Donald “Don” Mosher, age 72, of WaKeeney, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney. He was born December 17, 1944 in Concordia, Kansas to George Howard and Mary Louise (Roe) Mosher.

Don was a 1963 graduate of Clifton High School. He went on to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. He then returned back to Kansas to help farm with his father-in-law in Trego County. On May 29, 1966, Don was united in marriage to Anita Kay Mollenkamp at the United Methodist Church in WaKeeney. To this union two children were born. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage together. Don continued farming and ranching, as well as driving the school bus for Trego United School District 208 for over 35 years, at which time he retired. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish. He and Anita were known to travel around in their RV, going to events like the Kansas State Fair, which they attended annually. He also loved NASCAR, having attended races on a regular basis. A hobby Don was known for was his collection of John Deere tractors, both large and small. He loved learning about history, and was oftentimes found reading up on historical events. Don loved his family; he looked forward to anything family, whether it be a reunion or just a get together. He will be dearly missed by many.

Survivors include his wife, Anita of the family home in WaKeeney; a daughter, Michele and husband Darcy O’Toole of Ness City, Kansas; grandchildren, Emily and Patrick O’Toole of Ness City; brother, Mark Mosher and wife Glennifer of Phoenix; sister, Marilyn “Joyce” Bogart of Concordia; and his faithful dog companions, Casper and Rusty. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Michael.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at the WaKeeney United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Arnold Cemetery, Arnold, Kansas.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home in WaKeeney.

Memorial contributions are suggested to WaKeeney Public Library or Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation. Contributions made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.

John Eugene Smith, age 73, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas.

John was born May 25, 1944 in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Cecil Elmer & Nan Doris (Caldwell) Smith. In 1968, John graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas with a degree in Business Management. John and his family first lived in Leoti, Kansas from 1976 until 1985 when they moved to Texas. In 1993, they returned to Leoti, Kansas where he was Manager of Mel’s Foodliner, later named Leoti Foods.

John enjoyed many things. His work at the grocery store was his passion. The many friendships he gained through his years of service to the community blessed him in abundance. He also enjoyed many years of bowling. He was involved in many tournaments from the time he was a young man growing up in Dumas Texas. His love for the game of chess was passed on to his grandchildren. He enjoyed the many games he had with them. Especially the ones when he was the winner. He was a bit ornery!! After retiring, he spent a great deal of time drinking coffee with as he would call it “ the liar’s club”. John loved spending time with his friends he gained from church, work, and the community. The family has been so blessed by Leoti and wants to express their gratitude.

John was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Leoti, Kansas. He also served as a former board member for Wichita County Amusement Association and Wichita County Senior Citizens Center in Leoti, Kansas. He was also a member of the Gideon Society.

On September 2, 1967 he married Charlotte Tutt in Abilene, Texas.

John’s surviving family includes-

His Wife
Charlotte Smith-Leoti, Kansas

Three Daughters-
Nancy & Kevin Moore-Midland, Texas
Melissa & Kyle Butts-Wichita, Kansas
Carrie & Randy Biermann-Leoti, Kansas

Three Siblings-
Bill & Cynthia Smith-Georgetown, Texas
Patsy & Ray Vender-Fayetteville, Georgia
Nancy & Kevin Kort-Fort Worth, Texas

Eight Grandchildren-
Amanda & Justin Usener, Justin Moore, Bailey Lunsford, Brady Lunsford, Braydon Lunsford, John Biermann, Nicole Biermann and Adam Biermann.

His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Leoti, Kansas with Pastor Dustin Fritzmeier officiating. Burial will be in Leoti Cemetery.

Friends may call from 1:00 to 8:00 Sunday and from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Abundant Life Fellowship Church or Heartland Care Cancer Center in care of the funeral home.

MANHATTAN – Mary Lavena Anthony, age 105, passed away on Saturday November 4, 2017 at the Via Christi Village in Manhattan, KS. Mary was born the daughter of Josias & Elsie (Overmiller) Lambert on December 22, 1911 in rural Smith County, KS. She was a teacher.

