JoAnn (Betson) McCurdy, age 87, of WaKeeney, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born August 8, 1930 in Wichita to Ivan and Hilma (Gillcrest) Betson.

JoAnn was a graduate of Bentley High School, and went on to attend St. Francis Nursing School, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. On January 13, 1953, she was united in marriage to Wayne McCurdy in Wichita. To this union, three children were born. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage together. Wayne preceded her in death on October 27, 2002. Wayne was an insurance agent, and his job took the McCurdy Family to many different towns around Kansas, but JoAnn was always able to find great jobs as a nurse. JoAnn enjoyed many hobbies, including playing pinochle with friends and sitting down to read a good book. In her earlier years, JoAnn loved a good fishing and camping trip with family. Throughout her family and friends, she was known for her “dish scratchers”. She would make them by the dozens for friends and family to use for anything from dishes to cleaning cars. Music and dancing was a passion of hers; it wasn’t uncommon to find JoAnn and Wayne on the dance floor doing the two-step or swinging to country music. Of all the things JoAnn loved, she absolutely cherished time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by many.

Survivors include two children, Mike McCurdy and wife Paula, and Cindy and husband Mark Basgall, all of WaKeeney; daughter-in-law, Marita McCurdy of Overland Park, Kansas; ten grandchildren; and twenty-four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a son, Robert “Bob” McCurdy.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. Inurnment will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

There will be no viewing or visitation as cremation was chosen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Keeney Village. Donations made to Keeney Village may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be sent online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Gladys Mae (Schuette) Kennedy was born to Henry J. and Ella E. (Jones) Schuette February 27, 1917, in their home in Lebanon, next door to Schuette Motor Company. She went home to be with the Lord on March 15, 2018.

She attended Lebanon schools from 1st through 12th grades, graduating from Lebanon High School in 1934. She took piano lessons from Bernice Scott ten years and continued playing, for church, school, other organizations and in later years every month for the nursing homes. She also enjoyed playing the saxophone in bands. She actively played the piano to the end of her life.

After high school she was the bookkeeper for Schuette Motor Company except for a few years when she was home with her children.

She married Kenneth Kennedy August 16, 1940 and they lived in Esbon for a year. She also was with Kenneth six months in South Dakota when he was in service. Otherwise she lived in Lebanon her entire life.
She was baptized in the Lebanon Christian Church in 1930. She has been a member of the CWF and played for the choir specials, also taught several Sunday School classes.

She was a member of the Over 60 Club, a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Music Club, Smith County Historical Society, Kanza House Genealogical Library, Red Cross Volunteer, Hub Club, Cub Scout leader, participant in the Maverick Band, royalty for Old Settlers Day, and a life member of the Girl Scouts. She was a leader or on the troop committee of Girl Scouts from 1949 to 2009 and quit because she broke her hip.

Gladys enjoyed throughout her life; traveling on family vacations, quilting, giving blood, playing the piano, making jelly, leading the Girl Scout troops, going to church, walking in parades, and working on history for the Lebanon Centennial books.

She made a lot of quilts and did a lot of quilting, taking over the planning of community quiltings from Frances Ellner, in 1981. She provided quilts for law officials to have for children in various instances. She was known far and wide for making, selling, and mostly giving of her jelly. Her biggest cause was to promote Lebanon and support all factions of making Lebanon a better place for all.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, RJ & Henry; a baby sister Helen Irene; husband Kenneth; son in law, Robert “Bob” Weber.

Gladys is survived by her five children: 3 sons Kent Kennedy, and wife Soni, of Lebanon, Kansas; Carl Kennedy of Miltonvale, Kansas; and Joe Kennedy, and wife Sandy of Great Bend, Kansas. Two daughters: Kay Weber, of Hoxie, Kansas, and Lynn Schneider, and husband Les, of Lucas, Kansas.

