<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/ronald-ball">Ronald E. Ball Obituary 2022 - Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home (tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com)</a>

Ronald E. Ball, 60, passed away October 15.

Services are pending, and will be announced soon.

Memorials are requested to the NCK Health Care Foundation to benefit physician recruitment, or to NCK Pheasants Forever to benefit youth hunting safety, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/trees/01faf473-d33b-4f07-9617-ac7ffff4dc99" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald E. Ball, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/01faf473-d33b-4f07-9617-ac7ffff4dc99" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Ronald E. Ball</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666114237898.jpeg" alt="Ronald E. Ball" />
 <figcaption>Ronald E. Ball</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/ronald-ball">Ronald E. Ball Obituary 2022 - Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home (tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com)</a>May 29, 1962 - October 15, 2022Ronald E. Ball, 60, passed away October 15.Services are pending, and will be announced soon.Memorials are requested to the NCK Health Care Foundation to benefit physician recruitment, or to NCK Pheasants Forever to benefit youth hunting safety, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.Obituary to follow.To order&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/trees/01faf473-d33b-4f07-9617-ac7ffff4dc99" target="_blank">memorial trees</a>&nbsp;or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald E. Ball, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/01faf473-d33b-4f07-9617-ac7ffff4dc99" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Ronald E. Ball

<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell">Obituary for Wilma I. Mikesell | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>

July 17, 1932 ~ October 16, 2022 (age 90)

Wilma I. Mikesell, the daughter of Orval Barleen and Charlotte Lottie (Jackson) Barleen, was born July 17, 1932 in Concordia, Kansas and passed away on October 16, 2022 at Republic County Hospital and the age of 90 years, 2 months, and 29 days.

Wilma grew up and attended rural school District 81 north of Concordia, Kansas and then graduated from Concordia High School in 1950.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; During her senior year, she began working for an abstract office in Concordia, continuing to work there until her marriage.

On October 10, 1954, she was united in marriage to Kenneth A. Mikesell and to this union Jaydee, Kay and Gregory were born.&nbsp;

The couple began farming south of Belleville, Kansas and later moved to the farm in rural Courtland, Kansas where the family continues to farm.

Wilma was a member of the United Methodist Church, Courtland, Kansas where she was an active member of the UMW and also assisted in operating the Thrift Store in Courtland for many years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wilma enjoyed the Citizens National Bank Bus Trips and was a great cook.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enjoyed little children, especially her grandchildren.

&nbsp;Wilma was preceded in death by her parents Orval and Charlotte Lottie Barleen; her husband Kenneth A. Mikesell; sons Jaydee and Greg Mikesell; brothers Glen, Leonard, Tom, and Fred;&nbsp; sisters Frances, Maxine, and Lois.

Wilma is survived by her son Kay Mikesell of rural Courtland, KS;&nbsp; three grandchildren, Beau Mikesell, Konner Mikesell, and Shea Mikesell all of Scandia, KS;&nbsp; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the&nbsp;United Methodist Church, Courtland, Kansas with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock, officiating.

Interment will follow at the Courtland Cemetery, rural Courtland, KS.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.

Memorials are suggested to the Courtland United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com.

Services are under the direction of the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell/1071199/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Wilma I. Mikesell, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Wilma I. Mikesell, rural Courtland</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666113920201.jpeg" alt="Wilma I. Mikesell" />
 <figcaption>Wilma I. Mikesell</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell">Obituary for Wilma I. Mikesell | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>July 17, 1932 ~ October 16, 2022 (age 90)Wilma I. Mikesell, the daughter of Orval Barleen and Charlotte Lottie (Jackson) Barleen, was born July 17, 1932 in Concordia, Kansas and passed away on October 16, 2022 at Republic County Hospital and the age of 90 years, 2 months, and 29 days.Wilma grew up and attended rural school District 81 north of Concordia, Kansas and then graduated from Concordia High School in 1950.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; During her senior year, she began working for an abstract office in Concordia, continuing to work there until her marriage.On October 10, 1954, she was united in marriage to Kenneth A. Mikesell and to this union Jaydee, Kay and Gregory were born.&nbsp;The couple began farming south of Belleville, Kansas and later moved to the farm in rural Courtland, Kansas where the family continues to farm.Wilma was a member of the United Methodist Church, Courtland, Kansas where she was an active member of the UMW and also assisted in operating the Thrift Store in Courtland for many years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wilma enjoyed the Citizens National Bank Bus Trips and was a great cook.&nbsp;&nbsp; She enjoyed little children, especially her grandchildren.&nbsp;Wilma was preceded in death by her parents Orval and Charlotte Lottie Barleen; her husband Kenneth A. Mikesell; sons Jaydee and Greg Mikesell; brothers Glen, Leonard, Tom, and Fred;&nbsp; sisters Frances, Maxine, and Lois.Wilma is survived by her son Kay Mikesell of rural Courtland, KS;&nbsp; three grandchildren, Beau Mikesell, Konner Mikesell, and Shea Mikesell all of Scandia, KS;&nbsp; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the&nbsp;United Methodist Church, Courtland, Kansas with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock, officiating.Interment will follow at the Courtland Cemetery, rural Courtland, KS.Friends may call from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.Memorials are suggested to the Courtland United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com.Services are under the direction of the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell/1071199/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Wilma I. Mikesell, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Wilma-Mikesell/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

Wilma I. Mikesell

<a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/David-Pitchers/#!/TributeWall">David Allen Pitchers Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (wigginsfuneralhomes.com)</a>

David Allen Pitchers, 72, of Haven, Kansas, died on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born July 10, 1950 in Storm Lake, IA, the son of Royal Nash and Doreen (Rebhuhn) Pitchers. David graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1968. He later graduated from Area 11 Community College in Ankeny, Iowa with two associate’s degree in mechanics and liberal education with an emphasis on psychology. He was united in marriage to Mary Whitney on March 11, 1988 in Hutchinson. David worked as a farm equipment mechanic. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Des Moines. David was also a member of the Society of Creative Anachronism. David loved reading and cooking, and a variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses and peacocks. David is survived by his wife Mary Pitchers of Haven; and four siblings, Diane Pitchers of Laguna Woods, CA, Dan (Karen) Pitchers of Sebring, FL, Denise (Gary) Van Hart of Noblesville, IN, and Danette Baker of Louisville, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Ott Funeral Home, Haven.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hutchinson Animal Shelter in care of Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Haven, KS 67543.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David Allen Pitchers please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>David Allen Pitchers, Haven</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666113596449.jpeg" alt="David Allen Pitchers" />
 <figcaption>David Allen Pitchers</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/David-Pitchers/#!/TributeWall">David Allen Pitchers Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (wigginsfuneralhomes.com)</a>July 10, 1950 - October 16, 2022David Allen Pitchers, 72, of Haven, Kansas, died on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born July 10, 1950 in Storm Lake, IA, the son of Royal Nash and Doreen (Rebhuhn) Pitchers. David graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1968. He later graduated from Area 11 Community College in Ankeny, Iowa with two associate’s degree in mechanics and liberal education with an emphasis on psychology. He was united in marriage to Mary Whitney on March 11, 1988 in Hutchinson. David worked as a farm equipment mechanic. He was a member of the Lutheran Church in Des Moines. David was also a member of the Society of Creative Anachronism. David loved reading and cooking, and a variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses and peacocks. David is survived by his wife Mary Pitchers of Haven; and four siblings, Diane Pitchers of Laguna Woods, CA, Dan (Karen) Pitchers of Sebring, FL, Denise (Gary) Van Hart of Noblesville, IN, and Danette Baker of Louisville, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation is planned with memorial services to be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Ott Funeral Home, Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to Hutchinson Animal Shelter in care of Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Haven, KS 67543. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David Allen Pitchers please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

David Allen Pitchers

<a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/h-eugene-gene-copeland">H. Eugene "Gene" Copeland Obituary 2022 - Stockham Funeral Home (stockhamfamily.com)</a>

Homer Eugene “Gene” Copeland, a native Texan, veteran of World War II and the Korean War, co-founder of underground storage, junk dealer, hardware store proprietor, museum curator and Yellow Dog Democrat, died on Oct. 17, 2022. He was 96 years old.

