Ella Louise Towns was born to Horace G. and Mary Edith K. Shepherd Smith.

A longtime resident of Larned Ks affectionately known as “Toots” to family and friends has gone to be with the lord on July 17, 2019 at 95 years old.

Ella loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She enjoyed hearing all about their many accomplishments, with every conversations ending in I love you grandma. “LOVE YOU MORE”

Ella was an active member of the C.M.E. Church in Larned. She held several titles at the church from Sunday School Teacher to Trustee and Stewardess Vice President for many years.

Ella had many accomplishments during her lifetime. She was a cosmetologist often creating flashy new styles for family and friends.

Ella received her Surgical Technician Certificate in 1968 and worked for St Joseph Hospital as a surgical and supply clerk for several years.

Ella went on to earn her Associates Degree in General Education from Barton County Community College in 1984.

Ella was a staple at the Larned State Hospital where she worked as a Licensed Mental Health Technician III. Ella later answered her calling and became an Orientation Instructor of Nursing Education. That’s where she was truly at her best in helping many, many students on their way to their nursing careers. She maintained that position until her retirement.

As many of you know Ella loved cooking and often catered parties and events. Ella loved teaching her grandchildren how to cook and bake.

Ella Married George A Towns on May 17, 1973. They were happily married for 46 years.

George never forgot to give Ella flowers on special occasions. Ella loved receiving her beautiful red roses.

Ella had an unbelievable passion for hats and shoes and in 1985 she was able to showcase her fashion as she and George were elected as Grand Marshall of Larned. Ella’s other interests include church, reading, bingo, bid wiz and Pokino with friends.

She was active in the Red Hats and Black History Club. She was also a member of the National Cancer Society for over 20 years and during that time she was able to overcome breast cancer herself.

Ella had a long beautiful Life and will be loved and missed forever.

Survivors include; husband, George Towns; sons, Jeffery Kaye Tomlin and spouse Tommie L. Tomlin, of Wichita; Wesley M.T. RePrah, Donald J. and Patricia Harper, all of Larned; daughter in law, Jacqueline Tomlin, Savannah, Georgia; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by; her parents; Horace Godfrey and Mary Edith K. Shepherd Smith; son, Everett L. Tomlin; four sisters, Bernice Caro, Verna Scott, Edna Hart, Emma Jeanne Bradley; two brothers Horace G. Smith and William Clayton Smith.

Funeral will be 10:30 am Friday July 26, 2019 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with Pastors Damon Bradley and Cameron Moore presiding. Visitation 9:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. Thursday, July 25 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Interment in Larned Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Ella Towns Memorial Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.BeckwithMortuary.com.

Celestine William “Celly” Jacobs, 96, La Crosse, Kansas, died Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, Kansas.

Celly was born March 29, 1923, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Casper and Mary (Schmidt) Jacobs. He was a lifelong resident of Rush County, Kansas. Celly loved his job as a heavy equipment operator for the Rush County Highway Department for 39 years before his retirement.

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas.

On May 20, 1947, he married Thelma A. Herrman at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. She preceded him in death July 26, 2007.

Survivors include: three sons, Raymond Jacobs (Marsha), Great Bend, Kansas, Kenneth Jacobs (Connie), Catawissa, Missouri, Duane Jacobs (Christi Wright), Great Bend, Kansas; one daughter, Paula Kuhn (Jed), Great Bend, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Andrea Jacobs (Dave Nokleby), Great Bend, Kansas, Gabriel Hardman (Lana), Hays, Kansas, Jacob Hardman (Randi), Lenexa, Kansas, Phillip Kuhn, New York, New York, Andrew Kuhn, Great Bend, Kansas, Austin Jacobs, Catawissa, Missouri, Jordan Jacobs, Catawissa, Missouri, and Dylan Jacobs, Catawissa, Missouri; five great grandchildren; four brothers, Ralph Jacobs, La Crosse, Kansas, Leroy Jacobs, La Crosse, Kansas, Jerry Jacobs, Hays, Kansas, and William “Bill” Jacobs, La Crosse, Kansas; and one sister, Mary Lou Warren, Wichita, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Eugene Jacobs, Virgil Jacobs, and Daniel Jacobs; and five sisters, Leona Leiker, Albina Birney, Elenora Holzmeister, Louise Besperat, and Viola Dreher.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 25, 2019, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Janousek Funeral Home, La Crosse, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 P.M.

