Darline Barbara Arnold Hutfles passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Nov. 16, 2016, from Multiple Myeloma in the Colby Citizens Medical Center. The eldest of nine children, she was born in the family home on May 19, 1932 in Seguin, KS to Simon and Aldea Plante Arnold.

During the Great Depression years, she attended grade schools in Damar, Portis, and the Old Sheridan County School located between Hoxie, Seldon and Leoville. In 1950, she graduated from Leoville High School, which was at a time when many girls did not graduate from high school and were married at age 16. She received a four-year college scholarship to Marymount College in Salina to become a teacher, but she was unable to attend because her family needed her help at home. Later in life, Darline would continue her education through classes at Colby Community College. She loved to read, and was a life-long learner and teacher to her children and others.

On September 8, 1953 she married Gerald (Jerry) Hutfles of Herndon, KS. They were married for 63 years and had nine children. Darline was a devoted wife and mother, who took great joy in sewing and cooking for her large family. She always had a large vegetable and flower garden, and spent long hours baking and canning the produce. In 1980, when her last child was in school, she became a cook at the Sacred Heart School cafeteria.

She loved to sing and played the piano, organ, and guitar. At her insistence, all of her children learned at least one musical instrument. As they grew older, she would take them to local nursing homes to play for the residents while she directed and sang along.

Darline was an active volunteer in her Catholic parish of Sacred Heart Church until she became too ill. She was a song leader, Religious Education Instructor, Eucharistic Minister, member and past Regent of the Daughters of Isabella, Queen Mary Altar Society, and co-founding member of the Handmaiden Prayer Group. She was a community volunteer with League of Women Voters and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Colby. Her pro-life efforts included manning the Birthright and later the Emergency Pregnancy Services (EPS) office where she answered phones and trained counselors, stored baby clothes, and gave callers information on alternatives to abortion. She was instrumental in bringing Hospice to Thomas County after she learned of the organization. She hosted bake sales and Hospice information booths at the Thomas County Fair to earn funds to begin offering area services. She was a Hospice area coordinator and later when asked to serve on the Hospice Board of Directors she humbly declined, knowing her skills were best used to serve others behind the scenes.

She is survived by her husband and their nine children: Mary (Rick) Bell, Helena, MT; Bob (Patty) Hutfles, Dillon, MT; Ron (Dena) Hutfles, Salina, KS; Tim (Amy) Hutfles, Colby, KS; Gerrianne (Alan) Bray, Calgary, Canada; Annette (Rob) Boardman, Fremont, CA; Jackie (Roger) McAsey, Holton, KS; Richard (Amy) Hutfles, Kechi, KS; and Larry (Cindy) Hutfles, Park City, KS; 30 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her eight siblings: Chuck Arnold, Plainville, KS; Jim (Adeline) Arnold, Colby, KS; Donna (Ron) Sis, McCook, NE; Pat (Jim) Prochazka, Atwood, KS; Bertha (Kenny) Brungardt, Victoria, KS; Pauline (Kenny) Micek, Atwood, KS; Pauletta (Ray) Gerver, McCook, NE; and Geralda (Jim) Keith, Hill City, KS; and a large group of beloved godchildren, nieces and nephews.

Public viewing is Friday, Nov. 18th from 5 to 7 at Baalmann Mortuary; with the vigil beginning at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Sat, Nov. 19th at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Colby, with internment to follow immediately at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NW Kansas Foundation for Hope ([email protected]) or to Sacred Heart Church in Colby in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Darline’s family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Family Center for Health Care, Citizens Medical Center and Brian Unruh, PA-C.

Hays, Kansas – La Quita (Wood) Walker, age 85, died Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society of Ellis Care Center.

She was born on August 16, 1931, in Hill City, Kansas to Earl and Velda (Dodd) Wood. She married Bob L. Walker on March 7, 1954 at Hill City, Kansas. He died April 10, 1998.

She was a retired Registered Nurse for the Hadley Hospital in Hays, a member of the Methodist Church and moved to Hays in 1972 from Hill City. She received her nursing degree from Kansas Newman-Emporia State College and also attended Fort Hays State College. She was a former member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Survivors include one son, Robert “Rusty” Walker and wife Clara, Garden City, KS; one daughter Anita L. Ruder and husband, Steve, Hays, KS; six grandchildren, Sarah Walker, Scott Walker and wife, Mandy, Zachary Walker and wife, Elizabeth, Travis Ruder, Earl Ruder and Tracy Ruder; six great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Theda Walker and Shirley Wood.
A memorial service is at 11:00 A.M. Saturday at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Inurnment will be at Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery Hays, Kansas.

