Gerald “Gerry” Ruder, 86, of Grand Forks, ND passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks.

Gerald Henry Ruder was born March 5, 1933 the son of Henry and Josepha (Klaus) Ruder on the Munjor, Kansas family farm. He attended Munjor, KS and Victoria, KS area schools, graduating from High School in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 25, 1952 and served 28 years, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant before retiring from military service on July 31, 1980 at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Upon retirement, he remained in Grand Forks and was employed at United Hospital until his second retirement in 1998.

Gerald and Margaret Grasser married September 28, 1957, sharing nearly 62 years together. They had the opportunity to raise their family and enjoyed living in many exciting locations both within and outside the United States. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and has been an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church since he moved to Grand Forks, ND in 1979. Gerry was a very faithful servant of our Lord. He was skilled at planning, organizing and serving others. Earlier in life he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a talented craftsman and loved woodworking and gardening.

Gerry was a dedicated and loving leader of his family. His grandchildren knew Grandpa Gerry could make or fix anything. The family will fondly remember the card games and cribbage matches.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margaret Ruder, Grand Forks, ND; children, Deborah Ruder, Aberdeen, SD, Diane (Ron) Stoltenberg, Jackson, MN, David (Jill) Ruder, Sartell, MN, Dale (Denise) Ruder, Kalamazoo, MI and grandchildren, Alexis (William) Weir, Paige Ruder, Mason (Catlyn) Ruder, Katrina, Lucas and Kristin Stoltenberg, Elizabeth and Matthew Ruder and great grandchildren, Grant, Avery and Luke Weir; relatives from Kansas; sisters, Pat (Ron) Lang and Darlene Werth; sister-in-law, Carmen Ruder; brother, Allen (Mary) Ruder; sisters-in-law, Louise (Dwaine) Lampe and Elvira Lorenzen and brother-in-law, Gerald (Pat) Grasser.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Josepha Ruder; brothers, Virgil Ruder, Robert Ruder, Wayne Ruder, Donald Ruder and sister-in-law, Jane Ruder; brother-in-law, Irvin Werth; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Bernadine Grasser; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Leo and Marilyn Grasser and brother-in-law, Larry Lorenzen.

Gerry’s family expresses appreciation for the compassionate care shown to Gerry by the Altru Hospice Team. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to your charity of choice.

Blessed be the memory of Gerald H. Ruder

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2019 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday with a 7:00 p.m. rosary service and vigil service in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday.
Interment: Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeny, KS.
Knights of Columbus Honor Guard: Fourth Degree Bishop Provencher Assembly 1578.
Veterans Honor Guard: Members of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2.
Full Military Honors: Will be accorded at the time of interment.

Rex Edward Davis passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019, after suffering from multiple illnesses. He was born to Gaylon and Lorena (Bray) Davis on February 25, 1939, in Ransom, Kansas.

Rex grew up in Alamota KS and graduated from Lane County High School in 1957. In the fall of 1957 Rex enlisted in the United States Navy as a radio technician for a four year term. Having completed his enlistment, he returned to Dighton, Kansas, where he married his best friend’s sister, Lois Darlene (Shapland) on June 7, 1964. The two of them went to Fort Hays State University where Rex graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics. They then moved to California so Rex could work for the Hughes Aircraft Company. When the company downsized, the family moved first back to Dighton, then to Garden City where he found worked at Sunflower Electric for the next fifteen years. Rex’s second career for the next fifteen years consisted of being the maintenance supervisor for U.S.D. 457, a position from which he retired. Since 1975, Rex and his family have been active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Garden City Ward.

Rex is survived by his wife, Lois; his sister, Rita & Larry Weber of Colby, Kansas; his sons, Steven & Amy of Vernal Utah, Daniel & Afton of Bowling Green Kentucky, Michael of Garden City Kansas, and James of Satanta Kansas; and his grandchildren, Aiden, Evan, and Aliyah.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 619 Mary Street, Garden City, Friday June 7, 2019 At 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Viewing will be at 9:00am on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials given to the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints Missionary Fund in care of the funeral home.

