(June 23, 1926 – September 19, 2016)
Funeral Service: Friday, September 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating
Burial: Arlington Cemetery in Homer, LA
Memorial Fund: Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County
Visitation: Thursday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. until service time
Gary Lee Anthony was born April 23, 1940, at home on the family farm the youngest son of George Edgar and Ruth Louise (Brunk) Anthony. He passed away September 19, 2016, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas, at the age of 76.
Gary and his three brothers were reared on the family farm near Lyle, Kansas, in Decatur County. His family were members of the Lyle Methodist Church. Gary attended Spring Branch country school through the 8th grade, Decatur Community High School his freshman year, and graduated from Norcatur High School in 1959. From 1960-1962, Gary served in the U. S. Army. He spent a good part of his time in Germany, after basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, and earned a Good Conduct medal.
After returning home, Gary worked construction for Dick Lake for several years before taking over the family farm operation because of his father’s health. He later worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation from 1985 until retiring in 2002.
Gary was a charter member of the Lebanon Lions Club. He also belonged to the American Legion Post #313 in Lebanon, Nebraska, for over 40 years and served as Post Commander in 1980-81. Gary had been a volunteer for the Norcatur Fire Department and served on the Norcatur City Council. One of his favorite activities was being able to play Santa Claus during the holidays. He appeared at the Norcatur Christmas Drawing for many years and later for the City of Oberlin. The Cedar Living residents and staff always enjoyed their Christmas party when Santa Claus arrived. Gary also enjoyed visiting with family and friends and was someone who never knew a stranger.
On September 23, 2000, Gary married Cathy (Bass) Lang in Norcatur, where they made their home. Neither Gary nor Cathy were blessed with biological children, but they brought into the marriage the “steps” that they loved: Fredrick Farr (Shelli), Minnie Dawn Purdy (Jim), and Windy Kuhlman, children of Gary’s former wife, Janet (Farr) Wade; and Kim, Diana, Christopher, Lisa and Lori and their families. Other survivors include a brother, Keith Anthony of Atwood; four step grandchildren, Jack, Tony, Dillon and Daxton ; other family members and many friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; stepson-in-law, Chris Kuhlman; and two brothers and their wives, Gerald and Jan Anthony and Dale and Faye Anthony.
Funeral Service: Thursday, September 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Mr. Dwayne Jackson officiating
Burial: Norcatur Cemetery
Memorial Funds: Norcatur Cemetery Fund and Norcatur Citizens Alliance
James J. Kronewitter, age 78, of Hays, passed away Monday, September 19, 2016 at Hays Medical Center.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Friday, September 23, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday 4 PM – 8 PM and Friday 9 AM – 9:30 AM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
There will be a Schoenchen council Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:30 PM Thursday followed by a parish vigil at 7 PM.
A complete obituary is pending.
WaKeeney – Lloyd Eugene Nilhas, 91 died Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Trego County Long Term Care Facility in WaKeeney. Lloyd was born February 21, 1925 in rural Hodgeman County, the son of Frank and Hattie (Hendrickson) Nilhas. He was a farmer/rancher in Gove County until 1961 at which time he moved to Trego County to farm and ranch. He was baptized as a boy in the Church of Christ and later became a member of the Ogallah Christian Church.
On August 6, 1955 he married Ruth Ann Biehler at the First Methodist Church in Collyer, KS. He leaves behind Ruth Ann, his wife of 61 years. Other survivors include 2 sons, Steve Nilhas and wife Elena, Littleton, New Hampshire; John Nilhas and wife Vae, WaKeeney, Kansas; and 1 daughter Jill McReynolds and husband Jeff of Hays, Kansas; 6 grandchildren, Amy Lewis and husband Mike, Tyrel Nilhas and wife Breanne, Blake Nilhas and wife Erin, Aaron Nilhas and fiance Sara Miller, Kaitlyn McReynolds and husband Lance Sauer, and Morgan Nilhas; 2 step grandchildren, Paula and Sofia Mendez-Sanchez; and 5 great grandchildren, Brenna Flax, Braden and Ryann Lewis, Adalyn and Aubree Nilhas. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Mabel Nilhas, Jessie Hunt, Mae Rasmussen; and 2 brothers Merle Nilhas and Ray Nilhas.
