Ruth Ann (Lemon) Lech, 75 of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She was born Aug. 28, 1942 in Portsmouth to John and Dorothy (Taulbee) Lemon.

A 1960 graduate of South Webster High School, Ruth was an adventurer who loved traveling, gardening, and reading. She was a member of Rolling Hills Church of Christ in Mount Sterling, and taught Bible classes for many years. She was known to everyone as the lady who always gave everybody hugs.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Stephen Lech; sons, Stephen J. (Agnes) Lech, Jr. of Liebenthal, Kansas, and Donald (Robin) Lech of Texas; sister, Penny Castle of Springfield, Ohio; five grandchildren, Teri and Alexandra Lech, Jeffrey and Greg McAlister, and Crystal Medina; eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 at Rolling Hills Church of Christ in Mount Sterling with Danny Murphy and Eddie Ingram officiating.

A gathering of friends will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the day of service. Arrangements are being handled by D.W. SWICK-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in New Boston, Ohio. Online condolences may be shared at www.DWSwickNelsonFuneralHome.com.

Thomas E. Roudebush, age 75, of Hays, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 in Hays. Thomas was born on August 12, 1942 in Greenfield, Indiana to Eldon and Jeanette (Jones) Roudebush. He married Maxine Joyce French on January 11, 1973 in Westminster, California. She preceded him in death on October 17, 2016 after 43 years of marriage.

He served his country with pride in the United States Army.

Thomas is survived by his three sons, Sam Hull and his wife Judy of Hays, John Santana and his wife Tammi of Missouri, Thomas Roudebush II and his wife Kris of Wichita; daughter, Terri Rice and her husband Larry of Sapulpa, OK; four brothers, Robert, Don, Chuck & Jim Roudebush; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife; and a daughter, Mary Rice.

Cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].

Ross A. Potter, age 91, died Sept. 9, 2017 at Rhode Island Suites, Ransom.  He was born on Aug. 11, 1926 in Burdett, the son of Robert Harrison “Harry” and Beatrice Ellen Miller Potter.

He was a United States Army Air Corps veteran having served with the 36^th Fighter Squadron (the Flying Fiends) of the 8^th Fighter Group. He was a member of the Ransom VFW No. 7972, the Ness City American Legion Frank Stull Post 152, and the Arnold United Methodist Church. He served on the board of Production Credit Association and the Ness County Soil Conservation District. He was a well know farmer and rancher and raised Appaloosa horses for many years.

On July 19, 1949, he married Phyllis Shearer at her parents’ home in Arnold, Kansas. She survives.

Other survivors include his son, Richard H. Potter and his wife, Peggy of Ness City; daughter Sandra L. Potter of Springfield, Missouri; daughter-in-law Reni Potter-Wood of Orlando, Florida; sister, Jennie Tillitson of Ransom; three grandchildren, Amanda Bardwell, Emily Palmer, and Ryan Potter; and four great-grandchildren, Gracie Palmer, Michael Potter, Reece Bardwell, and Brynn Bardwell. He was preceded in death by his son, Steve Potter, and a sister, Vera Breit.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017 at the Arnold Cemetery. Viewing at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. with the family present from 7 to 9 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ransom VFW or the Rhode Island Suites.

Ann Elizabeth Pfannenstiel, age 87, died Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 at Hays Medical Center, Hays. She was born on July 6, 1930 in Hillsboro, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Neva Osborn Ruffhead.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Ness City. She was a secretary for Greeley Gas, a teller at First State Bank, clerk at Rexall Drug Store, and secretary for the Dodge City Community College Outreach Center, and South Fork Meat Processing, and cashier at La Casita restaurant all of Ness City.

She married Robert Dean Leiker in Ness City. Later she married Hubert Pfannenstiel on Aug. 17, 1968 in LaCrosse. He died on Sept. 28, 2006.

Ann is survived by her sons, Donald Leiker and his wife Vickie, David Leiker, and Dustin Pfannenstiel; daughter, Anissa Schmitt, all of Ness City; five grandchildren, Brian and his wife, Heather Leiker, B.J. and his wife Miranda Leiker, Jackie Schmidt, Veronica Chacon, and Brennan Chacon; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Jane Roehl and Beth Ridley.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City with burial in the Ness City Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to Ness County Hospital or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

Loren E. Dinkel, 84, of Russell, Kansas died on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at the Russell Regional Hospital. 

Loren was born on Sept. 21, 1932, in Gorham, Kansas, the son of Edmund Dinkel and Mary (Mermis) Dinkel. He grew up in Gorham, Kansas, and graduated from Gorham High School in 1950. He was united in marriage to Virginia Gross on May 21, 1951. They made their home in Russell.

From this union they were blessed with seven children, Janice, Jay, Bryan, Laurel, Bradley, Kevin and Deanne. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Russell. He was the General Manager of Agco Inc. for 38 years. After retirement he enjoyed planting trees, gardening, hunting and spending time with family. 

