Virginia Lee (Sherling) Hooper, age 88, passed away at her home in Bogue, Kansas Friday, September 20, 2019, after several years of failing health.

Virginia was born in Kirwin, Kansas, October 1, 1930, to Jeffe W. and Myrtle (Powers) Sherling. The family later moved to Phillipsburg, where she spent most of her youth. To family, Virginia was known by the nickname “Wimpy.” After marrying William Edward “Bill” Hooper in 1949, the couple lived many years in Logan before moving to Bogue in 1959.

To their marriage were born four children: Linda Gail, Annetta Sue, Billie Lea and Bryce Edward.

Virginia was always active in the community where she lived, working as a telephone operator in Phillipsburg, and a cook as well as school secretary at Bogue Grade School. She was later a volunteer “coach” for Hill City Grade School reading program. She worked with the Graham County Hospital Auxiliary and helped with the local 4-H. club. Virginia was also active in the Bogue American Legion Auxiliary.

She was involved in the Bogue United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school class. She provided children’s messages and Bible studies and was an active member of United Methodist Women’s organization. Add to that, her devotion as a loving mother, wife, and homemaker.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Bill; their daughter Linda Gai; two sisters: Ella Beth Gibson and Ada Jean Tomlinson, as well as two brothers: Jess Eugene and William, who died in infancy. One infant granddaughter, Holly Leigh Desbien, also preceded Virginia in death.

Virginia is survived by three children: Annetta Sue Hooper-Rome and friend Randy Loos of Bogue; Billie Lea and husband Steve Desbien of Lamar, Missouri; and Bryce Edward and wife Suzy of Yelm, Washington. Other survivors include her sister Bernittia (Sherling) Follis and husband Norman of Phillipsburg, and sister-in law Sandy Sherling of San Antonio, Texas.

Others left to mourn include nine grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren – as well as numerous nephews and nieces, cousins, including Hooper and Jacobson family members, and many friends.

Brian E. Williams, 49, passed away October 2, 2019, at his home in Olathe. He was born February 23, 1970, in Madera, California to Tommy E. and Carol (Klotz) Williams. He married Christi Fox in 2000 at Kansas City and they later divorced.

After graduating from Great Bend High School, Brian moved to the Kansas City area. He worked for NIC, Inc. in Olathe as an IT network engineer III, fulfilling his love of computers and electronics. Brian loved being outside. He was an avid gun advocate, a very patriotic person, and was in the United States Army. He loved coming home to Great Bend for the 4th of July and Thanksgiving to spend time with his family, but he especially loved his children and spending time with them.

Survivors include, one son, Andrew Williams of Olathe; two daughters, Caitlin Williams and Aby Williams, both of Olathe; his mother, Carol Durant of Great Bend; one stepdaughter, Felicia Gonzalez of Great Bend; grandmother, Bernice (Klotz) Henderson of Great Bend; and one brother, Randy E. Williams of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy E. Williams; stepfather, Max Durant; and grandparents, Lewis and Eula Williams; and grandfather, Eugene Klotz.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Schumacher presiding. Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Great Bend.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Rosella Catherine “Sally” Austerman, daughter of Nickolas and Regina (Mick) Gasper, was born December 11, 1924, in Tipton, Kansas, and passed away peacefully at her home in Norton, Kansas, on October 1, 2019, at the age of 94.

Sally grew up in the Tipton community and attended the local schools, graduating from the Tipton High School with the class of 1943. On October 8, 1946, Sally married her sweetheart, Henry “Hank” Austerman in Tipton. They made their home in Bird City, New Almelo, and Wichita, Kansas, before moving to Logan, Kansas, in 1954, where they raised their family of four children and Sally served as a cook in the Logan schools for many years. In 1975, Sally and Hank moved to Norton, where they made their home until Hank’s death on July 28, 2015. Sally remained in their home where she enjoyed spending time with family and special friends.

