Mixed Obits Sedgwick County Kansas Genealogy Trails

ALBRIGHT, HARRY E.

Albright, Harry E., 82, passed away on April 6, 2005. He was born September 13, 1922, in Hope, KS. While serving in the Army during WWII, he was captured in Anzio, Italy, was held as a POW in Germany for 18 months, and was liberated by U.S. troops. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. In 1949, he married Connie Lavin, who preceded him in death, and had three daughters. He was the President/Owner of Lavin's Men's Wear, retiring in 1971. He married Mary Jane Stone in 1970. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane Albright, Wichita, daughters Terri Amend (Richard) of Estes Park, CO, Martha of Overland Park, KS, and Lisa Phelps of Joplin, MO, step-daughter Kristen Pace (Kent) of Wichita, and two step-sons, John Andrew Stone (Barbara) of Olathe, KS, Bill Stone of Tulsa, OK, brother Lawrence Albright (Lois) of Wichita. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Memorials can be made to: Disabled American Veterans, Wichita Chapter, P.O. Box 16261, Wichita, KS, 67216. Services at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Burial to follow at Wichita Park Cemetery. (Wichita Eagle, April 9, 2005)

ARMSTRONG, CHARLES ROBERT "BOB"

Armstrong, Charles Robert "Bob", 92, retired mechanic for Boeing, died Sept. 22, 2005 in Burleston, TX. Graveside service will be 11:30 a.m. Monday at Wichita Park Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter, Darlene (Bill) Fitzpatrick of San Diego, CA; 7 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter. (Wichita Eagle, September 25, 2005)

BAESSLER, LILA LORRAINE (EVANS) CONE

Baessler, Lila Lorraine (Evans) Cone, 80, loving wife, mother and grandmother, retired from Sedgwick County Courthouse, died Sept. 17, 2005. Funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Old Mission Mortuary with viewing from 9 a.m. to service time. Burial following in Wichita Park Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Rhoda Evans; brother, Jack Evans; sister, Luella Simon. Survived by her husband, Keith; children, Sandra L. Cone Smith, Rick and Nancy Cone, Mike and Audrey Cone, James and Marcy Cone, Leisa and Rocky Milford; 10 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren all of Wichita; brother, Jim Evans of El Dorado. Memorial may be made to Faith Home Health and Hospice, 7804 E. Funston, Suite 203, Wichita, KS 67207. (Wichita Eagle, September 20, 2005)

BANZET, SAMUEL CLYDE

Banzet, Samuel Clyde, 83, hoisting engineer Local 101, passed away Feb. 20, 2005. Graveside service 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Wichita Park Cemetery. He was a member of North Star #168, Scottish Rite of Free Masons and Midian Shrine. Survivors: daughters, Viola Bailey of Shawnee, Sammie Peters of Kansas City, KS; grandsons, Chad (Alison) Bailey of West Harrison, IN, Billy (Crystal ) Peters of Kansas City, KS, Chris (Jamie) Peters of Overland Park; great-gr andchildren, Cole and Ashlyn Bailey, Samantha Peters and Erica and CJ Peters. Memorials to American Lung Association. (Wichita Eagle, February 22, 2005)

BELOOF, ROBERT L.

Beloof, Robert L., born Dec. 30, 1923. Died July 5, 2005. Services 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, University Friends Church; graveside 4:30 p.m., Wichita Park Cemetery. Public is invited. In lieu of flowers, family asks donations be sent to Ida and Robert Beloof Memorial Fund, Sunflower Community Action, 1528 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. (Wichita Eagle, October 15, 2005)

BENGEL, FRANK J. JR.

Bengel, Frank J., Jr., ret. Air Corps and B. and S. Aircraft Co. died August 21, 2004. Visitation with the family Tuesday, 8 to 9 pm. At Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. Graveside service 10:30 am Wednesday at Wichita Park Mausoleum Chapel. Preceded in death by first wife Ruth in 1976 and son John in 1992. Survivors: wife Maxine; daughters Kay Adams of Mulvane, Debra Adkins of Wichita Falls, Tx. and Phyllis Lindsay of Bulverde, Tx.; Step-children, William H. Riggins of Clearwater and Ruth Leeora Riggins Hartman of Tulsa, Ok. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial has been established with YMCA. (Wichita Eagle, August 24, 2004)

