Dale Francis Fitkin
1933-2017
Dale F. Fitkin, 84, of Atchison, KS went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery, Atchison, KS Family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.
Dale was born January 8, 1933, in Waterloo, IA the son of Olin and Lenora (Meyer) Fitkin. He worked for Atchison Casting for many years and various positions around Atchison. Dale was member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS. He enjoyed dancing, gardening, going to bingo, watching TV game shows, the Royals, cooking and baking pies. Dale especially enjoyed his pets and taking care of people.
Dale married Beverly Barker on May 27, 1958. They were later divorced. Survivors include his dog, Link, his children; Kenneth (Sharon) Fitkin, Rushville, MO, Dale Lynn Fitkin and Dan Wolfe, Kansas City, MO, Danny (Lavern) Fitkin, Susan (Glen) Schmidt, Randy (Kelly) Fitkin, of Atchison, KS, and, eleven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren with one on the way and one great great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Robert and his twin; Delbert Fitkin, two sisters; Eunice Fitkin and Mary Quigley.
Robert “Bob” G. Thorpe
1947-2017
Robert “Bob” G. Thorpe, 70, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, June 9, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born May 7, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Bob graduated from Central High School in 1965. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from William Jewell College in 1969 and a Master’s Degree in Education from Northwest Missouri State in 1976.
Mr. Thorpe worked for the U.S. Department of Interior at Yellowstone National Park as a Park Ranger. He later taught and coached at Lathrop High School from 1969 to 1978, then Lafayette High School from 1978 to 2001. He also officiated women’s college basketball, high school cross country, and track and field. Bob was inducted into the MSHSAA Hall of Fame in 2016 for his work as an official.
Bob was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church, the Beta Xi chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, the Kansas National Guard and was an Eagle Scout.
He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family at the lake.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald B. Thorpe.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon (Koehnlein) Thorpe; children, Kim Kruse (Tom) and Kyle Thorpe (Zach Ozbun); two grandchildren, Cole and Cassie Kruse; mother, Martha G. Thorpe; brother, Jim Thorpe (Vicki); nieces, Carrie Gamino (Brad) and Kelly Parks; nephew, Dusty Thorpe (Tara); grandniece, Bobae Parks; and grandnephew, Jin Parks.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Ashland United Methodist Church. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mosaic Life Care Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Liam Lukas Presnell
2017-2017
Liam Lukas Presnell of St. Joseph, son of Dorothy Ashworth and Jake Presnell, was stillborn Friday, June 9, 2017 at the KU Medical Center. He is survived by his parents, sister, Zarionna Zaylen Presnell, paternal great grandmother, Linda Presnell, paternal great grandfather, Roger Way, paternal great grandparents, Jerold & Elsie Reynolds, paternal grandparents, John & Chrissy Reynolds, paternal grandmother, Rainey Presnell ( Angel Mix), maternal great grandparents, Gwen & Richard “Poppy” Kloepper, maternal grandfather, Orville Ashworth, maternal grandmother, Pamela Meyer, maternal stepgrandfather Jeffery Cockriel, and several aunts & uncles.
Graveside Funeral Services and Interment will be conducted on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Mount Olivet Cemetery, Rev Amber Wright officiating.
Sammy Joe Dunn
1932-2017
Sammy Joe Dunn, 84, of Highland, died Thursday evening, June 8, 2017, at his home.
Sam was born at Highland, August 14, 1932, one of four sons born to Charles and Harriet Alverna Sechler Dunn and was a lifelong Highland resident. He attended Highland schools where he graduated high school with the class of 1950. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy where he served for three years, discharged in 1953, at the rank of E5. Sam returned to Highland, and, along with his brother Charles, purchased Dunn Oil Co from their Dad in 1952. They operated a service station and offered bulk petroleum products to farmers/businesses in the Doniphan County area for 35 years before retiring.
Sam was a warm, kind, gentle man with a dry sense of humor. Every other Sunday when he wasn’t working, the family would go for a drive for good family time together. He was also a member of BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge; and Dillon-Bales Post, Highland. Sam delivered Meals-on-Wheels in Highland for many years.
He was married to Barbara Ryan-Titus, April 30, 1961, at Hiawatha. She died November 6, 1994. Sam was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Lloyd, Charles, and Jimmy.
