Esther Lillian Russell, age 94 years and 11 months, died on June 3, 2018 at Long Term Care in WaKeeney.

Esther was the 11th child of 12 of Alexander and Katharina Elisabeth (Flath) Graf. The first 3 children of Alexander and Katharina Graf were born in Neu Weimar, Russia — Esther was born in Wiley, Colorado.

Esther attended grade schools in Marion & Dickinson counties and like all her siblings, took first grade twice — the first year to learn English, the second year to learn first grade.

Esther attended high school in Longford, KS and was the second in her family to graduate from high school. Esther studied NORML training in high school but suffered from rheumatic fever her first year out of high school so never did teach, although she always remembered her NORML training.

Esther’s siblings were all in Milwaukee, WI by 1943, so Esther went there also and worked in factories supplying arms for WW II. Esther was laid off like everybody else on the last day of WW II, and she returned to Clay County, KS. On February 24, 1948, Esther Lillian Graf married Johnnie William Russell in the parson’s home in Longford, KS.

Johnnie and Esther lived in Talmage, then moved to Colby in 1955, then to Collyer in 1960, and to WaKeeney in 1967. Esther was a homemaker until 1964. She then worked in the Quinter and WaKeeney hospitals, then Travenol in Hays, and then Johnnie and Esther opened the Thrift Shop next to their home and Esther ran that for several years.

Esther enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, her fruit trees, western movies, genealogy, making Bierrocks & Schlagerbam, and collecting antiques along with her husband of nearly 70 years, Johnnie William Russell. Johnnie passed on February 16, 2018.

Esther is survived by daughter Sharon LeCount, son Warren, a granddaughter, 2 greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be in the Veteran’s Cemetery in WaKeeney.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the Trego County Historical Society or the Trego Community High School, or to do a small favor for a friend or a complete stranger.

SMITH CENTER – Bill J. Brown, 93, passed away June 4, 2018 at the Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, Kansas.

Bill, the son of Fred and Beatrice (Grewell) Brown was born on March 10, 1925 on the farm in Pawnee Township, Smith Center, Kansas. He attended Fairview Grade School and Lebanon High School where he excelled in school, FFA, Football, and Basketball; starting as a Junior and Senior. He always looked forward to watching KU and KSU Football and Basketball,as well as, Redmen football. From the time Bill was a little boy, he knew that he wanted to be a farmer, so after graduation, he started his farming career.

Bill married Ardis Shipman on August 8, 1951 and shared nearly 67 years of marriage and memories together. They purchased the farm next door to where he grew up in Pawnee Township; where they lived until moving to Smith Center in 1992. This union was blessed with two children, Jerry Dell Brown and Janet Kae Brown. Bill took great pride in his farm receiving the Kansas Bankers Association’s Soil Conservation Award in 1999. He took an even greater pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bill was a model for what it means to be a friend, to serve others, and to love deeply. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and put others first. He enjoyed attending the activities of his children, church activities and his friendships, but being with family gave him the greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife, Ardis (Shipman) Brown of Smith Center, KS; a son, Jerry Brown of Smith Center, KS; a daughter, Janet Brown of Salina, KS; four grandchildren: Brandon Simmelink and wife Lisa of McPherson, KS; Chris Brown of Russell, KS; Matt Brown and fiance Alicia of Smith Center, KS; Jessica Tolson and husband Brad Reed of Salina, KS; and four great-grandchildren: Hannah, Baylee, Bryant, and Emma.

He was preceded in death by one great-grandchild KaeLynn Tolson.

Click HERE for service details.

Patricia “Pat” Jane Richter, 83, of Stockton, KS, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at Arbor House Assisted Living in Midwest City, OK. Born November 14, 1934, in Follett, TX, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Vera Laubhan.

Pat attended Woodward High School and completed one year at Oklahoma State University. She married Earl G. Richter in the spring of 1973 and moved with her sons to Cherryvale, KS where she worked at Jim Gill Insurance agency as a real estate agent and office support staff. They moved to Stockton, KS in the early 1980’s where Pat continued her work in office support at the Rooks County Treasury Office. Pat enjoyed card games, board games, puzzles and going antiquing with her husband. She had a quick wit that stuck with her even when the dementia set in, and made everyone who met her love her.