BENNINGER, HELEN

Benninger, Helen, 85, homemaker, died Mon., March 1, 2004. Service 2pm Thursday, Wichita Park Cemetery. Survivors daughter, Nancy & husband, Bill Trotter of Attica; sisters, Kris Keller, Pam Mundt; sister-in-law, Gladys Blase; niece, Flo Parker; grandchildren, Courtney & Phillip McCreery, Heather Trotter of Attica. Hillside Funeral Home East. (Wichita Eagle, March 3, 2004)

BLACK, VERNA LEOTA

Black, Verna Leota, 90, homemaker, died Saturday, March 19, 2005. She was the wife of Hubert A. Black, also deceased. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Wichita Park Cemetery Mausoleum. She is survived by: sons, Julius A. Black of Sanford, FL., and Jimmie R. Black of Wichita; brother, Paul Huff of Ocala, FL., and sister, Joyce Hargett of Harrisburg, OR; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. (Wichita Eagle, March 21, 2005)

BONTRAGER, LILLIAN MARGARET

Bontrager, Lillian Margaret, 84, formerly of Wichita, died Dec. 2, 2004 at her home in Topeka. Service 1 p.m. Saturday at Wichita Park Cemetery. Margaret was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She taught school and specialized in reading. During her career, she was in charge of special reading programs and was president of the Wichita Division of the International Reading Association. Margaret loved music, theater and the arts. She had a keen sense of humor and was known for her generosity and love for her fellow man. She was preceded in death by husband Ralph, survived by daughters, Lanette Farmer of Topeka, Melanie Shively of Kansas City, MO; 7 grandchildren. (Wichita Eagle, December 11, 2004)

BROUGHTON, NINA LOUISE

Broughton, Nina Louise, 81, homemaker, died March 22, 2004. Graveside service 2 p.m. Friday, Wichita Park Cemetery. Survivors: son, James of Arkansas City; sister, Peggy Scott of Derby; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. (Wichita Eagle, March 25, 2004)

BRYER, MANUEL LEE

Bryer, Manuel Lee, 76, retired construction worker, passed away April 7, 2005. Visitation Sunday 3-8pm & Monday 9am-8pm at Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, Graveside Service Tuesday 1pm at Wichita Park Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Lee Nell; sons, Steve of Kansas City, KS, Ray of Blodgett, OR & Darrell Bryer of Wichita; daughter, Gail Blackwill of Wichita; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Catherene Hunt of Norwich; brothers, Arthur Bryer of Ponca City, OK & Carl Bryer of El Dorado, OK; numerous nephews, nieces other relatives & friends. Memorials to American Heart Association. (Wichita Eagle, April 10, 2005)

BUPP, AUDREY I.

Bupp, Audrey I., 88, homemaker, died July 6, 2004. Memorial graveside service 10 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2004, Wichita Park Cemetery, 2500 N. Hillside. She was born March 19, 1916 to James H. and Verda Mae (Ferris) Rooks. She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Bupp in 1990. Survivors include: son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Wanda Bupp of Cheney; daughters, Sherrill Davidson of Wichita, Linda Broadhead of Homer, AK; brothers, Kenny Rooks of Haysville, Harold Rooks of Wichita; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, memorial s to Hospice Care of Kansas, 3241 E. Victor Place, Wichita,67208. (Wichita Eagle, July 20, 2004)

BUSCH, SHIRLEY

Busch, Shirley, 77, died July 16, 2004. Visitation 4-8pm Tuesday at Old Mission Mortuary; service 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church with burial at Wichita Park Cemetery. Survivors: husband, Robert; son, Larry, both of Wichita; daughters, Gail Busch Dimick of Lawrence, Maurita Busch, Debra Rice & Marquetta Martin, all of Wichita; brothers, Curtis & Crafton Barger, both of Kentucky; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Memorials to Botanica Gardens, Sedgwick County Zoo, or Hospice of Kansas. (Wichita Eagle, July 18, 2004)

CAROTHERS, LEONA G.

NEWTON - Leona G. Carothers, 95, died March 9, 2005, at Kansas Christian Home, Newton. She was born March 11, 1909, at Webb City, Mo. She was a resident of Newton since 1987. On Jan. 1, 1952, she married John R. Carothers at Wichita. He died Aug. 22, 2001. Survivors include: a stepdaughter, Mary Adams, Newton. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Wichita Park Cemetery, Wichita, with the Rev. Evelyn Dodge presiding. Memorials may be sent to Kansas Christian Home, in care of Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 East Broadway, Newton, KS 67114. (Wichita Eagle, March 12, 2005)

CARTTAR, RICHARD L.

