Robert Eugene Boxberger, 86, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, September 01, 2017, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

Robert was born on November 07, 1930, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Frederick W. and Anna Katherine (Ebel) Boxberger. He grew up in Russell, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1948. After high school he joined the Army National Guard and after serving his country he returned back to Russell. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Patricia Louise Perry on February 17, 1951 in Salina, Kansas. They made their home in Russell and worked on the family farm, farming and ranching. From this union they were blessed with two sons, Steve and Perry. Robert was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Shiners, V.F.W. Post #6240 and the Elks Lodge of Russell. He enjoyed going to the lake, camping, fishing, water skiing, traveling and going to the sale barn. Most of all he enjoyed spending time working on the family farm and spending time with his family.

Surviving family include his sons Steve Boxberger and wife Coleen and Perry Boxberger and wife Kris; 2 grandsons Jacob Boxberger and wife Marie and Blake Boxberger and one great grandchild Lorelai Boxberger all of Russell, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Patricia on October 31, 2012, brother Frederick Boxberger, 2 sisters Dorothy Henry and Bernice Ehrlich.

A memorial service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at 3 PM on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Inurnment of the cremains will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. Family will greet guests from 1 PM to 3 PM on the day of the service, Tuesday, September 12th at the mortuary. Military honors will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Memorials may be given to the Shriners Hospital for Children or K.E.T.C.H. and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Kenneth LaVern McCoy passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas at the age of 81. He was born on September 6, 1935 on the family farm in Graham County, Kansas to the late Johnie and Matilda “Tillie” (Tegtmeyer) McCoy. He grew up and attended school in WaKeeney. On October 24, 1954 he was united in marriage to Darlene Feezor. They were blessed with two children, Robert and Terry.

Kenneth was a hardworking man most all of his life. For many years he worked construction jobs with Deines Construction Company. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards and Bingo, and was always up for a challenge on the Snooker table. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Darlene of 62 years; children Robert McCoy and wife Mary Jo of WaKeeney and Terry McCoy of Eldorado; sisters Vera Deines of Hays, and Vesta Rohr and husband Dennis of Mandan, ND; six grandchildren Sara Brown and husband Nate, Kerrie Keith and husband Scott, Chad McCoy and fiance Karri, Matthew McCoy and wife Jessica, Jenna Vice and husband Nate and Nicholas; and eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Johnie McCoy and Tillie Oliver; brother-in-law Donald D. Deines; and great nephew Craig Gasper.

It has been said, “Laughter is simply a smile heard out loud that echoes happiness and love.” Kenneth was a man with a huge heart. He never wasted a day without sharing joy with those closest to him, his family, friends, and neighbors. Indeed, his love and laughter echo forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the WaKeeney Church of God with Pastor Jerod Brown officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date in the WaKeeney City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Kenneth McCoy Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First St., Stockton, Kansas 67669.

Alvin Fred Schugart, age 88, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2017 at his home near Bazine. He was born on August 29, 1929 in Great Bend, Kansas the son of William Fred and Velma Hlavaty Schugart.

Alvin was a farmer and stockman. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force having served in Alaska during the Korean War. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Ness County Historical Society and the Ness County Amusement Company, Vice President of the Leisure Years all of Ness City, the Knights of Columbus, Olmitz, the American Legion Riders and American Legion Olin Cole Post 392 and the Volunteer Fire Department all of Bazine.

On May 22, 1957 he married Dolores Boor in Odin, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 12, 2012.

He is survived by his son Jim Schugart and wife, Kim, Bazine; his daughter, Carol Pfannenstiel and husband, Eric; four sisters, Sister Anita Schugart, Great Bend, Joyce Irwin (Robert), Englewood, Colorado, Marilyn Grover, Olathe, and Marge Widen, Concordia; two step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Funeral service will be at the Sacred Heart Church, Ness City on Monday, September 11, 2017, 11:00 a.m. with burial in the Bazine Cemetery. Rosary followed by Parish Vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 10 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. The family will be present prior to the service. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Contributions may be given in lieu of flowers to the Bazine American Legion, Bazine Fire Department, Ness City Leisure Years or the Ness County Historical Society.

Ralph A. Werth Jr., 67, Russell, died Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the Hays Medical Center.

He was born January 9, 1950 in Hays, Kansas the second oldest son of sixteen children born to Ralph J. Werth, Sr. and Martina (Spies) Werth. He attended Hays High School and at age of 18 chose to join the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. Ralph worked as a groundskeeper at Fort Hays State University and also as a roofer for KTHOL Roofing. He enjoyed fishing, drinking a cold Pepsi, which always tasted better when shared with his friends and family, and playing Bingo and especially loved winning the prizes. He cherished his collection of rosaries and prayed them for loved ones. Ralph had a beautiful singing voice and a gift for playing the guitar.

