Francis A. Pfannenstiel, age 73, of Bunker Hill, Kansas passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016 in Bunker Hill. He was born May 17, 1943 in Wallace, KS to Linus and Veronica (Schlitter) Pfannenstiel.

He was a construction worker building homes and enjoyed woodworking.

He is survived by five sons, Derrick Pfannenstiel (Amy) of Phoenix, AZ, Francis Anthony Pfannenstiel (Manuela) of Bunker Hill, KS, Trent Pfannenstiel (Lorrena) of Phoenix, AZ, Brent Pfannenstiel (Jinny Wagner) of Russell, KS and Walter Addrulis (Tammy) of Great Bend; two daughters, Christina Lamar (Barry) and Amy Moreso (George) all of Russell, KS; three brothers, Vincent Pfannenstiel (Gayle) of Salina, KS Arnold Pfannenstiel of Kansas City, KS and Jerry Pfannenstiel of Phoenix, AZ; four sisters, Kathy Brungardt of Burlington, KS, Mary Zulcoleski of Grand Island, NE, Inez Tauscher of Arkansas City and Serina Pfannenstiel of Salina, KS as well as 29 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sarah Hearld and three brothers, Joseph, Mike and Bernard.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Monday, November 21, 2016 at the First Southern Baptist Church 386 S. Fossil street Russell, KS.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to be used per the wishes of the family and may be sent 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]

Mary Elaine Bowman Cummings, of Strasburg, Colorado (formerly of Goodland, Kansas) died Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 88 years of age.

Mary was born on August 16, 1928; the fourth of six children born to Jack and Ramona Bowman.  Mary attended school for two years in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, and later attended Wallace School for several more years.  Mary’s father was then transferred to Wauneta, Nebraska, where Mary would eventually graduate from High School.  After graduation, the Bowman family moved back to Wallace and Mary began a series of jobs which included working in the telephone office and the bank in Sharon Springs.

Mary married Gerald Wade Cummings on September 22, 1949, in Wallace, Kansas.  Mary and Wade raised eight children and Mary worked at home during those years. Later she and Wade would share work on a rural mail route; a job that lasted 28 years.

Preceding Mary in death were her parents; her husband Wade; three sisters, Donice, Francis, and Cye; two brothers, John and Peter; and two grandchildren, Baron Burrier and Brian Cummings.

Survivors include eight children; Diane (Darrell) Owens of Edson, Kansas; Warren (Judy) Cummings of Limon, Colorado, Roy (Toni) Cummings, of Goodland, Kansas; Ann (Ron) Hasenbalg of Byers, Colorado;  Barry (Linda) Cummings of Billings, Montana; Donna (Rob) Ilves of Sante Fe, New Mexico; Eric Cummings; Jana (David) Garin of Aurora, Colorado, 23 grandchildren, 27 great- grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM MT on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland, Kansas. The Rosary will be held at 6:30 PM MT on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at the Catholic Church in Goodland. Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery, Goodland, Kansas.

Memorials may be designated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Goodland, Kansas, or to the Northwest Kansas Animal Shelter and may be left at the service or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Goodland, Kansas 67735.

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

Koons-Russell Funeral Home of Goodland was entrusted with arrangements.

Kenton J. Kobza, 19, of Columbus, Neb., formerly of David City, died Tuesday, November 8, 2016, near Hays, Kansas, as a result of injuries from an accident.

Kenton Joseph Kobza was born on April 5, 1997, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Kent and Anita Kobza. He walked into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 8th 2016, at the age of 19. Kenton went to Fairbury Elementary and Middle Schools and was a graduate of David City Aquinas Catholic High School.

Kenton was a freshman at Fort Hays State University majoring in Exercise Science. He was also a member of the Fort Hays Track and Field team.

Kenton was an accomplished athlete during his young life. At Fairbury Middle School he won two junior high discus state championships while in the process setting the state record and ranking first nationally.

At Aquinas Catholic High School, Kenton was a three time discus state champion, shot put state champion, two time runner-up and a bronze medalist at the Nebraska state track and field meet. Kenton was a member of multiple high school football and track and field team state championship and runner-up championship teams. Kenton was also a member of the Cornhusker Flyers and Lincoln Jets summer track teams where he competed locally and in national meets. He looked forward to the national meets where he would travel with his family and friends.

