Nancy S. Bryant, age 67, of Silver Lake, KS, left this earthly life on Sat., June 29, 2019 surrounded by her family at her home in Silver Lake, KS.  She was born on Dec. 31, 1951 in Concordia, KS to Ross W. and Maxine R. (Lewis) Kelly.Nancy graduated from Glasco High School in 1970.  She graduated from Fort Hays State University with her Bachelor’s degree in education and later earned her Master’s degree.  She taught high school for eight years until she went to work for the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.  She served on the leadership team, retiring as Chief of Staff in October 2014.  She was a 1992 YWCA Leadership Nominee recognizing women in the professional workforce.

Nancy was a member of the Silver Lake United Methodist Church and a councilwoman for the City of Silver Lake, also serving on the Housing Authority.

Nancy married John Butler in 1971, and to this union, two children were born, Jason and Nikki.  She later married Brad Bryant in 1984, and to this union, two children were born, Matthew and Stephanie.

She is survived by her husband, Brad, Silver Lake; daughters, Nikki (Butler) Foley (Jeff), North Oaks, MN and Stephanie Bryant, Topeka; sons, Jason Butler, Perry and Matthew Bryant (Amanda), Forest Lake, MN; 3 grandchildren, Parker, Jaxton and Lexington; her parents, Ross and Maxine Kelly, Topeka and her brothers, Norman Kelly (Sherrie), Salina and Kyle Kelly (Vickie), Lansing.

It was Nancy’s wish to be cremated, and memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the Silver Lake United Methodist Church, Silver Lake with Pastor Alex Rossow officiating.  Private family burial of the cremains will be at a later date in Cloud County, Kansas.  The family will greet friends from 5-7 pm, Monday, July 8, 2019 at the church.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Silver Lake United Methodist Church, 204 Madore, Silver Lake, KS 66539 or MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 or in care of the funeral home.  For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.

Marjorie Bales, 85 years old, of Osborne, KS passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital. Marjorie was born on July 4, 1933 in rural Alton, KS to Charles & Alice (Miller) Cox of rural Alton. She was one of six children.

Marjorie graduated from high school. She married Earl Bales & to this union 4 children were born. Marjorie & Earl lived on a farm near Alton until they moved to Osborne, KS in their later years. She was a homemaker & quite a seamstress among many of her other talents. Marjorie was a faithful member of the Mt. Ayr Church of Alton, KS.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, 2 siblings & 1 grand-daughter, Candace Gregory of Alton, KS.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, Earl of the home; son: Larry of Osborne, KS; daughters: Donna Gregory of Alton, KS; Belinda Warner of Liebenthal, KS; Vicki Drake of Greenville, SC; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters: Jo Ann Putnum of Downs, KS; Mary McKay of San Antonio, TX; brother: Dee Arden Cox of Alton, KS.

Click HERE for service details.

Orman L. Brent, age 89, of Ulysses, Kansas, died Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born January 31, 1930, in Alton, Kansas, the son of Ola LeRoy and Helen Elizabeth (Weethee) Brent.

Orman moved to Denver at the age of 18 and worked in the Denver Stockyards; at 23 he moved to Stockton, California, and worked for a rubber company. Four years later he moved to Ulysses and worked for Columbian Chemicals at Hickok Carbon Black Plant. He retired in 1995. Orman met Betty Lou Oliver in 1958, which lived across the alley from him. They dated and married on April 3, 1959; just celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Orman also worked part time as a mechanic and later repaired TV’s and electronics. In 1974, Orman opened Brent’s TV and Electronics. His hobbies and enjoyment were his family, playing the harmonica while Betty accompanied him on the organ or accordion, helping the boys in the family with carpentry or mechanic work. Orman was a very hard worker, sometimes working 40 hours a week at both his full time and part time jobs.

