Phillipsburg resident Edna E. Look passed away Oct. 23, 2018 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the age of 92. She was born Jan. 17, 1926 in Brewster, KS, the daughter of Phillip & Katherine (Ridder) Hiegert.

Survivors include her step son, Dwight Look, Jr. of Rolla, MO; her sister, Anna Anderson of San Diego, CA and nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen. A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 10:00 a.m. in the SS Philip & James Catholic Church, Phillipsburg, with Father George Chalbhagam officiating. Interment will follow in the Stockton Cemetery, Stockton, KS.

Friends may sign the book from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church or Hospice Services.

Luella Effie Purinton Kephart was born Dec 15, 1919 at Collyer Kansas to Ray and Leona Ward Purinton. She died at home October 23, 2018 in Buffalo, MO.

She was married to Hollie Lee Kephart October 23, 1938. To this union three children were born. Robert Lee Kephart, Ruby Carol Wallace and Cleo Mae Schneider.

Luella was a homemaker and nurse. She enjoyed making quilts on which she won several ribbons. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Buffalo, MO. She was also a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and also a member of the D.A.R. She was an active member of several quilt groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Leona Purinton; her husband, Hollie; a daughter, Cleo Mae; a son-in-law, George Wallace; a sister, Ruby and husband Elmer Cue; and a brother, Leonard and wife Irene Purinton.

She is survived by her son, Robert; daughter, Carol Wallace; granddaughter, Kim Routt and husband Melvin; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Routt and wife Miranda, BJ Routt and wife Sharon; one great-great granddaughter, Bristol Routt; one sister, Hazel Mae and husband Sam Rocco. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Graveside services and burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 at Union Cemetery (a.k.a. Collyer Cemetery), Collyer, KS.  Service will be officiated by Pastor Bob Clemence with honors by Eastern Star.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Donations to the organization may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

There will be no visitation.

Walter was born on November 18, 1924, to George and Bertha Meyer Rippe in rural Rawlins County. He departed peacefully on October 17, 2018, at Rawlins County Hospital.

Walter was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ludell, Kansas.
He attended rural elementary and Atwood High School.

On December 19, 1943, he was united in marriage to Leta Marie Prideaux at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, Kansas. They were blessed with 3 children; Janet Marie (Vrbas), Richard John & Twila Faye.

Walter farmed several years with the Farm Deferment program and then was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 11, 1945. Walter served in the military police at the Pentagon and Walter Reed Hospital and as Honor Guard for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.

While home on leave, he accepted a job offer from J.A. (Jim) Bowles, and purchased a home for his family. Jim knew of his mechanical abilities from previous experiences and wanted Walter to begin when discharged from the service.

As the war was coming to an end in the first part of 1946 the Army allowed all fathers who had jobs to be discharged from active duty and return home with honorable discharges to work and be with their families. On May 22, 1946, Walter was relieved of duty while at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

In 1967 Walter accepted a position as instructor in the farm and diesel mechanics department of the vo-tech school in Goodland, Kansas. He taught there for 19 years. Walter and Leta returned to Atwood in 1992 to enjoy their retirement years.

One big part of Walter’s life was going to Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church. His faith was his strength and wouldn’t miss a Sunday.

Walter enjoyed going to the Senior Center for lunch as often as he could and also enjoyed taking the shuttle the last couple years of his life.

Walter leaves to mourn, daughter Janet and husband Tom, daughter Twila of Atwood, four grandsons, Tom Vrbas Jr and wife Amber of Willow Park, Texas, Troy Webb and wife Tre of Colby, Kansas, Trevor Webb and wife Lisa of Conifer, CO and Matthew Rippe and wife Liz of Kansas City, Kansas, and two granddaughters, Shelly Lynn and friend Toby Martinez of Atwood, and Jessica Thomas and husband Kevin of Pueblo, CO; fourteen great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Mary Leitner of Atwood and Lorraine Prideaux of Sylmar, California, step-brother Floyd and wife Marlene, step-sisters Marlene and Wanda Jean and husband George Roberts step-sisters-in-law Norma Pfaff , Marlene Wyatt and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were: wife Leta Marie, son Richard, brothers Ernest & Harold, sisters Esther & Bernice, step-brothers Leland and Kenneth Pfaff, sisters-in-law Leilia Gosney Rippe, Bernita Porter Most, brothers-in-law Eldon Gosney, Bill Wynn, Edwin Prideaux, Gene Leitner, Russell Porter, and Harry Most.

