Geraldine Kay “Gerri” Taylor, age 75, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018 at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. Gerri was born November 24, 1942 at Ransom, Kansas, the daughter of Glenn D. & Dorothy Eileen ( Grate ) Cooley.

She was a homemaker and had been a resident of Leoti since 1947.

On January 4, 1972, she married Robert M. Taylor in Leoti, Kansas. Robert passed away on July 30, 2014 in Leoti, Kansas.

Gerri’s surviving family includes-

One son-
Robert Taylor-Leoti, Kansas

Four daughters-
Martha & Sam Vallejo-Leoti, Kansas
Debbie Young-Garden City, Kansas
Glenita Nodine-Colby, Kansas
Sheila & Kevin Edwards-El Dorado, Kansas

One brother-
Roger & Toni Cooley-Scott City, Kansas

Two sisters-
Phyllis & Frank Black-Edson, Kansas
Deana & Daniel Fahrenholtz-Granby, Colorado

Eight Grandchildren and Eleven Great Grandchildren

Her parents and husband precede her in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Leoti, Kansas with Pastor Dustin Fritzmeier officiating.

Burial will be in Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas

Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Wichita County Health Center or Leoti E.M.T.’s in care of the funeral home.

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

Gaylyn Jean Andrews passed away on April 9, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita at the age of 81. She was born on the family farm near Codell, Kansas on December 10, 1936 to Everett Aaron Lamb and Eula Madeline (Winters) Lamb. On May 23, 1954 she married William Carroll Hutton in Codell, Kansas. They were blessed with 5 children: Vickie, Joleen, Janiece, Dawn, and Vawn. They later divorced and on June 12, 1965 she married Eldon Dean Andrews in Stockton, Kansas. They were blessed with a daughter: Tialisa.

Gaylyn attended school in Codell. She played basketball and the clarinet in the band. She started working when she was in 7th grade at Apple’s Café. Gaylyn graduated from Codell High School in 1954. While her children were young she was a homemaker and worked as an avid seller for Avon. She later worked for Smith’s Furniture in Stockton from 1984 until it closed. Gaylyn had a great sense of humor and loved to joke around. Her favorite day of the year was April Fools’ Day. Not too long ago she made cupcakes stuffed with cotton balls in the middle to share with many of her loved ones. She also loved Halloween, bowling in her earlier years, and her dog Coco.

Gaylyn is survived by her children Vickie St. Clair and husband Scott of Stockton, Joleen Hutton and husband Robert Lanham of Loveland, CO, Janiece Cook and husband Wes of Plainville, Dawn Palmer of Stockton, Vawn Hutton and wife Karen of Stockton, and Tialisa Muir and husband Patrick of Stockton; sisters Karolyn Eastep and husband Don of Sedalia, MO, Sharolyn Gramm and husband Don of Mountain Home, AR, Beverly Nelson of Lee-High, FL, and Jacquelyn Werner and husband Ron of Plainville; 18 grandchildren, Chad Hutton (Julia), Raelyn Holmes, Stefani Fitts, Zach Plante, Tyler Plante (Julie), Quintin Plante (Randi), Wayne Cook (Brooke), Lynn Finnesy, Jennifer Lucio, Krista Klingenberg, Robert Klingenberg, Heath Muir (Lacey), Monica Hutton, Tabitha Meier (Ryan), Nathan Palmer, and Shayla Palmer; and 35 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Everett and Eula Lamb and infant son Everett Dean Hutton.

Gaylyn was a hardworking and fun-loving woman. She knew how to have fun and enjoy life along the way. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. Burial will follow in the Stockton Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Marcella Drewes Otteson passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the age of 99 1/2 at Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on a farm near Rolla, North Dakota on September 19, 1918, the daughter of Diedrich and Martha Freier Drewes.

Marcella attended Rolla High School graduating in 1936 as valedictorian. After graduation, she attended Dakota Business College where she learned secretarial skills and flourish handwriting. She continued to use flourish writing for high school diplomas, awards and graduation certificates for many in the area.

