Darrell Marvin Hills, 82, of Salina, passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. Darrell died following a second stroke from which he was unable to recover. Darrell was born March 29, 1933, in Chase to Marvin and Grace (Cramton) Hills.
Darrell attended several one-room schools, able to skip the third grade because he could finish his work and focus on what another class was studying. Darrell graduated from Tescott High School in 1950.
He was awarded a scholarship to Kansas State Veterinary Hospital. However, in the meantime, he decided to pursue a career in construction and forfeited veterinary medicine. Darrell was many things: a farmer, general contractor, writer of a weekly commodity letter and car dealer (starting with the 25th Anniversary Corvettes that were announced while he was showing cattle at the Denver National that year).
Darrell also marketed two products nationwide while investing in agricultural land. In recent years, Darrell lent his talents to Webster Conference Center, The City, Salina Rescue Mission and Salina Family Healthcare. Additionally, Darrell served on the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.
Darrell was on the Board of Salina Family Healthcare following bypass surgery in 2004 until his first stroke last year. He was instrumental in acquiring the former YWCA building and converting it to its present patient exam rooms, recently expanded to include dental care as well as a pharmacy. Darrell held a membership to the Chicago Board of Trade in the 1960s. Later, he bought a membership to the Kansas City Board of Trade.
Darrell will be remembered for his readiness for hard work and diligence. He was an “idea” man and would eagerly pursue a new venture. Last, but not least, he was a pilot. Sadly, it was one activity he greatly missed.
Darrell loved animals and rescued orphan squirrels, cottontail rabbits, a fawn, a baby coyote and cared for them until they were able to return to their wild habitat. Of course, cats and special dogs also shared his life.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lila Nadine Hills.
Darrell is survived by his sister, Charlene Chapman; wife, Laura Hills; of the home; children, Teresa (Dan) Dodge, Darrell II (Molly) Hills, David Hills and Jane Estabrook.
Other survivors include seven grandchildren, Darren Dodge, Justin Dodge, Stephen Estabrook, Kathryn Estabrook, Heidi Hansen, Westin Hills and Addison Hills and nieces, Cheri and Cindy Chapman.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, with family receiving friends from 5-7 at Ryan Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Salina Family Healthcare, Heart of Kansas SBA or Hospice & Homecare Foundation.
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Elizabeth “Betty” Hayden, 95, of Salina, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. She was born April 17, 1920, in Eccles, Manchester, England, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Bolger) Naughton.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl “Evan” Hayden; brothers, Thomas and Joe Naughton; and sister, Mary Twig.
Betty was a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral, RSVP, and a lifetime member of Salina VFW Post 1432 Auxilliary. She worked for the Broom Factory, Tony’s, and retired from food service at USD 305. Betty enjoyed sewing, traveling, especially to Branson, and being a Girl Scout and 4-H leader.
Survivors include her daughter, Trish Hayden, of Salina; son, Michael Hayden, of Salina; and niece, Marie Houton, of Eccles, Manchester, England.
Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the mortuary.
Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Sacred Heart Cathedral and may be sent to or left at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street, Salina 67401.
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NAVARRE, Fla. — Virginia Ann Blankenship, 80, of Navarre, Fla., entered into eternal peace Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. She was born April 1, 1935, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of William and Ruth (Bradford) Yost.
Virginia worked with her father as a secretary in his insurance agency. She enjoyed needlepoint and jigsaw puzzles, but her favorite activity was golf. She was a member of the Lady Elks and the St. John’s Lutheran Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton, in 2006 and daughter, Janet Carter, in 2011.
Survivors include one son, Greg (Linda), of Wichita; two daughters, Erin Bender, of Manhattan, and Lori (Wayne) Werth, of Navarre; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, with family receiving friends from 4-6 at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N Eighth, Salina.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the mortuary, with burial following in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
Memorials are to Gulf Coast Kid’s House of Pensacola, Fla. or The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Kan.
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ABILENE — Nicholas Petrilyak, 87, was the eighth child in a family of 13 born Nov. 15, 1927 in Tresckow, Pa. to Michael and Mary Chernansky Petrilyak. He passed away Nov. 1, 2015.
He was preceded in death by a son, Nicholas Michael Petrilyak, his parents and 10 siblings.
He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944. He served in Italy and Germany during World War II.
He met Doris Jean Parkhurst in New York City in 1954. They married Feb. 5, 1955. His “sweetheart”of almost 61 years survives him.
He is also survived by two brothers, Joseph (Dolly) Petrilyak and Patrick Petrilyak, both of Hazelton Pa.; son, David Petrilyak, of Santa Monica, Calif.; daughters, Nancy (James) Treat, of Abilene, Donna Petrilyak, of Phoenix, and Nina (Orlando) Sanchez, of Henderson Nev.; daughter-in-law, Barbara Fritsch Petrilyak, of Holly Springs N.C.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Tate) Osterman, Lauren (Jason) Nagy, Stephen (Ashley) Petrilyak and Jarrad (Raquel) Petrilyak, Nicholas Treat, Michael Treat and Presley Sanchez; six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Madison, Kylie, Emery, Dax and Wyatt (to arrive in December); many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Mr. Petrilyak attended San Diego State University in Calif. and City College of New York. He was vice president of Cranes Inc., Maspeth Queens, N.Y. until moving to New Mexico in August 1973. The last project he completed was the Twin Towers in Manhattan.
