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 and nephews.

Timothy was preceded in death by his father Harry, aunt Patty Christy; maternal and paternal grandparents.

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.

Esther “Elizabeth” (Auchard) McReynolds passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas at the age of 95. She was born on February 21, 1923 in Riley County, Kansas near the town of May Day, the middle child of five, to the late Francis Edward and Elizabeth Jane (Dwyer) Auchard. Her siblings were Edward D., Frederick Lester, Clarence Denny, and Glenna Marie.

Elizabeth grew up, and attended school, in several small Kansas towns. Beginning in Riley County, she started school at Heller rural schoolhouse near Randolph. She would eventually attend schools in St. Paul, Ozawkie, Corning, and Luray before graduating high school with the Class of 1940. She went on to attend York College in York, Nebraska for two years, followed by summer school at Fort Hays Kansas State College where she received her teaching certificate. She then began teaching school in Woodston, Kansas from 1942-1945.

While teaching school, Elizabeth met and married Marvin McReynolds on December 21, 1944 in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Together they lived on the McReynolds family farm south of Woodston in a small house they moved and placed across the driveway from Marvin’s parents. They were blessed with three sons: Jerry Cecil, Stanley Gene, who died in infancy, and Tony Marvin.

Both Elizabeth and Marvin were active in their church, schools, community, and farm activities. Together, they were selected as Master Farmer and Master Homemaker Class of 1976. Beyond the local church, she also served on the district and conference levels for many years as a lay member to the conference, as well as working with the women’s ministry. She and Marvin also led Lay Witness Missions in many United Methodist churches, and marriage enrichment encounters. Of course she never failed to help with farm work whenever the need would arise.

When Elizabeth’s youngest son, Tony, started college, she continued her education until she received her bachelor’s degree in 1971. She then began a second teaching career at Osborne Elementary School where she taught for 17 years. After retiring in 1987, she and Marvin moved from the farm into Stockton and spent much of their time traveling extensively. She enjoyed writing poetry, listening to music, playing the piano, and had a lovely voice herself. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she especially loved sharing it with her grandchildren.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Marvin of Stockton; sons Jerry McReynolds and wife Diane of Woodston and Tony McReynolds and wife Wynn of Stockton; grandchildren Shawn McReynolds, Renée Laird, Michelle Ziegler and husband Gary, Joel McReynolds and wife Jennifer, Aron McReynolds and wife Laura and Sara McReynolds; and great-grandchildren Ava, Andrew, Avery, Maggie, Julia, Jacey, Jasiah, Gabriel, Micah and Gracia.

She was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Elizabeth Auchard; infant son Stanley McReynolds; brothers Edward, Lester and Denny Auchard; and sister Glenna Bott.

Elizabeth was a woman of strong faith, deep hope, and extraordinary love. With a heart and spirit that cared more for others than herself, she showed us every day that the greatest of these is love. Although we will miss her greatly, we rejoice that her love has found its fullness as she joins her Lord in eternal glory.

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Delana “Lana” A. Neubauer, 67, of Hays, KS, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society-Ellis.

A Celebration of Lana’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions can be made in Lana’s loving memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Central and Western Kansas, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 and/or the Good Samaritan Society-Ellis, 1101 Spruce St., Ellis, KS 67637. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit Lana’s memorial webpage at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements are by Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Kim Tedesco, age 50, of Hays, Kansas was surrounded by loved ones at Hays Medical Center when she passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, from complications related to pneumonia.

She was born February 3, 1968, in Quinter, Kansas to Robert Coberly and Terry (Rymph) Tedesco.

Kim split her time between Hays and Tucson, Arizona but was passionate about the arts everywhere she traveled. A free spirit who loved a good philosophical debate, Kim was also an avid listener of public radio, a talented chef, a dedicated painter, and an animal lover with a sense of humor. She named her cat after legendary artist Frida Kahlo and her dog after fashion icon Coco Chanel. To those who knew and loved Kim, she was “perfectly imperfect” — complicated, wonderful, human masterpiece.

