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Mark Tyler Johnson, age 51, a resident of Grenola, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at his home.  He was born on January 6, 1952 in Modesto, California, the son of Harold M. and Barbara (Kincaid) Johnson.

Mark served in the United States Army.  He worked as an inspector for Learjet in Wichita, Kansas until becoming disabled.

Mark is survived by his father, Harold Johnson of Grenola, Kansas, and he was preceded in death by one sister.

Per Mark's request, cremation has taken place, and a service will be held at a later date at the Winfield Veterans Cemetery in Winfield, Kansas.  Memorials are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans and may be sent to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Steven Lynn Gilbert, age 52, died Tuesday, June 18, 2013.  Steve was born on February 23, 1961 in Norfolk, Nebraska, the son of Charles Edward and Darlene Raye Fox Gilbert.

On August 19, 1990 in Longton, Kansas, Steve married Della Michelle Isbell.  Steve enjoyed going on motorcycle rides and doing charity ride events.  He worked construction and also did mechanic work.  He enjoyed reading and learning all he could about history.  He also enjoyed his dog, Jack.

Steve is survived by his wife, Della, of the home; two daughters, Casandra Davis and Michele Gilbert, both of Longton, Kansas; his mother, Darlene Gilbert of Creston, Iowa; one sister; and four brothers.  He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Gilbert.

Cremation has been requested, and services will be held at a later date.  The family has suggested memorials to either the American Lung Association or to Alcoholics Anonymous.  Memorials may be left with or sent to the funeral home.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Paul Eldon Steeby Sr., 90, of Basehor, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Medicalodge of Leavenworth, Kansas.  Paul was born October 12, 1922 in Neodesha, Kansas to Roland Kay and Estha Lee (Short) Steeby.

After graduating from Howard High School, Class of 1940, in Howard, Kansas, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a Master Machinist on the USS Spearfish submarine where he was active in many assignments the Spearfish undertook during World War II in the South Pacific, such as  the Battle of Corregidor and the Nurse Rescue Mission during Deathmarch.  He was the last surviving member of his crew.  After his discharge in 1946, he moved to Kansas City where he served in the Navy Reserves until 1950 when he was fully discharged and moved to Basehor, Kansas.  Paul worked for Phillips Petroleum, New Holland, Symons Concrete Forms, and most recently, for the United States Postal Service before retiring in the mid-1980s.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Avis Steeby of the home; two sons, Paul E. Steeby Jr. of Wellsville, Kansas and Roy Steeby of Basehor, Kansas; two grandchildren, David Steeby and Laura Fisher; and three great-grandchildren, Natalia, Isaac, and Reuben.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillie Pearl Lyman Steeby on April 14, 1993.

Private inurnment services will be held at a later date in Glenwood Cemetery, Basehor, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Paul's name to the charity of the donor's choice.   Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.chapelhill-butler.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas.  

(taken from the Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home website)

Curtis "Curt" Huddle, age 81, of Independence, Kansas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 15, 2013.  Curtis was born August 23, 1931 to the late Everett Elton and Matilda Huddle.

Curtis graduated from Cedar Vale High School in Cedar Vale, Kansas and attended community college majoring in industrial arts education.  After proudly serving his country in the United States Navy, he relocated to New Hampshire where he married and had two daughters.  After retiring from Western Electric in North Andover, Massachusetts after 21 years of employment, Curt spent ten more years employed by Beaver Valley Farms in Pelham, New Hampshire before retiring for the second time in 1996.  He then moved back to his home state of Kansas where he met and married his wife of almost fifteen years, Faith (Kimzey) Huddle on October 9, 1998.

Curt was a long time leader for the Boy Scouts of America, served on the Board of Directors of the Meade Base Boy Scouts Camp, and was an active member of the Community Christian Church in Independence, Kansas.

He will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by his wife, Faith Huddle of the home; one sister, Judy French of Grenola, Kansas; two daughters, Linda Strecker and husband, Gerald of Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania and Pam Vibert and husband, Calvin of Salem, New Hampshire; 4 stepchildren, Rolinda Tomlinson of Elk Falls, Kansas, Perry Russell of Peru, Kansas, Curtis Strasburg of Fredonia, Kansas, and David Strasberg of Cedar Vale, Kansas; 18 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Cordas Huddle; and his sister, Phyllis Hawkins.