He retired from General Electric Aviation Aircraft Engines Division in Albuquerque N.M. He was an active member of International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union and served as union steward.
Mr. Petrilyak was a lead usher at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, active member of VFW Post #2387 Belen, N.M., Moose Lodge Belen N.M. and Rio Communities Association until moving to Kansas. While living in New York, he was very active in St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hempstead, N.Y., Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Greenwich Civic Association, UHS Dads Club.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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Jean E. Kemph
83, passed away Friday, November 6th, in California. She was born December 29, 1931 in the Bethany Community, the daughter of William and Helen (Amick) Bielefeld. Growing up in Wakefield, she attended local schools and graduated from Chapman High School. On June 17, 1951, she was married to Richard L. Kemph. The early years of their marriage was spent in Junction City before moving to Carson, California in 1954. Most all of their married life was spent in the Los Angeles area. He preceded her in death October 14, 2006. Jean was a day care provider and had worked for J.C Penneys for 7 years. She attended the Lutheran Church. Jean was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Schroeder and Carrie Lucille Winteroth.
Survived by: Daughter Patti Jean Scism Carson, CA
Son Richard Lee Kemph San Pedro, CA
5 Grandchildren Robert Scism, Kolen Kemph, Chelsea Regan,
Kasey Paramore and Jack Kemph
Great-grandchild Taylor Scism
Sister Mary Sanders Junction City
2 Brothers Gerald Bielefeld Junction City
Don Bielefeld Chapman
Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, November 14th, at the Danner Funeral Home with Rev. John Collins officiating. Interment will follow in the Abilene Cemetery. The family will receive friends 9:00 AM Saturday until service time at the Danner Funeral Home.
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Kathryn Koger was born April 30, 1920 on a farmstead outside of McCune, Kansas to Earl and Gladys Calhoun. She grew up helping on the farm until she went to Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in Emporia, Kansas. She received her Master’s Degree from the University of Tulsa. Her first teaching job was in Sedan, Kansas before she moved to Pittsburg State College to manage the bookstore. She then taught shorthand and accounting at PSC until 1979. She finished her teaching career at Missouri Southern State College (now Missouri Southern State University) where she taught accounting.
Kathryn met Richard B. Koger, DVM, when she took her sister’s sick dog to him for treatment. Dr. Koger and Kathryn were married in 1957. They had two children, Richard “Rick” Earl Koger and Randee Koger.
Kathryn owned a farm before she was married and acquired farms throughout her life. Her lifelong passion for farming was recognized in 1999 when she received a Soil Conservation Award from Kansas Bankers Association.
This passion was also evident every summer when she had a big garden at her home, her specialty being tomatoes, which she sold to local grocery stores and won tomato contests. She composted her garden before it was mainstream and used the garden to teach her children the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. (Although, her children might have thought they were just “free labor”!) Her excess garden produce was canned. She made terrific tomato relish and pickles.
Kathryn had a deep love her entire life for her animals. From horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, dogs and cats, she took care of them passionately. In her later life she adopted a miniature schnauzer, Precious, that she adored for fourteen years, nursing the little dog through diabetes. She then adopted a tornado rescue dog, Windy, that she doted on until her death.
Kathryn supported numerous ministries and taught Sunday School at church, where she was treasurer for many years. She enjoyed bridge with her friends at the Joplin Women’s Club for decades. She faithfully read her bible and completed the word scrabble in the paper every day, and delighted in beating her daughter in cards. She also enjoyed classic cars with her son Rick and collecting antiques and cookbooks.
Kathryn was preceded in death by Dr. Koger, DVM, Rick Koger, her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Norman Sharp, and Precious. She is survived by her daughter, Randee Koger of McPherson, KS; sister, Patsy (Robert) Kazmierski of Leawood, KS, sister, Marjorie Rembleski of Colorado Springs, CO; special friends, Jennifer and Roger Koch of Carl Junction, MO, Steve and Rene Savage of Tulsa, OK, Brenda Foster at Harmony House in McPherson, KS, and Windy.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 12, 2015, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, MO. Rev. Boyce Mouton will officiate the service. The family will receive friends and viewing will take place from 12:30 to 1:00 PM at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Joplin Humane Society or a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home.