Carttar, Richard L., 92, retired commercial photographer and lithographer, died Tuesday, August 30, 2005. Viewing at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East Friday from 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Graveside service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 3, 2005, at Wichita Park Cemetery. Survivors, son Robert, of Palm City, FL; daughters, Judy Lighty, of Overland Park, KS., and Janet Yoder, of Blue Springs, MO; brother, Gerald L. of Elwood, NE; one granddaughter. A memorial has been established with College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 East First Street, Wichita, Kansas, 67214. (Wichita Eagle, September 2, 2005)

COLLINS, IRENE V.

Collins, Irene V., age 86, retired VA Hospital employee, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2004. Graveside services will be 2:00 PM, Thursday at Wichita Park Cemetery. Survivors include, sons, Wilbur of Wichita and Alvin of Kaw City, OK; daughters, Carolyn Shilling and Evelyn Van Dyke both of Wichita; sisters, Reathel Maisch, Wichita and Mildred Brooks, Corpus Christi, TX; brother, Frank Inscho, Wichita; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Services by Broadway Mortuary (Wichita Eagle, December 14, 2004)

COX, LOIS KATHLEEN

Cox, Lois Kathleen, 76, retired lab technician for the medical industry, was born October 28, 1928 in Montreal, Canada to Thomas Kenna and Nina E. Clunas, and died December 9, 2004 in Wichita, KS. She is preceded in death by her husband Evert Cox. Survivors: companion, Carl Buchanan of Wichita; sons, Bishop Paul T.W.J. Martin, Sr. of Poplar, CA, Richard J. Martin, Sr. of Phoenix, AR, Wilfrid R.M. Martin, Sr. of Chattanooga, TN, Thomas K. Martin, Sr. of Joplin, MO, Evert D. Cox of Wichita; daughters, Elnora E. Watson of Wichita, Kathleen A. Snyder of Udall, Yvonne Y.M. Martin of Wichita, Alberta F. Smith of Independence, Elgea A.L.M. Huse of Wichita, Particia A. Cox, Kathy D. Flores, Dorothy M. Cox, all of Wichita; 41 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren. Memorial to American Diabetes Society. Visitation Sunday 1-5 p.m.; funeral services Monday 2 p.m, both at Old Mission Mortuary; burial at Wichita Park Cemetery. (Wichita Eagle, December 12, 2004)

CROFT, MARTHA E.

EL DORADO - Croft, Martha E., 82, homemaker and former teacher, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004. Service 11 a.m. Tuesday, Carlson Funeral Home; graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Wichita Park Cemetery.
Survivors: husband, John Croft of the home; son, Carlton Croft of Oklahoma City; daughter, Carolyn Croft of Bel Aire; grandchildren, Adam and Oliva Croft of Sun Dance, WY; nieces, Joan Nielsen of Springfield, SD, Joyce Davis of Belle Plaine. Memorials to First Presbyterian Church and Friends University. (Wichita Eagle, January 27, 2004)

CROWL, GLADYS H.

Crowl, Gladys H., 101, passed away Monday, Oct. 4, 2004 while staying with her daughter and son-in-law in Mesa, AZ. Gladys Helen Dunn was born in Columbus, KS on March 20, 1903 and grew up around Steppville and Turk, in the southeast corner of Kansas. She had five sisters, Mary, Lena, Bea, Sara and one surviving her, Mildred. As a teen, Gladys worked at a cafe to help support her sisters and parents in the early 1920's and while in Yates Center, KS, met and was married to Elbridge "Eddie" William Crowl, a fireman and engineer with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Gladys and Eddie lived in Wichita through the Great Depression and in 1940 they were blessed with their only child, a daughter, Mary Ann Crowl. Gladys worked in food service for many years, in Wichita at the Lassen Hotel and at John Marshall Middle School, where she baked thousands of pies and pastries for the school cafeteria. A resident of the Riverside area in Wichita since 1947, she was a long time member of the Riverside Christian Church. After Eddie passed away in 1975, she worked at McLeod's Bookstore for 11 years until retiring at the age of 84. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, O.E.S., Ivy Leaf Chapter No. 75. Gladys is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Striegel (John) of Mesa, AZ; two grandchildren, Kirsten Berndsen (Mark) of Mesa, AZ, Michelle Young (Jon) of Olathe, KS; three great-grandsons, Michael, Matthew and Adam; as well as her sister, Mildred Swope (Dick) of Wichita; eight nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fund for Cancer Treatment and Recovery for Mary Ann Striegel, to be received at the memorial service or sent in c/o Mary Ann Striegel, 1436 N. 107th Place, Mesa, AZ 85207. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, 2004 at Hillside Funeral Home West, 2929 W. 13th St., Wichita. Interment will follow at Wichita Park Cemetery, 2320 N. Hillside Ave., Wichita, KS. (Wichita Eagle, October 8, 2004)

