Curtis D. Fulton, of Salina, passed away 12/12/12, at the age of 90. Curtis was born in Talmage to Harry and Elizabeth Fulton on Dec. 26, 1921.

He farmed with his father until he enlisted in the Naval Air Corps in 1942.   After his honorable discharge in 1943, he continued to farm until 1966, when he entered the ministry of the United Methodist Church.

He married Helen Lampert on Nov. 23, 1943. They ministered full time for 21 years at the Florence/Aulne Charge and Grand Avenue in Salina.   After retirement, they served part time at the Kanopolis, Carnerio and Brookville churches. They enjoyed 10 years as “winter Texans” before becoming a part of the Eaglecrest Retirement Community in 2010.

Curtis and Helen celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary Nov. 24, 2012.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Grand Avenue UMC, Salina, with a 2 p.m. graveside service at the Talmage Prairiedale Cemetery.   Memorials may be made to Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, Mission Aviation Fellowship or Gideon’s International.

COLBY – Roberta “Bert” Withers,52, Colby, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 in Salina with her family. Bert was born December 24, 1959 in Colby, the daughter of Robert and Louise (Rall) Withers.

She attended school in Colby, Colby Community College and Washburn Univ. She was a member of the Army Reserves and loved working at WalMart. She enjoyed watching her nephews play sports, being with her family and was an avid Denver Broncos’ Fan.

Bert is survived by her parents, Bob and Louise Withers, sister, Brenda (Curtis) Counts, Salina, and two nephews, Taylor and Tanner Counts.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Tammy Wlker Cancer Center for their kindness and love shown to her.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby. Memorials are suggested to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center or the donor’s choice.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

VENUS, Texas — Howard D. Nail, 48, of Venus, passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. He was born Nov. 21, 1964, in Salina, Kan., to Ovie Edward Nail Jr. and Joyce Marie (Ahlquist) Nail-Morgan.

Preceded in death by: his father; grandmother; Alice G. Nail; grandfather, Eugene Ahlquist; and greatgrandparents, Harry and Julia Brumbaugh.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Nail; children, Jordan, Gage and Zachary; stepchildren, William, Jeffrey, Lindsey, and Kenneth; mother, Joy Morgan; sisters, Janie Winn and Nancy Curtis; brother, Edward Nail; grandmother; Lola Ahlquist; and numerous other relatives.

Visitation: 4-8 p.m. today, Dec. 17, at Ryan Mortuary. Funeral: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, at Northpoint Church, 1004 N. Santa Fe, Salina. Memorials may be made to the family.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Myrtle Ellen “Myrt” McCurnin, 93, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 16th,  2012
Myrtle was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on September 11, 1919, daughter of the late Anna M. (Cook) Thornton and William Victor Wigton.

Myrt owned the Newport Grill in Salina for over 20 years and at one point, four generations worked in the restaurant.

Survivors include daughter, Patricia A. Miller, of Salina; granddaughter, Kim Fairbanks and husband Stephen, of Salina; grandson, Shawn Miller of St. George, Kansas; great grandchildren, Amanda Norwood and husband Brandon of Salina, Brent Weir of Andover, Kansas and Chelseana Fairbanks of Salina.

A Memorial  Service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, December 20th at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home,   with Pastor Geske officiating.

Inurnment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Salina Animal Shelter, 329 N. 2nd Salina, Kansas or Hospice of Salina, 730 Holly Lane Salina, Kansas.

Terrol Lynn “Terry” Nichols-Gingras, 57, of Salina, died peacefully with her husband and family by her side, on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Terry was born in Salina on March 29, 1955, to Kenneth and Sandra Nichols.

She is survived by her best friend, companion and husband of nearly 20 years, Michael Gingras; mother, Sandra Jenkins; brothers, Greg (Paula) Nichols, of Wilson Lake, and Jeff Nichols, of San Diego, Calif.; nephew, Ryan Nichols; aunts, Ruth Denison, Marilyn Nichols and Virginia Faulkner; uncle, Carl Schrag; numerous cousins; and many pets.

Terry was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Nichols; grandparents, Dean and Irene Trexler and Otis and Lydia Faulkner; many great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many pets.