A celebration of Curt's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013 at the Community Christian Church, 3035 S. 10th, Independence, Kansas 67301.  A graveside service will immediately follow in the Longton Cemetery in Longton, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the Community Christian Church or the Arthritis Foundation and may be left in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 209 N. Douglas, Sedan, Kansas 67361 which is in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the David. W. Barnes Funeral Home website)

Roscoe D. Morton, age 81, of Frostproof, Florida passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013 at his residence due to heart failure.  He was born December 10, 1931 in Elk Falls, Kansas to the late Raymond G. and Grace E. (Finley) Morton.

Roscoe began his aviation career by soloing in 1947 at the age of 15.  He was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War.  Flight instructing and agricultural and executive flying led to his airline career with Southern Airways in 1959, presently known as Delta Airlines.  A former chief pilot and check airman, Roscoe retired as a Boeing 747 international Captain.  He was the Chairman of the Announcers and has been for numerous years at the Experimental Aircraft Association Airventure at Rockford and Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  He was also Chairman of the Announcers at Sun'N'Fn in Lakeland and was a member of the Board of Directors at Sun'N'Fun.  Roscoe received many awards over the years and announced at many events in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Virginia "Jinny" Morton; son, Roscoe J. and wife, Lisa Morton of Commerce, Michigan; sister, Suzanne M. Wyatt of Ft. Worth, Texas; and three grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, and Will.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Elk Falls United Methodist Church in Elk Falls, Kansas.  Interment will follow at the Elk Falls Cemetery under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Howard, Kansas.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.countrysidefh.com.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Frances J. Wray, 90, of Wichita, Kansas passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2-13.  Mrs. Wray retired in the late 1908s after many years of service in the USD #259 School Service Center.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Wray and his wife, Fran of Howard, Kansas; her grandson Aaron Wray and his wife, Anna and her great-grandson, Alex Wray, all of Wichita, Kansas.  She is preceded in passing by her late husband, Lawrence "Larry" Wray.

Services were held Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas followed by burial at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memorium to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202 or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1101 N. River Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67203.  Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com.  Arrangements were under the care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary East in Wichita, Kansas.

(published in the Wichita Eagle 6/2013)

Hubert Franklin Dutton, age 86, a resident of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Lake Point of Wichita.  He was born November 11, 1926 in Rogers, Arkansas, the son of John and Bertha Cowthan Dutton.

Hubert was employed at Cessna in the Maintenance Department.  He loved his pets, and he enjoyed hunting, especially coons, rabbits, and squirrels.

Hubert is survived by two sons, Wes Dutton of Wichita, Kansas and Duke Dutton and his wife, Diane of Augusta, Kansas;  two daughters, Grace Lucas and her husband, Ted of El Dorado, Kansas and Del Ray Warden of Wichita, Kansas; one sister, Earline Ward and her husband, Neal of Fayetteville, Arkansas; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Pauline Dutton and Dollie Brewer; and two brothers, Floyd Dutton and Homer Dutton.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas with Pastor Robin Haines officiating.  Interment will be held at Grace Lawn Cemetery.  Family suggests memorials to the Kansas Humane Society and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condoolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. 
Arrangements are entrusted to Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Fern Crowl, 85, a resident of Twilight Manor in Howard, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2013.  Fern was born March 31, 1928 in Hazelton, Kansas to Hardy D. and Ida May Adams Swafford.

On June 11, 1944, Fern was united in marriage to Harold Crowl.  She was a wife and homemaker, raising their six children and many that needed a home or some "Mothering Love".  She entered the work force after her children were gone from the home doing cooking and housekeeping until the age of 75.

Survivors include her son, Sam Crowl and wife, Sue of Arkansas City, Kansas; daughters, Bonnie Jacobs of Haysville, Kansas, Cathy Warrington and husband, Ron of Howard, Kansas, Sharon Harris and husband, Bruce of Goddard, Kansas, Charlotte McMallow of Howard, Kansas, and Betty Davis of Wichita, Kansas; sisters, Eva Cox and Irene Vanatta, both of Wichita, Kansas; a brother, Lee Ridgway and wife, Wilma of Perry, Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one grandchild, Shannon McMallow; two sisters, Joyce O'Conner and Lena Barnes; and three brothers, Ray, Lloyd, and Carl Swafford.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 17, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Kiowa, Kansas.  Burial followed in Riverview Cemetery.  Arrangements were handled by Lanman Funeral Home of Kiowa, Kansas.

