Jo Kay Lepej, 72, passed away May 24, 2019, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born January 31, 1947, at Great Bend to Joe F. & Elma M. (Laughlin) Lepej. Jo Kay was a 1965 Council Grove High School graduate, then pursued her higher education from K.S.U., graduating in 1969.

A long time Topeka resident, Jo Kay was a CNA at Stormont Vail Hospital. She was a member of the First United Congregational Church and the Hot Air Balloon Club in Topeka. She enjoyed QVC, Royals baseball, Jeopardy and was a passionate Marion High School sports fan.

Surviving her passing was her mother, Elma M. Lepej (passed away August 11, 2019); sister, Patti Smith and husband George of Isle, MN; two nieces and one nephew, Tyler Mermis of Marion, Taryn Baca of Goodyear, Ariz., and Tierney Mermis of Great Bend; and five great nieces and nephews, Blaine, Bryce and Brynn Mermis of Marion, Haley Suchy of Great Bend, and Kamryn Baca of Goodyear, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe F. Lepej.

Jo Kay’s visitation will be held jointly with her mother, Elma M. Lepej, from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home and from 9:00 a.m. to service time, with family receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Joint services for Jo Kay and Elma will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with The Reverend Adam Wutka and Pastor Mike Munz presiding. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Mark Lutheran Church, or Masonic Lodge #15, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Elma M. Lepej, 103, passed away August 11, 2019, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born on June 30, 1916, in Rush County to George Raymond & Nellie (Burky) Laughlin. She was raised by her paternal grandparents after the death of her mother in childbirth.

At 10 years of age, her father married Bessie Burkch of McGhee, Ark., and the twins, Elma and Elmer, moved to Arkansas with them. To this marriage were born William J. and Elizabeth Alice. They moved back to Hoisington at the end of their sophomore year in high school. Elma and Elmer moved back to LaCrosse with their grandparents and graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1934.

Elma married Joseph “Joe” Lepej on April 17, 1943, at Great Bend. He died May 15, 1988. They moved to Junction City where Joe had a Civil Service job at Ft. Riley. After Joe was called into the Army in World War II, Elma returned to Great Bend where she worked at Western Paper until Joe returned from overseas. They then purchased a shoe repair shop in Council Grove in June 1947. Their daughters Jo Kay was born January 31, 1947, and Patti Jean was born February 7, 1951. The family returned to Great Bend in 1965.

Elma was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Great Bend. She sang in the church and community choirs from high school through her eighties. From 1966 – 1973, Elma was a secretary/receptionist for Dr. Richard Herold, D.D.S. and then worked for 12 ½ years as the secretary at First Congregational United Church of Christ, until she retired in 1987. She was a life member of the Order of Easter Star (Golden Sheaf Chapter 26), V.F.W. Auxiliary #3111, Central Kansas Thread Benders, Dorcas Circle, and A.A.R.P. After her retirement, Elma was also a board member of the Barton County Emergency Aid and also worked part-time at the Barton County Community College Center for Adult Education as a secretary.

Survivors include, one daughter, Patti Smith and husband George of Isle, MN; one sister, Elizabeth Wilson of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren, Tyler Mermis, Taryn Baca and Tierney Mermis; and five great grandchildren, Blaine Mermis, Bryce Mermis, Brynn Mermis, Hayley Suchy and Kamryn Baca. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph “Joe” Lepej; one daughter, Jo Kay Lepej; twin brother, Elmer Laughlin; and brother, Judge William Laughlin.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home and from 9:00 a.m. to service time, with family receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with The Reverend Adam Wutka and Pastor Mike Munz presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Mark Lutheran Church, or Masonic Lodge #15, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Dorothy May (Mosher) Renner, 98, of Colby, passed away Thursday, August 8, at Fairview Estates. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 17th at Baalmann Mortuary, 190 S. Franklin in Colby. Her grandson, Trent Renner, will officiate. Burial will be at the Oakley Cemetery preceding the funeral at 9 a.m.

Dorothy was born on July 31, 1921 in Rexford, KS to Martha (Tucker) and Chris Mosher. She attended school in Rexford all 12 years and graduated in 1939. She received a teaching certificate from Fort Hays and taught for 2 years in a country school near Rexford before marriage.

She met her husband, John Renner at County 4-H Days. They were married on November 22, 1941 in Oberlin, KS. He passed away on March 9, 1985.

In 1946, she moved with her husband to his family’s farm near Mingo, where she spent the next 37 years of her life. They farmed with John’s parents, Pete and Emma and his brother, Remigus (Mege). In 1983, Dorothy and John moved to Oakley, KS where she lived until she moved to Fairview Estates in 2010.

Mrs. Renner taught 4th grade at Oakley and Monument schools (after consolidation) for 29 years and finished her college degree from Fort Hays in 1962.

