Wayne Wilbur Yale, 94, Grainfield, KS died  April 21, 2018, at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital.
  


He was born April 18, 1924, at the home of his parents Luther M and Phyllis G (Bickerton) Yale southwest of Grainfield. He attended and graduated from East Big Creek School. This one-room country school was about a mile from his home.  His father needed his help on the farm after his older brothers left so he was only able to attend Grainfield High School one semester. 
  


While farming with his father he met the new school teacher who was teaching at the same country school he attended when he was younger.  Her name was Arleen Priefert. 
  
He entered the U.S. Army in August 1944 and took basic training at Camp Fannin, Tyler, TX.  He served on a 12-man rifle squad in Mindanao, Philippines and the Japanese islands of Shikoku and Honshu during World War II.  Wayne was honorably discharged August 1946. 


He returned to the farm and married Arleen Priefert on June 1, 1947, at the Methodist Church in WaKeeney, KS.

They were devoted to one another for almost 68 years before Arleen’s passing. They lived on the farm and planted many crops of wheat and milo and feed for their cattle. Wayne considered each seed that sprouted and each newborn calf a miracle and thoroughly enjoyed and loved his life’s work. To this union were born three daughters, Lucille, Doris, and Dorothy. 
  
Wayne was a member of the Grainfield United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion, and VFW. 
  


Survivors include daughters Lucille Williams and husband Kenneth of Hays, KS and Dorothy Mollenkamp and husband Kirby of Arnold, KS;  four grandchildren, Julie (Brian) Fischer, Clinton Williams(Amy), Douglas (Jennifer) Burgardt, and Austin (Lindsey) Burgardt; five great-grandchildren, Nathan and Natalie Fischer, Jacob and Kaleb Burgardt, and Jayci Burgardt; and three step-grandchildren, LaTrisha (Chad) Flax, Stacy (Ben) Hudson, and Kelsey Jo (Eric) Brown; and families, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arleen; daughter Doris; four brothers, Harold (Tessie), Ray (Elva), Vernon (Hazel) Yale; and infant Albert; two sisters, Margaret (Cleo) Lonon and Ethel (Harold) Hockersmith. 

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at the United Methodist Church, Grainfield.  Burial will be in the Grainfield Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter.

Memorials are suggested to the Grainfield United Methodist Church or the Arleen and Wayne Yale Fort Hays State University Scholarship Fund. Contributions made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS  67752.

Winnifred Iris Wamhoff, 100, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 15, 2017,in Loveland, CO, where she lived for the last 6 years.

She was born in Cowles, Neb., Aug. 21, 1917 to parents Fred and Floy Brubaker. At a very young age she moved with her parents and extended family to Bird City, Kansas. She spent all of her school years in Bird City graduating with the class of 1935. While in high school she enjoyed playing on the girls’ basketball team and singing with a quartet for functions in the area. She continued her education at Colorado State University where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She accepted a teaching position at the high school in Hollyrood, KS where she met and later married Alvin Wamhoff. When World War II broke out he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at the Navy Pier in Chicago where she was able to join him with their infant son, Stan. When Alvin got his orders for the South Pacific she returned to Bird City where she gave birth to a daughter, Alana. After the war ended she was joined in Bird City by her husband where he and brother-in-law Vic Frevert purchased and operated F&W Hardware & Furniture Store. Three other children were born there, Carolyn, Arlan and Luann.

After all five children were in school she began to substitute teach in the Bird City school system. Later she accepted a full-time position teaching 5th grade. She loved working with these students and taught for a number of years. She found time to serve on the Cheyenne County Extension Board, the Bird City Library Board and handled memorials for St. John Lutheran church for many years. She was an active member of AAUW, the American Legion Auxiliary, St. John Lutheran church and many other clubs through the years. Her greatest love was her family who gathered in her home for holidays and vacations. The longer the stay and the more family members present the happier she was. She also loved teaching fifth grade, her dogs, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing and many forms of crafts.

Preceding her in death was husband Alvin; sister-in-law Carol Brubaker; daughter-in-law Harriet Wamhoff; brother Richard Brubaker and his wife Darlene; and cousin Helen Brubaker.

