James John Leiker, age 84, of Hays, Kansas, died Sunday, September 8, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born October 20, 1934, in Hays, Kansas to John Francis and Philomena (Rupp) Leiker. He married Sherry Ann (Ellis) on September 24, 1960, in Hays, Kansas.

He was an Agronomy Technician at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center in Hays, Kansas. He started working at the Research Center in his early teens years and returned in the mid 1960’s and was there for over 40 years, and retired in 2009.

James grew up in Munjor, Kansas, he attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and was an altar server for many years. He was in the US Army and served in the Kansas National Guard. He lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado for a few years and worked at Duckwall’s and Seven-Eleven before returning back to Hays, Kansas.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Leiker, of the home; two sons, Jason Leiker and wife, Julie, Logan, UT; Danny Leiker and wife, Jana, Parkville, MO; one daughter, Cindy Harwood and husband, Dale, Hays, KS; six grandchildren, Dorene Thompson, Dylan Leiker, Lauren Leiker, Aidan Leiker, Zane Leiker and Chloe Leiker; two great grandchildren, Jace Dorsey-Harwood and Ryan James Thompson; one sister, Margaret Walters, Topeka, KS; two sisters-in-laws, Bessie Leiker, Hays, KS; and Betty Leiker, Broken Arrow, OK; his extended family, brother-in-law, Norman Befort, Denver, CO; and sister-in-law, Barb Graham, Loveland, CO; and his special family friends, Loren and Connie Haselhorst, and Austin and Adrianna Haselhorst, all of Hays, KS; and a number of nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Clarence, Victor, Richard, Maurice, Lawrence, Leonard and Robert Leiker; and one sister, Grace Schmidt.

A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery Munjor, Kansas. The family suggests memorials and masses to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Munjor, Kansas.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

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

Jeffrey Allen (Jeff) Leiker, 56, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 2:02 a.m., Sunday, August 25th, 2019 peacefully at Hospice House, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Jeffrey was born in Hays, Kansas on April 8, 1963, a son of Alexander P. and Mary Ellen (Quint) Leiker.

Jeff attended the Hays, Kansas City, Kansas, and Wilson, Kansas schools.

Through the years Jeff worked as a farm hand, did floor construction for Kit and Road Ranger Manufacturer and spent almost 30 years as a machine operator for Wear Technology all of McPherson.

Jeff enjoyed all kinds of sports, riding his motorcycle, going to races, watching tv, bowling, and spending time with his nephew.

He is survived by his sisters, Cindy Gerdes, of McPherson, Kansas, Cathy Leiker, of McPherson, Kansas and his nephew Adam Gerdes, of Fort Collins, Colorado.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Mary Ellen Leiker; a niece, Angel Lee Gerdes and a brother-in-law John Gerdes.

A time to celebrate Jeff’s life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from Noon until 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeside Cabin, located at 300 North Lakeside Drive in McPherson. Please come by and say hi!

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Association and can be sent to Glidden-Ediger Funeral Home; 222 W. Euclid St., McPherson, Ks. 67460.

July 12, 1921 ~ September 7, 2019

An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.

Click HERE for service details.

KENSINGTON — Marlin D. Smith, 77, retired farmer, of Kensington, KS, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, KS.

Born on the 13th day of June 1942, to Gladys Mick Smith and Clarence Almon Smith, Marlin Dale was welcomed into the world by his sisters Ruth and Donna. They lived on the farm seven miles southwest of Kensington in Phillips County.

At the age of four, the family moved to the Smith homestead north of Kensington. Marlin was raised on the family farm and graduated as a Goldbug from Kensington High School, with the class of 1960. In the fall of 1960, he attended McPherson College to play football, and soon returned home to pursue his love for farming. In 1964, he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve our country in Vietnam. He graduated from the Larc V (amphibious watercraft) Operations and Maintenance Transition Course and was honorably discharged in April 1966.

