C. Warren Slater
C. Warren Slater died March 31, 1997, at his home in Tubac, Ariz. He is remembered by his wife Jane as epitomizing the eternal optimist for being "an 80 year old man planting acorns." Mr. Slater was born in Hale, Mo., August 18, 1910, to William Slater and Frances Fergerson and moved to his beloved Flint Hills in Kansas while still a young boy. Mr. Slater began his first tree nursery in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, before founding the Ponderosa Nursery in Boulder, Colorado, which he and his wife operated for 15 years before moving to Colby, Kan., in 1978 to begin a wholesale nursery. He retired in 1995 when he moved to Tubac, Ariz. Everywhere he lived, trees flourish as a living monument to his love and dedication- from those trees struggling by the side of the road he stopped to "doctor" to those planted while landscaping residential and commercial properties. Mr. Slater served in the Navy during WWII and was a member of The American Legion, The American Nurseryman's Association, and was a mason. Preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters, he is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jane, a daughter Fontelle Slater of Los Angeles, step-daughters; Nancy Hilliard, New Hampshire; Mary Jo Hilliard, Puerto Rico; Patricia Hilliard-Emmons, Alaska; Barbara Hilliard, Vermont, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carondelet Hospice Services, 1055 LaCanada Dr., Green Valley, AZ or the Tubac-Tumacacori Fire Dept., 2227 E. Frontage Rd., Tubac, AZ. 85696. In addition, a fitting tribute would be to plant a tree in his memory.

Nellora Mae Welch
Nellora Mae Welch, 76, died April 6, 1997, at Wichita. She was born July 26, 1920, at Anthony, the daughter of Ernest and Anna Mellies Walker. A longtime Anthony resident, she was a homemaker. On Aug 1, 1936, she married Lynn Welch at Medicine Lodge. He survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Robert, Harper, and Larry, Wellington; a daughter, Vera Ryan, Marion; a brother, Bill Walker, Anthony; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great grand- children. Funeral services were held Thursday, April 10, 1997, at Williams Funeral Home, Anthony, with Pastor Rick Carter presiding. Burial was in Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Anthony Library.

Doris Ann Alexander
Doris Ann Alexander, 78, died April 20, 1997, at Cedar Crest Manor, Medicine Lodge. She was born June 10, 1918, at Lake City, the daughter of Donald W. and Marjorie C. Cook Skinner. A resident of Medicine Lodge since 1978, having lived in Lake City, Kan., Marionville, Mo., and Dimmitt, Texas, she was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Methodist Church, and Eastern Star, both of Lake City. On Jan. 29, 1937, she married W.A. "Andy" Alexander at Marion, Kan. He survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Tex Alexander, Sun City, and Don Alexander; a sister, Elizabeth Jane "Betty" Thompson, Medicine Lodge; four grandchildren, Loyd A. Alexander, Springfield, mo., Mark T. Alexander, Derby, Mona Alexander, Sun City; and one great grandchild, Jacy Alexander, Derby. Memorial service will be held Saturday April 26, 1997, at Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge, with Rev. Jim Godbey presiding. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Coats Cemetery, Coats. Memorials may be sent to "The Boys Ranch" in care of the funeral home.

Shawn Freeman
Shawn Freeman, 17, died April 16, 1997, at his home in Sun City of an accidental gunshot. He was born Dec. 8, 1979, at Pratt, the son of Dorwin C. and Gwen Crookham Freeman. A lifetime resident of Sun City, he was a sophomore at Medicine Lodge High School. He was a member of Pratt Saddle Club, Kansas Junior Hereford Assoc., and Kansas Junior LIvestock Assoc. Survivors include: parents, Sun City; five brothers, Phillip, Chris, Mark, Jeff, and Eric Freeman, all of Sun City; a sister Becky Freeman, Sun City; and maternal grandparents, Gwynn and Arlie Crookham, Pratt. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 19, 1997, at First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Tom Walters, presiding. Burial was in Sunnyside Cemetery, Sun City.

