Koons-Russell Funeral Home Obituaries

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Koons-Russell Funeral Home, located at 327 N. Gardner, Sharon Springs, KS, 67758, is a trusted and compassionate funeral home serving the community of Sharon Springs and surrounding areas. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, this funeral home has established itself as a beacon of hope and support during difficult times.

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At Koons-Russell Funeral Home, the staff understands that losing a loved one is one of life's most challenging experiences. That's why they are dedicated to providing exceptional care and compassion to families during their time of need. With a focus on personalized service, attention to detail, and unwavering support, this funeral home has earned a reputation for excellence in the region.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Grace Ellen Runge - November 07, 1944 - April 04, 2022

Departed: 04/04/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Lifelong Burlington, CO resident Grace Runge, 77, passed away at her home in Burlington on Monday, April 4, 2022 following a brief illness.

Grace Ellen Runge was the fifth child born to Melvin Runge and Viola Einspahr. Other children were Elvira, Howard, Ruby, Doris and John. Grace was born on the family farm on Election Day. The doctor, after delivering Grace, stayed and listened to election returns on the radio. A few days later, Grace appeared to be having medical issues as she turned black so her Grandma Runge baptized her. The family moved to Burlington when she was in 2nd grade. The kids, prior to this time, lived in town and spent weekends on the farm. In 5th grade, Grace won runner-up in the county spelling championship. She always had a book in her hand, reading just about anything. She also played piano by ear and could pick out any song she heard. Both of these past times were very dear to Grace throughout her adult life.

In later years Grace became the coordinator for a food distribution program. She also worked for the Kit Carson County for 40 plus years. She took up gardening as a pastime and shared her beautiful flowers and bountiful garden with family and friends. She even taught friends how to grow their own vegetables. Aden was always her garden helper. As a young girl Grace became a very accomplished seamstress. She designed her niece Della’s formal for prom as well as her wedding dress. She deconstructed and remade many dresses for Chelsea as well. She was very talented and was always called upon when something needed fixed. Grace was always there for anyone in need. Seeing a need and doing, especially for family, instead of waiting to be asked. She often remarked that she was her mother’s daughter when it came to helping others.

She spent many evenings traveling to baseball games for Dustin and softball games for Chelsea. The last few years she became the trusted dog sitter for Chelsea’s dog Sarge who she loved as her own. She made many trips to Julesburg to watch Dustin race, even when the weather was blistering hot. She was so proud of the two of them. She cherished the friendships of her close friends and enjoyed any time she could with them. She loved spending time with her cats, Kersey and Fluff. Grace chose to keep her illness to herself and throughout the process gained a close friendship with her neighbors, the Reents’ family.

Preceding her in death were her parents, 3 brother-in-laws, 1 sister-in-law and her niece Della Purviance.

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Ronnie Ray Amack - January 29, 1959 - April 04, 2022

Departed: 04/04/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Lifelong Goodland, KS resident Ronnie Ray Amack, 63, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022 at his home in Goodland.

Ronnie was born on January 29, 1959 in Goodland, to Bernard and Deana (Waits) Amack.

Ronnie had three children; Anthony, Adam and Amy Amack. He also had 4 grandkids Anna, Jacob, Ronny and Terry.

Ronnie was an over the road truck for most of his life transporting anything and everything he could.  He enjoyed spending time with friends and family when he was home and always helped people out when he could.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and his two sons Anthony and Adam Amack.

He is survived by his daughter Amy Amack of Goodland, Kansas, and his 4 grandchildren.

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Paul Gerhard Buhr - November 29, 1952 - April 04, 2022

Departed: 04/04/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Paul Gerhard Buhr passed away unexpectedly on April 4th, 2022. Paul was born on November 29, 1952 in Goessel, KS to loving parents, Gerhard and Mildred Buhr, joining his two older brothers. His early childhood was spent in the close-knit Bethel College community in North Newton, KS where he attended elementary school and the Bethel College Mennonite Church. In 1965, the family moved to Shawnee Mission, KS, and Paul continued his schooling at Hocker Grove Junior High School and Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, graduating in 1971. While living in the Kansas City area, the family attended Rainbow Boulevard Mennonite Church. Paul held many jobs during his teenage years and early twenties: paper delivery, wheat harvest crew, and farm worker. He was keenly interested in cars, and owned quite a succession of them in various colors. Paul’s first profession was truck driver. He enjoyed driving tractor-trailers around the country for a time and had many interesting experiences. Paul married Deanna Denney on September 22, 1990. They eventually settled in Goodland, KS. He spent most of his time at home with family when not working at the Iron Mueller grain elevator, or supplementing his income by staffing a local truck stop. Like his father, Paul was an avid sports fan and especially fond of his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. He looked forward to watching televised games whenever he could, and often shared the joys and sorrows of the outcomes with friends and family. He particularly enjoyed watching his grandsons’ sports activities. Another activity he shared with his family was playing the drums, a skill he acquired as a teenager. Preceding Paul in death were his parents and his wife Deanna, who passed away in 2019. He is survived by his two brothers, John (Vanessa) and Bruce (Meribeth). Paul and Deanna are survived by their children - Crystal (Jason) Garner of Hays, KS; Adam (Jacki) Waters of Goodland, KS; and Amanda Campbell of Hays, KS, and by their grandchildren - Blayn and Brysun Waters; Jonathan, Jeremy, Michael and Nicholas Garner; and Gabriel, Melody and Connor Campbell. Paul is also survived by his nephews and niece: Nathan, Vincent, Brian and Claire Buhr.

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Lowell "Alley Cat" Floyd Guyer - December 28, 1934 - April 02, 2022

Departed: 04/02/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Longtime Goodland, KS resident Lowell Floyd Guyer, 87, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.

Lowell, commonly referred to by many as ‘Alley Cat’, was born on December 28, 1934 in Osborne, Kansas to Floyd Dewitt and Ellen Grace (Lukens) Guyer.  He was the oldest of two children.  He graduated from Osborne High School in 1952, and then went on to completed one year at Fort Hays State University.

On May 7, 1961, Lowell married Carol Jean McClean in Arnold, KS.  To this union, three children were born; Barry, Susan and Wendy.  In 1984, the family moved from Osborne to Goodland, where Lowell liked the flat, open countryside.

He was a member of the Goodland United Methodist Church, the Goodland Elks Club and the Goodland Lions Club.  Born and raised as a farmer, Lowell, dedicated his life to the land.  For all his life, he farmed near his birthplace of Osborne and other locations in Goodland and Eastern Colorado. The Guyer name has 2 century farms, one in Osborne Co and Sherman Co, KS.  He and his family spent their summers following the wheat harvest from Texas to North Dakota making friends along the way.  Lowell had an uncanny way to fix virtually any piece of equipment he put his hands on.  He also was ahead of the times and like to experiment and create new things.  He made from scratch, one of the first satellite dishes as well as one the of the first 40-foot wheat headers.   He loved old cars and had three 1920’s Model T cars that he restored himself.  The grandkids called him ‘Boppy’ and friends called him ‘Alley Cat’, his CB handle from the late 70’s when CB radios were the new form of communication and he was able to talk to people all over the world.  He loved to joke with people and tell stories of the past.  He was not one to sit around and would always tell the guys to “get to work”.  In his last days he continued to help out with any farming and harvesting that needed to be done.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and his brother Howard Guyer.

