Vivian J. (Thompson) Martinez - Morland (Class 1941)

              

Vivian June (Thompson) Martinez - Morland, 99, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023 in Whitewater, Kansas. She was born January 9, 1924, in Lincoln, Kansas, the daughter of Alfred Lorie and Gertrude Emma (Brumbaugh) Thompson.

Vivian was raised in Paradise, Kansas, where she was brought up on the family farm. While in her grade school years she and her best friend, Nadine, would ride their mule to school five miles each direction. Vivian was a basketball star from Paradise High School, where she graduated with the class of 1941. After high school, she made her way to Wichita, Kansas, where she went to work for Boeing Aircraft.

Vivian was united in marriage to Robert L. Morland, where they raised seven children in the Wichita area, then later she was re-married to the love of her life, Otis V. " Marty" Martinez on July 2, 1976.

Vivian enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, playing cards, bowling, and loved to work in her yard planting flowers. She will always be remembered as a sweet, loving, elegant woman. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and her Wheat State Manor family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert & Marty; her children, Van Arthur Morland, Marilee Mae, and Michael Morland; her brothers, Lex Thompson, Arthur Thompson, Gerald Thompson, Roger Thompson, and Ronnie Thompson; and her sister, Joan McCall.

She is survived by: her children, Robert "Bob" Morland, DeeAnn Dickerson, Melody Brooks, Melonie (Frank) Mertes; her sister, Sue (Rod) Heitschmidt; her sister-in-laws, Joyce Thompson & Florence Thompson; 18 grandchildren, along with numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Friday, December 29, 2023, with the Funeral Service being held 10:00 am on Saturday, December 30, 2023, both at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. US-54 Highway in Wichita. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, in the Garden of Lord's Prayer.

Lucille Houser Shearer (Class 64)

 

Lucille Joyce “Lucy” Shearer, 77, of Paradise, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at her home in Paradise.

Lucy was born on August 18, 1946, in Paradise, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence and Della (Burger) Houser.  She grew up in Paradise and graduated from Paradise High School in 1964.  After high school, she graduated from Ft. Hays University with a degree in business.  She met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Keiford Lee Shearer on June 27, 1975, in Norton, Kansas.  From this union, Lucy and Keiford were blessed with their daughter, Karen on March 2nd 1981.  Lucy taught school off and on for several years before going to work for the United States Postal Service in Paradise. She retired after serving as the Post Master for 22 years.  In retirement, she enjoyed watching the University of Kansas Jayhawks sports and Kansas City Chiefs, as well as, helping out members of the community however she could.  She also loved helping her husband take care of the family farm (anyone that knew Lucy, knew she loved her cats) and especially loved spending quality time with her family and grandchildren. Lucy would light up with the biggest smile when anyone asked her about her grandchildren. Anything that her daughter or grandchildren did, Lucy was proud of and would share with everyone even if it were the smallest of things.

Lucy was a great person that had a lot of love for God, the farm, and her family.

Surviving family include her daughter Karen Patton and husband John, four grandchildren Caleb, Logan, Kenzie, and Cameron all of Sellersville, Pennsylvania.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband (Keiford on May 25, 2012), and brother Randall Houser. A celebration of Lucy’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at the Paradise Valley Grace Church in Paradise, Kansas.  Burial will follow at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Paradise.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, December 22, 2023, with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

David Keil (Eulert)

 

David Scott Keil

David Scott Keil, age 42 of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on November 11, 2023 at HaysMed in Hays, Kansas. He was born on June 11, 1981, in Hays to Curtis Keil and Peggy Eulert and grew up in Paradise, Kansas.

David's passion for culinary arts shaped his path and led him to become an Executive Chef in the Kansas City area at various prestigious restaurants.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David had a deep love for the outdoors. He reveled in hunting and fishing, finding solace and happiness in the beauty of nature. These hobbies brought him moments of joy and allowed him to connect with the world around him.

In addition to his career and hobbies, David held dear relationships with his family and friends. He is survived by his loving mother, Peggy Eulert of Paradise, Kansas; brothers, Drew (Crystal) Keil of Overland Park and Owen Keil of Paradise; as well as his significant other, Gela Parrish of Shawnee, Kansas. 

David's father Curtis Keil preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 18th at 11:00 AM at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory located at 2509 Vine St in Hays. Private family burial will take place in Fairport, Kansas 

Visitation will take place on November 17th, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on David’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

David Scott Keil will be missed immensely by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory live on in our hearts.

Joan (Thompson) McCall Class "48"

Great Grandma Joan with Great Granddaughter Everly Joan.

Joan Lee (Thompson) McCall, daughter of Alfred & Gertrude (Brumbaugh) Thompson was born October 29, 1929 in Lincoln, Kansas and passed away July 26, 2023 at the Phillips County Retirement Center, Phillipsburg, at the age of 93.

 As a small child the family moved to Paradise KS, where she attended grade school and high school.  Joan was an excellent basketball player on the Paradise High School Girls team.  Her junior year she became infected with rabbit fever and going against doctor’s orders she crawled out her bedroom window and went to play in a game and to her surprise her mother was in attendance.  Her love of basketball continued to her death, she enjoyed attending and watching K-State men’s and women’s basketball games.  When Nick was young he was on the losing end of several games of horse to his granny.

After graduation from Paradise High School in 1948 she attended cosmetology school in Wichita Kansas. Upon graduation in March of 1949 she opened a beauty shop in Natoma, KS.

Joan and Don were married on October 25, 1953 in Paradise Kansas.  The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary a few weeks prior to Don’s death in 2013.

They made their first home in Woodston, Kansas until August of 1968, when they moved to Phillipsburg, Kansas.  Their family was blessed with the birth of three children: Cynthia Sue, Kent J and Linnette Vale.

Joan continued working as a beautician with her own shop in her home until moving to Phillipsburg.  After moving to Phillipsburg she was the activities director at Westview Homes until retirement.

Joan and Don traveled throughout the US while health allowed.  Several trips were made with her brother Gerald and his wife Norma along with cousins from VA and PA.  Joan and Don had season football tickets to K-State.  They tailgated and attended many a bowl game with longtime friends Nick and Donna Kraushaar.  

Joan was a loving wife, mother, granny and great-granny.  She had a great love for her extended family.  She became the matriarch of the Thompson family upon the death of her mother.  She was very close to her nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.  She was a very competitive card player, enjoyed playing at family get togethers and with a club until this past winter.

Her loving husband Don, parents Alfred and Gertrude; brothers Lex, Arthur, Gerald, Roger and Ronnie and two sisters Joy and Evelyn preceded her in death.

She is survived by son, Kent also of Phillipsburg; daughters, Cynthia of Overland Park, KS, Linnette of Kansas City MO; grandson Major Nicholas Cline (spouse Kelly); great-grand daughter Everly Joan all of Oceanside CA; sisters, Vivian Martinez and Sue (Rodney) Heitschmidt; sister's-in-law, Florence Thompson, Joyce Thompson, and Edna McCall; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023 in the United Presbyterian Church, Phillipsburg.  The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.  The burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery, Paradise, KS.

Mrs. McCall will lie in state from noon until 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the United Presbyterian Church.

