Darrell J. Kuhn, 62, died on Saturday March 11, 2017 at Kearny County Hospital in Lakin.

He was born on November 6, 1954 at Ellis the son of John & Bernadine (Homler) Kuhn. Darrell grew up helping on the family business- Hilltop Dairy and on the farm. He attended Ellis High school and after his schooling he got a job custom cutting wheat.

He married Linda M. Wooten on September 1, 1979 at Ulysses and they made their home south of Lakin.

In the late 1970’s he bought a hay grinder and started Mid States Hay, Inc. The business would eventually grow into a full service hay operation. Darrell employed several people year round and hired area youth to aid during the busy summer season. He would be active in the hay business for 30 years. In the mid 2000’s he came full circle and started custom cutting on his own with Kuhn Harvesting.

Due to complications from Hepatitis C Darrell had a liver transplant in 2000.

He enjoyed fishing, racing & supporting local community organizations. He and his wife attended the United Methodist Church in Kendall.

He is survived by his Wife Linda of the home, 2 Sons- A.J. & wife Elsbeth Kuhn of Hesston and Benjamin of Wichita, 2 Grandchildren- Karston Kuhn & Kaydee Kuhn. His Mother Bernadine Kuhn of Hays, 3 Brothers- Bob (Linda) Kuhn of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dutch (Shirley) Kuhn of Sterling, & Pat (Diane) Kuhn of Ellis & 3 Sisters- Zoe Gleason of Bozeman, Montana, Mary (John) Gillespie of Sterling & Rhonda Meyerhoff of Clifton. He was preceded in death by his Father and Brother- David Kuhn.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in Lakin with the Rev Gina Tyler & Rev Aaron Duell officiating. Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 PM Tuesday with the family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of Kendall, Lakin Bronc Backers or United Network for Organ Sharing in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com

Gerald Jack Thouvenelle, recently of Mount Pleasant, SC died on Friday, March 10, 2017. He was born on August 15, 1922, in Vesper, KS.

He attended Kansas State University, but WW II interrupted his studies, and joined the US Army to defend America’s freedom. In 1944 he joined the US Army, and participated in the Pacific theater in WWII, During the Korean War he was stationed in Seoul, Korea, where he met and married Margaret Rose Bibza, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Women’s Army Medical Corps. Together they had three children, Suzanne, Adrienne (Ashby), and Gerald John. During one of his many assignments at the Pentagon he completed his undergraduate coursework and matriculated from American University with a degree in Political Science.

After 26 years as a Military Intelligence Officer, Jack, as he was known by his many friends, retired, as a “full-bird Colonel” and became an elementary school librarian for Arlington County Public Schools in Virginia. He worked tirelessly to support teachers and children in their pursuit of knowledge and technology. After retirement from the public schools he dedicated himself to supporting the business ventures of his children, helping out at Russell Veterinary Services, and traveling the Midwest supporting Suzanne’s software products. During his time in Mount Pleasant, he enjoyed many family-focused celebrations and experiences with the young Ashby great-granddaughters. He will be greatly missed by all. Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy of 69 years, two daughters, Suzanne Thouvenelle, Adrienne Ashby, and a son, Gerald John Thouvenelle, two grandchildren, Mason Christopher Ashby, Noel Thouvenelle Ashby Nadolny and three great-granddaughters, Reagan Lynn, Teaghan Caroline, and Lakelyn Grace Ashby.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas with Pastor James Alexander officiating. A burial will follow at 1:00 P.M. at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney, Kansas. Military rites will be performed at the mortuary by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Viewing will be from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 7 P.M. to 8 P.M. Tuesday evening. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Kim S. Billinger, 63, Hays, Kansas died Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born January 13, 1954, in Hays, Kansas to Michael D. and Leenore (Bieker) Billinger.

