Obituaries

Jul 15, 2021

Dona “Jane” was born on April 10, 1933, the daughter of Dwight Custer and Mable Pearl (Jones) Stevens in Satanta, Kansas. She graduated from Florence High Class of 1951 and married Earl Russell Mann on June 23, 1951, in the Florence United Methodist Church. Jane was vice president of a jewelry company based in Chicago. She enjoyed designing jewelry for...

Jul 13, 2021

Ruth Heiser, a devoted wife and mother, passed away July 13th, 2021, at Salem Home at the age of 94.

Ruth was born February 4th, 1927, to Adolph and Lydia Skibbe in Marion, KS. She attended grade school at Kreutzinger School House and graduated from Marion High School. Ruth married Charles September 1, 1949, at Strassburg Baptist Church, and they...

Jul 10, 2021

Virginia Yates Brunner, 93, of Herington, KS, passed away on July 10, 2021.  Virginia was born on November 27, 1927 in Herington, Kansas to Bernie Allon Yates and Esther Wilhilmina Martha Yates.  Her father came to Herington from the Shenandoah area of Virginia, working on the railroad, and ended up in Herington, KS, where he became an engineer on the...

Jul 8, 2021

Wanda Louise (Herzet) Carr passed away on Thursday July 8, 2021 at the age of 97. She was born on October 18, 1923 in rural Marion County.  Wanda was the daughter of Fred A. and Dixie Louise (Fox) Herzet. She grew up on a farm with her 4 brothers and 2 sisters. She attended a country school and graduated from...

Jul 8, 2021

Willis’ life began on February 11, 1941, in the Hillsboro Hospital.  He was the son of Curtis R. and Winifred (Nansen) Peterson.  Willis was in the first graduating class of Centre High School (1959). He played football and was in the band.  He continued his education at Kansas State University where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity...

Jul 8, 2021

Linda Louise (Ayers) Foster, 65, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2021 after a long battle of COPD and lung cancer. Linda was born on September 27, 1955 to William Carson and Thelma Rose  Ayres in Arkansas. As a child, she excelled in many sports, especially basketball. After graduating from Hill City, Kansas High School in 1973...

Jul 5, 2021

Helen’s life began on July 31, 1932, in Herington.  She was the daughter of Henry and Lydia (Peil) Ruppel.  Helen was a 1950 graduate of Herington High School.  She was united in marriage to Walter William “Bill” Utech, Jr. on August 26, 1951, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Herington.  Helen was a farm wife and homemaker.  She was a...

Jul 1, 2021

Gale’s life began on February 15, 1952, in Winfield.  He was the son of Millard and Laura (Parks) Shipman.  Gale is a graduate of Howard High School and attended both Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University, where he was a member of the ROTC.  He was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Penner on May 20, 1975, in...

Jul 1, 2021

Tracy’s life began on May 31, 1966, in Marion.  He was the son of Lyndon and Neva (Kelsey) Hett.  Tracy was baptized at the Aulne Church in high school. He is a 1984 graduate of Marion High School.  Tracy was united in marriage to Geraldine Bresson on March 16, 1996, in Las Vegas.  He worked with his dad for 11...

Jun 30, 2021

Scott’s life began on July 7, 1968, in Charleston, SC.  He was the son of the late Lynn Carter and Cathy (Gerry) Henderson.  Scott is a graduate of El Dorado High School and received his Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Education from Emporia State University.  Scott served as the Superintendent of Schools in Herington KS, Kingman KS, Queets WA, and...

Jun 26, 2021

Joyce’s life began on June 28, 1933, the daughter of Raymond and Thelma (Hinnen) Vogelman in Newton, Kansas. She attended Westpoint one room schoolhouse near the family farm in Potwin, Kansas. She graduated from Potwin High, Class of 1951. Her working career started at the Potwin State Bank and later managed her family farm. She was an Assistant Director for...

Jun 26, 2021

On Saturday June 26, 2021, Carolyn Kay Spencer entered Heaven’s Gate.  She was born Carolyn Kay Shipman on February 15, 1944.  Carolyn was the daughter of Orris and Audine (Arnold) Shipman.  She was a 1962 graduate of Florence High School.  She was united in marriage 59 years ago to Edmond Spencer on May 24, 1962.  Carolyn, Edmond and their family...

Jun 26, 2021

MD’s life began on April 7, 1944, the son of Maurice Dean and Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Shields in Shattuck, Oklahoma. He attended Whitewater schools. MD was a member of the Federated Church, enjoyed facts and history about Kansas, maps, puzzles and collecting miniature horse figurines. His loving family includes his brother and his wife, Randy and Jocelyn Shields of Potwin;...

Jun 22, 2021

Joyce's life began on September 7th, 1941, in Herington.  She was the daughter of Bernard and Gloy (Shipley) Woosley.  Joyce was a 1959 graduate of Herington High School and attended St. John's Catholic School through 8th grade.  Joyce worked as a baker for Mastan’s Bakery and Catlin’s IGA in Herington and the Hays House in Council Grove before retiring from...

Jun 19, 2021

Alfred’s life began on March 6, 1950, in Herington.  He was the son of Donald L. and Ina B. (Swanson) Miller.  Alfred was a graduate of Center High School and served his country in the United States Army.  He was a valued employee for over 38 years at Custom Metal Fabricators (CMF) in Herington as a welder.  Alfred never had a...

Jun 17, 2021

Bud Smithson’s life began on September 30, 1949, in Junction City, the son of Wayne Garvin and Marvella (Burns) Smithson. He grew up on his family farm near Delavan, Kansas, and graduated from Wilsey High School in 1967. On February 20, 1970, Bud was united in marriage to Roxie Bruckner of Delavan. In 1967, Bud began his career as a...

Jun 15, 2021

Jun 12, 2021

David’s life began on January 13, 1962 in Marion.  He was the son of Elred “Bud” Zeiner and Flora (Hoemer) Martin and step father Richard Martin.   He was united in marriage to the former Mary Nault on September 10, 2006 in Herington.  David was a “Jack of all Trades”.  He worked in the oil fields as a young man and...

Jun 9, 2021

Tom’s life began on February 10, 1939, in Marion.  He was the son of Wes and Esther (Sampson) Buford.  Tom attended Marion schools and worked odd jobs around the area.  He was a long-time resident of St. Luke’s Living Center and enjoyed the staff who became his family.  He was cared for by his cousin Eva Smith Grentz and survived...

Jun 8, 2021

Shirley’s life began on October 27, 1935, in Herington.  She is the daughter of Harry and Elsie (Brockmeier) Schlesener.  Shirley is a 1953 graduate of Herington High School and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School.  She was united in marriage to Keith D. Longabaugh on June 14, 1953, at St. Paul’s Church.  Along with being an active member of the church,...