Terry was born at Asbury Hospital, Salina, where she grew up and attended Lowell School. She moved with her family to Hays in 1962. She moved to Dallas, Texas in 1992 where her mother lived. She went to work for HiLite Industries where she met Mike Gingras in March 1993.They had their first date on April 12, 1993, and they have been together ever since.

Terry and Mike moved to Salina with their pets in 1998 to assist her grandparents. Terry was a homemaker, caring for pets (Nel, Irene, Clara Joe, Fishbait, Trexler, Lois), and she enjoyed gardening, crocheting and camping.

Terry fell down a flight of stairs the evening of Dec. 23, 2011, breaking her neck and severing her spinal cord. Her painful journey began at home, then to Salina Regional, where Pastor Barry Dundus met and prayed with Terry and her family before she began the journey by helicopter to Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.

She was moved to various ventilator capable facilities and hospitals this past year. She was accepted at MaDonna Rehabilitation Facility in Lincoln, Neb., on Oct. 1. After a two month stay, her dream was to return home in Salina but that didn’t happen. From MaDonna Rehabilitation she was transferred to Pleasant View Facility in Inman, where she spent just a few days and was then taken by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where Pastor Dundas again was with her and family.

Terry was very alert from the time of her accident, involved and participating in her rehabilitation efforts, suffering much, with many disappointments along the journey. Cousins were living at each location where Terry would stay and they were able to visit, sharing memories and prayers.

Cremation has been chosen and there will be no viewing. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Ryan Mortuary, with a vigil at 7 p.m. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with Fr. Brian Lager, Fr. Nick Blaha, and Rev. Abby Caseman officiating.

Memorials may be made to Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation or the Salina Animal Shelter, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, KS 67401.

Donna B. Blochlinger, 64, Delphos, died Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Salina Regional Health Center.

Donna was born May 22, 1948 in Ogallala, NE to Wayne and Elizabeth (Peterson) Willey. On December 30, 1967, Donna was united in marriage with David H. Blochlinger in Denver, CO. She was a member of the Delphos United Methodist Church and she was currently working as a librarian at the Glasco Schools.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Dennis and Paul Sator.

Survivors include her husband David H. Blochlinger of the home; children Crystal Chavarria of Delphos, Colleen Belt of Concordia, David W. Blochlinger of Glasco, and Derrick Blochlinger of Courtland; brothers Dan Willey of Ogallala, Steven Sator of Englewood, CO, Richard Sator of Aurora, CO, and Ronald Sator of Englewood, CO; sisters Judy Schroeder of Kearney, NE, Connie Schott, Shannon Brown, and Janet Schott all of Centennial, CO; 15 granchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 22, at the Delphos United Methodist Church. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery (Meredith Township). Friends may sign the register book from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. Friday at the Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Donna Blochlinger Memorial Fund (to be designated later) and may be left in care of the funeral home.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

David F. “Dave” Denning, 62, of Salina, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. He was born Dec. 15, 1950, in Charleston, W.Va., the son of William Kenneth and Bettie (Maloney) Denning.

He served with the United States Army in the Vietnam War. For more than 20 years, he worked as amaster plumber for USD 305, Salina. He retired in November of 2012.

He was a life member of GWTA, Harley Owners Group, Salina Masonic Lodge No. 60 and the National AMBUCS. He was a member of the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club and served as president, vice president and Mr. AMBUC for the Red Baron AMBUCS club.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Keith Denning.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Almon Denning; two sons, James Denning and wife Rhian, of Wichita, and Jerry Peters and wife LeeAnn, of Gypsum; one daughter, Gail Burk and husband Ted, of Weatherford, Texas; one brother, Phillip Denning and wife Patricia, of Perry, Ga.; five grandchildren, Holden Denning, Callie Peters, Cade Peters, Kayla Matt, and Nick Matt and wife Mandy; one great-grandchild, Acelynn Matt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina. Burial will follow in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

The family suggests memorials to the Breakfast Bandits AMBUC club or the Salina Animal Shelter.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Deanna L. Beach-Simcock, 46, of Salina, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Mary Jane Bull, 44, of Salina, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. She was born Jan.18, 1968, in Ohio, the daughter of James and Betty Carson.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Bull, of Salina; two daughters, Michelle Rivera and Mayvella Bull and fiance James Sparks; two sons, Alfie Rivera and Patrick Rivera; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help defray expenses and may be sent to or left in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401.

