January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005
Last Updated February 9, 2008

I would like to thank Jan Simpson Reading of Denver, Colorado for volunteering to send me the current Rooks County Obituaries for posting.   She is formally of Codell, Kansas.   Most of the obituaries come from the Hays Daily News and the Salina Journal, you may contact them for a copy of the obit.

If you have an obituary you would like posted, please send the date of the obit, newspaper name, and the obituary  text  to Brenda Reeder

30 Dec 2005 Hays Daily  News Hilary P. Schmidt
Hilary P. Schmidt, 95, Hays, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005, at Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, Greensburg.  He was born Aug. 1, 1910, in Catherine to Frederick and Margaret (Dinkel) Schmidt.  He married Amelia Rome on Sept. 4, 1934, at Catherine. She preceded him in death on May 27, 1997.  He was a carpet layer in Hays for 40 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays.
Survivors include a son, Donald W. Schmidt, Hays; two daughters, Betty Jean Merklinger and husband, Elmer, Victoria, Texas, and Linda Young and husband, Bob, Haviland; two brothers, Leo Clarence Schmidt, Missoula, Mont., and Marcellus Schmidt, Hays; four sisters, Ann Schmidt, Plainville, Tina Likiardopolus, Wichita, Marge Schmidt, Hays, and Jane Jacobs, Minneapolis, Minn.; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Joseph Schmidt, Alex Schmidt, Fidelis Schmidt and John Schmidt; and two sisters, Catherine Quint and Mary Agnes Pelzel.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays; burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.
Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Monday and from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, all at Cline's Mortuary Of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd, Hays.
Memorials are suggested to St. Catherine Catholic Church, St. Fidelis Cemetery Fund or for Masses.

30 Dec 2005 Hays Daily News Carole Eisiminger
Carole Eisiminger, Plainville, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005, at Rush County from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Arrangements are pending with Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, Plainville.

29 Dec 2005 Hays Daily News Robert "Bob" Roy
Bob Roy, Stockton, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005, at his home.
Arrangements are pending with Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton.

1 Jan 2006 The Hays Daily News
Robert John “Bob” Roy, 59, Stockton, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005 at his home.  He was born Sept. 13, 1946, in Hays, to Emile and Leona (Kriley) Roy. He graduated from the Englewood High School, Englewood, Colo. and was in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for the city of Stockton.  He married Linda Nyberg.
Survivors include two sons, Nathan Roy, Winfield and Andrew Roy, Lawrence; his parents of Englewood, Colo. and two sisters Dianne Williams, Monument, Colo. and Patty Challacombe, Denver.
Services will be 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Stockton; burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.
Visitation from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home. There will be a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials to the Robert J. Roy memorial fund for his children's education and may be sent in care of funeral home.

29 Dec 2005 Salina Journal Hope Denton
STOCKTON — Hope Denton, 87, Stockton, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005.  Mrs. Denton was born Hope Stewart on Oct. 2, 1918, in Harlan. She was a teacher, retiring in 1980.
Survivors include her husband, Clyde B., of the home; three sons, Jonathan M. and David S., both of Stockton, and C. Stewart of Borger, Texas; four granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and two step-grandsons.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Main Street Christian Church, Stockton. Burial will be in Stockton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the church, in care of Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton 67669.
Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home and from 1 p.m. to service time Friday at the church.

29 Dec 2005 Hays Daily News Hope Stewart Denton
Hope Stewart Denton, 87, Stockton, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, Wichita.  She was born Oct. 2, 1918, in Harlan to Lewis and Pearl (Brumbaugh) Stewart. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a teaching degree. She taught at Atwood, Stockton, Webster and Alton/Osborne retiring in 1980.  She married Clyde B. Denton on Dec. 19, 1948, at Portis.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; three sons, Jonathan M. Denton and David S. Denton, both of Stockton, and C. Stewart Denton, Borger, Texas; four granddaughters; and four step grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Main Street Christian Church, Stockton; burial in Stockton Cemetery.
Visitation will be until 8 p.m. today and from 9 to 11: 30 a.m. Friday at Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, KS 67669, and from 1 p.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church.
Memorials are suggested to Main Street Christian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

29 Dec 2005 The Purcell Register Roszella E. Conway
Funeral services for Roszella E. Conway, 62, of Noble will be held today (Thursday), Dec. 29, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Garlin Newton and the Rev. Kenny Shultz officiating. Interment will be at IOOF Cemetery under the direction of Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mrs. Conway died Dec. 27, 2005 at Norman Regional Hospital.
She was born Dec. 21, 1943 in Waynesburg, Penn., the middle child and only daughter of Owen Eisiminger and Edna Pearl Phillips Eisiminger. She was reared on a farm in Waynesburg and attended two years of college.
On April 22, 1974 she married James T. Conway and together they reared five children.
Mrs. Conway lived in Youngstown, Ohio, for many years before moving to Oklahoma in 1982. She had been living in Noble since 1990.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband, James, of the home; two sons, Kenny Shultz and his wife, Sue, of Noble and Ray Conway and his wife, Rebecca, of Hereford, Texas; three daughters, Debbie Zec and her husband, Mike, of Farrell, Penn., Crystal Miller of Noble and Kathy Kabariti and her husband, Michael, of Sherman, Texas; two brothers, John Eisiminger and his wife, Carol, of Plainville, Kan., and Donald Eisiminger and his wife, Peggy, of Tacoma, Wash.; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Kenny Shultz, Ray Conway, Mike Zec, Michael Kabariti, Kenny Shultz Jr. and Cody Miller.
Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Shultz, Blake Kabariti, Christopher Miller, James Zec and Michael Zec II.

25 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News Blake Christopher Munsch
Blake Christopher Munsch, 16, Hays, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2005, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident, east of Hays.  He was born May 21, 1989, in Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo., to Kris and Lisa (Belisle) Munsch. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School, Holy Family Elementary School and was presently a junior at Hays High School.  He was a member of St. Joseph Church, Hays.
Survivors include his parents, Lisa and Jay Rebel and Kris and Gena Munsch, all of Hays; maternal grandparents, Duane and Pat Belisle, Damar, and Ralph and Bonnie Rebel, Ness City; paternal grandparents, Gerald and Clara Rose Munsch, Ness City and Gene and Linda Argo, Hays; and four step siblings, Beau and Holly Rebel, D. J. Rebel and Jacob Keller, all of Hays.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Church, Hays; burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Monday at Brock's North Hill Chapel, 2509 Vine, and from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Blake C. Munsch Memorial Scholarship Fund.

