HERINGTON – Barbara J. Gehrke, of Burns, Oregon, age 82, passed away Thursday, October 27th, 2016, at the Harney District Hospital in Burns, Oregon. She was born August 16th, 1934, at Herington, Kansas. She was the second born child of Guilford A. and Louise M. (Fehrer) Adams.
Graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM, Thursday, November 3rd, 2016, at the Sunset Hill Cemetery, Herington, with Pastor Stan Norman, officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, November 2nd, from 5:00pm until 6:00pm at the Zeiner Funeral Home, Herington Chapel.
She was a devoted and supportive farm wife for fifty-seven years. She was also a licensed florist and worked at a local florist in Burns, Oregon, before retiring. Prior to moving to Oregon, she worked part time at The Corner Shoppe, owned and operated by her sister Pam, in Herington. She was also a licensed funeral director and had worked at the Donahue Funeral Home and Puryear Mortuary. She graduated from Herington High School with the class of 1952.
She married John W. Gehrke, September 7, 1952, at the First Christian Church in Herington. He preceded her in death on Aug. 5, 2010. She is also preceded in death by her eleven year old daughter, Kimberly, on Apr. 18, 1968, a sister Marjorie Moorfield on Aug. 22, 2016, and her parents.
She is survived by her son Blaine Gehrke and wife Dottie of Burns Oregon; two grandchildren: Nichole Gehrke and Jon Damian Gehrke; 5 great grandchildren Christopher, Lance, and Damian Walker, Jeremiah and Braelee Gehrke; her ten siblings: Steve Adams of Salina, Marilyn Will of Lawrence, Judy Judd of Ft. Worth, Texas, Sharon Harris and her husband Allan of Odgen, Utah, Suzy Whitehead and her husband Hal of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tarey Kelly of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Vicki Albrecht of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Pamela Landon and her husband Tim of West Bloomfield, Michigan, Debra Wilson of Lakewood, Colorado, and Craig Adams and his wife Sandy of Denver, Colorado.
The family requests memorials to the donor’s choice; and may be sent in care of the Zeiner Funeral Home-Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449-3038. Online condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.
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Funeral services for Paul E. Else, age 64, of Abilene, will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene with Reverend J. Collins officiating. Mr. Else passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
He was born August 15, 1952 in Washington, Kansas the son of Warren and Marie (Zurfluh) Else. He graduated from Abilene High School and was a United States Navy Veteran serving his country from 1971 – 1974. Paul had worked for Great Plains in Abilene for over 20 years before retiring and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and woodworking.
On December 22, 2010, Paul married Debbie Howard in Abilene. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his step daughters Kathy Jones and her husband Dave of Abilene, Angela and her husband Steve of Joplin of Overland Park, Kansas, Laura Cairns and her companion Chris Birth of Merriam; brothers Richard Else and his wife Brenda of Monroe, Indiana, James Else of Columbia, Missouri; his aunt Florence Smith of Abilene; his uncles Larry Zurfluh of Salina, Walter Zurfluh of Pasadena, California; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister Ruth Else.
Paul has selected cremation, there will be no visitation. His final resting place will be in the Abilene Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily and until service time Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s honor to the Abilene High School Band and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.
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Cornelia “Coni” Witters, 77 years died October 30, 2016 at in Salina, KS. She was born on February 19, 1939 in Moweaqua, Illinois, the daughter of David and Faye (Stanford) Zook. Coni graduated from High School in Salina. She attended Bethany College and graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University with an art major. Coni married Dan Witters on December 20, 1959 and he preceded her in death on April 21, 2009. She taught in Kansas City from 1962-1969 and Salina in 1970. Coni and Dan moved to Clay Center in 1971 where she worked as a substitute teacher and co-owned and operated a craft store. Connie moved back to Salina in 2012. She was a member of the Clay Center United Methodist Church and P.E.O. Coni was also preceded in death by her parents, and son, Jeremy Witters.
