Obituaries R-S

A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T U V W

RANDY, GEORGE P.
George P. Randy, 85, of El Dorado, died Sunday, May 21, 2000 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wichita. Private services will be held. Cremation has preceded the services.
He was born Aug. 30, 1914 in Tonawanda, N.Y., the son of Paul R. and Helen (Yorska) Radetvichi. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp. He was stationed in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. George was united in marriage to Barbara Sargent on Feb 14, 1963 in San Diego, Calif. He worked in construction all of his life. In 1994, George and Barbara moved to Wichita, then to El Dorado in 1996.
He is survived by: wife, Barbara, of the home: sons, David Hatherhill of San Diego, Calif., Ward Love of Koln, Germany, and Robert Randy of Arkansas; many relatives in Tonawanda, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
Kirby-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
El Dorado Times, 21 May 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

REED, ELLA (VARNER)
Mrs. Ella Reed, 83, wife of Lee Reed of Rock died yesterday morning at her home. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 p. m. from the Rock Methodist church. Rev. Oscar Magnussen will be in charge. Nephews will be pall bearers. Burial will be in the Elmwood mausoleum here. Dunsford Funeral home is in charge.
Mrs. Reed was the former Ella Varner, daughter of Butler county early day settlers. She was born at DeSota, Ill, the daughter of Jesse and Olive Varner. She was married to Lee Reed, October 19, 1943, and had lived at Rock for more than 50 years. She was a member of the Methodist church there. She is the last of the Varner family.
Besides her husband she leaves two men she reared in her home as sons, although they are not adopted. They are Harry Stone of Douglass and Raymond Gray of Winfield, besides nieces and nephews.
Augusta Gazette, 3 September 1953
Contributed by Marland Boucher

REED, FERN IMO (BOUCHER)
Fern Imo Boucher Reed, 87, Augusta, died Saturday.
Her service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Dunsford Funeral Home.
A memorial has been established with the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include husband Jay; sons, Lyle of Wichita, Jerald of Decatur, Ala.; daughter, Maxine Frost of Augusta; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
Augusta Gazette, 7 July 1984
Contributed by Marland Boucher

REED, JAY
Retired Mobil Oil refinery employee Jay Reed, 99, Augusta, died Saturday, September 22, at his home.
His Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Dunsford Funeral Home. Rev. Harold Kieler will officiate and burial will be in Elmwood cemetery.
He married the former Imo Boucher on October 24, 1917 in Augusta. She preceded him in death in 1984.
Reed was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club having joined the civic organization in 1926. He withdrew from the club in 1929 and rejoined around 1960.
On his 90th birthday, he became a life member of the Kiwanis Foundation.
In 1988, Reed received the Kiwanis 30-year Legion of Honor award from his fellow Kiwanians. He had held several committee chairmanships over the years including many years serving as chairman of the Kiwanis Pancake day foodstuffs procurement committee.
Survivors include sons, Lyle Reed of Wichita: Jerald Reed of Decatur, Ala.; daughter, Maxine Frost of Augusta; Sisters, Minnie DeLong of Towanda; Grace Uhl of Toronto; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A memorial has been established with the First United Methodist Church scholarship fund.
Augusta Gazette, 25 September 1990
Contributed by Marland Boucher

REED, MARY ELIZABETH
Mrs. Ella Warrender, Mrs. Henry Boucher, Mrs. Ed Moser, Jim and Sarah Warrender attended funeral services, Sunday for Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Reed, 77, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Survivors are: Mr. George E. Reed; sister and brothers, Mrs. Ella Warrender, Henry, Charles, Bert and Harley Boucher.
Mr. And Mrs. Reed at one time made their home in Augusta, moving away about 35 years ago.
Augusta Gazette, 20 January 1942
Contributed by Marland Boucher