He is survived by his wife Carol Guyer of Goodland, KS, his children Barry (Joni) Guyer of Goodland, KS, Susan (Kevin) Weishaar of Spring, TX and Wendy (Gene) Noce of Ankeny, IA.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Bailee Topliff of Goodland, KS, Bryan (Trista) Guyer of Goodland, KS, Kirsten Weishaar of Austin, TX, Paige Weishaar of Dallas, TX, Jordan (Jake) Snook of Ankeny, IA and Aaron and McKenzie Noce of Ankeny, IA; five great grandchildren; Jaxton and Jagger Topliff of Goodland, KS, John and Brenner Guyer of Goodland, KS and Bryleigh Snook of Ankeny, IA.

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George Russell Adelgren - March 05, 1934 - March 28, 2022

Departed: 03/28/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: George Adelgren loved to tell a good joke, and the cornier it was, the better.  It seemed he knew an unending supply of them, and no one was ever quite sure where he found them all.  He rarely messed up a punch line, but even when he did it still usually ended up being funny.

George Russell Adelgren was born in 1934 in Buffalo, KS to Henry and Wilma Adelgren, the second of four boys.  On their farm west of Chanute, KS they raised cattle, pigs, goats, wheat and corn (and they also grew turnips, which George did not like at all).

George graduated with a class of seven from Vilas High School in 1952.  He was a catcher, and even though the school only had eleven boys their baseball team took 2nd place at State, beating out many much larger schools.  He attended junior college and played semi-pro baseball for two years.  He enlisted in the US Army and served as a medic for two years in such hot, humid and unglamorous places as Louisiana, Texas, and Missouri.

George married Gorda Hilty in 1963.  In 1973 they moved from Wichita, KS to Gunnison, CO where they raised their three children, and he tirelessly supported all their activities like 4-H, sports, drama, band, and school clubs.  In 1989, they moved to Goodland, KS.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding, bowling, and golf.

George followed his father and older brother into carpentry.  He was an artist and artisan, and his medium was wood.  In his professional life he was a master carpenter and cabinetmaker who built beautiful custom houses throughout Kansas and Colorado for over 50 years.  For the last 10 years of his career he taught carpentry at the NW Kansas VoTech, passing on his wealth of knowledge and passion to his students.

After his retirement, he turned his eye and considerable skill toward creating works of art through woodturning, pyrography, and hand carving.  He never passed up a woodpile or free tree stump; the knottier and gnarlier a chunk of wood was, the more character he thought it contained.  He said the wood usually told him what it wanted to become and he excelled at drawing out and revealing its natural beauty.

He could often be found in his shop teaching his grandkids how to create wood projects and play in the sawdust.  George enjoyed swapping stories with his coffee cronies (the “wrinkled roosters”), and teaching the grandkids how to hunt.  He challenged himself by acting in fun plays, and even had roles in a couple of small films.  But most of all he loved spending time with his wife Gorda, their children, and extended family.

George passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, 28 March 2022, and he will be dearly missed.  He is survived by his wife Gorda, daughter Shawna Dorsey and husband Skip, son Russell Adelgren and wife Dee, daughter Mona Adelgren, seven grandchildren and their spouses, and his great-granddaughter whom he was very delighted to recently meet.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers John, Robert, and Ralph, and his grandson Shawn.

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Robert "Bob" Harold Gross - June 30, 1930 - March 25, 2022

Departed: 03/25/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Robert Harold Gross, went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2022 in Goodland, Kansas

Robert was born June 30, 1930 to James and Sadie Gross in Queens, New York. He married the love of his life, Norma J. Miller on November 2, 1952, in Denver, CO. They had 3 children Sally (Barry Priest), Doug (Denise White) and Kevin (Michelle LeBlanc Gross).

He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and then went to work for Sears in the suit department. He then worked for Gates Rubber Company as an area salesman, then as a Realtor and sales manager for the residential division of Dunton Real Estate in Denver.  He left Dunton to become an office manager for Coldwell Banker and worked his way up to Vice President and managed 3 states.  He continued to work in the Real Estate business until he retired.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents James and Sadie Gross, his brothers Gerald Gross and Murray Gross, granddaughter, Erin Priest, daughter, Sally Priest, wife, Norma Gross, son, Douglas Gross, and son in law, Barry Priest.

He is survived by his youngest son, Kevin, Grandchildren: Stacy (Drew) Kaup, Sean Robert (Heather) Gross, Meghan (Tanner) Kinen, and Ashley (Brian) Bueker. And, great grandchildren: Brody and Brayden Kaup, Angel and Blane Gross, Cooper, Casen and Reece Kinen, and Finnian Bueker.  Everyone who knew “Pop” and was touched by the kindness and sincerity he radiated.

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Curtis E. Blythe - November 28, 1965 - March 20, 2022

Departed: 03/20/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Curtis Edmond Blythe, 56, of Mound City, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Curt was born on November 28, 1965 in Burlington, Colorado to Trent Eugene and Sharon Kay (Curl) Blythe.  He was one of 4 children.  He completed his GED in 1984.  Curt enrolled in Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK.  After completing one year of schooling, he decided that it is not what he wanted to do.  He returned home to Goodland and worked for his dad at B & B Electric for one year.  Curtis then enrolled at the Northwest Kansas Technical College in the Communications Program.  After graduation, Curtis moved to south Texas, working for a small telephone company.  He then returned to the Kansas City area and was employed by Sprint.  The company was sold many times and Curt was employed by CenturyLink at the time of his death.

In his free time, Curt loved to cheer on the KC Chiefs!  He never missed a game!  He was also great at convincing his niece and great niece to be Chiefs fans while their families are Bronco Fans!  He was very proud of that accomplishment.

Curtis also enjoyed riding his Harley with his buddies in Mound City, KS.  He made some very special friends while living there!  Curtis and his dogs (kids) came to Goodland often to visit.  He enjoyed special times with nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his sister Terri Blythe.

He is survived by his parents Trent and Sharon Blythe of Goodland, two sisters; Gina (Rick) Haeffner of Colby, KS and Rhonda (John) Robinson of Sharon Springs, KS.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

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Donald Lee Jones - March 20, 1928 - March 18, 2022

Departed: 03/18/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: *****Please note that Visitation Times are in Mountain Time, the Funeral Service time is in Central Time*******

Donald Lee Jones was born on March 20, 1928 at the hospital in Goodland, KS, to parents Fred & Eva Warner Jones, the 3rd of 5 children. He passed away at his residence in Wheat Ridge Acres, Goodland, KS, on March 18, 2022, just 2 days short of his 94th birthday.

He attended the Brewster School system, helping his parents on the farm as he grew up. When he was in high school, the family lost the farm and moved to Brewster. After graduating in 1948, he married Clare Vesta Archer and went to California. When they moved back to Brewster, he went to work for Ralph McDaniel. To this union, 3 children were born – Dennis, Diana & Vickie.

After divorcing, he went to Kansas City to attend trade school and then worked on TV’s in his own store. While in Kansas City, he also worked in an elevator, drove taxi, and worked on airplanes. During this time, he married Frances Marie Taylor. She brought a daughter, Sheila, to the marriage and together they had a son, Donald Jr.

Don came back to Goodland after his mother passed away to take care of his father. His father only lived 6 more months before passing away as well. After renewing their childhood friendship, he married Minnie Belle Eicher Imhof, on April 5, 2001 and they shared nearly 21 years of marriage before his passing. They often smiled and shared that when they got married, they would probably only have 10 years together, but were amazed that they doubled that!

Don fondly remembered attending the Brewster Methodist Church as he grew up. He states that he was baptized as a young teen in that church. Later, with the influence of Minnie Belle in his life, he began attending the Lutheran Church in Brewster with her. Both caused him to reconsider his relationship with God. Then, when church services were held at Wheat Ridge, he took comfort in the old hymns that he knew growing up – In the Garden and Jesus Loves Me were the two that he voiced as requests.

