Jeffery Clay Nowak
1963-2018

Jeffery Clay Nowak 54, of DeKalb, Missouri, passed away Monday February 26, 2018 at the Northcare hospice house, KC. MO. He was born October 19, 1963 in De Kalb, Missouri son of Patricia Clinton Nowak. He married Kim Jenkins Nowak in June , 1988 and she survives of the home. He worked at Prime Tanning 28 years, and Silgan Containers 10 years, Jeffery enjoyed anything to do with working with his hands, working on motors, and working with his cattle. Jeffery was preceded in death by his mother Patricia Nowak, and brother, Tim Nowak. Survivors include wife Kim Nowak of the home, father, Clinton Nowak, DeKalb, daughter, Lacie Hysten, Washington, D.C., son, Jeffery Shane Nowak, DeKalb, MO, granddaughter, Ashtyn Nowak, brothers, Clinton “Rocky” Nowak Jr., Russell Nowak, Gary Nowak, and Billy Nowak all of DeKalb, MO. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 6:00 P.M. Thursday, March 1, 2018 at DeKalb Christian Church, 301 Main Street, DeKalb, Missouri 64440, Pastor Pat Sampson officiating. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Jerry Randolph Holt
1945-2018

Jerry Randolph Holt 72, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully, Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Mosaic Lifecare hospital with his family by his side. He was born and raised on a farm June 4, 1945 in West Plains, MO. He moved to St Joseph in 1962, and married Jeanneta Smith on July 6, 1963, and she survives of the home. He was an over-the-road truck driver for Beatty’s and Missouri Pacific Truck Line until 1974 when he purchased the old Rialto Theatre which he refurbished as a bar and restaurant, Holt’s Place, the Friendly Place, retiring in 2005 for health reasons. In 1985 he opened and operated Holt’s Hall until 1990. He was a Little League coach for many years, an avid gardener and a farmer and lover of people at heart. He was a life long member of King Hill Masonic Lodge #376 A.F. & A. M. He was a Deacon and Director of the B-men at Faith United Baptist Church. Jerry was preceded in death by father, Earl Holt, mother, Gladys Pearl Uber, nephew, J.R. Talley, and brother-in-law, Vernon Reynolds. Survivors include, wife, Jeanetta Holt of the home. son, Darrin Holt, St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Dana (Bert) Frost, Chicago, IL, sisters, Brenda Kaye Holt, St. Louis, MO, and Evelyn Earline Reynolds, Springfield, MO, granchildren: Jared (Debren) Holt, Abigail Frost, Kathleen Frost, Coquise Frost, Bruno Frost, Esther Frost, Josh Rocha, and Barry Chad, great-grandchildren, Hudson Holt, Marah Rocha, Nico Rocha.

Funeral services: 11:00 am, Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Faith United Baptist Church, Pastor Jim Longe officiating, The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Bethel Cemetery. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Faith United Baptist Church. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Delbert Ray Fletcher
1948-2018

Delbert Ray Fletcher 69, of Gower, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 26, 2018 in Liberty, MO. He was born June 19, 1948 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Ruth and George Fletcher. He served in the Marines and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked at Quaker Oats as a Truck Loader. He was a Life Member of the VFW post #6760, the NRA, and the American Legion post #359. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, and Stacy Jo Jones Fletcher. Survivors include, wife, Beverly Fletcher of the home, daughter, Tammy Rae Fletcher, Kansas City, MO, son, Paul McQuiston, Savannah, MO, and daughter, Tammy May Young, Plattsburg, MO, 14 Grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, brother, Dale Fletcher, St. Joseph, MO, and sisters, Betty Lou Dunlap, Raytown, MO, and Barbara (Steven) Brightman, Polo, MO. Funeral services: 10:00 am, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Blakely Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the VFW Post 6760. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Randy Joe Weda
1952-2018

Randy Joe Weda, 65, of Reserve died Sunday evening, February 25, 2018 at his home.

Randy was born November 8, 1952 in West Palm Beach, FL to Joseph and Donna Long Weda.

He graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1971.

