Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory Obituaries

About Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory

Located in the heart of Sublette, Kansas, Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory has been providing compassionate and professional funeral services to the local community for years. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping families say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and respect, this funeral home has established itself as a trusted and reliable partner in times of need.

A History of Service and Dedication

The story of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory began with a vision to provide personalized and caring funeral services that would exceed the expectations of the families they served. Over the years, this vision has remained unwavering, with the funeral home consistently delivering exceptional care and support to those who have lost a loved one. From traditional funeral services to cremations and memorial ceremonies, the team at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory has always been dedicated to helping families celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a way that is both meaningful and memorable.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Claudie Faye Burch - February 04, 1941 - September 03, 2022

Departed: 09/03/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Claudie Faye (Jackson) Burch,  81, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Ranch House in Garden City, Kansas. Claudie was born on February 4, 1941 to Cynthia (Tate) and Thurman C. Jackson in Ballard, Arkansas. Claudie married Billy Burch on July 5, 1959 in Salem, Arkansas and together they moved to Sublette, Kansas in 1961.

Claudie spent her life being a homemaker; she enjoyed making beautiful needlepoint dishtowels, reading, gardening and taking care of her flowers. Claudie especially loved spending time with her family and her cat, Gretchen.

She is survived by her son, Donnie Burch, and daughter, Joyce Burch, both of Sublette, KS; granddaughters, Kayla Loewen and Tiffany Loewen of Ontario, Canada; and three great-grandchildren, Lucas, Tyson, and Riley of Ontario, Canada.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Billy Burch; twin sister, Maudie Romine; sister, Armeldie Pilkington; brothers, Neal Jackson, Tom Jackson, and J.V. Jackson; and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Burch.

Friends are invited to a memorial book-signing from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Weeks Family Funeral Home and Crematory. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Haskell County Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made payable to the Ranch House in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com

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Gerald Wayne Spanier - July 31, 1942 - August 28, 2022

Departed: 08/28/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Gerald Wayne “Jerry” Spanier, 80, passed away on August 28, 2022 at Garden Valley Retirement Village in Garden City, Kansas. He was born on July 31, 1942 to Opal Beulah (Wilks) and Eugene E. Spanier at Garden City, Kansas. He attended Copeland schools graduating in 1960. He married Jo Anne Blundell on September 7, 1965 in Lincoln, Nebraska.Jerry was a farmer and took great pride in raising good crops. The same dedication was given to his garden which produced an abundance of various vegetables. He enjoyed watching any sporting competition on television and became an avid K-State fan when his nephew played football there.He was a member of the Copeland Christian Church and the American Legion Post #369.Jerry is survived by his wife, Jo Anne, of Copeland, KS; daughters, Robin Bennet and husband, Jody, of Grand Island, NE, and Heather Spanier of Copeland, KS; grandchildren, Erika and Damon Bennet; brothers, Richard Spanier and wife, Margaret, of Shell Beach, CA, and Virgil Spanier and wife, Chris, of Salida, CO; sister, Karen Marshal and husband, Larry, of The Colony, TX; and sister-in-law, Sharon Spanier of Copeland, KS.He is preceded in death by a son, Ty Spanier; grandson, Ashton; parents, Eugene and Opal Spanier; brother, Ronnie Spanier.Visitation will be 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2022 at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory.Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Copeland Cemetery with Pastor Doug Harris officiating.Memorial donations can be made payable to Copeland American Legion Post #369 in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online atWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com

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Daniel Wayne Finley - November 12, 1960 - August 12, 2022

Departed: 08/12/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Daniel “Danny” Wayne Finley of Beaver, Oklahoma arrived in heaven on Friday, August 12, 2022.  He was surrounded by his girls, their husbands, and his loving wife of 43 years, Karen.

Danny was born November 12, 1960, in Goodland, KS. He grew up in Sharon Springs, KS, and graduated from Wallace County High School in 1978. He then went on to Colby Community College where he met the love of his life, Karen Jo Darnall. Danny and Karen were married in Sharon Springs on September 22, 1979, where they began their life together.

The cowboy life soon called and the couple made their way to Texas where he worked for McKeller Ranch. It was there that they (and all the ranch cowboys) welcomed Casey Lynn to the crew. Danny then worked for Chuck Howley at Happy Hollow Ranch and Kelli Jo was added to the family. A craftsman at heart, Danny tried his hand at saddle making and, true to form, his work was of the highest quality. He ran a saddle shop in Comanche, Texas for a year, but being in the saddle, on a good horse was where his heart was. He returned to ranch life and worked for Broseco Ranch and again at Happy Hollow Ranch until 1998. They then moved to Beaver, Oklahoma where they started their own ranch. Those that knew Danny knew he was a true lover of horses. The cowboy way of life was in his blood. Danny was known to make a good horse and then happily lose it to one of his girls. As horses and cattle go hand in hand, Danny read and handled cattle as well as anyone could. He was a helper and a do-er who always wanted to leave things better than he found them. He was the first person to lend a hand and he’d tell you that anything worth doing, is worth doing right and to never let them see you sweat. From the moment he stuck out his hand to meet you, Danny made everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room. He was always so proud of his girls and was the best Papa to Harper, Quincy, and Tripp.

He is survived by his wife Karen Finley, of the home; two daughters, Casey Doris and husband Seth of Satanta, KS, and Kelli Jo Brown and husband Forrest of Liberal, KS; three grand babies, Harper, Quincy, and Tripp; his mother, Alice Finley of Sharon Springs, KS; a sister Coleen Dautel of Goodland, KS, and a brother, Skeeter and wife Amy of Camp Verde, AZ.

He is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Finley.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends during this time.

Graveside service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Russell Springs Cemetery just west of Russell Springs, KS, with Rev. Paul McNall officiating.

Memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2020 at the Balko Baptist Church, Balko, OK, with Pastor Todd Carr officiating.

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Paul David Miner - June 22, 1945 - July 06, 2022

Departed: 07/06/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Paul David Miner, 77, died at his home in Sublette on July 6, 2022. The first-born child of Loring “Pill” Miner and Pauline Kersey Miner, Paul was born in Garden City, Kansas on June 22, 1945 while his father was overseas serving in the U.S. Army.Paul lived in Sublette from infancy until high school graduation in 1963. Several classmates mentioned that Paul’s tutoring, especially algebra, was key to their graduation. He attended Stanford University immediately after high school, but transferred closer to home, graduating from Emporia State Teachers College. Although Paul spent his early and later years in Sublette, he lived and worked many places around the globe as science teacher and oil company chemist. He spoke Spanish and Portuguese. He made his home in many countries and states, including, Venezuela, Mexico, Africa, and Brazil, as well as, Kansas, Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Paul's favorite job may have been making presentations in schools as an atomic energy employee. He also operated an air filter renewal business in Seneca, Kansas for several years, and was employed during his college-age years as a highway engineer, house painter and Bible salesman. Paul was married once, with divorce after 5 years. Paul had a lifelong curiosity and was a voracious reader; it sometimes seemed that whatever the topic, he remembered everything he read or heard. He watched Jeopardy every day and would have been a great contestant! Until recent years, Paul gardened rosebushes for his mother to enjoy and a variety of vegetables which he enjoyed sharing with neighbors. A fan of nearly all sports, especially baseball, Paul was an assistant football coach at several high schools where he taught. Paul was not a regular churchgoer but was a member of the United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed the fellowship of working with the Methodist Men preparing the annual Groundhog Supper. He also had read the Bible along with other sacred texts and could reference them with ease. Beneath a somewhat gruff exterior was a kind and giving heart. Paul was especially appalled by the poverty in Brazil and after returning to the states, he continued sending clothing and other goods to orphanages in Brazil.Paul is survived by his brothers, Oliver “Bill” and his wife, Sherri, of Longwood, FL, and Joe and his wife, Terri, of Emporia, KS; a sister, Mary Miner Embree of Reno, NV; five nieces, two nephews, and numerous great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his father in 1978 and mother in 2004.Cremation was entrusted to Weeks Family Funeral Home and Crematory. A graveside service will be held at a later date and the family requests no flowers.Memorial contributions may be made payable to the Sublette United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of America, Alcoholics Anonymous, Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF or other children’s’ relief, in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be shared onWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Lorene Vernis White - October 21, 1919 - May 30, 2022

Departed: 05/30/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Lorene Vernis (Delay) was born October 21, 1919 to Lola Maude (Kerns) Delay and Guy Wilbur Delay in Rural Stevens County, the oldest of 3 girls and 2 boys.

