Edward James Klein, 72, Gorham, died Saturday, July 7, 2018 at HaysMed.

He was born July 9, 1945 in Hays to Sylvanius and Leona (Sander) Klein. He grew up in Pfeifer and graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays. He met and fell in love with Coralee Kuntzsch of Hays, and they were married July 2, 1966.

They settled in Wichita to raise their three children, Brian Klein, Curtis Klein, and Amy (Klein) Brown. His passion for photography led him from photographic sales manager for Lawrence Photo in Wichita to starting his own company, Location One Photo, where he would spend the remaining years until retirement freezing memories and moments in time for others as well as family and friends.

Those close to Ed knew him to be a kind, honorable, and generous man whose handshake and word was backed with integrity to make it his bond. But to us who loved him dearly, he was simply Eddie, loving husband, friend, and dad.

Survivors include his wife Coralee of the home in Gorham, his three children; Brian Klein of Hays, Curtis Klein of Gorham, and Amy (Klein) Brown of Gorham, six grandchildren; Gregory Sean Brown II of Wichita, Gage Brown of Gorham, Cady, Cory, and Bilia of Great Bend, and Bekka of Gorham, and four great grandchildren.

Private inurnment will be held at a later date. Condolences may sent to the family in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, Kansas, or left at www.haysmemorial.com

Darlenne J. “Dot” Werhahn, 99, passed away July 28, 2018, at Locust Grove Village in LaCrosse. She was the daughter of Frank Avery and Josephine (Foster) Thompson. Dot was born November 1, 1918, on the family farm near McCracken, while her father was still in the Army in France.

She graduated from Alexander High School in 1936 and from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelors Degree in Education and Life Diploma in Teaching. She received her Masters Degree in 1943. She taught in Seward and Rush counties. In 1945 she joined the Marine Corps, serving in Campe LeJeune and Washington D.C., returning to the civilian life in 1947. After working for the Bell Telephone Company in Salina, she returned to teaching in Ness and Ellis counties.

On October 26, 1952, she married William F. Werhahn from Barton county. He passed away on May 2, 2008. She and Bill were members of the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Great Bend and the American Legion in Pawnee Rock. Dot was a housewife and teacher in Pawnee county until she retired in 1979. During those years, she was a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Hillside EHU, FHKSC alumni, Farm Bureau, KARSP and WELCA of the St. Mark Lutheran Church. She loved to read and sew, listen, play and sing along with music, as well as play the piano.

Survivors include, one son, Randy Werhahn of Pawnee Rock; one daughter, Jan and husband Tom Hannah of Florissant, Colorado; one sister, Virginia Taylor of Alexander; five grandchildren, McKinna and husband Sean Hughes, Collin and Nicholas Werhahn, Alicia and husband Brian Wirtz and Kalee Hannah; and three great-grandchildren, Emma and Bailey Hannah and Ryleigh Wirtz. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dwane and Frank Ural Thompson.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2018, with family present from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be Thursday, August 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Great Bend Cemetery in Great Bend, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding. Military Rites will be conducted by the United States Marine Corp. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Shirley (Donn) Parnell, 74, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, KS surrounded by nieces and nephews. She was born on September 21, 1943 to Carsen and Freda (Duden) Donn in Colby, KS at St. Thomas Hospital.

Shirley attended Levant schools until its closure and transferred to Colby where she graduated in 1961. In her early years, she worked at Rexall drugstore and was a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell.

Shirley married James “Dick” Parnell on May 2, 1973, and lived in Goodland, KS. They moved to Lincoln, NE in 1974 where she worked at her brother John’s bowling alley, and then moved to York, NE in 1979. While in York, Dick and Shirley were active members of the Elks, and Shirley was a member of the Elk Does where she served as president. She worked as a teller at York Bank and also owned a liquor store that she and Dick operated. In 1992, they moved back to Colby to take care of her elderly mother. She worked at Colby Public Schools, USO 315, as a bookkeeper in the Administration Office from 1994-2010.

Shirley was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She joined Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1994 and served as a Eucharistic minister, server, hospitality, parish council, and was also on the Arts and Environment committee, decorating the church for several years.

Shirley’s hobbies included spending time with family, cooking, canning, making Christmas candies, and family genealogy. She enjoyed maintaining contact with high school classmates and hosting class reunions at her home. Traveling was something that she and Dick enjoyed doing through the years. Shirley also loved passing down traditions to her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband “Dick”; brothers Vern, Jim (Eva), John, and sister Erma (Eugene); great-niece Ami Donn; great-nephews Mickey Jr. Donn and Jason Donn; and great-great niece Everly Graham.

