Julia Catherine Rietcheck, age 94, of Oakley, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Logan County Hospital, Oakley, surrounded by family.

She was born July 6, 1923 in Park, KS to David and Lydia (Scherr) Cooksey.  Julia grew up in Park and married Fred Rietcheck on October 27, 1947 in Park.  They were blessed with 7 children.

Julia graduated salutatorian of her class from Park High School.  She then traveled to Washington D.C. to work as a secretary at the Pentagon during WWII.  She returned to Oakley, married, and worked as a homemaker, and later, as a secretary at the Logan County Extension Office for 17 years.  She loved music, played the piano, and loved to dance with Fred.  She was an avid bowler, played cards, especially bridge, until age 93.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

Julia was a loving Mother and a fun, devoted Grandma.  She enjoyed having family come to visit for big holiday gatherings where she entertained with wonderful food and lively board games and pitch matches.  Julia’s faith and family were an important part of her life.

Julia’s husband, Fred, died in 2012.  Her son, David, and daughter, Joan Baalman, preceded her in death.  Also preceding her in death were her brothers:  Bud, Bob, Gig, and Jim Cooksey, and sisters:  Aderea Hartman and Tema Poindexter.

Survivors include her sons:  Roger of Lawton, OK, Thomas of Lake Tahoe, NV, John of San Francisco, CA, and Jerry (wife Jocelyn) of Lawrence, daughter, Jane Rietcheck of Oakley; four grandchildren:  Rodney, Sean, Julia, and Jordan; four great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oakley, with Fr. Donald Pfannenstiel officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation:  Thursday, February 22nd, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, with a rosary/wake service at 7:00 p.m.  Memorials:  St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s School may be sent to the Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, PO Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.

Online guest book. www.kennedykosterfh.com

Howard Lee Cass passed away at the Sheridan County Health Complex, Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the age of 72. On October 10, 1945, he was born on the family farm in rural Sheridan County to Clyde Aden and Circea Arlene (Hite) Cass. He grew up on the family farm in Sheridan County and attended Tasco Grade School thru eighth grade and Sheridan Community High School thru his junior year. Howard was a member of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club and enjoyed participating in the Sheridan County Fair where he won grand champion on his hog.

After leaving high school, he worked in the oil fields for a short time, worked for a custom cutter and in the winter of 1965, Howard went to Washington State to work in his Uncle Clark’s excavating business. In 1966, it was back to Kansas to custom cut wheat with his brother, Doug. Howard and Doug cut all summer going all the way to Canada. Later in 1966, Doug, his wife Sharyl, and Howard went to Moses Lake, Washington to work with their Uncle Clark.

Howard was drafted into the Army in 1967. He served in Viet Nam for thirteen months as a Scout Dog Handler. After Howard was discharged from the army, he went to Moses Lake, Washington where he worked with his Uncle Clark. Due to their uncle’s failing health, Howard and Doug took over his business calling it Cass Bros. Excavation. When Doug and Sharyl moved to Denver, Howard continued to run the business.

In 1970, Howard met and married Sannia Callison. They were blessed with a daughter, Connie Lee. After several years of marriage, they divorced.

In 1978, Howard was in a boating accident, resulting in his neck being broken and leaving him paralyzed. He then moved back to Hoxie, Kansas to be closer to his parents & brother. His daughter, Connie flew out to spend every summer and many Christmas Breaks with him. He enjoyed spending time with her on the old farmstead ten miles east of Hoxie. They both shared a love of animals and spending time outdoors. Connie’s favorite memories are summers on the farm with her chickens, catching turtles and riding her minibike. Howard enjoyed all her adventures.

Howard enjoyed animals, car races, football and all his many friends stopping by to not only bet on and watch games but just to visit. His “Divas”, Lisa Rall, Suzie Newell, Carleen Gillespie, and Niceta Farber were especially important and close to him. Our Family thanks them for the special friendship they had with Howard. A very special thank you to Lisa Rall for all her dedication and hours spent with Howard during his final hours and to his brother and wife, Doug and Sharyl Cass, who comforted Howard and were with him when he passed.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Connie Lee Moore and her husband Tim of Ephrata, Washington; two grandchildren, Sydney and Tyler Moore of Ephrata, Washington; a brother, Douglas C. Cass and wife Sharyl of Hoxie, Kansas; a niece, Tami Porsch and husband Mike of Hoxie, Kansas; a nephew, Ty Cass and wife Becca of Ellis, Kansas; Great-nieces, Marissa and Chloe Porsch; great-nephews, Tristan and Dayton Porsch, Tage and Rylan Cass; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Circea Cass and his loving cat, Coco.