A Memorial Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Atwood with inurnment in Fairview cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Atwood Senior Center or God’s Little Saints Preschool, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Larned – Dolores Joan (Dee) Powell, 87, passed away October 19, 2018 at Hilltop Manor, Cunningham, KS.

She was born April 24, 1931 in Wichita, the daughter of W.A. (Wid) and Mabelle Peterson Boyd.  Moving back to Kansas from Massachusetts in 2009, she was a reading teacher.

She married Dean Smith in 1950.  In 1958 she married Randy Powell from Cape Cod and they moved to the Cape in 1960.

She loved horses from an early age and was a tough competitor in racing events; held many State Championships in Barrel Racing, Flag Racing and other events.  In the mid 1950’s she was the Queen of the Dodge City Rodeo one year and got to ride around the arena with Tex Ritter.  She earned her degree from Fort Hays State College and became a teacher.  In Massachusetts she wasn’t satisfied with the reading textbooks that she was teaching from so she wrote one of her own.  American Book Company became aware of her book and published it.  Then they hired her to travel New England promoting the sale of her book to different school districts and helping reading teachers to improve their teaching skills.  She was lured away from American Book Company by McMillan Book Company where she continued doing the same thing.

Around 1980 she decided to ask a few friends if they would like to start a chorus and the Saints & Singers were born.  They became very successful and performed all over New England being booked at least a year in advance.  She has commendations from the Massachusetts Governor and Massachusetts State Legislator for her work with the Saints & Singers.  In 1990 they were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.  They were noticed by Russian representatives and then invited to perform in Leningrad.  Performing in Russia was a highlight.  They were invited back to Carnegie Hall the next year, where they again performed and were again invited to perform in Leningrad but their funds had run out and they had to decline a return appearance.  The Saints & Singers are still performing and were a huge part of her life for many years.  She was their founder and Director, chose all of their music and managed the chorus until she moved back to Kansas.

In 2009 Dolores decided to return to Kansas to live close to her daughter, Deanne.  Here in Larned she volunteered at the Humane Society and enjoyed going to Music Club events, playing Bingo and spending time with her daughter and son-in-law.  She loved animals and always had pets.

Survivors include: daughter, Sheryl Deanne Pebley, Larned; two grandchildren, Sloan (Kraig) Clawson and Jake Pebley, both of Great Bend, her very dear friends, Jane Zook, Larned, Mike and Kathy Bonnet and Debbie Perry of Massachusetts and a multitude of much loved cousins and friends.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Garfield Lutheran Church, Garfield, Kansas.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned.  Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery, Garfield.

Memorials may be given to the Grace Lutheran Church or Pawnee County Humane Society both in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Box 477 Larned, KS 67550.  Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Catherine M. Kutina, age 68, of Hays, KS and formerly of McPherson, KS, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2018 at HaysMed.

She was born on April 29, 1950 in Hays, KS to Otto and Philomine (Pfannenstiel) Berens. Catherine attended and graduated from Marian High School in 1968.

Catherine loved quilting, baking, cooking and spending time with her family. Her greatest loves were her children, grandchildren and extended family.

Survivors include her son, Shawn Kutina of Overland Park; daughter, Sharon Pfannenstiel and her husband Wade of Hays; two sisters, Arlene Erbert and her husband Joe of Ellis, Marian Ptaschek and her husband Jerry of Ellis; two grandchildren, Jaiden and Brant Pfannenstiel of Hays and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Antonino Rd & 210 Avenue, Antonino, KS with Fr. Earl Befort officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 26 from 5-8:00 P.M. at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601 and from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the church on Saturday.

A combined rosary and vigil service will start at 6:45 P.M. on Friday at the funeral chapel.

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

Fred Everett Slaughter, age 87, of Ellis, KS, passed away, Tuesday, October 23, 2018 surrounded by his family on the family farm near Ellis.

