Hilda (Bender) Dietz, 96, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell. Hilda was born at the family home on September 20, 1926, in Russell County. She was the daughter of David and Mary (Dietz) Bender. She grew up in the Bender Hill area and attended country schools until high school. She graduated from Russell High School in 1944. She then attended two years at Ft. Hays State University before teaching all grades in a country school for three years. Hilda was united in marriage to Paul George Dietz on June 22,

Teresa Jean Craven, 74, of Larned, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 26, 2023 at Diversicare of Hutchinson, Kansas. Teresa was born July 17, 1948 in Russell, Kansas. She was the eldest of three children born to Arthur “Red” and Frances (Brown) Craven. Teresa graduated from Russell High School in 1966. After completing her Associate Degree in Nursing in 1974 from Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, Teresa began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas. Teresa became the Patient Education Coordinator for St. Anthony Hospital in 1980. Teresa completed training as an

Joyce Irene (Anschutz) Cobb-Barker, 87, of McPherson, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Joyce was born March 19, 1936 in Hays, Kansas. She was the daughter of Louis and Vivian (Thielen) Anschutz. She grew up in Dorrance, Kansas and graduated from Dorrance High School in the Class of 54. Joyce was united in marriage to Denis Cobb on September 4, 1954 in Russell. This union was blessed with three children; Mitchell, Curtis and Laura. They made their home in Russell. Denis preceded her in death on

Donald Lee Kilian, Jr., 67, of Independence, Missouri, moved to Heaven on Friday, April 7, 2023. Donald was known to friends and family as “Don” or “Donnie”.  He was born in Russell, Kansas on March 29, 1956.  He was the fourth of six children born to Donald Lee and Mary Ann Kilian. Don graduated from Russell High School in 1974, where he enjoyed band, football and tennis.  He attended Salina Vo-Tech in Salina, Kansas, and upon graduation went to work for Ryder for 17 years.  He then went on to retire from Cummins after 27 years of service. Don married

Donald Dean Ginther, 86, of Luray, Kansas, died surrounded by his family, on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas. Donald was born on February 09, 1937, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Alex S. and Helen Arlene (Schmidt) Ginther.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1955.  He joined the United States National Guard, serving his country for several years.  He met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Simone Marie Urban on February 04, 1961, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell,

Vernon Robert “Bob” Waugh, Jr. of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home in Ft. Dodge, Kansas. Bob was born on May 27, 1953, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Vernon Robert, Sr. and Mary H. (Glenn) Waugh.  He grew up in Dighton, Kansas, and graduated from Dighton High School in the class of 1973.  After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corp.  He moved to Russell, Kansas, in 1981, and worked at the Russell City Power plant.  He worked as a power plant operator for 15 years and worked for

Sandra Kay (Nuss) Brown, 76, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Sandra was born February 20, 1947, in Hoisington, Kansas.  She was the daughter of Milton and Edna (Maier) Nuss.  She grew up in the Susank and Hoisington areas. Sandra was united in marriage to John Brown on October 16, 1964, in Great Bend, Kansas.  From this union they were blessed with two daughters; Misty and Melodie.  They were divorced later in life. Sandra cleaned homes and offices in Russell for over 40 years.  She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening,

Diana Lynn Morris, 72, of Russell, Kansas, died, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, after a long battle with cancer. Diana was born on October 30, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Ronald Lester and Dolores Del (Read) Burbridge.  She grew up in Bellevue, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa where she attended local schools and graduated salutatorian from Southeast Polk High School in Des Moines, Iowa.  After high school, she attended Drake University and graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa.  She met Terry E.

Michael Clark Whisler, 67, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, June 07, 2023, at his home in Russell. Michael was born on January 05, 1956, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Francis Clark and Patricia Lew (Brockett) Whisler.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School.  After high school he attended Hutchinson Community College and the University of Kansas.  Michael moved around for several years before settling in Arizona where he worked for the forestry department building trails and fighting fires.  About 20 years ago, he moved back to Russell, Kansas, where he made his permanent home

Laurel Dinkel of Norman, Oklahoma died June 5th, 2023, at Norman Regional Hospital. Laurel was born on March 7, 1956, in Hays, Kansas, and grew up in Russell. She was the daughter of Loren and Virginia Dinkel who preceded her in death. Laurel was united to Douglas Cubberley on August 14th, 1982, in Manhattan, Kansas. They moved from Manhattan to Oklahoma City and became parents of Sophia.  Laurel is survived by her husband, Douglas Cubberley of Norman, and daughter Sophia Dinkel. She is also survived by her siblings: Janice Dinkel of Manhattan, KS (Glenn Phelps); Jay Dinkel of Springhill, KS;