2024 Paradise Fall Festival

 

Future Paradise School Reunions information needed!!!!!

 The reunion committee has asked me to poll the alumni, to see if they are interested in having reunions annually.

The committee is considering having a reunion next year.

What I need, is for you to click on the "post a comment using the button below." The Button is marked "no comment". The reason it says no comment is because no comments have been approved. Only the moderator will be able to read the comments.

Leave me a message as to your thoughts about changing the reunion to annual get togethers.

Also post your name so that I know that you are a legitimate alum.

Click the Publish button when you have completed your comment.

Only the moderator will be able to read your comments.

Thank you for your input!!!!

Onnalee Harrell full obituary (Millard Harrell) class 1959 (Updated Service information)

 Graveside service will be August 16th. at 11:00 AM.

Location is Mt. Hermon cemetery located west of Paradise, Ks

It is with heavy heart to report that Onnalee Harrell passed away at 10:03 Friday August 2nd.

Onnalee was the originator of this blog.

Obituary

Onnalee Jean Harrell, 83, Emporia, Kansas, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Holiday Resort. 
 
Onnalee was born January 14, 1941, in Rocky Ford, Colorado, the daughter of Warren and Kathryn Mary (Nicholas) Leonard. She married Millard L. Harrell in Karval, Colorado on August 7, 1965. He survives.  Other family members include her son; Kelby L. Harrell, Emporia, Kansas, daughter; Gwen (Chuck) Modlin, Emporia, Kansas, grandchildren; Josh (Sarah) Stutler, Jacob (Luisa) Stutler, and Jared and Jacey Stutler, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother; Kathryn Inness and brother; Gwendal Leonard. 
 
Upon graduating from Karval High School in Karval, Colorado, Onnalee attended Bethany Nazarene College where she graduated with Bachelor's degrees in Music Education and also Psychology/Sociology. Her first teaching job took her to Paradise, Kansas where she taught grade school, jr. high and high school choir and band. During the school year, she met her husband, Millard, who grew up in Paradise, but was also teaching choir and band in a nearby town, Luray. Millard and Onnalee married August 7, 1965.  Together they moved to Kit Carson, Colorado where they both taught choir and band and where their family grew with the birth of their son, Kelby. They later moved to Elkhart, Kansas where they also added another member to their family, their daughter Gwen.  Millard and Onnalee both took a break from teaching while in Elkhart and became the owners of Harrell Furniture Store and Harrell Funeral Home. Along with these businesses, Onnalee still pursued her love for teaching music by giving private piano lessons and also directing a youth choir called Gospel Express Youth Choir.  She touched many children’s lives and gave them wonderful memories of performing many times and also the experience of recording an album and other recordings of their music. After Kelby and Gwen were grown and out on their own, Onnalee decided to go back into teaching in the public school setting and taught choir at Elkhart Middle School and Elkhart High School. Before retiring. 
 
Onnalee’s health started declining shortly after and she became a recipient of a liver transplant in 2001. We were given 23 bonus years with Onnalee after her transplant, but other health issues soon followed. Despite her health, Onnalee’s faith gave her the ability to always remain positive and be grateful for her life each day. As she was unable to get out to socialize that often she was blessed with the connections she had with so many through emails and texts and especially Facebook. She loved Facebook and being able to connect and keep up with her former students and their families, but her greatest pride was sharing pictures and stories with all of her friends.  She was very proud of sharing woodcarvings that Millard carved and sharing pictures of her kids and especially sharing the lives of her grandchildren. 
 
Onnalee truly left the world a better place with her positiveness and encouragement she shared every day. She made the best of any situation she was in regardless of if it was during her stay at the hospital, doctor’s visits or just visiting with friends and family. 
 
Cremation is planned. A graveside service will take place in Paradise, Kansas at a later date.  

Paradise school reunion 2024 (New update)

Another successful school reunion has come and gone.

Thank you, to Dan Hoisington, Deb Maupin and Roger Pruter for making it happen.

There were 103 that attended. 107 is the largest gathering. I don't know what year that was.

Lisa Anderson took pictures. Her web site is as follows.

images by lisa

or

https://www.imagesbylisa.photo

As of this writing, Lisa hadn't posted the pictures of the Reunion.

There should be a group picture of All the attendees' that were students of Paradise.

On her website, you can contact her if you have questions.

Mollie Harberer Obit (Husband Eric Harberer class 59)

 

Marlene K. “Mollie” (Atkinson) Haberer, 82, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at the Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas with her loving family by her side.

