Kimberley Ann Owston, age 53, of Ellis, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016 in Hays, Kansas. She was born April 13, 1963 in Boulder, Colorado to Larry Dean and Florie Corine (Rupp) Seitzinger.
She is survived by two daughters, Jessica Owston of Ellis, KS and Mary Owston of Hays, KS; two step sons, Jeremy Storment of Oregon and Cody Owston of Orlando, FL; a sister, Brenda Slaughter of Ellis, KS; a step sister, Chayla Sherin of Colorado Springs, Co and her grandchildren, Sophie, Aubrey, Tristan, Destiny, Jordan, Jada, Johnny and Julian.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jack, Brian, Kevin, Danny and Donnie and a sister, Deborah.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 PM Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Days Inn Conference Room in Ellis, KS. A celebration gathering will continue until 8 PM with a pot luck at 5 PM.
Memorials are suggested to be used according to the wishes of the family.
Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].

Ronald “Ron” Wayne Gilliland passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at his home in Plainville, Kansas at the age of 80. He was born on January 6, 1936 on the farm in Rooks County north of Zurich, Kansas to the late Harold “Ike” and Estella “Stella” (Bane) Gilliland. He graduated high school, went on to attend Fort Hays State College before serving in the United States Army. On December 26, 1958 he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Gaunt in Great Bend, Kansas. They were blessed with three sons, Phil, Todd, and Drew.

Ron was owner of Farm Implement & Supply Co., Inc. of Plainville, from which he retired, along with farming, which he took up in his later years. He loved his family, friends, and neighbors and was an avid supporter of the community. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, Isis Shrine, Masonic Paradise Lodge #290, and the Lions Club. He was a past member of the Rooks County Health Center Hospital Board which he served on for over 12 years, Boy Scout Leader, and Booster Club.

Ron enjoyed sports, especially Kansas University Basketball, Kansas City Chiefs Football, and Kansas City Royals Baseball. He liked being outdoors to enjoy an occasional hunt, was an avid golfer, and of course had his own “special way” of mowing the grass. But the time he cherished the most was spent with his family, most especially his grandchildren; from watching their sporting events, to holidays, or just being together for no special reason at all, his heart was happiest when he was with the ones he loved the most.

Ron is survived by his wife Mary Lou Gilliland of the home in Plainville; sons Phil Gilliland and wife Brenda of Concordia, Todd Gilliland and wife Tina of Plainville, and Drew Gilliland and wife Colette of Gold Hill, OR; brother Barry Gilliland and wife Donna of Plainville; sister Carolyn Metcalf and husband Don of Plainville; step-mother Lucy Gilliland of Plainville; grandchildren Ryan Gilliland of Topeka, Eric Gilliland of Concordia, Mallory Gilliland of Lawrence, Harrison Gilliland of Plainville, Rachel Gilliland of Plainville, and Mary Gilliland of Plainville, Ike Gilliland of Gold Hill, OR, Annie Gilliland of Gold Hill, OR, and Andy Brown of Plainville; and great-grandchildren Jack Gilliland, Nolan Gilliland, and Reed Gilliland.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ike and Stella Gilliland, and great-granddaughter Hattie Jo Gilliland.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, November 28, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Plainville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 pm.

It is said of Masons that they ever meet upon the level, act upon the plumb, and part upon the square. Ron showed by daily example what it means to be a man of integrity and uprightness before God and man, full of love, compassion, and a willingness to help anyone in need. Although he will be greatly missed, we rejoice that he has now become a living stone, in that spiritual house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Forrest Edward Davidson, “Mr. D” or “Woody”, 88, of Topeka, passed away Monday, November 21, 2016, in his home, after a three-year battle against lung cancer.

Forrest was born April 22, 1928, in Wichita, KS to Esther (Gantz) and Floyd Q. Davidson. As the son of a Congregational pastor, he grew up in Wichita, KS; Somanauk, IL; Kinsley, KS; Wellington, KS; and again in Wichita. He graduated from the University of Wichita with a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a Major in Voice and a Master of Music Education Degree with a Major in Voice.

