U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Donna Sibert
Donna Rae Sibert, the daughter of Henry and Almira (Francisco) Plank, was born on April 19, 1931, in Franklin, Neb. She died on Oct. 25, 2017, at Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Neb., at the age of 86 years, six months and six days.
Donna attended Franklin and Superior public schools. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church. On Feb. 3, 1948, she was united in marriage to Lloyd L. Sibert at Nelson, Neb. This union was blessed with six children.
Donna enjoyed bowling, gardening, cooking, baking, canning, sewing and doing volunteer work. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Bakers Dozen, Teammates and United Methodist Women.
She lived in the communities of Ashland, Franklin, Chappell and Superior, Neb.
Donna was blessed with 22 years of additional life after her heart transplant in 1995. She entered the Superior Good Samaritan Center in March of 2017.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd, on Jan. 23, 1995; brothers, Max, Fay and Lawrence Plank; sisters, Ferne Kailey, Val Neece, Joyce Patterson, Dolores Graham and Norma Jean Plank; son-in-law, James Hallgrimson; and great-granddaughter, Anastasia Jane Hallgrimson.
Survivors include her children, Karen Christiancy and husband, David, Lindell Hallgrimson, Janice Jensen and husband, Mike, Larry and wife, Deb, Mike and wife, Cindy, all of Superior, Neb., Susan Adams and husband, Lee, of Calhan, Colo.; 17 grandchildren, Matt Christiancy and wife, Tammy, Jeff Christiancy, James R. Hallgrimson and wife, Teresa, Molly Wilson and husband, Bo, Shelly Steinkruger and husband, Scot, Stacey Bearinger and husband, Chad, Corey Sibert, Camie Sibert, Tucker Sibert and wife, Hollie, T.J. Sibert, Trista Sibert, Shayna Balletta and husband, Tony, Trisha Spotanski and husband, Jeff, Danielle Olsen and husband, Jack, Andrea Sample, Spencer Adams and wife, Maria, and Kasey Adams; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral was held on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, at 2 p.m., from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Neb., with pastors Jon Albrecht and Patsy Busey officiating.
Music was "In The Garden," "Amazing Grace," "If You Could See Me Now" and "Worthy is the Lamb," with Marsha Cline and Sharon Crowl as vocalists and Carlita Price as their accompanist.
Visitation was held on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Pallbearers were Corey Sibert, Tucker Sibert, Jeff Christiancy, Matt Christiancy, Kasey Adams and Tony Balletta. Honorary pallbearers were James R. Hallgrimson, Spencer Adams, Aric "Bo" McKnight, Scot Steinkruger, Chad Bearinger, Jeff Spotanski, Jack Olsen, Shelly Steinkruger, Stacey Bearinger, Molly Wilson, Camie Sibert, T.J. Sibert, Trista Sibert, Shayna Balletta, Andrea Sample, Trisha Spotanski, Danielle Olsen, Hollie Sibert, Tammy Christiancy and Maria Adams.
Interment was in the Evergreen cemetery at Superior, Neb.
Memorials are suggested to go to the EMTs, Brodstone Memorial Hospital or the First United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N. Commercial, Superior, Neb., 68978.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Neb., was in charge of the arrangements.
(Notice dated Nov. 2, 2017)
Eunice Ells
Eunice Arlene Ells was born to Clarence Ray and Mary Elizabeth (Phillips) Andres, at her parents' home in Hardy, Neb. She died Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at the Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, Kan., at the age of 83 years, one month and 12 days.
Eunice was the youngest of nine children. She started high school in Hebron, Neb., and graduated from Fairbury High School, Fairbury, Neb., in 1952. She married
Keith Edward Ells on Jan. 27, 1952, in Hebron, Neb. To this union, three children were born: Thomas Edward, Gerald Ray (Jerry) and Jacqueline Ann.
Eunice was a stay at home mom before working as a home health aide for many years. Keith and Eunice became co-owner of the motel in Mankato, Kan., before retiring. She was an active member of the Mankato Christian Church and Order of the Eastern Star, No. 35 of Holdrege, Neb. Eunice liked to bake, especially bread. Other activities she enjoyed included puzzles, reading, listening to music, crafts and bird watching. Eunice enjoyed the holidays, each and every one. She decorated for each holiday, for her enjoyment and for the family and friends.
Eunice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith Ells; two sisters, Blanche Jensen and Myrtle Burns; two brothers, Ralph Andres and Albert Andres; and her mother and father-in-law, Edward and Aleta Ells.
