Orland Gay Marker, known to his family and friends as Gay, passed away on June 9, 2018 at his home in Topeka, Kansas surrounded by his loving wife – Carol and members of his family. Gay was born August 13, 1933 on the family farm in Scott County, Kansas. He was the fifth of six siblings to John and Elva Harper Marker. He served with the Unites States Army in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as Specialist IV in 1962.

Gay was a Mason and Shriner, a member of the American Legion, VFW and served on the Board of Directors at Kearny County Hospital.

In 1958, Gay married Lillian Beeson where they lived in Scott City. Divorced in 1978, Gay later met and married Carol Jean Dumler on April 17, 1982 in Lakin, Kansas. She survives with an everlasting love for him and a heavy burden of sorrow.

Early on Gay worked for the Kansas-Nebraska Gas Company, then moved on to owning a trash truck service in Scott City, before settling on owning Marker Plumbing where he retired in 1988. Still young, Carol and he set out to earn a second retirement in Motel management. Accomplishing that in 1998, Gay then decided two retirements were enough.

A lifelong and avid Kansas University fan, he could be found most days wearing his red and blue. Gay spent many a day doing what he loved – riding motorcycles, enjoying a fishing hole or traveling to see his family scattered around the mid-west.

Gay is survived by his brother Chester – Hutchinson, KS; children Brian Dumler (Alpha) – Bixby OK, Pamela Marker – Hutchinson KS, Denise Mohlman (Ken) – Hastings NE, Lynn Marker (Shelly) – Lubbock TX, Russell Dumler (Dina) – San Antonio TX, Travis Marker (Keith) – Portland OR, Aaron Dumler (Elizabeth) – Denver CO; in-laws Minnie Marker – Garden City KS, Ray Walter – Colorado Springs CO, Donna Allen – Topeka KS, Kathryn Whatley (Jack) – Enid OK , Elizabeth Carroll (Charles) – Salina KS, Marilyn Heckman – Topeka KS; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and Cougar his beloved adopted Yorkie.

His parents, three brothers Lyle, Albert, Earl and one sister, Beatrice, precede him in death.

Your prayers and good wishes are all the family asks for at this time, if you desire memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Funeral Services will be held at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

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. Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Terri Lea (Beckmann) Kingsbury, age 58, passed away Friday, June 8th, 2018, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Terri was born January 18, 1960 in Smith Center, KS, the daughter of Ike and Lula (Snedden) Beckmann, the third of three daughters. She attended school in Smith Center and graduated from High School in 1978.

Terri was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, David Max Kingsbury, on June 10th, 1978 at the United Methodist Church in Smith Center. To this union four children were born, Megan Marie, Katie Jean, Kimberly Lea, and Jared David. They made their home on a small farm north of Smith Center. Terri was a supportive bookkeeper for Kingsbury Plumbing and Trenching, as well as a wonderful mother and wife. Later, she found her calling in caring for others and Graduated from Cloud County Community College in 1999 with an Associates of Science Degree in Nursing.

Terri’s greatest accomplishment was becoming a Grandma. Terri and David enjoyed camping at the lake, snowmobiling trips to the mountains, and everything that involved family and grandkids. On their 27th wedding anniversary, David left this earth after a hard fight with cancer.

Not expecting to find love twice in her life, Terri was blessed when she fell in love with Justin Kline. He brought two children to the family. Justin and Terri enjoyed camping, target shooting, horses, and trail riding. Most of all they adored their grandchildren. They always lived by the motto, “The more the merrier!”
Terri continued to live life the to the fullest even after being diagnosed with cancer. When Lord called her name, she went peacefully. Terry was proceeded in death by her husband, David Kingsbury; her parents, Ike and Lula Beckmann; father and mother-in-law, Russell and Sharon Kingsbury; brother-in-law Walter (Bud) Meisel of Newton; and niece Aubrey Meisel Silva.

Survivors include three daughters: Megan (Jeff) Beikmann of Belleville, Katie (Jason) Grabast and Kimberly (AJ) Kuhlmann all of Smith Center; a son Jared (Ericka) Kingsbury of Smith Center; partner, Justin Kline of Smith Center, daughter by choice, Sabrina (Travis) Jones of Lebanon, and son by choice, Hunter Kline of Hillsboro; fifteen grandchildren, two sisters: Jolene (Jim) Luft of Lochbuie, CO and Susan Meisel of Newton; four sister-in-laws: Merry (Glen) VanderGiesen of Gaylord, Sue (Doug) Rippe of Osborne, Nancy (Dave) DeWester and Manda (Myron) Wanner all of Smith Center, and sister by choice Lynn Pickel of Smith Center, and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Verna Mae Clanton, age 62, of WaKeeney, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney. She was born October 6, 1955, in Hays, Kansas, to Vern LeRoy and Azilee Alberta (Moler) Williams.