Surviving family members are Stan (Brenda)and his daughters Sheri Langenberger (Bob), Bonnie Michael (Dwight) and children Justin and Makenna; Lori Couch (Charlie) and children, Taylor, Brandon, Caleb and Emily; Alana Wamhoff; Carolyn Rothfuss (Jerry) and children Laura Squires ( Steve) and son Hunter; Teri Swanson ( Eric) and sons Jordan, Cooper, Paxton and Carter; Arlan Wamhoff; and Luann Ingersoll (Kerry). Winnifred will be missed by all who knew her.

A Memorial service will be held on April 28 at 10:30 a.m. CT at St. John Lutheran Church in Bird City, Kansas.

Memorials may be designated to the St John Lutheran Church, the Bird City Library, or the Antique Engine and Thresher Association, all of Bird City and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, Kansas 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Service arrangements are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Patsy Dorene Kahle (Babst), 90, passed away Sat. April 21, in Colby. She was born Nov. 1, 1928.

Visitation will be Tue., April 24, 5 to 7 p.m. at Baalmann Mortuary, 304 E. 8th Street, Oakley.

Services will be held Wed., April 25 at 10 a.m. at Winona United Methodist Church, 501 Belleview Ave., Winona, with Pastor Sheryl Johnson. Interment is in the Winona Cemetery.

Jeannine Adele Younger of Hays, Kansas, age 83, died Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born May 11, 1934, in Eads, Colorado to Lester H. and Stella A. (Tuell) Latham. She married Joseph L. Younger on November 27, 1954, in Hays. Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 22, 2006.

She worked many years in area nursing homes as an Administrator and Social Worker. She also was a Social Worker for DSNWK for a few years. Jeannine graduated at the age of 58 from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Sociology. She was raised in Eads, Colorado and Hoisington, Kansas. She attended Hoisington High School and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, Kansas. She enjoyed her dogs and loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, George L. Younger and his wife, Myra, Victoria, KS; Troy L. Younger and wife, Tammy, Hays, KS; three daughters, JoLynne, Hays, KS; Bonnie, CA; and Cheryl, KS; one brother, Homer “Bud” Latham and wife, Peggy, Turon, KS; five grandchildren, Clayton Hines and wife, Stephine; Corey Hines; Cally Hines; Christy Werth and husband, Daniel and Cole Younger and wife, Heather; ten great grandchildren, Brayden Hines, Myles Hines, McKenna Hines, Desiree Hines, Bryce Werth, Aubrey Werth, Brett Werth, Lexi Younger, Laci Younger and Levi Younger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister, Alice Latham.

Private family services were held Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

The family suggest memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church or The Humane Society of the High Plains.

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

Verlyn J. “Slats” Kroeger, age 83, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Hays. He was born January 27, 1935 in Ellis, Kansas to Joseph and Margaret (Wasinger) Kroeger. He graduated from Ellis High School in 1953. On October 18, 1958 he married Paula M. Erbert in Ellis at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He was a retired State Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol. His career started with the Hays Police Department and then with the Kansas Highway Patrol in Lyons, the Kansas Turnpike in Wellington and then Hays. He was a US Army Veteran and a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Church in Hays.

He is survived by his wife, Paula of Hays; a son, Ward Kroeger and wife Kristi of Ogallala, Nebraska; two daughters, Kim Staab and husband Ben and Jackie Miller and husband Dennis all of Hays; three brothers, Jim Kroeger of Missouri, Gary Kroeger and wife Linda of Lecompton, Kansas and David Kroeger and wife LeAnn of Hays; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Kelly Marie Kroeger and a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Kay and Norman Wellbrock.

Private family services were held at the wishes of Verlyn. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ellis with Fr. Jarett Konrade officiating.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Nicholas of Myra Building Fund and may be sent in care of the family.

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

Mary Doreen (Fickel) Towns of Palco, Kansas passed away Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. She was born July 18, 1935 in Chanute, Kansas to the late Leo F. and Ella Beth (Nichols) Fickel. Mary grew up in Chanute, Kansas and attended the Chanute Schools. She went on to attend Kansas State University and graduated in 1957 with a degree in education. On January 25, 1958, she married Therean L. Towns in Chanute, Kansas. They moved to Palco, Kansas where they farmed and raised their family.