Sally was an active member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton. She enjoyed playing golf and crocheting, and in her later years she enjoyed playing bingo, and working in her vegetable and flower gardens. Sally loved her family, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Survivors include: two sons, Randy, and wife, Donna Austerman, Monument, Colorado; Ron Austerman, Fountain Hills, Arizona; two daughters, Shirley, and husband, Darrell Gottschalk, Wakeeney, Kansas; Sandra, and husband, Terry Gottschalk, Logan, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Helena Gasper, Tipton, Kansas; 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, Amy (and the late Farron) Leiker – Brianna, Morgan, Thomas; Tracy (Chad) Dague – Ethan, Brandon, Jenna, Kaylee; Renae (Jake) Wellbrock – Kayler, Drew, Makenna; Michael (Jana) Austerman – Kaitlyn, Kylee; Ryan (Alicia) Austerman; Caroline Austerman and Matthew Austerman; Terra (Steve) Brown – Cody, Chelsi; Clint (Kati) Gottschalk – Karson, Gavin, Easton, Graci, Jeffrey, Angel Naudya Jo; Trent (Ashley) Gottschalk – Camille, Taden, Conner; numerous nieces and nephews, several other relatives and friends.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son-in-law, Dave Bowers, one grandson-in-law, Farron Leiker, one great-granddaughter, Naudya Jo Gottschalk, six brothers, Theodore, John, Leo, Walter, Peter, and Felix, four sisters, Katherine Schroeder, Matilda Muths, Pauline Kohn, and Caroline Austerman, two brothers-in-law, Carl (Louise) Austerman, and Rex Austerman, two sisters-in-law, Zita (Dale) Conley, and Cresentia Gasper.

VISITATION – Friday, October 4, 2019 – 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Enfield Funeral Home
ROSARY SERVICE – Friday, October 4, 2019—7:00 p.m.
PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – 215 W. Main – Norton, KS
MASS OF THE CHRISTIAN BURIAL – Saturday, October 5, 2019 – 10:00 a.m.
PLACE – St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – Norton, KS
INTERMENT – St. Joseph Cemetery – New Almelo, KS
MEMORIALS – St. Joseph Cemetery in New Almela or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton

Lois Louise (Schremmer) Klug, 81, died October 2, 2019, in Great Bend, Kansas. She was born September 6, 1938, in Russell, Kansas, to Gus and Dale Schremmer. She spent her youth on a farm near Hoisington with her parents and seven siblings. She graduated from Hoisington High School in 1956 and married Leon J. Klug on October 3, 1956.

Lois was a homemaker with three children until she started a long career at Beaver Bank. Lois loved her sisters, brothers, children and grandchildren. She loved attending the grandchildren’s events and was fiercely proud of them. She enjoyed flowers, loved fishing, and was an avid gardener, antique collector, country music fan and an excellent cook. Lois was very involved in the Altar Society at St. John’s Church. Her family and friends will miss her dearly.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Leon Klug; her son, Dr. Kirby Klug of Overland Park; daughter, Kala Crites-Clary and Jim Clary of Overland Park; son, Kelly and Cindy Klug of Columbia, MO; grandson, Nick and Leslie Klug of Great Bend; granddaughter, Katie Klug of Leawood; granddaughter, Maggie Klug of Leawood; grandson, Brady and Kelsi Crites of Lenexa; and granddaughter, Brooke Crites of Prairie Village. She also adored her great-grandchildren, Olivia Klug of Great Bend, and Kaden Crites of Lenexa. Lois is also survived by; sister, Pat Proksch; brother, Ron and Betty Schremmer; brother, Bill and Bonnie Schremmer; and brother, Gene and Cheryl Schremmer, all of Hoisington; and sister-in-law, Helen Schremmer of Great Bend.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Karen Bishop and husband Paul; brothers, Earl Schremmer and Jim Schremmer and wife Kitty; and brother-in-law Richard Proksch.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with family to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel. Vigil with Rosary will begin at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 5, 2019, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP. Burial will follow in St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Kans for Kids or to Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, where Lois was a Pink Lady for many years, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Condolences may be left at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Myron James Steinert, 67, of New Strawn, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 30, 2019, at Coffey County Hospital in Burlington.

He was born March 21, 1952, at Ransom, Kansas, the son of Elmer Armin and Elnora Luella (Ochs) Steinert.