Surviving family include his wife Virginia Dinkel of the home; sister Mary Nowak; children Janice Dinkel and husband Glenn Phelps, Jay Dinkel, Bryan Dinkel and wife Kay, Laurel Dinkel and husband Doug Cubberley, Bradley Dinkel and wife Denise, Kevin Dinkel and wife Teresa, and Deanne Dinkel. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Brent Dinkel and wife Stacy, Todd Dinkel and wife Andrea, Angela Morris and husband Bryan, Jesse Dinkel and wife Cassandra, Cole Dinkel and wife Nichole, Ashley Westerman and husband Alex, and Sophia Cubberley Dinkel, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gerald, Charles, and infant sister Janice.

Celebration of the funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017.  The vigil and rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 at the church.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15 at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the National Arbor Day Foundation or St. Mary’s Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Lonnie M. Depperschmidt, 64, Liebenthal, Kansas, died Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, at Rush County Memorial Hospital, La Crosse, Kansas.

Lonnie was born July 21, 1953, in La Crosse, Kansas, the son of Vincent and Stevana (Weigel) Depperschmidt. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. A 1973 graduate of La Crosse High School, La Crosse, Kansas, he worked for La Crosse Furniture Company in the assembly department for many years.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas.

Survivors include: two brothers, Raymond Depperschmidt, Liebenthal, Kansas, and James Depperschmidt, Liebenthal, Kansas; two sisters, Rita Oborny (John), Rush Center, Kansas, and Cora Knipp (Jerry), Victoria, Kansas; eight nephews; seven nieces; and numerous great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, LeRoy Depperschmidt.

Rosary will be Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas.

Memorial mass will be Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Liebenthal, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Lonnie M. Depperschmidt Memorial Fund.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, KS 67548, 785-222-2517.

Mason Leo Hockersmith, age 42, of Lincoln Nebraska died at home Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Mason was born in Saint Francis, Kansas on November 23, 1974 to Donald and Eileen (Goetz) Hockersmith.

Beginning his teenage years, Mason accomplished an expert BMX racing record. In 1993, he graduated from East High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Mason was an auto mechanic early in life leading to his diesel mechanic career, and along the way other accomplishments included sheet metal journeyman and HVAC technician. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast and an avid sports fan.

Mason and Emi Gregg (deceased) of Cheyenne, Wyoming were united in marriage August 11, 2000 and divorced in February of 2008.

Mason was preceded in death by his grandparents Myrtis (Terpening) Hockersmith, Joe Hockersmith, Imo Jean (Goble) Hockersmith, Leo Goetz and Rose Mary (Ochs) Goetz. Survivors include his parents Don and Eileen (Goetz) Hockersmith of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a brother Ryan Hockersmith of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 22, 2017, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park. Inurnment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery following mass.

There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery or Masses. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South St., Quinter, KS 67752.

Condolences may be left online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Owen LouRay Carpenter, 60, Stockton, Calif., brother of Dee (Laura) Carpenter of Colby, died Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Stockton, following a long battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 1, 1957, the son of Merle and Peal (Owens) Carpenter of Levant. He grew up on a farm northwest of Levant, attending school in Colby until 1970, when he transferred to Edson. After that school closed, he attended his senior year at Goodland High School. He earned an associate degree from Colby Community College.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Gary Carpenter.

Survivors include five children: Travis Carpenter, Clovis, N.M.; Tyler Carpenter, Round Rock, Texas; Candice Carpenter, Kansas City, MO; and Krystal Carpenter and Kelly Carpenter, both of Sebring, Florida; another brother Melvin (Nancy) Carpenter, Overland Park; and two grandchildren.

Inurnment services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at Beulah Cemetery, Colby, Kansas.

Condolences may be sent to kersenbrockfuneralchapel.com.

Alonzo Gillan Alexander III, 60, of Nicodemus died September 8, 2017 at the Salina Regional Medical Center in Salina, Kansas. Alonzo was born April 26, 1957 in Hill City to Alonzo Gillan and Lois Ruth (Moman) Alexander II. He was never married.

Alonzo was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Sharyn Dowdell, Nicodemus, Kansas.

A memorial service will be held Sat., Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. in the First Missionary Baptist Church, Nicodemus, with Rev. Raymond Groves III officiating.

Sue Parmer, 78, died Sept. 9, 2017, at Country Place Senior Living, Ellinwood. She was born May 7, 1939, at Scott City, the daughter of Alva Martin and Maude (Briggs Hines) Hopper. She married Charles Parmer April 23, 1959, at Scott City. Mrs. Parmer was a registered nurse for USD 489, Hays. She was a Great Bend resident since 1997 coming from Hays.

