1934 – 2019
An obituary and services are pending with Price & Sons Funeral Home.
Category: Obituaries
Delpha Jennings
Phillipsburg resident Delpha Jennings passed away Aug. 2, 2019 at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the age of 91. She was born October 7, 1927 in Kirwin, the daughter of Ralph & Mary (Wisehart) Smith.
Survivors include her son Daniel of McPherson; her daughter, Patricia Wisinger of Republican City, NE; her brother, Ronald Smith of Kansas City; sister, Vanetta Woodard of Mound City, KS; 8 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor James Peterson officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.
Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday & 9:00 to 9:00 Wed. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Durward L. Smith
Durward L. Smith, 90, passed away Friday, August 2, 2019, at his rural home in Pawnee Rock. He was born October 21, 1928, in Great Bend, the son of Lamont L. and Edith (Base) Smith. Durward was united in marriage to Minetta “Mickey” Edwards on May 22, 1953, in Bison, at the Methodist Church. She passed away February 14, 2010.
A lifetime Barton and Pawnee county resident, Durward was a farmer and stockman. Durward was a 1947 Larned High School graduate, and was a member of the First Christian Church, Great Bend, The National Farmers Union and The Farm Bureau. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed farming, cattle, playing cards and loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include, one daughter, Brenda Zorn and her husband Dennis of Denver; two sons, Durward “Kirk” Smith and his wife Wanda of Pawnee Rock, and Jeff Smith and his wife Beth of Kechi; one brother, Edwin Smith and wife Mary of Walton; two sisters, Zola Esau of Newton and Marilyn Balzar of Halstead; six grandchildren, Eric Zorn and wife Sarah, Alycia Zorn, Zachary Zorn and wife Jodi, Bryan Smith, Rachelle Powell and husband Brett and Lucas Smith; and six great grandchildren, Alexis and Chloe Powell, Mason, Adeline, Grayson and Alistair Zorn.
Funeral Service will be a 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2019, at First Christian Church, with The Reverend Joshua Leu presiding. Interment will follow at Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock. Visitation will be 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, August 9, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Edward Albin
Edward Albin, age 69, of Quinter, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019, at Gove County Medical Center, Quinter.
Services are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home.
James W. Betts
James W. Betts, 81, Topeka, formerly of Russell, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019.
Jim was born May 20, 1938 in Kansas City, MO, and was adopted by George and F. Nadine (Howard) Betts. The family moved to Geneso and lived there through Jim’s high school years. He graduated from Geneso High School in 1956 and attended Sterling College. He served in the medical corps in the U.S. Navy. Jim married Carolyn Joan Hartman on November 3, 1963. They moved to Wichita in 1964, where they both worked in the Wichita Clinic. They moved to Russell in 1966 and Jim took the position as the Chief Radiological Tech at the Russell Regional Hospital, retiring after 34 years of service. Carolyn, his wife of 46 years, died May 26, 2000. Survivors include daughters, Jonette (Jeff) Penton, Topeka, Paula (Aaron) Marshall, Elkhorn, NE; grandchildren Connor and Lizzie Penton, Matthew and Caroline Marshall; and life partner, Peggy Hammerschmidt and family of Overland Park. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Judy Voeltz.
Cremation has taken place and a Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Russell City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Russell Regional Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the graveside services.
Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting with the Topeka arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com
Ralph Paul Gottschalk
Ralph Paul Gottschalk, age 82, of Hays, Kansas passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays. He was born February 14, 1937 on a small farm near Schoenchen, Kansas to George and Edith (Linenberger) Gottschalk.
Growing up on the farm with his brothers Leroy, Wayne, Robert and Roger life was simple and filled with hard work. For fun the family would play cards and listen to radio broadcasts. The family eventually relocated to Hays and Ralph volunteered for the United States Army serving for 2 years as a Corporal in a Medical Battalion during the Korean War. Shortly after returning to Hays he met his wife Sharon Wooldridge. They were married November the 11th 1961 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Ralph and Sharon had 3 daughters Mary, Kim and Kelly. Ralph and the family eventually settled in Hays where Ralph worked diligently to become a successful business entrepreneur.
He is survived by his wife Sharon of Hays; his daughters, Kim Briney and Kelly Stiles of Hays; brothers, Leroy and wife Rita and Robert Gottschalk of Hays; grandchildren Nathan Briney of Wichita, Shara Briney, Derek Stiles and wife Mireya, Kaley Stiles all of Hays; his great grandchildren Emmie and Ensley Stiles all of Hays.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edith; a daughter Mary; brothers Wayne and Roger; a son-in-law, Darin Stiles; a great grandson Eli Stiles as well as his nephew and godson Keith Gottschalk.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hays. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor guard.
