Richard C. Laws, age 73, of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at his home in Abilene. He was born July 3, 1948 in Junction City, Kansas the son of Charles and Genevieve (Adolph) Laws. Dick was a United States Air Force veteran. He worked for Vacu-Blast and Abrassive Blast both in Abilene and also for ABB in Enterprise. He was a member of the Abilene Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge both in Abilene and the American Legion in Junction City. Dick is survived by his nephew Darrin Walton of Florida. He was preceded in death by his Parents, and sister Patricia Walton. Services for Dick will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the Abilene Cemetery with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faithfull Friends Memorial Garden’s Pet Cemetery near Solomon and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 674410.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard C. Laws, age 73, of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at his home in Abilene. He was born July 3, 1948 in Junction City, Kansas the son of Charles and Genevieve (Adolph) Laws. Dick was a United States Air Force veteran. He worked for Vacu-Blast and Abrassive Blast both in Abilene and also for ABB in Enterprise. He was a member of the Abilene Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge both in Abilene and the American Legion in Junction City. Dick is survived by his nephew Darrin Walton of Florida. He was preceded in death by his Parents, and sister Patricia Walton. Services for Dick will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the Abilene Cemetery with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faithfull Friends Memorial Garden’s Pet Cemetery near Solomon and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 674410.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard C. Laws

Brian Sandford Spooner, Sr., of Manhattan, Kansas departed this world on June 4, 2022, at the age of 84 after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, who already miss him more than anything. Brian was a husband, father, grandfather, and passionate researcher. He recently retired from Kansas State University after 51 years, during which time he was named a University Distinguished Professor, as well as served as the Director of the Division of Biology and Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. He was awarded the title of Dean Emeritus in Spring 2022. Born on December 27, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri, Brian was the eldest of six siblings, who affectionately called him “Sandy.” His father was drafted into World War II when he was in elementary school, and he vividly remembered taking over as the “man of the house” in his absence. This caretaker role was exemplified throughout his extraordinary life. He was a talented athlete and parlayed that talent into a scholarship to Quincy College (now Quincy University), becoming the first person in his family to attend university. He was a touch rambunctious in his youth, but while at school he met a young woman named Mary-Rita Sloan, who inspired him to get serious about his studies and this changed the trajectory of his life. Brian and Mary-Rita were married in August 1963, and at the time of his death, were preparing to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary. Soon after Brian graduated from Quincy College, he decided to pursue a higher degree, receiving his Ph.D. in cellular and developmental biology from Temple University in 1969. During this period, Brian and Mary-Rita welcomed their first two children, Brian Jr. (born in 1965) and Beth (born in 1968), and began a period of family life as they traveled for Brian’s studies. They went from Illinois to Philadelphia and then to the University of Washington in Seattle and then to Stanford, California, where he completed his postdoctoral fellowships in developmental biology and embryology. He arrived at Kansas State University in 1971, and loved teaching, bench research and finding ways to move the Division of Biology forward. He was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award in 1991 and the Outstanding Department Head Award in 1997. He was named a University Distinguished Professor in 1999, K-State’s highest career academic title. During his time at K-State, he taught courses from introductory to graduate levels, and advised undergraduate students. He served on numerous scientific editorial boards, peer review panels and study sessions for NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His research was focused on the fundamental understanding of the behavior of cells and cell populations, which produce organs and organ systems during embryonic development. He even transitioned some of his research to outer space, with his experiments flying on 18 space shuttle missions, where his work focused on the long-term effects of space on the human body. During this time, he was invited to participate in several aspects of astronaut training, including riding on the KC-135 airplane, also known as “The Vomit Comet.” The home videos from that experience not only showcased his incredible strength and sense of adventure, but also provided the best show and tell for his kids at school! In the 1980s, Brian and Mary-Rita decided to expand their family, adding Megan (born in 1982) and Matthew (born in 1984). One of Brian’s top priorities was being present for his children. He coached t-ball teams, always showed up in the pickup line after school, and with his younger kids, let them come to his office and lab, where they became pseudo mascots for his research team. There truly was not a better father in the world, and while his family is sure others will argue their dads were just as great, we respectfully disagree. There simply was not a better dad than Brian Spooner. From long weekends at Council Grove Lake (his favorite place) fishing, boating, and hiking, to every recreational, high school or even intramural sports game, Brian showed up. That’s who he was. He was a man who showed up for people. Brian believed deeply in science and education. Raising his kids in Kansas gave him many opportunities to share about his beliefs and teach his kids how to stand up for others, even when you’re in the minority. He was always actively working to learn and accept others who were different from himself. In high school, when his all-White basketball team was integrated, he refused to eat at diners on the road that wouldn’t allow his Black teammates to enter. Instead, he sat on the bus with them. Brian believed in climate change and participated in the March for Science on K-State’s campus just a few short years ago. He was heartbroken by gun violence and believed strongly in the Black Lives Matter movement. He also was a strong ally to the LGBT+ community, supporting not only students, but his grandchildren who identify as a part of that community. He protested at the Kansas Statehouse for more funding for higher education and while he hated politics, he worked hard at the administrative level at K-State to make it a more inclusive community for all, increasing the number of graduate students and post docs that were female by more than triple in his time as Department Head. As a life-long Catholic, he was an example of how science and faith can not only coincide but complement each other. His wonder of the world around him is what cemented his faith. Brian loved sports and spent many hours during his cancer journey tuned into ESPN and NBA games. Until his cancer diagnosis in 2016, he still played basketball at noon daily at Ahearn Fieldhouse, a tradition throughout his years at K-State. Brian had a fade away three-point jump shot that was something of extreme beauty…and he knew it! In his later years, as he knees grew weak after years of abuse on the basketball court, he began running, doing 5Ks with his grandkids and children. He ran several 5K Fourth of July midnight runs in Clearwater, Florida where he achieved a 1st or 2nd place finish each time in his age division. His number one piece of advice when one of his kids was having a bad day was “eat a banana and go for a run.” And even though we hated that advice, it always did seem to work. Brian’s life was saved in 2016 by a clinical trial at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. After his initial diagnosis, he was given no more than 6 months to live, but he was approved as the first patient on an immunotherapy clinical trial, which was a complete miracle. He was in treatment for two years, and then lived almost three years cancer free, before a reoccurrence in the spring of 2021. His family is so grateful for the extra time we were able to spend with Brian, especially for his younger grandchildren who were able to know him. Brian had eight grandchildren, and he loved them dearly. He was hands-on with them, attending sports games (even getting thrown out of a game for being too rowdy when a poor referee wouldn’t stop making calls on his grandsons), shooting hoops, taking them on boat rides along with tubing and skiing at the lake and reading with them. All of his grandchildren carry a piece of him, and we are so thankful for the time we have had together. Brian fought cancer long and hard, and even when his body was in misery, he always worried more about others than himself. We will miss his passionate speeches, Star Trek marathons and long walks outside in deep conversation. We will miss his wisdom and compassion. We will miss every hug, kiss, fist bump and word of kindness that he threw our way when he was here. His life touched so many people, it’s impossible to summarize in words (as you can tell from this very long obituary). Brian is survived by his wife and the love of his life Mary-Rita Spooner, and his four children: Brian Sandford (Jeanie) Spooner, Jr. of Quincy, Illinois, Beth Ann (Doug) Logsdon and Megan Sloan (Trent) Peters of Overland Park, Kansas, and Matthew Sloan Spooner of Manhattan, Kansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Zachary Spooner, Jacob Spooner, Eleanor Spooner, Tyler Logsdon, Dylan Logsdon, Sloan Logsdon, Halo Peters and Tate Peters. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Sharon Mattera, Dennis Spooner, Kevin Spooner and Guy Spooner. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dottie Spooner, and his sister, Sydney “Timmie” Spooner. To hear more of Brian’s life story, you can listen to his interview with Storycorps, which is archived in the Library of Congress or can be found here: https://anchor.fm/megan-peters/episodes/Episode-8---StoryCorps-and-My-Dad-e2i60v/a-a6bskj. You can also listen on most podcast apps by searching for “Never Not Grateful” episode 8 titled “StoryCorps and my Dad.” A Memorial Service is being planned for late July. Services will be announced by the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Brian’s name to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brian Sandford Spooner, Sr., of Manhattan, Kansas departed this world on June 4, 2022, at the age of 84 after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, who already miss him more than anything. Brian was a husband, father, grandfather, and passionate researcher. He recently retired from Kansas State University after 51 years, during which time he was named a University Distinguished Professor, as well as served as the Director of the Division of Biology and Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. He was awarded the title of Dean Emeritus in Spring 2022. Born on December 27, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri, Brian was the eldest of six siblings, who affectionately called him “Sandy.” His father was drafted into World War II when he was in elementary school, and he vividly remembered taking over as the “man of the house” in his absence. This caretaker role was exemplified throughout his extraordinary life. He was a talented athlete and parlayed that talent into a scholarship to Quincy College (now Quincy University), becoming the first person in his family to attend university. He was a touch rambunctious in his youth, but while at school he met a young woman named Mary-Rita Sloan, who inspired him to get serious about his studies and this changed the trajectory of his life. Brian and Mary-Rita were married in August 1963, and at the time of his death, were preparing to celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary. Soon after Brian graduated from Quincy College, he decided to pursue a higher degree, receiving his Ph.D. in cellular and developmental biology from Temple University in 1969. During this period, Brian and Mary-Rita welcomed their first two children, Brian Jr. (born in 1965) and Beth (born in 1968), and began a period of family life as they traveled for Brian’s studies. They went from Illinois to Philadelphia and then to the University of Washington in Seattle and then to Stanford, California, where he completed his postdoctoral fellowships in developmental biology and embryology. He arrived at Kansas State University in 1971, and loved teaching, bench research and finding ways to move the Division of Biology forward. He was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award in 1991 and the Outstanding Department Head Award in 1997. He was named a University Distinguished Professor in 1999, K-State’s highest career academic title. During his time at K-State, he taught courses from introductory to graduate levels, and advised undergraduate students. He served on numerous scientific editorial boards, peer review panels and study sessions for NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). His research was focused on the fundamental understanding of the behavior of cells and cell populations, which produce organs and organ systems during embryonic development. He even transitioned some of his research to outer space, with his experiments flying on 18 space shuttle missions, where his work focused on the long-term effects of space on the human body. During this time, he was invited to participate in several aspects of astronaut training, including riding on the KC-135 airplane, also known as “The Vomit Comet.” The home videos from that experience not only showcased his incredible strength and sense of adventure, but also provided the best show and tell for his kids at school! In the 1980s, Brian and Mary-Rita decided to expand their family, adding Megan (born in 1982) and Matthew (born in 1984). One of Brian’s top priorities was being present for his children. He coached t-ball teams, always showed up in the pickup line after school, and with his younger kids, let them come to his office and lab, where they became pseudo mascots for his research team. There truly was not a better father in the world, and while his family is sure others will argue their dads were just as great, we respectfully disagree. There simply was not a better dad than Brian Spooner. From long weekends at Council Grove Lake (his favorite place) fishing, boating, and hiking, to every recreational, high school or even intramural sports game, Brian showed up. That’s who he was. He was a man who showed up for people. Brian believed deeply in science and education. Raising his kids in Kansas gave him many opportunities to share about his beliefs and teach his kids how to stand up for others, even when you’re in the minority. He was always actively working to learn and accept others who were different from himself. In high school, when his all-White basketball team was integrated, he refused to eat at diners on the road that wouldn’t allow his Black teammates to enter. Instead, he sat on the bus with them. Brian believed in climate change and participated in the March for Science on K-State’s campus just a few short years ago. He was heartbroken by gun violence and believed strongly in the Black Lives Matter movement. He also was a strong ally to the LGBT+ community, supporting not only students, but his grandchildren who identify as a part of that community. He protested at the Kansas Statehouse for more funding for higher education and while he hated politics, he worked hard at the administrative level at K-State to make it a more inclusive community for all, increasing the number of graduate students and post docs that were female by more than triple in his time as Department Head. As a life-long Catholic, he was an example of how science and faith can not only coincide but complement each other. His wonder of the world around him is what cemented his faith. Brian loved sports and spent many hours during his cancer journey tuned into ESPN and NBA games. Until his cancer diagnosis in 2016, he still played basketball at noon daily at Ahearn Fieldhouse, a tradition throughout his years at K-State. Brian had a fade away three-point jump shot that was something of extreme beauty…and he knew it! In his later years, as he knees grew weak after years of abuse on the basketball court, he began running, doing 5Ks with his grandkids and children. He ran several 5K Fourth of July midnight runs in Clearwater, Florida where he achieved a 1st or 2nd place finish each time in his age division. His number one piece of advice when one of his kids was having a bad day was “eat a banana and go for a run.” And even though we hated that advice, it always did seem to work. Brian’s life was saved in 2016 by a clinical trial at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. After his initial diagnosis, he was given no more than 6 months to live, but he was approved as the first patient on an immunotherapy clinical trial, which was a complete miracle. He was in treatment for two years, and then lived almost three years cancer free, before a reoccurrence in the spring of 2021. His family is so grateful for the extra time we were able to spend with Brian, especially for his younger grandchildren who were able to know him. Brian had eight grandchildren, and he loved them dearly. He was hands-on with them, attending sports games (even getting thrown out of a game for being too rowdy when a poor referee wouldn’t stop making calls on his grandsons), shooting hoops, taking them on boat rides along with tubing and skiing at the lake and reading with them. All of his grandchildren carry a piece of him, and we are so thankful for the time we have had together. Brian fought cancer long and hard, and even when his body was in misery, he always worried more about others than himself. We will miss his passionate speeches, Star Trek marathons and long walks outside in deep conversation. We will miss his wisdom and compassion. We will miss every hug, kiss, fist bump and word of kindness that he threw our way when he was here. His life touched so many people, it’s impossible to summarize in words (as you can tell from this very long obituary). Brian is survived by his wife and the love of his life Mary-Rita Spooner, and his four children: Brian Sandford (Jeanie) Spooner, Jr. of Quincy, Illinois, Beth Ann (Doug) Logsdon and Megan Sloan (Trent) Peters of Overland Park, Kansas, and Matthew Sloan Spooner of Manhattan, Kansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren Zachary Spooner, Jacob Spooner, Eleanor Spooner, Tyler Logsdon, Dylan Logsdon, Sloan Logsdon, Halo Peters and Tate Peters. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Sharon Mattera, Dennis Spooner, Kevin Spooner and Guy Spooner. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dottie Spooner, and his sister, Sydney “Timmie” Spooner. To hear more of Brian’s life story, you can listen to his interview with Storycorps, which is archived in the Library of Congress or can be found here: https://anchor.fm/megan-peters/episodes/Episode-8---StoryCorps-and-My-Dad-e2i60v/a-a6bskj. You can also listen on most podcast apps by searching for “Never Not Grateful” episode 8 titled “StoryCorps and my Dad.” A Memorial Service is being planned for late July. Services will be announced by the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Brian’s name to the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Brian Sandford Spooner, Sr.

