Patricia “Patty” Reynolds, 54, passed away October 7, 2019, at her home in Great Bend. She was born September 10, 1965, at Playa San Blas La Libertad, El Salvador, to Serafin & Fidelina (Baos) Arévalo. She married Curtis Reynolds on May 20, 2003 at Great Bend. He survives.

A Great Bend resident, Patricia was a cashier and translator for the Barton County Health Department. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend. She enjoyed dancing and music from the 1970’s, as well as crocheting and cooking. She especially loved being with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include, her husband, Curtis Reynolds of the home; her mother, Fidelina Baos and her father, Serafin Arévalo; two sons, Edwin Recinos and wife Susana and Diego Recinos, all of Great Bend; one daughter, Patty Grauer and husband Brenden of Great Bend; one stepson, Adam Reynolds and wife Shelly of Hutchinson; one stepdaughter, Kelly Smith and husband Jay of Kingman; two brothers, Ricardo Arévalo of El Salvador and Rafael Arévalo of Madrid, Spain; two sisters, Cristina Arévalo of Quebec, Canada and Judith Marceca of Durham; nine grandchildren, Kyle, Brent, Grayson, Sutton, Anthony, Jeremiah, Victoria, Lillian and Jace; and one great granddaughter, Joselin.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 11, 2019, at First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Dwight Dozier presiding. Interment will be in Great Bend Cemetery North.

Shirley Beecher, 83, passed away October 3, 2019, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Shirley was born March 7, 1936, in Studley, Kansas, the daughter of Adolph and Regina (Billinger) Brungardt. She was the oldest of three children. During her childhood days, the family moved to Bogue, Kansas, where Shirley graduated from high school in 1954.

Following graduation, she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she graduated from business college. She married the love of her life, Norman Beecher, April 21, 1956 in Damar, Kansas. The couple moved to Great Bend where Norman was a front-end mechanic and Shirley a bookkeeper. In 1960, 1961 and 1962, she and Norman had three children: Jeff, Gina and Greg. During this time she was a very busy mom and homemaker.

In 1963, she and Norman moved to Hill City and opened “Beecher Sinclair” full-service gas station. Which they owned and operated until I-70 opened to the south, leaving Highway 24 less traveled and therefore less busy. She then continued her career as a bookkeeper working for several years in the private sector.

However, she spent the majority of her professional career in service of Hill City, Unified School District 281 as the secretary of Hill City High School. She loved the hustle and bustle of all the students’ activities. After serving there for many years, she moved to the district office and held the position of Clerk of the Board of Education until she retired July 1, 1999.

If you knew Shirley, you obviously knew she loved the color red, from her home décor to her favorite clothing and right down to those meticulously groomed fingernails! She enjoyed watching her favorite NFL teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sundays.

Shirley was an active member of the Catholic Church and served on the parish council. She and Norman were also active with the Kansas Western Horseman’s Association. Norman and the three children, as young as

four and as old as fourteen, participated in horse shows for many years. Jeff, Gina, and Greg won many trophies during this time. Gina remembers going to church at 8:00 on Sunday mornings and then rushing home to make bologna sandwiches and packing a cooler of Shasta pop, while Jeff, Greg, and Norman groomed and loaded the horses in the trailer. The family also traveled to the state horse-shows for ten plus years winning many awards there, as well. Shirley was always there to cheer her husband and children on, but she was also an announcer, timer, and scorekeeper at many of these events.

As her children entered middle and high school, the horses took a back seat to sporting events in which her children were involved, including football, basketball, wrestling, track, and softball. She attended these activities faithfully.

Later, after her children graduated from high school, trade school, and college; she and Norman took advantage of some time to themselves. They were active in the Graham County Rodeo for over 25 years, in which Shirley did some announcing and time keeping at these annual rodeos. Additionally, she and Norman enjoyed playing darts, pitch, and attending wedding dances where Shirley loved to polka.

