“God is love and she who abides in love abides in God and God in her.” (1John 4:16)

Marianne Ladenburger loved life – both its blessings and its challenges. “Abundance” became her focus following her cancer diagnosis in December 2014. Marianne taught by example how to live, to love, and to let go of all, including the life she loved so very much, to possess Eternal Life with the Spirit, whom she most related to as God. The Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control were the gifts of being in her presence.

Marianne was born February 11, 1930, to E.A. Baalman and Leoba Robben Baalman on the family farm near Menlo, KS. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Wichita, in 1948. She married Willus P. Ladenburger in Seguin, December 28, 1949. She died October 8, 2016 in her home. She is survived by children Dixie, and husband Murray Heinrich of Fairway, KS; Bob Ladenburger and wife Susie of Denver, CO; Cheryl and husband Bobby Patrick of Calgary, Alberta; Jay Ladenburger and wife Susan of Topeka; and Pat and husband Keith Kennedy of Hoxie, KS. Current events, politics, the importance of education, and the Golden Rule were among the many topics of conversation at three sit-down meals each day while the children were growing up. Cooking, gardening, and sewing clothing for her three daughters were a few talents of her early years of marriage in Grainfield. She loved the fruits of her yearly garden…lettuce, green beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes best of all! In 1979, Marianne returned to school and became an LPN. She loved nursing and pediatrics was her favorite. She quilted, tole painted, scrapbooked, tended her flower gardens and traveled with Willus during the late 80’s and 90’s. Willus died in 2002. In 2008, ever the seeker, Marianne moved from Grainfield to Topeka. She played lots of bridge, enjoyed the symphony and theater, participated in Osher classes, and enjoyed many new friends. She traveled the country to participate in family happenings, graduations, weddings, vacations, and to stay connected!

Marianne is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, who were the delight of her life: Jason Heinrich, Jonas Heinrich, Sarah Ladenburger Dominick, Anne Ladenburger Feighner, Ali Ladenburger, Drew Patrick, Angie Patrick, Jessie Patrick Provience, Jenna Kennedy Sloan, Jill Kennedy Schoendaler, Kyle Kennedy, Megan Ladenburger Howard, Paige Ladenburger Wynne and Rachel Ladenburger Irons; and fifteen great grandchildren under the age of six: Landon, Henry, Rowan, Peter, Skye, Sophia, Brynn, Teddy, Hannah, Austin, Owen, Alvy, Beatrice, Eli and Oliver.

In honor of Marianne, we ask ourselves, “Am I treating others, as I would like to be treated?” Marianne will be greatly missed!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2016 at the St. Agnes Catholic Church, 266 Cedar Street, Grainfield, Kansas 67737. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Grainfield Cemetery. Everyone is invited to join the family for a luncheon following the interment at the St. Agnes Education Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland 21297, Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or a charity of your choice.

Denise Lorraine Hattaway, 59, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, in Fountain Valley, California, surrounded by her loved ones.

Denise was born to Arthur and Charlene (L’Ecuyer) Stevenson and by the age of 5, her father remarried and she was then raised by her step-mother, Annette Manson.

Denise was full of beautiful colors and she never met a stranger who didn’t turn into a friend. For over 20 years, she was the face of Kelley Blue Book in Irvine, California, and took great pride with her role in the company. She had many nicknames for those she loved and a unique ability to make up words for ordinary items. Her spirit will live eternally through her kids and grandkids whom she taught to appreciate the finer things; yet never pay full price, always order extra onions on the side, and most importantly to live by the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur; three brothers Rodney Stevenson, Kelly Stevenson, and Mark Emmerson; and her sister Lisa Holt.

Survivors include two daughters, Sunshine Prescott and husband, Faron, Hays and Alisha Aiken and husband, Chris, Overland Park; a son, Cimmaron Gage and wife, Brandy; Billings, Montana; step mother, Annette Manson, Clovis, California; sister Cheryl Guyette, Fresno, California; her 6 grandchildren, Keldon, Chloe, and Mason Prescott, Hays; and Baya, Adrien, and Zane Aiken, Overland Park.

A private burial service will be held at the Belmont Cemetery, Speed, Kansas. Memorial donations to help the family with final arrangements may be sent to Sunshine Prescott, P.O. Box 1251, Hays, KS 67601.

Bernece Rohleder, 101, Salina, formerly of Victoria, Kansas, died Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Brookdale Senior Assisted Living facility in Salina.

She was born June 29, 1915 in Vincent, Kansas the daughter of Anton and Katherine (Schrant) Schulte. She was a 1933 graduate of Victoria High School and attended Business School at Fort Hays State University. On May 22, 1945 she married John C. Rohleder in Vincent. He preceded her in death in 1989. Together they owned and operated a grocery store and liquor store in Victoria and Bernece was also a nurse for Dr. Anderson in Victoria for many years.

