Loretta Schmidt Joy, 96, died Saturday, October 31, at her home in Temple, TX.

Loretta was born May 25, 1919 to Paul and Catherine (Walters) Schmidt in Catharine, KS and grew up in Hays and on a farm north of Hays. She graduated from Girls Catholic High School, Hays, KS in 1936. On September 5, 1938 she married Derrell Joy in Hays. She and Derrell raised their three sons on a farm north of Hays and lived there for 62 years. In 2000 they moved to The Temple Meridian, in Temple, TX. In 2013, Loretta and her husband celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. She was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church in Hays and St. Luke Catholic Church in Temple.

Survivors include two brothers, Marion and Donald Schmidt, and two sisters, Helen Edmonds and Mary Schmidt; three sons, Ronald and wife Janet of Arlington Heights, IL, Donald and wife Linda of Austin, TX, Stephen and wife Jo of Temple, TX; eight grandchildren Tracy, Mark, Michael, Lisa, Debbie, Lesli, Todd, and Ashley, and 16 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by an infant son, Derrell Joseph, her husband, Derrell, her parents, Paul and Catherine, five brothers Edwin, Alexius, Vincent, Cyril, Jerome, and two sisters, Lydia and Cecilia.

Loretta was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved cooking and sewing. Into her nineties, she baked the family’s bread from freshly ground wheat grown on their farm. Daughters-in-law have fond memories of helping in her kitchen baking cinnamon rolls, cutting egg noodles, and trying to learn how to make homemade chocolates. Grandchildren all knew that visits from Grandma Joy included coffee cans full of their favorite cookies. Each of her children and grandchildren have quilts she sewed for them. Loretta also loved to play bridge and pinochle, and she was a beautiful dancer.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 210 W. 13th Street, Hays. Inurnment will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday at the St. Hyacinth Cemetery, near the intersection of Hyacinth and Buckeye roads. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday at the church.

Memorials can be made to the Buckeye Jr. Farmers 4-H Club c/o Ellen Schmidt 146B, Hopewell Rd, Hays, KS 67601 or a charity of donor’s choice, 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.

Edgar W. “Ed” Dies died November 18, 2015, 90 years young at Hays Medical Center. As a Marine, he knew when it was time to make a tactical withdrawal.

He was born to Emma and George Dies on March 30, 1925, in Oklahoma. His family moved to Kingman Kansas where he went to school, and graduated high school in 1943. That same year he was drafted into the Marine Corps. He was turned down by the Army and Navy because of an ‘awkward gait’, but that didn’t stop the Marines. His military time was on the island of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands toward the end of WWII assigned to the VMF 155 squadron. As the company clerk, he submitted all the required paperwork of rosters to the military. 50 years later, when he retired from State Farm, he requested the same paperwork to organize VMF 155 for 10 years of Marine reunions.

After his military service he returned to Kingman, KS where he met his wife, Geneva Lechner. They were united in marriage on July 6, 1947, and were married for 58 years. She died July 16, 2005. He said the happiest time of his life was being married. He was known as many different things: Husband, Daddy, Pop, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle, Lion, Marine Sergeant, Jaycee, Highway Patrol Driver’s License Examiner, fisherman, State Farm Agent, volunteer, church member and friend.

An avid fisherman, there was always a fish tale to be told, and a new lake or pond in which to sink a line. He was adamant about living life to the fullest, and would say “well, you can sit and do nothing or get up and move.” Along with living life to its fullest came his commitment to volunteering. “We are here to help each other. You don’t have to look very far to find others less fortunate and we need to remember that.” In 1950, Mother and Daddy, along with 4 other families, founded the Messiah Lutheran Church. What began as Sunday school and church services in their homes has grown to more than 200 members in Hays.

He is survived by his three children; Carmen Armantrout of Hays, Dixie Dies from Hamilton, MT, and Barry Dies (Genette) of St. Paul, MN.: 13 Grandkids , 12 great grands, 1 great great grand child, and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and three sisters.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 23, 2015 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main St., Hays. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends following the services at the church.

The family suggests memorials in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine St., to the Community Assistance Center, 12th and Oak in Hays, Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main in Hays, the Hays Lions Club, in care of Sandy Beisner at 611 Cedar Ln. Ellis,KS 67637, the Edwin A. Schumacher Marine Corps League, 103 W. 36th St., Hays, or by volunteering your time to a favorite charity. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Patricia J. “Pat” Staab, 80, died Friday, November 13, 2015, at Via Christi Village, Hays.

