Alberta McNeill Woodard, daughter of the late George McNeill and Idella McLean McNeill, was born July 9, 1935 in Raeford, North Carolina. She was the eldest of ten children raised on a farm. She accepted Christ at an early age and served faithfully in the church. She was an excellent student in school and always gave her best effort. After graduating from high school she moved to New York City. She became a member of the late Bishop Otha Kelly’s church and was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost. It was there where she met her future husband Charles E.Woodard. They were married March 1, 1959. To this Union was added two lovely daughters, Teresa J. Woodard and Leresa J. (Hezekiah) Williams. Mother Alberta Woodard was committed to ministry and served with wholehearted dedication. She was a member of Kelly Temple Church of God In Christ, Full Gospel Mission Church of God In Christ and Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ. She served as Sunday school secretary and teacher. She served as a Pulpit Aide, Church Treasurer and Church Mother. Having a great love for children she also taught (Y.P.W.W.) Young People Willing Workers. She would canvas the neighborhood to get children to bring to service. Mother Alberta was employed as a sales person and cashier with Woolworth Inc. She was also employed at May’s Department store. She performed her job with excellence and was respected and highly regarded for her trustworthiness. Upon retiring from New York she moved with her husband to Salina, Kansas. Upon arrival in Salina she began to assist her husband in Pastoral Ministry. Utilizing the skills she had acquired while serving under the pastoral leadership she received in New York. She loved to praise God and was an ardent prayer warrior. She served faithfully and passionately until her health declined. Charles was an excellent caregiver ensuring that she always had everything she needed. When her health began to deteriorate and he could no longer provide the necessary care for her , she was placed in Kenwood View Health and Rehabilitation Center in Salina, Kansas. A dear friend who provided assistance and could always be depended on was Mother Lillie Smith Dunn. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of fifty six years Charles E. Woodard; two daughters, Teresa Woodard of Jamaica, New York, Leresa (Hezekiah) McEaddy of Silver Springs, MD; six sisters, Pauline (Billy) Craig of Fayetteville, NC, Maggie Hill (Fred Deceased) , Linda Windley, Rebecca McNeill, Louise McNeill all of Raleigh, NC, and Mavella (Joe) Dragg of La Plate, MD; two brothers, Willie (Ellen) McNeill of Raeford, NC, Johnnie (Beverly) McNeill of Bloomfield, Ct; one sister in law, Dorthea McNeill. Preceding her in death was her father George McNeill and Mother Idella (McLean) McNeill and one brother Carl McNeill; She has two granddaughters, Bria Leree and Kera Jewel. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
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Myron Lee Kindall was born July 10, 1956, in Norton, Kansas. He was the son of Kermit Roosevelt Kindall and Florence Evelyn (Walker) Kindall. Myron passed away on August 4, 2016, during the early morning hours. He was 60 years, 1 month, and 1 day old. The Kindall family lived in Norton County on a farm. He attended the Norton grade and high schools. He then attended NCK Technical College in Beloit, where he studied Electronics. It was at Beloit that he met the love of his life.
Myron was united in marriage to Peggy Lou Toews of Inman, Kansas on September 9, 1978. Peggy is the daughter of the late Marvin and Ina Mae Toews of Inman, Kansas.
Myron will be remembered as a very kind, loving, and happy individual. He never hesitated to help anyone in need. Even though he suffered numerous health issues, he lived his life to the fullest. He loved to garden, canning his produce, and cooking was his passion. As for baking, he was the master. No one could bake cinnamon rolls as good as his mother’s except for Myron Lee.
In addition to his wife, Peggy, Myron is survived by two brother, Allen Kindall and wife, Cindy, Norton, Kansas and David Kindall and wife Charlotte, Norton, Kansas; and his brother-in-law, Charles Demoret, Simi Valley, California. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and many other friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Evelyn; sister, Fern; sister-in-law, Peggy Posson Kindall and niece, Crescent Kindall Elliott.
As per Myron’s, request, there will be no public funeral service. Cremation has taken place.