Growing up during the dust bowl, Lorene attended four different schools and graduated from Elkhart High School in 1940.

Before she  married, Lorene owned a ladies clothing store, the Band Box, with her future mother-in-law. She also taught school for a time.

Lorene and Earl Ray White were married January 31, 1950 in Clayton, New Mexico. After they married, they moved to northern Morton County to farm and raise a family. Lorene and Ray had 6 children, and the home was full of fun and laughter.

She was a member of the Elkhart church of the Nazarene and taught young adult Sunday school for many years.

Lorene loved quilting and crocheting, making many gifts for her family.  She was an avid gardener, planting flowers and a garden every year she was able. Birdwatching was another favorite activity.

In her later years, Lorene told of her experiences during the Dust Bowl for a documentary by the PBS network, and portions of that interview were used in the movie Interstellar.

After a full and happy life, Lorene passed away on May 30, 2022 in the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, KS.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathi Morgan and husband Don of Elkhart; daughter-in-law, Donna of Sublette, KS; sons, Gerald “Gary” Wayne White and wife Debra of Richfield, KS; Jeffery Earl White and wife Debra of Sublette, KS; and Timothy Dean White and wife Connie of Elkhart, KS; 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Ray White; sons, Michael Ray White and Jimmy David White; and grandson, Trevor Joel White.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 2 at the Elkhart church of the Nazarene, Elkhart, KS. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am Friday, June 3 at the Elkhart Church of the Nazarene with Keith Davis officiating. Interment will be at the Elkhart Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Elkhart Church of the Nazarene or the Morton County Museum in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Nita Gay Baker - July 06, 1945 - May 27, 2022

Departed: 05/27/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Nita Gay (Littrell) Baker, 76, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2022 at her residence in Hugoton, Kansas, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 6, 1945 at Liberal, Kansas to Garnet Fontell (Burditt) and Ira Carl Littrell. She married Leonard Baker on September 19, 1964 at Hugoton, Kansas.Throughout her life, Nita worked at many different jobs, including a stint as a Dart-In manager and as a cook at Hugoton Middle and High Schools. During her tenure at USD 210, Nita was known to occasionally sneak “forbidden” sweet treats to her grandsons and their friends, cementing her place in the memories of many students.Nita loved living life to the fullest and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime was probably taking countless trips to casinos where she’d treat her guests, usually family, to a nice dinner and a few bets in exchange for a ride and some laughs.Nita is survived by Holly Thomas of Watauga, TX; grandchildren, Lance Mantzke and wife Crystal of Hugoton, KS, Tyler Mantzke and wife Casey of Amarillo, TX, Amanda Elmore and husband Christopher of Haslet, TX, and Darcy Odean and husband Justin of Fort Worth, TX; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Rebecca Claggett and husband Richard of Amarillo, TX, and Jacqueline Best of Pratt, KS; a brother, Otha “O. D.” Littrell and wife Sylvis of Hugoton, KS; and a brother-in-law, Ronnie Deal, Sr. of Laverne, OK.She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Baker; a daughter, LuCinda Mantzke; twin sister, Nada Gail Deal; and a brother-in-law, Robert Best.There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place.Graveside service will be 11:00 am on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at the Hugoton Cemetery.Memorial contributions can be made payable to Pheasant Heaven Charities or the American Cancer Society in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Kenneth Edward Bell - September 20, 1965 - May 16, 2022

Departed: 05/16/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth Edward Bell, aged 56, died Monday, May 16th in his home in Sublette, Kansas. He was born September 20, 1965 to Patricia Kilduff and Donald Bell. He is survived by his daughter Athena Bell and his two grandchildren, Hayden and Teddy Yendrzeski, of New Berlin, WI, his son Roman Bell of Sublette, Kansas, his mother Patricia KIlduff of Somerville, Texas and his sister, Cathy Ricks, of Portland, Oregon.He attended highschool in Tempe, Arizona and joined the military when he turned 18. During his time in the military, he traveled the world. Upon returning home, he spent a few years working at a mechanics shop, where he developed his love for working on and detailing cars. Always wanting something more, he decided to attend a community college in Fairfield, CA and began to pursue his education. He went on to earn his B.A. at the University of California-Davis. Wanting to experience east coast academia, he ultimately earned his Masters and PHD in Psychology at the University of New Hampshire. He found a passion for teaching and spent the next decade as a college professor, teaching Psychology, as well as, helping to publish several textbooks and papers in the field. Because of his extensive background in research and publishing, he took a job as the Editor of the Haskell County Chief when the opportunity arose. Everyone who knew Ken, knew he loved music, movies and detailing cars. Ken was also very proud of his children, Athena and Roman, and couldn't have been happier with how they both turned out. His sense of humor and love for his country will live on through his children and grandchildren. A small service was held for his family and a Veteran's service will be planned for a later date.Cremation services were entrusted to Weeks Family Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

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Mary Ann Ricketts - June 20, 1934 - May 13, 2022

Departed: 05/13/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Mary Ann (Galliart) Ricketts, 87, a long time resident of Sublette, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022 at the Long Term Care Unit in Satanta, Kansas. She was born June 20, 1934 to Rachael (Heinitz) and Fredrick Galliart in rural Barton County, Kansas. She married Gene Ricketts on November 23, 1952 at the Sublette Christian Church.Mary Ann was the mother of six children. Her most repeated story was the unexpected birth of their set of twins. She carefully and lovingly took care of her children and faithfully attended their many activities. She earned a little side money by painting for her brother-in-law, Charlie Key. Mary Ann enjoyed her many friends and loved to socialize. She had many hobbies that included crochet, working with stained glass, and crafting ceramics. Her love for anything that could be planted showed as she carefully and meticulously cared for her many house plants and her flowers. She also cared for her husband, Gene, until he passed on June 17, 1998.As a grandmother, Mary Ann showed so much pride in her grandkids. She went to numerous ballgames and school activities of the grandkids who lived close. Mary Ann loved to make picture books of all the school pictures and any special pictures she could get her hands on. She worked so hard to keep a spotless house and weed-free yard. Mary Ann always loved hearing the many adventures or pursuits of any of her offspring, often repeating the stories to anyone who would listen.While her later months were spent in the long term care unit, she never tired of trying to “join in the fun," especially playing any kind of Bingo. The care workers all seemed to be in unison when they spoke about how kind Mary Ann was and how much she will be missed. Her memory faded some but she still showed that same pride when she would hear of or see one of her precious offspring. She absolutely loved Facetime, which provided a loving connection with all of her family.She is survived by her children, Kim Ricketts and partner Tristian Rodriquez of Wichita, KS, Lynn Ricketts Pyatt of Woodward, OK, Terri Ricketts Hodges and husband Ralph of Ardmore, OK, Dawna Ricketts Forester and husband Roy of Sublette, Chris Ricketts and wife Diana of Sublette, and Traci Ricketts Mikkelsen and husband Rod of Hobson, MT; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Shirley Neuzum, and Lorene Quint, both of Garden City, KS.She is preceded in death by husband, Gene Ricketts; Baby Andrew, infant son of Rod & Traci Mikkelsena; sister, Wilma Key; brothers, Wilbur Galliart, and Richard Galliart; and son-in-law, Russ Pyatt.Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory.Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, at the Sublette Southern Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Caddell officiating. Interment will follow at the Haskell County Cemetery. The service will be streamed onWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.Memorial contributions may be made payable to Sublette Public Schools Foundation to purchase a bench at the walking track or to the Satanta Long Term Care Unit in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877.

