U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Charles M. Houghton
Charles M. Houghton, 84, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, at Mitchell County Hospital and Health Systems in Beloit, Kan. He was born Aug. 27, 1932, on a farm rural Kackley, Kan., to Lester C. and Lola V. (Nelson) Houghton.
Charles was a 1951 graduate of Jamestown High School. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base where he served for four years.
Dec. 25, 1951, he married
Della L. Abram on the farm. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this December. He worked for Bostwick Irrigation District, farmed, and most of his life he managed Randall Co-op Union for 34 years. He was a member of the Lions Club in Randall and the Moose Lodge No. 1428, American Legion Post No. 76, Concordia.
Charles liked to dance, fish, coon hunt, travel and most of all he enjoyed time with his beloved family.
He is survived by his wife, Della, of the home, son, Roger Houghton (Bonnie) all of Randall, Kan.; three sisters, Madeline Demars, Concordia, Kansas, Dorothy Sharpe, Clyde, Kan., Rosalie Grounds, Concordia, Kan.; two grandchildren, Hank Kummer (Hannah) and their children, Esther and Emma of Lindsberg, Kan.; Alya Keierleber (Nick) and their child, Kane, of Ft. Riley, Kan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary Houghton; two sisters, Vivian Almon and Audrey Hayden.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service was held at 3 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at the Randall cemetery in Randall, Kan., with The Revs. Jim Rice and Dan Daniels officiating. Inurnment was follow the graveside services. Visitation was held on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, from 1 to 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia.
Memorial contributions may be given in memory of Charles M. Houghton for a Randall community project to be decided at a later time.
For online condolences, visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
(Notice dated Aug. 31, 2017)
Robert Litzenberger
The Rev. Robert B. Litzenberger, Jr., of Windsor, Calif., was born in Kingston, Pa., on March 20, 1938, to Robert B. and Florence (Scott) Litzenberger, Sr. He died on Aug. 18, 2017, at the age of 79.
Robert had a younger brother, Charles, and the family lived in the coal mining town of Wilkes Barre, Pa. He played football there and graduated from high school in 1955. During World War II his dad served in the U.S. Army and was awarded a purple heart.
When he was 13 years old Robert received the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior, and in the fall of 1955 began his preparations for Christian service. Robert enrolled in pastoral ministry at Philadelphia College of Bible. In 1960 Robert completed a year of training for youth ministry, enlisted in the United States Air Force and married
Marcia Gillett of Burr Oak. In the Air Force he became an instructor in aircraft and missile electronics at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. Robert and Marcia raised six children.
Robert chose John 3:30 for his life's verse."He must increase, but I must decrease." "Christ Liveth in Me" was his favorite hymn.
After many years of pastoring, Robert retired from full time service in 2000. He and Marcia then moved to Windsor, Calif., and in 2010 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Robert was preceded in death by both parents and his younger brother, Charles.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Marcia, of the home; daughter, Rita, and husband, Mark Hatfield of Fountain Inn, S.C.; five sons, Robert B. III and wife, Beth, of Brady, Neb., George of Sacramento, Calif., Randy and wife, Stephanie, of Clinton, S.C., Ron and wife, Lianne, of Huntsville, Ala., and Russell of Windsor, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a host of friends and a large Christian family.
He will be greatly missed by his many friends and relatives.
A celebration of life service for Pastor Robert B. Litzenberger, Jr., was Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, at 2 p.m., at Grace Baptist Church, Smith Center, Kan., with Pastor Dave Newbern officiating. Music was performed by Robert B. Litzenberger III and Katie Bergen. Casket bearers were Russ Litzenberger, Randy Litzenberger, Ron Litzenberger, Robert Litzenberger III, George Hennion and Robbie Litzenberger. Interment was in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kan. The family suggests memorials to the mission fund of Grace Baptist Church. Visitation was Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kan. The family greeted friends and other family from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday evening. Online condolences at www.melbymortuary.com. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kan., was in charge of local arrangements.
(Notice dated Aug. 31, 2017)
Patricia Joerg
Patricia Ann (Viles) Joerg, 60, died Friday at her home in Formoso. She was born Nov. 2, 1956, in Emporia, the daughter of Albert Lee Viles and Katie Joyce (High) Viles.
Pat grew up in the Carbondale area, then attended vocational-technical school in Topeka, receiving certification as an electrician and then in communications. She excelled in her fields so also taught at the vo-tech.
