Longtime Goodland, Kansas, resident Melva Rae Stephan, 97, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society-Sherman County in Goodland, KS.

Melva was born on June 23, 1919 in Long Island, KS to Harlan Curtis and Clara Cyrena (Thornton) Atkinson. She was one of two children. In 1920, when Melva was only one, the family moved from Long Island to Goodland. Melva attended school in Goodland, and graduated in 1938 from Sherman Community High School.
On February 14, 1942, Melva married Virgil Patrick Stephan in Goodland. To this union, two children Lonnie and Mary were born.

Melva worked for 30 years at JCPenny’s in Goodland as a sales clerk. She was a member of the First Christian Church, the GRMC Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. She just recently received her 41 year pin from the GRMC Auxiliary and her 71 year pin from the VFW Auxiliary. Melva enjoyed needlework and was an avid reader. She also enjoyed spending much of retirement with all of her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Virgil, a grandson Mike Tagtmeyer, a great granddaughter Sheena Tagtmeyer, her son-in-law Phil Brockus and her sister and brother-in-law Maxine and Dale Rauscher.
She is survived by her two daughters; Lonnie (Gary) Newell of Goodland, KS and Mary Brockus of Smith Center, KS. She is also survived by five grandchildren Lee (Jenni) Newell of Stilwell, KS, Lorie (Mike) Abbey of Goodland, KS, Gina (Keith) Snethen of Goodland, KS, Greg (Deanna) Newell of Ulysses, KS, and Pat (Jessica) Tagtmeyer of Smith Center, KS; as well as 14 great grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Melva were held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 10:30 AM MT at the First Christian Church with Pastor Doug Amend officiating. Burial was held in the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, KS.

Visitation was held on Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Memorials may be designated to the First Christian Church or to Hospice of Sherman County and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral service arrangements were entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Juanita Rose “Nita” Teller, 18, Hays, died Thursday, April 6, 2017 at the Hays Medical Center.

She was born April 21, 1998 in Wichita, Kansas and was the daughter of Katherine L. Teller. She attended Hays High School and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she was a Youth Deacon and recently, ordained a Deacon in the church. Her two great loves were her daughter and music. She was a great mother, and enjoyed playing clarinet and violin in the school orchestra, and she taught herself to play piano.

Survivors include her Mother; Katherine Lynne Teller of Hays, her daughter; Aryana Reese of Hays, two brothers; Richard McKinley “Rick” Packard and Alexander Gale “Alex” Packard, both of Hays, her grandmother; Patsy Rose Teller of Hays, three aunts; Jean Ellen Teller of Lawrence, Patricia Gayle Klonicki and husband Michael of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mary Ann Halleran and husband Michael of Emporia, and two cousins; Maura Rose Halleran and Thomas William Halleran.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather; Gale Eldon Teller.

A celebration of Nita’s life will take place at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall Street, Hays. Inurnment will follow in the Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am until service time on Wednesday at the church.

Memorials can be made to the Aryana Reese Fund, and may be left at the church on Wednesday or mailed to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, to be forwarded on to the family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Yvonne B. Werth, SFO, LT/Col, USAF/NC/Ret. age 89, of Hays, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Via Christi Village, Hays. She was born November 6, 1927 on a farm near Schoenchen, Kansas to John A. and Rose M. (Stoecklein) Werth. She attended parochial and high school in Schoenchen. She received her nursing degree at St. John’s School of nursing, affiliated with Marymount College, Pediatrics affiliation at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. Shortly after graduation in 1948 she responded to the National Polio Foundation through the Denver registry for the Polio victims in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

She was commissioned a 2nd Lt March 24, 1951 and entered the Air Force May 27, 1951. The following were her assignments, Shepperd AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas. Burtonwood AFB, Lancashire England, Norton AFB, San Bernardino, Calif. School of Aviation Medicine (Flight Nurse course) Gunter, Alabama, Clark AFB, Philippines, Hamilton AFB, Calif, Chief of nursing service 9th Aeromedical South of Pacific command, Hq, Tachikowa, Japan. (Water survival training in Japan). Vance AFB, Oklahoma, Holleman AFB, New Mexico, Los Angeles AF station, Calif. In 1964, she was awarded the AF commendation medal. In 1968, she went on an inspection tour with the AFIG team. On January 17, 1972, she retired from the AF to her residence in Huntington Beach, Calif. She moved to Hays Nov 1998.

She was a member of St. Joseph Church and made her profession in the Secular Franciscan Order on March 19, 2000. She was a member of the Knights of the Immaculation Assoc. of the Miraculous Medal, Marian Helpers of the Devine Mercy, Universal Living Rosary Association which is a mission partner with catholic church. Extension society, spiritual child of Padre Rio (St. Rio), member of the Schoenchen Altar Society and Military Officers Assoc.

She has (15) spiritual daughters (Professed) and 10 spiritual sons (priests) through the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and several families (through sons a family plan). She and her family were involved with many mission projects for 30 years.