Gene was born at home on May 7, 1926, in Alder Branch, Anderson County, Texas, to Albert Allen Copeland and Lockey Belle (Marr) Copeland. He was the third of eight children.

In conversations several years before his death, Gene recounted some boyhood memories. During the Depression, the family lived on a farm located on the outskirts of Palestine, Texas. They ate what they grew. “One of our favorite dishes was egg noodles cooked in tomato sauce,” made from tomatoes his mother canned. “We ate very little meat, just a little pork or a little chicken. Hogs were killed in the winter and sugar-cured, smoke-seasoned and salted so it could be eaten in the months ahead. My dad would say, ‘When the bacon got so rancid you couldn’t eat it, it was time to plant cotton.’ ”

Growing up on a farm, Gene learned a multitude of skills that would serve him throughout his life. He helped his dad in the field, worked with livestock and milked cows (his least favorite chore). With his mother, he helped raise turkeys and cultivate tomatoes, with proceeds from the sales used to pay doctor bills and other debts. As a kid, Gene most enjoyed what he called “riding the go-devil.” It was a little sled pulled by two mules that would help disk the dirt around the base of the plants.

Toward the end of high school, Gene moved to Palestine, where he worked at a small grocery store. He would arrive at the store before 7 a.m. to receive the bread delivery, then attend vocational-agriculture classes at school.

 He graduated from Palestine High School on June 2, 1944. On Aug. 1 of the same year, he got a letter that said: “Greetings from the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt.” He had been drafted for World War II.

On Aug. 28, 1944, Gene began his military life. The Army Air Corps took him to Amarillo, Texas, for basic training and airplane-mechanics school. Upon completion, he shipped out to Gulfport, Miss., where he worked on B-29s on a production line. “I did the same job every day, all day: changed the No. 3 spark plugs in engines. It was very monotonous.”

Gene left Gulfport in September 1945. Even though the war was over in Europe and Japan, the country still needed troops. Gene reupped in the service and was sent to Kearns, Utah, where he got his first clue of what was to come. “I drew all winter clothes: parkas, winter boots, thick blankets.” His squadron was loaded onto an old excursion boat in Seattle, the David W. Branch. “The next morning, I woke up and was so sick I couldn’t hold my head up,” he said. After 21 days, he landed in Shemya, a small island in the chain of Aleutians far off the coast of Alaska. There, he lived in a Quonset hut embedded in the snow. He was initially assigned to work on airplanes, but his ability as a jack-of-all-trades took him all over the island. He was the squadron barber and movie projectionist; he was given a motor pool with a few trucks to look after; he distributed both the beer and liquor rations and occasionally cans of Campbell’s soup, coffee, crackers and cheese to get the men through wiliwaw storms that could last up to 10 days. “I did a little of everything,” he said. “We all went up there as PFCs, and me and a few others made sergeant within nine months.”

Gene’s enlistment ended on Oct. 30, 1946, and he returned to Palestine. There, he heard about oilman Sid Richardson’s plans to build a gasoline plant outside of Kermit, Texas, and applied for a job. When he was hired, his boss was Gaines “Smokey” Billue. In Odessa and Kermit, Gene was assigned to maintain instruments on oil wells across the Permian Basin, taking readings and changing charts on 300 different wells. “I liked the job – the idea that I was working and finally independent. Jobs were very scarce then.”

Gene worked for the Sid Richardson Co. until 1950, when he was called back into service as part of the Air Force Reserves. This stint would take him to Shreveport, La., where he was put on B-29 maintenance and also worked on RB-35s, small reconnaissance bombers. “Every casual plane that came in, I’d work on, too—a B-36, an XC-99,” he said.

His stint was up on Oct. 30, 1951. “I went back to Kermit to get my job back, and I found out they had fired me [because] they were all mad at Billue!” The irascible Smokey had quit Sid Richardson to pursue his vision for “underground storage,” in which salt is dissolved deep in the earth to create caverns to store petroleum products. In the spring of 1952, Billue dispatched Gene to McPherson, Kan., to develop a method for creating caverns and storing fuels. “I worked in McPherson for three summers—’52, ’53 and ’55,” he said. During that time, Gene lived at the Warren Hotel and ate all his meals for less than $5 a day.

In 1954, Gene and Smokey Billue went to Gallup, N.M., to drill an experimental storage well underground in shale (instead of salt) El Paso Natural. 

In Gallup, Gene met Betty (nee Carey), the woman who would become his wife.&nbsp; “She was working at the El Rancho, where we were staying,” he recalled. “One of the drillers I knew said, ‘I know a gal you might like.’ So we went out. I was in Gallup a couple of three months until the weather turned cold.” When he returned to Palestine, Gene asked his sister to help him pick out an engagement ring, which was then mailed to Betty in New Mexico. Happily, Betty said yes.

Meanwhile, Gene went back to work for Billue in Tishomingo, Okla. “I told Billue I was getting married, and he told me not to. I insisted, and he took me to the Wichita Falls airport and handed me a ticket—which was my paycheck. I found out before I got on the plane that the ticket was absolutely worthless, so I had to buy my own plane ticket to Albuquerque and only had $16 left in my pocket. When I got to the train depot in Albuquerque for a ride to Gallup, it was full. So I went around the gate through an opening in the fence. I didn’t get caught until toward the end of the trip, when the conductor asked me for my ticket. I said I only had $16 and he said that would do. When I got to Gallup, Betty said, ‘I’m sure glad you got here, because I was going to get married tonight—even if I had to marry the best man.’ ”

Gene and Betty were married in Clovis, N.M., and honeymooned at a motel owned by the same people who owned the El Rancho, where Betty had worked. “We got the bridal suite and a big bowl of fruit.” Shortly after, they moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where Gene helped build a gasoline plant, earning $200 a month—“that’s all Billue was paying me.” In May 1956, Gene and Betty moved full-time to McPherson so he could work full time on underground storage. “Betty didn’t want to come at first,” he said.

In 1963, Gene quit his job with Billue and went to work for NCRA as a consultant at $1,000 a month. “We put in four wells, two big brine ponds, a whole bunch of pipeline and a whole bunch of manifolds. It took about six months.” After that, he was bored. “I’d sit in the office all day, every day—just sitting in case something went wrong.”

About this time, a friend persuaded Gene to buy Casebeer Company Inc., a salvage yard owned by John Casebeer. Gene renamed the business Copeland Supply, mainly bidding on oilfield salvage – taking pipe, breaking down oil derricks and hauling scrap metal that could be resold as a commodity. Gene also bought and salvaged metal from an Atlas missile base.

In 1974, Gene bought a building on Main Street in McPherson that formerly housed an auto dealership. Copeland Supply expanded, offering hardware, auto parts and a full-service steel-fabrication shop. It was located right next door to B &amp; G Hardware (formerly Hawley Hardware), which was purchased in 1972 and independently operated by Gene’s wife, Betty.