24 Dec 2005 The Salina Journal Leo P. Bonneau
STOCKTON — Leo P. Bonneau, 92, Stockton, died Dec. 16, 2005.  Mr. Bonneau was born Aug. 31, 1913, in Concordia. He was a brakeman for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad.  His wife, Opal, died in 2003.
Survivors include two stepsons, Doyal K. Hrabe of Stockton and Debert M. Hrabe of Overland Park; three stepdaughters, Betty Raney of Ceres, Calif., Phyllis Hart of Plainville and Joy Johnson of Manhattan; 16 step grandchildren; 42 step great-grandchildren; and 24 step great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Stockton. The body was cremated. Inurnment will be in St. Thomas Cemetery with military honors provided by Monroe-Taylor-Barnes VFW Post 8873.
A parish rosary will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton 67669.
Memorials may be made to the Solomon Valley Manor, in care of the funeral home.
Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent via www.mooreoverlease.com.

25 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News
Leo P. Bonneau, 92, Stockton, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2005, at Solomon Valley Manor, Stockton.  He was born Aug. 31, 1913, in Concordia to Levi and Alzma (Bonbardie) Bonneau.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He married Opal Ives Hrabe on March 13, 1950, in Stockton. She preceded him in death March 30, 2003.  He worked for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad as a brakeman.
Survivors include two stepsons, Doyal K. Hrabe, Stockton, and Debert M. Hrabe, Overland Park; three stepdaughters, Betty Raney, Ceres, Calif., Phyllis Hart, Plainville, and Joy Johnson, Manhattan; 16 step grandchildren; 42 step great-grandchildren; and 24 step great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton; he was cremated. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Stockton.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday with parish rosary at 7 p.m. at the Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Solomon Valley Manor and may be sent in care of Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, KS 67669.

22 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News David Eldon Jackson
David Eldon Jackson, 83, Tonganoxie, formerly of Hill City, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1922, at Providence Hospital, Kansas City, Kan.  He was born Aug. 5, 2005, in rural Graham County to David Edward and Viola Mae (Bass) Jackson. He was a veteran of World War II.  He married Doris Fountain on Nov. 9, 1944, at Hill City. He had been employed as a machine operator and mechanic by Simmons Mattress Co.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Bruce Jackson and Craig Jackson, both of Tonganoxie; two daughters, Ruth Jackson, Tonganoxie, and Kathleen Trisler, Coffeeville; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Stinemetz Funeral Home, Hill City; private burial in Pleasant View Cemetery, Palco.
Memorials are suggested to Bethel Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Kan., and may be sent to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642.

21 Dec 2005 San Diego Union-Tribune (CA) Mike Desaire
Mike Desaire of La Mesa passed away on December 14, 2005, at the age of 54. He was involved in a tragic car accident near Benson, Arizona. His beloved dogs survived the crash and were rescued by the Humane Society. Mike is survived by his wife, Rita Desaire, and son, Jacob. Born in Stockton, Kansas, on December 13, 1951, Mr. Desaire was one of ten children who spent much of his childhood on a wheat farm near Damar, Kansas. In 1975 he moved to San Diego. On October 1, 1989, he married the love of his life, Rita Pruett, of La Mesa. Mr. Desaire worked as a line supervisor for Teladine Ryan in San Diego for many years. He was very patriotic and loved his country. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he held memberships in the Southern California Rim Fire Association, the American Rim Fire Association, the 1,000 Yard Bench Rest Association, the National Predator Caller Association, the San Diego County Fish and Game Association, and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was a predator control specialist for San Diego County for many years. He also competed in many high-powered rifle and rim fire competitions throughout the United States. With his brother, Richard, he hunted upland game in Central Kansas every fall. With his son, Jacob, he participated in Cub Scouts, golf lessons, school events, fishing, traveling, and many other activities. Mr. Desaire is survived by his wife, Rita, and son, Jacob; his mother, Deloris Desaire of Salina, Kansas; and eight brothers and sisters; Don Desaire of Loveland, Colorado; Arlinda McLaughlin of Pinedale, Wyoming; Richard Desaire of Salina, Kansas; Marva Gill of St. Marys, Ohio; Leland Desaire of Afton, Oklahoma; Marty Desaire, Jonetta Petty, and Karyl Wilson of Salina, Kansas. He is also survived by his step-children, Ron Neville of Blossom Valley, California, and Nancy Wolf of San Clemente, California. There are numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that mourn his loss, as well. Mr. Desaire was preceded in death by his father, Leo Desaire, of Salina, Kansas, and his sister, Madrilène Desaire Civilises of Solomon, Kansas. Services were held on Tuesday, December 20, at 1:00 p.m., at the La Mesa Church of Christ, 5150 Jackson Drive, with interment at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road in San Diego. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

21 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News Paul H. Williams
Paul H. Williams, 92, Plainville, died Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at his home in Plainville.  He was born November 18, 1913, in Plainville, Kansas. He was the son of Roll Williams and Bertha Edna Henry. He had one sister, Louella (Dunham), and two brothers, Karl and Eldon. Paul married Margaret Green on April 2, 1934, and they had four children, Margaret Lavonne (Werner), Donovan, Clayton, and Rodney. In August of 1944, Paul enlisted in the Army and served as Personnel Tech Sergeant (T-5) of the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion, 30th Infantry, 3rd Division, and was in charge of approximately 40 men. He was then honorably discharged on July 1st, 1946. After Paul's discharge, he went back to Plainville and continued his work on the farm and his cattle buying business. He also worked in the oil field, and officiated both Football and Basketball. Paul was an avid sports fan his entire life.  Paul married once again on February 11, 1950. He married Mary Claire Lambert, and they had four children, Paula (Glick), Natalie (Towns), Bonita (Higgins), and James. Paul was called back to serve in the armed forces again in April of 1950, during the Korean Conflict. This time, he served in Fort Hood, Texas, as Corporal (athletic instructor) until his discharge, which came at Christmas time of the same year. Paul was a lifelong resident of Plainville, a life member of VFW post 8871, where he served several years as Commander, and was also 9th District Commander. He was also a member of the First Christian Church. In the years before Paul retired, he had quit farming and owned and operated his own oil business. Paul would tell you that his greatest accomplishments during his lifetime were: his eight children, twenty grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, the fact that he graduated from Plainville High School in the fall of 1931, the fact that he did attend Fort Hays State and did play football (if only for a year), and the fact that both Paul and his wife, Mary, were very instrumental in the concept and completion of the Rooks County Veteran's Memorial Monument, now located in Stockton.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Roll, his mother, Edna, his sister Louella, his brothers Karl and Eldon, and an infant grandson.
Visitation will be at the Plainville Funeral Home, 320 S.W. 2nd Street, Plainville, Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The family will be present at the funeral home Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church or VFW Post No. 8871 and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.plainvillefuneral home.com.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 26th at the First Christian Church of Plainville, with Pastor Larry Liles officiating.

