Dale Brantley
Dale Brantley, son of Walter and Iva (Motz) Brantley, was born April 23, 1919, in Decatur County. He died Oct. 28, 1997, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays at the age of 78. He was reared at Selden and attended Selden High School and Fort Hays State University. He served in the Army in the European Theater from 1942-1945. He married Phylia Pope on Feb. 27, 1947, in Oberlin. They lived at Selden where he was a farmer-rancher and oil jobber. He was a charter member of the Selden Lions Club, scorekeeper at the ball field; Boy Scout leader and member of the Selden United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Phylia of the home; two sons, Rodney; and David and Teri Brantley, Selden; two daughters, Janice and Dan Roth, Dodge City, and Judy and Don Hankins, Kechi; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dennis Brantley; and daughter-in-law, Vaydel Brantley. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Pauls Funeral Home in Selden. The Rev. Ralph Jarboe officiated and burial was in the Selden Cemetery. A memorial was established to the American Legion or the Selden United Methodist Church.

Keith Edward Corzatt
Keith Edward Corzatt, son of Spencer Edward and Mary Edna (Haines) Corzatt, was born Sept. 21, 1919, in Media, Ill. He died Nov. 2, 1997, at Hays Plaza Apartments in Hays at the age of 78. He married Esther F. Harkleroad in 1969 at Amarillo, Texas. They lived in Amarillo for six years. He was a hog and cattle farmer at Clayton for four years, then retired and lived in New Almelo for 12 years before moving to Hays in 1995. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church at Hays. Survivors include his wife, Esther F., of the home; a son, Bill Corzatt, Stronghurst, Ill.; four daughters, Angela Myers, Media, Ill.; Mary Morrison and Theresa Cressler, LaCrosse; and Emily Teel, Hays; two brothers, James Corzatt, Media, Ill., and Kenneth Corzatt, Stronghurst, Ill; two sisters, Dorothy Blender, Monmouth, Ill., and Marilyn Peterson, Florida, and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Frank Corzatt and Ronald Corzatt, and one brother, Raymond Corzatt. Funeral services were scheduled at 10 a.m. today at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. The Rev. Bill Surmeier officiated and burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays. A memorial was established to the church.

Ronald Eugene Hester
Ronald Eugene Hester, son of Mae (Peterson) Hester, was born June 21, 1943, at Norton. He died Oct. 26, 1997, at his residence in Oberlin at the age of 54. He was reared in Oberlin where he attended school and was later employed as a brick layer. Survivors include his mother, Mae Hester, Oberlin; two sisters, Colene and Larry Chance, Harbor City, Calif., and Betty and Jack Bakk, Wichita; five nephews; a niece; seven great-nephews; and 10 great-nieces. He was preceded in death by a nephew, David Chance, and a great-nephew, Andrew Chance. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Oberlin Cemetery with Don Argabright officiating. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in his name.

Manuel 'Jim' White
Manuel "Jim" White of Clayton was born April 5, 1923, at Knowles, Okla. He died Nov. 1, 1997, at Decatur County Hospital at the age of 74. He had been an area resident for 20 years and was former owner of "Jim's Place" in Colby. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Isis Temple Shriners of Kansas and Masons of Orlando, Fla. Survivors include his companion, Louise New, Clayton; a daughter, Joyce Lynn Drennon, Wichita; a foster brother, Kenneth Reed, Colby; two sisters, Fern Hall and Olive Equels, Tulsa, Okla., and six grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Harrison Chapel in Colby. The Rev. Bruce Ferguson of Norcatur officiated and burial was at Monument Cemetery in Monument. A memorial was established to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital and contributions may be left at any Colby bank or at Harrison Chapel at Colby.

Scott John Williams
Scott John Williams, son of Cecil and Elsie Williams, was born Aug. 6, 1924, in San Francisco, Calif. He died Oct. 31, 1997, at the Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin at the age of 73. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of California in Berkeley, and Arizona State University in Tempe. He had a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geology. Doctoral work was completed at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He married Ann Dowling in 1965 in Florence, Ariz. He owned retail mineral businesses in Berkeley, Calif., and Scottsdale, Ariz. He began teaching in 1966 at Peru State College, Peru, Neb., teaching geography and geology for 25 years. He retired as Professor Emeritus of Geology in May, 1990. They moved to Oberlin in 1991, where he and his wife operated the Scott Williams Mineral Company. He was a member of the Nebraska Education Association; Nebraska Academy of Science and Southern California Chapter of Friends of Mineralogy. His hobbies included mineral collecting; stamp and coin collecting; opera; and sports. Survivors include his wife, Ann Dowling Williams, Oberlin, and daughter, Julie Williams, Omaha. His parents preceded him in death. A private memorial service is planned at a later date. Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin is in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation. The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society.

Charles A. Motz
Charles A. (Boy) Motz, son of Charles W. and Martha "Mattie" (Bain) Motz, was born Feb. 18, 1907, near Selden. He died Nov. 6, 1997, at Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin at the age of 90. He was reared in the Selden area and attended Shaul Country School. He married Thelma Blessman on Sept. 2, 1948, in Phillipsburg. They made their home at Selden, where he was a farmer and rancher. Survivors include his wife, Thelma, Oberlin; a daughter, Betty Jean and Kenneth Kuzma, Lapeer, Mich; a sister, Beryl Wachendorfer, Selden; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Gary Allan Motz; a brother, Everett Motz, and four sisters, Ila Reinhart, Opal Knitig, Iva Brantley, and Inez Bruggeman. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Pauls Funeral Home in Selden. The Rev. Ralph Jarboe officiated and burial was at the Selden Cemetery. A memorial was established in his name.

Galen E. Bennett
Galen Elden Bennett, son of James B. and Susan (Bendon) Bennett, was born Sept. 19, 1917, in Leavenworth. He died Nov. 6, 1997, in Jennings at the age of 80. He grew to manhood in Jennings, where he attended grade school and graduated from Jennings High School in 1935. He also attended Fort Hays State College. He married Mary Hill on May 11, 1940, in Phillipsburg. They lived in the Jennings and Norcatur areas where he taught school. In 1942 he joined the Kansas Highway Patrol as a trooper. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1944-1946. Following his discharge, he returned to his career as a trooper and the family lived in Wichita, Phillipsburg, Columbus, Hays, and Norton. After his retirement, they moved from Wichita to Norton, where he served as magistrate judge from 1973 to 1978. He later moved to Jennings. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, the Masonic Order 32nd Degree; Harmonson-Redd American Legion 63; Eagles Lodge; Emergency Medical Technicians; and the Retired Troopers Association. He was a past member of the Norton school board. Survivors include two sons, Mike and Dorothy Bennett, Overland Park, and Pat and Merilee Bennett, Lakewood, Colo.; a daughter, Sue and Kermit George, Hays; a sister, Cecil Patrilla, Toledo, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Elynor Bennett, Jennings; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his companion, Neva Jean Taylor, Jennings, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Regis. Memorial services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Norton. The Rev. Dennis Gilhousen officiated and Enfield Funeral Home of Norton was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the American Heart Association.

Alice A. Ehler
Alice A. Ehler, daughter of Conrad and Laura (Kominski) Ehler, was born March 14, 1902, northwest of Dresden. She died Nov. 9, 1997, at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin at the age of 95. She was reared near Hastings, Neb., and attended Liberty Bell Grade School and Hastings High School, graduating in 1920. She earned a teaching degree from Hastings College. She taught school in Nebraska over 35 years. She was a member of the Dresden United Methodist Church. Survivors include two nieces, Ethyl and Joe Nemeth, Lakewood, Colo., and Helen Brooks, Oberlin; three great-nieces, Sharon Black, and Betty and David Heisel, Oberlin, and Vicki and Vivan Heisel, Fort Morgan, Colo.; six great-great-nieces and nephews; and nine great-great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant brothers; four other brothers, Fred, Chris, Bryan and William Ehler; two sisters, Marie Stevens and Nettie Ehler; and two nephews, Carrol and Don Ehler. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. Elin Colglazier will officiate and burial will be at the Dresden Cemetery. A memorial was established in her name.