After Norman passed away in June of 2001, she and her girlfriends formed “The Garden Club.” She said they chose this name because they were all “blooming idiots.” The club gathered every Friday for fun and cheer.

She was a devoted wife, mother and doting grandmother and will be missed immensely.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Regina; husband, Norman; sister, Connie and daughter-in-law, Peggy (Chick) Beecher, wife of Jeff.

She is survived by her brother Don, Solomon; children: Jeff Beecher, Lawrence, Gina Fischer, Kingman, Greg Beecher and wife Rhonda (Sauer) Beecher, Rose Hill; six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Click HERE for service details.

Mary L. Todd, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Wichita County Health Center LTCU in Leoti, Kansas.

Mary was born June 1, 1933 in Akron, Colorado, the daughter of Ted Ray & Ethel Olive (Bailey) Dickson. A resident of Leoti, Kansas, since 1966 moving from Parks, Nebraska, she was primary checkout clerk at several Leoti grocery stores retiring in 2004.

On December 27, 1951, she married Harold Todd at Akron, Colorado. Harold passed away on January 24, 1987, in Leoti, Kansas

Mary’s surviving family includes-

One son-
Mike & Kay Todd- Scott City, Kansas

Three Grandchildren-
Ryan & Shannon Todd- Gainsville, Florida
Jeff Gilmore- Terry, Mississippi
Chastel & Eric Vallerand- Gainesville, Florida

Five Great Grandchildren-
Lyra Todd, Callen Todd, Alden Todd, Nathan Vallerand & Kambrea Gilmore

Numerous nieces and nephews and special friends

Her parents, two siblings, Allen Dickson & Alice Rogers, and a grandson, Brett Todd precede her in death.

Services will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas with Rev. Don Williams officiating.

Memorials may be given to Wichita County Health Center Long Term Care Unit in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO 161, Leoti, Kansas 67861.

Raymond Torvie Parrott, 80, a longtime resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, died September 12, 2019 at the Nathan Adelson Hospice after a prolonged illness.

He was born December 5, 1938 in Cleburne County, Arkansas in a log cabin to Jake O. and Jessie Pearl (Tidwell) Parrott. He married the love of his life, Joyce Halling, December 29, 1962 in Hanston, Kansas.

Ray or Torvie as many knew him, served proudly in the Navy and then went to college. He attended Dodge City Community College and Wichita State University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas in 1971. He then completed a Master of Science degree in Education in 1975 at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He taught in many schools across Western Kansas and influenced countless lives as a teacher, coach, mentor, principal and superintendent. In 1989, he retired from school administration and relocated the family remaining at home to Las Vegas. He embarked on a second career as a croupier. (Look it up!) He really enjoyed interfacing with the public and sharing his particular brand of humor at the table.

He loved his family and friends, sharing his love of his second home, Las Vegas, with all who came to visit. He also loved going to movies and the many restaurants available around town. As his health declined, he found a way to stay connected through Facebook, sharing his love of old country music, playing games and making friends with people all around the world. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh when he got really tickled about something.

Ray is survived by his wife of 56+ years, Joyce of Las Vegas; daughter Monica Scrudder of Gig Harbor, Washington; son Greg (Stefanie) of LaCrosse, Kansas; son Scott of Las Vegas; son Richard (Eva) of Hays, Kansas; daughter Jennifer York (Daren) of Scott City, Kansas; daughter Myrna of Las Vegas; 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; sisters Wanda Abernathy (Robert) of Hutchinson, Kansas; Linda Rehmert of Eufala, Oklahoma; Brenda West of Corinth, Mississippi; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jake O. and Jessie Pearl Parrott; his brother Andrew; a half-sister Opal Woodam; granddaughter Alexa Leigh Whalen; daughter Janelle Parrott Whalen; and son Michael Brett.

Remembrances can be sent to Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:30am at Christ the King Catholic Community, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Interment will be Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 1:00pm at Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123.

Cecile M. Billings, age 96, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on August 3, 1923 in Sylvia, Kansas, the daughter of John & Marget H. McGuire Gatlin.

