Mary Ann Davidson, 71, died May 27, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita. She was born June 12, 1947, in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Lester and Viola (Krier) Kahler.

A 1965 graduate of Holyrood High School in Kansas, she later attended Fort Hays State College.

On July 30, 1967, she married Dale A. Davidson at the United Church of Christ in Holyrood, Kansas.

They journeyed together throughout his military career with the Air Force. First to Enid, Oklahoma, and then to Vacaville, California. Mary Ann returned to Claflin, Kansas, while Dale was serving in Vietnam. Upon his return they lived in O’Fallon, Illinois, back to Vacaville, California, then to Montgomery, Alabama, back again to O’Fallon, Illinois, onto Bellevue, Nebraska, and then back for one last stop in O’Fallon, Illinois, where they retired before finally moving back to her beloved state of Kansas, settling in Derby, Kansas, in 2017.

Mary Ann was a secretary for 20 years for the O’Fallon School District in Illinois, retiring in 1997.

She actively supported the USO; Victory in the Valley, and the various churches where they lived. She was an avid KU basketball fan, she loved traveling with family and friends, their many bicycle trips, quilting, cross-stitching, puzzles, spending time with her grandchildren, and of course sunflowers. For those who knew her, every time they see a sunflower, they will think of her and the joy she brought to so many.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Dale Davidson of the home; sons, Philip Davidson and wife Trisha of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Andrew Davidson and wife Erin of Caseyville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Drew, Kyle, Chloe, and Cainan Davidson; a brother, Lester Kahler of Haysville, Kansas; numerous cousins from the Kahler and Krier families; and many friends from their journeys around the country with the Air Force and bicycling trips.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 2019, with family to receive friends from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, Kansas.

Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2019, at the United Methodist Church, Claflin, Kansas, with Pastor Diane Webster presiding. Burial will follow in Claflin Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Davidson Family Foundation, benefiting the Claflin Library, Victory in the Valley, and Scholarships in the communities she touched during her journey, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ of Holyrood, and the United Methodist Church of Claflin, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

October 16, 1930 – May 27, 2019

An obituary is pending with Pauls Funeral Home.

Click HERE for service details.

Lillian H. Leiker, age 84, of Schoenchen, Kansas passed away Monday, May 27, 2019 at Homestead of Hays. She was born October 11, 1934 in Liebenthal, Kansas to Isidore and Albertina (Legleiter) Herrman. On August 25, 1953 she married Lester Charles Zimmerman. He preceded her in death on April 7, 1970. On October 20, 1977 she married Norbert K. Leiker. He preceded her in death on April 24, 2010.

Lillian was a long time Avon representative for over 40 years. After Lester’s death in 1970 Lillian worked extremely hard to keep the family farm which she was able to do as a single mother. Family gatherings were especially important to Lillian. She enjoyed flower gardening, embroidery on tea towels, playing cards and simply driving around in the country. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and St Anthony Altar Society in Schoenchen.

She is survived by her children, Linda Cole and husband Aaron of Russell, Loran Zimmerman and wife Jolene of LaCrosse, Bonnie Rose and husband Richard of Mobile, AL., Brenda Thyfault and husband Jim of Hays, Brian Zimmerman and wife Lori of Ulysses and Shari Gale and husband Randy of Shell Knob, MO; four stepchildren, Lester Leiker and wife Jerri Ann of Hays, Terry Leiker of LaCrosse, Neal Leiker and wife Linda of Hays, Brenda Park and husband Dan of Olathe; a brother, William Herrman and wife Lucy of LaCrosse; her sisters, Viola Depperschmidt of LaCrosse, Henrietta Haselhorst of Hays, Mary Catherine Dreher of Plainville and Georgianna Herrman of Great Bend; 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren also survive her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, spouses and a brother, Mike Herrman.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday 4 PM – 8 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A Schoenchen Altar Society rosary will be 6:45 PM Wednesday followed by a parish vigil service at 7:00 PM all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Anthony Church of Schoenchen or the St. Joseph Church of Liebenthal Steeple Fund.

