PLEASE PRAY FOR KAREN (HUDNALL) JAKUB - CLASS OF 1960

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Our wonderful friend, Karen Jakub, injured her leg in a fall on March 18, 2016.  This was the same place that she injured it in a fall in August, 2015.  Because of these two bad falls, Karen has developed cellulitis and she has been hospitalized twice with mega doses of antibiotic for the cellulitis.  The mega doses of antibiotic has caused C Diff. (a specific kind of bacterial infection that causes mild to life-threatening forms of diarrhea and colitis).  Right now, this is very serious for Karen.  Her Infectious Disease Dr is treating her with two weeks of Flagyl for the diarrhea - C Diff.  She is not in the hospital right now, but we never know from day to day what the news will be.  She is very delicate right now and needs our prayers daily.

Love & Prayers for you Karen..
I think of you and pray for you daily and several times during the night.  If I wasn't such a "weakling" I would be right there with you all those many days in the hospital.

Yes, these are actual pictures of her legs when she fell in March.
Bless her heart!

A picture of Karen's legs - 5/10/16

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NATOMA, KANSAS - MAY 8, 2016 (MOTHER'S DAY!)

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Photo Courtesy of Terry Martin

Terry and his wife, Kristine (Koelling),

 went to Natoma for Mother's Day on Sunday.

PARADISE, KS USA - APRIL 23, 2015

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These photos are more than a year old, but it is good to see Paradise and the buildings from time to time - from year to year.
Photos are courtesy of Steve Wallace.  He grew up in Waldo and now lives in Victoria.  Thank You Steve.

This picture should be used in a movie.
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I am always so impressed as to how neat and clean Paradise is kept.
It is always so well groomed.
Thank You to the Citizens who take the responsibility to keep it that way!

BEAUTIFICATION OF SOUTH PARADISE -

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We always appreciate those that contribute to the
Paradise Blog.  

We need assistance from each of you

This was sent last week from "Star."

 Thanks to Steve Thompson of the south Paradise Pride Committee  we have beautiful flowers growing on the east side of the black top.  This really sets the  south side off from the rest of the dull, boring town.  This took real artistry to get the fresh flowers arranged properly. 
 Main Street is nothing but out of county and state vehicles while the regional news media  have been camping out on the edge of town.  This is the most exciting April I can remember.
 Fred Whitman who is the Russell County Sheriff said if he catches anyone sitting on the flower pot they will be arrested and jailed.

Thanks

Star

UPDATE FOR LOIS ROUNKLES BONAR

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I received this in an email from Lois.

"Thanks for every thing you do for the Paradise Blog;  I love to read it.       
In 1983,  I had cancer of the colon;   surgery to remove the cancerous part of the colon and a colostomy [artifical opening] was made on my left side.   The lower part of the colon was removed plus the rectum, anus, etc.         
Fast forward to 2016,  33 years later.   I had emergency surgery on Feb.13;   for an "impacted colon  and a hernia right below the colostomy."    The doctor removed that part of my colon and repaired the hernia and had to make a new colostomy farther up .  It had not "burst" or I would have really been in trouble.   
Back in 1983 I had no chemo or radiation;  just surgery to remove all of the cancer.    
Today,  I have___" no cancer";  just a very sore abdomen  !!!       Lois Bonar"

PARADISE WATER TOWER BEING REPAIRED - MARCH 14, 2016

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 3-18-16                  3-21-16
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I saw these wonderful pictures of our Paradise Water Tower on facebook this morning.  I sent a message to the photographer, Rex Rosenberg, and asked for permission to post these on this blog.
Yes, he gave me permission.  His response . . . .
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"Hello-- It was a real treat to have been able to do those photos that day. I've been by that place countless times over the years and have always wondered about it. It's fine with me that you put my photos in the blog as long as they aren't modified in any way."
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This is how he introduced the photos on facebook . . .
.Rex Rosenberg . . . . . March 15 at 6:52pm "Although not intended, arrival time yesterday at the Paradise Water Tower was perfect. For many, many years I've wondered what the interior of that tower looked like and I finally got to find out. Some men working on the tower allowed a view inside while they worked."
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These pictures are also on another link on facebook . . . .
"Old, Abandoned and Interesting Places - Kansas."
I'm not sure, but I'm thinking he might be the Creator of this link.  His link and this link are both very interesting.

