Gorham, Kansas – Myra Lee (Scheck) Poage, age 72, died Sunday, June 14, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Society of Hays. She was born May 1,1943, in Hays, Kansas, to Joseph F. and Eleanor (Tholen) Scheck. She was married to Lonn Poage from 1963 to 1985 and had two children.

She was a Vice Principal and a lifetime educator in Alaska, New Mexico and Kansas. She retired in 1998. She was an avid reader, enjoyed world wide traveling and golfing with her long term companion Jim Gould. He died in 2012. She grew up in Gorham, Kansas and was a 1961 graduate of Gorham High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Education and Specialist Degree in Administration from Fort Hays State College Hays, Kansas.

Survivors include two sons, Todd Poage, Tok, AK; Troy Poage and wife, Sonya, Nome, AK; one brother, Tim Scheck and wife, Barbara, Russell, KS; two sisters, Joanie Weigel and Ron Arneson, Gorham, KS; Melba Millard-Moore, Mandan, ND; four grandchildren, Addison, Dylan, Zayra and Van;
9 nieces and nephews and 23 great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one infant brother, Donald Scheck and her companion, Jim Gould.

Services are at 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 19, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Gorham, Kansas.
Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery Gorham, Kansas.

A vigil service is at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at Clines Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Visitation is from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Friday, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Gorham, Kansas.

Memorial to The Gorham Community Development Association for Children’s Play Park.
Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected].

Geneva “Gene” Cooper, 94, of Colby, died Friday, June 12, 2015 at Hays Medical Center.

She was born Aug 24, 1920 to Peter and Lucy (Nordman) Bixenman in Wien, MO. She graduated from Menlo High School in 1938. She worked at the Cooper Hotel where she met her husband Hubert Cooper. They were married on Oct 31, 1949 in Colby. She later worked for Classic Dress Shop and Caldwell’s Appliance Store. Gene enjoyed working with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), Election Board and Red Cross Blood Drives.

Preceded in death by her husband, Hubert; brothers, Robert and LeRoy Bixenman; sisters, Shirley Hemstrom and Patricia Hafer.

Survived by her daughters, Marla (Howard) Reed, of Salina and Karla (Rod) McAtee, of Hays; sister, Florene (Jerry) Messamore; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 4-8:00pm, Monday, June 15, 2015 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Vigil service will be at 6:30pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am, Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Church or RSVP in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com

Pauline Iles Nicholson passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2015, at the age of 93. She was the wife of the late Philip W. Nicholson of Ellis, Kansas, and the mother of three children, all of whom survive her: Paulette (Nicholson) Harp and Jack A. Nicholson, both of Ellis, and Philip T. Nicholson of Boulder, Colorado. Her descendants also include six grandchildren and six great-grand-children.

Pauline was born in October 29, 1922, in a mining town in eastern Arizona. Her father, Louis Taylor Iles, worked as an accountant at the Inspiration Copper Mine, and her mother, Marguerite (Childress) Iles, worked at the company store. The family lived in Inspiration, a small, company-owned town on the top of a mountain ridge that overlooked the mine operations—the huge open pits, the large smelters that heated the raw ore to separate out the molten copper, and the trolleys that ran out along banks of dark black slag to dump molten waste products.

After graduating from the Miami High School, Pauline entered the University of Arizona where she majored in nutrition. World War II intervened during her junior year when Pauline met a young lieutenant, Philip W. Nicholson, who was stationed at an air base in Tucson. The couple became engaged and then married just before Capt. Nicholson’s crew embarked for India and then flew on to China to carry out bombing missions against the Japanese forces. The couple’s first son, Philip Taylor, was born in 1944, shortly before the end of WWII. After demobilization, Capt. Nicholson and Pauline returned to Ellis, Kansas, his home town, where they established a residence and expanded their family. A second son, Jack Alexander, was born in 1948, and a daughter, Paulette Iles, in 1950.

As a wife and mother, Pauline created a warm family atmosphere that combined affection, intellectual stimulation, a sense of engagement with broader world, kindness and tolerance, perseverance, and attention to those little things in life that ultimately add up to make a big difference for everyone involved. She was a great cook—who can forget the taste of her authentic enchiladas and her other recipes, dinner-in-the-dish, roast chuck with carrots and potatoes, homemade sweet rolls and raisin cream pie? And Pauline was known as an excellent conversationalist, as someone who listened carefully to what someone was saying and then asked insightful questions. When tragedies intervened in the lives of others, she was always ready to respond promptly and effectively, as on the two occasions when she welcomed children who’d suddenly and tragically lost one or both parents into her home where she cared for them as she would her own. Pauline will always be remembered by her friends and by her children and grandchildren with the greatest love, affection, appreciation, gratitude and respect for a life well-lived.

A memorial reception on June 20th, 2015 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at 1807 Maple St, Ellis, KS (2 blks east of Ellis High School)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Hospice in memory of Pauline Nicholson, c/o Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th St., Ellis, KS 67637.

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

Marguerite Mae Albers, age 93, passed away on June 12, 2015 at the Rhode Island Suites, Ransom, Kansas. She was born on February 11, 1922 in Bazine, Kansas the daughter of George John Seuser, I and Marie Veronica (Jedlicka) Seuser.