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WHITEWATER – Vicki Jo Eads, age 71, formerly of Wichita, passed away August 3, 2016, at Newton Medical Center, Newton, Kansas. She was born April 13, 1945, in El Dorado, Kansas, the daughter of William Renaeu and Gertrude (Bowman) Eads. She held a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and had taught school. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Dietrich and Terry Tunender of McLoud, Oklahoma; her son Michael Dietrich and companion Victoria Blanchat of Wichita; three brothers: Chuck Eads and wife Karen of Derby; Rick Eads of San Antonio, Texas; and David Eads of Los Angeles, California; 3 grandchildren: Candice Tunender of McLoud, Oklahoma; Anthony Tunender of Del City, Oklahoma; and Chad Davis of Parker, South Dakota; and 6 great-grandchildren: Ryan, Elizabeth, Michael, Vanar, Alexa, and Wyatt. Visitation will be held from 6 – 8:30 p.m., Friday, Lamb Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 6, 2016, at Lamb Funeral Home, 120 S Main, Whitewater, KS, 67154. A Memorial Fund has been established for ESS Breakthrough Club. Online Condolences: www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.
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Ronald Roy “Ron” Smith, 87 died August 4, 2016 in Manhattan, KS. He was born on March 21, 1929 in Clay Center, Kansas the son of Roy D. and Daisy M. (Halverson) Smith. Ron was raised in Clay Center and graduated from CCCHS in 1947. He attended the University of Kansas receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1951. Following graduation, Ron enlisted in the US Navy and attended Officers Candidate School in Newport RI. He was Commissioned an Ensign. Ron was a line officer on Naval Amphibious Vessels. In 1955 he transferred to Reserves from active duty and retired in 1967 with a rank of Lieutenant, O3. Ron married Ruth Ann Woellhof on July 12 1959. She preceded him in death on March 25, 2016
Ron returned to Clay Center and began his banking career at Peoples National Bank, retiring in 1998 as Executive President and Director. He also, was a Director for Citizens State Bank of Miltonvale from 1988 to 2012 to complete 57 years in Banking.
Ron was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church, Rotary Club, American Legion, Masonic Lodge and B.P.O.E., all of Clay Center, the KU Alumni Assn., Clay county Hospital Foundation and Clay Center Improvement Foundation. Ron also served on the Clay County Housing Board for 46 years.
Ron was also preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors:
Daughter: Julie Smith, Clay Center, KS
Son: Mark Smith and companion Cathryn, Newport, N.C.
2 Granddaughters and a Great-granddaughter
Funeral Services: August 11, 2016 at 10:30 at the Clay Center United Methodist Church in Clay Center , KS
Minister: Pastor Ryan Lynch
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas
Visitation: Wednesday August 10, 2016 from 3-8 PM at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home
Memorials: Clay County Hospital Foundation or Clay Center Zoo c/o the funeral home
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Kenneth Lee Geren, 69, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 7:02 a.m., Sunday, July 31st, 2016 at McPherson Hospital.
Kenneth was born in Cherryvale, Kansas on August 1, 1946, a son of Ora Jane (Musgrove) and Floyd Ray Geren.
Kenneth attended Cherryvale grade schools, Cherryvale, Kansas, Park School, McPherson Junior High and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1965.
He attended First United Methodist Church McPherson, Kansas.
Through the years, Kenneth worked for Cee Jay Company as an apprentice worked for Poor John’s Appliance as a repairman; repairman for Crabbs Town and Country Store, owned and operated Authorized Service and later S & K Repair.
Kenneth enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, playing horseshoes, and spending time with his family.