Survivors include a daughter; Lucy Kollhoff and husband Mike of Salina, Kansas, a sister-in-law; Laverna Schulte of Hill City, Kansas, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John C. Rohleder, a son; Leo Paul Rohleder in 2007, a grandson John Rohleder in 2004, four brothers; Virgil, Herbert, Albert, and Paul Schulte, and three sisters; Josephine Rusch, Florence Heilig, and Clara Staab.

Private family burial will take place in Mt. Allen Cemetery, Hays. Visitation will be from 5:30 until 8:00 pm on Tuesday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Brookdale/Fairdale Senior Living Center or to the Women Helping Women Fund, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Edith M. Criswell, age 89, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2016 at her home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on October 28, 1926 in Sheridan County, Kansas, the daughter of John Thomas and Delma Emma Fortin McCoy. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1973 moving from Medicine Lodge, Kansas, she was a Elementary School Teacher in Kansas and Texas, Surgical Assistant, Legal Secretary, Medical Clinic receptionist and caregiver.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas. Edith was also a member of the St. Joseph Alter Society and was active at the polls during every election, a homemaker and loving Mother and Grandmother.

On May 19, 1949 she married Darrel Leroy Criswell in Hoxie, Kansas. He passed away on January 18, 1997in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Four Daughters – Diane & Doug Simpson of San Antonio, Texas, Carolyn & Tom West of Scott City, Kansas, Cheryl Turley of Park City, Kansas, Mary Comba of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother – Tom & Melba McCoy of Bel Fourche, South Dakota, One Sister – Mary Ann Jones of Wichita, Kansas, Eleven Grandchildren and Twenty Five Great Grandchildren(26 by 2017).

She was preceded in death by her Parents,Husband and One Sister – Jeannie Spresser.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Leoville, Kansas with Rev. Robert Nuckolls presiding.

Memorials may be given to the Edith Criswell Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Leoville, Kansas

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. Until 11:00 a.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Erwin A. “Shorty” Kroeger, age 91, of Ellis passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis. He was born February 6, 1925 in Trego County, Kansas to Ernest and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Irion) Kroeger. He graduated in 1944 from Ellis High School. On September 22, 1949 he married Shirley Ann Massier at Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis.

He was a Farmer and Stockman and a member of St. John Lutheran Church where he was active in the choir, church council and ELCM. He was Influential along with Shirley in getting the Trego County Water District #2 implemented.

He is survived by two sons, Michael Kroeger of Russell and Timothy Kroeger of Ellis; two daughters, Julie (Dan) Schoenberger of Wichita and Holly (Brett) Gilbert of McCracken; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley  on April 7, 2011; a son, Douglas Kroeger in 1973 and a brother Ray Kroeger.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM  Wednesday at St. John Lutheran Church located 7 miles north of Ellis. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery with military honors courtesy of the Ellis VFW.

Visitation will be Tuesday 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. all at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS. 67637.

Contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or the Ellis VFW.

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

Virginia “Virgie” (Koerner) Windholz, age 89, died Friday, October 7, 2016, at Via Christi Village Assisted Living Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born November 25, 1926, in Hays, Kansas and was raised by her grandparents Fred and Katherine (Schmidt) Koerner. She married Alvin J. Windholz on April 17, 1943, in Victoria, Kansas. He died May 1, 1993.

She was a homemaker and a home and commercial painter with her husband for over 40 years. She was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Daughters of Isabella, Christian Mothers all of Victoria, Kansas. She was member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary of Hays, Kansas. She enjoyed her yard work, crocheting and spending time with her family.

Survivors include one son, Allen Windholz and wife, Rae Ann, Lake Havasu, AZ; two daughters, Susie Dinkel and husband, Danny, Walker, KS; Kelly Kaba and husband, John, Hays, KS; ten grandchildren: Tracy (Maria) Dinkel, Danny (Bobbie) Dinkel Jr., Allen Windholz Jr., Tim Windholz, Rae Ann (Scott) Green, Melissa Sauer, Ron (Tammi) Sauer, Kurtis Scheck, Jessica (Matthew) Korte, Courtney Kaba and 15 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Donna Windholz; one grandson, Scott Lee Dinkel.
Services are at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at The Basilica of St Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service followed by a St. Fidelis Daughters of Isabella / Christian Mothers rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis.

Memorial to The Basilica of St. Fidelis. Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or via e-mail to [email protected].