Patricia C. Baird, 72, of Chapman, KS, passed away Wednesday, May 25th, 2022. Patricia Carol Bowen was born in San Francisco, CA on April 6, 1950, the daughter of the late Audrey Ellen (Cunningham) and John W. Bowen. She was the widow of Rick Baird.

There are not any services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are with Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation, Manhattan, KS.

Patricia C. Baird, 72, of Chapman, KS, passed away Wednesday, May 25th, 2022. Patricia Carol Bowen was born in San Francisco, CA on April 6, 1950, the daughter of the late Audrey Ellen (Cunningham) and John W. Bowen. She was the widow of Rick Baird. There are not any services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are with Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home &amp; Cremation, Manhattan, KS.

Patricia C. Baird

SSgt. (Retired) Ross James Englert, 40, of Milford, KS, entered enteral rest in his home surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, May 25th. SSgt. Englert was a Retired Radio Chief with the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment in Williamsburg, Virginia. While in the Marines, he received the following combat service-related awards: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Ross was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 13, 1981, the son of the late Kathleen Rose (Metts) and Ross Oliver Englert. He graduated from North Allegheny in Wexford, PA, and recently was awarded a bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Saint Leo University. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, KS. He was an active member in the local recovery community where he gained many found family members. Ross was a devoted and loving father. Ross is survived by his four children including three daughters, Alyssa Ashton Englert, Georgia Raine Englert, and Savannah Paige Englert; and a son, James Jordan Englert, all of the home in Milford. Ross is also survived by a sister, Sarah Marie Englert, of Derry, PA, and a brother, Ralph Lee Englert, of Milford. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Stephanie Englert, Danny Englert, Jessica Englert, and Dylan Sloan; and his found family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 9th, at 10 AM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, KS, officiated by Fr. Gnanasekar Kulandi. Inurnment will follow the service at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery Manhattan, KS. A luncheon will be hosted at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Junction City, KS, following services. Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, KS&nbsp;&nbsp;

SSgt. (Retired) Ross James Englert, 40, of Milford, KS, entered enteral rest in his home surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, May 25th. SSgt. Englert was a Retired Radio Chief with the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment in Williamsburg, Virginia. While in the Marines, he received the following combat service-related awards: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Ross was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 13, 1981, the son of the late Kathleen Rose (Metts) and Ross Oliver Englert. He graduated from North Allegheny in Wexford, PA, and recently was awarded a bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Saint Leo University. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, KS. He was an active member in the local recovery community where he gained many found family members. Ross was a devoted and loving father. Ross is survived by his four children including three daughters, Alyssa Ashton Englert, Georgia Raine Englert, and Savannah Paige Englert; and a son, James Jordan Englert, all of the home in Milford. Ross is also survived by a sister, Sarah Marie Englert, of Derry, PA, and a brother, Ralph Lee Englert, of Milford. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Stephanie Englert, Danny Englert, Jessica Englert, and Dylan Sloan; and his found family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 9th, at 10 AM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, KS, officiated by Fr. Gnanasekar Kulandi. Inurnment will follow the service at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery Manhattan, KS. A luncheon will be hosted at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Junction City, KS, following services. Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, KS&nbsp;&nbsp;

SSgt (Retired) Ross James Englert 

Marilyn Morton Hartke, 89, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2022 in Worcester, MA. Marilyn loved her large extended family unconditionally, was a tireless letter-writer, loved to laugh, and inspired devotion and joy in all who knew her.

She leaves behind her daughters Linda of Westborough, MA, Janet (Mark Bowser) of Dover, MA, and Sue (Anna Bowman) of Carnation, WA, along with loving nieces and nephews. “Ammy” was cherished by her grandchildren Lexie and William of Somerville, MA and New York, NY. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, daughter Nancy Ann, and her siblings Marjorie Morton Mattson, Helen Morton Fincke, Raymond Morton, and Harold Morton.

Marilyn was born on the family farm of her parents Raymond and Leafy Thierolf Morton on May 3, 1933, outside of Wamego, Kansas. She was the baby of the family, and grew up collecting eggs, taking care of her dog Laddie and her pet lamb Bubbles, and trying to keep up with her older siblings. She graduated from Wamego High School in 1951 and then attended Kansas State University, where she received her BS degree in child development and education. Just out of college, she taught second grade at the Wakefield, KS elementary school.

Marilyn met Jerome ‘Jerry’ Hartke on a blind date in college, and they married on June 3, 1956. They built a home and raised their family in Webster, New York and then Sudbury, MA, retiring to Lancaster and then Westborough, MA. They enjoyed 63 happy years of marriage together.

Her first priority through her entire adult life was her husband and three girls, and her large network of family and friends. She created a beautiful home wherever she lived, and loved sharing it with others. An avid bridge player and an excellent cook, she mailed hundreds of homemade Christmas cookies each year to family members across the country. Marilyn also loved gardening and plants, especially African Violets which filled her homes.

Over the years she worked as an ‘Avon Lady’ and in clothing retail at Appleseed’s, and later was an antique dealer for many years specializing in Nippon and Shelley china. Her antiquing expeditions with family and friends in Maine and elsewhere were legendary, as was her extraordinary collection of teacups. Also an avid scrapbooker, she created extensive family history albums for all of her children.

Always a woman of faith, Marilyn was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudbury, MA and later of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Westborough, MA.

A memorial service will celebrate Marilyn’s life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Westborough, MA. For those wishing to view the service live via Facebook, you can view it at https://www.facebook.com/gslcwestboro/. A recording of the service may also be viewed later on the YouTube channel of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Westborough, MA.

Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date in the Wamego City Cemetery.

Arrangements for services in Wamego are in the care of the Campanella &amp; Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.&nbsp;

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 W. Main St., Westborough, MA 01581 or www.goodshepherdcares.org.

Marilyn Morton Hartke, 89, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2022 in Worcester, MA. Marilyn loved her large extended family unconditionally, was a tireless letter-writer, loved to laugh, and inspired devotion and joy in all who knew her.She leaves behind her daughters Linda of Westborough, MA, Janet (Mark Bowser) of Dover, MA, and Sue (Anna Bowman) of Carnation, WA, along with loving nieces and nephews. “Ammy” was cherished by her grandchildren Lexie and William of Somerville, MA and New York, NY. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, daughter Nancy Ann, and her siblings Marjorie Morton Mattson, Helen Morton Fincke, Raymond Morton, and Harold Morton.Marilyn was born on the family farm of her parents Raymond and Leafy Thierolf Morton on May 3, 1933, outside of Wamego, Kansas. She was the baby of the family, and grew up collecting eggs, taking care of her dog Laddie and her pet lamb Bubbles, and trying to keep up with her older siblings. She graduated from Wamego High School in 1951 and then attended Kansas State University, where she received her BS degree in child development and education. Just out of college, she taught second grade at the Wakefield, KS elementary school.Marilyn met Jerome ‘Jerry’ Hartke on a blind date in college, and they married on June 3, 1956. They built a home and raised their family in Webster, New York and then Sudbury, MA, retiring to Lancaster and then Westborough, MA. They enjoyed 63 happy years of marriage together.Her first priority through her entire adult life was her husband and three girls, and her large network of family and friends. She created a beautiful home wherever she lived, and loved sharing it with others. An avid bridge player and an excellent cook, she mailed hundreds of homemade Christmas cookies each year to family members across the country. Marilyn also loved gardening and plants, especially African Violets which filled her homes.Over the years she worked as an ‘Avon Lady’ and in clothing retail at Appleseed’s, and later was an antique dealer for many years specializing in Nippon and Shelley china. Her antiquing expeditions with family and friends in Maine and elsewhere were legendary, as was her extraordinary collection of teacups. Also an avid scrapbooker, she created extensive family history albums for all of her children.Always a woman of faith, Marilyn was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sudbury, MA and later of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Westborough, MA.A memorial service will celebrate Marilyn’s life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 16th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Westborough, MA. For those wishing to view the service live via Facebook, you can view it at https://www.facebook.com/gslcwestboro/. A recording of the service may also be viewed later on the YouTube channel of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Westborough, MA.Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date in the Wamego City Cemetery.Arrangements for services in Wamego are in the care of the Campanella &amp; Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.&nbsp;Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 W. Main St., Westborough, MA 01581 or www.goodshepherdcares.org.