On March 9, 1969, Marlin married Virginia (Ginger) Hale. They were blessed with two daughters, Marla Dalynn and Carla Almon. In 1982, the family moved to the family farm, where they resided until 2013. Marlin spent countless hours working in the field, tending cattle, or in the shop making repairs and repurposing many things. He was blessed with a mechanical mind, and often shared his knowledge with others. Marlin always enjoyed visiting with many friends and never met a stranger. He enjoyed attending many farm auctions, ag shows, and various community and regional events, as well as, a cup of coffee at the drugstore and later at the Country Corner. He was actively involved in the Kensington American Legion – Fred Marran Post #166, receiving the honor of a 50-year member in 2016. He also served as Volunteer Fireman for 30 years.

Over the last several years, Marlin enjoyed using his scooter to get around town, going to the corner for coffee or to the Legion on Friday nights for dinner. He was able to attend many ballgames and activities of his grandsons through the years. This past year, he enjoyed many visits with friends, family, and caregivers while residing at Smith Center Health and Rehab or his short stays in Smith County Hospital.

Marlin is survived by his wife Ginger of the home, Kensington; daughters, Marla (Greg) Bernard of Oro Valley, Arizona, and Carla (Jason) Hajek, of Seneca, KS; Grandsons Cooper, Carter, and Cormik Hajek, and Miles Bernard; sisters, Ruth Levin, of Kensington, KS, and Donna (Royce) Levin, of Kensington, KS along with nephews, nieces, and many friends.

Click HERE for service details.

Bonnie Carol Fuentez, 76, of Gorham, Kansas died on Friday, September 06, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Bonnie was born on April 29, 1943 in Wallace County, Kansas. She married Oscar Lee Fuentez on August 20, 1966 in Sharon Springs, Kansas. Bonnie and Oscar were blessed with three children: Christina, Regina, and Joseph. Oscar preceded Bonnie in death on June 07, 2007.

Bonnie was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham, Kansas. She enjoyed baking elaborately decorated cakes and cookies which were shared and cherished by family and friends. Bonnie took great pleasure and pride in maintaining her flower garden as well as collecting cookie cutters and Hallmark ornaments. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Surviving family include her daughter Christina Bourland of Russell, Kansas; daughter Regina Gronewoller and husband John of Onaga, Kansas; son Joseph Fuentez and wife Amanda of Windsor, Colorado; grandchildren Christianna Pruden and Danielle Bourland; Eryn, John Michael, and Jarod Gronewoller; Jacob and Abigail Fuentez; and great-grandchild Owen Watts.

A rosary and celebration of the funeral mass will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham, Kansas. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Hospice at Hays Medical Center and can be sent in care of the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Robert William Harkness, age 88, passed away at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kan., on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. He was born on Dec. 1, 1930 in rural Scott County near the dry lake area, the son of Brannon and Reba Walker Harkness. A lifetime resident of Scott City, he was a farmer.

On Sept. 25, 1949 he married Deloras Dice in Scott City. She passed away on Oct. 9, 2007 in Scott County.

Survivors include his two sons — Michael Harkness of Scott City, Kenton and Jana Harkness of Garden City, Kan.; one daughter — Deb and Alan Gruver of Scott City; two sisters — Kathryn Maudlin of Colorado Springs, Colo., Margie Steven of Scott City; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and three sisters.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, with Pastor Don Williams presiding.

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

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Robert Harkness Scholarship Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

To send flowers to the family of Robert Harkness, visit Tribute Store

Ralph Augustine Weis was born July 5, 1924, on the family farm, southeast of Dresden, Kan. He was the eighth child of Michael and Theresa (Ritter) Weis. He passed away Sept. 8, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society of Decatur County in Oberlin.

Ralph attended grade and high school in Leoville, Kan. He graduated in 1943 and was the salutatorian of his class. In his salutatory address, he said “Rejoice with us because we are ready to carry on for God and country.” Ralph was drafted by the U.S. Army and served his country from 1943-1945.

On November 26, 1946, he was united in marriage to Genevieve Werth in Park, Kan.. Five children were born to this union: Geraldine, Carolyn, Donald, Cyril, and Marilyn.

