Herschel Benton Betts

November 15, 1926 – May 15, 2019

Charlotte Faye (Blattner) Becker,  104, Hays, died Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society, Hays.

She was born Jan. 20, 1915, in Rozel to Charles and Elizabeth (Haun) Blattner. She was a 1933 graduate of Rozel High School. She married Walter W. Becker in 1934. He preceded her in death in 2012.

She was a homemaker. During the 1930’s, she sold angel food cakes whipped by hand and egg noodles while he worked on a local farm and co-op grain elevator. In 1945, the couple moved to the Becker homestead with a few hundred dollars and several head of cattle.

Through the next couple of decades, the farm flourished under their care.  She was bookkeeper, helpmate, wheat hauler, vegetable and flower gardener, seamstress and acclaimed cook. In 1983, they moved to Hays to be near family. She enjoyed playing a variety of games with friends and family.

She was a member of the First Baptist Churches in Rozel and later in Hays. Her other affiliations and memberships were Lincoln Banner EHU, Golden Rule Quilting Club and American Baptist Women. While traveling with her husband to national conferences, during his time on the Golden Belt Telephone Associate and Mid-West Energy boards.

Survivors include two daughters, Faye Louise Klein and husband,  Lyn and Joyce Diane Becker and John Wade; two granddaughters, Dian Elizabeth Organ and husband, Daren and Tami Lyn Norris and husband, Eric; and  three great-grandchildren, Dalaan Miles Organ, Hannah Grace Norris, and Isis Elizabeth Norris.

Services will be at 11 a.m.  Saturday at Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601; burial will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Fairmont Cemetery, Jetmore.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral chapel.

Memorials  are suggested to the Good Samaritan Society, Hays or Hospice at HaysMed in care of the funeral chapel.

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

Kirk Duane Wineinger, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Citizen’s Medical Center in Colby, Kansas. Kirk was born July 16, 1944 in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Arlys Duane & Thelma (Foote) Wineinger. A lifetime resident of Greeley County, Kansas, he was a farmer. Kirk was a veteran, serving in the United States Army.

Kirk was a member of the First Baptist Church and a lifetime member of VFW Post # 7521 of Tribune, Kansas. He also was a lifetime member of the Kansas Trap-shooters Assn and NRA.

On April 24, 1964 he married Linda Doty in Goodland, Kansas. Linda passed away on June 6, 1966 in Tribune, Kansas. He later married Bonnie Wilson on January 12, 1968 at Wichita, Kansas. Bonnie passed away on August 14, 1993 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Kirk’s surviving family includes-

Three daughters-
Angela Fisher- Holcomb, Kansas
Lisa & Jamie Bastin- Holcomb, Kansas
Sally Kay & Bryan Jackson- Denver, Colorado

His Mother-
Thelma Wineinger- Garden City, Kansas

Seven Grandchildren-
Taylor Schiltz, Devin Fisher, Braydon Bastin, Kaiden Fisher, Melyssa Jackson, Kayla Jackson & Jasmyn Jackson

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am (MST) Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Greeley County Cemetery in Tribune, Kansas with full military honors.

Memorials may be given to VFW post #7521 in care of

Price & Sons Funeral Home
PO 301
Tribune, Kansas 67879

Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com

Lifelong Goodland, Kansas resident Elaine Schwendener, 93, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society-Sherman County in Goodland, KS.

She was born on November 19, 1925 in Goodland to Franklin J. and Margaret (Hopper) Rhoads. She was one of four children. She attended school in a country school in Sherman County through the 8th grade and graduated from Sherman Community High School in 1943.

On October 1, 1944, Elaine married Donald Schwendener in Goodland. To this union, two daughters Janice and Donna were born.

Elaine was a member of the Goodland United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, Redwood EHU, Sunshine Social Club, PET Club and United Methodist Women Circle 3. She was a homemaker and enjoyed helping her husband around the farm and taking care of their children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, two sisters Juanita Shahan and Opal Wahrenbrock and one brother Earl Rhoads.