Gene and Betty were also busy on the home front with four children, Ron, Rick, Karan and Beth. Larry Brickey, who was Betty’s son from a previous marriage, lived in Arizona but had been a part of the Copeland home life as well. Larry’s son, also named Larry, lived with Gene and Betty when he was in high school. Likewise, Karan’s son, Alex, lived with his grandparents for most of his formative years.

Family was tightly woven into Gene’s civic life. He was a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, board member of the local YMCA, and deeply involved in Boy Scouts, Webelos and DeMolay, a youth organization of the Masons and Eastern Star. A longtime Shriner, Gene appeared in countless May Day parades decked out in his fez driving a miniature Model T car.

As a member of McPherson’s Chamber of Commerce, Gene took about 40 trips with other men in the group to major U.S. cities. Over the years, he was honored three times: once as Man of the Year, once as Key Man, and most recently as the chamber’s Traveling Ambassador.

Particularly close to his heart was the Old Mill Museum in Lindsborg, Kan. As a board member, Gene helped with the museum’s finances, acquisitions and long-term growth. His key contribution was in the form of a steam locomotive (purchased for $1) that was painstakingly moved from Hutchinson, Kan., and reassembled in Lindsborg over the course of seven years. It now sits next to the train depot on the Old Mill grounds.

After about 15 years in business, Betty liquidated B&amp;G Hardware. She died in 1994 at age 62 after an 11-year battle with breast cancer. In 2001, when Gene turned 75, he sold Copeland Supply and took on a new career: owner-director of the Pioneer Heritage Museum on Mulberry Street. With artifacts salvaged during his junk-dealing days, Gene set up displays of early life in rural Kansas. Hundreds of wrenches were mounted on peg boards; hog oilers, ice tongs, corn grinders and cast-iron tractor seats were among the highlights. Other artifacts included a dentist’s chair, surgical instruments and a barber’s chair.

Around 2005, Gene auctioned off his vast collection and sold his building to the proprietor of an auto-repair shop. But Gene held court nearby at an adjacent barn that he owned. (He moved into the barn full time in 2018.) There he hosted the Red Barn Coffee Club, where guests could enjoy hot coffee and warm peanuts while sitting in downright uncomfortable chairs.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and wife, as well as two sons: Larry Brickey in 2015 and Rick Copeland in 2018. 

Surviving are his sister Eleanor Browder of Huntsville, Texas; his son Ron (Nancy) of Fort Worth, Texas; Karan Rumple of Wichita, Kansas; and Beth (Chuck) DeCarbo of Sunset, S.C. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 23, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 24, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Burial, with military honors and Masonic rites, will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

