HELEN DODSON BURGER - CLASS OF 1936

.

In Loving Memory of

Helen Maud Burger

1918 - 2017

 Helen and her youngest daughter - Loa

Helen and Harold - 1970

Helen and Loa - Helen's 99th Birthday

Helen Maud (Dodson) Pfortmiller Burger, 99, Topeka, passed from this life the morning of December 29th at Plaza West Care Center. Helen was born October 5, 1918 in Lincoln County, Kansas, the daughter of Walter and Maude (Bishop) Dodson. She graduated from Paradise High School in 1936. Helen married Lester Pfortmiller in 1938; he preceded her in death in 1942. Helen married Harold Burger in 1949; he preceded her in death in 2003. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Hazel (C. Everett) Harrell; brother, Charles (Ila Mae) Dodson; sister, Alice (Fred) Whitman; sister, Elma (H.M. "Jack") Lowder; brother, Howard Dodson and brother, Walter Dodson. 

She is also survived by her four daughters; Thelma Hutchinson of Great Bend, KS, Alice Wiggs of Jonesboro, IL, Ellen Sue Koehler of Lawrence, KS, and Loa Gordon of Topeka, KS, 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Neva Lee (Hoskins) Dodson.

Helen's family thanks the staff at Plaza West Care Center and Midland Hospice Care for their services.

Helen's request to be cremated has been honored. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Dove Cremation and Funeral Service, Topeka, KS. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. 

FAIRPORT RECEIVES HONORS AND PUBLICITY

204229
.

Charlotte Pierson David, her husband, Roger and her daughter, Jessica
work constantly to promote Fairport.

Charlotte was honored by receiving the Business Excellence Award 2017.  

Their "Fairport Knight" received the award.  

Charlotte stated -
" We are beyond proud to receive the 2017 Kansas Department of Commerce Business Excellence Award and the Northwest Kansas Regional Retail Award. We would like too thank the Russell County ED/CVB, Kansas Commerce Business Appreciation Program, Russell County commissioners, and everyone else that believes in us and Fairport, Kansas. Thank you so very much."

They sell this T-Shirt

For those on facebook you can check out Fairport Knight ← click here.

90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION'S

204222        204261
.

Paradise United Methodist Church

9/10/17

                                 Garnett Angel, Ruth Bartlett, Beth Whitman, Florence Thompson

Wonderful Sunday in Paradise celebrating the 90th birthday's for Garnett Angel, Ruth Bartlett and Beth Whitman.  They were honored for their 90th birthday's (this past summer), as members of the Paradise United Methodist Church and their diligent work in the church and very active work in the United Methodist Women (UMW)!!
Each received a corsage and very kind words of each of their accomplishments from Bonnie Thompson (UMW President) and new pastor of the church, Rev Stacy Ellsworth!
Also joining these ladies was another good friend, Florence Thompson, who also turned 90 this past summer! 
Gene Angel (son), escorted his mother and daughter, Jan Ross, pinned on Garnett's corsage!
Sandy Meade, Beth's daughter and Vickie Elliott, Ruth's niece, pinned corsages on their mother and aunt respectively!

Back row - Bonnie Thompson, Pastor Stacy Ellsworth
Front row - Garnett Angel, Ruth Bartlett, Beth Whitman

I love this picture.
Can't you just see them start talking as soon as their picture was taken?

Mason, Gene, Lynn, Ryan, Janette, Richard
and Garnett

After church, a wonderful salad luncheon was enjoyed by everyone, 

followed by cake. 

The families wish to Thank the Paradise United Methodist Church, Pastor Stacy, Bonnie Thompson and those that worked so hard to make it a such a special memory and fantastic day for the Birthday Gal's.

Thank You to Joyce Thompson, Mona Hoisington, Bonnie Thompson, Deb Maupin, Mollie Haberer, Tammy Schultze and Janice Lund.

FAIRPORT

204217
.

Fairport Landmark

"Carrie Oswald No. 1"
"Discovery Well
Fairport Oil Field"

2 miles south east of Fairport

FREE LIVE CONCERT AT FAIRPORT, KS

201907.

MYRON DALE MILLER - CLASS OF 1957

201431
.

MYRON DALE MILLER 

August 15, 1939 - August 9, 2017

Myron D. Miller, a long- time resident of Colorado Springs, passed on August 9, 2017 at Penrose Hospice following a short illness.