Mary Louise Maxwell Sorenson was born near Quinter on Sept. 2, 1927, and died at Presbyterian Manor in Salina on Dec. 22, 2012. She was 85 years old.

Louise was the second of seven children born to George Earl and Mary Hargitt Maxwell. She graduated from Quinter High School in May 1944. Due to teacher shortages during World War II, Louise obtained an emergency certificate and, on her 17th birthday, began teaching eight grades in a Gove County rural school in September 1944.

While teaching in Gove County, Louise obtained a B.A. in education from Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and then began a career in the Salina Public Schools district in 1948 as an elementary school math and science teacher. Louise interrupted her teaching in Salina only to obtain master’s degrees inelementary education at FHSU and in math at Florida State University. Louise retired from teaching in 1988 but then enjoyed being the bookkeeper for Salina True Value Hardware for the following 12 years. Louise always was happy and proud to be greeted by her former students.

Louise married Rexford Scott Sorenson, a former English professor at Kansas Wesleyan University, on March 20, 1971. Their happy union ended with the death of Rexford in November 2010.

Louise was a life member of Alpha Delta Kappa, a teachers’ sorority, and a member of United Methodist Church. She took part in the activities of her extended family and greatly enjoyed all of her nieces and nephews.

Louise is survived by three sisters, Loree Holaday, of Grinnell, Anita (William) Bray, of Hawthorne, Nev., and Luella Hadland, of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada; two brothers, Gordon (Evelyn) Maxwell, of Salina, and Laverne (Marlene) Maxwell, of Quinter; and by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Her brother, Leonard Maxwell, of Hanston, died in 1999, and her nephew, Larry Maxwell, of Quinter, died in 1979.

Funeral services for Louise will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at Quinter United Methodist Church. Schmidt Funeral Home, Quinter, is in charge of arrangements.

Ruby Dale Pilgrim, 42, of Salina, passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, at Rose Medical Center, Denver. She was born Sept. 10, 1970, in Wamego, the daughter of Ray Douglas and Shirley Jean (Byrum) Thompson.

She had 20 wonderful years of marriage with Scott Pilgrim, and together they raised three beautiful children.

Ruby graduated from Kansas State University with a master’s degree in curriculum instruction. She taught for 16 years at Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School. She loved to read and enjoyed exercising and watching her children’s athletic events.

Ruby was preceded in death by her father, Ray Thompson. She is survived by her mother, Shirley Thompson, of Wamego; husband, Scott Pilgrim, of the home; one son, Drew Alexander Pilgrim, U.S. Navy; two daughters, McKenzie Rae Pilgrim and Macy Elizabeth Pilgrim, both of the home; one sister, Beverly Tornay, of Columbus, Mo.; grandparents, Dale and Bernice Byrum, of Warsaw, Mo.; two nieces; one nephew; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 215 S. Chicago, Salina, with Pastor Allen D. Smith and Pastor Ron David co-officiating. Burial will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials may be made to the Ruby Pilgrim Memorial Fund, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401.

Harold E. Young, 91, of Salina, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2012. He was born Oct. 11, 1921, in Salina, the son of Ira Ralph and Pearl Elizabeth (Dunlap) Young.

Harold married Cleo “June” Ireton in Salina on July 4, 1942, and served in the United States Army in World War II. He worked as a miller for Weber Milling in the 1940s, Robinson Milling, Western Star and, later, ADM Milling, retiring at the age of 75.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June Young (2003); son, Harold Thomas “Tom” Young (2000); brother, Edward Young (1987); and a sister, Myrtle Huiett (2005).

He is survived by his brother, Ralph Robert “Bob” (Judy) Young, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; sister, Margaret Alexander, of Hemet, Calif.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 27, with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m., at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Graveside funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Joe D. Cook, 72, of Salina, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at his home of 50 years. He was born June 5, 1940, in Duncan, Mo., the son of Charley C. and Minnie E. (Burns) Cook. He worked for Midwest Drywall, Wichita, for 42 years and owned Cook Drywall of Salina.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Kay Cook, in 2004, and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include three sons, Joe Whittington, of Waynesville, Ohio, Lonny Cook, of Dayton, Ohio, and Doug Cook, of Independence, Mo.; one brother, Charles, of Wichita; one sister, Wanda, of St. Joseph, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Ramada Inn, 1616 W. Crawford, Salina.

Memorials may be made to the Joe D. Cook Memorial Fund, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Jack E. Park passed away on December 27, 2012.  He was 80 years old. He was born in Abilene on October 5, 1932 to Earnest and Victoria Rae Park.   He graduated from Solomon High School with the Class of 1951.

Jack entered the Army in November 1953 at Fort Riley and served during the Korean War.  He returned home in 1955 and started farming outside of Solomon.   On December 14, 1958, he married Marcile Gantenbein at the New Basel United Church of Christ.  He spent his entire life farming in the Solomon community and he was well known for repairing balers, accumulators and bale forks.  He also loved Kansas State University football, going to auctions, combine derbies and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Marcile of Solomon; son, Larry Park and wife Debbie of Solomon; daughters, Kelli Fuhrmann and husband Allen of Wamego, Lori Park of Aurora, Colorado, Shelli Langdeau and husband Jim, Fort Pierre, South Dakota; granddaughters, Kylie Park of Solomon, Shelby Kelly and husband Michael of Salina, Kaitlyn Martin of Solomon; great grandson, Alex Kelly of Salina; brother, Kenneth Park of Orange, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Guy Lynn Park; brother, Marvin Park; and Sisters, Betty Nelson and Fern Lotshaw.

Friends are invited to call from 1:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2012 with the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home in Salina.  A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 30 at New Basel United Church of Christ, 1075 1100 Avenue, Abilene, Kansas with Pastor Eric Graefe and Pastor Clarence Garten co-officiating.   Burial will follow at Prairie Mound Cemetery, Solomon, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the New Basel United Church of Christ, 1075 1100 Avenue, Abilene, Kansas  67410 or the Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research, 1 Chalmers Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas  66506.

Adella Gertrude Wilvers, 97, of Salina, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. She was born Jan. 17, 1915, in Sylvan Grove, the daughter of Albert and Carrie (Goller) Witte.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, in 1989; brother, Arthur Witte; and a nephew, Ron Witte.

She is survived by her son, Glenn (Lorinda) Wilvers, of Sun City, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Chiwana Blasé, Rita Hamilton, Robin Wilvers, Stephen Wilvers and Tammy (Danny) Knutson; eight great-grandchildren; and eight great-greatgrandchildren.

Visitation will be from noon-8 p.m. today, with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m., at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina. Burial will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church or the donor’s choice.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Delmar William Neill, 73, of Salina, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. He was born May 25, 1939, in Hennessey, Okla., the son of Virgil W. and Georgia (Yardley) Neill.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Neill; children, Dobber Milleson and wife Teresa, of Keystone Heights, Fla., Ed Miles and wife Rebecca, of Salina, Barbara Snyder and husband Oran, of Salina, and Delana Garcon and husband Tom, of Rapid City, S.D.; sister, Dorothy Keene and husband Bob, of Butler, Mo.; 21 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, in Gypsum City Cemetery, Gypsum. Memorials may be made to Ryan Mortuary to help defray costs and may be sent to or left at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, KS 67401.

William F. Giersch, 79, of Salina, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012, doing what he loved: tending the family farm. The oldest of five children, William, or Bill as most knew him, was born on the same farm to Oscar and Mary Flavin Giersch on Sept. 22, 1933. A diligent and frugal man, Bill dedicated himself to working this family land for much of his life, leaving the farm only briefly to attend high school at Sacred Heart High School in Salina (graduated 1951), and to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957. Bill often warmly remembered these Navy years, recalling time spent adrift at sea and docked in various locations around the world.

Pressed to return home by the untimely death of his father, Bill took it upon himself to keep the farm functioning and profitable in the years to come, raising largely cattle and wheat on various plots throughout the Salina area. In 1973, Bill earned his AI certification at Kansas State University, allowing for the continued success of his ranching operation, and, of course, for the steady supply of his famous hamburger and steaks. In the years since, Bill served as a reputable and influential member in many local organizations, including Farm Bureau, the Saline County Rural Water District and Headville Grain and Feed. He also was a longtime member of the American and Kansas Simmental Association.