Pictures by Rex Rosenberg

 Previous pictures of the water tower.

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Water Tower - July 4, 2008

Pictures from Jim - From the top of the water tower

PRAYERS FOR LOIS ROUNKLES BONAR

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3/8/16      3/9/16 

I must apologize. I failed!  

Penny Rounkers Loker, sent me a message on facebook on 2/16/16 saying . . . . .

"Please put something on the Paradise blog.  Lois is in the hospital.  She had surgery Sat.  They found more cancer but hopefully they got it all.  (Colon)  She will be in ICU for a week. Please remember her in your thoughts and Prayers!!!"
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I have been praying for Lois, but I evidently just forgot to put it on this blog.  I came to put an update about Lois this morning and it hasn't been on the blog.  I am so sorry!  Penny, this is completely uncalled for and I will try to do better.  Please keep sending me prayer requests and information. 

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This morning on facebook, Lois posted on facebook . . . .

"Thank you everyone for the visits, cards, flowers, food, and gifts of friendship that you have shown me since my "emergency " abdominal [colon] surgery on Feb. 13, 2016. I was in I.C.U. for one week, Re-Hab for another week and went home on Feb. 27th. I am able to do more each day and go to Re-Hab at the CORE twice a week. Thanks for the prayers!!!"

Iva M. (Laughlin) Byrd

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  Iva M. Byrd

September 29, 1942 - February 24, 2016  

Iva M. Byrd, 73, of Hendersonville 

transferred from this Earthly home to her spiritual home with Christ our Lord on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.
Born in Abilene, KS, she was a daughter of the late Lilla Lucille Mondt and Howard Laughlin. She was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Elaine Laughlin.
Mrs. Byrd was a member of Living Water Baptist Church and also attended Upward Christian Fellowship. She was a woman with a “Servants Heart”. She was a dedicated servant to God, and a Christ centered wife, mother and grandmother. She and her husband worked for 14 years with the Baptist Children’s Home of NC.
Survivors include:
her loving husband of 55 years, James R. Byrd;
one son, Mark Byrd (Lori) of GA;
two daughters, Kim Byrd of SC, Wendi Page (Charles) of Flat Rock;
five grandchildren, Jessica Roy (Matthew), Katie and Jake Byrd, Whitney and Renee Page;
two great-grandchildren, Madison and Caroline Roy;
one brother, Norman Laughlin (Connie) of CA.
A celebration of life will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2016
in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home
with burial to follow in the park.
The family will receive friends after the service at Upward Christian Fellowship.

 

IVA LAUGHLIN BYRD - CLASS OF 1960

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Iva did not graduate with the Class, as they moved, but her picture is at the bottom of the Class pictures and she was at the 2010 Class Reunion.
Click on links
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.Iva and Jim's Wedding Anniversary
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Class of 1960
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2010 Reunion Pictures of Class of 1960 1
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2010 Reunion Pictures of Class of 1960 2

Eleanor (Eulert) Laubhan class 47

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Eleanor (Eulert) Laubhan, 86 of Russell, Kansas, died January 29, 2016, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.

She was born Jan. 13, 1930, the daughter of Otto and Elsie (Reich) Eulert. She grew up in Rural Russell County and attended Paradise High School. She attended Ft Hays State University and taught school for a short time.  She worked at various businesses in Russell. She worked as a bookkeeper at Laubhan Electric when she married Paul Laubhan on May 27, 1959.  He preceded her in death on June 30, 2001.  She was a longtime member of St John Lutheran church in Russell. She enjoyed her many pets throughout her life time.