Leroy “Pete” Scott Jr., 83, of Hill City, died June 3, 2019. He was the son of Leroy Winfield Scott Sr. and Mary Mildred Irwin Scott.

He was born Novembe 4, 1935 in Studley, Kansas. He is survived by sons: Kelly Scott of Hill City, and Jeffery and wife Leann Scott of Stockton, Kansas.

A complete obituary pending with Stinemetz Funeral Home.

Click HERE for service details.

Donna M. Kolste, age 77, of Hays, Kansas passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019, in Hays.

She was born November 7, 1941, in rural Graham County, Kansas, to Henry and Mable (Rolland) Kolste. She was a graduate of Palco High School.

Donna had worked in banking and she was an avid sportsman enjoying boating, water skiing, and bowling. She was a member of the Hays VFW Auxiliary and the Hays Eagles Auxiliary since 1986.

She is survived by a sister, Edna Frenzl of Hays; a brother-in-law, Willard Paul of Wisconsin; two nephews, Mike Frenzl of Hays and Ron Frenzl of Olathe; two nieces, Sue Miller of Hays and Betty Hrabe of Stockton as well as other nieces and nephews; a special friend, Pat Wooldridge of Hays and many other close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald Kolste and infant brother Robert Kolste and three sisters, Leona Keller, Betty Lang and Eva Paul as well as a special friend Carol Weber.

A celebration gathering will be 4 PM – 6 PM Saturday, June 8, 2019, at the Hays VFW. Private family inurnment at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hays VFW. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

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

Emerson Davy Ramahatantsoa, 78, passed away June 1, 2019, in Great Bend. He was born March 6, 1941 at Andilanatoby, Tamatave, Madagascar to Ranarivelo & Marie Rasoarimalala. He married Isabelle Ramasivelo, August 11, 1966, in Madagascar. She survives.

Coming to Great Bend from Madagascar in 2017, Emerson was a farmer until he was not able to any longer. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Great Bend.

Survivors include, his wife, Isabelle of the home; his children, Hanitra Razafindrabe and husband Dr. Bell Razafindrabe of Great Bend, Nicole Manase and husband Raza of Great Bend, Esther Rasoarimalala of Madagascar, Jedidia Ramahatantsoa and wife Mbolatiana, Liliane Raveloarisoa and husband Solomahefa of Madagascar, Fanomezena Ramahatantsoa and wife Dr. Harimahefa Ratsimbason of Great Bend, Lydia Ramasiarisoa and husband Ndretsa Harilala of Madagascar, Bearivelo Ramahatantsoa and wife Miapintsoa of Madagascar, and Samuel Ramahatantsoa and wife Anja of Gaithersburg, MD. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Solomon Ramahatantsoa; and a son-in-law, Paulmont Randriamiarimanana.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home. Entombment will be in the Family Tomb Rainisoamahatana in Avaratra-Ambohitsoa, Antsahalalina, Antananrivo, Madagascar.

Memorials are suggested to the Emerson Ramahatantsoa Funeral Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Sister Paul Ann, (Agnese) Dinkel, CSA died peacefully on June 1, 2019, at Nazareth Center, Fond du Lac, WI.  Agnese was born in Victoria, KS, on October 12, 1933, to Frank M. Dinkel and Rosa (Hertel) Dinkel.  Her family included 10 girls and 5 boys. 

In 1951, Agnese entered St. Agnes Convent, Fond du Lac, WI. She made her profession of vows in the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes on August 15, 1954, with the religious name Sister Paul Ann.  One other sister and one brother also entered religious life: Sister Francis Rose, CSA, and Father Harvey, OFM Cap.

