Marjorie Joye (Anderson) Meyer of Wichita, born in Portis, KS and a 1950 graduate of Portis HS, left her earthly life of 86 years on October 20, 2017, to spend eternity with the many loved ones that preceded her passing.

Preceding her were parents, Virgil & Lula (Angell) Anderson, brothers Richard and LaVern Anderson, and her husband of 50 years, Waldene “Wally” Meyer, with whom she lived in Kensington, KS where they owned and operated Meyer Electric from 1959-1999.

She is survived by husband Pat Anderson, her loving children, Dr. Angela Meyer (husband Arlen Sheldon) and Andrew Meyer (wife Deborah Schiell), and grandchildren Erik Meyer (wife Genavieve), Aria Sheldon, and Aden Sheldon. Her middle name, Joye, proved to be the theme for her life. She was a songbird who sang for many special occasions including weddings, funerals, and musical productions mostly in Smith County KS, but also in Kansas City, and Chicago. A fun companion on road trips, she could turn the frustration that often flares among people confined in a car too long into inside jokes they shared the rest of their lives.

During many stays in care facilities in her last decade, her care providers remarked on her infectious smile and delighted in her habit of assigning them silly nicknames. After retiring from 20 years as a Driver’s License Examiner, she took numerous part-time jobs including: delivering buses nationwide, working at the resort in Denali Alaska, transporting railroad crews, to name just a few. She loved making hand thrown pottery with her niece LaVerna Yarnell, specializing in communion sets for churches and dinner settings for wedding gifts, and traveling throughout KS selling their pottery at arts and crafts fairs. Perhaps most of all, she relished meeting people from all walks of life and believed every interaction was an occasion to nudge someone closer to joy.

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Stephen J. “Steve” Miller, 67, died Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Hays Medical Center.

Stephen was born June 26, 1950 in Norton, Kansas the son of Richard D. and Venietta F. (Hatcher) Miller.

He was a 1968 graduate of Norcatur High School, attended Fort Hays State University and then entered the U. S. Army where he played trumpet in the U.S. Army band. On August 26, 1977, he was united in marriage to Marva J. Weightman in Great Bend, Kansas. They celebrated over 40 years of marriage.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Chancel Choir, Hays High Plains Barbershop Chorus, and was instrumental in the development of Full Chord Press. After leaving the military, he spent several years as a Truck Sales Manager. In April of 1983, he went to work for Sunflower Electric Power Corporation and remained there for the next 29 years, retiring in 2012. While working for Sunflower, he graduated from Fort Hays State University with a B.A. degree in Communications in 1990. He had a great joy for music, golfing and a strong commitment to his faith and helping others find their faith, always encouraging them to go to God.

Survivors include his wife; Marva of the home, one daughter; Angela Reynolds and husband Gerry of Centennial, CO, one daughter-in-law; Holly Miller and grandson Jonathan of Aurora, CO, two sisters; Terri Kaus and husband Tom of Mission, TX and Julie Olson and husband Bernard of Mission, TX, Devra O’Hare-Beyers of Hays.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son; Kelly Alan Miller.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street, Hays with Rev. Michael Rose and Rev. Delbert Stanton officiating. Inurnment will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 in the Norcatur Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until service time on Tuesday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or Full Chord Press in care of Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Dale J. Peier, 83, died on October 17, 2017, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on May 21, 1934, at the family farm near Pond Creek, Oklahoma, to Hazel and Walter Peier.

Dale graduated from Pond Creek High School, and was recruited to play basketball at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business.

His first professional position was with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service in Washington, D.C.

He returned to Oklahoma State University to earn a Master’s degree in Business Education, while serving as a graduate assistant basketball coach.

He later pursued graduate work at both the University of Arkansas and Fort Hays State University.
Dale was an Associate Professor in the Business Department at Fort Hays State University for 25 years. He took great pride in advising his students and was recognized by the graduating seniors in 1981, with the Pilot Award, which recognizes teaching faculty who have committed themselves as educators, counselors and friends.

Dale concluded his career by serving as the Special Assistant to the President of Barton County Community College.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dennis Peier; his sisters, Druscilla Campbell and Norma Ervin; and his wife of 63 years, Maxine Peier, who preceded him in death by 15 days.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Lynn (Tim Able) Peier-Able, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his son, Jeffrey (Dianne) Peier, of Wichita, Kansas; his grandson, Grant Peier, of Overland Park, Kansas; and several sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Pond Creek Cemetery, Pond Creek, Oklahoma, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Peier Family Scholarship Fund established with the Fort Hays State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1060, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Arrangements are being handled by Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek, Oklahoma.

Irene Rauch quietly went home to her husband, son and great grandson in the early morning hours of October 17, 2017.  She passed away at the Rhode Island Suites in Ransom, Kansas.

Irene Tilton was born April 4, 1936 in Quinter, Kansas to Jessie Fern (Ulrich) and Jay Tilton.  She was the only child born to this union. Irene lived in the Quinter and Collyer communities while growing up.  She enjoyed spending time with her Mother’s siblings.

Irene met her future husband while waiting tables at an area cafe.  Irene married Andrew E. Rauch on December 19, 1953 in Raton, New Mexico.  Andy and Irene spent their early years in Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas before eventually settling in Southern Trego County Kansas.

They had five children; Lonie Gene, Marilyn Elaine, Marqueta Lynn, Edwin Jo and Andy Lee.

Irene was a very important member of the family dairy farm.  She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting and later in life making dollies and plastic canvas gifts for all the family. She enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables, and her flower beds. She also loved her many dogs that were great companions thru the years.