Lloyd was active in the Trego County community serving on numerous boards including the Trego County Board of Commissioners, Kansas Livestock Association, Farm Bureau, and Ogallah School District Number 9. He was also active in his support of 4-H and FFA, and he was generous in his participation with many other community organizations. As a lifelong farmer and rancher, he was a visionary being one of the first area ranchers to introduce cross breeding, artificial insemination, and performance testing of his stock. He took great pride in his cow herd and could often be seen working on improving and upgrading their quality.
While his health prevented him from serving in World War II, he was a patriot in every sense of the word. He supported the war effort by leaving formal education after the 8th grade in order to work on his family’s farm while his brothers were sent into the war. Lloyd could always be counted on to lend a helping hand to his neighbors, friends, and complete strangers. He was a role model for his family as he worked to instill the values of honesty, hard work, and generosity. He was proud of the contributions he made to improve his community and enrich the lives of others. He lived the last years of his life at the Trego County Long Term Care Facility and was known for brightening the lives of the many residents and staff there with whom he shared bingo games, singing, and other activities. He will be greatly missed by all.
Family hosted memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Ogallah Christian Church. Inurnment will be in the Ogallah Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday evening, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home in WaKeeney. Cremation was chosen. The family suggests, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorials be made to the Trego County Long Term Care Facility (TCLMH-LTC) or to the Ogallah Christian Church. Donations made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
(April 23, 1940 – September 19, 2016)
Funeral Service: Thursday, September 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Mr. Dwayne Jackson officiating
Burial: Norcatur Cemetery
Memorial Funds: Norcatur Cemetery Fund and Norcatur Citizens Alliance
Lloyd Eugene Nilhas, 91 died Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Trego County Long Term Care Facility in WaKeeney.
Services are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.
Robert Glenn Hafliger, 64, passed away on September 16, 2016, at the Rhode Island Suites in Ransom, Kansas. He was born on October 4, 1951, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Lyle and Wauneta (Blocksome) Hafliger.
He was a mechanic in the Lane County area for many years.
Survivors include sister, Phyllis Clark He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald Hafliger.
No services are scheduled.
Elaine Ann Bittel, age 68, of Ellis, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Hays Medical Center. She was born January 5, 1948 in Hays, Kansas to Edgar and Rosemary (Buser) Bittel. She graduated from Ellis High School in 1966.
Elaine had worked as an inventory clerk at a bookstore. She also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis and at Hadley Hospital in the library. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Ellis. She was an avid reader and music lover, especially Neil Diamond. She loved animals and politics.
She is survived by two brothers, Stan Bittel and wife Kerry of Ellis, Kansas and Rod Bittel and wife Pat of Lawrence, Kansas; three sisters, Barbara King and husband Marvin of Ellis, Kansas, Cynthia Pfannenstiel and husband Bill of Pittsburg, Kansas and Mary Bittel and husband Mike Burdick of Chandler, Arizona. She is also survived by 9 nephews and 4 nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, September 24, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis with inurnment to follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday 5 PM – 7 PM with a combined parish vigil service and rosary at 7 PM all at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or the Hays Public Library.
Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th in Ellis.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or email at [email protected].
Memorial services for Goodland, Kansas, resident Jody Lee Brown, 50, will be held Wednesday, September 21, at 10:30 AM MT at First Christian Church in Goodland, Kansas.
Memorials to Jody Brown Memorial may be left at the service or mailed to Koons Funeral Home, 211 North Main, Goodland, KS 67735-1555.
Online condolences to www.koonsfuneralhome.com.
Norma Jean (Tomlin) Cook, 88, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.