He grew up on the family farm near Ransom, and graduated from Ransom High School in 1970.

Myron was a US Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, enlisting in 1971. He was a machinist’s mate – submarine qualified, and served as submarine nuclear propulsion plant supervisor aboard the USS Seawolf SSN-575.

He moved to Burlington in 1981 to work at Wolf Creek Generating Station, and had been a nuclear power plant operator at Wolf Creek from its beginning until his recent retirement. He continued his nuclear engineering technology education at Kansas State University through his job at WCNOC.

Myron loved fast cars, from an early age until his very last day. He also was an avid firearms collector. His good humor and optimism were apparent to all who met him, and he will be dearly missed.

Myron was preceded in death by his parents; and by two brothers, A. Wayne and Gary D. Steinert.

He is survived by his children, Trevor M. Steinert (Stacey) of LaCrosse, Kansas, Brandi Grow (Shon) of Wichita, and Michael J. Steinert of Monterrey, California; a brother, Stanley Steinert of Yankton, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Paige, Treyton, Brennen, Tyron and TJ; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Lacey; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 A.M on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Ransom Cemetery in Ransom, Kansas, under direction of Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Ness City. Myron will be laid to rest there with his parents and grandparents.

Memorial contributions to “Myron Steinert Memorial Fund” (to be designated later) may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.

Phillips County resident Hank Schurz passed away Monday, September 30, 2019, at his home at the age of 61.

Hank was born December 27, 1957, in Logan, KS the son of Walter H. and Georgine M. (Bittel) Schurz. He was an equipment operator for the Kansas Department of Transportation.

He was united in marriage to Linda C. Smith on June 25, 1988, in Hays, KS. She survives.

Others survivors include his two daughters, Sara Olson of Phillipsburg and Beth Schurz of Hesston, KS; 3 brothers, Shannon of Speed, KS, Bob of Bonner Springs, KS and Rick of Olathe, KS; and 2 sisters, Dena Vehige of Hays, KS and Connie Breese of Quinter, KS;.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 in the Huck Boyd Community Center, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Mike Gooder officiating. The burial will take place prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan, KS.

A scriptural wake and rosary will be held Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd St., Phillipsburg, KS 67661 with Father Daryl Olmstead officiating. The family will receive friends following the rosary until 8:00 p.m.

Friends may sign the book from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. The casket will remain closed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hank Schurz Memorial Fund, to be distributed to local cancer funds.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com

Phillipsburg resident Howard I. “Toby” Colby, age 80, passed away Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne, KS.

He was born July 12, 1939 in Phillipsburg, KS the son of Benjamin and Geneva (Arment) Colby. He retired from Kyle Railroad in Phillipsburg.

Toby was united in marriage to Rita J. Nonamaker on March 12, 1971 in Kensington, KS. She survives.

Other survivors include two brothers, Darrell of Phillipsburg and Don of Dixon, MO and a sister, Marlene Gonzales of McCook, NE.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Community Church of God, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Robin McCollough officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Mr. Colby will lie in state from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday evening all at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd St., Phillipsburg, KS 67661.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Howard I. “Toby” Colby Memorial Fund.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com

Mona Grimsley-Hett, 71, of Topeka, passed away of natural causes Friday, September 27, 2019 in her home.

She was born February 18, 1948, in Garden City, Kansas. The daughter of Ben and Ramona (Neil) Grimsley. She graduated from Garden City High School in 1966 and she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio, Television and Film from the Journalism School at the University of Kansas in 1971.

Mona was employed at the Manager of Corporate communications at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Emporia for 12 years, retiring in 1997. Prior she was employed as Manager of Corporate communication for Sunflower Electric in Hays.

Ms. Grimsley was a member of the P.E.O. in Garden City and the American Nuclear Society.

Mona married Robert Hubert in 1966 and had a daughter together, Monica Hubert. Mona then married Max Hett in 1995.

Survivors include a Daughter, Monica Hubert, 3 Grandchildren; Veronica Miller, Vanessa Miller and Cameron Miller and Sister-In-Law, Nancy Grimsley. She was preceded in death by her Ex-Husband, Robert Hubert; Ex-Husband, Max Hett and Brother, Vern Grimsley.

