Alberta Marie (Potter) Morris, age 70 of Hays, Kansas left her earthly home on August 17, 2019 in the company of her family. She was born in Limon, Colorado on February 10, 1949 to Albert C. and Anna Marie (Connolly) Potter. She grew up in Colorado then moved to Scottsbluff, NE. She married Charlie Hindman in Oakley, KS. and later, she married Don Morris on July 29, 1988 and resided in Hays, KS. He preceded her in death December 9, 2017.

She was a homemaker and had a strong love for her dogs that she had over the years. Alberta most valued the time that she got to spend with her grandchildren. The memories and stories were endless.

She is survived by her children Charles Patrick “Chuck” Hindman of Hays and Tamie Hindman Wessel of Plainville; a brother, Jim Potter; a sister, Pat Moeder; three step daughters, Amanda Morris, Tami (Joe) Sauseda and Claudia Parrott; a step son, Justin (Larna) Morris; two grandchildren, Autumn and Alana Hindman and three great grandchildren, Braelyn Hindman, Zeyahnna Hindman and Sylas Mitchell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Tammy Potter and Jean Bullard.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hays.

Memorial visitation will be 1 PM until service time at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays.

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

Phillip James Harry, 67, of Colby, died Friday, August 16, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS. He was born May 19, 1952, in Atwood, KS, to Everett and Adella (Vrbas) Harry. On September 15, 1979, he married Dorothy Havel, in Atwood. Phillip worked at the Colby Super Market, ran the projectors at the Colby Theater, and then went on to work maintenance at Sacred Heart Church and Grade School, Colby, Oakley High School and Colby Community College, before retiring. Phillip enjoyed watching football, especially college football, the Chiefs and the Colby Eagles, where he often worked the “Chain Gang” during games. He enjoyed fishing and bowling and he especially loved spending time with his family and his dog, Buddy James. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Colby.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Calvin Harry; sister, Glinda Guard; in-laws, Ralph and Ruth Havel; brothers-in-law, Richard Pabst, Leonard Havel, Raymond Havel and Edward Havel.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of the home; daughters, Paula (Terry) Wilt, Hays, KS and Kayla (Luke) Sawyer, Inman, KS; grandchildren, Tyler Harry, Rylie Sawyer and Avery Sawyer; special friends Brandi (Brian) Emmot, Levant, KS and Melissa Emmot; sisters Gloria Pabst, Oakley, KS, Cheryl (Michael) Maggard, Wichita, KS and Regina Depperschmidt, Loveland, CO; brother-in-law, Gary Guard, Hays, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Julius P. Bollig, age 92, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, WaKeeney. He was born October 26, 1926, in Ellis, Kansas, to Jacob and Anna Marie (Graf) Bollig.

Julius attended St. Mary’s Grade School, in Ellis, then Ogallah Grade School. He was a 1945 graduate of Trego Community High School. He went on to serve our country in the United States Army. On November 9, 1948, Julius was united in marriage to Christina Bongartz. They enjoyed 70 years of marriage together. Farming and ranching were a way of life for Julius, Christina and family. He was a very proud veteran, having served as a member of the Veterans of Foreign War (past commander), and the American Legion. Julius was also very active in the community as a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Glencoe County Board, Round Mound School Board, Soil Conservation Board, ASCS Office Board. He was also a county assessor and helped start the WaKeeney Avenue of Flags. Julius will be dearly missed by many.

Survivors include his wife of the family home; two sons, Delbert (Donna) and Douglas, all of WaKeeney; three daughters, Cynthia (Rick) Presley of Tonganoxie, Kansas, Germaine (Bruce) Taggart of Hays, and Laraine (Carl) Mohler of WaKeeney; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Loretta Billinger, and Armella (Van) Mangels. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Eric Bollig; a sister, Mary Kroeger; and three brothers, Rudy, Bill, and Norbert.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at Christ the King Catholic Church, WaKeeney. Burial will be in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening, from 5:00 to 7:00 with a parish vigil service immediately following, all at the funeral home in WaKeeney.

Memorial contributions are suggested to VFW Post 3449, Christ the King Catholic Church Building Fund, or Masses. Contributions to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Phillipsburg resident Ernest A. Thacker passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE at the age of 79.

He was born February 28, 1940 in Russell, KS the son of Harold F. and Amy (Corwin) Thacker.

