Keithley Funeral Homes Obituaries

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Located in the heart of Ellis, Kansas, Keithley Funeral Homes has been a trusted and respected funeral home for generations. With a rich history and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Keithley Funeral Homes is dedicated to helping families say goodbye to their loved ones with dignity and respect.

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At Keithley Funeral Homes, we understand that losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences you will ever face. That's why our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and support every step of the way. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, we are committed to making the funeral planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Betty Wayman - Unknown - February 02, 2023

Departed: 02/02/2023 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Betty Wayman, age 88, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. She was born on a farm south of Ellis on February 11, 1934 to Fredrick William & Florence Elma (Carter) Mickelson. She married Melvin Grosz May 1951 & later divorced. She moved to Wyoming in 1964 where she met her husband, Chuck Wayman. He preceded her in death on January 22, 2008.

Betty worked for many years at the City Café in Ellis. Betty was a member of the Methodist Church, U.M.W. and Noah Circle, Ellis Country Club, Lifetime member of Ellis VFW Auxiliary and a Hospice Volunteer. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, and working puzzles.

Betty is survived by daughters, Patty (Steve) Bone, Gloria (Scott) Callaway, Tonya Appel; sons, Gordon Grosz, Charles Jr (Gloria) Wayman, Jeff Wayman, and Ed (Rayetta) Crist; sister-in-law, Donna Dreiling; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her special friend, Fran Ross. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Chester in 1951; brothers, Ralph, Clarence and Everett Mickelson; sisters, Olive Hays, Elma Schuster, Thelma McCurdy, Grace Crist, Alice Rosendahl, Hazel Dirks, Florence Harris, Mildred Parker, her twin, Bonnie DeLong and a daughter-in-law, Janice Wayman

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the Ellis Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Thursday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Ellis Methodist Church or the Ellis VFW Auxiliary.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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Eddie Lang - Unknown - January 08, 2023

Departed: 01/08/2023 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Eddie D. Lang, age 71, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away on January 8, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society, Ellis, Kansas. He was born March 18, 1951, in Hays, Kansas, to Syl Lang and Bernice (Herman) Lang.  Eddie graduated from Ellis High School in 1969.

Eddie had worked at sale barns in Russell, Wakeeney, and Lacrosse as well as Cross Manufacturing in Hays. He also was a farmer and stockman. He especially enjoyed the cattle side of farming and would often hand feed the cattle. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis.

He is survived by his siblings, Floyd (Cindy) Lang, Mountain Home, AR; Danita (Paul) Fisher, Ellis, KS; and Rodger (Trena) Lang, Springfield, MO; nephews and nieces, Jayson Lang, Ja`net Lang, Cory Lang, Tyler Fisher, Cody Fisher, Brandi Sunderman, Dylan Lang, Whitney Haas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, Kansas. Private family burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, January 16, 2023, 6:30-8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7:30 PM all at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis.

Tuesday visitation will be 9:30 AM until service time at the church.

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Terry Gnad - Unknown - January 08, 2023

Departed: 01/08/2023 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Terry Lee Gnad, age 72, of Ellis, Kansas passed away January 8, 2023, in Ellis. She was born July 23, 1950, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to John Nordyke and Zella (Johnson) Nordyke and attended school in Lacey, Washington.

As a kid you would either find her fishing with her dad or playing sports, you might even catch her practicing ballet. She loved to cook, garden, watch sports and even talk about sports.  Whenever one of the kids would call they knew they were in for a five minute conversation about either Gonzaga, tennis or soccer, even if they had no idea what she was talking about.

When she became a mom, her world became all about her five kids and six grandkids. She was a Brownie leader, a Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout Leader, and a Boy Scout leader.  When the boys got into sports, you would find her at as many games as she could get to, and had a standing carpool group to travel to away games. Her door was open to all the kids, there were times that she would feed numerous teen boy football players. She would grumble about all the shoes, but would not have changed a thing. When she was out and ran into a friend, she would brag about all of her kids and show off pictures of her grandkids.

She was a stubborn, giving, and beautifully happy person. She would not let any one help her, but would help everyone she could.  Anyone that had a conversation with her, left uplifted and ready to take on anything that they came to talk to her about.

She is survived by, Sara (Bryant) Mettler, daughter, Yelm WA;  MJ (Alyssa) Gnad, son, Belton MO; Justin (Elexx) Gnad, Olathe KS; Aaron (Heather Entz) Gnad, son, Salina KS; Sisters; Vicki (Roger) Brittingham, Olympia WA; and Sherri Morris, Olympia WA; grandchildren, Malik Gaskin, Tacoma WA;  Sierra Rietcheck, Portland OR; Daisy Rietcheck, Yelm, WA; Oliver Entz, Salina KS;  Myles and Kayslee Gnad, Olathe KS. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Penny Rae Nordyke, and daughter Libby Rae Gaskin.

A combined rosary and vigil service will be at 10:00 AM with funeral services at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, Kansas 67637. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

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Sandra Slaughter - Unknown - December 22, 2022

Departed: 12/22/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Sandra Jo Slaughter, age 53, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022 at her home. She was born November 21, 1969 in Salina, Kansas to Stuart and Linda (Sutton) Base. She married Dean Allen Slaughter at the Ellis United Methodist Church in 2002.

Sandra was a farmer along with her husband Dean. Sandra enjoyed her role on the farm of taking care of the milk cows and other farm animals.