(taken from the Lanman Funeral Home Inc. website)

Kay Marie Hebb was born in Okinawa, Japan on  March 20, 1951 and passed away at the age of 62 on June 12, 2013 in Tyler, Texas.

Kay lived in Japan until she met her husband, Bob Hebb, in Okinawa where he was serving in the U.S. Air Force.  They were married in Japan in 1972 and lived in several places in the United States and internationally during his 26 year military career.  Kay became fluent in English, studied hard, became a naturalized citizen, and embraced the United States as her home.

Following Bob's retirement from the Air Force, they moved to Tyler, Texas where he joined his brothers working at Hebb Industries, Inc.  Kay worked at Service Merchandise, Hebb Industries, Inc., Nautilus Health and Fitness, and U. S. Fabrication of East Texas.  She loved her children and her much beloved dog, Niki.  An avid sports fan, she also enjoyed reading, walking at the mall, and lunches with her friends.  Everyone who knew Kay loved her.  

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Bob Hebb, of the home; son, Louis Hebb of Plano, Texas; daughter, Ayuli Hebb of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister-in-law, Angela Drzewiecki and husband, Tom of Redmond, Washington; and brothers-in-law, Bill Hebb and wife, Risa of Tyler, Texas and Joe Hebb and wife, Letha of Winfield, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother; and her parents-in-law, Adron and Madge Hebb.

A visitation for Kay Marie Hebb will be held on Sunday, June 16, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, Texas.   Memorials may be made to Cancer Foundation for Life, 1713 Troup Highway, Tyler, Texas 75701.

(taken from the Stewart Family Funeral Home website)


...
Kay's husband, Bob Hebb, grew up in Howard.  His parents were longtime Howard residents, the late Adron and Madge Hebb.

Carol Jean Brinton-Craney was born June 2, 1932 and departed this world on June 7, 2013.  Carol was born in Wichita, Kansas to Ruth Ann (Bryant) Hill and Willis Kenneth Hill. 

Carol was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and great-grandmother with many talents, but most of all , a persevering soul with creative talents, a heart for the word of God, and a love of the Flint Hills and animals.  At the age of 12 years old, Carol accepted the Lord at Camp Horizon in Arkansas City, Kansas.  She dreamed of becoming a missionary, but God must have had other plans, for she married Donald M. Brinton on June 29, 1952 in Wichita, Kansas.  To this union three sons and a daughter were born. 

They made their home in the College Hill area of Wichita for many years where she was involved in her children's activities as PTA President, Cub Scout leader, Campfire Girl Leader, a Goldwater Girl, and many other various activities.  Upon moving to the Howard, Kansas area, she realized her dream of having a small ranch and raised Longhorn cattle.  From this point in time, she ventured into the world of journalism and became owner and editor of the Courtland Journal in Courland, Kansas.  Her talents of being a writer and photographer were realized at this time.

On June 26, 1993, she married Marvin E. Craney in Wilsey, Kansas where Marvin continues to farm and ranch.  Due to failing health, Carol moved to Cumbernauld Village in Winfield, Kansas where she would again be tested with that perseverance and faith.

Carol is survived by her husband, Marvin, of the home; her four children: Mark D. Brinton and wife, Carol of Wilcox, Arizona and their son Jon and wife, Candice of Scottsdale, Arizona and their children, Ava and Ryan, daughter, Bambi L. Bird-Hanson of Cedar Vale, Kansas and her children, Tabitha Bird Hogan and husband, Justin of Winfield, Kansas and their children, James, Amelia, and Annabel, Thane Bird and his wife, Rene of San Diego, California, and Chad Bird and Jason Bird of Manhattan, Kansas, son Michael D. Brinton and Dawn Kennedy of Santa Barbara, California and his children, Taylor Brinton of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kail Brinton and Conner Brinton of Fountain Hills, Arizona, and son, Todd D. Brinton of Palm Springs, California; her sister, Doris Clum and husband, Dwayne of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and their children, Tony Clum and Joni Valdez; and six stepchildren, Junior Craney, Wanda Dusin, Tonia Catlin II, Sherry Wilson, Wyatt Craney, and Kelly Craney and 7 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 with Pastor Norman Reeves officiating.  Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas.  Family suggests memorials to Harden Hospice of Kansas and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Rev. Ronald Lorenzo Bumstead of Humboldt, Kansas, age 85, retired United Methodist minister, died June 6, 2013 at Heritage Health Care in Chanute, Kansas.  Born December 17, 1927 to Oliver Washington Bumstead and Mary Smith in Detroit, Michigan, he spent his first 32 years in Michigan prior to his move to Kansas.