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Ruth Ann Mann - February 24, 1959 - April 30, 2022

Departed: 04/30/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Ruth Ann (Tatro) Mann, 63, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Saturday morning, April 30, 2022 at her home in Satanta, Kansas. She was born February 24, 1959 to Alice Agnes (Bayer) and Paul Edward Tatro in Ulysses, Kansas.Ruth dedicated herself to serving others in various roles including as a cook for USD 507, a CNA/RA at Satanta Long Term Care Unit, Director and cook at the Pride of Life, Owner/Operator of Ruth’s Bakes Shop and Mann’s Popcorn, and most recently, as caregiver to Kyra.Lee and Ruth were married over her lunch hour 37 years ago at the court house in Seward County. That evening, they attended their first auction and started their ongoing adventure, always in search of the next piece of American Fostoria, stained glass or rare antique. They also enjoyed sitting outside on the back porch and watching the hummingbirds and purple martins come and go. Ruth was a no-frills force of nature.A lifelong caregiver, Ruth was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister.Ruth’s most passionate roll in life was being a mother. She always put her children first. Ruth was a rock for her children, never missing the birth of a grandchild, an opportunity to fill their bellies or a chance to be surrounded by her family. Her children and her grandchildren were her true treasures.Ruth is survived by her husband, Robert Lee Mann, Jr. of the home; children, Mark Lozar and wife DeLayna of Turpin, OK, Amy Hale and husband Jeremy of Hays, KS; Lesley Schellenberg and husband Abe of Liberal, KS, and Alison Clark and husband Allen of Hugoton, KS; grandchildren, Christopher, Dakota, Brianna, Remington, Kilee, Trace, Clayton, Cooper, Abel, and Harper; siblings, Charles Tatro and wife Karen of Strafford, MO, Rita Dennis of Guymon, OK, Rose Crum and husband Mike of Sublette, KS, Randy Tatro and wife Lisa of Fowler, KS; and mother-in-law, Roena Brown of Satanta, KS.She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Alice Tatro; a brother, Ron Tatro; and a brother-in-law, Charlie Dennis.Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at the Satanta Community Building, 108 Pawnee, Satanta, Kansas with Pastor Tyler Prater officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Dudley Township Cemetery, Satanta.Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Satanta Happy Agers or the Sublette Pride of Life in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online atWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Mary Margaret Holloway - September 20, 1926 - April 26, 2022

Departed: 04/26/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Mary Margaret (Dennis) Holloway, 95, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 26, 2022 at the Satanta Long Term Care Unit. She was born September 20, 1926 to Carrye Ann (Cave) and Clarence Glenn Dennis in Garden City, Kansas. She attended school in Sublette, graduating in 1944. After one year at Colorado Women’s College in Denver, Mary transferred to Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, graduating with a bachelor's degree in business. After returning home she worked the scale house at her father’s grain elevator where her attention was captured by a young farm hand from Arkansas who was working for Harry and Ione Wright. She was later introduced to Ralph Vernon Holloway on a Sunday morning at the Sublette Christian Church. They were united in marriage on April 9, 1950, at her parents' home in Sublette.Mary loved music, especially the great hymns of her faith that she learned as a child. She played the piano for services at the Sublette Christian Church where she was a life-long member. In the later years, Sunday services weren’t complete without lunch at Cattleman’s Cafe on main street with her family.Mary was a traditional farm wife, supporting Ralph in the field with meals during planting season and harvest. She was known to take the pickup with the slide-in camper to the field to serve lunch, often times driving the tractor while Ralph was having his meal so that they didn't waste any daylight. Having been raised in Southwest Kansas, Mary didn't like it when people would complain about the weather, for she always liked the wind.She enjoyed her family and gained great pleasure in following her grandchildren to different sporting activities. High school scholars bowl became a favorite activity of Mary’s. It was at one of these competitions that with great excitement she shouted the answer to the question from the back of the room, bringing laughter to her family and those around her. It is these memories that her family will forever treasure. Mary was loved and will be greatly missed.She is survived by her children, a son, David Ralph Holloway and wife Mikelyn of Sublette; a daughter, Maryann Miller and husband Kenneth of Ensign; grandchildren, Matt Holloway and wife Marissa Casamassino of Boynton Beach, Fl, Jake Holloway and Cody Prosser of Sublette, Brooke Molz and husband Ryan of Kiowa, and Brett Holloway and wife Samantha of Manhattan; and great-grandchildren, Colton, Mila, Henry, Madelyn, Luke and Lyle.Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Holloway, her parents, C.G. and Carrye Dennis; and a brother, Glenn Dennis.Visitation for friends and family will be 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Sublette Christian Church, with burial to follow at Haskell County Cemetery.Suggested memorial contributions can be made payable to the Sublette Christian Church in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, Kansas 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Shirley Joan DeCamp - September 08, 1924 - April 22, 2022

Departed: 04/22/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Shirley De Camp, a lifelong resident of Hugoton, quietly passed away April 22, 2022 at the home of her daughter's in Florida at the age of 97.Shirley was born September 8, 1924 to Ollie (Pitts) and John Fulkerson in Hugoton, Kansas, where she lived her life. Shirley and Wayne De Camp married on May 6, 1945 and shared 76 years together. Their union was blessed with six children.Her memory will forever be cherished by her surviving children: Eileen Gregg, Linda (Bernie) Ceilley, and Bill (Carolyn) De Camp. Shirley will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, a cousin, other close family members and all who knew her.She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; three children, Darlene, Shirley Ann, and John; her parents, brother and her beloved “Papa."After high school graduation, Shirley went on to study nursing. Upon returning to Hugoton, she taught in rural schools in Stevens County. Shirley was always caring and concerned about others, traits that made her good at her work in the Stevens County Hospital and as a caregiver. She also worked alongside her father as Assistant Stevens County Clerk of Court and after his death served as the Clerk.Her greatest love was music. Shirley was self-taught pianist/organist who played for church services, celebrations, and accompanied soloists. She loved to sit around the piano playing and singing. If you were near, Shirley would insist you join in. Put the music on and she was the first to lead the fun. You often would see her working puzzles, playing with dolls and enjoying her children, grandchildren or any other child. Her love for children had a huge impact on their faith in Christ. Shirley enjoyed teaching Sunday School, Bible School and leading youth groups. Her home was an open door for the “young ones” and she helped many of them through their trying times. Shirley never grew tired of helping others. In her last days, she was often visited by her daughters, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended families, reading to her and sharing fun times. She loved family!Wayne and Shirley loved dancing to the rhythm of the big bands that were popular in the 1940's. They also loved to jeep inthe mountains of Colorado and travel, exploring the different states. Both were well known in the show car circuit where Wayne showed his customized cars.Shirley will be laid to rest with a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022 in the Hugoton Cemetery.Suggested memorial contributions can be made payable to Pheasant Heaven Charities in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left aWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Nalina Lareda Hickman - May 21, 1940 - March 30, 2022

Departed: 03/30/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Nalina Lareda (Parker) Hickman, 81, of Shawnee, KS, passed away on March 30, 2022.Nalina was born May, 21, 1940, the daughter of Herman Augustus Parker and Lolitta Anna (York) Parker. Nalina spent most of her childhood in Cisne, IL and later moved with her family to rural southwest Kansas, graduating from Satanta High School in 1958. She went on to earn an associate degree in accounting and worked as an accountant for Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, where she made lifelong friendships.Nalina married Loy Hickman on April 29, 1981. They were married for over 40 years and shared a love of corvettes and flying around the country together.Nalina especially enjoyed reading, walking in nearby Shawnee Mission Park and shopping with her mother and sister. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, style, and love of her family.Remaining to cherishNalina’s memory are:husband, Loy Hickman of Shawnee, KS; sister, Novella Haddican of Satanta, KS; nephew Michael Haddican and wife Connie of Kansas City, KS; nephew Gregory Haddican of Plains, KS; great-niece Rebecca Haddican and husband Andrew Houston of Kansas City, MO; and great-nephew Zachary Haddican and wife Janeth of Plains, KS.Precedingherin death areher parents.A private family service will be held at Dudley Township Cemetery, Satanta, Kansas.