He was born August 15, 1939 in Paradise, KS and moved to Colorado Springs after high school. His first job was at Daniels Motors in the parts department. From there he had an Exxon Service Station for 8 years then worked as a Service Rep for Colorado Springs Equipment Co.

He is survived by wife Rose, four sons; Steve, Tim, Brad, David and daughter Rosemarie, and four grandchildren; Cody, Devin, Brittany and Jessi.

As a loving father, Myron enjoyed Polka dancing for many years along with off-road racing, skiing, hunting and gambling as part of his life.

A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 16th, from 7-9 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, 3825 Airport Rd. 

Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Mass following at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 17th at Divine Redeemer Church, 926 Farragut Ave, Colorado Springs.
Reception will be held following burial.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Myron's name to Pikes Peak Hospice, http://www.pikespeakhospice.org.

Arrangements under the direction of Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

DEVANE DINKEL, HUSBAND OF MARILYNN MILLER DINKEL - CLASS OF 1962

.

DeVane Dinkel

DeVane Dinkel, 77, of Russell, Kansas, peacefully passed away Monday, July 31, 2017, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.
DeVane was born August 3, 1939, in Brighton, Colorado, the son of Alfonse and Magdalen Dinkel. He was raised on a farm outside of Russell and graduated from Russell High School. Post high school he attended Ft. Hays State University on a scholarship for wrestling. He owned and operated a dairy farm in Smith County, Kansas for 18 years. His next career change was working with his brother, Danny, with D&D construction. On June 17, 1983, he was united in marriage to Marilynn (Miller) Stricker. From 1985 to 2008, with Marilynn they owned and operated the Russell’s Inn Motel. In his retirement, he enjoyed being a bus driver for U.S.D. 407 and as a Senior Companion for some of his best friends. DeVane was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Russell Elk’s Lodge and Great Bend Eagles. He served his community as a Russell City Councilman and Past President of the Russell County Chamber of Commerce. He will be remembered as a fun loving and outgoing husband, father and a friend that appreciated fishing, gardening, boating at Lake Wilson, traveling, cooking and just enjoying life.
DeVane’s surviving family include his wife of 34 years, Marilynn of the home; six children, Jeff Dinkel (Holly) of Phillipsburg, Kansas, Cara Dinkel of Denver, Colorado, Susan Stricker (Brook) of Austin, Texas, Jon Dinkel of Russell, Kansas, Jim Stricker (Sharon) of Shawnee, Kansas and Jason Dinkel (Elsa) of Guam; brother, Danny Dinkel (Susie) of Victoria, Kansas; sister, Diane Hart of Russell, Kansas; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren.
DeVane was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Dorothy Jacquez, Donna Goetz, and Dixie Dinkel.
Celebration of DeVane’s Life will be held at 7:00 P.M. Saturday, August 5 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with Fr. Michael Elan officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to service time on Saturday at the Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 P.M. to service time.

Memorials have been established with St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Russell County Food Pantry. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

DRU DANIEL MILLER - SON OF DONNIE AND DUANE MILLER

199155  

Dru Daniel Miller, 36, of Gorham, Kansas
passed away Friday, June 16, 2017
after a yearlong courageous battle with brain cancer,
with his family by his side.

Dru was born July 17, 1980 in Owasso, Michigan, the son of Duane and Donnie Miller.  He grew up in Opelousas, Louisiana and graduated from Acadiana Preparatory School.  He then attended three years at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette before graduating from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations.

Dru met and fell in love with Jenna Stout on the set of the FHSU television station and was united in marriage on September 25, 2004 in Russell.  This union was blessed with six children; Conner, Christian, Janessa, Malachi, Matthias and Jenson.  They have made their home in Gorham.

Dru was a District Manager for Cochran Chemical Company since 2013.  Before that he worked in sales for Rural Tel and NexTech.  He was a member of the St. Philomena’s Chapel of Gorham.  He served on the Gorham City Council, the Gorham Community Development Association, revived the Gorham Street Dance and was instrumental in the new Gorham City Park.  He enjoyed coaching his children’s softball and baseball teams, fishing, and cheering on his beloved New Orleans Saints. He was an avid sports fan. Dru was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and godfather. He was always zealous in his traditional Catholic faith.

