Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Bess E. Sellens Age: 83
Date of Death: May 2, 2015
Place of Death: Locust Grove Village, LaCrosse, KS
Date of Birth: March 30, 1932 at Milo, Missouri
Parents Name: Allen and Mary (Brown) Laflen

OBITUARY INFORMATION
Bess married Howard Sellens February 7, 1953 at Hoisington, KS.
Mrs. Sellens was a Hoisington, Kansas resident, since 1953, coming from Moundville, MO.
Bess retired in 1992, after 36 years of teaching in area country schools and Lincoln and Eisenhower Elementary Schools in Hoisington.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and A.C.E. teacher’s union, both of Hoisington.

SURVIVORS
Husband: Howard Sellens, of the home
One son: Philip Sellens and wife Bonnie of Great Bend, KS
Three brothers: John Laflen of Buffalo Center, IA
Bob Laflen of Houston, TX
Jerry Laflen of Moundville, MO
One sister: Penny Beattie of Nevada, MO
2 Grandchildren: Sara Sellens, Kathleen Sellens
3 Step Grandchildren, Jonathan Stowers, Tonya Stowers, Stephen Stowers
6 step great grandchildren
She was preceded in death by sister, Pauline Hines.

SERVICE INFORMATION
Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Time of Service: 10:30 am
Place of Service: Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
Interment: Milo City Cemetery, Milo, Missouri, Thursday, May 7, 2015, at 10:30 a.m.  Minister Rev. Dick Ogle.
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Memorial Fund: Clara Barton Hospital Foundation or First United Methodist Church or Kans for Kids, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Delores June Steadman Age: 89
Date of Death: April 28, 2015
Place of Death: Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood, Kansas
Date of Birth: September 11, 1925 at Bazine, Kansas
Parents Name: Charles F. and Lillian (DeWald) Schenkel

OBITUARY INFORMATION

Married Hugh Robert “Bud” Steadman July 14, 1946 at Bazine, Kansas.
She was a long-time secretary for Crawford and Company.
Mrs. Steadman was a Great Bend, Kansas resident since 1943 coming from Bazine, Kansas.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary #3111, and Order of Eastern Star Golden Sheaf Chapter #226, all of Great Bend.

SURVIVORS

Husband: Hugh Robert “Bud” Steadman, of the home
one son: Dennis Robert Steadman and his wife Stephanie of Kennewick, WA
two daughters: Debra Sue Losch and her husband James of Schaumburg, IL, and Laurie Lea Bard and her husband Larry of Great Bend, KS
Grandchildren: Five
Great-grandchildren: Four
SERVICE INFORMATION

Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Time of Service: 2:00 p.m.
Place of Service: First United Methodist Church in Great Bend
Officiant: The Reverend Lennie Maxwell
Interment: Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Bryant Funeral Home
Memorial Fund: First United Methodist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas
Theresa M. Ney, 98, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died April 30, 2015, at Golden Living Center, Wilson, Kansas. She was born August 8, 1916, the daughter of Paul Dolechek, Sr. and Anna (Weber) Dolechek.
On September 24, 1940, she married Kenneth A. Ney in Dubuque, Kansas. He died February 9, 1988.
A homemaker, Theresa was a lifetime resident of the Hoisington area. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Altar Society and the Daughters of Isabella. Theresa was an avid bowler and bingo player. She enjoyed the outdoors and working on the farm.

Survivors include: four children, Merlin Ney and wife Bonita of Russell, Shirley Ney of Aurora, Colo., Kathy Hutton and husband Robert of Denver, Colo., and Kenny Ney of Hoisington; sister-in-law, Teresa Dolechek of Hoisington; eight grandchildren, Bruce Ney, Kevin Ney, Merl Ney, Jason Ney, Jared Ney, Jessica Berberich, Scott Hutton and Stacey Kerns; 13 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, Leo Dolechek, Paul Dolechek, Jr., Joe Dolechek; and two sisters, Katherine Lang and Rose Miller.

Vigil with rosary service will be 7 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2015, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church celebrated by Fathers Pascal Klein and Ultan Murphy. Burial will follow in St. John Church Cemetery. Friends may call 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be made to St John the Evangelist Catholic Church or Foundation Fighting Blindness, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas
Name of Deceased: Ivan H. Christy Age: 88
Date of Death: April 30, 2015
Place of Death: Country Place Senior Living, Hoisington, Kansas
Date of Birth: February 9, 1927 at Kansas City, Missouri
Parents Name: Ivan H. & Anna (Tillisch) Christy

OBITUARY INFORMATION
Ivan married Mary Louise Kircher Feb. 7, 1949, at Paola, KS. They were later divorced.
Ivan then married Gwenola Bagley Ochs March 21, 1970 at Hoisington, Kansas. She died April 30, 2007.
Ivan was a life member of V.F.W. Post #7428 and American Legion Post #286, and was a resident of Hoisington since 1962, growing up in Paola. Ivan, a WW II and Korean Conflict veteran, enlisted in the U.S. Navy April 20, 1944. He served on the aircraft carrier Antietam and Palau. Upon his military discharge on February 14, 1950, he entered his apprenticeship with Missouri Pacific Railroad. He worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad as an electrician for 39 years, retiring in 1989.