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Hillsboro – Ruth E. Hiebert Penner, 97, died November 8, 2015 at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born September 20, 1918 to David A. and Helena (Klassen) Hiebert at Goessel, Kansas. She married Orlando F. Penner May 22, 1940 at First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro. She was a nurse. Survivors include: sons, Leroy of Manhattan, KS, Don of Rocky Ford, Colorado, Stan of Los Angles, California, Brad of Newton, Doug of Rural Hillsboro; daughters, Kathy Decker of Hillsboro, Jann Hershberger of Millersburg, Ohio; sister, Martha Mae Potter of Hillsboro; 25 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Predeceased by her husband, Orlando F. Penner in 2000. Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Trinity Mennonite Church in Hillsboro officiated by Pastor Brad Penner and Pastor Norma Duerksen. Memorials to Trinity or Hillsboro Senior Center Community Foundation in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.
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Newton – Willis Duerksen, 81, died November 9, 2015 at Newton. He was born April 5, 1934 to C.R. and Martha (Funk) Duerksen in Hillsboro. He married Joan Ruth Plett September 13, 1956 at Gnadenau Church rural Hillsboro. Survivors include: wife, Joan Ruth Duerksen of Newton; sons, Noel (Barb) of Hillsdale Lake, KS, Richard W. (Amy) of Newton; daughters, Nona (Jeff) Mason of Goodland, Martha (Roy) Hopkins of Newton; brothers, Harlan of Newton, Gerald (Mary Jo) of Dallas, Texas; sister, Irma Groening of Hillsboro; 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Grace Community Church in Newton officiated by Pastor Dave Reimer and Pastor Steve Friesen. Interment 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Gnadenau Cemetery rural Hillsboro, KS. Family will receive guests from 5 to 7 Wednesday at Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Memorials to Mennonite Central Committee (M.C.C.) in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.
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Norma Lee (Berschauer) Cunningham passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 at her home in WaKeeney, Kansas at the age of 79. She was born June 25, 1936 in WaKeeney to the late William and Mollie (Deines) Berschauer. She grew up in WaKeeney and graduated from Trego Community High School. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she remained a lifetime member. On December 27, 1957 Norma married Bill Cunningham in Lawton, Oklahoma. They were blessed with five children, Rick, Becky, Terry, Janet and William. On their 55th Wedding Anniversary, Norma and Bill renewed their vows in the church.
Norma worked for 42 years at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital and Long Term Care, first as a Certified Nurse’s Aide and later as the Activities Director. She truly enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening along with baking and cooking family dinners. She was especially known for her amazing bierocks. She liked vacationing and traveling with her family, an occasional trip to the casino and spending time with her grandchildren.
A member of the Trego County Hospital Auxiliary and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Norma’s greatest love were the people in her life. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors or patients, she was always more concerned about the welfare of others than of herself. Giving wasn’t just a good idea, it was how she lived every day of her life, even leaving a legacy of future giving through her death by donating her body for medical and science research.
Norma is survived by her husband Bill Cunningham of the home in WaKeeney; sons Rick Cunningham and wife Nancy of Ellis, Terry Cunningham and wife Kim of WaKeeney, and William Cunningham of Ellis; daughters Becky Oller and husband Paul of WaKeeney, and Janet Durheim and husband Steve of Ellis; brother Bill Berschauer and wife Lila of Albert; sister Merna Ellertson and husband Dave of Salina; grandchildren Jena Stunkel and husband David, Briana Towner and husband Michael, Travis Elder and wife Harlea, Sara Cunningham, Eric Cunningham, Matthew Cunningham, Jamie Durheim, Emily Hiss and husband Michael, Derek Kvasnicka, and Sierra Cunningham; great-grandchildren Odin Reif, Kyliee Towner and Lola Stunkel.
She was preceded in death by her parents William and Mollie Berschauer.
The Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We are so blessed because of all that Norma gave to each and every one of us, but now she is even more blessed as she hears the words of her Heavenly Father, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your father.”
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Millie Elaine Welch, 92, of Marquette, passed away November 9, 2015.
She was born September 22, 1923, the daughter of David and Millie (Gillberg) Brunsell near Falun, KS.
She was united in marriage to Lawrence Welch, and he passed away in 1991. She was also preceded in death by her brother, DeLon Brunsell.
Elaine is survived by her sons: Dale Welch of Oklahoma, Steven Welch of Lindsborg, five grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
Elaine earned an associates degree from Bethany College. She taught English and was able to walk the short mile to her rural school. Later she worked at Alco and looked forward to her social outings with her co-workers. Elaine was able to travel across the US to all 50 states. She and her husband collected coffee mugs as remembrances of their trips. She was always ready for a short trip just to see the Kansas countryside. If she sat down with a magazine it was probably the “Kansas Magazine”. She and Lawrence enjoyed their vegetable and flowers gardens. She continued gardening on a smaller scale after he passed away. She also enjoyed caring for her outside animals.
She was a great mom and will be missed by family and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 12, from 5-7 pm at Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, November 13, at Assaria Lutheran Church, with burial following at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg.
Memorials may be designated for Assaria Lutheran Church or Riverview Estates in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington, PO Box 386, Lindsborg, KS 67456.