Ronald L. “Ron” Montgomery, 81, and Marlene B. (Mattas) Montgomery, 78, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Marlene passed Thursday, April 7, 2016 in Topeka, KS. Ron passed Monday, April 11, 2016 in Topeka.
Ron was born February 21, 1935 in Anthony, KS to James E. Montgomery and Mary P. (Oliver) Montgomery. Marlene was born January 3, 1938 in Ellsworth, KS to Albert C. Mattas, Jr. and Marie A. (Jiricek) Mattas. Ron spent his early years in Hutchinson, KS and Marlene grew up on a farm near Black Wolf, KS. Ron’s family moved to Ellsworth in 1947 when Ron’s parents bought F&M Drug.
Ron and Marlene had their first date on April Fools Day. They met for dinner at a Chinese Restaurant in Salina.
Ron and Marlene were married October 24, 1964 in Wilson, KS. They were longtime residents of Ellsworth where they were owners of F&M Healthmart. Ron was a pharmacist having received his degree from the University of Kansas. Marlene was the office manager taking care of all of the administrative duties at the pharmacy. She received her degree from Kansas State University. They were members of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth where Ron was also involved with the Knights of Columbus and Marlene was actively involved in numerous church committees. In the last few years, they had moved to Manhattan, KS where they were active in the St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Ron and Marlene enjoyed traveling around the US and the world and going on adventures together. They traveled to Germany to meet their newborn grandson in 2000, and visited Mom’s ancestry country of Czechoslovakia. Their favorite trip was their trip to Rome where they visited the Vatican. Always very active and involved, they devoted their time to Catholic organizations.
Ron and Marlene are survived by their daughter, Kris Bethea and husband John Connett of Topeka; son, Drew Montgomery and wife Linda of Pearland, TX; grandson, Kevin Loric Bethea of Topeka; and Ron’s brother, Jim Montgomery and wife Helena of Daytona Beach, FL. They were both preceded in death by their parents.
Visitation: 1-7 p.m., Friday, April 15, 2016 at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Vigil/Rosary service: 7:00 p.m., Friday following visitation at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2016 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth. Burial will follow in the Wilson Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Adoption Services, c/o Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439 or at by clicking here.
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MARION – Irene D. Werner, age 91, passed away April 13, 2016, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion, Kansas. She was born December 31, 1924, in McKees Rock, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Joseph and Ivka (Naglich) Kos. On April 27, 1946, she was united in marriage to Frank H. Werner. She was a retired legal secretary. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank in 2006; and recently a daughter Janet “Jan” Smith. She is survived by her son Frank W. Werner of Marion; a daughter Kathryn Werner of New York; a son-in-law Phil Smith of Lincolnville; a step-sister Margaret Mahoney of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania; 3 grandchildren: Amy Pagenkopf and husband Brad of Lost Springs; Mark Smith and wife Lori of Lincolnville; and Jesse Smith and wife Ashton of Pilsen; and 4 great-grandchildren: Braden Pagenkopf, Garhett Pagenkopf, Elizabeth Smith and Sydney Smith. All services will be held at Zeiner Funeral Home of Marion, with the Visitation from 6 – 8 p.m., Thursday evening, and the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 15, 2016. Reverend Don Mashburn will officiate the service. Interment will be in the Lincolnville Cemetery. A Memorial Fund has been established for St. Luke Living Center in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS, 66861. Online Condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.
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MARION – Billie B. Hurtig, 83, passed away April 12, 2016, at Salem Home in Hillsboro. She was born April 28, 1932, at Council Grove, the daughter of Harold and Mabel (Ashley) Thornbrugh. She was a nurse’s aide. She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Hurtig, a son Timothy Hassenplug, and siblings Larry, Jim and Max Cade. She is survived by her daughters: Pamela Hurtig of Salina; and Patricia Kaspar of Goessel; a step-son Muke Hurtig of Marion; siblings Jerry Cade and Patricia Smith of Wichita; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2016, at Zeiner Funeral Home of Marion. Private family Inurnment will be in the Delphos Cemetery. A Memorial Fund has been established for the family’s choosing in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS, 66861. Online Condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.
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Kenneth Lee Regier, 88, of Galva, KS, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, surrounded by family at his home in Galva. He was a truck driver for 60 years and was also a farmer and cattleman.
Kenneth was born on March 20, 1928, in Harvey County, KS, the son of David E. and Mildred Evelyn (Hughes) Regier. On May 1, 1949, he married Estelle Mae Unruh at First Christian Church, McPherson.
He was a member of Wheatland Baptist Church, McPherson.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 66 years, Estelle of the home; four children, Gemma Rickner of McPherson, KS, Teresa Unruh and husband, Charles, of Canton, KS, Scott Regier and wife, Bonnie, of Bethany, OK, and Troy Regier and wife, Debbie, of Canton, KS; two sisters, Marilyn Weber of Lamar, CO and Norma Atiles and husband, Henry, of Citrus Heights, CA; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, David and Mildred Regier, a brother, John E. Regier, a sister, Darlene Scott, a grandson, Levi Charles Unruh, and a son-in-law, Larry K. Rickner.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, April 18, 2016, at Wheatland Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Post officiating. Burial will follow at Lone Tree Cemetery, Galva. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, April 17, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Wheatland Baptist Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
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DATELINE: Little River, Kansas
NAME: Alan James “A.J.” Stagner
AGE: 33
DATE OF DEATH: April 11, 2016
PLACE OF DEATH: Rural Little River
DATE OF BIRTH: February 1, 1983
PLACE OF BIRTH: McPherson, KS
PARENTS: James Allen and Donna J. Brazda Stagner
RESIDENCE: Lifelong Little River resident
OCCUPATION: He was an Exline employee of Salina
EDUCATION: He graduated from Little River High School, with the class of 2002
VETERAN: A.J. was a United States Army Veteran having served in Iraq, following his discharge he was a member of the Army National Guard.
MEMBERSHIPS: He attended the United Methodist Church, Little River.
DATE OF MARRIAGE: July 21, 2007
PLACE OF MARRIAGE: United Methodist Church, Little River
SPOUSE: Samantha Bowlby
SURVIVORS: Wife, Samantha Stagner, of the home; 3 sons, Ely, Zevin, and Ryder Stagner of the home; Mother, Donna Stagner of Little River; grandparents, Bob Stagner of Little River, and Carolyn McIntosh of Wichita; sister, Jill LaClair of Nickerson; and 4 nephews.
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: Father, James Stagner
FUNERAL SERVICES: 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 15, 2016 at United Methodist Church, Little River.
OFFICIATING: Rev. Joshua Johnson
BURIAL: Bean Memorial Cemetery with full military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard
VISITATION: 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons
MEMORIAL: Children’s Education Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons