Joyce (Howe) Thompson (Class 51)

 

Joyce Margaret (Howe) Thompson, 93, of Paradise, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, with her family by her side.

Joyce was born August 25, 1933, at the family home southwest of Paradise. She was one of four children born to James D. and Lillian G. (Steventon) Howe. She grew up on the family farm and attended The Green School just southwest of Paradise. She graduated from Paradise High School in 1951.

Joyce was united in marriage to Arthur “Art” N. Thompson on September 30, 1951 in Paradise. This union was blessed with two children; Brett and Trisha. They made their home in Paradise. Arthur preceded her in death on October 13, 1985.

Joyce worked as a secretary for Rodgers and Hoisington wholesale grocers for a few years. She and Art then acquired Paradise grain in 1970 – a business they grew into an important contributor to the local community. She was an active member of the Paradise United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s group. Joyce took special pride in her over 50 years of putting on the church bazaar, an event that raised significant funds to pay for the new church building and to provide for church activities. She was a member of the Natoma Eastern Star. She enjoyed playing pitch and bridge with her friends, working with the Church, entertaining family and friends at home and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, especially sporting events.

Joyce’s surviving family includes her son, Brett Thompson (Bonnie) of Paradise, Kansas; daughter, Trisha Barenberg (Joe) of Graford, Texas; sisters, JoAnn Moore of Panama City, Florida, and Janet Ralston of Waxahachie, Texas; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Howe of Thurman, Iowa, Sue Heitschmidt (Rod) of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Florence Thompson of Russell, Kansas; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Arthur, and brother, Ben Howe.

Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Paradise Valley Grace Church. Burial will follow at the Mount Hermon Cemetery near Paradise. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Waldo Senior Center or Paradise Pride for an historical monument in her honor. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Glen E. Strecker (Class of 66)

 

Glen Ernest Strecker, 77, of Overland Park, Kansas, departed this life peacefully on September 19, 2026, at home and surrounded by family. Glen was a loving father and grandfather, and his beautiful, blue-eyed smile will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Glen was born November 10, 1948, to Ernest and Eva Strecker. The baby of the family, Glen was welcomed home to the family farm in Paradise, Kansas by older sisters, Mary and Kay, and brother, Albert. As a farm kid, Glen experienced the joys of a free-range childhood, finding time for mischief with his siblings while tending to his many farm chores. He took a liking to sports immediately and was fiercely competitive, especially with big brother, Al. At Paradise High School, Glen earned varsity letters in cross country, basketball, baseball, and track. He graduated from Paradise High School in 1966 and continued his basketball career for a short time on the Kansas State University freshman squad.

At Kansas State, Glen soon traded sweating on the basketball court at Ahearn Field House for a social life with his FarmHouse brothers, many of whom became lifelong friends. Glen eventually channeled his outgoing nature and athleticism to a new endeavor by trying out to be the school mascot, Willie the Wildcat. When he walked into the tryout and saw an old basketball coach and several people associated with the FarmHouse fraternity, Glen knew he had the job locked down. Glen loved to entertain and inspire crowds at the newly built KSU Stadium (now known as Bill Snyder Family Stadium), donning the now retired real-life Wildcat head and a football uniform, performing any number of hijinks. Glen spoke of those days fondly, telling stories of riding his beloved horse, Fella, on the field before a football game. Before the success of the Bill Snyder era, he loved to joke that he was "on the field" the last time Kansas State beat Nebraska in football (November 9, 1968). But perhaps his most important accomplishment at Kansas State was meeting his beloved wife, Rhonda, who attended a cheerleading camp while she was still in high school. Even though Rhonda could not see Glen's face behind the Willie head, she fell in love with his voice and the rest, as they say, is history. Glen graduated from Kansas State in 1971 and returned to Paradise to teach in the rural school district.

Glen and Rhonda eloped in a small church in Russell, Kansas on April 19, 1973, on a day off from school for both. They made a home together on a farm near Paradise, visible from the farmhouse on the hill where he grew up and where his parents still resided. Glen resigned from teaching to farm full-time the same year and learned to love the ups and downs and the hard work that is tending to a small crop farm in rural Kansas. Together they had three children, sons Devin and Brandon, and daughter Adrienne. As a family of five, life was never dull on the farm. Glen worked hard to provide but he always went the extra mile to make sure his children had a magical childhood. From installing an ice-skating rink in the yard to driving cross country in an RV, all three children agree they would not trade their early years on the farm for any other upbringing.

When the children were older, the family left the farm and moved to Hays, Kansas. Glen earned a master's degree in counseling from Fort Hays State University in 1992 and began his career as a guidance counselor at Hays High School. In 2000, Glen and Rhonda moved to Olathe, Kansas where Glen spent the rest of his career as a guidance counselor at Olathe North High School, specializing in helping student athletes obtain NCAA eligibility. Over the years, Glen helped countless students and was adored by all who were lucky enough to know Mr. Strecker as their guidance counselor or Coach Strecker as their "golf facilitator" at Olathe North.