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Rodger Dale Greer - March 27, 1964 - March 18, 2022

Departed: 03/18/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Rodger Dale Greer of Sublette, KS, passed away on March 18, 2022, at Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver, Colorado because of complications of COVID-19. He was born March 27, 1964, to Nadine Adelle (Beard) and Robert Greer in Long Beach, California. Rodger grew up in California and Texas before moving to Satanta where he attended school, graduating from Satanta High School in 1982. He went on to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, Kansas.Rodger met Sherlyn Sue Walter in 1999 and married on July 22, 2000, and enjoyed 21 wonderful years together. Rodger served for 20 plus years in law enforcement in both Arizona and Kansas. He was also a Third Degree Mason. Rodger loved to fish, listen to classic rock, and spend time with his family and grandchildren. Being “P” to his grandchildren was his most cherished title.Despite his trials, both health and personal, Rodger was never negative or callous. He was quick to sacrifice for anyone in need—family or other wise. Always offering a kind smile or joke, he never knew a stranger.Rodger enjoyed a blended family and is survived by his wife Sherlyn Greer, his father, Robert “Bob” Greer; children, Megan and Rob Kirchner, Kelsey Greer, Colton Greer, Garrett and Ashley Walter, Brock and Jennifer Walter, and Heath and Rachel Kirmer; grandchildren, Hailey and Riley Kirchner, Brayden Walter, Maddie Whitehead, and Paysley and Denver Walter; and his cherished dog, Sophie. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nadine Powell, and his beloved dog, Maggie.The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 24, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 1547 Road 190, Sublette, Kansas.Funeral Service will be 10:00 am Friday, March 25, at the Sublette Christian Church with Pastors David Erwin and Benjamin Clubb officiating. Interment will be at Haskell County Cemetery immediately following the service.

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Jose Salvador Ordoñez Dominguez - August 08, 1952 - March 15, 2022

Departed: 03/15/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Jose Salvador Ordoñez Dominguez, 69, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at his home in Sublette, Kansas. He was born August 8, 1952 to Estela (Dominquez) and Ramon Ordoñez in Ojo De Aqua, Chihuahua, Mexico. He married Micaela Soto Gutierrez on November 14, 1973 at Municipio de Cusihuiriachi Chihuahua Mexico .Salvador was happiest when all the family would gather for holidays and celebrations. Food was a central part of these celebrations and so was his love for family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, especially at Christmas. He will be greatly missed by his family.He is survived by his wife, Micaela Soto Gutierrez of the home; sons, Jose Ordoñez and wife Maria of Summit, CO, Ramon Ordoñez and wife Elizeth of Juárez, Mexico, Artemio Ordoñez and wife Maria of Chihuahua, Mexico, Alejandro Ordoñez and wife Yesica of Pratt, KS, and Juan Ordoñez and wife Jessica of Satanta, KS; daughters, Elvira Ordoñez and Lorenzo Ortega of Juárez, Mexico, Rosario Ordoñez and Miguel Puentes of Sublette, KS, and Mary Ordoñez and Gabriel Heredia of Pratt, KS, and he was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Estela Ordoñez; and a daughter, Estela Ordoñez.There will be no public visitation as cremation has taken place.Holy Mass will be celebrated at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 19, at St Alphonsus Catholic Church, Satanta, Kansas with Fr. Juan Salas officiating.Cremation was entrusted to Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory of Sublette, Kansas. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com

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Geraline Sue Elliot - June 30, 1947 - February 28, 2022

Departed: 02/28/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Geraline Sue “Gerry” (Smith) Elliot, 74, died unexpectedly on Monday, February, 28, 2022, at Satanta District Hospital, Satanta, Kansas. She was born on June 30, 1947 to Thelma Arlene (Heldt) and Fred Gerald Smith in Sterling, Kansas.She married Paul Vernon Elliot on May 14, 1967 in Turon, Kansas and they were blessed with a son and four daughters; Eddie, Beth, Barbara, Diane, and Becky.Gerry was proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and often bragged about them to her friends, coworkers, or anyone else who would listen.She also enjoyed holding her great grand babies, often not giving them up for others to hold.Gerry was a restless spirit and enjoyed working a variety of jobs over the years. She worked at many different retail jobs (liquor store, Larned state hospital, St Catherine's Hospital, McDonalds, and many others.Gerry volunteered with the Sublette EMS for many years, first as an EMT and then as an EMT-I. She really enjoyed this and it rubbed off on two of her children, Eddie and Barbara, who also became EMT's.Gerry retired several years ago and spent her time doing what she loved: listening to books, watching YouTube, smoking Marlboros, drinking Diet Pepsi, and eating an assortment of junk food. While Gerry enjoyed spending most of her time alone, she did like attending birthday parties for her grandkids and great-grandkids, as well as, spending holidays with her family (some suspect it may have been for all the good food). Gerry leaves behind an extensive collection of cigarette lighters. She also shared her opinion freely, regardless of if it was wanted.She is survived by her children, Eddie Elliot and wife Laura of Hugoton, Beth Herrell of Garden City, Barbara O’Keefe, and husband Brian of Sublette, Diane Ball and husband Brian of Satanta, and Becky Doyle and husband Daniel of Larned; grandchildren, Heather Elliot, and wife Nyra of Wichita, Meagan Sissick and husband Tyler of Hutchinson, Brittany Eshbaugh and husband Jake of Hutchinson, Kristen Herrell of Wichita, Katelyn Herrell and fiancé Josh Eckart of Garden City, Michala Hamilton of Lakin, Mariah Bayer and husband Anthony of Ingalls, Makynli O’Keefe of Sublette, Braxston O’Keefe of Sublette, Kyle Ball of Wichita, Leah Kraemer and wife Sam of Pierceville, Tristan Miller of Pierceville, Meghan Doyle and fiancé Zach of Great Bend, and Madison Doyle, Great Bend; twenty great-grandchildren; and siblings, Linda Stover and husband Richard of Sterling, Connie Hess and husband David of Madison, Mike Smith of Hutchinson, Cindy Morales of Lyons, Robert Smith of Hutchinson, Rodney Smith and wife Rhonda of Jonesboro, AR, and Timothy Smith of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Thelma Smith; infant granddaughters, Emily Elliot, and Bridgit O’Keefe; an infant grandson, Sebastion O’Keefe; an infant great-grandson, Wyatt Eshbaugh; a baby brother; sister, Paula Capps; and longtime companion, William “Bill” King.Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at a later date at Turon Cemetery, Turon, Kansas.Suggested memorial contributions are to the family; please make checks payable to Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory,PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online atWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Mearle Dale Simpson - November 10, 1932 - February 27, 2022

Departed: 02/27/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Satanta – Mearle Dale Simpson, 89, passed away, February 27, 2022, at his home in Satanta, Kansas.Mearle was born November 10, 1932 in Cimarron, Kansas. He graduated from Satanta High School in 1950 and continued his education at Kemper Military School in 1951. He joined the US Navy and served from 1952 to 1956 and was stationed in Hawaii.Mearle married the love of his life, Ila Marie Gressly in Hugoton, Kansas, on August 16, 1957. They made their home on the Simpson farm for over 60 years where Mearle raised wheat, milo, and corn. He was a loyal supporter of his children and grandchildren’s sports interests and everyone knew he would travel through all kinds of weather to watch them participate in volleyball, basketball, football and the occasional track meet. From time to time, he could be heard yelling words of support or giving coaching tips from the crowd. During their retirement, Mearle and Ila loved taking their RV to Woodland Park, Colorado to enjoy the mountains and meet new friends.Mearle is survived by his three children: Deborah Lea Weeks; Susan Marie Palmgren and husband Sam; Scott Brian Simpson; his sister, Katherine Andrews; three grandchildren: Andrea Fink, Darcy Weeks, and Brent Weeks; and six great grandchildren. Mearle was preceded in death by his wife, Ila Marie Gressly, and his parents Forrest and Lucille Simpson.Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date at Dudley Township Cemetery, Satanta, Kansas.