The family receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the mortuary.

Memorial to the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be left at guestbook at
www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via e-mail to [email protected].

Hays, Kansas -Twila Mae Befort, age 78, died Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at her home in Hays, Kansas.

She was born October 2, 1938, in Gorham, Kansas to Harry and Clara (Hoffman) Goetz. She married Marvin F. Befort on October 6, 1956, at Gorham, Kansas. He died June 6, 2012.

She and her husband owned and operated M & V Flooring in Hays until they retired. She was raised in Gorham and attended Gorham High School. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, V.F.W. Auxiliary and past president all of Hays.

Survivors include two sons, Douglas Befort and wife, Sydney, Morrison, CO; Daryl Befort, Hays, KS; one granddaughter, Dannique Duran; one great granddaughter, Eve Duran; one sister, Paulette Goetz, Las Vegas, NV.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Mary Stafford and Harriet “Herby” Goetz.

Services are 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 21, 2016, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1805 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas.  Inurnment will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery Munjor, Kansas at a later date.

A Daughters of Isabella Rosary and a V.F.W. Auxiliary memorial services will be at 6:00 P.M. Sunday, followed by a vigil service is at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation is from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Monday, at the church.

Memorials to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church or St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery.

Condolences and be left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or can be sent via
e-mail to [email protected].

Lee Francis Billinger, age 48, of Hutchinson, KS formerly of Ellis, KS passed away Friday, November 11, 2016 in Reno County. He was born July 24, 1968 in Hays, Kansas to Leo Francis “Red” and Rose Ann (Windholz) Billinger.

He attended Ellis Public Schools and had worked at Wal-Mart. Lee was an avid fisherman especially fishing with his grandpa and sister. He was also an excellent woodworker and craftsman.

He is survived by his mother Rose Ann Billinger and companion Pat Weilert of Hays; a sister, Melisa Parson of Hays; two nieces Katlyn Parson of Hays and Kara Parson of Wichita as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo; his maternal grandparents, Rudolph and Catherine Windholz and his paternal grandparents, Gilbert and Alma Billinger.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, November 17, 2016 with family present at 10:00 AM until service time for visitation all at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637

Memorial contributions are suggested to donor’s choice in Lee’s memory.

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

Loren N. Hillman, age 61, of WaKeeney, passed away November 4, 2016 at his sister’s home in Junction City, Kansas. He was born October 2, 1955, in WaKeeney, to Lowell and Betty (Hughes) Hillman.

Loren was a 1973 graduate of Trego Community High School. He worked as a roughneck for Discovery Drilling for eighteen years, and was dedicated to his job. Loren was always excited to play a good game of pool or Texas Holdem. He enjoyed playing Keno and having coffee with the guys. Loren was a long time Fraternal Order of Eagles member. He loved his family, and was the caregiver to elderly members of the Hillman family. He loved his dogs, loved life, and especially loved his family. His kind spirit will forever live on in the lives of many.

Loren is survived by his former wife and continued friend and companion, Julia Hillman; sister, Gloria Estell of Junction City; niece, Melissa Lewis of Manhattan; nephew, Houston Estell of Hutchinson; and three great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Loren Hillman Memorial Fund. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be sent to the family by online guest book at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Brenda Lou Curfman left this life for her heavenly home on November 8, 2016 at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska. She was 55 years old. Brenda was born January 27, 1961 in Colby, Kansas to Ted and Clara (Kleinsorge) Heier.

Brenda grew up on a farm at Park, Kansas. As a young girl, many carefree days were spent playing on the Great Plains. She attended Park Grade School, and graduated from Wheatland High School in 1979. She had a passion for art, and after high school she attended the Denver Institute of Art.

After art school, she worked in Denver at GE Credit. While in Denver, she met the love of her life, Kyle Curfman. When he returned to Alaska after his schooling, Brenda followed Kyle to Alaska for the next chapter of her life. Brenda and Kyle were married on September 26, 1992. They made their home in Chugiak, Alaska. Brenda and Kyle’s son, Cody, was born August 2, 1997 and Brenda’s attention was turned to making sure Kyle and Cody were well taken care of. Brenda never missed any of Cody’s local baseball or hockey games, and she was the proud mom on the sidelines. Brenda was employed at Geneva Woods Pharmacy in Anchorage.