Forrest married Gloria Fetters in 1948. He leaves five children. Forrest taught vocal music, music theory, and guitar, as well as private voice lessons and coaching tennis, in Hays, Manhattan, Topeka, and Salina, KS. He sang solos and directed church choirs in every town in which they lived. He sang lead roles in the Summer Musicals at KSU, with the Topeka Symphony Chorus, Salina Chorale, and Shawnee Chorale. He was on the Board of Directors for the Topeka Community Concert Association. He was a Life Member of the American Choral Directors Association, Life Member of the Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia, member of Kansas Music Educators Association, National Education Association, Music Educators National Conference, Phi Delta Kappa, and Lions Club. He was KMEA State Choral Chairman, ACDA District III President, received the Harry Robert Wilson Award from the Kansas ACDA in 1974-75 for outstanding contribution to the Choral Music Profession. He conducted four three-week European Concert Tours of high school choirs; directed and/or produced 35 Broadway musicals; and directed many major choral works. Forrest was inducted into the Kansas Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 1993.

Forrest was a man of many talents, from teaching to building to singing to playing tennis. Mr. D taught at Hays High School from 1950-53; Manhattan High School from 1953-62; Topeka West High School from 1962-1979; Salina South High School from 1979-85; and Washburn Rural High School from 1985-1988. His hobbies in later years were playing golf and creating stained-glass windows of his own design.

Forrest was predeceased by his wife of 58 years in 2006; his parents; his brothers: George and John D; and is survived by his five children: Debbi Pierce of Sacramento, CA; Rick Davidson (Connie) of Shawnee, KS; Kathy Letch (Pete) of Topeka, KS; Jay Davidson (Val) of Overland Park, KS; and Steve Davidson (Erin) of Exeter, RI; his ten grandchildren: Kevin Davidson (Albina), Rebecca Neal, Andrea Ellis (Josh), Griffin Letch, Kaitlyn Davidson, Moriah Obermueller (Gordon), Gabriel Letch (Rachel), Alex Davidson, Taylor Davidson, and Cole Davidson; and nine great-grandchildren: Jackson Pierce and Violet Neal; Piper, Oliver, Penelope, and Theodore Ellis; Wynter and Hunter Davidson; and GP Obermueller; and special friend and companion Lois Watson of Scottsdale, AZ.

Visitation with family and friends will be on Friday, December 2, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue in Topeka. A Celebration Service will be held in Forrest’s memory on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Countryside United Methodist Church at 3221 SW Burlingame Road in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society or American Heart Association, in care of Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel.

Ralph Lee Roth, age 86, passed away November 24, 2016. Visitation 1-8 with the family present from 5-7 Tuesday, November 29, 2016 and Funeral 2pm Wednesday, November 30, 2016 both at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby. Graveside service 1pm Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Pfeifer, Kansas. Survivors: wife, Dorothy Roth; children, Diane Schaffer (Marc) and Ted Roth (Shirley); brother-in-law, Sherman Zimmerman; three grandchildren; three step grandchildren; nine great grandchildren. Memorials to Holy Cross Charities, 1313 Steven Dr, Hays, KS 67601.

Inetta Burgin Mullens, 85, Hays, Kansas, previously of Duncan, Oklahoma, died Thursday, November 24, 2016 at Brookdale Senior Living in Hays.

She was born October 9, 1931 in Fleetwood, OK the daughter of L.B. and Ethel (Croy) Burgin. She was the sixth of eight children. On December 24, 1949 she married Glen “Moon” Mullens in Duncan, OK. She was a homemaker deluxe. Being a Halliburton wife she followed her husband of 66 years wherever the oilfield took them, living in Duncan, OK, Eldorado, Hays, Russell, Atwood, and Hill City in KS, McCook, NE, Dumas, TX and back to Duncan. She also worked as a secretary and bookkeeper.

Her greatest love was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a devoted Christian woman and was a member of the local Church of Christ in every community she lived in. She was a hard worker in the volunteer group,” Love in Action” at Eastside Church of Christ, making many types of items distributed to nursing homes and to the elderly. She was also active in the church, assisting with funeral dinners and singing.

Survivors include her husband Glen “Moon” Mullens of the home; two children; Glenna Alm (Thomas) of Hays, KS and Ralph Mullens of Spring, TX, four grandchildren; Stacie (Alm) Zimmerman (Eric) of Hays, Jason Alm (Raina) of Hays, Meredith (Mullens) Muerer (Chris)of Austin,TX, Kristen (Mullens) Khazzoum (Nick) of Houston,TX, five great-grandchildren; Benjamin, Brady and Boston Zimmerman, Reed Alm and Reid Khazzoum, two sisters; Earleen Dibrell and Betty Bullard both of Duncan, OK, one brother; Charles Burgin of Dallas, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters; Lucille Bienek, Imaree Hooper, and Dorothy Zumar, and a brother; Boyd Burgin.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the Eastside Church of Christ, 202 North A Street, Duncan, OK. Burial will be at 2:30 pm in the Foster Cemetery, Foster, Oklahoma. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Tuesday at the Don Grantham Funeral Home, 1502 N. 81 Highway, Duncan, OK, and from 10:00 am until service time on Wednesday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Love In Action at Eastside Church of Christ, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].

