610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
785-483-2212​

 701 N. First Street
Natoma, KS 67651
785-885-4221​

610 N. Maple

Russell, KS 67665
785-483-2212

701 N. First Street

Natoma, KS 67651
785-885-4221

Looking for obituaries before January, 2019? Check our archive here.

Sharon Lee Shaw

Sharon Lee (Smith) Shaw passed away quietly at her home in Roseville, California, on Thursday July 15, 2021 at the age of 85 years. Sharon was born on April 10, 1936 in Springfield, Missouri to Troy Smith and Gertrude (Kirk) Smith.  She attended public schools in the Springfield area and then her family moved to the California area where she went to school in Loomis, and graduated High School at Roseville High School in 1953.  She continued her education through attending Sierra Junior college and received an AA Degree in 1956.  During her childhood years she suffered two significant physical

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Terry Allen Batt

Terry Allen Batt, 54, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021 in Thornton. Terry was born October 23, 1966 in Russell, Kansas.  One of two sons born to Garry and Ellen (Boxberger) Batt.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School Class of 1985. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with Honors, receiving the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges with outstanding merit and accomplishments. Terry was employed with KOCH Industries in Wichita, Kansas out of college. Later he was employed with AQUAILA Energy in Kansas City, Kansas. In 2004, he

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Ronald Chesney

Ronald M. Chesney, 72, of Natoma, Kansas, passed away after an extended battle with cancer Monday, July 5, 2021 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Ronnie was born March 13, 1949 in Hays, Kansas. He was one of five sons born to Homer Bruce and Eileen (Meyers) Chesney. He grew up in Natoma and graduated from Natoma High School in the Class of 1968. He has lived all of his life in the Natoma area. Ronnie worked for Master’s Oil Company in the tire department for over 20 years. He enjoyed working with his hands and was great

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Violet M. Rutter

Violet Marie (Gruver) Rutter, 97, of Russell, Kansas passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Main Street Manor in Russell. Violet was born May 24, 1924 in Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John Chester and Olive (Haney) Gruver.  She grew up on her parent’s farm in Tinicum Township.  She attended Temple University and obtained a degree in Education. Violet was united in marriage to E. Preston Rutter on June 26, 1948 in Tinicum Township.  This union was blessed with three children; Alexis, R. Kent and Barbara.  They made their home in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinios, Ohio, Iowa and Louisiana.  She

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Frank Herbel

Frank James Herbel, 55, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021 at his residence. Frank was born April 28, 1966 in Russell, Kansas. The son of Theodore, Jr., and Bennie Ruth (Neff) Herbel. He grew up in Russell and worked at the Russell Daily News for many years as a delivery boy. Then he worked as a Pressman before the Daily News was sold. Then he worked for Anderson as a Pressman until the office moved onto old Hwy 40. Frank delivered the Hays Daily News for years and for the last five years delivered the Salina Journal.

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Nelda Resley

On June 25, 2021, Nelda Marie Resley, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Main Street Manor of Russell. She was 95 years old. Nelda loved her family, many pets and living in her small town.Nelda was born on November 23, 1925, in El Dorado, Kansas, the daughter of Forrest W. and Frances M. (Pritell) Leathers. She grew up in the El Dorado, Kansas, area until she was 12 moving to Oklahoma City, then to on to Russell, Kansas, where she was raised by her mother and aunt. She graduated from Russell High School Class of 1943, and after

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Esther I. Rassette

Esther Irene Rassette, 93, of Russell, Kansas, died on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas. Esther was born on May 27, 1928, in rural Russell County, Kansas, the daughter of Alexander (A.D.) and Mollie (Weimaster) Schultz.  She was raised in the Lutheran Church.  She grew up in the Russell and Hoisington, Kansas, area and graduated from Hoisington High School.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to William J. “Bill” Rassette on October 17, 1948, in Russell.  From this union Esther and Bill were blessed with a son Eugene.  The family

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Janice K. Kennedy

Janice K. Kennedy, 79, of Wilson, Kansas, and former Russell, Kansas resident, died on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.  Janice was born on March 21, 1942, in Wilson, Kansas, the daughter of Ernie and Neva (McCoy) Vanderbur.  She grew up in Russell, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Benton L. Kennedy on December 28, 1963, in Russell, Kansas.  From this union, Janice and Benton were blessed with 3 children Kirby, Curt and Laina.  She worked in the food service industry as

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Curtis D. Keil

Curtis Delmar Keil, 60, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, June 18, 2021, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas after a tragic auto accident. Curtis was born on July 02, 1960, in Russell County, Kansas, the son of Delmar H. and Barbara J. (Peters) Keil.  He grew up in the Russell, Paradise and Natoma, Kansas areas, and graduated from Russell High School.  He was married to Peggy Eulert and from this union they were blessed with 3 boys David, Drew and Owen.  Curtis and Peggy divorced and later he was married to Debbie LaBarge.  He worked many years

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Nathan T. Peterka

Nathan Thomas Peterka, 35, of Paola, Kansas left this world on June 13, 2021. You may have known him as “Turkey”, “Nater”, “Nateman,” “Nate”, or “Nae Nae.” If you knew Nathan, you know the world will not be the same without him. Nathan was born June 21, 1985,in Hays, Kansas to Tom Peterka and Galene (Brown) Steckel.  Throughout his childhood, he was always on the move. If something were going to be wrecked, spilled, or disassembled, he was the one who would do it. No snow globe was safe around Nathan. You would likely find him in the spotlight, showing

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