Mrs. Parmer was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Silver Cougar Club and was a former RSVP volunteer, all of Great Bend.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Parmer, of the home; one son, Sheldon Parmer and his wife Tammy of Spring, Texas; one daughter, Sonya Rein and her husband J.D. of Great Bend; one sister, Joyce Ramsey of Scott City; three grandchildren, Ali Doyle and her husband Michael of Great Bend, Thomas Rein and his wife Melissa of Great Bend, and Sagan Johnson and her husband Matt of Austin, Texas; and one great-grandchild, Myla Rein. She was preceded in death by one brother, Morse Hopper; and one sister, Evelyn Hutchins.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Great Bend with the Rev. Lenard Maxwell officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials have been established with First United Methodist Church Mission Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Ietta Mae (Hrabe) Wise passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Graham County Hospital in Hill City, Kansas at the age of 89. She was born on September 29, 1927 in Twin Mounds area, rural Rooks County, Kansas to the late James and Goldie (Ives) Hrabe. She grew up in Rooks County and graduated from Plainville High School with the Class of 1945. She went on to attend Fort Hays Kansas State College before being united in marriage to Norman Wise on December 28, 1945 in Plainville. They were blessed with six children, Joan, Lonnie, Rex, Vickie, Patricia, and Fred.

Ietta not only worked to take care of her own family and home, but also at various housekeeping and other jobs, including twelve years with Travenol Laboratories. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and gardener, and always enjoyed an opportunity to lovingly share her wisdom and knowledge with others. A generous and dedicated woman, she was active in her community with Brownies, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, PTA, Gray Ladies Auxiliary, American Red Cross, served on various boards and committees, volunteered for numerous charities, and donated over 600 “bobo” quilts to children all over the United States.

Ietta is survived by her children Joan McIntyre and husband Jeff of Manhattan, Lonnie Wise and wife Kate of Russell, Rex Wise of Plainville, Vickie Ashbaugh and husband Jack of Hill City, Patricia Mills-Harbert and husband Alvin of Oklahoma City, OK, and Fred Wise and wife Val of Cheney; fifteen grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Goldie Hrabe, husband Norman Wise, and siblings Creta Hilgers, Jake Hrabe, and Hallis Hrabe.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Love is patient, and love is kind. It keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.” Ietta’s family remembers her as a gentle mother and grandmother who lived by that example, always encouraging them to pursue their goals, walk humbly with God, and love one another. Her legacy of true love will live forever in their hearts and minds for generations to come.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30am on Friday, September 15, 2017 at First Christian Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at Plainville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00am until service time on Friday at the church.

Judith Kathryn Arthur, 76, died September 9, 2017 at her home, in Russell, Kansas. She was born in Goessel, Kansas on June 29, 1941 to Dr. David C. and Martha M. (Quiring) Wedel. She is survived by her husband, Mark D. Arthur, Jr., whom she married on December 17, 1961, Danica Lynn Hoffman (David) of Emporia and Mark David Arthur (Brenda) of Hays, grandchildren Ashly, Rachael, Elizabeth, Joshua and Gabriela Arthur and Aidan, Christopher, and Ethan Hoffman, sister Eleanor Heckendorn of Sun City, AZ and many cousins and friends.

She graduated from Newton High School in 1959 and from Southwestern College, Winfield, in three years, both Summa Cum Laude. After graduation, she taught first and second grades in Topeka, Luray and Russell and was beloved by her students. Her Master’s Degree was from Ft. Hays State University. Judy was active in the Trinity United Methodist Church choir, Russell Community Theater, her sorority, Xi Epsilon Sigma, bridge clubs and many other civic and charitable organizations, as well as serving eight years on the Russell City Council. She loved to dance, prepare gourmet meals for family and friends, entertain, and drive small hot cars. She loved animals, especially cats, reading, white wine, her goldfish ponds, flowers, gardening, fishing, zoos, swimming, KU basketball and playing her flute. She was beautiful, talented, and had a ready smile for everyone. She is irreplaceable in the hearts of family and friends. These few words cannot begin to reveal a life so rich, as was Judy’s, in loving and being loved.

Celebration of Judith’s Life will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. No visitation will be held. A Memorial has been established with the Trinity United Methodist Church Choir. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Longtime Trego County resident John J. Schoenberger, age 81, passed away, Friday, September 8, 2017 at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney. He was born in Ellis, October 21, 1935, the son of Alex and Rosie (Stecklein) Schoenberger.

John was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He was an avid outdoorsman. A perfect day in his world was a day of hunting, fishing, and just enjoying nature, especially on or near Cedar Bluff north shore cabin area. John worked in floor covering for 28 years, until retirement. He was known for his selfless giving for kids’ fishing events like the annual fishing derby at Cedar Bluff North Shore Cabin area. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Survivors include two brothers, Julius (Karen) of Hays, and Robert (Stella) of Aurora, Colorado; four sisters, Irene Herrman of Hays, Eleanor (Leo) Pachal of Aurora, Betty Schoenberger of Aurora, and Rose (Rich) Rupp of Buckeye, Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, William, Clarence “Clem”, Wilmer, and Junior; and a brother-in-law, Gilbert Herrman.

Graveside funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney. Military honors will be provided by Ft. Riley Honor Guard.

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

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation. Donations to the foundation may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be left online at www.schmittfuneral.com.