Pat married
Kenny Joerg on June 11,1994. She had a number of jobs in the early years but then went to Beloit for her LPN degree and received her R.N. degree from Cloud County Community College. While doing that, Pat also became an EMT. Pat worked at the Jewell County Hospital for 18 years in many capacities. She began as a CNA, then as an LPN, then as an RN. She served as the director of nursing at two different times. She also received certification so she could work in the lab and x-ray which was what she enjoyed most.
Pat was preceded in death by her father, Albert Lee Viles; and a brother, Lonnie Ray Viles.
She is survived by her mother, Katie Joyce Gillum, Cape Fair, Mo.; husband, Kenneth Joerg of their home; children, Jeremy Bowers, Springfield, Mo.; Katie Bowers, Mankato; Brandon Bowers, Topeka; a brother, Charles Robert Gillum, Jr., Cape Fair, Mo.; nine grandchildren; nieces, nephews and lots of friends.
Herf funeral was held Wednesday at the Mankato Community Center. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, was in charge of the arrangements.
(Notice dated Aug. 31, 2017)
Barbara Cox
Barbara Lea Cox, 84, of Edgar, died Friday at the Sutton Community Home in Sutton. The daughter of Durward and Nellie (Grossman) Jackson, she was born Jan. 25, 1933, in Angus.
Barb started her education at the Angus school and the family moved to Edgar when she was a child, where she continued her education at the Edgar school, graduating with the Class of 1951. After graduation she was employed at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings, and worked as a "mule skinner."
Barb and Jack were united in marriage on Valentine's Day in 1954, when Jack returned from a year in Korea. Their first home was in Reno, Nev., where Jack was stationed. That was the beginning of a 20 year career as an Air Force wife. The couple lived in six states and Portugal. They were married
for 63 years.
Barb had many hobbies and interests, including golf, cards, cooking, traveling with their service friends, Skip and Erma Damewood, working with her plants, taking care of her cats, photography and working on her computer. She was a member of the Church of the Plains where she served on the Session, sang in the choir and was a member of the Deacons. She was also a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Shirley.
Survivors include her husband, Jack Cox, of Edgar; brother, Dale Jackson, and wife, Valijean, of Lincoln; their daughter, Lisa Mapson, and family of Lincoln; many other relatives and a host of friends.
Her funeral was Monday at the Church of the Plains in Edgar, with Pastor Kathryn Bates officiating. Interment was in the Edgar Cemetery. Williams Funeral Home of Edgar was in charge of the arrangements.
(Notice dated Aug. 31, 2017)
Bonnie Wilson
Bonnie J. Wilson, 71, died last Tuesday at her home in Ellsworth. She was born May 13, 1946, in Kansas City, Mo., and lived in Beloit for 39 years.
Bonnie was the district magistrate judge in Mitchell County for 31 years. She received the Lee Nusser Outstanding District Magistrate Judge Award in honor and recognition of her leadership in the Kansas Judiciary. She liked Kansas Jayhawks basketball, golf and time with her family and friends. Bonnie participated in Leadership Mitchell County and was a member of the Mitchell County Hospice board. She was also an active member of the Beloit United Methodist Church where she was the sponsor of the youth group, president of the board of trustees and helped with Friendship Meals. Upon moving to Ellsworth a year ago, Bonnie was active in the Presbyterian and United Methodist churches and enjoyed the Bible studies she attended.
She is survived by her husband, Rod; daughters, Stephanie Reeve, Amber Peschka and Carrie Stone; six grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Leaton, Barbara Chace, Ginger Harding, Sandra Slane, Robin Reed and Tracie Reed; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ruth Reed, and a sister, Sharon Reed.
Her funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) at the First United Methodist Church of Beloit, with Pastor Jim Brackett officiating. Interment of the cremains will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Beloit. Arrangements were made with Roberts Family Funeral Service.
(Notice dated Aug. 31, 2017)
Elliott Lentz
Elliott J. Lentz died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Aug. 1, 2017.
His funeral was held Aug. 10 at Trinity Church, Redlands, Calif. Burial followed in the Hillside Memorial Cemetery.
Elliott was born Feb. 18, 1936 at Deshler to Ludwig and Clara (Meyer) Lentz. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1959 and earned his master's degree at the University of Southern California in 1968. He joined the United States Air Force in 1959 as a second lieutenant and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1979.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Joyce Lentz, recently of Stanwood, Wash.; his two sons, Steve Lentz of Mundelein, Ill., and Bryan Lentz of Redlands, Calif.; his daughter, Carolyn (Lentz) Olson of Camano Island, Wash.; and 12 grandchilren.