She is survived by her husband, Dean of the home; a son, Michael Slaughter of hays; a daughter, Jasmine Slaughter of Hoisington; a sister, Cari Hancock of Colwich and four grandchildren, Lane Slaughter, Audree Lemonds, Sean Lemonds and Luca Gordon.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has been chosen and services will be held at a later date and announced by Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67637. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

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Elsie Beiser - Unknown - November 18, 2022

Departed: 11/18/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Elsie Beiser, age 98, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Friday, November 18, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. She was born August 25, 1924, North of Ellis, Kansas in rural Ellis County to Henry and Jennie (Zachman) Keller.

Elsie was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church north of Ellis. Her confirmation was the last class taught in German. She attended the Cottonwood Grove one room country school and graduated from Ellis High School in 1943.

Elsie married Roy “Buck” Huffman August 22, 1948, and they had two children, Phyllis and Phil. After Roy passed away Elsie married and was preceded in death by two husbands, David Ehrlich, and Dale Beiser.

Elsie’s remarkable life had her living through WWII, dust storms, the depression, and the Ellis flood of 1957.  She and her husband Roy owned Ellis Liquor Store for many years. She worked with the Census, was involved with the Russell VFW, and loved to campaign for Bob Dole. She was also part of the Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion.

Elsie was known by many, never knew a stranger and was one to never judge. She loved her family and took great joy in the holidays, birthdays, and activities with all of them. She had many hobbies such as cooking, canning, dancing, sports, a good debate over politics, and traveling.

Elsie was a part of several families lives and loved them all. On Memorial Day she often joked she had to pack a lunch to get to every grave and make sure they were properly decorated. Elsie’s strong faith and caring heart allowed her to truly be a lifelong caretaker of many family members and friends.

Elsie is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Werger and husband Gregg of Casper, Wyoming; her son, Phil Huffman of Dodge City, Kansas; grandchildren, Sarah Brogden of Ellis, Kassie Cobley of Denver and Megan (Cole) Gerlach of Scott City. Elsie had a special place in her heart for Mike and Sharon Weigel and their three daughters, Sheldon Bennett, Justine Evans and Graci Weigel as well as numerous great grandchildren and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Roy Huffman, David Ehrlich and Dale Beiser; brothers, Wendell, Gerhard, Henry, and Reinhard Keller; and sisters, Hilda Young and Johanna Myers.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis.

Visitation will be Tuesday 9 AM - 11 AM at the church.

Services will be livestreamed by selecting the Facebook Live tab from our web site www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com. Streaming will start shortly before service time.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The Ellis High School Alumni Museum, The Ellis Railroad Museum or St John Lutheran Church.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637. Condolences may be shared by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

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Larry J. McGonigal - Unknown - September 17, 2022

Departed: 09/17/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Larry J. McGonigal, age 88 of Ellis, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, Kansas.

There will be no services.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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Margaret McKenna - Unknown - September 13, 2022

Departed: 09/13/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Margaret Mary (Malouff) McKenna, age 85, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Society, Hays. She was born June 11, 1937 in Capulin, Colorado to John and Mary Malouff.

Margaret was a farmer and owned the Red Vest Inn restaurant in Plainville. She enjoyed decorating especially at Christmas time, cooking, fishing, and time with her family.

Survivors include: Her son, Robert Reilly and wife Jennifer of Denver. Their children, Samuel and Frankie Reilly. Her son, Daniel Reilly of Denver. His children, Jacob, Paige and Joshua Reilly. Her daughter, Patricia Kitzman of Ellis. Her children, Jamie Linden, Erin Hobbs and Joseph Kitzman. Her daughter, Pamela Gnad and husband John of Ellis. Her children, Zachary Gehring, Matthew Gehring, Nicholas Gering, Step daughter, Madelynn Rudzik and step son, Maverick Gnad. As well as 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandchild, Patrick Reilly; brothers, Robert, John and James Malouff, a sister, Sarah Freeman and a son-in-law, Randy Kitzman.

Margaret’s family will hold a celebration of life service 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Monte Vista Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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Betty Herl - Unknown - August 28, 2022

Departed: 08/28/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Faced with the Possibility of Another Election Cycle, Elizabeth (Betty) Jean (Younger) Herl age 91, formerly of Ellis, Kansas, Chose to Pass into the Eternal Love of God Sunday, August 28, 2022 And Here Comes Betty!

Betty was born April 17, 1931, to Helen and Jerome Younger who were German immigrants from the Volga River region of Russia. Betty attended Ellis High School and soon married the ridiculously handsome Eugene Adair Herl in 1948 after he returned from service during WWII. With gorgeous black hair and brown eyes, this head-turning war veteran was no match for Betty’s heart. Betty was no slouch either– she was a “real looker.” She was always dressed to the nines and wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a pair of sweatpants while shopping at Walmartzzz (how she forever and appropriately pronounced it). Saw the Beauty in Everything

It was common to be with Betty and watch her good nature, kindness and infectious laugh rub off on everyone. She would often tell cashiers what beautiful hair they have and continue with questions as to how they fixed it. The hospice nurses who took care of Betty toward the end of her life faced a potential territory change where they could lose Betty and they fought like hell to keep her as their patient. Her pulmonologist had a secret crush on her, and she once told her eye doctor that she had a great rack. It was the easiest thing to love and laugh with Betty. Never Minced Words with Her Family

On the other hand, Betty was world renowned for telling her family members like it is. You could be one bad haircut away from getting a full critique. She was a master of telling you your outfit wasn’t up to snuff and yet you were grateful for her candor. “I can and will do better” was the mantra each family member would walk away with. And even though it sounds like she may have been hard on her family, she exercised the same kind of assessment of herself. She held those around her and herself to the highest standard and made us all better for it. Is that Roast or Beef Jerky?