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Janet Larraine Keener - August 25, 1941 - February 22, 2022

Departed: 02/22/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Janet Larraine (Michael) Keener, 80, died on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at her home in Sublette, Kansas. She was born on August 25, 1941 to Alice Mae Thomason and William Delbert “Del” Hardin in Kansas City, Missouri. She married Lonnie Henderson Keener on May 10, 1975 in Sublette, Kansas.Janet’s childhood was spent in Kansas City. Raised without any siblings, Janet made friends with neighborhood children, sometimes playing baseball in an empty lot behind the apartment complex where she lived, other times roller-skating and bloodying her knees on chipped city sidewalks. She adored going to the movies and was a lifelong fan of old Hollywood cinema. Her favorite movie was “Imitation of Life,” which made her cry every time. As a teenager and young adult, Janet lived in the Great Bend area for several years before moving to Sublette, her home for the past 48-plus years.Janet loved the Sublette community and never wanted to leave. Here, Janet spent countless hours tending her yard and garden, creating cheerful blooms and growing loads of cucumbers for everyone to quite literally relish after canning season. Besides having a green thumb, Janet was a talented cook. She enjoyed canning and sewing and crocheted enough afghans to outfit every couch in town. Janet was an avid collector of things, mostly dolls, but she also managed to fill an entire camper with her collections of Star Wars, Peanuts, Scooby-Doo and other drinking glass sets popularly offered at McDonald’s in the 70s and 80s. She surrounded her home with things she loved: music albums from every genre (but maybe too much Barry Manilow), wall-to-wall books, and photos of her children and grandchildren in every available space.It cannot go unmentioned how much Janet loved animals. Over the years, she was the pet mother of countless dogs and cats, stray and otherwise, not to mention geese, ducks, chickens, cockatiels, an African-grey parrot, hamsters, and a ferret named Digger. Janet came to know God and found a genuine fellowship with her church family, who looked out for her in so many ways. We would like to extend a special thank you to the Christ Church of Haskell County and to Pastor David and Tish Erwin for their loving care of our mother.She is survived by her children, Kimberly Franklin and husband Victor of San Diego, CA, Gary Wiysel and wife Hattie of Minneapolis, MN, Allison Watson of Batavia, NY, and Michelle Reardon and husband Tim of Hendersonville, TN; step-children, Freda Chapman of La Crosse, KS, John Keener of La Crosse, KS, William Keener and wife Brenda of La Crosse, KS, Dalton Keener and wife Barbara of Pawnee Rock, KS, and Paula Keener of La Crosse, KS; twenty-one grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.She is preceded in death by her mother, Alice Fildes; her father, Del Hardin; husband, Lonnie Keener; a grandson, Damien Watson; a granddaughter, Sarah Wiysel; and special friend and companion, Jim Ramsey.

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Ronald Dean Von Hemel - June 04, 1936 - February 22, 2022

Departed: 02/22/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Ronald Dean “Bunny” Von Hemel, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the Stanton County Long Term Care facility in Johnson, Kansas. He was born June 4, 1936 to Alta Beatrice (Watson) and Augusta Ross Von Hemel in Picher, Oklahoma. Bunny, a nickname that was given to him as a child by his father, was raised in the Manter area and attended school there.Bunny owned and operated a trucking company in Lamar, Colorado. He saw millions of miles of this great country transporting cattle. His children have fond memories of Bunny teaching them how to drive a semi-truck during their teenage years. When he wasn’t working he could be found fishing or hunting elk, antelope, deer and even rabbits. Bunny enjoyed taking guided hunting trips to Colorado and spending time in nature. Each year he invested love in his garden, cultivating wonderful fruits and vegetables that he would give to family and friends. Bunny also had a love for gambling: scratch-off tickets, the horse track, and trips to Boot Hill Casino or Cripple Creek Colorado. He was proud of his Miami Tribe roots and felt his Native American heritage ran through his veins. (“niila myaamia,” which translates to, “I am Miami!”) He will be greatly missed by his family.He is survived by his children: Rhonda Kay Westeman and Douglas Peppler, both of Manter, KS, Lana Gayle Smith and husband David of Manter, KS, and Ronnie Wayne Von Hemel of Ulysses, KS; eight grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers Don Von Hemel and Roylynn of Hot Springs, AR, and Ross Von Hemel of Holly, CO; a sister, Carolyn Spell of Walsh, CO; a brother-in-law, Dewight Mellecker of Longmont, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents Augusta and Alta Von Hemel; a brother, Danny Von Hemel; a sister, Judy Mellecker; and a sister-in-law, Judy Von Hemel.There will be no public visitation as cremation has taken place. He will be laid to rest on the Miami Tribal Burial Grounds in Miami, Oklahoma.Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Josephine Goodboo Watson Memorial Book Tribal Scholarship in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, Ks 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com

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William David Walford - October 03, 1969 - February 02, 2022

Departed: 02/02/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: William David Walford, 52, died Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at his home in rural Haskell County, Kansas. He was born October 3, 1969 to Rhonda Lynn (Ledford) and Ronald Divine Walford in Eldorado, Kansas. David graduated from Hartford High School in 1988 and continued his education at Kansas State University, earning a bachelors degree in agriculture. He married Sherry Lynn Rohrs on August 6, 2005 in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. Together David and Sherry owned and operated a custom cutting and trucking business. He was a fan of anything green so it didn't surprise anyone when he took a job at the local John Deere dealership, American Implement, in Sublette, Kansas. He also could be found helping farmers with harvest or planting season. When David wasn’t working he was watching NASCAR or playing with his dogs.He is survived by his wife Sherry Walford of Enid, OK; children, Christopher David of Shelton, WA, Grace Erin of Chapel Hill, NC, and Tyler Christensen of Lincoln, KS; step-children, David Rohrs and wife Julia of Enid, OK, and Dylan Rohrs of Enid, OK; siblings, Francis Miller and husband Brian of Allen, KS, Carrie Finnerty of Emporia, KS, MJ Finnerty and wife Heather of Hartford, KS, and CJ Finnerty and wife Amy of Burlington, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dachshund, Josie.There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to sign the register book from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, Sublette, Kansas.Memorial Service will be 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, in the chapel at the United Methodist Church, 316 Sherman, Madison, Kansas, with Pastor Bob Robison presiding. Interment will be at the Janesville Cemetery in Hamilton, Kansas immediately following the service.Suggested memorial contributions are to the American Heart Association in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, Ks 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com

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Larry Dean Winter - May 20, 1940 - January 25, 2022