Randy worked for Ag Partners in Hiawatha from 1992 to 2015. He worked the last 3 years for Berwick Co-op oil Company as a driver for fuel and propane until his health failed. Randy enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his friends.

He is survived by his sister, Gail Weda of Reserve, KS.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents

Vera Jo Harnish
1923-2018

Vera Jo Harnish, 94, of Hiawatha died Wednesday evening, January 24th, 2018, at the Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha, where she was a resident.

Vera Jo was born November 9, 1923, at her parents’ home in Salemsborg, Kansas with the assistance of her two grandmothers. She graduated from Smolan High School May 1941. Following high school she entered nurses training at Asbury Protestant Hospital Salina, Kansas and received her registered nursing degree in January 1945. As a nurse, Vera Jo worked 40 years as a surgical, obstetrical, pediatric, evening supervisor, industrial, public health and school nurse.

In 1946, she married Frank Huna who died suddenly in 1950. Following his death she met and married Eugene Harnish February 18, 1951 in Valeda, Kansas. After living many places, they moved to Hiawatha in 2000 and had celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to Eugene’s death.

Throughout Vera Jo’s life she volunteered multiple places and participated in various church and Tri Sigma activities since retiring from nursing. Most recently she was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Hiawatha, Kansas.

Vera Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Nelson and Margarite Drevits-Nelson, husband Eugene and sister Carol. She is survived by her brother in law Art Harnish and wife Shirley, cousins, numerous nieces and nephews and great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She and Eugene had no children but enjoyed their cats and dogs and babysitting some delightful children.

Memorial services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 5, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha, with Reverend Michael Dunaway and Reverend Sean Kilgo will officiate. Inurnment will follow at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions will be made to Maple Heights in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St, Hiawatha 66434.

Pamela Sue Pickerell
1954-2018

Pamela Sue (Hull) Pickerell, 63, Troy, passed away February 28, 2018 surrounded by her family at Mosaic Life Care in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born May 26, 1954 in St. Joseph, MO, the daughter of Hillman and Grace (Wiedmer) Hull.

Pam graduated from Troy High School in 1972 and Highland Community College in 1974 with an Associate of Science. She lived her whole life in the Troy community. She worked as a billing clerk at Doniphan Electric for 42 years.

She grew up and was baptized at the Burr Oak Baptist Church. She and her family were lifelong members of Troy Christian Church.

Pam married Jim Pickerell on September 13, 1975 in Troy at the Troy Baptist Church. He survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Jared Pickerell of Troy; a daughter, Jena Williams (Tyler) of Hiawatha. Father, Hillman Hull of Troy, Brother, David Hull of Troy. She was preceded in death by her mother, Grace Hull.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Troy Christian Church in Troy, Kansas.

Visitation will be held at 6-8 Friday evening at the church. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Friday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Interment: Fanning Cemetery, Fanning, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to Troy Ambulance Fund, Troy Christian Church, or Flaming Spirit Camp.

Guy Blasing
1948-2018

Guy “Sniffles” Winston Blasing 70, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday February 10, 2018 in Saint Joseph. He was born January 18, 1948 in Oakland, California. He served in the United States Military, and was a loved and respected Brother of the Forever Americans Riding Club for 3 years. He enjoyed riding and having fun. Guy was preceded in death by his father, Warner Moller, mother, Jane Eleanor Blasing, daughter, Samantha, and brother, Donnie. He will be missed and never forgotten, by his fellow members, the Wicked Sisters Ladies Riding Club, and his friend Amy Stafford, and his best friend Steve Monroe. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Friday, with a funeral service to follow starting at 2:00 PM at the Rupp Funeral Home, Rev. James Kerns officiating. Burial will be at the Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Bobby G. Selman
1934-2018

Bobby G. Selman, 83, passed away on February 28, 2018, in Hiawatha, KS.

Bobby was born November 22, 1934, in New Castle, IN, to Francis Selman Sr. and Dorothy Jordan Selman. He was one of ten children.

Bobby grew up in Hiawatha where he graduated from high school in 1953. He met his future bride, Beverly Morton, through one of his younger sisters. They were wed on June 1, 1956, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Hiawatha. Together they had two sons, Mike and Kevin.