Merlin J. Freeman
Merline J. Freeman, 67, died May 3, 1997, at Pratt Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug 9, 1929, at Sun City, the son of Scott W. and Bertha LaFever Freeman. A Pratt resident since 1949, he was a retired oil-field drilling superintendent. He belonged to Pratt Church of Christ. On April 8, 1950, he married Lucille B. Horton at Tucumcari, N.M. She survives. Other survivors include: two brothers, Theodore Freeman, Wellington, and Junior D. Freeman, Medicine Lodge; five sisters, Marilyn Clark, Neodesha, Alice Picha, Napa, Idaho, Gertrude Parker, South Hutchinson, Gloria French, Carrollton, Texas, and Barbara Vulliamy, Wellington; and two grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 7, 1997, at Church of Christ, Pratt, with Minister Mark Hayes presiding. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society, both in care of Ayres-Calbeck Mortuary, Pratt.

Albert Lee Johnson, Jr.
Albert Lee Johnson, Jr., 71, of Flat, Texas, died in Temple, Texas Hospital. He was born Nov. 11, 1925, in Hawley, Texas, the son of Albert and Willie Johnson. He attended school in Hawley. He entered the military in 1943 and served in the US Navy during WWII until 1947. He owned and operated a trucking business for many years. He was a member of Cold Springs, Baptist Church; Shriner's Median Temple in Wichita; and was past master of Delta Lodge #77 in Medicine Lodge. On May 17, 1947, he married Ruby Joyce Garrison in Roby, Texas. She survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Jerry R. Johnson, Buffalo Gap, Albert Lee Johnson III, Tuscola, and Charles W. Johnson, Abilene; four daughters; Paula Sue Crosby and Donna Ruth Trotter both of Gates- ville, Velma Jo Gann, Flat, and Darla Faye Green, Big Spring; a brother, John Johnson, Ft. Dodge; 20 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Cold Springs Baptist Church, Flat, Texas, with the Revs. Bob Phillips and Jack Hopkins officiating. A service was also held at Pleasant Grove Church, Anson, Texas, with Rev. T.C. Melton officiating. Burial was at Mt. Hope Cemetery near Anson.

Leslie W. Johnson
Leslie W. Johnson, 84, died May 3, 1997, at his home. He was born Dec. 26, 1912, at Lookout, Okla., the son of W.N. and Edna Jackson Johnson. A Kiowa resident since 1949, he was a retired railroader. Survivors include: two sons, Loris Johnson, Enid, Okla., and Clay Johnson, San Antonio; a sister, Dorothy Kurth, Alva, Okla.; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 6, 1997, at Hardtner United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Lew Van Der Wege presiding. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, rural Woods County, Okla. Memorials may be sent to the Kiowa District Hospital Memorial Fund or to the Kiowa Senior Citizens Center, both in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.

George R. 'Pete' Measday
George R. 'Pete' Measday, 91, longtime Deming resident, died Tuesday, April 22, 1997, at Mimbres Memorial Nursing Home. He was born Dec. 27, 1905, in Edna, Texas, the son of Henry George and Maggie Thomas Measday. He moved to Deming with his parents in November of 1907. Pete was injured in a hunting accident at the age of 13. He did not let this injury keep him from leading a full and active life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman until he became confined to a wheelchair in his later years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Deming, where he served as an Elder. He was an active Rebuplican and served as county commissioner during the 1950's, was a former member ob the Lion's Club, past president of the Old Timers Association, and long- time owner of Measday Plumbing, Heating and Refrigeration. On May 27, 1945, he married Virginia Woodward Newton in the Presbyterian Church in Las Cruces. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Dan, and his wife, Janice; daughters, Deloris Ruebush, and Carol Wootton and her husband, Dick; a brother, Lawrence Measday; a sister, Ethel Gray; sisters-in-law, Kay Measday, and Joyce Wesbrooks and her husband Bill; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 25, 1997, at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Carl Zimmerman officiating. Burial was at Mountain View Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Old Times Association or the Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Arrangements by Baca's Funeral Chapel.