He was united in marriage to Thelma G. Wells on June 12, 1960 in Russell, KS. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Rodney of Hays, KS and Doug of Casper, WY; daughter, Carrie Bredemeier of Colby, KS; brother, Harold of Wichita, KS; sister, Amy Ellen Casper of North Platte, NE; six grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Mr. Thacker will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661, with the family receiving friends Monday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church or the United Methodist Women Thrift Store.

Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com

Sally Ann Nuss, 82, of Olathe, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 11th, 2019. She was born at home on February 10th, 1937 to Otis and Elsie (Brassfield) Foster in Miami County, KS.

Sally grew up in the same area and attended a one room schoolhouse. She then graduated from Rantoul High School in 1954. While there, she was on the basketball team and softball team, a cheerleader, involved in theatre, and the Homecoming Queen. After high school, Sally attended Clark’s Business School in Topeka where she learned shorthand which she would later use to amaze her grandchildren who thought she knew secret code.

Sally met a handsome Woolworth manager in Ottawa, Kansas, William (Bill) Nuss, and they were married for over 50 years. Together they owned Nuss’ Ben Franklin in Hays, Kansas for over 20 years. They then moved to Lenexa, Kansas and had Debbie’s Hallmark and Debbie’s Card and Gift in Lenexa that they managed with daughter Debbie. She later retired with Bill and became a Grandma and Great-Grandma before her passing.

Sally loved to laugh, be silly, and loved her family. She was a lover of dogs, coffee, fishing, horses, TV shows, KU Basketball, romance novels, and going out to dinner with family. She taught her family to not take yourself so seriously and the value of spending quality time together.

She is survived by her son Tony Nuss and his wife Connie of Chanhassen, Minnesota, granddaughter Emily Lazar and her husband Joe of Minneapolis, Minnesota, 3 great-grandchildren Joey, Audrey, and Leah Lazar of Minneapolis, and grandson Michael Nuss, also of Minneapolis. She is also survived by her daughter Debbie Medlin and her husband Mark of Overland Park, Kansas, her granddaughter Jessica Collins and her husband Brenton of Olathe, Kansas, and her granddaughter Katlin Medlin of Overland Park, Kansas. Also survived by: cousins Bob and Marlene Smith of Paola, Kansas and Tom Foster, sister-in-law Mariette Green of Tujunga, California.

She is preceded in death by her parents Otis and Elsie (Brassfield) Foster, her husband William Nuss, her aunts Ollie Brassfield, Grace LaVern Brassfield, and Faye (Foster) Smith and husband Willis, uncles Roy Foster, Vinton Foster, and William Foster.

A celebration of Sally’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 16, 2019 at Penwell Gabel’s Olathe Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, donations can be mailed to KCHPC, 1500 Meadow Lane Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO, 64114.

Joyce Arlene (Bannister) Bromlow of Overland Park, Kansas passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of October 30, 2018.

Joyce was born on August 27, 1939 at St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital in Larned, Kansas and was the only daughter to Charles Bannister and Gladys (Hanson) Bannister of Alexander, Kansas. She grew up on the family farm outside of Alexander, was an active member of the United Methodist Church and graduated from Alexander High School in 1957. Joyce then graduated from Fort Hays Kansas State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1961 and subsequently a Master of Science in Elementary Education in 1966.

On November 24, 1960, Joyce married James D. Bromlow of Fairview, Oklahoma in the Vassar United Methodist Church in Vassar, Kansas. Together they had two children: a daughter, Kerri and a son, Kris. James and Joyce lived in Alexander, Kansas until 1987 when they relocated to LaCrosse, Kansas.

Joyce began her teaching career at the age of nineteen and taught for over forty-two years in the communities of Bazine, Alexander and LaCrosse. After retirement, she continued to serve as a substitute teacher at area elementary schools in the Rush County area. Throughout her adult life, she was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Rebecca Circle, United Methodist Women, and lifelong church choir member. Joyce participated in Rotary Club and served on the Barnhard Library Board for many years. She also held memberships in the Kansas State Teacher’s Association, National Education Association, as well as Rush and Ness County Teacher’s Associations. Joyce was a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for over 40 years, and a lifetime member of the Fort Hays State Alumni Association. She taught Sunday School as well as Vacation Bible School classes, was a member of the Pro Art Music Club, a leader in Girl Scouts, 4-H and served as the Mayor of Alexander.

