Dateline: Claflin, KS
Geralyn “Gerry” M. Schartz, 57, died January 10, 2017, at Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita. She was born February 2, 1959, in Lyons, Kansas, the daughter of Alfonso “Al” and Ruth (Vilapando) Morales.
Gerry graduated from Lyons H.S. in 1977. A longtime Claflin resident, Gerry worked as the Library Aide at Central Plains High School, in Claflin. She had also worked for the US Postal Service and had ran her own daycare.
Gerry was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she was active in the Altar Society and taught PSR classes for many years.
On January 15, 1983, she married Paul E. Schartz Jr. in Lyons, Kansas.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 34 years, Paul E. Schartz Jr.; and their three children, Christopher Schartz of Claflin, Melissa Puetz and husband Jacob of Goddard, Kansas, and Luke Schartz of Claflin; her parents, Al & Ruth Morales of Lyons, Kansas; five siblings, Debbie Christianson, Tony Morales, Alvina Lundquist, Max Morales, and Susie Morales; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Vigil with Altar Society Rosary will be 7 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday at the church, celebrated by Father Terrance Klein. Burial will follow in Claflin Cemetery. Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, at the funeral home. Casket will be closed per Gerry’s wishes. Memorials may be made to the K-State University Marching Band or the Community Scholarship Inc., of Claflin, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net
GREAT BEND — Charles E. “Pete” Peterson, 89, died Jan. 7, 2017, at Cherry Village Nursing Home, Great Bend. He was born March 24, 1927, at Wichita, the son of Claude M. and Malnor Elizabeth (Coe) Peterson. He married Roberta Jean Wallis Dec. 4, 1949, at Tulsa, Okla. She died October 19, 2005. A Great Bend resident since 1958, Mr. Peterson was an oilfield worker and later worked for Straub International, Great Bend Auto Supply and Parts, Inc. He was a United States Army Air Corps veteran, serving during World War II.
OTIS — Betty Lou Mootz, 90, died Jan. 10, 2017, at Locust Grove Village, La Crosse. Born Feb. 9, 1926, in rural Barton County, she was the daughter of Herman L. and Pauline (Reinhardt) Brack. She was a graduate of Otis Rural High School, Otis and Salt City Business College, Hutchinson. She married Robert L. Mootz May 8, 1949 at Otis United Methodist Church, Otis. He died July 13, 1992. A lifetime area resident, she and her husband operated B&B Sundries in Otis for many years. She also worked at the Otis State Bank and then Otis-Bison High School until her retirement. She volunteered at the high school until 2015.
Moore, Patricia Laura
GREAT BEND — Mary Elizabeth Boyle, 96, died Jan. 6, 2017, at her home with her family by her side. She was born on Sept. 6, 1920 at Wilsall, Mont., to Paul Vestal and Matilda (Allan) Smith. She was the fourth of five children born to this pioneering couple. She grew up in Salina on the family dairy farm.
William K. “Bill” McCoy 1930 – 2017
Delores I. “Dee” Potts 1934-2017
GREAT BEND — Lucille Kathryn Hickel Branan, 90, died Jan. 2, 2017, at Hopewest Hospice, Grand Junction, Colo. She was born Nov. 3, 1926, at Redwing, the daughter of Emil and Magdelena (Courange) Hickel. She married Leo A. Kaiser April 24, 1945, at Beaver, Kansas. He died Sept. 29, 1961. She then married R. L. “Bob” Branan Jan. 15, 1973, at Claflin. He died Apr. 26, 2008. Mrs. Branan was a lifetime resident of Barton County.