21 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News Buddy Lee Walker
Buddy Lee Walker, 54, Woodston, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005, at Rooks County Health Center, Plainville.  He was born Aug. 21, 1951, in Wichita to Orville and Marcella (Webster) Walker.
Survivor include his companion, Kath Claiborn, Woodston; his mother, Marcella Walker, Whitewater; a daughter, Melinda Costa, Fall River, Mass.; and a sister, Janet Weems, Augusta.
He was preceded in death by his father, Orville; and, a son Tracy Walker.
Memorial services will be at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Buddy Lee Walker Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton, KS 67669, who are in charge of the arrangements.

20 Dec 2005 The Salina Journal  Dennis A. Fellers
WILSON — Dennis A. Fellers, 61, Wilson, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005. Mr. Fellers was born June 9, 1944, in Plainville. He was a machinist for a water well service.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Alice, in 1996.
Survivors include a son, James Bloesser of Wilson; a daughter, Terina Templeton of Wilson; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Foster Mortuary Chapel, 610 24th, Wilson 67490.
Memorials may be made to Hays Medical Center Handicapped Foundation, in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today and 8 a.m until the service Wednesday at the mortuary.

19 Dec 2005 The Salina Journal LaDeane Macke
PLAINVILLE — LaDeane Macke, 77, Plainville, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2005.  Mrs. Macke was born LaDeane Coles on March 26, 1928, in Waldo. She was manager of the Plainville VFW Post for 20 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; a son, Daniel Resley; and a grandson.
Survivors include her children, Robert Resley Jr., Richard Resley, Debby Burton, Mitzi Keith and Brian Resley, all of Wichita, Becky Eklund of Springdale, Ark., Melissa Schremmer of Russell and Shane Macke of Catherine; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Pohlman-Heise Mortuary, 610 N. Maple, Russell 67665. Burial will be in Russell City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Southwind Hospice of Russell and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas for Ellis County, in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Tuesday at the mortuary

19 Dec 2005 The Salina Journal Lucy Elizabeth Crawford
NATOMA — Lucy Elizabeth Crawford, 95, Natoma, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2005.  Mrs. Crawford was born Lucy Elizabeth Robertson on May 17, 1910, at Covert. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, in 1977; and two infant grandchildren.
Survivors include three daughters, Lucille Luhman and Elaine Spencer, both of Natoma, and Judy Gilworth of Independence, Mo.; two sons, Gerald of Milwaukee and Glenn of Natoma; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Pohlman-Heise Mortuary, 610 N. Maple, Russell 67665. Burial will be in Natoma Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Rooks County Nursing Home in Plainville or a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. today at the mortuary.

aft 14 Dec 2005 Blade Empire Edna Caroline Riffe Gallagher
Edna Caroline Riffe Gallagher died Wednesday, December 14, 2005, at the Cloud County Health Center, in Concordia, Kan.  She was born May 27, 1918, on a farm in Belmont Township, Rooks County, Kansas, to Wade H. and Clara J. Griebel Riffe.  She graduated from Stockton High School, Stockton, Kansas, on May 27, 1936. She worked at the Ben Franklin Store for five years during high school and after. Edna married Roy W. Gallagher at Damar, Kansas, on March 25, 1940. She spent most of her married life in Concordia, Kansas. While her husband was overseas, during World War II, she stayed with her parents in Stockton.  Edna and Roy owned and operated a meat processing plant in Concordia and also a neighborhood grocery store. Edna worked as a Medication Aide at St. Ann’s Nursing Home and Mount Joseph Nursing Home.  She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and Altar Society. She was also a Life Member of the VFW Auxiliary, Post #588. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents; an infant brother, Clifford; and two brothers, Harold and Elton Riffe, of Stockton.
She is survived by three sons: Bob and wife, Joanne of Sahuarita, Arizona; Ron and wife, Sandy of Danbury, Wisconsin; Mike and wife Annette of Concordia, Kansas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Shane Gallagher, Nicole Sear, Kevin Gallagher, Maureen Gallagher, Stephanie Gallagher, Brandi Gallagher and Dustin Gallagher; one step grandchild Edward Carlson and three great-grandchildren and one great-step grandchild.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 19, 2005, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia, Kansas, at 10:00 a.m., with Father Barry Brinkman and Father Henry Kieffer officiating.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 18, 2005, at Nutter Mortuary, from 2:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Interment will be in St. Concordia Catholic Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas.
Memorials may be given to Mount Joseph Chapel Memorial Fund or OLPH Catholic Church Building Fund.
Nutter Mortuary is in charge of arrangements, 116 East 6th Street, Concordia, KS 66901.

14 Dec 2005 The Salina Journal Carol Faith Brungardt
BELLA VISTA, Ark. — Carol Faith Brungardt, 68, Bella Vista, formerly of Stockton, Kan., died Monday, Dec. 12, 2005.  Mrs. Brungardt was born Carol Faith Cooper on July 16, 1937, in Stockton. She was a teacher.
Survivors include her husband, Ken; three daughters, Kenda Elliott of Dallas, Kelly Vanderplas of Phillipsburg and Sherri Conrad of Cheney; a son, Danny Heinze Jr. of Halstead; five stepdaughters, Rebecca O’Bourke of Moscow, Idaho, Pam Powell of Kansas City, Kan., Terri Campbell of Chandler, Ariz., Olivia Brungardt of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Jessica Pauls of Lawrence; her mother, Ada Cooper; a brother, Jeral Cooper; 11 grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; and a step great-grandchild.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Main Street Christian Church, Stockton. Burial will be in Stockton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Carol Faith Brungardt Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First, Stockton 67669.

14 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News
Carol Faith (Cooper) Brungardt, 68, Bella Vista, Ark., died Monday, Dec. 12, 2005, at Northwest Regional Medical Center, Springdale, Ark.  She was born July 16, 1937, in Stockton to Kenneth and Ada Cooper. She graduated from Stockton High School, Fort Hays State University with a teaching degree and Wichita State University with a master's degree.  She married Daniels Lee Heinze on Nov. 9, 1957, in Hays.  She taught school in various positions and locations, the last being Associated Colleges of Central Kansas, retiring in 2002 after 45 years of teaching.  She married Kenneth Brungardt on Aug. 8, 1988.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; a son, Danny Heinze Jr., Halstead; three daughters, Kenda Elliott, Dallas, Texas, Kelly Vanderplas, Phillipsburg, and Sherri Conrad, Cheney; five stepdaughters, Rebecca O'Rourke, Moscow, Idaho, Pam Powell, Kansas City, Kan., Terri Campbell, Chandler, Ariz, Olivia Brungardt, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, and Jessica Pauls, Lawrence; her mother, Ada Cooper; a brother, Jeral Cooper; 11 grandchildren; and seven step grandchildren.
She was preceded by her father, Kenneth Cooper.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Main Street Christian Church, Stockton; burial in Stockton Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. First St., Stockton.
Memorials are suggested to Carol Faith Brungardt Memorial Scholarship Fund at Phillipsburg High School.