Marilyn Morton Hartke

Daniel Hunt, age 60, of Wabaunsee, KS, died on June 3, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, following a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was a long-time resident of the area

Daniel was born in Peoria IL, son of Donald and Darlene Hunt, formerly of East Peoria, IL. From the age of 6, he knew that he wanted to be an artist. He grew up creating things in the wood shop with his dad, and in the sewing room with his mom. He earned his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from University of Illinois, and dual masters degrees in Art Education and in Fine Arts in 1989 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He married Carol (Brownell) Morgan in 2010, and they had many adventures together, just as he promised her, the two of them and their dog Miles Eugene.

Also surviving are: His parents Donald and Darlene of Wamego, his sister Donita (Steve) Wagenschutz of Longmont CO; one uncle, Walter Butler (Judy) of California, one aunt, Judy Shaw of Florida, his mother-in-law Elaine Brownell of Wamego, stepchildren Kyle (Mindy) Morgan of Platte City MO, and Dustin (Megan) Morgan of Wamego, four grandchildren, Ava, Clara, Liam, and Pemberley, his sister Donita (Steve) Wagenschutz of Longmont CO, siblings- in-law Cynthia (Mark) Naughton of Manhattan KS, Dan (Bonnie) Brownell of Manhattan KS, and Clint (Annette) Brownell of Belvue KS, and many nieces and nephews.

Dan enjoyed a long career in the arts, as a sculptor and in teaching. He taught art at the University of Illinois, and then moved to Kansas, as Associate Professor of Art (Sculpture) at KSU, retiring in 2017. He exhibited his work throughout the US and the UK. Some of his works include the Father Kapaun Memorial at Pilsen KS, and the bronze plaques 'By Land, By Sea, By Air' at the World War II Memorial on the KSU Campus. He loved the outdoors, music, especially jazz, and his grandchildren.

Dan was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Onaga KS.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 25, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, Wamego KS.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Onaga Weightlifting Club, or the Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan and those may be sent in care of Campanella &amp; Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Travis Koenecke and staff of the Cancer Center of Kansas, and the staff of the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice for their compassionate care.

"I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all, but what I placed in God's hands, that I still have." Martin Luther

Daniel Hunt, age 60, of Wabaunsee, KS, died on June 3, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, following a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was a long-time resident of the areaDaniel was born in Peoria IL, son of Donald and Darlene Hunt, formerly of East Peoria, IL. From the age of 6, he knew that he wanted to be an artist. He grew up creating things in the wood shop with his dad, and in the sewing room with his mom. He earned his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from University of Illinois, and dual masters degrees in Art Education and in Fine Arts in 1989 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He married Carol (Brownell) Morgan in 2010, and they had many adventures together, just as he promised her, the two of them and their dog Miles Eugene.Also surviving are: His parents Donald and Darlene of Wamego, his sister Donita (Steve) Wagenschutz of Longmont CO; one uncle, Walter Butler (Judy) of California, one aunt, Judy Shaw of Florida, his mother-in-law Elaine Brownell of Wamego, stepchildren Kyle (Mindy) Morgan of Platte City MO, and Dustin (Megan) Morgan of Wamego, four grandchildren, Ava, Clara, Liam, and Pemberley, his sister Donita (Steve) Wagenschutz of Longmont CO, siblings- in-law Cynthia (Mark) Naughton of Manhattan KS, Dan (Bonnie) Brownell of Manhattan KS, and Clint (Annette) Brownell of Belvue KS, and many nieces and nephews.Dan enjoyed a long career in the arts, as a sculptor and in teaching. He taught art at the University of Illinois, and then moved to Kansas, as Associate Professor of Art (Sculpture) at KSU, retiring in 2017. He exhibited his work throughout the US and the UK. Some of his works include the Father Kapaun Memorial at Pilsen KS, and the bronze plaques 'By Land, By Sea, By Air' at the World War II Memorial on the KSU Campus. He loved the outdoors, music, especially jazz, and his grandchildren.Dan was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Onaga KS.A Celebration of Life will be held on June 25, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, Wamego KS.The family suggests memorial contributions to the Onaga Weightlifting Club, or the Good Shepherd Hospice House, Manhattan and those may be sent in care of Campanella &amp; Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.The family wishes to thank Dr. Travis Koenecke and staff of the Cancer Center of Kansas, and the staff of the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice for their compassionate care."I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all, but what I placed in God's hands, that I still have." Martin Luther

Daniel Hunt

Clarabel L. VanNahmen, 88, a prominent dance instructor passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Geary Community Hospital surrounded by family. Clarabel was born May 10, 1934, in Deerfield, KS, during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era to Smith Wellington and Mildred Laurene (Keeler) McMullen. As a young girl, Clarabel moved with her family to Kinsley, KS. At the age of eleven, her father left to find work in Nebraska. With great sadness, he never returned. Clarabel graduated from Kinsley High School with the class of 1952. On October 20, 1952, she married LeeRoy VanNahmen. LeeRoy farmed with his family near Offerle, KS. In 1955, LeeRoy was drafted into the United States Army. After his honorable separation and discharge from the Army, LeeRoy and Clarabel settled in Grandview Plaza, KS. At that time, LeeRoy entered the construction business. LeeRoy built the first dance studio for Clarabel in their home. Later, LeeRoy remodeled the vacant black smith shop on 6th Street. Clarabel was forced to move due to eminent domain. With determination, pride and hard work, LeeRoy and Clarabel bought and remodeled the Salvation Army Citadel Building where a dance studio was in full operation for many years. Throughout the years, Clarabel touched many lives teaching ballet, fundamental tap dance lessons and conducting countless recitals and performances. She worked very hard to stay ahead and always wanted the dance studio to be the very best. Her two favorite words were “love” and “determination”. Clarabel always wanted to do the best at what she could do and then pass it along to others. Besides being a successful owner and operator of a dance studio, Clarabel enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Xavier Catholic Church. She was also proud of her Scottish Heritage. Survivors include one daughter, Cheryl Ibarra and her husband Ray of Junction City, KS; five grandchildren, Vanessa Vande Riet and her husband Rik, Kyle Ibarra and his wife Harmony, Clarissa Hanson and husband Harold, Chelsea Mendez and her husband Nick and Cierra VanNahmen; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Owen, Annabel Vande Riet, Aislynn McKay, Elliadora and Urijah Ibarra, Josephine and Elizabeth Hanson, Willow and Oakley Mendez; great-great grandchildren, Emmarie and Axel McKay. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LeeRoy, one son, Curtis VanNahmen, two brothers, Kay and Mike McMullen; one sister, Anita McMullen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at St. Xavier Catholic Church with Fr. Kulandi Gnanasekar officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Home. A visitation will follow the rosary until 8:00 p.m. The family encourages family, friends and students to bring a picture with Clarabel to be placed on a memory board that will be displayed in the studio. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the Junction City Little Theatre. Ecclesiastes 3:4 “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance”

Clarabel L. VanNahmen, 88, a prominent dance instructor passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Geary Community Hospital surrounded by family. Clarabel was born May 10, 1934, in Deerfield, KS, during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era to Smith Wellington and Mildred Laurene (Keeler) McMullen. As a young girl, Clarabel moved with her family to Kinsley, KS. At the age of eleven, her father left to find work in Nebraska. With great sadness, he never returned. Clarabel graduated from Kinsley High School with the class of 1952. On October 20, 1952, she married LeeRoy VanNahmen. LeeRoy farmed with his family near Offerle, KS. In 1955, LeeRoy was drafted into the United States Army. After his honorable separation and discharge from the Army, LeeRoy and Clarabel settled in Grandview Plaza, KS. At that time, LeeRoy entered the construction business. LeeRoy built the first dance studio for Clarabel in their home. Later, LeeRoy remodeled the vacant black smith shop on 6th Street. Clarabel was forced to move due to eminent domain. With determination, pride and hard work, LeeRoy and Clarabel bought and remodeled the Salvation Army Citadel Building where a dance studio was in full operation for many years. Throughout the years, Clarabel touched many lives teaching ballet, fundamental tap dance lessons and conducting countless recitals and performances. She worked very hard to stay ahead and always wanted the dance studio to be the very best. Her two favorite words were “love” and “determination”. Clarabel always wanted to do the best at what she could do and then pass it along to others. Besides being a successful owner and operator of a dance studio, Clarabel enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Xavier Catholic Church. She was also proud of her Scottish Heritage. Survivors include one daughter, Cheryl Ibarra and her husband Ray of Junction City, KS; five grandchildren, Vanessa Vande Riet and her husband Rik, Kyle Ibarra and his wife Harmony, Clarissa Hanson and husband Harold, Chelsea Mendez and her husband Nick and Cierra VanNahmen; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Owen, Annabel Vande Riet, Aislynn McKay, Elliadora and Urijah Ibarra, Josephine and Elizabeth Hanson, Willow and Oakley Mendez; great-great grandchildren, Emmarie and Axel McKay. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LeeRoy, one son, Curtis VanNahmen, two brothers, Kay and Mike McMullen; one sister, Anita McMullen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at St. Xavier Catholic Church with Fr. Kulandi Gnanasekar officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2022, at Johnson Funeral Home. A visitation will follow the rosary until 8:00 p.m. The family encourages family, friends and students to bring a picture with Clarabel to be placed on a memory board that will be displayed in the studio. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the Junction City Little Theatre. Ecclesiastes 3:4 “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance”

Clarabel L. VanNahmen

Wyndel R. Price, 86, of Junction City, KS, formerly of Borger, TX. and Great Bend, KS, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. A visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Junction City. A funeral service will be held at a later date under the direction of Minton-Chatwell Funeral Directors in Borger, TX. Wyndel was born August 27, 1935, in Wetumka, OK the son of Lloyd B. and Reba E. (Frye) Price. Wyndel graduated from Phillips High School in Phillips, TX. He later attended and graduated from Frank Phillips College. After college graduation he entered the United States Naval Reserve having served eight years. Wyndel had a thirty five year career with Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America. He retired in 1990 at the age of 55. Wyndel served on the Great Bend City Commission while he lived there. He enjoyed spending time with family. He married Dorislene Tilson January 24, 1959, in Dumas, TX. Survivors include his wife Dorislene of the home; one son, A. Brent Price (Jody) of Wamego, KS; one daughter, Beverly G. Temaat (Ron) of Spearville, KS; four grandchildren, Stephanie, Courtney, Rebecca and husband Grant Miller and Brittney; three great-grandchildren, Reese, Caio and Henry; five brothers, Donnie (Julia), Dale (Helen), Sam (Marietta), James (Jonna) and Mark (Debbie); one brother-in-law Kenneth Floyd; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Darlene Floyd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wyndel R. Price, 86, of Junction City, KS, formerly of Borger, TX. and Great Bend, KS, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. A visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Johnson Funeral Home in Junction City. A funeral service will be held at a later date under the direction of Minton-Chatwell Funeral Directors in Borger, TX. Wyndel was born August 27, 1935, in Wetumka, OK the son of Lloyd B. and Reba E. (Frye) Price. Wyndel graduated from Phillips High School in Phillips, TX. He later attended and graduated from Frank Phillips College. After college graduation he entered the United States Naval Reserve having served eight years. Wyndel had a thirty five year career with Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America. He retired in 1990 at the age of 55. Wyndel served on the Great Bend City Commission while he lived there. He enjoyed spending time with family. He married Dorislene Tilson January 24, 1959, in Dumas, TX. Survivors include his wife Dorislene of the home; one son, A. Brent Price (Jody) of Wamego, KS; one daughter, Beverly G. Temaat (Ron) of Spearville, KS; four grandchildren, Stephanie, Courtney, Rebecca and husband Grant Miller and Brittney; three great-grandchildren, Reese, Caio and Henry; five brothers, Donnie (Julia), Dale (Helen), Sam (Marietta), James (Jonna) and Mark (Debbie); one brother-in-law Kenneth Floyd; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Darlene Floyd.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wyndel R. Price

Anne Louise (Robinson) Robson, 97 of Abilene passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 at Village Manor Nursing Home in Abilene. She was born March 15, 1925 in Herington, Kansas, the daughter of Isaac and Nellie (Freedlund) Robinson.&nbsp; Anne grew up in the Abilene area, attended the local school and graduated from Abilene High School in 1943. She graduated in 1947 from Emporia State University, earning her teachers degree. On December 22, 1949 she was united in marriage to Robert Robson. He survives of the home. Anne taught grade school in Abilene for numerous years, she was also was also a City Commissioner, Abilene Mayor, volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 40 years, on the Dickinson County Hospital Board of Directors and was also a Red Cross Swim Instructor.