He was born on January 2, 1931 in Ellis, KS to Fred and Flossie (Beach) Slaughter. On September 10, 1957, Fred married Audrey E. Slaughter in Alma, NE. Together, they shared 40 years of marriage until Audrey’s passing on May 2, 1998.

Fred served his country with pride in the United States Marines. He was a longtime member of the Ellis VFW Post #9139. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards and loved to farm. He was a lifelong farmer in rural Ellis County and spent time as a custom harvester and in the oil fields.

Survivors include his son, Dean Slaughter and his wife Sandi of Ellis; three daughters, Brenda Slaughter of Ellis, Cara Slaughter of Hays, Alane Slaughter of Jamestown, KS; sister, Delores Gruen of Lenexa, KS; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Lynette Kuhn), John, Michael & Jasmine; six great-grandchildren, Lane, Audree, Sean, Kamryn, Savannah & Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Audrey; four sisters, Beulah, Betty, Bernice & Dorothy; two brothers, Raymond & Dale.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th St., Ellis, KS 67637. Burial will follow with Military Honors provide by the Ellis VFW Post #9139 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis.

Visitation will be Friday, October 26, 2018 from 6-8:00 P.M. and Saturday, from 2-3:00 P.M. all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made in Fred’s loving memory to the Ellis VFW Post #9139. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th, St., Ellis, KS 67637.

Condolences may be sent by guest book to www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].

December 15, 1919 – October 23, 2018

Luella Effie Purinton Kephart was born Dec 15, 1919 at Collyer Kansas to Ray and Leona Ward Purinton. She died at home October 23, 2018 in Buffalo, MO.

She was married to Hollie Lee Kephart October 23, 1938. To this union three children were born. Robert Lee Kephart, Ruby Carol Wallace and Cleo Mae Schneider.

Luella was a homemaker and nurse. She enjoyed making quilts on which she won several ribbons. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Buffalo, MO. She was also a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and also a member of the D.A.R. She was an active member of several quilt groups.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Leona Purinton; her husband, Hollie; a daughter, Cleo Mae; a son-in-law, George Wallace; a sister, Ruby and husband Elmer Cue; and a brother, Leonard and wife Irene Purinton.

She is survived by her son, Robert; daughter, Carol Wallace; granddaughter, Kim Routt and husband Melvin; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Routt and wife Miranda, BJ Routt and wife Sharon; one great-great granddaughter, Bristol Routt; one sister, Hazel Mae and husband Sam Rocco. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Graveside services and burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 26, 2018 at Union Cemetery (a.k.a. Collyer Cemetery), Collyer, KS. Service will be officiated by Pastor Bob Clemence with honors by Eastern Star.

There will be no visitation.

Orletta Gerber, 93, died Saturday, October 20, 2018 on her 75th Wedding Anniversary.

Rosary will be at 6:00 pm, Thursday, October 25, 2018; Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Friday, October 26, 2018 both at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Graveside Service will be at 3:00 pm, Friday, October 26, 2018 at St. Louis Cemetery, Waterloo, KS.

Preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Rose Niedens; son-in-law, Daniel G. Rupp; grandson, Tejay Collins.

Survived by her husband, Robert Gerber of Wichita, KS; daughters, Sandra Rupp of Hays, KS, Mary Rose (Lynn) Butler of Annandale, VA, Rita (Mike) Gedney of Overland Park, KS, Carmen Gerber of Hays, KS; sons, Gregory (Denise) Gerber of Wichita, KS, Duane (June) Gerber of Weatherford, OK, Shane (Dianne) Gerber of Wichita, KS; sisters, Betty Wilson of Wichita, KS, Bernice Carson of Baltimore, MD; 13 Grandchildren; 14 Great-Grandchildren.

Memorials have been established with The Lord’s Diner 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214 and St. Louis Catholic Church 13015 E. Maple Grove, Mount Hope, KS 67108. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.

Bazine – Ida McJunkin, 91, passed away October 20, 2018 at Country Living of Larned, Memory Care.

She was born July 21, 1927 in Hutchinson; the daughter of Jacob and Anna Weirick Nisly. A longtime area resident; she was a Homemaker.