12 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News Hazel Ina Pfortmiller
Hazel Ina Pfortmiller, 84, Natoma, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005, at Rooks County Nursing Home, Plainville.  She was born Sept. 14, 1921, in Codell to Joseph Glenn and Alta Vivian (Hayes) Romine. She graduated from Natoma High School.  She married Lawrence Pfortmiller on April 18, 1941, at Salina. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, of the nursing home; two sons, Lawrence Glen Pfortmiller and Louis Kent Pfortmiller, both of Lawrence; two daughters, Linda Kay Sharits, Natoma, and Galya Louise Wichman, Ellis; a sister, Echo Alice Brooks, Oxnard, Calif.,10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Peace Lutheran Church, Natoma; burial in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Natoma.
Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Pohlman-Heise Mortuary, 701 N. First, Natoma.
Memorials are suggested to Natoma American Legion Auxiliary or Blue Hills Foundation, both in care of the funeral home.

9 Dec 2005 The Hays Daily News Ellen Gerhardt
Ellen Gerhardt, 79, Victoria, died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, at Hays Medical Center.  She was born April 22, 1926, in Victoria to Andrew and Margaret (Wittman) Klaus.  She married August Gerhardt on Nov. 18, 1946, at Victoria. She was a homemaker.  She was a member of St. Fidelis Catholic Church and Christian Mothers, both of Victoria.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; three sons, Paul Gerhardt and wife, Jacqui, Colorado Springs, Colo., Andy Gerhardt and wife, Vicki Jo, Plainville, and Frank Gerhardt and wife, Racquel, Victoria; two daughters, Mary Ruder and husband, Earl, Edmond, Okla., and Theresa Hodnett and husband, Charles; two brothers, Ben Klaus, Manhattan, and Andrew Klaus, Hays; 10 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by five brothers, Casper Klaus, Joseph Klaus, Ed Klaus, Leo Klaus and Al Klaus; three sisters, Angela Leiker, Catherine Jacobs and Emma Rajewski; and a grandson, Eric Ruder.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Victoria; burial in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria.
Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday with a vigil service at 7 p.m., followed by St. Fidelis Christian Mothers rosary, and from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, all at Cline's Mortuary, Victoria.
Memorials are suggested to St. Fidelis Church or Masses.

7 Dec 2005 The Salina Journal Juanita "Nita" Basgall
Juanita “Nita” Basgall, 55, Plainville, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.  She was born Aug. 13, 1950, in Hays. She graduated from Natoma High School and Parks Business College, Denver, Colo.  She had served as manager for the city of Plainville.
Survivors include her mother, Donna Hutton, Plainville; a son, D. J. Basgall, Plainville; two daughters, Dena Normandin, Plainville, and Nikki Spiller, Enid, Okla.; five sisters, Cynthia Miller, Wichita, Terry Chesney, Hays, Julie Sanders, Tucson, Ariz., Vicki Nickelson, Las Vegas and Peggy Richmond, Codell; and three grandchildren.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Plainville; burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, with a Ladies Guild rosary at 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral chapel, and then from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a parish vigil service at 6 p.m. at the church.
Memorials are suggested to Plainville City Park and may be sent in care of the funeral chapel.

 8 Dec 2005
 PLAINVILLE — Juanita “Nita” Basgall, 55, Plainville, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2005.  Mrs. Basgall was born Aug. 13, 1950, in Hays. She was the Plainville city clerk/administrator.
Survivors include two daughters, Dena Normandin of Plainville and Nikki Spiller of Enid, Okla.; a son, D. J. Basgall of Plainville; her mother, Donna Hutton of Plainville; five sisters, Cynthia Miller of Wichita, Terry Chesney of Hays, Julie Sanders of Tucson, Ariz., Vicki Nickelson of Las Vegas and Peggy Richmond of Codell; and three grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Plainville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A Ladies Guild rosary will be at 3 p.m. today at Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, 409 S. Cochran, Plainville 67663, with a vigil service at 6 p.m. today at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Plainville City Park, in care of the chapel.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today at the chapel and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at the church.
Condolences may be sent at www.mooreoverlease.com.

28 Nov 2005 The Salina Journal Delphine E. Tucker
PALCO — Delphine E. Tucker, 89, Palco, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2005.  Mrs. Tucker was born Delphine E. Roberts on April 3, 1916, in Palco. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold C., in 1997.
Survivors include a daughter, Kay Thomas of Denver; a son, Ron of Minooka, Ill.; a sister, Elaine Brin of Plainville; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Palco United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, near Palco.
Memorials may be made to Hays Medical Center Home Health & Hospice, the church or Rooks County Home Healthcare in care of Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, 409 S. Cochran, Plainville 67663.
Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. until the service Wednesday at the church.
Condolences may be sent to www.moore-overlease.com.

22 Nov 2005 The Hays Daily News James L.  "Sam" Strutt
James L. “Sam” Strutt, 75, Morland, died Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005, at the Graham County Hospital, Hill City.  He was born Dec. 26, 1929, in Neosho, Mo., to Carl Andrew and Goldie Inez (Hays) Strutt.  He married Dixie J. Pauley on June 5, 1955, in Woodston. He later married Jolene Strutt. He was a crude-oil transport driver.
Survivors include his wife, Morland; two sons, Keven Strutt, Hoxie, and Kirby Strutt, Morland; three daughters, Kimberley Herman and Karmen Davignon, both of Hill City, and Kari Ketterl, Herndon; one brother, Richard Strutt, Oakley; one sister, Carleta Imel, Shawnee Mission; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Morland United Methodist Church; burial for private family only in Ash Rock Cemetery near Woodston.
Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House, Topeka, St. Judes Hospital and Donors Choice and can be sent in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City, KS 67642.

21 Nov 2005 The Hays Daily News Betty Lou Andreson
Betty Lou Andreson, 80, Plainville, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, at the Rooks County Nursing Home, Plainville.  She was born March 13, 1925, in Florence to James T. and Gladys (Wilson) Ballew. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in home economics.  She married Neal B. Andreson on March 19, 1949, in El Dorado. She taught school in Zurich, Codell and Plainville until her retirement.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; a son, Paul S. Andreson, Pembroke, Mass.; two daughters, Tracey Miles, Hays, and Allison Arnett, Aurora, Colo.; three grandchildren; and on great-granddaughter.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28, at the First Christian Church, Plainville; private family internment will be at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Chapter HB P.E.O. Scholarship Fund, and can be sent in care of the Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, 409 S. Cochran, Plainville, KS 67663. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mooreoverlease.com.