To send flowers to the family in memory of H. Eugene "Gene" Copeland, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/32bd246f-0ab9-4356-8a86-88b83d61214e" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Homer Eugene 'Gene' Copeland</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666112963101.jpeg" alt="Homer Eugene 'Gene' Copeland" />
 <figcaption>Homer Eugene 'Gene' Copeland</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/h-eugene-gene-copeland">H. Eugene "Gene" Copeland Obituary 2022 - Stockham Funeral Home (stockhamfamily.com)</a>May 7, 1926 - October 17, 2022Homer Eugene “Gene” Copeland, a native Texan, veteran of World War II and the Korean War, co-founder of underground storage, junk dealer, hardware store proprietor, museum curator and Yellow Dog Democrat, died on Oct. 17, 2022. He was 96 years old.Gene was born at home on May 7, 1926, in Alder Branch, Anderson County, Texas, to Albert Allen Copeland and Lockey Belle (Marr) Copeland. He was the third of eight children.In conversations several years before his death, Gene recounted some boyhood memories. During the Depression, the family lived on a farm located on the outskirts of Palestine, Texas. They ate what they grew. “One of our favorite dishes was egg noodles cooked in tomato sauce,” made from tomatoes his mother canned. “We ate very little meat, just a little pork or a little chicken. Hogs were killed in the winter and sugar-cured, smoke-seasoned and salted so it could be eaten in the months ahead. My dad would say, ‘When the bacon got so rancid you couldn’t eat it, it was time to plant cotton.’ ”Growing up on a farm, Gene learned a multitude of skills that would serve him throughout his life. He helped his dad in the field, worked with livestock and milked cows (his least favorite chore). With his mother, he helped raise turkeys and cultivate tomatoes, with proceeds from the sales used to pay doctor bills and other debts. As a kid, Gene most enjoyed what he called “riding the go-devil.” It was a little sled pulled by two mules that would help disk the dirt around the base of the plants.Toward the end of high school, Gene moved to Palestine, where he worked at a small grocery store. He would arrive at the store before 7 a.m. to receive the bread delivery, then attend vocational-agriculture classes at school. He graduated from Palestine High School on June 2, 1944. On Aug. 1 of the same year, he got a letter that said: “Greetings from the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt.” He had been drafted for World War II.On Aug. 28, 1944, Gene began his military life. The Army Air Corps took him to Amarillo, Texas, for basic training and airplane-mechanics school. Upon completion, he shipped out to Gulfport, Miss., where he worked on B-29s on a production line. “I did the same job every day, all day: changed the No. 3 spark plugs in engines. It was very monotonous.”Gene left Gulfport in September 1945. Even though the war was over in Europe and Japan, the country still needed troops. Gene reupped in the service and was sent to Kearns, Utah, where he got his first clue of what was to come. “I drew all winter clothes: parkas, winter boots, thick blankets.” His squadron was loaded onto an old excursion boat in Seattle, the David W. Branch. “The next morning, I woke up and was so sick I couldn’t hold my head up,” he said. After 21 days, he landed in Shemya, a small island in the chain of Aleutians far off the coast of Alaska. There, he lived in a Quonset hut embedded in the snow. He was initially assigned to work on airplanes, but his ability as a jack-of-all-trades took him all over the island. He was the squadron barber and movie projectionist; he was given a motor pool with a few trucks to look after; he distributed both the beer and liquor rations and occasionally cans of Campbell’s soup, coffee, crackers and cheese to get the men through wiliwaw storms that could last up to 10 days. “I did a little of everything,” he said. “We all went up there as PFCs, and me and a few others made sergeant within nine months.”Gene’s enlistment ended on Oct. 30, 1946, and he returned to Palestine. There, he heard about oilman Sid Richardson’s plans to build a gasoline plant outside of Kermit, Texas, and applied for a job. When he was hired, his boss was Gaines “Smokey” Billue. In Odessa and Kermit, Gene was assigned to maintain instruments on oil wells across the Permian Basin, taking readings and changing charts on 300 different wells. “I liked the job – the idea that I was working and finally independent. Jobs were very scarce then.”Gene worked for the Sid Richardson Co. until 1950, when he was called back into service as part of the Air Force Reserves. This stint would take him to Shreveport, La., where he was put on B-29 maintenance and also worked on RB-35s, small reconnaissance bombers. “Every casual plane that came in, I’d work on, too—a B-36, an XC-99,” he said.His stint was up on Oct. 30, 1951. “I went back to Kermit to get my job back, and I found out they had fired me [because] they were all mad at Billue!” The irascible Smokey had quit Sid Richardson to pursue his vision for “underground storage,” in which salt is dissolved deep in the earth to create caverns to store petroleum products. In the spring of 1952, Billue dispatched Gene to McPherson, Kan., to develop a method for creating caverns and storing fuels. “I worked in McPherson for three summers—’52, ’53 and ’55,” he said. During that time, Gene lived at the Warren Hotel and ate all his meals for less than $5 a day.In 1954, Gene and Smokey Billue went to Gallup, N.M., to drill an experimental storage well underground in shale (instead of salt) El Paso Natural. In Gallup, Gene met Betty (nee Carey), the woman who would become his wife.&nbsp; “She was working at the El Rancho, where we were staying,” he recalled. “One of the drillers I knew said, ‘I know a gal you might like.’ So we went out. I was in Gallup a couple of three months until the weather turned cold.” When he returned to Palestine, Gene asked his sister to help him pick out an engagement ring, which was then mailed to Betty in New Mexico. Happily, Betty said yes.Meanwhile, Gene went back to work for Billue in Tishomingo, Okla. “I told Billue I was getting married, and he told me not to. I insisted, and he took me to the Wichita Falls airport and handed me a ticket—which was my paycheck. I found out before I got on the plane that the ticket was absolutely worthless, so I had to buy my own plane ticket to Albuquerque and only had $16 left in my pocket. When I got to the train depot in Albuquerque for a ride to Gallup, it was full. So I went around the gate through an opening in the fence. I didn’t get caught until toward the end of the trip, when the conductor asked me for my ticket. I said I only had $16 and he said that would do. When I got to Gallup, Betty said, ‘I’m sure glad you got here, because I was going to get married tonight—even if I had to marry the best man.’ ”Gene and Betty were married in Clovis, N.M., and honeymooned at a motel owned by the same people who owned the El Rancho, where Betty had worked. “We got the bridal suite and a big bowl of fruit.” Shortly after, they moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where Gene helped build a gasoline plant, earning $200 a month—“that’s all Billue was paying me.” In May 1956, Gene and Betty moved full-time to McPherson so he could work full time on underground storage. “Betty didn’t want to come at first,” he said.In 1963, Gene quit his job with Billue and went to work for NCRA as a consultant at $1,000 a month. “We put in four wells, two big brine ponds, a whole bunch of pipeline and a whole bunch of manifolds. It took about six months.” After that, he was bored. “I’d sit in the office all day, every day—just sitting in case something went wrong.”About this time, a friend persuaded Gene to buy Casebeer Company Inc., a salvage yard owned by John Casebeer. Gene renamed the business Copeland Supply, mainly bidding on oilfield salvage – taking pipe, breaking down oil derricks and hauling scrap metal that could be resold as a commodity. Gene also bought and salvaged metal from an Atlas missile base.In 1974, Gene bought a building on Main Street in McPherson that formerly housed an auto dealership. Copeland Supply expanded, offering hardware, auto parts and a full-service steel-fabrication shop. It was located right next door to B &amp; G Hardware (formerly Hawley Hardware), which was purchased in 1972 and independently operated by Gene’s wife, Betty.Gene and Betty were also busy on the home front with four children, Ron, Rick, Karan and Beth. Larry Brickey, who was Betty’s son from a previous marriage, lived in Arizona but had been a part of the Copeland home life as well. Larry’s son, also named Larry, lived with Gene and Betty when he was in high school. Likewise, Karan’s son, Alex, lived with his grandparents for most of his formative years.Family was tightly woven into Gene’s civic life. He was a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, board member of the local YMCA, and deeply involved in Boy Scouts, Webelos and DeMolay, a youth organization of the Masons and Eastern Star. A longtime Shriner, Gene appeared in countless May Day parades decked out in his fez driving a miniature Model T car.As a member of McPherson’s Chamber of Commerce, Gene took about 40 trips with other men in the group to major U.S. cities. Over the years, he was honored three times: once as Man of the Year, once as Key Man, and most recently as the chamber’s Traveling Ambassador.Particularly close to his heart was the Old Mill Museum in Lindsborg, Kan. As a board member, Gene helped with the museum’s finances, acquisitions and long-term growth. His key contribution was in the form of a steam locomotive (purchased for $1) that was painstakingly moved from Hutchinson, Kan., and reassembled in Lindsborg over the course of seven years. It now sits next to the train depot on the Old Mill grounds.After about 15 years in business, Betty liquidated B&amp;G Hardware. She died in 1994 at age 62 after an 11-year battle with breast cancer. In 2001, when Gene turned 75, he sold Copeland Supply and took on a new career: owner-director of the Pioneer Heritage Museum on Mulberry Street. With artifacts salvaged during his junk-dealing days, Gene set up displays of early life in rural Kansas. Hundreds of wrenches were mounted on peg boards; hog oilers, ice tongs, corn grinders and cast-iron tractor seats were among the highlights. Other artifacts included a dentist’s chair, surgical instruments and a barber’s chair.Around 2005, Gene auctioned off his vast collection and sold his building to the proprietor of an auto-repair shop. But Gene held court nearby at an adjacent barn that he owned. (He moved into the barn full time in 2018.) There he hosted the Red Barn Coffee Club, where guests could enjoy hot coffee and warm peanuts while sitting in downright uncomfortable chairs.Gene was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and wife, as well as two sons: Larry Brickey in 2015 and Rick Copeland in 2018. Surviving are his sister Eleanor Browder of Huntsville, Texas; his son Ron (Nancy) of Fort Worth, Texas; Karan Rumple of Wichita, Kansas; and Beth (Chuck) DeCarbo of Sunset, S.C. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 23, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 24, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Burial, with military honors and Masonic rites, will follow at McPherson Cemetery.Memorial donations are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.To send flowers to the family in memory of H. Eugene "Gene" Copeland, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/32bd246f-0ab9-4356-8a86-88b83d61214e" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Homer Eugene 'Gene' Copeland

<a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/franklin-becker">Franklin E. Becker Obituary 2022 - Stockham Funeral Home (stockhamfamily.com)</a>

Franklin “Frankie” Edward Becker, 85, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at McPherson Hospital.&nbsp; 

He was an electrician for KIT Manufacturing, McPherson, for 30 years and then a janitor for Columbia Windows, Lindsborg, for 25 years.

Frankie was born on September 24, 1937, in McPherson, KS, the son of Clifford Tobias and Marie Bernice (Jantz) Becker.&nbsp; 

On August 14, 1970, he was united in marriage to Esther Louise Coopple at the First Baptist Church, McPherson.&nbsp;

Frankie served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #24 and was involved with the Legion Riders.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Louise Becker; two brothers, Lawrence Becker of Galva, KS and Freddie Becker of Halstead, KS; four sisters, Juanita Koehn of Moundridge, KS, Bertha Koehn of Moundridge, KS, Carol (Loren) Koehn of Galva, KS, and Nina (Glenn) Koehn of Oklahoma; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jimmy Becker; and two sisters, Frances Ricks and Florence Yingling.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson.&nbsp; The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 20, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Burial, with military honors, will follow at Lone Tree Cemetery, Galva.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.&nbsp;

To send flowers to the family in memory of Franklin E. Becker, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/f6ca4332-89af-41dc-969e-edd2297ba1d6" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Franklin E. Becker, McPherson</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666112754371.jpeg" alt="Franklin E. Becker" />
 <figcaption>Franklin E. Becker</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/franklin-becker">Franklin E. Becker Obituary 2022 - Stockham Funeral Home (stockhamfamily.com)</a>September 24, 1937 - October 16, 2022Franklin “Frankie” Edward Becker, 85, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at McPherson Hospital.&nbsp; He was an electrician for KIT Manufacturing, McPherson, for 30 years and then a janitor for Columbia Windows, Lindsborg, for 25 years.Frankie was born on September 24, 1937, in McPherson, KS, the son of Clifford Tobias and Marie Bernice (Jantz) Becker.&nbsp; On August 14, 1970, he was united in marriage to Esther Louise Coopple at the First Baptist Church, McPherson.&nbsp;Frankie served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962.He was a member of the American Legion Post #24 and was involved with the Legion Riders.Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Louise Becker; two brothers, Lawrence Becker of Galva, KS and Freddie Becker of Halstead, KS; four sisters, Juanita Koehn of Moundridge, KS, Bertha Koehn of Moundridge, KS, Carol (Loren) Koehn of Galva, KS, and Nina (Glenn) Koehn of Oklahoma; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; and extended family and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jimmy Becker; and two sisters, Frances Ricks and Florence Yingling.The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson.&nbsp; The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 20, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Burial, with military honors, will follow at Lone Tree Cemetery, Galva.Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.&nbsp;To send flowers to the family in memory of Franklin E. Becker, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/f6ca4332-89af-41dc-969e-edd2297ba1d6" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Franklin E. Becker

