Elizabeth Chaplin Ledesma, 24, passed away September 15, 2019, at her home in Great Bend. She was born February 14, 1995, at Hoisington to Thomas J. & Samantha (Johnson) Ledesma.

A lifetime area resident, Elizabeth lived in Great Bend and was a caregiver for Sunflower Diversified Services. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. She was known for her quick wit, always dishing out a good comeback. She was considered a cool friend and had many. She especially enjoyed being with her children and loving them.

Survivors include, her father, Thomas Ledesma and stepmother Kimberly; her mother, Samantha Wesley and stepfather Allan; one son, Damian Ehster of the home; one daughter, Autumn Ehster of the home; one brother, Isaac Ledesma of Great Bend; grandparents, Alberta Ledesma of Hoisington, Ronald Wilson of Great Bend, and Fred Johnson of Trousdale; many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Cynthia Wilson; grandfather, Herman M. Ledesma; uncle, Bill McVey; and cousin, Adrian Martin.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorial Service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Children’s Education Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Lila Mae (Sander) Klein, age 85, from Wichita, Kansas, died Sunday, September 15, 2019, at Via Christi Village Care Center in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born February 11, 1934, in Pfeifer, Kansas, to John P. and Eva (Braun) Sander. She married Elmer J. Klein on April 18, 1953, at Victoria, Kansas.

Lila was a homemaker and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wichita, Kansas. She grew up in Pfeifer, Kansas, attended the Pfeifer Grade School and was a 1952 graduate of Victoria High School. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, baking and cooking, and spending time with family and all of her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Elmer J. Klein, of the home; two sons, Ronald Klein and Randall Klein, both of Wichita, KS; four daughters, Joan Green, Cindy Reyes, Roseanne Klein, Gaylee Aipperspach and husband Alan, all of Wichita, KS; one brother, Father Reginald Sander O.S.B., Tarkio, MO; one sister, Velma Batchelder, Reno, NV; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers, Eugene, Msgr. Edward J. Sander, Adolph, Edgar, Elmer, Virgil, Ralph, and Arthur Sander; five sisters, Sister Evelyn Sander, Sophia Meier, Florina Dome, Leona Klein, and Angela Basgall.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pfeifer, Kansas. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Pfeifer, Kansas.

A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:30 P. M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Pfeifer, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to Holy Cross Charities, INC. Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

John Lawrence Pettigrew, 98, of Sharon Springs KS passed away Saturday, September 7, 2019, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, KS.

J.L. was born July 12, 1921, in Monument KS, a son of Lawson and Hallie May (Foulk) Pettigrew. He married Gardiol “Betty” Gilbert Landi January 29, 1946 in Marseille France. She died December 27, 2003.

J.L. attended the public schools of Logan and Wallace Counties. At the age of 16 he worked as a cowpuncher for W.W. Carter of Sharon Springs until his enlistment in the Army in 1942. During WWII J.L. was assigned to the 73rd military police company and served in both the Rome-Arno and Central Europe campaigns. He was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon and Two Bronze Service Stars. Upon discharge from the military J.L. once again returned to Wallace Co. In 1950 he and his wife Betty took up residence north and east of Wallace where they ranched, farmed and began a family. Although he never stopped being a cattle rancher and farmer, the family moved to Sharon Springs in 1957. J.L. worked for the Wallace County Road Department from Oct 1958 until his retirement in July of 1985. He was an active member of the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church and the VFW.

His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children; daughter, Mona Peck of Dighton, KS, son, Mike Pettigrew of Sharon Springs. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Michelle Peck of Springfield, OR, Brandee, and Alan Berndt of Dighton, KS, Justin Peck, and Peter Wiebe of Portland, OR, Michael, and Tori Pettigrew of Cascade County, MT, and Holly Pettigrew of Cheyenne, WY, and great-grandchildren; Breanna, Maelyn, and Axton Berndt of Dighton, KS and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, a brother Wayne, son-in-law Greg Peck, and a sister Betty Pettigrew.

J.L. was much loved and will be missed by his family and friends. Everyone who knows him has a story to tell about him. His boots will be hard to fill.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM MT Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs with Rev. Paul McNall and Pastor Galen Crippen officiating. Burial will follow in Sharon Springs cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM MT on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Koons-Russell Funeral Home Sharon Springs.

Memorials may be designated to the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.

