Donald Wayne “Donny” Pitts passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 61. He was born on August 27, 1954 in Smith County, Texas to Vonnie Alfred and Frances Marie (Bradshaw) Pitts. He grew up in the Tyler, Texas area, graduating from John Tyler High School and Tyler Community College with Associates Degree. On January 4, 2003 he was united in marriage to Rhonda Sue Schenk at The Carriage House in Kansas City, Missouri.

Donny was a hardworking man who loved and took care of his family. A great husband and father, he enjoyed taking trips and participating in all of the sporting events of his sons and grandchildren. He worked as a pumper for Phillips Petroleum, was an avid reader and history buff, and enjoyed music and concerts, whether country or rock and roll, but most especially The Rolling Stones.

Donny is survived by his wife Rhonda Pitts of their home in Plainville; mother Frances Pitts of Mount Pleasant, TX; sons Joshua Holmes and wife Addie of Zurich, and Micah Holmes of Plainville; sister Maria Black and husband Jesse of Mount Pleasant, TX; brother Louis Keith of Colorado; and grandchildren Jenae Holmes, Taesen Holmes, Veidyn Holmes, and Zayvier Hays.

He was preceded in death by his father Vonnie Pitts.

The song says, “When the Lord gets ready, you gotta move.” The love of Donny’s life was his family. He taught us how to work hard for what we wanted, but also how to have fun along the way; how to laugh, love and enjoy the important things in life. We will always love and miss him until it is our turn to hear those words, “You gotta move child, you gotta move.”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Plainville. Friends and family are encouraged to write and share their memories with the family, so Rhonda can keep a Memory Book of Donny’s stories. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday and from 9:00 am until service time on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Randall M. Schwindt, age 58, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on March 1, 1958 in Wakeeney, Kansas, the son of Delano and Amelia Rohr Schwindt. A lifetime resident of Utica, Kansas he was the owner and operator of Aeroswint Manufacturing in Utica, Kansas and ran the family farm in Trego County, Kansas.

He was a member of the christian faith and had completed 3 years of ministry training at Charis Bible College.

Survivors include his Three Sons – Robby & Tala Schwindt of Chicago, Illinois, Eric & Tomara Schwindt of Scott City, Kansas, Dillon & Alix Schwindt of Woodbury, Minnesota, Two Brothers – Bob & Donna Schwindt of Colby, Kansas, Rick & Mary Schwindt of Utica, Kansas, Two Sisters – Marilyn & Bill Johnson of Utica, Kansas, Lynn & Joe Folkenroth of Clinton, Arkansas and Four Grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

There will be no calling times.

Rebecca Rae “Becky” Alstrom was born June 26, 1956, in Oberlin, Kansas, to Maynard and Ruby (Guy) Wennihan. She passed away April 15, 2016, at Decatur Health Systems in Oberlin, Kansas, at the age of 59.

While growing up, Becky’s family lived on a farm near Kanona, and she attended Kanona Grade School through the 6th grade. After her family moved to Oberlin, she finished her education at Decatur Community High School, graduating with the Class of 1974. Becky then attended Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing degree in 1976.

On September 18, 1976, Becky was united in marriage to Gary Alstrom at the United Methodist Church in Oberlin, where they lived most of their married life. Two children were born to their union, and they were also blessed with four grandchildren. Her family was very important to Becky and she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family.

Becky worked as an LPN for the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin for 37 years. She was a kind, compassionate and caring person who loved her residents and those she worked with over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maynard and Ruby; sister, Regina Hendrickson; and niece, Beth Moran.

Becky is survived by her husband, Gary; two children, Casey and Melissa Alstrom of Oberlin and Nikki and John Amlong of Palco; brother-in-law, Wallace Henrickson of Adrian, MO; four grandchildren, Wyatt Amlong, Owen Amlong, Gavon Uehlin and Allason Alstrom; nephew, Michael Henrickson of Lexington, SC; great nephew, James Moran of Kansas City, MO; in-laws, Kieth and Dorothy Alstrom of Oberlin; in addition to other family members and friends.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin with Pastor Gordon Pettibone officiating

Burial: Oberlin Cemetery

Memorial Fund: Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County

Visitation: Monday, April 18th from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday after 8:00 a.m.