 Ann is survived by her loving husband Bob of the home. Son, Pat Robson and wife Sue of Abilene. Daughter-in-law, Anna Robson. Four grandchildren: Carey Jones (Derek); Natalie Lackey (Ryan); Emily Nusser (Justin) and Sally Robson. Five great-grandchildren and one brother, Bill Robinson and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Mike Robson.

 Family will receive friends Saturday, June 11, 20222 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (503 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410) A private, family&nbsp; graveside service will be at the Abilene City Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be given to Meal on Wheels or Donor’s Choice. Memorials may be sent in care of Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410.

Anne Louise (Robinson) Robson, 97 of Abilene passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 at Village Manor Nursing Home in Abilene. She was born March 15, 1925 in Herington, Kansas, the daughter of Isaac and Nellie (Freedlund) Robinson.&nbsp; Anne grew up in the Abilene area, attended the local school and graduated from Abilene High School in 1943. She graduated in 1947 from Emporia State University, earning her teachers degree. On December 22, 1949 she was united in marriage to Robert Robson. He survives of the home. Anne taught grade school in Abilene for numerous years, she was also was also a City Commissioner, Abilene Mayor, volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 40 years, on the Dickinson County Hospital Board of Directors and was also a Red Cross Swim Instructor. Ann is survived by her loving husband Bob of the home. Son, Pat Robson and wife Sue of Abilene. Daughter-in-law, Anna Robson. Four grandchildren: Carey Jones (Derek); Natalie Lackey (Ryan); Emily Nusser (Justin) and Sally Robson. Five great-grandchildren and one brother, Bill Robinson and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Mike Robson. Family will receive friends Saturday, June 11, 20222 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (503 NW Third St., Abilene, Kansas 67410) A private, family&nbsp; graveside service will be at the Abilene City Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be given to Meal on Wheels or Donor’s Choice. Memorials may be sent in care of Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410.

Anne Louise (Robinson) Robson

David Lee Anguiano, 70 of Abilene passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in Abilene. He was born April 9, 1952 in Abilene, the son of Silvestre Anguiano and Maria "Mary" Garcia. David grew up in the Manchester area, and attended the local grade school and middle school before going to high school in Chapman On September 10, 1976 he was united in marriage to Patricia Sackrider in Abilene.

 David worked for Dickinson County for 20 plus years on the bridge and road crew. In his younger days he also spent time on different harvest crews.

 David is survived by his loving wife Patricia of the home. Two sons: David Anguiano and Esteban "Steve” Anguiano and one daughter, Jessica L. Anguiano. Two granddaughters: Hannah Anguiano and Maddy Anguiano. One great-grandson: Adrian Lara and another one the way. Five sisters: Nellie Barrett, Lucy Davis, Patti Anguiano, Frances Sanchez, and Celia Gonzalas. Three brothers: Phil Anguiano, Joe Anguiano and Junior Anguiano and wife Mary Ann. Sister-in-laws: Shirley Anguiano, Barb Hulen and Jane Lawson. Brother-in-law: Robert Sackrider and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steve Esteban Anguiano, sister-in-laws, Kay Anguiano and Mary Ann Wittbrodt, parents-in-laws, Mary and Wash Sackrider, brother-in-laws, Sonny Davis, Gene Davis, George Barrett, Henry Sanchez, Sam Gonzalas, Mike Sackrider and Charles Sackrider, nephews, Greg and Dan Barrett, Matthew Sanchez and Raymond Grimes and one niece, Becky Nielsen. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Abilene with Father Peter O'Donnell as Celebrant. A parish rosary will be 5:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the church with family receiving friends following. David's final resting place will be at Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hospice of Dickinson County and may be sent in care of Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410.&nbsp;

David Lee Anguiano, 70 of Abilene passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in Abilene. He was born April 9, 1952 in Abilene, the son of Silvestre Anguiano and Maria "Mary" Garcia. David grew up in the Manchester area, and attended the local grade school and middle school before going to high school in Chapman On September 10, 1976 he was united in marriage to Patricia Sackrider in Abilene. David worked for Dickinson County for 20 plus years on the bridge and road crew. In his younger days he also spent time on different harvest crews. David is survived by his loving wife Patricia of the home. Two sons: David Anguiano and Esteban "Steve” Anguiano and one daughter, Jessica L. Anguiano. Two granddaughters: Hannah Anguiano and Maddy Anguiano. One great-grandson: Adrian Lara and another one the way. Five sisters: Nellie Barrett, Lucy Davis, Patti Anguiano, Frances Sanchez, and Celia Gonzalas. Three brothers: Phil Anguiano, Joe Anguiano and Junior Anguiano and wife Mary Ann. Sister-in-laws: Shirley Anguiano, Barb Hulen and Jane Lawson. Brother-in-law: Robert Sackrider and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steve Esteban Anguiano, sister-in-laws, Kay Anguiano and Mary Ann Wittbrodt, parents-in-laws, Mary and Wash Sackrider, brother-in-laws, Sonny Davis, Gene Davis, George Barrett, Henry Sanchez, Sam Gonzalas, Mike Sackrider and Charles Sackrider, nephews, Greg and Dan Barrett, Matthew Sanchez and Raymond Grimes and one niece, Becky Nielsen. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Abilene with Father Peter O'Donnell as Celebrant. A parish rosary will be 5:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the church with family receiving friends following. David's final resting place will be at Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hospice of Dickinson County and may be sent in care of Danner Funeral Home, 501 N. Buckeye, Abilene, Kansas 67410.&nbsp;

David Lee Anguiano

R. Michael Robson, 67 passed away June 3, 2022. He was born May 2, 1955 in Abilene, KS the son of Robert and Anne Robson. He attended Abilene schools and graduated High School in 1973. He then attended Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s of Science where he was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

July 19, 1978 he married his High School sweetheart, Anna Piland. He then attended Dental School at University of Missouri Kansas City and opened his private practice in Abilene in 1981 where he continued to treat the Abilene community for 39 years. He spent the last 4 years of his career working alongside his daughter, Carey.&nbsp; He was an avid K-State fan, golfer and proud grandfather. He enjoyed traveling especially to Cabo San Lucas, MX.

Survivors include wife Anna Robson, daughter Carey Jones (Derek), granddaughter, Kenlee Jones, brother Pat Robson (Sue), father, Robert Robson and brother in law Steve Piland (Karen).

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held June 25, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. at the Shockey and Landes Building (324 N. Broadway, Abilene, Kansas 67410.)&nbsp; &nbsp;

R. Michael Robson, 67 passed away June 3, 2022. He was born May 2, 1955 in Abilene, KS the son of Robert and Anne Robson. He attended Abilene schools and graduated High School in 1973. He then attended Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s of Science where he was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. July 19, 1978 he married his High School sweetheart, Anna Piland. He then attended Dental School at University of Missouri Kansas City and opened his private practice in Abilene in 1981 where he continued to treat the Abilene community for 39 years. He spent the last 4 years of his career working alongside his daughter, Carey.&nbsp; He was an avid K-State fan, golfer and proud grandfather. He enjoyed traveling especially to Cabo San Lucas, MX. Survivors include wife Anna Robson, daughter Carey Jones (Derek), granddaughter, Kenlee Jones, brother Pat Robson (Sue), father, Robert Robson and brother in law Steve Piland (Karen). A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held June 25, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. at the Shockey and Landes Building (324 N. Broadway, Abilene, Kansas 67410.)&nbsp; &nbsp;

R. Michael Robson

Dr. Christopher Robert Ross (Chris), age 69, of Manhattan, KS, died December 12, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, KS. Chris was born April 29, 1952, the second of four children to Robert and Virginia Scott Ross in Bethany, MO. He met his first wife, Rita Fichter Ross, at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO; they were married from 1974 to 2002, and they had two children, Emily and Thomas. As a young man, Chris lived and worked on his grandparents’ farm in Harrison County, MO. Inspired by his experiences there along with the books of veterinarian James Herriot, Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree followed by his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981. After practicing in Fulton, MO, he returned to MU where he received his PhD in Physiology in 1990. He then researched and taught in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine for the next 17 years. From 2007 until his retirement in 2021, Chris served at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine as Professor of Physiological Sciences, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and finally Interim Dean. Chris was married on July 14, 2004 to Diane Barker of Manhattan, KS. They met at the Blue Valley Yacht Club on Tuttle Creek Lake, and enjoyed sailing, boat camping and racing. Chris was proud of winning the Scott Liebler Memorial Day Weekend Race in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the Round the Buoy Chapman Series in 2005. Chris and Diane were happy to get out on the salt water and competed in the Sunfish Series at Davis Island Yacht Club on Tampa Bay. They cruised the San Juan Islands for a week with BVYC friends Marty and Harriet Ottenheimer and Jack and Jackie Holl, chartering a 3-stateroom Jeanneau, the Illumine, out of Bellingham, Washington. Chris was brilliant, witty, and loyal. He valued education, hard work, and learning by doing. He taught himself to sail, and built a new mast step and replaced the mast after a yacht club dismasting on Tuttle Creek Lake. Chris embodied his love of the outdoors as a leader in both Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, and warmly recalled a particularly arduous and rewarding trek with son Thomas across Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He enjoyed travel, and his work took him across the United States as well as to Canada, Italy, Afghanistan, and India. In recent years, he enjoyed remote fishing expeditions with Canada’s Kississing outfitters near Flin Flon, Manitoba. His passions and hobbies were widely varied and included cooking, gardening, furniture-making, politics, raising chickens, sheep, goats, and dogs, and entertaining his grandchildren. He was a voracious reader, ranging from the New York Times cooking section to Mark Twain, Calvin Trillin, and David Sedaris. He made a mean chili and loved the blues. He was a lifelong Democrat. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Scott Ross. He is survived by wife Diane Barker, daughter Emily Yeager of Manhattan and son Thomas Ross (Chelsea) of Salina, and six grandchildren, George, Isaac, Lucy, Logan, Macie, and Dalton. Chris is also survived by siblings Scott (Meredith) of Maryville, MO, Anne of Higbee, MO, and Carter (Denise) of Columbia, MO. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan on 481 Zeandale Rd., Manhattan, KS. Officiating will be Pastor Isabel Call. Memorial donations may be made to the University of Missouri Veterinary School, Graduating Class of 1981 at https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/Item.aspx?item_id=553 The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com