20 Nov 2005 The Hays Daily News Jonathan Joe Thompson
Jonathan Joe Thompson, 9 days old, Nelson, Neb., died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, at Children's Hospital in Omaha.  He was born Nov. 8, 2005, in Omaha to William Thompson and Darcy (Bushnell) Thompson.
Survivors include his parents, Nelson; a brother, Joseph Thompson, Nelson, and grandmothers Linda Thompson, Woodston, and Linda Bushnell, Superior, Neb.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Joey Thompson, and grandfathers James Thompson and Earl Bushnell.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Grant Center Cemetery, Alton.
Memorials are suggested to the family.

18 Nov 2005 The Hays Daily News Edwin H. Wasinger
Edwin H. “Eddie” Wasinger, 83, Hays, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005, at his home.  He was born March 6, 1922, in Hays to Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Wasinger. He graduated from St. Joseph's Military Academy, Hays, and was an Army veteran of World War II.  He married Neolah Becker on May 22, 1954, in Plainville. He was employed by Halliburton for over 30 years of service, retiring in 1986.  He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, St. Joseph's Council 1325 of Knights of Columbus, Bishop Cunningham Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars, all of Hays.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Bob Wasinger and wife, Becky, and Richard Wasinger and wife, Jo Ann, all of Hays; three daughters, Ginny Hammerschmidt and husband, Tom, Salina, and Gena Hammerschmidt and husband, Francis, and Becky Kuhn and husband, Terry, all of Hays; a brother, Felix Wasinger, Hutchinson; three sisters, Lidwina Meyers, Wichita, Fidelia Milham, Salina, and Lucille Werth, Victoria; 20 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a son, Roger Wasinger; a brother, Joe Wasinger; and two sisters, Sr. Marcella Wasinger and Pia Brull.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays; burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, with graveside military honors by Hays V.F.W.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Monday at Brock's North Hill Chapel, 2509 Vine St., Hays.
A Perpetual Eucharist Adorers rosary will be at 4 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 7 p.m., followed by a Knight of Columbus rosary, all on Sunday at the funeral home. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hays Medical Center, Holy Family School, Sisters of St. Agnes, Fond du Lac, Wis., or for Masses

14 Nov 2005 The Hays Daily News Alpha C. Post
Alpha C. Post, 98, Logan, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, at Good Samaritan Health Center, Kearney, Neb.  She was born July 12, 1902, in Graham County to Thomas and Myrtle (Hooper) Ray.  She was married to Earl Post, who preceded her in death. She had been employed as a nurse's aide.
Survivors include five sons, Earl Post, Stockton, Ron Post, Salina, David Post, Peyton, Colo., Thomas Post, Pratt, and Norman Post, Hill City; four daughters, Mary Breese, Logan, Lola Campbell, Dickens, Texas, Barbara Holm, Ness City, and Marilyn Ross, Phillipsburg; a sister, Isadora Lappin, Jetmore; 34 grandchildren; and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ellizabeth Ann Lowry.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. at Logan Christian Church, Logan; burial in Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.
Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, at Logan Funeral Home, Logan.
Memorials are suggested to Logan Christian Church or Logan E.M.S.

9 Nov 2005 Great Bend Tribune (KS) Dale L. Leech 1946-2005
STOCKTON — Dale L. Leech, 59, died Nov. 8 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville. He was born March 13, 1946, in Stockton, the son of Morris F. and Naomi (Cooper) Leech Sr. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1966. He married Marjorie Calvert on Oct. 22, 1977, in Great Bend. They later divorced. A longtime resident of Stockton, he did janitorial work and ran a forklift in Great Bend, and later was a cook and tended bar in Stockton. He worked with the Red Cross in Stockton and had been a resident of Valley View since September 1999.
Leech was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Stockton.
Survivors include one son, Travis Leech of Bonner Springs; one daughter, Robin Lauber of Great Bend; one brother, Morris Leech Jr. of Great Bend; one sister, Kay Seemann of Smith Center; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Gary Lee Leech.
Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Stockton Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Slate officiating. Mr. Leech was cremated. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. Memorials are suggested to the Dale Leech Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.

6 Nov 2005 The Hays Daily News Marjorie Ellen Toll
Marjorie Ellen Toll, 79, WaKeeney, formerly of Morland, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at Lutheran Home, Wakeeney.   She was born March 2, 1926, near Penokee to Charles Lester and Lenna Elizabeth (Green) Keith.  She married Lee Elmer Toll Jan. 22, 1949, in Hill City. He preceded her in death Nov. 5, 1968. She had been a bookkeeper.
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Bellerive, Morland, and Judy Harper, Hill City; two brothers, Howard Keith, Zurich, and Loyd Keith, Morland; three (the article was cut off here)

4 Nov 2005 The Hays Daily News Alberta Frances Davidson
Alberta Frances Davidson, 68, Hondo, Texas, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, at Methodist Hospital, San Antonio, Texas.  She was born Oct. 31, 1936, near Palco to Cecil and Freda (Kroeger) Saunders. She graduated from Palco High School.  She married Donald Davidson on Aug. 31, 1956, in Salina. She was a secretary in the Florence, Ariz., grade school system.
Survivors include her husband, of the home; two sons, Dennis Davidson, Robstown, Texas, and Robert Davidson, Florence; two daughters, Teresa Fischer, Hondo, and Donna Vaughan, Robstown; a brother, Gerald Saunders, Trinity, Texas; two sisters, LaVaughn Davidson, Tucson, Ariz., and Arlene Klamm, Holdrege, Neb.; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services were held Oct. 28, 2005, at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home, Hondo; burial was in Ouihi Cemetery, Ouihi, Texas.

