GREAT BEND – Raymond Lee Bethel, 55, passed away August 15, 2019 at his home in Great Bend. He was born July 17, 1964 at Great Bend to Wylie Lee and Rita Marie (Debes) Bethel.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Raymond loved cars, animals, bowling, and semi trucks. He enjoyed being a part of the Special Olympics every year. He was a people person and always friendly.

Survivors include, two brothers, Ronald Bethel and wife Alicia of Newaygo, MI and Randy Bethel and wife Michelle of Pawnee Rock; two sisters, Ruby Alloway and husband Mark and Robin Bethel, all of Great Bend; six nieces, Brandi Ellis and husband Dustin of Great Bend, Kayley Bruinsma and husband John of Newaygo, MI, Leah Bethel of Newaygo, MI, Rochelle Bethel of Great Bend, Cheyenne Bethel and Kiara Bethel both of Pawnee Rock; and three nephews, Dustin Alloway and wife Lynee of Otis, Trenton Alloway and fiancé Ashley Mallow of Great Bend and Cody Bethel of Newaygo, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Luther and Opal Bethel and Lawrence and Mary Debes.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 19, 2019 at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Don Paden presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and Golden Belt Humane Society, 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

James Deollis Bromlow of Overland Park, Kansas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the evening of July 11^th, 2019.

James was born on November 16, 1935 at the family home located near Chester in West Dane Township, Major County, Oklahoma and was the second of six children born to Fletcher Deollis Bromlow and Dolah Elisabeth (Thomas) Bromlow.  He grew up working on the family farm with his father outside of Chester and graduated from Longdale High School in 1955.

Following graduation, James began his farming career in the summer of 1955 when he was hired by Charles Bannister of Alexander, Kansas.  Unbeknownst to him, he also met his future wife at this time.  James served two stints in the United States Army from September, 1958 until September, 1960 and again from September 1961 until final discharge in 1962.

On November 24, 1960, James married Joyce Arlene (Bannister) Bromlow of Alexander, Kansas in the Vassar United Methodist Church in Vassar, Kansas.  Together they had two children:  a daughter, Kerri and a son, Kris.  James and Joyce lived in Alexander, Kansas until 1987 when they relocated to LaCrosse, Kansas.

James was a farmer and a life-long caretaker of the land.  He enjoyed spending time with his family which often included fishing, trips to visit extended family and friends, going to his childrens’ activities and ball games as well as helping with various 4-H projects.  James always made himself available to help out neighbors and fellow farmers when the situation called for it.  He also loved playing cards and dominoes while visiting with friends.

James was a member of the Alexander Kiwanis Club; board member of the Alexander Co-op; member of the Rush County Extension Board; member, trustee and usher of the United Methodist Church; Alexander Council Member; and served as the Mayor of Alexander.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce (Bannister) Bromlow, his parents, Fletcher and Dolah Bromlow; brothers Louie and Kenneth; sisters Nidella Gibson and Alzadia Kirkham.

Surviving family members include:  daughter, Kerri Renz (and husband Keith) of Overland Park; son, Kris Bromlow (and wife Laura) of Katy, Texas.  Also surviving James are: his five grandchildren, Andrew Renz of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; Landon and Hayden Renz of Overland Park, Kansas; Kaitlyn and Jack Bromlow of Katy, Texas; two great grandchildren, Hailey and Nathan Renz of Lawrence, Kansas; his brother Leslie and sister in law Caroline of Seiling, Oklahoma; his sister in law Marcia Bannister and husband Ken Griffin of Hays, Kansas; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins on both the Bromlow and Bannister sides of the family.

The family has planned a celebration of life ceremony to be held in honor of both James and Joyce at the United Methodist Church in LaCrosse, Kansas on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Alzheimer’s Association which can be made at www.alz.org or the United Methodist Church located at 220 Washington, LaCrosse, Kansas  67548.

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

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

Joyce Arlene (Bannister) Bromlow of Overland Park, Kansas passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours of October 30, 2018.

Joyce was born on August 27, 1939 at St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital in Larned, Kansas and was the only daughter to Charles Bannister and Gladys (Hanson) Bannister of Alexander, Kansas.  She grew up on the family farm outside of Alexander, was an active member of the United Methodist Church and graduated from Alexander High School in 1957.  Joyce then graduated from Fort Hays Kansas State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1961 and subsequently a Master of Science in Elementary Education in 1966.

On November 24, 1960, Joyce married James D. Bromlow of Fairview, Oklahoma in the Vassar United Methodist Church in Vassar, Kansas.  Together they had two children:  a daughter, Kerri and a son, Kris.  James and Joyce lived in Alexander, Kansas until 1987 when they relocated to LaCrosse, Kansas.