A loving husband of nearly 52 years, father for more than 50, brother, uncle, grandfather and much more, it’s true that Bill loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family and friends, but he could also find just as much to talk about in the company of complete strangers. Notorious for being an avid sports fan, he could always be depended on to provide information about the day’s big game or to cheer on his favorite Kansas State Wildcats. And though the farm might have been his first priority, Bill truly enjoyed traveling and getting away from his obligations when he knew all at home remained in capable hands.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandy Giersch; his two children, Lisa Sloan (husband Dan Sloan) and Scott Giersch; his two grandchildren, Ryan and Ryley Schools; his sisters, Shirley Hoover and Patricia Morley (husband Bill Morley); 19 nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Gary Hoover; his sister, Donna Valentine; and his brother, Lyle Giersch.

A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30 at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, followed by funeral services Monday, Dec. 31, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the following Salina locations: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High, and/or Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Margaret E. Kelley, 95, of Salina, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012. She was born Jan. 4, 1917, in Abilene to John L. and Agnes (Morgan) Whitehair. On Sept. 15, 1942, she married Byrne Kelley in Abilene. She received a bachelor’s degree from Marymount College and a master’s degree from Kansas State University. Margaret was an accounting professor at Marymount College, Salina, for 25 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Byrne; a son-in-law John Lyons; brothers, Ray, John, Bill and Leo; and sisters, Ethel, Dorothy and Sister Mary Mark. Survivors include a son, Dan Kelley (Joyce), of Salina; two daughters, Beth Lyons, of Omaha, Neb., and Sue Kammen (Craig), of Topeka; a sister, Rosemary Crawford, of Salina; five grandchildren, Natalie Whitworth (Jeremy), Andrew Lyons (Melanie), Justin Kelley (Casey), Brent Kammen (Bridgette) and Jeff Kelley; and four great-grandchildren, Kamryn Whitworth, Brady and Maggie Lyons and Elizabeth Kammen.

Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 230 E. Cloud, Salina. There will be a vigil and rosary service at 7 p.m. Sunday evening at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, at the church, with Father Kerry Ninemire as celebrant. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Salina. The family suggests memorials to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia or St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, is handling arrangements.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Loren F. Bloomgren, 74, of Salina, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. He was born Sept. 19, 1938, in Republic County, the son of Florence and Axel Bloomgren. He owned Grigsby Greenhouse for 25 years and was known as the “Tomato Man.”

He is survived by his wife, Lou, of the home; daughter, DeAnna (Jim) Weidman; grandson, David (Elizabeth) Weidman; and a great-grandson, Brody, all of Chandler, Ariz.

ere will be no visitation. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 702 S. Ninth, Salina. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina or Tammy Walker Cancer Center.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

LINDSBORG — Elizabeth S.“Betty” Brady, 84, of Lindsborg, passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, at Bethany Home. She was born July 19, 1928, in Fort Riley, the daughter of Henry H. and Elizabeth Emily (Disney) Spaeny Sr.

She worked for Gooch and Western Star in Salina, retiring from ADM. She handled the bookkeeping and payroll.

Betty was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Salina VFW and the Moose Lodge. During 64 years of marriage to her husband, Lawrence, they enjoyed many years traveling all across the United States making numerous friends along the way. Following retirement, they enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers in the Ozarks. Betty also enjoyed the many activities and trips offered during her stay at Bethany Home. She loved music, dancing, reading and playing games. She was a person always on the go all through her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence R. Brady, in 2011; brother, Henry Spaeny Jr.; and a nephew, David Spaeny.

Survivors include her brother, John Spaeny, of Assaria; sister, Helen Jenkins, of Salina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at Bethany Home’s Chapel, Lindsborg. Private family inurnment will be held in Prairie Mound Cemetery, Ellsworth County, at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Home, in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Curtis T. Smith, 60, of Salina, passed away Friday, December 28, 2012 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born May 8, 1952 in Hays, the son of Charley T. and Della Lorene (Musselman) Smith. Curtis worked as an engineer with Union Pacific for 41 years. A skilled craftsman, he enjoyed building things, loved to play golf and was politically passionate.

Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Della; two brothers, Dean Smith and Bill Smith; and one nephew, Danny Norman. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jan, of the home; four sons, Chris Teschke and wife Kristin, of Lenexa, Rob Teschke and wife Chrystie, of Salina, Charley T. Smith and Samuel Smith, both of Salina; five sisters, Ruthann Smith, of Clearwater, Kay Smith, of Derby, Nadine Wolf, of Wichita, Linda Norman, of Clovis, New Mexico and Claudia Smith, of Andover; four grandchildren, Cooper, Maddie, & Abby Teschke and Calahan True Smith, all of Salina; numerous nieces and nephews; and his little girl, Jazzy.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Rickie Funeral Home, 415 N. Main, Hoisington. Graveside services will follow at approximately 2 p.m. in the Fairmount St. Lawrence cemetery, Jetmore. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center“Look Good, Feel Better” program or “Autism Cares” in care of Ryan Mortuary or Nicholson-Rickie Funeral Home.

Roger A. Naylor, Sr., 76, of Salina, died Friday, December 28, 2012. He was born August 5, 1936 in Dysart, Pennsylvania, the son of Harold L. and Mary Belle (Varnes) Naylor.

Roger proudly served his country in the Navy and Air Force from 1954 to 1962. He was a top salesman for two national scoreboard companies for 30 years before starting his own business, Power Ad Company, Inc. in 1988.

Roger was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; one son, Roger A. Naylor, Jr. and wife Lisa; three daughters, Michelle Compton and husband Mike, Brenda Herring and husband Steve and Deb Marseline; two sisters, Helen and Nancy; seven grandchildren, Aubrey, Amanda, Kylee, Megan, Cole, Matthew and Morgan and one great-grandchild, Emma.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 3, 2013 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 E. Neal, Salina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina or the American Red Cross in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Sylvia Marie Nelson, 80, of Salina, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at Bethany Home in Lindsborg. She was born Aug. 17, 1932, in Salina, the daughter of Walter Andrew and Estella (Herrington) Crosby. She was a homemaker and a member of the Salina VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Max Nelson; son, Clifford; and a grandson, Michael Stark.

She is survived by her sons, Richard (Elizabeth) Nelson, of Omaha, Neb., and Andrew (Melanie) Nelson, of Topeka; and her daughters, Bobbie (Steve) Stark, of Omaha, Katy Barry, of Salina, Pam (Wilfred) Mastin, of Salina, and Mary (Gary) Gleason, of Salina. Sylvia has 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina. The family will receive friends from noon until shortly before 2 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Audra Lynn Allison, 45, of Hesston, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas. Audra was born May 14, 1967, in Salina to Dean and Chris (Campbell) Allison.

She was a very loving mother to her precious boys Kolby and Kyle Allison.

She was a 1985 graduate of Minneapolis High School. After high school Audra attended Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas. She then attendedWashburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree. Audra was able to share her love of agriculture in her career. She was respected by the many farmers she assisted through her work. For the past twelve years she was the assistant manager at Schaben Industries in Newton, Kansas. Audra attended the Garden Community Church in Hesston. She was very active in her sons’ lives and their activities. Audra touched many lives during her time with her creativity and her caring ways.

Survivors include her sons, Kolby and Kyle Allison; parents Dean and Chris Allison, of Delphos; brothers Jeff (Joy) Allison, of Minneapolis, Steve (Shawna) Allison of Oakley; and sister Amber (Waco) Phipps of Minneapolis. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 5 at the Hall Wesleyan Church, rural Delphos with Pastors Gary Janzen and Edwin Routson officiating. Burial will be in the Hall Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Friday at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Audra Allison Memorial Fund and may left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis 67467.

LINDSBORG – Anna Ryals Brenneman, 89, Lindsborg, died Dec. 30, 2012. She was born June 8, 1923.

Anna was a member of the Moose, Eastern Star of Fla., VFW Ladies Aux, TOPS, Saline Co. Farm Bureau, and Loyal Order of Eagles #2305.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Denny Ryals, second husband, Francis Brenneman, and son, Dudley Ryals

She is survived by: son, Danny Ray Ryals, daughter; Shelia Simpson, 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Weds. Jan. 2, from 4 to 8 pm at Ryan Mortuary. Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be 10 am Thursday, at Ryan Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Center for Dementia Research.

Patricia Jo “Patty” Masters, 65, Overland Park, Kansas, died Tuesday, January 1, 2013. She was born September 26, 1947 in Salina Kansas to Wayne A. and Ailene (Applebee) Young. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister, and treasured spending as much time as possible with her family.