Surviving are nieces and nephews James “Ike” (Diane) Donn, Glenda Merideth, Greg Hein, Julie (Drew) Barnes, all of Colby; Carsen (Patti) Donn, Colorado; Roy Donn, Texas; David Donn, Mickey Donn, Gary {Cathy) Donn, Kenny (Pari) Donn, Jackie (Dennis Sr.) McGuire, and sister-in­law Frances Donn, all of Florida; and sister-in-law Mary (Rob) Heninger and family. She also leaves behind many great nieces and nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-7:00pm on Thursday, August 2nd at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel with vigil services at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 3rd at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. Burial will follow at Beulah Cemetery.

Memorials to the Church in care of the Funeral Chapel.

Condolences: kersenbrockfuneralchapel.com

Ruth Irma Klitzke Daniels, age 97, passed away on July 2, 2018 at her home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on April 15, 1921 in Ness County, Kansas, born to Charles & Elizabeth Jaehde Klitzke, she was the last survivor of 8 brothers and sisters. Ruth grew up on the family farm in Ness County, Kansas. She met her husband-to-be, Marvin Daniels in Ness City’s Five & Dime Store where he was the Manager.

They married in Rolla, Missouri in 1942 while Marvin was in the service. When he returned from his service in the Army, they moved to the Daniels Farm, into an adobe house built by his parents, Bill and Ida Daniels. They shared it with them and his brother Raymond and wife Neva Mae. When Ruth gave birth to Deanna, it was time for more space, so they built a house right next door and lived there until 1989, when they moved into Scott City.

Ruth was an outstanding Western Kansas Artist, and enjoyed displaying her work at many art, craft and antique shows.

She is survived by her two daughters and families. Deanna & Jerry Kerr and Gaye & Tom Fleming, Six Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family.

Ruth was a dedicated wife, Mother and wonderful cook. A member of the Prairie View Church of the Brethren in Friend, Kansas, the Kansas Kolorful Art Association, Scott County VIP Center, The HGL Club, and sang at church and Park Lane.

She was always ready to travel, Kansas City to see family, Florida, Arizona, weekend trips to the lake with family and friends or VIP dances. Surely they are dancing now.

Ruth was a wonderful example with her kindness and strength. Most recently to the caregivers and hospice workers. We are thankful to all of them who showed genuine love and care for her.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 4, 2018 with Rev. Jon Tuttle presiding.

In Lieu Of Flowers, donations can be made to the Prairie View Church of the Brethren, Scott County CIP Center or St. Catherine Hospice.

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

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2018 at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Dr. Donna L. Commons, age 78, of Hays, KS, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018 surrounded by her loving family at her home. She was born on November 20, 1939 in Baxter Springs, KS to Randolph and Nola (Turrentine) Commons.

Dr. Donna was a lifetime educator. She served in all capacities from teaching Kindergarteners to college students. She held different positions from administrative, secretarial to becoming a Principal and a Professor. Her passion for teaching impacted many students throughout her career. Among teaching, she had a love for the arts. She had collected many different forms of art.

Survivors include her two sons, Dustin & Doug Boshart of Hays; and a brother, Randy Commons and his wife Sue of Baxter Springs, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Kenny & Tom Commons.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 from 5-8:00 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

A visitation will then take place in her hometown of Baxter Springs at Derfeldt’s Baxter Chapel, 328 E. 12th Street, Baxter Springs, KS 66713 on Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 2-5:00 PM. Cremation will follow after the visitation with inurnment taking place a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via email to [email protected].

Arrangements are by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Longtime Sherman County resident Merlyn E. Boll, 94, died Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Center in Goodland.

Merlyn was born on October 26, 1923 in rural Cheyenne County to Fred and Sophia (Rust) Boll. He was baptized with his brother Raymond, at the Cheyenne Valley Lutheran Church, south of Wheeler, Kansas. He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1941. He then served in the Korean War in the 20th Infantry, 6th Division.

In October of 1950, Merlyn married Shirley Mitchell. They had four children. Merlyn and Shirley farmed in Northwest Sherman County until 1996 when they retired and moved to Goodland.

Preceding him in death was his parents, his wife Shirley, one son Donald and a brother Raymond.