Joyce began her teaching career at the age of nineteen and taught for over forty-two years in the communities of Bazine, Alexander and LaCrosse.  After retirement, she continued to serve as a substitute teacher at area elementary schools in the Rush County area.  Throughout her adult life, she was an active member of the United Methodist Church, Rebecca Circle, United Methodist Women, and lifelong church choir member.  Joyce participated in Rotary Club and served on the Barnhard Library Board for many years.  She also held memberships in the Kansas State Teacher’s Association, National Education Association, as well as Rush and Ness County Teacher’s Associations.  Joyce was a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for over 40 years, and a lifetime member of the Fort Hays State Alumni Association.  She taught Sunday School as well as Vacation Bible School classes, was a member of the Pro Art Music Club, a leader in Girl Scouts, 4-H and served as the Mayor of Alexander.

As evidenced by her commitment to teaching, Joyce thoroughly enjoyed working with children and helping the people in her community.  Her biggest enjoyment in life centered around the time spent with her family and in particular making memories while watching her children and grandchildren grow.  She loved visiting with friends both old and new.  She took pleasure in singing, playing the piano, working in her yard, taking long walks with her husband and friends, cooking, and reading books.  Her favorite family outings included attending dinner theaters, concerts, plays, and sporting events.  Joyce traveled extensively throughout the continental United States and took trips to Canada as well as Europe.  She enjoyed a full life pursuing her passion for knowledge.  She lived life with the goal of serving God, her family and her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Bannister as well as her brother William C. (Bill) Bannister.

Surviving family members at her time of death include:  husband James Bromlow of Overland Park, Kansas (now deceased); daughter, Kerri Renz (and husband Keith) of Overland Park; son, Kris Bromlow (and wife Laura) of Katy, Texas.  Also surviving Joyce are: her five grandchildren, Andrew Renz of Arvada, Colorado; Landon and Hayden Renz of Overland Park; Kaitlyn and Jack Bromlow of Katy, Texas; two great grandchildren, Hailey and Nathan Renz of Lawrence, Kansas; her sister in law Marcia Bannister of Hays, Kansas; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins on both the Bromlow and Bannister sides of the family.

The family has planned a celebration of life ceremony to be held in honor of both James and Joyce at the United Methodist Church in LaCrosse, Kansas on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Alzheimer’s Association which can be made at www.alz.org or the United Methodist Church located at 220 Washington, LaCrosse, Kansas  67548.

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 

Veronica E. Oberle, 84, died August 13, 2019, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood.  She was born August 19, 1934, in Plainville, Kansas, the daughter of Oscar Paul and Euphemia (Senecal) Adams.  Veronica graduated from Plainville High School in 1953.

A resident of Claflin since the late 70’s, Veronica was a homemaker and private caregiver.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society, and the Daughters of Isabella. She was a former member of the Volunteer Fire Dept. Auxiliary in New Jersey.  Veronica loved to travel, embroidery, crochet, and quilt.

On March 5, 1982, she married Oscar Oberle in St. John, Kansas.  He preceded her in death on February 13, 1997.

She is survived by two sisters, Pauline Kaiser of Salina and Rita Hall of Las Vegas, Nevada; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, John and Francis Adams, and three sisters, Margaret Treadwell, Theresa Meis, and Ramona Abra.

Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the funeral home. Per her wishes there will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday with Vigil and Rosary to begin at 7 p.m. Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday August 17, 2019, at the Claflin Cemetery, with Father Terrance Klein presiding.

Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Woodhaven Care Center in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Dateline: Hoisington, Kansas

Esther Marie Cromwell, 93, passed away August 13, 2019, at Almost Home, Great Bend.  She was born April 3, 1926, at Hoisington, to Alexander and Marie (Zimmerman) Wegele.  Esther married Ira Cromwell Nov. 4, 1945, at Hoisington.  He died Oct. 7, 1987.

Esther, a life time resident of Hoisington, was a homemaker and farmwife.  She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington, and enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, jigsaw puzzles and caring for her house plants.

Survivors include three daughters, Shirley Zigler and husband Darrell of Susank, Connie Gilzinger and husband John of Great Bend, and Barbara Janway of Heavener, Okla.; one brother, Wilmer Wegele of Great Bend; one sister, Elsie Hicks of Santa Fe, Tex.; seven grandchildren, David Zigler and wife Andrea, Darla Carson and husband Chris, Deana Zigler and husband Michael, Jennifer Kaiser and husband Mike, Jon Welch and wife Jamie, Cristan Gottschalk and husband Clint, and Truman Janway and wife Kimberly; three step grandchildren, Tina Fenske, Michael Gilzinger and wife Bonnie, Amanda Yorkey and husband Brendan; 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.  She was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence Wegele, Leslie Wegele and John Wegele; and son-in-law, David Janway.

