Obituaries

May 10, 2025

Matthew H Classen was born on February 12, 1933 in Charleston AR to Frank and Laurine (Gromlich) Classen and he passed away at age 92 on May 10, 2025 at Cox Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Due to health reasons, Matt was not able to attend college as planned after high school. He secured a job as a messenger at The First...

May 10, 2025

Private services will be held at a later date

May 10, 2025

Jeff’s life began on March 1, 1954, in El Dorado. He was the son of Artie O. and Leona B. (Morrow) Wilson. Jeff worked at Terra Mara for several years and was a track athlete in the Special Olympics. He had a paper route in El Dorado and spent countless hours watching his chickens and enjoying his favorite foods. Few...

May 10, 2025

Shiryl Jeanette Pauley, a beloved 82-year-old resident of Woodbine, Kansas, peacefully passed away on May 10, 2025, at Chapman Valley Manor. Shiryl's journey began on August 27, 1942, in Junction City, born to Paul and Helen (Diekmann) Timm. She cherished her roots deeply, graduating from Woodbine High School in 1960 and later marrying Byron Pauley on February 16, 1963, at...

May 10, 2025

Gary Lee Welty, 76, of Florence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2025.

Born on April 25, 1949, in Wichita, Kansas, Gary was the beloved son of Shirley Ann Longhofer and Clinton Welty. His life was marked by his honorable service in the United States Navy and his dedication to VFW Post 6957 in Haysville, Kansas, where he...

May 9, 2025

May 5, 2025

Wanda’s life began on July 2, 1931, in Newton, Kansas. She was the daughter of Charles and Lela (Titus) Murphy. Wanda was a 1948 graduate of Sedgwick High School. She was united in marriage to Billy Joe Graham on September 25, 1949, in Sedgwick. Wanda worked throughout her life including being a school bus driver and running the “Our Place”...

May 4, 2025

Norman Lee Smalley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on May 4, 2025, at the age of 95.Norman was born on September 23, 1929, to Eugene and Abigail (Powell) Smalley. He was raised alongside his brothers, Jack and Bob Smalley, in a home that valued hard work, integrity, and...

May 1, 2025

Maureen was born on March 17, 1956, in Abilene. She is the daughter of Betty L. (McKee) Phillips. Maureen earned her Licensed Practical Nurse license on November 28, 1977. She worked at several area nursing homes including Herington and Enterprise. Maureen genuinely enjoyed caring for the elderly and always had a way of developing a special connection with them. Her...

May 1, 2025

Willard J. Wiebe, age 90, of Whitewater, KS, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025. He was born to John H. and Martha A. (Claassen) Wiebe on March 12, 1935. The youngest of five siblings—Helen, Eldon, Howard, and Agnes—he grew up on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for agriculture. From an early age, he enjoyed time on...

Apr 28, 2025

Lisa Faith (Vinduska) Wittrig, 79, retired inspector for Beechcraft, died on April 28, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Saturday June 14, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Grant Township Cemetery.  Lisa was born on August 31, 1945 in Marion, Kansas to Vida Mae (Soyez)Vinduska and Sylvester Edmund Vinduska. She was quick witted, exceedingly kind and generous to a...

Apr 15, 2025

Linda’s life began on July 6, 1975, in Newton, KS. She was the daughter of Clinton and Kathleen (Brown) Schmidt. Linda attended Potwin and Whitewater elementary school and graduated from Frederic Remington High School in 1993. She continued her education at Butler County Community College, and Wichita State University. Later, Linda earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Cleveland Chiropractic...

Apr 13, 2025

Carol Penner Claassen was welcomed into the world on June 29, 1933, by her parents Daniel and Marie (Boese) Penner and older brothers Don and Joe. Carol spent her childhood on farms in both the Burrton and Halstead communities. Their home near Halstead was bordered by a busy set of railroad tracks. Carol often spoke of “ghost trains” running without...

Apr 12, 2025

Ruth’s life began in rural Shady Brook outside of Herington on August 10, 1934. She was the daughter of Robert Carl and Selma Magdline (Peters) Schlesener. Ruth attended school at Shady Brook school. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Shady Brook and was a homemaker. Ruth was united in marriage to Nola (John) Ezra Bond, Jr....

Apr 4, 2025

Allen’s life began on Friday, May 30, 1941in Glenville, North Carolina. He was the son of Mildred Fisher. He was raised by his grandparents, Sam R., and Edith (Pruett) Fisher. Allen attended school in Glenville and graduated from Glenville High School in 1958. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country from 1959-1963....

Mar 27, 2025

Lenora’s life began on October 4, 1931, near Navarre, Kansas. She was the daughter of William and Alma (Behrens) Kracke. Lenora attended grade school in the one room Walnut Grove School near Woodbine and graduated High School in Chapman. She was raised on a traditional family farm where Lenora cared for chickens, cattle and horses. She was united in marriage...

Mar 27, 2025

Nancy’s life began on September 19, 1942, in Newton. She was the daughter of David Theodore and Elizabeth Ellen (Hilt) Fegley. Nancy graduated high school in Lafayette, Indiana and attended business school in Indiana. She returned to Kansas and attended beauty school in Sedgwick. Nancy was united in marriage to James E. Lewis, who preceded her in death and later...

Mar 21, 2025

James’ life began on September 22, 1950, in Newton, Kansas. He was the son of Billy Joe and Wanda Eileen (Murphy) Graham. James was a 1969 graduate of Remington High School and attended Pittsburg State University for drafting. He was employed in construction. James had been a member of the Whitewater Lions Club for several years and enjoyed woodworking. He...

Mar 19, 2025

Mar 13, 2025

John Henry Shepherd, born on August 13, 1967, in Elkhart, Indiana, was the son of Henry F. and Bonnie Jean (Vickers) Shepherd. He went home peacefully on the morning of March 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his wife and his many pets.

John will forever be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his community, his country and most importantly...