Departed: 01/25/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Larry Dean Winter, 81, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 in Sublette, Kansas.Larry was born on May 20, 1940 to Vera Ellen (Hansen) and Martin Simon Winter at their home in Sublette, Kansas. He was the second youngest in a family of seven children, having three sisters and three brothers. He received his diploma in 1958 but that wasn’t the only thing he gained while attending Sublette High. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn, on June 7, 1959 at the Sublette Christian Church.At his passing, they were married for 62 years, 7 months and 18 days. Larry spent his entire life as a farmer, even while also being employed at the Co-op for a decade after high school. As with many farmers, working the earth to provide for the world was part of his inner being and he continued to pursue this calling until his passing, even helping bring in last fall's corn harvest.Marilyn was his first love, next came his children and grandchildren, then it was farming.Larry was a very talented, creative person. He could make anything out of old parts, wood, or random scrap materials. He was able to fix whatever broke, whether at home or on the farm. During the winter months, one would find Larry out at one of his sheds, tinkering or repairing something as he was not a person who enjoyed sitting still.Those close to Larry know that he enjoyed a good haggling; negotiating to get a better price on vehicles or equipment was a form of entertainment for him.Suffice it to say, he always got a great deal! Larry enjoyed going and “hanging out” with friends and drinking coffee while swapping stories and jokes.A strong Christian, it was not unusual for Larry to perform kind deeds for others; sometimes it was for friends, other times it was for complete strangers.When his children were young Larry's presence was common at many sporting and school activities. He loved basketball and track the most. As a high school student, Larry played basketball.As an adult, he remained involved in the game by playing on a Sublette men's traveling team. As a spectator, Larry enjoyed watching professional basketball with his kids, and was a fan of Larry Bird and others of that time period. College hoops, specifically the Kansas Jayhawks, were a big part of every winter. Larry was a dedicated fan who looked forward to every televised game.He was a very good trap shooter and skunk hunter. Among some of the other things, Larry took an avid interest in or liked: going to the mountains and camping, riding his motorcycles, Mexico motorcycle trips with the guys, Corvettes, John Deeres, cats and dogs, and big, cold Pepsis. Larry truly loved Marilyn, his children, and grandchildren to the moon and back many times over. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He will be missed greatly by so many.He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Winter of the home; children, Sharri Adams and husband Rick of Raymore, MO, Debbie Winter of Sublette, KS, and Douglas Winter of Lansing, KS; grandsons, Jonathan Adams and wife Natalie of Peculiar, MO, and Cooper Adams of Raymore, MO; granddaughter, Kristin Hanna of Springfield, MO; brother, Ronald Winter and wife Peggy of Sublette, KS; sisters, Donna Miller and husband Tom of Scott City, KS, and Mary Ann Duncan and husband Richard of Sublette, KS; several loving nieces and nephews; and lots of wonderful friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Vera Winter; sister, Ramola Burke; and brothers, Russell Winter, and William Winter.Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, January 28, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 29, at the Sublette Christian Church with Pastors Chuck Young and David Erwin officiating. Interment will be at Haskell County Cemetery immediately following the service.Suggested memorial contributions can be made payable to Sublette Christian Church, St Jude’s Children Research Hospital, or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, Ks 67877. Condolences may be left online atWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Francis Adna Van Etten - July 25, 1927 - January 18, 2022

Departed: 01/18/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Francis Adna Van Etten, 94, died surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at his home in Sublette, Kansas. He was born July 25, 1927 to Sarah Dollie (Richardson) and Clyde Van Etten in Bluff City, Kansas. Francis proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He married Glendolyn Lou (Avery) on November 6, 1949, in Anthony, Kansas.Open arms and heart are two things you’ll hear again and again when family and friends remember Francis. His life was defined by service to his country, devotion to his wife, and love for his five children and his grandchildren. Francis was known to friends and family as the guy who could fix anything. If it was broken, you took it to him knowing full well that when it was returned it would work perfectly.For over forty years, Francis worked as a skilled welder for Geis Irrigation which later became T & L Irrigation. He also worked on the half mile-long elevator in Hutchinson before moving to Sublette in 1966. He was an avid fisherman who loved traveling in their RV, camping, and getting to know anyone who came by to chat. Francis also enjoyed creating beautiful stained-glass pieces. He was famous for his chocolate chip pancakes; when Grandpa made pancakes, the house filled up with kids of all ages. He will be greatly missed by his family.He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Glendolyn Van Etten of the home; children, Karen Bailey of Sublette, KS, Kerry Van Etten and wife Nancy of Fort Scott, KS, Randy Van Etten of Sublette, KS, Lenny Van Etten and wife Juanita of Sublette, KS, and Klonda Pemberton and husband Bill of Sublette, KS; 22 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Dollie Van Etten; great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Antonio Garcia and Bailey Ritter; and brothers, Wilbur, Beryle, Eldon Van Etten.There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place.Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, at the Sublette Southern Baptist Church, 901 Lark Avenue, Sublette, KS 67877 with Pastor Dave Erwin officiating. Internment will be at the Haskell County Cemetery immediately following the service.Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Sublette American Legion Post #205 in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.

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Florence Joan Stoppel - July 11, 1929 - January 06, 2022

Departed: 01/06/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Florence Joan (Hafliger) Stoppel, 92, began her final journey on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Satanta District Hospital. She was born July 11, 1929 to Fredrich and Stella Mae (Lessor) Hafliger in Wakeeney, Kansas.Joan attended a country elementary school, then Trego Community High School, graduating in 1946. From there, she attended Fort Hays State College for the summer to obtain a teaching certificate. She taught in a country school for one year.On December 22, 1946, she married Alvin Stoppel. They moved to the Holcomb area into a sugar beet factory home. Joan and Al relocated to Sublette in February of 1956 to begin their farming career that lasted over 66 years.They were also co-owners of Stoppel Equipment where she managed the inventory in the parts department. Upon retiring, she learned to quilt, making almost 600 baby comforters to send to the Children’s Hospital in Denver.Joan was a member of the Sublette United Methodist Church. She and Al enjoyed square dancing in their younger days. Besides quilting she was also a member of the local Garden Club having a beautiful iris bed. Joanvolunteered to run the Thrift Shop after retiring and played bridge for several years. Also during this time she went to estate auctions purchasing glassware to add to her collection. Having three great-grandsons close by was truly a joy for her; they visited often. She successfully raised six children. Being a caregiver to family and friends brought Joan great comfort.Survivors are daughter, Mary Ann Barber and husband James of Sublette, son, Tom Stoppel and wife Sue of Sublette, daughter, Pam Zimmerman and husband Tom of Dorrance, KS, and twins, Patty Noland and husband David of Bartlesville, OK, and Mike Stoppel and friend Stephen Kinal of Round Rock, TX; grandchildren, Cheri Parks and husband Drew of Emporia, KS, Stephanie Scott and husband Jay of Cottonwood Falls, Clint Stoppel and wife Lisa of Hesston, KS, Christopher Stoppel and wife Haley of Sublette, Michael Noland and wife Heather, and Katie Hill and husband Kris all of Owasso, OK; twelve great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, and Virginia Hafliger and Doris Hafliger both of Wakeeney, KS.She is preceded in death by her husband Alvin Stoppel; infant twin sons, daughter, Alana; her parents, Fredrich and Stella Hafliger; sisters Clara Stoppel and Fern Clark; brothers, Floyd, William, John and Fredrich Hafliger.Visitation will be from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory with the family receiving friends from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m.Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 10, at Sublette United Methodist Church with Pastor Terry Mayhew officiating. Interment will be at Haskell County Cemetery immediately following the service.Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Sublette United Methodist Church or Make-A-Wish Foundation in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online atWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com

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Zona Loraine Harlow - March 30, 1929 - January 06, 2022