Another memory he shared was the wonder and appreciation he had for his grandmother’s beautiful flower garden. It sounded like that was something they must have shared together.

Preceding him in death were his parents, 2 sisters, Dorothy Deines & Dora Dean Sandburg, and a 10 day old baby brother, Darold Fred Jones. Also predeceasing him was a step-daughter, Diana Imhof Jones. He is survived by his wife, Minnie Belle, of Goodland, and a younger brother, Kenneth of Idaho. His children, whom he lost touch with many years ago, are also presumed to be survivors, as well as step-children Priscilla Daniels, Ruth Blythe, Lowell Imhof, and Debbie Griffith and their families. Extended family, whom he valued an active relationship with, were a cousin’s wife, Bonnie Jones & her daughter Laci Reed, both of St. Francis, KS.

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Patrick Allen Thompson - August 10, 1956 - March 12, 2022

Departed: 03/12/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Patrick Allen Thompson was born in Holyoke, Colorado on August 10, 1956 to John and Berneice Thompson.  He passed away peacefully on March 12, 2022 at his home in Goodland, Kansas at the age of 65.

Pat grew up on a dairy farm southwest of Holyoke and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1974.  While attending school, he met the love of his life, Shelly Rae Smith.  They were married on January 26, 1975.  They had been married 47 years upon his passing.   To this union were born two sons, Phillip Mathew Thompson and Aaron Paul Thompson.  He was extremely proud of both his sons.

After struggling for many years, Pat found the rooms of Alcoholic Anonymous and began his sobriety journey on August 30, 1989. At the time of his passing he had achieved 32 years of sobriety.   Pat found many lifelong friendships in those rooms and was able to help many others by sharing his experience, strength and hope with them.    This was one of his greatest accomplishments in life.

Although Pat spent a good share of his life farming, in 1986, he enrolled in the Northwest Kansas Technical College electrical program and became a master electrician.  He was skilled and very knowledgeable in many things.  There was not much he couldn’t do.

Pat enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, motorcycling, fishing and camping.  He got great joy out of attending Round Robins and AA campouts.  He was a generous man and freely gave his time to others.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, John and Berneice Thompson and a brother, John Thompson.  He is survived by his wife of the home, Shelly Thompson; sons, Phillip (Christina) Thompson of Culbertson, NE and Aaron (Sabrina) Thompson of Goodland, KS; brother Arthur Thompson of Klamath Falls, OR, sister Jo (Terry) Thatcher of Goodland, KS.; sister-in-laws Karla (Alan) Hassler of Kremmling, CO and Terri Smith of Sharon Springs, KS; grandchildren Kameron Snyder, Danielle Snyder, Kaitlin Thompson, Ezra Thompson, Sean Thompson, Ashton Erhart and Olivia Erhart as well as many nieces and nephews.

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Eileen D. Nemechek - June 24, 1926 - March 12, 2022

Departed: 03/12/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Eileen Dorothea (Rourke) Nemechek (95) passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Wallace County Community Care Center in Sharon Springs, KS.

She was born June 24, 1926 in Brownell, Kansas, the daughter of John and Margaret (Halbleib) Rourke. She was the fourth of eight children.

Eileen attended Hiawatha Grade School and graduated from Ellis High School in 1944.  She obtained a teaching certificate at Kansas Normal School in Hays and returned to teach at Hiawatha Grade School.

She married Stephen (Steve) Nemechek Jr. on May 22, 1945 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McCracken, Kansas. The couple moved to Sherman County in 1946 and farmed southeast of Goodland, Kansas.  Steve and Eileen were then blessed with five sons.  Steve passed away August 3, 1978.  On May 17, 1980, Eileen married Floyd Owens at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland, Kansas. Floyd passed away March 4, 1999.

Eileen was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church serving on the Lady’s Guild and Liturgy Committee, as well as Sacristan and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.  Eileen was also actively involved in VFW Lady’s Auxiliary. Along with her deep faith and devotion to Christ, Eileen had a great love for her family, always lending a helping hand with joy.  Some of Eileen’s many hobbies included gardening, canning and pickling, crocheting, bowling, wallpapering, and working with stained glass.

Eileen is survived by her sons, Tom (Sharon) Nemechek of Des Moines, IA; Greg (Judi) Nemechek of Goodland; Jerry (Penny) Nemechek of Goodland; and Terry (Stephanie) Nemechek of Goddard; and daughter-in-law Janice Nemechek of Goodland; 16 grandchildren, Curt (Julie) Nemechek of Garden City; Rhonda (Dean) McIntosh of Amarillo, TX; Janet (Dustin) Downie of Manhattan; Jodi (Shannon) Hensley of Des Moines, IA; Justin (Kathy) Nemechek of Bucyrus; Brandon (Lacy) Nemechek of Rosehill; Bryant (Melissa) Nemechek of Hershey, NE; BreAnna (Josh) Cech of Colby; Garrett Nemechek of Colby; Parker Nemechek of Manhattan; Jamie Nemechek of Salina; Matthew Nemechek of Goodland; Sarah Nemechek of Goodland; Taylor (Anna) Nemechek of Wichita; Logan Nemechek of Kansas City, MO; Nathan Nemechek of Goddard; 22 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaret Rourke; first husband, Steve Nemechek; second husband, Floyd Owens; son, Ron Nemechek; siblings, John Rourke, Jr; Katherine Daigle; Lucille Nemechek; Helen Schaben; Sister Margaret Rourke; Bernard Rourke; and infant brother, Joseph.

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Adam Wayne Paschall - December 26, 1972 - March 10, 2022

Departed: 03/10/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Adam Wayne Paschall, 49, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022 in Colorado.

Adam was born in Kansas City, MO to the late Gerald Paschall and Teresa Brown.  He was the oldest of ten growing up in Tennessee.

He was a United States Army Veteran and served from 1993-1999, and has been currently working for Schutte Farms.

He met Joy Braun in October of 2013 and has been residing in Goodland since.  As Adam told many people “He met the love of his life”.  In his spare time he enjoyed reading, watching movies, and loved watching sports, especially during this time with March Madness.  He was a passionate Tennessee Titans fan and he was loyal to the University of Tennessee. He could be found on weeknights and weekends watching Luke in his many activities.  Many would see him at the park on walks and playing ball with his 3 loyal best friends, Tripp, Bishop and Jango.

He is preceded in death by his father Gerald Paschall.  He is survived by his loving partner Joy, and step son Luke Braun, daughters Madison Thomas and son of Colorado, Marissa Thomas of Colorado, mother Teresa Brown and step father Todd Brown of Tennessee, brothers Joshua (Miko) Paschall, Daniel Paschall, Jarrad (Miranda) Paschall, Tyler Paschall, Luke (Lauren) Paschall, Judd Paschall, and Canaan Paschall, and a sister Lakota Paschall.

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Lelia M. Grauerholz - March 08, 1922 - February 28, 2022

Departed: 02/28/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Lelia Marie Norden Grauerholz passed away February 28, 2022 at the age of 99. She was born on March 8, 1922 to Henry (Hank) and Ida Norden. She attended grade school in a one room school one mile from the family farm south of Kensington.

She married Harold Grauerholz in a double wedding ceremony on June 27, 1943. Her brother, Floyd, married Anna Grauerholz in this ceremony as well.

