James F. Adams went to his heavenly home Tuesday afternoon August 19, 2014. He was born March 3, 1928 in Stafford County, Kansas, the son of Bernard F. “Ben” and Louise Eliza (Wuestenfeld) Adams. He married Mary Lee Tucker April 15, 1948 at Lindsborg, Kansas, recently celebrating 66 years of marriage. He attended Bethany College, Lindsborg. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Korea.

In 1960, James became a Certified Public Accountant, only recently retiring after practicing accounting for sixty years. He was the founding member of the firm that is now known as Adams, Brown, Beran, and Ball, which originally began in 1960 when James became a partner with Dexter Miner to form Miner and Adams. Throughout these years he was a life member of and active in the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He served on various committees including the Professional Education Committee, and the Special Legislative Drafting Committee, also as an officer, and then as the KSCPA President in 1985-1986. He was a life member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He served individual and corporate clients’ needs, as well as government entities and non-profit organizations during his career. He served for seven years on the Bethany College Board of Trustees.

James was an active and committed lifelong member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for fifty years. He was deeply interested and involved in Christian ministry work of all kinds. He taught Bible classes and supported mission efforts on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, and Roca Blanca Mission in Cacalotepec, Mexico—which were two works that were particularly significant to him.

Throughout his life he was an avid reader of history, possessed an artistic eye which he demonstrated through a legacy of photographic work, and his support for his wife’s own pursuits in painting.

He will be remembered by those who knew him as a man of impeccable character and integrity in every area of his life, a professional of the highest standards, and as a rare example of the Christian walk—a man with infectious wit, sharp intellect, a heart for others, most especially his family, and a smile that would light up his face and those around him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee, of the home; one daughter, Alice Butler-Smith and her husband Chris, Lawrence, Kan.; two sisters, Margaret Ikerd, Newton, Kan., and Ruth Stone, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Adams and Harold Adams; and two sisters, Esther Spangenberg and Lois Lamkins.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Faith Community Church, Great Bend, with Pastor Sandy Kennedy officiating. Burial with military rites by the United States Air Force Honor Guard will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2014 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Victory Latin American Outreach (VLAO) or Wounded Warrior Project, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Helen Louise (Henry) Roberts was born to William and Mabel Irene Henry December 9, 1914, and went to meet her maker, July 10, 2014, at the age of 99 years, 7 months, and 1 day.

Helen attended Quinter schools graduating with the class of 1933.  On August 21 Helen married Horace E. Roberts, a Union Pacific Depot Agent. The Roberts moved to several different places before Horace became the Depot Agent in Quinter.  They adopted two sons, James Larry and Jerry Wayne.  Helen was a very faithful member of the United Methodist Church and Sunday School.  She was employed several places in Quinter: Quinter High School, Q-Inn, and Gove County Medical Center Long Term Care (GCMC LTC).  June of 2008, she moved to the GCMC LTC. Her health began to fail after breaking her hip.

Helen is survived by her special caretakers Dotty & Merle Hargitt family, nephews, nieces and many friends.  Helen was preceded in death by her husband Horace, sons Larry and Jerry, her parents, one brother and two sisters.

A family hosted memorial service will be at the Quinter United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 11 a.m.  Burial will be in the Baker Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Quinter United Methodist Church or the Gove County Medical Center, and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS  67752.

Phillipsburg resident Frances “Fran” Erickson passed away Saturday, August 16, 2014, at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg at the age of 87.

She was born March 3, 1927, in Fairland, Oklahoma, the daughter of Ben H. and Grace (Clanton) Wallen.
She is survived by her husband, Curt of the home; 2 sons, Ed and wife, Janese of North Platte, Nebraska and Bruce and wife, Rhonda of Overland Park, Kansas; 5 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 22, 2014, at 10 a.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lorna Paulus officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

Mrs. Erickson will lie in state from Noon until 9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church or Phillips County Retirement Center. Online condolences may be sent to www.olliffboeve.com.

Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

James Gordon, age 81, of WaKeeney, passed away Monday, August 18, 2014, at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney.

Services are pending with Schmitt Funeral Home of WaKeeney.

John Allen Anschutz, 67, of Topeka, Kansas and former Russell resident, died on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at the Stormont-Vale Health Care Center in Topeka.

John is survived by his brothers Don Anschutz and wife Marlene of Russell, Jim Anschutz and wife Mary Ann from Midland, Michigan and Wayne Anschutz and wife Betty of Hoover Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service to honor John’s life and service to his country will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, August 29, 2014, at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis Officiating.  Burial will follow the graveside service.  Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 Honor Guard.  Visitation with the family will take place the day of the service.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

LeRoy Paul Scott, 71, of Luray, Kansas, and longtime resident of Hill City, Kansas, died on Friday, August 15, 2014, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

LeRoy was born on February 21, 1943, in Penokee, Kansas, the son of Roy “Socks” and Georgia A. (Post) Scott.  He grew up in the Graham County and Hill City, Kansas areas and attended school in Hill City.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Kathryn “Kathy” M. Wensorra on February 09, 1971 in Iowa City, Iowa.  From this union LeRoy and Kathy were blessed with two daughters Julie and Shaunna.  In his younger days LeRoy was considered a very good cook and worked for several restaurants over the years.  At age 35 LeRoy took a job with Graham County as the assistant weed director and retired from the county in 2001.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luray.  He enjoyed working with his grandsons salvaging scrap iron, building bird houses, collecting cast iron toys and cars, and going to garage sales.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, especially his two grandsons.

Surviving family include his wife Kathy of the home, daughters Julie Peterson and husband Terry of Lenora, Kansas and Shaunna Scott of Luray; brothers Myron Scott and wife Alberta of Hill City, Merlin Scott and wife Jeanie of Frederick, Oklahoma, Leland “Pete” Scott and wife Patty of Basehor, Kansas and Albert Scott and wife Sheila of Henderson, Nevada; sisters Leota Goss and husband Dale of Norton, Kansas, Leola Chase and husband Lloyd of Hill City and Loletta Nevins of Strong City, Kansas; 2 grandsons Kade and Colton Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Melvin Scott and Lowell Hoyt; niece Andrea Scott; nephew Larry Chase and brother in-law Charles Nevins.

A celebration of LeRoy’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at the United Methodist Church in Luray, Kansas, with Pastor Les Rye officiating.  A graveside service will be held later that same day at 2:30 P.M. at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Hill City, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.  Family will be present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening August 19th at the mortuary.  Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church in Luray and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Funeral services for longtime Goodland, Kansas, resident Ruth E. Ross, 85, will be held Wed., August 20, 10:30 AM MT at Goodland United Methodist Church.

Interment will be at Goodland Cemetery.

Friends may share respects Tuesday, August 19, from 4:00-7:00 PM MT at Koons Chapel in Goodland.

Memorials are suggested to Goodland United Methodist Church, Hospice Services-Sherman County or Good Samaritan Society-Sherman County and can be left at or mailed to Koons Funeral Home, 211 North Main, Goodland, KS 67735-1555.

Online condolences can be left at www.koonsfuneralhome.com.

A memorial graveside service for former Goodland, Kansas, resident Robert Todd, 94, will be Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m. MT at Goodland Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Honor Flight Inc. and can be mailed to Koons Funeral Home, 211 North Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735-1555

Friends may share condolences and sign the register book online at www.koonsfuneralhome.com.

Long Island resident Margaret Johanna Vincent passed away Tues., August 12, 2014 at Harlan County Health Systems in Alma, NE at the age of 84.

She was born December 5, 1929 in Harlan County, NE, the daughter of Edward and Emma (Lubeck) Stalder.