Marian C. McCullough
Marian C. McCullough, 83, died April 24, 1997, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph Campus in Wichita. She was born Jan. 27, 1914, at Medicine Lodge, the daughter of George W. and Mabel Garten Lukens. A lifetime resident of Medicine Lodge, she was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Medicine Lodge. On Jan. 21, 1938, she married James W. McCullough at Medicine Lodge. He survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Stan, Lamar, Colo., Jimmie Dean and Pat, both of Medicine Lodge; a daughter, Marilyn Sue Smith, Galva; a brother, Ralph Lukens, Medicine Lodge; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 26, 1997, at Larrison- Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Tom Walters presiding. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home.

E. Josephine McKeever
E. Josephine McKeever, 87, died May 7, 1997, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus, Wichita. She was born Nov. 8, 1909, at Sharon, the daughter of Walter and Eva Holman. An Attica resident since 1987, moving from Sharon, she was a homemaker. She belonged to the Baptist Church, Sharon, and the Church's Study and Social Club. On Sept. 4, 1932, she married Cecil V. McKeever at Sharon. He died July 1987. Survivors include: a son, Cecil V. McKeever, Attica; two brothers, Vernon Holman, Hot Springs, Ark., and Vade Holman, Norman, Okla.; two granddaughters, Brenda Schultz, Altamont, and Lynette McKeever, Wichita; two step-granddaughters, and a great-grandson. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 10, 1997, at Sharon Community Church, with Pastor Mark Henderson and the Rev. Paul Banister presiding. Burial was in the Attica Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Attica Long Term Care Activity Dept. in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Jimmie Mack Summers
Jimmie Mack Summers, 64, died April 25, 1997, on his farm in rural Barber County. He was born May 26, 1932, in Woods County, Okla., the son of Joseph James and Gladys M. Elmore Summers. A lifetime area resident, he was a farmer and stockman. In 1952, he married Billie J. Parker. Survivors include: a companion, Kathie Easterling, Kiowa; a son, Tom Summers, Kiowa; a daughter, Deb Villegas, Wichita; two sisters, Faye Hill, Kiowa, and Lucille Shank, South Lyon, Mich.; and three grandchildren, Tanner, Dallas, and Kristi. Funeral services were held at Congregational United Church of Christ, Kiowa, with the Rev. Virgie Davis presiding. Burial was in Hardtner, Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Kiowa FFA, or South Barber Scholar- ship Fune, in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.

K. Dale Werner
K. Dale Werner, 73, died April 23, 1997, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Campus, Wichita. He was born Sept. 13, 1923, at Sharon, the son of Claude W. and Agnes Cotton Werner. A lifetime resident of Sharon, he was a farmer and dairyman. He was a member of the Community Church of Sharon, was a Kansas Master Farmer, and a former state KEC board member, was a former delegate of the AMPI, served as a former USD 254 school board member, was a board member of AEC for 15 years, and was the treasurer of his church. On Oct. 4, 1944, he married Edith McDaniel at Harper. She survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Wayne Werner, Sharon, and Daryl Werner, Attica; a daughter, Dalene Dohm, Sharon; a brother, E. Glenn Werner, Wichita; a sister, LaVon Stone, Medicine Lodge; and eight grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 27, 1997, at Sharon Community Church with the Rev. Mark Henderson presiding. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery, in Medicine Lodge. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.

Joel D. Ziemer
Joel D. Ziemer, 86, died April 17, 1997 at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital, Medicine Lodge. He was born Oct. 10, 1910, at Yale, Okla., the son of John and Evelyn Cline Ziemer. A resident of Medicine Lodge since 1951, moving from Hutchinson, he was a retired Medicine Lodge police chief, serving from 1961 to 1978. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at Medicine Lodge and Kansas Peace Officers Association. On Sept. 7, 1940, he married Carolina A.M. Peil at Woodward, Okla. She survives. Other survivors include: a daughter, Kathryn Joan Alberding, Albuquerque, N.M.; a brother, Herman Ziemer, Fullerton, Calif.; and a grandson, Michael Aberding, Albuquerque, N.M. Funeral services were held Monday, April 21, 1997, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Paul Beyer presiding. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Goldia Gladys Ewing
Goldia Gladys Ewing, 84, died May 5, 1997, at Friendship Manor of Pratt. She was born Nov. 18, 1912, at Croft, the daughter of James and Molly Lucas Hamilton. A lifetime resident of Pratt, Sun City, and Trousdale, she was a retired housekeeper for Pratt Regional Medical Center for 20 years. She belong to Trousdale Methodist Church and the Rebekah Lodge, Byers. On Aug. 23, 1932, she married Frank Ewing at Sun City. He survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Donald, Pratt, and Ronald, Hutchinson; a daughter, Jeannie Brown, Pratt; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; six step-great- grandchildren; and a step-great-great-grandchild. Graveside service was held Wednesday, May 7, 1997, in the Coats Cemetery, Coats, with the Rev. Harold Wilcox presiding. Memorials may be sent to SCU of Pratt Regional Medical Center in care of Larrison Mortuary, Pratt.