Survivors include two sisters, Irene Schmidtberger, of Corpus Christi, Texas and Lynda Koelling of Paradise, Kansas; Two brothers, Lewis Eulert of Hays, Kansas and Don Eulert of Santa Ysabel, California.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister Joyce Gillett and a brother Harold Eulert.

Funeral services to honor Eleanor's life will be held at 2:30 PM on Thursday, February 04, 2016, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Private burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell.  In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial contributions be given to the Hays Humane Society and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.

Joe Zitnik Obit class of 1961

Joseph Zitnik Joseph Max Zitnik, 

age 72, 

passed away on Friday, December 11, 2015 

at 

Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. 

Joe was born January 9, 1943 in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Joseph & Maxine (Ford) Zitnik. A lifetime resident of Wichita County, Kansas, he was an Educator with over thirty years experience serving and teaching in the Wichita County school system and a farmer/rancher. Joe was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas. He had also served on the Board of Directors for Wichita County Schools and Area Mental Health. Joe’s surviving family includes- Two children- Van Zitnik- Overland Park, Kansas Jasmine Zitnik- Fort Worth, Texas His Mother- Maxine Zitnik-Mills- Strickler- Leoti, Kansas Four siblings- Charles & Carolyn Mills- Aurora, Colorado Sheila & Gary Campas- Leoti, Kansas Rita & Milton Beydler- Wiggins, Colorado Dana Lieurance- Denver, Colorado One grandchild- Andrew Joseph Zitnik- Overland Park, Kansas His fathers, Joseph Zitnik and Govan Mills and a brother, Harley “Tuck” Mills, preceded him in death. Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas with Father Benjamin Martin officiating. Burial will be in Beulah Cemetery in rural Wichita County, Kansas. Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday and from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Tuesday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.
 Memorials may be written to the Leoti EMT’s and mailed to:
 Price & Sons Funeral Home PO 161 Leoti, Kansas 67861

Amelia G. Michaelis Class of 1954

Amelia G. Michaelis, 80, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, November 20, 2015 at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

Amelia was born February 4, 1935 in Jetmore, Kansas, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Strecker) Schneider.  They lived in the Jetmore area until the early 40’s when they moved to Russell.  Then in 1949 they moved to Paradise where she graduated from Paradise High School.

Amelia was united in marriage to Arnold “Arnie” Michaelis on April 1, 1956 in Russell.  This union was blessed with five children; Jeffrey, Randall, Roxanne, Judith and Jerry.  They lived in the Russell area until 1962 when they moved to Gorham.  Then in 1966 they moved to Paradise until 1974 when they returned to Russell.

Amelia was a devoted wife and homemaker.  She also worked at several local restuarants
and stores.  She was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church and the Russell V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.  She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, cross stitching, reading, playing the piano, baking, auctions, shopping, going to the grandchildren’s activities, KC Royals baseball games, vacations to the National Bowling tournament, attending IMCA-sanctioned racing events, and watching KU Basketball.

Surviving family include her husband of 59 years, Arnie of the home; sons, Jeffrey Michaelis (Janelle) and Jerry Michaelis all of Russell, Kansas; daughters, Roxanne Young (Scott) and Judith Riebel (Perry) all of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Catherine Barnes of Dodge City, Kansas and Alta Weigel of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren, Anglea Carter, Brittany Michaelis, Nathan Wheelock, Joshua Noonan, Caitlin Young and Amanda Michaelis, and one great grandson Gavin Height.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son Randall, six brothers ( Schneider), Lloyd, Victor, John, Clarence, Rueben and Dean and five sisters, Viola Maier, Ruth Gerhardt, Edna Propp, Helen Stephens and Elnora Schwein.

Celebration of Amelia’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Otterbein United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Memorials have been established with Otterbein Building Fund or V.F.W. #6240 Ladies Auxiliary.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

SOME MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1958 AT THE TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAAR IN PARADISE

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From left to right

Vada Krumwiede,Van Hoisington, Ernest Thacker, 

Miss Virginia Robertson, Randall Weller,
Dorene Chrisler, Roger Pruter, Dick Woodall.

