Obituaries

Jul 8, 2021

Linda Louise (Ayers) Foster, 65, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2021 after a long battle of COPD and lung cancer. Linda was born on September 27, 1955 to William Carson and Thelma Rose  Ayres in Arkansas. As a child, she excelled in many sports, especially basketball. After graduating from Hill City, Kansas High School in 1973...

Jul 5, 2021

On July 5, 2021, William Albert Hussong Jr. peacefully passed away at his home in Oklahoma City, OK – with his family at his side.  Bill, as he was called by family and friends was born on October 12, 1939 to Dorothy (Hasty) Hussong and William Albert Hussong in Cheverly, MD. He attended Bladensburg HS, MD, graduating in 1957 and made...

Jul 5, 2021

Helen’s life began on July 31, 1932, in Herington.  She was the daughter of Henry and Lydia (Peil) Ruppel.  Helen was a 1950 graduate of Herington High School.  She was united in marriage to Walter William “Bill” Utech, Jr. on August 26, 1951, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Herington.  Helen was a farm wife and homemaker.  She was a...

Jul 4, 2021

Lloyd Florence went home on July 4, 2021. He was born May 20, 1946 in Junction City, Kansas, the son of George and Alice (Horne) Florence.  Lloyd was a veteran who served his country from 1965 – 1969 in the submarine service. He was a cook. He married Marlene Hill in 1967; they had 54 wonderful years together.  Lloyd enjoyed his...

Jul 3, 2021

Edna’s life began on May 31, 1921, the daughter of Hobart Francis and Mary Alice (Black) Wren in Shenandoah, IA.   She attended Shenandoah High School. She married Warren Robert Fletcher on November 25, 1937, in Rockport, MO.  In 1942 they moved to Oakland, CA where she graduated from cosmetology school.   In 1950, they moved to Farragut, IA and lived there...

Jul 1, 2021

Tracy’s life began on May 31, 1966, in Marion.  He was the son of Lyndon and Neva (Kelsey) Hett.  Tracy was baptized at the Aulne Church in high school. He is a 1984 graduate of Marion High School.  Tracy was united in marriage to Geraldine Bresson on March 16, 1996, in Las Vegas.  He worked with his dad for 11...

Jul 1, 2021

Gale’s life began on February 15, 1952, in Winfield.  He was the son of Millard and Laura (Parks) Shipman.  Gale is a graduate of Howard High School and attended both Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University, where he was a member of the ROTC.  He was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Penner on May 20, 1975, in...

Jun 30, 2021

Scott’s life began on July 7, 1968, in Charleston, SC.  He was the son of the late Lynn Carter and Cathy (Gerry) Henderson.  Scott is a graduate of El Dorado High School and received his Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Education from Emporia State University.  Scott served as the Superintendent of Schools in Herington KS, Kingman KS, Queets WA, and...

Jun 30, 2021

Larry Wayne Haag died June 30, 2021. He was born January 13, 1953 to Ernest Nicholas and Kathryn Audrey Scott Haag. He was raised on the family farm in Morris County, the youngest of 6 children.He attended Alta Vista Elementary School and graduated from Council Grove High School in 1971. Larry spent most of his life as a carpenter and...

Jun 26, 2021

Joyce’s life began on June 28, 1933, the daughter of Raymond and Thelma (Hinnen) Vogelman in Newton, Kansas. She attended Westpoint one room schoolhouse near the family farm in Potwin, Kansas. She graduated from Potwin High, Class of 1951. Her working career started at the Potwin State Bank and later managed her family farm. She was an Assistant Director for...

Jun 26, 2021

On Saturday June 26, 2021, Carolyn Kay Spencer entered Heaven’s Gate.  She was born Carolyn Kay Shipman on February 15, 1944.  Carolyn was the daughter of Orris and Audine (Arnold) Shipman.  She was a 1962 graduate of Florence High School.  She was united in marriage 59 years ago to Edmond Spencer on May 24, 1962.  Carolyn, Edmond and their family...

Jun 26, 2021

Emogene R. Russell, age 89 longtime resident of Council Grove, passed away June 26, 2021 at Morris County Hospital. She was born April 28, 1932 in Council Grove, the only child of Ben and Hilda Ruth Foresman. She was married to Donald Eugene Russell, Sr. for 47 years until his passing on July 23, 1996. Due to Donald’s occupation, they...

Jun 26, 2021

MD’s life began on April 7, 1944, the son of Maurice Dean and Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Shields in Shattuck, Oklahoma. He attended Whitewater schools. MD was a member of the Federated Church, enjoyed facts and history about Kansas, maps, puzzles and collecting miniature horse figurines. His loving family includes his brother and his wife, Randy and Jocelyn Shields of Potwin;...

Jun 22, 2021

Joyce's life began on September 7th, 1941, in Herington.  She was the daughter of Bernard and Gloy (Shipley) Woosley.  Joyce was a 1959 graduate of Herington High School and attended St. John's Catholic School through 8th grade.  Joyce worked as a baker for Mastan’s Bakery and Catlin’s IGA in Herington and the Hays House in Council Grove before retiring from...

Jun 19, 2021

Linda Marie Ashburn, age 79, of Alta Vista, passed away June 19, 2021 at the Morris County Hospital. She was born March 11, 1942 in Woodbine, Kansas, the daughter of Emmanuel and Ruby (Rohloff) Koepsel. Linda graduated from Wilsey High School and married Lauren Ashburn on March 30, 1962 in Council Grove.  They had 3 daughters: Sheila, Connie and Lori....

Jun 19, 2021

Alfred’s life began on March 6, 1950, in Herington.  He was the son of Donald L. and Ina B. (Swanson) Miller.  Alfred was a graduate of Center High School and served his country in the United States Army.  He was a valued employee for over 38 years at Custom Metal Fabricators (CMF) in Herington as a welder.  Alfred never had a...

Jun 17, 2021

Bud Smithson’s life began on September 30, 1949, in Junction City, the son of Wayne Garvin and Marvella (Burns) Smithson. He grew up on his family farm near Delavan, Kansas, and graduated from Wilsey High School in 1967. On February 20, 1970, Bud was united in marriage to Roxie Bruckner of Delavan. In 1967, Bud began his career as a...

Jun 15, 2021

Jun 12, 2021

David’s life began on January 13, 1962 in Marion.  He was the son of Elred “Bud” Zeiner and Flora (Hoemer) Martin and step father Richard Martin.   He was united in marriage to the former Mary Nault on September 10, 2006 in Herington.  David was a “Jack of all Trades”.  He worked in the oil fields as a young man and...

Jun 9, 2021

Tom’s life began on February 10, 1939, in Marion.  He was the son of Wes and Esther (Sampson) Buford.  Tom attended Marion schools and worked odd jobs around the area.  He was a long-time resident of St. Luke’s Living Center and enjoyed the staff who became his family.  He was cared for by his cousin Eva Smith Grentz and survived...