After Harold’s return from the army, they farmed northwest of Kensington. She was active in the St. John Lutheran church. She was a member of the quilting ladies at this church for 70 years. She also taught Sunday school and grew flowers for the altar. Her spring and summer evenings were spent taking care of her flower garden.

Surviving family includes her children Eldon Grauerholz, from Cimarron, KS; Jo Ann (Joe) Wahrman from Goodland, KS, and Alan (Aggie) Grauerholz from Kensington, KS who still lives on the family homestead. Grandchildren, Bryan (Bonny) Grauerholz , and Scott Grauerholz from Kansas City, KS; John Grauerholz and  Jared (Whitney) Grauerholz of Kensington, KS, and great grandchildren – Brooke, Bree and Henry Grauerholz.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Harold, her brothers Wilbur, Floyd and Donald, her sister-in-laws, Ester Norden and Anna Norden and Loretta Norden.

Memorial services will be held at the St. John Lutheran Church, 708 N. Main in Kensington.  Inurnment will take place in the Germantown Cemetery north of Kensington.

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Barbara Jean Mosbarger - June 16, 1936 - February 20, 2022

Departed: 02/20/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Longtime Goodland, KS resident Barbara Jean Mosbarger, 85, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.

Barbara was born on June 16, 1936 in Spearville, KS, the only child of James and Wilhelmina (Warfield) Gearhart.  She attended school in Cimarron, KS and graduated in 1954.  She then went on and attended Kansas State University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  It was there that she met her future husband Gary Mosbarger.  They later were married on September 1, 1957 at the chapel on the campus of Colorado State University.

Barbara and Gary had two children; James Lee born in 1961, and Shari Lynn born in 1964.  She enjoyed spending time attending all the activities that her children and grandchildren were involved with, from showing cattle and pigs in 4-H, to watching them play football, basketball and even going to wrestling tournaments.

Barbara was a very dedicated 4-H leader for Prairie Dale 4-H Club, and was also a 4-H cooking leader.  She served on the Sherman County Extension Council for several years, and was a member of the Beaver Valley EHU Club.  She was proud to be a farmwife; helping drive trucks, doing yard work, gardening and helping the guys move vehicles from field to field.  She was also ready to serve up a hot meal when the family had called it a day.  Barbara was a very special wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and will truly be missed by many.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Gary and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lavaughn and John Glasco.

She is survived by her children; son Jim (Darla) Mosbarger, Shari (Terry) Taylor; four grandsons, John (Lora) Mosbarger, Jace (Bryn) Mosbarger, Ryan (Hannah) Taylor, Garrett Taylor (Kami Miller); six great grandchildren; Jance, Jarrett, Jax, Olivia, Meyer and Cole.

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Beatrice "Bea" Mary Driver - January 28, 1930 - February 16, 2022

Departed: 02/16/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Longtime Goodland, KS resident Beatrice “Bea” Driver, 92, passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at the Cheyenne County Village in St. Francis, KS.

Beatrice Mary (Beckman) (Struckhoff) Driver was born on January 28, 1930 to William H. and Anna Catherine (Robben) Beckman at home on the farm in Menlo, KS.  She attended grades 1-12 at the Menlo School.  After graduation, she worked at Hoxie State Bank.  In 1952, she married Charles Struckhoff.  To this union, two children were born; Mark Charles and Mary Beth.

In 1962, the couple would move from Grinnell, KS to Goodland, KS, where Bea would remain until she entered the Cheyenne County Village in St. Francis in November of 2019.  Bea worked as both a secretary to the couple’s business, S & H Drilling, and as a housewife.  Bea and Charlie were active in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.  Her favorite hobbies were golf, gardening and bowling.  On December 12, 1983, Bea married Dr. R.K. Driver.  With this marriage, the family grew with two stepsons Kirby Kay and Kenton Ray.  At this time she was employed by Eagle TV and remained there until her retirement.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Dr. R.K. Driver, her son Mark Charles Struckhoff, stepson Kirby Kay Driver; her brothers William (Gerri) Beckman, Francis (Rita) Beckman, James (Hankie) Beckman, Charles (Margie) Beckman, Robert Beckman, Dennis Beckman, a sister Rose Marie (Douglas) Hartman and a brother-in-law Ben Ostmeyer.

She is survived by a daughter Mary Beth (Keith) Zweygardt of St. Francis, KS, a stepson Dr. K.D. (Dr. Stacy Clark-Driver) Driver of Salina, KS; two grandsons Kaleb (Sophie White) Zwick of McPherson, KS and Oskar Okeson of Sharon Springs, KS; six step grandsons Kirby (Brenda) Driver II of Oak Point, TX, Benjamin Driver of Salina, KS, Dillan (Tiffany) Zweygardt of San Antonio, TX, Drew (ShayLinn) Zweygardt of St. Francis, KS, Ty (Justice) Zweygardt of Colby, KS and Brock (Briell) Zweygardt of Wamego, KS; 2 step granddaughters Kelly Driver of Pilot Point, TX and Bailey Driver of Kansas City, KS, 7 step great grandsons and 4 step great granddaughters, and a sister Anna Belle Ostmeyer of Hoxie, KS.

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Leanna VanDonge - November 03, 1957 - February 07, 2022

Departed: 02/07/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Goodland, KS resident and former Oakley, KS resident Leanna VanDonge, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 7, 2022 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.

Leanna was born on November 3, 1957 in Quinter, KS to Leonard and Pauline (Heinrich) Ribordy.  She was one of six children.  She attended school in Oakley, and graduated from Oakley High School in 1975.  She later attended Northwest Kansas Technical College for a short time.

Leanna’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and grandchildren, and going to watch them play sports.

Preceding her in death were her parents and one sister Sheila Ribordy.

She is survived by her daughters Emily Tinkler (Butch Smith) of Goodland, KS and Tracy Braun of Hays, KS.  She is also survived by one brother Keith (Michele) Ribordy of Oakley, KS; four sisters, Loretta (Fred) Teeter of Oakley, KS, Connie (Kim) Jonely of West Jordan, UT, Donita (Everett) Harper of Lenexa, KS and Kristy (Glenn) Sears of Howells, NE; five grandchildren, Dru Keen, Ellie Keen, Jace Keen, Colton Braun and Weston Braun.

Her wish was to be cremated and no services to be held at this time.

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Richard Neal Miller - May 14, 1934 - January 14, 2022

Departed: 01/14/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Dr. Richard “Dick” Neal Miller fell asleep peacefully in Goodland, Kansas on Friday, January 14th, 2022 after a long and bravely-fought battle with cancer. He was 87 years old.

Born in Denver, Colorado on May 14, 1934, he was the second child of Frank Russell and Norma Alene (Neal) Miller. During the economic hardship years of the Great Depression, his father moved the family to his grandfather’s homestead near Karval, Colorado to farm and raise cattle. He spoke fondly of his time on the Miller family homestead, where he developed his affinity for hard work, his love of the land and its history, and his farm boy pluck and tenacity. As he grew up in Karval, Dick attended Pride of the Prairie School in a class of four (with three other girls). He recalled later that he didn’t realize that “girls weren’t necessarily supposed to get better grades than boys” until high school, which he attended in Rocky Ford, Colorado, in the class of 1952.

After high school, he pursued the study of engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder, but paused his coursework to enlist in the U.S. Air Force; during his last weeks in Boulder, he met his future wife Shirley Smith, when they both volunteered to wash dishes after a Christmas party at the First Christian Church they attended. They were engaged shortly after his basic training was completed.