Sister received a license in dietary service from M.P.T.I. in Fond du Lac and a Baking Certificate from New York Restaurant School where she took classes in culinary arts.  Sister was a homemaker in CSA convents for 23 years in Kansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania  and New York.  She spent two years at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Hays, KS, and served at The Leo House in New York City, NY, from 1985 to 1996, working in dietary and food services at both institutions. Sister Paul Ann was on the staff of the Food Service Department at St. John’s New Horizons and St. John’s Assisted Living in Hays, KS, from 1996 to 2006.  In her last years in Hays, KS, she offered a ministry of presence to the staff and students at TMP-Marian High School.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents Frank M. Dinkel and Rosa (Hertel) Dinkel; her brothers Clarence, Ed and Hilarius; her sisters Julitta Dechant, Bertha Prewo, Melinda Griebel, Rita Rohr, Regina Dechant, Irene Scruggs, and Sister Francis Rose.

Sister Paul Ann is survived by her brothers, George Dinkel and wife, Mary Ann and Father Harvey Dinkel, both of Victoria, KS; her sisters, Viola Richmeier, Grinnell, Ks; Mary Younker and husband, Walter, Hays, KS; one brother-in-law, Delbert Rohr, Wichita, KS; and the Sisters of St. Agnes with whom she lived, prayed and ministered.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, June 10, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.  Father Harvey Dinkel O.F.M. Cap. will preside at the liturgy.  Burial will be held at St. Fidelis Cemetery,  Victoria, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22^nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601 and from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Monday, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

A vigil service and rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays

Memorials may be directed to the Sisters of St. Agnes Mission Advancement Office, 320 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

The Sisters of St. Agnes are grateful to the nurses and staff of Nazareth Court and Center, and the staff of Hospice Hope, for their care of Sister Paul Ann Dinkel in her last years. 

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

 

Romeo “JR” Guerra, 54, died Wednesday May 29, 2019 at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. He was born September 27, 1964 the son of Romeo and Mary (Terrones) Guerra in Tribune, Kansas.

Romeo was born in Tribune and grew up and attended schools in Leoti. He had worked as a Service Technician for Whitham Farms Feedyard for 35 years. He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and was an avid rider. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents-Romeo and Mary Guerra; Uncle-Tom Terrones & Aunt Hope Terrones

Survivors include his siblings- Sylvia Guerra of Dodge City, KS, Nancy Guerra-Villa of Garden City, KS, Joe Guerra of Leoti, KS, Jackie Guerra of Denver, CO, Terri Guerra of Denver, CO & Rene Guerra of Leoti, KS, & nieces and nephews- Jack Thomas Guerra, Shawn Villa, Eliza Villa & Hannah Villa, in addition to numerous other extended family members.

A Rosary will be held at 10:30 am Saturday June 8, 2019 and 11:00 am Funeral Mass also Saturday June 8, 2019 both at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas. There will be no calling hours. Burial will follow at Wichita County Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas. Family suggests memorials to the Romeo Guerra Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N 7th Street, Garden City. Condolences may be posted to www.garnandfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements by: Garnand Funeral Home, 412 N. 7th St., Garden City, Kansas 67846 620-276-3219

Dorothy Mann passed away on May 13, 2019, at the age of 90.

She was born to Dave and Geneva (Ulrich) Bollinger on April 26, 1929. She along with her younger sister, Norma, lived on the family farm near the Smoky Hill River, 20 miles south of Quinter. Mostly via horseback, she attended a one-room schoolhouse that was “over the river and up the hill”.

She lived in town with her Uncle Manford Ulrich and wife, Vera, during high school and graduated from Quinter High School in 1946. She graduated from Cosmetology School in Topeka, KS after which she returned to Quinter to marry her high school sweetheart, Austin Mann on April 17, 1947.

Her first employment was keeping books at the Quinter Sale Barn one night a week. She was employed at Quinter Elementary School as a secretary where she enjoyed many colorful years working with the principal, Willis Neal. Later she was a teller at the First National Bank of Quinter. She was skilled in record keeping and balance sheets leading her to volunteer to be the secretary for most every organization she ever joined.

An avid reader and life-long learner, she was an enthusiastic supporter of the Jay Johnson Public Library in Quinter, along with active participation in the Gove County Medical Center Auxiliary. Dorothy spent countless hours gardening, playing bridge, watching KSU football games on her computer and making countless sack lunches for harvests.