He graduated from Thomas More Prep-Marian in 1972 and went to work for the Hesston Corporation. In 1974, he moved back to Hays and joined the family-owned Ellis County Farmer newspaper/printing business which later became the Ellis County Star. He married Lee Ann Haga on November 26, 1983. They had one daughter together, Alexandra. They later divorced and remained close friends. In 1984, Kim purchased the business along with his sister and served as the owner until he retired in 2016.

He enjoyed spending time with his daughter, brother, family and friends. He was an avid sports fan rooting for Kansas University and Kansas State University teams in addition to the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He also enjoyed his time at Cedar Bluff Lake, driving around especially in his jeep with the top off, companionship with his beloved dogs and visiting with customers at Ellis County Star. He took great pride in his printing work.

He is survived by his daughter, Alexandra Billinger, Mission, Kansas, a brother, Mike “Mickey” Billinger and wife Susie, a brother-in-law, Al Pfeifer, nieces and nephews, Michael S. Billinger, Amanda R. Ricke and husband Brad, and Joelle Lehman, all of Hays, and Gretchen Gunnels of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sueellen Pfeifer.

Memorial services will be 11 AM on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Visitation will be Monday, March 13, 2017 from 5 PM – 7:30 PM with a combined vigil and rosary service at 6:30 PM all at the funeral chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Midwest Transplant Network

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

Wilma Joan Rowland, age 90, of Hays, formerly of Lawrence, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Via Christi Village in Hays. She was born December 21, 1926 in Driftwood, Oklahoma to Raymond and Frances (Hill) Orton. She married Herbert Freeman Rowland on June 2, 1945 in Alva, Oklahoma.

Wilma was a long time elementary school teacher having taught for 29 years for the Lawrence Public School system. She was an avid KU Jayhawks and KC Royals fan. She also enjoyed reading, quilting and traveling with Herbert across the united states.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Herbert of Hays; a daughter, Liz Kolacny and husband John of Ellis; a grandson and his family, Jarrett Kolacny and wife Savanah and children Grace, Teyana and Tanaya all of Grand Junction, Colorado and a granddaughter, Callie Kolacny of Hays and her nieces and nephews, Phil Shirley, Fran Shirley, Annie Prather and Frank Orton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Raymond Edward Rowland; her siblings, Richard Dean Orton, Elizabeth Shirley, Deloris Orton and Jimmie Orton and a niece, Jodie Orton.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Lawrence Schools Foundation 110 McDonald Drive Lawrence, KS 66044 or www.lawrenceschoolsfoundation.org they may also be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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

Fahey Delaine Jacka, 95, the youngest son of Ward and Oma (McCartee) Jacka, was born on December 25, 1921, south of Utica, Kansas. He departed this life on Wednesday, March 08, 2017 at the Long Term Care in Quinter, Kansas.

Delaine attended country school in rural Gove County.

He married his devoted wife in Wakeeney, Kansas on May 31, 1941. They were lifelong residents of Gove County. To this union, three daughters were born — Kay and twin daughters, Donita and Wanita.

Delaine was a lifelong farmer and rancher.

In 1956, he graduated from Roesch American School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. He auctioned at Quinter Livestock for over thirty years, also handling many household, farm, and estate sales. He often volunteered his services for 4-H, school and church functions, and many other public events, including announcing parades and Little Britches Rodeos.

Delaine served on boards for both the Citizens State Bank, Utica, Kansas, and the First State Bank, Ransom, Kansas. After retiring as a board member of the First State Bank, he became an advisor.

He attended church at both Utica and Quinter throughout the years.

Delaine is survived by his three daughters, Kay and husband Robert Curtis of Ransom, Kansas; Donita and husband Larry Boles of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Wanita Cook of the home. Grandchildren –Shad and wife Bonnie Cook, Shawn Cook all of Gove, Kansas; Sindi Baker of Blue Mound, Kansas; Shaylon Cook of Quinter, Kansas; Garold and wife Nancy Baker of Basehor, Kansas; Neil and wife Ranae Baker of Scott City, Kansas; Greg Curtis of Ransom, Kansas; and Dana Pierce of Winnsboro, Texas.

