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Dana Rex Taliaferro, age 68, of Severy, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 16, 2025.  He was born May 31, 1956 in Winfield, Kansas to Raymond and Mary Margaret (Flock) Taliaferro.

During his early childhood, Dana was raised in the town of Severy, Kansas.  After the passing of his Grandmother Taliaferro, they moved to the family farm in the spring of 1969.  He graduated from West Elk High School in Howard, Kansas in 1974.  After high school, he attended York College in Nebraska and graduated in 1976. Continuing his education, he attended Lubbock Christian College in Texas and graduated in 1978 with a degree in education.  On August 16, 1980, he married Christal Bertola of Roswell, New Mexico.  Together they raised three children.

He began his teaching career at West Elk High School in 1982. During his years at West Elk, Dana taught English, was the athletic director, and coached basketball and baseball.  He sincerely loved working with the kids he taught and coached.  Over the course of his baseball coaching career, he was selected as Coach of the Year three times.  He also led his team to five different appearances at the state tournament. 

For many years, Dana taught Bible class at the Eureka Church of Christ in Eureka, Kansas where he and his wife have been members for the last 20+ years.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

Dana is survived by his wife, Christal of Severy, Kansas; his three children, Lindsey (Kevin) Nieman and children Ander and Easton of Coweta, Oklahoma, Matthew (Paige) Taliaferro and children Graham and Grace of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Darris (Vanessa) and his children Brooke and Lana of Wichita, Kansas; two brothers,  Marty (Helen) Taliaferro of Severy, Kansas and Scott Taliaferro of Wichita, Kansas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tim Taliaferro.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the West Elk school gymnasium in Howard, Kansas.  There will be a private family burial following.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Eureka Church of Christ and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Sheila Kay Houchin, age 72, passed away on March 12, 2025 at her home in Severy, Kansas surrounded by her loving family.  She was born May 22, 1952 in Burlington, Kansas to Dale Dean and Marilyn Edna (Phillips) Sauder.

Sheila attended many schools west of the Mississippi River as a child due to her father working on missile sites.  Her junior high and high school years were spent in Wichita, Kansas, attending Jardine Junior High and graduating from South High School in 1970.  She attended Wichita State University and then went to St. Francis School of Nursing, graduating in 1974.

Sheila was united in marriage to Jerry Lynn Houchin on July 4, 1971 in Haysville, Kansas.  They were married for 53 years and were parents to four children.  They spent some early years in Germany where their oldest son was born and then raised their children in Andover, Kansas before settling in Severy.

Sheila attended the Severy Church of the Nazarene since moving to Severy in 1994.  She helped with Vacation Bible School and was a Sunday School teacher for the young children.  She loved bringing her children and grandchildren to church. 

Sheila was a registered nurse and worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas for 20 years, Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, Kansas for 4 years, and retired from Susan B. Allen Hospital in El Dorado, Kansas after 17 years.  She loved to travel and took many trips around the states with her family.  She loved movies and music and sharing both with her children and grandchildren.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Jerry of the home; her daughter, Laurie (Rob) Coble of Severy, Kansas; sons, Adam (Crystal) Houchin of Severy, Kansas and Ben (Heather) Houchin of Howard, Kansas; grandchildren, Taylor (Jen) Coble-Davis and Sylvie; Tylyn Coble, Tanner Coble, Evan Coble, Weston, Dawson, and Hudson Houchin, Cora, Beau, Mae, and Marilyn Houchin, Braden Lassley, Kaylee Coble, Bryson Coble, and Miah Ellis; her brother, Ron Sauder and companion, June; in-laws, Alice Eshbaugh, William (Tessie) Houchin, Larry Houchin, Joanna Houchin, and Zandra Houchin; her uncles, Robert (Beverly) Phillips, Joseph Sauder, and Gary Sauder; and countless nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her son, Jeremy Wayne Houchin; her parents, Dale and Marilyn Sauder; her parents-in-law, Wilbur and Juanita Houchin; and her brothers-in-law, Alonzo, Leland, Harvey, Jimmie, Ray, Dale, Glenn Edgar, and Darrell Dean.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the Severy Church of the Nazarene in Severy, Kansas with burial to follow in South Lawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Severy Church of the Nazarene or Elk County Wrestling and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Lary Delane Albert, age 78, of Elk Falls, Kansas, passed away at his home on March 8, 2025.  He was born September 2, 1946.

