Edis “Pat” Arlene (Marcotte) Weeks of Hoxie, Kansas passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017 at the Salina Regional Health Center, at the age of 80. She was born on April 20, 1937 in Rural Gove County on a farm south of Winona, Kansas, to the late Benjamin T. and Edna (Meyer) Marcotte. Pat attended school in Winona graduating from Winona High School with the Class of 1955. On May 23, 1955 she married Marvin Cullens and raised a family of seven children. Her family was important to her, and she loved them dearly. On August 15, 1997, Pat and William “Bill” Weeks were married at the Sheridan County Courthouse. They made their home on Bill’s farm in Sheridan County, southeast of Hoxie. They spent twenty happy years together.

Pat worked at the Sugar Beet Plant in Ruleton, Kansas in the lab, worked at the Good Samaritan nursing home in Goodland, Kansas as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, and was a homemaker. She enjoyed raising and riding horses, cooking, baking, gardening, canning, sewing, fishing and dancing. When her daughters were growing up she helped with the Prairie Dusters Riding Club, a club for young ladies. She always had horses and enjoyed sharing this passion with her children and grandchildren.

Pat was a great cook and baker, and was especially famous for her excellent cinnamon rolls and fresh apple sauce bread. Her children remember coming home from delivering papers on cold snowy mornings, and she would have a pan of warm, fresh baked cinnamon rolls waiting for them. She also loved to dance to any kind of music. Pat and Bill especially enjoyed going to Bluegrass Festivals.

Pat is survived by her husband, William “Bill” of the home; sons Kevin Cullens and spouse, Jim Laughlin of Phoenix, Arizona, and Gerald Cullens and wife Michelle of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland; daughters, Tonia “Toni” Griffin and husband Frank of Burlingame, Patricia “Trish” Wagner and husband Jerry of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, Sandra “Sandy” Cullens of Plano, Texas, and Yvonna “Vonnie” White and husband Tim of Sherman, Texas; step-sons Larry Weeks and wife Barbara of Victoria, Texas, Darrell Weeks of Newton, Dale Weeks and wife Sherry of St. Francis, and Richard Weeks of Garden City; brother Robert Floyd Marcotte of Lancaster, California; 36 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin T. and Edna (Meyer) Marcotte; son Marlin Jeff Cullens; brothers Kenneth and Glenn Marcotte; sisters Aileen Robertson, Ninette Karlin, Vivian LaGesse, and LaVonne Baxter; grandchildren Daniel Cochrane and Jacob Cullens; and great-grandchildren, Juliana McKee and Michael Weeks.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Monday, October 9, 2017 at 10:30 A.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home with a lunch to follow at the Hoxie United Methodist Church. A Private Family Inurnment will take place at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday, October 8, 2017 from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M. with a Vigil Service at 3:00 P.M. at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Hoxie United Methodist Church and may be sent to the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Pat was a wonderful mother and wife. She loved her children and husband, Bill, dearly. She worked hard and enjoyed her home. She has reached her heavenly home where she hears her Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. At last she has received eternal rest with God in happiness, peace, and love.

Eva “Eve” Marie Harder, 50, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Sunday, October 1st, 2017.

Eve was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 12, 1966, daughter of Sherry (Wasinger) Bergling and the late Wayne Heighton.

On December 30, 1999, Eve married Kyle Harder.

Survivors include her husband; mother and stepfather, Dave Bergling; two daughters, Audrea Spies, and husband Creighton, of Denver, Colorado, Dawn Heighton, of Salina, Kansas; stepson, Craig Harder, and wife Amber, of Minneola, Kansas; brother, Wayne Chesney, of Oberlin, Kansas. She is also survived by grandchildren, Angel Harder, Aubree Harder, Autumn Harder and 1 on the way.

She was preceded in death by her father and sister, Stephanie Heighton.

Cremation has been chosen.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 7th, 2017 at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina, Kansas. Please come as you are. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Family request memorials be made to the Salina Animal Shelter 329 N. 2nd Salina, Kansas 67401.

Ernest W. Schmeidler died Monday, October 2 in Wichita, Kansas. He was 93. Ernie was born to William J. and Rose (Wolf) Schmeidler in Hays, Kansas on March 25, 1924. He was the oldest of six children.