Orman is survived by his wife, Betty of their home; sons, Kevin Lynn Brent and Kenneth Dean Brent both of Ulysses; daughter, Tamara Sue Bartron and husband Terry of Winfield, West Virginia; brother, John Francis Brent of Dodge City, Kansas; sister, Roma Doraine York of Fort Smith, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and expecting a great-grandchild and great-great grandchild.

Orman is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Leroy and David Owen; and sister, Irene Lucille Branham.

Funeral service will be Friday, July 5, 2019, at 10:30 AM at Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses with Pastor James Berry officiating. Interment will follow at Ulysses Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, July 4, 2019, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.

Teresa Renee Higgins, 64, Marion, died at home, Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

She was born, December 28, 1954, in Marion, Kansas. On November 25, 1972 Teresa married her high school sweetheart, Bill Higgins, at the Aulne Church and four years later they had their first son, Gabriel. Ten years later they excitedly welcomed Nicholas to their little family. Bill, Gabe, and Nic were her world!

Teresa and Bill raised their boys showing them an amazing example of true love, the importance of family, and the desire to help others. Teresa and Bill started their life together in Marion then lived in Newton, Admire, Hays, and Burlington, NC. In 1990 after years of various difficulties and numerous doctors, Teresa was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Even with this life changing news, Teresa continued to put others first as her MS progressed and would do anything she could to better the lives of others.

Surprising to some, but no surprise to those who truly knew Teresa best, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming an author. Her book, filled with creative memories, daily struggles, and inspirational thoughts was published in 2016. As a quadriplegic, she used voice activated software to share her story of “A Blessed Life Together”. Anyone who knew her would say Teresa’s positive attitude, willingness to listen and comfort others, and her care and concern for everyone she knew was second to none. In 2016 Teresa and Bill came back to where Teresa’s heart, and most importantly the majority of her family was, Marion KS. Always active and beloved members in any community in which they lived, Bill and Teresa enjoyed being back in Kansas. Teresa stayed busy in Marion, most recently helping to plan the 100th Hett Reunion in August 2018.

Survivors include, husband Bill Higgins of Marion; Son Gabriel Higgins and wife Lucia of Winston-Salem, NC; daughter-in-law Betsy Chandler, Fond Du Lac, WI; grandsons Daniel Hinton, Hays and Wyatt Higgins, Fond Du Lac, WI; 3 brothers, Rocky Hett and wife Shirley of Marion, Bruce Hett and wife Sandra of McPherson, Jack Hett and wife Donna of Marion; 2 sisters, LaVonda Rothman and husband Lew of Morristown, NJ, Shelley Stafford and husband Tom of Hays; and numerous nieces and nephews. Teresa was a great support and a true inspiration throughout her life to each of these family members and so many more.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Nic Higgins.

A public visitation will be held at Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm Street, Marion, KS 66861, Friday, June 28th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. A celebration of her loving life will be held at a future date.

Memorials are suggested to the MEDI-PRIDE for banners and flags to decorate the new light poles of Marion’s Main Street.

Condolences can be sent to Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral Home.

Jace Ashton-Lee Smothers, age 19, of Norton, Ks., went home to his Lord and Savior on June 28, 2019 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Paducah, Ky. Jace was serving on staff with Christ in Youth this summer, and they were on their way to Tennessee. Jace was born December 29, 1999 in Oberlin, Kan. to Terry and Sharon (Owen) Smothers.

Jace attended Norton schools, and graduated from Norton Community High School in 2018. He was a member of the Jay Singers, and participated in Java Jive, choir, forensics, drama club, pep band, and the band, where he received the John Philip Sousa Award. He also loved playing piano, his guitar, and his tuba, and won multiple awards at the local and state level. Jace was also a member of the Norton Christian Church, where he was actively involved with the youth group, student leadership team, and Norton Christian Church youth worship team.