Pat is survived by her sons Darel Kip Valentine and his wife, Amber, of Shawnee, KS; Craig Valentine and his wife, Janece, of Fort Dodge, IA; stepson Richie Richter and his wife, Glenna, of Midwest City, OK; grandchildren, Cammie Valentine and Mia Valentine of Olathe, KS; Crystal Canaday and her husband, James, of Oklahoma City, OK; Cody Richter and his wife Brittany, of Choctaw, OK; sister, Sydney Courington and her husband Newt, of Castle Rock, CO; sister-in-law Karen Laubhan, of Enid, OK; 6 nieces and nephews; 5 great-grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Peggy Green on September 15, 2013; Douglas Laubhan on October 11, 2015, and stepson Rusty Richter on July 17, 1981.

Earl Glen Richter, 89, of Stockton, KS, passed away on Wednesday May 23, 2018 in Midwest City, OK. Born May 21, 1929, in Cherokee, OK, he was the son of Delmer and Blanche Richter.

Earl left Cherokee in his teen years when his parents moved to Parsons, KS. He graduated from Erie High School and attended Pittsburg State University on a basketball scholarship. After his 3rd year, Earl enlisted in the Army, during the Korean War and after serving, he returned to Pittsburg State to graduate with a degree in education.

Earl started his career in education as a teacher but advanced quickly to the administration level and did what he loved most, being a principal. Some of his favorite places were the Kansas communities of Glen Elder, Cherryvale and Stockton, where he retired. He later served as a Councilman for the City of Stockton.

In 1973, Earl married his soulmate Patricia Richter and moved to Cherryvale to begin their 44 year loving journey together. Earl loved to fish but his great enjoyment was going to estate sales collecting his antiques. Dad loved to share his enthusiasm for college basketball season and especially his loved Kansas Jayhawks. He loved having company for many card games and the pure genuine joy of spending time with his family, neighbors and friends.

Earl is survived by his son Richie Richter and wife Glenna of Midwest City, OK; stepson Kip Valentine and wife Amber of Shawnee, KS; stepson Craig Valentine and wife Janece of Fort Dodge, Iowa; grandchildren Crystal Canaday and husband James of Oklahoma City, OK, Cody Richter and wife Brittany of Choctaw, OK, Cammie Valentine of Colorado Springs, CO, Mia Valentine of Olathe, KS; and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Delmer and Blanche Richter, son Rusty Richter, sister Shirley Jarbo and brother Rex Richter.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the funeral home in Stockton. A private family inurnment will follow at a later date.

John “Jack” August Karls, 82, of Selden, Kansas passed away on Monday, May 28, 2018 at the Oberlin Hospital. John was born to August and Josephina Karls on November 4, 1935 in Hays, Kansas. He attended Leoville Rural Grade and High Schools and graduated with the class of 1953. After graduation, John attended St. Benedicts College and Fort Hays State College and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays in 1960.

On December 15, 1969, John Karls and Helen Halbert Boultinghouse were married in Denver, Colorado. Upon marrying Helen, John became the father of six children adopting them all in the fall of 1978 and was a good father to them all. John and Helen lived in Oberlin, Kansas prior to moving to Selden in 1981. John followed the Karl’s family tradition to become the owner and manager of Karls Cash Store, a business his father August J. Karls started on June 23, 1921. John and Jacque worked together in the family business. Jacque has worked with John in the store for over 30 years

In his spare time, he farmed and raised cattle. John was a very community minded person serving as Mayor of Selden, was a County Commissioner, and worked to promote the community of Selden. When he was not working, John loved watching the news and was up on current events. He was a “historian,” and one could ask him anything about the Leoville and Selden Area. John and Helen loved to watch baseball, and basketball. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden.

John is survived by his wife, Helen of Oberlin; three daughters, Barbara Nelson of McPherson, Kansas, Jacque Boultinghouse of Selden, Robyn Mendiola of Lawrence, Kansas, and three sons, Shane Boultinghouse and wife Jill of Great Bend, Kansas, Shawn Boultinghouse and wife Charlena of Lawrence, Kansas, Bart Karls of Hays, Kansas; sister, Helen Jo Ochs and husband Henry of Hoxie, Kansas; 13 Grandchildren; 24 Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, August and Josephina Karls; brothers Winfrid Karls, Robert Karls, Joseph Karls; Sisters, Dolores Fleckenstein, Agnes Chvatal, Audrey Schroer; Sons-in-law, Ambrosia Mendiola and Ralph Nelson.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, June 4, 2018, 1:30 P.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018 from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Paul’s Funeral Home in Selden with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. On Monday, June 4, 2018, from 9:00 A.M. until Noon there will be visitation at the funeral home in Selden. Memorials are suggested to the City of Selden and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Selden. Online condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com

John was a hardworking man who never wanted to “put anyone out”. He loved to visit with people and was always willing to do whatever he could to help others. He had a deep love for his Lord Jesus Christ and family. He leaves his family the memories of a man who was hardworking, laid back, cared for others and his love of the Lord.