A funeral service is planned for Thursday, February 22, 2018, at 10:00 A.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, KS. Burial will follow the service in the Bow Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2018 from 11:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Family suggests memorials to Sheridan County Amusement Company or the Hoxie Grade School Playground Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.

Howard was a man of courage. Even after his accident he lived his life to the fullest. He loved his family, friends, and was extremely proud of his daughter and grandchildren. He would tell you to miss him but not too long and to celebrate the life he lived.

Dr. A.M. “Doc Pete” Pederson passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, after suffering a fall on Wednesday, February 14, at the age of 95. He was born on October 22, 1922 on the family farm in Teton County, Montana to the late Mathias and Marie (Holt) Pederson. At age six he and his brothers were placed in the Montana Children Center in Twin Bridges, Montana. He lived there until his sophomore year of high school at which time he moved to Sparta,Georgia with Dr. Paul Ensign where he graduated from Sparta High School. He was active in Boy Scouts of America attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Doc began the first year of his post-secondary education at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas. The next two years were spent at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. While there he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a pilot, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant, during World War II. After the war he attended the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, graduating in 1946. He then went on to medical school at the University of Kansas graduating in 1951. On January 1, 1946 he was united in marriage to Nancy L. Isaacson in Topeka, Kansas. After medical school they made their home in Norton, Kansas while Doc worked for the Kansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium before moving to Plainville, Kansas in 1953. He practiced medicine in Plainville for 38 years before retiring in 1991.

During his life in Plainville Doc served the community in many ways, not only as a physician, but through his membership in The Shriners, where he helped raise money for children’s hospitals, and served on the local school board for many years, as well as the Board of Directors for Plainville State Bank. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Plainville, the American Medical Association, and helped start the Plainville Jeep Club. He also loved to travel, especially with his family. One of his favorite places to visit was Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. He enjoyed all live entertainment his favorites being classical and country western music.

Doc is survived by his children Christine Pederson of Santa Fe, NM, Doug Pederson and wife Ann of Topeka, Jan Becker and husband Charlie of Frontenac, and Ron Pederson and wife Jaymme of Louisville, KY; grandchildren Julie Akins and husband Travis, Lisa Wells and husband Nicholas, Jason Becker and wife Casey, David Pederson, Betsy Pederson, and Tyler Pederson; and great-grandchildren Jordan Akins, Jace Akins, Andrew Akins, Mariah Wells, Miles Wells, and Will Becker.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mathias and Marie Pederson, wife Nancy Pederson, brothers Norman Pederson, Rudy Pederson, and John Kjos, sister Esther Lee, half-sister Jeane Klette, and grandson Ryan Pederson.

In the tradition of Hippocrates, physicians conclude their promise to care for the sick by saying, “So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the respect of all men for all time.” Indeed Doc Pederson lived his life not only caring for the physical ailments of his community but their entire health, prosperity, and wellbeing. His love, compassion, and care will carry on, for he was well respected, and will be fondly remembered, forever.

Dr. A.M. “Doc Pete” Pederson passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, after suffering a fall on Wednesday, February 14, at the age of 95. He was born on October 22, 1922 on the family farm in Teton County, Montana to the late Mathias and Marie (Holt) Pederson. At age six he and his brothers were placed in the Montana Children Center in Twin Bridges, Montana. He lived there until his sophomore year of high school at which time he moved to Sparta,Georgia with Dr. Paul Ensign where he graduated from Sparta High School. He was active in Boy Scouts of America attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Doc began the first year of his post-secondary education at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas. The next two years were spent at the College of Idaho in Caldwell. While there he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as a pilot, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant, during World War II. After the war he attended the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, graduating in 1946. He then went on to medical school at the University of Kansas graduating in 1951. On January 1, 1946 he was united in marriage to Nancy L. Isaacson in Topeka, Kansas. After medical school they made their home in Norton, Kansas while Doc worked for the Kansas State Tuberculosis Sanatorium before moving to Plainville, Kansas in 1953. He practiced medicine in Plainville for 38 years before retiring in 1991.

During his life in Plainville Doc served the community in many ways, not only as a physician, but through his membership in The Shriners, where he helped raise money for children’s hospitals, and served on the local school board for many years, as well as the Board of Directors for Plainville State Bank. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church in Plainville, the American Medical Association, and helped start the Plainville Jeep Club. He also loved to travel, especially with his family. One of his favorite places to visit was Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. He enjoyed all live entertainment his favorites being classical and country western music.

