Lifelong Goodland, Kansas, resident Kody De Simon, 54, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.

Kody was born on March 4, 1962 in Goodland, Kansas to Lewis Oren and Karen Kay (Wittmus) Parish.  She was one of two children.  She attended school in Goodland and graduated from Goodland High School in 1980.  She then went on and attended school at Northwest Kansas Vocational Technical School for two years.  One year for Cosmetology and then the other year for Secretarial training.  She worked for many years in Child Protective Services until she became disabled on August 6, 2003, and then retired in July of 2016.   

On September 22, 1998, she married Richard Simon in Las Vegas.  Early in life, she loved opening her home to foster kids and spent her time crafting and cooking.  Most importantly, she enjoyed craft fairs, her craft store in Colorado Springs, and taking care of her boys and her puppas.  She was baptized in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Goodland, and at the time of her death, was a member of the United Methodist Church.  She was also a member of the Goodland Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.

Preceding her in death were her father Lewis Oren Parish, her paternal grandparents Pearl and Oren Parish, her maternal grandfather Arthur Wittmus, her father-in-law Ray Simon and a brother-in-law Kurt Simon.

She is survived by her husband Richard, her son Quennton McCombs and his wife Lyssa of Colby, her mother Karen of Goodland, sister Kyle Elliot and her husband Marty, step siblings Randy Jensen and his wife Devonna,  Roxann Kling and her husband Rod, and Penny Livengood and her husband Tom all of Goodland, Kansas, mother-in-law Marilyn Simon, sister-in-law Linda Conner, a niece Emily Conner, and a great niece Michalah Piotraschke.  She is also survived by numerous other nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Memorial services for Kody were held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 10:30 AM MT at the United Methodist Church in Goodland, with Pastor Lyn Linde and Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating.  Inurnment will be held in the Goodland Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation was held on Friday, January 13, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM MT at the Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.

Memorials are designated to the American Diabetes Association, the Goodland High School Music Department or to the NWKS Shrine Club and may be left at the service or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

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

Reece W. Roemer, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on August 9, 1932 in Gove County, Kansas, the son of George and Mabel Lillia Roemer. A lifetime resident of Lane County, Kansas, he was a farmer and rancher.

His memberships include the Healy United Methodist Church in Healy, Kansas, Odd Fellows Lodge, Cheyenne Country Club Swimming Pool, Healy School Board, Healy Coop Board, Lane County Improvement District, Water District, Volunteer Fire Fighter, Little League and Senior League Baseball Coach.

On May 27, 1956 he married Delores Maxine Thon in Healy, Kansas. She survives.

Survivors Include his Wife – Delores M. Roemer of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sons – Vernon & Michelle Roemer of Gem, Kansas, Kenneth & Dana Roemer of Emporia, Kansas, Dennis & Janet Roemer of Edmond, Oklahoma, One Daughter – Virginia & Darryl Clinton of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brother In Laws, Larry & Ann Thon of Kansas City, Missouri, Clifford & Phyllis Thon of Colby, Kansas, Eleven Grandchildren and Five Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Two Brothers – Elmer Roemer & Duane Roemer and One Sister – Ethelyn Settles.

Funeral Services will be held at the 1st United United Methodist Church in Healy, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2017 with Pastor Bud Tuxhorn presiding.

Interment will be in the Healy Cemetery in Healy, Kansas.

Memorials In Lieu Of Flowers may be given to the Healy United Methodist Church or Camp Lakeside % Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Visitation will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday – The Roemer Family will be present from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm Tuesday to receive friends.

SMITH CENTER – Leonard Milton Hrabe, age 78, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Smith County Memorial Hospital. He was born the son of Amos & Opal (Wells) Hrabe on November 5, 1938.

Leonard married Linda Bedore on June 15, 1960 in Stockton, KS. Leonard grew up on a farm south of Stockton where he milked many a cows. He attended the Hrabe School House District #55 in Rural Rooks County, he attended grade first through eighth grade. Leonard operated Center Produce in Smith Center from 1960 to June of 1970 where he went to work for the State of Kansas under many divisons. He started in Lebanon, KS and drove every day at what he called the Port of Entry, checking trucks for their permits.

He was there until they closed the station; he then went to Belleville, KS where he was under the Kansas Highway Patrol as a motor carrier inspector. He retired in 2004 with 34 years of service. Leonard also like auctions, helping Remus auction with plenty of sales. Leonard did not have many hobbies but auctions and playing cards were two of his favorites. He also loved his garden and enjoyed to making homemade vegetable juice, tomato juice and sauerkraut. Mom did get him going to bingo which he grumbled a lot of the time, but secretly enjoyed. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He will be missed by many.

Leonard was preceded in death by his wife Linda ; his parents Amos and Opal; in laws Bill & Velma Bedore.