Jace always showed up with home-baked goodies, which were often requested by other youth group members. Jace loved to bake and share with all. He attended Christ in Youth Move the last three years, growing in his faith and inspiring others with his passion and love of being a Kingdom worker. He was also involved in “D Now”, where he volunteered his parents to host and mentor a group of junior high men for “D Now” weekend. The boys were inspired to grow in their faith and walk with God. Jace was also involved with the Norton Christian Church missionary that traveled twice to Mexico, where he was known as “El Toro”, and traveled once to the Dominican Republic, where he was called “Gargantua” by the children of the families served. Hearing of Jace’s missionary travels and passion for spreading the word, he was asked to write a story for the Norton Telegram. This article was published in May of 2018, and will be republished for all to read.

Jace completed his first year at Ozark Christian College, majoring in youth ministry. Jace’s study tip was to laminate study cards so the tears would roll off. While attending school, he volunteered and mentored kids in the Joplin community through the Young Life organization, was active in Men’s Encounter, and served as a dorm dad at Lakeview Christian Camp. Last year, while at Men’s Encounter, Jace baptized his father, Terry, in the Holy Spirit. Jace and other Ozark Christian College students also traveled to multiple communities, ministering to local congregations where many lives were touched. Jace found his calling and grew even deeper in his faith, and enjoyed his life by spreading the Gospel and inspiring others to seek the Good News! He found a new family at Ozark Christian College through the professors, students, and others along his journey.

Jace was known for his infectious laugh, big heart, goofy smile, killer dance moves, and his love for God. He will be dearly missed by all lives he touched around the world. Jace loved his life, and was living large!

Jace is survived by his parents, Terry and Sharon, Norton, Ks.; his siblings: Tabbatha Scott, Lawrence, Ks.; Bronson, and wife, Danielle, Hays, Ks.; Brock, and wife, Amie, Norton, Ks.; Jonathan, and fiancé, Amanda, Nebraska City, Ne.; Krisondra, and fiancé, Nick, Kearney, Ne.; his girlfriend, Autumn Murphy, Liberty, Ky.; along with 10 nieces and nephews, as well as another nephew expected to arrive in August. He also leaves behind his maternal grandparents, Bill and JoAnn Owen, Hill City, Ks. Jace is preceded in death by a maternal great-grandmother, an uncle, a first cousin, a second cousin, a niece, and an unborn baby. Too numerous to list, he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

2 Corinthians 5:8 “we are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again. Love you Jace!

FUNERAL SERVICE – Wednesday, July 3, 2019 – 10:30 A.M.
PLACE – Norton Christian Church – Norton, Kansas
VISITATION – Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton.
INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kansas
MEMORIALS – A memorial has been established to the Ozark Christian College in Jace’s name.

Richard A. “Dick” Parsons, 90, Hays, was reunited in Heaven with many loved ones on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

Richard was born August 26, 1928 in Cheney, Kansas to Rollo Ray and Ada Estelle (Calkins) Parsons.   He was the youngest of nine children; Veral, Elton, JoAnn, Almira, Wayne, Galen, Dorothea, and Myraline.  In 1946 he graduated from Cheney High School.  Richard served in the United States Army from 1950-1952 as a tank commander in the Korean War.  On October 10, 1953 he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann “Bobbi” Myers in Wichita.  She preceded him in death on December 31, 2018.  They were blessed with three girls; Karen, Pamela, and Jennifer.

Richard graduated from a court reporting school in Topeka, Kansas in 1958, passed a state test, and was employed in Topeka for a few years as a court reporter.  He moved his family to Hays in 1964 and became the one and only Official Court Reporter for the 23rd Judicial District in the State of Kansas between the years of 1965 and 1994.  He also owned his own free-lance firm for taking private depositions.  Richard was an avid reader, volunteered at the Community Assistance Center, and delivered food to local shelters.

Richard moved to Cedar View in 2015, where he was taken care of lovingly by his eldest daughter, Karen.

