Donna Mae (Wilson) Thomas, 57, of Curtis Road unexpectedly passed away Sunday morning, May 12, 2019, at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Donna was born May 8, 1062, in Denver, the daughter of Louie James Wilson and the late Shirley Marie (Jandreau) Scholl. She was a graduate of Potsdam High School.

Donna lived in Kansas for many years, where she was the manager of the Subway in WaKeeney for 11 years. She enjoyed traveling throughout the West, greatly enjoyed helping others and had a love for painting and flower gardening.

In October, she moved back to Potsdam to cherish time with her grandchildren and family.

Donna is survived by her sons and their wives, Karson and Johnielle Thomas and Kurt and Kate Thomas, all of Potsdam; her grandchildren Myla, Kyle, Kollin and Kinsley; her sisters Diane Wilson of Kansas, Deeta Wilson of Colorado and Edith Kester of Kansas; her brother Edward Scholl Jr. of Kansas; companion Bob Connelly of Kansas; her father Louis of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother, she was predeceased by her step-father Edward Scholl.

Please join us for a celebration for Donna Thomas on June 8 at 6 p.m. at Mike’s Place, 111 N. Sixth, WaKeeney.

Memorials are suggested to the nearest pet shelter.

Michael W. “Mike” Merriam, 66, formerly of Topeka, passed away on May 19, 2019 in Andrews, TX.

He was born on November 25, 1952 in Topeka, the son of John E Merriam Jr. and Charlotte (Sawyer) Merriam.

He graduated from Topeka West High School, University of Kansas and went on to earn his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Washburn University School of Law.

Mike was admitted to bar 1976, Kansas; also admitted to practice before U.S. District Court, District of Kansas; U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court. He was a member of the Topeka Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, Topeka Lawyers Club, Jayhawkers Club.

Mike practiced business, media, communication and First Amendment law during his 40 year career.

He married Paula Crowther on November 17, 1973, she survives. Other survivors include children, John P Merriam, Dr. Margaret Merriam & husband Dr. Carlos Molina, and Katherine Merriam; grandchildren, Sam Merriam, Parker Merriam, Elaina Merriam-Molina, Grace Merriam-Molina and Warren Merriam-Molina ; he is also survived by sisters, Linda McBride, Dianne Becket, Nancy McDonald, Sally Merriam.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Grace and John E. Merriam.

No public services will be held. Private burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is handling arrangements.

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.

Lifelong WaKeeney resident Max Hacker passed away March 15, 2019 in Apache Junction, Arizona. He was born March 3, 1944, in WaKeeney, to Raymond and Maxine (Bradley) Hacker. Max was 75 years of age.

On February 23, 1962, Max was united in marriage to Janice K. Pearson in WaKeeney. They cherished 57 years of marriage together. Max enjoyed his children and grandchildren, vacationing with friends, the 7 winters spent in Arizona enjoying the sunshine, shooting in the desert, and 4 wheeling. Max had a passion for farming, hunting, trapping, and coyote calling. He was an N.R.A. member and also was a life member in the Single Action Shooting Society. The thing that he loved to do most was Cowboy Action Shooting! Max, aka W.B. Earp and Janice aka Sadie Marcust, traveled all over, shooting and competing in costuming of 1890’s period clothing. He also liked classic cars, from his 1923 Hudson to his IROC Camaro. One of the last things on Max’s bucket list was to take his children to DeadWood; a grand time was had by all!!!

“Thanks, dad for all your knowledge, may your whiskey be hot and your beer COLD!!!”

He is survived by his wife of the family home; a son, Tim of WaKeeney; a daughter, Terena and husband, Dustin Becker of WaKeeney; and grandchildren, Tanner Buller, Julian Coker, Jase Coker, Madelyn Becker, and Bailey Kilian. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Kenneth Hacker.

Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney with Pastor Randy Gibbs as officiant.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening, from 5 to 7 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to 4-H Shooting Sports, Trego Recreation Commission, or Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donations to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Robert John “Bob” Olsen, 82, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Bob was born on April 29, 1937, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of John D. and Dorothy (Butler) Olsen. He grew up in Jersey City and attended local schools in Jersey City. He joined the United States Air Force and served his country from 1955 to 1964. During this time he met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Ula Faye Keyes on June 01, 1961, in Russell, Kansas. From this union Bob and Ula were blessed with 3 daughters Michelle, Mary and Molly.

