July 23, 1949 ~ September 20, 2019

Linda Kathleen Chaffin, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Sept. 20, 2019 at Rose Medical Center in Denver at the age of 70.

Linda was born on July 23, 1949 in Oberlin, Kan., to Walter and Mabel (Bickett) Kennedy. She and her older sister, Twila, were raised in rural Decatur County. Linda graduated from Decatur County High School in 1967. Although encouraged to explore a different career path, Linda adamantly knew her professional calling was for the nursing field, and as a result she graduated as a registered nurse from Stormont Vail Nursing School in 1970.

Linda and Paul Duane Chaffin were united in marriage on Aug. 8, 1971 in Oberlin, Kan. They have been married 48 years and are parents to Melanie and Marc.

As a long-time resident of Goodland, Kan., Linda was known as a genuine friend and admired for her strong faith in God. She had a love of gardening, reading, baking, crocheting, and music of all kinds. Linda was happiest planning or hosting dinners for family, friends, and church fellowship. She enjoyed a book club with her library friends and was an avid supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s many activities. Linda was a member of Calvary Gospel Church and served on the Goodland Churches Thrift Shop Board.

Fulfilling her life’s calling as a nurse, Linda retired from Goodland Regional Medical Center in 2015 after 45 years of nursing, yet she kept her license current and continued her mission of care-giving in daily life. She performed many roles, including floor, surgical and clinical nursing with dignity and compassion. Linda had great pride in her profession and continued to stay connected with many friends and colleagues through the years. She modeled the nursing oath of service through her actions.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Dwayne Scott.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul, her daughter, Melanie (Travis) Daise, her son Marc (Cynthia) Chaffin, and her adoring grandchildren, Jackson Daise, Allison Daise, Olivia Chaffin, and Bridget Chaffin, all of Goodland, Kan., and a sister Twila Scott of Gardner, Kan. She is also survived by her dear friend Rowena Fabella of Chicago, and numerous extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Barbara A. Barnett, age 69, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Garden City Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on March 26, 1950, in Garden City, Kansas, the daughter of Galen Otis and Gwendolyn (Shull) Whitson. Barb was a resident of Healy, Kansas since 1984 moving from Scott City, Kansas and was the local Avon lady for 29 years.

She was a member of the Healy United Methodist Church and the Healy United Methodist Women in Healy, Kansas.

She was a graduate from Scott Community High School in 1969. On March 15, 1984, she married Billie Barnett Sr. in Dighton, Kansas. He survives.

Survivors include her Husband- Billie Barnett Sr. of Healy, Kansas. Step Son- Billie and Robin Barnett Jr. of Healy, Kansas. Step daughter- Elizabeth McDonald of St. Joseph, Missouri. Three sisters- Shirley and Richard (Dick) Steffens of Leawood, Kansas, Janet and Mark Soeken of McPherson, Kansas and Anita Whitson and Dale Koster of Garden City, Kansas. One brother Robert (Bob) Whitson of Clay Center, Nebraska. Five grandchildren, Two nieces, Two nephews, eight great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the Healy United Methodist Church in Healy, Kansas with Pastor Bud Tuxhorn presiding.

Memorials can be made out to the Healy United Methodist Church or Healy United Methodist Women in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

There will be no calling times.

Fredrick O’Brian Rupp, 62, of Bushton and Hays, Kansas, died on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Fred was born on November 15, 1956, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the son of Linus and Bernice (Weigel) Rupp. He grew up and attended school in Cheyenne and also lived in Denver, Colorado, Bushton, Kansas and Hays, Kansas. He worked for Sun Oil in the oil field for many years. He was a member of the Catholic Church. He enjoyed working with leather crafts, painting and watching Denver Broncos Football. Most of all he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving family included his sister Janice Yanda (Daryel) of Gorham, Kansas and brothers Curt Rupp of Bushton, Kansas and John Rupp (Kim) of Mooresville, Indiana, Step Mother Mary Ann Rupp of Lyons, Kansas. Step Sisters Tina Sims, Katrina Sims and Step Brothers Tim Sims, Billy Wade Sims and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Dale Yanda.

Fred’s wishes were to be cremated and have a Celebration of Life to be held on a later date that was warm so all his buddies could ride their bikes! The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday September 28th at Lincoln Park in Russel, KS at the corner West 3rd Street and North Lincoln Street from 2pm and 5pm. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Donald Lee Coleman, 60, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Donald was born November 17, 1958 in Russell. He was one of three children born to Robert & Sharon (Jones) Coleman. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School. He then attended a Vo-Tech College in Wichita, Kansas where he obtained a degree in mechanics.