Dorothy was a member of Oakley Christian Church, a 50-year member in both Eastern Star Lodge and Kappa Gamma, a member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Royal Neighbor’s Lodge.

Survivors include a daughter, Penney Lee, and husband Michael (Jim) Walker and their two children, Erin Stegman and Whitney (Travis) Foxx all of Overland Park, KS; her son, Robert Mosher Renner, of Colby and his five children, Craig (Cheri) Renner, of Norton, KS; Trent (Kelli) Renner, of Fountain Hills, AZ; Travis Renner, of Gilbert, AZ; Robin (Brent) Kejr, of Salina, KS and Johnna (Austin) Frantz, of Oakley, KS; 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Jay, who was stillborn in 1946 and her three sisters, Irma Hibbs, Jennie Rico and Blanch Barnett.

Memorials can be made to Heartland Christian School in Colby and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 304, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Catherine C. (Heinrich) Morel, 94, of Grainfield, passed away in the early hours on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019. Catherine was born Oct. 8, 1924, to Jacob and Anna (Kaiser) Heinrich.

She was a graduate of Gove Rural High School in 1943. She worked as a gauger at the Kaiser Ammunition factory during World War II in Denver, Colo., making 90 mm ammunition. When the war ended, she returned to Kansas and met Raymond Morel at a New Year’s dance in Collyer, Kan. Catherine and Raymond were married Nov. 24, 1946 and made their home in Grainfield. To this union four children were born: Lonnie, Larry, Pamela and Dayleen.

Catherine was a member of the Ladies of St. Agnes, American Legion Auxiliary and NARFE United Postmasters. She was Postmaster in Grainfield for 28 years before retiring. Catherine enjoyed bus tours with her postmaster friends, going to casinos, bowling, dancing and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid KC Royals fan and rarely missed a game on TV. She will be missed.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; husband Raymond; brothers Donnie, Melvin and infant brother Frank; and sisters Leona Beoger and Pauline Ribordy.

She is survived by her children, Lonnie (Shirley) of Grainfield, Larry (Pam) of Oakley, Pamela (Phil) Garrett of Eudora, Kan., and Dayleen (Steve) Gonzales, Hays; brother Leo of Lakewood, Colo; sisters-in-law, Marge Heinrich, Montine Heinrich and Margarette Morel-Larson; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at the St. Agnes Education Center, Grainfield, with a Vigil at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass is at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at St. Agnes Church, Grainfield with burial in the Grainfield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Gove County Medical Center, St. Agnes Church or the Grainfield Auxiliary and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Eric David Ouse, 38, of Natoma, Kansas, died on Friday, August 09, 2019, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Eric was born on January 30, 1981, in Lodi, California, the son of Greg Ouse and Nancy Rogers. He grew up in Hilmar, California, and graduated from Hilmar High School in 1999. He moved to Kansas in 2008 and made his home in Natoma, Kansas. He worked as a roughneck in the oilfield industry. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and spending time outdoors.

Surviving family include his mother Nancy Brummer and husband Edward of Natoma, Kansas; father Greg Ouse and wife Maria of Hilmar, California; sister Elizabeth Hyde and husband Derek of Natoma, Kansas and brother Joseph Ouse and wife Glaiza of Arlington, Texas; step sister Kris Glisson and husband Jack of Stockton, Kansas and step sister and brother Patty and Joe Rebello; nieces Gabriella, Faith, Gracianna and Alaiya; nephews Garrett, Greysen, Asher and Chance He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at the Natoma City Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas. Family will greet guests at the graveside service. Condolences can be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell and Natoma, Kansas, are in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Mary Jane (Rogers) Smith was born on March 30, 1947 in Colby, Kansas to her parents, Stanley and Frances Eleanor(Mumm) Rogers of Selden, Kansas. She lost her battle to metastasized triple negative breast cancer on Friday, August 9, 2019 at the age of 72.

Mary Jane was the oldest of five children. Her childhood years were spent on the family farm between Rexford and Selden where she helped milk cows, slop hogs, dress chickens and many other farm chores with her family. She loved playing basketball and was proud to play on one of the first girls basketball teams formed. She graduated from Rexford High School with the class of 1965.

In October 1965 Mary Jane married Robert C. Petersen, whom she later divorced. To this union three daughters were born: Sheila, Donna and Amy. She worked hard to provide for her family, and this often included several jobs. Mary progressed into a position at Production Credit Association (later Farm Credit of Western KS). She went on to retire from there after 41 years of service. Mary’s hard work ethic and honesty were values she was proud of and showed in her years of dedication.

Mary Jane was married to Cecil H. (Bud) Smith Jr. on January 17, 1981 in Colby. This union added three stepdaughters: Tina, Missy and Sandy all of Hays.

Mary Jane was passionate about supporting her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren by attending their many sporting and school/church activities. This often required traveling great distances to enjoy watching them. In her grandchildren’s younger years, many weekends of fun were spent enjoying time at Trenton Lake.