She is survived by two sons, Thomas Ells of Falls City, Neb., and Gerald Ells of Mankato, Kan.; a daughter, Jackie Ernst of Mankato, Kan.; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Collison of Roseville, Calif., Elizabeth Seyfert of Luling, La., Shawn Ells of Bladen, Neb., and Julia Ells of Lincoln, Neb.; great-grandchildren, Reiley Seyfert and Gage Seyfert of Luling, La., and Elizabeth Ells of Bladen, Neb.; four sisters, Vertie Baylie of Ukiah, Calif., Josephine Renken and Beulah Otte, both of Geneva, Neb., and Virginia Landkamer of Lincoln, Neb.; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral for Eunice A. Ells, was Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at 2 p.m., at the Christian Church, Mankato, Kan., with Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle officiating. Mr. Kenny Rhea was the soloist. Bearers were grandchildren, Jeffrey Collison, Elizabeth Seyfert, Shawn Ells and Julia Ells. Honorary bearers were Curtis Ernst, Jerry Layton, Dutch Onnen, Gene Ells and William Ells. Inurnment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kan., beside her husband, Keith. Visitation was Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kan. The family suggests memorials to Order of Eastern Star No. 35, Holdrege, Neb., or to the Christian Church, Mankato, Kan. Online condolences to www.melbymortuary.com. Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, Kan., was in charge of the arrangements.
(Notice dated Nov. 2, 2017)
Claudette Rogers
Claudette Rogers, the daughter of David and Eva (Bright) Kershner, was born on June 24, 1943, in Wichita, Kan. She died on Oct. 23, 2017, at her home in Superior, Neb., at the age of 74 years, three months and 29 days.
Claudette graduated from Wichita South High School. She was united in marriage to Dennis Rogers on Nov. 18, 1961, at Newton, Kan., and to this union, two sons were born.
Throughout her life, Claudette was employed at numerous businesses.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her sons, Douglas Rogers and Rodney Rogers and wife, Kelly, of Superior, Neb.; four grandchildren, Tera Rae Russell of Houston, Texas, Bryant Lee Rogers of Honolulu, Hawaii, Elizabeth Marie Rogers of Loup City, Neb., and Jacqueline Angela Rogers of Lincoln, Neb.; three great-grandchildren, Danielle and William Russell and Ciara Rogers; her sister, Sharon May, of Wichita, Kan.; other relatives and a host of friends.
Private family services were held. Interment was in the Evergreen cemetery at Superior, Neb.
Memorials are suggested to go to the family.
Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N. Commercial, Superior, Neb., 68978.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Neb., was in charge of the arrangements.
(Notice dated Nov. 2, 2017)
Junior Andrews
Charles Junior Andrews, 81, of Topeka, Kan., died Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.
He was born Dec. 5, 1935, in Lebannon, Kan., the son of Charles and Geraldine (Chase) Andrews. He graduated from the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, Kan.
Charles was an upholsterer for various businesses in Topeka, retiring in 1997.
He was a longtime member of Topeka Association for the Deaf.
Charles married
Sandra Marian Cary on Sept. 28, 1985, in Mankato, Kan. She survives. Other survivors include three sisters, Avis Isaac, Mankato, Kan.; Glenda (Dan) Ferguson, Wichita, Kan., and Ronda (Larry) Ost, Mankato, Kan.; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Karen Rathbun.
Charles enjoyed the outdoors, including coyote hunting and raising greyhounds. He was also an avid Kansas State, Royals and Chiefs fan.
A celebration of Charles' life will be held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2017, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. A celebration of his life will also be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at the Mankato Community Center, 214 N. High St., Mankato, Kan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir., Topeka, Kan., 66606. To leave a message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
(Notice dated Nov. 2, 2017)
Shirley Reynolds
Shirley Reynolds, Abilene, Kan., died Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at the Pratt Kansas Rehabilitation and Residence Center. She was born Nov. 5, 1932, on a farm in Jewell County, Kan., the daughter of Glenn and Edna (Willson) Kindler.
Shirley grew up in the Esbon community, attended a rural grade school and was a member of the Westside Winners 4-H Club. She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1950.
On March 5, 1951, she was united in marriage to Kenneth E. Reynolds and made their first home in Cuba, Kan. The couple had two children, Larry Dean and Linda Sue. Shirley and Kenneth later moved to Galesburg, Ill., where Kenneth worked as a cattle herdsman and Shirley worked in a department store. She then worked most of her career at the Amana Refrigeration Company.