Ashley Frances Wolf was born August 7, 1991 in Quinter Ks. She was the youngest child of Steve and Brenda Wolf of Grinnell. Ashley passed away Thursday, May 31 2018 in Hays, Ks, at the age of 26.

Ashley attended Grinnell Elementary and Jr. High and Oakley High School where she graduated in 2010. Ashley received services from many amazing educational professionals through the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center.

Ashley was a member of the VFW Auxiliary # 1361 and was an Athlete of the Special Olympics of Northwest Kansas. She enjoyed working at Hometown Grocery and Checkers and His in Grinnell. She greatly enjoyed spending her free time down at the Senior Citizen Center in Grinnell where she would do exercises and play the WII game. Ashley was also an active member of the Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Ashley was always smiling and could light up any room. She had an incredible impact on anyone who met her. Ashley never let her cerebral palsy define who she was or what she could accomplish.

Ashley was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandmother; Marlene Wolf, Maternal Grandparents; Lawrence ‘Lavern’ Coker and Frances Carlman; Uncle Timothy Coker, and Twin Infant Siblings.

Ashley is survived by her Parents, Steve and Brenda (Coker-Carlman) Wolf of Grinnell; a brother Brandon (Sarah) Wolf of Colby; a Niece Bailey Wolf and Nephew Axten Wolf; Paternal Grandfather Melvin Wolf of Grinnell; Paternal Aunts, Pat (Dave) Farris of Nixa MO and Melanie (James) Slayton of Tyler Tx; Paternal Uncles, Rick (Marcie) Wolf of Grinnell and Anthony (Judy) Wolf of Quinter; Maternal Aunts, Marie (Don) Taylor of Great Bend and Cynthia (Dave) Ortman of Mankato; and many other Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2018, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, Grinnell, KS with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grinnell, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Grinnell Senior Center or the Ashley Wolf Memorial Fund, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Maurice Anthony Ruder passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.

He was born on June 13, 1931, in Hays, Kansas. Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Agnes Ruder, and his wife Frankie Ruder, he is survived by his son, Terry Ruder and his wife Cindi Ruder; and two daughters, Jolene Ruder and Susan Lee, all of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Angela Stanich and her husband Cliff Stanich of Houston, Texas, Sarah Mattler and her husband Mike Mattler of Mansfield, Texas, Joseph Ruder and his wife Lauren Ruder of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and Jasper Staab of Honolulu, Hawaii; eleven great-grandchildren, Adrienne, Alissa, and Jillian Ruder and Lonni, Charlyt, and Sydni Reich of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Abigail and Madelyn Eskew and James and Tate Mattler of Mansfield, Texas, and Olivia Stanich of Houston, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Maurice was an outpouring of God’s love. His marriage of 57 years to his wife, Frankie, was a joy to behold by all who witnessed their love for one another. He was an incredible father. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. His home and heart was open to all; he knew no stranger. From the farm to the oilfield, to his own pump and supply business, to Tret-o-lite and Baker Hughes, and, as a retiree, a Wal-Mart greeter, Maurice loved to live and lived to love. He fished, metal detected, played golf, cards, bingo and dominos. He was a member of the OKC and Epiphany Woodcarvers’ Club.

His faith was his life; as a member of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church he worked with RCIA and taught religious education. He worked with Birth Choice of Oklahoma, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Hospice, and St. Ann’s Nursing Home. He will be missed beyond words. The family is eternally grateful for the compassionate care of St. Ann Retirement Center and the Oklahoma Heart Hospital.

Viewing will be Sunday, 11am-9pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. A Vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2018, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, both to be held at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 7336 W Britton Road, Oklahoma City. Burial will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Maurice Ruder to Birth Choice of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 94533, Oklahoma City, OK 73143, St. Vincent De Paul Society, 7336 West Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132 or the Center of Family Love, 635 West Texas Ave, Okarche, OK 73762.