Ralph enjoyed farming and worked for the ASC office for 70 plus years. He loved measuring fields and grain bins and explaining the farm programs to farmers. He enjoyed listening to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball games and Kansas State and KU basketball games. He liked to play cards, pinochle and pitch. Ralph liked to tell stories and jokes.

Ralph is survived by his children: Carolyn Woolard of Dresden, Kan., Donald and Karen Weis of Smith Center, Kan., Cyril and Charlene Weis of Saguache, Colo., and Marilyn Kuehn of Shingle Springs, Calif.; six grandchildren: Brandon Weis of Norton, Kan., Devin and Jody Weis of Wamego, Kan., Travis Weis of Saguache, Colo., Megan and Eric Roberts of Placerville, Calif., Cpt. Sean Kuehn of the 144th Fighter Wing, CA Air National Guard, Fresno, Calif. and Connor Kuehn of Los Angeles, and three great-grandchildren: Andrew Weis, Clara Weis and Ella Roberts.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Geraldine; wife, Genevieve; three sisters: Sister Vincentia Weis, Sister Laurann Weis and Sister Bernardine Weis and six brothers: Joe, Ray, Al, Urban, Bernard, and Leo Weis and son-in-law, James Kuehn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Leoville, Kan.

Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Leoville, Kan.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 at the church. A Rosary and Vigil Service will follow the visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Leoville Cemetery Fund or for Masses. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com.

Ruth Ann Smith, 81, died Aug. 26, 2019, at Clearwater Nursing Home, Clearwater, Kan. She was born June 30, 1938, the daughter of Charley T. and Lorene (Musselman) Smith.

Ruth Ann graduated from Russell High School.

She was retired bookkeeper for Cains Coffee Company.

She is survived by a sister, Claudia C. Smith of Derby, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Bill, Curtis and Dean Smith; and sisters, Nadine Wolf, Linda Norman, and Kay Smith.

Graveside inurnment services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, at the Vansburg Cemetery, Brownell, Kan.

Arrangements by Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.

Marion F. Frieb, 89, died Sept. 8, 2019, at River Bend Assisted Living Home, Great Bend, Kan. He was born Nov. 13, 1929, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Carl F. and Elsie E. (Schober) Frieb. Marion graduated from Olmitz High School in 1947 and then served as a sergeant in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.

On July 16, 1952, he married Rose Marie Bahr at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz.

A lifetime Olmitz resident, he was a farmer and stockman. He also worked as a fieldman for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.

Marion was a lifelong member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2100, where he was a Fourth Degree Knight, and served as financial secretary for over 30 years. He was involved in numerous community boards, including the Farm Bureau, co-op, school board, and township board.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rose Marie Frieb of the home, and their six children; Carol Scheuerman (Craig) of Bison, Cathi Farha (Ned) of Wichita, Anita Hobbs (Bruce) of Mount Hope, Daniel Frieb (Teresa) of Olmitz, Timothy Frieb (Amy) of Olmitz, and Jan Frieb of Hutchinson; a brother, Neil Frieb of Olmitz, brother-in-law, Eugene Bahr of Olmitz, sister-in-law, Tessie Jilg of Great Bend; 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz. Vigil with Knights of Columbus Rosary will begin at 7 p.m..

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke, MSP. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Olmitz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Laura Jean Kraft, 89, passed away Sept. 7, 2019, at Country Place Home Plus, Hoisington. She was born Aug. 10, 1930, in Brownell, Kan., the daughter of Vincent and Mae (Squire) Fairbank. On Jan. 1, 1949, she married Elden Kraft in Bazine, Kan.. He died Aug. 31, 2011. A longtime resident of Great Bend, she was head of Fabrics at TG&Y in Great Bend for many years.

Mrs. Kraft was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Altar Society and Women’s Guild, and also taught Sunday school for many years. She was an expert seamstress.