He is survived by his sister Darlene Feikert and brother Laverne Boll of St. Francis; two daughters, Susan (Johnny) Jones of Basehor, Kansas, and Janice Boll of Hutchinson, Kansas, and one son Wayne Boll of Denver, Colorado. He is also survived by five grandchildren.

Cremation has been chosen and a Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be designated to the Ronald McDonald House or to Hospice Service of Northwest Kansas – Sherman County and may be sent to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Longtime Brewster, Kansas, resident Gregory Allen Mills, 62, passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the Hays Regional Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Greg was born on March 19, 1956 in Loup City, Nebraska to Douglas and Joyce (Livermore) Mills, III. He was one of six children. He grew up and attended school at the Ansley Public School and the Burr Oak School before graduating from the Broken Bow High School in 1975. He then went on and completed his schooling for Ag Mechanics at the University of Nebraska, School of Technical Agriculture.

On October 8, 1977, Greg married Nancy Ann Wullschleger at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Leigh, Nebraska. To this union, two children Matthew and Katherine were born. They lived in Central City, Nebraska and Ravenna, Nebraska where he worked for John Deere. In 1981, the moved to Brewster, Kansas where he worked as a farm hand for 37 years. Greg enjoyed feeding cattle, and loved the different seasons of farming and what it all involved.

Greg accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior when he was 8 years old and was baptized in the South Loup River. He was a member of the Pleasant Home Church where he served as a Junior High and Adult Sunday School Teacher and was on the Church Board for many years. He served on the Union Township Board, and for 12 years he served on the Brewster USD 314 School Board.

Preceding him in death was his father Douglas Elmer Mills, III.

Surviving family includes his mother Joyce Mills of Holdrege, Nebraska, his wife Nancy Mills of Brewster, KS, son Matthew (Jerlyn) Mills and their children Joseph and Jordan of Goodland, KS, daughter Katherine (Andrew) Pope and their children Aubrie, Ella Pierce, Anslie and Emerie of Manhattan, KS. He is also survived by his siblings, Peggy (Allen) Neth of Broken Bow, NE, Creig Mills of Holdrege, NE, Pam (Jim) Canady of Crawfordsville, IN, Rusty (Kirsten) Mills of Oconomowoc, WI and Amy (Joe) Kellerof Holdrege, NE.

Funeral services for Greg will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 10:00 AM MT at the Pleasant Home Church north of Edson with Pastor John Paulson officiating. Burial will follow in the Brewster Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Pleasant Home Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Smith Center – Frances L. “Francie” Copper, 90, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Smith Center Health and Rehab.

Francie was born September 26, 1927 in Portis, KS, the daughter of Ruth (Lammey) and William Moate. She lived on a farm north of Portis until she was 13 when her family moved to a family farm east of Smith Center. Francie attended junior high and high school in Smith Center and graduated in 1945. After high school she attended college at Kansas State University graduating in 1950 with a Home Economics degree. Francie met her future husband, Don, while they both were attending KSU.

After college graduation, she became a Home Demonstration Agent in Stockton, KS for three years. On March 11, 1951 Francie married Don Copper in Smith Center at the United Methodist Church and were married for over 67 years.

In 1953 Don and Francie moved from Stockton to the family farm east of Smith Center where she had grown up. She and Don were always involved in community and school activities. They were members of the Smith Center United Methodist Church. She was a member of the United Methodist Womens’ Circle for many years. They always had a huge garden and shared their vegetables with as many friends as possible. The always fixed fresh vegetables for church and funeral dinners. She was also a member of the Over 60’s club, Pinochle club, Picnic club and she and Don were crowned the Old Settler’s Day King & Queen in 2017.

Francie enjoyed judging 4-H and open class for many years at county fairs throughout Kansas. She also judged at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. While judging at the fair she met many lifelong friends. Francie was always involved with 4-H and taught many kids cooking, sewing, baking and canning. She was a leader and very involved when her children were growing up.

She was a substitute teacher at Smith Center High School for many years. She always enjoyed the students and they enjoyed her sense of humor. Francie also taught Special Education for three years before it was started in public schools. She dearly loved her students and always followed how they were doing as they grew up.

For many years in Smith Center, Francie was known as “The Avon Lady”. She always enjoyed visiting with her customers. So many women over the years have said that they always looked forward to her stopping by their homes when they were little girls because Francie would always give them lipstick samples! She received numerous awards for her Avon sales and was an Albi award winner for many years which was a top award in Avon.

Don and Francie always enjoyed traveling with their daughter Nancy and going on cruises with Mike and Linda Nebel. They travelled to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska, Western Caribbean, South America and many places in Europe. Don and Francie have many cherished memories of their travels and cruises.

