Goodland, Kansas, resident Carson Lynn Ely, 1, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Colorado.

Carson was born on August 6, 2016 to Cale and Page (Seeger) Ely. She was an only child.

Carson was a fun loving little girl whose smile could light any room. She spent her days playing and blowing kisses. She loved puppy dog pals and Minnie Mouse. Carson had a rare mitochondrial disease called Alpers Syndrome. Even through every treatment and hospital stay she still had a smile for everyone. 

Preceding her in death was a great aunt Vicky Thomas, a great uncle Ron Clark, a cousin Kyle Thomas and her great grandparents H.C. and Laquita Ely.

She is survived by her parents Cale and Page Ely, grandparents W.C. and DeAnna Ely of Stratton, Colorado, Duane and Rhonda Rice of Goodland, Kansas, Don Seeger of Healy, Kansas and JoAnna Benally of Belen, New Mexico.

Funeral services for Carson were held on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM MT at the United Methodist Church in Goodland with Pastor Brent Flanders officiating. Burial followed in the Goodland Cemetery.
Visitation was held on Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Memorials are designated to the Carson Ely Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services were entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland, Kansas.

Jo Ann Jarrett, 89, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, December 08, 2017, at her home in Russell.

Jo Ann was born on July 10, 1928, in southern Cherokee County in Columbus, Kansas, the daughter of Russell Scott and Mildred Faye Jarrett. She grew up in Columbus, Kansas, attended Frontier Grade School and graduated from Cherokee County High School in the class of 1946.

After high school she attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor in Elementary Education. She received her master’s degree in science from Pittsburg State Teachers College of Pittsburg, Kansas. She accepted her first teaching job with USD 407 in Russell, Kansas, working as an elementary teacher. She was awarded Teacher Of The Year in 1988. She continued working with USD 407 for her entire teaching career until her retirement in 1993. She loved working with the children of the Russell community. She enjoyed it so much that she continued mentoring and working with the Russell schools and teachers even after retiring from teaching. Her experience and knowledge working with children was a valuable resource to the school system and community.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Russell. She also worked with the Fullbright Exchange and granted positions in Ontario, Canada and Northern Ireland. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority and enjoyed the many sorority trips that took her across the country. She enjoyed embroidery, sewing, piecing quilts, traveling and spending time with her family. She also truly cherished her friendship and care she received from the Oste Family.

Surviving family include her nephew Michael Jarrett (Teresa) of Arlington, Texas; nieces Mary C. Mervyn of Norman, Oklahoma, Barbara Williams of Ft. Worth, Texas and Mary E. Nielsen of Lorton, Virginia and many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step mother Louise Stockton Jarrett; brother Donald Lee Jarrett and sister Mary L. Nielsen.

A memorial service to celebrate Jo Ann’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 19, 2018, at the First Congregational Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Ron Wedel officiating. Cremation has been selected by the family. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at the mortuary in Russell, with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.
A graveside inurnment of the ashes will take place at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the First Congregational Church of Russell and sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, and Bath-Naylor of Pittsburg, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Louise Alice Wallace, 84, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 04, 2018, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas after a brief illness.

Louise was born on June 25, 1933, in Dispatch, Kansas, the daughter of Martin and Marcia (Lessenden) Verhage. She grew up on a farm in Jewell County, Kansas with her 10 siblings. She attended country schools before graduating from High School in Downs, Kansas. Louise married John A. Wallace of Luray on August 19, 1951, in Osborne, Kansas. Louise and John had three children, Patricia, Vicki and Roger. Louise was a homemaker and farmer, working side by side with John, on the Wallace farm north of Luray. She was an active member of the Cheyenne United Methodist Church. In 2009, Louise and John retired and moved to Russell where Louise spent most of her time caring for John who received dialysis three days a week. Louise enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading, sewing, needlework and researching family genealogy. Louise loved animals and could be seen walking her dogs through the neighborhood almost every day. In her last few years she had joined an exercise class and continued to volunteer for local organizations. But most of all, Louise was delighted to keep in touch with her large extended family by letters, phone calls and visits. Louise maintained an active life until the week preceding her death.

Surviving family include Patricia Colglazier of Rozel, Kansas, Vicki Hemmerling (Dwight) of Hutchinson, Kansas and Roger Wallace (Mara) of Elkhorn, Nebraska. She is survived by 5 brothers, 2 sisters, 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and dozens of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John on April 27, 2016, son in-law Daniel Colglazier, and 3 brothers.