UPDATE ABOUT ARLIN CHESNEY

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From Will Haworth . . . . .

"It was good to talk with Arlin's wife this evening. They are now living in Lebanon, MO with her daughter I think. Some around there are specialists in the therapy Arlin needs. He is able to eat some foods now and is working at talking and improving use of his arm and leg on that side. We keep them in our prayers. I do have the address..."
1424 Ryan
Lebanon, MO 65536

Clara Grace (Gillett) Mullender

Clara Grace (Gillett) Mullender

Clara Grace (Gillett) Mullender, 93, of Waldo, Kansas passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne, Kansas.
Grace was born may 22, 1922 on the family farm near Waldo, the daughter of Fred and Violet (Tabler) Gillett. She grew up in the rural Waldo area and graduated from Waldo High School.
Grace was united in marriage to Werle C. Mullender on May 22, 1940 in Osborne. This union was blessed with three children; Vanan, Marla and Janis. They made their home on a farm north of Waldo. Werle preceded her in death on August 3, 2002.
Grace was a devoted wife and homemaker. She was always helping Werle on the farm. She also drove the school bus for Waldo - Paradise School District # 399 for many years. She was a member of the Waldo United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She enjoyed collecting rocks, fishing and doing crafts.
Surviving family include her son, Vanan Mullender (Brenda) of Waldo, Kansas; daughters, Marla Brumbalow and Janis Harp (Charles) all of Waldo, Kansas; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers Rex Gillett and Max Gillett, and a granddaughter Collette Harp.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Vincent Cemetery north of Waldo. There will be no visitation. A Memorial has been established with the Waldo Senior Center. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

UPDATE FOR ARLIN CHESNEY - CLASS OF 1959

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Scroll down to Sept. 2 to get the first updates.  
The first information is at the bottom, thus you have to scroll up to read the updates in order.  

From Arlin's College roommate, Will Haworth, 9-13-14 . . . . . .

"Arlin & Joann Chesney        
1005 N. Lafayette
Brownsville, TN  38012    

Many cards are getting to Arlin.  He is remaining in the hospital for rehab . . intensive rehab . . . for the present time.  He got the NG tube out of his nose and his feeding tube into his stomach is working.  Getting the NG tube out of nose and throat help in trying to talk.  He is getting Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and swalling.

There have been cards that come from the post on the Paradise blog . . . and that has been a real blessing to him."

Thank You to each of you for sending cards to Arlin.  Paradise always shows their support, their love and their concerns.
We appreciate you very much.

• 9/13, 6:11p

HAVE WE FORGOTTEN HOW TO BE UNITED? LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH!

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The day Americans put their differences aside 

and stood united.

GREG RUD'S - "RURAL ROUTES BY GREG RUD," (if you are a facebook member) BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF PARADISE

I am in the process of adding pictures by Greg Rud.

I have been interrupted and will finish ASAP!
Sorry that I am so slow!

I am in the middle of income taxes right now.  Since I was ill the first of the year, I didn't make the April deadline, so working on the Oct. deadline.  Will get back to these wonderful pictures - and more - after the taxes are completed.

PARADISE WATER TOWER BY GREG RUD

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I am sharing this from facebook.  Isn't this a beautiful picture?
It was posted 9-3-15

Rural Routes by Greg Rud

This is Paradise, KS. Population 45.
As fate would have it, I happened to meet Betty Mead, who was near where I was shooting, as was her son, Kim, who gave me some history. I think they may have been related to one of the founders. "In 1859, a hunting party explored the area, including a small tributary of the Saline River which led them to a site abundant in water, timber, and bison. One of the hunters, "James R. Mead", described the site as paradise, and the tributary subsequently became known as Paradise Creek." - (Wikipedia)

Picture by Greg Rud

PRAYERS FOR ARLIN CHESNEY - CLASS OF 1959

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9-8-15
Update from Will Haworth . . . .