Kenneth Lee Geren was united in marriage to Susan K. Skelton at McPherson, Kansas for 43 years. The young couple established their first home together in McPherson. The family moved to Inman for a twelve years before moving back to McPherson.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 43 years, Susan Geren, of McPherson, Kansas; his children, Andrew Geren, of McPherson, Kansas, Ray Geren and his wife Katherine, of Wichita, Kansas, and Tammy Geren, of McPherson, Kansas; his siblings, Jimmy Geren and his wife Susan, of McPherson, Kansas, Alvin Geren and his wife Margaret, of Windom, Kansas, Thelma Teasley, of Leesville, Louisiana, Sue Robertson and her husband John, of McPherson, Kansas, Bertha Cutsinger, of Inman, Kansas, and Patricia King, of Salina, Kansas; his four grandchildren, Adam Delort, Jacob Fasse, James Fasse, and Lillah Geren; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Floyd Geren, a brother Leon Geren, sister, Marjorie Williams, a niece Kay Williams, and a nephew, Jeff Robertson.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, McPherson, Kansas, with Reverend Darren Frazier officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kenneth L. Memorial Fund and they can be sent in care of the Glidden – Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.
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Roberta L. Reitsma, 72, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 2:52 p.m., Thursday, August 4th, 2016 surrounded by family, at her residence.
Roberta was born in San Bernardino, California on March 12, 1944, a daughter of Ruth (Sikes) and Robert H. Christy.
Roberta’s father was in the military and she attended many schools in several states and graduated high school from Sanborn Public School, Sanborn, Iowa in 1962. She then attended a business college in Sioux City, Iowa.
She was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church and was currently attending First Christian Church McPherson, Kansas.
Roberta was a homemaker and she took great pride in providing for her family in this manner. She later worked in the banking industry for several banks including BNC National Bank, McPherson, Kansas as a Mortgage Loan Assistant.
Roberta loved her family and they were of the utmost importance to her. She enjoyed knitting, shopping, watching her soap operas, and making jewelry. She loved her job and all the people she would see and meet.
Roberta L. Christy was united in marriage to Ronald R. Reitsma on September 8, 1962 at Sanborn, Iowa. The young couple established their first home together in Sanborn, Iowa. In 1969 the family then moved to Little River, Kansas for a year prior to moving to McPherson, Kansas.
She is survived by her husband Ron Reitsma, of McPherson, Kansas; her children, Rob Reitsma, of McPherson, Kansas, Ryan Reitsma, of McPherson, Kansas, Renee Williams and her husband Brad, of McPherson, Kansas; her sisters, Marsha Spykerman and her husband Vernon, of Sibley, Iowa and Joella Stratton and her husband Ed, of Winona, Minnesota; her 9 grandchildren, Kassi Reitsma, Chance Reitsma, Raine Reitsma, Ashley Willingham (Justin), Amanda Reitsma, Andrew Reitsma, Karlei Reitsma, Erin Heiman (Cody), and Jacayla Casebeer (Jess); her 9 great-grandchildren – Maleah, Ava, Adi, Jax, Eziekiel, Presley, Deegan, Holden, Mali, with one on the way, Kyden; several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruth Christy and a son, Randall “Randy” Roy Reitsma.
The memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, McPherson, Kansas, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 12th, 2016 with Pastor Lynn Scott officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roberta Reitsma Memorial Fund and they can be sent in care of the Glidden – Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid; McPherson, Kansas 67460.
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Freda Mae ( Foudray) Young, 89, passed away August 4, 2016. She was born on August 15, 1926 in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Charles Otis Foudray and Ruby (Childers) Foudray, the third oldest of four children. She graduated from Sterling high school where she met the love of her life, Ervin Young. She and Ervin were married on January 29, 1945. He proceeded her in death. Freda is survived by her two children, David and his wife Jane, Karen and her husband Bob Stephenson, three grandsons, Scott Young, Dan and Jess Craven, one step-grandson, Jack Rowlett, III, two great grandchildren Aidan and Alexandria Young, and three step-great- grandchildren, Steven Froeshle, and Madison and Jack Rowlett, IV.
She was loved by many and was known for her keen sense of humor. She and Ervin enjoyed traveling, reading and being with family. She was an avid fan of the KU basketball team. She loved country western music and especially Kenny Rogers.
They were life time members of the Reformed Presbyterian church. A graveside service was held in Sterling Community Cemetery, Sterling, Kansas on Saturday, August 6, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Animals Shelter in Sterling, Kansas, in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling Kansas.