Obituaries

Jul 22, 2024

Laurene’s life began on July 22, 1932, in McPherson, KS. She was the daughter of Leith and Ruth (Thompson) Crilly. Laurene graduated from Galva High School in 1950. She was united in marriage to Virgil E. Schlesener on November 2, 1952, in Galva.

Laurene was a top salesperson for Avon Products for over 40 years. She and her husband were also...

Jul 20, 2024

Don’s life began on February 8, 1960, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Schneider) Entz in Newton, Kansas. He graduated from Remington High Class of 1978. Upon graduation, he worked on the family farm near Whitewater. He later relocated to Mt. Pleasant, Texas, where he worked for Big Tex Trailer Manufacturing, retiring from there in 2022. 

On October 6, 2001, he...

Jul 20, 2024

William “Bill” O’Neil passed away on Saturday July 20, 2024. He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Connie, he had two daughters; Robin Cowen and Beth Ann Vasquez, and two bonus children; C. J. Alanis and Phillip Magdolen, seven grandchildren; Corey Cowen, Philip Vasquez, Natalie Vasquez, Stephanine Alanis, Mathew Alanis, Vincint Magdolen, and Airabella Magdolen, and two great...

Jul 19, 2024

Robert’s life began on February 5, 1938, in Lost Springs, KS. He was the son of John L. and Josephine (Hensley) Neuwirth. Robert attended Lost Springs school and farmed nearly his entire life. He also served his country in the United States Army Reserve from 1960 until 1966 as a cook, along with several other area reservists. Robert was united...

Jul 17, 2024

Judith (Judy) Ann (Hendrickson) Berg was born on January 24, 1941 in Ransom, Kansas to Earl Jennings and Fern Valda (Hamit) Hendrickson. She was the oldest of six children, Elizabeth, Earlene Valda Williams, Shirley Mae Peterson, James (Jim) Peter and Earl Jay Hendrickson. They grew up on a farm south of WaKeeney in Trego County where they raised crops and...

Jul 17, 2024

Criss’s life began on September 20, 1952, in Council Grove. She was the daughter of Ross and Rosetta (Sorenson) Girton. Criss was united in marriage to James C. Middleton on June 4, 1971, at the First Baptist Church in Herington.

 She worked boarding animals and pet hotels, so she could live out her love for animals. Criss was a member of...

Jul 15, 2024

Scott’s life began on May 5, 1958 in Kingman. He was the son of Gerald and Phyllis ( Barton) Sheahan. Scott was attended school at Trinity Catholic School and Hutchison High School. He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad from 1981 until his retirement in 2018. He was a member of the railroad union, enjoyed riding motorcycles when he was...

Jul 14, 2024

Barbara Lou (Wiens) Smalley was born June 9, 1936, and passed away on July 14, 2024, at the age of 88.

She was born in Whitewater, Kansas, to Gilbert David Wiens and Eunice Adelia (Hash) Wiens. Born the fourth of eleven children, family was always important to Barb. She attended school in Whitewater and graduated in 1954. After graduation she worked...

Jul 14, 2024

Mervin’s life began on September 20, 1935, in Lost Springs. He was the son of Ortwin and Hannah (Bernhardt) Deines.

 Mervin was united in marriage to Leona Warns on April 20, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran- Lyons Creek Church. He was a welder by trade and long-time area farmer. Mervin was an avid Royals, Chiefs and K-State fan. When he was...

Jul 14, 2024

Buck’s life began on October 25, 1949, at Fort Ticonderoga, New York. He was the son of Gordon Percy O’Dell and Jean Mae (Supry) O’Dell.

 Buck enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 after permission from his dad at the age of 17. He spent the next twenty years serving his country and retired as a Sergent First Class. While...

Jul 3, 2024

Patricia (Patty) Ray Longhofer was born on April 28,1943 in Wichita KS to Raymond & Patricia Longofer. She attended Marion schools through her graduation from MHS in 1961. She then attended Emporia State Teachers College for 2 years. On August 24, 1963 she married Richard (Dick) McLinden of rural Florence. She helped on the ranch until 1970 when she began...

Jun 27, 2024

Michael “Buco” Kent Coats, beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, passed away at his home on June 27, 2024. He was 60 years old.Born on September 17, 1963, Michael was a hard-working man who dedicated 33 years of his life as a pipe fitter at Oxychem/Vulcan. Michael was known for his strong work ethic and his dedication...

Jun 25, 2024

Milly’s life began on August 6, 1929, in Abilene, KS. She was the daughter of Clinton Willet and Cora Leona (Comer) Emig. Milly was a 1947 graduate of Abilene High School and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in her early years. She worked as Administrative Assistant of Student Services at University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. After retirement,...

Jun 20, 2024

Travis’ life began on November 18, 1982, in Newton. He was the son of Jaymes Lee Flasschoen and Cyndi Dee (Newfield) Easterberg. Travis was a 2001 graduate of Peabody-Burns High School. While in school, Travis played trombone in the band, playing baseball and was a member of the swim team. After graduation, Travis took a job with Artisan Fabrication in...

Jun 19, 2024

Jared’s life began on March 24, 1986, in Herington, KS. He was the son of Thomas Vaughn and Lori (Herpich) Hughes. Jared attended Herington High School before entering the United States Army. He served his country as an Army Medic attached to the 1-10 Calvary. Jared’s loving family includes his mother Lori (Art) Hughes of Wichita, companion and daughter Tiara...

Jun 19, 2024

Cathy’s life began on January 22, 1949, in Herington. She was the daughter of Andrew John and Thelma Marie (Clore) Biehler. Cathy was a 1967 graduate of Herington High School and briefly attended beauty school. She was a professional seamstress, working for stores such as Kern’s Men’s Shop, and Henry’s Department Stores. Cathy is survived by her sister Carol (Marvin)...

Jun 14, 2024

Glenda’s life began on December 4, 1946 in Watonga, OK. She was the daughter of Glen C. and Wanda Mary (McQuilliams) Lake. Glenda attended both Wichita State and Pittsburg State University. She was united in marriage to Ernest “Bill” W. Reynolds on January 29, 1965, in Wichita. Glenda retired from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services after 25...

Jun 14, 2024

 

 Virginia Louise Watson McCoy departed this life on June 14, 2024, at the hospital in Newton, Kansas, following a brief illness. 

Virginia was born on October 15, 1932, in West Mineral, Kansas, to Frank Watson and Mary Wilcox Watson. Virginia was the youngest of four children. At the age of five, following the deaths of her parents, Virginia was adopted by...

Jun 12, 2024

Lois’ life began on December 11, 1928, in Whitewater. She was the daughter of William Leroy and Gracie Bernice (Bailey) Spratt. Lois was a 1946 graduate of Whitewater High School. After school, Lois worked as a telephone operator for Whitewater and later worked as the office manager of the Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. She was a member of the Trinity...

Jun 11, 2024