Donald was united in marriage to Tina Raye Grubbs on August 20, 2016 in Russell. They made their home in Russell.

Donald worked for the Russell County Highway Department as a Mechanic for over 32 years before his retirement. Before that, he worked at the Ford Dealership in Russell as a Mechanic. He was a member of the 1st Southern Baptist Church of Russell. He was active in the Russell Muzzleloaders Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching sci fi television shows, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and chocolate. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. “PaPa Don” loved spending time and playing games with his grandchildren, especially the Wahoo Board game.

Donald’s surviving family include his wife Tina of the home; sons, Donnie Coleman (Kalena) of Russell, Kansas and Stephan Coleman (Cassie) of Russell, Kansas; daughter, Stacey Holley (Dungan) of Hays, Kansas; step-son, Tom Hinds (Chelsey) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; step-daughter, Lyndie Murillo (Michael) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; mother, Sharon Hilgenberg of Russell, Kansas; brother, Darin Coleman of Russell, Kansas; sister, Connie Koch (Jim) of Russell, Kansas; and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.

The family will be present to greet friends from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the 4-H Building – South Room. Celebration of Donald’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with Rev. Jim Alexander officiating. A Private Family burial of ashes will follow at a later time. The family requested cremation, so no visitation being held. A Memorial has been established with the Russell Junior Bronco Football Program. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Thelma Louise Pettijohn, 87, passed away September 17, 2019, at Sandpiper Health & Rehab, Wichita. She was born November 29, 1931, in Clinton, MO, to Emmett R. and Nettie Ethel (Love) Lowe. She married Richard Pettijohn at Great Bend. He passed from this life September 29, 2004.

A Wichita resident, previously living in Eucha, Okla., and living the majority of her life in Great Bend, was of the Baptist faith. Thelma was a newspaper carrier for the Wichita Eagle and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include three sons, John Sutton and wife Vicki of Amarillo, Texas, Mark Pettijohn of Brighton, Colo., and Phillip Pettijohn and wife Rhonda of Wichita; three daughters, Barbara Palmer and her significant other Brad Reich of Denver, Becky Ramirez and husband Leon of Woodward, Okla., and Sue Joiner and husband Jay of Virginia; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Pettijohn; parents; and four sisters, Dora, Wanda, Joyce and Emma Lou.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the family present, Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 23, 2019, at Golden Belt Memorial Park, with Rev. Dick Ogle presiding.

Memorials are suggested to Thelma Pettijohn Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Berneice Ann Greenwood died from her second bout with cancer at 8:19 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.
While just having lost her husband of 54 years to cancer in February, Berneice was learning to live on her own. She exhibited the strength that so many of us knew of her and was hoping to someday begin travelling again to see the world.

As a born and raised Kansas woman, Berneice worked hard inside and outside, had plenty of food on hand for those ice storms and folks who just stopped by, always cared for her family physically and emotionally, loved a good game or two or three of pitch or rummy (until she won!), watched G-rated romantic movies, and enjoyed a slow drive at sunset to see the deer.

Whether it was how to be a help mate (the practical one for Ron getting his dreams), powering through adversity (always finding the silver lining), delighting in children (hugs and kisses all around), or fishing with enthusiasm (I got one! I got one!!), Berneice taught by example. She brought humor to our lives with her feigned innocence, funny sayings, ready smile and easy laugh. She loved every gift just because she got to open a package. She was as unique as an individual as her green eyes are to the population.

Berneice lived through more tragedy than most know, which strengthened her faith in God. She held strong to her Catholic faith to the very end, encouraging her children to put God first in their lives. She died peacefully while her children were praying the rosary at her bedside.

We all picture Ron welcoming her at the gates of heaven with other family members around, including her parents, Walt and Toots; her brothers Jerry and Joker; her sister, Betty; and many aunts, uncles, a nephew, and cousins.

Kim, Debby and husband, Randy Pfeifer, James and wife Becky, Tim and wife Teresa, 19 grandchildren and one great granddaughter as well as her siblings Marie and husband Milo Sarchet, Charlie and wife Mary Conant, Evelyn and husband Jeff Fertig, sister-in-law Linda and husband Tom Bartlett, and many family and friends will miss her greatly.

The viewing will be at Plumer Overlease mortuary at 610 24th St., Wilson, KS 67490, from 5 to 8 pm with the rosary at 7:30 pm on Monday, September 23. The funeral mass will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, Kansas, on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 10 a.m.