Funeral will be at 10:00 am Friday, August 16, 2019, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington, with Pastor Wayne Baldyga presiding.  Interment will follow at Hoisington City Cemetery, Hoisington. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been suggested to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or The Golden Belt Community Foundation to benefit Heartland Cancer Center, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box, 146, Hoisington, KS, 67544.

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

HUTCHINSON – Duane V. Wilhelm, 73, passed away August 11, 2019, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. He was born April 21, 1946 at Larned to Virgil Paul & Peggy (Milloway) Wilhelm.

A Rosewood resident for the last 12 years, Duane worked as a laborer.

Survivors include, two daughters, Rhonda Zimmer of Ellinwood and Janell Fox of Beatrice, NE; one sister, Ann Phillips and husband Jim of Hutchinson; and two nieces, Dana Darrah and husband Chad of Hutchinson and Nicole Beatty and husband Chad of Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2019 and from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Saturday, August 17, 2019. Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Albert Cemetery, Albert, with Pastor Morita Truman presiding. Memorials are suggested to the Duane Wilhelm Memorial 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

TOPEKA – Jo Kay Lepej, 72, passed away May 24, 2019, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born January 31, 1947, at Great Bend to Joe F. & Elma M. (Laughlin) Lepej. Jo Kay was a 1965 Council Grove High School graduate, then pursued her higher education from K.S.U., graduating in 1969.

A long time Topeka resident, Jo Kay was a CNA at Stormont Vail Hospital. She was a member of the First United Congregational Church and the Hot Air Balloon Club in Topeka. She enjoyed QVC, Royals baseball, Jeopardy and was a passionate Marion High School sports fan.

Surviving her passing was her mother, Elma M. Lepej (passed away August 11, 2019); sister, Patti Smith and husband George of Isle, MN; two nieces and one nephew, Tyler Mermis of Marion, Taryn Baca of Goodyear, Ariz., and Tierney Mermis of Great Bend; and five great nieces and nephews, Blaine, Bryce and Brynn Mermis of Marion, Haley Suchy of Great Bend, and Kamryn Baca of Goodyear, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her father, Joe F. Lepej.

Jo Kay’s visitation will be held jointly with her mother, Elma M. Lepej, from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home and from 9:00 a.m. to service time, with family receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Joint services for Jo Kay and Elma will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with The Reverend Adam Wutka and Pastor Mike Munz presiding. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Mark Lutheran Church, or Masonic Lodge #15, 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 – Elma M. Lepej, 103, passed away August 11, 2019, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born on June 30, 1916, in Rush County to George Raymond & Nellie (Burky) Laughlin. She was raised by her paternal grandparents after the death of her mother in childbirth.

At ten years of age, her father married Bessie Burkch of McGhee, Ark., and the twins, Elma and Elmer, moved to Arkansas with them. To this marriage were born William J. and Elizabeth Alice. They moved back to Hoisington at the end of their sophomore year in high school. Elma and Elmer moved back to LaCrosse with their grandparents and graduated from LaCrosse High School in 1934.

Elma married Joseph “Joe” Lepej on April 17, 1943, at Great Bend. He died May 15, 1988. They moved to Junction City where Joe had a Civil Service job at Ft. Riley. After Joe was called into the Army in World War II, Elma returned to Great Bend where she worked at Western Paper until Joe returned from overseas. They then purchased a shoe repair shop in Council Grove in June 1947. Their daughters Jo Kay was born January 31, 1947, and Patti Jean was born February 7, 1951. The family returned to Great Bend in 1965.

Elma was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Great Bend. She sang in the church and community choirs from high school through her eighties. From 1966 – 1973, Elma was a secretary/receptionist for Dr. Richard Herold, D.D.S. and then worked for 12 ½ years as the secretary at First Congregational United Church of Christ, until she retired in 1987. She was a life member of the Order of Easter Star (Golden Sheaf Chapter 26), V.F.W. Auxiliary #3111, Central Kansas Thread Benders, Dorcas Circle, and A.A.R.P.  After her retirement, Elma was also a board member of the Barton County Emergency Aid and also worked part-time at the Barton County Community College Center for Adult Education as a secretary.

Survivors include, one daughter, Patti Smith and husband George of Isle, MN; one sister, Elizabeth Wilson of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren, Tyler Mermis, Taryn Baca and Tierney Mermis; and five great grandchildren, Blaine Mermis, Bryce Mermis, Brynn Mermis, Hayley Suchy and Kamryn Baca. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph “Joe” Lepej; one daughter, Jo Kay Lepej; twin brother, Elmer Laughlin; and brother, Judge William Laughlin.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home and from 9:00 a.m. to service time, with family receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home in Great Bend with The Reverend Adam Wutka and Pastor Mike Munz presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Mark Lutheran Church, or Masonic Lodge #15, 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