Survivors include his mother Martina, Hays, six brothers; Vincent Werth, Sr. and wife Helen of Munjor, Stephen Werth and wife Joyce of Schoenchen, Bernie Werth and wife Lona of Hays, Andy Werth of Hays, Loran Werth and wife Kay of Hays, and Darrell Werth and wife Jodie of Olathe, eight sisters; Patty Stull and husband Rich Sieker of Hays, Bridget Stenzel and husband Lyle of Ness City, Marina Shauers of Wichita, Regina Hutchison of Hays, Donnetta Pfeifer and husband Terry of Hays, Geralyn Werth and husband Ernie of Schoenchen, Jacqueline Schneider and husband Mark of Cabot, Arkansas, and Tina Unrein of Olathe, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, a brother; Ivan Werth, a sister-in-law; Pam Werth, nieces; Wendy Stull and Trina Shauers, a nephew; Jeremy Dietz, and a great nephew; Triston Werth.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 E. 13th Street, Hays. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post 9076 will follow in the St. Anthony Cemetery in Schoenchen. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Wheatland Nursing Center, masses, St. Anthony Cemetery, or St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Kay Francis Powers was born to William “Russ” Russell Fuller and Sylvia Francis (Kleinhample) Fuller on April 4th 1954 in Revana, Ohio. She passed away at her home in WaKeeney, Kansas at the age of 63 on August 28th 2017.

When Kay was one year old, the family moved to Reseda, California where Kay was raised with her two siblings. Kay went on to become a nurse, and was working at Tarzan Hospital where she met Jay Powers. They were united in marriage on August 19, 1976. They were together for many years having one daughter, Heather. They divorced in 1991 but still were very close, and spent every special occasion together as a family. In 1993, Kay met the love of her life, Doug Norris, and they were together until Doug passed away on October 5, 2015. Kay was heartbroken and longed to be with her family. She spent every day with her daughter, son-in-law and grandkids. As a matter of fact, the night before Kay left this world to be with those in Heaven, she had a wonderful family outing at the lake where they fished, had a hot dog and marshmallow roast. She was very happy.

Kay will be greatly missed; she touched many people’s lives. Some of them that are left here to mourn her passing are her daughter, Heather and husband, Jesse, and their children, Sylvia and Kathy; son, Chris; brother, David and wife Judy; cousin, Eddie and husband Zane; and nieces, Holly and husband Dave, Lowanna and husband BJ, Jessica and husband Matt, Tiffany and husband Wyeth; one Nephew Robert Simonson; as well as many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Jay Powers and Doug Norris; her parents, William “Russ” and Syvia (Kleinhample) Fuller; and a sister, Kathy (Fuller) Sandstoe.

Kay will be forever missed and forever in our hearts.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Walk-A-Thon for Health or Humane Society of the High Plains. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Merton Ikenberry, second son of Wilmer and Mazie Ikenberry, was born at home in Quinter, Kansas on July 7, 1932. He passed away, August 30, 2017 at Gove County Medical Center, Long Term Care, Quinter. Mert was 85 years of age.

His love for farming began on the family farm in Quinter, and he continued that as his life’s occupation. He attended school in Quinter, fell in love with Eugenia Roesch, were married in June, 1952, and spent two years in the Army in Germany in 1954 to 1956. Mert raised wheat, alfalfa, corn and sorghum feed while feeding as many as two thousand head of cattle.

Mert was an avid hunter. He traveled worldwide in search of trophy game. He accomplished the Grand Slam bagging the four subspecies of sheep from Mexico to British Columbia as well as numerous African game. However, equally satisfying was winning the National Championship, Open Pointing Division competition, with his German Shorthair, Bess.

Mert cared about Quinter. He was proud of his role with Irvin Wolf in helping form the Jay Johnson Memorial Library and the Dairy Queen (Texaco, now Alta).

Mert is survived by his wife, Eugenia; three sons, Tracy (wife Alice) of Richland, Washington, Lane of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Troy of Quinter; two brothers, Wesley (Judy) of Portland, Oregon, and Larry (Rachel) of Olympia, Washington; three grandchildren, Emily (Brian) Garrett of Salina, KS, Myles Ikenberry of Portland Oregon, Lauren Ikenberry of Salem, Oregon; and five great-grandchildren.

A family hosted memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Quinter Church of the Brethren. A reception and visitation will be immediately following in the fellowship hall.

There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Church of the Brethren or Hospice Services, Inc., sent in care of Eugenia Ikenberry, 714 Castle Rock St., Quinter, KS 67752.

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

Emily E. Lightner, age 37, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 in McPherson County, Kansas. She was born on October 29, 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of John Geissal & Dianne Geissal. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 2013 moving from Wichita, Kansas, she was a devoted follower of Christ, loving wife, mother and homemaker.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Scott City, Kansas where she had a passion for taking the Gospel to the nations.

On July 31, 2004 she married Matthew Lightner in Monticello, Illinois. He survives.

Survivors Include her Husband – Matthew Lightner of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sons – John “Jack” Lightner of Scott City, Kansas, Elijah Lightner of Scott City, Kansas, Ezekiel Lightner of Scott City, Kansas, Three Daughters – Lillian Lightner of Scott City, Kansas, Abigail Lightner of Scott City, Kansas, Kathryn Lightner of Scott City, Kansas, Parents – Dianne Geissal of Verona, Wisconsin, John Geissal & Andy Coyle of Urbana, Illinois, Brother – Ben & Lindsay Geissal of Madison, Wisconsin and her Father & Mother in Law – John & Cindy Lightner of Garden City, Kansas.

