Leslie Lee Harold Williams Jr., 96, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away May 9, 2019.

He was born January 28, 1923, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Mabel C. Duncan and Leslie Lee Harold Williams Sr. He was raised in Neosho Falls, KS, by his mother Mabel and his maternal grandmother, Mary B. Duncan. He had one younger brother, Howard D. Williams, now deceased.

From a young age, Les worked hard at various jobs, such as delivering newspapers, running errands, and sweeping in a shop. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, at the age of 19. He was a WWII and Korean War veteran. His love for his country ran deep, and he was proud of what America had accomplished throughout his years. He was stationed in Illinois, Missouri, Virginia, New Mexico, and eventually at Fort Riley, KS. He served during WWII in London, Paris, and Germany. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Japan.

Once he left the Army, Les settled down in Junction City, KS. He worked as a janitor and a cook for many years. He loved to cook for himself and for others, and did so until he physically was unable to. Even then he had an opinion on the cooking of others.

Aside from cooking, Les enjoyed fishing, playing cards, classical music, and reading. A few of his loves were a good t-bone steak, peppermints, the Royals, and the Chiefs.

Les had a wry sense of humor and a kind and generous heart. He was known by his friends for his charitable nature and stubborn independence. We will miss his presence.

Johnson Funeral Home of Junction City is assisting with arrangements.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 25, 2019, from 9:15 am. to 10:00 am. at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, 1705 McFarland Rd., Junction City, KS.

Funeral services will be held after visitation at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.

Burial to be held at a later date due to weather conditions.

Michael Boltz, 66, of Manhattan, died Monday, May 20, 2019 at his home in Manhattan. He was born August 11, 1952 at Sterling, KS, the son of Vernon O. and Lois Jean (Holmes) Boltz.

He attended school in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield High School.

He was a former member of the Junction City Church of The Nazarene, and a member of the Shrine Temple in Wamego. He also was a former member of the Army National Guard.

Michael was a retired Supervisor for Kansas Gas Service, having worked for the company 31 1/2 years. Michael was also the owner/operator of Michael B’s Music, where he would sing and provide music for various occasions.

Michael married Faith Hodge on June 21, 1999 in Manhattan. Faith survives of the home. Other survivors include: 3 sons, Nathan Boltz and his wife Catherine, Shawnee, KS, Travis Boltz, Phoenix, AZ, and Stephen Pretzer and his wife Ashley, Overland Park; 2 daughters, Tobey Polynin and her husband Rob, Cave Creek, AZ, and Cassandra Nelson and her husband Adam, Randolph; a brother, Roger Boltz, Alma; 2 sisters, Peggy Melton and her husband Karl, Overland Park, and Pam Boltz-Popovich, Alma; and 7 grandchildren, Ethan, Avery, Brynlee, Jacob, Watson, Brooklyn, and Layton. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant brother, Terry Boltz.

It was Michael’s wish to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 21, 2019 at the Milford Lake Conference Center at Acorns Resort, 3710 Farnum Creek Road, Milford. A social gathering will follow that evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Blue Hills Room, 2315 Tuttle Creek Boulevard, Manhattan.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Michael Boltz Memorial Fund, sent in care of Faith Boltz, 3505 Claflin Rd., Manhattan, Kansas, 66503.

Johnson Funeral Home, Junction City, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Dean E. Cross, age 52, of rural Manhattan, died May 15, 2019, at Stormont-Vail Health in Topeka as the result of a massive heart attack.

He was born October 7, 1966, at Fort Riley, Kansas, the son of Paul L. Cross, Sr., and Laura Lee (Parker) Cross.

Dean graduated from Manhattan High School with the class of 1986.

Dean’s lifetime passion was trucking and he was a self-employed semi-truck driver and hauled cattle throughout the Midwest.

He grew up in the First Presbyterian Church.

Dean loved horses and his Australian Shepherd dogs. He also was a farrier for horses and enjoyed working on his semi.

Dean was married to Mary Pat Hassett. They later divorced.

Survivors include his two daughters: Haleigh and Melisa Cross both of Manhattan; his sister Audrey Moran and her husband Jerry of Arlington, VA; and two nieces and one nephew: Andrea, Ashley and Justin.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and by two brothers: Robert C. Cross and Paul L. Cross, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 28th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend David Jones officiating. Cremation will follow the service with private family inurnment at a later date in Valley View Memorial Park east of Manhattan.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Monday, May 27th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Ranch. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Charles “Charlie” Hale Ritchie, 65, of McFarland, Kansas, died Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Stormont-Vail Health Center in Topeka.  He was a life-long resident of the area.

