Marvin Lee Mills, 71, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 1, 2022 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri after a courageous battle against cancer. Marvin was born June 7, 1950 in Great Bend, Kansas. He was one of two sons born to Melvin and Mildred (McCord) Mills. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of 1968. He then attended Salina Vo-Tech school to learn auto and diesel mechanics. Marvin was united in marriage to Betty J. (Froese) Bixby on May 12, 1990 in Salina, Kansas. They made their

Sarah Anne Schultz, 34, of Hays, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Hays Medical Center. Sarah was born August 7, 1987 in Tarzana, California. She was the daughter of Joel W. and Donna J.(Dreier) Schultz. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School. Sarah was disabled, but she faced those challenges with a big heart and even bigger smile. She was a very active member of the Celebration Church in Hays. She was a member of the Russell Rough Riders and later the Hays Buffalos, and the Aktion Club.

Mary Ann (Christiansen) Ulrich, 69, of Russell, Kansas, was called home Monday, December 27, 2021 at the Russell Regional Hospital. Mary was born August 9, 1952 in Great Bend, Kansas. She was one of four daughters born to Jesse and Imogene (Nolte) Christiansen. She grew up in Great Bend and graduated from Great Bend High School. She then attended Barton County Community College and Ft. Hays State University. Mary was united in marriage to Wayne Ulrich on May 21, 1972 in Great Bend. This union was blessed with five children: Doug, Matt, Lisa, Jeremy and Emily Jo. They made their

Adeline Rosetta Eickhoff, 93 of Natoma, Kansas died Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Ascension’s Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas. Adeline was born May 3, 1928, to Gust and Josie Blank. She and seven siblings grew up on the farm north of Natoma. She graduated from Natoma High school and went on to attend Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas.  Adeline married Robert “Bob” Eickhoff on December 5, 1954 in Natoma, where they made their home for the next 58 years. This marriage was blessed with six children; Philip, Steven, Diane, Dale, Gerry and Kevin.  Adeline loved being a household

Senator Robert Joseph Dole A celebration of Senator Robert J. Dole’s life will be open to the public and held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas.  Public viewing of the casket at the mortuary will be from 8 P.M. to 10 P.M., Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.  Visitors may also view the casket from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning at the church.    In lieu of flowers, the Dole family requests that contributions/donations be made to the Robert J.

Justin Alan Ploutz, 60, of Burdett, Kansas, and former Russell resident, died on Sunday, December 05, 2021, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Justin was born on June 05, 1961, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Frank H. and Elizabeth J. (Windholz) Ploutz.  He grew up in Russell, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1979.  After high school, he joined the United States Navy and served his country over seas.  After his military service he lived most of his life in Russell, Rozel and Burdett, Kansas.  He was married to Heide Renee Moote

Kenneth Scott Branum, 62, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, December 05,2021, at Main Street Manor in Russell. Scott was born on June 11, 1959, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Joe K. and Mary A. (Thomas) Branum.  He grew up in Russell and attended Russell High School in the class of 1978.  He married Liz Beth (Walker) Branum and from this union they were blessed with two children Sarah and Trenton.  Later, he and Liz were divorced but remained extremely close friends.  He was owner and operator of Saraton Pipe and Supply, working as an oilfield and structural steel

Martha Grace Smith-Kennedy was born March 18, 1940 in Dodge City, Kansas to Floye and Joe Leonard. She departed this life on October 7, 2021, after a brief illness, in Woodland Park, Colorado. Martha is survived by siblings Steve Rohrbaugh (Raylene), Linda Rohrbaugh Diede (Gary), Bill DeGarmo (Randi), Barbara DeGarmo Lohmeier (Patrick), and Laurita DeGarmo Moyer, (Jerry); grandchildren Chris Howard, Tucker Smith, and Korbin Smith; great-grandchildren Jennifer, Nevaeh, Graciee, Aaliyah, and Bentley Howard; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Martha was preceded in death by her mother and father, husbands Aldon (Ike) Smith and Harry Kennedy, children Todd Smith and Linda

Lillian Jean “Lil” Becker, 80, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at her home in Russell. Lillian was born on July 29, 1941 in Victoria, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph and Florina (Windholz) Graf.  She grew up in Victoria, Kansas, and graduated from Victoria High School in the class of 1959.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to John Becker on April 23, 1966, in Victoria.  From this union Lillian and John were blessed with a son Wayne and they made there home in Russell.  Her fulltime job was wife, mother and homemaker

Milan Spencer Masters, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.  He was a lifelong resident and supporter of the Natoma community.  He was born September 12, 1936 to Cecil and Lucille (McClellan) Masters on the homestead south of Natoma.  He married his high school sweetheart, Dianne Mohler, on January 14, 1956.  He began his life in business when he opened Masters Oil in 1959, starting when he was 18, in the community he was ever committed to.  He expanded their business to Russell, Woodston and Alton.  He also served as a USD 399 bus