Dru is survived by his wife Jenna of the home: children, Conner Miller (11), Christian Miller (10), Janessa Miller (8), Malachi Miller (6), Matthias Miller (4) and Jenson Miller (2); father, Duane Miller of Russell; sister, Micah (Miller) Becker (Ryan) of Russell: In-laws Will & Patti Stout of Natoma; Brothers-in-law Shane Stout, Derek Schutte, and Ryan Becker; Sisters-in-law Mari Jo Stout, Diana Schutte, and Michelle Stout; 7 nieces, 2 nephews, and a nephew on the way.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Donnie Miller; brother, David Miller, and nephew and godson, Dyron Schutte.

A Solemn Requiem High Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 22, 2017 at the Gorham Senior Center.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gorham.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  A Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday at the Mortuary.  A Memorial Fund has been established as Dru Miller Medical Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

         
                                                  

LLOYD DEAN ELLIOTT

.

Lloyd Dean Elliott

Lloyd Dean Elliott, 91, of Waldo, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Dean was born on December 14, 1925 to Lloyd Elvin and Barbara Ruth (Herrick) Elliott. He grew up on the family farm near Waldo and graduated from the Covert High School in May 1943. He was married to Verna Viola McReynolds on February 10, 1946. Dean worked all of his life as a farmer/stockman in the Waldo area. He was involved in the Osborne County Sheep Association, served on the township board, and was an active member of the Waldo United Methodist Church.
Surviving family include his children, Richard Elliott (Catherine) of Waldo, Shirley Welk (Harold) of Hutchinson, and Kendall Elliott (Vickie) of Russell, nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and sister, Marilyn Hoopes (Larry) of Wichita.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Verna; and daughter, Cynthia.
.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 10 AM at the Waldo United Methodist Church in Waldo, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Natoma Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday, June 20 from 2 PM to 8 PM at Clark-Gashaw Mortuary in Osborne, Kansas and Wednesday from 9 AM to service time at the church in Waldo. The family will be present to greet friends Wednesday morning.

Memorials may be given to the Waldo United Methodist Church or the Waldo Senior Center in care of Clark-Gashaw Mortuary in Osborne, Kansas who is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

FREE LIVE CONCERT - FAIRPORT, KS - GEORGE BROTHERS

198241
.

June 10 at A Fairport Knight 
Main Street in Fairport!


The George Brothers 





(Country, red dirt, comedy)






Please bring your lawn chairs.
Beer garden, soda, and water! 
Popcorn also.
NO COOLERS!







THANK YOU TO THESE SPONSORS
for making this concert possible.

Able Bail Bonds/Shawn Baltazor/Salina
Barbs Bail Bonds/JoAnn Hashenberger/Natoma
Bar S Ranch/Stielow & Dickerson families/Paradise
Comfort Pro. Inc./Barry Stalcup/Russell
Community Bank of the Midwest/ Otis
Descendants of WR & Edna Bricker
Fossil Creek Inn & Suites/Barry Carter/ Russell
Gorham Telephone Co./Gorham
Hammersmith Electric/Gorham
Lanas Flower Company/Lana & Mickey/Russell
Laurence Schlyer/Recycler/Russell
Lone Wolf/Eric McQuade/Hays
Meridys Restaurant/Russell
R B Electric/ Gorham
Rohleder Auction & Realty/ Russell
Rural Routes Photography/Greg Rud/Lucas
Russell County Eco Development & CVB/Russell
Russell Livestock/Russell
Schremmer Auction & Realty/Great Bend
Stein's Designs/Brian Steinert/Russell
Victoria Lumber Co./Victoria

MOUNT HERMAN CEMETERY - PARADISE, KS - 2017

197993
.

MEMORIAL SERVICES AT MOUNT HERMAN

Christina Louise Elliott - Class of 1940

197797
.

.

Christina Louise Elliott, 93, Hays, 

a resident of the
Hays Good Samaritan Society, 

passed away
 Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Hays Med.
.

