Howard L. Sumner passed away at home in rural Norcatur, Kansas, on June 29, 2016, at the age of 91. He was born on November  12,  1924, to Robert C. Sumner and Gracie Mae Spence Sumner in their Limestone rock home on the Long Branch Creek in Northwest Norton County. He continued to live in the small rock house with his parents and older sister, Dixie, until graduating from Norcatur High School.

Shortly after graduation, in 1 942, Howard enlisted in the Army Air Force where he was assigned to the 350th fighter group in Pisa, Italy. For the duration of World War II, he flew a P47 Fighter, and ended his Military career as an 1st Lieutenant. For several years Howard enjoyed attending the Fighter Pilot Reunions held throughout the United States.

After Military Service, Howard and Joyce Van Gundy were married in 1946. Three sons, Larry, Ward and Greg and one daughter, Janet, were born to this union.

In his early married years, racing cars on dirt tracks was his passion. One of the cars he raced, is still being raced on the Old Timers Circuit. As years passed, the passion turned to buying and selling cattle, while for almost 50 years his sons ran the farming and cattle operations. The family operation became to include not only grandchildren, but great grandchildren working on the farm.

Howard was an avid hunter and trapper. Trips took him to moose hunting in Canada once, and elk hunting in the Colorado Mountains many times. During his life, he could be seen in sale barns several days a week buying and selling cattle. He enjoyed the process, and will be remembered for his many antics at the livestock sale barns.

Howard leaves to mourn his death, three sons, Larry, and friend Barb, Ward and wife, Marlene, Greg and wife, Yvonne, and special friend, Sharon Drullinger, and her son, Steve, eight grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Dixie, and one infant daughter1 Janet.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Caregivers for their dedication and special treatment given to Howard during his illness.

Memorial services will be 10:30 am Monday, August 1, 2016 at the Kansas State Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, family members request a Memorial be sent to: DaVita McCook Dialysis Center 801 W C St Ste 4, McCook, NE 69001

Arrangements 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].

Alice Faye Hobbs, 69, died Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Alice was born Feb. 1, 1947 at Ransom, Kansas to Herman Oscar and Hazel Hoch Ummel. She attended Utica High School. In Sept. 1962 she married John E. Jennings and from this union cam 2 sons and 5 daughters.
In Oct. 1981 she married Joe M. Hobbs, who adopted her 4 children.

Alice is survived by her former husband, Joe, 2 daughters, 2 sons, one stepson, and one stepdaughter, a brother, Gary Ummel, a sister, Anna Meis, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Viewing on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. with the family present from 7-8 and one hour before the service. Burial in the Ransom Cemetery.

Phillipsburg resident Eva M. Ayres died Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 81.

She was born May 31, 1935 in Phillips County, KS the daughter of Carl & Zelda (Minium) Campbell.  She was a homemaker.

She was united in marriage to William L. Ayres, Jr. on October 3, 1957 in Alva, OK.  He preceded her in death on July 13, 2014.

Survivors include sons, Robert of Peculiar, MO & Ron Parker of Quenemo, KS; daughters, Willma Beach of Lexington, MO, Carla Marshall of Smith Center, KS, Doris Radabaugh of Phillipsburg, KS, and Paula Hartman of Concordia, KS; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Mrs. Ayres will lie in state Tuesday from noon until 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with family receiving friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening for visitation.

Memorial contributions may be given to Parkview Care Center, Osborne, KS.  Online condolences may be sent to www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas W. Jones, who was best known as “Sheriff” to generations of Northwest Kansas residents, passed away Thursday, July 21 after a year long battle with cancer.

Tom was born the second son of Wilson (Bud) and Maxine Jones on October 4, 1948 in Colby, KS. He is survived by his son and daughter, Matt and Kerri, his brother and sister, David and Brenda, his grandchildren, Kaden, Grayson, and Anika, and his special friend, Florence Rodriquez.

Tom proudly served his community as Sheriff of Thomas County from 1985 until his retirement in 2005. Prior to his career at the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for the Colby Police department and was a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard. In his retirement he took a position at Walmart in Colby.

His great love was his family, especially his children, and tending to the family farm. He loved hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. Tom spent a good deal of time riding his motorcycle and enjoying northwest Kansas.

Tom was an old-fashioned lawman. Strict when called for, forgiving of harmless mischief, always ready to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Never vengeful or mean spirited, he always looked for the good in people.
Tom was a good man in every sense of the word. Good men change the world, we see them everyday, and it’s not until a time like this that we realize just what people like him have given us. He was both humble and honest. He was a friend to all, a mentor, an inspiration, a role model, and a man completely dedicated to his community. Tough, yet gentle, he cared greatly about people. He never failed to take a few minutes to listen, never hesitated to give a word of encouragement, and always ready to preform a kind act.