Betty was a master chef in the kitchen. Her cucumber salad, cottage cheese salad, tuna burgers, galewskis, dumplings & green beans, canned pickles and homemade pies were to die for.  However, she had one weakness, and that was over cooking a roast. If left unattended because of farm wife duties, that piece of meat became hard to distinguish between shoe leather or beef jerky, but we ate it anyways because us kids did not know any different and she never let us down otherwise. Betty Sure Knew Her Wrestling Moves Any spectator of a sporting event with a Herl kid involved was worth the price of admission just to watch Betty. When her son Mitchell was wrestling for the state title, she channeled her extra energy on Mitchell’s opponent. She unknowingly grabbed her nearby daughter Michelle and placed her into a full nelson on the spot while Mitchell simultaneously pinned his opponent. It was epic! It was entertaining! It was full-on Betty! Creative Extraordinaire

Betty was a master seamstress. She made all her daughter’s clothes and made much of her own. She had exquisite taste and the juxtaposition of Betty in a Vogue outfit against the backdrop of the Western Kansas plains is unforgettable. Betty was skilled at drawing and painting but abandoned the pursuit of a college degree in Art after the loss of her children Stephen (5 years) and Becky (3 years). She shifted her energy into raising her family and taught herself how to crochet and later quilting, which led to the creation of hundreds of items. Voracious Reader and News Junkie

Betty was obsessed with reading everything she could get her hands on. She would read books authored by Ann Coulter who is a right-wing conservative media pundit. On the other extreme, she would read Michael Moore who is an author and left-wing activist. If asked why she would read such a wide spectrum, she would always say, “You need to understand each side to have a healthy, intelligent debate.” Betty loved the invention of the 24-hour cable news cycle. Whaat! Whaat! Whaat! Betty started losing her hearing in her mid-50s. We thought she was purposely ignoring us but unfortunately some bad Younger hearing genes, as well as the exposure to Big Band music and loud farming equipment did those ear drums in. To be around mom, would mean exposing your own ear drums to crushingly loud decibels of sound. None of us cared though, because we all knew that losing your hearing can be one of the most isolating things to happen. She loved good conversation and all genres of music, so this loss was real. However, she always kept the most positive attitude and was optimistic about each and every day. One of Betty’s most famous lines was, “Don’t Always Take Yourself So Seriously.”

To say Betty will be sorely missed is an understatement. Betty is pre-deceased by her husband Eugene Adair Herl. She is survived by children Jay Herl and wife Kristy of Shawnee Kansas; Jacqueline Lindstrom and husband John of Maplewood, New Jersey; Mitch Herl and wife Linda of South Jordan, Utah; Michelle Herl of Leawood, Kansas; E.G. Herl and wife Stephanie of Overland Park, Kansas. She has 2 deceased children Stephen and Rebecca Herl. Betty is also survived by 12 grandchildren who were the center of her world: Katy Herl Cassaw, Becky Herl, Nick Herl, Carly Rhodes, Austin Herl, Jena Lindstrom, John Luke Lindstrom, Jake Herl, Ty Herl, Jackson Bunte, Henry Bunte, Maxwell Bunte; and five great grandchildren under the age of 12; Mikhail, Paisley, Bailey, Piper and Reidun born the following day of Betty’s death! True Miracle. “I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born.” – says the Lord (Isaiah 66.9)

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, September 2, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 9:30 until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Kansas City Hospice House (www.kchospice.org/hospice-house/) Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, Kansas 67601.

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John Ross Boos - Unknown - August 24, 2022

Departed: 08/24/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: John Ross Boos, age 38, of LaCrosse, Kansas passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2022 in LaCrosse. He was born December 8, 1983 in Oakley, Kansas to Bernard  “Barney” and Sheila (Ross) Boos Jr.

John had worked as a CNA at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis and Redbud Village in Plainville and currently was working in the LaCrosse area doing lawn care. John was a fun-loving, good-natured person who truly enjoyed his family and friends. John was always the first to offer help to family and friends. He enjoyed dancing, cooking camping and fishing in his spare time.

He is survived by his parents, Barney, and Sheila Boos of Ellis; two brothers, William M. Boos and Bernard “BJ” Boos of Hays; a sister, Kristen Sloan and husband Joe of Hays; three nieces, Gracie, Ashlyn and Emily; a nephew, Layton and a special friend, Brian Linsner of LaCrosse.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Rosalie Ross and Bernard and Mary Boos.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Monday, August 29, 2022 at St. Mary's Church, Ellis, Kansas. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays.

Visitation will be 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Sunday August 28, 2022, with a Daughters of Isabella rosary at 6:30 PM followed by parish vigil service at 7:00 PM all at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine, Hays.

Monday visitation will be 9 AM until service time at St. Mary’s Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s School in Ellis.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

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Arthur "Art" Armbrister - Unknown - August 22, 2022

Departed: 08/22/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Arthur R. “Art” Armbrister, age 91, of Zurich, Kansas passed away Monday, August 22, 2022 at Redbud Village in Plainville, Kansas. Art was born November 6, 1930 in Ellis County to Christian “Christ” and Hilda (Rumpel) Armbrister. On July 22, 1956 he married Jacqueline “Jacque”  Joan Westwood in Woodston, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 21, 1998. Art was a lifelong Farmer and Rancher and truly embraced farm life. When he took time off, he enjoyed his time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Art was a US Army Veteran. He also enjoyed dancing and attending dances. He served on church council and was extremely proud of the latest addition that was added to St. John’s. Art is survived by his son, Gary Armbrister and wife Marsha of Zurich; a daughter, Denise Wilson and husband Mitch of Abilene, Kansas; a brother, Curtis Armbrister and wife, Karen of Wichita; grandchildren, Courtney Wilson (fiance', Colin Tipton), Nicole (Luke) Goodenow, Janay (Dylan) Crosson, Seth (Hunter) Armbrister and Dustin (Kaedyn) Wilson as well as great grandchildren, Grady, Lincoln and Reagyn Crosson, Waylynn and Walker Armbrister. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a sister, Marjorie Holland and infant twin brothers, Raymon and Arnold Armbrister. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, August 27, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellis. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 6 PM – 7:30 PM with a prayer service at 7:30 PM at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637. Visitation on Saturday will be 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or the Bukovina Society. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

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Jason Revello - Unknown - August 16, 2022

Departed: 08/16/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Disputanta,Va resident, Jason Edward Revello was born Sept 19, 1982 in Tucson, Arizona to Yolanda Revello of Victoria, Texas. He passed away at Southside Regional Hospital on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Jason was 39 years of age.