"I just talked with Joann, Arlin's wife, and she says Arlin is able at times to talk some but then it becomes hard to understand.  He has the electric stimulator on his hand sending signals to the brain to establish or increase contact and 'message'transmission.  He is getting rehab.
Tomorrow he will get a feeding tube in the stomach and then the NG tube will be removed after 72 hours.  He works to move his arm with his good arm . . . and his foot with his good foot and leg.  It takes him time but he knows he has to do it and figures a way to get it done . . . of course, that is Arlin.
Where to go for rehab . . . intense rehab at the hospital  . . . will insurance pay?  Or may go to where family is in Missouri to assistance to do intense rehab.  Keep praying . . . Thanks!"

9-6-15
Update from Will Haworth . . . .

"Arlin is doing about the same . . . a lot of working in rehab on Fri. . . . tired and rest on Sat. . . . looking for placement in a nursing home for rehab . . . a very difficult decision to make . . . will drop the total time of rehab in half each day"

9-3-15
Update from Will Haworth . . . .

"They got Arlin up today and in a wheelchair and took him down to rehab . . . got him up and tried walking . . . he took three steps and stopped and rested, then took three more and again to a total of 4 times.  He wanted to do more but they said not to get too tired.  Back in the room they had an electric stimulator for the hand and worked with that until he could raise one finger  . . . then two fingers.  They feel like this is real progress today and it kind of wore him out."

9-2-15
An update about Arlin from Will Haworth . . . .

"Arlin is in a room now and they are doing therapy trying to enable him to stand . . . working with speech and with swallowing . . . some speech is understandable. Thanks for praying."

9-1-15
I read this on facebook this morning.  It was posted by a former minister and a wonderful friend of ours, Will Haworth.  

"Many of my friends on FB know my college roommate and close friend, Arlin Chesney. This morning Arlin had a stoke and is in serious condition in the hospital in Tennessee. The next 8 to 10 days is a wait and see period of time. I would ask you to join Diana and me in prayer for good progress and total recovery for Arlin... and for strength and comfort for his family."

CHERYL CRONK - WIFE OF VERLIN CRONK - 1958 - MEMORIAL

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Cheryl Marie Cronk

Born: August 21, 1946

Died: August 23, 2015

Cheryl Marie Cronk, 69, retired USD 260 bus driver, avid cribbage player, and wonderful Mother and Grammy, passed away Sunday August 23, 2015.
Cheryl’s greatest joy in life were her grandchildren Kaitlyn and Troy.
Visitation 1-8 p.m. Thursday (family present 5-7)
Funeral service 10 a.m. Friday, both at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby.
 Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband, Verlin Ray Cronk.
Survived by her children, Darwin (Deidra) Cronk of Wichita and Karen Gustin of Derby;
 grandchildren Kaitlyn Cronk and Troy Gustin;
step-granddaughter Jordan Malsom;
brothers Lyle (Laverne) Marcotte and Ray (Judy) Marcotte,
and special friend Charley Peterson.
 In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to assist Kaitlyn and Troy with future education expenses in the name of
“Cheryl’s Grandkids Education Fund”
 10224 Westlakes Ct,
Wichita, KS 67205.

About Verlin Cronk . . . . Click on  Verlin Cronk

HAPPY 85TH BIRTHDAY, FRANCIS MAHONEY

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HISTORICAL ITEMS FROM PARADISE IN THE NATOMA MUSEUM

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I recieved this announcement from Roger Pruter a few days ago.  This will be wonderful!
Thanks Roger!

Museum in Natoma, Ks

The Natoma Museum, that is being established, will be located in the old Pohlman building.  The Museum Board has graciously offered Paradise a space in the museum.  Due to our area being only 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall, we will be restricted to small items.   Anyone who has old pictures of Paradise, especially business stores, or items of historical interest, please contact one of the following:

Roger Pruter   719-332-9051 
pruter7@msn.com

Dan Hoisington  785-998-4320
post@gorhamtel.com