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.