Jason worked as a bartender in Corpus Christi, Texas to pay his way through culinary school. He came from a long line of Italian chefs, and he was Going to be the next great one. He graduated from Corden Blue Culinary arts school in Houston, Texas with a bachelor’s in culinary arts and an Associates in Business management. He won several awards for his excellent cooking and barbecuing. He has been pictured in Texas monthly for his cooking and was nominated into the Biz Marquees Who’s who. He was also featured in the Favorite Chef Competition and made it the semifinals against chefs from around the world. At the time of his passing, he was an Assistant General Manager for Wendy’s Pilot Co.

Survived by his loving wife Mercedes Weber of Disputanta, Virginia. He had six children Earth Romana Wyman age 20 of Kansas City Missouri, Falken Raie Revello Age 18 of Victoria, Texas, Caleb Edward Revello Age 16 of Victoria, Texas, Elijah Edward Revello Age 14 of Victoria, Texas, Nathaniel Roger Revello Age 2 of Disputanta, Virginia, Freya Mae Revello Age 1 of Disputanta, Virginia. His Stepfather David VanderFord of Victoria, Texas. His grandmother Deloris Revello of Tucson, Arizona. His twin brother Joseph Revello of Victoria, Texas and younger brother Jacob Lehman and his wife Tiffany Lehman of Ellis, Kansas. His grandson Lucien Michael Wyman age 1 of Kansas City, Missouri. His nieces and nephews Kelsey, John, Jayden, Christian, and Jerimiah.

Proceeded in death by his Grandfather Jack Joe Revello, His Great Grandfather R.J. Mixon, Great Grand Mother Yolanda Revello.

Memorial Service to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Prince George, Virginia at 10:00 AM (EST) Monday August 22nd, 2022. It will be live streamed online links are below. YouTube: https://youtu.be/LDHOSLKHovk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/468204268221251/ If you would like to send donations or flowers please send to the church 9300 Community Lane, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 Or contribute to the Families Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jason-revello-memorial-fund?qid=9c4e59ea17de2312bfbdced6bec1183c

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Merle Dean Lonnon - Unknown - August 01, 2022

Departed: 08/01/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Merle Dean Lonnon passed away in Boulder, Colorado, on August 1st, 2022. He was 89 years old. Merle was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1933, on his grandfather’s homestead three miles east and two miles south of Ellis, Kansas. Merle’s loving parents were Inez Isabelle (Louage) Lonnon and John Jennings Lonnon. He was the youngest child in a family of five children. Merle had two sisters, Zoe and June, and two brothers, Gene and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Phyllis Ann (Disney) Lonnon, and siblings, Wiley Eugene Lonnon, Zoe Eileen (Lonnon) Moorehouse, and John Louage Lonnon. Merle’s dear sister, June Isabelle (Lonnon) Loveridge, survives and has been a wonderful comfort to Merle in his later years.

Merle lived an exciting boyhood, helping his parents farm wheat by driving a tractor, and caring for cattle and horses. He attended a one-room country school house, Beaver Bank, before moving onto Main Street in Ellis, Kansas, across from the Methodist Church.

Merle said the most important thing he learned from High School happened accidentally when his brother, John, and a friend gave him a beat-up old Model T car. Merle and his friends worked on five other cars and learned a lot by reading manuals and experimenting. In Merle’s own words, he had a good time going to high school, getting average grades, and playing basketball.

After high school, Merle joined the Air Force applying as an auto or diesel mechanic but tested with an aptitude for a radar technician. Merle was stationed in Alaska from 1954 to 1956 in the 4th Mobile Squadron. After being discharged from the Air Force, Merle started a military career on the DEW Line as a Crypto-Radician, encoding and deciphering secret messages from U2 spy planes. Merle served two Air Force contracts, but on the flip of a coin, decided to leave the Air Force and go back to college.

Merle started classes at Fort Hays State University and started dating Phyllis Disney that summer. Merle and Phyllis fell in love. Merle said it best himself, “The best part of Phyl was how she made me feel about myself; she had more confidence in me than I did. She would even laugh at my bad jokes.” They were married in a small ceremony in the Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas, with a reception at the Disney home.

Early in his married life, Merle received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. In 1965, Merle and Phyllis moved to Arden Hills, MN, where Merle started his 30-year career in the computer tech industry at Control Data and later Bit 3 Computer.  Merle and Phyllis started their family of four children on Noble Road and would live there for the rest of their married life together. Merle encouraged his children to be active by playing table tennis and basketball, running cross country, and lifting weights. He spent many hours supporting his children’s activities.

Merle inspired all his children to pursue college degrees in engineering fields. Ardith, Gene, Greg, and Daryl graduated from the University of Minnesota. Many also went on to receive more advanced engineering degrees. Without a doubt, his children had the same aptitude as Merle, but his encouragement and shining example were invaluable.