<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava">Obituary for Nina M. (Anderson) Doubrava | Parsons Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>

March 4, 1928 ~ October 16, 2022 (age 94)

Nina M. Doubrava, 94, passed away Sunday, October 17, 2022, in Ellsworth. She was born March 4, 1928, in Graniteville, MO to Frank and Daisy (LeGrand) Anderson. 

When she was three months old, the family moved to Kanopolis where Nina attended school and graduated from Kanopolis High School in 1946. 

On April 6, 1947, she married Ernest “Ernie” S. Doubrava in the Kanopolis Methodist Church. They moved to the family farm south of Black Wolf, KS where they lived for 52 years before moving into Ellsworth in 1999.

Nina spent the early years helping her husband with the farming and caring for their three sons. In 1968, she began working as the assistant librarian at Ellsworth High School. She retired from there in 1995 and began working at the then-new Ellsworth Antique Mall until 2009.

Nina was a member of the Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, served as both elder and deacon, and taught Sunday school. She was an avid Jayhawk fan, and her hobbies were auctions and collecting antiques. After Nina and Ernie retired from the farm, they travelled on many trips and followed polka bands around Kansas and Nebraska.

Nina is survived by her sons Mark Doubrava and Alan Doubrava (Kristi) both of Ellsworth; nine grandchildren and 12 great-randchildren; and daughter-in-law Linda Doubrava of Wichita. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Daisy Anderson; husband Ernie Doubrava; son David Doubrava; brothers James, Frank, and Pete Anderson; and sister Norma Atchison.

Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Parsons Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church with burial following in the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava/1069072/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Nina M. (Anderson) Doubrava, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Nina M. Doubrava</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666112502751.jpeg" alt="Nina M. Doubrava" />
 <figcaption>Nina M. Doubrava</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava">Obituary for Nina M. (Anderson) Doubrava | Parsons Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>March 4, 1928 ~ October 16, 2022 (age 94)ELLSWORTHNina M. Doubrava, 94, passed away Sunday, October 17, 2022, in Ellsworth. She was born March 4, 1928, in Graniteville, MO to Frank and Daisy (LeGrand) Anderson. When she was three months old, the family moved to Kanopolis where Nina attended school and graduated from Kanopolis High School in 1946. On April 6, 1947, she married Ernest “Ernie” S. Doubrava in the Kanopolis Methodist Church. They moved to the family farm south of Black Wolf, KS where they lived for 52 years before moving into Ellsworth in 1999.Nina spent the early years helping her husband with the farming and caring for their three sons. In 1968, she began working as the assistant librarian at Ellsworth High School. She retired from there in 1995 and began working at the then-new Ellsworth Antique Mall until 2009.Nina was a member of the Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, served as both elder and deacon, and taught Sunday school. She was an avid Jayhawk fan, and her hobbies were auctions and collecting antiques. After Nina and Ernie retired from the farm, they travelled on many trips and followed polka bands around Kansas and Nebraska.Nina is survived by her sons Mark Doubrava and Alan Doubrava (Kristi) both of Ellsworth; nine grandchildren and 12 great-randchildren; and daughter-in-law Linda Doubrava of Wichita. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Daisy Anderson; husband Ernie Doubrava; son David Doubrava; brothers James, Frank, and Pete Anderson; and sister Norma Atchison.Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Parsons Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m.Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church with burial following in the Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth First Presbyterian Church, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava/1069072/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Nina M. (Anderson) Doubrava, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Nina-Doubrava/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

Nina M. Doubrava

<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr">Obituary for William B. Handlin, Jr | Parsons Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>

William “Bill” Burton Handlin, Jr., 94, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in Ellsworth. He was born May 6, 1928, on the family farm in Thomas Township in Ellsworth County, to William B. Handlin, Sr. and Ruth (Becker) Handlin. 

Bill married Orvetta Ruth Brown in Ellsworth on November 18, 1950. 

He served in the United States Army during WWII and was a longtime employee of the Ellsworth County Highway Department, retiring as superintendent in 1993 after 43 years of service. 

Bill was also a member of the Ellsworth Masonic Lodge #146 A.F. &amp; A.M. and active in the Ellsworth Hunters Safety Program for many years.

Bill is survived by his sons Larry W. Handlin (Kris) of Salina and Timothy T. Handlin (Dawn Dearing) of Ellsworth; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and sisters Dorothy Bellinger of Wichita and Mary Lou Brown of Ellsworth. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Orvetta Ruth Handlin; sister Elrene Smith; and brother Ray C. Handlin.

A graveside memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2022, at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. All family and friends are welcome. A reception will follow at the Ellsworth American Legion.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ellsworth Masonic Lodge #146, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr/1069072/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of William B. Handlin, Jr., please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>William 'Bill' Burton Handlin, Jr.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666112217970.jpeg" alt="William 'Bill' Burton Handlin" />
 <figcaption>William 'Bill' Burton Handlin</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr">Obituary for William B. Handlin, Jr | Parsons Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>May 6, 1928 ~ October 12, 2022 (age 94)ELLSWORTHWilliam “Bill” Burton Handlin, Jr., 94, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in Ellsworth. He was born May 6, 1928, on the family farm in Thomas Township in Ellsworth County, to William B. Handlin, Sr. and Ruth (Becker) Handlin. Bill married Orvetta Ruth Brown in Ellsworth on November 18, 1950. He served in the United States Army during WWII and was a longtime employee of the Ellsworth County Highway Department, retiring as superintendent in 1993 after 43 years of service. Bill was also a member of the Ellsworth Masonic Lodge #146 A.F. &amp; A.M. and active in the Ellsworth Hunters Safety Program for many years.Bill is survived by his sons Larry W. Handlin (Kris) of Salina and Timothy T. Handlin (Dawn Dearing) of Ellsworth; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and sisters Dorothy Bellinger of Wichita and Mary Lou Brown of Ellsworth. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Orvetta Ruth Handlin; sister Elrene Smith; and brother Ray C. Handlin.A graveside memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2022, at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery. All family and friends are welcome. A reception will follow at the Ellsworth American Legion.Memorial contributions can be made to Ellsworth Masonic Lodge #146, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr/1069072/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of William B. Handlin, Jr., please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/William-HandlinJr/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

William 'Bill' Burton Handlin, Jr.

<a href="https://www.nsrfh.com/obituary/scott-gelino">Obituary | Scott Gelino | Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home (nsrfh.com)</a>

Scott Gelino, 66, died October 17, 2022, in Wakefield, KS.&nbsp; He was born on February 19, 1956, in Clay Center, the son of Charles and Lois (Peterson) Gelino.&nbsp; 

Scott was raised in the Morganville community.&nbsp; He was a graduate of the Class of 1974 from CCCHS.&nbsp; 

Scott farmed near Morganville and worked at many other jobs.&nbsp; 

He married Debbie Taylor on September 16, 1978; they later divorced.&nbsp; 

He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, NRA and enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports.&nbsp; 

Scott was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cindy Tunheim.