Funeral Services will be Monday, September 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Scott City Kansas with Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials in Lieu of Flowers are requested to the Fist Baptist Church for Global Missions through Price and Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Dale E. Silkman, age 66, of Hays, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at the Hays Medical Center. He was born on December 6, 1950 to Max and Dorothy (Wassinger) Silkman in Hays, KS.

Dale was a 1969 graduate from Hays High School. He served in the National Guard during the 1970’s. Dale enjoyed reading and learning history and was considered a history buff. He enjoyed art and loved to draw. Dale returned to school and obtained his Master’s Degree in Art with an emphasis in Print Making from Fort Hays State University, graduating in 2007.

He is survived by his two beloved daughters, Jane Allen and her husband Dustin of Blue Springs, MO and Sarah Silkman of Hays; the mother of his children, Marian Silkman of Hays; three sisters, Patty Robben and her husband Melvin of Salina, KS, Debra Silkman of Tulsa, OK, Marissa Hatfield and her husband Dave of Tulsa, OK; a granddaughter, Adaleigh Allen of Blue Springs, MO.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

A Recital of the Holy Rosary will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Memorial Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. also at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made in Dale’s loving memory to the American Diabetes Association, 608 West Douglas Ave., Ste: 100, Wichita, KS 67203. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

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

Arrangements are by Brock’s – Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

Ralph A. Werth, Jr., 67, Russell, died Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at the Hays Medical Center.

He was born January 9, 1950 in Hays, Kansas the second oldest son of sixteen children born to Ralph J. Werth, Sr. and Martina (Spies) Werth. He attended Hays High School and at age of 18 chose to join the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. Ralph worked as a groundskeeper at Fort Hays State University and also as a roofer for KTHOL Roofing. He enjoyed fishing, drinking a cold Pepsi, which always tasted better when shared with his friends and family, and playing Bingo and especially loved winning the prizes. He cherished his collection of rosaries and prayed them for loved ones. Ralph had a beautiful singing voice and a gift for playing the guitar.

Survivors include his mother Martina, Hays, six brothers; Vincent Werth, Sr. and wife Helen of Munjor, Stephen Werth and wife Joyce of Schoenchen, Bernie Werth and wife Lona of Hays, Andy Werth of Hays, Loran Werth and wife Kay of Hays, and Darrell Werth and wife Jodie of Olathe, eight sisters; Patty Stull and husband Rich Sieker of Hays, Bridget Stenzel and husband Lyle of Ness City, Marina Shauers of Wichita, Regina Hutchison of Hays, Donnetta Pfeifer and husband Terry of Hays, Geralyn Werth and husband Ernie of Schoenchen, Jacqueline Schneider and husband Mark of Cabot, Arkansas, and Tina Unrein of Olathe, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, a brother; Ivan Werth, a sister-in-law; Pam Werth, nieces; Wendy Stull and Trina Shauers, a nephew; Jeremy Dietz, and a great nephew; Triston Werth.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 E. 13th Street, Hays. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post 9076 will follow in the St. Anthony Cemetery in Schoenchen. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Wheatland Nursing Center, masses, St. Anthony Cemetery, or St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Robert Earl Borthwick, 93, died Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Manor of the Plains, Dodge City.

He was born on June 20, 1924 in Concordia, Kansas to Donald J. and Maud Sjolander Borthwick. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Beeler. He graduated from Beeler High School in 1942, and attended one semester at Kansas State University before being called up to serve his country during WWII. He attained the rank of Corporal in the United States Army Air Forces.

After being discharged from the service, he returned to the family farm at Beeler. He was a lifelong farmer and stockman first with his parents and wife, then alongside his son, Rex. In the fall of 1972, he purchased his first Vermeer round baler, and opened Bob’s Baler Sales and Service in 1973. He continued to farm, raise Charolais cattle, and operated his Vermeer business until ill health forced him to retire. He was a lifelong member of the Beeler United Methodist Church and a member of the Ness County Historical Society.

On June 16, 1946, he married Jeane Norton on her parents’ farm. Together they were blessed with six children.

He is survived by two sons, Alan (Regina) or Hays and Rex (Kathy) of Beeler; three daughters, Mary (Ron) Hemp of Moberly, Missouri, Kathy Baird of Brewster, and Kristi (Lance) Carrithers of Derby; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jo Borthwick of Salina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeane; brother, Don; son, Jim; and son-in-law, Tom Baird.

Funeral service will be held at the Beeler United Methodist Church on Friday, September 8, 2017, 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Berniece Ludlum presiding. Burial will follow the services at the Ness City Cemetery. Viewing will be on Thursday, September 7 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City with the family present from 7:00 until 9:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial to the Beeler United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

Dale E. Silkman, age 66, of Hays, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at the Hays Medical Center.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

A Recital of the Holy Rosary will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. also at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made in Dale’s loving memory to the American Diabetes Association, 608 West Douglas Ave., Ste: 100, Wichita, KS 67203. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

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

Arrangements are by Brock’s – Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601.

A complete obituary will appear as soon as it is available.