Dr. Christopher Robert Ross (Chris), age 69, of Manhattan, KS, died December 12, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, KS. Chris was born April 29, 1952, the second of four children to Robert and Virginia Scott Ross in Bethany, MO. He met his first wife, Rita Fichter Ross, at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO; they were married from 1974 to 2002, and they had two children, Emily and Thomas. As a young man, Chris lived and worked on his grandparents’ farm in Harrison County, MO. Inspired by his experiences there along with the books of veterinarian James Herriot, Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree followed by his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981. After practicing in Fulton, MO, he returned to MU where he received his PhD in Physiology in 1990. He then researched and taught in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine for the next 17 years. From 2007 until his retirement in 2021, Chris served at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine as Professor of Physiological Sciences, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and finally Interim Dean. Chris was married on July 14, 2004 to Diane Barker of Manhattan, KS. They met at the Blue Valley Yacht Club on Tuttle Creek Lake, and enjoyed sailing, boat camping and racing. Chris was proud of winning the Scott Liebler Memorial Day Weekend Race in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the Round the Buoy Chapman Series in 2005. Chris and Diane were happy to get out on the salt water and competed in the Sunfish Series at Davis Island Yacht Club on Tampa Bay. They cruised the San Juan Islands for a week with BVYC friends Marty and Harriet Ottenheimer and Jack and Jackie Holl, chartering a 3-stateroom Jeanneau, the Illumine, out of Bellingham, Washington. Chris was brilliant, witty, and loyal. He valued education, hard work, and learning by doing. He taught himself to sail, and built a new mast step and replaced the mast after a yacht club dismasting on Tuttle Creek Lake. Chris embodied his love of the outdoors as a leader in both Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, and warmly recalled a particularly arduous and rewarding trek with son Thomas across Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He enjoyed travel, and his work took him across the United States as well as to Canada, Italy, Afghanistan, and India. In recent years, he enjoyed remote fishing expeditions with Canada’s Kississing outfitters near Flin Flon, Manitoba. His passions and hobbies were widely varied and included cooking, gardening, furniture-making, politics, raising chickens, sheep, goats, and dogs, and entertaining his grandchildren. He was a voracious reader, ranging from the New York Times cooking section to Mark Twain, Calvin Trillin, and David Sedaris. He made a mean chili and loved the blues. He was a lifelong Democrat. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Scott Ross. He is survived by wife Diane Barker, daughter Emily Yeager of Manhattan and son Thomas Ross (Chelsea) of Salina, and six grandchildren, George, Isaac, Lucy, Logan, Macie, and Dalton. Chris is also survived by siblings Scott (Meredith) of Maryville, MO, Anne of Higbee, MO, and Carter (Denise) of Columbia, MO. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan on 481 Zeandale Rd., Manhattan, KS. Officiating will be Pastor Isabel Call. Memorial donations may be made to the University of Missouri Veterinary School, Graduating Class of 1981 at https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/Item.aspx?item_id=553 The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. ymlfuneralhome.com

Dr. Christopher Robert Ross 

Richard Lee Petersen, age 83, of Manhattan, died Friday June 3, 2022 at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. He was born on March 14, 1939 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Margaret (McHenry) Petersen. Richard attended schools in Waterloo and graduated with the class of 1957. He served in the U.S. Army and was Honorably discharged in 1960. Richard worked for many years as a truck driver for the Griffith Oil Company and later for the Farmers CO-OP. He enjoyed watching and being involved with the rodeo. He was a longtime member of the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association and served on the board for many years. On July 10, 1976 in Manhattan, he was united in marriage to Carol Osbourn. She survives at their home in Manhattan. He was preceded in death by his parents and also his brother, Stuart Petersen. Additional survivors include his children, Angela Priddle (Steve) of Manhattan and Chris May (Jamai) of Paola, Kansas; his sister, Wanda Holcomb, of Spokane, Washington; also, his grandchildren: Jordan Kocher and her husband Blair, of Manhattan, Jake Priddle and wife Hannah of Manhattan, Jace Priddle of Pender, Nebraska, and Josh Priddle of Manhattan; and his great-grandchildren: Finley and Landry Kocher, and Avery Priddle. Services for Mr. Petersen will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested in memory of Richard to the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard Lee Petersen, age 83, of Manhattan, died Friday June 3, 2022 at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. He was born on March 14, 1939 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Margaret (McHenry) Petersen. Richard attended schools in Waterloo and graduated with the class of 1957. He served in the U.S. Army and was Honorably discharged in 1960. Richard worked for many years as a truck driver for the Griffith Oil Company and later for the Farmers CO-OP. He enjoyed watching and being involved with the rodeo. He was a longtime member of the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association and served on the board for many years. On July 10, 1976 in Manhattan, he was united in marriage to Carol Osbourn. She survives at their home in Manhattan. He was preceded in death by his parents and also his brother, Stuart Petersen. Additional survivors include his children, Angela Priddle (Steve) of Manhattan and Chris May (Jamai) of Paola, Kansas; his sister, Wanda Holcomb, of Spokane, Washington; also, his grandchildren: Jordan Kocher and her husband Blair, of Manhattan, Jake Priddle and wife Hannah of Manhattan, Jace Priddle of Pender, Nebraska, and Josh Priddle of Manhattan; and his great-grandchildren: Finley and Landry Kocher, and Avery Priddle. Services for Mr. Petersen will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested in memory of Richard to the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard Lee Petersen

Dr. Christopher Robert Ross (Chris), age 69, of Manhattan, KS, died December 12, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, KS. Chris was born April 29, 1952, the second of four children to Robert and Virginia Scott Ross in Bethany, MO. He met his first wife, Rita Fichter Ross, at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO; they were married from 1974 to 2002, and they had two children, Emily and Thomas. As a young man, Chris lived and worked on his grandparents’ farm in Harrison County, MO. Inspired by his experiences there along with the books of veterinarian James Herriot, Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree followed by his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981. After practicing in Fulton, MO, he returned to MU where he received his PhD in Physiology in 1990. He then researched and taught in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine for the next 17 years. From 2007 until his retirement in 2021, Chris served at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine as Professor of Physiological Sciences, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and finally Interim Dean. Chris was married on July 14, 2004 to Diane Barker of Manhattan, KS. They met at the Blue Valley Yacht Club on Tuttle Creek Lake, and enjoyed sailing, boat camping and racing. Chris was proud of winning the Scott Liebler Memorial Day Weekend Race in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the Round the Buoy Chapman Series in 2005. Chris and Diane were happy to get out on the salt water and competed in the Sunfish Series at Davis Island Yacht Club on Tampa Bay. They cruised the San Juan Islands for a week with BVYC friends Marty and Harriet Ottenheimer and Jack and Jackie Holl, chartering a 3-stateroom Jeanneau, the Illumine, out of Bellingham, Washington. Chris was brilliant, witty, and loyal. He valued education, hard work, and learning by doing. He taught himself to sail, and built a new mast step and replaced the mast after a yacht club dismasting on Tuttle Creek Lake. Chris embodied his love of the outdoors as a leader in both Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, and warmly recalled a particularly arduous and rewarding trek with son Thomas across Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He enjoyed travel, and his work took him across the United States as well as to Canada, Italy, Afghanistan, and India. In recent years, he enjoyed remote fishing expeditions with Canada’s Kississing outfitters near Flin Flon, Manitoba. His passions and hobbies were widely varied and included cooking, gardening, furniture-making, politics, raising chickens, sheep, goats, and dogs, and entertaining his grandchildren. He was a voracious reader, ranging from the New York Times cooking section to Mark Twain, Calvin Trillin, and David Sedaris. He made a mean chili and loved the blues. He was a lifelong Democrat. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Scott Ross. He is survived by wife Diane Barker, daughter Emily Yeager of Manhattan and son Thomas Ross (Chelsea) of Salina, and six grandchildren, George, Isaac, Lucy, Logan, Macie, and Dalton. Chris is also survived by siblings Scott (Meredith) of Maryville, MO, Anne of Higbee, MO, and Carter (Denise) of Columbia, MO. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan on 481 Zeandale Rd., Manhattan, KS. Officiating will be Pastor Isabel Call. Memorial donations may be made to the University of Missouri Veterinary School, Graduating Class of 1981 at https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/Item.aspx?item_id=553 The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Christopher Robert Ross (Chris), age 69, of Manhattan, KS, died December 12, 2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, KS. Chris was born April 29, 1952, the second of four children to Robert and Virginia Scott Ross in Bethany, MO. He met his first wife, Rita Fichter Ross, at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO; they were married from 1974 to 2002, and they had two children, Emily and Thomas. As a young man, Chris lived and worked on his grandparents’ farm in Harrison County, MO. Inspired by his experiences there along with the books of veterinarian James Herriot, Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree followed by his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981. After practicing in Fulton, MO, he returned to MU where he received his PhD in Physiology in 1990. He then researched and taught in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine for the next 17 years. From 2007 until his retirement in 2021, Chris served at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine as Professor of Physiological Sciences, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and finally Interim Dean. Chris was married on July 14, 2004 to Diane Barker of Manhattan, KS. They met at the Blue Valley Yacht Club on Tuttle Creek Lake, and enjoyed sailing, boat camping and racing. Chris was proud of winning the Scott Liebler Memorial Day Weekend Race in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the Round the Buoy Chapman Series in 2005. Chris and Diane were happy to get out on the salt water and competed in the Sunfish Series at Davis Island Yacht Club on Tampa Bay. They cruised the San Juan Islands for a week with BVYC friends Marty and Harriet Ottenheimer and Jack and Jackie Holl, chartering a 3-stateroom Jeanneau, the Illumine, out of Bellingham, Washington. Chris was brilliant, witty, and loyal. He valued education, hard work, and learning by doing. He taught himself to sail, and built a new mast step and replaced the mast after a yacht club dismasting on Tuttle Creek Lake. Chris embodied his love of the outdoors as a leader in both Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, and warmly recalled a particularly arduous and rewarding trek with son Thomas across Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He enjoyed travel, and his work took him across the United States as well as to Canada, Italy, Afghanistan, and India. In recent years, he enjoyed remote fishing expeditions with Canada’s Kississing outfitters near Flin Flon, Manitoba. His passions and hobbies were widely varied and included cooking, gardening, furniture-making, politics, raising chickens, sheep, goats, and dogs, and entertaining his grandchildren. He was a voracious reader, ranging from the New York Times cooking section to Mark Twain, Calvin Trillin, and David Sedaris. He made a mean chili and loved the blues. He was a lifelong Democrat. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Scott Ross. He is survived by wife Diane Barker, daughter Emily Yeager of Manhattan and son Thomas Ross (Chelsea) of Salina, and six grandchildren, George, Isaac, Lucy, Logan, Macie, and Dalton. Chris is also survived by siblings Scott (Meredith) of Maryville, MO, Anne of Higbee, MO, and Carter (Denise) of Columbia, MO. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan on 481 Zeandale Rd., Manhattan, KS. Officiating will be Pastor Isabel Call. Memorial donations may be made to the University of Missouri Veterinary School, Graduating Class of 1981 at https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/Item.aspx?item_id=553 The Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Christopher Robert Ross