Funeral service will be Friday, July 26, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Stephen Dabanka officiating. Interment will be in La Crosse City Cemetery, La Crosse, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to Locust Grove Village, La Crosse, or Friendship Meals, La Crosse, Kansas.

Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at www.charterfunerals.com/locations/janousek-lacrosse.php.

Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box 550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.

Jerome Anthony Wondra, 76, died July 20, 2019, at Country Place Senior Living, Hoisington. He was born May 11, 1943, on the family farm in rural Odin, Kansas, the son of Alfred and Regina (Kirmer) Wondra. He graduated from Odin High School in 1961.

Jerome served in the National Guard. A lifetime resident of the Odin area Jerome was a farmer and stockman, farming the family farm with his brother Ambrose.

He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2630.

On October 10, 1969, he married Judy Ann Steiner in Great Bend, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Judy Ann Wondra and their five children, Jeff (Dede) Wondra of Holyrood, John (Ashley) Wondra of Manhattan, Joe (Chrissy) Wondra of Olathe, Jennifer (Chris) Berens of Olathe, and Julie Wondra of McPherson; seven siblings, Bernard Wondra of Hoisington, Mary Rose (Victor) Oberle of Claflin, Ambrose Wondra of Odin, Leona (Jim) Canfield of Great Bend, Theresa (Wayne) Schremmer of Wichita, Norbert Wondra of Eugene, Oregon, and Doris Morgan of Wichita; and five grandchildren, Rachel, Ryan, Abby, Aubrey and Gracie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Leo Wondra, and a sister, Ann Oberle.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Rosary will begin at 7 p.m. led by the Knights of Columbus, all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Holy Family Cemetery Fund, Knights of Columbus #2630, or the Independent Township Library, all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

Ralph F. Albers, born Sept. 6, 1928, died Fri., July 19, 2019 in Colby, Kansas.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tue., July 23, at Baalmann Mortuary, 304 E. 8th St., Oakley Kansas. A vigil will follow at 7 p.m.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wed., July 24, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 625 N. Freeman Ave., Oakley.

Interment is in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, East 8th Street, Oakley.

Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley, is in charge of arrangements.

Jon L. Thummel, 65, of Hoxie, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at his home in rural Sheridan County, Kansas. On March 2, 1954, Jon and his twin sister, Jane, were born to Lawrence A. and Mildred B. (Huelsman) Thummel. They joined five brothers and a sister. Jon attended the Seguin School thru eighth grade and attended Hoxie High School graduating with the class of 1972. After graduating, he began farming on his family’s farm south of Seguin, KS. On May 27, 1978, Jon and Janice Ritter were united in marriage at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville, Kansas. They then settled together on the family farm where they continued to reside. They were blessed with three children Daniel, Chris, and Michelle.

Jon was a kind and gentle person, eager and willing to help anyone in need. He was a friend to many and often knew no stranger. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his brothers. Attending auctions with them in search of antiques and collectibles was always a fun experience.

Jon was always concerned about the well being of others who were struggling. He was by nature a caring person. He was a proud alumni member of Valley Hope of Norton and served wholeheartedly as a sponsor for several people. He was also a member of the Hoxie AA group where he supported and believed in the work they do.

Jon often boasted about what he called his greatest achievement in life, his children. The family would take summer vacations, after harvest of course, and usually to the Ozarks. No trip was ever complete without a couple stops at the roadside antique malls and flea markets. He rarely, if ever, missed his children’s sporting events and was always there to lend his advice. Jon was mechanically inclined and would always make his own repairs; this knowledge also allowed him to help his sons take on the task of restoring their classic cars. His love for woodworking also led to many other projects and he always enjoyed helping his children remodel their homes.

His other greatest achievement in life was being a grandfather. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Eric, Jon O., Ellie, Cohen, and Morgan. Jon always included them in completing the farm duties and taught many lessons along the way. He loved them dearly and enjoyed spending his time with them.

Jon is survived by his wife, Janice, of the home, Hoxie, Kansas; sons, Daniel Thummel and wife Betha of Hoxie, Kansas and Chris Thummel of Colby, Kansas; daughter, Michelle Wise and husband Skyler of Cawker City, Kansas; brothers, Leon Thummel (Carol) of Wichita, Kansas, Bernard Thummel of Kansas City, Kansas, and Michael Thummel (Mary Lou) of Wichita, Kansas; and sisters, Charlotte Wolf of Grinnell, Kansas and twin sister, Jane McDougal (John) of Colby, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Thummel and Linda Thummel; and grandchildren Eric, Jon O., Ellie, Cohen, and Morgan.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mildred Thummel; brothers, Gerald and Larry Thummel; brother-in-law, Dean Wolf; and sister-in-law, Sharon Thummel.