Bob worked for many years as a measurement technician for Koch Industries. He was a member of the Methodist Church, the American Legion Post # 99 and the Elks Lodge all in Russell, Kansas. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. Most of all he enjoyed aggravating and teasing his daughters and grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife Ula of the home, daughters Michelle Harrison of McCook, Nebraska and Molly Friebus (Drew) of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Olivia, Jordan and Kalena (Donnie) Coleman and great grandchildren Roman, Dominick, Reed, Aniya and Collin and son in-law Jay Keeler of Russell, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Mary Keeler, brother John Olsen and Nephew John Olsen.

A gathering service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday evening, May 22, 2019, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with family present to greet guests. Open visitation to sign the register book will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. all day Wednesday. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Fairport Cemetery in Fairport, Kansas. Cremation has been selected by the family.

Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Marshall Samuel Maupin, 88, of Paradise, Kansas, died on Friday, May 03, 2019, at his home in Paradise.

He was born in rural Paradise KS on March 14, 1931, to Marshall T & Anna Bertha Marie (Eulert) Maupin. Due to a farm accident Anna passed away in December of 1932 and his dad later married Margaret Weller (Pooley) in 1952. Marshall Samuel was commonly known by (as) Sam and he attended grade school at the Paradise Dell Country School and later graduated from Paradise Rural High School in 1949. He had a love for music and was asked to fill in for a drummer at one of the many country dances he attended and that is where he met and fell in love with his wife of 68 years, Rita Mae Wallace. They were married on July 25, 1950. Their marriage was blessed with three boys, Marshall Thomas (Tom), Samuel Terry (Terry) and Timothy Douglas.

In Sam’s early years, he had a love for farming and ranching. His dad helped him start this venture while Sam also worked outside jobs in the oilfield and dirt construction to support his growing family. He eventually transitioned to a full time farmer rancher and also operated a dairy until the late 1980’s. He continued with his cow/calf operation and farming after the dairy was no longer something he and Rita wanted to continue. Sam was active in his farm operations until the Good Lord called him home. Spending time with family visiting, eating, and celebrating birthdays and holiday’s was of utmost importance to him. You could also find Sam over the years at local sporting events watching his grandchildren and then his great grandchildren!

Sam also enjoyed his volunteer work. He was a loyal member and promoter of the Waldo Lions Club, being a member for 50+ years and recently served at the last pancake feed. He enjoyed attending farm auctions and weekly sales at the local livestock barns. He also was a long time school board member, served on the Mount Hermon Cemetery Board and helped lobby for the formation of the Paradise Rural Fire Department. Sam also held in high regard the foundational views of the democrat party and would vote hands down for them whether right or wrong! As a result of this stubbornness, all of Sam’s family are now die hard conservative Republicans!

Survivors include his wife Rita of Paradise, KS, brother, Randall Weller and wife Phyllis of Hill City, KS, Sons Tom Maupin and wife Deborah of Paradise KS, Terry Maupin and companion Mary of Paradise KS and Tim Maupin and wife Rita of Urbana IL,11 Grandchildren Quentin (Audrey) Maupin, Erin Maupin , Holly (Weston) Kraus, Heather (Tanner) Lyle, Barry (Nicole) Maupin, Tessa Maupin, Korte (Levi) Warren, Shane (Jordan) Maupin, Shannon Maupin, Monica Wahquahboshkuk and Benjamin (Jessica) Crane and 28 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Elois Irene Loskot Clark (Maupin) of Sutherlin, Oregon.

A memorial service to celebrate Sam’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24th, 2019, at the Paradise United Methodist Church in Paradise, Kansas with Pastor Stacy Ellsworth officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Mount Hermon Cemetery near Paradise, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be given to the Waldo Lions Club, Paradise United Methodist Church and Peace Lutheran Church of Natoma and can be sent to the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Rita Mae (Wallace) Maupin, 86, of Paradise, Kansas, died on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS.