As evidenced by her commitment to teaching, Joyce thoroughly enjoyed working with children and helping the people in her community. Her biggest enjoyment in life centered around the time spent with her family and in particular making memories while watching her children and grandchildren grow. She loved visiting with friends both old and new. She took pleasure in singing, playing the piano, working in her yard, taking long walks with her husband and friends, cooking, and reading books. Her favorite family outings included attending dinner theaters, concerts, plays, and sporting events. Joyce traveled extensively throughout the continental United States and took trips to Canada as well as Europe. She enjoyed a full life pursuing her passion for knowledge. She lived life with the goal of serving God, her family and her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Bannister as well as her brother William C. (Bill) Bannister.

Surviving family members at her time of death include: husband James Bromlow of Overland Park, Kansas (now deceased); daughter, Kerri Renz (and husband Keith) of Overland Park; son, Kris Bromlow (and wife Laura) of Katy, Texas. Also surviving Joyce are: her five grandchildren, Andrew Renz of Arvada, Colorado; Landon and Hayden Renz of Overland Park; Kaitlyn and Jack Bromlow of Katy, Texas; two great grandchildren, Hailey and Nathan Renz of Lawrence, Kansas; her sister in law Marcia Bannister of Hays, Kansas; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins on both the Bromlow and Bannister sides of the family.

The family has planned a celebration of life ceremony to be held in honor of both James and Joyce at the United Methodist Church in LaCrosse, Kansas on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Alzheimer’s Association which can be made at www.alz.org or the United Methodist Church located at 220 Washington, LaCrosse, Kansas 67548.

James Deollis Bromlow of Overland Park, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the evening of July 11th, 2019.

James was born on November 16, 1935 at the family home located near Chester in West Dane Township, Major County, Oklahoma and was the second of six children born to Fletcher Deollis Bromlow and Dolah Elisabeth (Thomas) Bromlow. He grew up working on the family farm with his father outside of Chester and graduated from Longdale High School in 1955.

Following graduation, James began his farming career in the summer of 1955 when he was hired by Charles Bannister of Alexander, Kansas. Unbeknownst to him, he also met his future wife at this time. James served two stints in the United States Army from September, 1958 until September, 1960 and again from September 1961 until final discharge in 1962.

On November 24, 1960, James married Joyce Arlene (Bannister) Bromlow of Alexander, Kansas in the Vassar United Methodist Church in Vassar, Kansas. Together they had two children: a daughter, Kerri and a son, Kris. James and Joyce lived in Alexander, Kansas until 1987 when they relocated to LaCrosse, Kansas.

James was a farmer and a life-long caretaker of the land. He enjoyed spending time with his family which often included fishing, trips to visit extended family and friends, going to his childrens’ activities and ball games as well as helping with various 4-H projects. James always made himself available to help out neighbors and fellow farmers when the situation called for it. He also loved playing cards and dominoes while visiting with friends.

James was a member of the Alexander Kiwanis Club; board member of the Alexander Co-op; member of the Rush County Extension Board; member, trustee and usher of the United Methodist Church; Alexander Council Member; and served as the Mayor of Alexander.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (Bannister) Bromlow, his parents, Fletcher and Dolah Bromlow; brothers Louie and Kenneth; sisters Nidella Gibson and Alzadia Kirkham.

Surviving family members include: daughter, Kerri Renz (and husband Keith) of Overland Park; son, Kris Bromlow (and wife Laura) of Katy, Texas. Also surviving James are: his five grandchildren, Andrew Renz of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Landon and Hayden Renz of Overland Park, Kansas; Kaitlyn and Jack Bromlow of Katy, Texas; two great grandchildren, Hailey and Nathan Renz of Lawrence, Kansas; his brother Leslie and sister in law Caroline of Seiling, Oklahoma; his sister in law Marcia Bannister and husband Ken Griffin of Hays, Kansas; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins on both the Bromlow and Bannister sides of the family.

The family has planned a celebration of life ceremony to be held in honor of both James and Joyce at the United Methodist Church in LaCrosse, Kansas on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Alzheimer’s Association which can be made at www.alz.org or the United Methodist Church located at 220 Washington, LaCrosse, Kansas 67548.

Reza “Ray” Marefat, age 80, of Hays, Kansas passed away on Sunday August 18, 2019 in Hays. Ray was born on August 30, 1938 in Saveh, Iran.

Ray came to the United States in 1960 for work and school. He attended Highland Community College in Coffeyville and Pittsburg, KS. He graduated with a BS in Math from FHSU in 1969, then continued on to the University of Oklahoma for a BS in Chemical Engineering followed by a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Ohio State – Columbus.