In 2006, Merle was diagnosed with a Meningioma Brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Merle and Phyllis always felt great gratitude to Dr. Meyer, head of Neurosurgery at the Mayo Clinic, who performed the surgery, and the Mayo Clinic for their role in his surgery and recovery. With courage and grace, Merle always confronted his health issues head-on and was rewarded with more than fifteen additional years of productive life.

During their retirement years, Merle and Phyllis enjoyed working on and visiting the Disney family home they owned in Ellis, Kansas. They traveled around the country to visit their growing family, with the addition of eight grandchildren. Ardith’s family, including Sam and their children Julia, and Grant, grew up in Colorado. Gene’s family with Rosanna and their children Matthew, Samantha, Cole, and Paige live in Florida. Greg and Melissa live in Idaho. Daryl’s family, including Sudha and their children Maya and Ethan, also live in Colorado.

On December 10, 2014, Phyllis passed away at 80 years in St. Paul, Minnesota. Merle remained in Minnesota for almost five years before moving to Colorado a few months before the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns. His daughter, Ardith, and son, Daryl, feel fortunate to have shared those final years with their father, Merle.

As both Merle and Phyllis wished, their memorial will be a joint ceremony honoring them both on October 8, 2022, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, at 1:30 PM.

In place of flowers, please consider donating to the Mayo Clinic, in honor of Merle, at https://mayocl.in/3zQDYYT.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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Marlene Deutscher - Unknown - July 28, 2022

Departed: 07/28/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Marlene Caroline (Schoenthaler) Deutscher, age 98, of Ellis, Kansas passed away July 28, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Society, Ellis. She was born February 26, 1924 on the family farm north of Ellis to Jacob W. and Mary (Ast) Schoenthaler. She was the last of nine children born to this union.

Marlene was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church. She graduated from Ellis High School in 1943 and worked at S &W Supply in Hays, Kansas. Marlene married Clarence W. Deutscher on November 25, 1945 at the Christ Lutheran Church. She was a lifetime resident of Ellis and member of the church. She worked alongside of her husband, Clarence, for many years. They had the Texaco station and Motel on Highway 40. Later did Real Estate Sales and Rental Management, Insurance and Income Tax. He preceded her in death on September 10, 2008.

Marlene was never idle. She attributed her long life to never sitting still. She loved to garden and be outside. She also loved to play pinochle. She was well known for her delicious apple strudel. She was able to stay in her home till the age of 97. She then went to Good Samaritan Society-Ellis until her passing.

She is survived by two sons, Steven (Pat) of Clay Center, Kansas and Stanley (Linda) of Plainville, Kansas; Four grandchildren, Chris Deutscher (Brandy) of Topeka, Kansas, Michael Deutscher (Cindy) of Topeka, Julie Ferguson ( Joe) of Clay Center, and Brian Deutscher of Plainville; Ten great grandchildren, Payton Deutscher of Overland Park, Kansas, Jacob, Joshua, Jonah, Jase Ferguson of Clay Center, Blake and Cale Deutscher of Topeka, Elizabeth, Madison and Isabell Deutscher of Plainville, and many nieces and nephews.

She was presided in death by husband Clarence; grandson Brandon Deutscher; her parents, Jacob and Mary Schoenthaler, six brothers, Martin, Ernest, Bill, Gerhardt, Reinhold, Oscar and two sisters, Ella Kelsch and Martha Dreiling.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis. Burial will follow services in the Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 1:00 PM until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com  Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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Twila Mae Wilson - Unknown - July 01, 2022

Departed: 07/01/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Twila Mae Armbrister, age 53, died Friday, July 1, 2022. She was born September 30, 1968 at Fort Hood, Texas to Alvin and Margaret (Faulkner). She attended the grade school and high school in Ellis, Kansas, graduating in the Class of 1987. Then, she furthered her education at Colby Community College with an associates in Secretarial Science. Later in life, she went back to school at Hutchinson Community College for medical coding. She met David Scott Wilson on her birthday, they dated for a year and got married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, Kansas on September 25, 1993. To this union two children were born, Alan Wilson and LeeAnn Wilson.

Twila was loved by many of the children she watched throughout the years at a daycare she ran in Colby. Some of her favorite activities include shopping with her mother on Saturday mornings, playing pinochle, quilting, helping on the family farm, and hot tubbing with her husband.

She is survived by David, of the home; son, Alan Wilson, Phillipsburg, KS; daughter LeeAnn Wilson and significant other Sam Long, Salina; her parents, Alvin and Margaret Armbrister, Ellis; brothers, Elton Armbrister and significant other, Deb, Andover; Jeff Armbrister, Norton; sister-in-law Laquita (Travis) Smith, Almena; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sets of grandparents and her in-laws.

She will be in our hearts forever.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at 2 PM at St John Lutheran Church, 394 St John - St Andrew Road, Ellis, KS 67637.  Memorial visitation will be at the church from 1 PM until service time.

Memorials are suggested to:  David Wilson in care of the funeral chapel.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 East 17th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

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Fritz K Kramer - February 07, 1929 - June 29, 2022

Departed: 06/29/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Fritz K. Kramer, 93, Ellis, died June 29, 2022 at Hays, KS.

He was born February 7, 1929 in Berlinchen, Germany to Otto and Pauline (Domke) Kramer.

He attended basic schools and music school in Tönning, Germany.  Fritz migrated in 1951 to the USA, staying at Nekoma, Kansas.  He then attended Fort Hays State University for two years and taught Music for one year in Liberal, Kansas, after which he was drafted and served as an interpreter at the US Army Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

Returning to the US, he finished his Master’s Degree and taught Orchestra in Hutchinson, Kansas for six years.  In 1960, Fritz married Glenda Heany at Clayton, Kansas.  He worked toward a doctoral degree at Greeley University, after which he taught Music at Lamar County Community College.