He married Shirley on January 1st, 1957 at the Methodist church in Goodland, Kansas mere days before he was deployed to Casablanca, Morocco. They waited apart for 18 months before she was permitted to join him in Morocco. One of his officers suggested that Dick’s integrity, attention to detail, passion for his work, and charismatic good humor made him an optimal candidate for Officer Candidate School, where he was accepted into class 1960-B at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Upon completion, he graduated with distinction as a 2nd Lieutenant, and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi to attend U.S. Air Force instructor training, where he discovered his love of teaching. He also traveled to Omaha to finish his Bachelor of Military Science degree at the University of Nebraska, then was assigned to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, to teach where he had previously been a student. Dick and Shirley’s first and second children, David and LeAnn, were born during these years.

His military career took him to Alabama and then Ohio, where he earned his Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, then to Goose Bay Air Force Base in Labrador, Canada, and finally to Colorado Springs to serve on the faculty of the U.S. Air Force Academy, where their third child Melinda was born.

In 1976, Dick retired from the Air Force as a Major after 20 years of service. From there, he moved his family to Buffalo, New York to complete a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the State University of New York at Buffalo; then on to Orlando, Florida, to teach at the University of Central Florida, first as a professor, and then as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the College of Engineering. This position proved to be the culmination of his lifelong passion and talent for teaching. As a professor and dean, he loved working with students and guiding them to become their best selves.

He and Shirley lived in Orlando throughout the rest of his career and into retirement in 1999. There, he tremendously enjoyed life in close proximity to all of his married children and his grandchildren, whose daily lives were blessed by his gentle leadership. He could always be counted on for love and support, assistance with math homework, lessons in his cowboy wisdom, and an old country song now and again in his rich and happy baritone.

Starting in 2005, he began spending more time in Goodland, working with family to restore the house Shirley was born in, and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of High Plains life once more. In September of 2014 he contracted West Nile Virus, which left his body greatly weakened, but his spirit still unbroken. His family and friends will remember his cheer, grace, and contentment during this time as he continually worked to get stronger, even as time worked against him. He enjoyed visits with his family, celebrating holidays, going on walks, keeping up with the latest Apple gadgets, and giving his beloved great-grandchildren wheelchair rides.

In November of 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer. No one who knew him was surprised when he outlived his initial prognosis by two years with an excellent quality of life, enjoying priceless time with family and friends, even surviving a global pandemic with his usual good cheer and quiet strength. During these years, he often reflected back on his full life to mention how he saw the Lord’s hand lovingly guide him throughout its winding course.

Dick is survived by his wife Shirley (Smith) Miller; sister Nancy Rudolph; son David Miller (Janice DeBord), daughters LeAnn Burchfield (Jim) and Melinda Lien (David); grandchildren David Burchfield (Rachael Snedaker), Amy Burchfield Merkley (Ky), David Russell Miller (Jamie Berg), Chris Burchfield (Nicole Beaty), Ben Miller (Rachel Orth), and Peter Miller; and great-grandchildren Elizabeth and James Burchfield, and one more great-granddaughter eagerly anticipated at the time of his passing.

His family and friends will always remember the unflinching courage he held in the face of discomfort or loss, his tremendously generous investment in his family, his merry good cheer that always kept a song in his heart, and his unfailing faith that held his vision straight ahead through all the storms of life.

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Maverick Archie Paul Way - January 20, 1995 - January 14, 2022

Departed: 01/14/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Maverick Archie Paul Way, 26, passed away on January 14, 2022, in Deer Trail, Colorado.

Maverick was born on January 20, 1995, in Corry, PA, to Kevin Way and Christi Kubich. He was the youngest of three.

On October 17, 2015, he married his best friend Erika Fyfe of Goodland, Kansas at the Bellamy Ranch. All though, no children to this union, they have three fur babies: Copenhagen, Dixie, and Tinker.

Raised in and around Georgia. Through their moves, it was quickly noticed that Maverick was a good friend. He didn’t know a stranger, and if you started off as one it wasn’t long before he was considering you a friend. Throughout his high school career, he found a love for sports, especially wrestling, being a state placer. He graduated from Alexander High school in 2013 and brought his wrestling to Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, KS. While at the college he earned his Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology, graduating in 2015.

When Maverick wasn’t being a diesel mechanic or working on a project of his own, he could be found spending time with his family and friends. He loved spending quality time with the people that loved him, doing the things he loved most like hunting, fishing, working with livestock, and riding horses. His smile, light, and laugh were contagious, and once he considered you a friend, he would do anything for you, but he wouldn’t leave you without one of his big hugs. In his quiet time, he could be found reading the Word and increasing his love for Jesus, playing Xbox with friends, or dabbling in his newest found love of drawing. Maverick was a good-hearted man that just loved to be loved and would do his all for the ones he loved.

Preceding him in death was his brother-in-law, Lee Fyfe.

Survivors include: his wife of the home, Erika, their dogs, parents: Kevin Way and Christi Kubich, Dennis and Dulci Fyfe, siblings: Ethan (Bethany) Way, Gabryelle (Ryan) Snow, and Jordan Engelbrecht, nieces and nephews and countless life-long friends.

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Rev. Katie Florence Moore - April 05, 1972 - January 14, 2022

Departed: 01/14/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Burlington, Colorado resident, Reverend Katie Florence Moore, 49, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 14, 2022.

Katie was born on April 5, 1972 in Winnfield, Louisiana to Willie Eugene Moore, Sr. and Barbara Jean (Spangler) Moore.  She was one of 4 children.  She attended school in Winnfield and graduated from Winnfield High School in 1991.  Later in life she went on and attended 4 years at In Christ International Bible College in Burlington, CO and 2 years at Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, OK.

She was a Caregiver, Reverend, and Founder and Counselor for OVERCOMERS Group.  She was also a member of the Rhema Bible Training College.  On November 25, 2012, she was baptized and came to know her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Revered Katie was such a loving soul that defied all odds.  She was the true definition of an OVERCOMER and was delivered from all of her past.  God used her mightily in so many ways, from preaching and sharing her testimony at churches, treatment centers, prisons, high schools or to someone she just ran into, she did her calling.  She would often tell you how “BOLD” she was and was about to speak the “RAW TRUTH”, and that’s exactly what she did.  She was able to help so many people, that was what she was all about.  So, just remember what all she accomplished and what God guided her to do because she was a great example of what we all can do to help as many people as we can to accept Jesus as their Savior.  Listen to your hearts and let the Holy Spirit guide you.  Lastly, we want to celebrate for Katie, because she is finally Home and we know she is so happy.  Her legacy lives on in all the people she touched in her life.

Preceding her in death were her parents Willie and Barbara Moore, Sr., her grandparents Herbert and Katie Moore Spangler, Willie and Mary Florence Leone Moore, and a great niece Joplin Rain Mitchell.

Surviving family includes her sisters Tina Moore Mitchell of Mineral Wells, TX and Carla Moyer Hensley of Royersford, PA, a brother Willie Eugene Moore, Jr. (Barbara) of Bethune, CO, one son Cody Guillory of Plaucheville, LA; Nephews Robert Mitchell of Burlington, CO, Kaleb Moore (Brianna) of Weston, LA, Justis Moore (Naomy) of Bethune, CO, Matthew and Wesley Moyer of Dale City, VA; nieces Ariel Mitchell of Mineral Wells, TX, Britney Daniel (Trenton) of Mineral Wells, TX, Alaina Palmer (Michael) of Hodge, LA, Hailey Broomfield (Dakota) of Dodson, LA, Krystal Wood of Jonesboro, LA and Desiree Coleman (Noah) and Crystal of Baton Rouge, LA; Great Nieces and Nephews Tobias Mitchell, Alan and Jackson Palmer, Koda Broomfield, Matteo Moore, and Kaia Moore.