After retiring, the couple moved to Abilene, Kan. Shirley was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Abilene. She was a member of the Good Sam Recreational Vehicle Club since 1972. She and Kenneth enjoyed their many travels to participate in Good Sam events. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001 in Abilene.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; daughter, Linda; and grandson, Jeffrey.
She is survived by her son, Larry (Mary Beth) of Eudora, Kan.; son-in-law, Jim Gleason, of St. John, Kan.; grandchildren, Kristin (Paul) Grilliot, Abby Reynolds and Keith Reynolds; two sisters, Beverly Kindler of Norton, Kan., and Virginia Alexander of Esbon, Kan.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ray and Beverly Reynolds of San Antonio, Texas, Carol and Kay Reynolds of Derby, Kan.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday), Nov. 2, at 11 a.m., at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, Kan., with burial in the Esbon Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Abilene, Kan., on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m.
The family suggests friends may contribute to the First United Methodist Church in Abilene or a charity of their choice in her memory.
(Notice dated Nov. 2, 2017)
Bob Murphy
Bobby Ray (Bob) Murphy, 83, of Mankato, Kan., died Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, in Belleville, Kan.
Bob was born on March 9, 1934, in a farmhouse near Mankato, Kan. He was the son of Charles and Helen (Diamond) Murphy, the second child born to this union. Bob attended Mankato public schools graduating in May of 1952. Bob joined the service, serving our country in the Navy in Asia. Bob was an accomplished musician and played the trumpet in his school band, the National FFA Band and the Navy Band.
Upon completion of his service, Bob moved to Salina to further his education. He graduated with honors from the Brown-Mackie School of Business, earning a degree in business administration.
Bob soon returned to Jewell County, where he worked for a number of years as assistant store manager at Boogarts Grocery and Kiers Thriftway grocery. Bob was a well known and friendly face to Mankato residents. During this time he also provided loving support to his mother, Helen Murphy, was a doting uncle to his nieces and volunteered in the community. Bob met Kathy Blake, the love of his life, on Feb. 20, 1990. He and Kathy enjoyed many happy years together.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Georgene Murphy Marietta; and his brother-in-law, Verle Marietta.
He is survived by his loving companion of more than two decades, Kathy Blake; his nieces, Kala Marietta and her husband, Dave Coffin, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Karla Norsworthy and her husband, Kevin, of Raleigh, N.C. He is also survived by his two great-nephews, Matt Coffin of Colorado Springs and Kyle Norsworthy of South Hill, Va. He also leaves behind Kathy's son, Troy Blake, and his wife, Kerry, of Beloit, Kan.; three cousins, Barbara Ann Snyder, Janice Goodman and Richard Diamond.
A celebration of life was held at the Methodist Church Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Mrs. Pat Grout was the organist and Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Casket bearers were James Berry, Dave Ortman, Fred Eilert, Rick Diamond, Phillip Menhusen and Wade Alexander. Honorary casket bearers were Richard Diamond, Bob Switzer, John Huntsinger, Dale Park and Kevin Phillips. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, with honors given by the United States Navy Honor Guard, Southeast Region. Visitation was Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Melby Mortuary. Donations are suggested to the Mankato Endowment Association for USD 104, Rock Hills Band Program or the Cure Alzheimer's fund.
(Notice dated Nov. 2, 2017)
Bonnie North
Bonnie (Brittenham) North, 94, of Greeley, Colo., died last Tuesday. She was born Sept. 29, 1922, in Ruskin to Gaylord and Rose (Jensen) Brittenham. Bonnie graduated from Ruskin High School in 1940. She taught grade school for two years at Rieber School, rural Ruskin, and one year at Fairview, rural Superior. She then worked at the Superior Telephone Company for the duration of the war. She married
Wallace North in 1946 in Mankato. They moved to Sterling, Colo., and Bonnie lived there until 3 years ago when she moved to a Greeley, Colo., nursing facility. Survivors include her son, Timothy North, of Sterling, Colo.; daughters, Mrs. Don Wambolt (Georgia) and Mrs. Mel Koshio (Gail), both of Greeley, Colo.; one grandson; brothers, Ted, Jack and Ron Brittenham, all of Lincoln; sisters, Rose Young, Fairbury, and Mrs. Frank Brennfoerder (Jean), Lincoln; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents; husband, Wallace; infant twins born at rest; and a brother, Gale. There will be no services, per Bonnie's request.
(Notice dated Sept. 28, 2017)