She was a long-time member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Quinter as well as their Sylvia Society.

She leaves behind family and friends from throughout the region who celebrated her 90th birthday with her two weeks prior to her passing.

She leaves behind her sister, Norma (Bollinger) Chestnut and husband, Sam of Quinter, KS; children Deanna (Mann) Schwab and husband, Steve of Chico, CA, and Dave Mann and wife, Roetta of Quinter, KS.

Grandchildren include Shane Mann, wife Mary Jo, children Barrett and Carson, of Quinter, KS; Tracey Mann, wife Audrey, children Quincy, Austin, Whitney and Elise of Salina, KS; and Tara Jo Mann of Grapevine, TX.

He husband, Austin, and infant daughter, Diana Sue, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at the Quinter United Methodist Church, 218 W 4th Street, Quinter, Kansas 67752

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Reformed Presbyterian Church and Gove County Medical Center Auxiliary. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Former Phillipsburg resident Rozella Bowman passed away March 30, 2019 in Edmond, OK at the age of 101. She was born Sept. 18, 1917 in Hillsboro, KS, the daughter of George and Emma (Unruh) Loewen.

Survivors include her sons, Rod of Eugene, OR & Russ of Phillipsburg; her daughter, Rebecca Jacks of Edmond, OK; 8 grandchildren & 16 great grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside service will be held Sat. June 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with Dan Klinger officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 7 at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Church or Hospice Services

Betty Jane (Morehead) Huxman, 86, of Russell, Kansas passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Main Street Manor in Russell.

Jane was born May 21, 1933 in a sod house on the Morehead homestead in rural Alamota, KS to Ward and Rose (Norton) Morehead. Jane’s family moved from Kansas to western Colorado during the Dirty 30’s. In high school, Jane was a cheerleader, participated in track; running quick sprints, high jumping and received many medals. She and her sisters also packed peaches and worked in orchards. Their parents taught their four daughters the importance of hard work and responsibility at a very young age.

Jane married Meril Davidson on January 12, 1951; to whom one daughter was born, Lynn. She married Richard Dean Huxman October 9, 1955 in Goodland, KS: to this union two sons and two daughters were born: Paul, Leon, Diane and Cindy.

Jane was a devoted wife and homemaker for her family. She was a crafter, and loved working in her yard tending to her flowers and garden. Jane’s legacy will live on through her beautiful crocheted afghans for whom she made for her children and grandchildren and won several awards at state and local fairs. She worked as a waitress, bookkeeper, she was proud of operating a tractor and other heavy equipment helping to build a government dam in Ness County. She worked at Ness County Hospital, then retired from Dodge City Regional Hospital. She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She also served as Vice President of the Auxiliary.

She was a Member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Russell. First and foremost in her life was her relationship with the Lord, her Savior. God was the center of her life and she frequently mentioned that many times, that He carried her through her life.

Survivors include: Children – Lynn (Gary) Huff of Nixa, MO; Paul (Julie) Huxman of Russell, KS; Leon Huxman (Rose Deitz) of Russell, KS; Diane Stecklein of Overland Park, KS; Cindy (Johnny) Moore of Topeka, KS. Sisters – Bess Tucker and Tressa Neumann; also, 11 grandchildren, Lori Means (Mike), Steve Huff (Kari), Cory Huff (Megan), Amy Isham (Tim), Jessica Deines (Mike), Crystal Huxman (Matt Brazzle), Travis Stecklein (Sarah), Shane Stecklein (Bri), Landon Stecklein (Brianna Herbert), Megan Gast (Ryan) and Trevor Moore; 15 great grandchildren, Christopher, Jordan, Cody, Devon, Kalie, Logan, Kierstyn, Danielle, James, Sam, Rhett, Jana, Atticus, Mya, and Anthony; and *4 great, great grandchildren, Elijiah, Colt, Wesson and Knoxx.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Rose and Ward Morehead, Richard Huxman, and sister, Frances Stanley.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2019 at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria, Kansas. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., at the Arnold Cemetery in Arnold, Kansas. Viewing will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas beginning at 9:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. Family will be available to greet friends from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Memorials have been established with the Main Street Manor, Russell, Kansas and the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary. Contributions and condolences may be sent to: Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 610 N. Maple, Russell, KS 67665.   