In 1927 she moved from Reno County, Kansas to Finney County, Kansas. In 1930 she moved to Scott County, Kansas where she attended grade school. She attended high school at Friend, Cripple Creek, Colorado and graduated from Garden City High School in 1940. She was a school cook in Friend, Kansas, owned and operated Billings Decorated Cakes and was on the election board.

She was a member of the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas. Her other memberships included 4H Club Project Leader, Friendly Friends EHU, Lazy Daisy EHU, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Lifetime Member of Friend PTA, and was a Clerk for the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren.

On January 26, 1942 she married Nathan Millard Billings in Leoti, Kansas. He passed away on February 20, 2001 in Wichita, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Sons – Larry & Donita Billings of Holcomb, Kansas, Kenneth L. Billings of Bessemer, Michigan, Two Daughters – Delinda & Thurman Dunagan of Scott City, Kansas, Ann & William Beaton of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sisters – Beulah McVey of Glasco, Kansas, Doris Warren of Clay Center, Kansas, Pauline Puterbaugh of Salida, Colorado, Twelve Grandchildren, Twenty Great Grandchildren and Twenty Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Two Brothers – John D. Gatlin, Paul Gatlin, One Sister – Margaret Bayer and One Daughter In Law – Patti Jo Billings.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas with Pastor Jon Tuttle presiding.

Memorials can be made to the Prairie View Church, Park Lane Nursing Home or Garden City Hospice in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Interment will be in the Prairie View Church Of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas.

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

Leon Eugene France, age 77, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at his home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on March 22, 1942 in Scott County, Kansas, the son of Theodore and Violet France. He was resident of Scott and Wichita County, Kansas where he was a farmer and cattleman.

Leon was a Christian and was baptized in 1942. Growing up, Leon attended the Sunnyside Nazarene Church in Wichita County. As a child, he and his siblings attended a one-room schoolhouse 2 miles from their home. Leon took pride in being the one to light the fire every morning for the schoolhouse. He was a graduate of Scott Community High School in 1960.

Leon was an excellent horseman and cattleman and enjoyed time in the arena. In 1975, Leon and his friend and neighbor, Bob Wiles started the Wichita County Team Roping Association, in which he was president for 14 years. He was a member of the Wichita County Fair Board for seven years, a member and president of Leoti Rough Riders. Leon was also a member of the Kansas Livestock Association and the American Quarter Horse Association.

On July 19, 1991, Leon married his longtime friend, Cheryl K. Huseman-Martin, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they enjoyed traveling, spending time with their children, grandchildren, and friends and family. Leon treasured the life they had built together.

Survivors include his Wife – Cheryl France of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter – Tracy France of Roeland Park, Kansas, Two Sons – Clint & Amy France of Marienthal, Kansas, Heath & Tara France of Hays, Kansas, Two brothers – Ted France of Scott City, Ron and Carrie France of Garden City, Sister-in-law – Joann & Jerry Riemann of Dighton, Kansas, Six Grandchildren – Caleb & Kennedie, Madison, Ivan, Delaney, Calli and Jury, One Great Granddaughter Prim. Leon also treasured his nieces, nephews as well as his great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, One Daughter – Lydia France, Two Sons – Justin Martin, Dallas & Kandace Martin, One Brother – Darrell France, Three Sisters – Zelpha, Margaret & Evelyn.

On October 10, 2019, at 10:30 am, there will be a morning of remembrance at the First Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas, with Steve Payne & Pastor Don Williams.

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

Memorials can be made out to the Wichita County Amusement Association or the St. Catherine Hospice in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.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, Kansas.

Maryln Janell (Gallagher) Rogers, 68, went to be with the Lord on October 4, 2019. She passed away at The University of Kansas Health System –HaysMed Campus, Hays, Kansas surrounded by her family. Maryln was born in Quinter, Kansas on January 7, 1951. She was the daughter of Frank and Joyce (Jacob) Gallagher. Maryln was baptized at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Seguin on March 18, 1951. Maryln attended Hoxie High School and was a member of the class of 1969. She recently attended her 50th High School Class Reunion.