Survivors include her mother, Terry Tedesco, Phoenix, AZ; her father, Robert Coberly, Hays, KS; one brother, Kurt Tedesco, Tucson, AZ; three sisters, Kristi Tedesco, Tucson, AZ; Andrea Turnbull, Lucas, KS; Bailey Nelson, Hays, KS, her grandmother, Joanne Rymph, Hays, KS; her cat, Frida and her dog, Coco.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Kim’s family suggests donations be made to the Hays Arts Council or The Humane Society of the High Plains.

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.” ~Frida Kahlo

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

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

Harvey Kay “Coach” Shank, 81, of Russell, Kansas, passed away on March 10, 2018, at Salina Regional Heath Center, Salina, Kansas, after a courageous battle against AML.

He was born on August 21, 1936, in Dickinson County, Kansas, to Jacob Harvey and Mildred (Fahrbach) Shank. Kay grew up on the family farm west of Navarre, Kansas, and graduated from Dickinson County Community High School – Fighting Irish, Chapman, Kansas, in 1954. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, Kansas, in 1959. He was invited to spend three summers at the National Science Foundation in Durant, Oklahoma, to earn his Masters in Mathematics. He continued his education with administrative classes at Fort Hays State University.

Kay took a teaching and coaching position in Lincoln, Kansas, in 1959 where he met and married his beloved wife, Jamilee (Page) on December 26, 1960. Kay and Jamilee then moved to McPherson, Kansas, to start their family. The family moved to Russell in 1969 where he taught mathematics, coached and held the position of athletic director at Russell High School USD #407 until retirement in 1994.

Many awards and recognitions include: First at state in the Javelin throw in 1954 for the Fighting Irish; Kansas 3A Basketball Coach of the Year 1976; Kansas Boys All-State Coach of the Year 1979; The highlight of his coaching career was leading the Russell High School basketball team to the 1979 4A Kansas State Championship; he shared the title of “Men of the Year” Russell County, 1979; and was inducted into the Fighting Irish Athletic Hall of Fame 1987.

Kay’s teaching career rivaled his coaching career. His years as an algebra and geometry teacher inspired many students into the education and mathematics fields. His guidance and determination to succeed influenced many students and athletes through the years.

Kay worked hard to support his family. He worked for State Farm Insurance for over 30 years as a crop hail adjuster and farm appraiser driving thousands of country miles all over Kansas. He was involved in the Russell community serving on the Russell Public Library Board for several years. He was active as a member of the First Congregational Church since 1970.

Kay’s love of sports kept him active as an avid golfer. He could be found weekly on the golf course or in the club house with his golf buddies. Kay enjoyed watching sports and supporting his grandchildren in all their sports and school activities. His enthusiasm and comments in the stands will be missed by his family.

Survivors include his wife Jamilee (Page); two daughters, Kaylee Karst (Steve Trueblood) and Susan Shank (Chris Harders), all of Russell; three grandchildren, Randilyn Karst, Kansas City, Missouri; Nash Karst and Autumn Karst of Russell; Sister Nona Boyd of Salina, Kansas; brother Pete Shank and wife Clara of Abilene, Kansas; Sister-in-law Ricci Flaherty and husband Rich of Henderson, Nevada; Brother-in-law Jay Page of Peabody, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Trinity Methodist Church in Russell. Cremation has been selected by the family and a private inurnment will be held at the Russell City Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018, at Trinity Methodist Church with family to greet guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday evening.

The Kay Shank Fund has been established with the Russell County Area Community Foundation and checks can be made out to RCACF. Memorials can also be made to the Rebecca A. Morrison House. All contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth Street, Salina, Kansas 67401-2686.

Dorothy Anne Hagans, age 71, died on March 14, 2018 at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City. She was born on August 10, 1946 in Ransom the daughter of Marvin and Cecile “Madge” (Moore) McCartee.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Utica and worked as a bookkeeper for many years at Hagans’ Repair.

She married Doug Hagans on August 27, 1965 in Buffalo, Oklahoma. He survives of the home.

She is also survived by her daughter, Lisa Rueb and her husband, Kevin, of Wright; two grandchildren, Logan and Connor Aaron; two sisters, Ellen McCartee of Phillipsburg and Shirley McCartee of Haysville and many nieces, nephew, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Marvin Donald McCartee.

