Wayne Lebsack, 92, of Lyons passed away on April 30th 2018, at home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Wayne was born on July 26th, 1925 in Great Bend, KS the son of Carl and Bertha Lebsack. He graduated from Hays High School in 1943 and was drafted into the Army later that year. Wayne volunteered for the Airborne Infantry, and fought with the 82d Airborne Division until he was severely wounded during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944.

After seven months of hospitalization, Wayne was discharged from the Army and enrolled in the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. During college, Wayne met Patricia Beeley of Denver, CO. They married on October 12, 1951 and made their home in Lyons. Wayne and his father co-founded Lebsack Oil Production Inc, in the 1950s and Wayne worked as an independent petroleum geologist until his death.

In addition to his work as an independent oil and natural gas producer, Wayne researched and published numerous articles on Kansas geology in scientific and technical journals. He was especially interested in natural springs and worked with his friends at the Kansas Geological Survey to map the natural springs of Kansas. Wayne was pivotal in establishing the Kansas Chapter of the Nature Conservancy and remained an active and passionate land and water conservationist throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Evaleen and Marjorie, and his son Mark. Wayne is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Careth Wilson of Denver, CO, and his daughter Amy Dillon and her husband Colonel Brian Dillon of Des Moines, IA.

Wayne was a loving grandparent to Jordan Radis of Denver, Katherine Dillon of Lawrence, KS, John Dillon of Kansas City, MO, and Anne Dillon of Salina, KS.

Burial services will be at Lyons Municipal Cemetery on Saturday, May 5th at 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will also be held Saturday at First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. Visitation is Friday May 4th at Birzer Funeral Home in Lyons, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Lyons, and to the Rice County Friends of Animals.

Rita Hartman, age 93, passed away April 30, 2018, at the Sheridan County Health Complex Long Term Care, in Hoxie, Kansas. Rita was born June 28, 1924 on the family farm east of Palco, Kansas to Emile A. and Alma L. (Balthazor) Bachand. After the death of her mother in 1926, she was raised by Leo and Martha (Knipp) Balthazor. In 1965 Rita’s father died, and she was adopted by Leo and Martha on August 7, 1967.

Rita graduated from Grinnell High School in 1942. After graduation, she worked for Flemming’s Bakery in Wichita, Kansas. She returned home and worked for the Coop Grocery Store in Grainfield.

On January 9, 1945, Rita was united in marriage to Adam B. Hartman at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Grainfield, Kansas. After she married Adam she worked alongside with Adam on their family farm and was the mother of five, Donald, Dwight, Darrell, Durrell, and Denice. Rita also did babysitting in the home, was custodian for St. Agnes Church & Educational Center, and taught CCD classes. At the age of 44, Rita lost the love of her life, Adam, on January 21, 1969. After Adam died, Rita worked at the Gove County LTC. Other jobs included transporting special-needs students to Hoxie, cooking and driving bus for USD 292. When Rita was not working, she enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends.

Rita was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, and the Grainfield American Legion Auxiliary Post #301. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella of Park-Oakley.

Survivors include four sons, Donald L. Hartman (Mary) of Grainfield, Dwight E. Hartman (Kathy) of Grainfield, Darrell “DJ’ (Pat) Hartman of Salina, Durrell Hartman (Gidget) of Grainfield; one daughter, Denice (Hartman) Goetz (Ed) of Grainfield; five grandsons, Derek Hartman (Cara) of Vincent, Ohio, Lance Hartman (Emily) of Hays, Justin Hartman (Holly) of Salina, Kyle Hartman (Amanda) of Lenexa, Tyler Goetz (Samantha) of Grinnell; six granddaughters, Darnelle Keith (Michael) of Hoxie, Stacie Maes (Jeff) of Salina, Terra Blackwill (Tom) of Quinter, Jodi Gabreil (Jesse) of Omaha, Nebraska, Tiffany Flieg (Chris) of Salina, Trisha Bengston (Tyler) of Windom; two step-granddaughters, Marissa Ginther, Maranda Retzloff (Dane) of Colby; fifteen great-grandchildren, Morgan and Aaron Keith, Ella, Max, and Charlie Hartman, Maximus Maes, Caitlyn and Collin Blackwill, Brooklyn, Bryce, and Brady Hartman, Daxton Hartman, Brecken, Brogan, and Brynlee Goetz; three step-great-grandchildren, Carson Gabreil, Gaige and Lauren Retzloff.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; adopted parents; husband, Adam; great-granddaughter, Lily Marie Hartman; three brothers, Phillip, Emery, and Gedeon “Chuck” Bachand; and four sister, Mary, Sister Alma (Thelma) Bachand, Ludella Slansky, Edmae Urbanek, and Sister Annette (Aldea) Bachand.

