Sister Teresa Orozco, 76, died Dec. 12, 2017, in the Dominican Sisters’ convent infirmary, Great Bend. Born Oct. 18, 1941, in Lamar, Colo., Teresa was the daughter of the late Pascual and Josephine Jara Orozco. She entered the Dominican Sisters’ Community Aug. 27, 1964, and pronounced her first vows June 13, 1967. She celebrated fifty years of religious life in 2014.

Sister Teresa first worked at the Motherhouse in Great Bend in domestic work before serving as an aide in Saint Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas, where she also attended classes in nursing education at the local community college. Beginning in 1984, she worked in parish ministry and in the office of Mexican-American Affairs for the Diocese of Dodge City in Elkhart KS. Later, at the Motherhouse, she served as a translator for the local Spanish-speaking population and as a part time receptionist.

Sister Teresa is survived by her Dominican Sisters of Peace religious community, and one brother and two sisters, Vincent, Susanna (Candie) Stegman, and Laura Denise Estep, all of Lamar, Colorado. Sister Teresa’s body will be brought to the hospitality area of the Dominican Chapel of the Plains, 3600 Broadway, Great Bend, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at 4:30 p.m., where it will lie in state until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, with Rev. Ted Stoecklein presiding. A wake service will be held Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at 7 p.m. Burial will be in the Sisters’ Resurrection Cemetery. Both the wake and the funeral will be held at the convent.

Bryant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may call at the convent Thursday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Wake, and Friday, Dec. 15 until the time of the funeral Mass. Memorials in honor of Sister Teresa Orozco may be sent to: Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus OH  43219-2098 or given securely on line at www.oppeace.org.

HOISINGTON, Kan. — Beverly Patricia Retzlaff, 66, passed away Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Via Christi St Francis Hospital in Wichita. She was born May 10, 1951, in Peoria, Ill., the daughter of Leonard and Betty (Kilpatrick) Peck. She was a CNA working at several care homes. She has been a resident of Hoisington since 1987 coming from Peoria. Beverly was united in marriage to James M. Retzlaff on July 1, 2002, in Great Bend. He preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 2012.

She was a member of the Hoisington VFW Ladies Auxiliary #7428. She loved to be with her family and adored her pets.

Survivors include daughters, Nicole and husband Michael Potter and Holly Boese, all of Hoisington; son, Leonard Stufflebean of Springfield, Ill.; brothers, Michael and wife Karen Stufflebean of Canton, Ill., and Danny Carlson of Peoria, Ill.; sisters, Bonnie Alesandrini of Canton, Ill., and Doris and husband Terry Moore of Kentucky; 11 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sons, Jason Blackburn and Dennis LeRoy Boese Jr.; daughter, Amy Lynn Boese; and sister, Connie Kaye.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, at New Life Baptist Church in Hoisington with Pastor Denny Lewis officiating. No visitation will be held as cremation as taken place.

Memorials have been established to help with funeral expenses, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dateline: Great Bend, Kansas

Dorothy Belle Behrens, 89, passed away December 9, 2017, at home in Great Bend.  She was born January 29, 1928 at Council Grove, to Oliver and Sabina (Snodgrass) Ratliff.

Dorothy married Orla Frederick “Fred” Behrens September 17, 1950, at Council Grove.  A Great Bend resident since 1950, Dorothy worked for First National Bank and was a cook for Shady Grove School.  She was a member of First Christian Church, Great Bend.  Dorothy was known for her volunteer ministry at the church, such as tea towel embroidery for new brides, sewing sleeping bags for the homeless, and making noodles for fundraising efforts.

Survivors include husband, Fred, of the home; one son, Robert Behrens and wife Ruth of Great Bend; five grandchildren, Jason Behrens, Great Bend, Jennifer Cauley and husband Jason, Great Bend, Melissa Serrien and husband Greg, Colorado Springs, Michael Behrens, Hoisington, and Brian Behrens, Wichita; six great grandchildren, Sage Cauley, Sienna Cauley, Slade Cauley, Zachary Serrien, Sophie Serrien, and Jeffrey Serrien; and daughter-in-law, Karen Behrens.