31 Oct 2005 The Salina Journal Paul H. Mayhew
PLAINVILLE — Paul H. Mayhew, 94, Plainville, died Friday, Oct. 28, 2005.  Mr. Mayhew was born Aug. 23, 1911, in Plainville. He worked in the oil field as a cat skinner and roughneck.
Survivors include his wife, June; a son, Gary of Plainville; two daughters, Carol Pywell and Paula Koehler, both of Plainville; two brothers, Howard of Independence, Mo., and Jack of Palco; two sisters, Peggy Tucker of Plainville and Frances Veatch of Palco; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m.Tuesday at Nazarene Church, Plainville. Burial will be in Plainville City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made for the church’s new construction, in care of Plainville Funeral Home, 320 S.W. Second, Plainville 67663.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

31 Oct 2005 The Salina Journal Pearl R. Parks
GOODLAND — Pearl R. Parks, 93, Goodland, died Friday, Oct. 28, 2005.  Mrs. Parks was born Pearl R. South on March 31, 1912, in Webster. She was a retired rancher.
She was preceded in death by a companion, Floyd Bedker.
Survivors include a son, Ivan Parks, of Goodland; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Mountain time Wednesday at Koons Funeral Home Chapel, 211 North Main, Goodland 67935-1555. Burial will be in Goodland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Wallace/Greeley County Health Care Foundation, to be used for a new clinic in Sharon Springs.
Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. Mountain time until the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

30 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Kenneth Gerard Wilkerson
Kenneth Gerard Wilkerson, 47, Zurich, died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, at the Sheridan County Health Complex, Hoxie.  He was born March 21, 1958, to Don and Ann (Feuerborn) Wilkerson.  He was an over-the-road truck driver and worked in the oil field and worked for Stahl Products for the past five and a half years.
Survivors include his parents, Plainville; three brothers, Joe Wilkerson, Catherine, Don Wilkerson, San Diego, and Dave Wilkerson, Plainville; and three sisters, Mary Lang, Hays, and Geri Stahl and Sharon Waggoner, both of Plainville.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Plainville; burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plainville.
Visitation will from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today at Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, Plainville, with a Ladies Guild rosary at 3 p.m., and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at the church, with a parish vigil service at 7 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Kenneth L. Wilkerson Memorial Fund, to be designated later by the family, in care of the chapel.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.moore-overlease.com.

27 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Ronnie L. "RB" Burton
Ronnie L. “RB” Burton, 64, Wichita, formerly of Plainville, died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005.  He was married to Debby Resley. He was a drilling superintendent.
Survivors include his wife, of the home, three daughters, Amy Burton, Teresa Clark and Terry Clark, all of Wichita, his mother, Luella Burton, Plainville; two brothers, Jack Burton, Plainville, and Pat Burton, Burleson, Texas; a sister, Susie Burton, Anchorage, Alaska; and three grandchildren.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Downing and Lahey Mortuary East, Wichita.
Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society, 435 S. Broadway, S-100, Wichita, KS, 67202.

27 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Leroy Harrison
Leroy Harrison, 81, Plainville, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center, Hays.  He was born July 16, 1924, in Plainville to O. E. and Corene (Yohe) Harrison. He was a graduate of Plainville High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II.  He married Verlene Carmichael Feb. 18, 1947, in Hays. He was a farmer and cattleman.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; a daughter, Diane Harris, Hays; two sons, Kirk Harrison, Plainville, and Kim Harrison, Leawood; his mother, Corene Harrison, Plainville; two sisters, Donna Mae Simpson, Plainville, and Lorna Kay Glenn, Hennessey, Okla.; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Harrison, and his father.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church, Plainville; burial in Plainville Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be until 9 p.m. today with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, Plainville, and from noon until the time of the service Friday at the church.
Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church or Good Samaritan Center and may be sent in care of the chapel.

26 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Leroy Harrison
Leroy Harrison, 81, Plainville, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, at Good Samaritan Center, Hays.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church, Plainville; burial in Plainville Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, Plainville, and from noon until the time of the service Friday at the church.

25 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Virginia Rose Thompson
Virginia Rose Thompson, 88, Vancouver, Wash., died Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005, in Vancouver.  She was born Nov. 6, 1916, in Plainville. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include three daughters, Sondra Sue Thompson, Vancouver, Monna Lou Johnson, Camas, Wash., and Rita Jo Link, Longview, Wash.; two brothers, Adolph Toelkes, Costa Mesa, Calif., and Alfred Toelkes, Vancouver; two sisters, Mar Ruth Bachheister, Green Valley, Ariz., and Phyllis Holmes, Portland; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, in 1971.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Battle Ground, Wash.
Memorials are suggested to ARC of Clark County, 9415 NE Fourth Plain Rd., Vancouver, Wash. 98662.

20 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Jack Nelson Buchheister
Jack Nelson Buchheister, 86, Ellis, died Sunday, Oct. 18, 2005, at his residence in Overland Park.  He was born Feb. 28, 1919, on the family farm northwest of Plainville to Henry and Sadie (Sawyer) Buchheister.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. He then worked in the oil fields of Rooks and Ellis Counties until 1961. He was employed by Kansas State University Fort Hays Experimental Station from 1963 to 1983 as an agronomist in the wheat department.  He married Ione G. Homburg on Jan. 1, 1947, in St. John Lutheran Church, Ellis.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, William “Bill” Buchheister, Overland Park, and Philip Buchheister and wife, Toni, The Colony, Texas; a daughter, Wanda “Wendy” Macek and husband, Michael, Overland Park; four grandchildren, Scott Macek and wife, Stephanie, Brian Macek, Chelsea Buchheister and Cy Buchheister.
He was preceded in death by seven brothers, Ernest Buchheister, Marcus Buchheister, Lawrence Buchheister, Lee Buchheister, Chester Buchheister, Dale Buchheister and Donald Buchheister; and four sisters, Armenia Buchheister, Lela Pyke, Zilpha Colahan and Veda Bachman.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. John Lutheran Church, located 7 miles north of Ellis, with Pastor Randy Gibbs and intern Suellen Bahleda officiating; burial in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Wasinger Funeral Chapel, 400 E. 17th St., Ellis.
Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or the organization of the donor's choice.

20 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Gary J. Wilkerson
Gary J. Wilkerson, 60, Zurich, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2005, at his home.  He was born May 10, 1945, in Hays to Earl and Adelaide (Hertlein) Wilkerson. He graduated from Hays High School, served in the U.S. Army and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Plainville.  He married Carolyn Younger on Feb. 27, 1971, in rural Ellis County. He was the owner ad operator of C&G Trucking Co., Zurich, since 1994.
Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Eric Wilkerson and wife, Colleen, Zurich, and Doug Wilkerson, Kearney, Neb.; three brothers, Don Wilkerson and Larry Wilkerson, both of Plainville, and Jim Wilkerson, Zurich; three sisters, Joyce Graves, Payson, Ariz., Charlene Jones, Plainville, and Linda Robben, Palo Cedro, Calif.; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Wesley John Wilkerson, July 5, 1991.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Ann Catholic Church, Zurich, with Father Surmeier officiating; burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, with military honor guard provided by Fort Riley.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today with a 3 p.m. Ladies Guild rosary followed by a 7:30 p.m. parish vigil service at Moore-Overlease Funeral Chapel, Plainville.