Tom touched the lives of countless numbers of people, and each life that he came in contact with was better for it. His sincerity and genuine concern for others endeared him to many. At the core of his being, he loved helping people, not for money or recognition, but because he truly wanted to make others lives better than they would have been otherwise. There are countless stories of people that he has saved or prolonged. He invested his time in people…. we will probably never know the full extent of the good he has done for this world.

He wasn’t fancy, but his life had genuine meaning. Tom is a shining example of truth, justice, and love of his fellow man. He had character; you will never meet a man who more faithfully lived his values. He was a masterful dispenser of good medicine. He had a quick wit and was a great joke teller. He was a practical joker at heart and loved to get as good as he gave.

Tom has left an imprint on this community that we should never forget. He will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of all of those he touched, and those they touched, and there have been so many.
The family keeps thinking of all the crying that has been done over Tom these last few days, and while we’re sure he would be touched, we’re equally sure that he would be thankful that he got to share part of his life with you.

Services will be held on Monday, July 25th, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 950 S Franklin Ave, Colby, Kansas with burial following the ceremony at Beulah Cemetery in Colby.

Memorials can be made to a United Methodist Church fund, care of Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel.

Mary Virginia (Johnson) Kriwiel was born on March 4, 1933 in Hutchinson, Kansas and passed away in Wichita, Kansas on Saturday, July 23, 2016.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Tobin and Katherine (George) Johnson and her loving husband, Edward Adam Kriwiel. She is survived by her nine children, Kathy Allin (Tim) Shawnee, KS, Jane Kriwiel, Ann Wilson (Kent), Pete Kriwiel, Mike Kriwiel (Diane), Julie Carr (Doug), Sarah Cundiff (Gary), Molly Cyphert (Jon) and Suzanne Genilo (Paul) all of Wichita, 35 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and her brothers Toby Johnson, Hays, Kansas and Mike Johnson (Gwen) Abilene, Kansas.

In June of 1954 she married the love of her life, Eddie and began a life filled with many blessings. Her greatest achievements have been in the lives of her family and friends. She had a unique gift to recognize and appreciate the talents in others and to make them feel loved and lifted by her presence. Her generous heart and sense of humor filled her home with love, family and friends.

Most days you could find Mary playing the piano at the Kriwiel home where many joyous ‘sing-alongs’ are now cherished memories to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless friends. Mary was passionate about the lives of the unborn and volunteered at Birthline for over 30 years. She could also be found volunteering at the Catholic Care Center playing the piano where she brought joy and light to many lives. Her passion for her faith and love of community, particularly at the Spiritual Life Center, were paramount to Mary and she will be missed.

A rosary will be held on Monday, July 25th, at 7:00 pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 26th, at 10:00 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice and Birthline Pregnancy Crisis Center. Share condolences at www.CozineMemorial.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary.

Betty Lou “Goat” (McNair) Fear, age 74, passed away at her home in McCracken on July 20, 2016. She was born on January 18, 1942, in Lee County, Arkansas, the daughter of Homer and Jessamine (Shelton) McNair

On May 11, 1974, she married Karold Kay “Red” Fear. He preceded her in death on October 24, 2008

She is survived by her son, Brian Fear, Wichita; brothers, Howard Lewis “Tommy/Arkie” McNair and his wife Diane of McCracken and Charles Cecil “Tetil” McNair and his wife Patsy of Benton, AR; sisters, Sara Ann “Guts” Desautel of Browns Valley, MN and Patsy Marvella “Bay” Edgin and her husband Henry of Marianna, AR.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Homer Banks “Will/Arkie” McNair Jr., Ernest Lavell “Dick” McNair, James Lee “Boots” McNair, Herbert Henry “Shamrock” McNair, Lee Roy “Pop” McNair, and Roger Hayes “Arkie, Brodie, or Stud” McNair; sisters, Mildred Marie “Mit” Watkins and Mary Evelyn “Pickle” Edgin.

Cremation has taken place and family will have a private service at later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Betty Fear Funeral Fund.

Lorene “Renie” Mae Kuhn, age 82, of Hays passed away Monday, July 11, 2016 at her home. She was born July 24, 1933 in Munjor, Kansas to Fidelis and Adeline (Befort) Engel. She graduated from Girl’s Catholic High in 1951 and attended college. She married Louis Kuhn of Victoria, Kansas in Munjor, Kansas at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on December 29, 1951.

Renie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Daughters of Isabella, a Guardian Angel of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, a life member of the St. Joseph’s Christian Mothers, and Epsilon Sigma Alpha which raised charitable funds. She was a CCD teacher for 25 years and was a faithful and devout servant to our Lord. She enjoyed many activities including the theatre, movies, playing cards, bunco, slot machines, walking and exercise and especially traveling with Louie.