She was a homemaker and a member of the First Mennonite Church, Ransom. On September 16, 1945 she married Donald William Albers in Bison, Kansas. He died June 13, 2001.

Survivors include two sons, Albert and his wife Jeanette of Ransom and William and his wife Marlene of Bison; two daughters, Donna and Fred Klitzke of Phoenix, Arizona and Linda and Stuart Dietz of Hudson, Kansas; a sister Mildred Littler of LaCrosse, Kansas; one brother George J. Sauser, II or Marquette, Kansas; 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother William Seuser.

Funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at the First Mennonite Church, Ransom. Burial in the Ransom Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Sunday from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. and on Monday from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with the family present from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Mennonite Church, Ransom.

James Robben, age 62, of Victoria, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in Hays. He was born on January 1, 1953 in Hays, KS to Wilfred and Viola (Hammerschmidt) Robben. Jim married the love of his life, Jane Dreiling, on October 29, 1977. She preceded him in death on November 24, 2008. The young family gave birth to their first daughter, Jackie, in March of 1978 and then moved to McPherson, Kansas 5 months later. This union was then blessed with the birth of their second daughter, Jamie in August of 1980.

Jim worked as a Skilled Trades Technician Power Plant at Fort Hays State University, where he developed many long lasting friendships. Jim was a Christian, loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle, co-worker, and dear friend. Jim had a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. He constantly put others before himself and donated to causes like United Way. His strength, sense of humor and contagious smile will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He was especially proud of his daughters who both graduated from Kansas State University. Jim was an avid football fan with a strong following for Kansas State University and the Kansas City Chiefs. He had a strong passion for animals, especially dogs. He was the proud owner of one Jack Russell Terrier: Zoey. He also loved spending time with his Grand dogs: Bella, Maddox, Bliss & Brownie. Jim was looking forward to meeting his first Grandson who is due in September.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Wilfred Robben. Surviving members of his family include his daughters, Jackie Vestal and her husband Brandon of Los Angeles, California, Jamie Robben of Denver, Colorado; his mother, Viola Robben of Walker, Kansas; his siblings, Leroy Robben and his wife Karen of Salina, Kansas, Melvin Robben and his wife Patty of Salina, Kansas, Norman Robben and his wife Linda of Walker, Kansas; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Jim’s family wishes to express their gratitude for all of the thoughts and prayers during this time and for your attendance at his memorial service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the James Robben Memorial Fund.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Saturday, June 13, 2015 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Walker. Visitation will be 9 AM until service time at the church.

Lila Lee Gilpin, 84, Hays, died Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Hays Medical Center.

She was born March 2, 1931 on the family farm in Barton County, Kansas the daughter of Chester A. and Florence Helen (Thorpe) Smith. On January 13, 1951 she married her husband of 57 years, Carl G. Gilpin in Great Bend. He died on December 24, 2008.

She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church, Hays, the Methodist Women’s Circle, and Suppers Eight. She attended business college in Denver, loved to play bridge and dominoes, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She enjoyed attending church meetings and volunteering at Hays Medical Center.

Survivors include two daughters, Gayle L. Ernst and husband Greg of Ellis, Kansas and Carla K. Stiles and husband Mike of Hill City, Kansas, a brother Peter Dale “Bob” Smith and wife Fritzie of Great Bend, 10 grandchildren, Shane Buchholz (Aimee Erhart) of Glendale, AZ, Charles Martin (Tan Yi) of Phoeniz, AZ, Lucas Ernst of Ellis, Tyler (Chasity) Watson of Ellis, Shannon Denning and Zachary Bird of Glendale, Cortnie Bird of Brooklyn, NY, Jessie (Dylan) Pohlman of Maize, KS, Missy (Justin) Balthazor of Plainville, and Tabitha (Jason) Haskett of Eudora, KS, fourteen great grandchildren, Jordyn (David) Berry of Wakeeney, Andria Buchholz of Hays, Trinten Houser and Matthew Ernst of Ellis, Haven Watson of Ellis, Ryann and Teagan Redinger and Finnley and Abrahm Pohlman of Maize, Tate Balthazor of Plainville, and Kimble, Kaitlyn, Karter, and Kora Haskett of Eudora, two great great grandchildren, Wyatt and Roe Berry of Wakeeney, and daughter Linda’s significant other, Tom Kasanek.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter Linda L. Bird in 2008, and a brother Chester L. Smith and his wife Willa.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Monday, June 15, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street, Hays. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time on Monday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hays Medical Center, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Danny L. McMillin, 68, Hays, died Thursday, June 11, 2015 at his home.

He was born June 15, 1946 in Garden City, Kansas the son of Horace Frank and Florence Lorene (Marsh) McMillin.

On September 15, 1990 he married Cathy Joan Hardiek in Lenora, Kansas. He served 21 years with the Kansas National Guard and was a Sergeant First Class with the U.S. Army 170th Maintenance Company during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He worked as a gas and electric service man for Midwest Energy for 31 years. He was previously a carpenter, police officer, EMT, and volunteer fireman.