Daughter: Kelsey and husband Matthew Knox of Concordia, KS

Son: Justin and wife Katrina Gelino of Clifton, KS

Daughter: Whitney and husband Keaton Snavely of Aurora, KS

Son: Caleb and wife Kacie Gelino of Morganville, KS

Sister: Leslie and husband Keith Trumpp of Paola, KS

Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, KS

Burial: Morganville Cemetery, Morganville, Kansas

Visitation: 3-6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 20, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Memorials:&nbsp; Scott Gelino Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home

<h2>Scott Gelino</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666111948868.jpeg" alt="Scott Gelino" />
 <figcaption>Scott Gelino</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.nsrfh.com/obituary/scott-gelino">Obituary | Scott Gelino | Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home (nsrfh.com)</a>February 19, 1956 - October 17, 2022Scott Gelino, 66, died October 17, 2022, in Wakefield, KS.&nbsp; He was born on February 19, 1956, in Clay Center, the son of Charles and Lois (Peterson) Gelino.&nbsp; Scott was raised in the Morganville community.&nbsp; He was a graduate of the Class of 1974 from CCCHS.&nbsp; Scott farmed near Morganville and worked at many other jobs.&nbsp; He married Debbie Taylor on September 16, 1978; they later divorced.&nbsp; He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, NRA and enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports.&nbsp; Scott was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cindy Tunheim.Survivors:Daughter: Kelsey and husband Matthew Knox of Concordia, KSSon: Justin and wife Katrina Gelino of Clifton, KSDaughter: Whitney and husband Keaton Snavely of Aurora, KSSon: Caleb and wife Kacie Gelino of Morganville, KSSister: Leslie and husband Keith Trumpp of Paola, KS14 grandchildrenFuneral Services: 10 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, KSMinister: Fr. Kerry NinemireBurial: Morganville Cemetery, Morganville, KansasVisitation: 3-6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 20, at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home.&nbsp; A vigil service will be held at 6:30 p.m.Memorials:&nbsp; Scott Gelino Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home

Scott Gelino

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell">Obituary for Betty Marie Russell | Ryan Mortuary</a>

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell"></a>August 11, 1940 ~ October 14, 2022 (age 82)

Betty Marie Russell, 82, of Gypsum, Kansas, died on October 14, 2022 in Salina, Kansas. She graduated from Benton High School in 1954 in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was born on August 11, 1940 in Frazier, Missouri.

For 30 years, Betty and Frank Russell owned and operated Natural Connections, which was located at 1217 S. Salina, KS. Betty was a Certified Reflexologist, Certified Herbalist, Naturopath Practitioner, and Certified Iridologist. Betty traveled throughout the United States teaching and conducting seminars on natural health healings. She also traveled to many of her clients' homes and businesses to perform Iridology analysis and to teach Iridology analysis. 

During that time, she also hosted the Search for Health radio show on KSAL, which aired for 12 years. She was always someone who helped others live their lives to the fullest by providing health and wellness services to those in need. She was also one of Nature's Sunshine Products' top earners.

Preceded in death by her parents Frank Boller and Norine Lohmeyer and two sisters Nadine Smith and Cleda Thomas, brother Ronnie Routon and first husband Walter Reinke. 

Betty married Walter Reinke and had two children Robert and Dean Reinke. Remarried to Frank Russell with one child Nicole Betz and four stepchildren, Becky Fisher, Kathie Burt, Mike Russell, Jill Utech. 

Surviving: husband Frank Russell, Robert and Melissa Reinke, Dean and Lora Reinke, Nicole and Jay Betz and four stepchildren, Becky Fisher, Kathie and Cary Burt, Mike Russell, Jill Utech. She was a proud grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren with four sisters, Gladys Fisher, Bernice and Marvin Bowen, Pauline and Gary Redman and Ellen and Herbie Cline, and several nieces and nephews.

Service: Friends may pay their respects to the family at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street Salina, KS., on October 19, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.&nbsp; Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Salina, 1325 E. Cloud Salina, KS., on October 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.&nbsp; Following the service, there will be a luncheon for everyone. There will be no graveside service.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell/1074854/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Betty Marie Russell, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Betty Russell, Gypsum</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666102902985.jpeg" alt="Betty Russell" />
 <figcaption>Betty Russell</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell">Obituary for Betty Marie Russell | Ryan Mortuary</a><a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell"></a>August 11, 1940 ~ October 14, 2022 (age 82)Betty Marie Russell, 82, of Gypsum, Kansas, died on October 14, 2022 in Salina, Kansas. She graduated from Benton High School in 1954 in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was born on August 11, 1940 in Frazier, Missouri.For 30 years, Betty and Frank Russell owned and operated Natural Connections, which was located at 1217 S. Salina, KS. Betty was a Certified Reflexologist, Certified Herbalist, Naturopath Practitioner, and Certified Iridologist. Betty traveled throughout the United States teaching and conducting seminars on natural health healings. She also traveled to many of her clients' homes and businesses to perform Iridology analysis and to teach Iridology analysis. During that time, she also hosted the Search for Health radio show on KSAL, which aired for 12 years. She was always someone who helped others live their lives to the fullest by providing health and wellness services to those in need. She was also one of Nature's Sunshine Products' top earners.Preceded in death by her parents Frank Boller and Norine Lohmeyer and two sisters Nadine Smith and Cleda Thomas, brother Ronnie Routon and first husband Walter Reinke. Betty married Walter Reinke and had two children Robert and Dean Reinke. Remarried to Frank Russell with one child Nicole Betz and four stepchildren, Becky Fisher, Kathie Burt, Mike Russell, Jill Utech. Surviving: husband Frank Russell, Robert and Melissa Reinke, Dean and Lora Reinke, Nicole and Jay Betz and four stepchildren, Becky Fisher, Kathie and Cary Burt, Mike Russell, Jill Utech. She was a proud grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren with four sisters, Gladys Fisher, Bernice and Marvin Bowen, Pauline and Gary Redman and Ellen and Herbie Cline, and several nieces and nephews.Service: Friends may pay their respects to the family at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th Street Salina, KS., on October 19, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.&nbsp; Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Salina, 1325 E. Cloud Salina, KS., on October 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.&nbsp; Following the service, there will be a luncheon for everyone. There will be no graveside service.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell/1074854/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Betty Marie Russell, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Betty-Russell/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

Betty Russell

<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller">Obituary for Crystal R. Fuller | Ryan Mortuary</a>

June 27, 1979 ~ October 15, 2022 (age 43)

Crystal R. Fuller, 43, of Salina, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022.

She was born to Raymond and Heather (Peters) Fuller on June 27, 1979, in Salina, Kansas.

Crystal enjoyed her country music and going to the Country Stampede. She was well loved by her co-workers and friends. When not at work she loved cookie jam and horror movies. After her mother’s passing Crystal continued to watch her mother's favorite TV show, wrestling. Crystal had a passion for her niece and nephew and her ten plus godchildren.

She is survived by her sisters Valeri Andrews of San Antonio, Paula Hanchett of Salina, niece Angelina Hanchett, nephew Slade Hanchett, stepmother Marcia Fuller, all of Salina.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 20, 5-8 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary in Salina.