Dorothy L. Easley
Dorothy L. Easley, 80, died May 22, 1997, at Grand Island, Neb. She was born Aug. 12, 1916, at Medford, Okla., the daughter of Walter and Hazel Biship Angle. She was a Phoenix, Ariz., resident, moving to Anthony in 1980 and lived there until 1993 when she moved to Champan, Neb., she was a retired meat wrapper at Smitty's Grocery, Phoenix, Ariz. She was a member of Assembly of God Church, Anthony. On Dec. 2, 1970, she married Joe Easley. He died in 1992. Survivors include: three sons, Orville Thomas, Kalispell, Mont., Marvin Thomas, Grand Island Neb., and Glendall Thomas, Doniphan, Nev.; four brothers, Clifford Angle, Medicine Lodge, Cleo Angle and Vernon Angle, Pittsboro, Miss., and Gordon Angle, Red Oak, Texas; two sisters, Opal Wilson, Emporia, and Lorene Oakes, Lakemont, Pa.; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 28, 1997, in Spring Grove Cemetery, Anthony, with the rev. Alvin Langston presiding. Memorials may be sent to the Baptist Church, Chapman, Neb. Elliott Mortuary, Anthony, was in charge of arrangements.

Carl C. Jackson
Carl C. Jackson, 77, died May 25, 1997, at his home. He was born Dec. 9, 1919, at Anderson, Ind., the son of Chauncey and Floy Ratliff Jackson. A Medicine Lodge resident fo 20 years, he was retired from the U.S. Navy Seabees. He belonged to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, both at Pratt. On Jan. 13, 1937, he married Vernona Sanders at Las Vegas, Nev. She died June 7, 1995. Survivors include: a son, Jack, Kingman; a daughter, Lynda Shipman, Oilton, Okla.; two brothers, Harold, Frankton, Ind., and Tom, Desert Palm Springs, Calif.; a sister, Betty King, Frankton, Ind.; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 28, 1997, in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Tom Walters presiding. Memorials may be sent to the VFW in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Richard W. 'Dick' Rippee
Richard W. 'Dick' Rippee, 62, died May 25, 1997, at Via Christi St. Francis Campus, Wichita. He was born Sept. 10, 1934, at Augusta, the son of Huey L. and Lola B. Singleton Rippee. A resident of Augusta, he was a retired school teacher and Davis Moore employee. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. On Nov. 16, 1956, he married Judy Bainter at Augusta. She survives. Other survivors include: a son Rick Rippee, Augusta; daughter, Debra L. Grove, El Dorado; mother, Lola Rippee, Augusta; and four grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 29, 1997, at the Hillside Funeral Home 'Augusta' Chapel, with Revs. Frank Miller and Paul Welch presiding. Burial was in Elmwood Cemetery.