Verle E. Rule
Verle Emmett Rule, son of Vyrus and Effie (Duncan) Rule, was born June 19, 1921, in Norton County. He died at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., on Oct. 18, 1997, at the age of 76. His mother died when he was three years old and he was raised by his grandparents, B.P. and Elfie Rule on a farm southwest of Norton. He attended District 111 rural grade school. On June 27, 1942, he married Aletha Mae McCabe in Norton. They lived in Norton until 1945 when they moved to Steamboat Springs, Colo. They returned to the farm west of Norton from 1949 until 1982 when they moved to their home on the edge of Norton and ran a boarding kennel and raised pups for 12 years. In 1994, due to his failing health, they moved into Norton. He attended the First Church of God in Norton. Survivors include his wife, Aletha, of the home in Norton; three sons, Richard and Elaine Rule, Norton; Dr. John and Carolyn Rule, Steamboat Springs, Colo., but formerly of Oberlin; and Phil and Dianne Rule, Lenora; a daughter, Sharron and Phil Knox, Brewster; two brothers, Bennie and Norieta Rule, Anchorage, Alaska; and Jim Rule, Paonia, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents who raised him; his step-mother, Vivian (Gleason) Rule; a brother, Raymond; and a great-grandson, Tyson Kinderknecht. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1997, at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton. The Rev. Ralph Barclay officiated and burial was at the Norton Cemetery.

Jacqueline M. Alstrom
Jacqueline M. "Jackie" Alstrom, daughter of Guy D. and Ruth (Coppage) Loper, was born Oct. 26, 1926, at McCook, Neb. She died at her rural home in Decatur County on Nov. 15, 1997, at the age of 71. She was reared at McCook, where she attended school, then later went to school in Kansas City to become a registered X-ray technician. She married Max E. Alstrom on Sept. 28, 1950, in McCook. They made their home on a farm southwest of Oberlin and she was also an X-ray technician. She was a member of Eastern Star, Calico Gals Club, Neighborhood Bible study, and the Lund Covenant Church. Survivors include four sons, Steve and Shelly Alstrom, David City, Neb.; Larry and Diana Alstrom, Hoxie; Rod and Lorie Alstrom, Oberlin; and Tom and Robi Alstrom, Moundridge; a sister, Phyllis and John Winston, McCook; and 15 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1993; and a sister, Jane Loper. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today at the Lund Covenant Church. The Rev. Tom Smith will officiate and burial will be in the Lund Cemetery. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, is in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in her name.

Bonnie Bethel
Bonnie Bethel, daughter of Glenn and Lora (Hunsaker) Heller, was born Nov. 4, 1926, at Norcatur. She died Nov. 5, 1997, at Aldie, Va., following a vehicle accident at the age of 71. She attended Mount Pleasant Rural School and was a 1944 graduate of Decatur Community High School. She married Harold Bethel on Oct. 30, 1944, and they lived at Danbury and McCook. She was employed by Dr. L.E. Dickenson of McCook and her husband owned Bethel Real Estate. After their retirement they moved to Aldie, Va. Survivors include her husband, Harold, Aldie, Va.; two daughters, Cheryl and John Trail, Arapahoe, Neb.; and Marla and Kim McIntyre, Aldie, Va.; a brother, Daughn Heller, North Platte, Neb.; and three sisters, Roxie Tuller, Cambridge, Neb.; Ruby Taylor, McCook; and Maxine Mockry, Manhattan; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Glenda Conry. Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. on Nov. 10, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Wilsonville, Neb., with the Rev. George Probasco officiating. Burial was in the Wilsonville Cemetery with Williamson Funeral Home of Arapahoe in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in her name.

Bertha Olson
Funeral services are pending for Bertha Olson, who died Monday at Cedar Living Center. She was 93. Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin is in charge of arrangements.

Darrol W. Irby
Darrol W. Irby, son of Siegle Horace and Inez M. (Wing) Irby, was born Aug. 3, 1929, in rural Graham County. He died Nov. 12, 1997, at his home, rural Bogue, on Nov. 12, 1997, at the age of 68. He was a lifetime resident of the area and was a farmer-stockman. He married Ora Mae Kennedy on Oct. 17, 1954, in Topeka. He was a Mason and a member of the Bogue United Methodist Church. He served as Graham County Commissioner for 24 years; president of the Kansas Association of County Commissioners for one term; was on the library board and had been on the Bogue school board for many years. He was also a township committeeman and a member of the Bogue School Alumni board and of the Bogue Men's Service Club. Survivors include his wife, Ora Mae, Bogue; two sons, Siegle Irban, Denton, Texas; and Murlin Irby, Overland Park; three daughters, Sara Seller, Oberlin; Janet Reynolds, Agra; and Tina Green, Lascassas, Tenn.; two brothers, Harold and Robert Irby, Bogue; a sister, Roma Lee Irby, Bogue; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and one sister. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Bogue. The Revs. Mehl Cruit and Kay Kincaid officiated and burial was at Wildhorse Township Cemetery at Bogue. Spencer Chapel of Hill City was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the Bogue United Methodist Church.

Francis 'Sainty' St. Clair
Francis "Sainty" St. Clair, son of Emmett J. and Dorothy (Brandt) St. Clair, was born Oct. 22, 1924, at Oberlin. He died Nov. 13, 1997, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., at the age of 73. He attended Oberlin schools and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1944. He married Marilyn Tice on Nov. 27, 1948. He was employed at a grain elevator in Oberlin. He had been a member of the I.O.O.F., Decatur County Museum Board, and Oberlin Fire Department, had served as one of the first Decatur County Emergency Medical Technicians and was a Boy Scout leader for many years. He enjoyed muzzleloading and participated in many Black Powder Shoots. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, Oberlin; two sons, Steve and Suzanne St. Clair, Vista, Calif.; and Larry St. Clair, Oberlin; a daughter, Judy and Conrad Reed, Colby; two grandchildren, Abie Frances Reed and Nathan Dean St. Clair; three brothers and their wives, Larry and Judy Droppleman, Hastings, Neb.; Jerry and Ryoko Droppleman, Aurora, Colo.; and Donald and Doris St. Clair, Pueblo, Colo; three sisters, Violet Brents and Dolores Kliest, Colorado Springs; and Faye Akers, Denver; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lester St. Clair; and a sister, Ethel Janousek. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Oberlin United Methodist Church. The Rev. David Randall officiated and burial was at the Oberlin Cemetery with Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the Oberlin Fire Department or Oberlin Boy Scouts.

Helen M. Zodrow
Helen M. Zodrow, daughter of Andrew and Helen (Grimm) Sulzman, was born May 11, 1892, at Phiefer. She died Nov. 11, 1997, at Cedar Living Center in Oberlin at the age of 105. She was reared in the Selden area and attended Old Sheridan School and normal training to become a teacher. She married Anthony Zodrow on Aug. 24, 1915, in Leoville. They lived in the Selden area. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Altar Society of Leoville. Survivors include two sons, John P. and Monica Zodrow, Gentry, Ark., and Conrad and Mary Ann Zodrow, Leoville; three daughters, Alexine Spresser, Selden; Irma Warren, Sharon Springs; and Audrey and Simon Zimmerman, Newton; 38 grandchildren; 90 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband in 1963; two sons, Ralph and Seraphine; and two sons-in-law, Norman Spresser and Junior Warren. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville. The Rev. James Hoover and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated and burial was at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leoville. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the church at Leoville or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Selden.