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Stanley Duane Cebula - March 19, 1947 - January 09, 2022

Departed: 01/09/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Stanley Duane Cebula, 74, of Goodland, Kansas went to be with our Lord on January 9, 2022.  He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, papa, father-in-law, uncle, friend and community member, who lived a full life and was loved by many.

Stan was born the fourth of five children to Thomas James Cebula and Stella Frances Stroyek Cebula on March 19, 1947, in Goodland, Kansas.  He grew up on the family farm just outside of Goodland.  The house he was raised in as a child became the same house he raised his family in.

He attended Goodland schools, graduating from Goodland High School in 1965.  Stan attended Colorado School of Mines before transferring to Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969, and where he met his future wife, Gwendolyn Ann Forbes. Stan and Gwen were married on May 17, 1969, at St. Rose of Lima in Denver, Colorado.  In 2019, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  Anyone who observed their Christ-centered relationship was witness to a powerful example of faith, love, and devotion.  They enjoyed traveling, especially to see musicals, dinner theaters and movies at the TCM Fathom events, while also never missing the opportunity to watch a classic film at home together.  One of their most memorable trips together was this past fall to see the colors out west.  It was the best they had ever seen!

Following college, Stan and Gwen spent a year in Eugene, Oregon, working as volunteers in the VISTA program (Volunteers in Service to America) supporting families to build their own homes. After the year of service, they returned to Denver, where Stan worked for Gart Brothers Sporting Goods and later worked for the Denver Water Department. Stan and Gwen returned to Goodland in the mid-1970s where Stan started helping with the Cebula Farm. He took over the farm and continued full time until his retirement in Spring 2018.

Stan and Gwen have six children: Aaron, Adam, Aileen, Alan, Amy and Ashley, also known as the A Team.  One of his greatest joys in life was his children and you could often find him at their extracurricular activities or side by side helping him at the farm.

Stan has been described as a pillar of the community.  He served as a school board member for Goodland Schools from 1991 to 1995.  Additionally, he was a board member for the Co-op.  During his life, Stan was an active member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, serving as a Cantor and Eucharistic Minister. He had been a parishioner of this parish since birth.  He served as a fourth degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus Council #1993. Stan was the Council Grand Knight in 1994 and 1995. He was also the Faithful Navigator for the St. Pius the X Assembly. Stan’s activities included delivering Meals on Wheels, the annual Tootsie Roll Drive, regular bingo nights, Altar Server campout, Flatlander Festival events and annual activities at the county fair. Stan loved running the Tilt-a-Whirl. He was a confirmation teacher, and together with Gwen, they were CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sponsors, hosting many events at the family farm.

Stan was quite the adventure-seeker and loved any activity that got him outdoors.  Some of his favorite things to do included hunting with his brothers, sons and son-in-law, bird watching with his siblings, camping and hiking trips throughout the southwest with his brother Willie, wind wagon races, and wind surfing.  He also loved to ski and enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren.  As a Papa, he never hesitated to spend time loving on and helping his grandchildren and deeply loved watching them grow.  He was a true family man and had great fun lighting large firework displays with his brothers, sons, and nephews and was always up for making homemade ice cream and drinking Willie Beer.  Most recently, he was able to do all of that in 2021 when family gathered to celebrate 100 years of Cebulas in Sherman County.

Stan is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law and older brother Jerome Cebula.

Stan is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Cebula of Goodland, children Aaron (Kim) Cebula of Hays, Adam (Miranda) Cebula of Columbus, NE, Aileen (Donald) Raymer of Marion, Alan (Amanda) Cebula of Saint George, Amy (Joseph) Sramek of Goodland, and Ashley (Bryan) Boxberger of Hoisington, siblings Robert (Carol) Cebula of Orange, CA, William Cebula of Prescott Valley, AZ, Sister Janice Cebula of Clinton, IA, grandchildren ­­­­­Jordy, Jymer, and Jayda Raymer, Landon and Zoey Sramek, Addilyn and Aizik Cebula, Lane and Luke Boxberger, Noah Cebula and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

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Harold Alfred Karspeck - October 27, 1920 - January 04, 2022

Departed: 01/04/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Harold Karspeck, 101, of Goodland, Kansas passed away peacefully January 4, 2022 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center with his family by his side.

Harold was born October 27, 1920 in Syracuse, NE.  He was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Karspeck, the youngest of ten children.  Harold was baptized into the Christian faith at the Delaware Country Church in Nebraska.  His family farmed near Syracuse, Nebraska until Harold was six years old and then moved to a farm six miles south of Burlington, Colorado, that his dad built. They moved most of their possessions by boxcar to Colorado. He attended a country school there until the eighth grade. His family mainly spoke German and the school was in English so his teacher told his parents to stop speaking German at home so he would learn English. His family moved to a farm northeast of Burlington in 1937.Dad attended Burlington High School and graduated with the class of 1939. He rode his horse to catch the school bus five miles. In later years he moved up to driving a “striped down” model T and his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Yes, Dad had a Harley!!After graduation, he worked on the family farm with his parents and other places too.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Harold enlisted in the United States Army in July of 1942. He served in the European Theatre with the 168th General Hospital  Unit. He was a motor pool sergeant that was in charge of ambulances, trucks and jeeps. The 168th crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the famous Queen Mary ship with Winston Churchill being aboard.  The 168th Hospital Unit entered France on the beaches of Normandy the same way it was done on D-Day. Harold was honorably discharged in February of 1946. One time on leave, through his sister, he was introduced to a young lady and they corresponded throughout the war. He married Mary Jane Anthis, the love of his life, December 8, 1946 in Cushing, Oklahoma. They enjoyed 65 years together. To this union three children were born:  Steven, Kathy and Roger. Harold and Mary raised their family on the farm northeast of Burlington. They grew wheat, corn, milo and raised cattle. Some of the years were very hard with extreme droughts and terrible hail storms. Their faith enabled them to get through these difficult years. No matter what, Dad always found the time to take his family on fishing trips in the mountains.  Harold was not a fisherman, but while we were all out fishing, Dad kept a fire going with a fresh pot of coffee for everyone to enjoy.

Harold was a very active member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Burlington. He taught Sunday School and served on church council many times. He helped construct a new church building.

Harold and Mary moved to Goodland on College Street in 1977.They then joined the Goodland United Methodist Church. At this time, they were still involved in the family farm, but now had time to enjoy many cruises and visited numerous foreign countries.

Harold was a lifetime member of the Goodland VFW Post 1133.  He served as post chaplain for many years and was very active with the VFW until he broke his hip in 2020. It is believed that Harold was the last surviving WWII veteran in Sherman County.

Those preceding him in death were his wife Mary Karspeck, daughter Kathy Scott, his parents, siblings Agnes Tonsing, Hilda James, Ruby Tonsing, Omar Karspeck, Irene Skidmore, Edna Krebs and three who died in infancy.

Survivors include his sons Steven (JoAnn) Karspeck of Hoehne, CO; Roger (Deena) Karspeck of Burlington, CO; and son-in-law Bill (Jeanne) Scott of Gold Canyon, AZ; six grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

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Angela Benavides - October 02, 1980 - January 02, 2022

Departed: 01/02/2022 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Lifelong Goodland, KS resident, Angela Benavides, 41, passed away on January 2, 2022 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS.

Angela was born on October 2, 1980 to Irma Benavides in Goodland, KS.  She was raised in Goodland and graduated from Goodland High School with the Class of 1999.