He is also survived by 30 great grandchildren, 11 great great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Loris in November 2013, his parents, his brother, Dwane, granddaughter, Sheree Chestnut, and great-granddaughter, Tristan Baker.

Funeral Service will be on Saturday, March 11, 2017, 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church, Utica with burial following in the Utica Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

The family suggests memorials to Gove County Medical Center, Gove County Long Term Care, First Christian Church, or donor’s choice.

Memories and words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Velma Lucille (Evans) Briggs entered her heavenly home on March 11, 2017 at the Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care Facility, Quinter, KS at the age of 93.

She was born at the home of her parents, Will (Bill) and Blanche (nee Walt) Evans, in the Missouri Flats community of rural Gove County on September 8, 1923, the second of three daughters. When Velma was 6 years old and her maternal grandmother died, Blanche and Bill took in Blanche’s youngest sister Alberta to raise. Alberta was Velma’s age and grew up as a sister to the Evans girls: Louise, Velma and, later, baby sister Opal, whose arrival was a delightful surprise to her older sisters. Velma grew up deeply appreciating the gift of family.

Velma attended Wild Rose Grade School in Missouri Flats and graduated from Gove High School in 1940. After obtaining a teaching certificate at Ft. Hays State College, she taught in the Grandview and Wild Rose country grade schools in Gove County. Then, seeking new adventures, she attended Strickler’s Business College in Topeka and was hired as a secretary in the Quinter 1st National Bank. While living in Quinter, she was blessed to meet Raymond Briggs of Collyer, KS. They were married on April 2, 1945, and began life on the Bill Evans farm. They had two children, Bill and Karen, and enjoyed 59 happy years together before Raymond passed away in June 2004. Velma was a loving wife and mother, an avid reader, excellent cook and housekeeper, enthusiastic amateur artist, devoted animal lover, and fan of classic westerns, in print and on film. She was always ready to help her family and many friends whenever they were in need. Velma was a long-term member of the Missouri Flats Modern Homemakers Club and the Gyne Fealti Club of Quinter. After her children were grown, she worked as a teacher’s aide for a number of years at the Missouri Flats School. She cherished time with her grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities. Velma loved farm life, but embraced new experiences when she moved to Quinter in 2005. She was a member of the Gove Community Bible Church and found joy and comfort in her Christian faith.

Velma was preceded in death by her beloved husband Raymond, her parents Bill and Blanche Evans, her older sister Louise Pearce, her aunt raised as a sister Alberta (Walt) McCrate, and many dear friends and family members. Velma is survived by her son Bill (Kerry) Briggs, rural Gove, and her daughter Karen (Forrest) Erickson, Shawnee, KS; four grandchildren: Bart (Amy) Briggs and Joss (Megan) Briggs, rural Gove, and Amanda (Bruce) Harbord and Elizabeth (Steve) Friedman, Shawnee, KS; and seven great grandchildren: Addie, Anna, and Amelia Briggs and Avery and Mia Briggs all of rural Gove, and Bridget and Wesley Harbord, Shawnee, KS; her younger sister Opal Prather, rural Gove; wonderful nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Gove Community Bible Church, Gove. Burial will be in the Gove Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to service time at Gove Community Bible Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Gove Community Bible Church or the GCMC Long Term Care Facility. Donations made to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Mary Barbara Boddiger, age 81, died on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on April 4, 1935 in Evanston, Illinois, the daughter of John Henry and Mary P. Rasmussen Luensman.

She was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church, the American Red Cross, Eagles, Wheatbelt Good Sams Camping Club, Friends of the Lee Richardson Zoo, and Friends of Sagebrush Bison Range, all of Garden City, KS, and Buena Vista Snowmobile Club of Buena Vista, CO.

On July 5, 1958, she married James F. Boddiger in Woodstock, Illinois.