Norma Jean was born May 1, 1928 in Atlanta, Kansas, the daughter of Herbert and Inez (Murrey) Tomlin. She attended school in Leon, Kansas until she was ten years old when her family moved to Russell. She graduated from Russell High School. She then attended and graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.
Norma Jean was united in marriage to Bob Gene Cook on November 21, 1951in Russell. This union was blessed with a son, Tom. They made their home in Russell.
Norma Jean was a devoted wife and homemaker for Tom. Then after Tom was eight, she started teaching in the Russell County area. She taught at country schools and most of the schools in Russell. She was a Teacher for over 50 years before she retired. She was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church and was church Choir Director for many years. She also was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, Gamma Zeta (Beta Sigma Phi) and Russell Rotary where she played the piano at meetings.. She was the Past President of the Russell County ARC, Co Founder of the Russell Rough Riders, and was on the Russell City Council for over 17 years. She was on the planning committees for the ’61, ’71, ’81, and ’91 Prairiestas, was Man of the Year in Russell in 1981, was awarded the Heart of Gold Award in 1987 by Edward D. Jones, judged the Russell County Fair talent shows, did “Our Town” presentations, was involved with the Spike Jones Band and with great enjoyment played Bridge for many years with her friends
Surviving family include her husband of 64 years, Bob of the home; son Tom Cook of Russell, Kansas; sister, Kay Lowenstein of Manhattan, Kansas; and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Celebration of Norma Jean’s Life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm. Memorials have been established with the Otterbein United Methodist Church or ARC of Russell County. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.
Elaine Ann Bittel, age 68, of Ellis, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Hays Medical Center. She was born January 5, 1948 in Hays, Kansas to Edgar and Rosemary (Buser) Bittel. She graduated from Ellis High School in 1966.
Elaine had worked as an inventory clerk at a bookstore. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis. She enjoyed animals, politics, she was an avid reader and music lover especially Neil Diamond. She also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis and at Hadley Hospital in the library.
She is survived by two brothers, Stan Bittel and wife Kerry of Ellis, Kansas and Rod Bittel and wife Pat of Lawrence, Kansas; three sisters, Narbara King and husband Marvin of Ellis, Kansas, Cynthia Pfannenstiel and husband Bill of Pittsburg, Kansas and Mary Bittel and husband Mike Burdick of Chandler, Arizona. She is also survived by 9 nephews and 4 nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, September 24, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis with inurnment to follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday 5 PM – 7 PM with a combined parish vigil service and rosary at 7 PM all at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or the Hays Public Library.
Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th in Ellis.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or email at [email protected].
Vicky Lynn Roberts, age 55, of Atwood, passed away on September 13, 2016 at the Rawlins County Health Center, Atwood, Kansas.
She was born on May 14, 1961 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert Eugene Newlin and Shirley Jean (Pursley) Newlin.
Vicky liked to travel, collect Indian collectibles, cooking, and enjoyed doing new things.
Survivors include her mother, Shirley Newlin of Modesto, California, son Chris Newlin of Colby, daughters: Joanna Black of Colby and Jennifer Case of Marion, Ohio; and three grandchildren. Surviving brothers are Jeff Pursley of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Bruce Pursley of Modesto, California, Robert Newlin of Spiro, Oklahoma, and Rohn Newlin of Atwood. Her sister, Anna Newlin of Atwood, also survives.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Newlin; brother, Raymond Newlin and sister, Cathy Newlin.
Cremation was chosen. Private memorial service by family planned at a future date. Donations may be made to the Vicky Roberts Memorial Fund in care of the Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.
Condolences to: www.kennedykosterfh.com
Funeral Service: Saturday, September 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the Atwood First Christian Church in Atwood, Kansas, with Rev. David Todd and Rev. Joseph Cunningham officiating.
Burial: Atwood Fairview Cemetery
Memorial Funds: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation & American Macular Degeneration Foundation
Visitation: Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until service time at the church