She is survived by her husband Don of the home, her two daughters Janice Nemechek and Donna Hall both of Goodland, a sister-in-law Verda Simms of Easton, PA, three grandchildren Curtis (Julie) Nemechek of Holcomb, KS, Rhonda (Dean) McIntosh of Amarillo, TX, and Janet (Dustin) Downie of Manhattan, KS. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Dane (Miriam) McIntosh, Dayton McIntosh, Aubrey Downie, Nash Downie, Christopher Nemechek and Courtney Nemechek.

Longtime Goodland, KS resident Susan Velasquez, 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Susan was born on August 30, 1928 in Eaton, Colorado to Joseph and Porfiria Salazar. She was one of 9 children.

In 1958, Susan married Herman Velasquez in Colorado. To this union, one daughter Lisa was born. In 1980, she earned her GED. Susan worked for many years in Materials Management as well as a CNA at the Goodland Regional Medical Center until her retirement. She also worked as a cashier for Walmart until her retirement there.

Susan was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, and in her spare time she enjoyed cross stitching, crocheting and tending to her rose gardens.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Velasquez of Goodland, one sister Virginia Salazar of San Jose, CA, and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

June 21, 1959 ~ May 7, 2019

An obituary is pending with Koons-Russell Funeral Home.

Click HERE for service details.

Marshall Samuel Maupin, 88, of Paradise, Kansas, died on Friday, May 3, 2019, at his home in Paradise.

He was born on March 14, 1931, in rural Paradise to Marshall T and Anna Bertha Marie (Eulert) Maupin.

Due to a farm accident, Anna passed away in December 1932 and his dad later married Margaret Weller (Pooley) in 1952.

Marshall Samuel was commonly known (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 holidays 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 longtime 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 Democratic 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, brother, Randall Weller and wife Phyllis of Hill City, Kansas, sons Tom Maupin and wife Deborah of Paradise, Terry Maupin and companion Mary of Paradise and Tim Maupin and wife Rita of Urbana Illinois ,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 at 10 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2019, at the Paradise United Methodist Church in Paradise, with Pastor Stacy Ellsworth officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Mount Hermon Cemetery near Paradise.

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.

Gerald Lee Rohleder, age 66, of Omaha, Nebraska passed away Friday, May 10, 2019 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha.

Jerry was born on July 25, 1952 in Hays, Kansas to Alvin and Anita (Meier) Rohleder. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1970 and was united in marriage with Marie Pfeifer on August 4th, 1973. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State College in 1974 Jerry spent over 42 years at Mutual of Omaha as a Senior Technical Solutions Architect where he continued to work until his passing.

In addition, he spent over 20 years as a computer science educator at various schools throughout the Omaha area. His loves in life included his family, teaching, sharing his knowledge of technology, laughter, gardening, Clint Eastwood, oatmeal cream pies, Cherry Mash candies, and especially being a Grandfather.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Marie, daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Benjamin Puetz, grandson Cameron (2.5 years), granddaughter Winter (7 months), mother Anita Rohleder (Hays, Kansas), sister Debbie (Rohleder) Hensch and brother-in-law Duane Hensch of Wichita, Kansas. He is proceeded in death by his father Alvin Rohleder.

Click HERE for service details.

John Henry Schroeder, 85, of Colby, died Monday, May 13, 2019, at Citizens Medical Center, Colby. He was born October 21, 1933, in Thomas County, Kansas, to Leon M. and Protus (Ackard) Schroeder.

John graduated from Levant High School with the class of 1951. He married Betty Stickel on May 23, 1952.

John was a lifetime farmer and cattleman, especially loving wheat harvest. He was a member of the Masons, receiving a 50-year pin, a life member of ISIS Shrine and a life member of the Elks and served on several boards. John was a member of the Levant Community Church. He and Betty enjoyed traveling and wintering in Texas.

John was preceded in death by his parents, son John Richard “Rick” Schroeder; brother Robert Schroeder; sister Mary Garrett and niece Gloria Ribordy.