Graveside funeral service will be held at the Utica Cemetery on Saturday, March 17, 2018, 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Thursday, March 15, from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Wanda Kay (Rojas) Schlegel, beloved daughter of Raymond and Mary (Morante) Rojas was born in Norton, Kansas on February 26, 1961, and peacefully passed away on March 11, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home outside of Plainville, Kansas, after a two year battle with cancer, at the age of 57.

Wanda grew up in the Norton community and attended Norton Community High School. She was raised working in the family business, Rojas Mexican Food. She was a homemaker as well, raising her five children before beginning a career at Developmental Service of Northwest Kansas. Wanda worked for DSNWK for over twenty years in Norton, Russell, and Hays. On December 31, 2003, Wanda and Michael Cox’s relationship began and their love for each other only grew stronger in their 15 years together.

Wanda enjoyed traveling to Boston, Texas, Vegas, California, and Florida. She also enjoyed riding motorcycles, softball, listening to music, and dancing. Wanda’s greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Wanda is survived by her life partner, Glenn Michael Cox, of the home in Hays, daughters, Cynthia, and husband, Chad Tuttle, Plainville, KS; Katie Schlegel, Hays, KS; sons, Brian, and wife, Brea Bozarth, Ness City, KS; David, and wife, Lisa Schlegel, Norton, KS; Daniel Schlegel, Norton, KS; Michael’s daughters, Casandra Cox, Cary, NC; Mariah and Autumn Cox, Hill City, KS; sisters, Lydia, and husband, Bob Annon; Sylvia Bangle, Norton, KS; brother, John Rojas, Norton, KS; 10 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; numerous other relatives and friends.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mary Rojas.

FUNERAL SERVICES – Friday, March 16, 2018 – 10:30 A.M.

PLACE – Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, Kansas

VISITATION – Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM

PLACE- Enfield Funeral Home – Norton, Kansas

INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kansas

MEMORIALS – Wanda Schlegel Memorial Fund

Gerald Reed “G.R.” Burkhead Sr. passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018 at his home in Wilson, Kansas at the age of 62. He was born on December 19, 1955 in Salina, Kansas to the late Cleveland and Ethel (Stillwell) Burkhead. On December 16, 1995 he was united in marriage to Juanita West in Oakley, Kansas. He worked for 22 ½ years as a track laborer for Union Pacific Railroad.

G.R. is survived by his wife Juanita Burkhead of the home in Wilson; sons Jeffrey Burkhead of Aurora, CO, and Gerald Burkhead, Jr. of Wilson; daughter Angelia Burkhead of Salina; and brother Tim Burkhead of Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Cleveland and Ethel Burkhead, and daughter Valeria Burkhead.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Wilson. Burial will follow in the Oakley Cemetery in Oakley, Kansas. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm on Wednesday at the funeral home in Wilson.

Terry William Backhaus, age 72, died at his home in Ness City, Kansas, on Friday, March 9, 2018. He was born on January 2, 1946 in Garritson, South Dakota, the son of William George and Orpha Marion (Henjum) Backhaus.

Always a lover of the sport of bowling, Terry was the owner and operator of Tumbleweed Lanes Bowling Alley in Ness City since 2003. Prior to that, he owned and operated Rawhide Lanes in Lusk, Wyoming, for 7 years. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served as a medic in Vietnam and at Fort Hood, Texas.

On May 11, 1985 he married Billie (Janssen) Reed in Berthoud, Colorado. She survives.

Other survivors include two brothers, David Backhaus of Arcadia, California and Bob Backhaus and his wife, Dede, of Wilmot, South Dakota; two sons, Tony Reed and his wife, Jeannine, of Firestone, Colorado and Tyler Reed and his wife, Leslee, of Milliken, Colorado; two daughters, Tammy Zayas and her husband, Joe, of Loveland, Colorado and Tonya Sykes and her husband, Bill, of Loveland, Colorado; 12 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 2 nephews and 2 nieces.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents.

Although a quiet man, Terry had a wonderful, dry sense of humor and was an unrivaled jokester who loved to give his friends and family a good laugh. He had a great appreciation of classic cars and was a connoisseur of blues music. One of his favorite pastimes was camping and 4 wheeling in “Nelly”, his beloved 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Above all, Terry loved his family deeply and was happiest when he was spending time with any or all of them. He will be forever loved and missed.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Terry may be given to the William F. Janssen Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Vietnam Veterans of America.