ELLIS – C. Celeste Bliss-Johnson, 47, died Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.

Services will be 11 AM Monday in Atwood, Kansas at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Visitation will be Sunday 3 PM – 6 PM at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby, KS  (745 South Country Club Drive) www.kersenbrockfuneralchapel.com

Services are by Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel in Colby.

Rainell Louise Goodale, age 59, of Hays, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017 in Hays. She was born September 9, 1957 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Robert Raine and Dorothy Louise (Weise) Anderson. She graduated from Maxwell High School in Maxwell, Kansas and from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Rainell was an Elementary School Teacher for over 30 years. She taught at Washington, Lincoln and for more than 20 of those years at O’Loughlin Elementary. During her teaching career, she served on numerous school and district committee’s. Her teaching memberships included KNEA, NEA, ADK and was voted USD 489 Master Teacher by her colleagues in 2011. Rainell was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hays and enjoyed quilting, cooking, craft projects, restoring antique furniture but most of all spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her sons and their families, Jeremy Goodale and wife Jennifer and their daughters, Reanna and Lila all of Hays. Jerod Goodale and wife Jessica and their daughters, Riley and Lauryn all of Denver; her mother, Dorothy Anderson of Denver and her siblings, Debbie Dougherty of Denver, George Anderson of Mineral Bluffs, Georgia and Margaret Brooks of Denver.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Raine Anderson.

Memorial services will be 11 AM Monday, March 13, 2017 with the family present to receive friends from 10 AM until service time at the First United Methodist Church in Hays.

Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Rainell Goodale Memorial Fund.

Bazil Eugene (Gene) Herberger, of Krum, TX, passed away March 3, 2017, at Denton Regional Hospital, at the age of 84. The son of Leo and Helena (Breeden) Herberger, Mr. Herberger was originally from Springfield, MO. From 1969 – 1981, Mr. Herberger lived in Hays, KS, where he was active in Rotary International, where he was the 2001 Rotarian of the Year and named a Paul Harris Fellow.

He was a member of the Hays Chamber of Commerce, USD 489 school board, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. He was member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Denton. Mr. Herberger was married from 1957 – 1987 to Shirley Sumners Herberger who pre deceased him. He was married to Vicky Robertson Herberger from 1988 – 2009. Herberger was also pre deceased by his brothers Adrian and Charles Herberger.

Mr. Herberger is survived by five children, Evie Debic (Jean Luc), Richardson, TX; Teri Herberger (Angela Richmond), Salisbury, MD; Donna Cooper Gonzalez (Mauricio), Denton, TX; Jessica Kirchner (Kyle), Highland Village, TX; Laurel Herberger (Garrett Thompson), Denton, TX; and eight grandchildren: Mathieu Debic, Austin (Amanda) Cooper, Stefan Debic, Kyle Cooper, and Cassidy, Breleigh, Kellen and Cameran Kirchner. Mr. Herberger’s first great-grandchild, Easton Cooper, is expected in June.

The life of Gene Herberger will be celebrated privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Epilepsy Foundation in his name. 

Ethel Marie Miley, angel on loan from God, passed away from this earth on March 3, 2017 in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 91. She was born November 23, 1925 in Quinter, Kansas to the late Harvey and Josephine (Tomanek) Rodgers. She attended a one room schoolhouse near Studley, Kansas and attended Sheridan Community High School. She received her GED at the age 50 and went on to earn her Certified Nursing Assistant License from Colby Community College. She had delayed her education to care for her little sister, Marjorie, who had a fatal illness. Upon completing her education, she worked at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTCU until she was 80 years old.

On January 31, 1943 she was united in marriage to Earl “JUnior” D. Miley, Jr. of Tasco, Kansas. To this union six children were born; a daughter Leila, and sons Larry, Lonnie, Lee Roy, Leslie, and Lynn. The family lived in Osceola, Fremont, and Omaha, Nebraska before moving to Norton, and finally Hoxie, Kansas.

Church was central to Ethel’s life. A true witness for the Lord, she was baptized on September 24, 1950 and loved sharing her faith and testimony with others. She enjoyed her family and extended family, especially traveling to visit her children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces, and nephews all around Kansas and Nebraska. Her most recent trip was to Wichita to celebrate her 91st birthday at her granddaughter’s, house stopping at her sister Nadine’s home in Salina, Kansas on her way home.