Per Larry's wishes, cremation has been requested with no services planned.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Sharolyn Kay "Sherry" Lager passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 surrounded by family.  She was the daughter of Noval K. and Ethel M. (Beaty) Yantis and grew up in Howard, Kansas, graduating from Howard High School with the Class of 1956.

Sherry dearly loved and was deeply loved by her family and friends who always knew they had a place in her heart and her home. Her warmth made everyone feel welcome whether they were stopping by for a quick visit or gathering for a special occasion.  Her home was not just a place to stay; it was a place to belong filled with laughter and love.

Sherry's happiest moments were spent making memories with her family whether at her Omaha, Nebraska home of 53 years or traveling throughout the United States and Mexico.  She never missed an important moment as she traveled far and wide to be present at births, weddings, funerals, reunions, and graduations or staying closer to home for confirmations, birthdays, sporting events, concerts, and other family gatherings.  She was always present.

Sherry spread her love and appreciation of music through singing in her church, Countryside Community Church and teaching elementary vocal music in the Omaha Public Schools for 30 years where one of her labors of love was writing and arranging her own Christmas programs.  She also enjoyed teaching piano lessons in her home for many years, sharing her love of music with students of all ages.  She took great pride in watching her students grow, celebrating their achievements and inspiring them to embrace music as a lifelong joy.

Sherry was an active PEO sister in chapter GL, serving in many positions including Chapter President.  She also proudly attended Cottey College before finishing her teaching degree at Pittsburg State College in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Her loving kindness, generosity, and compassion touched the lives of everyone around her, leaving a lasting impact that will be greatly missed. She had a remarkable way of making others feel valued and cared for, always offering a helping hand or a kind word when it was needed most.  Whether through her warm smile or her unwavering support, she created a sense of comfort and belonging for those who knew her.  Her legacy of love, empathy, and compassion will continue to inspire and be cherished by all.

Sherry is survived by her daughters, Kristina (Dan) Mazur of Omaha, Nebraska, Carol (Ken) Mertl of Omaha, Nebraska, Susan (David) Tokheim of San Carlos, California, and Sara Lager of Los Angeles, California; her grandchildren, Mitchel and Allyson Mazur, Jacob Mertl, and Talia, Teagan, and Tatum Tokheim; brother, John (Jane) Yantis; nieces, Cynthia Yantis and Deborah (Craig) Thomas; and many other very special family members.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Norval K. and Ethel M. Yantis of Howard, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  John A. Gentleman Mortuaries of Omaha, Nebraska has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from the John A. Gentleman Mortuaries website)

Dawn Marie Brumley, age 59, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on March 2, 2025. Born August 26, 1965 in Twin Falls, Idaho to James "J. D." Brown and Donna (Chamberlain) Brown, Dawn spent her formative years on a farm near Howard, Kansas. A 1983 graduate of West Elk High School, she was an active member of 4-H throughout her teenage years, demonstrating her dedication and compassion.

Dawn furthered her education and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), working at the state hospital in Winfield, Kansas where she met her future husband, Bobby Brumley, on a blind date.  Their courtship blossomed, leading to their marriage on March 1, 1986.  They later relocated to Ponca City, Oklahoma to be closer to both of their families.

At the young age of 22, Dawn suffered a workplace injury that resulted in a diagnosis of Reflex Dystrophy (RSD), a condition that challenged her for the remainder of her life.  Despite this adversity, Dawn remained a loving and devoted wife, family member, and friend.  She possessed a deep love for animals, particularly cats, and cherished the bonds she shared with her loved ones. Dawn's memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Dawn is survived by her beloved husband, Bobby Brumley; siblings, Duane (Shelly) Brown of Moore, Montana, Teresa (Mark) Beitz of Howard, Kansas, and Paula Hensley of Newkirk, Oklahoma; nephews, Anthony Beitz and Josh Grizzle; and niece, Jessica (Rocky) Renfro.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, Donnie Hensley.