She married Harold R. Otteson in 1945 in Roulette, North Dakota. They moved to Scott City shortly after their marriage. In 1949 their son Gary Richard Otteson was born. In February, 1992 Harold was in a serious car accident and passed away from his injuries at St. Francis Regional Medical center in Wichita, KS.

Harold, Marcella and Gary joined the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City. Marcella continued to attend Holly Cross services while in Park Lane.

Marcella worked at various business firms including ASC in Rolla, North Dakota and Schiller Photographic Co. in St. Louis, Missouri. For ten years in the 1960’s, she as a secretary at Century Refinery. After that she was Scott County Treasurer for 11 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents Martha M. (Freier) and Dietrich J. Drewes. Also, her sister Margaret Nelson and her brothers Walter Drewes and Henry Drewes.

Surviving relatives include her son Gary Otteson and his wife Ginny Otteson of Midway, Utah. She also leaves behind nephews John Drewes and Terry Nelson and a niece Ellen Drewes-Stoen.

Funeral Services will be at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2018 with Pastor Warren Prochnow presiding.

Memorials In Lieu of Flowers can be made to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

There will be no calling times.

Robert Elmer LeFort passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 82. He was born on March 10, 1936 in Garden City, Kansas to the late Reme Joseph and Ruby Nola (Dunham) LeFort. He graduated from Woodston High School in Woodston, Kansas with the Class of 1954. On December 27, 1954 he was united in marriage to Elenore Gayle Morrissey at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton, Kansas. They were blessed with five children, Janey, Donovan, Brad, Stacey, and Bobby.

Robert enjoyed working and being outside. He loved farming, especially harvesting wheat, and in his younger days he liked hunting and fishing. He was always an avid bowler and enjoyed square dancing with Elenore whenever they had the opportunity. He also liked shooting a game of pool with friends, and even had his own honorary chair at the local V.F.W.

Along with farm work, Robert spent many years owning and operating the Sears store in Stockton, then went to work for Stockton Correctional Facility before he retired. After retirement, he drove a bus and did janitorial work at the school because he enjoyed being around the kids. He was member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and was a Third Degree, Knights of Columbus member.

Robert is survived by his children Janey Denton and husband David of Stockton, Donovan LeFort and wife Cheryl of Newton, Robert Bradley “Brad” LeFort of Topeka, Stacey Rempe and husband William “Bill” of Smith Center, and Bobby LeFort and wife Diane of Grantville; grandchildren Bobby Joe and Jessica LeFort, Rebecca Grey, Sandra LeFort, Tabitha and Mike Owen, Rachel and Ian Snyder, Chauntel and David Parkison, Travis Rempe, James LeFort, Terra Rempe, Jenna LeFort, Olivia LeFort, Cooper LeFort, Luke LeFort, and Chase LeFort; and great-grandchildren Sienna, Pierce, Delaney, Saj, Kitlynn, Dakota, Mida, Roger, Haylee, Shae, Cruz, Adrianna, Alianna, Isaiah, Tre, Gavin, Kyleigh, Elenore, Eloise, and Erik.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reme and Ruby LeFort, wife Elenore LeFort, brothers Frank LeFort and DeWayne LeFort, sister Roberta Folsom, grandson Trevor Rempe, and great-grandson Jackson Robert LeFort.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Burial will follow in the St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm on Friday at the funeral home in Stockton with Prayer Vigil Service at 7:00pm. Memorials are suggested to the St. Thomas Catholic Church or Rooks County Cancer Council and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st Street, Stockton, KS 67669.

Jerry James Vopat passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018 at his Mosaic home in Ellsworth, Kansas at the age of 67.

He was born on April 27, 1950 in Ellsworth to the late Frank G. and Marie J. (Janda) Vopat. He grew up on the farm and always loved helping to take care of the animals, especially the baby pigs, and had a special fondness for his favorite “Yorkie.”

He was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Kanopolis, Kansas, enjoyed watching his favorite television shows, and being with family and friends whenever he had opportunity. He had a very close relationship with his Grandpa Frank Janda whom he always knew as “Papa.” Having lived for 32 years under the wonderful care of Mosaic in Ellsworth, they too became a loving family, and supportive friends, of Jerry’s.