Grandchildren: Todd Kennedy, and wife Annette of Phillipsburg, Kansas; Nicole Kennedy of Manhattan, Kansas; Tyler Kennedy, and wife Kristina of Manhattan, Kansas; Anne Rogers, and husband John of Plainville, Kansas; Arminta Culver of Oakley, Kansas; Kenneth Weber, and wife Carrie of Colby, Kansas; Brodie Kennedy of Miltonvale, Kansas; Jessica Griffith, and husband Adam of Moundridge, Kansas; Joel Schneider, and wife Beth of Hays, Kansas; and Samantha Schneider, and friend Matthew Hyman of Hutchinson, Kansas
Great Grandchildren: Dakota, Cheyenne, Taylor and Riley Rogers; Amelia, Anthony, and Olivia Culver; R.J., Elliot, Nathan, and Harper Weber; Ashlynn, Collette and Hannah Kennedy; James, Bailey, Tea and Ethan Kennedy; Elena (Ellie) and Zora Griffith; Jaylan Schneider and Maysyn Tippy.
Great Great Grandchildren: Jaxxon Conlin.

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Wendell Ray Bohm was born October 19, 1946 at Ingelboro Hospital, Smith Center, KS, the youngest child of Fred L. and Viola F. (Smith) Bohm; he passed away March 16, 2018 at Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, KS.

Wendell was baptized as an infant at Zion Lutheran Church, ¼ mile from the family farm and was confirmed at the United Church in Athol. He attended Hopkins Country School, located 1 mile from the family farm, for 4 years, until the school was closed. He then continued his education at West Smith County schools in Kensington where he graduated from Kensington High School with the class of 1964. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard. During this time he began dating Terry Ayres and they were married July 14, 1968 at First St. John Lutheran church, Kensington. They made their home where Wendell lived his entire life, at the Bohm family farmstead, as Wendell had assumed the responsibility of running the family farm when his father died in June 1965.

Both having been raised on a farm, Wendell and Terry shared a love and passion for farming and conservation. They were blessed with 4 beautiful children, Andrea, Tyler, Courtney, and Derek. Although Wendell was busy farming he enjoyed being with his children and encouraging their interests. He and Terry were 4-H Leaders and team boosters. He served on the Athol Co-operative Board of Directors for 2 terms, ultimately serving as Board Chairman. He was a faithful member of First St. John Lutheran church of Kensington. He enjoyed doing woodworking and carpentry and along with Terry, hosting “Bohm Bonfires” and cook-outs for neighbors, family and friends.

Wendell was blessed with musical talents which he shared by singing and playing the harmonica; often as part of a duet, member of “The Athol Red Barn Opry” or “The Three Amigos” which delighted audiences near and far. Wendell was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Athol, when he and Thaine Larson, Tom Hardacre, and new pastor of First St. John Lutheran Church, David Hutson were asked to entertain at an Athol Co-op Expo. Wendell was a most fabulous harmonica player, and Dave is a very talented lead guitar player. Their love of music and sense of humor created a very special kinship – friends, like brothers. Soon, the love of music led to a group with members: Carol Rahjes, Bethie Smith, Holly Overmiller Lueth, Galen Larson, Jim Fetters, Dave Hutson, and Wendell Bohm. The group called themselves The Athol Red Barn Opry. They performed for many, many functions for 9 years, including a special program at the Kansas State Fair. In recent years, Wendell, Dave Hutson and Galen Larson entertained together as “The Three Amigos”.

Wendell and Terry and their children transferred their church membership to First St. John Lutheran church of Kensington, where they were married, and have been members for 30 years.

Wendell was the most kind, sweet, loving, giving, and talented man. He was respectful of everyone. A soft-spoken man with a heart of gold. His family, especially his grandkids, was his life. Wendell had many, many friends who he cherished.

Wendell leaves to celebrate his life and to keep in their memories forever: his wife of nearly 50 years, Terry; children Tyler Bohm of Kensington; Courtney (Daniel) Coleman of Shawnee, KS; and Derek Bohm, Kansas City, MO; five grandchildren loving their Grandpa are: Nathan Bohm and Corrine Bohm of Kansas City, MO; Connor Bohm-Fitzpatrick of Kansas City, MO; Lydia and Vincent Coleman of Shawnee, KS. Also celebrating his life are brothers Duane (Shirley) Bohm of Elk Falls, KS and Ross (Beverly) Bohm of Yuma, CO.; brother-in-law, Dale Lyon; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Andrea Bohm; sister, Dolores Lyon; sister-in-law, Alice Bohm.

