July 22, 1932 – September 30, 2019

An obituary is pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

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Jerry Lee Brand, age 78, of Quinter, Kansas, passed away on September 27, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays. Jerry was born September 23, 1941, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Walter and Ruth (Wheeler) Brand. Jerry graduated from Lexington High School.

Jerry was united in marriage to Karen Lunz on May 26, 1968, and they were married for 51 years. Jerry and Karen met while both working at Waldbaum’s egg factory. Jerry proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Following his military service, he spent several years working on different farms, and 32 years as a production worker for Swift Bullet in Quinter. In his free time, Jerry was an avid fisherman who enjoyed gardening, playing with his dog, helping his neighbors and mowing lawns. He also enjoyed reading the Hays Daily News, Gove County Advocate, National Geographic, and Readers Digest. Jerry also enjoyed watching National Geographic, in addition to watching the Kansas City Chiefs and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Jerry was actively involved with the Church of the Brethren.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Karen; his son Robert (Peggy) Brand of Imogene, IA; his daughter Patty Knoll of Great Bend, KS; Grandson Lochlan Jerry Brand of Imogene, IA; Brothers Dean (Pam) Brand of Lexington, NE and DeWayne (Beth) Brand of Kearney, NE; Sisters Bonnie (Rich) Suhr of Pender, NE and June (Jeff) Walker of Lexington, NE.

Jerry was preceded in death by both parents, Walter and Ruth Brand; and daughter-in-law Jessica Knoll.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019, at the Church of the Brethren in Quinter, KS. Pastor Keith Funk will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5 pm to 7 pm at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jerry Brand Memorial Fund. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S Main St. Quinter, KS 67752.

Keith Leroy Roush passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019 at his home in Wilson, Kansas at the age of 79.

He was born on October 21, 1939 to Harvey Lee Roush, Sr. and Elma Marie (Killian) Roush in Lincoln, Kansas. Keith was a graduate of Vesper High School. He was united in marriage to Rose Mary Ahlquist on June 24, 1961 in Sylvan Grove, Kansas. They were blessed with three children: Rob, Barbara, and Beverly.

Keith was a carpenter and a school bus driver for USD 112. He was a member of the Lions Club in Wilson. Keith enjoyed collecting rocks, camping, and bingo; but what he really loved was fishing, especially ice fishing, and spending time with his grandkids.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Rose Roush of Wilson; son, Rob Roush and wife Carol of Lincoln, NE; daughters, Barbara Evans and husband David of Ottawa, KS and Beverly Vopat and husband Valan of Ellsworth, KS; brother, Harvey “Butch” Roush Jr. of Vesper, KS; sisters, Betty Zelenka of Minneapolis, KS and Jeanette Feldkamp of Vesper, KS; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Elma; and sister, Helen Stephens.

Keith was a hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man. He loved what he did and did what he loved. Although he will be greatly missed, his life, his love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Wilson on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 10:00AM. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the funeral home from 1:00PM until 8:00PM with the family receiving friends from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. Visitation will also be held on Thursday at the church from 9:00AM until service time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ellsworth County Cancer Fund, and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490. Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com

Waltraud “Susie” Butler, age 77 of Plainville, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center, in Hays, Kansas. Susie was born to Friedrich and Adelheid (Jockschat) Stuttfeld in Essen, Germany on March 19, 1942. She attended school in Germany and graduated from high school before moving to Zurich in 1968 and later making her permanent home in Plainville in 1977. She married and later divorced Richard Butler. They had two children: Jutta and Dick.

Susie worked as a CNA for the Plainville Hospital for over 30 years and retired in 2007. She enjoyed spending her time with friends, cross stitching, and reading her bible. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Stockton. Her faith and family were her priorities; she loved spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren.

Susie is survived by her children, Jutta Smee and husband Gary Handler of Liberty, MO and Dick Butler and wife Christina of Plainville; grandchildren, T.J. and Dyson Butler, Caden Hunt, Stephen Smee, Johnathan Smee, and Stephanie Crawford; great-grandchildren, Chalel, Jaithyn, and Zahya Crawford, and Eleanor Louise Smee.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Friedrich and Adelheid Stuttfeld; and brothers, Gustauv and Fritz Stuttfeld.

Susie was a woman of deep love and devotion. Her faith in God was not only a constant source of strength for herself, but also for her family and friends. Although she has now gone home to be with her Lord, her memories and kind and caring ways will live on in our hearts for all eternity.