Ray Shelton Kincaid
Ray Sheldon Kincaid, 92, a retired Jennings farmer, died Nov. 30, 1997, at the Decatur County Hospital. He was born March 26, 1905, in Phillips County, the son of Richard Druery and Lena Leota (King) Kincaid. He was reared in the Allison and Jennings area and attended Delmar, Allison and Jennings schools, graduating from Jennings High School in 1926. He married Mabel Tucek in 1934 and she died in 1961. He married Ruby Nelson in 1970 and she died in 1975. He married Amy Rohan in 1979 and they lived in Oberlin. He was a member of the Jennings United Methodist Church; ZCBJ Lodge of Jennings; Mountain Slope Lodge and Order of Eastern Star of Oberlin; Isis Shrine Temple of Salina; and Elks Lodge, McCook. Survivors include his wife, Amy of Oberlin; two daughters, JoAnn Long, Garden City, and Connie Rae and Art Meads, Goodrich, Colo.; seven sisters, Donna and Bill Stofer, Littleton, Colo.; Gleda and Don Scroggs, Vera Kincaid, and Annie May Winget, Denver; Vada Smith, Kensington; Winona "Fern" Frazier, Quinter; and Elda and Albert Campbell, Selden; a step-son, Vayle Rohan, Oberlin; 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a step-daughter, Irma Joy Neal; four brothers, Forrest Glen "Tuffy", Melvin "Bill", Myron, and Vane; two sisters, Bula Sawyer and Helen Aumiller; two infant siblings; and a grandson. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall will officiate and burial will be at Big Timber Cemetery, rural Jennings. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Lung Association or Decatur County Shrine Club, at the funeral home.

Stella M. Sattler
Stella M. Sattler, 83, a native of the Herndon area, died Nov. 30, 1997, at Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin. She was born Jan. 21, 1914, at rural Herndon in Rawlins County, the daughter of Martin and Catherine (Leitner) Niemeth. She attended District 71 School; St. Mary's Parochial School, and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1932. She married Clarence Sattler on May 5, 1936, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon. They lived on a farm northwest of Herndon until 1957 when they moved to Herndon. She was a member of St. Mary's Assumption Catholic Church; the Christian Mothers Altar Society and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, all of Herndon. Survivors include her husband of the home in Herndon; three sons, Gerald and Carol Sattler, Madison, Wis.; Tom and Myra Sattler, Herndon; and Kenneth and Linda Sattler, Kenosha, Wis.; five daughters, Pat and George Cardinal, Salina; Lois and Jerry Solko, St. Paul, Neb.; Norma and Roger Cichorz, Boulder, Colo.; Theresa and Richard Rippe, Ludell; and Pat "Louise" and Gary Sloan, Colby; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Leo Niemeth on Sept. 10, 1986, and Harry Niemeth on Oct. 9, 1993. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon. The Rev. Damian Richards will officiate and burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in her name and left at Brantley Funeral Home in Atwood.

Janis K. Schieferecke
Janis K. Schieferecke, 54, daughter-in-law of Clara Schieferecke of Dresden, died Nov. 25, 1997, in Westminster, Colo. Survivors include her husband, John Schieferecke, Westminster; her mother, Theresa Schwarz; five sons, George and Teresa; Michael and Karen; Brian and Amy; Donald and Theresa; and Howard; nine grandchildren; three brothers; and five sisters. She was preceded in death by her father, Alexander F. Schwarz, and a sister. Funeral services were held on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Leoville. The Rev. James Hoover and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated and burial was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leoville. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of local arrangements. Memorial contributions may be given to the Early Childhood Development Center at Front Range Community College, or Denver Area Council of Boy Scouts of America at the funeral home.

Edyth Melba Vermillion
Edyth Melba Vermillion, 89, a 1926 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Nov. 20, 1997, at the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater. She was born May 17, 1908, at St. John, the daughter of Frank Charles and Lizzie Johnson) Betzer. She was a retired businesswoman and musician. She married Orland Dale Vermillion at Cimarron on July 5, 1925. He died Jan. 18, 1997. They returned to Coldwater from Wichita in 1992, where they had lived for over 50 years. She was a charter member of First Christian Church, Coldwater, where she had served as pianist; Sunday School teacher; and past leader of the Christian Endeavor Youth Group. She was a lifetime member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Survivors include a daughter, Betty Jo and Norman Hadley, Coldwater; a sister, Marjorie Barr, Loma Linda, Calif.; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Among nieces and nephews are Howard, Chuck and Dale Votapka; Faye Meitl; Norma Anderson; and the late J. Neil Votapka. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Wilford Betzer; and two sisters, Mildred White and Phyllis Blount. Graveside services and burial were Monday at Crown Hill Cemetery at Coldwater with Jack Wingate presiding. Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church; Pioneer Lodge Nursing Home; or the Chief Theater, c/o Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Box 417, Coldwater, Kan. 67029.

Gladys C. Ebinger
Gladys C. Ebinger, 83, a resident of Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin for the past 10 years, died there on Dec. 8, 1997. She was born Aug. 17, 1914, in Sturgis, Ky., the daughter of John and Mary Adams. She was reared there and attended school there, along with a brother. She married Peter Ebinger and they made their home in Evansville, Ind. She worked for Mead-Johnson Pharmaceutical in Evansville for over 20 years. Survivors include three nephews, John Adams, Holdrege, Neb.; Bob Adams, Hastings, Neb.; and Michael Adams, McCook; two nieces, Geraldene Adams, McCook; and Barbara Fetterolf, Salina; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Harry Adams; and sister-in-law, Jewel Adams. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. Bill Duncan officiated and burial was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Evansville, Ind. A memorial fund was established in her name to Decatur County Good Samaritan Center and contributions may be left there or at the funeral home.

Dorothy Maxine Stanle
Dorothy Maxine Stanley, 78, a cook at Decatur County Hospital and the Oberlin schools for many years, died Dec. 9, 1997, at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin. She was born Dec. 6, 1919, in Wray, Colo., the daughter of John L. and Rose (Dannels) Hays. As a young child, her family moved to Smith County. She attended school in Reamsville and graduated from high school there. As a young woman, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, to work. She married Norman M. Stanley in Columbus on Oct. 17, 1942. They lived in Phillips, Wis., until 1948 when they moved to Norton. They moved to Oberlin two years later. She was a member of the Oberlin American Legion Auxiliary and had served as president. Survivors include six sons, Norman and Charlene Stanley, Topeka; Russell and Donna Stanley, Cimarron; John and Linda Stanley, Oberlin; Jim and Margaret Stanley, Colby; Joe and Regina Stanley, Oberlin; and Jeep and Debbie Stanley, Wichita; two daughters, Rosemary Gaede, McAllen, Texas; and Nan and Rick Ediger, Liberal; four step-sons, Richard and Bernadette Stanley, Vancouver, Wash.; Norman and Penny Stanley, Oak Creek, Wis.; Dale Stanley, Berger, Mo., and Kenneth Stanley, Milwaukee, Wis.; 31 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Delbert Hays; and sister, Arvilla Harrison. Funeral services were held Friday morning at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be addressed in her name and left at the funeral home.

Ruth Virginia Lund
Ruth Virginia Lund, 89, of Salina, a former resident of the Traer community, died Dec. 6, 1997, at Salina. She was born July 21, 1908, at Fayetteville, Ark., and had lived in Salina for that past four years. She previously had lived at Neely, Neb.; Goodland and Burlington, Colo. Her first husband was Ernest Humes and he died in 1992. Survivors include her husband, Clair Lund, Salina; a son, LeRoy Humes, Orleans, Neb.; three daughters, Doris Mays and Darlene Walton, Clearwater, Neb.; and Darrol Lund, Salina; a sister, Grace Pash, St. Francis; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A private family service was held Dec. 12 in St. Francis with burial in the St. Francis Cemetery.

John Walter Reid
John Walter Reid, 84, a Norcatur area farmer for many years, died Dec. 18, 1997, at the Norton County Hospital. He was born Nov. 5, 1913, in Altamont, Mo., the son of Merit Wilson and Iona (Drake) Reid. His mother died when he was six weeks old and his father married Augusta Tolle when he was five years old. The family moved to Lyle where he attended school. He also attended grade and high school in Norcatur, graduating in 1933. He married Betty Jane Hix on Aug. 15, 1937. They lived in Lyle until moving to Norcatur around 1942. He was a member of the Lyle and Norcatur United Methodist Churches and the Commercial Club. He also served on the Norcatur Cemetery Board for over 30 years. Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home in Norcatur; a daughter, Wanda Jean and Minh Nguyen, Littleton, Colo.; two brothers-in-law and their wives; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother; and eight sisters, Sadie, Helen, Elsie, Addie, Lucinda, Rosa, Doraline and Agnes. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church in Norcatur. The Rev. Bruce Ferguson officiated and burial was at the Norcatur Cemetery. A memorial was established to Norcatur Citizens Alliance and contributions may be left at Enfield Funeral Home at Norton.