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Margaret (Spies) Billinger passed away on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas at the age of 87. She was born on July 24, 1930 in Hays to the late August Spies, Sr. and Anna (Braun) Spies. On October 3, 1949 she was united in marriage to Adolph Billinger in St. Peter, Kansas. They were blessed with three girls, Diane, Linda, and Cindy.

Margaret was a loving farm wife, mother, and grandmother. Famous for her angel food cakes, dressings, and homemade noodles, she enjoyed cooking and baking, and always made sure that nobody left her table hungry. Not one to sit idle, she had a sense of humor that could light up the entire room, and was never without several things to talk about, often at the same time. She was a member of St. Ann’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches along with the Saint Ann’s Solidarity. She was a Rosary Prayer Leader, loved attending Mass and being a vibrant part in the life of the church and faith. She had a personal ministry of sending cards, letters, and notes to family, friends, and neighbors, whenever she thought they might need extra prayers or a word of encouragement.

Margaret is survived by her daughters Diane Gross and husband Paul of Gorham, Linda Brin and husband Arlen of Zurich, and Cindy Balthazor and husband Dennis of Palco; Brother William “Bill” Spies and wife Karen of Arvada, CO; sisters Martina Werth of Hays, and Elaine Cisneros of Omaha, NE; grandchildren David and Jennifer Mongeau, Lisa and Jason Nyp, Marla and Ryan Verlinde, Mark and Kate Mongeau, Jason and Megan Brin, Jeff Brin, Justin and Cathy Brin, Jessica and Dallas Lehmann, Steve and Sarah Balthazor, Sara and Karim Touijer, Dana and Zurab Tsereteli and James and Heather Balthazor; and 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents August and Anna Spies; husband Adolph Billinger; brothers Celestine Spies, Wilfred Spies, Daniel Spies, and August Spies, Jr.; sisters Anna Knoll, Glory June Partch, and Abilena Billinger; and great-granddaughter Parker Balthazor.

Our Lord Jesus told us, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will move mountains.” Greater than a mustard seed, Margaret’s faith was a constant source of strength for herself, and all of her friends and family, as she daily prayed for the mountains each one of us faced. Our own lives will forever bear witness to her faith, as even now she intercedes on our behalf, to help us move the mountains we do not yet see.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Zurich. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00pm on Monday at the funeral home with Ladies guild Rosary at 3:00pm, and from 6:00-8:00pm at the church with Prayer Vigil at 7:00pm. Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Catholic School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.

James A. “Jim” Charbonneau, 68, Hays, died Thursday, March 15, 2018 at HaysMed.

He was born January 29, 1950 in Concordia, Kansas the son of Alfred and Lula (LaBarge) Charbonneau. He graduated from Concordia High School, Brown Mackie College, and was a retired Certified Public Accountant and a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. On May 6, 1989 he was united in marriage to Judith “Judi” Benoit at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas. He enjoyed tractors, Ford vehicles, watching baseball, and talking about politics.

Survivors include his wife Judi, of the home, a son; Carey Wise of Olathe, a daughter; Lanell Bailey and husband Steven of Great Falls, MT, two brothers; Darrel Charbonneau and wife Peggy of Wichita and Ray Charbonneau and wife Amber of Dewey, OK, a sister; Lorena Flesher and husband Neal of Hays, three grandchildren; Daylon Ingalls and husband Andrew, Logan Hertel, and Cole Wise, two great grandchildren; Elijah Ingalls and Adalynn Ingalls, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Theresa Powell and Bernice Butler, and a brother-in-law; Marvin Powell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 E. 13th, Hays, with Fr. Jarett Konrade officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Damar. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:00 pm on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested in Jim’s memory to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Roger Charles Chapman, 88, of Oakley, died Saturday, March 17, 2018. Roger was the third child of Charles B. and Hattie L. (Cook) Chapman, born in Bradgate, Iowa, on July 14, 1929. He lived most of his young years in Rolfe, IA and was baptized in the Rolfe Methodist Church in April, 1943. Roger served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in May 1952, as a Staff Sgt. in the artillery. He started working for the Union Pacific Railroad in February, 1953 and worked about 36 years as a Depot Agent.

