Diane A. Griffiths, age 54, of Fremont, Neb., died Wednesday July 25, 2018 at Fremont Health.

Diane was born January 11, 1964 in Marysville, Kansas to Ralph and Bernice ‘Poppen’ Hellmer. She was raised on the family farm outside of Marysville. She graduated from Marysville High School in 1982. She attended Cloud Community College then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State College.

Diane married Jay Griffiths on June 8, 1985 at Immanuel Lutheran Church on the State Line (between Nebraska and Kansas). After their marriage the couple made their home in Fremont where they raised their daughters Jayme and Erin and Diane began her long career with what is now US Bank. She began as an accountant with Occidental Bank in Omaha, she continued with First Tier Bank then when US Bank took over she worked as a financial advisor until her health failed.

Diane was very community oriented. She was involved with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in many ways including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and helping with finances. She was a volunteer coach with the YMCA, she also volunteered at The Bridge (formerly the Crisis Center) and Low Income Ministry. Diane was a member of the Fremont High School Booster Club and assisted the high school with their ‘mock interviews’ with students that were preparing to graduate. She was involved with the Fremont Chamber as a Chamber Diplomat and member of the Board of Directors. On May 21st of this year Diane was recognized by the Fremont Chamber as a Compass Award winner for her activity and leadership in the Fremont community.

Survivors:
Husband – Jay Griffiths of Fremont
Daughters – Jayme (Adam) Bieker of Fremont
Erin (Connor) Niehaus of Omaha
Granddaughter – Ellie Bieker
Mother – Bernice Hellmer of Marysville, KS.
Brother – Terry (Cammie) Hellmer of Beatrice
Sister-in-law – Kim (Frank) Ferro of Lee’s Summit, MO.
Brothers-in-law – Matt Griffiths of Dallas, Texas, and Mark Griffiths, of Fremont
Nieces, nephews and other family.

Diane was preceded in death by her father Ralph and in-laws Robert and Twila Griffiths.

The celebration of Diane’s life will be 10am Monday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Rev. Mark Weber will officiate. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, The Bridge and Low Income Ministry. Visitation will be Sunday from 3pm to 6pm with the family present during that time at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.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.

Steven Edward Kingsbury passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas at the age of 35. He was born on October 12, 1982 in Russell, Kansas to Duane and Karla (Brown) Kingsbury. He grew up in the Wilson, Kansas area and graduated from Wilson High School with the Class of 2001. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.

On August 6, 2005 Steven was united in marriage to Danielle Clausen in Hays. They were blessed with two children, James and Aspyn. To simply say that his children were the apple of his eye would be an understatement. From the first moment he became a father, Steven’s whole world revolved around his family. Always supportive and making sure to attend every event possible, from school activities to sports and everything in between, he didn’t want to miss a moment. Although he will now have a front row seat watching from above, he will be greatly missed, loved, and cherished down here.

Steven is survived by his wife and children Danielle Kingsbury and James and Aspyn Kingsbury all of the home in Dorrance; mother Karla Kingsbury of Dorrance; and sister Jennifer Kingsbury with Bill Gould of Temecula, CA.

He was preceded in death by his father Duane Kingsbury, and brother Ryan Kingsbury.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Plumer-Overlease
Funeral Home in Wilson. Inurnment will follow in the Dorrance City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home with family receiving friends during that time.

Kensington resident Loretta Ann Norden passed away Tues., July 24, 2018 at Smith Center Health & Rehab in Smith Center, KS at the age of 85.

She was born in Freeborn County, MN on Jan. 13, 1933, the daughter of Adolphus & Verdella (Meister) Farris. On Apr. 15, 1956, she married Donald Norden in Kensington. He preceded her in death on Dec. 1, 2016.

Survivors include her daughters: Jeri Hunter of Kirwin, KS; Sue Roush of Lebanon, KS; Connie Ortgies of Kenesaw, NE; and Jackie Swatzell of Phillipsburg, KS; one brother, Sonny Farris of Clear Lake, MN; one sister, Norma Nelson of Albert Lea, MN; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 28, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, with Pastor Lorna Paulus officiating. A private family inurnment will follow the service.

Friends may sign the book on Friday, July 27, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg.

Memorials may be given to the Loretta Ann Norden Memorial Fund. Online condolences to: www.olliffboeve-com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Donald G. “Pappy” Leiker, 72, Hays, formerly of Victoria, died Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at the Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

He was born July 27, 1945 in Munjor, Kansas the son of Irenus “Shorty” and Alma (Jacobs) Leiker. He graduated from Hays High School in 1963, and in 1965, he joined the U.S. Navy serving his country during the Vietnam War. Pappy was united in marriage to Rose Marie “Rosie” Billinger on May 31, 1971 at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria, and they celebrated 34 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on October 23, 2005.

He worked in the paint department at Oldham Sales for over 44 years, retiring in 2013. He and Rosie managed the Victoria VFW hall, he was a member of the Victoria VFW Post 1751 and The Basilica of St. Fidelis. Pappy was a proud Navy veteran, enjoyed vegetable gardening, and was a fan of the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and KU Jayhawks. He enjoyed hunting, spending time with friends, and his greatest joys came when fishing and being with his family.