Bruce Boyd Stockwell
Bruce Boyd Stockwell, 76, died May 4, 1997, at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 23, 1921, in Zenda, the son of John E. and Lorena May Clark Stockwell. A resident of Medicine Lodge since 1939, he was a service man for the electric utility company in Medicine Lodge. He was a member of United Methodist Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion at Medicine Lodge and was a U.W. Army veteran of World War II. On Dec 25, 1941, he married Marie Elizabeth Ogden at Anthony. She died Jan. 30, 1997. Survivors include: two sons, Larry B. Stockwell, Mariposa, Calif., and Kelly D. Stockwell, Medicine Lodge; a daughter, Vickie M. Keever, Scotts- dale, Ariz.; a brother, Frank Stockwell, Perry, Okla.; three sisters, Earlene Clark, Meade, Jean Cornelson, Wichita, and Faye James, Perry, Okla.; six grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by two brothers, Dale and John Stockwell. Graveside service was held Saturday, May 10, 1997, in Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Jim Godbey presiding. Memorials may be sent to Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital in care of Larrison Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Mary Margarite Strait
Mary Margarite Strait, 86, died May 20, 1997, at Cedar Crest Manor. She was born June 6, 1910, near Medicine Lodge, the daughter of William and florence Saunders Morris. A Medicine Lodge resident since 1975, moving from a farm near Coats, she was a retired teacher. She belonged to the United Methodist Church, Medicine Lodge, the church's Ladies Circle, was a "War Dads" president of the Pratt chapter and a 4-H mother. On April 25, 1933, she married J. Marvin Strait at Anthony. He survives. Other survivors include: a daughter, Glenda L. DeWald, Junction City; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, May 23, 1997, at Medicine Lodge United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jim Godbey presiding. Burial was in Highland Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Georgia Mae Wright
Georgia Mae Wright, 88, died May 21, 1997, at Friendship Manor. She was born Nov. 8, 1908, at Ozan, Ark., the daughter of Alphus Tillman and Lula Ann Webb Graves. A Pratt resident for 40 years, moving from Sun City, she was a homemaker. On Feb. 25, 1927, she married Wesley L. Wright at Ozan. He died Nov. 22, 1972. Survivors include: a son, Eugene Wright, Wichita; a daughter, Doris McClauskey, Pratt; two brothers, Ben Graves, Jay, Okla., and Ira Graves, Ozan; three sisters, Julia Poser, Ardmore, Okla., Virginia Deerdoff, Rogers, Ark., and Ruby Brock, Murfreesboro, Ark.; three grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held Saturday, May 24, 1997, in Greenlawn Cemetery, Pratt, with the Rev. Harold Wilcox presiding. Memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Association or to Greenlawn Cemetery Endowment Fund, both in care of Larrison Mortuary, Pratt.

Norma Jean Feaster
Norma Jean Feaster, 68, died July 19, 1997, at Share Medical Center, Alva, Okla. She was born January 8, 1929, at Salina, the daughter of Dewey E. and Inez Anderson Black. She graduated from Hardtner High School and attended Southwestern College, Winfield, and North- western Oklahoma State University, Alva. A Hardtner resident of 25 years, she was a grade school teacher for 30 years. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Hardtner. Survivors include: a son, Dan Feaster, Oklahoma City, a daughter, Jamie Sternberger, Hardtner; two brothers, Andy Black, Hardtner, and Larry Black, Wichita; a sister, Shirley Campbell, Dallas; a companion, Dick Koppitz, Hardtner; and six grandchildren. Graveside service was held Tuesday, July 22, 1997, in Hardtner Cemetery, with the Rev. Lew Van Der Wege, presiding. Memorials may be sent to the Scholarship Fund in memory of Norma Jean Feaster. Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa, was in charge of arrangements.

Donald Leon Hammond
Donald Leon Hammond, 58, died July 24, 1997, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kans. He was born July 15, 1939, at Pratt, the son of Robert Leon and Cleo Shives Hammond. A lifetime Pratt County resident, he was a farmer. He belonged to Grace United Methodist Church, Coates, and the American Legion. He was a U.S. National Guard, veteran, with 18 years of duty, and was active with the Pratt National Guard. Survivors include: two dauthers, Deborah Staats and Kimberly Skaggs, both of Pratt; mother, Coats; a brother, Jerry, Isabel; sister, Janet Winters, Hutchinson; and five grandchildren, Jarrad Rosenbaum, Marshall Staats, Abigail Skaggs, Tyler Skaggs, and Megan Staats. Funeral services were held Monday, July 28, 1997, at Grave United Methodist Church, Coats, with the Rev. Chris Miller presiding. Burial was in Coats Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the church or to the American Legion Boys State. Ayres-Calbeck Mortuary, Pratt, was in charge of arrangements.