RIGGS, MARJORIE N.
Marjorie N. Riggs, 78, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, after a short illness. Services were at 2 p.m. Friday, March 10, at John Knox Presbyterian Church with interment at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens.
She was born in Mont Ida on Aug. 3, 1921 to John L. and Zelah D. (Chrisman) Jones. She was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church where she had been awarded a lifetime membership in the Presbyterian Women's Association.
She was also a member of P.E.O. Chapter EY and a Gillie for the Gilcrease Museum.
She retired after 15 years as financial secretary for Southminster Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by her husband of more than 55 years, C. Edward Riggs of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda J. and Fred Boyd of Tulsa; a son and daughter-in-law, Col. Gregory E. and Jan Riggs of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Vida Madison of Grand Junction, Colo. and Wilma Jean Seeber of Wichita; brother, Frank M. Jones of Wichita; grandchildren, Robbie Boyd and wife Kim of Tulsa, Erika Smith and husband Aaron of Mary Esther, Fla., Megan, Michele and Lisa Riggs of Austin; step grandsons, Jeff Boyd and wife, Adria of Frisco, Texas, and Steve Boyd of Tulsa; and two great-grandsons, Chase and Blake Boyd of Tulsa.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John L. Jr., who lost his life in World War II, and Alan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Knox Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 2929 E. 31st Street, Tulsa, Okla. 74105.
El Dorado Times, 14 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

MILLER, EMILY JANE (ROBINSON)
Emily Jane Robinson was born October 7, 1860 in Wills county, Illinois, died July 20th , 1917 at the Bethel Hospital, Newton, Kansas, where she had been for an operation.
She came to Kansas in the fall of 1871 with her parents settling on a farm in Milton township near Brainerd.
She was married to Mr. John Miller of Murdock township February 15, 1877. To this union were born nine children, six boys and three girls, all living but one, the youngest, Maud, who preceded her seventeen months ago. The remaining children are: Mrs. Lena Kasenburg near Benton, Kansas; Elsie A. of Potwin, Kansas; John, Allen, George, Henry, and Frank, all of Murdock township.
Mr. Miller died about eight years ago, soon after which, Mrs. Miller moved to Whitewater, where she resided until her death. She was a devoted wife and mother, and a good neighbor; always rendering kindness wherever she could. She had been ailing a number of years but her recent illness lasted only a few days, consequently the end came as a shock to relatives and friends.
Besides her children, she leaves an aged mother, Mrs. Harriet Robinson of Whitewater, three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Balter of Texas, and Lucinda Robinson of Whitewater; two brothers, Robert of Whitewater and James of Texas; and three grandchildren, the children of Mrs. Kasenberg.
After the funeral services which were conducted at the Methodist Church of Whitewater by. Rev. Schultz of that church, the remains were laid to rest in the McGill cemetery south of Potwin.
Whitewater Independent, 26 July 1917
Contributed by llwool@aol.com

ROBINSON, HARRIETT (RAYMOND)
Harriett Raymond, daughter of John and Lousia Raymond, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 12, 1837 and died at her home in Whitewater, October 19th, 1918.
When six years old she came to America with her parents and settled in Illinois. She was married to James O. Robinson, July 17, 1854 in Chicago. In the fall of 1871 they came to Butler County and settled on a farm in Milton township, where they lived until after the death of Mr. Robinson Dec. 17, 1886.
For several years after the death of the husband and father, Mrs. Robinson stayed on the farm and with the help of the children managed the work.
In 1906 she left the farm and moved to Brainerd where she lived until 1909, when she moved to Whitewater, where she spent the rest of her life.
She leaves two sons, Robert of Whitewater, James C. of Tomball, Texas, and three daughters, Lucinda of Whitewater, Mrs. Elizabet Balter of Brainerd and Mrs. Martha Smith of Wichita; also 28 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her departure.
Two daughters, Mrs. Emily Miller and Mrs. Jennie Johnson had passed from this before the call came for mother.
Mrs. Robinson was a kind friend and good neighbor, one who was always willing to sacrifice to help others.
She lived a humble devoted Christian life, united with the Christian Church at Potwin, November 10, 1905, and died trusting in Christ and knowing that He was waiting to receive her.
[Note: Typo’s are as they appeared in the newspaper.
Harriett is buried in Emmaus Church Cemetery.]
Whitewater Independent, 24 October 1918
Contributed by llwool@aol.com