Maryln was a homemaker and had two children Randy and Laurie. She was a wonderful mother and a good cook. Maryln was a seamstress and made many of her and her children’s clothes. In fact, she just recently bought material to start a new sewing project. Maryln was a talented artist and enjoyed painting. In 1978, Maryln attended Cosmetology School in Great Bend, Kansas. She earned her certification as a Cosmetologist and worked in the profession for several years. She also owned and operated a flower and gift shop for a few years. Colorado and the mountains were where she loved to spend time. She managed a Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado and finally became the owner of a Lodge in that area. There was no place she would rather be than in the mountains. When Maryln wasn’t working, she loved to play BINGO.

Maryln dearly loved her children and family. One very important part of her family was her dog, Pixie. Pixie was a constant companion and like another child to Maryln.

Maryln is survived by her parents, Frank and Joyce Gallagher of Hoxie, Kansas; daughter, Laurie Garrison of Concordia, Kansas; son Randy Washburn and wife Erin of Jetmore, Kansas; brother, David Gallagher and wife Rosie of Oakley, Kansas; sisters, Leanna Sloan and husband Tom of Hoxie, Kansas, Ladonna Joslyn and husband Mark of Hoxie, Kansas, and Mary Dumler and husband Alex of Hoxie, Kansas; Grandchildren, Tanner Archer, Jacey Archer, Kolt Washburn, Kayln Washburn, Kapri Washburn, and Kollin Washburn; and many nieces and nephews.

Maryln has gone to her heavenly home and is with her brother, Stanley Gallagher and grandson, Dalton Garrison.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie, Kansas. Stan Smith will preside. Visitation is planned for Monday, October 7, 2019, from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. The family will also greet friends from 10:00 A.M. to noon, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. All visitation will be held at the Funeral Home. A private family inurnment will take place in the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Cemetery in Hoxie at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk, and they may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Marilyn was a loving, caring person. She would ask you to shed few tears but rather celebrate her life. Think of her often with thoughts of happiness and love.

Debye Kirkhart passed to her heavenly home in the early morning hours of Friday, Oct.4, 2019, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson.

Debye was born April 12, 1950, in Oklahoma City, to James W. and Lela Zell (Monroe) Putman. She grew up in Perryton, Texas. Following graduation from Perryton High School in 1969, she attended North Western State College in Alva, Okla. where she met the love of her life, Tommy Wayne Kirkhart. They were married in Perryton on January 24, 1970. The couple settled in Forgan, Okla. for the first 20 years of their marriage, moving to Great Bend in 1990. Two daughters, LaDesha and TaKura, were born to this union.

Debye and Tom spent their 50 years together doing what they loved most – raising their daughters, becoming grandparents and traveling. She was an involved parent in all aspects of her children’s lives and activities, and to her delight, this continued with her grandchildren, attending school functions and many a ball-game. Their appetite for traveling took Debye and Tom to a variety of locales around the world through the years.

One look at her flower garden and you knew Debye had a “green thumb” and a passion for gardening. This was evidenced each year by the abundance of beautiful blooms in her yard.

Survivors include her husband, Tom, of the home; daughters, LaDesha Clark and husband Todd of Great Bend, and TaKura Price and husband Jasen of Salina; one granddaughter, Shailey Clark; three grandsons, Talus and Andin Price, and Cody Clark; sister, Janie Mooneyham of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; nieces, Leslyn Wallace of Horseshoe Bay, Devyn Haley of Weatherford, Texas, and Becky Powell of Laverne, Okla.; nephews, Sambo McLain of Hico, Texas, and Shane Kirkhart of Forgan, Okla.; numerous cousins, of which she had a special bond with, Norma Mounts of Perryton, Jan Watson of Midland, Texas, and Biff Yocham of Round Top, Texas; and by the many friends she cultivated over her life’s path.

Debye was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, where funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Visitation will be 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Great Bend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.