She was born December 5, 1934 in Catharine, Kansas to Felix and Florine (Werth) Giebler. She graduated from Girls Catholic High in 1953. She was a bookkeeper at S&W Supply from 1952 to 1954. She started “Pat’s Noodles” in 1978 which is a family venture that continues today.

She was a member of the Christian Mothers Altar Society at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella of Hays, and the VFW Auxiliary of Hays. She attended perpetual adoration and sang with the Senior Gospel Group of Hays.

She married Norman A. Leikam on October 2, 1954. He preceded her in death October 23, 1965 (Vietnam). She married Marion F. Staab on May 10, 1969. He preceded her in death July 2, 2015.

Survivors include a daughter Deborah (Leikam) Letourneau and husband Don of Portland, Oregon, sons Steve Leikam and wife Suzanne of Hays, Mike Leikam and wife Angela of Overland Park, and Aaron Staab of Catharine. Seven grandchildren, Matthew Leikam, Brianna (Letourneau) McCoy and her husband Brandon, Connor Letourneau, Alexis Leikam, Jacob Leikam, Makenzie Staab and Corey Breit. One brother, Gerald Giebler of Maize and Nadine Thomasson of Hays.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, her parents and her brother Lawrence Giebler.

Funeral mass will be 10 AM Monday, November 23, 2015 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Catharine. Burial will be in St. Catherine Cemetery, Catharine.

Visitation will be Sunday 5PM – 8PM with a Daughters of Isabella rosary at 6:30 PM followed by a parish vigil at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays.

Visitation Monday will be at the church from 9 AM until service time.

Memorials are suggested to Thomas More Prep-Marian, St. Catherine Catholic Church or for masses.

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

Elsie Marie (Everhart) Babcock, age 89, passed away at Select Specialty Hospital, Carrollton, Texas, on November 15, 2015.

She was born on July 16, 1926 in Ransom, Kansas, to George and Mae Everhart.

She graduated from a county school through 8th grade and went to the 9th grade in Ransom.

On May 19, 1943, she married Don Babcock. They enjoyed 58 ½ years together. To this union, Dorothy and Don Leon were born.

She lived all her married life in Utica, KS. She was employed at the Citizen State Bank and worked at the Utica Schools. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Utica. She resided in Texas for the last 12 years, moving there to be close to her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy (Richard) Van Winkle, Flower Mound, TX; son, Don Leon (Sherry) Babcock, Cape Girardeau, MO; grandchildren, Tonya (Nick) Loy, Charity (Shane) Christopher, Micaiah Van Winkle, Justin (Kaley) Van Winkle, Jessica (Curtis) Wood, Jocelyn (Travis) Gunter, Vanessa Babcock, Wes Malone, Lora (Travis) Stalford; great-grandchildren, Hope and Natalie Loy, Taylor and Alyssa Christopher, August Gunter, Everly Wood, Zander and Graceyn Bowman.

She was preceded by her parents; husband, Don; great-granddaughter, Anistyn; brothers, Stanley, Clinton, Bill, Rolla, and Carl Everhart; sisters, Stella Schuler, Sylvia Martin, Bertha McKinnis, and Helen Russell.

Family was the most important thing to her. He home was always warm and inviting and full of love. She was loved by all her family, and they always enjoyed going to visit her as she was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed her children and grandchildren and loved going to basketball games that they played in. She wouldn’t miss a game. She made Christmas so special for the kids growing up and for her grandchildren; it is their favorite time of year. When you went out to eat with her, she always paid. She was so generous and loving. She will be missed by all her family, nieces and nephews, and friends.

She is never gone from us, but will live in our hearts forever. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. You have been our delight.

Viewing will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Friday, November 20, 1:00 – 9:00 P.M. with family present to receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Funeral will be at the United Methodist Church, Utica, on Saturday, November 21, 2015, 11:00 A.M.

Burial in Utica Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to United Methodist Church, Utica.

Luella B. Erskin, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on January 7, 1930 in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of John and Hilda Koch Wiechman. She was a resident of Scott City, Kansas from 1930 until 1954 moving to North Dakota and then back to Scott City in 1970. She was a homemaker.

Memberships include the Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary both of Scott City.

On December 31, 1949 she married Elmer Erskin in Scott City, Kansas. He survives.

Survivors include her Husband – Elmer Erskin of Scott City, Kansas, One Son – Harold & Susan Erskin of Mulvane, Kansas, Three Daughters – Sandra & Rick Kahl of Scott City, Kansas, Shirley & Dan Rogers of Valley Center, Kansas, Sharon & David Powers of Scott City, Kansas, Two Brothers – Gerald & Joyce Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, Donald & Marlo Wiechman of Scott City, Kansas, Two Sisters – Lavera King of Scott City, Kansas, Velda & Milt Riddiough of Scott City, Kansas, Nine Grandchildren and Eighteen Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by Two Brothers – Marvin Wiechman and Martin Wiechman and One Sister – Geneva Faurot.