Kenneth Lee Schwertfeger, 89, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and longtime resident of Smith Center, KS passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Thursday, September 12, 2019. He was a man who quietly lived his faith, clothing himself with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience (Colossians 3:12). Although dearly missed, his family is celebrating that he is now with his Lord.

Ken was born December 5, 1929 in Dodge City, KS to Cordelia Ruth (McPheeters) and August John Schwertfeger who then moved to Satanta, KS. He grew up on the family farm before completing a degree in agriculture at Fort Hays State College where he met the love of his life. He served in the Marine Corps in Korea after college and returned home and married Marilyn Gregg Freshour of Hays, KS. They moved to Smith Center in 1956 where he served as ASCS office manager until his retirement. He then worked as greenskeeper at the local golf course where he spent most of his time, along with building and operating ham radios and computers. Ken rarely missed watching the Redmen, Wildcats, Chiefs or Royals.

Next to family and the Lord, he loved the game of golf. He and Marilyn played in countless couples tournaments and events together. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in April.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lucille and Loreta, and brothers Vern and Marvin. He is survived by his wife Marilyn and daughter Tamy of Smith Center, his son Ty and his wife Karen and grandchildren Lydia, Luke and Levi of Wichita, as well as nieces and nephews.

Click HERE for service details.

Teresa E. (Bieker) Ashbaugh passed away, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care, in Quinter, Kansas at the age of 97.

She was born May 21, 1922 to Alexander and Katherine (Forster) Bieker on their farm north of Park, Kansas. She was one of ten children. Teresa attended country school and completed eighth grade. Through the Work Progress Administration (WPA) she worked in Garden City, Kansas in a sugar factory. During World War II, to help the war effort she ironed clothes for army relief. On May 16, 1945, Teresa married Emald Lee Ashbaugh in Park, Kansas. They were blessed with fourteen children. They made their home on the farm north of Park until 1964 when they moved into town. After a fire at their home in town, they moved back onto a farm north of Park.

Teresa was a devout Christian and member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas. She was also a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society, VFW, and American Legion. Teresa was always willing to help out when and where she could.

She was a homemaker who loved to bake and always grew a big garden. The family had cows that Teresa milked. When Teresa wasn’t busy working, she enjoyed playing cards and Bingo. Her favorite card games were Canasta and Pitch. Playing Bingo was also high on her list of things as well as putting puzzles together. She loved babies, always holding and loving them when she had the chance. Teresa loved and cherished her family. They always held first place in her heart.

Teresa is survived by her sons, John Ashbaugh of Hoxie, Kansas, Joe Ashbaugh of Park, Kansas, Alex Ashbaugh of Hays, Kansas, Ron Ashbaugh and wife Judy of Melrose, New Mexico, Jim Ashbaugh of Park, Kansas, Mike Ashbaugh of Quinter, Kansas and Manuel Ashbaugh of Jacksonville, Florida; daughters, Kathy Cunningham and husband Pete of Schyler, Nebraska, Elizabeth McDonald and husband Edd of Park, Kansas, and Diane Ashbaugh of Oakley, Kansas; son-in-law Dale Myers; forty-two grandchildren; fifty-one great-grandchildren; and 27 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Emald Ashbaugh; parents, Alexander & Kathleen Bieker; daughters, Veronica Brown, Darlene Ashbaugh, Dorothy Schwindt, Pat Myers; brothers, Clem Bieker, Bill Bieker, Tony Bieker, Joe Bieker, Al Bieker, Louis Bieker, and Martin Bieker; sisters, Elizabeth Rekofke, Veronica Heffner, and Josephine Bieker; son-in-law, Don Brown; and daughters-in-law, Pauline Ashbaugh, Lela Ashbaugh, and Lori Ashbaugh and two grandsons, Andy Webster and Jonathan Ashbaugh.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Monday, September 16,2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park, Kansas at 11:00 A.M. with Father James Thomas presiding. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, Kansas from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. The family will greet friends from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with the Vigil Service starting at 7:00 P.M. The family suggests memorials to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church~Park, Kansas; Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care; or for Masses. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Teresa lived a long life filled with love for her Lord Jesus, her family and friends. In life, she was loved dearly. She holds a place in the hearts of those who loved her that none other can fill. Nothing can ever take her away because fond memories will linger every day and remembering keeps Teresa near.

Judy Ann Wondra, 74, passed away September 14, 2019, at Olathe Medical Center Hospice House, Olathe. She was born November 7, 1944, in Hoisington, to Joseph and Burga (Kinzel) Steiner. Judy married Jerome Anthony Wondra Oct. 10, 1969, at Great Bend. He died July 20, 2019.