She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988. Her strong will and love for life kept her determined to not let MS get in the way of living fully. She never complained about her disability, and with the help of her loving husband, Kyle, she remained active and involved in life.

Those left to mourn Brenda’s passing are her husband, Kyle, and their son, Cody; sisters, Linda Gillespie, Park, Kansas, and Connie Kuhn (Keith) Hays, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral mass will be at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Eagle River, Alaska, on November 12, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Burial will be at Anchorage City Cemetery, Anchorage, Alaska at noon.
Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 671046, Chugiak, Alaska 99567. Memorial donations may be sent to Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue, 1675 N Winding Brook Loop, Palmer, Alaska 99645.

Arrangements are with Janssen’s Eagle River Funeral Home.

John Clarence Ross answered God’s call November 11, 2016 and went to heaven to rejoin his wife of nearly 70 years.

John was loved as a dad, a granddad, and as a friend. He lovingly served his family as a Christian, a leader, mentor, and hero. He accepted Jesus as his savior early in life and never wavered in his faith, his prayers, or his scripture readings.

Guy and Edna Ross gave birth to John on October 11, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois. At age seven, he was orphaned and—with his brother, Guy, and sister, Nellie, was raised by members of the family. Later circumstances separated the three siblings. John’s cousins, Edgar and Lora Simonson, cared for him as he worked on the family farm. As a young boy, John rode five miles to school on his pony and herded cattle.

During 1944, he entered the U.S. Army and eventually served in two wars. During World War Two, John was a member of a forward artillery observer team that supported the battle for Luzon and assisted with the liberation of a prisoner-of-war camp. He was later stationed in Manila, Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands, and Tokyo. He witnessed—first hand—the surrender of the Japanese Emperor in Tokyo Bay.

When the Korean War started, Staff Sergeant Ross served with the Army Engineers. During his time in Korea, his unit received the Army Meritorious Unit Award and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for their work in rebuilding the Kilra-shon Railroad Bridge. John was called a soldier’s soldier.

John loved only one lady. After returning home from World War Two, he married Lorraine Bell on September 22, 1946. He loved her with all his heart. In all the years of their marriage, John and Lorraine always held hands, shared a passionate love for each other, cared for one other, and laughed together.

On June 28, 1947, they welcomed their daughter Linda Jean into their family. During December 1955, John and Lorraine gave birth to their son, John Allan. After returning from the Korean War, John helped build the Cedar Bluff Dam. From the late 1950’s through the mid-1970’s John worked for Midwest Marketing and the Turman Chemical Company. Farmers still remember John for his work on their balers, swathers, and combines. He was also a member of the WaKeeney Volunteer Fire Department and served as a volunteer driver for the WaKeeney Public Transportation bus. John could operate any type of heavy equipment while working for the Kansas Department of Transportation from 1973 to 1993. He helped maintain our highways until retiring at age 70.
John loved life. Mr. Ross was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served as the commander of Moore American Legion Post #102 at WaKeeney for nine years. During 2016, he received his American Legion 25 year Distinguished Service certificate and a Quilt of Valor.

John enjoyed having coffee with his friends, shopping with Lorraine, working with his son on different home construction projects, and traveling with his wife and John’s family. He always knew the right way to build almost anything. John held a special love for his granddaughters, Serena, Emily, and Janae and could not wait to hug and talk with them. He looked forward to visiting with Linda and her husband, Chuck, while living at Good Samaritan in Ellis, Kansas.

John leaves a family legacy of Godly example, love, kindness, consideration, and compassion. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Guy. He is survived by his sister, Nellie Gerdes, of Oberlin, Kansas, his daughter, Linda J. Menges (Chuck) of Woodland Park, Colorado, his son, John A. Ross (Sharon) of Ellis, grandchildren Chris Menges, Jenifer Menges, Tyler James Menges, Brian Menges, Serena Ross, Emily Ross, and Janae Ross, and great-grandson Wyatt Gardner.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak Street, Hays.  Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will be at 2:00 pm in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Moore American Legion Post #102, 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].