Glen retired from education in 2012, affording him more time to travel to California to visit his sons. Not long after, his free time was filled with grandchildren. Granddaughter Eva attended the Glen and Rhonda daycare four days a week in their home in Olathe. Nineteen months later, grandson Emmett followed suit. Glen enjoyed the slow moments with the babies, holding them in his lap for a bottle and nap, but also the adventures out of the home to places like Deanna Rose Farmstead. Glen found so much joy in watching them grow and attending their many performances and sporting events. Eva and Emmett were blessed to have him as their "Papa."

Glen battled cancer for 18 months like he did most things in life - with a positive attitude and a strong will. He still gardened this past summer, and his family continues to enjoy the peppers and tomatoes he tended to with love. He remained an avid KSU football and Royals fan, watching games until the very end of his life.

Glen is survived by his beloved wife, Rhonda, of 53 years, his son Devin Strecker (husband Dylan Tucker), his son Brandon Strecker (wife Angela Strecker), his daughter, Adrienne Joyner (husband Drew Joyner and children, Eva and Emmett), and his sister, Kay Augustine (Harold). Glen is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Eva, his sister, Mary Anderson, and his brother, Albert Strecker. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Cancer Society.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 2:30-4:30 at the Bluemont Room in the Kansas State University Student Union (918 N. M.L.K., Jr. Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66506). Please dress in whatever makes you comfortable, knowing that the family will be wearing purple in honor of their very own Willie the Wildcat.

Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri is honored to serve the family of Glen Ernest Strecker.

Celebration of Life

2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Bluemont Room at the Kansas State University Student Union

918 N. M.L.K., Jr. Drive, Manhattan, KS 66506

Glenn Hoopes (Class 56)

 

Glen Hoopes passed away on July 28, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on July 26, 1938, in Paradise, Kansas, to Arney Lee and Maude Louise (Dwinelle) Hoopes, the fifth of nine children.

Glen was raised in Paradise and, following high school, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served five years on active duty and an additional five years in the Air Force Reserve.

On August 14, 1961, he married the love of his life, Rae Jean (Mai), in Russell, Kansas. They were just two weeks shy of celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

In 1966, Glen and Rae Jean moved to Loveland, Colorado, where he built a successful career in the construction industry that spanned more than 50 years.

Glen is survived by his beloved wife, Rae Jean; his sons, Brad, Monte (Susan), and Jeff (Sandi); seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; three brothers; one sister; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; three sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

"A Celebration of Life" is planned for September 6, 2026 from 2 to 4pm at the Backbone Special Events Center, 1720 Glade Rd. In west Loveland. Burial will be at a later date. "

Attendees of the 2026 school reunion

 

Donald E. Landis Class (63)

Donald Eugene Landis passed away on June 26, 2026. He was born on June 4, 1945, to Delbert and Veta Landis.

Don spent his formative years in Kansas, attending Fairport Grade School and graduating from Paradise Rural High School with the class of 1963. Following high school, he worked in the oilfields of Russell County for a time before answering the call to serve his country. During the mid-1960s, Don served in the U.S. Army stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Upon returning to civilian life, Don dedicated his career to public service. He became a City Letter Carrier in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1968. He was a deeply committed and proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 458, stepping into leadership roles to support his fellow carriers. He became Vice President of the branch in the mid-1980s and served as President from 1992 until 2002. After retiring from the United States Postal Service in 2004, Don continued his dedicated service to the union, briefly acting as a Branch 458 Trustee before stepping into the role of Treasurer from 2011 through 2025. In recognition of his decades of steadfast loyalty, Don received his NALC 50-Year Gold Card through the Union in 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Veta Landis, and his two brothers, Charles and Delmar Landis.

Don is survived by his loving family, including his sister, Virginia, and her husband, Kenneth Maddox; his three nephews, David Maddox, David Landis and Dale Maddox. And niece Denise Maddox. He also leaves behind several great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of cherished friends and former coworkers.

A memorial service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the National Association of Letter Carriers, 221 S. Eagle Lane, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73128.

Memorial Service

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

4:00PM

National Association of Letter Carriers

221 S. Eagle Lane

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73128

Mercer-Adams Funeral Service
3925 North Asbury Avenue
Bethany, OK, 73008

William Austin "Bill" Murphy (Bus driver) (Waldo Class 59)

 

William Austin “Bill” Murphy, 84, of Waldo, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.

Bill was born May 6, 1941 in Hays, Kansas. He was one of five children born to L. Earl and E. Bernadine (Fiensy) Murphy. He grew up in the Covert, Kansas area and graduated from Waldo High School in the Class of 59.

Bill met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to C. Marlene Day on October 4, 1959 in Waldo. This union was blessed with three children; Debbie, Rhonda and Brad. They made their home in Salina, Kansas for a short time before moving to Covert. Then a few years later, they moved out into the country near Waldo. Then in 2022 they moved into Waldo.