Judy, a life time resident of the Odin area, was a homemaker, farm wife, and librarian for the Independent Township Library in Claflin. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, where she served on the Altar Society and taught CCD.

Judy is survived by five children, Jeff Wondra and wife Dede of Holyrood, John Wondra and wife Ashley of Manhattan, Joe Wondra and wife Chrissy of Olathe, Jennifer Berens and husband Chris of Olathe, and Julie Wondra of McPherson; two sisters, Jeanette Shields of St. John and Joan Steiner-Adler of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and five grandchildren, Rachel, Ryan, Abby, Aubrey and Gracie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerome; and two brothers, Hubert Steiner and Jim Steiner.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, 415 N. Main, Hoisington, with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and vigil with Altar Society Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, with Father Terrance Klein. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, Odin.

Memorials are suggested to Independent Township Library, Holy Family Cemetery Fund or St. Ann’s Altar Society of Holy Family Parish, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.

Luetta Lucille (Collins) Scott was born in Oakley, Kansas on January 18, 1929, the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Wassemiller) Herdt. She was the youngest of four children; Lester, Lavina, and Lillian. She grew up on the family farm attending school there and graduated from Oakley High School.

She married Lee Collins on June 18, 1947 and was happily married for 37 years until his death in 1984. They were blessed with 4 children, Deanna, Butch, George, and Judy. In 1954 they moved to the farm south of Page City where they farmed along with having a herd of 50 milking cows. While Lee worked away from home, Luetta was the head herdsman for the cows with the help of the kids. After the kids were in school, Luetta went to work as a school cook for Page City and later Winona Schools. She then worked for Oakley Motors as bookkeeper for over 20 years before retiring. Luetta was also the family doctor for the kids while they were growing up especially George. She could do miracles with band-aids!

Family was important to her and she was also making food for any occasion. For several years Luetta and Lee would host weekly family get togethers where many memories were made and Fried Chicken dinners was her specialty. Bowling was one of Luetta’s favorite past times that allowed her to travel as far as Las Vegas to compete and won numerous tournaments. Another favorite past time was Wednesday afternoon card parties. Luetta was an active member of the Ladies V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 2981 were she held several officer positions as well as State President. She also helped with many Stag and Stagette dinners that were held at the VFW and was famous for her potato salad and cole slaw. She enjoyed working in her yard and flowers especially the roses. In 1991 Luetta married Glenn Scott. While being married to Glenn they were able to travel and see the country along with going on her first cruise!

Luetta was baptized into the Lutheran faith as a child where she continued faithfully until her death. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Oakley and Lifetime member of Oakley V.F.W. Post 2981.

Luetta was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Lee Collins and Glenn Scott; children, Terald “Butch” Collins and Judy Dible and siblings, Lester Herdt, Lavina Gilkerson and Lillian Jones.

Luetta is survived by her children, Deanna (Darrell) Pabst of Colby, KS and George (Judy) Collins of Page City, KS; daughter-in-law Janet Collins, of Oakley; special friend Bill Jones. She will also be fondly remembered by her fourteen grandchildren, Shawn (Shelly) Pabst, Stacy (Lee) Stremsterfer, Jodi Moellering, Jacque (Brad) Willems, Traci (Ron) Hazelton, Tate Collins, Niki (Shawn) Clark, Crystal (Melvin) Rucker, Tenille Lee , Gary (Lacey) Collins, Michelle (Jeff) Riley, Travis Zerr, Andy (Kenna) Dible and Bret (Valerie) Dible. Twenty-five great-grandchildren, JW Pabst, Makenna Pabst, Colt Stremsterfer, Colbie Stremsterfer, Chase Moellering, Kaci Moellering, Katelyn Willems, Jake Willems, Claire Willems, Elle Hazelton, Wyatt Hazelton, Eric (Shaylyn) Rucker, Aaron Rucker, Journey Lee, Isaiah Lee, Kaden Lee, Kylie Clark, Colin Clark, Trey Collins, Laif Collins, Megan Riley, Matthew Riley, Madigan Dalton, Annabelle Zerr, Tanner Zerr, Pason Dible, Alora Dible, Jade Dible, Benny Dible. Along with two great-great grandchildren Elijah and Riya

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Monday, September 16, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Mortuary with burial in the Oakley City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com