Mollie was born December 10, 1941 in Marquette, Kansas. She was one of five children born to John and Ruby (Liss) Atkinson. She grew up in Marquette and graduated from Marquette High School in the Class of 1959. She then attended Kansas Wesleyan University where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She would later serve on the Board of Trustees at KWU. Her time at KWU held a special place in her heart as it was there that she made cherished friends and memories that would last a lifetime.

Mollie met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Eric Haberer on July 24, 1964 in Marquette. They made their home on the farm north of Russell. This union was blessed with three children; Denise, Paul and Matthew. Both Eric and Mollie enjoyed following their kids and grandchildren’s sports and activities closely. This brought immeasurable happiness into their lives.

Mollie started her elementary teaching career in Salina followed by a year in the Luray School District before moving to USD 399 in Natoma, Waldo, and Paradise where she worked for 25 years. Mollie took great pride in being an educator and later she returned to Ft. Hays State University to obtain a Reading Specialist Degree. So many will remember Mollie fondly for her kindness and patience.

Beyond her professional accomplishments and family life Mollie is a member of the Paradise Valley Grace Church in Paradise, Kansas. She also dedicated herself to various causes close to her heart including volunteering with the Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary while also working at the conference level with the United Methodist Church as well as local church activities.

More important than her life achievements is the fact that Mollie was considered by those who knew her to be a kind-hearted, gracious, Christian woman who fiercely loved God, her husband, family and community.

Mollie’s surviving family include her husband of almost 60 years, Eric of the home; daughter, Denise Archer (Kevin) of Colwich, Kansas; son, Paul Haberer (Manuela) of San Antonio, Texas; daughter in law, Gabi Haberer Brown; twin sisters, Karen Pricer (Dan) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Sharen Resendes (Joe) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and six grandchildren; Calin Archer, Bret Archer, Julie Archer, Sophia Haberer, Levi Haberer and Aiden Haberer.

Mollie was preceded in death by her parents; son, Matthew Haberer on June 9, 2021; and nephew Stephen Resendes.

Celebration of Mollie’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, July 22, 2024 at the Paradise Valley Grace Church in Paradise, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Fairport Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Kansas Wesleyan University or the Paradise Valley Grace Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Jon Anderson (Class 1958)

 

Jon Anderson Obituary

Jon Anderson
09/26/1940 - 03/13/2024
Jon Tobias Anderson, passed away at the age of 83, in the early morning of March 13, 2024. Born on the high plains of far northwestern Kansas, on September 26, 1940, Jon grew up in Paradise, Kansas.
Frequently the smartest person in any room, Jon was known for his lightning-fast wit, high intelligence and gentle humor that warmed the lives of all he met. He devoted his life to service to his country and to the interests of Justice under Law. For his service as General Counsel of the National Security Agency, he was awarded the Presidential Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service.
Jon graduated from Harvard University with both a Master of Arts in East Asian Studies and a Juris Doctor from the Harvard Law School. Before attending Harvard University, Jon served as a naval officer in the Pacific Fleet, after graduating from Kansas University with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and History.
Jon joined the San Francisco Law Firm, Thelen, Marrin, Johnson, and Bridges, after law school. He also enjoyed practicing U.S. law in Jakarta, Indonesia, before he returned to San Francisco and the Thelen firm. As a partner in the firm, Jon primarily practiced construction law, except for his years as General Counsel of the National Security Agency. After Jon retired from the practice of law in 2011, he taught construction law at Santa Clara University School of Law and served as a member of the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury as well as on the Board of Directors of the Presidio Heights Association of Neighbors.
Jon and Dorothy Glancy married in 1979. In addition to loving each other and sharing some of the most interesting of dinner conversations, they enjoyed traveling the world together, as well as attending classical music concerts and ballet performances.
Jon was happy to get up before dawn to join friends for a round of golf, as the sun came up through the chilly fog. Jon's warm kindness, his enduring patience, his good humor and his remarkable intelligence brought joy to all who knew him.
We remember Jon's intense blue eyes, his loyalty and persistent kindness, as well as Jon's keen intelligence and willingness to lend a generous hand. These are only some of the facets of Jon T. Anderson that made the time we shared with him unique.
Those who wish to remember Jon are requested to make thoughtful contributions to their favorite charities. A celebration of Jon's life is planned for the afternoon of April 26. For details, please send an email to glancyanderson@gmail.com that includes how you remember Jon and how many people will join you in attending Jon's Celebration of Life.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2024.