Survivors include one son; Joe Leiker and wife Jenny of Hays, one daughter; Melissa Miller and husband Cliff of Ellis, two brothers; Allen Leiker and wife Judy of Hays, Dave Leiker and wife Jean of Munjor, two sisters; Diane Wellbrock and husband Wayne of Victoria, and Kathleen Dick and husband Mike of Russell, and two grandchildren; Lydia Downing and Parker Dixon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rosie, and a granddaughter Natasha Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, July 30, 2018 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, 900 Cathedral, Victoria, with Fr. John Schmeidler officiating. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Detail and the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in the St. Fidelis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 8:30 am until 9:30 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. A combined rosary and vigil service will be at 7:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed, the Ellis Good Samaritan Society for the purchase of an automatic door leading to the rose garden, or for masses, in care of the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Pappy may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Bryce M. Colgan, 29, died July 24, 2018 at his residence in Colby, Kansas. He was born July 1, 1989 in Colby and was a truck driver.

Colgan is survived by his mother Valerie Colgan, Colby; father Kevin Nagel, Syracuse, Kan.; grandparents Dona and John White, Colby; Mary Jane and Randy Goalden, Selden, Kan.; and Kay Repshire, Park, Kan.; brothers Dalton Colgan, Colby; Colton Nagel, Lacey, Washington; stepbrothers Alex West, Fort Morgan, Colo., and Trevor West, Greeley, Colo.; and stepsisters Courtney West, Fort Collins, Colo.; and Madison West, Lamar, Colo.

Funeral services by Pastor Jim Myers are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sat., June 28, in Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, 745 S. Country Club Drive, Colby. Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. Fri., July 27, in Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be in Beulah Cemetery, Colby.

Donations in Colgan’s name made be made in care of the funeral chapel.

Online condolences are at kersenbrockfuneralchapel.com.

Christopher Lynnd Oberle, age 40 passed away Sunday, July 22, 2018, WaKeeney, Kansas. He was born August 30, 1977, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to Leon and Frances Oberle.

Chris was a 1995 graduate of Trego Community High School. He worked as a welder/fabricator for Dechant Welding & Supply. In his spare time, he enjoyed any outdoor activity but his focus was on hunting and fishing. He was known for always lending a willing hand and doing it without complaint. Chris will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his girlfriend, Jennifer Thummel of WaKeeney; his father, Leon Oberle of WaKeeney; a son, Austin Berry of Hays; two brothers, Joe and Kelly Oberle of WaKeeney. He was preceded in death by his mother.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christopher Oberle memorial fund. Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Florence Elizabeth (Dietz) Roemer, age 91, of Quinter (formerly Gove) passed away Monday, July 23, 2018 at Gove County Medical Center – Long Term Care, Quinter, KS. She was born March 13, 1927 near Trego Center, KS, the daughter of William G. and Lydia (Meisner) Dietz.

As a youth, she attended country schools in the Liberty and South Downer Districts of Trego County. She graduated from Trego Community High School and Fort Hays State with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics.

On December 20, 1947, Florence married Charles Richard Roemer in Hays, KS. They began farming and ranching west of Gove, KS. She was a member of the following organizations: Gove United Methodist Church, Gove Community Bible Church, Gove Clotilda Club, Gove Rebekah Lodge. She was a 4-H Foods Leader and served on the board of the Mary Mardian Nursing Fund, the Gove County Extension Council, the Fort Hays State University Alumni Board, High Plains Mental Health Board at Hays, & the Fort Hays Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi.

Florence had a beautiful flower garden and enjoyed a vegetable garden when the rabbits, insects, and the hot Kansas summer permitted. An excellent cook, she served many delicious meals to hungry farm workers, family and friends. She enjoyed her home and shared laughs while entertaining there. Florence was an exceptional seamstress. She framed many beautiful crewel embroidery pictures and knitted lovely garments. She enjoyed hand quilting for the Senior Center and crocheting scrubbies for the Christian Women’s Bazaar, reading the Bible, working crossword puzzles and reciting poems.

Survivors include: sister, Marilyn Connor, OK; son, Douglas Roemer, Gove; daughters, Janet Schmidt, MN and Tima and her husband, Terry Burris, OR.

Grandchildren include: Sam Schmidt, Sarah Schmidt, Maggie and husband Dominick Schneegans, Aubrey Schmidt, Jessica Burris, Jared Burris and wife Cristy, Lydia Burris, Alexis Burris.

Great Grandchildren include: Camilla Schneegans, Leila Schneegans, Ivonne Roche- Burris, Aiden Roche-Burris and many nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by husband, Charles Richard Roemer; father, Wm. G Dietz; mother, Lydia M. Dietz; brother, Norbert Dietz, MO; sister, Ruth Tones, NY.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Gove Community Bible Church, Gove, KS. Burial will follow service in the Gove City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care and may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, in Quinter.