Francis H “Shorty” Wierman, 93 years 11 months of McCracken, Kansas passed away October 8, 2016 at Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care in Lacrosse KS. He was born Nov. 8, 1922 in Ness County, KS to William J. and Margaret McGaughey Wierman.

He was a contractor and farmer, World War II army veteran, serving May 4, 1944 to May 7, 1946.

He served in combat in the Rhineland of Germany, participating in several battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, before the war’s end.

After basic training he was sent to Fort George Meade, Maryland for overseas duty, and finally transferred to Myles Standish, Massachusetts to be shipped overseas to England. Once he arrived in England, he crossed the English Channel into France and joined the 121st Infantry Regiment, C Company, Eighth Division in Luxembourg. Francis served under General Dwight D. Eisenhower and General George Patton. After the war and returning to Fort Orde, California, Francis was part of the Army Day Parade up Market Street in San Francisco. Francis did receive the Bronze Star thirty-nine years after the war was over.

Francis was a local and county 4-H leader.He was a life member of the American Legion Post 59 for 38 years.

Francis married Harriet Roberta Kittle on Nov. 23, 1948 at Sacred Heart Church in Ness City. Francis is survived by his wife of 67 years; daughters, Rita Brethowr of Park City, Kansas; Marilyn Sommers (George) of Silver Lake, Kansas; son, Ray Wierman (Laura) of Bennington, Kansas. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by siblings, Gertrude Brackney, Marie Pfannenstiel, Bill Wierman, Mildred Kraisinger, Delores Clumsky, Eugene Wierman, James “Whitie” Wierman, Albert Wierman, Keith Wierman, Marjorie Linenberger & Betty Greenway.

Viewing will be October 11 from 9AM – 3PM at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Family will receive friends & guests 5:30PM – 7 PM October 11. Parish Rosary will be held at 7 PM, October 11 at St. Mary’s Heritage Church, McCracken, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Heritage Church, McCracken, Kansas. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, rural McCracken.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McCracken St. Mary’s Heritage Church or Rush County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care, in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, PO Box 96, Ness City, KS 67560.

Vernon J. Rohr, 81, Beechcraft foreman, loyal and loving husband, father and grandfather died Saturday, October 8, 2016.

Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Wednesday, October 12, 2016, at All Saints Catholic Church. Preceded in death by his wife, Annette Ann Rohr; parents, Lawrence and Katherine Rohr; brothers, Elmer Rohr, Gilbert Rohr, Leroy Rohr, Rev. Vincent Rohr; sister, Minnie Zimmerman.

Survived by his sons, David J. Rohr, Donald G. (Debi) Rohr and their children, Noah, Jonah, Hannah, Eli, Benny, Charlie, and Gregory; daughter, Jeanne L. Brown and her children, Zach Smith, Amber Smith, Melody, VJ and Minda; sisters, Esther Ruder, Ruth Pfeifer both of Hays, KS; brothers, Floyd Rohr of Hays, KS, Walter Rohr of Orange Park, FL; great-grandchildren, Michael, Gabriel, Mary, Kylie, Victoria.

A memorial has been established with The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214, and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.

Avis Elaine (Bell) Rothe passed away on October 7, 2016 with family by her side, at Cedar Village in Ness City. Avis was born on November 15, 1925 in Dodge City, the daughter of Ralph Wells Bell and Laura (Johnson) Bell.

Avis grew up on a farm south west of Dodge City and attended South Hopewell Grade School, and Dodge City High School.

In 1936 Avis’ mother passed away, Avis helped raise her younger brother Louis.

In 1947 Avis was introduced to Grover Rothe by her sister Gladys, they were Married on April 1, 1948, in Ness City. This marriage united two families. Grover’s daughter Linda, and Avis’ son R.D.

Avis was a homemaker, very well known for her cooking, and candy making. Avis made candy for many weddings through the years. She and Grover enjoyed spending time with their family, friends and neighbors; the coffee pot was always on for company. She also enjoyed gardening, canning the vegetables, and sewing. Avis also enjoyed going flying with her son. She was a member of the Rosedale Club.

Avis was a Mother, Grandmother, and also welcomed her nephew Ben and niece Joy Carpenter to the home, who moved from Canada to attend their senior year of high school in Ness City.

Survivors include one son, R.D. Rothe of Ness City; daughter, Linda and husband, Gary Harkness of Larned; grandchildren, Travis, Ness City, Scott and Tina, Larned; a brother, Louis and wife Pat Bell, San Jose CA; a niece, Pamela Johnson, CA; a nephew, David Bell, CA; and one special niece, Joy McCoy, Ness City, who she considered to be another daughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband. Grover, and sister Gladys.