Delela Christean “Christie” Coen Kee, age 41, of Elkhart, Kansas passed away Thursday, April 14, 2016, at her home. Christie was born March 31, 1975, in Hays, Kansas. She is the daughter of Donald E. Coen and Norma Jean (Lackey) Coen.

She married Darrin Kee on May 3, 2008, in Elkhart, Kansas. Christie’s family and friends were the most important part of her life. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, her dogs, and activities with her children. Christie was overjoyed with the birth of her new granddaughter, Lily and looked forward to spending time with her. Thank you so much to all the family and friends bringing in food and supplies, the family is greatly appreciative.

Survivors include her husband, Darrin of Elkhart Kansas; daughters, Brittany Coen of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Breanna Taylor and husband Michael of Gastonia North Carolina; son, Douglas Kee of Elkhart, Kansas; granddaughter, Lily’Ann Taylor; father, Donald Coen and wife Kay of Elkhart, Kansas; mother, Norma “Jean” Coen of Elkhart, Kansas: sisters, Debra Disch and husband Greg of Fort Smith Arkansas, Donna Renz and husband Steve of Lakin, Kansas, Barbara Luck and husband Jeff of Elkhart, Kansas; brother, Donald “Alan” Coen of Elkhart, Kansas; aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and many other family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the viewing on Monday April 18, 2016, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas. A memorial graveside service will be held at the Rolla Cemetery in Rolla, Kansas at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 21, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Christie Kee Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.

Frances Regina Casey, 90, passed away on April 15, 2016 at the Cedar Village Care Center in Ness City, Kansas. She was born on December 1, 1925 in Rural Trego County, Kansas the daughter of Herman and Catherine (Flax) Kisslinger.

She was a homemaker, farm wife and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Altar Society. She married Patrick Casey on Tuesday, June 1st, 1948 in the St. Aloysius Church, Ransom, Kansas. He preceded her in death on August 25, 2005.

Survivors include six sons, Daryl (Barbara) Casey, Copeland, KS, Donald (Melodie) Casey, Johnson, KS, Jim (Karin) Casey, Hanston, KS, Jerry (Karen) Casey, Plainville, KS, Kevin Casey, Rogers, Arkansas, and Christopher (Dare Rucker) Casey, Lawton, Oklahoma; daughters, Karen Shumake, Saginaw, Texas and Carolyn (Edgar) Schadel, Alexander, KS; 28 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; three brothers, Ambrose Kisslinger, John (Barbara) Kisslinger, and Joe Kisslinger; four sisters, Ann Pfannenstiel, Regina Schuster, Rosetta Healy, and Berniece Blakely; three sons-in-law, Stan Harman, Hays, Phil Wiesner, Hays, and Russell Linsey, McCracken; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Kisslinger Kerns and Marjorie Elias. She was preceded in death by her husband, three daughters, Patricia Rome Harman, Cheryl Wiesner, and Laura Linsey; one brother, Paul Kisslinger; two sisters, Betty Casey and Rose Smith and one great grandson, Kaleb Hart.

Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, McCracken, Kansas. Parish Vigil and Rosary will be at the church on Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. Burial in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, McCracken, Kansas.

Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and at the church prior to the services.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary’s Heritage.

Victoria, Kansas – Francis C. “Frank” Brungardt, age 85, died Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Via Christi Village Care Center Hays, Kansas.

He was born July 1,1930, at Victoria, Kansas to Edgar F. and Lydia (Staab) Brungardt. He married Twila (Roth) October 17, 1953, at Hays, Kansas. She died August 19, 2012.