He is survived by his son Chris (Cheri) of Smith Center; daughters Joann Hrabe of Belleville and Shannon Radke of Victoria, KS; sister Elaine (James) Horn of Salina; brother in law Larry (Susan) Bedore of Kirwin; 5 grandchildren Kyle (Gina) Hrabe of Smith Center, Tiffini, Hannah, Ashlie & Nathan; 1 great granddaughter Bristol; nieces Deb (Keenan) Smith of Las Cruces, NM, Donna (Rennie) Griem of Bennington and Becky (Gantley) Wilson of Kensington; nephew Patrick (Missy) Bedore of Stockton.

Logan resident Ione Hill-Romeiser passed away, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, in the Logan Manor Nursing Home in Logan at the age of 95.

She was born October 10, 1921 in Cedar, KS the daughter of Lenard & Blanche (McCormick) McNeil.  She was a school librarian in Logan.

Ione was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, James A. Hill & Wilbur Romeiser; and an infant son, Gordon Lynn Hill.

Survivors include her son, Rex Hill & wife, Cindy of San Antonio, TX; and a daughter, Yolanda Pfeifer of Lead, SD; 4 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2017 in the Logan Christian Church with Pastor Troy Buss officiating.  Burial will follow in the Cedar Cemetery, Cedar, KS.

She will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Logan Funeral Home, 102 E. Church Street, Logan, KS 67646, with the family receiving friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. that evening.

Memorial contributions may be made Logan Manor Nursing Home or Logan Manor Assisted Living.

Online condolences may be left at www.olliffboeve.com.

Mary Frances (Brown) Craven, 89, of Larned and formerly of Russell died Friday morning, January 6, 2017 at Diversicare in Larned, Kansas. Frances was born September 29, 1927 in Hays, Kansas the daughter of John A. and Dorothy Ruth (Lacey) Brown. As the first child in her family to be born in a hospital, Frances was amused by the fact that St. Anthony Hospital of Hays charged only $13.00 for the birth. Frances grew up on the family farm just west of Russell, was a Merit Scholar and graduated from Russell High School in 1945.

Frances was united in marriage to Arthur Loyd “Red” Craven on April 25, 1947 at Emporia Kansas by the Reverend Stephen J. Williams, a former Russell resident and high school teacher of Red’s. This union was blessed with three children, Teresa Jean, Robert Dean and Barbara Lynn. Red preceded her in death on May 2, 1993. She helped Red operate his plumbing business by answering the phone and taking messages. Although Frances never considered herself a good cook, her family has many fond memories of delicious turkey dinners with all the trimmings, mouthwatering bierocks, pecan brittle, and many other culinary delights she whipped up over the years. Sewing was a lifelong passion. Frances made clothes for herself and her family, sewed dozens of “Dressy Bessie” type stuffed dolls, made countless outfits for Barbie dolls, reupholstered chairs, made quilts, and was a whiz at mending everything from bib overalls to socks. Frances could do anything with a needle and thread. Knitting was also a passion. Frances produced mittens, sweaters, dog sweaters and even tiny Barbie doll sweaters. She attended craft shows with daughter Teresa, selling “Clothes for Barbie & Ken” and other handmade items. Genealogy research was another passion. Her knowledge of the Lacey/Brown and Craven/Foulke lines was extensive. Frances was researching the family tree and collecting family history before this was a common hobby. Frances enjoyed woodworking and built many items including bird houses and bookshelves. She was especially pleased when Red bought her a circular saw along with a Black & Decker Workmate.
Frances was an avid reader who made frequent trips to the library. Frances loved to take drives in the country in her pickup truck. She always seemed to take the long way home. Frances enjoyed those untraveled roads where she might spy a pretty rock to add to her rock garden. She once said, “I think I have driven on every country road in Russell county.” Frances quit going the long way home when she realized, “I could no longer walk that far.” In March 2011, Frances moved, under protest, to Larned to live with her daughter because of failing health. Due to further failing health, Frances moved to Diversicare of Larned in January 2014.

Surviving family include daughters, Teresa Craven of Larned, Kansas, Barbara Olsen (Patrick) of
Moscow, Idaho and son, Robert Craven (Charmarose) of Luray, Kansas; four grandchildren, Jennifer Miller (Craig) of Wichita, Kansas, Warren Craven (Joanna) of Luray, Kansas, Griffin Olsen, and Lacey Olsen of Moscow, Idaho; four great grandsons Warren Jr., Tyler, and Matthew Craven, Reed Thomas and 3 step great grandsons Mackenzie, Curtis, and Braeden Miller, sister-in-law, Mary Alice Craven of Hays, Kansas, several cousins, nieces, nephews and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers John Brown and James Brown.

As she wished, there will be no service and a private burial of ashes will follow at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the Russell Library or the Jordaan Memorial Library, Larned.

Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.

Magdalene Sophia “Peggy” (Krmela) Olson, 86, of Hays, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017 at the Via Christi Village in Hays.

Peggy was born April 2, 1930 in Barton County, Kansas, the daughter of William Max and Helen Magdalene (Kittle) Krmela. She grew up and attended country schools in the Otis, Kansas area.

Peggy met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Verlan Victor Olson on April 25, 1950 in Russell. This union was blessed with two children, Robert and Donna. They made their home in the Russell County area. Verlan preceded her in death on November 14, 2005.