He was a member of Celebration Community Church and the Hays VFW Post #9076. He loved golf and golfing with his friends and was a member of the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course. He was a special friend to many, was a person of service, had a tremendous love of family, was selfless and forgiving, and loved to share his smile with those around him.

Survivors include his wife, three daughters Jolena McMillin Wipf and husband LeRoy, Kimberly McMillin Schriner and husband Michael, and Tamira McMillin Quattlebaum and husband Michael, a son Patric Shane Linden, five grandchildren Aaron Schriner and wife Ashley, Taylor Quattlebaum, Gabriel Schriner, Michael Quattlebaum, and Alexandra Quattlebaum, and two great grandchildren, Caden and Kiley Schriner, two brothers, Harry Joe “Joe” McMillin and Horace “Frank” McMillin, and two sisters, Connie Joan McGuire and Patty Jean Tomblinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mildred Marie Poe and Judy Ann Shearer.

A celebration of Danny’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2015 at the Celebration Community Church, 5790 230th Avenue. Inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Honor Guard will be at 2:00 pm in the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, WaKeeney.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Sunday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and from 9:30 am until service time on Monday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Ellis County or to the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.

Anselm E. Simoneau, age 81, of Hays, passed away Monday, June 8, 2015 at Via Christi Village, Hays.

He was born June 30, 1933 in Damar, KS to Philip and Jeanette (Benoit) Simoneau. He graduated from Damar High School. He married Ilene Hamel August 12, 1952 at St. Joseph’s Church in Damar.

He was a longtime real estate broker and owner of Farmland Auction and Realty Company. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3rd degree Knights of Columbus and 4th degree Bishop Cunningham member. He enjoyed playing golf and baseball, attending auctions, spending time at the sale barn and he enjoyed cattle. Anselm was an excellent provider for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Ilene of Hays; three sons, Richard Simoneau of Damar, Bryan Simoneau and wife Dana of Damar and Rodney Simoneau and friend, Sandy Christensen of Lakewood, CO; a daughter, Sandra Orth and husband Steve of Colorado Springs, CO; three brothers, Larry and Linus of Salina and Bob of Lenora, KS; two sisters, Annette Smith of CA and Carolyn Merritt of Wakefield, KS. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Dale Simoneau, a brother, LeRoy Simoneau and a daughter-in-law, Donna Simoneau.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 13, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday 4 PM – 8 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory and Saturday 9 AM until service time at the church.

A 4th Degree Bishop Cunningham rosary will be at 6:30 followed by a parish vigil at 7 PM all at the funeral chapel.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Church of Hays or St. Joseph Church of Damar.
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Condolences may be sent to the family by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected].

Cheryl Faye Brooks, age 71, of Hays, passed away on June 7, 2015 at Hays Medical Center. She was born July 11, 1943 in Des Moines, IA to Willis and Mildred LaVergne (Higby) Cox. She graduated from Phillipsburg High School and attended Kansas University and Fort Hays State University where she met her husband James Brooks. They married June 19, 1965 at Pecusa Chapel at Webster Lake.

She devoted more than twenty years to her work in medical records at St. Anthony Hospital (now Hays Medical Center). She belonged to St. Michael’s Church in Hays, P.E.O. chapter GS, and she enjoyed singing, cross stitch, crocheting, and attending arts and theatre events. She was interested in medicine, biological sciences, chemistry, history, and Spanish. Cheryl never met a stranger, and struck up lively discussions with people from all walks of life.

She is survived by her husband, James of Hays; a daughter, Amy Brooks and her husband Brian Lee of Fremont, CA; son Brian Brooks and his wife Jill and children Lucy and Olive of Prairie Village, KS; and a brother, Ken Cox, his wife Corliss and daughter MacKenzie, of Independence, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, June 12, 2015 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Hays.

Visitation will be Thursday 6 PM – 8 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, and Friday from 9 AM until service time at the church.

As a memorial, the family requests donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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

Rena Mae Rathsack, age 85 of Hays, passed away June 7, 2015 at Hays Medical Center in hays. She was born April 7, 1930, to William and Beatrice Rathsack.

Rena was a retired sergeant in the US Army. She served in Germany, Okinawa right after Pearl Harbor, and Hawaii.

She is survived by her special friends and caregivers, Terry and Kim Weigel and children of Hays, Craig and Jolene Hamel and children of Jacksonville, FL, Russ and Dawn Sharp and children of Edmond, OK, Scott and Christina ??? and children of Stockton, Kyle and Teri hamel and children of Gilbert, AZ, Shayne and Tiffany Hamel of Plant City, FL, her senior companion, Arlene Schlyer of Hays and first cousins, Joey and Mae Sazama of WI. and Jimmy and Sylvia Sazama of TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Robert and James Rathsack.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, June 12, 2015 at St. Nicholas of Myra Church in Hays. Burial with full military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Damar, KS.

Visitation will be Thursday 6 PM – 8 PM at and Friday 9 AM – 9:30 all at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory.

There will be a combined rosary and vigil service at 7 PM Thursday at the funeral chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Hearing Impaired or the Disabled Veterans’ Association.

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