The family will received friends at a visitation from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Howard, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the RSD Foundation and may be mailed to or left with the funeral home.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Dorothy May Keplinger, age 90, of Grenola, Kansas, passed away February 26, 2025 at Winfield Rest Haven in Winfield, Kansas.  She was born May 8, 1934 on her family's farm east of Cambridge, Kansas to Pearl Washington and Gladys Laura (Logsdon) Hawley.

Dorothy was the second of four children and the only daughter.  She attended first grade at the one-room Windsor School and completed her education in Cambridge, graduating in 1952 as Valedictorian.  She loved playing basketball and became a fan of KU Basketball while still in school. 

Dorothy was a high school sophomore when she met her future husband, Dean Keplinger.  They were married in Cambridge Presbyterian Church on September 7, 1952.  The newlyweds lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Laramie, Wyoming and returned to Kansas in 1954.  They were living on the MK&O Ranch when Curtis was born but soon moved to the home place south of Grenola, Kansas.  Daughters, Kay and Rebecca, completed the family.

In 1964, Dorothy decided to attend college to become a mathematics teacher, graduating in 1968 from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas.  She taught at Dexter, Kansas from 1968 to 1973, teaching junior and senior high math and coaching all the girls' sports.  During this time, she attended scummer school to earn a Master's Degree in Mathematics.  She next spent two years teaching at Cedar Vale, Kansas.  She then began teaching at Central of Burden, Kansas, retiring in 1996.  Her teaching philosophy was simple; she wanted her students to learn math.  She was up late most nights grading papers so they could be handed back the next day.

Dean and Dorothy were members of the Grenola Christian Church and served faithfully throughout their lives.  She hosted a ladies Bible study in her home for a number of years.  When Dean became a Gideon, Dorothy became active in the Ladies Auxiliary.  They served as foster parents throughout the 1980s.  They fostered several children including Bill Lawson who lived with them through high school.

Dorothy was interested in history.  She co-founded the Grenola Historical Society and Museum and researched family genealogy.  She enjoyed cowboy poetry and wrote several poems, all inspired by her husband.  When her grandchildren began arriving, they were able to share in museum experiences and accompany her to archeological digs around Kansas.  The grandchildren also prompted her to add a new skill of decorating birthday cakes. Dean and Dorothy took many bus tours and also visited Australia and New Zealand.  At the time of Dean's death in 2015, they had visited 49 of the 50 states.  In 2018, Dorothy was able to travel with her daughters, granddaughters, and son-in-law to visit her 50th state, Hawaii.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Curtis (Sharon) Keplinger of Grenola, Kansas; daughters, Kay (Lynn) Kelly of Grenola, Kansas and Rebecca (Keith) Holt of Olathe, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Chris (Heather) Kelly, Daniel (Rachel) Kelly, Anne (Tyler) Ball, Wesley (Anna) Keplinger, Tresse (Thomas) Craft, Conrad Holt, and Carson Holt; 13 great-grandchildren; her brother, Raymond Hawley of Coffeyville, Kansas; and her sister-in-law, Phyllis Hawley of Cambridge, Kansas;  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean; her brothers, Ellis (Sophia) Hawley and Carl Hawley; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Hawley.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grenola Christian Church in Grenola, Kansas.  Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Grenola.  A visitation is scheduled at Miles Funeral Service, 4001 E. 9th Avenue,  Winfield, Kansas 67156 on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The family will greet visitors from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. that evening.  Memorials have been established in Dorothy's name for the Grenola Christian Church and the Grenola Historical Society.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home. 

(taken from the Miles Funeral Service website)

Kelley Roy Zellner, age 65, passed away on February 25, 2025 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma with his wife, Teresa by his side.  He was born on October 30, 1959 in Wichita, Kansas to Raymond Alouis and Rita Jeane Zellner.

Kelley graduated from West Elk High School in Howard, Kansas in 1978.  He was a devoted husband and father. He touched the lives of many people throughout his 65 years and can call many of his acquaintances his friends. He was a carpenter and a brick/stone mason by trade which he had learned from his father, Ray, and passed down to his sons, Jerod and Michael.  He ran his own construction company for many years in Howard, Kansas and Humboldt, Kansas when he decided to just focus on the Lord and do home projects. 