A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church of Plainville on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 10:30 AM. Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to Susie Butler designated for a memorial bench in Plainville’s City Park and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663.

Harriet B. Wittig, age 88, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019 at her home in Leoti, Kansas. Harriet was born June 20, 1931 in Jerome, Kansas, the daughter of William John & Edith Mae (Garner) McLean. A resident of Leoti since 1976 moving from Oklahoma, she was a homemaker and custodian for Wichita County School System.

Harriet was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City, Kansas

In the 1950’s she married Freddie Hammons. On May 30, 1978 she married Virgil Wittig at Larned, Kansas. Virgil passed away on September 7, 2017 in Tribune, Kansas

Harriet’s surviving family include her Seven children – Marvin Hammons of Alderson, Oklahoma, Gary Hammons of Garden City, Kansas, Margaret Hammons of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Sharon Paxman of Tribune, Kansas, Donnie Hammons of Blytheville, Arkansas, Dell Hammons of Pennsylvania, Keith Hammons of Carnegie, Oklahoma, Two step children – Tammy Banta of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, Connie Stiles of Altoona, Kansas, One sister – Eunice Maurer of Chino, California, Thirty-three grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends.

Funeral services will beheld at 11:00 am Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas with Pastor Warren Prochnow officiating.

Burial will be in Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas

Friends may call from1:00 pm until 5:00 pm Wednesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Wichita County Library in care of the funeral home.

Jerry Lee Millard, 69, of WaKeeney, Kansas passed away on September 22. Jerry was born January 24, 1950 to Jack and LaVanche Millard. Jerry was a graduate of Trego Community High School. He is survived in death by his son Jeremy and his wife Ashley and their son Hunter; daughter Megan (Mowery) and her husband Jason and their children Jessica, Kiera, Brylee, Taryn and Lucas; and niece Tara and husband John and great niece Oasis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, his parents Jack and LaVanche, and brother Monty.

Jerry served in the Navy from 1969-72. He was stationed in Bermuda, Nantucket and Greenland, and attended Colby Community College after his discharge. Jerry joined his father in running the Western Kansas World in 1973. The newspaper in every sense of the word was his life. He worked in varying capacities as Editor and co-owner/President of the business until it sold in 2017. Jerry also served on the Board of Directors for First Federal Savings and Loan for several decades until the merger with Lyons Federal.

Jerry was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. His friends often mentioned how often and how fondly he spoke of his children, how proud he was of both Jeremy and Megan, and the love he had for Cathy. After Cathy passed Jerry spent time traveling, visiting friends, and tinkering on the farm. Jerry loved the outdoors, fishing, cooking, creating stained glass and wood working. He also spent many hours enjoying his pond. After retirement, his greatest joy was doting over his grandchildren, especially when they played at his pond. He enjoyed feeding them dessert before and after dinner, and exploring the farm with them. He would always go outside his comfort zone with them, whether it was dancing, searching for farm kittens, smiling about little handprints on the mirror, or scooping them up when his body really didn’t want to, he enjoyed every moment with his grandkids.

Jerry will be missed. He had a profound impact on so many folks over the years.

A memorial visitation will be October 1, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in WaKeeney. The family will hold a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Donations made to the hospital may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Alphonse V. Weber, age 84, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. He was born December 29, 1934 in Ellis, Kansas to John and Patricia (Kozlowski) Weber. He married Victoria Romey on June 23, 1962 in Ellis.

Al had worked for Wiesner Grocery store in Ellis then began work in the oilfields as a driller for Dreiling Oil and several other oil companies until his retirement. He was a US Army veteran having served in Germany, a member of St. Mary’s Church, Ellis Knights of Columbus and served with the Ellis Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed all sports and outdoor activities including gardening and vacations. He was especially fond of the holidays and family time playing cards.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria of Ellis; a brother, Richard Weber and wife Janet of Ellis as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lawrence and Eugene Weber and two sisters, Agnes McGilvary and Cecilia Kinderknecht.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 PM – 8 PM Tuesday October 1, 2019 at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637 with a combined parish vigil and rosary service will be at 7 PM.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or St. Mary’s School.

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

Phillip Rupp, 90, of Salina, passed away Friday, September 27, 2019. He was born September 13, 1929 in Grainfield, Ks.