She was born June 15, 1923 south of Russell, Kansas the daughter of Albert and Christina “Lottie” (Richter) Corwin.  Louise lived her early life on the family farm near Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise Rural High School in 1940. 
On October 4, 1944 she was united in marriage to Arvis Nathan Elliott in Russell.  After Arvis’s discharge from military service, they returned to Kansas and made their home on a farm near Paradise.  Four children were born to this union; Vicki, Dwight, Paul, and Arlene.
In 1963, they moved to Paradise and Louise began her retail sales career at Brown’s Grocery Store.  
In 1975, she began work at the TG&Y and then Pamida store at Russell.  
She retired from retail sales in 1990.  In 1987, Arvis and Louise moved to Hays due to Arvis’s health.  
They were members of the Paradise United Methodist Church for many years, where she was an active member of the UMW, and transferred their membership to the First United Methodist Church of Hays.  Louise became a member of the Ruth Circle and enjoyed the fellowship and embroidering towels for their projects.  Louise was a wonderful cook; she enjoyed making family dinners and making sure that everyone had plenty to eat.
.
Survivors include her children; Vicki McDowell and husband Jim of Lucas, Kansas, Dwight Elliott and wife Laura of Owasso, OK, Paul Elliott of Dodge City, KS, and Arlene Morgan and husband Pat of Wichita, a sister Violet Herring of McPherson, ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arvis in 1998, three sisters; Amy, Ruby, and Norma Lee, and five brothers; Albert “Bud”, Donald, Clarence, Richard, and Chester.

A celebration of Louise’s life 

will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 27, 2017 

at the First United Methodist Church, 305 W. 7th Street, Hays.  

Burial will follow in the Mt. Herman Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas.  

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time on Saturday at the church. 
. 

Memorials are suggested to the Hays Good Samaritan Society, the Paradise United Methodist Church, or to the First United Methodist Church of Hays, in care of the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays. 
Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

HAROLD HUDNALL - 1934-2017 - CLASS OF 1952

196255      196459      196815

A link to a video
has been added at the bottom
of this post.

. 

 Harold D. Hudnall, 82, died May 8, 2017, at his Great Bend residence. 

Harold graduated from Paradise High School in 1952

Harold was born Oct. 12, 1934 at Fairport, 

the son of Harry and Edra Mae (Brown) Hudnall. 

He married Velda Marie Steinle Oct. 6, 1957, at Russell.

He began working as bookkeeper and counter salesman for Scheufler Supply Company, Russell, in 1953 and became store manager in 1959. In 1966, Harold was promoted to general manager of the American Parts System (APS) Great Bend Distribution Center and the Big A Auto Parts Company stores, which had purchased Scheufler Supply.  In 1981, he supervised the building of the new 65,000-square-feet APS Distribution Center and Big A Company store, which served nearly 100 Big A stores in Kansas and surrounding states. He credited the company’s success to the Lord and the outstanding efforts and dedication of his many employees.

Mr. Hudnall was a Great Bend resident since 1967. He was a United States Army veteran, serving during the Berlin Crisis in 1962. He enjoyed playing golf and working on his 1956 Chevrolet.

Harold was a member of American Legion Argonne Post 180, served as president of Great Bend Kiwanis, Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship, and the Vintage Wheels Car Club. He served on the boards of directors of the American Red Cross, the Commission on Aging and the Great Bend Petroleum Club. Harold was a member of Faith Community Church.

Survivors include his wife, Velda Hudnall, of the home; one son, Todd Hudnall and his wife Kelly of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two daughters, Roxanne Weingartner and her husband Bill of Arvada, Colo., and Joy Sederwall and her husband Bryan of Arvada, Colo.; two sisters: Karen Jakub of Derby, and Connie Jahnke of Tucson, Ariz.; and seven grandchildren, Faith Hudnall, Luke Hudnall, Amber Lammers, Emily Rindels, Noah Sederwall, Jakan Sederwall and Jonah Sederwall. He was preceded in death by one brother, Harry "Bud" Hudnall, Jr., and one sister, Dorothy Wilson.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 13, 2017,
at Faith Community Church in Great Bend,
with Pastors Todd Hudnall and Sandy Kennedy officiating.
Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery
with military rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2017,
at Bryant Funeral Home.
 Memorials have been established with
Faith Community Church
or
 Barton Community College Foundation
Harold Hudnall Scholarship Fund,
in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Click on this link and scroll down to the bottom 

for a beautiful video of Harold and his family.

↓
Harold's Life's Legacy and Video
.
.

BRAD THOMPSON - CLASS OF 1974 - DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST, HELPING PEOPLE WITH THE FIRES IN KANSAS

193461
.
Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle are experiencing many fires at this time.
Please pray for those that are involved with the fires - those that are losing their homes and land and those that are working so hard to put the fires out.