Patty was preceded in death by her infant son, Kelly Masters, her parents, and brothers Gary, Richard and Tom. Survivors include her husband Robert; a daughter Kim Homolka and husband Eric of Leawood; a son Casey of Leawood; nine grandchildren; ten brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th, Salina, Kansas with Father Gale Hammerschmidt officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina. The family suggests memorials to the Kansas City Hospice or the Kansas City Cancer Center/University of Kansas Cancer Center, in care of the mortuary.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Duane Leroy Naegele, 79, of Salina, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. He was born Oct. 25, 1933, near Sylvan Grove, the son of Albert and Bernice (Brown) Naegele.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Glen, Loren and Ernest Naegele.

Duane was a member of Salina Twirlers Square Dancers and a longtime 4-H leader.

Survivors include his wife, Neva, of the home; two sons, Terry Naegele, of Omaha, Neb., and Dean Naegele of Mililani, Hawaii; two brothers, Leon Naegele, of Maize, and Bryce Naegele and wife Delma, of Lucas; sister, Bernita Daly and husband Dan, of Mishawk, Ind.; Aunt Lila Erl, of Sacramento, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, Salina.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m., at the mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina or Sunrise Presbyterian Church, and may be sent to or left at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street, Salina 67401.

Janet Kay Cline, 65, of Salina, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. She was born April 8, 1947, in Salina, the daughter of Glenn and Leona (Pickrell) Nault.

Janet was a member of the Salina Eagle’s Lodge. She loved to play bingo and volunteering at Kenwood View Nursing Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Cline. Survivors include her daughter, Gina Cashman, of Salina; sons, Justin (Connie) Cline and Dustin (Kim) Cline, all of Solomon; sister, Vicki (Harry) Robinson, of Kellen, Texas; sister-in-law, Betty Cochran, of Salina; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Memorials may be made to Tammy Walker Cancer Center, Salina Eagle’s Lodge or Hospice of Salina, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina 67401.

Russell Arnold Jones, 86, of Salina, died 4 Jan 2013 at Salina Regional Health Center. Born 1 Feb 1926, in Haddam, KS, the son of William and Charlotte (Robinson) Jones, he was raised in Stafford, KS and graduated from Stafford High School.

He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was serving in the 24th Battalion of the 4th Division, landing on Iwo Jima on 19 Feb 1945. He was subsequently wounded several weeks later in early March, earning a Purple Heart.

Jones attended Kansas State College, graduating 26 Jan 1951, with degrees in Architecture andArchitectural Engineering. Through KSU he was a member of the Engineering Council, Sigma Nu, Sigma Tau Vice President, Steel Ring President, Blue Key, Phi Kappa Phi, the Ahern Club and KSU Who’s Who.

He was a KSU Golden Cat and had held season tickets since 1968. An avid KSU fan, he was a faithful supporter of all things “Purple.”

He founded the firm of Jones and Gillam, Architects in 1958. Among the many buildings he designed or contributed work were the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, the KSU Student Union and many hospitals and banks. Mr. Jones was an active professional and community volunteer with the Junior Olympics, Rotary, Habitat for Humanity, Kansas Wesleyan Board of Trustees, Salina Track Club and many youth sports. He was best known for his personal work ethic, his professionalism, his friendship, his honesty, his support for athletic and academic programs at KSU and his love of animals.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jones is survived by his wife Jacqueline (Shaw) Jones, of Salina; three sons Lee and Sue (Baker) Jones, of Topeka; Kevin and Sherry (Shroeder) Jones, of Scottsdale, AZ; Kelly and Gloria (Brewer) Jones, of Wichita; and one daughter Neil and Rhys Ann (Jones) Miller, of Walnut Creek, CA; One brother Ralph and Alveda Jones, of Martha’s Vineyard, MA; one sister-in-law Mrs. Annalou Knowles; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; four nephews and two nieces.

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Salina.

A private, family graveside will be held prior to the service. A public, memorial service will be at 11 am 10 Jan 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church. The Rev. Barry Dundas and the Rev. Ken Trickle will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Trinity United Methodist Church of Salina, the Salina Animal Shelter or Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research at Kansas State University.

Semper Fidelis as another Marine takes his place guarding the streets of Heaven!