He was an insurance agent and he and his wife owned F & M Insurance in Victoria for over 50 years. He also owned Brungardt’s Liquor Store. He was a graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy. He was a veteran of the U S Army. Frank started his career with his father at the Farmers National Bank in Victoria, Kansas. He served on the Rural Telephone Board from April of 1967 to May of 2014. He served as president from August of 2003 till June of 2011. He also served as Vice President and Secretary Treasurer. He was a member of The Basilica of St. Fidelis, V.F.W. Post No. 1751, 3rd Degree and 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus all of Victoria, Kansas.

Survivors include five daughters, Mary Beth Stern, Phoenix, AZ; Margaret Gifford and husband, Wayne, Wichita, KS; Marla Robben and husband, Rick, Walker, KS; Melaine Collins and husband, Terry, Litchfield Park, AZ; Melissa Haley and husband, Keith, Highlands Ranch, CO; 11 grand- children, Thomas Stern and( Amy), Meghan Stern, Mark Stern; Travis Prosser, Troy Prosser; Brandon Robben and (Michale), Clayton Robben, Jordan Robben; Morgan Collins, Daniel Collins; Madison Haley; four step grandchildren: Lance Gifford, Clinton Gifford and (Christina); Breanna Oliver and (Kevin); Kristjan Haley; two great grandchild, Joseph Robben, Skylar Stern; four step-great grandchildren, Bobbi Gifford, Gunner Gifford, Brodie Oliver, Riley Oliver; two sisters, Rosie Schulte, Victoria, KS; Betty Basgall, Hays, KS; one sister-in-law Betty Brungardt, Hays, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one brother, Edward “Eddie” Brungardt; one sister, Almeda Hoffman; and four brothers-in-law, Melvin Gross, Al Basgall, Albert Hoffman, Dennis Schulte.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 18, 2016, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas with military honors by the Victoria V.F.W. Post No. 1751.

A vigil service is at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, and a V.F.W./ 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 8:00 P.M. Sunday, all at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 7:30 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation is from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Sunday, and from 8:30 to 10:00 A.M. Monday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Memorial to The Basilica of St. Fidelis Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671 is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]

Elmer (Alley) Randa, 83, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away on April 13th, 2016 at Trego Co. Lemke Long Term Care.

He was born on June 12th, 1932 to Jacob and Geneva (Zimmerman) Randa. He married Angie (Graf) Randa on August 20th, 1955 in Schoenchen, KS.

Elmer was a Veteran and served 1952-54 and was an active member of VFW.

In his early years, Elmer spent years working in the oil fields and later, he and his wife, Angie, managed
restaurants and hotels between Ellis and Ransom. Elmer started working at Deines Manufacturing Corp. in Ransom, KS, where he later retired. His love for Christ, family, sports and slot machines were all part of what he loved to do. Many will remember his ornery smile and his wittiness personality. Elmer was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, KS.

Survivors include son, Gene Randa and wife, Barb of Salisbury, NC; daughter, Sue Benisch and husband, Gary of WaKeeney, KS; daughter-in-law, Kelle Tillitson and husband, Dave of WaKeeney, KS; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jenny Rebel and Berniece Holmes, both of Ness City; and half-sister, Mabel Schmidt, Hays.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Angie, his son, Elmer (Joey) Randa Jr.; parents, Jacob and Geneva; brother Gerald “Dick” Randa; sister Mary Klaus; six half-brothers, Eugene “Lefty” Werth, Severin Werth, Sylvanus Randa, Victor Randa, Edwin Randa and Rich Randa; seven half-sisters, Loretta Dinges, Eleanor Pfannenstiel, Irene Herrman, Edna Dinges, Bertha Munsch, Sally Mills, and Loena Wagner.

The giving hearts that both Elmer and Angie had for others will continue through their donation of their bodies to the University of Kansas research, in efforts to continue to help others.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to WaKeeney Keeney Village. Donations made to Keeney Village may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

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