Hays, Kansas- April K. May, age 40, died Sunday, January 14, 2018.

She was born July14, 1977, in Lodi, California, to Sylvester K and Gayle L (Mallory) Hecky. She married Henry J. “Hank” May on September 25,1999, in Hays, Kansas.

She was a homemaker and moved to Hays in 1999 from California. She grew up in Wainae, Hawaii and San Jose, CA. She graduated from Independence High School in San Jose, CA. April enjoyed arts, crafts and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Henry J. “Hank” May, of the home; two daughters, Kallie May and Katie May, both of the home; her mother, Gayle Hecky-Kurup, Hays, KS; three brothers, Jacob Kurup and wife, Kristin, Russell, KS; Kaniela Hecky-Kanaka, Wainae, Hawaii; Nickolas Kurup, Hays, KS; two sisters, Melissa Sennett and Brian Summers, Hays, KS; Heather Gage and husband, Lee, Hays, KS; two nephews; five nieces; two great nephews and one great niece.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 19, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kanas 67601.

Memorial are suggested to her children in care of Henry May. Condolences can be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

Donna “Ruth” (Sager) Hyde, 86, died January 14, 2018, in Hill City, Kansas. Ruth, as she was always known by, was born on March 25, 1931, on the family farm southwest of Edmond, Kansas to William Ernest and Margaret Neveda (Craig) Sager.

Ruth attended Mount Vernon Country School northeast of Hill City. She married Carl Hyde on April 17, 1951 in Lenora. They were married for nearly 50 years when Carl passed away September 19, 2000. During their marriage, they lived in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, spending the majority of their married life in Hill City. To this union were born seven children: Carl Eugene, Utanna May, Donna Marie, Linda Sue, Gary Lee, Sharon Kay, Charlotte Renee.

Ruth spent a number of years managing Hillcrest Foods (the rabbit plant) in Hill City. She later earned her CNA and RA (rehab aide) certificates and was employed by Dawson Place Nursing Home. Ruth and Carl were also camp hosts at Milford Reservoir from 1991 – 2000 until Carl’s death and then Ruth continued in this capacity for several more years until her health declined.

Ruth always enjoyed visiting with friends and strangers alike and she always had a story to share. She loved to spend time with her grandkids and family, reading, and playing cards especially Pitch and Skip-O. Ruth was an avid bowler and belonged to several bowling leagues, one was even named “The Hoppin Hyde’s Bowling Team”.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carl; siblings: Morris Sager, Wilma Deibert, Betty Custine, Bill Sager, Margaret Mattlock and Linda Brown; and daughter, Donna Ambrosier and one brother who died in infancy.

Leaving to mourn her passing include: her children: Gene Hyde of Hays; Utanna (Dale) Ashbaugh of Hill City, Linda Hyde of Hill City, Gary (Kim) Hyde of Westcliffe, Colorado and Charlotte (Mark) Davidson of Fountain, Colorado; son-in-law, J.R. Ambrosier of Arkansas City; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives.

Click HERE for service details.

Priscilla Marie (Newell) Burton-Emigh, 95, passed away peacefully January 13, 2018, in Hays, Kansas. She was born on the family farm in Rural Rooks County, January 21, 1922. Priscilla was the oldest of seven children born to Arthur and Alice (Thibault) Newell. As the oldest, it fell on Priscilla’s shoulders to help her mother with all the younger children and the household chores.

When Priscilla started grade school her only language was French. So not only did she have to learn the usual things, but to understand and speak English. After the eighth grade, Priscilla was needed at home, so her formal education was over.

On February 5, 1940, Priscilla was joined in marriage to Fremont Burton in Damar, Kansas. To this union was born five sons: Lester, David, Albert, Raymond and Martin. When Martin was only two, Fremont suffered a fatal heart attack, August 11, 1956. Now Priscilla was alone to raise these five boys with the oldest only 16. Somehow she managed. She moved the family into Damar and became the school cook and a self- taught beautician. Following the tragic car-train accident of her brother Mitchell, who was not only severely injured, but also lost his wife and son, Priscilla moved to his home in Lyons to see him through his long recovery.