U.S. Army Veteran, Phil served with the 780th field artillery from 1951 to 1953. He was discharged as a corporal. He enjoyed the outdoors doing activities such as camping, boating, fishing, and hunting with family and friends. Phil worked for Kings Construction Company for 33 years as a foreman, building bridges for our Kansas Highway. He was employed at Crestwood Cabinets till retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents Benedict and Anna (Kreutzer) Rupp; son Michael; brothers Marc, Theodore, Frank Rupp; sisters Ruby and MaryAnn.

Survivors include his wife Emily; daughters Lucinda Kohman, Phyllis (Loren) Berndt; sons Phillip and William Rupp; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 29, 2019 3-6pm with Family at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 East Crawford, Salina.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 30, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 230 E. Cloud Salina, Ks 67401. Burial to follow in All Saints Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.

For online condolences, contact Roselawn Mortuary at www.roselawnsalina.com.

Luelma Irene Hejny, 102, passed away September 28, 2019, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was the daughter of August & Helena (Unruh) Base, born on November 19, 1916, on a farm northwest of Pawnee Rock. She lived all her life in Barton County. She attended School District #48 and was a Pawnee Rock High School graduate of 1935.

She married Frank Hejny on May 22, 1938, in the New Jerusalem Church in Pawnee Rock. She was a member of the New Jerusalem Church, Ladies Service Alliance of the Church and a past President of the Gold and Silver Club.

Survivors include, many beloved nieces and nephews; and one special son of the heart. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank; son, Gary Dean; five brothers, Elmer, Leo, Everett, Vernon and Dan; and two sisters, Edith and Lavina.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 3, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Susan Galvan presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New Jerusalem Church or the Great Bend Senior Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Cletus Graf, 86, Woodston, died Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne.

He was born June 19, 1933 in Hyacinth, the son of Sebastian and Bridget (Hammersmith) Graf. He attended Hyacinth Country School and worked on the family farm. After the death of his father in 1963, he and his mother moved to Woodston where Cletus continued to farm and raise cattle. His farm was his pride and joy. He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton and a 57 year member of St. Thomas Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #7674. Cletus loved his family, was fun loving, a wonderful storyteller, and a great neighbor and friend. He had a heart of gold, was always concerned about others before himself and ready to help those in need.

Survivors include eight nephews; Paul Graf and wife Mary Ann of Woodston, Joe Graf and wife Janet of Woodston, Bob Graf and wife Linda of Alton, Jerry Graf and wife Frances of Abilene, Steve Graf and wife Liz of Downs, Dean Dreher and wife Agnes of Amarillo, TX, Dale Dreher and wife Carolyn of Wichita Falls, TX, and Val Dreher and wife Melissa of Russell, eight nieces; Sheila Melton and husband Sterling of Naper, NE, Mary Ferguson of Lansing, Rosetta Henry and husband Ken of Leavenworth, Sue Mckinzie of Lansing, Joyce Karlin and husband Mike of Hays, Diane Dinkel and husband Ron of Victoria, Laura Boxberger and husband Tim of Great Bend, and Wanda Hanzlicek and Husband Todd of Wilson, 55 great nephews and nieces, and 115 great-great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law; Delphinus and Cecilia Graf, sister and brother-in-law; Anna and Alex Dreher, three nephews; Don Dreher, Gilbert and Wayne Graf, two nieces; Cindy Soukup and Betty Westenberger, four great nephews; Jade Graf, Dakota, Hunter, and Landon Marek, and a great niece; Shelbe Alvis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, October 7, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, with Fr. Brian Lager officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service will be at 7:00 pm followed by a third degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to masses or St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Condolences and memories of Cletus may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Edith Jane Bird, 84, passed away September 28, 2019 at Midland Hospice, Topeka, KS. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 16, 1935 to Edmond K. and Kathryn Roberson, Larned, KS. She is survived by her husband Ronald Bird, Topeka, daughters Rhonda (Bob) Wilson and Janet (Dan) Golightley of Topeka and Janell (Jim) Vineyard of Wichita, brother Norman Roberson of Larned, KS and sisters Lois Coleman of Moxee, WA and Connie Roberson Gross of Garden City, KS along with 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Preceded in death are parents, brothers Eldon and Bob, sisters Betty Sohl and Sherry Roberson, sister Donna Roberson Henderson and granddaughter Heather Barrows.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2019 with family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial in Garfield Cemetery, Garfield.

Memorials may be given to Midland Hospice House, Topeka, Kansas, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.