She was preceded in death by one son, Ross Behrens; and by four brothers and five sisters.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at First Christian Church, Great Bend, with The Reverend Joshua Leu presiding.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Interment will be at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend.  Memorials have been designated to First Christian 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

 

GREAT BEND–Richard Daniel Luse, 86, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday evening, December 5, 2017, at Salina Regional Hospital.  Richard was born on June 18, 1931, in Chicago, Ill., to his loving parents, Theresa (Armstrong) and Bert Amberson Luse, Sr.  Having sadly lost his mother at a very young age, Richard and his two siblings were loved and raised by his step-mother, Minnie Katzmeier Luse.  After living briefly in Chicago, the family moved to Great Bend, where Richard attended a small country school, while living on a farm just south of Great Bend.  During Richard’s high school years, the family returned to the Chicago area and lived on a dairy farm in Crystal Lake, Ill.  Richard graduated from Crystal Lake High School.  The Luse family once again returned to Great Bend, where Richard lived for the remainder of his life.

Richard worked as a meter reader for Centel for 40 plus years.  An avid traveler, Richard enjoyed several trips to Nevada, an Alaskan cruise and a trip in 1962 to Seattle, Wash., where he attended the 21st Century Exposition World’s Fair.  He also traveled by bus several times to Las Vegas and on to Los Angeles to participate as an audience member of “The Price is Right”, a favorite TV show.  On his many travels, Richard always enjoyed collecting and bringing home a rock from various localities to place in his garden in Great Bend.

In his younger adult days, Richard loved jogging and walking daily through Veterans Park.  Unfortunately, after several surgeries, his days of trips around the lake there came to a close.

For many years, Richard enjoyed attending basketball and volleyball games at the Barton Community College in Great Bend.

Richard is survived by his beloved sister-in-law, Marie Luse of Great Bend, his two nieces, Cheryl (David) Beesley of Darien, Ill., and Dionne (Michael) Oldenburg of Rio Verde, Ariz.  In addition, he is survived by his five great-nephews, Brennen Rivera of Tempe, Ariz., Michael and Eric Beesley of Chicago, Ill., and Jacob and Sean Beesley of Darien, Ill.  He is also survived by Steve and Becky Wornkey, his devoted and loyal friends and neighbors of over 40 years.  Last but not least, Richard is survived by his faithful feline companion, Misty, always at his side and so very loved.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Theresa and Bert Luse Sr., step-mother, Minnie Katzmeier Luse, brother, Bert Luse Jr., infant brother, Edward Luse, cherished niece, Diana Rae Luse Scheuerman, sister, Harriet Luse Coffman and brother-in-law Gene Coffman.  Richard was surely welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and welcomed into Heaven by many, many loved ones.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec, 13, 2017 at Bryant Funeral Home with the Rev. William F. Johnson officiating. Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home.   Interment will follow at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Barton Community College Athletic Department or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of the 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

 

GREAT BEND — George R. Slater, 85, died Dec. 2, 2017, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. He was born June 12, 1932, at Coats, the son of Jay and Adgie (Stanley) Slater. He married Shirley Whitaker Dec. 14, 1952, at Pratt.  A Great Bend resident since 1964, coming from Stafford, Mr. Slater worked for Kansas Gas Service for 39 years, retiring as division manager. He was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve.

Mr. Slater was a member of Central Baptist Church, Great Bend Rotary Club, American Legion Argonne Post 180, and the Air Stream Club. He helped build the Boy Scout house at Stafford.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Slater, of the home; two sons, James R. Slater and his wife Utonia of Great Bend, and Greg A. Slater and his wife Jennifer of Hutto, Texas; one sister, Bernice Omo of Hugoton; and two grandchildren, Shannen Slater and Christian Slater. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Ted Slater, Raymond Slater, Monroe Slater and LeRoy Slater; and two sisters, Lucille Ward and Lois Elliott.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home with the Rev. David Walters officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family present from 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been established with American Legion Post 180, 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

GREAT BEND — Norma I. Goodenough, 76, died Nov. 27, 2017, at Hays Medical Center, Hays. She was born May 17, 1941, at Pratt, the daughter of John Thomas and Willia Rena (Walker) Belcher. She married Billy Gene Goodenough Oct. 1, 1964. He died Dec. 16, 2007. A Great Bend resident since 1992, coming from Iola, Mrs. Goodenough was a homemaker and server at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Great Bend until retiring. She enjoyed crafts and plastic canvas projects.