SERVICES

Funeral Service

Saturday, July 29, 2023
10:30 AM

United Presbyterian Church
901 3rd Street
Phillipsburg, KS 67661

Graveside Service

Saturday, July 29, 2023
2:00 PM

Mt. Hermon Cemetery

Paradise, Kansas 67658

SHARON CHRISTINE SCHWEMMER

SHARON CHRISTINE SCHWEMMER November 9, 1950 - February 14, 2023 Sharon Christine Schwemmer passed away peacefully at her home in Lucas on February 14, 2023. She was born November 9, 1950 in Russell, KS to Melvin & Irene Hendershott. She attended school in Natoma Kansas. She married Timothy Schwemmer on December 30, 1988 in paradise Kansas, and they moved to Lucas in 1989. Sharon owned and operated the Hair Cottage in Lucas Kansas until her retirement in 2000. After her retirement she worked for the Lucas Nursing Home and the Lucas Public Library. Sharon enjoyed working in her garden and creating butterfly habitats. She regularly attended the Lucas Methodist Church. She will be remembered for her strong faith, her kindness, and her gentle spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Randy Ray Hendershott. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Timothy; children Brian (Brandi) Angel of Paradise, KS, Travis (Natalie) Angel of Indianapolis, IN, Andrea Herreman of Oakley, KS; sister Rhonda (Glen) Strecker of Overland Park, KS; brother Ron (Lisa) Hendershott of Hays, KS; Grandchildren Tana, Kaden, and Gage Herreman, Alice Angel and Beau Angel. Celebration Of Life Services Monday, February 20, 2023 10:00AM United Methodist Church of Lucas 322 N MainLucas, KS 67648

Steve Wallace (Class 1967)

Richard Steve Wallace – age 75 passed away May 18, 2023, at Locust Grove Village Nursing

Home, LaCrosse, Kansas.

He was born November 22, 1947, in Russell, Kansas to Richard T. and Edria Mae (Giles) Wallace,

and married Jeanette K. (Reeh).

Richard was an over the road truck driver for 50 years. He grew up in Waldo, Kansas and was a graduate of Paradise High School. He lived in Luray, Victoria, and moved to Hays in 2020.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette Wallace, of the home; his children, Alicia Wiseman and

husband, Earl, Luray, KS; Nicole Deiser, Hays, KS; Julie Martin and husband, Vince, Lincoln, KS;

Kevin Strong; his grandchildren, Ryan Locke; Alex Locke; Kelton Wallace; Lakyn Wallace; Jace

Spiess; Matthew Wiseman; his great grandchildren, Isabella Locke and Gemma Locke.

His body was donated to KU Medical Center, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at the

Waldo Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the family made payable to: Jeanette Wallace in care of Cline’s-Keithley

Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at

www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

School Buddies

 

Left to right

Roger Pruter, Van Hoisington, Lyle Komack and Dan Hoisington.

Van was back for his great nephew's wedding on April  15th.  Van and Dan drove to Hays and met his former class mate, Lyle Komark, at Roger Pruter's home.

Van, Roger and Lyle were classmates.  They had a great time visiting.  Lyle now lives in Liebenthal just south of Hays.  He had spent his adult life in western Washington State.

Beth Whitman

 

Donna “Beth” Whitman, 95, of Paradise, Kansas passed away Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Main Street Manor in Russell, Ks. Beth was born July 21, 1927 at the family home in Waldo, Ks. She was an identical twin to Billie and they were the daughters of Jacob and Clemmar (Knapp) Luder. She grew up in Waldo, Ks and graduated from the Waldo High School in 1945. She went on to earn her teaching certificate at Fort Hays University. During this time she worked as a secretary at Walker Air Force Base near Hays. She met Elbert “Spud” Whitman when he was home on leave from the Navy. They fell in love and were married later that year on Dec. 21, 1946 in her home in Waldo, Ks.

Beth was a working woman before that became a popular term. After marriage, she began working as a teacher at Fairport Elementary and later as a secretary/bookkeeper at Rogers and Hoisington Wholesale in Paradise. Lastly, she was postmaster at Paradise for 26 years, retiring in 1992. She took great pride in running an efficient, clean post office. She was a longtime member of the Paradise United Methodist Church and Russell VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Beth had a special love for learning. Webster’s Dictionary, World Book Encyclopedias and Maltin’s Movie Guide sat beside her recliner and were frequently consulted. Individual’s names and special dates were important to her. Not only could she remind you of the date, day of the week and time a grandchild had been born but she would include the weather for that date. She loved words, often teasing family about how many syllables they had just spoke. All this led her to be a wonderful conversationalist. She asked questions, listened and remembered to follow-up on a personal level. Many people have commented about the great times they had visiting her and Spud sitting at their kitchen table with a cup of coffee. After retiring, Beth enjoyed long walks, watching old movies, working crosswords, and playing games on the computer. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, taking a special interest in their work, activities and friends.