Survivors include his three daughters; Karen Allen and husband Stan of Hays, Pamela Brady and husband Pat of Tomball, TX, and Jennifer Kruger and husband Kelly of Thornton, CO, a brother; Wayne Parsons and wife Flo of Pratt, a sister; Almira Zimmerman of Oklahoma, seven grandchildren; Alyson, Rebecca, Brenna, Jessica, Jordan, Kelsey, and Luke, and five great-grandchildren; Xavier, Chloe, Ellis, Tessa, and Jack.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Veral, Elton, and Galen Parsons, and three sisters; JoAnn Compton, Dorothea Collumber, and Myraline Slusser.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Hays Memorial Chapel, 1906 Pine Street, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.  Military Honors will follow by the Hays VFW Post 9076 Honor Guard.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Friday and from 10:00 am until service time on Saturday, all at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Pioneer Cemetery, Cheney, KS.  Memorials are suggested to CASA of the High Plains, the Community Assistance Center, or Hospice of HaysMed.  Condolences and memories of Richard may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Doris Ilene Quinn, age 73, passed away Sunday June 30, 2019, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS. She was a clerk at the Redmen Pit Stop for many years. Doris was born the daughter of Birdell & Vera (Belden) Carter on May 11, 1946, on the family farm in rural Smith County, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roger and a granddaughter Tia Marie.

Survivors include her daughter Nancy Quinn of Phillipsburg, KS; a son Richard (Tracy) Quinn of Hays, KS; a sister Arlene Sullivan of Crooked River, OR; 2 granddaughters.

Click HERE for service details.

John Robert Geisinger, 85, of Selden, died Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Prairie Senior Living Complex of Colby.

He was born April 30, 1934, in Sheridan County, KS to John and Anna (Goscha) Geisinger. John graduated from Leoville High School in 1952 and served in the United States Army from 1952-1954 as a payroll officer in Germany. After the service he attended Fort Hays State University for 2 years, then returned home to farm. John also had his own construction company. On February 4, 1961, John married Julia Ann Martin. John enjoyed gardening, woodworking and building wooden toys for his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife Julia Ann Geisinger; sister Doris Ann Short and brother William Geisinger.

He is survived by his children, Jacqueline (Mike) Wiens, of Colby, John Geisinger, of Selden, Joe (Patty) Geisinger, of Austin, TX and Jason (Dana) Geisinger, of Selden; brothers Jim and Eugene Geisinger; ten grandchildren, Johnna (Josh) Dexter-Wiens, Kaylin Wiens, Madison Wiens, Josh (Brittany) Geisinger, Jessica Geisinger, Libby Geisinger, Mary Geisinger, Jake Geisinger, Karlee Geisinger and Nash Geisinger and two great grandchildren, Luca and Aubrey.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Leoville, KS, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019, also at the church, with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Leoville. Memorials are suggested to local Catholic Youth Organizations or the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Stacy Reneé Shearrer, 41, passed away June 26, 2019 at North Kansas City Hospital, North Kansas City, Missouri.

She was born July 16, 1977 in Larned, Kansas; the daughter of Charles Leon and Virginia Kaye Swartz Shearrer. A longtime area resident; she worked in the Medical field for over 19 years.

She was of the Christian faith.

Survivors include; two sisters; Jennifer (Ryan) Eakin, Lawrence, Rebecca Knauf (W.G. Wilson), Larned; four nieces and nephews; one great nephew; one daughter, Jasmine Kingcannon, Charlotte, North Carolina; two sons, Antowine Lamb, Little River, Kansas and Scott Blackmon, Kansas; her partner, Charleeka Thigpen, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; her lifelong friend, Keke Blackmon, Blue Springs, Missouri; one granddaughter, Kasydi Blackmon and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by; her parents.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with Pastor Eugene Blackmon and Pastor Damon Bradley presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Beckwith Mortuary. Casket will remain closed. Burial will be in the Larned Cemetery, Larned, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.