Survivors include two sons: Charles L. Dunn of Highland, David Dunn (Asmae) of Spring, TX;
Step-children: Dennis Titus (Nanci) of Wichita, Carl Titus of Wichita, and Rachel Titus Durand (Phillip) of Shawnee, KS; 9 grandchildren: Tristan, Brett, Kaitlin, Chris, Dustin, Sami Jo, Amanda, Yasmine, and Nabilah; and 5 great-grandchildren
Funeral services are planned at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Highland, at 2 p.m. Monday, June 12, Jerry Petering will officiate. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon Sunday, where the family will meet with friends from 5 until 7 that afternoon.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Highland Senior Citizens Center or Kansas State Cancer Research, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland, 66035.
Edmond Eugene “Gene” Rush
1934-2017
Edmond Eugene “Gene” Rush, of Highland, KS died Friday afternoon, June 9th, 2017 at the age of 82.
Gene was born August 15, 1934 on a small farm three miles east of Highland, the youngest son of Virgil and Ida (Ploeger) Rush. The Rush family were 5th generation farmers, Gene learned his way through his brothers and father. He grew up in Doniphan County and went to school at Severance. He graduated Severance High School in 1954 and joined the United States Army until 1956.
Gene and Sally (Kerr) Rush married on April 19th, 1957 at the Severance Methodist Church. The couple were high school sweethearts and farmed all their married lives in Doniphan County where they also raised four children. In 1995, Gene and Sally moved to Highland, KS and opened The Meadowlark Bed and Breakfast where they enjoyed 20 years of hosting people from all over the country at their home.
Gene was known for his kind demeanor and cheerful personality. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, working on equipment, caring for animals, and keeping up on current events. He liked to travel in his younger days and truly loved the landscapes of Alaska, where he was also stationed as a young man in the U.S. Army and enjoyed various fishing trips visiting Alaska. Gene loved to spend time on his farm with his sons and grandson working on his various projects, and taking care of the animals he acquired. He was a gentle man, generous and a lifelong learner; Gene cared for his wife, Sally, up until his death.
Gene is survived by his wife Sally of the home; his sons; Paul and Karla Rush, of Highland; Tim and Sherri Rush of Wimberley, Texas; Mike and Tammy Rush, of Leona; a daughter; Julie Tevebaugh and her husband Dale, of Leavenworth; his grandchildren; Jackie Wilburn, of Prairie Village, KS and Stephanie Wilburn Lykins, of Lawrence, KS; Morgan Rush, of Kansas City, and Mason Rush and Brooklyn Rush, of Highland, his sister Shirley Silva, of Bela Horizonte, Brazil; numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
He is preceded in death by his brothers; Joe Rush, Frank Rush, Hylen Rush, Harold Rush, George Rush and his sister; Audrey Roberts.
A Celebration of Gene’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jerry Petering officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland after 10 a.m. Tuesday where the family will meet friends from 5 until 7 that evening.
Memorials are suggested to Highland Community College Vo-Tech/Atchison Campus which may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 33, Highland, KS 66035.