Bobby enjoyed making mechanical things work. He loved to find cars, motorcycles, lawn mowers, etc. and fix them. It was more than a hobby. During high school he started working as a mechanic in Donny Martin’s local garage. From there he went on to work at the International Harvester Company Implement and Tractor dealership of Hiawatha starting in 1953. He worked his way up to Service Manager, a position he held until it closed in 1986. He enjoyed his work colleagues and especially enjoyed joining in on many a practical joke. After IHC closed, he went to work for Steve’s Tractor Repair from 1987 to 1988, when he retired.

Bobby believed in helping others and contributing to the community. He was active in the National Guard for 9 years. He also served on the Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years. He was a member of the Hiawatha Country Club and the Elks Club for many years as well. He was also a member of the First Christian Church of Hiawatha.

Bobby enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish and play golf. He enjoyed passing on his passions to his sons and took great joy in seeing them catch the bigger fish or bag the larger buck than he did.

As a family they frequently went camping. For many years they were part of the Traveling Tee Pee Camping Club, which regularly set up at the local lakes and State reservoirs.

He and Bev also took many trips on his motorcycle. He would plan a large looping path to cover several states. One of their favorite adventures was to drive through Colorado. After retiring he continued riding with friends often setting out to find a new lunch spot.

Since retiring, he was a regular at the local Subway morning coffee group. Sharing stories and keeping up on what was happening with the other members’ lives motivated him to get up and going every day.

Bobby loved his family and his little dog, Lizzy. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of the home; sons Mike (Kem) of Overland Park; Kevin (Brenda) of Columbia, MO; grandson Cameron (Lori) of Marissa, IL; granddaughters Melissa (Drew) Woolery and Paige Selman all of Kansas City, MO; and one great granddaughter Audi Mae Woolery. Bobby is also survived by his two sisters, Linda Selman (Glenn) Hennigan, of Sabetha and Wanda Selman Pautz of Lincoln, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers – Francis Jr., Frederick, Wesley, Everett, Charles, Larry, and his sister Rosetta Selman Gurney.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brown County Humane Society or the First Christian Church Memorial Fund.

Services will be at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home of Hiawatha. Visitation will be 6:30- 8 p.m., Monday, March 5. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Stephen J. McCourt
1933-2018

Stephen J. McCourt, 84 of Atchison KS died on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at the Atchison Hospital.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow in the Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, KS The family will receive friends from 10:00AM until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital, Parkinson’s Foundation, or Atchison Senior Village and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Stephen J. McCourt was born on March 19, 1933 in Easton, KS the son of Stephen H. and Retha Mae (Miller) McCourt. He graduated from Atchison High School in 1951. Mr. McCourt worked as a supervisor in the cleaning room at Rockwell International for 38 years retiring in March 1988. After retiring, Mr. McCourt taught welding at the NEKS Area Vo-Tech for 6 years. He was a member of the Elks, and enjoyed camping, yard work, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

He was married to Leanna Diffley on July 3, 1951 in Atchison, KS. Mrs. McCourt survives of the home. Additional survivors include a son Ron E. McCourt, Kearney, NE, a daughter, Debbie (Terry) Robinson, Lancaster, KS, a sister, Mary K. Lee, Easton, KS, six grandchildren, three step grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and seven step grandchildren. His parents, an infant daughter, Dianna Lynn McCourt, a daughter-in-law, Cindy McCourt, brother & sister in law, Jack and June Diffley and brother in law, Joe Lee preceded him in death.

Ronald Gary Reno
1941-2018

Ronald Gary Reno, 76, of Atchison, KS died on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Atchison Hospital.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Ziegler officiating. The body will be cremated following the service with burial of cremated remains at a later date at the Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Grant Fund or Unleashed Pet Rescue and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com

Gary was born on July 30th, 1941 in Atchison, KS the son of Louis A. and Mildred R. (Rathert) Reno. He attended Atchison High School and had worked in various sales positions including promotional sales. He last worked as a security guard for Guard Mark. Gary was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he had served as an usher. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association and helped teach gun safety at the Atchison Rife Club which his father had founded. Mr. Reno enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing with his sons, daughter and grandchildren and will be remembered by his baseball, football, and basketball coaching for the Atchison Recreation. He also enjoyed woodworking and making pieces for his family and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