He was in the Army National Guard as part of a mortar crew.  He attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan as a pre-med student.  He worked nine years on a survey crew in Michigan.  In 1954, he felt the calling.  On July 2, 1955, he married Connie Jo McKinley in Pontiac, Michigan.  He continued his education at Sterling College and was ordained a Methodist minister in 1962.  He and his wife, Connie, served many churches in the Kansas East Conference prior to his retirement in 1994.  He continued serving churches in his retirement until 2004 when they moved back to Humboldt, Kansas.

Rev. Bumstead is survived by his wife, Connie; a sister, Ramona Cabbard of Brooklyn, New York; sons, Ronald Jr. and his wife, Marilyn of Humboldt, Kansas, Kevin and his wife, Sue of Aurora, Colorado, and Jonathan and his wife, Lynn of Overland Park, Kansas; a daughter, Beth Ann of Pittsburg, Kansas; a daughter-in-law, Pam of Woodbridge, Virginia; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Kim.

Cremation has been performed.  Visitation will be on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service service at 11:00 a.m. at the Humboldt United Methodist Church, 806 N. 9th, Humboldt, Kansas 66748.  Memorial contributions may be made to Humboldt United Methodist Church or any church of your choice.  Arrangements are by Waugh-Yokum & Friskey Memorial Chapels, 16 N. Buckeye, Iola, Kansas 66749.

(taken from the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapels website)

...Rev. Ron Bumstead served the Howard/Severy United Methodist Churches in the 1980s or 1990s.

Viola May Chamberlain, age 96, a resident of Howard, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the Howard Twilight Manor.  She was born July 30, 1916 in Piedmont, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Gertrude (Powers) Lauffer.

In August 1935, Viola was united in marriage to Glenn Chamberlain in Piedmont, Kansas.  Viola was a homemaker, a school teacher for one year, and she worked as a bank teller for many years, retiring from the Howard State Bank.  She was a member of the Howard United Methodist Church and the Paw Paw Community for many years.  Viola loved fishing, watching her soap operas (stories), gardening, crocheting, playing cards, and having her grandchildren stay with her during the summer.

Viola is survived by one son, Dale Chamberlain and his wife, Venita of Severy, Kansas; one brother, Glenn Dean Lauffer of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren, Karen and Kurt Swint of Udall, Kansas, Mary Scott and Kel Shope of Leon, Kansas, Sherrie and Rick Bunyard of Severy, Kansas, Shawn and Theresa Shephard of Rock, Kansas, Duane and Shelly Brown of Moore, Montana, Paula Hensley of Newkirk, Oklahoma, Dawn and Bobby Brumley of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Teresa and Mark Beitz of Howard, Kansas; great-grandchildren, Kyle and Kendall Swint of Udall, Kansas, Dakota and Jake Chamberlain of Piedmont, Kansas, Weston and Caroline Scott of Leon, Kansas, Billy Bunyard of Howard, Kansas, Kendra Bunyard of Oklahoma, Shawnell and Kenneth Linot of Rose Hill, Kansas, Shaylynn Shephard of Rock, Kansas, Joshua Grizzle and Jessica Hensley, both of Newkirk, Oklahoma; and Anthony Beitz of Howard, Kansas; great-great-grandchildren, Chase Bunyard of Howard, Kansas, and Kaylynn and Kolie Humphrey, both of Oklahoma.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glenn; one daughter, Donna Brown; three brothers, Carl, Gene, and Daryle Lauffer; one grandson, Gary Chamberlain; and one great-grandson, Donnie Hensley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2013 at Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas with Pastor Charles Cryderman officiating.  Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the funeral home.  Interment will be held at Grace Lawn Cemetery.  Family suggests contributions be made to Howard Twilight Manor and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Waunita Faye Floyd, a longtime Howard resident, passed away in her home on Monday, June 3, 2013, at the age of 62.  The daughter of George Smith and Melba Baughman Smith, Waunita was born on March 12, 1951 in Wichita, Kansas.

