Betty Ann Hedke, 80, of Wamego, Kansas, died Monday, September 16, 2019, at her home.  She was a long-time resident of the area.

​Betty was born on January 3, 1939, in Kingman, Kansas, the daughter of Lester and Velma Oller Yarberry.  She attended local schools and graduated in 1957 from Isabel High School.

​Betty was a bookkeeper and worked and retired from Dyer’s IGA in Wamego.  She also worked for Bit-O-Gold Cheese.  Betty was a member of the Wamego American Legion Auxiliary and served as Treasurer.  She also was a member of the Elks Lodge in Pratt, the GFWC Portia Club, and the United Methodist Church.  Betty loved to square dance in her early years and was an avid reader and loved to play cards especially Pitch.  She enjoyed working crochet, cross stitch and jigsaw puzzles.  She loved to cook and was known for her deviled eggs, fudge and Jello dishes.  She also enjoyed her Friday morning coffee group and traveling and one time sailed on a freighter from Los Angeles to Australia.  Betty loved her family and the times she could spend with them.

​Betty married Herbert Thomas Warren.  They were later divorced.  She then married Raymond Lee Crawford.  He preceded her in death.  On March 13, 2006, Betty married Arnold Hedke in Midland, Texas.  He survives at their home.

​Betty is also survived by her children; Michael Warren, Haysville, Brenda Kirkendall (Geoff), Lawrence, and Brian Crawford, Manhattan; her grandchildren, Thomas Bellinder (Lauretha), Amanda Rogers (Charly), Shawn Warren (Shelby), Nicole Benson (Adam), Cameron Warren, Cael Warren and Lizette Kirkendall; her great-grandchildren, Victoria, Isabelle, Landon and Robbi; her sisters, Belva  Dauner, Bend Oregon and Linda Shelk (John), Powell Butte, Oregon; six step-children; Dennis, Mike, Mary, Mark, Tom and Fran; ten step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.  Betty was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Randall Warren.

​Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Campanella-Evans Mortuary in Wamego.  Betty will lie-in-state on Friday beginning at 3:00 pm and the family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, September 23, 2019, at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Pratt, Kansas.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Big Lakes Development Center and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Leroy Paul Christner was born at the Herington Municipal Hospital on December 13, 1948 to Simon “Sipe” and Gertrude Irene (Steely) Christner.  He had two brothers, Harold Floyd,Wendell Lee, and a sister, Ella Gertrude Christner.

Whitey graduated from Centre High School with the class of 1966.  He was drafted in the U. S. Army, May 23, 1968.  He was honorably discharged December 22, 1969, and allowed an early out for serving a tour of duty overseas.  He went to work for Tox-O-Wik and Tatge Chemicals.  From there he was hired as a rural letter carrier in Council Grove.  After having numerous flat tires from the rural mail carrier flint rock roads, he transferred to the Herington Post Office.  His main position was maintenance/letter carrier, and he filled in wherever needed. He retired in 2013.

Whitey was an avid fisherman.  He had his favorite cap, drink, and fishing pole he would take to his favorite fishing hole.  Copperheads liked his fishing holes, too, and he was always on the lookout for them.  He would either smash their heads or shoot them.  One of the ones with a smashed head made it to the Herington High School science lab and was kept in formaldehyde in a jar for quite a few years. He was never bitten by the snakes. He caught many prize winning fish and there were several stories written about him in the local newspaper. His last words in his final telephone conversation were, “are the fish biting?”    When he was not fishing he was hunting.  Once upon a time there was a bobcat going to have him for lunch but Whitey was quick to the draw and the bobcat became a stuffed one in his home. Whitey was a friendly guy and close to his neighbors and their pets.

Whitey is preceded in death by his brother, Harold F. Christner on January 25, 2014, and his parents.

Whitey was an attentive and caring father.  He is survived by his two sons, Paul Michael Christner of Augusta, KS, James Allen Christner (wife-Kate) of Herington; one brother, Wendell Christner (wife-Debbie) of McPherson, KS, one sister, Ella Kresky of Salina, KS; and three grandchildren, Evan Christner, Natalie Christner, and Caden Christner.

Graveside services with military honors will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Lost Springs Cemetery, Pastor Stan Norman, officiating.  Family will receive friends Wednesday evening at the Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral Home-Herington, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

The family requests memorials to the Wounded Warriors Foundation; and may be sent in care of the Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral Home-Herington Chapel,  404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449-3038.