Beth is survived by her children: Denny Whitman and wife Sheila of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Sandy Mead and husband Allen of Manhattan, Kansas, Pat Lund and husband Rick of Lincoln, Kansas and Fred Whitman and wife Kristi of Paradise Kansas. Her greatest legacy is her 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandkids. She is also survived by special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her spouse, and siblings; twin sister, Wilma Lea McAlexander, brother James Luder, infant brother Noel Luder, and infant great grandson, Tilden Archuleta.

Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May13, 2023 at the Mt. Herman Cemetery in Paradise, Kansas.  A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8PM, Friday, May 12, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A Memorial has been established with Main Street Manor.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Loretta Jean (Cronn) Baum

 

HOISINGTON — Loretta Jean Baum, 92, passed away Feb. 8, 2023, at Credo Senior Living in Hoisington. She was born Feb. 7, 1931, at Russell, to George and Opal (Whitman) Cronn. She married Leo Harold Baum on Dec. 12, 1949, at Russell. He died July 25, 2022.

Loretta, a Hoisington resident since 1970 coming from Paradise, Kan., worked for Clara Barton Hospital in the dietary speciality and housekeeping departments, also working for Fuller Brush Co. for many years. She enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, cooking, and was known for her gift of hospitality, cherishing time spent with family and friends. Above all, Loretta was a devoted member of the Christian faith, shaping her life around her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Survivors include two sons, Leo Baum, Jr. (Vicky) of Rusk, Texas, and Gordon Baum (Karen) of Buchannon, W.V.; two daughters, Ginger Cotten (Joe) of Hoisington, and Brenda Roat (Damon Phelps) of Hoisington; son-in-law Terry Hekele of Great Bend; grandchildren, Leo C. Baum, Bri Foresman, Kim Gould, Angela Gould, Tina Harman, Cassie Andrews, Kristin Wilt, Terri Umphres, Tiffany Hekele, Tyann Miller, Micah Cotten, Sarah Simic, Rebekah Ohlde, Joey Cotten, Kristin Roat, DJ Miller and Trenton Roat; 22 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and one brother, Duane Cronn (Carol) of Paradise. She was preceded in death by daughter, Leota Hekele; and two sisters, Leota Harrell and Shirley Nelson.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m Sunday, Feb. 12, with family to receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel in Hoisington, with Pastor Don Fisher. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorials have been designated to the Church of the Nazarene or Gentiva Hospice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS  67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS  67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 10, 2023

Virginia Robertson (Former Teacher)

 Belva Virginia Robertson, 98, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Homestead Assisted Living in Russell.

Virginia was born January 20, 1925, to Lee and Opal (Armstrong) Buck on the family farm in Smith County, Kansas.  She attended high school at Smith Center, Kansas and Central College in McPherson, Kansas, where she received her degree in 1942.  She continued her education at Ft. Hays State College, majoring in Elementary Education.

Virginia’s teaching career began in a one room school in Smith County.  She later taught elementary students in Smith Center, Paradise, Kansas, Waldo, Kansas, and Russell, totaling 48 years.  Many of her students were of a second and third generation.  She treasured contact with past students and keeping up with their lives.

Virginia married Clifford L. Robertson on April 25, 1946, in Smith Center.  They moved to Paradise and remained there until 1965 when they moved to Russell.  She lived independently until 2018.