She is survived by her brother, Allen Werth of Louisville, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death, by her parents; a brother, Edwin and sisters, Hubertine and Orlinda and Richarda.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Monday, April 10, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen, Kansas. Burial with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 9, 2017 5 PM – 8 PM with a parish vigil service at 7 PM and Monday visitation will be 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of the High Plains or St. Anthony Church.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]

Sheila M. Bieberle, 56, passed away April 3, 2017.

Sheila is survived by husband, Roger A. Bieberle; sons, Tyler and Christopher Bieberle; sisters, LeAnn (Virgil) Kuntz, Abilene, KS, Vicky (Brad) Joseph, Oakley, KS, Jacky (Keith) Zerr, Gove, KS, Shirley Haffner, Park, KS and Raelene (Cory) Miller, Cheney, KS; in-laws, Kristen (Brian) Stout, Ellinwood, KS and Rob (Cynthia) Bieberle, Colby, KS; 23 nieces and nephews; and 7 great-nephews. She was preceded by her parents, Francis X. Heier; Mary M. (Hartman) Heier; and infant brother, Leland F. Heier.

Sheila grew up on the family farm north of Grainfield, learning to make mud pies, tending the farm animals, cleaning house until it sparkled and having faith and trust in our Lord. Her deep faith was influenced by her parents, grandparents and family. She graduated from Wheatland High School in 1978 and attended Kansas State University. Sheila worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Karl Neuenschwander in Hoxie, KS until she moved to Denver, CO. Upon graduating from nanny school, Sheila worked for many years as a nanny in Chicago. She met the love of her life, Roger Bieberle and they were married in May 1992. To this union, Tyler and Christopher were born. Her eyes would overflow with pride for these two sons as they grew into adulthood. Sheila shared her love of children as she ran her day care home when her boys were young. She operated her own cleaning business in Wichita and was also a sales associate for Dillard’s, Kohl’s, and Kirkland’s for many years.

Sheila had a love and expanded energy for life and family. With all the sparkle, bling and pinkness, she supported her family’s love of dirt bike racing, taught her boys about baiting a hook to catch fish, and she sewed and hand crafted many items for her nieces and nephews. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and Sheila captured thousands of precious family moments in each click of the shutter; she shared her art of jewelry making, her love of antiquing, and her talent of interior decorating with her family and friends.Sheila was a beautiful, vibrant, artistic, and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend who added a sparkle to our lives and will be missed dearly by all who knew her. Her services will be held in both Wichita and Grainfield Kansas.

A visitation from 6-8 p.m. Thursday April 6, 2017 will be held at Resthaven Mortuary in Wichita. A visitation from 7-8 p.m. with Rosary service following at 8 p.m. Friday April 7, 2017 will be held at St. Agnes Educational Center and Mass of the Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Sat. April 8, 2017 at St. Agnes Catholic Church both in Grainfield, Kansas. Memorial donations may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church 266 Cedar St., Grainfield, KS 67737.

Norman Raphael Schippers, age 74, retired regional sales manager, former principal and loving father and grandfather, passed away and closed his eyes on this earth and opened them to heaven on Sunday, March 26, 2017. He was born on February 17, 1943 at Victoria, Kansas to John and Anna (Kippes) Schippers. He married Lila Mae (Hammerschmidt) on August 7, 1965 in Hays, Kansas. She passed away on December 4, 2016.

Survivors include his son, Norman F. Schippers, The Woodlands, TX; two grandchildren, Taylor Schippers and Nicholas Schippers, both of The Woodlands, TX; one brother, Paul Schippers, Victoria, KS; four sisters, Sr.
Mary Ann Schippers C.S.A., Fon du Lac, WI; Lucy Baier, Hays, KS; Estella Kuhn, Victoria, KS; and Lillian Leiker, Hays, KS; three sisters-In-Law, Armella Schippers, Olathe, KS; Joann Schippers, Springfield, MO; and
Marietta Schippers Lies, Wichita, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, five brothers, Herman Schippers and his wives, Loretta and Edna; George Schippers and his wife, Lillian; John Schippers, Lawrence Schippers, and Art Schippers; three brothers-in-law, Paul Baier, Francis Kuhn and Maurice Leiker; and one sister-in-law, Theresa Schippers.

Services Held At 11:00 A.M. Friday April 7, 2017 The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas

Memorials have been established with: Salem Ministries, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball, TX 77377, and Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, 1701 Hall Street, Hays, KS 67601.

Helen “Susie” Ubert, age 94, of Hays, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Via Christi Village, Hays. She was born August 1, 1922 in Schoenchen, Kansas to Joseph and Catherine (Werth) Dinges. She graduated from Girls Catholic High in Hays. On October 26, 1957 she married Elmer Ubert in Hays. He preceded her in death July 24, 1983.