Raleigh Bergling
Raleigh Bergling, 78, a Rawlins County farmer and rancher, died Dec. 21, 1997, at the Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood. He was born Oct. 17, 1919, in Union Township, rural Rawlins County, the son of Arthur and Amy (Shipley) Bergling. He attended school at Pleasant View District 49 and graduated from Atwood High School in 1937. At the age of 17, he took over the family farm after the death of his father. He married Dorothy Towery on June 21, 1941, and they became the parents of two daughters, Peggy and Susan. His wife died on Feb. 19, 1973. He married Bettie Koch on Dec. 7, 1974. They lived in Atwood and spent their retirement wintering in Mesa, Ariz. He and his brother, Verol, were partners in their farming and ranching operation. He was a member of the Herndon Covenant Church; a charter member of the Herndon Lions Club; a 50-year member of the Atwood Masonic Lodge; and a member of the Elks Club of Mesa, Ariz. Survivors include his wife, Bettie, of Atwood; his daughters, Peggy Hanson, Colorado Springs, and Susan and Terry Tadlock, Honolulu, Hawaii; his wife's children, Denny and Susan Koch, and Darrie Ann Schnee, Topeka; and Regan and Vicki Koch, Wichita; a sister, June and Melvin Arkle, York, Neb.; a brother, Verol and Rosemary Bergling, Atwood; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Waldo; and his wife, Dorothy. Funeral services were held Dec. 26 at the Herndon Covenant church. The Revs. Noel Cisneros and Vernon Maelzer officiated and burial was in Atwood Fairview Cemetery with final rites conducted by Atwood Masonic Lodge. Brantley Funeral Home, Atwood, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to the Second Century Fund of Atwood or donor's choice and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Scott D. Mowrey
Scott D. Mowrey, 19, of Kinsley, whose mother is a native of Oberlin, died Dec. 20, 1997, at Kinsley. He was born March 12, 1978, at Kinsley, the son of Robert B. Mowrey and Yvonne A. (Graves) Mowrey. He was a farmer. Survivors include his father, Robert B. Mowrey and step-mother, Charlene Mowrey, Park; his mother, Yvonne Rolfe, Kinsley; a sister, Wendi Jean Mowrey, Kinsley; his grandparents, Jim and Beryl Mowrey, Kinsley; and Florence Graves, Oberlin; and two great-grandmothers, Carrie Mowrey and Fern Clark, Kinsley. Funeral services were held Dec. 23 at McKillip Memorial Chapel in Kinsley. The Rev. William Vogel officiated and burial was at Hillside Cemetery. A memorial was established to St. Nicholas School Endowment Fund and contributions may be sent to McKillip Funeral Home, Kinsley, Kan.

Cecil Swisher
Cecil Swisher, 91, a former resident of Decatur County, died Dec. 10, 1997, in Payson, Ariz. He was born April 23, 1906, in Burr Oak, the son of Christopher Columbus and Hannah Elizabeth (Mitchell) Swisher. He married Clara Carlson on Aug. 25, 1928, at the home of her parents in Rawlins County. They farmed in Decatur County before moving to Colorado, where he worked in construction and painting. They moved to Payson in 1978. He was a member of Payson Christian Church. Survivors include his wife, Clara; four sons, Wayne of Badger, Minn.; Wallace of Sonoita, Ariz.; Ronald of Rochester Hills, Mich.; and Stanley of Golden, Colo.; a daughter, Jeanette Miller, Payson; a sister, Wilma Monroe, Auburn, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruth Mick; seven brothers, John, Bill, Dallas, Gordon, Sam, Kenneth and Lowell Swisher; four sisters, Alice, Sina Godfrey, Opal Bryan, and Edna Bowser, and one grandson. Services were held Dec. 13 at the Payson Christian Church with Payson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Payson Christian Church, 501 East Rancho Road, Payson, Ariz., 85541.

Jessie Lee Waterman
Jessie Lee Waterman, 65, a native of the Traer community, died Dec. 19, 1997, at her home in Santa Ana, Calif. She was born Sept. 5, 1932, in Traer, the daughter of Hardy Lee and Lucy Irene (Silvers) Phillips. Her early childhood was spent in Traer until the family moved to McCook in 1946. She graduated from McCook High School in 1950. She married Rex Waterman of Lebanon, Neb., in Canon City, Colo., in 1953. They lived in Colorado Springs until moving to Garden Grove, Calif., in 1955. They later moved to Santa Ana where she worked for the school system for more than 17 years. Survivors include her husband, Rex, 1018 S. Elliott Place, Santa Ana, Calif., 92704; four sons, David and Linda Waterman, Trabuco, Calif.; Daniel and James Waterman, Santa Ana; and Mark and Teresa Waterman, Lake Forest, Calif.; her mother, Lucy Irene Phillips, McCook; two sisters, Mildred Grafton, Lower Lake, Calif.; and Miriam Tuller, McCook; three sisters-in-law, Donna Waterman, McCook; Laura and Marvin Green, Loveland, Colo.; and Faye and Duane Pennington, Forsythe, Mo.; and two granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her father. A memorial service was held at the Waverly Church at Fairhaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Santa Ana on Dec. 26. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Mildred Lucille Vacura
Mildred Lucille Vacura, 85, a native and farm wife of the Jennings area, died Dec. 29, 1997, at the Cedar Living Center in Oberlin. She was born Aug. 31, 1912, on a farm near Jennings, the daughter of Charley and Lillie (Fiala) Kasper. She was reared on the family farm north of Jennings and attended South Bethel Rural School. She married Venzel Albert "James" Vacura on Jan. 31, 1932, in Oberlin. They made their home on a farm west of Jennings until they retired in 1968 and moved to Oberlin. Her husband preceded her in death March 16, 1992. She was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge No. 153, Willing Workers, and a quilting club. Survivors include a son, DeWayne and Frances Vacura, Oberlin; a daughter, Donna and Neil Severns, Norton; two brothers, Louis Kasper, Oberlin; and James and Ann Kasper, Loveland, Colo.; a sister, Midge and Chuck Irwin, Arvada, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Vacura, Oberlin; and Helen Janousek, Cedar Living Center, Oberlin; five grandchildren, Tom Vacura, Jennings; Gayle and Jeff White, WaKeeney; Sinda Severns and Stuart Severns, Lincoln, Neb.; and Captain Shon-Neil and Buffie Severns, Dexheim, Germany; and eight great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Suze Ann Severns. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery. A memorial fund was established in her name to Cedar Living Center in Oberlin.

Jean E. Breeden
Jean Eleanor Breeden, 68, a native of the Jennings area, died Dec. 28, 1997, in Aurora, Colo. She was born Aug. 25, 1929, on a farm near Jennings, the daughter of Charlie and Marguerite Cleland. She spent her early childhood in Decatur County. The family moved to Colby in January of 1941, where she graduated from high school. She earned a degree in accounting at Kansas State University in 1950, then worked for Riddle Quarries in Marion and Salina. She married Henry W. Breeden on June 24, 1972. They owned Hanks Happy Acres Truck Stop at Bennett, Colo., and Hanks II in Strasburg, Colo. She retired as an accountant for the Air Force Finance Center. She was a member of Eastern Star and the Denver Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Survivors include her husband, Henry "Hank" Breeden; five step-children, Henry, Ron, Charlie and Jeffrey Breeden; and Marsha Mooney; a sister, Janice and Robert Underwood; numerous grandchildren; two nieces; and a nephew. Graveside services were held Sunday afternoon at the Norcatur Cemetery with the Rev. Bruce Ferguson of Norcatur officiating. Harrison Chapel of Colby was in charge of arrangements.