The family bought a campground in Colorado.  Fritz taught Music in the small Colorado town of Cotopaxi.  In 1981, the family moved back to Hays, Kansas where Fritz taught Orchestra for several years, even after retirement.

At Lamar, CO, he directed several musicals and two small operas.  His groups in Hays received consistent high ratings.  He also directed the First Presbyterian Church choir at Hays for 23 years. In 2008-09, Fritz received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kansas Chapter of the American String Teachers Association – National School Orchestra Award.

Fritz is survived by his wife, Glenda, three children and ten grandchildren; son, Eric (Charol) of Johnson, KS; grandchildren Jacob Kramer of Norton, KS; Diedre Kramer of Pratt, KS;  William Mechem of Grand Island, NE;  Ron Charles Andrade of Johnson, KS; Ronnie Andrade of Johnson, KS;  daughter, Christiana (Todd Lynd) of Hays, KS; grandsons Trey Lynd of Fort Collins, CO; Chase (Becca) Lynd of Severance, CO; daughter, Kara (Micah Howery) of Liberal, KS;  grandchildren, Alaura Howery, Tirzah Howery, Kai Howery of Liberal, KS;  and one sister, Edie (Kramer) Thomm of Ponca City, OK.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Pauline (Domke) Kramer and brother-in-law Syd Thomm.

Funeral services, inclusive of military honors, will be Tuesday, July 5th, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Christ Lutheran Church, 106 East 8th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.  Visitation will be from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM prior to services at the church. Interment will be at 1:00 PM in the Gettis Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to: Dream Incorporated and/or Oak Street AA in care of the funeral chapel.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street, Ellis, Kansas 67637. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

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LeRoy J. Steckline - Unknown - June 24, 2022

Departed: 06/24/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: LeRoy J  “Roy” Steckline, age 91, of Ogallah, Kansas passed away Friday, June 24, 2022 at Trego Lemke  Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. Roy graduated from Ellis High School. On April 25, 1955 he married Jacqueline (Ferland) in Damar, Kansas.

Roy was a hardworking man who farmed until 1997 and worked as a substitute mail carrier as well as a Trego County rural fireman. He was a US Army veteran serving with the 3rd infantry in the Korean War.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ellis VFW, and Ellis Knights of Columbus. Roy enjoyed decorating and landscaping with antiques, flowers, and rock arrangements, Refurbishing and repurposing antiques and nick knacks, Spending hours metal detecting and letting the kids dig up the treasure, Spending time with family, singing, and especially reading poems and stories to all of his little ones.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie Steckline of Ogallah; his children, Darryl Steckline of Ogallah, Jeanne Werth (James) of Pueblo CO, Sandy Bittel (Kevin) of Highlands Ranch CO, Brenda Zemanick (Mike) of Inman, SC, Ron Steckline (Cynthia) of Claremore OK, Lori Dechant (Ray) of Dodge City, LaVon Wagoner (Tony) of Paola KS, Amy Choitz (Justin) of Hays, a brother, Don Steckline  of Hays; 17 Grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren with 2 on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Curtis Dechant and a granddaughter, Emily Werth.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis with Fr. Dana Clark officiating. Burial will be 1:30 PM at the Kansas State Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney.

Visitation will be Monday 6 PM - 8 PM and Tuesday 9 AM until service time all at the church.

A combined rosary and vigil will be 7 PM Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary's Church or Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

Condolences may be shared at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.

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Charlene Flax - Unknown - June 19, 2022

Departed: 06/19/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Charlene Flax, age 78, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Sunday, June 19, 2022 at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. Charlene was born April 23, 1944 in Hays, Kansas to Martin and Felicitas (Leiker) Klaus. She attended Marian High School in Hays and on October 9, 1965 she married Richard Flax at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hays. He preceded her in death March 6, 2020.

Charlene was a homemaker and a loving mother, and grandmother. She was a member of St. Mary's Church, Daughters of Isabella, and a Senior Companion.

She is survived by her three sons, Mark Flax and wife Jackie of Ellis, Gary Flax of Russell and Arlen Flax and wife Rose of Ellis; two brothers, Kenneth Klaus of Salina and Harold Klaus of Olathe; a sister, Ann Augustine of Ellis and three grandchildren, Jarod Flax of Goodland, Braden Flax of Russell and Emma Flax of Ellis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; a sister, Marilyn Flax and three brothers, twin brother Charles ,Joseph and Lester Klaus.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, June 23, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis with Fr. Dana Clark officiating. Burial will follow services in the St. Mary's Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday 6 PM - 8 PM and Thursday 9 AM until service time all at the church.

A combined Daughters of Isabella rosary and parish vigil will be Wednesday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary's Cemetery Fund. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E 17th Ellis, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

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Joseph Yanda - Unknown - June 12, 2022

Departed: 06/12/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Joseph Yanda, of Ellis, Kansas died Sunday, June 12, 2022 at his home in Ellis.  He was born in Quinter, Kansas on October 14, 1950 to Theodore Sebastian and Lugarda 'Lou' (Ziegler) Yanda.

On August 5, 1978, he married Jean K. Morris in Oakley, Kansas - She preceded his in death just 7 months ago, on November 7, 2021.

Joe was a custodian at Fort Hays State University and was considered a jack of all trades, performing odd jobs and handyman work for many of his friends and family.  He enjoyed his association and membership in the High Plains Longrifles and was a master gunsmith.  He took pride in his family and was also a man of faith.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 17th at 2 PM at St Mary's Catholic Church - Ellis with Rev. Dana Clark officiating, inurnment will follow the services in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 16th from 6 PM to 8 PM with a parish vigil service at 7 PM at Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th - Ellis, KS 67637.