He was married to Ellen Kay Page on March 14, 1959 in Leavenworth, KS. She survives of the home.
Additional survivors include three sons, Michael (Donna) Reno, Topeka, KS, Todd (Pam) Reno, Atchison, and Mark (Sandy) Reno, Atchison, KS, a daughter, Kristin ”Crickett” (Reno) Koller, Atchison, KS, two brothers, Wayne Reno, Atchison, KS, Tom A. Macy, Las Vegas, NV, thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. His parents, a son, Gary A. Reno, and a brother, Stanley Reno preceded him in death. .

Betty Lou Lewis
1928-2018

Betty Lou Lewis 89, of Elwood, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born April 28, 1928 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Minnie (Shirley) and Walter Graves. She graduated from Rosendale high school retired from H.D. Lee as a seamstress after 36 years. She loved to sew, decorate cakes, and read. Betty was preceded in death by husband, George “Joe” Lewis, her parents, brother, Robert Graves. Survivors include, daughters, Sharon (Dave) Patterson, Elwood, KS, and Georgia “Mae” (Manny) Martinez, son, Walter “Wally” (Linda) Lewis, Elwood, KS, 5 grandsons, Jason Patterson, Jeremy Hunter, Bryan Patterson, Scott Lewis, and Nathan Martinez, 4 great grandchildren, sister, Dona (Jim) Wells of Savannah, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services: 11:00 am, Monday, March 5, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Ashland Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the American Kidney foundation. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Edward Ray Helsel Sr.
1936-2018

Edward R. Helsel Sr. 81, of St. Joseph, Missouri went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 1st , 2018 following a short illness, hospitalization and hospice care. He was born on September 15, 1936 son of the late Edward and Marie Helsel. Ed attended Benton High School and spent his entire life in St. Joseph, Missouri. He married Catherine Rock on January 29, 1955 and celebrated 63 years of marriage. Ed’s working career started with Hawkin’s Gas Station, Dugdales Packing House and later retired from Nestle Purina facility. Ed had four children – Edward Helsel Jr (Sheryl), Scott Helsel (Cathie), Kelly Helsel, and Dave Helsel (Sivi). Ed was blessed with (9) grandkids – Mike Helsel (Krista), Amy Hayes (Josh), Jason Osborn (Jen), Crissy Liggett (Chris), Joey Helsel, Tavin Noellsch (Bree), Coldin Noellsch, Makenzie Helsel and Madie Helsel. Six great grandkids – Ike Hayes, Lexi Helsel, Griffin Helsel, Jacoby Osborn, Jonas Osborn and Tristyn Fynnigan. Surviving brother Roger Helsel (Joyce) and sister in law Shirley Helsel. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Marie Helsel, brother Rodney Helsel, sister Shirley Carter and brother Kenny Helsel. Besides being a home body, Ed loved his family and friends, spending most of bis time surrounded by each. He will be remembered for always being there and his involvement in coaching of our boys baseball days, seasonal mushroom hunting and his love for gardening and working in the yard. His committment to his family, huge heart, and ability to make one laugh will always be cherished.

Funeral services: 2:00 PM Monday, Rupp Funeral Home. Fr. Joseph Totton Officating. The family will receive friends from 4-6pm Sunday, The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 PM Sunday, by Fr. Evan Harkins, the interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. online condolence and obituary www.ruppfuneral.com