Newtalene Pavlicek
Newtalene Pavlicek, 63, a 1952 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Jan. 1, 1998, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. She was born March 18, 1934, near Caldwell, in Sumner County, the daughter of Albert and Mary (Strong) Kiger. She was reared at Caldwell, where she attended grade and junior high school before moving to Decatur County. She married Merle Pavlicek on Oct. 4, 1952, at the United Methodist Church in Oberlin. She had worked in housekeeping of the Decatur County Hospital and as a nurse aide at Good Samaritan Center and Cedar Living Center in Oberlin. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and Diabetes Under Control, both of Oberlin. Survivors include her husband, Merle; her mother, Mary Kiger, both of Oberlin; a son, Ken and Trudi Pavlicek, Liberal; a daughter, Joyce Pavlicek, Oberlin; two sisters, Arlene and Lyle Pummer, Stockton, Mo., and Izetta and Leroy Plante, El Dorado; and a grandson, Josh Pavlicek. She was preceded in death by her father in 1978. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Oberlin Cemetery. The Rev. David Randall officiated and Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to Northwest Kansas Library of Norton and Cottonwood Home Health of Oberlin. Contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Mary E. Kiger
Mary E. Kiger, 85, a native of Bluff City, died Jan. 3, 1998, at the Decatur County Hospital. She was born Nov. 15, 1912, at Bluff City, the daughter of Abner LeRoy and Ina Arinda (Livingston) Strong. She was reared in southeast Kansas and attended Sumner Country Grade School. She married Albert H. Kiger on Nov. 3, 1930, in Kingman. They lived at Wichita and Great Bend before moving to Traer in 1945. In 1960 they moved to Oberlin. She was a member of the Oberlin Assembly of God Church. Survivors include two daughters, Arlene and Lyle Pummer, Stockton, Mo.; and Izetta and LeRoy Plante, El Dorado; a son-in-law, Merle Pavlicek, Oberlin; a brother, John and Nettie Strong, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Lenora Strong, Caldwell; granddaughter, Joyce, and 11 other grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1978; a daughter, Newtalene Pavlicek on Jan. 1, 1998; a sister, Leola Strong in 1916; and a brother Elvin Strong. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Oberlin Cemetery. The Rev. Frank Pummer officiated and Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in her name and contributions may be left at the funeral home in Oberlin.

Hughbert Tice
Hughbert Tice, 78, of Farmington, N.M., brother-in-law of Dorothy Carver of Oberlin, died Dec. 13, 1997, at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M. He was born Dec. 22, 1919, in Aztec, N.M., the son of Bert Hugh and Winona W. Tice. Survivors include his wife, Dollie (Carver) Tice, Farmington; a son, Bert Tice, Las Cruces; a daughter, Cathy Richter, Farmington; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Artamus Tice, and a sister, Luciele Mulnix; and his parents. Funeral services were held at Cope Memorial Chapel in Aztec, N.M., on Dec. 18 with Jack Wheat officiating. Burial was at the Aztec Cemetery with military honors by Veterans of War Post 2182.

 Kenneth C. Brown
Kenneth C. Brown, 76, a native of the Traer community, died Jan. 6, 1998, at Littleton, Colo. He was born Oct. 4, 1922, at Traer, the son of Omar C. and Maudie (Bisnette) Brown. He served in the Navy during World War II on the LST ship 121 in the Bering Straits. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Survivors include four sisters, Frieda Neisner, Boles, Neb.; Florence Clement, Willis, Texas; Patsy Palmer, Englewood, Colo.; and Mabel McLaughlin, Burbank, Calif.; a brother, Harold Brown, Lincoln, Neb., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Morton Brown and Elmore Brown; three sisters, Lucille Miller, Maxine Kessler, and Lila Peterson; an infant son, Earl Leslie Brown; and an infant daughter, Loretta Marie Brown. Funeral services were held Tuesday at the First Seventh Day Adventist Church in Littleton with burial at Littleton Cemetery. Moore Howard Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Harold M. Guilliams
Harold M. Guilliams, 91, a 1924 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Jan. 5, 1998, at a hospital in Topeka. He was born Feb. 9, 1906, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of George Lee and Daisy (Munns) Guilliams. He attended schools in Kansas City, Mo.; Kemper Military Academy, Booneville, Mo.; and Decatur Community High School. He married Marie Van Orsdol in Topeka on Dec. 28, 1940. She died Jan. 20, 1980. He spent three years in the Navy in World War II and was a member of the PT Squadron in the South Pacific Theatre covering many of the islands, including Okinawa, where he was serving when the war ended. He was a retired realtor and had been a real estate appraiser. He was a member in Golden Rule Lodge; Scottish Rite Bodies, Arab Shrine, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post; and American Legion, all of Topeka. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. He was a brother of the late Ethyl Riley. No services were planned. Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements and burial was at Mt. Washington Cemetery, Kansas City, Mo. A memorial was established to donor's choice.

Maxine Mockry
Maxine Mockry, 76, a native of the Kanona area, died Jan. 5, 1998, in Manhattan. She was born near Kanona on Feb. 26, 1921, the daughter of Glenn and Lora (Hunsaker) Heller. She was reared near Kanona and attended Decatur Community High School. She married Howard W. Mockry on March 8, 1941. She worked as a clerk in the Navy Department during World War II and later worked in food service. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Manhattan. Survivors include three sons, Glenn R. Mockry, Manhattan; Lynn J. and Kathy Mockry, Los Angeles; and Eldon F. and Anita Mockry, Lenexa; a brother, Daughn and Judy Mockry, North Platte, Neb.; two sisters, Roxie Tuller, Cambridge, Neb., and Ruby Taylor, McCook; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant son, Howard Max Mockry; two sisters, Glenda Conry and Bonnie Bethel; and a brother-in-law, Dane Tuller. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall officiated and burial was at the Oberlin Cemetery. A memorial was established to the American Diabetes Association and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Gordon Clyde Railsback
Gordon Clyde Railsback, 78, a native of Decatur County and World War II veteran who witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor, died Jan. 9, 1998, at the Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. He was born Feb. 2, 1919, on a farm southeast of Oberlin, one of 11 children born to Clyde and Irma (Brooks) Railsback. He was reared on the family farm northeast of Oberlin. He attended Bethel Country School; Norcatur High School; and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1937. He furthered his education at Denver University in Denver. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II and attained the rank of Sergeant before receiving his honorable discharge. He married Ethel Cathcart on Aug. 4, 1946, at the United Methodist Church in Oberlin. They lived in Denver before returning to Decatur County, where they farmed northeast of Oberlin in Sherman Township and was also a truck driver. They retired from farming in 1986 and they moved to Wichita in 1995. He was a member of Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church; Oberlin American Legion Post; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Pearl Harbor Survivors; and 49th Air Depot. Survivors include his wife, Ethel of the home; a son, Tom, Great Falls, Mont.; two daughters, Mary and Mike Dicke, Wichita; and Marian and Jim Brink, Fort Collins, Colo.; five grandchildren, Jeff and Penny Hayward, Hays; and Anne, Benjamin and Emily Dicke, Wichita; two brothers, Edward and Florence Railsback, Buffalo, N.Y., and Russell and MaryAnne Railsback, Corvallis, Ore.; a sister, Olive and Walt Hafner, Herndon; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Lyle, Cloyce, Leon, and Cloyd; and three sisters, Gail Railsback; Lila Paddock; and Jacquetta Ward. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. David Randall officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery with committal rites by the Oberlin American Legion Post. A memorial was established to Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church or Oberlin City Library and contributions may be sent to Ethel Railsback, 2011 Porter, #141, Wichita, Kan. 67203.