Verna was a graduate of Hays High School with the class of 1973. On July 3, 1973, she was united in marriage to Bobby Lee Clanton, in Hays. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage together. Bobby preceded her in death on October 30, 2011. Verna loved the outdoors. She always looked forward to fishing and camping trips with family and friends. Verna was a caregiver to many. Her duties as a C.N.A. were done from the heart, as she truly cared for the patients, treating them like family. She cherished time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Left to mourn her passing are her mother, Azilee; a son, Robert Eugene (Lisa) Clanton of Oxford, Nebraska; three daughters, Angela Marie Hafliger of Ingalls, Kansas, Cynthia Mae (Kirk) Knouf of Quinter, Kansas, and Jamie Lee Poage of Catharine, Kansas; eleven grandchildren, Abigail Hafliger, Caleb Knouf, Alyssa Hafliger, Austin Clanton, Kaylee Knouf, Emily Clanton, Christapher Poage, Matthew Clanton, Dakota Poage, Tommie Poage, and Phillip Poage; sister, Shirley (Jim) Black, of Bakersfield, California; and mother-in-law, Ann Clanton of Rathdrum, Idaho. Verna was preceded in death by her father; her husband; mother-in-law, Lois McIntyre; and father-in-law, Tommie Clanton.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2018 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday evening, from 5 to 7 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation. Checks made to the foundation may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Al Royce Grumbein, 81, of Denton, TX, died Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Denton Good Samaritan Village.

Mr. Grumbein was born on July 5, 1936 in Bazine, Kansas to Ralph J. and Viola Vivian (Mellies) Grumbein. He graduated from Ness City High School (Kansas) in 1958. He married Mary Colleen Motzner on August 31, 1958 in Russell, KS. He graduated from Ft. Hayes State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration. After retiring as an Audit manager for Montgomery Ward, he started his career in farming. He served in the United States Army and was a member of Lakeland Baptist Church, Lewisville, TX.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Colleen Grumbein of Denton; daughters, Lisa Grumbein of Dallas, Lori McGinnis and husband Colin of Franklin, NC; sister, Valdah Tittel of Porter, TX; brother, Eldon Grumbein of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandsons, Matthew McGinnis and Joshua McGinnis, both of Charlotte, NC.

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Nathan Bryan Elliott​ was born to Bill and Kay Elliott on January 4, 1975 in Topeka, Kansas. He was a single child for only a short time before his sisters Valery and Libby joined the Elliott family.

Nate’s youth was spent in Hill City, Kansas. He graduated from Hill City High School in 1993, attended the United States Air Force Academy, was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force, graduated from Duke University and then from Harvard Law School. Nate struggled with addiction and mental health issues most of his adult life before passing away on June 3, 2018 at 43 years of age. He dearly loved his family, his friend Marlana and her daughter Elizabeth, his bonus family Bill and RubyJane Davis, and his dog Oren.

Nate struggled immensely to fit into a society that was not built, and even hesitates, to embrace those whose illnesses cannot be easily understood or cured…illnesses often veiled in shame and secrecy. But regardless of what was going on in his own life, Nate’s heart was forever full of understanding, compassion and love for others. He was deeply passionate about helping the homeless population, those suffering from mental illness, and those immersed in addiction and recovery. The downtrodden and “least of these” were never unnoticed when Nate was present.

Despite the way his own life journey ended, Nate’s message to others would be that hope truly is eternal for all. His family’s message is that everyone bears responsibility for helping those in need…even when we cannot grasp the depths of or reasons for their plight. Our duty is not to understand; our duty is to care and reach out. Those who are struggling, please hear this: You are not alone. You are loved and you are worthy.

Nate was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Dale and Betty Elliott, his maternal grandfather Junior Shields and his nephew Andrew Bryan Rule. Nate leaves behind his parents Bill and Kay Elliott of Norton, Kansas and Woodland Park, Colorado; his grandmother Nelda Shields of Hill City; his sister Valery Rule (husband Jason) and their children Elliott, Payton, Lauren and Lakin of Nixa, Missouri; his sister Libby Nickelson (fiance Ryan Stover) and their children Corgan, Caine and Cope Nickelson and Josie and Colton Stover of Norton, Kansas; Marlana Radke and her daughter Elizabeth of Hays, Kansas; his trusted friend and mentor Bill Davis (wife RubyJane) of Hays, Kansas; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins including his Aunt Carm of Hill City, Kansas, who he was particularly close to; and his ever faithful, loyal and vigilant sidekick (and best friend) Oren.

Nate’s struggles in this temporal life are over; he’s home with his Heavenly Father, fully healed and finally at peace. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will live on forever with those he considered family.

Nate never wanted a traditional funeral. However, the family recognizes some people need that closure. If you knew Nate personally and feel called to attend, there will be an informal gathering at Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City, Kansas, on June 21, 2018, at 4 p.m. Please come as you are. Graveside services will immediately follow. Memorials can be made to Turning Point Professional Counseling Services, 2501 E. 13th St., Bldg 3, Hays, KS 67601.

Roger L. Hutfles, age 77, passed away June 7, 2018.