CURTIS, GLADYS LOUISE

Age 94, died Christmas Day December 25, 2004. A lifelong resident of Lansing, Gladys was born at St. Lawrence Hospital on March 12, 1910. She graduated from St. Mary Cathedral High School in 1928. She married Art Curtis in 1931 and was very proud of the six children they raised. She loved her family, all animals, babies, garage sales, and playing cards. She was a member of St. Therese parish. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Arthur in 2000. She is survived by her 6 children, Karen (John) Simmer, Bryan (Gayle) Curtis, Jeffrey (Cathy) Curtis, Penny Curtis, Steve (Colleen) Curtis, Kelly (Eric) Nutter; Daughter-in-law, Janice (Bob) Anderson; sister-in-law, Shirley (Marvin) Davis; sister-in-law, Leona Hengesbaugh; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and beloved companions, Baby, Bobby, and Tess. A Memorial Mass celebrating Gladys' life will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 30, St. Therese Church, 102 W. Randolph, Lansing, with Fr. Michael J. Williams, Presiding. Rite committal St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. For those desiring, contributions in Gladys' name may be sent to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River, Lansing, MI 48906. Arrangements by Tiffany Funeral Home. (Wichita Eagle, December 28, 2004)

DARMER, MARGARET MARY

Darmer, Margaret Mary, born May 27, 1912, died February 18, 2005. Preceded in death by parents, Charles Oscar Darmer and Cora Mark Darmer and brother, Mark Robertson Darmer. Survivors, sister-in-law, Jean Darmer Crisp, three nieces, Judy Darmer Ferguson, Susan Darmer Brundidge and Linda Darmer Ladd all of Dallas, TX; and special friends, Winnie Wiley Wohlgemuth and Bennie and Vi Hurlock and numerous nieces and nephews. Margaret was a lifelong resident of Wichita where, in 1883, her maternal grandparents became charter members of Brown Memorial Reformed Church that became First Evangelical and Reformed Church and later First Salem United Church of Christ. For many years, Margaret taught piano and organ. She was a member of Eastern Star. Margaret enjoyed Bible study, crocheting, embroidery and reading. Margaret had a lively mind, keen sense of humor and a deep love for her family. Always living modestly, Margaret inspired us all with her deep faith, grateful attitude, contented heart and joyous spirit. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Monday at Wichita Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Salem United Church of Christ. Services by Broadway Mortuary. (Wichita Eagle, February 20, 2005)

DAVIS, LILA ANN SELFRIDGE

Davis, Lila Ann Selfridge, 70, homemaker and teacher, died Saturday, July 24, 2004. She was born August 13, 1933 in her grandparent's home in Mt. Hope, KS. She was graduated from Wichita High School North in 1951 and from the University of Wichita in 1955, with degrees in home economics and piano. She taught school in Kansas City, KS and in California. She has lived in Ventura County, CA since 1964, where she was active in PTA, Medical Auxiliary and various church groups. After her children were grown, she began a 20-yer business of creating, selling, and teaching the art of decorating bird's eggs. She had recently moved to San Ramon, CA to live with her daughter. Her mother, Loietta Ives Selfridge and her parents, Oliver John and Margaret Selfridge, preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Mark and his wife Beth Hostetler of Walnut Creek, CA, her daughters, Cynthia Villanueva of San Ramon, CA, Denise and her husband Hector Guzman of Ventura, CA, seven grandchildren, brother, Dr. John Selfridge of Manhattan, KS, sister, Dr. Martha Housholder of Wichita, and her aunt, Mable Ives Hutcheson of Wichita. Private inurnment at Wichita Park Cemetery. Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Friday, August 13, 2004, at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway. An additional Memorial Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on August 28th in Ventura, CA. Memorial with The Pipe Organ Fund at First United Methodist Church. (Wichita Eagle, August 8, 2004)

