Sergeant Francis J. Wilcox, 83, of Salina, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2016. He was born April 25, 1933 in Coshocton Ohio to Charles F. and Sarah J. (Wright) Wilcox, whom precede him in death.

Francis worked for Vidricksen Catering for many years as well as being a custodian for USD 305 and for Christ the King Church here in Salina.

Of the many remarkable and memorable things about Francis that the family wants the public to know is “Francis never got mad, he was the kindest, gentlest man you would ever meet or know.” Francis’s life and passion was dedicated to the military. Francis spent a total of 29 years in the military; eight years in the Air Force, and 21 years in the Army National Guard, who forced him into retirement in 1993, when he turned 60, which made him mad. Along with the military, Francis was also passionate towards the “Wounded Warriors”, always encouraging people to donate to them.

Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years; Marjorie E, 4 sons; Troy (Kimberly) Hill, Charles Wilcox, both of Salina, Richard “Rick” Wilcox of Overland Park and Toby (Dianne) Hill of Lexington, NC, 2 daughters; Cynthia Cronk of Burdick and Tiena Hill of Belleville, sisters; Ruth McCoy and Carol (Grover) Taylor, both of West Lafayette, OH, and Wilma and Wanda and 1 brother, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 1:00pm, Monday, November 21, 2016 at Roselawn Heights Memorial Chapel, 1920 E. Crawford, Salina. Francis will be inurned at Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina with full Military Honors and the American Legion Riders.

In lieu of flowers, family is requesting Memorials be made to the “Wounded Warriors Project.” in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.

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Jacob Paul “Jake” Rhoads, 32, passed away Saturday, November 5th, 2016 at New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jacob was born in Salina, Kansas on November 15, 1983, a son of Melinda “Mindy” (Gatz) and Gregory Dee Rhoads

Jake attended Marquette Elementary School and Middle School and Smoky Valley High School where he graduated in 2001. He then attended Wichita State University and Bethany College and studied music.

Jake worked for Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas in the maintenance department, was a self employed artist, and was working for Parkway Bakery in New Orleans, at the time of his death.

He is survived by his parents, Greg and Mindy Rhoads, of Marquette, Kansas,; his sister, Summer Olsen and her husband David, of Lindsborg, Kansas; his maternal grandmother, Pat Gatz, of McPherson, Kansas; his favorite niece, Sophie Olsen, of Lindsborg, Kansas; his aunt, Debbie Hamb and her husband Tom, of McPherson, Kansas; and his uncle, Doyle Rhoads and his wife Daina, of Lindsborg, Kansas; other relatives and a host of friends.

Jake was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Bonnie Dee Rhoads, his maternal grandfather, Frederick William “Fritz” Gatz, and a cousin Ryan Rhoads.

A celebration of life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, McPherson, KS, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19th, 2016 with Pastor Donna K. Voteau officiating.

Family request donations to Bridge House of New Orleans, and they can be sent in care of the Glidden – Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid; McPherson, Kansas 67460.

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Gloria Jean (Wise) Pulec passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 70. She was born on June 11, 1946 in Plainville, Kansas to the late Otto and Helen Wise. She was blessed with two sons, Robert and Terry.

Gloria loved serving with people and helping others. She worked in several capacities at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas including Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Records Technician, and Certified Medical Assistant. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, as well as rolling out at the bowling alley with friends whenever she had the chance. She had a special place in her heart for her dogs, but her greatest love was for family, friends, and neighbors.

Gloria is survived by her son Robert Wise of Stockton, and Terry Pulec and wife Kim of Stockton; sister-in-law Laurie hicks of Victoria; grandchildren Aaron Pulec, and Brett Pulec; and great-grandchildren Dakota Pulec, and Kayzen Pulec.

She was preceded in death by Otto and Helen Wise.

Gloria was a strong and confident woman with a heart of gold. Always willing to give of herself, she was gentle of spirit, enthusiastic and encouraging to everyone around her. Her unselfish love for us will continue to be our blessing and inspiration for generations to come.