SURVIVORS
Four sons: Phillip Christy and wife Marsha of Paola, KS
Robert Christy and wife Leora of Olathe, KS
Steve Christy of Chicago, IL
Richard Christy and wife Brenda of Spring Hill, KS
One daughter: Catharine Ennis and husband William of Pleasant Hill, MO
Two step sons : Alan Ochs and wife Leta of Hoisington, KS
Owen Ochs and wife Deanna of Hoisington, KS
Two step daughters: Lin Ochs and husband Henry Porter of Cave Creek, AZ
Marcia Welch and husband Derrel of Denver, CO
15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren

He was preceded in death by a brother, Doug Christy; sister, Annabelle Scherman; great grandson, Jackson Christy; and a daughter-in-law, Linda Christy

SERVICE INFORMATION
Funeral Service: Monday, May 4, 2015
Time of Service: 10:00 am
Place of Service: Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel in Hoisington
Officiant: Reverend Don Fisher
Interment: Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington, Kansas, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard
Visitation: 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Memorial Fund: Kans for Kids or Clara Barton Hospital Foundation or Donor’s Choice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas
Name of Deceased: Stan Nelson Age: 52
Date of Death: April 26, 2015
Place of Death: Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas
Date of Birth: Oct. 13, 1962 at Council Grove, Kansas
Parents Name: Byron Keith & Carolyn (Parsons) Nelson

OBITUARY INFORMATION
Stan married Joyce Klassen Dec. 6, 1996 at Great Bend, KS.
Stan had been a Great Bend, Kansas resident since 1970, coming from Lawrence, KS.
Formerly operating and managing the family business, Schendel Weed and Pest Control, Stan currently worked for Barton County Road and Bridge Department. Stan was a member of Heartland Community Church, Great Bend. He was also an active member of the N.R.A., Kansas Rifle Association, Kiowa Gun Club, and the Barton County Crime Stoppers.

SURVIVORS
Wife: Joyce Nelson, of the home
Three sons: Michael Hiss and wife Emily of Colby, KS
Anthony Lord and wife Tammy of Dover, PA
Ryan Lord and wife Megan of Tulsa, OK
One daughter: Chrisanna Lord of Tulsa, OK
Mother: Carolyn Nelson, Great Bend, KS
Two brothers: Ken Nelson and wife Tammi of Manhattan, KS
Brad Nelson and wife Kelly of Vassar, KS
Two sisters: Lindy Nelson and companion Pete of Great Bend, KS
Becky Love and husband Ricky of Great Bend, KS
Two Grandchildren: Zander Lord and Zoey Lord
Nieces and Nephews

He was preceded in passing by his father, Byron Nelson.

SERVICE INFORMATION
Funeral Service: Friday, May 1, 2015
Time of Service: 10:00 am
Place of Service: Heartland Community Church, 3400 21st St., Great Bend, KS
Interment: Dundee Valley Cemetery, rural Great Bend, Kansas
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2015 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Memorial Fund: Almost Home, Inc, (a long term and end of life care facility) in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Name of Deceased: LeRoy George Schartz, Jr. Age: 62
Date of Death: April 22, 2015
Place of Death: At home in Hoisington, Kansas
Date of Birth: May 3, 1952 at Great Bend, Kansas
Parents Name: LeRoy George & Viola Marie (Herrman) Schartz

OBITUARY INFORMATION
LeRoy had married Sharon Holcomb, and were later divorced.
LeRoy had recently moved to Hoisington from Great Bend, KS, where he had worked in both the carpentry and the automotive repair trades. Those who truly knew LeRoy will remember him for his kindness and generosity. LeRoy was not a man of material possessions, so he used his kindness and skills to give to others. He loved helping his friends by building projects for them or working on their cars. He was always willing to help his friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers. He will be greatly missed.

SURVIVORS
Three sons: Joseph Schartz, Shannon Schartz, Leslie Schartz, all of Texas.
One daughter: Christy Richard, of Texas
One sister: Betty Riggs and her husband Dale of Great Bend, KS
One brother: Kevin Schartz and his wife Rhea of Ellinwood, KS
Grandchildren: Joseph, Anna, Sarah, Rebecca, Jacob, Josh, Brett, Kayla, Courtney, Samantha, Kalub and Kayden.
Great Grandchildren: Payton and Emma
Nephews and Nieces
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale E. Schartz; and infant brother, Joseph LeRoy Schartz.