Survivors include, one son, Marlin Kraft of Albuquerque, M.M.; two daughters, Marlane Haberman and husband Marvin of Great Bend, and Lavada Kraft of Great Bend; two sisters, Carol Small of Temple, Texas, and Dora Yoder and husband Bill of Gorham, Kan.; two brothers, Paul Fairbank of Independence, Kan., and Bob Fairbank and wife Earline of Hays; four grandchildren, Marcie Mattson and husband Dan, Brian Haberman and wife Rebecca, Angie Cook and husband Duston, and Liberty Dictson and husband Eric; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Mae Fairbank; four brothers, Ralph Fairbank, Elmer Fairbank, Chet Fairbank and Richard Fairbank; and four sisters, June Bartlett, Audrey Lentz, Burdene Schweitzer and Esther Zordel.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mark Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Terry Wayne Ault, 70, Hays, died Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 at his home.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

Robert Eugene Gerber, 97, retired salesman for Fairmont and Steffens Dairy, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in Wichita, Kansas.

Robert was born on August 3, 1922 in Waterloo, Kansas. He devoted his life to his wife and family, could fix anything, had immense patience and a great smile. Robert was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He retired in 1983 from Fairmont and Steffens Dairy after 43 years.

Robert married Orletta Lee Niedens on October 21, 1943. She died on their 75th wedding anniversary weekend in 2018. Robert’s residences included Dodge City, Liberal, Hutchinson, Salina and Wichita, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth (Huelskamp) Gerber; wife, Orletta Lee (Niedens) Gerber; son-in-law, Daniel G Rupp; grandson, Tejay Collins; brother, Marvin Gerber; sisters, Mary Lee Schneweis, Mabel Thesing, Jeanette Gerber, Joann Schwarz.

Survivors: daughters, Sandra Rupp of Hays, Kansas, Mary Rose (Lynn) Butler of Annandale, Virginia, Rita (Mike) Gedney of Overland Park, Kansas and Carmen Gerber of Hays, Kansas; sons, Gregory (Denise) Gerber of Wichita, Duane (June) Gerber of Weatherford, Oklahoma, Shane (Dianne) Gerber of Wichita; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Gerber of Dodge City, Kansas; sister, Doris (Val) Goff of Prescott, Arizona.

Rosary, 7 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2019; Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 13, 2019, both at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Wichita, Kansas. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at St. Louis Cemetery, Waterloo, Kansas. Memorials established with The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214; St. Louis Catholic Church, 13015 E. Maple Grove, Mt. Hope, KS 67108 and St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 3642 N. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67205. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West Chapel.

Violet (Vi) Lashell Collins, 85, died on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Ness County Hospital in Ness City. She was born on April 18, 1934 at Utica the daughter of Leroy Lloyd “Babe” & Vera Azalea (Morland) Lashell. She married Fred W. “Wes” Coker on January 14, 1955 at Utica. She later married George B. Collins on July 4, 1992 at Dighton.

Violet graduated from Utica High School in 1952 and started working at a bank in Ness City. After her first marriage she lived in Alabama and Morton County until moving to Dighton in 1964. She started working at Dighton Bowl as a waitress, then as a cook and later the manager. Before her second marriage she went to dog grooming school with her daughters and started grooming dogs. Then she began helping her husband on the farm and keeping books for Collins Steel and C & C Welding. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Dighton and was a past member of EHU and 4-H Leader. She enjoyed playing softball, bowling, playing cards and games, knitting, sewing, her spoon collection and being involved with her Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Daughter- Michelle Annette Coker, 2 Brothers- Leroy Lloyd Lashell, Jr. & Leo Edward Lashell and Sister- Thelma Maria Patterson.

She is survived by her Husband- George Collins, Son- Leroy Coker wife Mickey of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, Daughter- Vera Coker of Dighton, Sons- Craig Collins wife Beth of Dighton, Henry Miller wife Eljean of Shallow Water, 9 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Tuesday at First Christian Church with Rev Aerii Smith officiating. Burial will be in Utica Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday and 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tuesday at Boomhower Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com