Marvin John Speier passed away on May 30, 2018 at the McCrite Plaza.

He was born in Hays, Kansas on September 11, 1928. He is the son of John and Monica (Dechant) Speier. He was married to Barbara Diehl Speier May 30, 1952. She preceded him in death January 18, 1993. He was married to Mary Darleen Urbaczka Shaver on April 16, 1994 who predeceased him on November 22, 2017. He is survived by five children, Gerald M. (Rose) Speier of Topeka, Kansas, Cynthia M. Speier (Rick) McIntyre of Newtown, Connecticut, James R. (Kathy) Speier of Berryton, Kansas, Steven A. (Sheryl) Speier of Topeka, Kansas, and Bruce T. Speier of Valley Falls, Kansas, and three grandchildren, Brandon McIntyre, Alyssa McIntyre, and Aaron Speier. He was also predeceased by his sister, Alvera A. Brown and his parents.

Mr. Speier attended school at St. Joseph Grade School in Hays, Kansas and then graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy (now known as Thomas More Prep) in 1946. He received an A.B. degree in History, graduating from Ft. Hays State University in 1958. This was followed by post graduate work at Kansas State University and Emporia State University.

Mr. Speier entered the field of education in 1948 at Pleasant Ridge School in Severin, Kansas. This was followed by a tour in the Army in 1950 to 1953. During his military career, he attended various Army schools concerning military science and tactics. He received a commission as an officer from Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Georgia in May of 1952, having served in various military units and capacities in Fort Hood, Texas, Camp Roberts, California, and Fort Ord, California. In 1952, he served as Company Executive Officer 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in Hokkaido, Japan and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in October of 1953, and resumed his teaching career at Glasco, Kansas and Horton, Kansas finishing his 32 years teaching career at Topeka, having taught at Crane Jr. High, Capper Junior High, and Topeka West High School.

Over the years, Mr. Speier was involved in many businesses, The House of Clocks which he owned and operated for 23 years and he also owned Timberline Unfinished Furniture. He was also involved in farming, real estate, and other enterprises.

Mr. Speier enjoyed extensive travels abroad. He and Darleen spent over twenty years wintering in Sun City, Arizona.

He is a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas and has a membership in the Knights of Columbus, being a Charter Member of Council No. 8411 at Christ the King Catholic Church, and the Fourth Degree Assembly of the K of C, lifetime member of the National Education Association, and the Lions and Moose Clubs. He was founder and Scout Master of Troop 111 in Hays, Kansas.

Marvin was a KU Jayhawk, KC Royals and KC Chiefs fan. He enjoyed golfing, remodeling, construction, and keeping up on military affairs.

Marvin will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Monday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. followed by a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will follow with full military honors at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas More Prep High School in Hays, Kansas or Christ the King Catholic Church and sent in the care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603. To leave online condolences or fond memories, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com

Perry D. Preusch, age 89, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Monte Vista Grove Home in Pasadena, California. He was born on August 1, 1928 in Halstead, Kansas, the son of Robert O. & Esther Thone Preusch of Healy, Kansas, the youngest of five children. He attended the Healy schools until his junior year in high school when he transferred to Scott Community High School in the neighboring town of Scott City, graduating in 1946. After three years at the University of Kansas he transferred to the University of Southern California where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree and continued postgraduate work in Finance.

Perry served in the Korean War with the 186th Finance Disbursing Section and spent fifteen months in Kobe, Japan.

He spent his business career as an Investment Counselor and Portfolio Manager. He managed accounts for Trusts, Banks, States and publicly traded mutual funds and managed the Transamerica Casualty Company portfolio. Perry retired from Transamerica in 1993 and continued as a consultant for the Transamerica funds for an additional year.

On June 2, 1953, Perry married Nancy Lee VanAntwerp of Scott City, Kansas. They have made their home in the Pasadena, California area since that time. He was involved with various business organizations, a member of the Presbyterian Church serving as Elder, Trustee and Deacon, and was Treasurer of the San Marino Community Church and President of the church Foundation Board and the Board at Monte Vista Grove.

Perry is survived by his wife of 65 years, three daughters, Lisa Hitchcock, Lori Preusch and Lynn Roach, two son-in-laws Charlie Patterson and Joe Roach, five grandchildren, Michael, Stephen, Nadia, Kathryn, Cameron and one great grandson, Sage. He enjoyed tennis and gardening.

