home on November 9, 2019 in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on March 29, 1932 in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, the daughter of Fidel and Maria Jesus Munez Garcia.

She was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City, Kansas.

On April 22, 1952, she married Raul Murillo. He passed away on August 6, 2002.

She is survived by

Ten Children
Raul Murillo, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri
Rosa Maria Baltazar of Garden City, Kansas
Imelda Garcia of Michoacan, Mexico
Alfredo Murillo of Garden City, Kansas
Maria Beatriz Carillo of Garden City, Kansas
Maria Del Carmen Murillo of Michoacan, Mexico
Daniel Murillo of Healy, Kansas
Rafael Murillo of Garden City, Kansas
Alejandro Murillo of Michoacan, Mexico
Ofelia Murillo of Michoacan, Mexico

23 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three children, Yolanda Murillo, Victor Manuel Murillo, and Alicia Murillo.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 4:00 pm at St. MaryCatholic Church.

Open calling will be on Thursday from 10-8 and on Friday 10-1.

Rosary will be recited on Thursday at 7 pm at the Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Ofelia Garcia Viuda De Murillo Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.

Albert Junior Ree, 92, Schoenchen, died Tuesday, November 12, 2019 surrounded by family at his daughter’s home in Hays.

He was born March 19, 1927 in Ellis County, the son of Albert Herman and Barbara Ann (Peters) Ree. On September 17, 1946 he was united in marriage to Rita Mae Dreiling in Plainville. They celebrated 48 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 5, 1994. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, and St. Anthony church council. Albert lived his entire life on the piece of land in southwest Ellis County where he was born. A lifelong farmer and rancher, he loved nothing more than working in the fields and tending to his cattle herd. He was always up for a good joke, a laugh, and loved to tell stories. He especially enjoyed telling tall tales and teasing his grandchildren. He loved to fish and hunt and enjoyed hosting groups of hunters opening day of pheasant season for over 50 years.

Survivors include two sons; Albert L. Ree and wife Lisa of Schoenchen, Gary Ree and Terri Nickolson of Smith Center, two daughters; Barbara White and husband Joe of Kanopolis, and Sharen Feltis and husband Gary of Hays, nine grandchildren; Carmen Rouse, Deanna Radke, Donell Aronson, Craig Werth, Denise Miller, Clifton Werth, Adrea Katzenmeier, Albert Taylor Ree, and Jessica Sutton, 14 great grandchildren, five step great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and two step great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rita Mae, a sister; Alberta Wasinger, a great granddaughter; Lyric Radke, and three step great grandsons; Derreck, Devon, and Dexter Urban.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 8:30 am until 9:30 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:00 pm followed by a vigil service at 6:30 pm, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the St. Anthony Cemetery Fund. Condolences and memories of Albert may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Richard “Bruce” Taggart, 70, Hays, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019 in Russell County.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.