(Notice dated Aug. 31, 2017)
Phyllis Mahin
Phyllis A Mahin, the second child born to Carl and Dorothy (Anderson) Russell, was born on Nov. 28, 1933, on a farm north of Courtland, Kan. She died on July 14, 2017, at Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Neb., at the age of 83 years, seven months and 16 days.
Phyllis attended Park Hill Country School and Courtland High School, graduating in 1951. On June 15, 1952, Phyllis married
the love of her life, William Joseph Mahin, and to this union six children were born: Linda, Greg, Bill Jr., Susan, Shari and Joel. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She enjoyed sharing stories and experiences from her childhood, important events in her life and reminiscing about family. Phyllis's favorite pasttime was embroidering tea towels, as she gave many as wedding and shower gifts. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting and gardening on the farm. Her favorite activity was time with her children, grandchildren and many family members. Her children and grandchildren were her most prized possessions and she enjoyed attending all of their school activities and sporting events. Her kind and loving heart led her to think of others and remember them by sending them a card or two.
For many years she was employed at Republic County Hospital and liked caring for her patients. She also worked at Pike Valley Schools, Jewell County Day Care, the Kaffe House in Scandia, Kan., the FSA office in Belleville, Kan., and was the Meals on Wheels site manager.
Phyllis was baptized and accepted the Lord as her Savior on March 28, 1948, at the United Methodist Church, Courtland, Kan., where she continued her lifetime membership.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Mahin; her parents, Carl and Dorothy Russell; and her brother, James Russell.
Phyllis will be forever remembered by her children: Linda and husband, Dale True, of Lebo, Kan.; Greg and wife, Trudy, of Montezuma, Kan.; Bill Jr. and wife, Sherie, of Courtland, Kan.; Susan and husband, Richard Bergling, of Elkhart, Kan.; Shari and husband, Kenny Ubelaker, of Osborne, Kan.; and Joel Mahin of Courtland, Kan.; grandchildren, Travis and wife, Becky True, of Topeka, Kan..; Tina and husband, Lee Andrews, of Gardner, Kan.; Bryce True of Lawrence, Kan.; Kelsey True and Grant Lind of Overland Park, Kan.; Jacey Mahin of Great Bend, Kan.; Caleb and wife, Gayle Mahin, of Formoso, Kan.; Luke Mahin and Jennifer McCarty of Courtland, Kan.; Drew and wife, Corinna Mahin, of Concordia, Kan.; Ethan and wife, Lizzie Mahin, of Courtland, Kan.; Hannah Mahin and Shane Champlin of Concordia Kan.; Amy and husband, Justin, of Las Vegas, Nev.; Megan and husband, Jordan Calvery, of Wichita, Kan.; Sarah Bergling of Wichita, Kan.; Brooke and husband, Joe Terick, of Topeka, Kan.; Karie Ubelaker of Topeka, Kan.; Kenton Ubelaker of Hays, Kan.; Kaitlyn Mahin of Columbia, Mo.; Braden Mahin of Lincoln, Kan.; Brett Mahin of Lincoln, Kan.; and Kristen Mahin of Lincoln, Kan. Also remembering her are her brothers and sisters: Chester Russell and wife, Mildred, of Courtland, Kan.; Verlee Russell of Beloit, Kan.; Gene Russell and wife, Joanne, of Scandia, Kan.; Beverly Sothers of Courtland, Kan.; Max Russell and wife, Kay, of Wamego, Kan.; Maxine and husband, Jan Frederickson, of Quinter, Kan.; Ken Russell and wife, Mary, of Abilene, Kan.; Charles Russell and wife, June, of Webber, Kan.; and Penny and husband, Don True, of Council Grove, Kan.
Her funeral was held on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at 10 a.m. from the Courtland Methodist Church in Courtland, Kan., with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating.
Music was "Children of the Heavenly Father," "In the Garden," "Old Rugged Cross" and "Lord of the Dance," with Judy Blackburn as the organist and Lyle Bergstrom as the soloist.
Visitation was held on Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with family present from 5:30 to 7 to greet friends.
Pallbearers were Jacey Mahin, Travis True, Caleb Mahin, Kenton Ubelaker, Braden Mahin and Bryce True. Honorary pallbearers were Drew Mahin, Luke Mahin, Ethan Mahin and Brett Mahin.
Interment was in the Mount Pleasant cemetery at Courtland, Kan.
Memorials are suggested to go to the Courtland Methodist Church or the Courtland city mini-park fund.
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 July 27, 2017)