Jeff and Penny Hayward
John Adolph Riedel
John Adolph Riedl, 69, father of Carol Wessel of Dresden, died Dec. 29, 1997, in a farm accident on his farm near Park. He was born Nov. 12, 1928, at St. Peter, the son of John Joseph and Anna Kay (Rome) Riedel. He married Odilia (Dilly) Weber on June 19, 1956, at Park. They lived at Park, where he was a farmer. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church; was Faithful Navigator for the fourth degree Knights of Columbus; past member and Grand Knight of the Nights of Columbus of Park for 44 years. He was also caretaker of the Knights of Columbus Hall and Sacred Heart Cemetery at Park. Survivors include his wife, Dilly, of the home; his mother, Anna K. Riedel, St. Peter; three daughters, Carol and Bill Wessel, Dresden; Roberta and Burton Pianalto, Goodland; and Alberta and Roy Williams, Colorado Springs; two sons, Steve of Park; and Joseph and Kathy, Quinter; three brothers; seven sisters; and 20 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Joe; and two sisters, Isabelle Fiffe, and Aurelia Artzer. Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 2, 1998, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Park. Burial was at the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Park.

Vernon N. Erickson
Vernon N. Erickson, 75, a native of the Jennings area, died Jan. 6, 1998, at Hays Medical Center. He was born Sept. 24, 1922, on a farm near Jennings, the son of Lawrence and Vallie (Walden) Erickson. He graduated from Jennings High School in 1940, and served with the United States Air Force. He married Carol L. Koons in Hays in Dec. 1, 1946. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1980. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church; Telephone Pioneers of America; Humane Society; and Ellis County Historical Society, all of Hays. Survivors include his wife, Carol of the home; two daughters, Ruth Ann Aschwege, Hays; and Janet Lynne Staab, Wichita; two brothers, Kenneth, Clarkston, Wash.; and Curtis, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Charles. Funeral services were held Friday morning at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays. The Rev. David Pieplow officiated and burial was in Mount Allen Cemetery, Hays. Memorials were suggested for the First Presbyterian Church choir and contributions may be sent to Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 20th and Pine, Hays, Kan. 67601.

Helen Friedemann
Helen Friedemann, 90, a native of the Herndon area, died Jan. 14, 1998, at Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin. She was born near Herndon, the daughter of Theodore H. and Theresia (Pfann) Berndt. She was reared near Herndon in Decatur County and attended rural Grade School District No. 17. She married Robert J. Friedemann on June 24, 1931, near Herndon. They lived in Liberty Township for 13 years before moving to Oberlin. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and Lutheran Women's Guild. Survivors include a sister, Mildred and Roger Day, Greeley, Colo.; a sister-in-law, Eva Berndt, Modesto, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; an infant son, Gilbert; a brother, Harold; and three sisters, Louise, Thelma and Clara. Funeral services were held Saturday morning at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. Paul Kaldahl officiated and burial was at the Oberlin Cemetery. A memorial was established to the Women's Guild and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Mary A. Gilbert
Mary A. Gilbert, 68, wife of Lester Gilbert, a native of Achilles in Rawlins County, died Jan. 14, 1998, at her residence in rural Fall River. She was born Aug. 7, 1929, at Burdick, the daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Friedli) Ziebell, and was a retired seamstress. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary in Newton. Her husband is the son of the late William and Eva Gilbert. Survivors include her husband, Lester, Fall River; a son, William R. Grundman, Hutchinson; five daughters, Mary Ellen Ewy and Linda Lee Simmons, Springfield, Mo.; Debra Ann Hatcher, Hutchinson; Jane Boyce and Cindy Marie Lutes, McPherson; two brothers, Milton Ziebell, Waukesha, Wis., and Lee Friedli, Gateway, Colo.; a sister, Charlotte Harding, Waukesha, Wis.; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held Tuesday afternoon at Timmons Funeral Home in Fredonia.

Esther B. Glenn
Esther B. Glenn, 90, a native of Norcatur, died Jan. 15, 1998 in the Meadowlark Hills Health Care Center in Manhattan. She was born at Norcatur on March 31, 1907, the daughter of Emerson and Katherine (Nedrow) Beachel. She was reared at Norcatur, where she attended school, graduating from Norcatur High School in 1924. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina and later received a Master of Science Degree from Kansas State University in 1938. She had also worked on her doctorate at the University of Denver and the University of Wisconsin. She married P.J. Dominick in 1939 at Wichita. He preceded her in death in 1948. She later married Robert E. Glenn in Manhattan in 1954 and he died in 1963. She taught in high schools at Osborne, Norton, and Chanute. In 1948, she moved to Manhattan to teach English at Kansas State University. She taught for 25 years and retired in 1973 as an assistant professor of English. She also served as associate editor of the Beech Aircraft Magazine for five years and as a reporter for the Wichita Beacon. She was a member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Manhattan, and the Altar Society Circle No. 3. Other memberships included the Manhattan Business and Professional Women's Club since 1948, the Delta Kappa Gamma teachers honorary society, and was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi at Kansas State University in 1938. Survivors include several nephews and nieces. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and one sister. A rosary and memorial service were held Friday morning at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home in Manhattan. The Rev. David Metz officiated and inurnment was Friday afternoon at the Norcatur Cemetery with the Rev. John Walsh officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, c/o the funeral home, 1317 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kan., 66502.

Lois McBride
Lois Annette McBride, 73, a graduate of Selden High School, died Dec. 22, 1997, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Visalia, Calif. She was born at Lebanon, Neb., on June 7, 1924, the daughter of Lee and Mamie (Edwards) Bell. She was crippled by polio at the age of 4 and was reared on her parents' farm northwest of Selden. She earned a bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State University and a Masters Degree in Speech Therapy from the University of Denver. She was a speech therapist for 35 years and was employed with the Tulare City School District. She married Richard McBride and he preceded her in death. She was a member of the Tulare Church of Christ; Tulare Palette Club; the Retired California Teachers Association; American Speech and Language Association; Soroptimist Club; and a former member of Eastern Star. Survivors include three nephews, Bob Zimmerman, Liberal; Jerry Hill, Rexford; and Larry Hill, Selden; and a niece, Cheryl Greenlee, Beaver, Okla. Services were held in Tulare, Calif.

Kim Betts
Funeral services are pending for Kim Betts, 43, who died Monday at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colo. Pauls Funeral Home of Oberlin is in charge of arrangements.

Ranie H. Love
Ranie H. Love, a 1930 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Jan. 1, 1998, in Wichita. He was born Oct. 18, 1913, at Cedar Bluffs, the son of John Ranie and Hattie Bruce Hawkins Love. He was reared at Cedar Bluffs, where his father owned and operated Love General Store. They later sold the store and moved to Oberlin, where he attended school. He was employed at Farmers National Bank for two years after graduating from high school. In 1932 he enrolled at the University of Kansas, where he majored in business and accounting. He graduated in June 1936 and received his appointment as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army. A year later he was recommended to Winkler-Koch Engineering Company in Wichita by an accounting firm which he had joined after graduation, an association which spanned five decades. He entered active duty in 1942 as a 1st lieutenant and after several promotions became a Lt. Colonel in December 1945. He married Alma Eileen Reyer and she died in July 1970. He later married Fannie Marie Rogers. Survivors include his wife, Fannie; a sister, Lorraine Maxine Love, Topeka; a daughter, Karen and Don B. Dale, Coronado, Calif.; two granddaughters, Lauren Eileen Dale, San Diego; and Regan Marie Dale, Coronado; two step-sons, Tony and Rick Rogers; two step-daughters, Teri Rogers and Chris Lob; and eight step-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a son, Ranie Reid Love, in 1968. Funeral services were held at Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Wichita and burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Fort Riley military. A scholarship fund was started by his daughter and contributions may be sent c/o KU Endowment Office; Endowment Fund #853687, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, Kan. 66044.