Some of Ethel’s happiest memories were after her move to Osceola. She kept active as a member of the Methodist Church, playing bridge, dancing, attending her children’s school activities, volunteering as a Cub Scout Leader, and as a member of the Daughters of Rebekah and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodges. But most of all she kept busy as an involved and doting mother to all her children. Whether it was weddings, wedding dances, holidays, or any special occasion, she was always ready to help cook, serve, or host the party. She was never happier than when the people she loved were around her. Her tiny home always had room for large gatherings of family and friends. The family always heard comments like, “Ethel took care of my mother, what a wonderful woman”.

Ethel is survived by her sons Larry Dean Miley and wife Carol of Oak Grove, MO, Lonnie Ray Miley of Mesa, AZ, Leslie Gale Miley and wife Bonnie of Lincoln, NE, and Lynn Harvey Miley of Beatrice, NE; daughter Leila Rein and husband Leroy of Lincoln, NE; sisters Doris Tussler of Minnesota, and Nadine Schneider of Salina; grandchildren Tami Nagle ( Steve), Todd Rein, Shari Luebbe (Roger), Shane Miley (Jessica), Lisa Hansen (Lars), Stephanie McInturf ( Derek), Chris Miley, Amanda Fletcher ( Derrick), Matthew Miley, Sara Bills ( Charlie), Jessica Marie Elder ( Keith), Deanna Grantham (Daniel); over twenty great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Josephine Rodgers; son Lee Roy Miley; sisters Marjorie Rodgers, Bertha Mae Rodgers, and Betty Sontag; and granddaughter Traci Carder.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Hoxie, with Pastor Jake Schadel officiating. A reception and lunch will follow the service in the Church Social Hall. There will be no visitation. A private family graveside service will be held at the Beatrice Cemetery in Beatrice, Nebraska at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Hoxie United Methodist Church for the children’s programs.

Ethel worked hard but joyfully, as a servant of her Lord, all the days of her life. She touched many lives, always reaching out to help others, as countless testimonies of family, friends, and neighbors still attest. As a loving, caring mother, her family was second only to God; and although she has now gone home to be with her Lord, her memories, and kind caring ways, will live on in our hearts for all eternity.

Vivian M. Kreiser, age 90, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on August 5, 1926 in Middletown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Raymond J. And Marian Conrad Davies. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 2009 moving from Middletown, Pennsylvania, she was a assembly line worker for the Hershey Chocolate Factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

On June 15, 1945 she married Gerald N. Kreiser in Royalton, Pennsylvania. He passed away on April 12, 2007 in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

Survivors Include her One Daughter – Sharon Kreiser Lock of Scott City, Kansas, One Son In Law – Larry Lock of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother – Earl Davies of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, One Sister – LaRue Meredith of Dauphin, Pennsylvania, Seven Grandchildren, Twenty One Great Grandchildren, Five Great Great Grandchildren and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, husband, One Son – Gerald N. Kreiser Jr., One Daughter In Law – Karen Trimble Kreiser, Two Brothers and Two Sisters.

Visitation will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Private burial will be held at the Middletown Cemetery in Middletown, Pennsylvania at a later time.

Roger Alexius Staab, 82, Hays died Saturday March 3,2017 at Good Samaritan Center in Hays. He was born October 30, 1934 on the family farm in Severin, KS to Alexius and Celestina (Weigel) Staab. He was the sixth of ten children. He attended Pleasant Ridge School (Severin, KS) and graduated from Hays High School in 1952. He married Verla M Kreutzer June 2, 1954. From this union they raised five Children. Glenn D. (May 1955), Lyle F. (May 1956), Dale J. (June 1957), Terri L. (Oct 1967) and Mark A. (April 1970).