She was born on October 09, 1932 to Richard Theodore and Edria Mae (Gile) Wallace in Waldo, KS. Rita attended Waldo Public Schools. She had a love for the game of basketball and was the main rival of contention for the other teams. Her coach often said, pass Rita the ball, she can score! In 1950 she proudly graduated as a Waldo Warrior.Rita met Sam Maupin at a rural barn dance, fell in love and they were married on July 25th on 1950. This union was blessed with three sons, Marshall Thomas (Tom), Samuel Terry (Terry) and Timothy Douglas.

In Rita’s early years, she spent most of her time raising the 3 boys, milking in their dairy and setting a fine table for every meal. Rita was well known for her hospitality and could have a full table ready in a matter of minutes. She loved to serve guests and always had room at lunch for unexpected company. Rita had many hobbies she enjoyed. Her love of sports continued even after high school and she used her athletic ability to play competitive horseshoes and league bowling. In the mid-seventies her focus shifted to a full time housewife. Taking care of the family and others for meal times was her priority. She had a fixed hospitality schedule three times a day,morning coffee at 8, noon meal and a late afternoon snack. Rita insisted that the farm always shut down at noon for a full cooked meal, the only exceptions where harvest.

Rita didn’t leave the farm very often, but when she did, you could find her on a bus trip to the casinos. She sure had a knack for playing the slots that brought her winnings. In her later years the sporting activities ceased and serving her family was her number one focus. Up to the end her focus was on Sam and taking care of him. After he passed her only wish was to be with him. Her wish was granted soon after and they will be buried together on May 24th at Mount Hermon Cemetery. Survivors include her sister Donna (Don deceased) Wilson of Lucas and brother Steven and wife Jeanette Wallace of Victoria. Sons Tom Maupin and wife Deborah of Paradise KS, Terry Maupin and companion Mary of Paradise KS and Tim Maupin and wife Rita of Urbana IL,11 Grandchildren Quentin (Audrey) Maupin, Erin Maupin , Holly (Weston) Kraus, Heather (Tanner) Lyle, Barry (Nicole) Maupin, Tessa Maupin, Korte (Levi) Warren, Shane (Jordan) Maupin, Shannon Maupin, Monica Wahquahboshkuk and Benjamin (Jessica) Crane and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Norma Henderson and her husband Sam.

A joint memorial service will celebrate Rita & Sam’s life at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24th, 2019, at the Paradise United Methodist Church in Paradise, Kansas with Pastor Stacy Ellsworth officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Mount Hermon Cemetery near Paradise, Kansas. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Robert E. Hammersmith, age 86, of Gorham, Kansas died Friday, May 17, 2019, at Wesley Medical Center Wichita, Kansas.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 8 , 2019 at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. A full obit will follow later.

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

Angeline Anna (Mader) Denning, age 77, former Victoria resident died Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Kenwood View Nursing Home of Salina, Kansas.

Services are pending at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22^nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

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

Duane “Mini” Fisher, age 55, of Hays, Kansas passed away Monday, May 20, 2019 in Hays. He was born January 14, 1964 in Hays to Edwin and Freda (Werth) Fisher. He graduated from Ellis High School in 1982. On October 22, 2011 he married Karla Braun in Hays.

Mini owned and operated Toby Jugs in Hays for the past 17 years. He was an avid golfer, a KU Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs fan. Mini was a fun loving, good hearted person who truly valued his family and friends. Some of his favorite times was traveling with Karla and friends to numerous KC Royals and KC Chiefs games as well as trips to Las Vegas. He supported his family, friends and community in numerous ways.

He is survived by his wife, Karla of Hays; his mother, Freda Fisher of Ellis; two brothers, Dave Fisher (Kaleen) and Darrrell “Munch” Fisher (Pat) all of Hays; a step son, Tyler Legleiter of Hays; his mother-in-law, Mary Jo Braun of Hays; his grandson, Taethon Legleiter of Hays and a special friend, Avon Smith of Hays.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin and his father-in-law, Marvin F. Braun.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, May 23, 2019 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays.

Visitation will be Wednesday 6 PM – 8 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7:30 PM at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to DSNWK (please make donations payable to DSNWK) and may be sent 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]

Maurice B. Craghead, 92, passed away May 19, 2019 at Kansas Soldiers Home, Halsey Hall, Fort Dodge, KS.