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

Glenva Irene Coburn, 75, of Quinter, KS, passed away on May 26, 2019, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care Unit, Hoxie, KS.

Glenva was born at home on the family farm in Sheridan County on August 1, 1943, to Glenn Henry and B. Irene (Babcock) Stephenson. She attended first through eighth grade at the Allison School in Decatur County and then graduated high school from Sheridan County High School, Hoxie, KS, in 1961. She went on to Central Business College in Denver, CO, and graduated in 1962.

On October 21, 1962, Glenva married Sammie Alan Coburn at the McGraw Methodist Church in Sheridan County. They were married 43 years and lived in Lawton, OK, right after marriage but soon moved north of Quinter onto the family farm where they remained. To this union, they were blessed with three children: Lance Samuel, Maylene Sharee and Jodie Lynn.

Glenva worked as a typist in Denver and then once married, she worked at the Gove County Hospital, Superette Grocery, Coast to Coast and as a caregiver in Quinter, KS, along with many hours on the farm beside Sammie. She enjoyed farm life, spending time with family and friends, sewing, cooking, crafts, gardening but most of all, being a mom, grandma and wife. She was actively involved with the Church of the Brethren, Gove County Auxillary, Gove County Senior Center and in earlier years, she was involved in 4-H as a member and leader and she belonged to the Freya Club.

Glenva is survived by her son, Lance (Rhonda) Coburn, Quinter, KS; daughter, Jodie (Jeff) Munk, Menlo, KS; grandchildren, Michael Noble, Perryton, TX, Derek Dees, Guymon, OK, Shelby Coburn, Topeka, KS, L.T. Coburn, Quinter, KS, Samantha Munk, Menlo, KS, and Alan Dees, Hooker, OK; brother, Laurel (Ruby) Stephenson, Hays, KS; sisters, Norene Thomasson, Kelso, WA, and Esther (Frank) Weis, Akron, CO; brother and sister in law, Glenn and Arlene Bird, Quinter, KS; and many other family and friends.

Glenva is preceded in death by her husband, Sammie; daughter, Maylene Dees; parents Glenn and Irene; grandparents, Olin and Nora Babcock and Anna Dufrin; and brother in law, David Coburn.

The funeral service will be Saturday, June 1, 2019, at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Brethren, Quinter, KS. Burial will follow at the Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter, KS. Visitation will be held at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter, KS, on May 31, 2019, from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The Quinter Church of the Brethren and Gove County Medical Center Auxiliary. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS

Hurvey D. Chism (Doug), 77, walked through the gates of heaven on May 25th 2019. We will celebrate his earthly life on June 1st, 2019 at the First Assembly of God Church in Great Bend, KS at 10:30am with Rev. Dwight Dozier.

Doug began his wonderful life in Forty-Four, Arkansas on March 17th, 1942. Married Gladys M. Chism (Brown) on April 16th 1961 and they brought into life three sons, Hurvey D. Chism Jr., William G. Chism and Paul C. Chism.

Doug worked as a welder and oilfield rig hand for much of his life. He built houses and fixed most anything. When he retired he also tinkered with rental houses.

He was a jokester and always had a smile on his face. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren, Felicity A. Chism, Zachary A. Chism and Tomie J. Chism. He always had a candy or a rock to give them! He took extreme pride in his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Gladys; two sons: William and Paul; three grandchildren: Felicity, Zachary and Tomie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Eunice (Collins) Chism; one son, Hurvey D Chism Jr.; four brothers: William, Roland, Ulman, and Howard, and one sister Versie.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]

Thomas A. “Tom” Fisher, 68, Hays, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Hays Good Samaritan Society surrounded by family after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born December 12, 1950 in Hays the son of Ralph and Valerie (Sander) Fisher. On June 3, 1994 he was united in marriage to Janet Schwarz in Hays. They would have been married 25 years this June. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984, and was a Perpetual Eucharistic Adorer. Tom loved God, his wife, and family. He was a true friend to those who knew him.