Survivors:
Daughter: Jill Witters, of Salina, KS
Son: Mark and wife Kim Witters, of Lenexa, KS
3 Grandchildren
Sister: Mary Virginia “Ginny” Bevan, of Salina, KS
Brother: David Zook, of Colorado Springs, CO
Sister: Janey Diaz, of Albuquerque, NM
Sister: Kathy Johnson, of Salina, KS
Brother: Danny Zook, of Colorado Springs, CO
Funeral Services: 10:00AM Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Clay Center United Methodist Church, Clay Center, KS
Minister: Pastor Ryan Lynch
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, KS
Visitation: 3-8PM Wednesday at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, Clay Center, KS
Memorials: may be made to the Clay Center Zoo c/o the funeral home.
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Ronald Dale Hoyer, 66, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 6:00 a.m., Thursday, October 20th, 2016 suddenly, at his home.
Ronald was born in Goessel, Kansas on March 21, 1950, a son of Gertrude Louise (Boesker) and Gerhard Fredrich Hoyer.
Ron attended the Spring Valley country school, rural Canton, Kansas, McPherson Junior High and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas.
He was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church McPherson, Kansas. Ron was a former member and was Baptized at the Immanuel Lutheran Church rural Canton, Kansas.
Through the years Ron worked for Certain-Teed Corporation as a Crane Operator, Scale Operator and Hydrotest Operator. Ron then worked as a Salesman for McPherson Motors.
He is survived by his sisters, Twila Blake, of El Dorado, Kansas and Carolyn Rachow and her husband Rick, of Bowling Green, Ohio, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Merilyn Hoyer and Kathleen Hoyer, and his brother Norbert.
No services are planned at this time.
The final resting place will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery rural Canton, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and they can be sent in care of the Glidden – Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.
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Cynthia “Cyndi” Sue Pierson, 67, of McPherson, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016, at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, KS. She worked in the claims department at Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance Company, retiring in 2004.
Cyndi was born on November 23, 1948, in McPherson, KS, the daughter of George R. and Deloris M. (Achilles) Williams. She graduated from Windom High School in 1966 and from Adela Hale Business College, Hutchinson. On May 1, 1981, Cyndi was united in marriage to Doug B. Pierson in Newton, KS.
She was a member of McPherson Church of Christ and Mac Area Cruisers.
Survivors include: husband, Doug Pierson of the home; son, David Conley of McPherson, KS; daughter, Carrie Tompkins and husband, Chris, of Grain Valley, MO; brother, Dale Williams and wife, Diane, of South Hutchinson, KS; sisters, Nita Grandestaff and husband, John, of Hutchinson, KS and Patricia Johnson and husband, George, of Lakewood, CO; and four grandchildren, Landon Cary, Brayden Cary, Ethan Cary, and Jillian Sue Conley.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The funeral service will be at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 3, 2016, at McPherson Church of Christ with Minister Gary Witcher officiating. Burial will follow at Windom Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Memorial donations may be given to McPherson Church of Christ or American Diabetes Association in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
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Robert Kenaston, 89, of Linn, KS, died Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Washington County Hospital in Washington, KS.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Linn. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 3, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Palmer.
Burial in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Palmer.
Survivors include his wife, Lorene; son, Mark Kenaston, Linn; daughters, Bonnie (Doug) Sanneman, Clay Center, Kathy (Terry) Oehmke, and Jane (David) Funke, Washington; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home.
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Patricia Marie Gordine, 52, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2016, at the Graham County Hospital, Hill City, Kansas. She was born in Phillipsburg, Kansas May 5, 1964 to late Floyd and Frances (Marie) Blair. On April 3, 1997 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Gordine in Phillipsburg, Kansas. They were blessed with three children, Samantha, Mariah, and Michael.
Patricia loved to sew in her early years, restore furniture, and make crafts with the grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was helping the residents during her stay at the nursing home; she was definitely a CNA at heart. She had such a strong personality that even though she was in the nursing home herself, she made sure it didn’t stop her from being another helping hand. Staying strong for her family was a priority for Patricia.