Kim Errol Betts
Kim Betts, 43, a 1973 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Jan. 19, 1998, at the Lutheran Hospital in Wheatridge, Colo. He was born Jan. 12, 1955, in Oberlin, the son of James R. Betts and Ella (Maggard) Betts. He was reared in Oberlin and attended Oberlin Elementary School. He continued his education after graduating from high school at Kansas State University for two years, then transferred to Auraria College in Denver. He married Stephanie Simons at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Boulder, Colo., on Aug. 21, 1993. They lived in Wheatridge where he worked as a stock broker. He was a member of the Colorado Real Estate Commission; National Association of Security Dealers; and Kansas Insurance Commission. Survivors include his wife, Stephanie, Wheatridge; a son, Jacob Cummings, Shawnee Mission; his father, James R. Betts, Windsor, Colo.; his mother, Ella Betts, Oberlin; two sisters, Jody Olmer, Washington, D.C., and Jan Ray, Mission Hills. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oberlin. The Rev. James Hoover and Sister Marilyn Wall officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be given in his name to the Oberlin Municipal Airport, for Masses, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

John Joseph Lawn
John Joseph Lawn, 74, an employee of the Kansas State Highway Department for many years, died Jan. 22, 1998, at his home in Norcatur. He was born Aug. 23, 1923, at Concordia, the son of John B. and Margaret (Dellere) Lawn. He attended grade school in Norton County and was a 1942 graduate of Norton High School. He served in the Army during World War II. He married Dorothy Foster on July 29, 1948, in Norton. They lived in Norton until moving to Norcatur, where he also farmed. He was a member of St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, all of Norton. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Norcatur; two sons, James and Lea and Kevin and Lori, all of Kearney, Neb.; six daughters, Priscilla and Michael Duncan, Aurora, Colo.; Patricia Beachel, Gothenburg, Neb.; Donna Wiscombe, Bradford, Ontario, Canada; Loretta and Ed Flower, Norton; Marlina Jones, McCook; and Brenda Millan, Salome, Ariz.; 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John Richard; a granddaughter, Berkley Millan; and in-laws, Douglas and Pearl Foster. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the church in Norton. The Rev. John Walsh officiated and burial was in the Norton Cemetery with Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden, in charge of arrangements. Memorials were established to the Norton County Hospice; Norcatur Citizens Alliance; or donor's choice and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Maurice Gail Oliver
Maurice Gail Oliver, 70, longtime manager of Bartlett Grain Elevator at Rexford, died Jan. 20, 1998, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby. He was born June 26, 1927, on his grandparents' home northwest of Rexford, the son of Marion Gilbert and Mildred Leora (Preston) Oliver. He was reared in Ellis and Thomas counties and attended schools in Hays and Rexford. He was a 1947 graduate of Rexford High School. He served as a Fireman 1st Class in the Navy following World War II. He married Doris Jean Shaw, daughter of Ernest and Anna (Pavlicek) Shaw, on June 30, 1948, in Colby, and they made their home in Rexford. He was a member of the Rexford Community Church, St. Thomas Masonic Lodge of Colby and Rexford Lions Club, and Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Doris Jean of Rexford; three daughters, Marla and Dennis Rogers, Selden; Mary Lou and Thomas Lambing, McCook; and Marilyn and Carl Medina, Vista, Calif.; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Rexford Community Church. The Rev. Gary Taylor officiated and burial was in the Selden Cemetery with military graveside services by the Rexford American Legion Post. Pauls Funeral Home of Selden was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established in his name and contributions may be left at the funeral home in Selden or Oberlin.

Robert D. Underwood
Robert D. Underwood, 75, husband of former Decatur County native, Janice (Cleland) Underwood, died Jan. 21, 1998, in Denver. He was born April 10, 1922, at St. Mary's. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1945 and was construction superintendent for Al Cohen Construction for many years. Survivors include his wife, Janice, Denver; a son, L. M. "Mike" Underwood, Denver; a daughter, Jean Ann Howard, Evergreen, Colo.; a sister, Elsie Neff, Durango, Colo.; a brother-in-law, Hank Breeden, Bennett, Colo., and nine grandchildren. Graveside services were held Monday afternoon at the Norcatur Cemetery. The Rev. Bruce Ferguson officiated. Harrison Chapel of Colby was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 1280 South Parker Road, Denver, Colo., 80231, or the donor's choice.

Kendall J. Coddington
Kendall J. Coddington, 41, a nephew of Veda Wood and Ona Van Gundy of Norcatur, died Jan. 23, 1997, at his home in Kimball, Neb. He was born June 21, 1956, at Hays, the son of Wayne and Dixie (Van Gundy) Coddington. He was reared and attended schools in Kansas and Nebraska, graduating from North Platte High School. He moved to Kimball, Neb., in 1980, where he was a cook at the Hick'ry Inn for 15 years. Survivors also include his mother and step-father, Dixie and Elvin Wood, Canadian, Okla; aunts, Arlita Akers, Hedville; Margery Carter, Cheyenne Wells, Colo.; Twila and Lee Vernon, Arvada, Colo.; Bonnie Klein, Atwood; and Sheryl and Richard Patteron, Hendrix, Okla.; uncles, Dean and Edith Van Gundy, Manitou Springs, Colo.; and Lee Ival and Vera Van Gundy, Edmonds, Wash. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father; and a brother, Meredith, Coddington. Memorial services are pending. Cremation was at Sunset Memorial Park Crematory. A memorial was established to the American Diabetes Association and contributions may be sent to Cantrell Funeral Home, 609 South Walnut, Kimball, Neb., 69145.

Estella Gall
Estella Gall, 86, a 1930 graduate of Decatur Community High School, died Jan. 15, 1998. She was born Jan. 25, 1911, in Sheridan County near Grinnell, the eldest child of Ed and Anna (Cremer) Wegman. The family moved to a farm five miles south of Seguin five years later. She attended high school in Grinnell and after graduating in Oberlin, she graduated as a nurse from Mercy Hospital in Denver. She joined the armed forces in 1938 and worked at the military hospital in Honolulu. She married Clyde Gall on Oct. 2, 1941, and he died in 1985. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley McHugh, Alamosa, Colo.; a son, Robert, Boulder, Colo.; a brother, Victor, Westminster, Colo.; a sister, Esther and Harley Lawson, Centerville, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Sera Wegman, Denver; and Vivian Wegman, Hoxie; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Raymond and Clarence; and a sister-in-law, Jean Wegman. Funeral services were held Jan. 20, 1998, at St. James Catholic Church in Denver. Burial was in Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver.

Walter J. Holmdahl
Walter J. Holmdahl, 87, a native of the Midway community in Rawlins County, died Jan. 29, 1998, at the Lompoc Convalescent and Residential Care Center. He was born Jan. 1, 1911, south of Herndon, the son of Swedish immigrants Erik and Anna Holmdahl. He spent his childhood on the family homestead. He had formerly operated the Sweet Shop in Oberlin with his brother-in-law, Gilbert Anderson. He married Genevieve Rupp in Dodge City in 1937 and they moved to California in 1939. They lived in Torrance and the Santa Ynez Valley before moving to Lompoc in 1950 where he was a farmer and rancher. He was a member of the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau; a former Santa Barbara County Fair Director; and served as a member of the Lompoc Unified School District from 1958-1962. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Genevieve "Gene" Holmdahl, Lompoc; a son, DeWayne and Bonnie Holmdahl, Lompoc; a sister, Adelia Anderson, Oberlin; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and five sisters. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the church in Lompoc with the Rev. Ernest Freund officiating. Burial was at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A memorial was established to the First Presbyterian Church, 1600 Berkeley Drive, Lompoc, Calif., 93438; or the American Diabetes Association.