Services will be Friday, October 21, at 11:00 a.m., at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina or Salina Animal Services.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller/1074854/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Crystal R. Fuller, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Crystal R. Fuller, Salina</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666102636245.jpeg" alt="Crystal R. Fuller" />
 <figcaption>Crystal R. Fuller</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller">Obituary for Crystal R. Fuller | Ryan Mortuary</a>June 27, 1979 ~ October 15, 2022 (age 43)Crystal R. Fuller, 43, of Salina, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022.She was born to Raymond and Heather (Peters) Fuller on June 27, 1979, in Salina, Kansas.Crystal enjoyed her country music and going to the Country Stampede. She was well loved by her co-workers and friends. When not at work she loved cookie jam and horror movies. After her mother’s passing Crystal continued to watch her mother's favorite TV show, wrestling. Crystal had a passion for her niece and nephew and her ten plus godchildren.She is survived by her sisters Valeri Andrews of San Antonio, Paula Hanchett of Salina, niece Angelina Hanchett, nephew Slade Hanchett, stepmother Marcia Fuller, all of Salina.Her parents preceded her in death.Visitation will be Thursday, October 20, 5-8 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary in Salina.Services will be Friday, October 21, at 11:00 a.m., at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina or Salina Animal Services.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller/1074854/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Crystal R. Fuller, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Crystal-Fuller/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

Crystal R. Fuller

<a href="https://www.carlsonfh.net/obituaries/Richard-Darrell-Lightner?obId=26151765#/obituaryInfo">Richard Darrell Lightner Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (carlsonfh.net)</a>

Richard Darrell Lightner, 86, of New Cambria, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 15th, 2022.

Richard was born in rural Dickinson County, Kansas on February 14, 1936, a son of Edith Kathleen (Lee) and Theodore Joseph Lightner.

Richard served in the United States Marine Corps and was the owner/operator of Richard Lightner Trucking.

On June 5, 1981, Richard married Nancy Keller in Salina, Kansas.

Survivors include his wife Nancy Lightner of the home; a brother, John "Skip" (Marilyn) Lightner, of Big Oak Valley, California; three daughters, Edie Olson (Jason), of Solomon, Kansas, Kary Wagner, of Solomon, Kansas, Michelle Norman (Scott Shipman), of Winnsboro, Texas; stepdaughter, Mary Basel (Gary), of Abilene, Kansas; two stepsons, Tony Slothower (Crystal) of Salina, Kansas, Rick Slothower, of Salina, Kansas; 17 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill Lightner, Bud Lightner; and sister Barbara Dickel.

Cremation has been chosen and no services are planned.

Because of Richard's love of animals, donations may be made to the Salina Animal Shelter, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=26151765&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">Tree Store.</a>

<h2>Richard Darrell Lightner, New Cambria</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666102334524.jpeg" alt="Richard Darrell Lightner" />
 <figcaption>Richard Darrell Lightner</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.carlsonfh.net/obituaries/Richard-Darrell-Lightner?obId=26151765#/obituaryInfo">Richard Darrell Lightner Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (carlsonfh.net)</a>February 14, 1936 - October 15, 2022Richard Darrell Lightner, 86, of New Cambria, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 15th, 2022.Richard was born in rural Dickinson County, Kansas on February 14, 1936, a son of Edith Kathleen (Lee) and Theodore Joseph Lightner.Richard served in the United States Marine Corps and was the owner/operator of Richard Lightner Trucking.On June 5, 1981, Richard married Nancy Keller in Salina, Kansas.Survivors include his wife Nancy Lightner of the home; a brother, John "Skip" (Marilyn) Lightner, of Big Oak Valley, California; three daughters, Edie Olson (Jason), of Solomon, Kansas, Kary Wagner, of Solomon, Kansas, Michelle Norman (Scott Shipman), of Winnsboro, Texas; stepdaughter, Mary Basel (Gary), of Abilene, Kansas; two stepsons, Tony Slothower (Crystal) of Salina, Kansas, Rick Slothower, of Salina, Kansas; 17 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildrenHe is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill Lightner, Bud Lightner; and sister Barbara Dickel.Cremation has been chosen and no services are planned.Because of Richard's love of animals, donations may be made to the Salina Animal Shelter, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://tree.tributestore.com/?oId=26151765&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;mtph=1" target="_blank">Tree Store.</a>

Richard Darrell Lightner

<a href="https://www.roselawnsalina.com/obituary/shakira-magee">Obituary | Shakira Eleish Magee of WICHITA, Kansas | Roselawn Mortuary and Memorial Park (roselawnsalina.com)</a>

Shakira Eleish Magee, 38, formerly of Salina, having moved to Wichita in 2020, passed away September 30, 2022. &nbsp;She was born February 27, 1984, in Salina to Dwight Shafer and Marie Magee.

She worked as a CNA after earning her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate.

Everyone who knew and loved Shakira knew all too well how outspoken she could be.&nbsp; She was known not to mix words and didn’t sugar coat anything.

The three most important things she loved more than anything…were her three adorable children; De`Nisha, De`Majz, and De`Zalya.&nbsp; In fact, when Shakira was still driving her car, her car tag read, “D.D.D. For Life”.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Arnold Magee, Sr., and her unborn son, De`Roco Devon Magee, with De’Roco’s middle name coming from her beloved first cousin, Paul Devon Johnson of Virginia.

Survivors include her mother Marie (Magee) Frenzley of Salina, her two “Dads,” Calvin Frenzley of Fredericksburg, VI, and Dwight Shafer of Tylertown, MS, Shakira’s three magnificent children De`Nisha, Magee, De`Majz Magee, and De`Zalya Magee, all of Salina; her grandmother Louise Magee of Salina; three sisters, Shanae Frenzley of Salina, Marissa Stewart of Tylertown, MS,&nbsp; and Pilar Shafer of Tylertown, MS, two brothers, Calvin Frenzley of Salina, and Dwight Charles Henry Shafer of Houston, TX, two aunts, Sarah Camp of Salina, and Joan Magee of Alabama, two uncles, Arnold Magee, Jr. of Illinois, and Louis Magee of Salina, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022, St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago Avenue, Salina.

Memorials may be made out to Shakira’s children in care of Roselawn Mortuary, P.O. Box 2322, Salina, 67402.

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Shakira Eleish Magee, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.roselawnsalina.com/obituary/shakira-magee/flowers?campaign=obituaryInline-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Shakira Eleish Magee, Wichita</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666102052238.jpeg" alt="Shakira Eleish Magee" />
 <figcaption>Shakira Eleish Magee</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.roselawnsalina.com/obituary/shakira-magee">Obituary | Shakira Eleish Magee of WICHITA, Kansas | Roselawn Mortuary and Memorial Park (roselawnsalina.com)</a>February 27, 1984 - September 30, 2022Shakira Eleish Magee, 38, formerly of Salina, having moved to Wichita in 2020, passed away September 30, 2022. &nbsp;She was born February 27, 1984, in Salina to Dwight Shafer and Marie Magee.She worked as a CNA after earning her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate.Everyone who knew and loved Shakira knew all too well how outspoken she could be.&nbsp; She was known not to mix words and didn’t sugar coat anything.The three most important things she loved more than anything…were her three adorable children; De`Nisha, De`Majz, and De`Zalya.&nbsp; In fact, when Shakira was still driving her car, her car tag read, “D.D.D. For Life”.She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Arnold Magee, Sr., and her unborn son, De`Roco Devon Magee, with De’Roco’s middle name coming from her beloved first cousin, Paul Devon Johnson of Virginia.Survivors include her mother Marie (Magee) Frenzley of Salina, her two “Dads,” Calvin Frenzley of Fredericksburg, VI, and Dwight Shafer of Tylertown, MS, Shakira’s three magnificent children De`Nisha, Magee, De`Majz Magee, and De`Zalya Magee, all of Salina; her grandmother Louise Magee of Salina; three sisters, Shanae Frenzley of Salina, Marissa Stewart of Tylertown, MS,&nbsp; and Pilar Shafer of Tylertown, MS, two brothers, Calvin Frenzley of Salina, and Dwight Charles Henry Shafer of Houston, TX, two aunts, Sarah Camp of Salina, and Joan Magee of Alabama, two uncles, Arnold Magee, Jr. of Illinois, and Louis Magee of Salina, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022, St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago Avenue, Salina.Memorials may be made out to Shakira’s children in care of Roselawn Mortuary, P.O. Box 2322, Salina, 67402.To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of&nbsp;Shakira Eleish Magee, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.roselawnsalina.com/obituary/shakira-magee/flowers?campaign=obituaryInline-flowers-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Shakira Eleish Magee

<a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Debra-Hett/#!/TributeWall">Debra Lee Hett Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (wigginsfuneralhomes.com)</a>

Debra Lee Hett, 63, of Canton, died Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Newton Medical Center. 