A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfunerahome.com
Patricia M. Harper
1931-2017
Patricia M. Harper, 85, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, June 9, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born August 13, 1931 to Merle and Freda (Karns) Grimm on St. Joseph, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother; two sisters; son, Ron King; and daughter, Sherry King.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Pleasant “Diamond” E. Harper, of the home; children, Trudy Dilley (Russell), Savannah, Missouri, Steven King, Agency, Missouri, Brenda Babb (Bill), St. Joseph, Jeff Harper (Julie), Junction City, Kansas and Lisa Burdick (Tim), Raymore, Missouri; brother, Jack Grimm (Lucy), St. Joseph; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Charlotte “Gwen” Bird
1930-2017
Charlotte “Gwen” (Page) Bird 87, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017. She was born January 10, 1930 in Rushville, MO, daughter of the late Ernest and Willie (Conard) Page. Gwen attended Benton High School and worked at Naberhaus Groceries, Bellas-Hess, and was a homemaker. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, cooking, and loved spending time with her family. Gwen was a longtime member of Carnegie Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, and served as the church treasurer and Sunday School secretary. She then joined Immanuel Baptist Church.Gwen married Billie Lee Bird, Sr. March 22, 1950. He passed away on June 8th, 1995. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a daughter Charlotte Kay Bird and her 11 brothers and sisters. Survivors include, four children: Gail (Daryl) Garvis, Kansas City, MO, Billie Bird Jr., St. Joseph, MO, Elizabeth (John) Hanvy, Chapel Hill, NC, and Carole (Clifford) Black, Saint Joseph, MO; 6 grandchildren: Bill (Brooke), Carolyn (Jeremy), Becky, Sarah, Paul, and Page; and 4 great-grandchildren: Halie, Jackson, Parker, and Pyper. Services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Cliff Black officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The interment will be at the Ashland Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to the Immanuel Baptist Church. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
Jeaniece Marie Benedict
1947-2017
Jeaniece Marie Benedict 69, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born August 31, 1947 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Virginia and Peter Nurski. She graduated from Benton High School class of 1965 and married Richard Benedict in 1972, he survives of the home. She worked at Boehringer-Ingelheim in the Research and Development department retiring after 20 years of service. She enjoyed crocheting, and loved spending time with her family, her grandsons were her whole world. Jeaniece was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Virginia Standifer. Survivors include, husband, Richard Benedict of the home, son, Douglas Wayne (Jenifer) Benedict, St. Joseph, MO, grandsons, Kodi (Cori) Benedict, Kyle Benedict, and Cameron Norris, 2 great grandsons, Dallas & Karsen, and a brother, Richard Nurski, St. Joseph, MO.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Monday, June 12, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Greg Smith officiating, The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society.
Elmer Louis Hatheway, Sr.
1946-2017
Elmer Louis Hatheway Sr. 71, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 5, 1946 in Stanberry, MO, son of the late Nora and Emmett Hatheway. He married Billie Doris Scott in 1964 and they settled down in Cosby, MO and raised their family for over 30 years. He worked at Missouri Iron & Metal Co. as a Yard Supervisor for over 35 years, He served as Mayor of Cosby at one time, and was a volunteer fire fighter, boy scout leader and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Elmer was a avid lover of camping, hunting, fishing, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, 14 brothers and sisters, and 2 grandchildren, Dekoda E.L. Neill, and Nicole Elizabeth Hatheway. Survivors include, wife, Billie Doris Hatheway of the home, eight children: Ricky Hatheway, Belinda Petitt, Lena Fetters, Elmer Hatheway, Jr., Ronnie Hatheway, Billy Hatheway, Debra Neill, and Everett Hatheway, 27 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. and numerous nieces and nephews, and his loving companion Lady.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Roger Wilcoxen, and Pastor Dave Hugger officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Bethel Cemetery, Cosby, Missouri. Memorials are requested to the Friends of the Animal Shelter.
Patricia R. Nigus
1942-2017
Hiawatha, KS Patricia R. Nigus, 74, of Hiawatha, passed away with her family by her side, June 6, 2017, at the Pines South in Hiawatha.
She was born in Highland, Kansas on September 30, 1942, the youngest of four children born to John Wesley and Nellie Fern Beaman Koelliker. Patricia “Pat” attended Highland Schools and graduated from Highland High School in 1960 and Highland Community College in 1962, with an associate’s degree in business. She married Don L. Nigus on August 26th of that year.
Survivors include her husband Don of the home; son Philip (Tammy) Nigus of Olathe, KS; triplet daughters: Lisa (Terry) Weiland of Bendena, Lori (Gary) Snavely of St. Joseph, Lynn Rupe of Wathena; nephew Michael David (Missy) Nigus, Atchison, 8 grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers Gene (Pat) Koelliker of Hiawatha, Gary (Phyllis) Koelliker of Highland; and a sister Connie Koelliker of Hiawatha.
Pat was preceded in death by parents; and a grandson James Francis Weiland.
Pat worked in clerical positions in several school districts across Kansas from Doniphan County in the Northeast to Kearny and Haskell County in the Southwest prior to serving as the Outpatient Clinic Receptionist at the Hiawatha Community Hospital where she retired.
She was the 1961 Apple Blossom Queen Candidate for Highland Community College. One of her greatest joys was her family, in particular her children and giving birth to triplets.
A Celebration of Pat’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Rhonda Boeckman will deliver the eulogy, assisted by Ryan VanPeursem.
The family will meet with friends starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to BCDS of Hiawatha, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434