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Alma Jane Gillispie, 71, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at Presbyterian Manor, Salina. She was born April 2, 1941, in Grinnell, the daughter of Nick and Lucy (Broeckelman) Nieman. She graduated from Grinnell High School and Marymount College in Salina. She married Leonard Gillispie in 1972. He preceded her in death in August 2008. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Al, and a sister, Erma Louise.

Alma was a tremendous schoolteacher, starting and ending her career in the Salina Public Schools. She also taught second grade at St. Mary’s Grade School; after which she moved to Sacred Heart Grade, where she started their pre-school program. A highlight of her teaching career was as a lay missionary in the slum area of Kingston, Jamaica, where she spent three years. She loved her family, teaching, singing in church and working in her yard.

Alma is survived by two sons, Tim and wife Francia, of Overland Park, and Brian, of Manhattan; and five grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Jean (Don) Loader, of Salina; six brothers, Jerry (Helen) Nieman, of Golden, Colo., Jim (Pat) Nieman, and Kenny Nieman, of Garden City, Lawrence (Judy) Nieman, of Sioux Falls, S.D., Paul Nieman, of Gem, and Raymond (Kathy) Nieman, of Hays; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 12-8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m., with Father Kerry Nimemire officiating.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at St. Mary’s Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 230 E. Cloud, Salina, with Father Kerry Ninemire, celebrant, followed by a graveside service at the Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Grade School or First Presbyterian Church, Salina.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Michael  R. Warhurst, of Salina, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2013 at Salina Regional Health Center following a short illness.

Michael was born on January 6, 1946 in Emporia, Kansas to the late Roy Warhurst and Francis (Friesian) Warhurst.

He graduated from Pomona High School in 1963 and attended Emporia State University majoring in business.

He managed two hardware stores for seventeen years in Kansas City and Las Vegas. His real passion was cooking and he was a cook at the Elks Country Club in Abilene and the Ramada Inn of Salina. His last job was a Quality Control Tech at Schwan’s for thirteen years.

Michael had been a resident at Kenwood View Nursing Home for the last eleven years following a stroke in 2001.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, father, and one brother Steven.

He is survived by one brother Daniel of Denver, Colorado and three aunts.

He will be cremated and private services will be held at a later date

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kenwood View Nursing Home 900 Elmhurst Blvd, Salina, Kansas 67401.

Bernard “Bernie” C. Thielen, 92, of Salina, passed away January 6, 2013 at Kansas City Hospice House.  He was born on February 2, 1920.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Budke Thielen.

Bernie is survived by daughters, Janis Jeffers (Art) Falls Church, VA, Cheryl Lady, Fairway, KS, and Eileen Rathburn (Ed) of Raymore, Missouri, and five grandchildren, Kelsey, Brandt, Kristen, Brian and Evan.

VIsitation will be at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Wednesday, January 9, 2013 from 1:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary service following.

Funeral services will be Thursday January 10, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at St Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father Kerry Ninemire officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvalry Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church, 230 East Cloud Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

John Black, 66, Salina, died January 4, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. He was born September 11, 1946 in Hereford, Texas to Willis R. and Alma (Burkett) Black. He received a Juris Doctor degree from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. On January 23, 1971 he married Karen Lambert in Salina. He was an attorney and teacher.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; a daughter, Star Black of Portland, Oregon; a sister, Willisa Ensz and her husband Perry of Hutchinson, Kansas; his stepmother, Marlene Black of Salina; his brother-in-law, Dr. Paul Lambert and wife Donna, of Boise, Idaho; and four nieces and nephews, Kory Lambert of Chillicothe, Ohio, Molly Morrison, Deidre Mattox, and Derek Ensz, all of Hutchinson, Kansas.

There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2013 at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 230 E. Cloud, Salina. Inurnment will follow in the columbarium at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Salina. The family suggests memorials to the Salina Public Library. Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th, Salina, is handling arrangements.

Tonya M. Hodges
(March 27, 1973 – January 7, 2013)

A memorial service for Tonya will be at 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 14 at the First Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, please make make memorial contributions to the Tonya Hodges Memorial Fund which will be used for the girls’ education.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Carrie (Reed) Smith
(September 11, 1978 – January 9, 2013)

Carrie (Reed) Smith, 34, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Salina Regional Health Center.

Services for Carrie are pending and will be announced as soon as arrangements have been made.