He returned to Iran in 1973 to work for the National Oil Company of Iran until the revolution of 1979. Upon returning to the United States in 1986 he opened Maxim’s Restaurant in Hays until his retirement in 1996.

Ray’s commitment to education was passed along to his children. His daughter is a RN graduate of FHSU, and now on staff at UCSF Medical Center. His son also graduated from FHSU and is a KU Medical Graduate practicing Ophthalmology in Topeka, KS.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mary Marefat; Son, Babak Marefat; Daughter, Simin Marefat (married to Kreg Rotthoff); and a Grandson, Kai Rotthoff.

Memorial Services for Ray will be Saturday September 28, 2019 from 3 to 6 PM in the 1St floor conference room of the Hadley Center, 205 East 7th Street Hays, KS 67601.

Cremation entrusted to Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left online at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]

Merle Nadine “Honey” Cozad, 102, passed away on August 21, 2019.

There will be a visitation Friday, August 23, 2019 from 6-8pm at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Another visitation will take place Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton, Kansas from 5-7pm. Burial will be in Lyle Cemetery on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 10:30am. Contributions may be made in Merle’s memory to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.

Merle Nadine “Honey” Cozad, daughter of Elmer and Helen Knutson, was born on January 13, 1917, in Wilsonville, Nebraska, where she graduated from high school. Merle married A. Rex Cozad on October 10, 1935, and they had four children, Beverly Jean, John Elwyn, David Charles, and Mary Lynn.

Merle was active in the Lyle community where they raised their family. She participated in community activities and was an active member of the Lyle Methodist Church and the local 4-H club. They left Norcatur, Kansas, to Hutchinson, Kansas, where they spent many years traveling, Friday night dancing, and the social life that came with Rex’s political career.

Merle was a very loving and exceptionally strong woman who had a passion for life and her family. There was never a family event that Merle and Rex missed whether it be marriages, graduations, soccer, baseball or football games. Merle was a true matriarch in every sense of the meaning. She showed her family how to love and to be strong. She was our leader, our strength, and our family glue.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Helen Knutson; brother, Meredith Knutson; husband of 68 years, Rex Cozad; three of her children, Beverly Morton, John Cozad and David Cozad; and one great-grandson, Shawn Petty.

Survivors include: her daughter, Mary Vanderburg, and husband, Bill; daughter-in-law, Karen Cozad; 15 grandchildren, Tony, Jana, Lynn, Kenny, Sherri, Laura, Tracy, Jon, Jeremy, Kim, Kari, Erin, Nikki, Dusty and Morgan; 28 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Marjorie L. (Debes) Ludwig, 83, died August 22, 2019, at her home in Hoisington. She was born July 19, 1936, the daughter of Joseph N. and Mary E. (Linsner) Debes. Marjorie graduated from Hoisington High School in 1954.

A longtime Hoisington resident, she was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Marjorie was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Altar Society.

On August 2, 1954, she married Robert G. Ludwig at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert G. Ludwig and their children; Susan Davis and husband Keith of New Cambria, Loretta Riedl and husband Bert of Great Bend, Mary Kaiser and husband Kent of Bushton, Robin Nicholson and husband Brian of Windsor, Colorado, and Dennis Ludwig of Olmitz and special friend Christine Allen; daughters-in-law, Veronica Ludwig of Olmitz and Jeri Ludwig Henderson and husband Bob of Cleveland, Oklahoma; siblings, Pat Radke of Hoisington, Bernice Capps and husband Ron of Newton, Mary Ann Thornburg and husband Alan of Rapid City, South Dakota, Virginia Foos of Greeley, Colorado, LeRoy Debes and wife Connie of Spokane, Washington, and Joe Debes and wife Renita of Loveland, Colorado; 19 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, George C. Ludwig and Robert J. “Bobby” Ludwig, and an infant son, Patrick Ludwig; sister, Joan Vink and husband Larry; brothers-in-law, Bill Radke and Harold Foos; and a grandson, Kevin Anthony Kaiser.

Friends may call 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, with family to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Vigil with Rosary will begin at 7 p.m., all at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 26, 2019, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Louis Hoang. Burial will follow in St. John Church Cemetery, Hoisington.

Memorials may be made to St. John Cemetery Fund or Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Laurinda Miller, age 89, of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Via Christi Village, Hays.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Monday, August 26, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be Sunday 5 PM – 8 PM and Monday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A combine rosary and parish vigil service will be 7 PM Sunday at the funeral chapel.

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

A complete obituary is pending.