Mr. John W. Williams, 59, of Junction City, departed this life on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Geary Community Hospital.

On the 20th day of September, 1959, in Junction City, Kansas, Rector and Laura K. Williams were blessed with the birth of their son John. John was an only child.

During the early years of his life, his family lived in Junction City, where he was raised and received his education and later graduated with the Class of 1977 of Junction City High School.

On June 26, 1994, John married Michele E. Turner. They later divorced in 2014.

To most he was known as Johnny, or J.W. He loved spending time with his kids, talking to everyone when he went anywhere, and fishing.

During his life he shared and enjoyed friendships with many. He will forever missed, but forever remembered by his daughter, Shandel E. Williams; his son, John A. Williams; a host of cousins from Texas, and other sorrowing relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, October 5, 2019, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., at the Johnson Cremations-Funerals-Receptions, 203 N. Washington, Junction City.

The family ask that you please bring any pictures you may have and any stories you would like to share.

Donna Dee Inskeep, age 79 of Concordia, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the Mount Joseph Senior Village in Concordia.

She was born on August 10, 1940 in Coffeyville, the daughter of Ivan Prentice and Aileen Ruth (Crull) Foster.

On January 20, 1961, she was married to Archie Inskeep.  This union was blessed with two children.  They later divorced.

Donna was a homemaker while her children were in school.  Later in life, she moved to Nashville and worked for Hospital Corporation of America.  While there, she was a member of Nashville Songwriter’s Group.  Locally, she was a member of the Riley Presbyterian Church and was the Troop Service Director for the Kaw Valley Girl Scout Council.

She is survived by one daughter, Laurel Wurtz and husband Dana of Clifton; one son, Tom Inskeep and wife Susan of Riley; five grandchildren, Jennifer Spero (Stephen), Sarah Inskeep, Daniel Wurtz (Morgan), Jonathan Wurtz and Jessica Wurtz and one great grandson, Weston Wurtz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ronal Foster.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the Riley Presbyterian Church with Pastors Gerry Sharp and Kevin Larson officiating.  Immediately following the service will be a luncheon and a time of visitation and fellowship.  Private family inurnment will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville.

A memorial has been established for the Riley Presbyterian Church and may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Margery Jean Burgman, age 94 of Leonardville, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

She was born on December 13, 1924 in Hutchinson, the daughter of Ora A. and Flossie C. (Holdeman) Manny.

On August 15, 1946 in Hutchinson, she was married to Harold Warren “Sprug” Burgman.  He preceded her in death in 2017.

Margery worked at Vega Airplane Plant in Burbank, California from 1942-1945, the Randolph Post Office from 1947-1958, owned and operated Burgman’s Lockers in Leonardville with her husband from 1958-1976 and worked at Bletscher’s Radio and Electric in Leonardville from 1976 until her retirement in 1996.  She was a member of the American Legion Memorial Unit, Leonardville City Library Board and the Leonardville Senior Citizens.

She is survived by three daughters, Kathern Stocker and Jim of Merriam Woods, Missouri, Wanda Alderson and John of Clay Center and Linda Wanamaker of Manhattan; one brother-in-law, Leo Burgman of Leonardville; three sisters-in-law, Judy Springer of Hanover, Sharon Harding of Leonardville and Sandra Rightmeier of Randolph; nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Melvin Manny; three sisters, Velva Bradford, Betty Short and Dorothy Harrah and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 23, 2019 at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday.  Burial will be in the Randolph Fancy Creek Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for the Margery Burgman Memorial Fund and contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.

Mary Ann Laverentz, age 77, of Manhattan, Kansas died Thursday September 12, 2019 at the Kansas University Health System – Kansas City.

She was born on January 28, 1942 in Junction City, Kansas, the daughter of Earl and Hazel (Larson) Berry. She grew up in the area and graduated from White City High School with the class of 1960. Mary Ann attended the Kansas State Teacher’s College in Emporia and earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

Mary Ann taught music at South Hutchinson Elementary School in South Hutchinson, Kansas for 20 years. She loved music and the opportunity to teach and share it with children. She gave private piano lesson to many kids over the years and refused to ever stop. Continuing up to just a month before her passing.