Doc is survived by his children Christine Pederson of Santa Fe, NM, Doug Pederson and wife Ann of Topeka, Jan Becker and husband Charlie of Frontenac, and Ron Pederson and wife Jaymme of Louisville, KY; grandchildren Julie Akins and husband Travis, Lisa Wells and husband Nicholas, Jason Becker and wife Casey, David Pederson, Betsy Pederson, and Tyler Pederson; and great-grandchildren Jordan Akins, Jace Akins, Andrew Akins, Mariah Wells, Miles Wells, and Will Becker.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mathias and Marie Pederson, wife Nancy Pederson, brothers Norman Pederson, Rudy Pederson, and John Kjos, sister Esther Lee, half-sister Jeane Klette, and grandson Ryan Pederson.

In the tradition of Hippocrates, physicians conclude their promise to care for the sick by saying, “So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the respect of all men for all time.” Indeed Doc Pederson lived his life not only caring for the physical ailments of his community but their entire health, prosperity, and wellbeing. His love, compassion, and care will carry on, for he was well respected, and will be fondly remembered, forever.

A graveside service for Gary L. Miller will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at the Norcatur Cemetery, Norcatur, Kansas, with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating.

Miller was born Oct. 18, 1934 and died Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018.

Memorial funds may be given to Norcatur Citizens Alliance and Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Pauls Funeral home in Oberlin.

Emma Louise Wiesendanger Yanda, 94, of Sun City West, Arizona, passed away after a brief illness on Feb. 3, 2018. She was born on Sept. 28, 1923 in Randolph, Kansas, to J.J. and Marie Elizabeth Peterson Wiesendanger.

She graduated from Salina High School in 1941 and Kansas City Art Institute in 1946. On Sept. 4, 1948, Emma married Albert Yanda in Salina, Kansas. Emma owned her own Graphic Design Studio for 30 years, retiring in Del Mar, California, for six years prior to moving to Sun City West. While in Sun City West, she began weaving, and taught and gave presentations on the art of weaving throughout Arizona, and had her work published in Handwoven Magazine.

Emma and her late husband of 55 years, Albert, traveled extensively throughout the world. Emma moved to Grandview Terrace in 2004, and was elected vice president of the Grandview Terrace Community Service Foundation and Funds Developer until prior to her death.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert, an architect; and her parents. Survivors include her sister, Mary Elzea of Lawrence, Kansas; brother, James Wiesendanger of Salina, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 24, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kansas. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

A memorial gathering will also be from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. March 28, 2018 at Grandview Terrace in Sun City West, Arizona.

Memorials are suggested to The Grandview Terrace Scholarship Fund, Sun City West, Arizona. Contributions may be left at the service or sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12^th St., WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Irene Pauline Rohrbough, 83, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018 at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on Aug. 12, 1934 in Marienthal, Kansas, the daughter of John and Barbara Kessler Chvilicek. A resident of Scott County, Kansas, since 1962, moving from Logan County, Kansas, she was a homemaker.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas. She was also a past member of Homemakers EHU, Scott County VIP Center, Pink Ladies and was a 4-H Leader.

On Feb. 23, 1952, she married Dale Rohrbough in Marienthal, Kansas. He passed away on July 3, 2001 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her two sons—Galen Rohrbough of Scott City, Kansas, Jimmy and Carol Rohrbough of Garden City, Kansas; four daughters—Kathy and John Gregory of Assaria, Kansas, Dalene and Rusty Haynes of Scott City, Kansas, Jeannie and Steve Moore of Scott City, Kansas, Karla and Gilbert Limon of Garden City, Kansas; one brother—Jerry Chvilicek of Belpre, Kansas; one sister—Janice Schroth of Larned, Kansas; 14 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son—Lonnie Rohrbough, one grandson—Derek Rohrbough and three brothers—Harry Chvilicek, Raymond Chvilicek and James Chvilicek.

Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas, with Fr. Warren Stecklein presiding.

Memorials can be given to the Scott County VIP Center in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Phyllis Jeannette (Handlen) Bloss, 88, Hays, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 at Via Christi Village.

She was born March 29, 1929 in rural Pottawattamie County, Iowa, to Helen Mettalena Julius and Vere Parish Handlen. She attended rural grade schools and graduated in 1946 from Underwood High School, Underwood, Iowa. She attended Iowa State Teachers College and taught for two years in Hancock, Iowa.