Graveside service will be held Monday, October 10th at 2:30 p.m. at the Ness City Cemetery.

Honoring Avis’ wishes there will be no viewing. Friends may sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Sunday from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. and on Monday from 9:00 A.M. until noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cedar Village.

Luther Dean Baral, 88, of Bunker Hill, Kansas, died on October 06, 2016, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Luther was born on August 16, 1928, on the family farm East of Bunker Hill, Kansas, the son of Godfrey Everett and Grace (Hoch) Baral. He grew up in Bunker Hill and attended school at Elm Creek. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Marlene Cooper on March 10, 1948, in Toledo, Oregon. While living in Oregon he worked for a tree cutting company working in the saw mill and later was promoted to operating the bulldozer. He and Marlene moved back to Bunker Hill to raise their family. Luther spent most of his life working on the farm and also worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Center Township in Bunker Hill for 47 years. He was a member of theBunker Hill City Council from 1963 to 1964, and was elected Mayor of Bunker Hill from 1975 to 1977. He enjoyed fishing and could be seen working sun up to sun down maintaining his beautiful garden.

Surviving family include his wife of 68 years Marlene of the home; son Alvin Baral of Bunker Hill, Kansas; daughter Gale Peck of Wichita, Kansas; sisters Mary Cooper of Ellinwood, Kansas and Betty Brozek and husband Richard of Lucas, Kansas; 5 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Art and Floyd Baral; sisters Bessie Hupher and Gladys Steinert.

A memorial service to celebrate Luther’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 10, 2016, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Kansas. Cremation has preceded the services and family will greet guests the day of the service. Memorials may be given to the Bunker Hill Community Center or the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Marlene Nadine (Zeman) LaRue was born August 12, 1946, in Grinnell, Kansas, to Harold and Donna (Hickel) Zeman. She died Thursday, October 6, 2016 at Hays Medical Center, Hays.

On May 25, 1979, Marlene was united in marriage to Tony Ray LaRue. They lived in Jennings, Kansas until returning to WaKeeney in 2007. She worked as a CNA in her early years, eventually becoming a homemaker. Marlene lived in Keeney Village, where she enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. She also loved going to the races and playing bingo, but her most precious moments were spent with her family and her dog “Little Bit”.

Marlene is survived by five children, Frank Giebler, and wife Maggie of Valley Falls, Chris Giebler and wife Stacey of Topeka, Tammie and husband Ron Williams of Hays, Dawn and husband Michael Geist of WaKeeney, and Tony Ray LaRue, Jr. and wife LaVonne of Nortonville; grandchildren, Gabby, Gavin, Jayden, Christopher, Lauren, Tyler, Katie, Kale, Kyler, Kaitlyn, Kierra, Harley, Brooklin, Sadie, Aivah, and Spencer; great-grandchildren, Kyran and Khali; brother, Melvin Zeman of Hays; sister, Joquetta DeWitt-Roth of Lakewood, Colorado; nephew, Bradley Zeman of Wichita; and niece, Kerbie Jacobson, of Littleton, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney. There will be no visitation as it was her wish to be cremated.

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

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

Carole June Kinderknecht, age 83, of Ellis, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. She was born September 24, 1932 in Hays, Kansas to Guy Lucian and Mildred June (Meserve) Waldo. She graduated from Ellis High School in 1950 and attended Fort Hays State University. She married William Anthony Kinderknecht on October 10, 1952. He preceded her in death May 14, 1969.

Carole worked for Washington Elementary School in Ellis for 27 years where she truly enjoyed working with the school children. She was a member of Ellis United Methodist Church, Cosmos Club, Eastern Star as well as a Brownie and Cub Scout Leader. She was a loving mother and grandmother and she enjoyed gardening especially her rose garden.

She is survived by two sons, Dr. Lynn Kinderknecht (Vera) and Les Kinderknecht (Christa) all of Hays, Kansas; a daughter, Lou Ann Kinderknecht of Omaha, Nebraska; six grandchildren, Dr. William J. Kinderknecht (Kimberly) of McAllister, Texas, Dr. Benjamin M. Kinderknecht (Erin) of Blue Springs, Missouri, Dr. Jonathan J. Kinderknecht (Shannon) of Hays, Kansas, Kathryn Ann Rosseter (John) of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Scott M. Kinderknecht (Sarah) of Wichita, Kansas and Allyssa Marie Tucker (Eric) of Wichita, Kansas as well as 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Walter G. Waldo and a great grandson, Paul Kinderknecht.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Monday, October 10, 2016 at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis.

Visitation will be Sunday 5 PM – 7 PM and Monday 9:30 AM until service time all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Washington Elementary School in Ellis.

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