Upon retirement, Mary Jane nurtured her garden and many flower beds where she found peace in puttering around. She had the gift to gab, often being the last one to leave an event enjoying good conversation. She played Bunko with family and friends and enjoyed being a volunteer greeter at Sacred Heart Parish. The many friendships she shared during her life were reflected in the compassionate outpour of visitors who came to the hospital to tell her how she had touched their lives. Mary Jane was incredibly humbled by this reflection of her life.

With retirement, came time to travel where Mary Jane and Bud headed south to Arizona in their RV to join other snowbirds. The friends they made in Arizona became treasured friendships. They also traveled to Australia for several adventures sightseeing and enjoying their daughter Amy and her family.

Survivors include her husband, Bud Smith of Colby; daughters Sheila (Jim) VonLehe of Ness City, Amy (Shane) Green, of Sydney, Australia; stepdaughters Tina (Don) Stejskal, Missy (Steve) Thomason, Sandy Smith, all of Hays; siblings Donald(Kathy) Rogers, Dennis (Marla) Rogers, Marilyn (Paul) Bailey, and Sara (Steve) Juenemann; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Donna Petersen-Handy.

We find comfort in knowing she rests in peace and her suffering on earth has ended. She will be forever loved and missed.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with a Vigil at 7. Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby followed by burial at 3:00 p.m. at the Selden Cemetery, Selden, KS. Memorials are suggested to the Mary Jane Smith Memorial Fund for local community organizations. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Harry E. Williams, age 90, of Hays, KS, passed away on August 9, 2019, in Hays, at HaysMed. He was born on June 10, 1929, in Embreeville, PA to Harry Stanley and Louise Williams.

He met and married Neilda Gazaway in the early 1950’s and from this union, a daughter, Patricia, was adopted from Korea. Neilda preceded Harry in death in 1984. He later met and married Laurice Abel on June 23, 1996 in Fresno, CA.

Harry served his country in the United States Air Force, was an avid woodworker, and could always be found cheering on the Royals, Chiefs, and Rams.

He is survived by his wife: Laurice of Hays, KS; daughter: Patricia Williams (Calum Cunningham) of Fremont, CA; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John, and sister, Mabel.

Harry’s family will receive guests for a combined Visitation and Funeral Service on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 4 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601, with Troy Miller officiating. Military Honors to be provided by Hays VFW Post No.: 9076.

Cremation under the direction of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

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

Georgina Jacobs, age 92, of Gorham, Kansas died Thursday, August 8, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born May 8, 1927 on the family farm at Hyacinth, Kansas to Zacheus and Monica (Rupp) Fisher. She married Louis G. Jacobs on May 25, 1948, at Hays, Kansas. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2011.

She was a homemaker, and a farmer’s wife. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Daughters of Isabella both of Gorham, Kansas. She was a volunteer for the St Mary’s Funeral Dinners, and enjoyed cooking, canning, sewing and Tri-Chem painting, flower and vegetable gardening. She grew up on the farm in Hyacinth and attended a country school.

Survivors include one son, Louis G. Jacobs and wife, Velinda “Vicki”, Sublette, KS; two daughters, Ruth Resley and husband, Paul, Garden City, KS; JoAnn Bender and husband, Daniel, Russell, KS; three brothers, Victor Fisher and wife, Lillian; Francis Fisher and wife, Josie; Cyril Fisher and wife, Alice; all of Hays, KS; one sister, Delores Pfannenstiel and husband, Virgil, Munjor, KS; one sister-in-law, Diana Fisher, Hays, KS; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers, Edwin, Alvin ,her twin, Ralph Fisher; two sisters, Agnes Waldschmidt and Rita Mae Giebler.

Services are 9:30 A.M. Saturday, August 10, 2019, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Gorham, Kansas.

A vigil service, and a Gorham Daughters of Isabella rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Friday, and from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. Saturday, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.

The family Suggests memorial to masses.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Herbert A. “Herb” Harms, 64, passed away Friday August 9, 2019, at his home in Great Bend. Herb was born September 24, 1954, in Great Bend, the son of Herbert Alan and Gladys (Bitter) Harms. Herb was united in marriage to Sharon Cruse on February 22, 1985 in Great Bend. She survives.

Herb is a life-long Great Bend resident. He obtained a BA, was a farmer and also an employee for USD 428. Herb was a member of the group Artists at Large and loved to garden, paint and read. He enjoyed traveling, watching the Royals, Chiefs and KU basketball. He especially loved spending time with his kids and grandkids.

Survivors include, his wife Sharon of the home; one son, Andrew Harms and wife Meg of Omaha, NE; two daughters, Kara Harms and husband Austin vonBehrens of Kansas City, MO and Katy Harms of Kansas City, MO; one brother, Robert Harms of Hutchinson; and two grandchildren, Roeland and Charlotte.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Humane Society and the Smithsonian Institution, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.