Virginia’s surviving family include her daughter, Janise Cotton and husband Scott of Lexington, Kentucky; son, Jerry Robertson and wife Cindy of Spring Hill, Kansas; six grandchildren, Jordan, Lindsay and Haley Robertson, Ben, Bryce and Von Cotton; sister, Betty Ayres of Sommanish, Washington; brothers, Von Buck of Colfax, Washington and Robert Buck of Yakima, Washington.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband Cliff in 2004, brother Bernard Buck, and sister, Marilee McLaughlin.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Russell City Cemetery.  Cremation has taken place.  A Memorial has been established with Simpson Elementary School in Russell.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Patty L (Hoopes) Preston (Class 1958)

 

JANUARY 4, 1940 – JANUARY 24, 2023

Patty Lou Preston, 83, went to be with the Lord on January 24, 2023 at her home in Waco surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Pat was born on January 4, 1940, in Paradise, Kansas to Lee and Louise (nee Dwinelle) Hoopes. A 1958 graduate of Paradise High School, she was a star athlete which continued throughout her life and included coaching Little Dribblers Basketball. She then moved to Lubbock to graduate from Margie's Beauty School. Pat married the love her life, Weldon, on March 4, 1960 at Overton Methodist Church in Lubbock, celebrating 61 years They lived in Lubbock and Hale Center before making their permanent home in Wolfforth. She was a devoted mother and housewife who raised her three children with unconditional love. Her greatest joys were loving her children well, serving in the schools as homeroom mother, volunteering for the school and church, and time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. While helping on the family farm, she also worked for years at Preston Meatpacking Company. She then became a loyal employee of Frenship Schools, serving over 28 years with amazing compassion for her students and teachers. Baptized at Paradise United Methodist Church, she was a faithful Christian serving at First Baptist Church of Wolfforth and later at First United Methodist Church of Wolfforth. She was a founding member of the Caregivers Class. Pat was a great cook, seamstress, and served the community in 4-H, FFA, Vacation Bible School, local stock shows, Band Booster, and more.

Pat is survived by her sons James of Buffalo Grove IL, and Lee (Shea) of Fischer TX, daughter Branda (Jake) Pavlas of Eddy TX, grandchildren: Madeleine, Jakey, Braylin, Jadyn, Ashley (Matthew), Ashlee, and Chris; great-grandchildren: Faith, Ezra, Asher, Aidan, Isabella and Nico; as well as her sister, Linda (Ron), and her brothers: Larry (Marilyn), Glen (Rae Jean), Jack (Sandy), and Terry (Sheila) , cousins, in-laws, nephews, and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents; her brother, D.L. and sisters, Velma and Marjorie; and many other family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to Kingswood United Methodist Church of Buffalo Grove, IL, Shadow of His Wings Ministry of Fischer, TX, and Woodway First United Methodist Church of Woodway, TX. A Service of Resurrection and Celebration will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at 1:00pm in the Chapel at Resthaven Funeral Home in Lubbock with Rev. Bobby McMillan presiding. Visitation with family will happen before the service at 12noon at Resthaven with a private family burial service later in the afternoon.

Duane Thacker (Class of 61) obit

  

Duane Lee Thacker, 79, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the Hospice and Homecare of Reno, County in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Duane was born on August 21, 1943, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Percy E. and Ruby (Corwin) Thacker.  He grew up in Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise High School.  He was married to Janet Schmitz and later was married to Janet Burghardt.  He also lived in Stockton and Luray and worked as owner and operator of I-70 Used Cars.  He enjoyed old cars, working on cars, old westerns on TV, riding horses when he was younger and spending time with his family.  Most of all he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving family include his sons Rick Thacker of Russell, Kansas, Ronnie (Shawna) Thacker of Offerle, Kansas and Russell Thacker of Hays, Kansas; step-son Kelly (Sarah) DePiesse of Hays, Kansas, brother Alex “Butch” Thacker of Salina, Kansas, significant other Mary DePiesse of Russell, Kansas, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 1 niece and 4 nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Ryan Thacker, Daughter Rachelle “Shelley” Thacker, sister Darlene Mowry and wives Janet Lynn (Schmitz) Thacker and Janet Marie (Burghardt) Thacker.

Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2022, at the Luray United Methodist Church in Luray, Kansas.  Burial of remains will be at a later date.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.