Funeral Services will be held at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2015 with Pastor Warren Prochnow presiding.

Memorials may be given to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Park Lane Nursing Home % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.

Hays, Kansas – Robert B. Marye, age 73, died Sunday, November 15, 2015, at the Volga Street DSNWK home in Hays, Kansas.

He was born August 31, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland to Robert Brooks and Irma Ruth (Wisnom) Marye Sr.
He lived at a care facility in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Parsons State Hospital at the age of eleven.

In 1973 he moved to Hays and entered services at Homer B. Reed Training Center. He moved to DSNWK’s Eight Street Home at Victoria in 1992 where he spent his remaining years of life before falling ill.
He worked as an assembler for a Flex King contract, a material handler for Stromgren-Scott and in 1987 he began participating in the Life Management Program at Reed Developmental Center enjoying a more relaxing environment for those person desiring to retire from work.

He enjoyed fishing, bowling, putting together Lego/puzzle pieces, drinking coffee, watching the news, especially during elections years, the Christmas holidays, going to sports events, his favorite teams were the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Bronco’s and spending time with his gardians, the Strecker family.
Survivors include his gaudians, Phillyis Strecker, Hays, KS; and the late Forrest Strecker; his cousin Marie Sasse, Baltimore, MD and his DSNWK family and staff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Barbara.

Services are 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 20, 2015, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

His guardian family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Friday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorial to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Condolences can be sent via email to [email protected].

Christine Marie Billinger, age 93, of Hays passed away Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Hays Medical Center. She was born November, 2, 1922 in Hyacinth, Kansas to Alex and Barbara (Sander) Rupp. She married Alvin A. “Al” Billinger on April 5, 1943 in Hays. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2002.

She was a homemaker and had worked as a waitress at the VFW, The Coachman and The Rose Room, she had been a manager of a convenience store and was a secretary for Gary Eller Insurance Company. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and she enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends.

She is survived by three sons, Alan Billinger and wife Carrie of Hays, Steve Billinger of Casper, Wyoming and Greg Billinger and wife Jolene of Bakersfield, California; a daughter, Roxie VonLintel and husband Hank of Victoria, Kansas; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Al; a son, Douglas Billinger, six brothers, Wendelin, Celestine, Alex, Al, Alfred and Elmer Rupp; five sisters, Georgine Peters, Olive Macintosh, Eleanora Peters, Mary Ellis and Alma Girado.

Funeral services will be 10 am Saturday, November 21, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Joseph’s cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, November 20, 2015 5 pm – 8 pm and Saturday 9 am – 9:30 am all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601

A rosary and vigil service will be 6:30 pm Friday at the Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to KU Medical Center to support stroke research. Please make all donations payable to KU Endowment and mail to KU Endowment, 3903 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66103 or the Endowment Foundation of TMP-Marian to be used for the Al Billinger Fieldhouse renovation.

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

Victoria, Kansas – Ludmilla “Millie” (Werth) age 79, died Monday, November 16, 2015, at Hays Medical Center.

She was born September 23, 1936, on the farm northwest of Schoenchen, Kansas to Sylvester and Theresa (Pfannenstiel) Werth. She married Elmer A. Dinkel on June 15, 1954 at Schoenchen, Kansas.

Millie was a homemaker and a farmer’s wife. She worked 13 years at Travenol Labs, seven years at Hays International Mailing and a few years at Adronics-Elrob Manufacturing.

She was a member of the Basilica of St. Fidelis and was a volunteer on the St. Fidelis Funeral Committee.

Survivors include her husband, Elmer A. Dinkel, of the home; two sons, Robert F. Dinkel and his companion, Theresa Truan, Munjor, KS; Don Dinkel, Hays, KS; one daughter, Rosie Klaus and husband, Dan, Wichita, KS; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; three brothers, Father Alvin Werth, Hays, KS; Kenneth Werth and wife, Elaine, Schoenchen, KS; Francis Werth and wife, Rosie, Hays, KS; and one sister, Deltha Legleiter, Hays, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one great granddaughter, Madison Dinkel.

Services are 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 20, 2015, at The Basilica of St. Fidelis Victoria, Kansas. Burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service is at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Thursday, and from 8:30 to 9:45 A.M. Friday, all at Cline’s Mortuary Victoria, Kansas.

Memorial to The Basilica of St. Fidelis. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to
[email protected]