Mary Ann was an avid and devout Christian and dedicated mother, grand-mother and great-grand-mother. She displayed her Faith through her love, example, and kind words to all her loved ones and friends.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brother, William Berry and her twin grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Karla Johnson of Manhattan and Kelly Johnson (Alison) of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, her sister, Helen Gartner (Dave) of Lynchburg, Virginia, her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Mary Ann will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Blue Valley Memorial United Methodist Church, 835 Church Avenue in Manhattan, with Pastor Mark Hitzfeld officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday September 17, 2019 at the White City Cemetery in White City, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the KSU Foundation. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Merle LeRoy Lietz, 95, went to be with his Lord on September 12, 2019.  Merle was born June 11, 1924, to William and Emma (Hauer) Lietz in rural Paxico, KS, in the Vera community.

​He was baptized on July 6, 1924, and re-affirmed his baptismal faith when he was confirmed on July 5, 1938, at Trinity Lutheran Church, McFarland, KS. His confirmation verse was Hebrews 13:5—“Be content with such things as you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

​He attended local schools and graduated from Maple Hill High School in1941. He was the owner–operator of Lietz Construction Company for over 70 years.  He was blessed with a servant heart and enjoyed his many customers, serving his community and his church in many capacities through the years.  He was married to Nora Jean (Gehrt) Lietz on May 2, 1948, at Trinity. They were blessed with three daughters: Sheryl, Jean Anne, and Linda; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His family was very special to him.

​He was a life-long member of Trinity, McFarland, where he served in many capacities.  He first served as chairman of the congregation at the age of 19 and in the years following, in nearly every office including chairman, elder, and youth leader.

He served in the church at large on the Kansas District LCMS Board of Directors, Chairman of several District stewardship drives, Chairman of LCMS 150th Anniversary Committee and the 100th Kansas District anniversary. He was also honored to serve on the Synod’s Council on Stewardship where he received special recognition for his six years of service.  He was honored to receive the Christus Vivit Award from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1993 for his service to church and community.  “To God be the Glory.”

Some of the best years of his life was his involvement with the International Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL) where he was blessed to serve locally, in the Zone and as Kansas District Vice-President, President and on the International Board as Region 9 Governor and Financial Secretary.

He and his wife, Norie, attended 48 consecutive Intl. LLL conventions all over the United States and Canada where they met and enjoyed life-long friends.  This was always considered their yearly vacation, but the theme of Lutheran Hour Ministries, “Bringing Christ to the Nations,” was most important to Merle.  He was also a member of the Flint Hills Gideon Camp whose purpose also was to bring others to Christ as they placed Bibles all over the world.

Merle had a love for life and for people….never knowing a stranger and enjoyed being a part and serving the community.   He served on the School board (17 years), on the Wabaunsee County Fair Board (35 years) and the Wabaunsee Co. Planning Commission from it’s beginning (nearly 50 years).  He was a member of Farm Bureau, Soil Conservation Service, and a 50-year member of the Kansas Land Improvement Contractors Association (KLICA) and various other community organizations.

Merle was blessed with a poetic mind and known as the “Paxico Poet.” Over the years he has written six volumes (hundreds) of poems for friends and family for special occasions and his involvement in many organizations. He always had a poem for every special family occasion and Christmas letter each year and left a special legacy for his family.

He leaves his wife, Nora (Norie) of 71 years, his daughters Sheryl (David) Meier, Maple Hill, Jean Anne Lietz, Topeka, and Linda (Tom) Stanton, Hutchinson, six grandchildren, Cara (John) Brooks, Carisa Meier, Peter (Megan) Meier, Mendy (Jason) Brady, Rebecca (Jared) Wolfe and Nathan Stanton; and great-grandchildren Makayla Brady, Mason Brady, Kylie Brooks, Joshua Brooks, and Logan VanMeter. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother, Howard (Edna) Lietz and his sister, Norma (Herb) Stuewe and an infant grandson, Curtis Meier.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland, Kansas. Reverend Chris Vossler and Reverend Robert Grimm will be officiating.  Burial will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery on Snokomo Road.  The family will greet friends on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Church, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Merle will lie-in-state beginning at 5:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, McFarland, KS, Lutheran Hour Ministries, or Gideons International and those may be sent in care of Campanella-Gentry Funeral Home.