Lila L. Jones
Lila Lucille Jones, 72, a native of the Traer community, died Jan. 28, 1998, at the home of her daughter in Menlo. She was born April 1, 1925, in Traer, the daughter of Arthur Leon and Clara (Porterfield) Carlisle. She attended Traer Grade School and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1943. She married William "Bill" Jones on Dec. 25, 1953. They made their home in Traer and Oberlin, where they owned and operated grocery stores for several years. She had also worked as a bookkeeper. Since her husband's death she lived at McCook until moving to Colby. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Oberlin; Peace Lutheran Church in McCook; Toastmasters International and Business and Professional Women's Club in McCook. She had also been a volunteer at the McCook Humane Society. Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie and Kelly Schiltz, Menlo, and Connie Gonzales, Albuquerque, N.M.; two brothers, Dale and Lenore Carlisle, Traer, and Don and Shirley Carlisle, Prescott, Ariz.; a sister, Joye Trussel, St. Charles, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Cory, Christopher, Kathleen and Carlisle Schiltz. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant son, William Arthur. Funeral services were held Friday morning at St. John's Lutheran Church in Oberlin. The Rev. Don Stuckwisch officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery with arrangements by Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden. A memorial was established to the Thomas County Hospice or American Cancer Society and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

Sarah Frances Nitcher
Sarah Frances Nitcher, 96, a native of Decatur County, died Jan. 29, 1998, at her home in Harbor City, Calif. She was born on Nov. 20, 1901 in a sod house on the farm of her parents, Arthur and Mary (Payne) Nitcher, southwest of Oberlin. She graduated from Decatur County High School in 1921 and taught for five years in country schools. She worked in the statehouse in Topeka before moving to Los Angeles in 1941. She worked as an accountant for an electrical equipment company until her retirement in 1966. She was a member of Dr. J. Vernon McGee's Church of the Open Door. Survivors include a sister, Florence Muller, Salina; and nephews and nieces, including Odene Koehler, Elaine Mines and Irel Lohoefener, Oberlin. Her remains were interred at Pacific View Memorial Park, Newport Beach, Calif., next to her sister, Maude Hoffman.

Libbie E. Shaw
Libbie Erma Shaw, 88, a native of the Jennings community, died Jan. 29, 1998, at Cedar Living Center in Oberlin. She was born May 12, 1909, one of seven children of Cedelie and Mary (Petrasek) Vacura, on a farm near Jennings. She was reared there and attended Jackson Grade School District No. 33 and Jennings High School. She married Lawrence L. Shaw, son of Elmer and Laura (Carman) Shaw, in Colby on Oct. 16, 1946. They lived on a farm northwest of Selden on the Prairie Dog Creek, and later moved to his parents' farm. She was active in the Selden United Methodist Church and Selden United Methodist Women, attended a Bible study group; and was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge No. 153; National Campers and Hikers Association and Ringneck Camper Club. She and her husband moved to Oberlin in 1977, and he preceded her in death on Nov. 9, 1979. Their only child, Connie Lynn, was killed in an accident in Atwood on May 7, 1963. Survivors include a sister, Marie Carman of Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin; a sister-in-law, Eva Marie Vacura, Oberlin; and nephews and nieces. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Jerry, Anton, and Rudolph Vacura; and two sisters, Oliva Petracek and Emma Shimek. Funeral services were held Monday at Pauls Funeral Home in Selden. The Rev. Ralph Jarboe officiated and interment was in the Selden Cemetery. Pauls Funeral Home, Oberlin-Selden was in charge of arrangements. A memorial was established to Cedar Living Center, Oberlin, or donor's choice.

Margaret Sloan
Margaret Sloan, 90, a homemaker from the Selden community, died Jan. 28. 1998, at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center. She was born Sept. 4, 1906, in Peoria, Ill., the daughter of John and Rosa (Hurni) Bielser. She was reared on a farm in the Hoxie area and attended Sunshine Country School. She married Lew Monteith and they lived in Selden for 17 years before his death. She married Orris B. Sloan on Oct. 31, 1954, at the Methodist Church in Selden. They also lived in Selden. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Garden Club, and Selden Senior Center. Survivors include a step-son, Leonard and Wilma Sloan, Carthage, Mo.; step-daughter-in-law, Virda Sloan, Wichita; a sister, Ruth Currier, Hoxie; four step-grandchildren; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; step-son, Robert W. Sloan; brothers, John H. and Robert E. Bielser; and a sister, Helen Padget. Funeral services were held on Saturday at Pauls Funeral Home in Selden. The Rev. Ralph Jarboe officiated and burial was at the Selden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in her name to the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center.

Jessie M. Chandler
Jessie M. Chandler, 91, aunt of Florence Vavroch, Charles Lincoln and JoAnn Ufford of Oberlin, died May 31, 2001, at Decatur County Good Samaritan Center. She was born Sept. 2, 1909, at the family farm near Cedar Bluffs in Decatur County, the daughter of George Spencer and Sarah Ellen (Goodenberger) Lincoln. She attended Valley View School, rural Cedar Bluffs, and graduated from Decatur Community High School in 1930. She furthered her education at Fort Hays State College and San Diego State College and received an education degree. She taught school 13 years at rural schools in Decatur County. She married Harry E. (Dick) Chandler on Sept. 10, 1943, in Atwood. After their marriage, they moved to California, where she taught a oneroom school in San Onofre and 20 years at Mary Fay Pendleton School in Oceanside. She retired in 1972 after dedicating 42 years to the teaching profession. She returned to Oberlin several years ago and later became a resident of Decatur County Good Samaritan Center. Survivors include two nephews, Charles and Donna Lincoln, Oberlin, and Paul Ambrose, Oregon; two nieces, Florence Vavroch and JoAnn and Calvin Ufford, Oberlin. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband;, brothers, Howard A. and George E. Lincoln, and sisters, Grace Dell Hawkins and Lucy Marietta Muller. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. The Rev. Gary Fisher officiated and burial was in the Oberlin Cemetery. Memorials were established to the Oberlin City Library and Decatur County Good Samaritan Center. Contributions may be left at Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn, Oberlin, Kan., 67749.

Marjorie Belle Cooper
Marjorie Belle Cooper, 87, a longtime resident of Rawlins County, died May 31, 2001, at Decatur County Hospital in Oberlin. She was born Oct. 3, 1913, in Clay County, Texas, the daughter of Emerson David and Mary H. (McKelvey) Lindsey. As a baby, she moved from Texas to Oklahoma and graduated from High School at Shawnee. She later graduated from William Jennings Bryan Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Lincoln, Neb. She married Walter Hamilton Cooper on Jan. 24, 1938, and they lived on a farm northwest of Atwood. He preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 1971. She was a member of the Atwood United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, and was a former member of Eastern Star Radiant Chapter and Rebekah Lodge of Atwood. Survivors include: a son, W. Lindsey and Cheryl Cooper, Grand Junction, Colo.; a daughter, Juleta Jo and Perry Cook, Olathe; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two infant children, Karen and Randall Cooper. Funeral services were held Monday morning at the United Methodist Church in Atwood. The Rev. James Larson officiated and private burial was at Fairview Cemetery at Atwood. Memorials were established to the Rawlins County Ambulance Fund and contributions may be sent to Brantley Funeral Home, 215 S. Fourth, Atwood, Kan., 67749.

Josephine E. Kinser
Josephine E. Kinser, 78, mother of Linda Stanley of Oberlin, died May 31, 2001, at her home at the family farm near Clayton. She was born Dec. 12, 1922, in Jennings, the daughter Hugo and Anna (Stramp) Von Schuetz. She grew up in Jennings and graduated from Jennings High School in 1940. After attending Stewart’s Beauty Academy in Topeka, she operated a beauty shop in Jennings with her sister, Elaine Mizell. In the 1960s, she owned and operated Jo’s Beauty Shop in Jennings, retiring in 1990. She married Joseph G. Kinser on June 1, 1944, in Jennings. They lived on the Kinser family farm east of Allison. They attended the Allison Christian Church and later she was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Jennings, serving as a lay speaker. She was a member of Royal Neighbors of America; Tuesday Study Club; Jennings Heritage Association; American Legion Auxiliary; United Methodist Women and sang with the Sweet Adelines. Survivors include her children, Jerry and Sandi Kinser, Concordia; Linda and John Stanley, Oberlin; Kay and Tom Reedy, Hoxie; Janet and Damon Morrin, Miamisburg, Ohio; John and Kay Kinser, Pampa, Texas, and daughter-in-law, Mary Kinser, Jennings; a sister, Elaine Mizell; sister-in-law, Lois Bratt, and brother-in-law, Robert J. Burns; grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Doris and Frances; husband, Joe, and son, Tim. Funeral services were held Monday morning at the United Methodist Church in Jennings. The Rev. Glenn Krebs officiated and burial was at the Jennings Cemetery. Memorials were established to the church at Jennings or Jennings Heritage Association. Contributions may be left at Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn, Oberlin, Kan., 67749.