Our mom, Esther Denise Sobering, died May 31, 2022, at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born November 24, 1929, in Gretna, Manitoba, Canada, the daughter of Jacob and Anna Siemens. She attended high school at the Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna and received her RN from St. Boniface School of Nursing in Manitoba. She did post-graduate work at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey. She continued her education in North Carolina and revived her career when she moved to Manhattan. She was a pioneer in home health care and hospice and was the director of Riley County Health Homemaker Services from 1981 - 1986. We are proud of her legacy of providing compassionate and quality care through home health services. Our dad, Fred, was the love of Esther’s life for 65 years. She told her granddaughter Anna that she was very lucky to have chosen Fred even though she was tempted a couple of times to pick someone more flamboyant. She and Fred lived their love story that continued until the day she died. We are happy they are together again. Esther was proud of her Canadian roots even though she was a naturalized United States citizen. During her lifetime, she lived in over thirty homes following Fred from place to place as he advanced in his career. Esther was comfortable in an apartment in Armenia, on a bus in St. Petersburg Russia, or in her cottage at Meadowlark. She would tell you that the twenty-five retirement years at “White Oaks Farm” near Oskaloosa were the best. Esther maintained a home that was always open to friends and relatives. Neighbors and friends often became part of our extended family. Her Meadowlark friends made her years without Fred and the sudden death of her son, Barry, easier for her. She was strong-willed; tough in adversity, but tender when needed. Fred, family, faith, and friends were the bedrock of her life. She had a strong and continued faith in Jesus Christ and was active in her local churches. Esther was always busy. She enjoyed crafting and painting especially with her grandchildren and though she never considered herself an artist, we knew she was. She was a prolific painter in the last several years and has passed on a legacy of art to her family. She loved music. She played the piano, sang in choir, and even listened to and pretended to enjoy her grandson Jon’s musical compositions, though they were far from her musical taste. She spent her last days working on a new home design for her daughter, Jacquie. She had her iPad and iPhone by her side until the end. They were her connection to her family and friends. Her son Tim and her grandsons Ian and Jake kept her tech savvy through her later years. Esther had a gift for connecting with everyone she met, but she had a special connection to animals starting with her beloved Towser, a big black Newfie she had growing up. She loved and treated our dogs like her children, maybe even a bit better. Her last years were challenging without Fred and with mounting health problems. Living near her son, Tim, gave her independence and yet a sense of security. We are forever grateful for the love, care, and time Tim and Kristine gave Esther in her final years. She leaves to mourn her passing three of her children: Mike (Cindi) of Dallas, TX; Jacquie (Steve) Gering, Prairie Village, KS; Tim (Kristine) of Manhattan, KS; her daughter-in-law Teeny (Barry) Winter Springs, FL; and her brother Robert (Lynne) Siemens, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Fred, her parents, her sister Arlene Dick (Siemens), her son Barry and her granddaughter Kendell. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or cards, donations be made to either Meadowlark Hills or to the Good Shepherd Hospice House. Mom and dad loved their time at Meadowlark. Mom's history with Good Shepherd goes back to 1981 when she was the first Executive Director and they provided excellent care for mom at the end of her life. Thank you for your condolences. This is truly the end of an era with Fred and Esther gone. We will never forget them.

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Memorial Contributions:&nbsp; Meadowlark Hills Foundation; Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, Inc.

Our mom, Esther Denise Sobering, died May 31, 2022, at the Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born November 24, 1929, in Gretna, Manitoba, Canada, the daughter of Jacob and Anna Siemens. She attended high school at the Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna and received her RN from St. Boniface School of Nursing in Manitoba. She did post-graduate work at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey. She continued her education in North Carolina and revived her career when she moved to Manhattan. She was a pioneer in home health care and hospice and was the director of Riley County Health Homemaker Services from 1981 - 1986. We are proud of her legacy of providing compassionate and quality care through home health services. Our dad, Fred, was the love of Esther’s life for 65 years. She told her granddaughter Anna that she was very lucky to have chosen Fred even though she was tempted a couple of times to pick someone more flamboyant. She and Fred lived their love story that continued until the day she died. We are happy they are together again. Esther was proud of her Canadian roots even though she was a naturalized United States citizen. During her lifetime, she lived in over thirty homes following Fred from place to place as he advanced in his career. Esther was comfortable in an apartment in Armenia, on a bus in St. Petersburg Russia, or in her cottage at Meadowlark. She would tell you that the twenty-five retirement years at “White Oaks Farm” near Oskaloosa were the best. Esther maintained a home that was always open to friends and relatives. Neighbors and friends often became part of our extended family. Her Meadowlark friends made her years without Fred and the sudden death of her son, Barry, easier for her. She was strong-willed; tough in adversity, but tender when needed. Fred, family, faith, and friends were the bedrock of her life. She had a strong and continued faith in Jesus Christ and was active in her local churches. Esther was always busy. She enjoyed crafting and painting especially with her grandchildren and though she never considered herself an artist, we knew she was. She was a prolific painter in the last several years and has passed on a legacy of art to her family. She loved music. She played the piano, sang in choir, and even listened to and pretended to enjoy her grandson Jon’s musical compositions, though they were far from her musical taste. She spent her last days working on a new home design for her daughter, Jacquie. She had her iPad and iPhone by her side until the end. They were her connection to her family and friends. Her son Tim and her grandsons Ian and Jake kept her tech savvy through her later years. Esther had a gift for connecting with everyone she met, but she had a special connection to animals starting with her beloved Towser, a big black Newfie she had growing up. She loved and treated our dogs like her children, maybe even a bit better. Her last years were challenging without Fred and with mounting health problems. Living near her son, Tim, gave her independence and yet a sense of security. We are forever grateful for the love, care, and time Tim and Kristine gave Esther in her final years. She leaves to mourn her passing three of her children: Mike (Cindi) of Dallas, TX; Jacquie (Steve) Gering, Prairie Village, KS; Tim (Kristine) of Manhattan, KS; her daughter-in-law Teeny (Barry) Winter Springs, FL; and her brother Robert (Lynne) Siemens, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada as well as nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Fred, her parents, her sister Arlene Dick (Siemens), her son Barry and her granddaughter Kendell. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or cards, donations be made to either Meadowlark Hills or to the Good Shepherd Hospice House. Mom and dad loved their time at Meadowlark. Mom's history with Good Shepherd goes back to 1981 when she was the first Executive Director and they provided excellent care for mom at the end of her life. Thank you for your condolences. This is truly the end of an era with Fred and Esther gone. We will never forget them.There are no events scheduled at this time.Memorial Contributions:&nbsp; Meadowlark Hills Foundation; Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, Inc.

Esther Denise Sobering

Emily Patricia (“Pat”) Given (nee Rider), 91, of Wamego, KS, passed away May 26, 2022. She was born March 27, 1931, to Robert V. and Emily (Parker) Rider in Bellmore, New York. Emily married Charles Given on November 11, 1953. He preceded her in death in December 2020. Emily attended West Virginia Wesleyan College and graduated from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York. Emily volunteered often with the American Red Cross in her role as Registered Nurse. Emily had the spirit of a wanderer and was an avid reader. She had a life-long love of learning and enjoyed travelling, exploring new places, or simply getting lost in the adventures of her beloved books. Emily is survived by her daughter Donna Parks and husband Darrell of Manhattan; daughter Patricia Given Wentworth and husband Dean of Gleneden Beach, Oregon; granddaughter Sara Parks of Nacogdoches, Texas and granddaughter Susie Parks Schlup and husband Jason of Annandale, Virginia. Emily was predeceased by her brothers Robert Rider and George Rider. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Lyle House, Meadowlark Hills for the loving care and attention they gave Emily during the final years of her life. A Celebration of Life for Emily and Charlie will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 23, 2022 on the Lyle House patio, Meadowlark Hills, 2121 Meadowlark Road, Manhattan, KS. Memorial donations in Emily’s name may be made to the Meadowlark Hills Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Emily Patricia (“Pat”) Given (nee Rider), 91, of Wamego, KS, passed away May 26, 2022. She was born March 27, 1931, to Robert V. and Emily (Parker) Rider in Bellmore, New York. Emily married Charles Given on November 11, 1953. He preceded her in death in December 2020. Emily attended West Virginia Wesleyan College and graduated from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York. Emily volunteered often with the American Red Cross in her role as Registered Nurse. Emily had the spirit of a wanderer and was an avid reader. She had a life-long love of learning and enjoyed travelling, exploring new places, or simply getting lost in the adventures of her beloved books. Emily is survived by her daughter Donna Parks and husband Darrell of Manhattan; daughter Patricia Given Wentworth and husband Dean of Gleneden Beach, Oregon; granddaughter Sara Parks of Nacogdoches, Texas and granddaughter Susie Parks Schlup and husband Jason of Annandale, Virginia. Emily was predeceased by her brothers Robert Rider and George Rider. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Lyle House, Meadowlark Hills for the loving care and attention they gave Emily during the final years of her life. A Celebration of Life for Emily and Charlie will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 23, 2022 on the Lyle House patio, Meadowlark Hills, 2121 Meadowlark Road, Manhattan, KS. Memorial donations in Emily’s name may be made to the Meadowlark Hills Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Emily Patricia (“Pat”) Given

Larry K. Holloway, 67, Junction City, KS, died Friday, May 27, 2022 at his residence. Cremation has taken place. No memorial service is planned.

Larry K. Holloway, 67, Junction City, KS, died Friday, May 27, 2022 at his residence. Cremation has taken place. No memorial service is planned.

Larry K. Holloway

Ruth Irene Dishman, 82, of Junction City, KS, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Geary Community Hospital. A visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the visitation. The cremated remains will be buried at later date at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the Junction City Animal Shelter. Ruth was born November 22, 1939, in Junction City, KS, the daughter of Orville and Bertha (Turnbull) Cameron. Ruth graduated from Wakefield High School. After high school, she attended Brown Mackie Business College. She worked for Bowman Implement and Willhoite John Deere Implement both in Junction City. She later worked as a secretary for U.S.D. 475 Special Education Department in Junction City. Ruth enjoyed bowling and spending time with her family. She married Wayne Dishman August 15, 1958. He passed away April 2020. Survivor include two sons; Mike Dishman and Jeff Dishman both of Junction City, KS; one brother, Allen Cameron of MO; one sister, Betty Wondra of Concordia, KS; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne and two brothers Fred and Gary Cameron.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ruth Irene Dishman, 82, of Junction City, KS, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Geary Community Hospital. A visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the visitation. The cremated remains will be buried at later date at Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the Junction City Animal Shelter. Ruth was born November 22, 1939, in Junction City, KS, the daughter of Orville and Bertha (Turnbull) Cameron. Ruth graduated from Wakefield High School. After high school, she attended Brown Mackie Business College. She worked for Bowman Implement and Willhoite John Deere Implement both in Junction City. She later worked as a secretary for U.S.D. 475 Special Education Department in Junction City. Ruth enjoyed bowling and spending time with her family. She married Wayne Dishman August 15, 1958. He passed away April 2020. Survivor include two sons; Mike Dishman and Jeff Dishman both of Junction City, KS; one brother, Allen Cameron of MO; one sister, Betty Wondra of Concordia, KS; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne and two brothers Fred and Gary Cameron.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ruth Irene Dishman

Dean Morris Roe, age 96 of Manhattan, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Via Christi Village in Manhattan.

He was born on November 8, 1925, in New Cambria, the son of William and Olive (Scott) Roe.&nbsp; He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1946.

Dean was a switchman for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 35 years.&nbsp; He loved farming.

He is survived by his sister, Doris Ruthstrom of Leonardville and one nephew and several nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Billy Roe, Pat Roe and Fritz Roe.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating.&nbsp; The family will receive from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the cemetery on Monday.

A memorial may be made to Via Christi Village and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Dean Morris Roe, age 96 of Manhattan, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Via Christi Village in Manhattan.He was born on November 8, 1925, in New Cambria, the son of William and Olive (Scott) Roe.&nbsp; He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1946.Dean was a switchman for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 35 years.&nbsp; He loved farming.He is survived by his sister, Doris Ruthstrom of Leonardville and one nephew and several nieces.He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Billy Roe, Pat Roe and Fritz Roe.Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating.&nbsp; The family will receive from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the cemetery on Monday.A memorial may be made to Via Christi Village and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Dean Morris Roe

Franklin Eugene Cunningham, age 95 of Leonardville, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor.