Rita’s heart of warmness and kindness will always be felt. Rita will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Cameron Perry, age 46, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Hays. He was born Evan L. Jones on April 29, 1971 in Lindsborg, Kansas, to Evan J. and Lynette A. (Polson) Jones. He graduated from Smoky Valley High School in 1989 and from Fort Hays State University with a Communication degree in 1994.

Cameron started his career as the KFHS production manager which was the Fort Hays State University radio station. He then began working for Hull Broadcasting and Eagle Communications. He served as the General Manager for Hull Broadcasting and Program Director and DJ for 96.9 KIFX. Cameron has spent 20+ years as a radio broadcaster in Hays with almost 18 of those years in Morning Radio.

Over the years, Cameron has won numerous honors including first place awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in the Commercial Audio Production and On Air Talent categories. On occasion, Cameron also teaches broadcasting and audio production courses at his Alma Mater, Fort Hays State University. Cameron had been a Cub Scout leader, a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He enjoyed Astronomy, the Denver Broncos but most of all the Chicago Cubs.

He is survived by his father, Evan Jones of Lindsborg; a son, Banner Raevan Jones of Hays; a step son, Keynan Hysten of Hays; an uncle, Eddie Polson of Lyons, as well as numerous cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, May 4, 2018, lead by Bruce Burkholder and Richard Hull. A memorial visitation/gathering will be from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Banner Jones care and education fund.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Cameron’s memorial webpage at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].

Donald Eugene Reif Sr., 83, passed away April 28, 2018, at Cherry Village Nursing Home in Great Bend. He was born on February 2, 1935, in Hoisington, to Joseph C. and Emma G. (Courange) Reif.

Don was united in marriage to Lorene Marie Lang on August 27, 1956, in Beaver. Lorene preceded him in death March 16, 2018.

A lifetime resident of Hoisington, he was a farmer, stockman, businessman and salesman. He was a graduate of Hoisington High School with the class of 1953. Don was a member of the United States Army Reserve. He was a member of the St John Catholic Church, and Knights of Columbus, he was also member of the American Legion in Hoisington.

He is survived by one son Donald E. Reif, Jr. of Hoisington; two daughters Sheila Metzger of Hutchinson and Diane Reif of Great Bend; grandson Hunter Metzger of Hutchinson and one sister, Yvonne Lang and her husband, Melvin, of Perry, Kansas. He was preceded in death by three brothers Alvin, Raymond, Joseph; four sisters Dorothy Hommon, Frances McDonald, Virginia Reif and Lucille Reif and a niece, Karol Rae Hommon, Miss Alaska of 1964.

A Funeral Mass for Don will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with Father Anselm Eke officiating. Interment will follow at St John Church Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary and Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.

Memorial Funds have been established with St John Catholic Church, Rosewood Services or Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, Kan., 67544

Betty Pauline Ohnick, age 86, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. Betty was born July 9, 1931 in Boise City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Bill & Frances (Stassi) Wood. Betty had been a resident of Leoti since 2014 moving from Rocky Ford, Colorado, where she had resided since 1977 moving from Scott City, Kansas. Betty was a Nurses Aide at several medical facilities throughout her career.

Betty was a member of Valley Community Church in Rocky Ford, Colorado

On June 9, 1946 she married Bob Ohnick at Clayton, New Mexico. Bob passed away on May 4, 2002 at Rocky Ford, Colorado.

Betty’s surviving family includes-

Two sons-
Gary & Marlyn Ohnick-Rocky Ford, Colorado
Steven & Yolanda Ohnick-Rocky Ford, Colorado

One daughter-
Beth & Gary Wilbur-Leoti, Kansas

A sister-
Bea & Ron Langerbacher-Keyse, Oklahoma

A sister-in-law-
Marjorie Wood-Boise City, Oklahoma

Six grandchildren, four step grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, fourteen step great grandchildren and one step great great grandchild

Her parents, two brothers, Bill Wood and Bob Wood and a son-in-law, Richard Andrasek, precede her in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am (CST) Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Leoti, Kansas with the Reverend Gary Salmans officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 3:30 pm (CST) Thursday at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta, Colorado with the Reverend Kurt England officiating.

Friends may call from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm Wednesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Wichita County Long Term Care in Care of the funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com

Robert Joseph “Bob” Gross, of Victoria, Kansas, age 56, died Saturday, April 28, 2018, at his home in Victoria, Kansas.

He was born October 20, 1961, in Hays, Kansas, to Donald F. and Rita M. (Rome) Gross.

He worked in the corporate world for Cessna Aircraft, Boeing, and Coleman Company all of Wichita. He was a 1979 graduate of Victoria High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University in 1983. He was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

His true passion was coming back to Ellis County playing the role of a country boy by helping his dad and grandfather work the land. He was an avid fan of the K-State Wildcats.