Mona was known for her gift of writing, sharp wit, free spirit and unique perspective on the world.

A Memorial Service will be 10:00 am., Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at the Dove Cremations & Funerals – Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka. In lieu of flowers a gift can be made to the School of Journalism at Kansas University at https://bit.ly/2oxtgUI.

Leota Arment, 96, passed away Friday, September 27, 2019 at Brookdale, Hays, KS.

Leota was born November 29, 1922 in Smith County, KS, the daughter of Alfred and Avis (Gilbert) Keever. Leota was united in marriage to Kenneth E. Gregg on December 24, 1940 on the family farm in Smith County, KS. To this union they were blessed with two children, Eldon and Janet. Kenneth passed away on April 13, 1971. Leota later married Verl Arment in August of 1976, Verl passed away on November 23, 2008.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Smith Center.

Leota was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Kenneth Gregg and Verl Arment, a brother, Marion Keever, two sisters, Arvilla Goebel and Oleta Pixler and a step-daughter, Verneta Arment.

She is survived by a son, Eldon (Carol) Gregg of Hays; a daughter, Janet Faye (Lowell) Johannes of Hays; three step-daughters, Linda Rust of Ellsworth, Verlene Wilson of Manhattan and Donna Baca of Haslet, TX; four brothers, Alvin Keever of Atchison, Ora (Kathy) Keever of Albert Lea, MN, Walt (Vera) Keever of Smith Center, Richard (Wanda) Keever of Russell; two sisters, Rosalee Gutscher and Iris Rhoades both of Smith Center; four grandchildren, Daryl Gregg of Hays, Denise (Bill) VanderGiesen of Mulvan, Jason Johannes and Travis (Katelyn) Johannes all of Hays and eight great grandchildren, Matea Gregg, Torrie Gregg, Kyler VanderGiesen, Ainsley VanderGiesen, Eryn (Darrick) Mazour, Kelsey Johannes, Evelyn Johannes and Lydia Johannes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, October 4, 2019 at First Christian Church, Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Randy Hill officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until services time at the church. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church and sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS 66967.

Jerry Allen Nuss, 71, died September 29, 2019 at The University of Kansas Health Systems, Pawnee Valley Campus.

He was born August 16, 1948 in Great Bend to Herbert R. and Kathryn Elizabeth (Wagner) Nuss.

On April 3, 1971, he married Candice (Candi) R. Colburn at Ventura, California.

A longtime area resident, he moved to Larned from California in 1972 after returning from serving two tours in Vietnam in the United States Navy as aviation electronics warfare technician. After settling in Larned, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his 40 plus years in Larned, he worked for Larned State Hospital, Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility as a Corrections Specialist, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and Prisoner Transport Service.

Jerry had a love of hunting and the outdoors, especially with his gun dogs; Gunner and Ruger. When not enjoying the outdoors, his fondness of doing yard work and woodworking in his garage filled up his spare time with his sidekick Bandit.

Jerry loved his grandchildren immensely and cherished every moment he had with them. His time with them was spent reading books to them, riding four wheelers, looking for the next hunting spot, building furniture for them, enjoying movies together, and teaching them about Vietnam and history. He enjoyed researching his family’s heritage and learning the history of his ancestry back to the Volga Germans. He had a strong interest in the legal system, was an avid reader of James’ Patterson books, and a strong advocate for veteran’s affairs, especially those that served in Vietnam.

He is survived by his wife, Candi; two sons, Brian (Kelly) Nuss, Silverdale, Washington, Josh (Lindsay) Nuss, Junction City; four grandchildren, Colton, Levi, and Macey Nuss, all of Silverdale, Washington, and Amelia (Milly) Nuss of Junction City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Michael Nuss; two brothers, Larry and George Nuss and his sister, Florine Arend.

Funeral 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor David Spare presiding. Military Rites presented by the United States Navy immediately following the service, Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Mortuary. Burial 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Fairview Township Cemetery, Galatia, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Fischer House, a program for housing veterans and their families while they receive medical treatment. Visit www.FischerHouse.org for more information. Memorials may be given in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550.