She was a retired production employee for McMannis Duplication and Fulfillment.

She was born March 24, 1959 in Lawton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Claud and Barbara (Gilbert) Cozine. 

In September of 1976 she married Danny Hett in Canton. She had been a resident of Canton for 48 years, moving from Chapman and was of the Christian faith.

Survivors include her husband Danny of Canton; one son, Drew (Atosha) Hett, Colorado Springs, Colorado; three daughters, Danielle (Troy) Washburn, Trophy Club, Texas, Dixie (Vince) Craney, Canton and Destiney Hett, Nashville, Tennessee; three sisters, Hope Gail LaRose, McPherson, Julie (Marshall) Allmond and Valerie (Jeff) Gayer, all of Wichita; a brother, Claud "Buddy" (Jan) Cozine, McPherson; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and her mother in law Dolores Hett of Canton.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, McPherson.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated a memorial be established with St. Jude Children's Hospital, in care of Olson's Mortuary, Canton.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Debra Lee Hett please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Debra Lee Hett, Canton</h2><a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Debra-Hett/#!/TributeWall">Debra Lee Hett Obituary - Visitation &amp; Funeral Information (wigginsfuneralhomes.com)</a>March 24, 1959 - October 15, 2022Debra Lee Hett, 63, of Canton, died Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Newton Medical Center. She was a retired production employee for McMannis Duplication and Fulfillment.She was born March 24, 1959 in Lawton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Claud and Barbara (Gilbert) Cozine. In September of 1976 she married Danny Hett in Canton. She had been a resident of Canton for 48 years, moving from Chapman and was of the Christian faith. Survivors include her husband Danny of Canton; one son, Drew (Atosha) Hett, Colorado Springs, Colorado; three daughters, Danielle (Troy) Washburn, Trophy Club, Texas, Dixie (Vince) Craney, Canton and Destiney Hett, Nashville, Tennessee; three sisters, Hope Gail LaRose, McPherson, Julie (Marshall) Allmond and Valerie (Jeff) Gayer, all of Wichita; a brother, Claud "Buddy" (Jan) Cozine, McPherson; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and her mother in law Dolores Hett of Canton.Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, McPherson.In lieu of flowers, the family has designated a memorial be established with St. Jude Children's Hospital, in care of Olson's Mortuary, Canton. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Debra Lee Hett please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wigginsfuneralhomes.com/store/Category.aspx?CategoryId=319&amp;icn=desktop_memorial_obituary_link#chooser">Sympathy Store</a>.

Debra Lee Hett

<a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/merlin-miller">Merlin J. Miller Obituary 2022 - Stockham Funeral Home (stockhamfamily.com)</a>

Merlin Jay Miller, 91, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.&nbsp;

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 21, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Emily Spearman Cannon and Rev. Chris Whitacre officiating.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to First United Methodist Church, McPherson College, or The Cedars in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

A more detailed obituary will be posted when available.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin J. Miller, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/14d396bd-5215-4cf0-b4ab-cedc39ef8218" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

<h2>Merlin J. Miller, McPherson</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666026101505.jpeg" alt="Merlin J. Miller" />
 <figcaption>Merlin J. Miller</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.stockhamfamily.com/obituaries/merlin-miller">Merlin J. Miller Obituary 2022 - Stockham Funeral Home (stockhamfamily.com)</a>September 10, 1931 - October 13, 2022Merlin Jay Miller, 91, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.&nbsp;The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 21, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Emily Spearman Cannon and Rev. Chris Whitacre officiating.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to First United Methodist Church, McPherson College, or The Cedars in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.A more detailed obituary will be posted when available.To send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin J. Miller, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://manage2.tukioswebsites.com/orders/v2/flowers/14d396bd-5215-4cf0-b4ab-cedc39ef8218" target="_blank">flower store</a>.

Merlin J. Miller

<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze">Obituary for Tom Maze | Parsons Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>

December 23, 1928 ~ October 13, 2022 (age 93)

Tom Maze, 93, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022, in Ellsworth. He was born December 23, 1928, in Ellsworth to Joseph and Ruth (Fishburn) Maze. 

Tom married Dorothy Jean Bath in Ellsworth on August 27, 1950.

Tom retired from farming in 1962 and went to work for KDOT, later retiring from there after many years of service. He was also a bus driver for the Ellsworth County Council on Aging and a longtime member of the Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Department. 

Tom was a member of the Ellsworth United Methodist Church where he was a janitor for many years and active in the church choir and Methodist Men’s group.

Tom is survived by his daughters Patty King of Ellsworth, Janell Haugaard (Tom) of Kanopolis, and Karen Kerr (Tom) of Kanopolis; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister Mary Earl of WaKeeney; and sister-in-law Dora Maze of Ellsworth. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Ruth Maze; wife Dorothy Jean Maze; sons David and Larry Maze; brother Don Maze; and grandson Jeremiah Hoard.

Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.

Funeral service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Ellsworth First United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth First United Methodist Church or the Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze/1069072/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Tom Maze, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Tom Maze</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666025869393.jpeg" alt="Tom Maze" />
 <figcaption>Tom Maze</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze">Obituary for Tom Maze | Parsons Funeral Home (parsonsfh.com)</a>December 23, 1928 ~ October 13, 2022 (age 93)ELLSWORTHTom Maze, 93, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022, in Ellsworth. He was born December 23, 1928, in Ellsworth to Joseph and Ruth (Fishburn) Maze. Tom married Dorothy Jean Bath in Ellsworth on August 27, 1950.Tom retired from farming in 1962 and went to work for KDOT, later retiring from there after many years of service. He was also a bus driver for the Ellsworth County Council on Aging and a longtime member of the Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Department. Tom was a member of the Ellsworth United Methodist Church where he was a janitor for many years and active in the church choir and Methodist Men’s group.Tom is survived by his daughters Patty King of Ellsworth, Janell Haugaard (Tom) of Kanopolis, and Karen Kerr (Tom) of Kanopolis; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; sister Mary Earl of WaKeeney; and sister-in-law Dora Maze of Ellsworth. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Ruth Maze; wife Dorothy Jean Maze; sons David and Larry Maze; brother Don Maze; and grandson Jeremiah Hoard.Visitation: 1-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.Funeral service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Ellsworth First United Methodist Church.Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth First United Methodist Church or the Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.&nbsp;To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze/sympathy">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze/1069072/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Tom Maze, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.parsonsfh.com/obituary/Tom-Maze/sympathy">visit our floral store.</a>

Obituaries