Funeral services, to be officiated by Fr. Gnanasekar, are pending with Baalmann Mortuary, 109 N. 2nd St., Atwood, Kansas.

Verna Mae Clanton, age 62, of WaKeeney, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney. She was born October 6, 1955, in Hays, Kansas, to Vern LeRoy and Azilee Alberta (Moler) Williams.

Verna was a graduate of Hays High School with the class of 1973. On July 3, 1973, she was united in marriage to Bobby Lee Clanton, in Hays. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage together. Bobby preceded her in death on October 30, 2011. Verna loved the outdoors. She always looked forward to fishing and camping trips with family and friends. Verna was a caregiver to many. Her duties as a C.N.A. were done from the heart, as she truly cared for the patients, treating them like family. She cherished time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Left to mourn her passing are her mother, Azilee; a son, Robert Eugene (Lisa) Clanton of Oxford, Nebraska; three daughters, Angela Marie Hafliger of Ingalls, Kansas, Cynthia Mae (Kirk) Knouf of Quinter, Kansas, and Jamie Lee Poage of Catharine, Kansas; eleven grandchildren, Abigail Hafliger, Caleb Knouf, Alyssa Hafliger, Austin Clanton, Kaylee Knouf, Emily Clanton, Christapher Poage, Matthew Clanton, Dakota Poage, Tommie Poage, and Phillip Poage; sister, Shirley (Jim) Black, of Bakersfield, California; and mother-in-law, Ann Clanton of Rathdrum, Idaho. Verna was preceded in death by her father; her husband; mother-in-law, Lois McIntyre; and father-in-law, Tommie Clanton.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2018 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday evening, from 5 to 7 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation. Checks made to the foundation may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Calvin D. Kruse, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on February 13, 1926 in Frederick, Kansas, the son of Walter and Sadie Janssen Kruse. A Scott City resident since 1947 moving from Loraine, Kansas. He was a successful farmer.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas and was an avid Bowler and Golfer. Calvin was a US Navy Veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his Two Nieces – Ann & Otis Sisson of Blue Springs, Missouri, Carole Bailey & Robert Sutherland of Flippin, Arkansas, Companion – Betty LaToush of Scott City, Kansas and Numerous Cousins & Close Friends.

Calvin was preceded in death by his Parents and One Sister – Twila Kruse-Sutherland.

Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2018 with Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may made to the First Baptist Church in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

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. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

COLBY—Myrtle L. Kropp, 88, died Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1929 in Sheridan County, Kansas.

She was a retired cook for the Colby schools.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John, on June 2, 2000.

She is survived by her sons, Raymond J. Kropp of Hammond, Oklahoma, and Charles E. Kropp of Colby; daughters Marilyn L. Thummel of Grainfield, Kansas, and Donna B. Colin of Salina; sister Alice Mizer of Jennings; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, officiated by the Rev. Robert Alexander.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 10 at the Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby. The burial will be in Beulah Cemetery in Colby.

Memorials may be made to the NWKS Foundation for Hope. Donations can be made in care of the funeral home.

Condolences can be made at kersenbrockfuneralchapel.com.

Thomas Eugene “Tom” Leikam passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 57. He was born on December 6, 1960 in Plainville, Kansas to the late Alvin and Lucille (Schrandt) Leikam. He grew up in the Plainville area and graduated from Plainville High School with the Class of 1978. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication from Kansas State University.

Tom was a kind-hearted “generous to a fault” kind of guy. He didn’t speak ill of other people and was always willing to help out and take care of friends and neighbors. He was instrumental in helping the KSU campus become more “accessible” and went to Washington DC when the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. He was a hardworking man and spent most of his working years in the oilfield. He also loved farming and being outdoors. From hunting and fishing to photography and drawing, animals and nature were a constant source of inspiration and comfort to him.

Tom loved the arts and music. He played guitar, on demand could hammer out his own version of any song on the piano along with his own lyrics, and even worked as a DJ during his college days. Always the life of the party, hanging out with Tom meant there was never a dull moment. He also enjoyed classic muscle cars and motorcycles, especially Harleys. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and served on the Board of Directors for LINK (Living Independently in NW Kansas).

Tom is survived by his brother Joe Leikam and wife Angela of Plainville; sisters Anita Taylor and husband Duane of Chandler, AZ, Bernadette Gardner of Phoenix, AZ, and Susanne Moore and husband Russell of Scottsdale, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Lucille Leikam, and brother Alvin Gregory Leikam, Jr.

It has been said, “Life is like a party. You invite a lot of people, some leave early, others stay late, some laugh with you, and some laugh at you. But in the end, after the fun, there are a few who help clean up the mess, and usually they are not even the ones who made the mess. These are your true friends.” Tom loved the party we call life, he lived it on his own terms, and was a true friend to all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Monday, June 11, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday at the funeral home with a prayer vigil at 7:00pm. Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm.

COLBY—Myrtle L. Kropp, 88, died Friday, June 6, 2018 at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, Kansas. Services are pending with Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.