Mitchell did recover and repaid Priscilla by sending her to cosmetology school in Wichita. The boys at that time lived with their Newell grandparents. After completing her course, Priscilla purchased a double wide trailer which served as both a home and a beauty shop.

Priscilla married Norris Emigh November 30, 1968 and moved to his farm south of Selden. They were married 21 years. Norris died in 1989.

Now Priscilla moved to Hays to be close to her mother. Hays became her home till her health required her to have more assistance. She moved to Salina to an assisted living facility. Eventually she returned to Hays to be closer to family and more hands on care. She entered Via Christi and was so happy to see the Chapel that gave the opportunity to attend Mass on a regular basis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Robert and Mitchell; sisters: Odella Bedard, and Eleanor Bellerive; sons, David and Raymond; and stepson Keith Emigh.

Leaving to carry on her legacy of hard work, unconditional love and undying faith are her sons: Lester (Verlee) Burton of Salina, Albert (Leonore) Burton of Hill City and Martin (Anita) Burton of Bird City; and stepson John Leigh (Sherian) Emigh; brother Eloise Newell of Hays; sister Patricia (Duane) Belisle of Damar; 25 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 27 great great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

While her 95 plus years were filled with good times and laughter, she also endured hardships. Through these trials, her faith allowed her to remain an example of faith, hope and love for her family and all those who knew her. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary began at an early age and remained strong to the end. Rest in Peace, Priscilla.

Services will be 10 am Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar Kansas. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan 16, 2017 6 pm – 8 pm with a family led rosary service at 7 pm all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Home & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Wednesday visitation will be at the church from 9 am until service time.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church in Damar or for Masses.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]

Victoria, Kansas – Neil A. Kuhn, age 77, died Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at his home in Victoria, Kansas.

He was born September 10, 1940 in Hays, Kansas to Emil A. and Luella M. (Walters) Kuhn.

Neil was a forklift operator and worked for 7 UP Bottlers in Hays for 10 years, then he worked at Western Bottlers in Victoria for 8 years. He was a mechanic and repaired engines and built racing engines for many years at his home. He attended Victoria High School, was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis and was a caregiver for parents for many years.

Survivors include one brother, Jim Kuhn, Coldwater, KS; two sisters, Helene Staton, Hays, KS; and Carol Kuhn, Hays, Ks, one sister-in-law, Gail Kuhn, Carl Junction, MO; eight nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dave Kuhn; and one niece, Jennifer Bishop.

Services are 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Inurnment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

The family will receive friends for 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Fidelis Cemetery or Masses. Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

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

Hays, Kansas – Eugene D. “Gene” Hotz, age 85, died Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born April 15, 1932, on the farm at Almena, Kansas to Walter Harold and Alice Cora (Wilmot) Hotz. He married Carol Marie (Holsman) on March 28, 1959 at Hays, Kansas. She preceded him in death on August 20, 2017.

He worked for the Social Security Administration for over 30 years in offices at Burlington, Iowa; Lincoln, NE; Ottumwa, Iowa, and then in Hays, Kansas. He retired in 1994 as the administrator/manager. He was a veteran of the US Army. Gene was a 1949 graduate of Almena Rural High School, he attended one year at Kansas State University and a graduate of Fort Hays State College.

He was an avid outdoorsman and in his early years he enjoyed hunting and then his later years he spent his time fishing. He enjoyed pitching horse shoes, darts, pool and playing cards. During his college years he was a pitcher with the semi-pro circuit.

Survivors include one son, Steven Hotz, Liberty, MO; one daughter, Susan Kreutzer and husband, Roger, Hays, KS; one brother, Richard Hotz, Camre LaCourna, Spain

three grandchildren, Hayden, Collyn, and Emily Kreutzer; four nephews and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; and one brother, Keith Hotz.

Services are at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Burial in Stockton City Cemetery, Stockton, Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

Memorial to the Kansas Fish and Game. Condolences can be left by guestbook at
www.keithlkeyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]