17 Oct 2005 The Salina Journal Betty Ruth Jones
RUSSELL — Betty Ruth Jones, 82, Russell, died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005.  Miss Jones was born Aug. 17, 1923, in Palco. She was a registered nurse for Drs. Starkey and Merkel until retirement.
Survivors include a sister, Inez Houpt of Palco.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Pohlman-Heise Memorial Chapel, 610 N. Maple, Russell 67665. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Palco.
Memorials may be made to Russell Regional Hospital, in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. today and 9 a.m. until the service Tuesday at the mortuary.

16 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Casey McPheeters
Casey McPheeters, 26, Colby, died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005, at his home.  He was born Jan. 26, 1979, in Colby to Mac and Jeri McPheeters.
Survivors include his parents, Colby; and a sister Jennifer Cousins, Plainville.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Colby United Methodist Church; burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, Colby.
Memorials are suggested to the Colby United Methodist Church. Donations may be left at any Colby Bank or the chapel.

16 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Floyd "Smokey" Bryan
Floyd “Smokey” Bryan, 83, Oberlin, died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005.  He was born April 30, 1922, in Traer.  He married Elaine Bryan. He was a retired farmer.
Survivors include his wife, Oberlin; a son, Floyd L. Bryan, Farlington; two daughters, Corinne Denton, Topeka, and Susan Renk, Plainville; a sister, Eleanore Demmer, Oberlin; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Pauls Funeral Home; burial in Oberlin Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to service times Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Oberlin Methodist Church or Cedar Living Center.

14 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Charles "Chuck"  Peters
Charles ”Chuck” Peters, 88, Hays, died Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005, at St. John's of Hays Nursing Home.  He was born Jan. 10, 1917, in Utica, NY., to Gordon and Mildred (Penner) Peters. He attended Utica Free Academy in Utica. He was an Army veteran of World War II.  He married Beatrice Girvan on Nov. 9, 1937 in Utica. She preceded him in death on Sept. 24, 1980. In 1946 they moved to Plainville and lived there until 1953. They then moved to Hoxie and in 1956 they moved to Russell until 1961. They moved to Hoisington and lived there from 1961 to 1962 and returned to Russell. He moved to Hays in 1980. He was a retired machinist and a member of the Oak Street A.A.
Survivors include two sons, Tom Peters, Stockton, and Gary Peters, Wichita; a daughter, Barbara Karlin, Hays; a close friend, Kathy Miller, Hays; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kayla Myers.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Brock's North Hill Chapel, 2509 Vine; private burial at a later date in St. Mary Cemetery, Russell.
The family suggests memorials to the Oak Street A.A. or to the Ellis County Cancer Council.

14 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Kayla R. Myers
Kayla R. Myers, 41, Tempe, Ariz., died Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, at her home.  She was born Feb. 27, 1964, in Russell to Thomas H. and Glenda (Weis) Peters. She attended schools in Hays. She performed clerical work.
Survivors include a son, Dakota Bradley, Tempe, Ariz.; her parents, Tom and Dalene Peters, Stockton; three brothers, Mark Higgins, Hays, Kirk Peters, Stockton, and Tony Shepard, Bay City, Fla.; and two sisters, Deann Osborne, Tucson, Ariz., and Keisha “Kim” Bailey, Mesa, Ariz.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Glenda Love.
Memorial services were Oct. 4 at Living Bible Church in Mesa, Ariz.; private burial will be at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to her son, in care of Tom and Dalene Peters, 410 S. Second, Stockton, KS, 67669.

10 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Tera Marie Augustine
Tera Marie Augustine, 30, Perryton, Texas, died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005.  She was born March 28, 1975, in Hays. She was a graduate of Plainville High School.
Survivors include her father and stepmother, Richard and Sandy Augustine, Canadian, Texas; her mother and stepfather, Mary and David McCoy, Perryton, Texas; two brothers, Craig A. Augustine, Plainville, and Clint Augustine, Bentonville, Ark.; three stepbrothers, Wesley Curbo, Canadian, Wyatt Curbo, Dumas, Texas, and Derrick McCoy, Oklahoma City; two stepsisters, Lana Green, Canadian, and Christy Clausen, Oklahoma City; and grandparent, Francis J. Haas, Garden City.
She was preceded in death by grandparents, Rose M. Haas, Philip J. Augustine and Clara Augustine.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Perryton; burial in Ochiltree Cemetery.
There will be a vigil at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, Perryton.
Memorials are suggested to Panhandle Community Services, 22 SE Sixth, Perryton, TX, 79070, or the Perryton Ministerial Alliance.

6 Oct 2005 Kansas City Star (MO) Alphonse Wilfred "Al" DesMarteau Jr.
Al W. Des Marteau, Jr., 84, passed away October 2, 2005, due to complications associated with Alzheimer's. Al was born May 24, 1921 in Zurich, KS, to Al Sr., and Evelyn (Thibault) Des Marteau. He was a graduate of Maur Hill High School in Atchison, KS. He was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps serving in India during WWII. Al graduated from Rockhurst College in a special accelerated program before going to Harvard Business School where he received his Masters in Business in the famous and nationally recognized graduating class of 1949. He was a rancher and cattleman in Colorado and Western Kansas before moving back to the Kansas City area in 1952. He worked for the Kansas City Mortgage Co., where he was personally responsible for doing the financing for many of Kansas City's early shopping malls including the Blue Ridge Mall. Al left in 1961 to found the Des Marteau Investment Company where he served as president. The company specialized in home mortgages before expanding in 1965 to home building and Real Estate Development. Al built many houses in the Kansas City area but was best known for the Greenfield Village Townhouse Development in Grandview, MO, that he developed and built. He was a member of the National Mortgage Bankers Association and the home builders Association. He was a practicing member of Coronation Catholic Church in Grandview, MO. Golf was a very special part of Al's life that he and his wife, Maxine shared both together and with family and friends. He was proud of the four hole-in-ones he scored. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Patricia Glennon of Denver, CO, and Betty Stanley of Syracuse, KS. Al is survived by his wife, Maxine Des Marteau; brother, Robert C. Des Marteau of Wichita, KS and wife Marigene; 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren; Janice Lea Klein and her children, Zachary William, Jessica Brittain, Thomas Larkin, Patrick Desmond; Robert Stephen Butts and wife, Lisa, and their children, Brandon William, Cassidy Elisabeth; P. Gregory Des Marteau and wife, Donna Louise, and their children, Jean-Paul, Philip Andre, Jaenae Lousie Egersett and husband Scott, Danielle Marie Coates and husband Mathew, Marcel Henri, Genevieve Rose, Francois Alphonse; Al W. Des Marteau III and wife, Denise; James Christopher Des Marteau, and children, Benjamin Michael Connole, Jeanette Christine, Bernadette Evelyn, Collette Marie Cruis and husband Jason, and children, Jason Michael Jr., Tyler James; Denise Marie Des Marteau Burton and husband, Michael, and their children Michael Cassidy, Margaret Kathleen, Carly Marie. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 7, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, with a 7:30 p.m. Prayer service at the funeral home. There will be a memorial Mass said 2 p.m. Friday, October 7, at Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church, 13000 Bennington, Grandview, MO. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, 3846 W. 75th., Prairie Village, KS 66208. (Arr; Mt. Moriah & Freeman chapel, 816942-2004)