Donations in her memory may be sent to Right to Life, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dorrance.

Clyde Luke Scheffe, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, Kansas.

Clyde was born February 5, 1930 in Windthorst, Texas, the son of Henry Luke & Catherine Ann (Zihlman) Scheffe. Clyde attended high school at St. Mary Catholic School in Marienthal, Kansas and then worked on the family farm until he left for the service. Clyde served his country in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division and 81st Engineers during the Korean Conflict. After he was discharged, he headed back to Kansas in 1954 and met the love of his life. On February 19, 1957 he married Inella Marie Baker in Marienthal, Kansas.

They lived in Wichita, Kansas briefly where he was a member of the fire department, before they moved back to Wichita County and took up farming. He wore many hats over the years including dairyman and retired federal crop insurance district director. He enjoyed visiting his family, watching his Dallas Cowboys and a highlight in 2017 was a trip to Washington, DC on an Honor Flight with his fellow servicemen.

Clyde was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Leoti, Kansas and was a life member of Knights of Columbus in Windthorst, Texas. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Leoti Senior Citizens Center. He loved gardening, playing cards, and his family. His memory will be cherished by many.

Clyde’s surviving family includes-

His wife- Inella Scheffe- Marienthal, Kansas

Clyde & Trisha Scheffe, Jr.- Yoder, Colorado
Karen & Chuck Dierks- Olathe, Kansas
Lonnie & Janet Scheffe- Lees Summit, Missouri
Curtis & Jacque Scheffe- Aledo, Texas
Kelly & Melissa Scheffe- Hutchinson, Kansas
Bryant & Karen Scheffe- Plymouth, Minnesota
Dr. Sheila & & Travis Weaver- Tribune, Kansas
Shane Scheffe- Marienthal, Kansas

Siblings
Gladys Wolf- Windthorst, TX
Marie Vietenheimer- Windthorst, TX
Bernard & (Pat) Scheffe- Windthorst, TX
Bobby & (Pat) Scheffe- Windthorst, TX
(Terry) & Catherine Carlton- Wichita Falls, TX
Evelyn Scheffe – Wichita Falls, TX
Francis Scheffe – Amarillo, TX

Sixteen Grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren

His parents, and three siblings, Earl Scheffe, Henry Scheffe, Jr. and Mildred Koetter precede him in death.

Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Vigil services will be held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Monday, September 23, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas with Father Tim Hickey officiating.

Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Clyde Scheffe Memorial Fund in Care of Price and Sons.

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

Jack L. Merten, 91, passed away September 19, 2019, in Wichita. He was born June 6, 1928, at Great Bend to Ralph Albert & Audra Vivian (Larason) Merten. He married Wilda Whala, February 23, 1957, at Oklahoma City, OK. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Jack was a technician at the power plant for 46 years. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and in the United States Navy. He loved cars, airplanes and Nascar. Jack especially loved his family and playing with his dachshunds, Kooper and Gordie.

Survivors include, his wife, Wilda of the home; one son, Michael Merten and wife Pamela of Great Bend; one daughter, Lahree Jenkins and husband Ken of Comanche, OK; five grandchildren, Bradley Jenkins, Jaclynn Jenkins, Ryan Jenkins, Cordell Merten, and Kyler Merten; and one nephew, Lew Erhart. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy (Merten) Erhart; and one niece, Monica.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019, at First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend, with Pastor Tim Singleton presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Southern Baptist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Barbara G. (Bange) Rietcheck passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Sheridan County Health Complex Independent Living in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 86. Barbara was born in rural Logan County to Joseph H. and Anna Mary (Schwarz) Bange on April 28, 1933. She attended Scott Country School up to grade 8 and then transferred to the Hoxie Community High School graduating with the class of 1951. On August 25, 1956, Barbara Bange and Alfred John Rietcheck were united in marriage at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas. They celebrated sixty-three years of marriage this August. They were blessed with a family of eleven boys.

Barbara was a lifelong member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church. She was a very faithful and devoted Christian. Barbara served as the sacristan of St. Martin’s for many years lovingly taking care of the church. She worked behind the scenes making sure everything was just right. Barbara was a member of St. Ann’s Sodality and a member of the VFW Auxiliary #2864, Grinnell Wheatland Post. Barbara was an avid supporter of DSNWK. Being of assistance to special needs children was near and dear to Barbara’s heart.

Barbara was always busy. When she was in high school, she worked for the Ben Franklin Store in Hoxie, KS. After she was married, she worked as a homemaker raising eleven sons and as a bookkeeper for Rietcheck Repair. Prior to retirement, Barbara also served as a bookkeeper for the Seguin Branch of Grinnell Cooperative for eighteen years. She was rarely idle and when she went anywhere, she was on the run.