Warren D. Falley, Victoria, Kansas, died Saturday, June 1, 2019, at his son’s home in Victoria, Kansas. He was born January 12, 1936 to Daniel Vernet Falley and Dorothea (Dorothy) Margaret Wilcox-Falley, on the Brown County line in Kansas.

Warren met his wife, Patricia Rose Younger (Quinter) in 1960. They were married Sept. 30, 1961 at Park, Kansas. They were married 53 years before she passed in 2015.

He claimed Highland, Kansas, as his hometown. In 1954, he graduated from Highland High School. While in high school he was in active duty in the Kansas National Guard. In 1955, Warren enlisted in the US Army and trained for mechanical duties on military heavy equipment. He drove trucks for River Bridge Construction gang on Highway 36 bridge near Highland In 1960, he ran a metal press in Omaha, Nebraska. He also drove cattle haulers from Nebraska to Kansas City.

Warren began a career at Fort Riley Army Base, Fort Riley, Kansas in 1963, They lived in Ogden, Kansas and he retired as head mechanic, after 32 years of services at Fort Riley in 1995. They returned to Quinter in 1997. Warren moved in with his son and his wife Lynda in Victoria, Kansas in November, 2015 till his death.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening to provide for his family. Warren also enjoyed traveling with his wife. Warren was a proud member of 50 years with Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree. His memberships included Teamster Union with American Federation #2324 of Fort Riley; Eagle Legion #3774 of Wakeeney, Kansas, American Legion Post 17 of Manhattan, Kansas and membership with Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parks, Kansas.

Survivors include one son, Duane D. Falley and wife, Lynda, Victoria, KS; one daughter, Diana M. Overton, Mt. Vernon, OH; four grandchildren, Nicole Ferrell (Edward), Denton, TX; Ronald Overton, Jr., CA; Natasha Cole (Gavin), Mount Vernon, OH; and Joshua Overton (Jada), Hampton, VA; two great grandchildren, Layla Rose and Ezra Gavin Cole.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two sisters, Helen Pearl Falley and Cora Louise Miller; and one niece, Pamela Miller Benner.

Funeral mass will be at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, June 6, 2019, at the Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas with Father Fred Gatschet, celebrant. A burial will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday, June 7, 2019, at Highland Cemetery at Highland, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 11:30 to 1:00 P.M. at the Basilica of St. Fidelis with a family rosary at 12:30 P.M. Thursday.

The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Hays Medical Center or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or left at guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Carolyn Davis, 68, died peacefully at her home in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on December 31, 1951 to Gordon A. and Helen M. (Triplett) Lee in Garden City, Kansas. Ms. Davis is survived by three brothers, Gail (Mary), Richard (Marlene) and Mark (Kathy) all of Garden City; four nieces, Lori Lee, Denver, CO; Jill Wessels (Rean), Garden City; Jenny Bishop (Shawn), La Jolla, CA; Melanie Hands (Casey), Garden City; and one nephew, Matthew Lee, Garden City.

Carolyn was raised in Garden City where she graduated from Garden City High School. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Fort Hays State University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis on the Visually Impaired from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Carolyn spent her teaching career working in school systems in Denver, CO; Pueblo, CO, Liberal, KS; and spent the bulk of her career with the Wichita Unified Public Schools. Carolyn retired from teaching in 2011. Carolyn dedicated her life to teaching the visually impaired and the bulk of her career was spent at Trusdale Middle School.

After retiring Carolyn spent time volunteering with various programs in the Wichita Area with a focus on helping at risk students and their families meet various basic needs.

Services will be held at Garnand Funeral Home on Thursday June 6th at 2:00 p.m. with Bob Bates officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to St. Catherine Hospital has been established in care of the funeral home.