Herman Joseph Bricker, 79, passed away Sunday Nov 3, 2019, at 1 p.m. from natural causes at the Drumright Nursing Home in Drumright, Oklahoma. 

He was born March 31, 1940, to Paul Bricker and Christine (Berens) Bricker in Gorham. He was the oldest of four boys. 

In Herman’s early years, he worked at the Gorham Co-Op. And later in life, he was a hard worker in the Oilfield of Russell, where he worked at a few different companies as a Roustabout hand. 

On October 14, 1972, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann (Karst) Bricker. With this union, they were blessed with two children — Sandra and Christopher. 

Herman’s free time was mostly spent with his three grandchildren. But he spent countless hours sitting on the Saline River fishing for catfish with his family. He also loved hunting and working in his garage doing woodworking. His grandson Craig loved playing pranks on him. His grandson Jakob enjoyed organizing and cleaning up his garage while his only granddaughter Kiera enjoyed it when “Pops” would let her paint his toe nails and put bows in his hair. 

Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Christine Bricker and his three brothers, Gary, Cecil & Phil. 

He is survived by his wife Patty, of the home. Daughter Sandy Boos of Russell Ks and significant other Tom Batt, son Chris Bricker and wife Shani of Cushing Okla., along with his three Grandchildren. Craig Boos and wife Victoria of Wichita, Grandson Jakob Boos of Hays and Granddaughter Kiera Bricker of Cushing, Okla. 

Herman was a hard worker, very loyal family man and he had countless friends and family members that will truly miss him. 

Celebration of Herman’s Life will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 8, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A Memorial has been established with Russell Rough Riders. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Ramona Hutchinson, 78, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, November 04, 2019, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Ramona was born on January 27, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Phillip and Ruth (Schooling) Lopez. She grew up in Waldo, Kansas, and graduated from Waldo High School in the class of 1959. After high school, she attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1963, with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish. She was united in marriage to Ralph Bauman in June of 1963, and from this union Ramona and Ralph were blessed with a son Marc. She lived most of her life in Washington State and worked as an administrative assistant for over 20 years with Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. Ramona found love a second time and was united in marriage to Thomas J. Hutchinson on December 20, 2007. She was a longtime member of the Bible Baptist Church in Russell. She enjoyed playing the piano starting with lessons in Osborne. She accompanied vocal groups in school, played for churches and individuals. Also, Ramona enjoyed the outdoors, her cats and was a big University of Kansas sports fan. She loved being Grandma Mona to her grandkids James and Emma, playing with them when they were young, watching them while their parents traveled, and attending their activities as the distance allowed.

Surviving family include her mother Ruth Elder of Russell, Kansas; brother Carlos Lopez and wife Barbara of Clarkesville, Georgia; son Marc Bauman and wife Lisa of Kirkland, Washington; grandchildren Emma and James Bauman; stepchildren Sheryl and Steven Corn of Great Bend, Kansas; Randle Hutchinson and wife Stephanie of Falun, Kansas and Bruce Hutchinson and wife Angela of Kansas City, Missouri; 10 step grandchildren and many step great grandchildren. Ramona is also survived by an aunt, cousins step-siblings and many Baumans. She was preceded in death by her father.

A celebration of Ramona’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas with Pastor Dale Lane officiating. Burial will be in Grand Center Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. on Monday, November 11, 2019, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Monday evening. Memorials may be given to the Bible Baptist Church of Russell, Kansas and can be sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Eldon J. Tauscher, 89, passed away November 4, 2019 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.

He was born, April 26, 1930 in Schoenchen to John A. and Rosella Wasinger Tauscher.

A longtime area resident he was the owner of Tauscher Body Shop in Larned for 65 years.

He served in the United States Army. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, VFW, and the American Legion, all of Larned.

On November 22, 1949 he married Betty Meyeres at Beaver, they later divorced.

He is survived by: Betty Tauscher, Larned; two daughters, Cindy L. Tauscher, Garfield, Barbara E. Sebo, Smithville, Missouri; three sons, Michael G. Mike (Dyann Twitchell) Tauscher, Rocky J. (Andrea) Tauscher, both of Larned, David W. (Rick) Tauscher, Overland Park; three brothers, Ernie Tauscher, Kenny Tauscher, both of Arkansas City, Harry Tauscher, Chicago, Illinois; four grandchildren, Erica, Alec, Zack, Trevor; and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; a daughter, Christine A. Tauscher; son, Dennis Tauscher; two sisters, Bernice Reidel and Henrietta Farmer; three brothers, Arthur Lee Tauscher, Gerald Tauscher, Ronnie Tauscher.