Betty June Sproat
1930-2018

Betty June Sproat 87, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday February 28, 2018 at her home. She was born November 19, 1930 in Pattonsburg, Missouri daughter of the late Gladys & Delmas Higdon. She graduated from Troy High School, and worked at Whitaker Cable for several years. She enjoyed collecting recipes, and magazines, crocheting when she was younger, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a Catholic. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, son, Richard Sproat, brothers, Delmar Higdon, Jr., and Donald Higdon, grandson, Christopher Samuels. She is survived by sons, Stephen (Wanda) Sproat, Belton, MO, and David (Mary) Sproat, Chapman, KS, daughters, Mary Campbell, Saint Joseph, MO, and Debra Foster, Saint Joseph, MO, sisters, Sharon Ward of Arkansas, and Norma Smith of St. Joseph, MO, grandchildren, David, Tabatha, Tina, Christy, Jessyka, Richard, Crystal, Brandy, Alex, Amanda, Stephen Jr, Suzzanna and Mickayella, 13 great-grandchildren, Brittani, Ian, Robert, Anthony, Scott, Mathew, Terry, Lalaine, Paisley, Nichole, Caleb Alexi, and Cameron, 5 great great grandchildren, Mayhala, Peyton, Remington, Aleigh and Evan. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Heart Association. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Barbara Joyce Boeh
1936-2018

Barbara Boeh, 81, of Cameron, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018 at her residence. She was born December 15, 1936 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Margaret and George Crossfield. . She worked at Sherwood Medical, Whitaker Cable, Mead Products. She enjoyed crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara was a member of American Legion Post 359. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Floyd Leon Boeh and daughter, Christina Boeh. Survivors include, sons, James Moses of IL and Daniel Moses of AK, daughters, Joyce Dunk of Lanagan, MO, Mary “Patti” Moses of St. Joseph, Lisa (Gregg) Holloway of Anderson, MO; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 7 at Rupp Funeral Home, Elder Bruce Colon officiating, The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Ms. Boeh will be cremated following services. . Memorials are requested to the Barbara Boeh Memorial Fund, c/o Rupp Funeral Home.

Suzanne Torok-Burge
1954-2018

Suzanne Torok-Burge was born to Paul Joseph Torok and Ruth Armstrong Saunders Torok on April 29, 1954 in St. Joseph, MO. She passed away peacefully on March 2, 2018 in Highland, KS.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Tim Torok. Surviving are a sister-in-law Rosalie Torok, two beloved nephews Eli and Levi Torok, and her life-long friend Ross Thompson. Also surviving are numerous cousins and many friends.

Suzanne graduated from Highland High School and Highland Community College. She earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in communication from Kansas State University.

She taught communication for Lawrence public schools, K-State, Missouri Western, Johnson County Community College and Highland Community College. She was famous for imaginative and creative lessons that intrigued and fascinated her students.

She was a life-long member of the Highland Christian Church but also enjoyed attending services at various churches in the area.

Suzanne’s friends and relatives would like to thank the people of Highland, KS who helped take care of her during her long illness. She was an inspiration in her courageous, nine-year battle against cancer.

Graveside inurnment services will be held Wednesday, March 7, at 2:00 at the Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Highland Cemetery Association, PO Box 225, Highland, KS 66035 or in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124, S. 7th, Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Paulette V. Armstrong
1942-2018

HAVENSVILLE – Paulette V. Armstrong, 75, of Havensville, died Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

She was born August 23, 1942 in Manhattan, the daughter of Elmer F. and Elsie V. Chalmers Jones. As a child she lived in Garrison, KS until she was in second grade, when her family moved to Onaga. She graduated from Onaga High School in 1961.

Paulette had worked at Carl’s Steakhouse in Onaga through high school and for one year after high school. She then was a homemaker until she took the position as the secretary at Havensville Grade School. She worked there for twenty years until her retirement. The times she spent at HGS were some of the best years of her life, where she made lifelong friendships.

Paulette married her high school sweetheart, James LeRoy Armstrong on December 20, 1961 at his parents’ home in Havensville. He died March 31, 2017 shortly after they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Paulette was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, James Bryan “J.B.” Armstrong, a half-brother, Merton Busher and a half-sister, Beulah Woodworth.

Survivors include a son, Jeff Armstrong, Salina; a daughter, Julia Gomez and husband Mike, Maple Hill; a brother, Elmer E. Jones, in California; and five grandchildren, Amber Mae Gomez, Kory James Gomez, Parker James Armstrong, Jacob Jones Armstrong and Kason Michael Gomez.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 6th at the HRHS Community Center in Havensville. Burial will follow in the Havensville Cemetery. Paulette will lie in state Monday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Havensville Living History Day Fund, and may be sent incare of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga, 66521.