Angela met her husband Rafael “Junior” Macias in high school and shared love for an amazing 23 years.  Soon to follow was their first born Rafael “Ralf” Macias IV born in October 1999.  Then came their second born Mariza Jade Macias born in March 2002.

She started working for the Sherman County Early Childhood Center (SCECC) in September of 2009 and had worked for them for 12 years.  Throughout her years of working there, she cared deeply for her co-workers and absolutely adored all the kids.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Dominga Benavides, mother-in-law Ilda Macias and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Angela is survived by her husband “Baby Daddy” Rafael Macias III, two wonderful children Rafael “Jay” Macias IV and Mariza Jade Macias, her mother Irma Benavides; four sisters, Melinda Benavides of Goodland, KS, Crisy (Adrian) Conde of Bossier City, LA, Mary Hernandez of Goodland, KS and Crystal (Chris) Irvin of Goodland, KS; nieces and nephews, Cesar Jr., Sebastian, Mackenzie and Mackayla Rodriguez, Javy, Evanie, Dominic, Gabriela and Adam Conde, Alexzander Boll, and Julian and Kilian Irvin; sister-in-law Vanessa (Jose) Galindo of Campwood, TX and nieces Vanessa “Tita”, Zenaida and Angela Galindo, father-in-law Rafael (Esther) Macias of Waxahachie, TX.

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Crystal Marie Ford - December 29, 1977 - December 28, 2021

Departed: 12/28/2021 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Crystal Marie Ford was born December 29, 1977 in Burlington, Colorado and passed away December 28, 2021 in Hutchinson, Kansas.  She was the daughter of James (Butch) and Dolores Ford. Later they would divorce with Butch remaining a presence in her life.  Dolores married Jim Gallentine in 1990 and Crystal gained a new father.  In later years they would refer to each other as Jim her number one father and Crystal his number one daughter.

Crystal attended schools in Wray, Burlington, Colby, Windsor, and Greeley Colorado.  She took classes at Pikes Peak Community College developing her love of photography and computer graphics.

She lived in Colorado Springs for several years with her dad, Butch Ford.  It was here that she met Amber Rosa, they became lifelong friends and considered themselves sisters. They went through many of life's lessons together.

On May 12, 2001, Crystal gave birth to a son, Cameron, who was the love of her life.  They were inseparable and through thick and thin they had each other’s back.  Crystal was Cameron's main and strongest supporter.  She often said that having Cameron was the best thing she ever did in her life.

Everywhere Crystal went she met and made and collected friends.  One of those friends is Natasha Mueller.  Crystal and Cameron became good friends with the Muellers and have shared many adventures.  She was very close to her mother and her father Jim.  She would often seek advice from them, then go off and make her own decision.  Crystal lived her life her way.

Crystal believed strongly in the power of God and prayer, but didn’t feel you had to go to a building to show that.  She had a very strong faith in the Lord and believed that you should live your life accordingly.

She was a kind, loving, generous, a very strong and capable woman.  She had a smile that could light up the world.  She loved to laugh and give people a bad time.   She loved giving Jim a bad time about anything that they might be doing or talking about.  She could be tough as nails and fight for what she believed in.

Crystal’s main interest was in photography.   She was an artist, whether it be photography, painting, drawing or just creating something.  She had an interest in wood working and had built a desk where she inlaid a wood pattern.   She loved fishing, camping and traveling.  Her dream was to get a camper and travel.

She was preceded in death by her dad Butch Ford, Grandparents, Forrest and Regina Whipple, Jim and Anne Ford, Iona Ford, Uncles Dennis Oldham, Clifford Whipple, David Whipple, Dan Ford and Aunt Kim Armbrister.  Cousins, Loyd Whipple, Jennifer Whipple, Grant Winslow, Rachel Oldham.

She is survived by her son Cameron, her Mother Dolores, Father Jim, Grandparents John and Ann Gallentine, numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins and a slew of friends.

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Keith F Lillich - September 27, 1945 - December 24, 2021

Departed: 12/24/2021 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Keith Fredrich Lillich, 76, of Colorado Springs, CO passed away on Christmas Eve, December

24, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Keith was born to Herman and Marie (Stutheit) Lillich on September 27, 1945 in Bird City, KS. Keith graduated as valedictorian in 1963 and completed his education at University of Kansas

with a BS in Metallurgical engineering in 1968. While at KU, Keith met Jo Ann (Bedford) and their friendship blossomed into marriage at Danforth Chapel on the KU campus on June 9, 1968. After their marriage, he worked as an engineer before the lure of Western Kansas and family farm life found the couple returning in 1972 to Goodland, KS. Keith helped his father-in-law with the farming/ranching south of Goodland in what was called Shalom Valley in 1980. In 1980 they were blessed with a son, Colter and in 1982, another blessing, a daughter, Carol. Keith was an active member at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed the choir, council, and Youth Club, especially in the summer for the youth at Shalom Valley. After farming, Keith worked at Golden West Skills as a case manager until he moved in 2000 to Colorado Springs where he continued working as a

case manager at The Resource Exchange where he retired in 2012.

Preceding Keith in death were his parents, sister Carolyn Lillich, and brother Eugene Lillich. Surviving him is his beloved wife Jo Ann of Colorado Springs, children Colter Lillich of Colorado Springs, Carol (Noah) Zepelin, Centennial, CO., and granddaughter Talia Zepelin, his older

brother, Gerald Lillich of Colorado Springs and many nieces and nephews.

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Glenn O. Burk - July 10, 1927 - December 23, 2021

Departed: 12/23/2021 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Goodland, KS resident Glenn Orville (Scott) Burk passed away Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Topside Manor in Goodland.

Glenn was born July 10, 1927 to Antonia Tresia (Burk) and James Merlin Scott in Rural Leoti Kansas.  After his mother’s death he was adopted by her twin brother Henry Burk and wife Gladys (Scott) Burk.

Glenn graduated from Edson High School where he got his diploma. He was with the class of 1945-1946.

Glenn married Evelyn Marie More May 18th, 1947 at the family home southeast of Edson Kansas. Their son Michael was then born on August 30, 1949.

Glenn and Evelyn farmed raising sheep and cattle. They continued farming until Evelyn passed away in December 2017. They were honored with being top ten sugar producers many times till the sugar plant closed. Glenn always said that his goal to produce a better crop then he produced the year before. In 2005 they were awarded conservationist of the year.

Preceding him in death were his parents James and Anotonia and Henry and Gladys. His wife Evelyn Marie Burk. 4 brothers; Wilburn, Willard, Lee Vern Bert, and Leroy Paul Scott, and 1 sister; Elnore Marie Burk Elliott.

He is survived by his son Michael (Joyce) Burk of Goodland, KS. His grandchildren Jon Burk of Haysville, KS, Josh(Anna) Burk of Haysville, KS, JT (Erin)Burk of University Place, Washington, and JD (Misty) Burk of Goodland, KS; 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bert (Carol) Funk of Oklahoma City.

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Marilyn F. Colby - April 08, 1951 - December 23, 2021

Departed: 12/23/2021 (Goodland)

Obituary Preview: Marilyn Frances Colby (Musalek) of Manhattan, Kansas passed away on December 23, 2021 in Topeka, Kansas.

Marilyn was born April 8, 1951 to Frank Joe Musalek and Frances Iolene Roesch in Atwood, Kansas. Marilyn was raised in Goodland, Kansas and was a graduate of Goodland High School.  She attended Colby College where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree and later graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Marilyn was very passionate about nursing and proudly worked as a Registered Nurse and also served in the role of Director of Nursing throughout her career.