Survivors include her daughter Patricia (Dennis) Gaschler of Manhattan, KS; a daughter-in-law Libby Bailey of Albany, OR; 6 grandchildren, Gina (Brian) Tummons of Istanbul,Turkey, Greg Anthony of Beaverton, OR, Jeff (Sue) Hooper of Manhattan, KS, Brandy (Laird) Veatch of Gainesville, FL, Christa (Kyle) Schulz of Bend, OR, Drew (Amy) Gaschler of Moore, OK; 16 great grandchildren, Carissa, Brianna, Austin & Ashley Tummons, Peyton & Blake Anthony, Jordyn, Taylor, Sydney and Dru Veatch, Oxford Schulz, Dalton Gaschler, Emily Hooper, Mike Wyatt, Ashley Behney, Cassie Sharp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Reed (Bub) Anthony, 2 sons Jackie Lee Anthony and Robert Gene Anthony, her brothers and sisters.

Click HERE for service details.

Michael John Hake, 58, of Colby, passed away peacefully at home with his family Saturday, November 4, 2017, after a courageous cancer journey. He was born June 13, 1959, in Hays, KS, to Joseph and Thelma (Dreiling) Hake. Mike graduated from Plainville High School and attended Fort Hays State University. On April 28, 1979 he married his high school sweetheart Cindy Davis in Plainville. Mike worked for Farm Bureau for 31 years and owned Overtime Liquor, in Colby, for 10 years. He was a member of the Oakley United Methodist Church, Methodist Men and Colby CrossFit Gym. Mike enjoyed carpentry, cross fit, KU Basketball and he spent countless hours on his deck watching Royals baseball. His greatest joy was his family. He was extremely proud of his daughters and their families. Mike always said time with his grandchildren was time well spent.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and father in law, Russell Davis.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of the home; daughters, Julie (David) Baalmann, Louisburg, KS and Jennifer (Rick) Sabath, Olathe, KS; seven grandchildren, Kylie, Carson and Connor Baalmann, Brett, Drew, Abby and Chloe Sabath; brothers, Bill (Rosie) Hake, Newton, KS, Dean (Becky) Hake, Hutchinson, KS and Jim (Cathy) Hake, Cleveland, TN; sisters, Judy (Max) Wilson, Hutchinson, KS, Brenda (Phil) Gilliland, Concordia, KS and Karen (David) Reed, Stockton, KS; mother in law, Nancy Davis, Plainville, KS; sister in law, Wendy (Don) Hageman, McCook, NE, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. The fitting motto of Mike’s journey was No ONE fights alone.

Visitation is 6-8:00 p.m. Monday, November 6, 2017 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is 10:00 a.m. Tuesday November 7, 2017 at the Oakley United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Plainville Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Oakley United Methodist Church or the Foundation for Hope in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

NORTON — Donna (Bliss) Marsh, 74, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2017 in Norton, Kansas. She was born August 6, 1943, in Smith County, Kansas to Ivan & Ruth (Tharp) Bliss. She married Chancey Marsh on December 23, 1964, in Osborne. She was a housewife and cook for most of her life. Donna truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, and spending time with her grandchildren. The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at the Norton Andbe Home for their attentiveness and loving care.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years, Chancey; two children, Doug Marsh, Cristy (Reggie) Callins; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three brothers, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and In-laws.

Click HERE for service details.

WaKeeney, Kansas – Austin Robert Wiebe, 37, died Wednesday, November 1, 2017, from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on I-70 near Warrington, Missouri.

Austin was born August 27, 1980, in Hugoton, KS to Steve and Robin(Bullard) Wiebe. It is impossible to sum up a person’s life in a few paragraphs. Austin was an avid nature and animal lover growing up and was always surprising his mom with new pets. Some of his favorite times were fishing with his dad and friends. In high school, Austin enjoyed going to the gym every day and lifting weights, which he continued to do throughout his life. He graduated Hugoton High School and attended SCCC/SWKTS where he studied physical therapy and then machine tool technology. Austin will be remembered for his contagious laugh and love for Jesus.