Waunita received her early education in Wichita.  Later she attended Longton High School graduating with the class of 1969.  She is a graduate of Emporia State University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in 1977.  She was united in marriage to Gary Wayman Floyd on August 22, 1970 in Liberal, Kansas.  In over 43 years of marriage, the couple had lived in several different cities prior to moving to Howard in 1992.  Waunita worked in Wichita for over 15 years where she was a manager at Michael's Arts and Crafts.  She was also very active in the Sunny Acres Wheat Company where she became famous with her e-bay account.  In 2008, Waunita and Gary purchased the Sunny Acres Tax Service in Howard, and she was currently co-owner of the business.

Waunita enjoyed spending time at their lake home on Grand Lake, buying and selling on e-bay, taking care of her three granddaughters, playing cards, sitting on her front porch watching people go by, and most of all, starting the first annual "Floyd Family Reunion" in which she has attended all 26 years.

Waunita is survived by her husband of over 43 years, Gary; one son, Jeremy and his wife, Steffanie of Wichita, Kansas; three very special granddaughters, Cortney, Rachel, and Zandra Floyd, all of Wichita, Kansas; a very, very special great-grandson, Mason Floyd; her mother, Melba Smith of Longton, Kansas; two brothers, Willie Smith and his wife, Regina of California and Milo Smith and his wife, Karlene of Benton, Kansas; three sisters, Fonetta Keith and her husband, James of Rose Hill, Kansas, Linda Seamans and her husband, Chuck of Elk City, Kansas, and Mary Ann Moore and her husband, Randy of Longton, Kansas; many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly; ad other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her father, George Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the Howard United Methodist Church with Pastor Charles Cryderman officiating,.  Visitation will be Friday, June 7, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Family suggests memorials to the Moline Cemetery Avenue of Flags and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Marjorie Edna Lewis of Piedmont, Kansas died Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the age of 85.  She was born on January 4, 1928 on the Claycomb Ranch in northwest Greenwood County, the daughter of Charles Harold and Myrtle (Berry) Claycomb.

For most of her early life, she was raised in the Claycomb Community of northwest Greenwood County.  Marjorie graduated from Piedmont High School and then attended Emporia State Teachers College.  After graduation, she taught school with her mother at Burns, Kansas and later in rural Greenwood County.

On July 29, 1950, Marjorie was united in marriage to W.J. "Bill" Lewis in Eureka, Kansas.  They made their home in Otter Creek Township where they ranched together for many years.  Marjorie loved to read, and she enjoyed collecting stamps and hunting for fossils and Indian artifacts in Otter Creek.  She loved working in the hayfields and raising cattle, and she so loved having a grandchild on her lap.  Marjorie ranched with Bill until his death in 2005, and she continued to live on the ranch until 2008.  She was a member of the Lutheran church.

Marjorie is survived by her son, Gary and wife, Connie Lewis of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; her daughter, Mary and husband, Ocie Scott of Idalou, Texas; 5 grandchildren, Tracie and husband, Blaine Haag of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Pamilyn and husband D. Allen Miller Jr. of Annandale, Virginia, Kodi and wife, Kaci Scott of Lubbock, Texas, Gary II and wife, Carri Lewis of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Leslie Lewis of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 10 great-grandchildren, Taylor Haag, Connor Haag, Parker Haag, Calli Lewis, Clayton Miller, Grady Lewis, Laney Scott, Mason Scott, Vivien Miller, and Josi Lewis; and 3 sisters-in-law, Naomi Claycomb of Wichita, Kansas, Helen Claycomb of Valley Center, Kansas, and Barbara Lewis-Long of Eureka, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two granddaughters, Carrie Lewis and Kaylee Scott; one sister, Mary Jane McTavish; and 2 brothers, George Claycomb and Calvin Claycomb.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 8, 2013 at Koup Family Funeral Home, 121 N. Oak Street, Eureka, Kansas 67045.  Interment will follow at Star Cemetery in Otter Creek Township, Greenwood County, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Beaumont Community Association or to the Eureka Public Library.  Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home which is in charge of service arrangements.

(taken from the Koup Family Funeral Home website)

Kenneth Chester McDonald, age 93, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away Tuesday evening, May 21, 2013 at a Topeka care home.  He was born February 13, 1920 at the family home located at the family farm southeast of Howard, Kansas in Elk County to Theodore and Mattie (Burtch) McDonald.  He was the youngest son of the family of five children.

When Kenneth was 5 years old, he began his education at High Hill Elementary School District #147 located in the neighborhood of the McDonald farm.  He graduated from Howard High School in 1941.