She is survived by her husband, Louis of Hays; a son, Louis Kuhn Jr. (Patty) of Omaha, Nebraska; three daughters, Jackie Sue Kuhn of Topeka, Kansas, Kelly Lynn Kuhn (Gary) of London, England and Tasha Renee Kuhn Aubey (Kelly) of Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren, Chuck Dinkel, Jeff Dinkel, Michelle (Josh) Davis and Jade Renee Aubey and two great granddaughters, Breanna Dinkel and Alyssa Dinkel; four sisters, Benita Rohr of Hays, Rosie Pfeifer of Ellis, Therese Haas and Sandy Wilson both of Hays; a brother, Fidelis Engel Jr. of Munjor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Renee Mae Kuhn in 1967 and two sisters, Dorothy Mermis and Ruby Remy.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 1805 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM with an Adoration Chapel Adorers rosary at 5:30 followed by a combined Daughters of Isabella rosary and parish vigil service at 6:00 PM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.  Visitation on Thursday will be 10:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church until the service begins.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

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

 

Merlyn D. “Bud” Moeckel, 82, Hays, died Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

He was born July 23, 1933 in Stafford, Kansas the son of Benjamin H. and Lenora Fern (Mays) Moeckel. He graduated from Sylvia High School in 1951. On August 24, 1952, he married Joy Shepherd in Sylvia, Kansas.

Bud received his BS degree in Physical Education from Fort Hays State University in 1955 and his MS degree in Physical Education and Administration from FHSU in 1972. He was a teacher, coach, and farmer. He taught at Buhler High School for 15 years and at FHSU in the HHP and Intramural Dept. for 25 years until his retirement. He was a member of KAHPERD, the Kansas Coaches Association, and the Century Club at FHSU.

He enjoyed going to his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s sporting events, hunting and fishing, gardening and yardwork, farming and agriculture, woodworking, and collecting farm toys.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, of the home in Hays, two sons; Doug Moeckel and wife Debbie of Topeka and Guy and wife Shelly of Hays, two daughters; Karen Hasenbank and husband Rod of Auburn, KS, and Luann Steffen and husband Dave of Hays, a brother Richard Moeckel and wife Linda of Minneapolis, KS, and a sister Helen Hurst and husband Glen of Topeka, two sisters-in-law; Lois Moeckel of Hutchinson, KS and Sharon Smith of St. John, KS, nine grandchildren; Stuart Moeckel and wife Summer of Victoria, KS, Ben Moeckel and wife Lindsey of Hays, Drew Steffen and wife Dani of Shawnee, Kristopher Diehl and wife Sarah of Topeka, Shelby Steffen and wife Hayley of Overland Park, KS, Jessie Steffen of Hays, and Alexa Moeckel, Logan Moeckel, and Braeden Moeckel, all of Hays, six great grandchildren; Brennan, Braxton, Brantley, Sophia, Logan, and Weston, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Barbara Ann, his parents and a brother, Don Moeckel.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 25, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall Street, Hays. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time at the church on Monday.

Memorials are suggested to the Bud and Joy Moeckel Scholarship Fund at FHSU, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com or via email at [email protected].

Nathan Thomas Sams, born at home on December 30th, 1984 was the 5th of Garry and Gail Sams’ children. He and his surviving three sisters were home schooled as his parents finished the house they were living in northwest of Idaho Springs, Colorado. By the time he was old enough to appreciate his unique situation, the job was done. It was Nathan’s dream to build his own home with his own two hands as he had seen his parents do. Another dream was to ride broncs and win a belt buckle with his name on it. That he did, after they moved to Park, Kansas in 1999.

He was well known for mastering a number of skills. Nathan sold fine quality custom hand made saddles and tack, including holsters for the Cowboy Action Shooters. When Nathan wasn’t busy working leather, he was training horses or riding for the Jamison Hereford Ranch among others. He dabbled in woodworking and carving. He was a member of the Park Rodeo Association and was an amateur radio operator, KC0GGJ. In 2012 he went to work for KDOT. He was the strong back that kept the Sams’ farm running and his horses were his treasured companions.

Nathan’s desire was to let the light of his Lord Jesus Christ shine through his every action. “Preach Christ, and if you must, use words.”

He was preceded by two grandfathers, one grandmother, an uncle, a sister, and a niece. He is survived by his parents, a grandmother, three sisters, an aunt and an uncle, many nieces and nephews, and a large number of friends.

Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the Dunkard Brethren Church, Quinter. Gordon Jamison will officiate. There will be no visitation as cremation was chosen.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Faith Comes By Hearing. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Lifelong Quinter resident Nellie Mae (Jamison) Kepferle passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Gove County Long Term Care, Quinter, after a valiant fight with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born October 25, 1936, in Quinter, to John Ernest and Ruby Grace Lillian (Jarboe) Jamison.