He is survived by his wife Betty, of Colby; daughters, Diana (John) Presley, Dodge City, Kansas, and Debra (Bob) Aday, Waxahachie, Texas; sister Lois Anne Frodin, Goodland, Kansas; six grandchildren, Jeremy (Janie) Presley, Courtney (Matt) Howard, Ashley (Brock) Seidl, Benjamin Schroeder, Nicolas (Kelly) Schroeder and Von Aday and 11 great-grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2019 at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019, at the Colby Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shriners Hospital for Children or the Levant Community Church, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information, visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

Alyce was born in Red Willow County, Nebraska to Andrew E. and Chloe Marie (Johnston) Anderson on January 1, 1925. She attended elementary school in Red Willow County, Nebraska; Yuma County, Colorado; and Cedar Bluffs, Kansas. She attended high school at Decatur County High School, graduating in 1942. Alyce graduated at the top of her class both from elementary school and from high school, and she earned the highest Algebra score in Kansas as a Freshman at DCHS. While in high school, she boarded with a family and served as their nanny, housekeeper, and cook.

On March 21, 1943 Alyce married Roderick Keith Avery in Oberlin, Kansas. During WWII both she and Rod worked in the aviation industry in Kansas City and Hutchison, Kansas. They returned to Oberlin in 1946 where she worked as a homemaker, and then she served as office manager at Decatur County Hospital for 32 years before retiring in 1988.

Alyce was a very active member of the United Church of Oberlin, where she taught Sunday School and worked in the kitchen during special activities. When she retired, she spent many hours in service to the church. She was also a member of Oberlin Chapter 106 of Eastern Star.

Alyce is preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, Jesse Drake, her brother Jimmy E. Anderson, her sisters Amy Rehm and Marylu Brown, and her husband, Rod, who passed on December 27, 1995.

She is survived by two sons, Rolland Avery of Seattle, Washington and Barry Avery and wife Heather of North Granby, Connecticut; one daughter, Rozanne, currently of Oberlin; six grandchildren, Autumn Onna of Woodbridge, Virginia; Morgan Fuller and wife, Chinatsu, of Tanba-shi, Japan; Kevin Avery of Brooklyn, New York; Justin Avery and wife, Aja, of Simsbury, Connecticut; Benjamin Avery and wife, Katie and Raven Avery all of Seattle; Gary and Jody Shike of Oberlin; and Hillary McShea and wife, Abigail Koehlor, of Rochester, New York; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Alyce was known for her good nature and her quick wit. Recently she fell and cracked her head open requiring staples. I asked her if she thought she lost any brains in the process and she replied, “Nope. I didn’t have any left to lose!” When people used to ask her how she was, her answer was normally, “I can’t see; I can’t hear; I can barely walk! Other than that, I’m pretty good!”

A Graveside service will be held May 28, 2019, at the Oberlin City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Give An Hour, Since 2005, Give an Hour has focused on providing free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, our veterans, and their families or Fisher House, Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veterans families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. Memorials may be sent in care of Pauls Funeral Home, 121 Penn Ave, Oberlin, Kansas 67749 . Online condolences may be left at [email protected] Arrangements are being handled by Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin, Kansas.

Jennie Frances Tillitson, age 95, passed away on May 13, 2019 at the Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom. She was born on September 10, 1923 in Burdett the daughter of Robert Harrison “Harry” and Beatrice Ellen Miller Potter.

Jennie was a teacher before marriage and then stayed home to raise her family. She was a member of the VFW Post No.7972 Ladies Auxiliary and the Go-Getters Senior Center. She married Oliver D. Tillitson on Friday, September 19, 1947, in Hutchinson. He died on September 17, 1998.

Survivors include four sons, Dave and wife, Kelle Tillitson of WaKeeney, John Tillitson of Ransom, Larry and wife, Darlene Tillitson of Ransom, and Bob and wife, Michelle Tillitson of Arnold; two daughters, Mary Lou Tillitson, and Ellen Burns and fiancé, Doug Hagans of Ransom; 9 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Oliver D. Tillitson, her brother, Ross Potter, and her sister, Vera Breit.

Funeral service will be on Friday, May 17, 2019, 10:00 A.M., at Praise Fellowship Church, Ransom. Burial in the Ransom Cemetery. Friends may call at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, in Ness City, from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 16 with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the VFW Post No. 7972 or the Go-Getters Senior Center.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by signing the guestbook.