Peggy was a devoted farmer’s wife and homemaker for her children. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, Martha Circle and Altar Guild. She was a Sunday school teacher and a Bible school teacher for many years. She was involved with Order of the Eastern Star, was a 4-H Leader and a member of the Happy Homemakers EHU. She enjoyed doing craft projects and sewing. She loved spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren.

Surviving family include her son, Robert Olson (Melinda) of Russell, Kansas; daughter, Donna Moffatt (David) of Fishers, Indiana; sister, Helen Jane Behr of Moore,Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Michael Olson, Jennifer Bareksten, Kiersten von Grimmenstein and Cole Moffatt; and eleven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Verlan, brother Raymond Krmela and sisters, Angie Kraisinger and Lorraine Serpan.

Celebration of Peggy’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 13, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established with St. John Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Elaine Marie (Schuler) Hilger, 52, of Russell, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at her home with her family by her side.

Elaine was born July 27, 1964 in Russell, the daughter of Albert, Jr. and Marilee Jo (Austin) Schuler. She grew up in the Waldo, Kansas area and graduated from Lucas/Luray High School in the Class of ’82. She then received a Travel/Tourism Degree from Brown Mackey College. In 1983 she returned home to take care of her mother. Then in 1988 she received a B.S. Business Education Degree from Ft. Hays State University.

Elaine was united in marriage to Patrick Hilger on July 31, 1987 in Russell, Kansas. This union was blessed with six children; Rachel, Nathan, Christopher, Sarah, Seth, Maria and Jamie. They made their home in Hays, Kansas for a couple of years before moving to Lawrence, Kansas. While living in Lawrence, Elaine worked as a Legal Secretary and Para Legal for Frank Taylor while Patrick finished Pharmacy school. Then in 1992, they moved to Russell where she was a devoted wife and homemaker, as well as, very active as an accountant and bookkeeper with Pat at the Pharmacy. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she helped in the children’s classes and taught religious classes. She was very active in the St. Mary’s Choir for over 30 years where she sang at weddings and church services. She started Cantoring in 1995 and Cantored over 250 funerals. She was a member of P.E.O., Delta Mu Sorority and the Russell Council of Catholic Women.

Surviving family include her husband Patrick of the home; six children, Nathan Hilger of New York, New York, Rachel Sipe (Chris), Christopher Hilger, Sarah Hilger, Seth Hilger, and Maria Hilger all of Russell, Kansas; brothers, Michael Schuler (Malissa) of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Mark Schuler (Jeanette) of Manhattan, Kansas; sisters, Marianne Ward (Kirk) of Perry, Oklahoma, Melanie Waymaster (Chuck) of Lawrence, Kansas and Marilyn Cederberg (Kevin) of Augusta, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant, Jamie Lynn on November 21, 1999.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday, January 13, 2017, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Friday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. A Memorial has been established with St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church Handicap Project or MSA Coalition. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Phyllis Mae Blehm, 89, of Russell, Kansas, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Phyllis was born December 31, 1927 in Beaumont, Kansas, the daughter of O.R. and Audine (Arnold) Shipman. Phyllis grew up in Florence, Kansas, and graduated from Florence High School. She met and fell in love and was united in marriage to Fred Blehm and were united in marriage on December 25, 1946. Shortly after being married they moved to Russell, Kansas, in 1948, and were fortunate to raise 3 sons, Douglas, Michael and Mark.

Phyllis spent much of her time as a homemaker, and also held various jobs. She especially enjoyed working as a social service designee at the Russell Hospital, and traveling and working for Hallmark with her niece. Her family and her faith were central to her life.

She is survived by her sons Douglas Blehm of Hays, Kansas and Mark Blehm and wife Tia of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Jessica and husband Ron, Katy and husband Brandon, Taelyr, and great-grandchildren Micah, Caleb, and Samuel. She is also survived and remembered by a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frederic on December 25, 1946 and son Michael Blehm on March 02, 1992.

A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held at 10 A.M. on Monday, January 16, 2017, at the First Southern Baptist Church in Russell, Kansas, with Dave Jones officiating. A graveside service will follow at 3 P.M. at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence, Kansas. Family will visit with friends the day of the service. Memorials may be given to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Patricia Ann Weber, 65, of Great Bend, Kansas, died on Friday, January 06, 2017, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Patricia was born on June 02, 1951, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Raymond and Catherine (Koppel) Weber. She lived in Victoria, Hays, Russell and Great Bend, Kansas. She worked for DSNWK at Sunflower Bank as a helper. She enjoyed shopping, eating out, arts and crafts, speaking German, dancing and socializing with friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Donnie and Ronnie Weber and sister Rosie Weber.

A private service will be held at a later date and cremation has preceded the services. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Lorraine Elizabeth Wasinger, age 85, of Hays, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Hays Medical Center. She was born March 2, 1931 in Catharine, Kansas to Alois and Dora (Meis) Walters. She married Franklin D. “Red” Wasinger November 28, 1953 in Hays. He preceded her in death April 12, 2006.