Roger was a hard working man who was wise and admired by many, especially his family. He had several occupations over the years including working at Schwaller Lumber Company, then owner of Hays City Lumber and in the following years Broker/Realtor for Landmark Reality and then finally retiring from Advanced Real Estate. He served as a volunteer Fireman in Hays (1957 to 1964), was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and served on many local and state boards throughout his lifetime. He also loved to work with his hands and took pride in showing his children, their spouses and his grand children how to fix, repair and create and to take pride in their home and family. He shared with them not only his unconditional love but his quick wit and sense of humor. And, he was not only the father, brother, Grandpa in our immediate family, but a surrogate to his children’s and grandchildren’s friends.

Survivors include his children Glenn and wife Dottie, Hays; Lyle and wife Marilyn, Overland Park, KS; Dale and wife Stephanie, Hays; Terri Hamel and husband Kyle, Gilbert, AZ and Mark and wife Missie, Dallas, TX. Eleven grandchildren, Craig, Kevin & Michelle Staab; Lily Staab; Joey, Jayme, Darin, Tanner & Conner Staab; Kylee & Taylor Hamel and ten Great Grandchildren. His brothers Robert J , Tulsa OK; Ervell A. Omaha, NE; Dennis C, Overland Park, KS and sisters Ruby M. Novak, Russell, KS and Erlene I. Overland Park, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife (Dec 2016); three brothers: Infant brother Norman, Norman G. and William J. and one sister Mabel Ann (Sister Louella); Two Grandchildren: Justin Staab and Kimberly Staab.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday 4 PM – 8 PM and Thursday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice at HaysMed or the Good Samaritan Society, Hays.

A Knights of Columbus rosary will be 6:45 PM Wednesday followed by a parish vigil service all at the funeral chapel.

Longtime Sharon Springs, Kansas, resident Jack Leroy Wertz, 80, passed away on February 26, 2017 at the Wallace County Community Care Center in Sharon Springs.

Jack was born on November 20, 1936 in Sharon Springs to Claude DeClifton and Freda (Walker) Wertz.  He was second of four children.  Jack grew up in Sharon Springs and graduated from Sharon Springs High School in 1955.  After high school, Jack rented some farm ground near his dad’s ground.  He was also the janitor at the brand new high school building that had been built in Sharon Springs.  When the new Brunswick Bowling alley was built in town, he helped run it for 3 ½ years and then bought it.  He only owned it for a short time, after realizing how many hours went in to running it; he sold it back to the original owner. 

In 1956, after being introduced by mutual friends, Jack met Patricia Ann Huff.  Their first date was bowling and being surrounded by Jack’s whole family.  They dated for a year and a half, and were married on July 9, 1961, at the High Plains Baptist Church in Sharon Springs.  In 1964, they moved to Hays.  Jack took classes and Pat taught school.  While in Hays, Jack started the Homer B. Reed program that helped people with mental and physical disabilities.  He ran the program and Pat helped raise money to fund it. 

From Hays, they moved to Port Angeles in the NW corner of Washington State.  There is where Jack started his construction business, J.L. Wertz Construction, with “a hammer, saw and a few nails”.  He continued to run this business for 40 years until retiring in 1997. 

After retiring, Jack and Pat bought a home in a retirement community in Texas and lived on a golf course.  They enjoyed going to dances, playing cards, and even going to the race track to watch the dog and ponies run.  During their marriage, Jack and Pat traveled extensively.  They spent nine weeks traveling the United States by bus; they spent 21 days in China, and have been to Spain, Greece, Italy, Russia and Egypt.  One of his most memorable trips was when they took his sisters Bev and Claudine on an RV trip and saw the sights of the Eastern United States.

In 2011, Jack and Pat moved back to Sharon Springs to be near family.  Since moving back, they have enjoyed each other’s company.  Their lives were filled with joy and laughter.  Jack always said that the meaning to life is to have someone to share it with.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother-in-law Glenn Coker.

He is survived by his wife Pat of Sharon Springs, one daughter Tammy Laughlin (Gary) of Floresville, Texas, two sisters Claudine Coker and Bev Henderson of Sharon Springs, and one brother Don Wertz of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 11:00 AM MT at the Gateway to Grace Church in Sharon Springs with Pastor Rick Dewees and Reverend Paul McNall officiating.  Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be designated to Wallace County Community Care Center 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.

Service arrangements were entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.