Nicole "Nikki" Hern
Nicole "Nikki" Hern, 15, died Aug. 1, 1997, at Kingman Community Hospital, as the result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. She was born Nov. 3, 1981, at Medicine Lodge, the daughter of James and Janis Schwartz Hern. A resident of the Kingman-Cunningham area for most of her life, she was a sophomore at Kingman High School. She attended Kingman Mennonite Church. Survivors include: mother, Janis Schwartz, Kingman; father and step-mother, James S. and Neannie Hern, Cunningham; a brother, Clayton Hern, Cunningham; a sister, Alyssa Hern, Kingman; grand parents, Carlos and Dorothy Schwartz, Cunningham, and James H. and Arlene Her, Sharon; and great-grandmother, Stella Rausch, Sharon. Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 4, 1997, at Kingman Mennonite Church with Pastor Brad Penner presiding. Burial was in St. Leo Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Kingman High School Nikki Hern Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.

Jessie Kasselman
Jessie Kasselman, 68, died June 9, 1997, at Paris, Tenn. She was born Jan. 4, 1929, at Scott City, the daughter of Glenn and Bessie Smith Neal. A long-time Ellinwood resident, formerly of Hays, Medicine Lodge and Pauls Valley, Okla., she was a homemaker. She belonged to the First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge. On March 4, 1949, she married Edward G. Kasselman at Ellinwood. He died April 17, 1995. Survivors include: a son, Ed, Pratt; two daughtres, Karla Moss and Kelly Burns, both of Paris, Tenn.; three brothers, Bill Neal, Alamont, Cecil Neal, Oregaon, Wis., and Willis Neal, Overland Park; five sisters, Glenna Schneider, Tribune, Twila Miller, Broken Arrow, Okla., Sally Hager, Dighton, Phyllis Luerman, Hoisington, and Penny McClung, Attica; and six grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 12, 1997, at First Baptist Church, Ellinwood, with the Rev. David Wesner presiding. Burial was in Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood. Memorials may be sent to the Jill Kasselman Fund in care of Kimple Funeral Home, Ellinwood.

Lee Ott
Lee Ott, 88, died July 23, 1997, at Cedar Crest Manor. He was born Dec. 27, 1908, in Eagle Township, Barber County, the son of Leonard and Elaine Griffin Ott. A Medicine Lodge resident since 1953, moving from his farm in rural Medicine Lodge, he was a farmer and rancher. He operated Ott Floral and Greenhouse from 1956 to 1971. He was a charter member of the Medicine Lodge Roping Club and was active in the Peace Treaty Pageant at Medicine Lodge since 1932. On March 18, 1939, he married Jennie E. Van Ausdall at Alva, Okla. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Robert L., Medicine Lodge; a daughter, Dana Lee Branch, Picayune, Miss.; a sister, Grace Thornberry, Medicine Lodge; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, July 25, 1997, at First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, with the Revs. Tom Walters and Steven Lora presiding. Burial was in Highland Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.