Memorial visitation will be Tuesday 5 PM – 8 PM with a combined rosary and vigil service at 7 PM Wednesday visitation will be 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hays VFW Honor Guard.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]
Pearl Mary Leiker
Pearl Mary Leiker, age 88, of Munjor, Kansas passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Hays Medical Center in Hays. She was born June 5, 1931 in Liebenthal, Kansas to Andrew Joseph and Josephine (Depperschmidt) Herrman. On May 22, 1950 she married Edward P. Leiker in Liebenthal. He preceded her in death on August 22, 2013.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed bowling, playing bingo and pinochle and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Christian Mothers all of Munjor.
She is survived by two sons, Eugene E. (Tobie Pince) Leiker of Hays, John E. (Deanna) Leiker of Munjor; three daughters, Joann (Jack) Haddock of Munjor, Christine (Dennis) Johnson of Munjor and Judy (Terry) Farley of Sydney, Australia; 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Gilbert J. and Elmer Herrman and five sisters, Irene Schmitt, Theresa Lewis, Cleopha Leiker, Dorothy Davenport and Virginia Andrasek.
Funeral services will be 10:30 Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Munjor. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday 5 PM – 8 PM and Tuesday 9 AM – 9:30 AM all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
A combined Munjor Christian Mothers rosary and parish vigil will be 7 PM Monday at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]
JoAnn Pundsack Kerbs
JoAnn Pundsack Kerbs, formerly of Great Bend, died June 29 in Lawrenceville, GA.
She was born Dec. 20, 1931 and graduated from Great Bend High School. Her first job was at Kerbs IGA No. 2 where her checkout line was always backed up because everyone wanted to talk with Jo. In a strategic career move, she married the owner, her “dear” Warren, and was promoted to her dream job of wife and mother. They were married for 59 years until his death, and life was never the same for her without Warren.
Always grateful for what she called her “wonderful life,” she loved her husband and children selflessly and unconditionally. She was gentle and kind, but also strong and quietly fierce before anyone ever used the word. She was not afraid to laugh at herself and had a clever and quick wit. Her comments were always on point.
JoAnn had a rare and wonderful outlook on life — she genuinely believed everyone was as good as she was. And to her, they most often were.
As a mom, she was unbelievably patient and believed so hard that we were wonderful that we often believed it too. As a Nanny, she was never too tired for one more story, another game of make believe, or a staring role as a superhero’s best girl.
She met the indignities of age with dignity and grace, and was caring and grateful to those who cared for her. Everyone that met JoAnn soon thought they were her favorite; her heart was big enough to hold us all.
JoAnn is survived by her son, Jon (and Nancy) Kerbs; daughter, Dana Kerbs (and Leo) Urrutia, daughter, Tracey Kerbs Lane (and Al Eddy); and grandchildren, Kevin and Megan Kerbs, Brian Urrutia and Laura Urrutia (and Michael) Albares, and Colin and Zachary Lane. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren; infant daughter, Elizabeth; parents, Edward and Marie Pundsack; and sisters, Bonnie Pundsack Grisamore, and Lee Pundsack Stalcup.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose Church, Great Bend, at 11 a.m. on Fri., Aug. 9th. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.
Dale Eugene Eckels
Dale Eugene Eckels, age 84, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on July 5, 1935 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, the son of Louis & Mollie Hindergart Eckels. A lifetime resident of Shallow Water, Kansas, he was self-employed working numerous jobs.
He was a member of the Gospel Fellowship Church in Shallow Water, Kansas.
On July 4, 1954 he married Beverly Ann Bulkley in Scott City, Kansas. She passed away on June 23, 2010 in Wichita, Kansas.
Survivors Include her Two Sons – Les & Nancy Eckels of Huron, South Dakota, Kenton & Debbie Eckels of Scott City, Kansas, Two Daughters – Kim & Jeff Baier of Ulysses, Kansas, Jynette & Jerry Buxton of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother – Scott Eckels of Orange County, California, Seven Granddaughters – Kelsi Sneyd, Coley Baier, Nichole Frandsen, Majken Fullner, Krista Eckels, Emily Mulligan & Lexi Buxton, Four Great Grandchildren – Wyatt Sneyd, Case Coley, Tori Frandsen and Camden Mulligan.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife and Four Brothers.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 5, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas with Pastor Don Williams presiding.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Memorials can be made out to the Pence Community Church for the Alpha Christian Children’s Home or Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price & Sons Funeral Homes.
Visitation will be from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday and 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.
JoAnn Pundsack Kerbs
She was born Dec. 20, 1931 and graduated from Great Bend High School. Her first job was at Kerbs IGA No. 2 where her checkout line was always backed up because everyone wanted to talk with Jo. In a strategic career move, she married the owner, her “dear” Warren, and was promoted to her dream job of wife and mother. They were married for 59 years until his death, and life was never the same for her without Warren.
Always grateful for what she called her “wonderful life,” she loved her husband and children selflessly and unconditionally. She was gentle and kind, but also strong and quietly fierce before anyone ever used the word. She was not afraid to laugh at herself and had a clever and quick wit. Her comments were always on point.
