Charles Ray Whitham of Leoti Kansas, 87, died Monday, April 25 2016, at Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born March 21, 1929 in Liberal Kansas, the son of Ray Charles Whitham and Mabel Marie Garvin Whitham.

He was a 1947 graduate of Scott Community High School and a 1952 graduate of the University of Kansas. Charles served in the USAF as a pilot from 1953 to 1962 where he rose to the rank of Captain. He and his family returned to Kansas to begin a long and varied career in agriculture with his company, Western Seed & Supply in Leoti, KS.

Charles was an active community member and served in many capacities in the Leoti Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, Wichita County School Board, and the Wichita Co. Hospital Board. He was also a proud member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association, and represented his wholesale bean business as a Lifetime Member of the Rocky Mountain Bean Dealers Association and President of the Kansas Seed Dealers Association.

Charles is survived by his wife, Waneta Joann Conine Whitham, whom he married on May 24, 1954 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Other survivors include: their children, Kendall Whitham Sirkis (Robert), Dothan, AL, Julie Whitham Diehl, Larkspur, CO, Bradley Charles Whitham (Diane), Leoti, KS and Shawn Whitham Peters, Dothan, AL; eleven grandchildren: Matt Diehl (Kelly), Audrey Diehl Critz (Jeremy), David Sirkis (Lauren), Jeffrey Sirkis, Rubie Peters, Aaron Peters, Greta Peters, Savannah Peters, Teneille Whitham, Anna Leigh Whitham and Dane Whitham. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bruce Whitham, Frank Whitham, sister, Corinne Whitham Krebs and two infant grandsons, Kaleb Stoner Peters and Bradley Dale Whitham.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Leoti United Methodist Church, 111 South Wyoming, Leoti, KS, with Reverend Brad Kirk and Reverend Paul McNall presiding. A military graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, KS.

Should friends care to make a donation in his name, the family asks that memorials be made to the Wichita Co. Volunteer EMT Service, Wichita Co. Fire Department, or the Wichita Co. Amusement Association.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Vera M. Rohr, 91, Hays, died Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Hays Medical Center.

She was born July 8, 1924 in Walker, Kansas the daughter of George H. and Margaret C. (Schrant) Robben.  She attended school in Walker and graduated from Victoria High School.  On January 29, 1947 she married Anthony “Tony” Rohr in Victoria.  He died April 22, 1984.  She was a farmwife and homemaker and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning, reading, crossword puzzles, and playing cards.  She made delicious homemade bread and fried chicken for her family and was devoted in praying the rosary.

Survivors include six sons; Tony J. Rohr and wife Patty of Munjor, Kansas, Gerald L. “Gary” Rohr of Hays, Dan Rohr and wife Cindy of Sedgwick, KS, Ken Rohr of Hays, Tim J. Rohr and LaDonna of Topeka, KS, and Allen R. Rohr and wife Kim of Hays, four grandchildren; D.J. Rohr and Dreanna, Maggie Rohr, Jennifer Stufflebeam and husband Darrell, and Janelle Cavanaugh and husband Joe, four great grandchildren; Sam Stufflebeam, Sydney Stufflebeam, Taylor Cavanaugh, Eliana Rohr, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tony, three brothers; Phillip Robben, Ken Robben, and Ralph Robben, and three sisters; Dorothy Hyde, Rita Robben, and Velma Leiker.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 210 W. 13th Street, Hays.  Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.  A parish vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested in Vera’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to masses, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Ellen Lou (Jennings) Rudell, 69, Hays, died Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the Via Christie Hospital St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born August 15, 1946 in Monument, Kansas the daughter of Newt and Dixie (Windmill) Jennings. She was lovingly raised by her Aunt, Esther Hahn. She married Clarence Rudell and was a daycare provider for many years, was a hairdresser, and she and Clarence owned and operated the Annie Oakley Motel in Oakley until his death in 2013. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and going to auctions and traveling. She especially loved attending her son’s sporting events.

Survivors include two sons, Dustin Harman and wife Rachel of Hays and Dallas Harman and Candi Harman of Salina, one brother Emery Jennings and wife Diana of Hays, and seven grandchildren, Derek Harman of Wichita, Dalton Harman of Manhattan, Dawson and Reanna Harman both of Hays, and Chaelee Harman, Chiara Harman, and Chalin Harman, all of Salina.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence and two brothers Newton and Newell Jennings.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th Ave., Hays.  Graveside services will be at 2:30 pm on Monday at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Zook, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until service time on Monday at the church. 

Memorials are suggested to her grandchildren’s education, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, KS  67601. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Vernon Lawrence Stenzel, age 96, firstborn son of Olinda and Victor Stenzel, and loving husband of his deceased wife, Delma Stenzel, passed away April 21, 2016 in Ness City, Ks.

Vernon was born on February 21, 1920, in Big Creek Township in Russell, Kansas. His parents, Victor and Olinda Stenzel, and their three boys, moved to a farm north of Bazine when Vernon was in high school. While attending Bazine High School, he played football, basketball, and baseball, but was most proud of his undefeated football team his senior year. Vernon was considered one of the best blocking backs in the district. He married Delma Bondurant, also a 1938 graduate of Bazine High School, in a small home wedding on August 7, 1941. They rented a farmhouse west of Bazine until 1950 when they moved into their new home in Ness City. They raised four children: Karen Brown of Long Beach, Ca; Bonnie Legg (Joseph) of Niantic, Ct; Rick Stenzel (Deb) of Ness City, Ks; Patti Pfannenstiel (Tim) of Salina, Ks.