He was born on March 2, 1927 in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of Milburn and Jane (Greenwood) Cunningham.&nbsp; He was raised in Washington, Indiana where he graduated from high school.&nbsp; He served in both the U.S. Army Infantry, U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force as a gunner and radar operator.

On February 9, 1951 in Beaver City, Nebraska, he married Patricia Joan Whittle.&nbsp; She preceded him in death in 2014.&nbsp; He attended Kansas State University from 1954 through 1957 and received his B.S. in Agriculture.&nbsp; He earned his Masters and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Missouri and was a member of the staff there until 1963.

Franklin worked for the USDA as a Food Chemist at the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California from 1963 to 1965.&nbsp; He left the USDA to assume a research position with a major food company located in Springfield, Missouri and then joined the faculty at Kansas State University in 1969 as an Associate Professor in the Dairy and Poultry Science Department.&nbsp; In 1976 he became a full Professor in the Animal Sciences Department and retired from KSU in 1992.

Dr. Cunningham was the holder of nine U.S. Patents, one Canadian Patent, and had published over 130 scientific papers, nine books, and had made many presentations to scholarly organizations in the food sciences throughout the U.S., Spain, Japan, Korea, England and the Netherlands.&nbsp; He was a long-time member of the Institute of Food Technologists and the U.S. and World’s Poultry Science Associations.&nbsp; He was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta, Alpha Zeta, Sigma Xi, Phi Tau Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key.&nbsp; He was a past president of the Leonardville Lions Club, a member of the American Disabled Veterans Organization, Leonardville United Methodist Church, and was a Royal Arch and Select Master Mason.

He is survived by three sons, Michael Cunningham and wife Lois of McPherson, Jon Mark Cunningham and wife Barbara of Clay Center and Charles Cunningham of New Cambria; two daughters, Valeria Crow and husband Rick of Kooskia, Idaho and Candice A. Randall and husband Tim of Nekoosa, Wisconsin; 16 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Terry Cunningham and his great granddaughter, Johannah Browne.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the Leonardville United Methodist Church with Rev. D. Erich Schwartz officiating.&nbsp; Respect calls may be made from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will not be present.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Leonardville United Methodist Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for Meadowlark Hospice and may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral in Riley, Kansas.

Franklin Eugene Cunningham, age 95 of Leonardville, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor.He was born on March 2, 1927 in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of Milburn and Jane (Greenwood) Cunningham.&nbsp; He was raised in Washington, Indiana where he graduated from high school.&nbsp; He served in both the U.S. Army Infantry, U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force as a gunner and radar operator.On February 9, 1951 in Beaver City, Nebraska, he married Patricia Joan Whittle.&nbsp; She preceded him in death in 2014.&nbsp; He attended Kansas State University from 1954 through 1957 and received his B.S. in Agriculture.&nbsp; He earned his Masters and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Missouri and was a member of the staff there until 1963.Franklin worked for the USDA as a Food Chemist at the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California from 1963 to 1965.&nbsp; He left the USDA to assume a research position with a major food company located in Springfield, Missouri and then joined the faculty at Kansas State University in 1969 as an Associate Professor in the Dairy and Poultry Science Department.&nbsp; In 1976 he became a full Professor in the Animal Sciences Department and retired from KSU in 1992.Dr. Cunningham was the holder of nine U.S. Patents, one Canadian Patent, and had published over 130 scientific papers, nine books, and had made many presentations to scholarly organizations in the food sciences throughout the U.S., Spain, Japan, Korea, England and the Netherlands.&nbsp; He was a long-time member of the Institute of Food Technologists and the U.S. and World’s Poultry Science Associations.&nbsp; He was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta, Alpha Zeta, Sigma Xi, Phi Tau Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key.&nbsp; He was a past president of the Leonardville Lions Club, a member of the American Disabled Veterans Organization, Leonardville United Methodist Church, and was a Royal Arch and Select Master Mason.He is survived by three sons, Michael Cunningham and wife Lois of McPherson, Jon Mark Cunningham and wife Barbara of Clay Center and Charles Cunningham of New Cambria; two daughters, Valeria Crow and husband Rick of Kooskia, Idaho and Candice A. Randall and husband Tim of Nekoosa, Wisconsin; 16 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Terry Cunningham and his great granddaughter, Johannah Browne.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the Leonardville United Methodist Church with Rev. D. Erich Schwartz officiating.&nbsp; Respect calls may be made from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.&nbsp; The family will not be present.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Leonardville United Methodist Cemetery.A memorial has been established for Meadowlark Hospice and may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral in Riley, Kansas.

Franklin Eugene Cunningham

Albion D. Visser, age 87, of Sidney, passed away on to our heavenly home surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Sidney Regional Medical Center.

He was born on May 22, 1935 in Riley, KS to Martha (Sylvester) and Edward Visser. He was the youngest of 8 children. He graduated from Kansas State with an Agriculture Economics degree.

He married the love of his life, Jualdene Taylor, on December 20, 1959 in Westmoreland, KS. To this union three children were born Jolene, Janelle and Arlan. Being raised on a Kansas farm, he had a love for agriculture. He was enlisted in the Army National Guard for six years. Throughout Albion’s career he was a grain elevator manager, feed salesman, farm manager, crop insurance agent, and rural real estate agent. His past time love was camping, fishing, spending time with his family and watching college football, especially the Huskers.

Survivors include his wife Jualdene of 62 years, Jolene and husband Kevin Lichty of O’Neill, Heath and fiance Kelli, Ariel and fiance Jordan, Marissa, Janelle Visser of Hemingford, Hans, Blake and fiance Ali, Emily, Arlan and wife Julie of Omaha, Avery and Gavin. Brothers Virgil and wife Marion of Wakefield, KS, Eugene of Corning, KS, sisters-in-law Irene Visser of Cedar Rapids, IA, Betty and husband Harold Weller of Topeka, KS, Helen Taylor of Wamego, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George, Harold, Leroy, Ken and sister Evelyn, sisters-in-law Lorene, Evelyn, Rosemary and Lois.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. (MST) Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Sidney, NE with Pastor Corey Jenkins officiating. &nbsp;The Gehrig-Stitt Funeral Home in Sidney, NE is handled the funeral services

Interment will take place with full Military Honors at the Riley Cemetery in Riley, KS at 11:00 a.m. (CST) Friday, June 3, 2022 with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. The Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home is handling the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be determined and can made to Julie Visser, 2125 13th Avenue, Sidney, NE 69162.

Albion D. Visser, age 87, of Sidney, passed away on to our heavenly home surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Sidney Regional Medical Center.He was born on May 22, 1935 in Riley, KS to Martha (Sylvester) and Edward Visser. He was the youngest of 8 children. He graduated from Kansas State with an Agriculture Economics degree. He married the love of his life, Jualdene Taylor, on December 20, 1959 in Westmoreland, KS. To this union three children were born Jolene, Janelle and Arlan. Being raised on a Kansas farm, he had a love for agriculture. He was enlisted in the Army National Guard for six years. Throughout Albion’s career he was a grain elevator manager, feed salesman, farm manager, crop insurance agent, and rural real estate agent. His past time love was camping, fishing, spending time with his family and watching college football, especially the Huskers. Survivors include his wife Jualdene of 62 years, Jolene and husband Kevin Lichty of O’Neill, Heath and fiance Kelli, Ariel and fiance Jordan, Marissa, Janelle Visser of Hemingford, Hans, Blake and fiance Ali, Emily, Arlan and wife Julie of Omaha, Avery and Gavin. Brothers Virgil and wife Marion of Wakefield, KS, Eugene of Corning, KS, sisters-in-law Irene Visser of Cedar Rapids, IA, Betty and husband Harold Weller of Topeka, KS, Helen Taylor of Wamego, KS and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George, Harold, Leroy, Ken and sister Evelyn, sisters-in-law Lorene, Evelyn, Rosemary and Lois.Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. (MST) Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Sidney, NE with Pastor Corey Jenkins officiating. &nbsp;The Gehrig-Stitt Funeral Home in Sidney, NE is handled the funeral servicesInterment will take place with full Military Honors at the Riley Cemetery in Riley, KS at 11:00 a.m. (CST) Friday, June 3, 2022 with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating. The Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home is handling the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be determined and can made to Julie Visser, 2125 13th Avenue, Sidney, NE 69162.

Al Visser

Betty Ann Jones, 87 of &nbsp;Morganville, passed away on May 31, 2022 at the Linn Community Nursing Home.&nbsp; She was born on August 21, 1934 at her family home in Palmer, Kansas, the daughter of Herman and Anna (Reith) Kolle. Betty was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Linn where she attended the Immanuel Lutheran School.

Betty married Darold Ellwood Jones. She worked 34 years at the Clay Center Hospital.&nbsp; She was a very hard worker and when she retired, she was the Housekeeping Department manager. &nbsp;Betty also enjoyed driving a harvest truck for several farmers in the Morganville area, going many miles and doing it for many years.

Betty was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clay Center. She enjoyed being outside and loved visiting and fishing with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son in law Wayne Wright, a granddaughter Janel Wright, a grandson Mike DeLong, a sister Elda, four brothers Donald, Delbert, Ronald, and Norman. Brother in laws and sister in laws Elmo and Irma Jones, Harry &nbsp;&nbsp;and Enid Bauer, Clifford and Avis Kempston, Russell (Pete) and Heloise &nbsp;McGrath, Raymond and LaWanda (Max) Ahlberg, Bob and lone Flinn, LaVera Rettig and Marshall Jones.

Betty is survived by four daughters Grace (Bill) Oetinger, Morganville, Ks., Kathy (Chuck) DeLong, Gridley, Ks., Mary Wright, Morganville, Ks., and Connie Howley (Randy Tiemeyer), Clifton, Ks.

Grandchildren: Aaron and Morree (Oetinger) Floersch, Dan and Megan (Oetinger) Weisenberger, Mark and Jenny (DeLong) Boline, Jarrod and Marie DeLong, Alan and Amy (DeLong) Mantooth, Travis and &nbsp;&nbsp;Jerilyn Wright, Matt Wright, Rick and Kate (Wright) Hammond, Chelsey Matheu and Brett Matheu.

Great Grandchildren: Carson, Kara and Drew Floersch, William and Amelia Weisenberger, Lauren, Hayden and Ella Boline, Haleigh DeLong, Kelsi DeLong, Elisa and Alexis DeLong, and Isaac DeLong, Rylan &nbsp;and Braelyn Wright, Finnegan Hammond, Elly Matheu, Taylor and Ashtyn Ross, and Treyton Matheu. Brother, Robert (Veda) Kolle, sister Mardell (Leo) Voelker, sister in laws Mariel Kolle, Violet KoIle and Ruth Jones and brother in law Leonard Rettig and many nieces, nephews and &nbsp;friends.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, Clay Center, Kansas.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clay Center, Kansas.