Viola Edna Rogers
Viola Edna Rogers, 87, died June 15, 1997, at Cedar Crest Manor, Medicine Lodge. She was born Dec. 8, 1909, at McPherson, the daughter of Charles A. and Lucy Adams Walker. She was a resident of Medicine Lodge for four years, moving from Big Spring, Texas. She was a homemaker. She was a 50-year member of Order of the Eastern Star Silver Leaf Chapter, Hutchinson. On June 29, 1933, she married Grant S. Rogers at Marion. He died June 1, 1988. Survivors include: a son, Grant S. Jr., Lake City; two grandsons, Sanford Rogers, Amarillo, Texas, and Wayne Rogers, Roswell, N.M.; a great-granddaughter, Sashi Rogers, Wichita Falls, Texas; and a niece, Deloris Hutchison, Neodesha. Graveside services will be held Thursday, June 19, 1997, at Trinity Memorial Park Cemetery, Big Spring, Texas. Memorials may be sent to Cedar Crest Manor or Lake City Methodist Scholarship Fund, both in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge. Nally-Pickle-Welsh Funeral Home, Big Springs, Texas, is in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Joe Rutherford
Rev. Joe Rutherford, 56, of Inola, died June 12, 1997 in Tulsa, Okla. He was born on February 13, 1941 in Cottersville, Okla., the son of O.W. Rutherford and Naomi Fidler Rutherford. He graduated from Catoosa High Schyool. He lived in the Catoosa and Inola areas most of his life. He was Sectional Comander of the Royal Rangers for eight years. He was currently serving as the Royal Rangers Chaplain. He was a member of the Catoosa First Assembly of God Church. He served as a volunteer pastor. On Aug. 3, 1972, he married Emma Widney. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, David Rutherford; daughter, Tresa Rutherford; mother, Naomi Rutherford; two brothers, Alvie Rutherford and Paul Rutherford; grandson, Dayton Rutherford; and nephew Junior Rutherford. Funeral services were held Monday, June 16, 1997, at the Catoosa First Assembly of God Church with Reed Ryan officiating.

Raymond H. Ricke
Raymond H. Ricke, 72, died July 8, 1997, at Denver. He was born Dec. 4, 1924, at Sharon, the son of John and Catherine Depenbusch Ricke. A longtime Denver resident, previously of Wichita, he was an employee of Cudahy Meat Co. He belonged to the Catholic church in Denver and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving with the Sea Bees. Survivors include: three brothers, John, Culver City, Calif., Vincent, Wichita, and James Lang, Sherman, Texas; two sisters, Cecelia Roberts, Palm Coast, Fla., and Alvena Massey, Valley Center. Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, July 15, 1997, at St. John's Catholic Church, Zenda, with the Rev. John Miller presiding. Burial was in St. Leo Church Cemetery, St. Leo. Memorials may be sent to the church in Zenda in care of Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman.

George V. Spicer
George V. Spicer, 79, died July 12, 1997, at Kiowa. He was born Oct. 4, 1917, in Barber County. A lifelong Barber County resident, he was a farmer, cattleman, auctioneer and real estate broker. He was a member of United Methodist Church at Hazelton, Masonic Lodge, Midian Shrine, Barber County Cattleman Association and American Angus Association. On July 24, 1940, he married Berniece Vogal at Hazelton. She survives. Other survivors include: a son, Sam, Hazelton; two daughters, Karen Spicer, Fort Worth and Susan Luthi, Hazelton; a sister, Ruth Lyne, Topeka; and five granddaughters. Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 15, 1997, at United Methodist Church, Kiowa, with the Rev. Lew Van Der Wege presiding. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Hazelton. Memorials may be sent to the church of the donor's choice, in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Inc., Kiowa.

Wendell E. Watts
Wendell E. Watts, 69, died June 2, 1997, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born Feb. 4, 1928, on a farm west of Edmond, Okla., the son of James Roxie and Lula Belle Watts. He attended Deer Creek Rural School and farmed as a youth. An Oxford resident for 27 years, moving from Winfield, he worked for a number of years in Wichita as a heating and air-conditioning technician and later for Cessna Aircraft Co., retiring in 1993 with 39 years of service. He belonged to Countryside Baptist Church, Udall. On April 6, 1958, he married Ernestine Warren at Winfield. She survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Gene Watts, Medicine Lodge, Curtis Watts, Wichita, and Raymond Watts, Wellington; two daughters, Diane McCulley and Susan Watts, both at Winfield; a brother, Kenneth Watts, Andover; a sister Frances Prue, Winfield; 14 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 5, 1997, at Miles Funeral Service, Winfield. Burial was in the Oxford Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of the funeral home.