Bill was a Farmer/Rancher his entire life and sold seed products for over ten years. He also was very active as a school bus driver for the local schools for many years, before retiring in 2019. When they lived in Salina, he worked at a local service station. He was a member and trustee of the Waldo United Methodist Church. He served on the High Plains Farm Credit Board for 12 years, and did data collection for the National Weather Services in Hastings, Nebraska for over 50 years. Bill was a life member of the Waldo/Paradise Lions Club, he served on the Victor Township Board, was a Boy Scout Leader when his son was in Boy Scouts.

Bill had a deep love for sports and rarely missed the chance to cheer on his favorite teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and KU basketball. He especially enjoyed supporting the Natoma Tigers, taking great pride in watching his children and grandchildren play. Farming and ranching were more than just work to Bill—they were a way of life, and some of his most cherished moments were spent working alongside his kids and grandkids.

Bill was known for the way he supported his friends and family and for the joy he brought to those around him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. Many will remember the laughter shared while listening to his stories about hunting coyotes, deer, and elk, and the way he could always bring a smile to a room. His love for family, the land, and the people in his life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill’s surviving family include his wife of 66 years, Marlene of the home; daughters, Debbie Murphy of Natoma, Kansas and Rhonda Murphy of Waldo, Kansas; son, Brad Murphy (Jenjer) of Waldo, Kansas; sisters, Janice Lund of Waldo, Kansas and Sandy Boldridge (Leon) of New River, Arizona; five grandchildren, Jodi Wayland (Scott), Phillip Murphy (Taylor), Austin Murphy, Jacob Murphy and MaKayla Murphy; and four great grandchildren, Waylon Murphy, Wryatt Murphy, Wiley Murphy and Jemma Wayland.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith Murphy; and sister, Bee Hawley.

Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at the Waldo United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Natoma City Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday, March 9, 2026 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established with the Waldo United Methodist Church or Waldo Fire Department. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the arrangements.

Roger Pruter (Class 1958)

 

Roger Pruter, 85, Hays, died Saturday, November 8, 2025 at HaysMed.

He was born September 29, 1940 in Hays, the son of Otto and Ella May (Stockton) Pruter.  Roger graduated from Paradise High School with the class of 1958, then he attended college in Hutchinson for a year before transferring to Fort Hays Kansas State College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts in 1963.  Roger managed college cafeterias in many states including Wyoming and Louisiana, worked in sales, and served in the National Guard.  On April 26, 1964 he was united in marriage to Janet “Jan” Wickham at the Church of the Nazarene in Hays, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage.  For 28 years, Roger and Jan lived in Colorado.  Roger loved the mountains, traveling with Jan in their Airstream, and planning rallies while president of the Colorado Airstream Club.  He was a member of North Oak Community Church and enjoyed growing in faith and fellowship with his Tuesday morning men’s group.

Roger had a wonderful sense of humor and was a people person who had a gift for remembering names, interests, and preferences of those whom he encountered.  He sought out those in need and helped them in simple ways filled with great kindness.  He was proud to be from Paradise, organized many town reunions, and assumed the role of community curator.  Roger made many photo albums for his family, enjoyed gardening, and when losing the use of his left arm, he took on the challenge of building his own raised garden beds.  Most of all, Roger loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife Jan of Hays, son Wade Pruter of Wichita, daughter RaJan Pruter of Colorado Springs, CO, his sister, Nina Brewsaugh and husband Carl of Oklahoma City, OK, and three grandchildren, Caden Prescott of Colorado Springs, CO, Genna Pruter and fiancé Caden Pfeifer of Russell, and Avery Pruter of Wichita.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at North Oak Community Church with Pastor Josh Gelatt and Pastor Abraham Marintzer officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church.  Private family inurnment will be at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to North Oak Community Church or to Paradise Valley Grace Church.  Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Roger may be left with his family at www.haysmemorial.com    

Service can be viewed at the following link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDQaClmipx8

Services

Visitation

Saturday
November 15, 2025
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
North Oak Community Church
3000 Oak Street
Hays, KS 67601

Pamela Beth Terry (Krob) (Class 1969)

 

August 15, 1951 – September 24, 2025

Pamela Beth Terry of Bakersfield, California went to join Jesus on September 24, 2025 at the age of 74. She had been battling valley fever and lymphoma for nearly a year.

Upon graduating from Paradise High School in Paradise, Kansas in 1969 she attended Barton County Junior College and later UCLA after moving to California.

She married Denny Evans in 1976 and was blessed with two sons, Josh and Todd. She was employed at Kern County Equipment Company and after taking off to be a stay-at-home mom she was employed at Contel Telephone Company. Her marriage did not work out, but she and Denny moved on to coparent their sons with love and grace.

She married Charles Terry in 1991 and was employed at Grimmway Farms as the Accounts Receivable Manager and later, after retiring, part-time at Kern Ridge Growers in the accounts receivable department.

Pam had many friends, some for over four decades. But her favorite thing was anything associated with her grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at the church she loved, Bakersfield First Church of the Nazarene at 2801 Hughes Lane, Bakersfield. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation be made to tie Children's, Youth, or Celebrate Recovery ministry.