Roger was active in all sports and enjoyed attending sporting activities. He became a Club Champion of Golf, in Rolfe, IA, at the age of 19, defeating the defending champion 2 up 1 to go in a 36 hole match. He was also Club Champion at Oakley twice and was 2nd place many times. Roger always said he was the poorest golfer in the family and couldn’t beat his sister until she went blind, “I beat her every time then!” He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. The highlight of his life was the fishing trips to Canada with his brothers. Roger said “The Good Lord blessed me with a lot of good friends and good times. The only way to get to heaven is to die, and I’m ready.”

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Dorothy, who died June 5, 1988, after a 10 ½ year battle with cancer.

He is survived by his step-daughter, Glenda Schaffer and her husband, Ken; sister, Leone Hudek, Pocahontas, IA; brothers, Herschel Chapman, Leavenworth, KS and Keith (Shirley) Chapman, Carroll, IA; four grandchildren, JR Behan, Heather Holt, Stacey Brown and Travis (KayAnn) Schaffer; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2018 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. The Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at the Oakley United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Oakley Wrestling Club or Oakley Golf Course and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Donald J. Hunter passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Wilson Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wilson, Kansas at the age of 86. He was born on April 22, 1931 in Ellsworth County, Kansas to the late Harold and Harriete (Krupp) Hunter. He grew up in the Wilson area and graduated from Wilson High School with the Class of 1949. On October 14, 1952 he was united in marriage to Eleanor Peirano at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. They were blessed with a son, Roger.

Donald began driving a tractor at the age of 10 years old and never stopped until he was 82. Although he spent some time working in the oilfield, farming was truly his life. He did several odd jobs around town with carpentry work and other things, and even helped with the annual Czech Festival Parade, but his true passion was being on the farm, and working the land, usually raising wheat and milo. He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

Donald is survived by his son Roger Hunter and wife Karen of Wilson; brother Gary Hunter and wife Betty of Wilson; grandsons Drew Hunter and wife Marci of Basehor, and Austin Hunter and wife Cheryl of Kansas City, MO; great-grandson Chase hunter; and one great-grandchild-on-the-way.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Harriete Hunter, wife Eleanor Hunter, and infant brother Robert Hunter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Inurnment will follow in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. There will be no visitation or vigil.

Timothy Allen Burris, 25, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018 from an ATV accident in Russell.

Timothy was born December 11, 1992 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the son of Harry Lee Burris and Teresa A. Hunt. He grew up in the Pawnee, Oklahoma and Enid, Oklahoma areas. He graduated from Enid High School.

Timothy was a self employed auto mechanic. He lived in Enid, Oklahoma, then Edmond, Oklahoma, then Salina, Kansas before moving to Russell in June, 2015. He enjoyed restoring old cars and motorcycles, fishing, camping and spending time with his friends.

Timothy’s surviving family includes his mother, Teresa “Terry” Hunt of Russell, Kansas; brothers, J.B. Burris (Cynthia) of Hays, Kansas and Ronnie Hoff (Moria Ballard) of Russell, Kansas; Grandparents, Karen and Al Wulffenstein of Enid, Oklahoma; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews; and special family members, Luke Racette, Rikki Krejci, Ray Harless, Clark Kent, John & Sheryl Cole, and Sierra Racette.

Timothy was preceded in death by his father Harry, aunt Patty Christy; grandparents J.B. & Evelyn Hunt, Charles & Hazel Burris, Larry & Vivian Christy and Hazel Gallaher.

Celebration of Timothy’s Life will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, March 19, 2018 at the Russell V.F.W. Post. Graveside services will be held 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at the Crescent Cemetery in Crescent, Oklahoma. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with the Shrine Children’s Hospital. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.