​Charlie was born on December 16, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Jake F. and Dorothy L. Schlink Ritchie.  He attended local schools and Wamego High School.

​Charlie owned and operated A1 Painting for over thirty years. He did both interior and exterior painting.  He loved fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting and golf.  He was an avid KU Basketball fan.  Charlie also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and playing cards.

​Charlie married Victoria Ann Eichem on October 25, 1974, in Topeka.  She survives at their home.

​Charlie is also survived by his children; Chuck Ritchie (Amanda), Westmoreland and Rennee McClusky (Matt), McFarland; his grandchildren, Kyler, Trapper and Cutter Ritchie, all of Westmoreland and Matthew, Haley, Nicole, Jack, John and Michelle McClusky, all of McFarland; and his sister, Betty Bame, Topeka.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald Lingenfelser.

​Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 24, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland.  Reverend Chris Vossler will be officiating.  The family will greet friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 2:00 pm.  They suggest memorial contributions to help with funeral expenses, and those may be made to Campanella-Gentry Funeral Home in Alma.

Funeral services for Ross Dwayne Coup, age 87, of Hope, will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Carlson-Becker Funeral Home in Hope with Pastor Tim Clevenger officiating. Mr. Coup passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Enterprise Estates Nursing Home.

He was born September 26, 1931 in Hope the son of Jesse and Edith (Morehouse) Coup. He graduated from Hope High School and attended K-State for a year. Dwayne served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Dwayne was a mechanic for over 30 years and in 1971 he built and was the owner of Coup Standard Filling Station in Hope. He was a member of the St. Phillips Catholic Church and was part of the Hope Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years.

On June 9, 1953 he married Mary Weber in Herington. She passed away March 1, 1991. Dwayne is survived by his daughters Patricia Coup of Colorado, Caroline (Donald) Schmalz of Peyton, Colorado, sons Guy (Jennie) Coup of Chapman, Ross (Deb) Coup of Hope, Jess Coup of Hope, brothers Leon Coup of Hope, Dan (Pat) Coup of Hope, his sister Ardys Ann (Joel) Eaton of Hertford, North Carolina, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary, and his parents.

Cremation is planned and there will be no visitation. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hope Museum and may be sent in care of the Carlson-Becker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 355, Hope, Kansas 67451.

Marvin E. Stenzel passed away at his home in Wamego, Kansas on May 19^th, 2019 following a long illness at the age of 65. He was born and raised in Ness City, Kansas. He retired from Kansas Gas Service in Great Bend Kansas.

He is survived by his wife Donna,  and daughters Mandi (Jeremy) Armon, Candi (Tommy) Miner. Stepdaughters Amy Unruh, Lisa (Spencer) Parsons, and step son Bryan (Lisa) Unruh. Eleven Grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Mr. Stenzel’s wishes were to have his remains bequeathed to medical science at the University of Kansas Medical School. A memorial service will be planned and service information will be announced later.

Elizabeth Marie Richardson, age 15, of Manhattan, died May 17, 2019, at her residence.

She was born April 28, 2004, at the Irwin-Army Hospital at Fort Riley, Kansas, the daughter of John Edward Richardson, Jr. and Allison Renah (Oxendince) Richardson.

Elizabeth was in 9th grade at the Manhattan High School East Campus.

She enjoyed drawing, playing the flute and ukulele, plants, animals and was a Marvel buff. Her dream was to be in the film industry.

Elizabeth is survived by her parents of the home; three siblings: Dakota Oxendine currently in the Marines and in Manhattan, Joshua Richardson currently in the Marines in Japan, and Malinda Richardson of the home; grandparents: Mary Oxendine of Pembroke, NC, and Mike & Linda Towne of Las Vegas, NV; great grandparents: Lillie Mae Oxendine of Lumberton, NC, Rachel Collins of Virginia Beach, VA, and J.T. Jacobs of Lumberton, NC; and a large extended family.

A Celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 29th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel with Reverend Ben Duerfeldt officiating. Interment will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Tuesday, May 28th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Katie’s Way. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.