SERVICE INFORMATION
Funeral Service: Saturday, May 2, 2015
Time of Service: 10:30 am
Place of Service: First St. Church of God in Hoisington, Kansas
Officiant: Rev. Dick Ogle
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial Fund: LeRoy George Schartz, Jr. Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Dateline: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Name of Deceased: Muriel S. Machal Age: 91
Date of Death: April 25, 2015
Place of Death: Cheyenne Mountain Care Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Date of Birth: January 13, 1924 at Kinsley, Kansas
Parents Name: Ray and Ida (Robbins) Stewart

OBITUARY INFORMATION

Muriel married Joseph Anthony Machal April 3, 1957 at Great Bend, Kansas. He died December 21, 1992.
Muriel was an Insurance and Financial Planner for L.C. Harmon Agency.
Mrs. Machal was a Colorado Springs, Colorado, resident for 7 years coming, from Great Bend, Kansas.
Muriel was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Altar Society, and the American Legion Argonne Post 180, all of Great Bend.

SURVIVORS
One daughter: Lisa Simpson and husband Mike of Colorado Springs, CO
One Grandchild: Scott Simpson of Colorado Springs, CO
Four Great-grandchildren: Jaiden Simpson, Kaelynn Simpson, Isaiah Simpson, Lilleyona Simpson

She was preceded in death by a brother, Forest Stewart, and by a sister, Thelma O’Neil.

SERVICE INFORMATION
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, May 2, 2015
Time of Service: 10:00 am
Place of Service: St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend
Officiant: Father (Louis) Trung Dinh Hoang
Prayer Service: Friday, May 1, 2015
Time of Service: 7:00 pm
Place of Service: Bryant Funeral Home
Interment: Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2015 at Bryant Funeral Home
Memorial Fund: Prince of Peace Parish, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Dateline: Claflin, Kansas

Name of Deceased: Diana Beth Kaeberle Age: 57
Date of Death: April 25, 2015
Place of Death: Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas
Date of Birth: February 5, 1958 at Greenville, Mississippi
Parents Name: Donald and Reba (Atkins) Beckum

OBITUARY INFORMATION
Married Steven Kaeberle June 20, 1992 at Wilson, KS.
A 25 year Barton County resident, living most recently in Claflin, Kansas, Mrs. Kaeberle was a secretary for Barton Community College.
Diana was a member of AA. She enjoyed spending time in her yard, gardening and tending to her flowers. Diana also had a love for the holiday season, enjoying Christmas decorating. Above all, she had a special love for her grandchildren.

SURVIVORS
Husband: Steven Kaeberle, of the home
two daughters: Cindy Ochs and husband Brett of Great Bend, KS
Laura Mason and husband Tom Giersch of Great Bend, KS
Seven Grandchildren: Joshua Crawford, Stephen Crawford, Tommy Kaeberle, Christian Mason, Elizabeth Giersch, Analeah Ochs, Chason Ramsey
Nieces and Nephews: Cretia Patterson, Nicole Dyer, Beau Beckum, Ashlee Dunbar

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Donald Beckum, and a sister, Debrah Tillman.

SERVICE INFORMATION
Funeral Service: Friday, May 1, 2015
Time of Service: 2:00 pm
Place of Service: Bryant Funeral Home
Officiant: Rev. Dwight Dozier
Interment: Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend, Kansas
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2015 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm
Memorial Fund: Diana Kaeberle expense fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Larned- James (Jim) W. Kolb, 70, passed away April 25, 2015 at his home in Austin, Texas.

He was born June 8, 1944 in Dodge City the son of Harold “Sandy” and Rhoda Jean Donovan Kolb. A longtime area resident of Larned then moving to Austin, TX; he was an Licensed Mental Health Technician and later changing positions to Activity Therapist at the Larned State Hospital; after he retired from 30 years of service at Larned State Hospital, he drove a school bus for 10 years at Larned School District.

He was a member of the Larned golf course, Larned Men’s golf and the daily men’s coffee hour. He delivered meals for the Welcome Inn Senior Center and volunteered for many other organizations in Larned.

On July 26, 1975 he married Bonnie Ladean Eaton in Burdett, KS. She survives.

Other survivors include: one son, Jeff Kolb and partner Emily, Austin, TX; two brothers, Jan Kolb, Las Vegas, NV and Jon Kolb, McKinney, TX and two grandchildren, Mathis Seidel and River Seidel.

He was preceded in death by, his parents; and two brothers, Kiah Kolb and Scott Kolb.

Cremation has taken place; a memorial service will held 10:30 A.M. Friday at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with Pastor Hal Statts presiding. Friends may sign the register 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday with family present from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.

Memorials may be given to Pawnee County Relay for Life, the United Methodist Church of Larned or the Brooksdale Hospice, Austin, TX, all in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477 Larned, KS 67550. Condolences may be left for the family at www.beckwithmortuary.com.