Ernie attended St Joseph’s Military Academy in Hays and later joined the U.S. Army. When his military service was complete, he returned to Kansas and began a career in management. He found his greatest satisfaction in sales and meeting people.

Ernie was a lifetime, independent learner. In his time away from work, he found pleasure in gardening, puzzles, watching sports, but most especially dancing. Rooted in his faith, Ernie cared deeply about the Catholic Church and longed to see the priesthood thrive.

Ernie is survived by his sisters Carol (Mel) Romme of Overland Park, Jeanette Flax of Topeka, and sister-in-law Joan Schmeidler of Wichita.

He was preceded in death by wife Virginia “Jeanie” (Schmidtberger), his parents, siblings Bill, James, Sr. Bonaventure, and brother-in-law Rudy Flax.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2017 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria, Kansas. Burial in the parish cemetery with military honors.

Visitation is 4:30-8 p.m. Thursday at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine Hays, KS. The family will receive guests at 6 p.m. The prayer service and rosary will begin at 7 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, 1701 Hall St., Hays, KS 67601.

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

Mildred G. Bugbee was born September 18, 1915 on the family farm near Sargent, NE to Roy V and Lula (Owen) Town. She passed away September 30, 2017 in Lenexa, KS at the age of 102.

Millie attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated high school at Taylor, NE. Following graduation she and her sister Louise moved to Lincoln, NE to look for work. She worked at a soda fountain in a drug store where Bob Bugbee was also working. Bob and Millie were married November 17, 1941 in Seward, NE at the Presbyterian minister’s home.

After Bob was drafted into the army in 1942, Millie worked at Western Electric in Lincoln helping with the war effort. The family moved to Kearney in 1953, to Lewis, KS. in 1956, and then on to Quinter, KS in 1963. It was here that Bob & Millie purchased the First National Bank of Quinter.

Millie was always deeply involved in her community. During that time, she was instrumental in securing the funding for the low-income Sr. citizen housing project and the senior citizen center. She was also involved in the Quinter chapter of the American Red Cross, and led the chapter for 19 years. Also, she was a founding member of Clothes like New and Things which supported the Quinter Golf Course. She was a faithful member of the Quinter United Methodist Church. Millie was a Quinter supporter through and through. She loved her puppies, flowers, her yard, and sports, but most of all she loved her family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and a sister. She is survived by her older sister Louise and brothers Bill and Bob, a son Roderick G. and wife Kathy of Louisburg, KS, a daughter Kathy Marie and husband Terry of Florence, OR; five grandchildren, Scott Bugbee and wife Ronda of Wichita, KS, Amy Reed, of Roeland Park, KS, Darin Bugbee of Basehor, KS, Andrea Valdez and husband Freddie of Sedona, AZ, and Amber Barrett and husband Fabian Hohmuth of Portland, OR and ten great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Quinter United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter.

Visitation will be Wednesday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Quinter.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Quinter United Methodist Church or the Quinter Senior Citizen’s Center. Donations made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

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

Betty Jean (Parker) Eliott, age 86, passed away September 29, 2017, at Dawson Place in Hill City, Kansas.

She was born October 25, 1930, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Bryan B. and Rubey (Price) Parker. The family later returned to Hill City where they spent the majority of her early years. She had many happy memories spending time with her Nanny and PaPa Parker and Aunt Mary. Betty had a special bond with her cousin Katie (Parker) Law. Early in their lives they made a pact that when they had children they’d each be their nephews and nieces and that is why she was “Aunt Katie”. Every summer Betty and her mother went to California on the train to visit her Grandma Ann (her maternal grandmother). These trips were very special. Her father would drive out and pick them up and they would enjoy the trip back to Hill City.

In 1944, after the start of World War II, Bryan joined the Navy and the family moved to El Cajon, California. Betty was a freshman in high school. She enjoyed sunny California, but was happy when they returned to Graham County after her father’s discharge from the Navy.

In 1947, Betty began dating the love of her life Dale Elliott. Following her graduation from high school in May of 1948, the couple were married on August 24, 1948. They lived in Berkenfield, Oregon, for a short time, returning to Hill City in 1949. One of the greatest gifts her folks gave her was they dearly loved Dale, as the son they never had. To Rubey, he was perfect.