On June 20, 1969, Marilyn was united in marriage to Darryl Eugene Colby. Together, they shared forty-three years of marriage before Darryl’s passing in 2012. Darryl and Marilyn proudly raised their six children; Susan, Sherri, Steven, Stacey, Shawn and Scott, in Kensington, Kansas before relocating back to Marilyn’s hometown of Goodland, Kansas in 1999.

Faith, family and friends were a very important part of Marilyn’s life. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kensington, Kansas and Calvary Gospel Church in Goodland, Kansas.  She was also a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary of Goodland. Marilyn enjoyed playing BINGO, card games, camping and fishing, traveling with family, watching car races and attending sporting events, particularly those of her children and grandchildren. Most importantly, Marilyn was dedicated to being a supportive mother and loving grandmother to her grandchildren; Ryan, Christopher, Cecil, Xavier, Natasha, Trenton, Emersyn, Preslee, Broxton, Macie and Isabelle.

Preceding her in death were her parents Frank and Frances Musalek, husband Darryl Colby, daughter Susan Colby, son Steven Colby, grandson Xzaren Colby, Sister Debbie Snethen and nephew Marshall Snethen.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Sherri Smith of Manhattan Kansas; son Stacey (Melissa) Colby of Smith Center; son Shawn (Melissa) Colby of Manhattan, Kansas; son Scott (Stacie) Colby of Layton, Utah; brother Frank (Jody) Musalek of Hays, Kansas; and sisters Janice (Harlan) Schwertfeger of Hutchinson, Kansas, Jeanette (Varden) Bogart of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Becky (Greg) Spady of Hastings, Nebraska, Linda (Brian) Rumpel of Goodland, Kansas  daughter –in-law Stacy Colby of McClave, CO, and 11 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.   On January 1, 2022 Marilyn’s grandson Ryan Smith passed away in Topeka, KS.

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Funeral Services and Options

Koons-Russell Funeral Home offers a wide range of funeral services and options to cater to the unique needs and preferences of each family. From traditional funerals and memorial services to cremations and celebrations of life, their experienced staff will guide you through the planning process with sensitivity and expertise. They also provide pre-planning services, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their final arrangements in advance.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comforting and serene environment for families and friends to gather and pay their respects. The chapel is spacious and elegantly decorated, with ample seating and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Additionally, the funeral home offers a private family lounge area, where families can take a moment to collect their thoughts and share memories of their loved one.

Community Involvement

Koons-Russell Funeral Home is deeply committed to the Sharon Springs community and actively participates in local events and initiatives. They believe in giving back to the community that has supported them over the years, and they strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

Staff Profile

The staff at Koons-Russell Funeral Home is comprised of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and service. From licensed funeral directors to administrative staff, each team member is trained to provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the funeral planning process. They take pride in getting to know each family personally, understanding their unique needs and preferences, and tailoring their services accordingly.

Don't just take our word for it – here's what some of the families we've served have said about their experience with Koons-Russell Funeral Home:

"The staff at Koons-Russell Funeral Home were incredibly kind and understanding during our time of need. They went above and beyond to ensure that every detail was taken care of, allowing us to focus on celebrating our loved one's life." – The Smith Family

"We were impressed by the level of professionalism and compassion shown by the staff at Koons-Russell Funeral Home. They truly cared about our family and made sure that every aspect of the funeral service was perfect." – The Johnson Family

Contact Information

If you're looking for a trusted funeral home in Sharon Springs, KS, look no further than Koons-Russell Funeral Home. To learn more about their services or to schedule a consultation, please don't hesitate to contact them:

Address: 327 N. Gardner, Sharon Springs, KS, 67758

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, details about their life, and information about their funeral or memorial service. It's often published in newspapers, online obituary platforms, or social media 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 important information to those who knew them. They can help to notify people of the person's passing, share memories and stories, and provide closure for those who are grieving.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the obituary is written by a family member or close friend of the deceased. However, it's not uncommon for funeral homes or obituary writers to assist with writing the obituary, especially if the family is overwhelmed or unsure of how to proceed.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, cause of death (optional), surviving family members, notable achievements, hobbies, and information about their funeral or memorial service. Some obituaries may also include photos, quotes, or other personal touches.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Traditional newspaper obituaries are usually brief, ranging from 100-200 words. Online obituaries can be longer, often up to 500 words or more.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes! Including photos in an obituary is a great way to personalize the tribute and make it more engaging. Many online obituary platforms allow you to upload multiple photos, which can be displayed alongside the written notice.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

To submit an obituary to a newspaper, you'll typically need to contact the paper's obituary department directly. They'll provide guidance on their submission process, word count limits, and any specific requirements they may have.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes! Some people choose to write their own obituary in advance, often as part of their estate planning or as a way to ensure their story is told accurately. This can be a therapeutic exercise and can help loved ones during a difficult time.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, location, and length of the notice. Traditional newspaper obituaries can range from $50 to $1,000 or more, while online obituaries may be free or low-cost.

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

In some cases, it may be possible to make corrections or edits to an obituary after it's been published. However, this will depend on the publication's policies and procedures. It's essential to proofread carefully before submitting the notice to minimize errors.

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

The timeframe for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication and its schedule. Traditional newspapers often have specific deadlines for submitting obituaries, while online platforms may publish notices immediately or within a few hours.

Can I share an obituary on social media?

Absolutely! Sharing an obituary on social media can help spread the word quickly and reach a wider audience. Many online obituary platforms provide easy sharing options for popular social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

What's the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, often including only basic information like name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed tribute that celebrates the person's life and shares memories and stories.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor can be a wonderful way to celebrate someone's personality and spirit in their obituary. Just be sure to keep the tone respectful and avoid offending anyone who may be grieving.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search for old obituaries through online archives like Newspapers.com or GenealogyBank.com. Local libraries and genealogical societies may also have access to historical newspapers and records.

Can I write an obituary for someone who died many years ago?

Yes! You can still write an obituary for someone who passed away many years ago as a way to honor their memory and share their story with others. This can be especially meaningful for families who want to preserve their history.

What's the purpose of an online guestbook?

An online guestbook allows friends and family to leave condolences, share memories, and offer support to the grieving family. It provides a space for people to express their feelings and connect with others who are mourning the loss.

Can I include charitable donations in an obituary?

Yes! You can specify a charity or organization in the obituary where donations can be made in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the person's legacy and continue their impact beyond their passing.

How do I handle mistakes in an already-published obituary?

If you notice errors in a published obituary, contact the publication or online platform immediately. They'll work with you to correct the mistakes and republish the revised notice as soon as possible.

Can I create a video obituary?

Yes! Video obituaries are becoming increasingly popular as a way to celebrate someone's life through images, music, and storytelling. You can create your own video tribute using tools like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Elements.

How do I ensure accuracy when writing an obituary?

To ensure accuracy when writing an obituary, verify facts with multiple sources whenever possible. Double-check dates, names, and spellings to avoid errors that might cause confusion or distress for those who are grieving.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes or lyrics that resonate with the person's life or personality can add depth and meaning to the obituary. Just be sure to properly attribute any copyrighted material.

What's the role of an obiturary writer?

An obiturary writer is responsible for crafting a well-written, accurate tribute that honors the person's life. They may work independently or as part of a funeral home team to help families tell their loved one's story with dignity and respect.

Can I write an obiturary for a pet?

Yes! Many people choose to write obituaries for beloved pets as a way to acknowledge their importance in our lives. Pet obituaries can be shared online or in local pet-focused publications.