Barbara loved her family very much. She wanted her house clean and her yard perfect. She was also an excellent cook. Her favorite thing to do was work. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed baking, sewing, making many clothes for her family and gardening. She raised a large garden which fed her family throughout the winter.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Alfred of the home, Hoxie, Kansas; sons, Donald Rietcheck of Hoxie, Kansas, Ronald Rietcheck of Hoxie, Kansas, Gerald Rietcheck and wife Cynthia of Wichita, Kansas, David Rietcheck and wife Lori of Goodland, Kansas, Daniel Rietcheck and wife Char of Colby, Kansas, Roger Rietcheck and wife LaDonna of Hoxie, Kansas, Gregory Rietcheck and wife Kriste of Bavaria, Kansas, Terrance Rietcheck of Collyer, Kansas, Richard Rietcheck of Rochester, Washington, Andrew Rietcheck and wife Denise of Rossville, Kansas, and Brian Rietcheck of Hays, Kansas; sisters, Rosella Meitl of Oberlin, Kansas and Mildred Hill and husband Dennis of Great Bend, Kansas; brothers, Sylvester Bange of Colby, Kansas and Ed Bange of Garden City, Kansas; grandchildren, Raina, Drew, Brady, Rhonda, Kyle, Lucinda, Jayme, Trevor, Kaleen, Kayler, Lacee, Lane, Chase, Daniel, Austin, Laura, Jeremiah, Cody, Bryna, Brandon, Wesley, Sierra, Daisy, Andrea, Ashley, and Dylan; great grandchildren, Abbigail, Elliott, Kenzie, Carter, Octavia, Jackson, Jaron, Josie, Jayla, Remi, Isla, Harley, Grace, Clark, Penny; and many friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Anna Mary Bange; infant sister, Agnes Bange; brothers, Raymond Bange and Vincent Bange; sisters-in-law, Frances Bange and Rosemary Bange; brother-in-law, Walter Meitl; grandchildren, Dustin John Rietcheck and Kinsey Elizabeth Rietcheck; and great grandchild Kimber Marie Rietcheck.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10:00 A.M. at St. Martins Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas. Visitation will be on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 4:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. with the Vigil Service at 6:00 P.M. all at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the St. Martins Catholic Church, the St. Martins Cemetery Fund or Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) and may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be sent left at Mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Barbara was a faith-filled woman of prayer who dedicated her life to unity, friendship, and charity. She taught us by example how to trust in God and care for one another. Her legacy of love, care, and devotion will remain with us forever. Barbara will be missed by those she leaves behind, but her memory will remain in the hearts of family and friends.

Beverly Jeane (Lethem) Davis, 72, of Salina, passed away peacefully at her home Sept. 15, 2019. Bev was born to Bill and Vera Lethem, Oct. 27, 1946.

Bev attended District 4 Country School, Glade Grade School and graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1964. Bev attended Fort Hays State University and graduated with a B.S. in Education from Kansas State University. She taught 8th grade English at Salina South Junior High, retiring in 1990. She enjoyed writing poems and short stories which led to her founding of Prairie Poets and Writers Association. This gave her the opportunity to tell the many stories of her life, building life-long friendships along the way.

There is no doubt, Bev loved her nieces and nephews. From the start she taught them her name: Favorite Beautiful Aunt Bev or FBAB for short. Every important moment in their lives brought thoughtful notes, words of wisdom (whether they were wanted or not) and the everlasting signature of FBAB. She carried this love to the next generation, telling her great nieces and nephews they were her “faux” grandchildren. When one of her faux grandkids confused the terms Aunt and Uncle, she loved it and from then on was known as Uncle Bev by all. She loved openly, guaranteeing those in her life knew how much she cared. It is this knowledge that will comfort them now in her absence.

She is survived by: her husband of 44 years, Mike Davis; son, Kevin Davis and daughter in law, Rasila Bhakta; her siblings, Vicki Patterson, and Pete Lethem (Jeri), brother-in-law, Mark (Therese) Davis (Therese), and Brad Davis (Debbie), sister-in-law, Elaine Nestler; and many nieces, nephews and faux grandkids.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Jon Alvin Lethem; and brother-in-law, Laurence Patterson.

Celebration of Life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with inurnment in All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials to: Salina Public Library for the Spring Poetry Series, American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, and Unitarian Universalist Church, in care of Ryan Mortuary.