Funeral mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Bernard Felix presiding. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Mortuary with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Burial in Larned Cemetery with military graveside rites.

Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Claude James “C.J.” Werth, MD, died peacefully in Ocala, Florida, on October 28, 2019. He was born June 4, 1937 in Hays, Kansas, to Clemet and Agatha Rupp Werth.

As a graduate of high school and a 3-sport varsity letterman, he spent the summer playing minor league baseball. After four months of traveling by bus to small towns, he decided to take another path. C.J. graduated Magna Cum Laude from Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas, having majored in Pre-Med. He received his MD degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas.

Following a one year internship at St. Lukes Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, C.J. was assigned to and spent three years as Captain of the Medical Office with the National Security Agency, US Embassy, London. Following his service at the US Embassy in London, he completed residency training in Neuropsychiatry at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. He was in private practice within the greater Kansas City Metro Area and served as the Medical Director of the Stress Unit in Sedalia, Missouri, where he and his wife Linda were in private practice together for eleven years. He retired in 2002 to a life of leisure in Ocala, Florida. His main hobby was an unsuccessful attempt to become perfect at an imperfect game of golf, but had 5 “Hole in Ones” to his name!

C.J. was a Kansas City Royals and Chiefs Fan and a forever loyal Jayhawk! He loved traveling, reading and bird watching. C.J. claims he lost his battle with squirrels. As a guest columnist, he contributed to both the Kansas City Star and Ocala Star Banner.

Dr. Werth is survived by the love of his life his beloved Wife Linda; 4 Children, 6 Grandchildren; Brother Clem; Sister, Cynthia and his faithful Brother-In-Law Peter Littlefield.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Werth’s home from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. C.J.’s ashes will be inurned in Denver, Colorado at a later date. Donations can be made in his memory to the Salvation Army online, give.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-725-2769.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Roberts Funeral Homes, East Chapel, Ocala, Florida. Condolences and memories can be shared at robertsfuneralhomes.com.

Betty Joan Flax, 84, died Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Brookdale Senior Living, Dodge City.

She was born December 27, 1934, at Hays, Kansas the daughter of Michael and Clara (Nemechek) Hoffman.

On August 5, 1960 she married Lawrence Flax at Victoria, Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 20, 2015.

She was a member of Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe. She loved to cook, put together puzzles and loved to spend time with her grandkids.

Survivors include: her son, Godfrey Flax and wife Lashaina, Dodge City; 3 brothers, Mike Hoffman, Garden City, Kansas, Frank Hoffman, Victoria, Kansas, Dan Hoffman, Hays, Kansas; 3 sisters, Aggie Geir, Garden City, Magie Driling, Denver, Colorado, Rita Friess, Spearville, Kansas; 6 grandchildren, Kendra Flax, Brittany Flax, Daytona Flax, Justice Flax, KaBrena Alexander and Ecco Keener; 8 great grand children.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Lawrence Flax Jr., brothers, Fred Dinkle, Joe, Bob, Tony and Steve Hoffman, sisters, Clementine Dinkel and Helen Kreitzor, great grand son, Brantley Alexander.

Vigil service will be at 7:00 pm Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Ziegler Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Friday November 8, 2019 at the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe with Fr. Wesley Schawe presiding. Burial will follow in Greencrest Memorial Gardens, Dodge City. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Prairie in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.

James Lawrence Newton, 79, of Ellis, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at his home.

He was born Oct. 12, 1940, in Stafford, Kan., to Ralph Newton and Belva (Bealby) Newton.

On June 11, 1966, he married Elizabeth A. Schuster in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ellis.

James graduated from Codell High School and worked in the oilfield a majority of his life. He was an avid KU Jayhawks fan, NASCAR fanatic, and loved anything on television.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of Ellis; one daughter, Pamela of Ellis; three sons, Randy Newton and Eric Newton both of Hays; Ryan Newton of Wichita; pet dog, Jack.

James is preceded in death by his parents, a stepfather, Robert Vonfeldt; a half sister, Carla (Vonfeldt) Detherage; and a niece, Lori Francis.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a parish rosary service at 7 p.m. at Keithley Funeral Chapel in Ellis.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice – Hays Medical Center, Cancer Council of Ellis County, or St. Mary’s Church.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, Kan., 67637.