To this union their four children were born – Dale Allen, William Bryan, David Dwight and Ann Elizabeth. Following the marriages of their children she was blessed with 12 grandchildren. Betty was an outstanding and doting grandmother as she followed numerous sports activities, school and church events, attending as many things as was physically possible, even flying to some. In 1998 came the first of her great grandchildren, a total now of 27, with another one on the way. They were the new wonderful joy of her life. She was a very proud Grandma Great. Betty was loved by her family and all enjoyed the gatherings she organized including trips to the “Diamond J” and Christmas. Betty worked with her mother and father at Graham County Abstract and Title Co., Inc. for many years. In 1992 she retired leaving the family business to her son David. In 2000, at the age of 70 (“if she was going to try something new she better do it”) she moved to Lindsborg, Kansas, where she worked at the golf course and enjoyed meeting new friends. Her grandchildren there felt that “it was like God sent an angel to help them”. Betty moved back to Hill City after some health issues.

She was always an avid reader and enjoyed doing research. She began working with Lowell and Jan Beecher to get the information at the Graham County Historical Society organized. They worked countless hours in the basement of the library. She began researching Graham County soldiers, with many trips to cemeteries and other outlets, eventually writing a book with the information she had gathered. It didn’t get published but the material was placed in the records at the Historical Society. She enjoyed giving tours of the Historical Society as well as participating in some of the informational programs, like the cemetery tour.

Betty had her share of medical problems beginning in 1988. After two bouts of cancer the treatments took a toll on her body. Four years ago began the onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She then moved to Dawson Place Nursing Home. Now she had a whole new family with the residents and staff. She received excellent care and they all were so helpful.

Betty was a member of the Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon as well as on many committees. She was also active in the Kansas Land Title Association, a member of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Cancer Society as well as many other interests.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two infant brothers, and a great grandchild. Survivors left to celebrate her life and cherish her memory are sons: Dale Allen (Anne) Elliott, Savannah, Texas, Bill (Kay) Elliott, Norton, Kansas, David (Donna) Elliott, Hill City, and daughter Ann (Josh) Stetson, Anchorage, Alaska; 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and friends abounding. Betty was a woman of strength and met life’s challenges with the Lord’s help. Rest in Peace dear mother. We all love you so much.

Click HERE for service details.

Josephine “Josie” Martinez, age 83, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. Josie was born October 24, 1933 in Merrill, Nebraska, the daughter of Pedro & Dominga (Medina) Hernandez. A resident of Leoti since 1946 moving from Sugar City, Colorado, she was a Nurse Assistant and a homemaker.

Josie was a member of St. Anthony Of Padua Catholic Church, VFW Auxiliary, and Business and Professional Women, all of Leoti, Kansas. She was also a former 4-H leader, Girl Scout leader and Leoti EMT. She was a founding member of Virgin of Guadalupe in Ordway, Colorado, taught English to the Spanish community, loved to dance, crotchet, and cake decorating.

On June 3, 1961, she married Gregorio (Greg) Martinez at Marienthal, Kansas. Greg passed away on March 2, 2003 in Garden City, Kansas.

Josie’s surviving family includes-

Four Children-

Mark A. Martinez & Pamela Norwood-​Aurora, Colorado

Tom C. Martinez & Hilda Chairez-​Goshen, Indiana

Greg & Sheryl Martinez, Jr.-​Leoti, Kansas

Valerie Martinez-​Omaha, Nebraska

Nine siblings-

Carmen Hernandez-​Ordway, Colorado

Raymond Hernandez-​Deerfield, Kansas

Lupe Hernandez-​Meade, Kansas

Bertha McGann-​Palco, Kansas

Connie Maturey-​Satanta, Kansas

Theresa Torres-​Leoti, Kansas

Mary Hernandez-​Satanta, Kansas

Andrea Gerstberger-​Alamosa, Colorado

Rosario Klar-​Broadus, Montana

Eighteeen grandchildren, Twenty-one great grandchildren

Her parents, husband and three brothers, Nick Hernandez, Paul Hernandez and John Anthony Hernandez precede her in death.

Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 pm Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, October 5, 2017 at St. Anthony Of Padua Catholic Church with Father Benjamin Martin officiating.

Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Tuesday and from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Wednesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to St. Anthony Of Padua Catholic Church, Leoti EMT’s or Wichita County Health Center in care of the funeral home.