After teaching for four years in Webster Mary decided to stay home to raise the family and help with the farming. Mary loved to cook and enjoyed sewing most of all. Farming was a large part of her life. She was a member of the Kansas Hereford Women’s Association and was definitely passionate about her Hereford Cattle. She was extremely involved in the lives of her family. Mary especially enjoyed going to grandchildren’s sporting events, confirmations, and activities in which they were involved. Mary and her husband, Therean were Master Farmers in 1995. This honor was in recognition of their leadership in agriculture, environmental stewardship and service to their community. Together, Mary and Therean were very involved in the program.

Mary belonged to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas. She was a faithful member willing to work and support the church in any way she could. She taught CCD for many years and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella
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Mary is survived by her loving husband, Therean Towns of Palco, Kansas; son, Sean Towns and wife Sandra of Palco, Kansas; daughter, Santana Towns of Palco, Kansas; brothers, Mike Fickel and wife Mary Lou of Kansas City, Kansas, Spencer Fickel and wife Arlene of Gunnison, Colorado, Roger Fickel and wife LaVeta of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Doug Fickel of Chanute, Kansas; twelve grandchildren Roscoe Holloway, Jacob Towns, Monica Towns, Topanga Towns, Alexander Towns, Kamillia Towns, Francis Towns, Mary Claire Towns, Madeline Towns, Miriam Towns, Thaddeus Towns, and Jesse Towns and two great-grandchildren Alex and Freya.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Ella Beth Fickel.

Mary had a love for God, family, farming and community. She cherished her family and had an unending love for them. She will be gone, but this unending love for her family and others will always be present in the hearts of those who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 10:30 A.M., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas with interment to follow in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Zurich, Kansas. Visitation will be Monday, April 23 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home and 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the church. A Rosary will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home and a Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 P.M., at the church. The family suggests memorials to Mary Towns Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date for her grandchildren and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663.

Albina Befort, age 94, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays. She was born November 4, 1923 in Ellis County, Kansas to John and Clara (Boxler) Pfeifer. She graduated from Ellis High School. On July 2, 1945 she married Edmund Befort.

Albina was a schoolteacher after graduating from high school in 1941 until her marriage to Edmund in 1945. She then became a homemaker and farm wife. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with her grandchildren playing cards and hide and seek.

She is survived by her husband, Edmund of Hays; three sons, Albert Befort of Shawnee, OK, Thomas Befort and wife Connie of Wichita, KS and Pete Befort and wife Amy of Hays; two daughters, Marilyn Billinger and husband Robert of Victoria and Mary Beth Hanway of Claremont, CA; nine grandchildren, Kenny, Andrea, Max, Marissa, Michael, Amanda, Darren, Kurt and Larissa and 10 great grandchildren, Julian, Brooklyn, Alexus, Brianna, Olivia, Claire, Raegan, Karley, Parker and Halle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, John James Befort and Joseph Befort; a grandson, Logan Befort; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Befort; a son-in-law, Derek Hanway; three brothers, Ben, Elmer and John Pfeifer and five sisters, Ceverina Fross, Mary Ealdon, Irene Urban, Kay Leiker and Helen Befort.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Burial will follow in the Mt. Allen Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be Thursday 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. until service time all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice at Hays Medical Center.

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

Ernest E. “Ernie” Dreher, 77, passed away April 16, 2018, surrounded by his wife and children, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington after a long battle with leukemia.

He was born October 18, 1940, in Schoenchen, Kansas, the son of Joseph “Joe” and Philomena (Klaus) Dreher of Plainville, KS. He married Elsie M. Klaus on July 8, 1960, in Victoria, Kansas. Ernie was a resident of Hoisington since 1964, coming from Salina. He worked for Marlett Mobile Homes and Lasmo Energy in his early years and he retired in 2004 from Clara Barton Hospital after 21 years in the maintenance department.