She is survived by:

Two Sons: Jeffrey A. Boddiger of Wichita, Kansas

David J. Boddiger of Longmont, Colorado

Two Daughters: Julie L. Morris of Garden City, Kansas

Diana I. Boddiger of Hays, Kansas

Two Brothers Richard Luensman of Libertyville, Illinois

James Luensman of Jacksonville, Flordia

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry and Mary, her husband, James, oldest brother John Robert Luensman, younger sister, Carol Pearson, and sister in law Dolly Luensman.

There will be no calling times.

A memorial service will be held at that Garden Valley Retirement Village Chapel between 2 and 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2017.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the St. James Lutheran Church, 1608 Belmont, at 10:00 a.m.

Inurnment will take place immediately following the service at St. James at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the St. James Lutheran Church or the American Red Cross Disaster Services in care of Price & Sons; 620 N. Main St. Garden City, Kansas 67846.

Bernice (Pfeifer) Rhea, daughter of Frank and Mary (Seib) Pfeifer was born in Ellis County on February
10, 1929 and she went home to be with God on March 11, 2017.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard “Dick” of the home, daughters Rhonda Haislip and
Chet Morris of Kingman Arizona, Donna and Gary Haislip of Wallace, Kansas, Amie and Jay Sharp of
Sharon Springs, Kansas and son, Kurt and Cheri Rhea of Litchfield Park, Arizona. 10 Grandchildren: Lorie
and Pat Reed, Salina, Kansas, Justin and Michele Haislip, Sharon Springs, Kansas, Travis Haislip and
Jennifer Lacount, San Diego California, Jodi and Daran Chaput , Olathe, Kansas, Casey and Megan Rhea,
Litchfield Park Arizona, Keith and Ashlee Rhea, Windsor, Colorado, Breanna Sharp, Hays Kansas and Tyler Sharp of Hays Kansas, Step‐grandchildren AJ Ita, Omaha, Nebraska, and Marti Ita, Lawrence, Kansas. 15 Great‐Grandchildren: Cody Reed of Gardner, Kansas, Trey Haislip and Carli Haislip, Sharon Springs, Josh Reed, Salina Kansas, Dawson and Dustin Haislip , San Diego, California, Morgan, Malin and Grant of Olathe Kansas, Lexi, Kendall and Cadence Rhea, Litchfield Park, Arizona, Kaylee and Braxton Rhea, Windsor, Colorado and Jaelyn Ita, Wallace Kansas; 2 brothers George Pfeifer, Omaha, Nebraska and Lefty and Carol Pfeifer, Salina Kansas and 1 sister in law Lilly Pfeifer Hays Kansas, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, 1 sister, Velma Dreiling, 4 brothers Jr, Eugene, Bob and Al,
granddaughter and grandson‐in‐law Tricia and Thad Ita and step‐grandson, Jake Ita.

She attended school in Hays, Kansas and graduated from Wallace County High School in Sharon Springs,
Kansas. She married Richard “Dick” Rhea on December 28, 1949 in Sharon Springs. She enjoyed
traveling with her husband as he participated in the sports of car racing and horse racing. She truly
loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great‐grandchildren. She was always there for
her children and grandchildren at their school activities and sporting events. Her happiest times were at
family gatherings.

She was a member of the Mothers Club, Pinochle Club and the Holy Ghost Altar Society. She spent time
as a CCD teacher and helped with Boy Scouts and she always wanted to be an Eucharistic Minister, but
by the time the church allowed women, she said she was getting too old.

Her beautiful life was full of fun and family and she leaves all of us so many precious memories that we
all will cherish forever.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 10:30 AM MT at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs with Father Norbert Dlabal officiating. Burial will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery, Sharon Springs, KS.

A Vigil and Rosary Service will be held on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 6:30 PM MT at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sharon Springs with Father Kyle Berens officiating.

Memorials may be designated to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church and may be left at the service 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, Sharon Springs, KS.