Jerry is survived by his brother Frank E. Vopat of Wichita, and his sisters Linda M. Weber of Wilson and Jody Thomas of Terra Haute, IN, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Marie Vopat.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Burial will follow in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00pm on Monday at the funeral home in Wilson with Prayer Vigil beginning at 7:00pm.

Norine Giebler, 88, Hays, died Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the Willow House in Hays.

She was born April 25, 1929 on the family farm in Ellis County, Kansas the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Pfannenstiel) Dreiling.  On August 23, 1948 she was united in marriage to Paul J. Giebler in Ellis, Kansas.  He preceded her in death on December 6, 1992.  Norine was a custodian for twenty seven years at Hays Orthopedic Clinic and was a volunteer for many years at the Arc of Central Plains thrift shop, volunteering twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays.  She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and volunteered to help with funeral dinners there for many years.  She was also a member of the Perpetual Adorers and Sisters of St. Agnes Associates.  She enjoyed her Tuesday morning prayer group, making noodles for TMP-Marian and for friends and family, ironing and seamstress work, and attending her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include three sons; Donald Giebler and wife Alanna of Stevensville, MD, David Giebler and wife Kathy of Hays, and Dale Giebler and wife Robin of Ellis, a daughter; Joan Dunn and husband Dave of Hays, two sisters; Rose Dorzweiler of Ellis and Norma Schumacher and husband Mel of Hays, eleven grandchildren; Amy Davidson and husband Drew, Andrew Giebler and wife Elizabeth, Kevin Giebler, Krista Whitley and husband Wes, Jamie Schmidt and husband Brian, Kim Terry and husband Billy, Mike Giebler, Michael Dunn and wife Mary, Laura Dunn, Linda Carr, and Joe Giebler, four step-grandchildren; Jason Carrasco, Amber Hernandez, Angela Keller, and Ashley Keller, nineteen great grandchildren; Seraphina, Isabelle, Molly, Danica, Declan, Brandon, Dylan, Sean, Molly, Marshall, Treighton, Damien, Aubrey, Logan, Rylie, Taylor, Daniel, Corbin, and Hailey, five step-great-grandchildren; Talisha “TJ”, Kaylee, Kloee, Kareem, and Ryder, one step-great-great grandchild and one great-great grandchild due this month.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, and a brother-in-law; Marion Dorzweiler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, with Fr. Don Zimmerman officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 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.  A Perpetual Adorers rosary will be at 5:00 pm followed by a vigil service and rosary at 6:30, all on Thursday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hospice of HaysMed, or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Kenneth “Kenny” Hilmes, age 66, of WaKeeney, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney, Kansas. He was born April 23, 1951, in Ransom, Kansas, to Henry J. and Armella (Luetters) Hilmes.

Kenny was a 1970 graduate of Ransom High School. On May 30, 1997, he was united in marriage to Brenda Deines in WaKeeney. They enjoyed 20 years of marriage together. He spent thirteen years of his working life as a farmhand for Louis Rosproy, then went on to work for Trego County Road and Bridge as a heavy equipment operator for 17 years, until retirement. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Kenny loved to take time for a good fishing trip, or sit down to watch his favorite basketball team, the KU Jayhawks. He was also a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Usually, if you saw Kenny, you’d see his dog “Buddy” somewhere nearby. His kind heart will leave a lasting impression on many.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda of WaKeeney; two brothers, Fred (Gladys) Hilmes of Ness City, Kansas, and Dan (Ninfa) Hilmes of Othello, Washington; brother-in-law, Shawn (Kerah) Deines of WaKeeney; sister, Karen (Larry) Interman of Dodge City, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Carol Hilmes, Renea Williams, and Janelle Deines of WaKeeney; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald, Larry, and Alan; and sister, Sandra.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30, Monday, April 9, 2018, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home in WaKeeney. There will be a parish vigil service immediately following at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

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