Richard Deines Michaelis, born on January 19, 1948, in Great Bend, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska.  He was a dedicated professional engineer whose career spanned several decades and showcased his commitment to public service and civil engineering.  Raised in a hardworking family surrounded by faith in the Lord. He was baptized on February 22, 1948, and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith on May 21, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Milberger, KS. Richard began his work life at a young age on the family farm as well as his father’s excavating business, operating heavy

Darcy Lynn Hubka-Vopat, 37, of Russell, Kansas and former Wilson, Kansas resident, died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, Kansas. Darcy was born on September 1, 1987, in Salina, Kansas, the daughter of Ronald J. and Virginia E. “Ginny” (Lawrence) Hubka. Darcy grew up in Wilson, Kansas, and graduated from Wilson High School in the class of 2006. She met the love of her life and was united in marriage to Dustin A. Vopat on July 24, 2015, in Wilson, Kansas. From this union Darcy and Dustin were blessed with three children Bailey, Sydney

Marion M. (Evans) Oetting, 89, of Concordia, Kansas and formerly of Hays, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at Sunset Homes of Concordia. Marion was born March 28, 1935 on the family farm near Luray, Kansas.  She was the daughter of Jesse A. and Wilma M. (Kornmeyer) Evans.  She grew up and attended schools in the Luray area.  She was united in marriage to Loren H. Oetting on April 29, 1952 in Mansfield, Missouri.  This union was blessed with four children; Jean, Jane, Loren, Jr. and Lyle. Marion was a wonderful cook, candy maker and devoted wife and homemaker. 

FUNERAL SERVICE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE. Larry Naylor, 76, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at the Villages of Jackson Creek in Independence. Larry was born June 10, 1948 in Russell, Kansas.  He was the son of Alfred W. and Ruby A. (Clark) Naylor.  He grew up in Natoma, Kansas and graduated from the Natoma High School in the Class of 66. Larry served his country in the U.S. Air Force for over 22 years.   When he retired from the military, he was a Master Sargent.

Arleene Virginia (Duerksen) Kreier, 90, of Salina, Kansas, died on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her home in Salina, Kansas. Arleene was born June 7th, 1934, to John R. and (Ernabelle) June (Klump) Duerksen in Bessie, Oklahoma.  When she was a small child, the family moved to a farm about 4 miles northwest of Weatherford, Oklahoma.  Arleene attended high school in Weatherford and graduated with the class of 1952.  She then continued to live at home and rode the school bus into Weatherford to attend and graduated from Southwestern College in 1956 with a Bachelor Degree in Education.  Arleene’s first

Larry Matthew Morrill, 81, of Paradise, Kansas, died on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Larry was born on November 07, 1943, in Russell, Kansas, the son of John Cline and Edythe Laverne (Parrott) Morrill.  Larry grew up in the Russell County area in and around Luray, Kansas.  He graduated from Luray High School in the class of 1961 and from Fort Hays State University in 1967 with degrees in Agriculture and Biological Science. He was blessed with two children, Sheila and Monty.  He worked his family farm and enjoyed being outdoors, farming, and

James Howard “Jim” McKinnon, 68, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday December 14, 2024, at his home. Jim was born on February 09, 1956, in Laramie, Wyoming, the son of Howard and Inez (Seaton) McKinnon.  He grew up and graduated from high school in Laramie, Wyoming.  He lived in the Russell and Hays Kansas area for the last 20 years, working as a welder and machinist.  He was also an avid fantasy football player and longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan.  The surviving family includes his sister Anita G. Beach and husband Charles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, nephew Jude May of Salina,

Wayne Rudolph “Chief” Krug, 80, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Wayne was born February 11, 1944 in Russell, Kansas.  He was one of four children to Rudolph C. and Lorraine I. (Muth) Krug.  He grew up in Russell County and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1962.  He then attended Emporia State University before returning home to farm with his father on the family farm south of Russell. Wayne was a farmer and rancher most of his life.  He was very proud of his family’s

Susan Marie Marshall-Reinhardt, age 77 passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas. Susan was born on October 25, 1947, the daughter of Martin and Clarice (New) Reinhardt. Susan was a cherished member of her community, known for her kindness and generosity. Susan attended Russell High School, where she laid the foundation for a life filled with love and service. She first married Phillip Goettel, with whom she had two sons, Joseph and Brian. Her family expanded with the birth of her grandchildren, Kelly, Kevin and Shelbi Goettel, and her great-granddaughter, Julie Repass, all of whom she adored

Angeline Marie “Angie” Green, 96, of Russell, Kansas, died surrounded by her loved ones, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. Angie was born on July 03,1928, in Russell County, Kansas, the daughter of David C. and Amelia (Ehrlich) Ehrlich.  She grew up on the family farm east of Russell and attended rural Russell County schools.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Everett James Green on April 20, 1962, in Hastings, Nebraska.  From this union Angie and Everett were blessed with two children, Lionel and Gwenna.  Angie enjoyed being a