After high school, Kenneth was employed as a farm hand from 1941 to 1949.  While working on the farm, he got acquainted with Joyce Nadine Griffith who lived in Topeka.  He left the farm and moved to Topeka in 1949 where he and Joyce were married at the First Baptist Church on September 24, 1949.  To this union, two sons, Dennie Lee and Terry Lee, were born.  Joyce was a homemaker and did all the canning of the produce from the garden.  She died quite suddenly in December of 1982.  Kenneth became the homemaker and Terry the housekeeper.  

Kenneth was employed with Division I State Highway Commission and went to work with a small area of men doing repair work on state highway bridges in northeast Kansas.  After an injury he received at work, he was furnished with a job as a mechanic in the highway repair shop repairing and overhauling trucks.  He was then offered employment with the State Department of Administration as a foreman of the State Central Motor Pool in May 1973 at 10th and Tyler where maintenance and repair work was done on vehicles.

Kenneth retired to his home in January 1985 after 33 years of employment with the State of Kansas.  He was very much involved with the scouting program over the years.  He was registered with the Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America from 1959 to 2003.  Some of his accolades include being a trained Wood Badge leader, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, institutional representative, and Unit Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America.

Kenneth was a 50-year member of the North Topeka Baptist Church where he spent many hours in maintenance and repair of equipment and serving on the Deacon Board, Trustees Board, and service committees.  He was a 7th degree Granger at the Indian Creek Grange #1471 of Topeka for many years.  He was the overseer.  When the Master died in 1984, he filled the master chair from then until his resignation in 2006.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Terry, of Topeka, Kansas; two grandsons; and four great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his son, Dennis; his parents; three brothers, Carl, Clayton, and Clad; and one sister, Faye Harrod.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 3, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka.  He will lie in state Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on June 3, 2013 at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Howard, Kansas.  Memorial contributions may be made to the North Topeka Baptist Church and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66608.

(published in the Prairie Star - 5/29/2013)

Denis Inez Bradley, 57, of Independence, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at her home in Independence.  She was born March 6, 1956 in Garden City, Kansas to Dennis and Mildred (Barnes) Davis.

Shortly after Denise was born, the family moved to Independence, Kansas.  She attended Independence schools and later married Randy Bradley.  She was employed by Davis Contracting and was a member of God's Family Chapel in Independence, Kansas.

Survivors include her three children, Jason Bradley of Mannford, Oklahoma, Marsha Osburn of Independence, Kansas, and Amie Bradley of Independence, Kansas; one brother, Harley Davis of Cherryvale, Kansas; three sisters, Billie Heape of Mannford, Oklahoma, Debbie Summner of Longton, Kansas, and Ricki Darnell-Deputer of Independence, Kansas; and 8 grandchildren.  Denise was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Randy; and a twin sister, Janice Davis.

Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Webb & Rodrick Chapel in Independence, Kansas with Pastor Eldon Myers of God's Family Chapel officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at the Chapel.  Arrangements are by Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory, 306 W. Main, Independence, Kansas 67301.

(taken from the Webb & Rodrick Chapel website)

Helen Elizabeth Balentine, 92, a longtime resident of rural Fall River, Kansas, died Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kansas.  She was born December 28, 1920 in rural Fall River, the daughter of Jess and Mary (Hosler) McGinnis.

Helen was a graduate of Fall River High School.  She was a school teacher for a few years, worked for ten years at St. Margaret's Mercy Hospital, but spent most of her life as a rancher.  Helen was the oldest living member of the Fall River United Methodist Church.

Her survivors include three children, Larry Thomas Balentine of Poulsbo, Washington, Carol Ann Lankard of Mulvane, Kansas, and Jacquelyn Sue Ong of Fall River, Kansas; one brother, Carl McGinnis of Rose Hill, Kansas; 9 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.  Her parents, Jess and Mary McGinnis and two brothers, Joe McGinnis and Harry McGinnis, preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Fall River United Methodist Church in Fall River, Kansas with Pastor Susan Galvan officiating.  Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery in Fredonia, Kansas.  The family will receive friends at Timmons Funeral Home on Friday, May 31, 2013 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Memorials have been established in Helen's name with the Fall River United Methodist Church and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and can be sent to or left with the funeral home.  Words of condolence and messages for the family may be left at www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.  Timmons Funeral Home, 510 N. 7th, Fredonia, Kansas 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.