Kelley was always up for learning new things such as playing the electric and bass guitars, becoming a police officer, being a public works director, and even managing a city.  He even wrote a book, "Killed by Religion" for his doctorate thesis through Life Christian University. He never hesitated to talk to people about the Lord, always gave a helping hand when he wasn't swamped with his own projects, and cared deeply for the people in his congregation when he was a minister.

Kelley was a minister for almost 30 years.  He went to seminary and became a Methodist minister over the churches in McCune, Kansas and West Mineral, Kansas in the mid to late 1990s.  He ministered at Fowler Friends Church in Fowler, Kansas from 1999 to 2001.  He and his family then moved to Humboldt, Kansas where he ministered at the First Christian Church.  In 2002, he founded his own church, Restoration Fellowship, which he started in his home and later transitioned to downtown Humboldt.  In 2020, he stepped down as Lead Pastor and gave the church to his son to take over as the new Lead.

Kelley was the administrator over Fredonia, Kansas, Fort Scott, Kansas, and most recently Caney, Kansas. He felt called to lead people, and he poured his heart and soul into everything he did.

Kelley is survived by his wife, Teresa Zellner; his sons, Jerod (Lisa) Zellner and Michael Zellner; grandsons, Ezekiel and Hezekiah Zellner; brother, Tim Zellner; and nephew, Adam Zellner.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Jeane Zellner and his nephew, Aaron Zellner.

The family will greet visitors at the Restoration Fellowship Church in Humboldt, Kansas on Monday, March 10, 2025 between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Webb & Rodrick Chapel of Independence, Kansas has been entrusted with arrangements.

(taken from the Webb & Rodrick Chapel website)

Kenneth Eugene Robertson,Sr., age 90, of El Dorado, Kansas, passed away on February 11, 2025.  Born to John and Dora Robertson on May 28, 1934 in El Dorado, Kansas, Kenneth's early life was shaped by the loss of his father, John, at a young age.  This tragedy led Kenneth to step up and take over his father's lawn mowing business during his high school years to help support his family.

After graduating high school, Kenneth began working at the local refinery, and soon after, married and started his family.  Though this first marriage was dissolved around 1960, he found love again in 1962 when he married Patricia.  Together, they relocated to California where Kenneth took a job with Gearheart in the oil well service industry.  As an experienced worker, he specialized in recovering broken or detached drill pipe sections, and his commitment and expertise eventually led him to the role of general manager.  However, the stress of this demanding job led to heart complications, prompting him to seek a change.

In the early 1980s, Kenneth made a decision to return to his roots in Kansas where he embraced a life of farming and over-the-road trucking, both of which brought him great joy.  Later in life, he shifted to property management, working for Tom Devlin until his retirement.  Work was always more than a means to an end for Kenneth - it was his passion, and he approached it like a hobby, always eager to lend a helping hand.

Kenneth also had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed camping.  Over the years, he owned and cherished several RV motorhomes. His love for carpentry was evident in the various homes he owned and worked on, often lending his skilled hands to make them his own. 

Known for his firm yet loving nature, Kenneth was a mentor to many, always ready to share his knowledge and life experiences with the younger generation.  He was a generous soul who opened his home to anyone in need, always offering kindness and support.  Kenneth's legacy lives on through his family who were the center of his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Robertson; daughters, Cyndy (Steve) Smith of Buchanan, Michigan and Karla (Alan) Hobday of El Dorado, Kansas; 19 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Dora Robertson; brothers, Robert Neil and John Lee; sisters, Delores Barney and Phyllis Griffeth; son, Kenneth E. Robertson, Jr.; and grandsons, Jeremiah Daniel Haynes and Seth Aaron Haynes.

A memorial gathering will be announced for a later date.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Kenneth's name with the First Baptist Church, 315 W. Central Avenue, El Dorado, Kansas.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of El Dorado, Kansas.

(taken from the Heritage Funeral Home website)
...
Kenneth and Patricia Robertson lived in and around Howard, Kansas while Patricia served as Elk County Treasurer and Kenneth farmed and drove a truck.