He continued to work part time for Key Management in Great Bend until 2012. Ernie was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council #1521. In his spare time, he loved gardening, carpentry, Saturday morning garage sales (taking as many grandkids with him a he could) and was a great handyman. His pride and joy was his grandchildren and he would attend as many functions as he could of theirs, especially attending every Hoisington Cardinal School functions possible.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elsie M. Dreher; four children, Lee Alan Dreher and wife Patty of Drexel, Missouri, Michelle Morales of Wichita, Darren Dreher and wife Denise of Wichita, and Kimberly Williams and husband Kurt of Hoisington; 10 grandchildren, Ryan and Shadawn Dreher, Jacob & Samuel Morales, Trevor and Jack Williams, and Emily, Natalie, Claire and Sophie Dreher; three brothers, Irvin Dreher of Hays, Eddie Dreher of Plainville, and Walter Dreher of Topeka; two sisters, Rosina Brungardt of Garden City, and Lillian VanHooser of Andover.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Alec, Victor, and Norbert Dreher; and four sisters, Angelina Herrman, Agnes Spies, Albertine Haselhorst, and Marcella Herrman. Vigil with rosary led by the Knights of Columbus will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, and Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, April 20, 2018, all at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke. Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Helen Shirley (Ptacek) Reeves passed away Monday, April 16, 2018 at Via Christi Hospital St, Francis in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 81. She was born on December 14, 1936 in Dorrance, Kansas to the late Frank C. and Anna M. (Kepka) Ptacek. After graduating from Dorrance High School with the Class of 1954 she went on to earn her associate’s degree from Dominican School of Nursing in Great Bend, Kansas. On December 30, 1957 she was united in marriage to Richard E. Reeves at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, Kansas. They were blessed with eight children.

Helen worked as a Registered Nurse for 32 years before retiring. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She also served with the Altar Society. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and cooking; but the greatest love of her life was her husband and family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she had opportunity.

Helen is survived by her husband Richard Reeves of the home in Sylvan Grove; children Diane Reeves of El Dorado, Julie Sanborn and husband Jeff of Abilene, Alan Reeves and wife Becky of Wilson, Lori Reeves and partner Marilyn Garcia of Sylvan Grove, Kim Alexander and husband Wynn of Coldwater, Todd Reeves and wife Cherish of Courtland, Scott Reeves of Sylvan Grove, and Pam Johanek of Andover; brother Francis Ptacek of Russell; sister Anna Mae Janda of Lyons; thirty grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Anna Ptacek; and siblings Edward Ptacek, Alfred Ptacek, Beatrice (Ptacek) Gerstekorn, Wilfred “Mike” Ptacek, Fr. Maurice Ptacek, Mary Ann Ptacek, and Ernest Ptacek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Burial will follow in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm on Wednesday at the church with Prayer Vigil and Rosary at 7:00pm.

Benton L. Kennedy, 80, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at the Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wilson, Kansas.

Benton was born on June 12, 1937, in South Gorham, Kansas, the son of Gerald L. and Katherine A. (Nault) Kennedy. He grew up in the Gorham and Bunker Hill, Kansas, areas and graduated from Bunker Hill High School in the class of 1956. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Janice K. Vanderbur on December 28, 1963, in Russell, Kansas. From this union Benton and Janice were blessed with three children Kirby, Curt and Laina. He worked for Big A Auto Parts for 18 years as a manager, a truck driver for Red Tiger Trucking for 6 years, Russell County Highway Department for 14 years and a bus driver for Russell Public Schools for 9 years. He was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell and was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus since 1965. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, and watching professional football as well as watching baseball and basketball.

Surviving family include his wife of 54 years Janice K. Kennedy, Kirby W. Kennedy of El Paso, Texas, Curt A. Kennedy of Russell, Kansas and Laina M. Sack (David) of Phoenix, Arizona; sister Barbara Yost of Russell, Kansas; many grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers Jerry, Larry, Kenny and Harry and 1 sister Carol Jean.

A celebration of Benton’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 20, 2018, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas. Services will conclude at the mortuary. Visitation will be from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M., Thursday, April 19, 2018, at the mortuary, with the family present to great guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening. Memorials may given to the Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.