Patricia is survived by her husband Kenneth Gordine; daughters Samantha Smith of Kearney, Nebraska, and Mariah Larson and husband Adam of Grand Island, Nebraska; son Michael Brasted of Victoria, Kansas; brothers Floyd Blair and wife Jennifer of Ruskin, Nebraska, and Rodney Blair and wife Cleo of Tobias, Nebraska; sisters Julie Wayman and husband John of Bartley, Nebraska, and Leona Drullinger of Woodston, Kansas; two grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Frances Blair, and brother Larry Blair.
A Memorial Service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday November 2, 2016 at the Kirwin United Methodist Church with inurnment following at the Kirwin Cemetery in Kirwin, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be sent in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Ave., Hill City, Kansas 67642. Condolences may be left for the family at www.stinemetzfh.com
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Helen Nadine “VanLoenen” Miller was born January 11, 1937, on the family farm in rural Bogue, Kansas to Henry and Bertha (Sparks) VanLoenen. Helen loved her family. She often talked about growing up on the farm with her five siblings, her chores, the stone house and boxcar they lived in. Her mother and baby brother died when she was six. Although it was difficult, Helen was so grateful to be raised with her brothers and sisters.
She married Eugene F. Miller soon after graduation from high school and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. They had three children: Linda Marie, Michael Eugene and Kenneth Edward. As a homemaker, she followed her husband when his career took them to Florida, Fort Worth, Texas and Bixby, Oklahoma. They later divorced. She worked hard as an electrical draftsman assistant, food demonstration at Sams, and caregiver until she passed away.
Celebrating weddings, birthday parties, and babies were highlights. All of us remember her delicious pecan pies and comfort food like big breakfasts and scalloped potatoes, but she REALLY loved to eat out. At the huge Malthaner family gatherings Helen had learned to go to the breakfast room for a more personal visit with family members. She was so proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed their spouses too. She was also very fond of her nieces and nephews and their families. One granddaughter remembers that she took good care of herself ~ walked daily, ate healthy food, and drank a big glass of water before bed. Helen was beautiful, and wore her makeup and clothes in a very classy style. She was also shy and opinionated.
Helen enjoyed many things. Her home in Bixby, Oklahoma was her favorite place, especially her beautiful yard where she watched many different birds and animals. She loved her poodles. They were lucky as she took such good care of them. She loved to dance and attended dances at the Senior Center. Every month she and her friends went to Southern gospel concerts, especially if the Gaithers were playing. Her church was special to her.
She made us laugh as she liked to talk about finding the perfect man to marry. She said once, “They say there’s a man around every corner, but I guess I haven’t found that corner.”
We had some great talks where Helen shared concern for the future being difficult for this generation coming up and we prayed together for them. Helen was living a life of faith in God and certain of her place in heaven because of her relationship with Jesus her Savior. After a fall caused by a simple trip, she began speaking of the presence of heaven as she awakened from surgery. She passed away October 19, 2016, while on vacation in Torrance, California.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Lawrence, Dale, Roy and Lynn; a sister, Mary de Bois; Left to cherish her memory are her sister Florence VanLoenen James; her children: Linda and Kent Malthaner; Michael and Elaine Miller; and Kenneth and Kellie Miller; nine grandchildren: Kurt and Lori Malthaner; Tiffany and Galen Garner; Keli and Bryan Kayser; Kristin Malthaner and fiancé Jonathan Wilson; Karla Malthaner; Marye Miller; Richard and Sarai Miller; Kora Miller; and Kelsey Miller; and six great grandchildren: Kate and Ava Malthaner; James and Norah Kayser; Zane and Thea Garner.
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Downs—Joseph A. Seaman, 92, passed away October 29, 2016. He was born May 13, 1924 to John and Ethel (Thornburg) Seaman in Osborne County.
Joe was a retired farmer stockman.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; sister, Henrietta Wade; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Seaman, and brother-in-law, Dean Harris. He is survived by his sister, Grace Harris; daughter, Kathryn (Randy) Dubbert; son, Lon (Brenda)Seaman; son, Allen (Laura) Seaman, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Rose Valley United Methodist church, rural Downs. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Domoney Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the church. Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, Ks. 67437 in charge of arrangements.