Survivors include her husband, Dale J. Vincent, of the home; sons, Paul and John, both of Long Island, KS and Bryan, of Derby, KS; 6 grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law, Mildred Hunt of Alma, NE, Doris Hammond of Long Island, and Arleta Vincent of Norton, KS.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 15, at 2:00 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Stamford, NE, with Rev. Rick Rostek officiating.  Burial will follow in the Stamford Cemetery, Stamford.

Visitation will be Thursday from noon – 9 p.m. and Friday morning until 10 a.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, KS.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Norton Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Trinity Lutheran Bible School of Stamford or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to www.olliffboeve.com.
Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Annette “Anita” Walraven, former resident of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on July 13.

Anita, as she was known to her friends, was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, four sisters, and the love of her life and husband of 58+ years, Dale Walraven. She is survived by 2 daughters {Betty and Lew Price; Deborah Wenger}, one son {Ron Walraven}; four grandchildren: Devin Price, Paulette Price, Nick {Kim} Wenger, Elizabeth {Steven} Ukena; and six great- grandchildren: Jakob, Jackson, Caroline Wenger; Kolton, Karson, Bryson Ukena.

Anita moved to Wichita after her husband was injured in 2007. She remained in Wichita until her death. Private interment will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, 16 August 2014 from 1:30-3 pm at the Plainville Masonic Lodge Fellowship Hall at 109 South Main in Plainville, Kansas. All who knew her are invited and encouraged to join the family as we gather to share memories. In lieu of flowers or cards, we welcome remembrances at [email protected].

Drucilla M. Beamer (Whitham), age 89, passed away on August 11, 2014 at the Rhode Island Suites Senior Care Center, Ransom, Kansas. She was born on November 11, 1924 in Ransom the daughter of Ernest and Ruby Brewer VanWinkle.

Drucilla was a lifetime resident of Ransom, she was a teacher and a member of the First Mennonite Church, Ransom where she played the piano for many years.

On October 3, 1942 she married Rishel Whitham in Scott City, Kansas. He preceded her in death in 1988. On October 24, 1998 she married Edwin Beamer in Ransom. He preceded her in death in 2012.

Drucilla is survived by three sons, Rishel and his wife Karen of Fort Collins, Colorado, Kelly and his wife Kathy of Bedford, Iowa, and Anthony and his wife Dawn of Highland Ranch, Colorado; one sister Wilma Jean VanWinkle of Ransom; 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Vernon VanWinkle, her sister Dana VanWinkle, her father Ernest VanWinkle and her mother Ruby VanWinkle .

Graveside service will be on Friday, August 15, 2014, 2:00 P.M. at the Ransom Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Rhode Island Suites or the First Mennonite Church, Ransom.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Lydia Mai, 101, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, August 08, 2014, at the Main Street Manor in Russell.

Lydia was born on December 03, 1912, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Reinhardt and Maria “Mary” (Ehrlich) Mai.  She grew up in the Russell area and attended Russell county schools.  She was baptized as a child at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to John “Fred” Mai on June 26, 1938, in WaKeeney, Kansas.  From this union Lydia and Fred were blessed with a son, Marvin.  Lydia and Fred moved the family to WaKeeney and several other cities and moved back to Russell in 1950.  Lydia worked as a bread baker for the USD 407 schools in 1958.  She retired in 1974, but always considered being a homemaker to her family, her permanent and fulltime job.  She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Russell and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, cooking and baking.  Her son was in the military and she and her husband enjoyed traveling the world to visit her son and his family.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and having the opportunity to meet her great grandchildren.

Lydia is survived by her son Marvin Mai and wife Pat of Santa Rosa, California; brother Alex Mai of Russell; sister Helen Keil and husband Glenn of Russell; grandchildren Kevin Mai of Santa Rosa and Brian Mai and wife Amy of Portland, Oregon and great grandchildren Mitchell and Kyra.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John “Fred” Mai on June 08, 2011;  3 brothers Emanuel, Edward and Paul Mai and sister Pauline Kyle.

A celebration of Lydia’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary Chapel in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, August 11, 2014, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening.  Memorials may be given to the St. John Lutheran Church and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.