Departed: 01/06/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Zona Loraine Harlow, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the Long Term Care Unit in Satanta, Kansas.Zona (Sandberg) Harlow began her amazing life on March 30, 1929 in Blackduck, Minnesota born to Violet Viola (Jinks) and John Sandberg. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Cassville, Missouri. Zona was the oldest of six children, played basketball, was an honor choir singer, and valedictorian of her class.After graduating from Butterfield High School, Zona traveled to Buckeye, Colorado to help with the sorghum and wheat harvest. While there, she met a young man walking down the street with a case of beer in one hand, a bottle of whiskey in the other, and a girl draped on his arm. In true Zona fashion, she popped off a smart remark and she and Oliver began their journey together.The couple married on August 18, 1950 and started their life together in Ulysses, Kansas. They were joined by three daughters: Violet, Brenda and Deborah.In 1964, Zona began working at the Satanta grade school as a cook. She spent the next 29 years pursuing one of the great passions of her life, feeding the children of the community.Zona loved to crochet, travel, cook, and spend time with her grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.She is survived by her daughters, Violet Elliott of Verona, MO, Brenda Bussell and husband Larry of Borger, TX, and Deb Forward and husband Bob of Satanta, KS; grandchildren, Katherine, John, Amber, Todd, Clint, and Bryce; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Joyce Ward of Springfield, MO, Faye Scordato and husband Mike of Consequence, FL, and Fern Pettyjohn of Wichita Falls; and a brother, Paul Sandberg and wife Ethel of Kansas City, MO.She is preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Harlow; parents, John & Violet Sandberg; and a brother, Roy Sandberg.Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Satanta First Baptist Church with Pastor Rod Klingsick officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.Suggested memorial contributions are to Satanta High School SPEAR Program in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online atWeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com

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William Nathan Hockett - July 31, 1954 - January 02, 2022

Departed: 01/02/2022 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: William Nathan Hockett, known variously as Baseball Billy, Wild Bill, Bill, and Papa, was born on July 31, 1954, at the naval hospital in Oakland, California, where his Navy father the late Nathan “Junior” Lester Hockett, Jr., and his adventuresome mother Ruby Dolores Reddell were stationed. We thought he’d outlive the redwoods, but he passed away at home surrounded by family on January 2, 2022, just as he lived—which was also how he liked to drive: too fast, a few surprises, a wreck or two along the way, and gettin’ there while the gettin’s good. He was the oldest of three, which is probably part of why he was so ornery—keeping his little brother Rick and his little sister Linda in line sometimes involved the need for stitches, given to them or doled out on their behalf. No doubt his lifelong friend and other brother, Mac Griffin, sure contributed to the orneriness too, though most of Mac’s stories of growing up with Bill come from the perspective of an innocent observer. (We know better.)

Before Bill’s first birthday, Junior and Ruby moved to Sublette, Kansas, where he spent most of his childhood. They spent some time in Oklahoma where he attended a small country school, as well as a year in Illinois before coming back to Sublette, where Bill graduated high school. He attended one semester at Seward County Community College, and claimed advanced degrees and highest accolades from the School of Hard Knocks.

Early in life, he worked as a bag-boy and butcher at the family-run Myers Market in Sublette, Kansas, where he and Mac cleaned, waxed, and polished the floors every Saturday night after closing (when Mac claims they drank a beer and had summer sausage only one time—sure). There, Bill also learned every cut of beef—though our favorite cut that he butchered and cooked was one he made up: the Yum-Yums. He then worked at the Jayhawk Oil and Gas Company, where he was a chief operator. He held that job when he met and—in 1981—married his wife Janice Leigh Brollier, who he knew he should marry from a God-dream and probably also the pie she broke into his house to give him since he wasn’t picking up on more subtle hints of her interest. The 40th anniversary of their wedding will be on March 7. Bill was also a life-long cowboy. In his earlier years at his and Janice’s farm—the Cimmaron River Ranch—Bill was often booted up to round the cattle on horse-back or buck hay bales in his red chaps. There, he also helped Janice sow, weed, and harvest their massive garden; he farmed corn, wheat, milo, and soybeans; and he went kitty-hunting with their daughters, which—contrary to how it sounded when he chuckled mischievously about it to his friends—involved not actually hunting cats but cruising the country in his old truck looking for stray kitties to adopt to the barn. Out on the farm, he and Janice raised and home schooled the girls, where he especially helped teach in math, science, basketball, bike-riding, and novel aphorisms that we think he made up but of which he asked, “You mean you never heard that before?”

Out at the farm and after they sold it and moved to Liberal, Kansas, Bill and Janice also adopted strays of the human variety. Their home was always open as refuge to folks who needed a place to stay for a few weeks or a few years. In fact, Bill was a bit of a sucker for helping people—Mom shudders to think how much money he spent buying popcorn and discount cards from kids trawling the neighborhood for school fundraisers, and he often extended rent deadlines month after month for folks in tight situations on the rentals he managed with his business partner Richard Farrar. He and Richard started off as REALTORS® (and yes, it was capitalized with the registered trademark every time he said it) together at Coldwell Banker, which they bought and renamed Landmark Real Estate Center, LLC. Bill was invested in his community in many other ways: in addition to helping people find places to live, Bill served as a Kansas Association of REALTORS® Director at the state level to represent the Southwest Kansas Board of Realtors—he sat in on budgeting meetings and was a specialist in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee where he was involved in governmental affairs for realty at the state level and brought back information to the local level. Bill served as an Elder for many years at Christian Life Center, where he helped administer and was active in many of the church’s outreach ministries. He was an appointed member of the Liberal Metropolitan Area Planning Commission & Board of Zoning Appeals. He dusted off his cowboy boots for the Seward County PRCA Rodeo, which he helped organize and promote. He enjoyed attending the Liberal Bee Jays baseball games, Liberal Redskins football games, and Saints basketball games. His investment wasn’t motivated by recognition, but because he cared about people and wanted the job done right.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Junior, and before that by the family dog—a Golden Retriever named Samantha who a neighbor sold to Bill and had him come pick up in a night rainstorm so Dad wouldn’t see she was blind in one eye until inspection the next morning. He was happy with the addition to the family, though, as Sam took care of us girls when we played out in the pasture—and that’s what was most important to Dad: taking care of his family. “That’s why God put us on Earth,” Dad reminded us while he was in the hospital. And we knew it, because he’d spent his life taking care of us; we were so glad to be by his side in the fast and arduous last month of his life to take care of him.

Now taking care of each other are his wife, Janice Hockett of Liberal, KS; his dog, Sidney “Sid” Rae Vicious; two daughters, Jubilee Davis (Lance Silva) of Nacogdoches, TX, and Jericho Hockett (Eddy Van Vleet) of Topeka, KS; his grandchildren, Simon, Susannah (Susi), and Halle Davis and Evelynn Van Vleet; his mother, Ruby Hockett of Collinsville, OK; his brother, Rick Hockett of Tahlequah, OK; his sister, Linda Viera (Nef Viera) of Sublette, KS; and many friends and colleagues.

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Wynola LaVelle Osbon - September 01, 1940 - December 25, 2021

Departed: 12/25/2021 (Sublette)

Obituary Preview: Wynola LaVelle (Anthony) Osbon, 81, passed away early Christmas morning, December 25, 2021 at Satanta District Hospital, Satanta, Kansas.

She was born on a Sunday, September 1, 1940 to Maude Ellen (Wright) and Elwin Everitt Anthony at Satanta District Hospital. Wyna attended Red Rock country school north of Satanta, transferring to Satanta Grade School for fifth grade. Wyna went on to graduate from Satanta High School in 1958 then continued her education by earning an associate's degree from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Wyna married Russell Nelson Birney in Springfield, Colorado on December 24, 1958, and they were blessed with two sons, Elwin Leon and Uel Wayne. They owned and operated Birney Construction where she took care of the office and the bookkeeping. Together, they took pride in raising their sons with the strong work ethics built through running a family business. While their sons were in high school, Wyna was honored to serve two terms on the USD #374 Board of Education. Life changed for the family when Russell passed away on July 2, 1988.