He is survived by a son: Dean Yanda of Ellis; two daughters: Jessica Smith and husband Jon of Mons, Belgium and Amanda Cross and husband Casey of Hays; as well as two grandchildren: Ayden, and Ella Yanda; one sister: Leaette Bandy and her husband Bruce of Colby, Kansas; and a sister-in-law: Elaine Yanda.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John; and his sweetheart, Jean.

Memorials are suggested to: High Plains Longrifles in care of the funeral chapel.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.  Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637.

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Larry Winterscheidt - Unknown - May 08, 2022

Departed: 05/08/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Larry Lee Winterscheidt, age 80, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Sunday, May 8, 2022 at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. He was born September 6, 1941 in Hiawatha, Kansas to Lyle and Madelyn (McGinty) Winterscheidt. He married Amelia (Millie) Boos in Ellis at St. Mary’s Church on August 6, 1962.

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After 8 years of service was honorably discharged in January of 1968. One of his deployments included Thailand in 1966 during the Vietnam War, he was stationed at the Royal Thai Air Base at Takhli, Thailand.

After his military service, he graduated from Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, in the fall of 1970 with a B.A. degree in economics. He spent his career in the insurance industry, first in Colorado, then in Kansas. He also obtained his stock broker’s license to further his career. During his insurance career, he received several awards as top salesman which earned him a Caribbean cruise and several other vacations including trips to Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta, and Yellowstone National Park.   He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards with family and playing games with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Millie, of the home; his children Jerry (Cindi) Longmont, CO; Jodi, Hays, and Larry Lee II (Alison) Cedar Falls, IA; his five grandchildren Dustin Winterscheidt, Windsor, CO; Corey Winterscheidt, Longmont, CO; Ashlee Winterscheidt, Hays, KS; Kaylee and Drew Winterscheidt, Cedar Falls, IA; his three step-grandchildren, Lauren Vis, Tiffany (Nick) Kruger and Josh Vis, Cedar Rapids, IA; his six step-great grandchildren, his sister, Debra (Bruce) Campbell, Oakley, KS.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marie; his parents, and sisters Darlene Colglazier and Norma Burrows.

Funeral services will be held  at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis, Kansas,  with family receiving visitors at 9:00 until time of service. Inurnment will follow services in St. Mary's Cemetery with Military Honors.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Church, Ellis VFW Post 9139, or Midwest Organ Transplant Network.

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, Kansas. Condolences may be shared by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

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Thomas Lewand Jr - Unknown - May 06, 2022

Departed: 05/06/2022 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Thomas Alfred Lewand Jr. age 82, of Ellis, Kansas passed away Friday, May 6, 2022 at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney, Kansas. He was born May 10, 1939 in Denver, Colorado to Thomas Alfred and Margaret (Youngster) Lewand. He graduated from Bethany college and earned a Masters from Fort Hays State University.

Thomas was a long-time music teacher having taught for 4 years at Kensington, 13 years at LaCrosse and 3 years at Sedgwick. After his teaching career Thomas worked as a salesclerk at Von Maur and Dillards. Thomas enjoyed antiques, musicals and especially operas.

He is survived by a son, Thomas “Tony” Lewand of Houston, Texas and a daughter, Tara Frey of Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel in Ellis.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the music department of the public school or university of your choice. Donations made payable to the organization may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be shared by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com

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Phyllis Ann Lonnon - Unknown - December 10, 2014

Departed: 12/10/2014 (Ellis)

Obituary Preview: Phyllis Ann (Disney) Lonnon passed away in St. Paul, Minnesota, on December 10th, 2014. She was 80 years old. Phyllis was born on November 1st, 1934, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to her loving parents, Mayme Ethel (Nelson) Disney and Robert Eugene Disney. Phyllis was the sister of three brothers, Bob, Walt, and Kep. Her parents and brothers, Robert William Disney and Walter Eugene Disney, preceded her death. Phyllis’ dear brother, Richard Kepple Disney, currently lives with his family on the East Coast.

As a young girl, Phyllis enjoyed participating in Sunday dinners and the large extended family gatherings of the Disney and Nelson families. She helped her family, who owned the Mobil Gas Station right off Interstate 70 in Ellis, Kansas, for many years.

Phyllis attended Ellis High School, where she enjoyed her friends and cheerleading. During high school, she worked at Geyer’s Rexall Drug Store. She attended the high school basketball games of her future husband, Merle.

On August 16, 1962, Phyllis married Merle Dean Lonnon. The ceremony took place at the Methodist Church. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Disney home on Ross Street in Ellis, Kansas.

Phyllis's teaching career began after she received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kansas State University and a Master's Degree in Home Economics from the University of Arizona in Tucson. For ten years, Phyllis taught home economics in schools in Colby, Kansas, and Parker and Tucson, Arizona.

When Merle graduated from college, Phyllis and Merle moved to Arden Hills, MN, and started their family of four children. Phyllis focused all her energy on nurturing and supporting her family. She perfected the art of teaching and designing almost anything, including furniture, clothing, food, and family life. Phyllis opened her home and yard to the Noble Road neighborhood, creating an environment where her children and friends always felt welcome. All four of her children have fond memories of those Noble Road years.