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

Larry Dean Schultz, 53, of Garden City, KS, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2019, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Larry was born in the Osborne County Memorial Hospital in Osborne, KS on Saturday, October 23, 1965, to Richard and Nola (Brown) Schultz. Larry was the youngest of 3 children. He was raised on their farm in rural Osborne County. Larry graduated from the Lucas-Luray High School in 1984.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia “Cindy” Eck in 1988. To this union, 2 daughters were born. Larry worked in Gypsum, KS at Martin & Ade, Inc., Lightner Welding Supply of Salina, KS & Garden City, KS and Heat Waves Hot Oil Service of Finney County, before he became a trucker. He became an over the road trucker for CAST Transportation until he became ill with cancer in March of 2018.

Larry’s interests included NASCAR, shooting targets, hunting and spending time with his family and friends.

Larry is survived by his parents, Richard & Nola Schultz of Lucas, KS; daughters: Victoria Schultz (Brian Bradfield) of Garden City, KS; Joanie (Brayden) Galliart of Garden City, KS; brother: Lyle (Diane) Schultz of Lucas; sister: Annette (Jerry) Lantz of Salina, KS; nephews, family & friends.

Click HERE for service details.

Raymond J. Thornburg, 93, of Osborne, KS, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at the South Central Medical Center, in Arkansas City, KS.

He was born in Alton, KS on April 1 1926 to the late Raymond & Florence (King) Thornburg.

Raymond graduated from high school in Alton, KS.

He served in the U. S. Army in WW II and received the Purple Heart. After Raymond was discharged from the Army, he went to work at Hardman Wholesale Lumber and later was manager for the Minden, Neb., location.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Ardyce, of the home; his son: Ron Thornburg of Winfield, KS; sister: Murna Saunders of Hominy, OK; 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Click HERE for service details.

Paul E. Maneth, 82, passed away November 4, 2019, at his home in Great Bend. He was born on October 30, 1937, in Great Bend, to William Leo & Mary Teresa (Mauler) Maneth. He married Theodora Ann “Teddi” Hoffmann on August 1, 1964 at Great Bend. She died on October 10, 2012. He then married Mary Helen Kummer on July 24, 2015. She died on December 10, 2015.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Paul worked for Barton Community College for 29 years, starting as a counselor in 1970, and retiring as the Dean of Academic Affairs in 1999. He continued his professional career as a real estate agent for Keller Real Estate retiring in 2011. He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Golden Belt Woodcarvers, being a three time State Fair blue ribbon winner. Paul served on the Board of Directors for Barton Community College Foundation, Barton County Historical Society and Great Bend Kiwanis Club, and served on the Board of Trustees for Barton Community College. Paul honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1957-1959.

Paul enjoyed world travel, which took him to France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Vietnam.

Survivors include, one son, Don Maneth and wife Tatiane of San Diego, CA; one daughter, Anne Marie Higgins and husband LTC Sean (Ret.) of Owensboro, KY; two brothers, Larry Maneth and wife Karel of Salina, and Ron Maneth and wife Janet of Great Bend; one sister-in-law, Kay Maneth of Great Bend; ten grandchildren, Brett Ellis, Preston Higgins, Ashlyn Higgins, Caitlin Morrow, Molly Higgins, Collin Higgins, Brendan Higgins, Isabel Higgins, Jack Higgins and Chloe Maneth; and six great grandchildren, Charlotte, Benson, Titus, Nyla Cate, Emma Grace and Teddy Neil. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Bill Maneth.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil service with rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 8, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to the Golden Belt Community Foundation to benefit Holy Family School, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Troy D. Hallagin, 54, Hays, died Saturday, November 2, 2019 at his ranch in rural Trego County.

He was born July 2, 1965 in St. Francis the son of Ron and Vicki (Harlan) Hallagin. He was a graduate of Ellis High School in 1983, earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Fort Hays State University, and graduated from the UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He was a self-employed dentist and rancher. On September 10, 1988 he was united in marriage to Mary P. Budke in Hays. He was a member of the American Dental Association. He loved his cattle, farming, ranching, hunting and fishing, traveling, and the outdoors. He was an avid KU and Kansas City Chiefs fan, and he loved spending time with his children and family, especially his new granddaughter, Addison.

Survivors include his wife Mary, of the home in Hays, his parents; Ron and Vicki Hallagin of Ellis, his mother-in-law; Cecilia Budke of Hays, two sons; Tyler Hallagin and Tanner Hallagin, both of Hays, a daughter; Brianna Hargis and husband Tom of Olathe, a granddaughter; Addison Hargis, two brothers; Trent Hallagin and wife Deanna of Silt, Colorado and Trevor Hallagin and wife Tammy of WaKeeney, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Hays. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, and from 10:00 am until service time on Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street. Memorials are suggested to the FHSU Foundation Troy D. Hallagin Scholarship. Condolences and memories of Troy may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

There’s still time to send flowers to the Visitation at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on November 6, 2019.

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