For many years Don and Francie went camping at the lake with their motor home. They both enjoyed spending lake time with family and friends and had lots of good times. Going to KSU football games over the years became their favorite thing to do in the fall. They always loved tailgating with family and friends. The presence of Willie the Wildcat was everywhere in their home.

Francie resided at Smith Center Heath and Rehab for the last nine years. She enjoyed getting to know the employees and was always interested in what was going with their families. Many of them have said how much she will be missed. They all made her home away from home more enjoyable.

Francie was always known for her sense of humor and wit. She cherished the time she was able to spend with all of her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law Jim.

Francie is survived by her husband Don of Smith Center; a daughter Nancy Roberts of Wichita; two sons, Jeff (Marla) Copper of Hays and Jim (Pam) of North Newton; two sisters, Betty Jane Lambert of Manhattan, Carolyn (Kurt) Heaton of Topeka; a sister-in-law Marilyn Copper of Wichita; eight grandchildren, Josh Copper of Newton, Joey (Alicia) Copper of Bel Aire, Ashley Roberts of Wichita, Aaron (Brittany) Roberts of Wichita, Molly (John) McMurtrie of Hays, Michael (Charlotte) Copper of Hays, Maggie (Cameron) Moeder of Ellis and Millie Copper of Kansas City, MO; fourteen great grandchildren, Miley, Ally, Remy and Reed Copper, Hudson and Brynn Roberts, Jack, Jacy and Jerzy McMurtrie, Emersyn and Elliot Copper, Camdyn Copper, Weston and Callen Moeder and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 2, 2018 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Dennis Lambert officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS. Memorials may be given to Smith County 4-H and sent in care of the funeral chapel.

Lyndee Marie Scott, 43, passed away July 28, 2018, in rural Jackson County, Kan. She was born April 5, 1975, in Great Bend, to Walter “Darel” and Debra (Crain) Scott.

Currently residing in Topeka, previously living in Great Bend and Garden City, Lyndee was a server at Perkins. She expressed her creativity and artistic talents in her handmade jewelry, candles and home decor. She was adventurous and enjoyed being in the presence of her family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Survivors include, her significant other, Robbie Pritchett of the home; her mother, Debra Moss and step father Edward of Coats; one son, Taylor Meitner and significant other Mallory Ratts of Hays; two brothers, Allen and wife Cesy Scott of Great Bend and Jason Hembree of Hutchinson; one sister, Kristina and husband Scott Bruno of Garden City; grandmothers, Denise Leonard of Checotah, Okla. and Virginia Crain Jacobs of Great Bend; and ten nieces and nephews, Gage DeWald, Jason Scott, Samantha Walck, Thomas Hembree, Dylan Bruno, Kiana Brown, Kaylee Hembree, Gracelyn Hembree, Riley Hembree and Ronilyn Hembree.

She was preceded in death by her father and step-mother, Darel and Marty Scott; one brother, Michael Scott; and grandfathers, Lloyd Crain, W. Allen Scott and Earl Rohrbaugh.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery North. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2018, with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society or to the Holy Cross Charities, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Ray Earl Wieger, 89, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, July 30, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Ray was born on January 26, 1929, in Waubay, South Dakota, the son of John and Lizzie (Bloom) Wieger. Ray grew up on the family farm in Waubay and attended country schools. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Delores Helwig on June 15, 1950, in Grenville, South Dakota. From this union Ray and Delores were blessed with 3 children Joan, Darrell and Duane. Ray and Delores moved to Russell around 1950. He worked in the oil field as a heavy equipment operator. He was a long time member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. He enjoyed working on and rebuilding old dozers, football, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, playing cards and going to the casino. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving family include his daughter Joan Blake and husband Randy of Manhattan, Kansas; sons Darrell Wieger and wife Jennifer and Duane Wieger and wife Kim all of Russell; sister Doris Osborne; 6 grandchildren Justin, Melody, Jennifer, Kristin, Ashley and Shannon and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers Herb, Melvin, Fred and Ed Wieger and 5 sisters Freddie Schultz, Carline Labarr, Marie Wieger, Peral Hammon and Ruth Braley

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, August 02, 2018, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dan Scheetz and Father James Grennan officiating. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Wednesday, August 01, 2018, at the mortuary. A vigil service will follow at 7 P.M. Wednesday evening at the catholic church. Memorials may be given to the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.