6 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Vernie R. Rolfe
Vernie R. Rolfe, 91, Wichita, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at College Hill Rehabilitation Center, Wichita.  He was born Feb. 3, 1914, in Codell. He graduated in 1935 from Codell High School where he played sports all four years.  He was a retired Boeing engineer at Wichita, Everett, Renton and Seattle plants. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, archery, water skiing and boating, and won many trophies competing at archery tournaments in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia “Virgie” (Meier) Rolfe; a son, Ronald Rolfe, and spouse, Sue, Wichita, grandson, Donald Rolfe, Rogers, Ariz.; granddaughter and spouse, Lori and Terry Clotfelter, Lucama, N.C.; and great-grandson, Michael Rolfe, Centerton, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Rolfe, his mother, Cecil (Bice) Marlow, a brother, Fay Rolfe, and a son, Gary F. Rolfe.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.
A rosary will be at 7 p.m. today at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West Service, Wichita.
Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer' s Association, Wichita.

5 Oct 2005 The Star of Grand Coulee (Wa.) Dorothy M. Thompson
Dorothy M. Thompson, 83, entered into rest on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2005, in Tonasket. Her home was in Coulee Dam. She was born on August 26, 1922, in Damar, Kan., to Louis and Louise (Bedard) Dugas.  She was a member of St. Henry's Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Joan Bargen and Bill of Omak; three sons: Steven Thompson and Esther of Norton, Kansas, Dennis Thompson and Rita of Beloit, Kan., and Patrick Thompson and Cathy of Naches, Wash.; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Henry's Catholic Church. Father Robert Himes will officiate. Concluding services and interment will follow at Spring Canyon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation. Strate Funeral Home, Grand Coulee, is in charge of arrangements.

5 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Anglea M. Menard
Angela M. Menard, 79, Kinsley, died Monday, Oct. 3, 2005, at St. Frances Harry Hynes Hospice Center.  She was born Aug. 24, 1926, in Damar to William and Rosa (Hebert) St. Peter.  She married Ambrose F. Menard on Dec. 16, 1943, in Damar. He died March 9. 1997. She was a retired nurse's aide.
Survivors include six sons, Richard Menard, Steve Menard and Raymond Menard, all of Kinsley, Larry Menard, Manhattan, Terry Menard, Wichita, and Gerard Menard, Highlands Ranch, Colo.; three daughters, Deanna Yantiss, Wichita, Cathy Woolard, Lewis, and Debbie Stefek, Ellsworth; a brother, Urban St. Peter, Wichita; two sisters, Genevieve Burton, Hays, and Theresa Winters, Wichita; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Kinsley; burial in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be until 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Thursday at McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, Kinsley, and a vigil service will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Memorials are suggested to St. Nicholas Endowment Fund or Harry Hynes Hospice Center in care of the funeral home.

4 Oct 2005 The Hays Daily News Roberta "Bert" Casey
Roberta “Bert” Casey, 58, Colby, died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2005, at Citizens Medical Center.  She was born May 21, 1947, in Sheridan County. She was a surgery technician for Citizen's Medical Center.
Survivors include a son, Jon E. Casey, Gardner; a daughter, Julie A. Miller, Damar; three brothers, Victor Bielser, Hoxie, Roy Bielser, Colby, and David Bielser, Schoenchen; two sisters, Ruth Ann Graefe, Moline, and Lois Ryan, Kearney, Neb.; and six grandchildren.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Colby United Methodist Church; private graveside services prior to the memorial service at the Brewster Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, Colby.
Memorials are suggested to Pioneer Memorial Library in Colby in care of the funeral home or any Colby bank.

30 Sep 2005 The Hays Daily News Viola Pauline Erbert
Viola Pauline Erbert, 82, Oakley, died Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, at the Gove County Medical Center, Quinter.  She was born Oct. 31, 1922, in Ellis to John and Anna (Gaschler) Erbert. She was a housekeeper.
Survivors include a brother, Frank Erbert, Palco; and two sisters, Caroline Niernberger, Hays, and Doris Westhusin, Victoria.
Services will be at 10 a.m Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oakley; burial in the St. Mary Cemetery, Ellis.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, Oakley. A rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, Oakley.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph School.

26 Sep 2005 The Hays Daily News Jesse Dean Hulse
Jesse Dean Hulse, 92, Stockton, died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, at the Solomon Valley Manor.  He was born Oct. 20, 1912, in rural Stockton to Jesse and Lila Mae (Fetterolf) Hulse. He worked for area farmers.
Survivors include two sisters, Edna Johnson, Stockton, and Evelyn Tegarden, Great Bend.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Smith-Moore-Overlease Funeral Home, Stockton; burial in Mount Vernon Cemetery near Stockton.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Solomon Valley Manor.

25 Sep 2005 Greeley Tribune (Greeley, Co.) Doris Harriett Gish
Doris Harriett Gish, 89, of Greeley, formerly of Fort Morgan, died Thursday, Sept. 22, at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado inpatient unit in Greeley.  She was born Sept. 7, 1916, in Palco, Kan., to Harry R. and Bertha Alice (Nead) Gustafson. She was the second child of four sisters and a brother. Her parents were farmers in the Greeley-Eaton area and lived in Galeton, where she went to high school.  On June 13, 1936, she married Arval Gish in Littleton. In 1958, they moved to Libya, Africa, and lived there 4 1/2 years while Mr. Gish worked for ESSO Oil.  Mrs. Gish lived in Fort Morgan for 30 years, moving there from Gillette, Wyo. She became a licensed practical nurse in 1957. She worked in hospitals in Hayes, Kan., Brush and Fort Morgan and worked at Valley View Villa in Fort Morgan for 11 years.  Mrs. Gish was a member of the LPN Association, Daughters of the American Revolution and First Baptist Church of Fort Morgan.
Survivors are two daughters, Ila DuBois and husband Dean of Greeley and Illene Brodeck of Appleton, Wis.; four grandchildren, Chris Dubois and wife Nancy of Fairbanks, Alaska, Shelly Hottell of Ault and Paula Goss and husband Randy of Sterling; and two great-grandchildren, Lynett Hottell of Fort Lupton and Ashley Mullennix of