JoAnn had a rare and wonderful outlook on life — she genuinely believed everyone was as good as she was. And to her, they most often were.
As a mom, she was unbelievably patient and believed so hard that we were wonderful that we often believed it too. As a Nanny, she was never too tired for one more story, another game of make believe, or a staring role as a superhero’s best girl.
She met the indignities of age with dignity and grace, and was caring and grateful to those who cared for her. Everyone that met JoAnn soon thought they were her favorite; her heart was big enough to hold us all.
JoAnn is survived by her son, Jon (and Nancy) Kerbs; daughter, Dana Kerbs (and Leo) Urrutia, daughter, Tracey Kerbs Lane (and Al Eddy); and grandchildren, Kevin and Megan Kerbs, Brian Urrutia and Laura Urrutia (and Michael) Albares, and Colin and Zachary Lane. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren; infant daughter, Elizabeth; parents, Edward and Marie Pundsack; and sisters, Bonnie Pundsack Grisamore, and Lee Pundsack Stalcup.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose Church, Great Bend, at 11 a.m. on Fri., Aug. 9th. Inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.
Steven Charles ‘Pete’ Henry
Steven Charles “Pete” Henry, 71, passed away August 1, 2019, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born August 17, 1947 at Seward to Ray A. & Edna Grace (Yingling) Henry. He married Sherri Keeler on August 17, 1982, in Las Vegas, NV. They later were divorced.
A lifetime Stafford and Barton county resident, Steven was a Bulk Plant Operator for Haliburton until his retirement. He was an avid hunter.
Survivors include, his brother, Rick Henry and wife Rosemary of Houma, LA; former wife, Sherri Henry of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Edna Henry; two brothers, Ron Henry and Terry Henry; and two sisters, Carol Ann Dyer and Carmen Elsen.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Eden Valley Cemetery, Seward.
Memorials are suggested to Great Bend Zoological Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
James W. Betts
James W. Betts, 81, Topeka, formerly of Russell, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019.
Jim was born May 20, 1938 in Kansas City, MO, and was adopted by George and F. Nadine (Howard) Betts. The family moved to Geneso and lived there through Jim’s high school years. He graduated from Geneso High School in 1956 and attended Sterling College.
He served in the medical corps in the U.S. Navy. Jim married Carolyn Joan Hartman on November 3, 1963. They moved to Wichita in 1964, where they both worked in the Wichita Clinic. They moved to Russell in 1966 and Jim took the position as the Chief Radiological Tech at the Russell Regional Hospital, retiring after 34 years of service. Carolyn, his wife of 46 years, died May 26, 2000.
Survivors include daughters, Jonette (Jeff) Penton, Topeka, Paula (Aaron) Marshall, Elkhorn, NE; grandchildren Connor and Lizzie Penton, Matthew and Caroline Marshall; and life partner, Peggy Hammerschmidt and family of Overland Park. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Judy Voeltz.
Cremation has taken place and a Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Russell City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Russell Regional Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the graveside services.
Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting with the Topeka arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.DoveTopeka.com
Howard Marshall Finley
Lifelong Sharon Springs resident Howard Marshall Finley, 86, passed away at his home in Sharon Springs on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.
Howard was born on December 26, 1932 at home in Sharon Springs to Marshall Joseph and Lena Roberta (Reed) Finley. He was one of four children. Howard attended school in Sharon Springs, and graduated from WCHS in 1951. He joined the military and served in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1956. After serving four years in the Navy, Howard then went on and completed four years of college at Fort Hays State University and graduated from there in 1960.
On June 8, 1959, Howard married Norma Jean Montgomery in Sharon Springs. To this union, three daughters were born; Sheryl, Carolyn and Deborah.
From 1960 to 1966, Howard taught Elementary School in Brewster and McDonald, Kansas. After those six years, Howard decided that he wanted to become a full time farmer and rancher. Howard retired from farming and ranching in 2006. He was a member of the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church and the VFW.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Benjamin Finley, his sister Mattie Jackson and one grandson Andrew Newton.
He is survived by his wife Norma of their home in Sharon Springs, his three daughters, Sheryl Finley of Topeka, KS, Carolyn (Scott) Crontinger of Carbondale, KS and Deborah (Danny) Newton of Salina, KS. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren; Angela Beach, Jerad, Dustin, James and Tyler Crotinger, Collin and Garrett Newton, fourteen great grandchildren, one brother Delgar (Phyllis) Finley of Sharon Springs, a sister-in-law Alice Baehler of Sharon Springs, one brother-in-law Junior (Rosalie) Montgomery of Sharon Springs, KS; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 10:30 AM MT at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Galen Crippen officiating. Burial followed in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.
Visitation was held on Friday, August 2, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs.
Memorials may be designated to the Wallace County Ambulance Service or to the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.