Survivors include one son, Bret Gross and wife, Kelsey, Overland Park, KS; one daughter, Lauren Smith and husband, Bryan, Littleton, CO; his mother, Rita M. Gross, Victoria, KS; children’s mother, Peggy Deiter, Wichita, KS; one granddaughter, Gwen Renee Gross; one brother, Mike Gross and wife, Virginia, Shawnee, KS; one sister, Janet Trombley and husband, Don, Newton, PA; one aunt, Marge Rome, Victoria, KS; three nephews, Ryan Trombley, Note Dame, IN; Sam Gross, New York, NY; Will Gross, Shawnee, KS.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald F. Gross; one infant sister, Anne Marie Gross; his god-mother, Mary Lou Rome, his grandparents, John P. and Anna (Herl) Gross; and Joseph M. and Albina (Kuhn) Rome.
Services will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday, May 4, 2018, at The Basilica of St, Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, a Class of 1979 rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Thursday, and a vigil service at 8:00 P.M. Thursday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation is from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Thursday and from 12:00 to 12:45 P.M. Friday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial to the Smokey Hill Foundation: Chemical Dependency/Substance Abuse, 209 E. 7th, Hays, Kansas 67601.

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

DOWNS – George E. Maier, 102, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2018. He was born August 27, 1915, the son of Nicholas and Vinnie (Merkey) Maier near Portis.

He was a retired farmer/stockman.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Maxine in 2011, his son, Ronald in 2002, son-in-law, George Weeks, sisters, Ethel Dolloff and Edna Watts.

He is survived by his daughters, Doretta Weeks of Downs, Bonnie (Dwight) Donley of Beloit, 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and sister, Lucille Palmer of Portis.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Downs. There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be given to the Downs Senior Center and Post Rock Humane Society in care of Domoney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 127, Downs, KS 67437.

Howard Dennis Schmidt, 80, Hays, died Sunday, April 29, 2018 at his home.

He was born in Hays on December 8, 1937, the son of Albert A. and Wilhelmina (Kinderknecht) Schmidt. In 1956 he graduated from Hays High School. On August 29, 1960 he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann “Patt” Brungardt and they celebrated over 45 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on December 30, 2005.

From 1963 until 1998 he owned and operated Howard’s Service Center at the corner of 8th and Vine, and he served in the Kansas National Guard, was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #11687 of Catharine. He enjoyed watching sports and was a fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, KU basketball and the local high school teams. He loved dogs, kept track of the weather, praying often for rain, and he loved his grandchildren and family.

Survivors include four sons; Dean Schmidt and wife Teri of Atchison, Curtis Schmidt and wife Debbie of Spring, TX, Timothy Schmidt of Wichita, and Terrance Schmidt of Hays, a daughter; Amy Lou Drum and husband Brett of Midland, GA, two brothers; Joe Schmidt of Catharine and Bill Schmidt of Westminster, CO, two sisters; Carol Canfield of Fayetteville, AK and Gladys Jacobs of Overland Park, 11 grandchildren; Melissa Enevoldsen and husband Jeffrey, Austin Schmidt and wife Rayna, Laura Friedberg and husband David, Matthew Schmidt and wife Alexandra, Katie Schmidt, Rachel Schmidt, Jacob Schmidt, Madison Drum, Joseph Schmidt, Avery Drum, and John Michael Schmidt, and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patt, two brothers; Ralph and Rich Schmidt, six sisters; MaryAnn Stecklein, Alice Freitag, Jeanette Gottschalk, Zita Dreiling, Joyce Gonzalez and an infant sister Pauline.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, May 4, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 15th Street, Hays with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. A parish vigil will be at 6:30 pm followed by a St. Catherine Council #11687 Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 pm, all on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed or Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Shirley Jane Rudd Dixon, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Greeley County Long Term Care in Tribune, Kansas. Shirley was born July 23, 1926 in Belpre, Kansas, the daughter of Herbert Ernest & Mayrella Windhorst Rudd. Shirley moved with her family in 1937 to Tribune, Kansas. She was a 1944 graduate of Greeley County High School and a 1948 graduate of Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas earning a Bachelor of Science degree. It was in Ottawa that she met Vee Dixon, her husband of 63 years. Vee and Shirley were married on June 15, 1948 in Tribune.

Following Vee’s Graduation from Washburn Law School, they returned to Tribune, where they lived the rest of their lives. She was a math teacher, abstractor, and homemaker. Shirley was a member of the First Presbyterian Church as well as a Sunday school teacher and Church organist. Shirley was an active member in Presbyterian Women, and many church activities. She was also active in E.H.U., Progressive Club and served as a leader for both Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vee, her parents and two sisters, Ruhe Pringle and Pat Jackson.

Shirley’s surviving family includes:

Three Children-
Jane Ellen Dixon Scarffe, Lawrence, Kansas
Wade Masterson & Kerry Dixon, Tribune, Kansas
Chris Rudd & Kellee Dixon, Tribune, Kansas

Seven Grandchildren, Twelve Great Grandchildren

A celebration of Shirley’ life will take place at a later date at First Presbyterian Church, Tribune.

Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church in Tribune, Kansas in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO 301, Tribune, Kansas 67879

Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com