Austin traveled throughout the U.S. working in construction. He also worked in the oil field. Most recently, he ran construction business in Kansas. He loved meeting new people and business gave him that opportunity. Austin recently attended T.D. Jakes Business Conference in Dallas, TX. He enjoyed reading and listening to any sermons by TD Jakes. He enjoyed life to the fullest and loved making people laugh. He always saw the best in everyone and would do anything to help someone. Throughout his adulthood Austin was known to take in strangers, give them a place to stay and share his love of God with them. Austin was always researching information and learning more about something new. He loved sharing his new ideas with his family. His hobbies included growing a large garden of which he started his own plants from seeds. He raised rabbits, chickens, and quail. Austin had a natural talent to imitate people, movie scenes, and songs and make everyone laugh until they cried. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

He is survived by his three children, Adigan, Lynzie, and Kasaara; his parents, Steve and Robin Wiebe, Hays, KS; three sisters, Angela Miller and her husband Chad, Liberal, KS and their children, Nichole and Kayla; Amara Barber Hays, KS and her children, Brooklyn and Brady; Arika Livesay and her husband, Jason Livesay Hays, KS and their children, Kyle and Karsten; grandparents, RC and Delores Bullard, Columbus, KS; and his girlfriend, Leesa Ghumm, WaKeeney, Ks.

Austin is preceded in death by grandparents, Wanda Reno; Roger Wiebe; and great grandparents, Bob and Thelma McIlrath.

A Celebration of His Life Service was held Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Cross Point Hays. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. The family suggest memorials to the Steve Wiebe Family. Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 are in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Denis L. Hertel, 79, died Oct. 31, 2017, at his home in Great Bend. He was born June 30, 1938, at Salina, the son of Philip A. and Lorraine (Miltonberger) Hertel. He married Claudia Schulte May 29, 1965, at Victoria.  A long time Great Bend resident, Mr. Hertel worked in production and the news department for KCKT TV-2, Great Bend, for 21 years. He was a National Guard veteran.

He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council #862, both of Great Bend. He was active in Boy Scouts and enjoyed woodworking, computers, playing the accordion and photography.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia Hertel, of the home; two sons, Philip Hertel of Wichita, and Chris Hertel of Haysville; two brothers, Richard Hertel of Salina, and Don Hertel of Hays; three sisters, Patsy Staab and her husband Omar of Hays, Phyllis Mendes and her husband Raymond of Hugoton, and Dolores Myers of Hays; and one granddaughter, Jessica Hertel of Fort Worth, Texas. He was preceded in death by one brother, Valerian Hertel; and sister, Lolita Hertel.

Vigil Service with Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend with Father Don Bedore celebrating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Polly Ann Rhoades, 66, WaKeeney, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2017. 

She was born in rural Glade, Kansas, on January 16, 1951.

Polly was united in marriage on September 26, 1970, to Charles R. Rhoades in WaKeeney at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They later divorced, but they continued to have a wonderful friendship up until her death. 

Polly worked as a CNA and caregiver for most of her working life. She took care of many, but as numerous people put it, she did more than take care of them; she touched their lives. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of WaKeeney and was an avid Kansas City Royals fan. During her illness, she followed the Royals and it kept her spirits up. Polly always looked forward to the next game and was overjoyed when they won the World Series in 2015.  Polly loved the outdoors. She always had chickens, loved to watch wildlife, search for fossils, go fishing and plant her flowers. 

Polly’s memory will live on in the hearts of many.



Survivors include her mother, Bernadette “Iva” and husband, Bryce Hinkson; a son, Christopher William (Leah) Rhoades of Hays; two daughters, Jennifer (Jason) Colby of Ellis; and Jody (Eric) Budo of St. Louis, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Josh (Mallory) Koerner, Tucker Rhoades, Cheyenne Rhoades, Brett Rhoades, Donovan Colby, Kaiden Colby, and Zoey Budo; a great-granddaughter, Carter Marie Koerner; three brothers, Hubert D. (Cathy) Deines of Hays, William E. (Donna) Deines of WaKeeney, and Robert (Rose) Hinkson of Osage Beach, Missouri; sister, Karen Hinkson of St. Louis, Missouri; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and her beloved dog, Sadie.

She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Freddy and Marcia Deines; and a sister, Mary Belle Jacobs.


Graveside funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017, at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Trego Center (9 miles south of WaKeeney). There will be no visitation.

 Polly’s request was that anyone attending the funeral who has Kansas City Royals shirts, please wear them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital Endowment Foundation or WaKeeney Animal Clinic. Contributions to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS  67672. 

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.