Interment will be at the Morganville City Cemetery, Morganville, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Preschool or Morganville City Cemetery and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Betty Ann Jones, 87 of &nbsp;Morganville, passed away on May 31, 2022 at the Linn Community Nursing Home.&nbsp; She was born on August 21, 1934 at her family home in Palmer, Kansas, the daughter of Herman and Anna (Reith) Kolle. Betty was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Linn where she attended the Immanuel Lutheran School.Betty married Darold Ellwood Jones. She worked 34 years at the Clay Center Hospital.&nbsp; She was a very hard worker and when she retired, she was the Housekeeping Department manager. &nbsp;Betty also enjoyed driving a harvest truck for several farmers in the Morganville area, going many miles and doing it for many years.Betty was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clay Center. She enjoyed being outside and loved visiting and fishing with family and friends.She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son in law Wayne Wright, a granddaughter Janel Wright, a grandson Mike DeLong, a sister Elda, four brothers Donald, Delbert, Ronald, and Norman. Brother in laws and sister in laws Elmo and Irma Jones, Harry &nbsp;&nbsp;and Enid Bauer, Clifford and Avis Kempston, Russell (Pete) and Heloise &nbsp;McGrath, Raymond and LaWanda (Max) Ahlberg, Bob and lone Flinn, LaVera Rettig and Marshall Jones.Betty is survived by four daughters Grace (Bill) Oetinger, Morganville, Ks., Kathy (Chuck) DeLong, Gridley, Ks., Mary Wright, Morganville, Ks., and Connie Howley (Randy Tiemeyer), Clifton, Ks.Grandchildren: Aaron and Morree (Oetinger) Floersch, Dan and Megan (Oetinger) Weisenberger, Mark and Jenny (DeLong) Boline, Jarrod and Marie DeLong, Alan and Amy (DeLong) Mantooth, Travis and &nbsp;&nbsp;Jerilyn Wright, Matt Wright, Rick and Kate (Wright) Hammond, Chelsey Matheu and Brett Matheu.Great Grandchildren: Carson, Kara and Drew Floersch, William and Amelia Weisenberger, Lauren, Hayden and Ella Boline, Haleigh DeLong, Kelsi DeLong, Elisa and Alexis DeLong, and Isaac DeLong, Rylan &nbsp;and Braelyn Wright, Finnegan Hammond, Elly Matheu, Taylor and Ashtyn Ross, and Treyton Matheu. Brother, Robert (Veda) Kolle, sister Mardell (Leo) Voelker, sister in laws Mariel Kolle, Violet KoIle and Ruth Jones and brother in law Leonard Rettig and many nieces, nephews and &nbsp;friends.Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, Clay Center, Kansas.Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clay Center, Kansas.Interment will be at the Morganville City Cemetery, Morganville, Kansas.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Preschool or Morganville City Cemetery and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Betty Ann Jones

Marie Franson passed away the morning of Sunday, May 29, 2022. She was surrounded by family in her final days. Marie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother during her incredible 97 years. She was blessed to live independently in her own home until just a few weeks ago.

Marie had a long and full life. She was born on January 21, 1925, in the rural Longford area to two loving parents, Daniel and Emma Bach. She was the youngest of her siblings-Clifford, Eva, and Claudine-who doted on her while growing up, and Marie enjoyed close relationships with them and their families throughout her life. She spent her younger years on the family farm surrounded by extended family and had fond memories of both of her grandfathers, August Bach and Christian Bletscher, who lived in the household at different times when she was a child. Marie attended rural grade school in Longford and graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1942.

Marie married Blake Franson in March of 1945 in Clay Center. They settled on the Franson farm north of town in Garfield Township. Marie moved to Clay Center in 1975 after Blake's passing in 1973. She worked outside of the home throughout most of her life, including Lincoln Heights grocery store and at Gibson 's, where she served as assistant manager until her retirement in her mid-seventies.

Marie was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and had a strong faith that guided her throughout her life. She was a talented seamstress, and she enjoyed sewing clothing and quilts, as well as embroidery and craft work. Marie loved to play card games with friends and family and passed down her competitive nature to many of her descendants. Marie spoiled her family with her amazing cooking, and she loved nothing more than ignoring all protests while pushing an extra helping of dinner or an extra scoop of ice cream onto her grandkids. She enjoyed going to coffee with friends, traveling, reading, gardening, and­ watching the birds and squirrels in her backyard. Above all, she loved spending time with family.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Blake Franson, her stepson, Gary Franson, her daughter­ in-law, Linda Franson, and her great-granddaughter, Morgan Leigh Fajen. She is survived and missed by her son, Gailen Franson, of Clay Center, her son-in-law and daughter, John and Pam Fajen, of Riley, and daughter-in-law,&nbsp; Lee Campbell, of Clay Center. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Tyna Fajen, Pat James and husband Lon, Jeannie Franson, and Jim Franson and wife Shelli-all of Clay Center, KS; John Fajen Jr. and wife Cinnamon of Riley, KS; Angie Franson and husband Justin Dean of Perry, KS; Justin Fajen and wife Deana of Kansas City, MO; Jake Fajen and wife Erin of Lenexa, KS; and Jeremy Fajen and fiancée Michele Jesse of Riley, KS; along with 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

We are grateful for the length of her life and the time we had to spend with her, and we will always feel her presence in our hearts.

Visitation will be Friday, June 3, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.

Services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022.

Memorials can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church c/o the funeral home.

Marie Franson passed away the morning of Sunday, May 29, 2022. She was surrounded by family in her final days. Marie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother during her incredible 97 years. She was blessed to live independently in her own home until just a few weeks ago.Marie had a long and full life. She was born on January 21, 1925, in the rural Longford area to two loving parents, Daniel and Emma Bach. She was the youngest of her siblings-Clifford, Eva, and Claudine-who doted on her while growing up, and Marie enjoyed close relationships with them and their families throughout her life. She spent her younger years on the family farm surrounded by extended family and had fond memories of both of her grandfathers, August Bach and Christian Bletscher, who lived in the household at different times when she was a child. Marie attended rural grade school in Longford and graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1942.Marie married Blake Franson in March of 1945 in Clay Center. They settled on the Franson farm north of town in Garfield Township. Marie moved to Clay Center in 1975 after Blake's passing in 1973. She worked outside of the home throughout most of her life, including Lincoln Heights grocery store and at Gibson 's, where she served as assistant manager until her retirement in her mid-seventies.Marie was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and had a strong faith that guided her throughout her life. She was a talented seamstress, and she enjoyed sewing clothing and quilts, as well as embroidery and craft work. Marie loved to play card games with friends and family and passed down her competitive nature to many of her descendants. Marie spoiled her family with her amazing cooking, and she loved nothing more than ignoring all protests while pushing an extra helping of dinner or an extra scoop of ice cream onto her grandkids. She enjoyed going to coffee with friends, traveling, reading, gardening, and­ watching the birds and squirrels in her backyard. Above all, she loved spending time with family.Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Blake Franson, her stepson, Gary Franson, her daughter­ in-law, Linda Franson, and her great-granddaughter, Morgan Leigh Fajen. She is survived and missed by her son, Gailen Franson, of Clay Center, her son-in-law and daughter, John and Pam Fajen, of Riley, and daughter-in-law,&nbsp; Lee Campbell, of Clay Center. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Tyna Fajen, Pat James and husband Lon, Jeannie Franson, and Jim Franson and wife Shelli-all of Clay Center, KS; John Fajen Jr. and wife Cinnamon of Riley, KS; Angie Franson and husband Justin Dean of Perry, KS; Justin Fajen and wife Deana of Kansas City, MO; Jake Fajen and wife Erin of Lenexa, KS; and Jeremy Fajen and fiancée Michele Jesse of Riley, KS; along with 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.We are grateful for the length of her life and the time we had to spend with her, and we will always feel her presence in our hearts.Visitation will be Friday, June 3, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.Services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022.Memorials can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church c/o the funeral home.

Marie Franson

Terry D. Livingston, 71, of Overbrook, KS, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Brookside Retirement Community. Cremation will take place. A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at the Hall Cemetery. Associate Pastor Will Ravenstein will officiate. Terry was born July 22, 1950, in Junction City, KS the son of Paul D. and Pauline (Motter) Livingston. Terry served in the United States Air Force. After serving in the United States Air Force, he spent several years farming in Osage County, KS. After farming, he went to work for Iowa Beef Processing and Didde Glaser in Emporia, KS. Later, he owned and operated his lawn care service. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Survivors include one brother; Alton R. Livingston of Junction City, KS; numerous cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Terry D. Livingston, 71, of Overbrook, KS, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the Brookside Retirement Community. Cremation will take place. A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at the Hall Cemetery. Associate Pastor Will Ravenstein will officiate. Terry was born July 22, 1950, in Junction City, KS the son of Paul D. and Pauline (Motter) Livingston. Terry served in the United States Air Force. After serving in the United States Air Force, he spent several years farming in Osage County, KS. After farming, he went to work for Iowa Beef Processing and Didde Glaser in Emporia, KS. Later, he owned and operated his lawn care service. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. Survivors include one brother; Alton R. Livingston of Junction City, KS; numerous cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Terry D. Livingston

Emil F. Eichman, 88, of Flush, Kansas, died Thursday, May 26, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.&nbsp; He was a long-time resident of the Flush community.

Emil was born on August 13, 1933, in Paris, Arkansas, the son of Edward J. and Anna (Lux) Eichman.&nbsp; The family moved to Flush in 1940.&nbsp; He graduated from Flush High School in 1951.

Emil spent his life operating the family farm, north of Flush, with his brothers.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he sang for many years in the church choir. He was a member of the Flush Knights of Columbus Council 902 and a 4th degree member

of the Thomas McNieve Knights of Columbus Assembly.&nbsp; Emil loved to be busy outside and enjoyed working on his farm equipment. He also enjoyed playing pool.

Emil married Carol Lynn Knepper on June 24, 1989, at St. Joseph Church.&nbsp;&nbsp; She survives at their home.

Emil is also survived by his sister, Margaret Hunt of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his sister-in-law, Mildred Eichman, St. George; brother and sister-in-law Ed and Carol Eichman-Gereau, Wamego; brother and sister-in-law Harold and Ann Burkland, Wamego; brother-in-law Jay Kennedy, Love Valley, North Carolina, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Edward Eichman, James Eichman, Delbert Eichman, and&nbsp;Alice Gereau.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas.&nbsp; Father Mike Peterson will be the Celebrant.&nbsp; Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.&nbsp; Emil will lie-in-state, at the church, Thursday, June 2, 2022, beginning at 4:00 p.m.&nbsp; The family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and a Rosary prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church Religious Education Program, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or to the charity of the donor's choice, and those may be sent in care of Campanella &amp; Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego

Emil F. Eichman, 88, of Flush, Kansas, died Thursday, May 26, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka.&nbsp; He was a long-time resident of the Flush community.Emil was born on August 13, 1933, in Paris, Arkansas, the son of Edward J. and Anna (Lux) Eichman.&nbsp; The family moved to Flush in 1940.&nbsp; He graduated from Flush High School in 1951.Emil spent his life operating the family farm, north of Flush, with his brothers.&nbsp; He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he sang for many years in the church choir. He was a member of the Flush Knights of Columbus Council 902 and a 4th degree memberof the Thomas McNieve Knights of Columbus Assembly.&nbsp; Emil loved to be busy outside and enjoyed working on his farm equipment. He also enjoyed playing pool.Emil married Carol Lynn Knepper on June 24, 1989, at St. Joseph Church.&nbsp;&nbsp; She survives at their home.Emil is also survived by his sister, Margaret Hunt of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his sister-in-law, Mildred Eichman, St. George; brother and sister-in-law Ed and Carol Eichman-Gereau, Wamego; brother and sister-in-law Harold and Ann Burkland, Wamego; brother-in-law Jay Kennedy, Love Valley, North Carolina, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Edward Eichman, James Eichman, Delbert Eichman, and&nbsp;Alice Gereau.Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush, Kansas.&nbsp; Father Mike Peterson will be the Celebrant.&nbsp; Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.&nbsp; Emil will lie-in-state, at the church, Thursday, June 2, 2022, beginning at 4:00 p.m.&nbsp; The family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and a Rosary prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church Religious Education Program, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or to the charity of the donor's choice, and those may be sent in care of Campanella &amp; Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego

Obituaries