DAWSON, GERALD ROSS

Dawson, Gerald Ross, born Jan. 9, 1933 in Wichita, KS, passed away Feb. 9, 2006 in Kansas City, MO. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006, from 1-2 pm. in the chapel of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S. Blackbob Rd, Olathe, KS, with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment at a later date in Wichita Park Cemetery, Wichita, KS. Remembrances may be given in memory of Jerry to the National Kidney Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Ste. 204, Mission, KS 66202-4086, or to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Attn: SIC Unit, 4801 E. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64128. Mr. Dawson was born to Edward and Fern Dawson, and attended Wichita North High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950, and served our country for over four years. Upon returning from Korea, he married Earlene Clearwater in Port Orchard, WA. Later that year, Jerry and Earlene returned to Wichita, KS where he began working with The Boeing Co., which led to a long and successful career as a computer systems analyst. He retired from Farmland Industries in January of 1996. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Earlene Dawson, children Donald (Colleen) Dawson, Jay (Susie) Dawson, Mark (Joleene) Dawson, Sheryl (Tony) Baker, his sisters Sharon (Jimmie) Kiker and Karen (Lee) McCallister, seven grandchildren Jason, Tiffany, Brian, Tyler, Ashley, Tara, and Stephanie, and his first great-grandchild due in May. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Tony Dawson, in 1996. (Wichita Eagle, February 11, 2006)

DAYES, PAULINE M.

Dayes, Pauline M., passed away April 25, 2004. She was born Sept. 18, 1908 to James M. Ockerman & Sadie Weston Ockerman in Ft. Scott, KS. When the family moved to Pittsburg, KS, she transferred to the Training School, State Manual Training Program (now Pittsburg State University). She graduated from College High School in May 1926 and attended one semester at Pittsburg State Universi ty. The family moved to Wichita in June 1927. Pauline worked for Southern KS Stage Lines, later Santa Fe Trail and then Continental Trailways for 35 years, retiring in 1962. She married Fred E. Dayes April 30, 1943. He preceded her in death on April 27, 1971. Pauline was a charter member and elder ameritus of First Christian Church, Wichita. She held numerous offices at the church as well. She was a member of The Toastmasters Club. She had many friends and was beloved by all who knew her. Survivors: Ruth Dayes, San Diego, F.A. Ricky Dayes, Livonia, MI, Peggy and Terry Taylor, Topeka, Marilyn and Jay McQuillen, Bettendorf, IA; her adopted family, Lynn and Ron Lunsford, Kim, Doug, Kaitlyn and Amanda Rippel; Stacy, Troy and Ryan Jones; George Bever and Primary caregiver, Marvel Swinton. Service 10:30am Wed, First Christian Church: interment at Wichita Park Cemetery. Memorials: First Christian Church, 445 N. Market, Wichita, KS. Old Mission Mortuary. (Wichita Eagle, April 27, 2004)

MEDLEY, JAMES A.

Services for James A. Medley, 76 of 247 S. Hillside, retired service station operator, will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Resthaven Mortuary. Burial will be in Resthaven
Gardens of Memory. He died Thursday. Born in Springfield, Missouri, he came to Wichita in 1943 from Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Survivors include his widow, Bertha; a son, Arthur F., and a daughter, Mrs. Bernice Evans, both of Kansas City, Mo.; a brother Richard, Excelsior Springs, Mo., and a sister, Mrs Lettie Powell, Alabama. (Wichita Eagle/Beacon September 9, 1970 (Wednesday)

(Note from Marge Medley: Obit did not include my father James Albert Medley who passed in 1964, Springfield, Greene, Missouri. Bertha Medley was fourth wife of James Arthur Medley)

MEDLEY, BERTHA M.

Mrs Bertha Medley to be buried Monday. Mrs Bertha M. medley, 66 of 247 S. Hillside, died Thursday, Services will be at 2 pm, Monday at the Resthaven Mortuary. Burial will be in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Born at Blanch, Mo., Mrs Medley came to Wichita in 1943 from Medicine Lodge, Kan. She worked for a sign company in Wichita during World War II and later at Buck's department store a short time. Her husband James A., died in September. Survivors include a stepson Arthur S., Kansas City, Mo., a stepdaughter, Mrs Bernice Evans, Kansas City, Mo.; three brothers, T.F. Stephens, Wichita, Luther Stephens, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Moses Stephens, Drury, MO., and five sisters, Mrs Lou Parsons, Mountain Grove, Mo., Mrs. Florence Firrell, Norwood, Mo., Mrs Grace Williams, Rago, Kan., Mrs. Fay Fleetwood, Gainesville, Tex., and Mrs. Ratha Fleetwood, Maude, Okla. (Wichita Eagle/Beacon, Thursday, October 1970)