A new chapter in Wyna's story began when she reconnected with Carl Lawrence Osbon, whom she had first met when he was a sixth grader, and they married on November 20, 1993 at the Satanta United Methodist Church.She believed in supporting her local community. Wyna and Carl were members of the Sublette Booster Club and the Sublette Chamber of Commerce. In earlier years, she was the secretary of the Sublette United Methodist Church then the office manager of Haskell County Grain and John Deere. In 1985 she purchased the Sublette Drug Store where she continued the beloved tradition of the local soda fountain by serving many milk shakes, limeades, flavored sodas, and toasted sandwiches while also providing the community with a pharmacy until 1995.

Wyna was a member of the Sublette Southern Baptist Church and served in several capacities. In recent years, she taught children that came to the Awana program on Wednesday evenings.She loved her church and church family.

Wyna could not drive past a Kentucky Fried Chicken without stopping! She loved the Colonel's chicken and knew the location of each restaurant in every town that they would travel through. She loved her KFC.

It was important to Wyna that her yard look nice and she loved to spend time planting flowers and vegetables, as well as maintaining the lawn. She enjoyed crocheting and cross-stitch, often making beloved keepsakes for each family member. Waterskiing was a favorite activity for Wyna and her family, leaving all with many wonderful memories of camping trips to Glen Elder State Park and Cedar Bluff Reservoir. She took pride in cooking meals for her family with an abundance of food and love. Wyna especially enjoyed preparing food for large family gatherings. Wyna loved her family and she was loved by many. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Osbon, of the home; a son, Leon Birney, and wife Marie, of Sublette, KS; daughter-in-law, Julie Volske, and husband, Ronald, of Salina, KS; step-sons, William “Bill” Osbon, and wife Donna, of Garden City, KS, and Robert “Bob” Osbon, and wife Kathy, of Evant, TX; a granddaughter, Andrea Kuhn, and husband Brandon, of Hays, KS; grandsons, Ryan Osbon, and wife Alissa, of Ulysses, KS, Brian “BJ” Johnston of Desert Hot Springs, CA, Trent Birney, and wife Emily, of Chicago, IL, Kaleb Birney, and wife Emilee, of Rapid City, SD, Nathan Birney, and companion Isabella Dugan, of Junction City, KS, and Derek Birney, and wife Emily, of Salina, KS; eleven great-grandchildren; and brother, Larry Anthony, and wife of Angela, of Globe, AZ.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Birney; a son, Wayne Birney; parents, Elwin and Maude Anthony; and brothers, Loy Anthony and Gary Anthony.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory with the family receiving friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, at Sublette Southern Baptist Church with Pastor Tim Tidenberg officiating. Interment will follow at the Haskell County Cemetery.

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A Compassionate and Experienced Team

The team at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory is comprised of experienced and compassionate professionals who understand the importance of providing emotional support during difficult times. Led by a licensed funeral director, the staff is trained to handle every aspect of funeral planning, from coordinating logistics to offering guidance and comfort to grieving families. With a deep understanding of the local community and its unique needs, the team at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory is well-equipped to provide personalized services that reflect the values and traditions of the families they serve.

Funeral Services Offered

Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory offers a range of funeral services designed to meet the diverse needs of the families they serve. These include:

• Traditional funeral services with viewing and visitation
• Cremation services with memorial ceremonies
• Direct cremation without ceremony
• Pre-planning and pre-funding options
• Monument sales and design
• Grief support and counseling resources

The Importance of Pre-Planning

While it may seem difficult to think about, pre-planning your funeral can be a wise and thoughtful decision that can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. By making your wishes known in advance, you can ensure that your final arrangements are carried out according to your preferences, while also alleviating some of the burden on your family during an already difficult time. The team at Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory is happy to guide you through the pre-planning process, answering any questions you may have and providing valuable insights along the way.

Cremation Services: A Growing Trend

In recent years, cremation has become an increasingly popular option for families saying goodbye to their loved ones. At Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, the team understands the unique needs and concerns associated with cremation, from choosing an urn to selecting a final resting place. Whether you're considering traditional cremation or direct cremation without ceremony, the staff is committed to providing compassionate guidance and support every step of the way.

A Commitment to Community Involvement

Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory is deeply rooted in the Sublette community, with a strong commitment to giving back through various outreach programs and initiatives. From supporting local charities to participating in community events, the funeral home is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those around them. This commitment to community involvement is just one example of the funeral home's dedication to serving others with kindness, compassion, and integrity.

Contacting Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory

If you're in need of funeral services or simply have questions about planning ahead, don't hesitate to reach out to Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory. You can contact them by phone or email, or visit their website for more information. Their physical address is PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS, 67877.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial services.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a sense of closure and help to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who typically writes an obituary?

Obituaries are usually written by family members or close friends of the deceased, although they can also be written by funeral homes or professional obituary writers.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services, charitable donations, and other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform it will be published on. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs.

Can I include photos or other multimedia in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and some print publications allow you to include photos, videos, or other multimedia elements to make the obituary more personal and engaging.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Check the submission guidelines for the specific newspaper or online platform you wish to publish on. Some may have online forms or email addresses for submissions, while others may require you to contact them directly.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or online platform. Some may charge by the word or line, while others may offer package deals or free listings.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, it's becoming increasingly popular for people to write their own obituaries in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life story is told the way you want it to be.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary provides more detailed information about the person's life and legacy.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Obituaries don't have to be somber and serious. Including humorous stories or anecdotes can help celebrate the person's life and personality.

How do I handle sensitive or difficult information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive or difficult aspects of the person's life that you're unsure how to address in the obituary, consider consulting with family members or close friends for guidance.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, including meaningful quotes or song lyrics can add depth and personality to an obituary.

What if I need to make corrections or changes to an already published obituary?

Contact the publication or online platform where the obituary was published and request corrections or changes. They may have specific procedures for making updates.

Can I republish an obituary on social media or other online platforms?

Yes, many online platforms allow you to share or republish obituaries on social media sites or other online channels.

How long are obituaries typically kept online?

The length of time an obituary remains online varies depending on the platform or publication. Some may keep them archived indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period.

Can I create a memorial website or tribute page in addition to an obituary?

Yes, many online platforms offer tools to create memorial websites or tribute pages where friends and family can share memories, photos, and condolences.

What is the purpose of a guest book or condolence message section in an online obituary?

The guest book or condolence message section allows friends and family to leave messages of sympathy and support for the grieving family.

Can I include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers as a way to honor their loved one's memory.

How do I ensure that an online obituary is easily searchable by name?

Making sure to include the full name of the deceased in the headline and body of the obituary can improve its searchability.

Can I include links to other resources or websites in an online obituary?

Some online platforms allow you to include links to other resources or websites, such as memorial funds or charity pages.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself? Can I get help?

Yes, many funeral homes and professional writers offer assistance with writing obituaries. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member for help.

Are there any specific guidelines or regulations for writing an obituary?

While there are no strict guidelines, it's generally recommended to follow standard journalistic practices when writing an obituary, such as accuracy, respectfulness, and fairness.

Can I use an obituary as a way to tell a larger story about my loved one's life?

Absolutely! An obituary can be a powerful tool for sharing stories and memories about your loved one's life and legacy.

How do I know what tone to use when writing an obituary?

The tone of an obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased. Aim for a balance between dignity and warmth.

Are there any cultural or religious considerations I should keep in mind when writing an obituary?

Yes, be respectful of cultural and religious traditions when writing an obituary. Research any specific customs or practices that may be relevant.