This article came out in the Hutchinson News at 1:00 pm today - 3/7/2017.
Scroll down to see the picture of Brad and read the "clip" about him helping the firefighters.

BRAD THOMPSON - Hutchinson - Fires

Thank You Brad!  We are praying for everyone to be safe.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
The above link was on facebook from a friend of ours - Martha Sexton Bowen - that now lives in Hutchinson.
This was her comments on her post . . . .
.

"Elkhart friends, this article mentions and quotes former Elkhart resident, Brad Thompson, he's the owner of Bridgman Oil. We buy our propane from him. He's been filling firetrucks for two days nonstop. Such a nice guy! Remember those people who help our firemen too!"

I commented in the comments below Martha's post and she responded by saying . . .
"Everyone loves Brad. He used to be a volunteer at Strataca too."
Rodney Simmons, from Elkhart, also commented . . . .
"Brad knows what it takes he was a volunteer fireman in Elkhart back in the day hats off to him and the firefighters."

SHELLY WEDEL - DAUGHTER OF KAREN HUDNALL JAKUB (1960) AND ROGER HEITSCHMIDT (1960)

191873         191908        191974
.

SHELLY KAY WEDEL

Shelly K. Wedel, 55, of Lenexa, passed away Monday, February 6, 2017 at her home.
Shelly was born February 3, 1962 in Manhattan, KS, to Roger William Heitschmidt and Karen Fae Jakub.  She graduated from Derby Senior High School in 1980 and went on to attend Kansas State University.  She married Monte Wedel May 14, 1983 in Wichita, KS.   Shelly volunteered her time helping the elderly and special needs children.
.
She is survived by her children, Preston Wayne Wedel, Makenzie Kay Wedel; her father, Roger William Heitschmidt and wife Joyce; mother, Karen Fae Jakub and husband Keith; a grandson, Sannto Price DeMint; a sister, Kim Marie Motley and husband Gregg; brother, Jerry William Heitschmidt and wife Nancy; and former spouse, Monte Wedel.
.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 10 at the Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee. 
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Vineyard Church of Overland Park, 8301 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS 66207.

ELAINE MARIE (SCHULER) HILGER - LUCAS/LURAY HIGH SCHOOL 1982

.Elaine Marie (Schuler) Hilger, 52, of Russell, Kansas,

passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at her home with her family by her side.

Elaine was born July 27, 1964 in Russell, the daughter of Albert, Jr. and Marilee Jo (Austin) Schuler.  She grew up in the Waldo, Kansas area and graduated from Lucas/Luray High School in the Class of ’82.  She then received a Travel/Tourism Degree from Brown Mackey College. In 1983 she returned home to take care of her mother.  Then in 1988 she received a B.S. Business Education Degree from Ft. Hays State University.

Elaine was united in marriage to Patrick Hilger on July 31, 1987 in Russell, Kansas.  This union was blessed with six children; Rachel, Nathan, Christopher, Sarah, Seth, Maria and Jamie.  They made their home in Hays, Kansas for a couple of years before moving to Lawrence, Kansas.  While living in Lawrence, Elaine worked as a Legal Secretary and Para Legal for Frank Taylor while Patrick finished Pharmacy school.  Then in 1992, they moved to Russell where she was a devoted wife and homemaker, as well as, very active as an accountant and bookkeeper with Pat at the Pharmacy.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she helped in the children’s classes and taught religious classes.  She was very active in the St. Mary’s Choir for over 30 years where she sang at weddings and church services. She started Cantoring in 1995 and Cantored over 250 funerals. She was a member of P.E.O., Delta Mu Sorority and the Russell Council of Catholic Women.

Surviving family include her husband Patrick of the home; six children, Nathan Hilger of New York, New York, Rachel Sipe (Chris), Christopher Hilger, Sarah Hilger, Seth Hilger, and Maria Hilger all of Russell, Kansas; brothers, Michael Schuler (Malissa) of Hot Springs, Arkansas and Mark Schuler (Jeanette) of Manhattan, Kansas; sisters, Marianne Ward (Kirk) of Perry, Oklahoma, Melanie Waymaster (Chuck) of Lawrence, Kansas and Marilyn Cederberg (Kevin) of Augusta, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant, Jamie Lynn on November 21, 1999.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday, January 13, 2017, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Friday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  A Memorial has been established with St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church Handicap Project or MSA Coalition.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.