On Aug. 20, 1949 she was united in marriage to Donald R. Bloss at the Methodist Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 7, 2013. In 1949-50 she taught third grade in Story City, Iowa.  She also taught for three years in Plover, Iowa, and for three years in Davenport, Iowa, retiring in 1960, when her son James Ralph Bloss was born. She and Don adopted Jeannine Lyn Bloss in Dubuque, Iowa.  Phyllis completed her B.A. degree in Elementary Education in 1959 from Iowa State Teachers College and an M.S. degree in Elementary Education in 1974 from Fort Hays State University.

After living two years in Columbia, Missouri, the family moved to Hays, Kansas in 1970, where Don was a Professor of Counseling at Fort Hays State University. The family joined the First United Methodist Church, Hays. Phyllis was a homemaker and volunteer in the Hays Medical Center Auxiliary, and she belonged to the United Methodist Women, the Humane Society of the High Plains, Centennial Club and Eastern Star.

Survivors include her son; James Bloss and wife Marie of McKinney, Texas, her daughter; Jeannine Bloss of Hays, a brother; Tom Handlen and wife Opal of Davenport, Iowa, a sister; Alice Beach of Omaha, Nebraska, six grandchildren; Brendan, Aaron, Kirsten, Caitlin, Rachael, and Alexis and four great-grandchildren; Antonia, Raphael, Ivan and Elrik.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vere Parish Handlen and Helen Mettalina Julius and her husband, Donald Ralph Bloss.

A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7^th St., Hays with Rev. Michael Rose officiating, following a private family burial at Mount Allen Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.

Phyllis desires that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the First United Methodist Church or to the Humane Society of the High Plains in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St., Hays. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

COLBY—Dewey Griffin, 90, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018 at his residence in Colby, Kansas.

Services are pending with Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.

COLBY—Theodore “Ted” Domsch, 78, died Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018 at HaysMed, Hays.

Services are pending with Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.

Lyle Dean Barber, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born on October 10, 1934 in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Alpha and Ruthburn Barber. He was a retired corrections supervisor for the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Lyle graduated from Scott Community High School in 1952, was a U.S. Air Force veteran, owned and operated Barber Sheet Metal for many years in Scott City and was a volunteer fire fighter for the Scott City Fire Department. He was also a lifetime NRA member.

Survivors include two sons – Scott Barber of Pretty Prairie, Kansas and Alan Barber of Lyons, Kansas, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son – Mark Barber, two brothers – Edwin and Beryl, two sisters – Helen and Dorothy and one grandson – Dryden Barber.

A Memorial Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Scott County Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Wound Worriers Project or Vets For Veterans in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

There will be no calling times.

Mary Barta passed away Feb. 18, 2018. She was born Aug. 19, 1934.

Visitation will be held Fri., Feb. 23, 6-8 p.m. at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 610 24th St., Wilson. The vigil service will start at 6 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial is Sat., Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 2811 Ave. D, Wilson, with burial in the church cemetery on Highway 40, Wilson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery Fund.

A full obituary is pending with Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home.

Barbara Jean Opat, 73, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away with peace and grace on February 18, 2018 with her children by her side.

Barbara was born to Joseph and Anna Opat in Ransom, KS and has since been a lifelong resident of WaKeeney.

With her fiery red hair that matched her spirit, Barbara lived her life to the fullest. She managed Helen’s Café for many years while raising her children, and owned, and operated Quality Café after they were grown. She enjoyed visiting with her customers and loved cooking for them as well. Years after retiring from her restaurant business her personal kitchen remained open as the gathering place for family and friends who enjoyed many meals together. Barbara loved spending time with her family, playing bingo, and taking trips to Vegas to see her daughter. She was a long-time member to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Eagles Lodge.

Barbara leaves behind a beautiful legacy including her three children: Terri (Russell) Orfe of Las Vegas, NV., Robert (Kristy) Opat of WaKeeney, KS., Nanette (David) Fitzhugh of Hays, KS.: Ten grandchildren: Chloe, Xander and Grace Fitzhugh, Parker Opat, Amber Wassenberg, Elizabeth Carrillo, Tucker Ramage, Jamie, Hayden, and David Opat; Two great grandchildren, Emery and Grayson: One brother Eugene Opat of WaKeeney, KS and one sister, Mary Deines also of WaKeeney, KS.

Waiting patiently for her arrival at the gates of heaven, Barbara was greeted by many of her loved ones.

We invite friends and family to share in Barbara’s celebration of life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Family will be available to receive friends one hour prior to mass at the church parish center. Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will take place at the Christ the King Cemetery, WaKeeney.
Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the guest book at www.schmittfuneral.com