Susie was a long time office manager for Don E. Pratt Oil and Farm Operations. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Daughters of Isabella and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by a daughter, Sue Schmidt and husband Steve of Hays; two grandsons, Scott Schmidt and wife Rachel and Kyle Schmidt all of Smithville, Missouri; a great grandson, Carter Schmidt of Hays as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Fidelis, Frank, Ted and Anthony Dinges and eight sisters, Bridget Werth, Agnes Ruder, Martina Ruder, Mary Pfannenstiel, Bert Rayl, Rose Smith, Paulette Hamel and Catherine “Kitty” Beyer.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Friday, April 7, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday 5 PM – 8 PM and Friday 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A Daughters of Isabella rosary service will be Thursday at 6:45 PM with a parish vigil service at 7 PM all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian.

Condolences may be sent by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].

Edwin L. Allen, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on February 2, 1923 in Scott County, Kansas, the son of Albert Allison and Ethyl Gertrude Miller Allen. A lifetime resident of Scott County, Kansas, he was a farmer.

He was a member of the Prairie View Church of The Brethren in Friend, Kansas.

On April 9, 1944 he married Maurine Snyder in Scott City, Kansas. She passed away on October 25, 1975 in Scott City, Kansas. On July 17, 1976 he married Evelyn Neal in Scott City, Kansas. She passed away on June 22, 1993 in Scott City, Kansas. Edwin’s last companion of 17 years, Elvira Billinger passed away January 22, 2017.

Survivors Include his Two Sons – Dennis & Elaine Allen of Scott City, Kansas, Mike & Linda Allen of Garden City, Kansas, Three Daughters – Darlene & Barry Bontrager of North Newton, Kansas, Patti & Greg Quakenbush of Valencia, California, Jana & David Miller of Hays, Kansas, Thirteen Grandchildren, Twenty Six Great Grandchildren and One Great Great Grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, 2 Wive’s, Companion, Twin Infant Daughters, One Brother and One Sister.

Funeral Services will be held at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 7, 2017 with Dr. Greg Quakenbush presiding.

Memorials in LIEU of Flower may be given to Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.

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

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

Shirley Reed of Goodland, age 81, was born in Dighton, Kansas on November 18, 1935. She entered Heaven’s gates on April 4, 2017.

On September 26, 1950 she married Lavern Reed and was a dedicated mother and homemaker. Her greatest pride was her yard where she spent countless hours caring for her lawn and flowers. She loved going out for coffee with the ladies, Friday night bowling, playing pinochle with friends and spending time with her family, and grand kids.

She had an unwavering faith in God and was an active member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church attending services until her health started to fail.

She is survived by her son Barry Reed and his wife Dianna of Alliance NE; son Robert Reed of Goodland, KS; son Ronnie Reed and his wife Debbie of Goodland, KS; son David Reed and his wife Denise of Lee Summit, MO; daughter Teresa Vance and her husband Brian of Wray, CO. Her sister Darlene Jerauld of Leoti, KS; sister Joyce Kidwell of Maize, KS; and brother Jack and his wife Sheri of Scott City, KS. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, Kelli Keahi, Jasen Reed, Traci Hadden, Mike Reed, Brain Pettit, Shawn Reed, Kerri Vasquez, Tyson Reed, Chandi Reed, Nathaniel Reed, Bailey Reed, Blaize Vance and Logan Vance, and 19 Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Lavern D. “Bud” Reed and her parents, Theodore and Alma Rapier, her brother Eugene and her sister Lavon.

The family will receive friends at the visitation on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. MT at Bateman Funeral Home. Funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10:30 a.m MT at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 222 West 13th Street, Goodland. Burial will follow at the Goodland Cemetery.

Memorials may be left or sent to the Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Online condolences: www.batemanfuneral.com

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Gary Wayne Henson passed away Tuesday, April 04, 2017 at his home near Stockton, Kansas at the age of 69. He was born on July 29, 1947 in Pratt, Kansas to the late Carl and Gladys (Trotter) Henson. Raised in Woodston, Kansas, he grew up in the Methodist Church, and graduated from Woodston High School with the Class of 1965. He went on to attend Fort Hays State College for one year. On June 19, 1999 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara Wilson, at the Congregational Church in Stockton.

Gary served in the United States Army National Guard and hung out at the local V.F.W. to enjoy a cup of coffee and visit with friends. He loved driving truck, having worked on custom harvest crews, and hauling grain. He also worked for Rooks County, running the snow plow whenever it was needed. For fun he liked trapping, was an avid car buff (he seemed to know everything about them), and always took opportunity to visit with pilots that flew into the local airport.

Gary is survived by his wife Barbara Henson of the home near Stockton; brothers Keith Henson and wife Beth of Hesparia, CA, and Troy Henson and wife Cathy of Robinson; sisters Myrna Russ of Hiawatha, and Glenda Carver and husband Stan of Westminster, CO; father-in-law Harold W. Wilson of Kingman; and his faithful companion Dundee.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Gladys Henson.

Gary was a hardworking, fun loving man, who loved his wife, family, friends, and dog more than anything in the world. His dry sense of humor and quick one-liners never failed to bring plenty of smiles and laughter. His joyful heart, ornery smile, and triumphant spirit will leave a legacy that will last forever, and keep his memory alive for eternity.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30am on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Stockton. Burial will follow in the Woodston City Cemetery in Woodston. Visitation will be from 1:00-8:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home.