A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Tuesday, July 23, 2019, to be held at St. Martin Catholic Church, Seguin, Kansas, at 10:30 A.M. with interment following the service in St. Martin Cemetery, Seguin, Kansas. Visitation is planned for Monday, July 22, 2019, from 1:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with the family receiving friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. A vigil service and rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Monday July 22,2019, at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Hoxie, Kansas AA Group or for Masses and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Online condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com

Jon was taken to his heavenly home far too soon. He would ask you to miss him a little but not too long. Instead, remember the love he had for his most precious family and friends. As the morning sun rises, remember he is with you in spirit and will greet you again one day when you take your journey to heaven.

Steven Lynn Hughbanks, age 71, of Denton, TX, died July 17, 2019 in Denton. He was born to Hanley and Lennie (Andersen) Hughbanks on January 13, 1948 in Pratt, KS. He married Jeri Dee Kough, the love of his life, on June 6, 1971 in Page City, KS. He was a national sales representative for Acme Laredo Boot Co.

Survivors include: his daughter, Rachel Hughbanks of Denton, TX, and his brother, Ron Hughbanks (Linda) of Omaha, NE. Also his nephew, David and (Clara) Hughbanks of Plymouth, MN; and brothers-in law and sisters-in law: Ron and Sonja Kough of Winona, Mike and Sheryl Kough of Russell Springs, Roger and Connie Kough of Colby, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeri in 2008, and his parents, Hanley and Lennie Hughbanks.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2019 at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, Oakley. Interment will follow in the Oakley Cemetery. No Visitation. Memorials to the Humane Society may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, PO Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.

Online Guest Book: www.kennedykosterfh.com

Marvin Francis Pfannenstiel, 88, Hays, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side on Friday, July 19, 2019.

He was born January 31, 1931 in Munjor, the son of Mike and Eva (Degenhardt) Pfannenstiel.  Marvin grew up in Munjor and Hays and graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in 1949.  He was a member of the Kansas National Guard, and in 1952 was drafted during the Korean War into the United States Army where he spent time in Okinawa, Japan with the Military Police.  On October 22, 1955 he was united in marriage to Jane Rae Tremblay in Damar, Kansas and they celebrated over 64 years of marriage. To this union five children were born.  Marvin owned and operated the Dodge House Inn in Dodge City and started the Chuck Wagon Breakfast during Dodge City Days.  He enjoyed being the wagon master cook on many trail drives, fishing, fish fries, his team of horses, dancing with his wife Jane, and his greatest joy was his family.  He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays American Legion Post No. 173 and VFW Post No. 9076.

Survivors include his wife;  Jane of the home, two sons; Dan Pfannenstiel (Connie Pfannenstiel) of Norton, and Tim Pfannenstiel (Susie Pfannenstiel) of Hays, three daughters; Cindy Guthrie and husband Rick of Dodge City, Carmen Kirchman and husband David of Dodge City, and Lisa Donovan and husband David of Norton, a brother; Frank Pfannenstiel and wife Celie of Hays, a sister; Aggie Miller and husband Jim of Hays, 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and two sisters.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Palmer officiating.  Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post No. 9076 Honor Guard will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  A recitation of the rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the family to establish a nursing scholarship.  Condolences and memories of Marvin may be left with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Iva Mae Triplett, 83 of Wakeeney KS, passed away July 5, 2019 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS. She was born in Ellis County on January 7, 1936 to Jacob and Ella (Schumm) Massier.

Iva was a 1954 graduate of Ellis High School. She was united in marriage to Leslie Eugene (Gene) Triplett on August 11, 1955 in WaKeeney, KS. They were married 43 years.

Iva worked as a laundry worker in Ransom, KS until the family moved to WaKeeney, KS in 1983. She then worked at the WaKeeney Hospital as a Certified Nurses Aide and Physical Therapy Aide until her retirement. She enjoyed gardening, puzzles and spending time with her family.