(taken from the Timmons Funeral Home website)

Elma Louise Byer of Lenexa, Kansas passed away May 17, 2013 at the age of 85.  Louise was born on February 21, 1928 in Howard, Kansas to Ralph and Zora (Root) Perkins.

Louise grew up on the Bar P Ranch in the Flint Hills, a place she dearly loved.  She attended a one-room schoolhouse and then went on to graduate from Howard High School and the College of Emporia where she earned a degree in English.

Louise is survived by her brothers, Lynn Perkins and Elvin Perkins; and her children, Gretchen (Jim) Cox, Robin, Jared (Silvia), Jennifer (John) DuBois, and Lispeth (John) Springer.  Her grandchildren, Alphie, Noah, Rhea, Haley, Steano, Leo, Elisa, Theo, Oliver, Aidan, and Maya are left to mourn her passing as is her great-grandson, Judah; her sister-in-law, Lois Perkins; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Gene Byer; her son-in-law, Hal Ettinger (Robin); her brother, Ralph Jr.; and sisters-in-law, Kathryn (Elvin), Phyllis (Ralph Jr.), and Orel (Ralph Jr.).

A celebration of Louise's life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, 9400 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215.  A reception will follow.

For those wishing to make a donation in Louise's memory, the family suggests the following non-profit organizations:  The Crisis Center of Dodge City, P.O. Box 1173, Dodge City, KS 67801 or The Lewy Body Demnentia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Llburn, GA 30047 or online http://www.lbda.org/go/donate.

(published in the Prairie Star 5/22/2013)

Michael Franklin "Mike" Kill, age 66, a resident of Moline, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at the Robert J. Dole VA Center in Wichita, Kansas.  He was born on December 24, 1946 in Winfield, Kansas, the son of William and Verna (Beaty) Kill.

Mike attended St. Mary's grade school and graduated from Moline High School in 1964.  During the Vietnam War, Mike served in the United States Army.  Mike was a lifelong cowboy and rancher who had a passion for coyote hunting, and he also enjoyed team roping with his brother, Tim.  Throughout the years, Mike hauled cattle and worked as an order buyer in such places as Winfield and Fredonia Sale Barns.  He had also worked for the Eureka Downs as an outrider.

Mike is survived by his best friend and caregiver, Jane Koster of Moline, Kansas; one daughter, Jennifer Longton of New Jersey; stepdaughter, Deborah McGregor of Douglass, Kansas; two stepsons, Terry Bates of Moline, Kansas and Donald McGregor of Rose Hill, Kansas; three brothers, Henry (Hank) E. Kill of Skiatook, Oklahoma, Charles S. (Steve) Kill of Lincolnville, Kansas, and Timothy L. Kill of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; two grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane Kill and Daniel Kill; and one sister, Kathryn Clare.

Per Mike's request, cremation has taken place. Memorial services wil be held Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas with Pastor Robin Haines officiating.  Family suggests memorials to the Disabled American Veterans or the Mt. Olivet Cemetery Fund and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Robert Lester "Bob" Wright, age 81, a resident of rural Fall River, Kansas, passed away Monday, May 20, 2013 at the Eureka Nursing Center in Eureka, Kansas.  He was born on February 16, 1924 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Clarence L. and Mary Ellen (Trump) Wright.

In 1944 at the age of 18, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the destroyer U.S.S.Dale as a radar and radioman.  The ship was part of the U.S. Third Fleet consisting of 132 ships under Admiral Halsey's command enroute to support General MacArthur's campaign to liberate the Philippines.  Bob was honorably discharged on May 18, 1946, and soon after, he attended the University of Wichita where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.

On September 22, 1956, Bob was united in marriage to Vianne Sue Quinn at the First Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas.  They made their first home together in San Francisco, California.  Bob had many interests, a love for travel, and anything that had wheels.  He was a member of the Severy United Methodist Church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Vianne Wright of Fall River, Kansas; one daughter, Susan K. Kanamoto and husband, Yoshio of Nakama, Japan; one son, Jack T. Wight and wife, Alicia of Eureka, Kansas; and four grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jack M. Wright;  and one nephew, Douglas Wright Frisby.

Per Bob's request, cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held Friday, May 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Severy United Methodist Church in Severy, Kansas with Pastor Charles Cryderman officiating.  Family suggests memorials to the Kansas Humane Society and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)