Irene and Andy were blessed with the love of their grandchildren; Lawrence Higgins, Melissa Miller, Mathew Higgins, Hillary Higgins, Lana Sherrard, April Hernandez, Joey Keeton, Randy W. Keeton, Amanda Tomanek, Clayton Rauch, and Hailey Keeton, along with 14 great grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Jessie Tilton in 1968, her oldest son, Lonie in 1977 and her husband Andy in 1998 and great grandson Trevor in 2012. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters, Marilyn Higgins of Ness City, Kansas and Marqueta Keeton and husband, Randy of Leoti, Kansas; her sons, Edwin Rauch and his wife, Michelle of WaKeeney, Kansas and Andy Rauch and his wife, Cynthia of Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

Services will be held at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas on Saturday October 21^st at 10:30 a.m., viewing will be on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with visitation services Friday evening between 5 and 7 p.m. Burial will be at the Rauch Family Cemetery in rural Trego County, Kansas.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rhode Island Suites and Dr. McLain for the wonderful care they provided to Irene. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Irene’s name to Rhode Island Suites.

Hays, Kansas – Robert W. “Bob” Gerstner, age 72, died Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at his home in Hays, Kansas.

He was born August 18, 1945, in Hays, Kansas, to Richard and Florence (Arnhold) Gerstner. He married Twyla (Stang) on August 20, 1966, in Victoria, Kansas.

Bob was a high school teacher of History and Government at Gorham High School from 1967 to 1972, a Librarian at Russell High School from 1972 to 1984. In the 1980’s he owned and operated the Stop 2 Shop in Ellis and Victoria from 1984 to 1995. Then from 1997 to 2010, he and his son-in-law owned G & L Tire and Automotive until he retired in 2010.

He was a 1963 graduate of Victoria High School and lived in Victoria until moving to Hays in 1998.
He received his Bachelors in Education from Fort Hays State College in 1967, and received his Masters of Library Science from Emporia Sate University in 1973.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a avid reader of books, news papers fishing, the outdoors and enjoyed traveling and cruises.

Survivors include his wife, Twyla, of the home; one son, John Gerstner, Kansas City, KS; one daughter, Jackie Leiker and husband, Alan, Hays, KS; two granddaughters, Alexyss Lynn Leiker, Lincoln, NE; Darian Rose Leiker, Wichita, KS; one brother, Richard Gerstner Jr., Sacramento, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services are at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, October 21, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, Kansas. Inurnment will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 and from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M. Saturday, at St. Joseph Church.
A vigil service / rosary will be at 7:30 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

The family suggest memorial to Hays Public Library or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

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

Lifelong Goodland, Kansas, resident Gary Gene Coon, 77, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.

Gary was born on July 12, 1940 in Goodland, KS to Robert and Clela (Beecham) Coon. He was an only child to this marriage. After Clela’s death in 1954, Gary’s father married Dorothy Gillum, who brought into the family three more children. Gary attended school in Goodland and graduated from Sherman County High School in 1958. On November 4, 1959, he married Karen Ilene Beeson in Goodland, and to this union, two children; Lonnie and Lori were born.

Gary was a crop consultant for many area farmers for many years. He was a member of the Goodland Elks Lodge #1528. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing and spending time with his coffee buddies. He was also a charter member in the High Plains Rooster Pheasants Forever Club. His main pride and joy were his grandchildren and looking forward to meeting his great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving family members include his wife Karen of the home in Goodland, son Lonnie Coon and his wife Brenda, and daughter Lori Leonard and her husband David all of Goodland. He is also survived by four grandchildren Levi Coon, Katelyn Murray and her husband David, Michael Leonard, and Megan Voth and her husband JJ; one great granddaughter Kasandra Murray and one great grandchild due in February. He is also survived by two step brothers, Gary Gillum and his wife Clara, and Jim Gillum; and one step sister Deb Crouch and her husband Craig.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 10:00 AM MT at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland with Pastor Brent Flanders officiating. Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home.

In Lieu of Flowers memorials are designated to Donor’s Choice and may be left at the service 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 are entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Loren J. Pearson, 80, Hays, died Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

He was born September 23, 1937 in Junction City the son of Clifford and Dora (Shane) Pearson. He graduated from Junction City High School in 1955 and on March 23, 1957 he was united in marriage to Darlene Rogers in Abilene, Kansas. They celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

He attended Kansas State University and graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1965 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture. He was a range conservationist for the Soil Conservation Service until his retirement in 1993. For over twenty years, he was owner and operator of Culligan of Hays until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and golfing, and he was famous for his coyote call. He loved woodworking and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Darlene, of the home, one son; Mike Pearson of Hays, three daughters; Kathy Hoffman and husband Alan of Hoisington, Cory Garrett and husband Rob of Dallas, TX, and Jean Canaday and husband Pat of Wichita, one brother; Wayne Pearson and wife Cindy of Junction City, twelve grandchildren; Eric Hoffman and wife Mandy, Kevin Hoffman and wife Veronica, Nathan Hoffman and wife Kimberly, Ryan Hoffman and wife Jenna, Stacy Gallegos and husband Bryan, Tyler Garrett, Tara Chapin and husband Dave, Cade Canaday and wife Chelsea, Karlee Canaday, Keaton Canaday, Kristin Ring and husband Adam, and Megan Pearson, and twelve great grandchildren; Macy Hoffman, Lexan Hoffman, Caiden Hoffman, Layton Hoffman, Sawyer Hoffman, Carson Hoffman, Hailey Gallegos, Lila Chapin, Quinn Chapin, Kyler Ring, Kolby Ring, and Hunter Pearson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Stanley Pearson, and a granddaughter; Lauren Doerfler.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main Street with Rev. Rocco Mallardi officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Mt. Allen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorials are suggested in Loren’s memory to The Lutheran Hour Ministries or Messiah Lutheran Church in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com