Survivors include three sons, Jim Goodenough and his wife Tammy of Great Bend, Mark Goodenough and his wife Darcy of Great Bend, and Matt Goodenough and his wife Lisa of Las Vegas, Nev.; eight grandchildren, Brandon Goodenough, Zachary Goodenough, Summer McKee, Trent Goodenough, Trey Wiley, Tommy Goodenough, Caden Goodenough and Dilana Goodenough; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Tommy Belcher; and six sisters, Catherine Yocham, Eva Hogan, Lois McDowell, Ola Hemphill, Anna Fisher and Bernice Belcher.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend, with Pastor Rick Franklin officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery North. Friends may call from 5-9 p.m., Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to service time Thursday at Bryant Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are requested to the Norma Goodenough Funeral 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: Hoisington, Kansas

Sheryl “Sherie” Esfeld, 68, died November 27, 2017, at her home in Hoisington. She was born March 12, 1949, in Great Bend, Kansas, the only daughter of Earl and Mickie Van Doren.
Sherie graduated from Hoisington High School in 1967, and attended Denver Women’s College from 1967 to 1969. After that she returned home and graduated from the Great Bend Academy of Beauty. Sherie worked as a beautician in Great Bend and also in Pratt. She also worked as an accountant for the U.S. Government while living in Columbus, Ohio.

On July 9, 1970, she married Dan Esfeld in Nash, Oklahoma. Dan joined the Army in 1973, and they lived in several places both stateside and abroad until his retirement. They then moved back to Hoisington in 2007.

She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Hoisington. She loved her children and grandchildren very much, and loved spending time with them. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed baking, sewing, and crocheting.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Dan Esfeld of the home; and two children, son, Jason Esfeld and wife Cindy of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and daughter, Vania Earp of Springdale, Arkansas; grandchildren, Peyton Earp, Reagan Earp, Leah Earp, Meredith Beer, Dalton Esfeld, Logan Esfeld, and Megan Esfeld.; stepfather, Bob Glynn of Hoisington; and a stepbrother, Hilton Glynn and wife Marie of Hoisington.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mickie Glynn.

Vigil service will be 8 p.m., on Wednesday, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Friends may call 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 2017, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Anselm Eke. Burial will follow in Golden Belt Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas 

Mayette C. Keith, 97, died November 26, 2017, at Country Place Senior Living, Hoisington.  She was born March 10, 1920, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Henry Olinn and Sarah Margaret (Hunter) Graham.  Mayette graduated from Paseo High School, Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City Business College. She then went to work for Land Goddard Chevrolet in Kansas City, Missouri.

On July 24, 1942, she married Malcolm S. Keith in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mayette and Malcolm moved to Hoisington in 1945, where she worked as a secretary for J.L. Piper Insurance at the Hoisington Savings and Loan until the birth of her first daughter.

She was a member of the First Christian Church, Christian Women’s Fellowship, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter GG, Women’s Civic Club, and the Una Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She was a Mother Advisor of the Rainbow Girls and a board member for the Hoisington City Library for many years.  Mayette also belonged to the Sewing Circle and the Young at Heart Exercise Class.

Malcolm preceded her in death on December 28, 1997.

Survivors include; two daughters, Deborah K. Reif and husband Duane of Hoisington, and Karen Gae Schwartz and husband Matthew of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, JoAnn Hill of Denver, Colorado; brother-in-law, Samuel L. Keith of Leawood; grandchildren, Sarah Mayette Bricker and husband Mark of Oberlin, Shane Andrew Reif of Chicago, Illinois, Adam Keith Schwartz and wife Becky of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Haley Elizabeth Fritz and husband Dan of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and Katherine Nicole Schwartz of Omaha, Nebraska; a step grandson, Dana Matthew Schwartz and wife Melissa of Lenexa; and six great granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Ward Arnold Graham, two sisters, Ruth Mosley and Marolinn Smith; and a grandson, Branson Keith Reif.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 30, 2017, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Joshua Leu presiding. Burial will follow in Hoisington Cemetery.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids Endowment/GBCF or First Christian Church, Great Bend in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.