A celebration of Louise’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 16, at the Luray United Methodist Church in Luray, Kansas, with Pastor Les Rye officiating. A lunch will be provided at the church after the service. A private family inurnment will take place later at Vincent Cemetery. Visitation with family greeting guests will be from 6 pm to 8 pm on January 15, 2018, at the Pohlman-Varner- Peeler mortuary in Russell. Memorials may be given to the Luray Library and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

David Wayne Sumpter, 69, Beloit, Ks., passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2018. David was born May 25, 1948, to Erinstein (Lawson) and Richard Wayne Sumpter in Omaha Ne.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Diane, Josephine, Carol, Edith, grandparents Lloyd and Effie Sumpter.

He is Survived by wife Rose Sumpter of the home, children; Chad Sumpter, Beloit Ks, James (Lisa) Sumpter Atchison, Ks, Tracy (P.J) Kocher, Beloit, Ks; grandchildren; Joann Sumpter, Delmar Kocher, Brittni Sumpter, Amy Price, and one great grandson; siblings; Charolette Becker, Anthony, Ks, Lloyd Sumpter, Lorane, Ks, Richard (Penny) Sumpter, Downs Ks, Norman Sumpter, Downs, Ks, Liz (Tim) Benson, Brady Ne, Allan (Helen) Sumpter, Downs, Ks, Jerry Sumpter, Downs, Ks, Melvin Sumpter, Downs, Ks, Norleen Sumpter, Downs, Ks, Carl (Tammy) Sumpter, Tipton, Ks.; in laws; Rick (Ruth) Wegner, Mulberry, Ks, Bob (Sharon) Wegner, Beloit, Ks.; nieces and nephews; Pat Wegner, Wauconda, Il, Matt Wegner, Elgin, Il, Gary (Robin) Wegner, Pittsburg, Ks, Tonya Merrill, Concordia, Ks, Lacy Wegner, Hays, Erin (Wayne) Knapp, Beloit, Ks; and many other nieces and nephews from the Sumpter family.

Visitation will be 2-6 p.m. Monday, January 15th with family present from 5-6 p.m. at Schoen Funeral Home and Monuments. Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 16th at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at ElmWood Cemetery, Beloit. Cremation has been chosen. Memorials to David Sumpter Memorial Fund, to be designated at a later date. In care of Schoen Funeral Home and Monuments.

Kimberly Ann Winder-Ellison, 46, Osawatomie Ks, died Friday, December 29th 2017 in her home. She was born August 27, 1971 in Osborne Ks, to Bruce Winder and Carol Werth.

Kim loved her family and friends dearly. Kim’s children were her life.  She dreamed of bigger and better things for each one of them.   She was looking forward to traveling and exploring new places. Kim’s second passion was her work as a nurse.  It was her dream job.  Her supportive nature and how she was always helping others played a significant role in her career. She had just accepted a promotion as Director of Nurses at her job in Ottawa Ks.  She was a caring person that had an abundance of love for everyone.

Kim is survived by her children, Michael Ellison, Kyle Ellison, Hunter Ellison and Harley Ellison all of Osawatomie; Her mother, Carol Werth of Schoenchen, KS; her father, Bruce Winder of Osborne, KS; her siblings, Rebecca Mead of Russell, Bryan Werth of WaKeeney, Bruce Auer of Hays, Mona Legleiter of Hays, Amy Winder of Schoenchen, Krisda Winder of Joplin, MO, Jalea Winder of Joplin, Molly Werth of Schoenchen, Brenna Trowbridge of Eudora, KS; her grandchildren, Jaylnn and Bristol of Osawatomie and a special friend, Mike Fields of Schoenchen.

Kim was preceded in death by her Daddy Ron Werth; brother Bruce Daniel Winder and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, January 15, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, Kansas. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

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

Judy Ann (Blackburn) Phillips, age 68, of WaKeeney, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2018 at her home in WaKeeney. She was born November 15, 1949, in Hays, Kansas, to William Frederick and Leona Lorene (Shubert) Blackburn.