Continuing in his father’s farming tradition, Vernon raised grain and cattle to provide for his family. However, his interests went far beyond time operating his farm. As a carpenter, he built his home and helped remodel others; as a fisherman, he built a 14-foot Chris Craft boat and collected an array of fishing gear; as an athlete, he played baseball, was on a bowling team, pitched horseshoes, hunted game, and danced the two-step, waltz, and polka with Delma at any opportunity; as a leader and teacher he served as Scoutmaster in local boy scout troop; as a father & grandfather, he watched his children’s and grandchildren’s activities over the years. Throughout their lives he and Delma took every opportunity to fish, camp, and play cards with family and friends. After retiring, they spent even more time enjoying their favorite activities extending into the winter months at lakes in Arizona and Texas. At one point Delma & Vernon were named “Winter Texan king and queen” at a local celebration in Zapata, Texas.

Vernon demonstrated his love of immediate and extended family by his warm, welcoming, and fun-loving spirit. He seemed never to lose patience when teaching children, grandchildren, and hired help. He displayed decisiveness and confidence when making decisions, thus becoming a treasured confidant and role model for his family. To this day, the family keeps this spirit alive by gathering for many reunions and celebrations.

In addition to Vernon & Delma’s four children, they were blessed with nine grandchildren: Steven Brown, Stephanie Kenny, Kirsten Aghen, Jeffrey Legg, Elizabeth Maes, Andrew Stenzel, James Stenzel, Dusty Pfannenstiel, Josh Pfannenstiel, and 23 great grandchildren: Matthew & Owen Brown, Daniel & Michael Kenny, Skylar, Jonah, & Brooklyn Aghen, Ethan, Braelyn, & Gabriella Legg, Joseph, Rebecca, Jacob, & Caleb Maes, Nathaniel Dace, Hunter, Preston, Grace, & Hope Stenzel, Brody Stenzel, Margaret Pfannenstiel, & Amelia & Hudson Pfannenstiel.

Delma, his wife of 74 years, his brother Richard Stenzel, and sister-in-law Irene Stenzel, all of Ness City predeceased Vernon. He is survived by his brother, Ralph, and his sister-in-law, Joanne Stenzel, both of Ness City.

Vernon’s “epitaph” in the 1938 Senior Yearbook reads, “Vernon’s soul has taken wing; his pastime on earth was to swing.” The family is consoled with the beautiful memories of him, his deep love for all of us, and the vision of Mom and Dad dancing in heaven.

Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City. Family visitation will be Sunday April 24 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service is at 3 p.m. Monday, April 25 at the United Methodist Church followed by a light reception.

Memorial gifts may be made to United Methodist Church or Cedar Village Long Term Care.

Hays, Kansas – Shirley S. Kane, age 89, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society of Hays Care Center.

She was born September 9, 1926, in New Haven, Connecticut to Earnest John and Beatrice (Gorman) Steeves. She married William M. Kane on August 26, 1950, at Fairfield, Connecticut.

She was a social worker / homemaker and received her B A Degree in 1948, from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York. Shirley has lived in Hays since 1961 and was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays Public Library Board which she served as chairman, Hays Symphony Guild which she served as president, St. Anthony Hospital Auxiliary which she served as president. She was a volunteer at the Hays Public Library book store, Good Samaritan Society of Hays and a docent at the Sternberg Museum.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. William M. Kane, of the home; three sons, William Kane and wife, Deb, Grand Junction, CO; Dan Kane and wife, Linda, Clay Center, KS; John Kane, Denver, CO; three daughters, Claire Loughry and husband, John, Centennial, CO; Mary Kate Pickering and husband, Don, Bel Air, MD; Susan Kane and wife, Lanka Elson Woodland Park, CO; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant sister.

Services are 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 29, 2016, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 18th & Vine Hays, Kansas. Inurnment will be at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at WaKeeney, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Friday, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Hays, Kansas.

Memorials to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays Public Library and Hays Symphony Guild.

Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Ray Arnold Hansen, 67, of Colby, died Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Citizens Medical Center, Colby. He was born Feb 18, 1949 to Henry and Nora (Bauer) Hansen, in Topeka, KS.

Ray served in the United States Army, stationed in Vietnam, from May of 1967 to April of 1970. On May 10, 1971, he married Laura Towns. Ray taught school in Ashland, KS, where he was a history teacher and coached basketball. After moving to Colby, he worked for the Colby Free Press as a reporter, photographer, and news editor. He also was an insurance adjuster. Ray was a member of the V.F.W. and enjoyed fishing, gardening and basketball.

He was preceded in death by his wife Laura; parents; a son, Bradley Hansen and brother, Paul Hansen.

He is survived by two children, Kristy (Michael) Brungardt, of Wichita and Charles Hansen, of Kansas City, MO; a sister, Judy Mason, of Hernando, FL and one grandson.

Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be 10:30am, Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Burial will follow in the Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com

Richard Alexander Rodie, age 88, passed away at Cedar Village Care Center, Ness City on April 21, 2016.

He was born on February 23, 1928, the son of Alex and Clara (Scherman) Rodie.

He enjoyed farming and helping with the Future Farmers of America organization.

On November 30, 1949, he married Virginia Lee Perkins. She preceded him in death on August 14, 2014.

He is survived by special niece, Sue (Carroll) Bennett, Larned; sister-in-law, Ann Rodie; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step son, Stephen Rathbun; and brothers, Vernon Sr., Wayne, Robert, and Alexander “Junior”.

Cremation has taken place.

Friends may sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 27, 9 A.M. – 9 P.M.

Graveside service for Rich and Virginia Rodie will be Thursday, April 28, 11:00 A.M. at Otis Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Ness City Future Farmers of America, or Ness City Lutheran Church.