Mary Lou (McGlasson) Shorter, age 85, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 2, 2025 at her home.  She was born on May 24, 1939 to James Reed and Oretha (Wilcoxon) McGlasson in Grenola, Kansas.

Mary Lou graduated from Winfield High School in Winfield, Kansas in 1957.  On February 3, 1962, she married Thomas Joseph "Tom" Shorter in Oxford, Kansas.  They lived in various locations in Kansas and Oklahoma before retiring in Long Beach, Mississippi.  After Tom's passing in 2001, Mary Lou spent the final years of her life in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Mary Lou and Tom owned and operated a painting and sandblasting company in Kansas and Oklahoma for 28 years.  Those who knew Mary Lou, or "Gavy" as some affectionately called her, will remember her for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and deeply rooted faith in Jesus.  She had an unwavering commitment to her family and friends.  She loved traveling to tropical destinations, cruising, reading, going to movies, and being outside in the sunshine.  She especially enjoyed a good cup of black coffee and a cigarette, playing Scrabble with her granddaughter, watching her grandson play basketball, visiting with family and friends, and spending time with her great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Paulla Ann Shetterly of Parker, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Tammy Shorter of Ponca City, Oklahoma; stepson, Tom (Jeanice) Lowry of Oxford, Kansas; brother, Ed (Teresa) McGlasson and their granddaughter, RaeLynn of Arkansas City, Kansas; sister-in-law, Anne McGlasson of Arkansas City, Kansas and Ruelena McGlasson of WaKeeney, Kansas; granddaughter, Taylor (Brandon) Knapp of Willis, Texas; grandson, Alec (Sierra Romano) Shetterly of Westfield, Indiana; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Scarlett,; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Joseph "Tom" Shorter; her parents, James Reed and Oretha McGlasson; her brother, Donald J. McGlasson, David E. McGlasson, and Kenneth McGlasson; her sister, Alene Ware; her son, Michael T. Shorter; her best friend, Janet N. Shorter; and her sweet doggie "Prin" Princess. 

Services will be held graveside at Moline Cemetery in Moline, Kansas on April 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas  67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

Earl Joseph "Joe" Walker was born July 9, 1937 in Moline, Kansas to Damain and Frances Orien (Hill) Walker.  He passed away on January 28, 2025.

Joe spent his childhood surrounded by his siblings all the while assisting his father in caring for the fields of "The Farm".  He attended a one-room country school in Elk County, Kansas and often spoke about the charm of rural life and the warmth of family ties which profoundly shaped his formative years.  Joe proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy for four years beginning in 1955 stationed aboard the USS Intrepid which took him all over Europe.  In 1969, driven by determination and armed with a modest loan from his father, Joe took a bold step and opened the doors to his very first Pizza Shoppe in Shawnee, Kansas.  This small venture flourished, eventually moving across the street as Old Shawnee Pizza.  He later added Old Shawnee Pizza in Lenexa, Kansas.  He appreciated the many loyal and repeat customers through the years and had employed numerous high school students, some who still work there today.  Joe was a generous contributor to the community and to St. Joseph Catholic Church and supported many community services.

Joe married his beloved wife, Shirl in 1995, and they resided in Shawnee, Kansas for twenty years in a home they built in 1998.  Joe and Shirl traveled and spent their winter months in Arizona for 15 years.  They downsized and moved to Villas at Parkside when Joe eventually moved to a memory care facility.

Joe is survived by his wife of 30 years, Shirl; his brother, Billy Walker; sisters, Margie Dunn, Marlene Edgington, and Beth Llafet; daughters, Misty Rogers and Lisa (Matt) Brooks; son, William (Trish) Walker; four stepchildren, Kim (Tom) Nixon, Kristy (Mike) Ahrendt, Dee Beery, and Jim (Dana) Beery;  thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Phil Walker; sister, Loreta Ryan; daughter, Cindy Walker; and grandsons, Gregory and Justin Hines.

Services to honor Joe will be held at St. Joseph Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas on Saturday, February 15, 2025.  Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with Mass at 12:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

(taken from the Charter Funerals website)