Survivors include his wife; Janet, four step-children; Linda, Chris, Lisa, and Janell, his step-mother; Diana Fisher of Hays, two brothers; Terry Fisher of Littleton, CO and Warren Fisher of Westminster, CO, two step-bothers; Terry Rumback of Wichita and Mark Rumback of St. Louis, MO, three sisters; Carol Hamby of Parker, CO, Jolene Billinger of Bakersfield, CA, and Eilene Rensing of Lake Winnebago, MO, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother; Wayne Fisher.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Barry Brinkman officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time, and recitation of the rosary will be at 10:30 am, all on Friday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Hays Good Samaritan Society or for masses, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Tom may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

Lillian H. Leiker, age 84, of Schoenchen, Kansas passed away Monday, May 27, 2019 at Homestead of Hays.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Schoenchen. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday 4 PM – 8 PM at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

A Schoenchen Altar Society rosary will be 6:45 PM Wednesday followed by a parish vigil service at 7:00 PM all at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Anthony Church of Schoenchen or the St. Joseph Church of Liebenthal Steeple Fund.

A complete obituary is pending with 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]

On Saturday, May 25, 2019, Scott D. Howard, of Ludell, KS, loving husband, and father passed away at the age of 59 from complications from cancer. Scott David Howard was born Jan. 31, 1960, in Denver, CO to David and Sharol (Dirks) Howard. Scott married Virginia “Ginny” Niermeier on Jan. 12, 1980 at Grace Lutheran, Atwood, KS. Born to this union was Nathan John, Nicholas Scott and Justin Lee. Before he died, he gathered the boys and told them how proud he was of them and that he loved them very much.

Scott graduated from Eastwood High School, El Paso, TX in 1978. He attended KTI Technical in Salina for 1 year. He got an Associate’s Degree from Colby College. He had many vocations, working in many restaurants, retail clerk, oil field rig hand, first responder, police officer, junior high football and wrestling coach, insurance and financial advisor and farmer. After getting sick, he hated that he was unable to drive tractors and take care of the cows. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching the boys in their sport athletics. He spent his time watching ESPN sports, old westerns, game shows. He played cards on his computer and did Sudoku puzzles.

He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren, Bennett Earle and Calla Everest. He will miss seeing the new baby girl that is due in June.

Preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Opal Fikan and Melvin and Marion Dirks; his father David; brothers, Mark and Steven and In-laws Earle and Dorothy (Samson) Niermeier.

He is survived by his wife Ginny; sons, Nathan (Jennifer), Nicholas (Angie) and Justin (Lauren); his mother Sharol; sisters-in-law, Vicki (Mark), Vickie (Paul), Dee Ann (Daryl), Pam and Lori; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be Friday, May 31, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atwood. Inurnment will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Ludell. Memorial contributions can be made to Scott D. Howard Memorial Fund, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information and condolences, visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Vernon Dean Rufenacht, age 89, died on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the Morton County Senior Living Community in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born on February 16, 1930 in Ransom, Kansas, the son of Fred William and Blanch Elizabeth Horchem Rufenacht.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Scott City. Vernon proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

On July 15, 1956 he married Lorene Chance in Garden City, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 13, 1990 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Survivors Include:

Three Sisters Urla Hopkins of Garden City, Kansas

Ila Thearl of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Freda Stafford of Perryton, Texas

One Brother George and Val Rufenacht of Scott City, Kansas

Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by he parents and wife, three brothers in law.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas with Pastor Rodney Hopper presiding.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 12-8 and Wednesday from 10-12 at the funeral home .

Interment will be in Rose, Oklahoma.

Memorials are can be made to the Alzheimers Association in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas 67871.