Kenton was passionate about movies and music often memorizing songs and scenes to recite those close to him. His many past times included weightlifting with his dad and sister, visiting with his mom, fishing with his Grandma and Grandpa, and entertaining his family and friends with his front and back flips he learned while jumping on his trampoline. He taught himself how to play the piano and would fill his family full of laughter with his renditions of his favorite songs.

You could always count on the warmest of hugs and sincerest of smiles when you saw Kenton. He was not shy to give you an embrace and tell you a term of endearment. He kept his family close to his heart.

He was a young man of exceptional faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Survivors: Parents: Kent and Anita Kobza of Columbus, Sister: Janessa Kobza of Columbus, Grandparents: Bob (Jane) Kobza of Columbus and Rodney (Janice)Schrock of Fairbury, Aunts and Uncles: Shawn ( Rod) Bungey of Ft. Mill, SC, Rob (Deb) Kobza of Lincoln, Ryan (Jen) Kobza and Aaron (Jen) Kobza both of Omaha and Julie (Greg) Gilg of Gothenburg. Numerous cousins and other loved ones.

Not all scars show, not all wounds heal, not all illness can be seen, not all pain is obvious. Remember this before passing judgement on another. https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/

No viewing or visitation, as the family has chosen cremation. Private family burial at a later date. A Memorial Mass took place Monday St. Mary’s Catholic Church in David City.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: Memorials to Aquinas Guardian Angel Fund.

Arrangements were made by Chermok Funeral Home.

Loren L. Gfeller, 88, Ponca City, Oklahoma died Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the Via Christi Village in Ponca City, Oklahoma.



He was born April 14, 1928 on a farm southwest of Winona, Kansas  to Emil & Ivy (Shoftner) Gfeller. Loren graduated from Winona High School in 1946. Loren was in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves, and when the Korean War started on June 25, 1950 he was called back to active duty, on October 14, 1950. He then spent approximately four months in Japan and eight months in Korea. After his discharge from the Army, he worked as a carpenter until January 1953. He then went to Brown-Mackie school of business in Salina, Kansas and took an 18 month accounting course.

After graduating he took a job in the refinery accounting department of the Continental Oil Company (Conoco) on August 1, 1954 and retired  May 1, 1985 after 30 years and 9 months.

On August 22, 1955 Loren married Adella Viola Cress of Hays, Kansas who he had met in business school in Salina, Kansas.  She preceded him in death on December 11, 1992.  After a honeymoon trip to various points in Minnesota & Canada, they made their home in Ponca City, Oklahoma.  They made many trips from coast to coast, all over the United States & Canada while Loren was still working. After his wife passed away Loren traveled all over the world with the Prime Timers, Retirees Group of the Pioneer Bank in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Loren & Adella were baptized at a young age and were members of the First United Methodist Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

He is survived by one sister; Lorene Clark of Oakley, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his wife Adella, his parents, two brothers and wives; Garland and Leola Gfeller and Myron and Frances Gfeller, three sisters; Wilda Gfeller, Arlene Berndt and Lucile Lewallen, and one brother-in-law; Francis Lewallen.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm, Sunday, November 13, 2016 at the Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at the Norman Cemetery about 20 miles northeast of Hays, Kansas, next to his wife Adella, under the direction of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

The family has suggested memorials to the First United Methodist Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street.

Friends may leave online condolences at www.gracememorialchapel.net , at www.haysmemorial.com, or via email at [email protected]

Gloria Jean (Wise) Pulec passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 70. She was born on June 11, 1946 in Plainville, Kansas to the late Otto and Helen Wise. She was blessed with two sons, Robert and Terry.

Gloria loved serving with people and helping others. She worked in several capacities at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas including Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Records Technician, and Certified Medical Assistant. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, as well as rolling out at the bowling alley with friends whenever she had the chance. She had a special place in her heart for her dogs, but her greatest love was for family, friends, and neighbors.

Gloria is survived by her son Robert Wise of Stockton, and Terry Pulec and wife Kim of Stockton; sister-in-law Laurie hicks of Victoria; grandchildren Aaron Pulec, and Brett Pulec; and great-grandchildren Dakota Pulec, and Kayzen Pulec.