She was a member of Faith Fellowship Church, Gray, Kansas.

On May 20, 1958 she married Ivan G. McJunkin at Hutchinson, Kansas; he passed away February 16, 1989.

Survivors include; four sons; Kim, Vancouver, Washington, Kent and Scott both of Burdett, and Kirk (Susan) Gold Hill, Oregon; two brothers, Aden Nisly, Salem, Oregon and Albert (Red) Nisly, Goshen, Indiana; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by; two brothers, Ivan Nisly and Enos Nisly and two sisters, Marie Miller and Savilla Gough.

Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Faith Fellowship church with Pastor Doug Ellison presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be in the Crandall Cemetery, Bazine, Kansas.

Memorial may be given to the Faith Fellowship Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Joe A. Tuzicka, 85, passed away October 22, 2018, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born June 21, 1933, at Otis to Joseph F. and Sophia (Matal) Tuzicka. He married Gwendolyn Butcher, September 6, 1954, at Timken. She died July 29, 1971.

Joe has lived in Great Bend since 1966, coming from Satanta. Joe served his country in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was a welder for Guthrie Trailer and a custodian for USD 428. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He also was a member of the American Legion in Hoisington.

Survivors include, one son, Rodney Tuzicka and wife Cindy of Minco, Oklahoma; one daughter, Kimberly Baird of Great Bend; two brothers, Lester Tuzicka of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Francis Tuzicka of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one sister, Cecilia Hloracek of Munjor; four grandchildren, Robbie Baird, Corey Baird, Ethan Tuzicka and Caitlyn Tuzicka and two great-grandchildren, Rylee Baird and Kenadee Baird. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwendolyn Tuzicka, son-in-law, Jimmie B. Baird, five brothers, Wilford, Willard, George, Louis and Father Fred M. Tuzicka, and one sister, Josephine Pozalek.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2018, with Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m., at Holy Cross Cemetery, Timken, with Military Rites conducted by the United States Army.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Neal Rush, 63, passed away October 21, 2018 peacefully at his home near Brewster surrounded by his family. Neal was born April 16, 1955 in Colby, KS to Rolland and Merna (Alleman) Rush. Neal grew up on the family farm 6 miles north of Levant. He graduated from Brewster High School in 1973 and received his degree in Accounting from Bethany College in 1976.

Neal was blessed with a large and loving family. On August 9, 1975, he married his high school sweetheart, Jolene (McKee) Rush. Together they raised their five children while pursuing Neal’s dream of taking over and expanding the family farm north of Levant.

Neal enjoyed many hobbies and activities, but being a grandpa was what gave him the most joy and he loved having his grandkids spend time with him on the farm. He also attended many, many of their games and sporting events. Among his many other interests were basketball, golf, go-karts, shooting guns and a strong devotion to reading. Throughout the years Neal served on the Brewster School Board and the Thomas County Soil Conservation Board.

Neal had an avid interest in computers, and in the early 1980’s he set up many of the local businesses in northwest Kansas with their first computer systems. This keen interest in computers also allowed him to always keep his farm and equipment on the cutting edge of technology, as well as, keeping him in high demand as the IT expert for many friends and neighbors.

Neal’s biggest passion was farming. Throughout the years, he not only built his farm, but he mentored many young farmers and others in the farming industry. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and was a great friend who touched many lives.

Neal is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jolene, three sons, Clint (Mary) Rush of Overland Park, KS, Clay (Jessica) Rush of Levant, KS, Cody (Katie) Rush of Wichita, KS, two daughters, Cayla (Joe) Cox of Norton, KS, Caitlan (Jonathan) Collett of Goodland, KS; seventeen grandchildren, Jackson, Nolan, Jaren, Jayla, Jayton, Jett, Collin, Cara, Corwyn, Chloe, Cambrie, Castyn, Harper, Konner, Kameron, Korbin, Kylan; two brothers Lynn (Cindy) Rush of Yukon, OK, Lane Rush of Colby; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel with Pastor Michael Baughn officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 2-7 p.m. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Colby KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to NWKS Hope Foundation or Drown Out Cancer. Donations in care of
Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel – 745 S. Country Club Dr. – Colby, KS 67701