Phyllis encouraged her children to enjoy life, study hard, and focus on a college education. By the time their college years were over, Ardith, Gene, Greg, and Daryl all had technical degrees, either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. Many went on to obtain advanced degrees, too.   During their retirement years, Phyllis and Merle enjoyed working on and visiting the Disney family home they owned in Ellis, Kansas. They traveled around the country to visit their growing family, with the addition of eight grandchildren. Ardith’s family, including Sam and their children Julia, and Grant, grew up in Colorado. Gene’s family with Rosanna and their children Matthew, Samantha, Cole, and Paige live in Florida. Greg and Melissa live in Idaho. Daryl’s family, including Sudha and their children Maya and Ethan, also live in Colorado.

Phyllis’s husband, Merle, passed away on August 1st, 2022, in Boulder, Colorado. In 2008, Merle and Phyllis built memorial boxes and planned to be buried together. So, their memorial will be a joint ceremony honoring them both on October 8, 2022, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas, at 1:30 PM.

In place of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association, in honor of Phyllis, at https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give. Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th  Ellis, KS 67637

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Our Facilities

Nestled in the charming town of Ellis, our funeral home is conveniently located at 400 E. 17th St., Ellis, KS, 67637. Our facilities are designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the life of your loved one. With ample parking and easy accessibility, we can accommodate families of all sizes and needs.

Funeral Services

At Keithley Funeral Homes, we offer a wide range of funeral services to suit every family's unique needs and preferences. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial ceremonies, and celebrations of life, we can help you create a meaningful and memorable tribute to your loved one. Our experienced funeral directors will work closely with you to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from selecting the perfect casket or urn to arranging for music, flowers, and other personal touches.

Cremation Services

We understand that cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families. At Keithley Funeral Homes, we offer a range of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and traditional cremation with a funeral service. Our state-of-the-art crematory ensures that your loved one is treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.

Pre-Planning

While it may be difficult to think about, pre-planning your funeral can be a wise and thoughtful decision. By making your arrangements in advance, you can spare your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief. At Keithley Funeral Homes, our experienced staff can guide you through the pre-planning process, helping you make informed decisions about your final wishes.

Community Involvement

At Keithley Funeral Homes, we are proud to be an active member of the Ellis community. We believe in giving back to those who have supported us over the years, which is why we participate in local events and charities. From sponsoring Little League teams to supporting local food banks, we are committed to making a positive impact on our community.

Why Choose Keithley Funeral Homes?

So why should you choose Keithley Funeral Homes for your funeral needs? The answer is simple: we care. We care about you, your family, and your loved one. We care about providing exceptional service, attention to detail, and compassion during a difficult time. We care about helping you create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one's memory. And we care about being there for you long after the funeral is over.

If you're looking for a funeral home that truly cares, look no further than Keithley Funeral Homes. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you say goodbye with dignity and respect.

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 is usually published in a newspaper, online obituary platform, or funeral home website to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing essential information to those who need to know about the funeral arrangements and other details. They also provide a sense of closure and allow people to pay their respects to the deceased.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. Funeral homes or crematories may also offer assistance in writing an obituary as part of their services.

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, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include funeral service details and charitable donation information.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from 100 to 500 words.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and some newspapers allow you to include one or more photos of the deceased with the obituary.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and any specific requirements they may have. Some newspapers may have online submission forms or email addresses for submitting obituaries.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to control how they want to be remembered. This can also help alleviate the burden on their loved ones during a difficult time.

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

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute that includes biographical information and often personal anecdotes.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the newspaper or online platform. Some newspapers charge by the word or line, while others offer package deals or flat fees. Online platforms may offer free or low-cost options.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

It may be possible to make corrections or edits to an obituary after it's been published, but this depends on the publication or platform's policies. Be sure to check with them beforehand.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Newspapers may have same-day or next-day publication, while online platforms may publish immediately or within a few hours.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include meaningful quotes, lyrics, or poems in an obituary to add a personal touch and reflect the deceased person's personality or interests.

What if I don't want to include certain family members in the obituary?

This can be a sensitive issue. It's generally recommended to include all immediate family members and close relatives in the obituary. However, if there are estranged relationships or other complex family dynamics, it's best to discuss this with other family members and come to a mutual decision.

Can I include charitable donation information in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in their loved one's memory. This can be a meaningful way to honor their legacy and support a worthy cause.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites that specialize in collecting historical records. Many libraries also maintain archives of local newspapers that can be searched in person.

Can I republish an old obituary online?

Copyright laws apply to published materials, including obituaries. If you want to republish an old obituary online, you should obtain permission from the original publisher or ensure that it is no longer under copyright.

What is an online memorial?

An online memorial is a digital space where people can share memories, photos, and condolences for the deceased. Many online obituary platforms offer this feature as part of their services.

How long do online memorials stay active?

The duration of an online memorial varies depending on the platform. Some may remain active indefinitely, while others may have time limits or require periodic renewal fees.

Can I create my own online memorial?

Yes, you can create your own online memorial using social media platforms, blogging tools, or specialized memorial websites. This can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one and share memories with others.

What if I need help writing an obituary?

If you're struggling to write an obituary, consider seeking help from a funeral home or crematory staff member. They often have experience writing obituaries and can provide guidance and support.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to inject humor into an obituary as a way to celebrate their loved one's personality and spirit. Just be sure to keep it respectful and tasteful.

What if I'm not satisfied with the published obituary?

If you're unhappy with the final version of the published obituary, contact the publication or platform directly to express your concerns. They may be willing to make corrections or adjustments.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes, social media can be a powerful tool for sharing news of a loved one's passing and reaching a wider audience. You can share a link to the online obituary or post a summary with relevant details.

How do I handle condolences on social media?

If you share news of a loved one's passing on social media, be prepared for condolences and messages from friends and acquaintances. You can respond individually or post a general thank-you message acknowledging their support.