Iva was preceded in death by her father and mother Jacob and Ella Massier, her husband Gene Triplett and son Rick Triplett. She is survived by her four daughters, Debbie Schmale (Roger) of Salina, KS, Sandy Bostick and Karla Ghumm (Michael) of WaKeeney, KS and Dara Noll (Kip) Ness City, KS; ten grandchildren, Chanda Lunn, Chrissy Delimont, Sonya Lovesee, Tyson Triplett, Chelsea Dail, Matt Noll, Josh, Cody, Cameron and Devon Ghumm; fourteen great-grandchildren, Torrance, Taytum,and Tinley Lovesee, Rylee,Ansley,Breyer and Harper Delimont, Hudson and Walker Lynn, Addison and Josiah Lopez, Landyn Dail, Brantleigh and Briggs Ghumm; sister Betty Cain; and daughter-in-law, Korene Triplett.

Memorial service will be held 10:30am July 23, 2019 at Schmitt Funeral Home WaKeeney. Pastor Randy Gibbs of Bethlehem Lutheran Church will be officiating. Cremation has been chosen.

The family will receive friends the day of service, from 9am – 10am.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Leona Louise (Brooks) Reed, Quinter, passed away on July 17, 2019 at the age of 92 years, 10 months and 13 days. On September 4, 1926, Leona was born to Frank H. and Minnie L. (Kesler) Brooks in Quinter. She was joined later by a sister, who died in infancy, and two brothers. She grew up southwest of Quinter on the family farm and attended Sunshine School. Early in life, Leona joined the Dunkard Brethren Church and was a faithful member to the end.

Leona’s attention was drawn by aunts in Iowa and she moved there to work for a while. While there, she met William “Bill” Reed and they were married in Quinter on December 8, 1946. To this union, three daughters and two sons were born.

Leona was mostly a stay-at-home wife and mother but spent some years selling Fuller Brush products. She enjoyed her many customers along the way. While her children were home, Leona sewed their clothes. After they moved away, she began making beautiful quilts, wall hangings and many other crafts as well as creative picture albums. Later in life, one of her real joys was making beautiful greeting cards that she sent to family and friends. She would make around 150 cards per year.

In passing, Leona leaves William, her husband of 72 ½ years; daughters, Kathy Barker, Gayla (Wayne) Berens, Nancy (Tom) Stoltzfus; sons, Ross (Bridget) Reed, Lee (Connie) Reed; a brother, Marion (Joyce) Brooks; sister-in-law, Janis Millwee; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Eunice, and brother, Merlin.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at the Dunkard Brethren Church, Quinter. Burial will be in the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter.

Family hosted visitation will be Tuesday evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church. There will be no public viewing.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Services, Inc. or Gideons International. Donations to the fund may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Father Mark A. Berland was born on December 14, 1948 to Fred and Eunice (Balthazor) Berland in Hays, Kansas. He was one of seven children and attended Zurich Public Schools until high school where he transferred to St. Francis Seminary in Victoria, Kansas. After graduating from high school he attended Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri and furthered his education at the Kenrick Theological Seminary School in St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into priesthood by Bishop Cyril Vogel on June 1, 1974 at the St. Ann Church in Zurich.

Father Mark Berland started his career as an associate pastor and assistant editor of “The Register” at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina. Throughout his years he was posted as an associate pastor, head pastor, and religion teacher. In 2009 until his passing in 2019 he was the pastor at the Sacred Heart Parish in Oberlin, the Sacred Heart Parish in Selden, and the Immaculate Conception Parish in Leoville.

Father Mark not only enjoyed spreading the word of God but away from the church he enjoyed coin and stamp collecting as well as restoring old tractors.

He is survived by his mother Eunice (Balthazor) Berland, sisters; Kay and husband Chris Basgall of Owosso, MI, Ann and husband Tim Zwink of Piedmont, OK, Mary and husband Gary Everett of Wilson, KS, Lois Mason of Ellis, KS, and Rebecca and husband George Cobb of Peoria, AZ; brother-in-law Deacon Walt Slingsby, as well as nieces and nephews.

Father Mark is preceded in death by his father, Fred Berland, sisters Carol Slingsby and Joan Berland, and a brother-in-law Robert Mason.

A Vigil and Rosary will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville on Sunday, July 21, 2019, the visitation will run from 4:00pm until the Vigil beginning at 7:00pm with a Knights of Columbus rosary to follow. A Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, July 22, 2019 starting at 11:00am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, with a burial following at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Zurich. Memorials are suggested to the Retired Priests Fund – Salina Diocese and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St, Plainville, KS 67663. Online condolences can be left at plumeroverlease.com

December 14, 1948 – July 18, 2019

An obituary is pending with Plumer Overlease Funeral Homes.

Click HERE for service details.