Nellie was a graduate of Quinter High School. On October 29, 1954, she was united in marriage to Robert J. Kepferle in Quinter. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage. In the first nine years Bob worked the oilfields and they moved 12 times in their first 2 weeks of marriage. While raising their five children, she worked at the J & R Grill and 23 years at Quinter’s grocery store. In her spare time and after her retirement, she pursued her true passion and was known for her furniture upholstering, wallpapering and painting. Nellie enjoyed doing crafts to support her much loved group of the United Methodist Women, in their fundraising endeavors. The family enjoyed annual camping and sightseeing trips while visiting relatives. Nellie and Bob continued to enjoy their travels, especially the fishing trips to Alaska.

Nellie will be dearly missed by many friends and her family, including her husband, Robert of the family home in Quinter; five children, Shirley (Chuck) Comeau of Plainville, Kathleen (Gene) Eichman of Aurora, Colorado, Janell (Eugene) Ziegler of Grainfield, Donald (Helen) Kepferle of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Diana (Michael) Reyer of Roeland Park; six grandchildren, Jessica (Daniel) Reling of Topeka, Jacob McDaniel of Kansas City, Missouri, Michelle Sprigg of Norton, Adam (Ashley) Comeau of Plainville, Alex Comeau of Azusa, California, and Colin Comeau of Los Angeles, California; four great-grandchildren, Eli and Parker Reling of Topeka, Dustyna Sprigg of Wichita, and Dylan Sprigg of Norton; two sisters, Myrna Prewett of Beloit, and Lilly Zeman of Wakeeney; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Andrew Comeau; a grandson-in-law, Dwight Sprigg; five brothers, Hershel, Virgil, Reuben, Loren, and Edwin Jamison; and three sisters, Mary Loreen Williams, Eula Schreiner, and Wava Smith.

Funeral service will be 9:30 a.m., Monday, July 25, 2016, at the Quinter United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter.

Visitation will be Sunday evening, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home in Quinter.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Quinter United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Donations made payable to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Condolences may be sent online at www.schmittfuneral.com.

Carolyn Linda Armbrister, age 68, of Ellis passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Hays Medical Center. She was born August 28, 1947 in Hays, Kansas to Gerhard and Minnie Keller. She graduated from Palco High School in 1965. She married Harold A. Armbrister on February 1, 1969 in Ellis. He preceded her in death January 31, 1995.

Carolyn was a farmer and worked hand in hand with her family on the farm. She was also a cook for Ellis public schools and was a licensed cosmetologist. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Ellis and she enjoyed planting her flowers, having morning coffee with her friends, and attending her grand children’s activities.

She is survived by her mother, Minnie Keller of Ellis; a son, Mark Armbrister and wife Crystal of Ellis; a daughter, Brenda Schumacher and husband Bruce of Hays; a brother, Gerald Keller of Kansas City, Kansas; and four grandchildren, Logan and Morgan Armbrister and Katelyn and Cole Schumacher.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold and her father, Gerhard.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, July 25, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church located 7 miles North of Ellis with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday 6 PM – 8 PM witha prayer service at 7 PM all at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

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

Karen Sue (Keller) Krug, 74, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the Willow House in Hays, Kansas with her family by her side.

Karen was born March 24, 1942 in Waldo, Kansas, the daughter of Everett and Edith (Tabler) Keller. She grew up on the family farm near Waldo and graduated from Waldo High School. She then attended Ft. Hays State College where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Karen grew up attending the Waldo United Methodist Church.

Karen was united in marriage to Donald F. Krug on June 9, 1963 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.
They made their home in the Russell area.

Karen was an Educator for U.S.D. 407 for many years. She started out working as a first grade teacher in 1964. When she retired in 2004, she had been a third grade teacher for many years. Karen was also active in helping Don on the farm and dairy. Karen was a member of the Waldo United Methodist Church growing up, and then after marriage, became an active member of the St. John Lutheran Church, as a member of the Altar Guild, Ladies’ Circle and the Bell Choir. She also was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She enjoyed reading, tending her flower garden, and researching tips and hints on Pinterest. She loved attending her children and grandchildren’s activities.

Surviving family include her husband of 53 years, Donald F. of the home; son, Justin Krug of Waldo, Kansas; daughter, Sheryl Krug of Russell, Kansas; sister, Barbara Jeroue (Ken) of Russell, Kansas; sister-in-law, Frances Wilhelm of Augusta, Kansas; three grandchildren, Zackery Krug, Shae-Lyn Krug and Keller Krug; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Michelle Lyn Krug, and sister-in-law Eileen Vladar.

Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 25, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell. Cremation will follow the services. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with the St. John Lutheran Church Secret Garden or Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.