Jimmy Lee Smith
1945-2018

Jimmy Lee Smith, 73, of Lathrop, MO formerly of Atchison, KS died on Sat. March 3, 2018 surrounded by his family at his home in Lathrop, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 8th, 2018 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Wendy Van Houtan officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until time of service on Thursday, at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Jude’s Hospital and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com
Jim was born on Feb. 21, 1945 in Atchison, KS the son of Robert Lee Smith and Mary Etta Hatchell . He was raised by William Ray “Bill” and Mary Etta (Hatchell) Stalder. Jim graduated from Atchison High School in 1963. Mr. Smith worked as a drill operator and welder at LFM/Rockwell International/Atchison Casting/Bradken for over 20 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Smith loved to shoot pool, fishing, deer hunting, and was an avid NASCAR and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Union. His main hobby was working on old cars but he was an extremely hard worker and good at being a handy man, building or fixing about anything.
He was married to Joan K. Cloves on Jan. 1, 1964. She preceded him in death on Nov. 9, 2004. He was later married to Marjorie Cline on Aug. 23, 2008. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include two daughters, Kimberly (Carl) Surritt, Meridan, KS and Kelly (Randy) Fitkin, Atchison, KS, a brother, Thomas Stalder (Vicki Fitzpatrick), two sisters, Connie (Larry) Mercer, and Joann(Joe) Bowen, all of Atchison, KS., and six grandchildren, Carl J.(Anne) Surritt, Ashley (Alex) Goodpasture, Mary Surritt (Rob Lincoln), Allison (Josh) Oswalt, Haley (Chris) Fox, and Jordan Fitkin, and twelve great grandchildren. His mother, Mary Etta and step-father William Ray “Bill” Stalder, also preceded him in death.

Dorothy Helen Rodman
1937-2018

HOYT – Dorothy Helen Rodman, 80, of Hoyt, died Sunday, March 4, 2018 at her home.

She was born August 26, 1937 at Winner, South Dakota, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Sedlmajer Cerveny. She graduated from Todd County High School in Mission, SD and later from business college.

Dorothy had worked for Josten’s in Topeka from the mid 1980’s until her retirement in 2008. She also did the bookkeeping for her husband’s business, Rodman Body Shop.

She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta.

She married Robert O. Rodman on October 30, 1956 at Luverne, Minnesota. He died April 13, 2008.

Dorothy was also preceded in death by a son, Robert J. Rodman, a sister, Rose Reed, and two sons-in-law, Andy Walker and Charlie Grahnert.

Survivors include three daughters, Debra Walker, Topeka, Cynthia Rodman, Lenexa, and Angela Rodman, Hoyt; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 7th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta. Burial will follow in the Half Day Cemetery at Elmont. Dorothy will lie in state Tuesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., followed by visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Topeka Rescue Mission, and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt.

Alice L. Keller
1943-2018

Troy, Kansas – Alice L. (Becker) Keller, 74, of Troy, Kansas passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the Highland Healthcare Center.

Alice was born on August 8, 1943 in Baileyville, Kansas to Henry J. & Esther (McLaughlin) Becker.

She was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy, Kansas, where she was the organist since 1964.

Alice married Howard G. Keller Jr. on November 28, 1964 in Purcell, Kansas. He survives of the home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Emmett Becker & a great-grandchild, Axton Juhl.

Additional survivors; daughter, Rebecca Keller (Tim Hoffman), Kansas City, Missouri

Son, Daniel Keller (Tonya), Troy, Kansas

Grandsons, Kyle Juhl (Amy) & Kace Keller

4 great-grandchildren, Adrik, Kwynn, Ajay & Axel

Brothers, Paul, John, Leo, Joe, Myron, Raymond, Bob & Tom Becker

Sister; Frieda Stovall

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 A.M. Friday, March 9, 2018.

At: St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy, Kansas.

Rosary: 5:30 P.M. Thursday evening at the church, with visitation to follow from 6-8 P.M. Friends may call after 9 AM Thursday at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy.

Burial: St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, Troy, Kansas.

Memorials: St. Charles Catholic Church or the Troy Ambulance Fund.