Funeral services provided by:

https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/california/san-francisco/neptune-society-of-northern-california-san-francisco/fh-2895

Gerhard W. "Gary" Albrecht (Class 1950)

 

Gerhard W. “Gary” Albrecht, 91, Hays, died Thursday, March 7, 2024 at HaysMed.

He was born September 27, 1932 on the family farm south of Natoma, the son of Edward B. and Meta (Paulsen) Albrecht.  Gary attended grade school in Paradise and graduated from Paradise Rural High School in 1950.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was a flight engineer, serving from 1951-1976 during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  Gary earned an Associate’s Degree in Ag Research from Solono Community College.  He was an appliance repairman and worked for the Kansas State Ag Research Center in Hays, retiring in 1982.  On January 25, 1980, he was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” (Welling) Campbell in Hays and they celebrated 44 years of marriage.  Gary and Pat became Family Teachers for DSNWK in 1981, and they ran a group home for three years while also training others to become Family Teachers.  He was a member of Hays Christian Church, serving as a Deacon, greeter, and a board member, and loved being a part of the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard.  Gary was a weekly volunteer at the Community Assistance Center and the Ellis County Historical Society and enjoyed black powder shooting, golfing, and in April of 2019 his daughters escorted him on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Survivors include his wife Pat of Hays, two daughters, Vicki Albrecht of Hays and Tracy Albrecht-Ilic and husband Borno of Inglewood, CA, three stepsons, Blaine Campbell and wife Marcie of Madison, WI, Flint Campbell and wife Carol of Arnold, and Kyle Campbell and wife Bun of Montgomery, TX, a stepdaughter, Robin Henman and husband Perry of Ellis, a brother, Dennis Albrecht of Russell, 12 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Donald and John Albrecht and two sisters in-law, Karen and Donna Albrecht.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Hays Christian Church, with Pastor Cana Moore officiating.  Inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.  The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard.  Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Gary may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com 

Services

VISITATION

Thursday
March 14, 2024
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Hays Christian Church
1318 E. 22nd Street
Hays, KS 6760

FUNERAL SERVICE

Thursday
March 14, 2024
10:00 AM
Hays Christian Church
1318 E. 22nd Street
Hays, KS 67601

Lyle E. Oswald (Class 1961)

 

Lyle E. Oswald, 80, passed away January 15, 2024, in Meridian, Idaho.

Lyle Oswald was born February 23, 1943, in Russell, Kansas to parents Edward and Opal Oswald.

Lyle was the youngest of four children and the only boy.  Lyle graduated high school then served in the Navy for 8 years. He met his first wife Sandra Kuban (Sandy) while stationed in Corpus Cristi Texas and married her in 1962 and they had four children his sons Wes Oswald, Gary Oswald, Tom Oswald, and daughter Cara Oswald. As a family they loved to go off roading at Glamis in California. In December of 2004 Lyle married Earlene Tullar in Eugene, Oregon.

He enjoyed camping, off roading, square dancing with whirl-a-ways, and RV traveling. Lyle was always saying something funny. Our memories and laughter are so much better having known Lyle and his million-dollar smile. Never to be forgotten! We all miss you Lyle and hold you dear to our hearts.

Lyle is survived by his wife Earlene Oswald, his Children Wes and (Jayne) Oswald, Gary and (Rose) Oswald, Tom and (Ines) Oswald, and daughter Cara and (Tim) Vansteenwyk. Son-in-law Curtis Broadsword and (Blanka), Daughter-in-law (Dave) and Andrea Abramson, Sister Carolyn Keil and (Larry, deceased), Sisters Ina Dreiling and (Norb, deceased), and Virginia Bailey, deceased, and (Lenoard). His special pets – Gracie and Bella that where always at his side and his best friends!

He is preceded in death by his first wife Sandy, his parents Opal and Edward Oswald, his sisters Virginia Bailey and Ina Dreiling as well as his brothers-in-law Norb Dreiling and Larry Keil.

A special thanks to the wonderful people at the cottages- Lochsa Falls and White Oak Hospice, who made Lyles journey a little easier.

Celebration of life will be in the Spring in Russell, Kansas time and date to be announced.

Bowman Funeral Home was in charge.

 Bowman Funeral Directors – Caring Funeral Services in Treasure Valley Idaho

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.

Paradise Annual Turkey Dinner and Bazaar

 

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.