Doran William “Bill” Emme, 82, Hays, was the youngest of five children born on a farm north of Kensington, Kansas to Louie and Maggie (Grauerholz) Emme on December 11, 1933. After a fifteen year battle with leukemia, he passed away on November 25, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center.

He was baptized at First St. John Lutheran Church, north of Kensington, remaining a member of that church until 1956 when he transferred his membership to the American Lutheran Church of Kensington. Bill attended grade school in a one-room country school, being a member of the last class to graduate from Liberty School District #8. In 1949, along with his parents, he moved to Kensington. He graduated from Kensington High School in 1951.

On February 21, 1954 he was united in marriage to Joan McGee of Smith Center, Kansas. To this union were born three children, Steven Lee in 1956, and Scott Dean in 1958, both born in Smith Center, and Kristin Sue in 1962, born in Hays, Kansas. The family resided in Kensington, Kansas where Bill farmed for two years, worked for Bonnett’s Plumbing in Kensington, then Ed Norden Implement until the business was closed in 1961. In November of that year, the family moved to Hays, Kansas where he was employed at S & W Supply Company as a partsman, becoming widely known for his expertise in this occupation. He retired in June 1998, after 37 years of service to that company. After retiring, Bill enjoyed working part time at Truck Parts & Equipment until recently.

Bill was known by many for his talent as a water dowser, “witching” over 800 water wells over the years. His children and grandchildren took great pride in accompanying him to these sites when possible. Bill was always happy to be able to assist people, especially those whose wells had gone dry and were hauling water for daily use in their homes, as well as for cattle in pastures.

Bill enjoyed working with wood and he spent many enjoyable hours working on projects for family and friends, as well as projects for their church.

Of great joy to him were his grandchildren; Brad Emme of Topeka; Craig Emme and wife Allisa of Raymore, MO; Ryan Emme of Salina, Kyle and Hannah Emme of Charlotte, NC, and Erin Osler of Olathe, Sean Osler of Wichita, and Trent Osler of Andover. Four great grandsons also survive, Jackson and Jordan Emme of Topeka, and Dash and Ryder Emme of Raymore, MO.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Joan of the home; children, Steve and wife Kim, Topeka; Scott and wife Patty, Salina; Kris and husband Tom, Andover, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, August Emme and wife Alma; nephew Robert Emme; sister, Alma Bronson and husband Warren; sister, Ada Gaines and husband Francis; brother, Louis Emme and wife Jeri; and a niece, Catherine Emme.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Monday, November 28, 2016 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main Street. Burial will be at 2:00 pm in the Germantown Cemetery north of Kensington, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until service time on Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia Society, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].

Carol Ann (Mowry) Stephens passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at her home in Hoxie, Kansas at the age of 81. She was born April 24, 1935 in rural Sheridan County, Kansas to the late Eugene and Pearl (Kreft) Mowry. Raised with four brothers and one sister, she attended Tasco Elementary School and graduated from Sheridan Community High School with the Class of 1952. She went on to attend one year of college. On January 24, 1956 she was united in marriage to Donald R. Stephens at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas. They were blessed with three children.

Carol was a loving housewife and mother. A life-long learner and student of “life,” she loved to read and study, especially history; she had the drive and curiosity to keep herself well educated. Always interested in traveling, she even became a certified travel agent. She also worked in Mrs. T’s and Mrs. D’s Dress Shops.

A hard worker, Carol found plenty to keep her busy, and of course knew how to find time to relax and enjoy life. From gardening and raising flowers to silk embroidery, she never had idle hands. No palooka, she was an avid bridge player. But the time she cherished most was when it was spent with family and friends, whether playing cards, visiting, or just relaxing together.
Carol is survived by her son Russell E. Stephens and wife Tyra of Merriam; daughters Kimberly A. Stephens of Roanoke, VA, and Suzann P. Demple and husband Paul of Sheridan, WY; brothers Richard Mowry and wife Donna of Morland, Robert Mowry of Brookline, MA and Ralph Mowry of Colby: sister Helen William and husband Don of Hoxie; 13 Grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Pearl Mowry, husband Donald Stephens, and brother Pat Mowry.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 28, 2016, at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from Noon -7:00pm on Sunday at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Library and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, P.O. Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Immensely interesting and lovable, Carol had a wonderful sense of humor that allowed her to see the laughable in life’s everyday absurdities. Never one to be bitter or whiny, she taught all of us how to have a good laugh, get through tough periods, and remain optimistic no matter what. Her love, smile, and encouragement will continue in our hearts forever.