She was preceded in death by Otto and Helen Wise.

Gloria was a strong and confident woman with a heart of gold. Always willing to give of herself, she was gentle of spirit, enthusiastic and encouraging to everyone around her. Her unselfish love for us will continue to be our blessing and inspiration for generations to come.

Wayne Edward Thompson, 84, of Topeka, formerly of Otis, Kansas passed away on November 9, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born May 23, 1932, son of Carol Sherman (Spide) Thompson and Wilma Lucille (Billie) Selvage Thompson in Udall, Kansas. His early life was spent in and around the Udall and Atlanta, Kansas area. He graduated from Atlanta High School, Arkansas City Junior College, and Emporia State Teacher’s College.

Wayne married Arlene Booth on October 10, 1954. Wayne was a teacher for 39 years. He started his teaching career in Alta Vista, Kansas. The last 35 years were in the Otis and Otis-Bison School District. Wayne was a Boy Scout Leader for many years in the Otis-Bison area, also active in the Lions Club and Kiwanis Club.

He is survived by their four children, Mark (Mary) Thompson of Topeka, Kansas, Kirk (Joyce) Thompson of Lancaster, Kansas, Kala (David) Blochlinger of Goodland, Kansas and Jill Schauer of Trenton, Georgia. They were blessed with thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Wayne is also survived by two brothers, Jack (Jeanine) Thompson and Glen (Loretta) Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; his parents, his brother, Coye Thompson, and great-grandson, Oliver Hurley.

After retirement, Wayne and Arlene enjoyed spending time at their lake house near Camdenton, MO. Wayne loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Wayne was an avid KU basketball fan!

A service will be held at the Otis-Bison Elementary School in Otis, Kansas on November 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Otis-Bison School.

Eleanor Ann Lee, 80, passed away on November 9, 2016 at the Cedar Village Care Center in Ness City, Kansas.  She was born on March 24, 1936 in Preston, Kansas the daughter of Gilbert and Ruth (Otstott) Arnold.

She was a very active in the real estate market and also worked in human resources for Continental Can Company.

Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Debra Yeckle, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Cindy (Charles) Browne, Kansas City, Missouri; two sisters, Joan Teimann, Salina and Ellen Arnold, Wichita; one brother, Roger Arnold; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016, 2:00 PM at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.  Cremation followed.

Memorial contributions may be given to the United Methodist Church, Ness City and Hospice of the Prairie.

Naomi Flo Miller, 81, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, November 08, 2016, at her home in Russell.

Naomi was born September 14, 1935, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer and Esther (Gilliland) Hull. She grew up in Ottawa, attended local schools, and graduated from Ottawa High School in the class of 1953. She met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Roy C. Miller on January 09, 1955 in Ottawa, Kansas. From this union, Naomi and Roy were blessed with four children: Deb, Pam, Tim, and Randy. The family lived in Ottawa for 3 years and in Gypsum, Kansas for 5 years before moving to Russell in 1964. Naomi worked as the office manager for the KRSL Radio Station in Russell from 1967 to 1994. She was a longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, where she had served as Treasurer and was on the church Ad Council. She was also a member of the Kansas Good Sam’s Camping Club. She and her husband enjoyed square dancing and were Co-Presidents of the Kansas Square Dance Association during 1989-1990. She relished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving family include her husband Roy of the home, daughters Deb Miller (Alan Kirton) of Boulder, Colorado and Pam Emahizer (John) of Aurora, Nebraska; sons Tim Miller of Dexter, Missouri and Randy Miller (Laurie) of Ottawa, Kansas; sister in-law Bonnie Hull; 9 grandchildren Erin, Trevor, Megan, Jarod, Nicole, Josh, Nathan, Jordan and Shelby; 12 great-grandchildren Brennan, Hunter, Ava, Isaac, Dylan, Madison, Landon, Kolten, Aiden, Johnathon, Delilah and Maddie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Eddie, Robert, Charles and David Hull and granddaughter Lindsay Miller.

A celebration of Naomi’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, November 14, 2016, at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Michael Eurit officiating. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Sunday, November 13, 2016, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday evening. Memorials may be given to the Otterbein United Methodist Church or Russell Senior Center and can be sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.