Ruby L. Willig
Ruby L. Willig, 81, died July 29, 1997, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. She was born Feb 15, 1916, near Capron, Okla., in Woods County, the daughter of Arthur and Alemeda Dillon Schwanz. She was a graduate of Kiowa High School. A lifetime area resident, she was a homemaker. She belonged to the United Methodist Church and the Garden Club, both at Kiowa. In June 1937, she married Jacob Willig at Hardtner. He died March 10, 1960. Survivors include: a son, Danny Willig, Andover; two brothrs, Clarence Schwanz, Ohio, and Chris Schwanz, Oregon; and two sisters, Opal Whitaker, Bremerton, Wash., and Pearl Yellen, Nampa, Idaho. Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 1, 1997, at the church, with the Rev. Lew Van Der Wege presiding. Burial was in Hardnter Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Southwind Hospice in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Kiowa.

Helen L. Hybsha Walker
Helen L. Hybsha Walker, 84, died June 6, 1997, at Freeman Hospital West, Joplin, Mo. She was born August 12, 1912 at Bluff City, Kansas, the daughter of John and Mary Rosa Kucera Hybsha. A longtime Joplin area resident, she worked at Roberts Cafeteria and Lafayette House in Joplin. She attended a Methodist Church. She married Jesse Walker. He died in 1970. Survivors include: two sons, Jerry Walker, Carthage, Mo., and Donald Walker, Grove, Okla.; a daugher, Darlene Walker, Pittsburg, Calif.; two brothers, J.L. Hybsha, Newton, and Al Hybsha, Medicine Lodge; two sisters, Maurine LeFurgy, Yonkers, N.Y., and Dorothy Branson, Manhattan; 18 grqandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 10, 1997, at Simpson Funeral Home, Webb City, Mo., with the Rev. Robert Terrill presiding. Burial waas in Osborne Cemetery, Joplin. Memorials may be sent in care of her brother, Al Hybsha, Indian Hills Lodge, Medicine Lodge.

Emma Irene Taylor
Emma Irene Taylor, 79, of LaPorte, Texas, died April 6, 1997 in Pasadena, Texas. She was born May 13, 1997, at Miles, Texas, the daughter of Henry and Irene Black Pullin. She is survived by her son, Franklin Taylor and wife, Pam, Wichita; a brother, Billy Sims and wife Annette, Rusk, Texas; three sisters, Lorene Roberson and Dorothy McCants both of Conroe, Texas, and Rex Faye Bell and husband, Lenford of La Porte, Texas; five grandchildren; numberous nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held Thursday, April 10, 1997, at the Latexo Cemetery, Latexo, Texas. Paul U. Lee-La Porte Funeral Home, La Porte, Texas was in charge of arrangements.

Lena Ford
Lena Ford, 90, died Oct. 18, 1999, at Pratt Regional Living Center. She was born July 3, 1909, at Foyil, Okla., the daughter of William D. and Ada Holland Lee. A Pratt resident for 17 years, moving from Isabel she was a homemaker and retired farmer. On July 28, 1928, she married Guy Ford at Kingman. He died Aug. 28, 1984. Survivors include: two sons, Floyd "Smokey", Pratt, and John, Maize; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great grand child. She was preceded in death by an infant son; a brother, Richard; and a sister, Ina Coss. Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 21, 1999, at Larrison Mortuary, Pratt, with Chaplain John Havens presiding. Burial was in Nashville Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Pratt Regional Living Center or to the donor's choice of charities, all in care of Larrison Mortuary, Pratt.

Hazel Fay Troyer
Hazel Fay Troyer, 82, died July 27, 1997, at Via Christi-St.Joseph Campus, Wichita. She was born Oct. 8, 1914, at Kiowa, the daughter of Elmer and Rachel M. Lyman Snoderley. She was a Medicine Lodge resident from 1950 to 1959 and since 1968. She was a nurse's aide at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital. She was a member of First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge. On Nov. 30, 1930, she married Allen A. Troyer, at Anthony. He died in 1979. Survivors include: a son, Gene, Dodge City; a daughter, Pay Naylor, Wichita; a brother, Lyman Snodderley, Howard; a sister, Nancy Regier, Reedley, Calif; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 31, 1997, at First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, with the Rev. Tom Walters presiding. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Kiowa. Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church Missions Fund, in care of Larrison-Forsyth Funeral Home, Medicine Lodge.