Lawrence Anthony Schippers, 85, a retired accountant, died Saturday, November 19, 2016. Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Friday, November 25, 2016, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church.

Preceded in death by his Parents, John and Anna Schippers; Brothers, Herman Schippers, George Schippers, John Schippers, Art Schippers. Survived by his Wife, Joann Mary Schippers of Springfield, MO; Daughter, Lois (Dusty) Bobbett of Springfield, MO; Son, Dale (Caroline) Schippers of Olathe, KS; Brothers, Paul Schippers of Victoria, KS, Norman Schippers of The Woodlands, TX; Sisters, Sister Mary Ann Schippers of Fon du Lac, WI, Lucy Baier of Hays, KS, Estella Kuhn of Victoria, KS, Lillian Leiker of Hays, KS; Grandchildren, Grace Schippers, Stratton Schippers, and Bridget Schippers all of Olathe, KS, Emily Bobbett of Springfield, MO, Lacey Bobbett of Kansas City, MO; Sisters-In-Law, Armella Schippers of Olathe, KS, Marietta Schippers Lies of Wichita, KS, Lila Schippers of The Woodlands, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established with: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Building Fund, 2200 W. Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65810; and Good Shepherd Hospice, 3250 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.

Dora Ann Boyd, 85, of Denver, CO, died Sunday, November 20, 2016, in Denver. She was born June 6, 1931, in Thomas County, KS, to Roscoe and Pearl (Mansfield) Boyd. She attended school in Monument and Page City, KS and graduated from Page City High School. She then attended business school in Denver. Following her graduation from business school, she was employed by several different banks in Denver, where she made her home and was active member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She was a favorite auntie to her many nieces and nephews. She enjoyed reading, traveling, attending musical performances and visiting with family and friends. As the oldest daughter in the family, Dora Ann helped rear many of her younger siblings. Dora Ann was the one who kept records of all the family members and was faithful in sending birthday cards to her siblings, their spouses and the many nieces and nephews and on down the line.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers, Francis, Thelbert, Maurice and Norman and a sister-in-law, Doris.

She is survived by her brother James (Terri); 4 sisters, Lenora (Bob) Mullen, Norma (George) Sturgeon, Agnes (Bob) Meier and Mary Boyd; sisters-in-law, Helen, Marion and Velma and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, with burial to follow in the Monument Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 206 E 7th St, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Eugene R. “Gene” Schoenberger, age 69, of Ellis passed away, Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He was born February 4, 1947 at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas to Ben J. and Catherine (McGinty) Schoenberger. He attended Ellis High School. On April 20, 1974, he married Edith Marlene Johnson in Ellis, Kansas.

Gene had worked for Beechcraft in Salina, Travenol in Hays where he was a supervisor and retired from the City of Ellis where he was the City Superintendent. He was a US Army veteran serving in Germany and attaining the rank of SP4. Gene was a member of St. Mary’s Church and the American Legion in Hays. He enjoyed collecting knives, coins, hunting, fishing and gambling where he had the knack for being very lucky. He also enjoyed barbecuing and entertaining with his family and friends. He had an open door, open arms, and a huge heart.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene of Ellis; four daughters, Michelle Dannels (Brandon Pfannenstiel) of Hays, Marlisa Berner (Mark) of Hays, Malena Starr (Shawn) of Ness City and Marlaina Kuhn (Doug) of Victoria; four brothers, Leonard and Bernie of Ellis, Ken of Wichita and Alvin of Ellis; two sisters, Gloria Jayne of Ellis and Sharon Sommers of Victoria and his grandchildren, Kacey and Brittney Dannels, Myranda and Matthew Berner, Rylee and Taylor Starr, Taiten, Caylen and Ben Kuhn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marilyn King.

Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW.

Visitation will be Friday 6 PM – 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary service at 7 PM and Saturday visitation will be 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM all at St. Mary’s Church. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel of Ellis.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ellis Knights of Columbus Hall Remodeling Project, the Ogallah Christian Church or the American Red Cross.

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