Funeral Services will be held at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2018 with Rev. John Lewis presiding.

In Lieu Of Flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

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

Leslie E. “Les” Gross, age 71, of Munjor, Kansas, died Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born February 2, 1947, in Hays, Kansas to Joseph J. “Joe” and Rose (Pfannenstiel) Gross. He married Linda Faye (Weigel) on November 16, 1968, in Hays, Kansas.

He worked in the oil fields all of his life, starting with R.C. Williams for 20 years. He was co-owner of 4-Way Trucking for ten years, then worked for Murfin Drilling, out of the Colby, Kansas office for eight years and retired in 2012. He was a 1965 graduate of Hays High School and served six years in the U S Army Reserves. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council #11492 both of Munjor, Kansas. He enjoyed traveling, going on fishing trips ,the casinos, the Royals, the Chiefs, KU basketball, his children, his grandchildren and the grandkids activities.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Gross, of the home; one son, Len Gross and wife, Patricia, Dumas, TX; two daughters, LaNae Lang and husband, Greg, Hays, KS; LaShana Hunt and husband, Troy, Lawrence, KS; one son-in-law, Thomas Callahan, Frisco, TX; ten grandchildren: Hannah and Sean Callahan; Michael, Patelynn and Emily Gross; Halle, Ethan and Mia Lang; Dallas and Olivia Hunt; two brothers, Vernon Gross and wife, Jeannie, Hays, KS, Jerry Gross and wife, Sylvia, Munjor, KS; four sisters, JoAnn Dreiling and husband, Norman, Victoria, KS; Kay Von Lintel and husband, Dennis, Vincent, KS ;Geraldine Kindel and husband, Don, Victoria, KS; Mary Anderson and husband, Troy, Victoria, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Lynette Callahan; three brothers, Leon Gross and wife, Joyce; Harold Gross and wife, Viola; Kenny Gross and wife, Shirley; one sister, Patty Dreiling and husband, Verlin; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albinus and Velma (Von Lintel) Weigel.

Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 4, 2018, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Munjor, Kansas. Burial in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Munjor, Kansas with military honors by the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076.

Visitation is from 4:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sunday, and from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. Monday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

A Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Sunday, flowed by vigil service at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, both at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

The family suggests memorials to the Munjor Knights of Columbus, the Munjor Christian Mothers or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent e-mail to [email protected]

Donald P. Werth, 85, Hays, died Friday, June 1, 2018 at Via Christi Village.

He was born February 2, 1933 on the family farm near Schoenchen, Kansas one of eleven children to Wendelin W. and Brigitta (Dinges) Werth. On October 11, 1955 he was united in marriage to Charlotte A. Herl in Munjor, Kansas, a union that would span over 62 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a farmer, oil pumper, cattleman, and dairyman. Memberships include St. Joseph Catholic Church, the third degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166 in Schoenchen, and the Hays VFW Post #9076. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, fishing, walking and exercise, driving around and seeing friends and family, helping at harvest time, and was an avid Kansas City Royals fan. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife; Charlotte of the home, three sons; Ronald L. Werth and wife Mary Margaret of Hutchinson, Richard J. Werth and Janice Goff of Hays, and Randal C. Werth and wife Michelle of Hays, a daughter; Renee Michaud and husband Gerard of Hays, three brothers; Linus Werth of Victoria, LeRoy Werth, Sr. and wife Christa of Schoenchen, and Paul Werth and wife Donna of Great Bend, three sisters; Laura Klaus of Hays, Clarice Stoecklein of Ness City, and Dorothy Moeder and husband John of Hays, seven grandchildren; Anne Werth, Phillip Werth, Ryan Werth, Jennifer Werth, Randi Gerstner and husband Derek, Monica Michaud and Hannah Michaud, eleven great grandchildren; Trexton Murphy, Kaycee Murphy, Keegan Copelan, Bryson Werth, Corbin Werth, Weston Werth, Maxwell Gerstner, Dalton Werth, Zoe Gerstner, Bentley Gerstner, and Atlas Werth, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother; Ralph Werth, Sr., and three sisters; LaVera Schuckman, Joyce Klaus, and Mary Catherine Barnes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th, Hays, with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:30 am until 10:45 on Wednesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus Council #4166 rosary at 7:00, both on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or for masses, in care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family and memories of Donald may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com