Judy was a 1967 graduate of Ellis High School and attended Fort Hays State University. On September 1, 1967, she was united in marriage to Albert Lynn Phillips, in McPherson, Kansas. She wasn’t afraid of any type of work or challenge. She worked several professions including housewife, mother and grandmother, Scale operator at Farmer’s Grain of Ellis, Rancher, and would retire as the Director of Communications at the Trego County Dispatch Center.

Judy was in her 40th year of sobriety and mentored many in their paths to sobriety during her lifetime. Judy was the queen of pinochle and found much joy in teaching the game to others. She spent many hours of her life on the Saline River north of Ellis. Judy enjoyed shooting photos of nature and wildlife, using those photos and her poetry to create greeting cards. Judy loved to cook and shared her secret recipes with her granddaughters. Her sense of humor and laughter were infectious and recognized by all.

Survivors include her husband Bert; son, Travis (Monique) Phillips of WaKeeney; daughter, Nikki (Steven) Hausler of Ellis; grandchildren, Cheyenne (Zack) Ewing, Shawnee Phillips, and Dani Jo Hausler; brother, Wayne Walz of Plainville; sister, Peggy Blackburn of Ellis; numerous nieces and nephews; and her special little service dog, Nellie. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Delores Elliot and Diane Langley; and son-in-law, Todd Joseph Schmidt.

Family hosted memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Ellis United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105 or Hospice Services, Inc., 424 8th St, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you bring a rock to the service to symbolize the “rock” Judy was to so many and to honor the love Judy had for rocks.

Brian Gross, 57, Streetsboro, Ohio, died Saturday, January 6, 2018 in Parma, Ohio.

He was born February 16, 1960, in Hays the son of Norman and Erma (Leiker) Gross. He attended Munjor Grade School, Lincoln Grade School and graduated from Hays High School and Salina Vo-Tech with a degree in mechanics. In his youth, he was a newspaper carrier for the Hays Daily News and he also worked for Hays Land and Cattle. He worked for UPS for many years in Hays and Salina, and he opened a Greek’s Pizzeria in Hutchinson, Kansas. For nearly the last twenty years, he worked for Ultimate Wash in Streetsboro, Ohio as a mechanic. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #40166 in Schoenchen.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather; Erma and Jim Dinges of Hays, a sister; Sharon Gross of Overland Park, a step-brother; Mark Dinges and wife Tina of Kansas City, five step-sisters; Helen Werth and husband Vince of Munjor, Belinda Braun and husband Andy of Victoria, Judy Mulford and husband Matt of Lawrence, Sherry Stettinger and husband John of Great Bend, and Stephanie Heil-Grover and husband Mark of Portland, CT, and numerous step nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; Norman Gross, grandparents; Leo and Angela Leiker, and Martin and Amelia Gross, step-brother; Harry Dinges, step-nephew; Dan Braun, and many aunts and uncles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, January 15, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor with Fr. Jarett Konrade officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 8:30 am until 9:30 on Monday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 6:00 pm, a vigil service will be at 6:30, and a Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7:00, all on Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested in Brian’s memory to the St. Francis Cemetery Fund, Smoky Hill Pheasants Forever, or for masses, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Shawnee, Kansas – Terry Lee Kaiser, age 52, died Monday, January 8, 2018, in an auto accident in Wyandotte County Kansas.

He was born May 30,1965, in Hoxie, Kansas to Leroy and Carol (Wiesner) Kaiser.

He was a senior structural engineering technologist for Alfred Benesch & Company in Kansas City, Kansas for 14 years and a member of West Lenexa Seventh Day Adventist Church. He was a 1983 graduate of Hays High School and earned his degree from Northwest Technical College in 1985. He was active in his church and was an avid Royals and Chiefs fan. He enjoyed the outdoors and kayaking.

Survivors include his parents, Leroy and Carol Kaiser, Hays, KS; two brothers, Kevin Kaiser, Ayer, MA; Cory Kaiser and wife, Lisa, Olathe, KS; one sister, Brenda Thompson and husband, Steve, Haysville, KS; two nephews, Austin Oetting and wife, Amy; Jackson Kaiser; one niece, Holly Oetting; two great nephews, Cyrus Morris and Abel Morris; one great niece, Zippora Oetting; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Susanna Kaiser; John and Mary Wiesner.

Services are at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 13, 2018, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, and from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Saturday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

A memorial service will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kansas City at a later date. Memorials to the West Lenexa Seventh Day Adventist Church or the St Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

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