He was born December 1, 1926 in Hodgeman County, the son of Walter B. and Dorothy A. Allen Craghead. A longtime area resident, he was a retired aircraft mechanic for continental Airlines.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Jetmore, American Legion, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Masons, Independent Order of Foresters and served in the United States Army.

On December 15, 1945 he married Delores Scothorn in Jetmore. She died March 25, 2001. He married Wanda Spreier on October 9, 2001 in Dodge City, they later separated.

Survivors include: son, Jesse Craghead, Jetmore, KS and daughter, Linda Terry, Madera, CA; ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dennis Craghead; daughter, Maureen Hammond and brothers, Joe and Francis Craghead.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at United Presbyterian Church, Jetmore, with Rev. Mark Durham presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore, with military graveside rites and masonic funeral rites.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of the Prairie in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663 Jetmore, KS 67854.

Joshua Blake Smith, 31, died Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Garden City, Kansas. He was born June 19, 1987 in Garden City, Kansas.

Joshua grew up in Johnson City, Kansas where he attended school and graduated from Stanton County High School in 2005. He worked in maintenance with Crew #413 at Tyson. Joshua enjoyed attending Rock concerts, woodworking, drawing cartoon characters, sports, coaching his son’s soccer team, was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, and he loved to spend time with his children.

Survivors include his wife Lauryn Mosburg of Garden City; two children Ayden DeWayne Small of Garden City and Adelynn Elyse Smith of Garden City; his parents Kimberly Everett of Lakin, Kansas, James Everett of Satanta, Kansas, and Charlie & Gayla Smith of Spiro, Oklahoma; his mother-in-law Amy Mosburg of Garden City; three sisters Caitlin Everett-Klaus of Holcomb, Kansas, LoriAnne & husband Dakota Smith-Bellgard of Spiro, Oklahoma, and Andrea & husband Brad Davis of Colby, Kansas; and his grandparents Richard & Walli Everett of Johnson City, Kansas, Linda & Orville McDonald of Spiro, Oklahoma, and Judy & Larry Bryan of Tyrone, Oklahoma. Joshua is preceded in death by his grandparents Sybil Standley, Anthony Cordova, & Marvin Standley.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Word of Life Church in Garden City with Pastor Rick Beard officiating. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Saturday all at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family request memorials given to the Joshua Smith Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.

Janelda Fay “Jae” Lohrmeyer, 57, Hays, died Sunday, May 19, 2019 at her home.

Jae was born October 20, 1961 in Lamar, Colorado the daughter of Billie Dean and Wanda Bernice (Suttle) Hazen.  She was united in marriage to Michael Lohrmeyer on March 15, 1986 in Garden City, Kansas.  They celebrated 33 years of marriage.  She had an amazing sense of humor, enjoyed telling jokes, quilting, camping, and dogs.  She was a member of Westview Church, loved God, praise and worship, would pray for everybody, and loved her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband; Michael of the home, four sons; Daniel Lohrmeyer and wife Tina of North Carolina, Dannie Lohrmeyer and wife Jazmin of Hays, David Lohrmeyer and wife Sarah of Centennial, CO, and Dustin Lohrmeyer of Hays, a daughter; Danielle Eitzmann and husband Leon of Belleville, her father and mother-in-law; Gale and Janice Lohrmeyer of Logan, a brother; William Hazen of Greensburg, a sister; Dianna Maggard and husband Cliff of Nampa, Idaho, and 11 grandchildren; Austin Eitzmann, Alexis Pfannenstiel, Haley Lohrmeyer, Dallas Eitzmann, Mattie Lohrmeyer, Davin Lohrmeyer, Peyton Lohrmeyer, Reviahna Skinner, Razariah Skinner, Brennen Fesquet, and Charlise Fesquet.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother; Virgil Hazen, and a grandson; Huston Eitzmann.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Westview Church with Pastor Wes Oakley officiating.  Family will receive friends from 9:30 am until service time on Friday at the church.  Inurnment will be at a later date at Logan Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Military BibleStick, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  Condolences and memories of Jae may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com