ROBINSON, JAMES O.
Mr. James Robinson, whom had been suffering with an incurable disease for several months, died last Friday night. Mr. Robinson was one of the early settlers of this county and was well known throughout this part of the county. A large concourse of friends attended the Funeral on Sunday. The services were held in the Presbyterian church and were conducted by Revs. Rankin and Fitch.
Note: James O. Robinson is buried in Emmaus Church Cemetery
The Brainerd Sun, date unknown
Contributed by llwool@aol.com

JOHNSON, JENNIE H. (ROBINSON)
Jennie H. Robinson was born December 6th, 1869 near Lemont, Cook County, Illinois, and died at Newton, at twelve o’clock, Tuesday night, December 19th, 1816, aged 50 years and 13 days. Came to Kansas with her parents at the age of four and settled on a farm in Milton Township, Butler county near Brainerd where she lived until she was 17, then she made her home with S.R. Clifford’s, in Clifford township for nine years; at which time she was married to Geo. Johnson, October 19th, 1893; and lived on the Johnson farm where they lived eleven years, then moved to their own present home. One child, Ethel, was born to this union.
A loving and devoted wife and mother and always ministering to the wellfare of her neighbors, especially to the sick and afflicted. She became a member of the Methodist Church when a young women. About for years ago she had a fall which gave her an injury from which she suffered continually.
Besides her husband and daughter, she leaves to mourn her untimely loss, her mother, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, four sisters and two brothers, Emily Miller, Lucinda Robinson, and twin brother, Robert Robinson of Whitewater, Kansas, Elizabeth Balter and Jas. Robinson of Tomball, Texas; a number of more distant relatives and a host of friends.
Services were held at the home at ten-thirty a.m. Thursday. Burial in the Pleasant Center Cemetary.
The Rev. Chas. E. Whitman, pastor of the M.E. Church in Peabody, conducted the services in Peabody.
Relatives from a distance were: Jno. Johnson, Minier, Ills., Jas. Robinson, Timball, Texas, J.W. Johnson, Newton, Kansas, and Martha Smith of Wichita, Kansas.
[Note: this obit has several error’s, but is the same as it appeared in this newspaper. Jennie is the twin sister of Robert James Robinson.]
Whitewater Independent, 4 January 1917
Contributed by llwool@aol.com

ROBINSON, ROBERT JAMES
Last rites for Robert James Robinson who only recently came to Winfield to establish his home and who died Friday afternoon were held at 1:30 PM Sunday from Morris Funeral Home. Rev. W.H. Hicks, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiated.
Mrs. Owen Nisbet and Mrs. H. Watkins sand two duets, "Jesus Lover of my Soul" and "Nearer my God to Thee."
The body was removed to Whitewater for burial. Brief services were held at the grave.
[Note: Robert James Robinson is the son of Harriett & James O. Robinson Robert is buried in Whitewater Cemetery.]
Winfield Daily Courier, 28 April 1941
Contributed by llwool@aol.com

SALISBURY, GEORGE HOWARD
George Howard Salisbury, 79, of El Dorado, died Wednesday, April 26, 2000, at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 1, at Hillside Funeral Home East in Wichita. Interment will be in Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmund, Okla. on May 13.
He was retired from civil service at Tinker Air Force Base. He served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corp as a motorcycle messenger and message decoder with a unit in London, England.
After retiring, he moved to Fall River and worked with Bliss and Rolland Doanes at Doanes Furniture in Fredonia. He had lived in El Dorado for approximately 15 years.
He was a man who enjoyed life's simple pleasures: garages sales, landscape designing, traveling to London and most of all - his family.
He is survived by his lovely wife of 39 years, Shirley; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Madeline Salisbury of Oklahoma City; daughter, Susan Tipps of Norman, Okla.; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Jerry Merrill of Hutchinson; his brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Betty Salisbury of Beaumont; none grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cora (Sumner) Salisbury, and two sisters.
A memorial has been established for Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, 230 E. William, Wichita, Ks. Contributions may also be sent in care of the funeral home.
El Dorado Times, 28 April 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SANDERS, BILL L.
Bill L. Sanders, 64, of Topeka, died Sunday, March 12, 2000 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Topeka. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 14, at the church.
He was born Oct. 10, 1935, in Lawrence, to Fred C. and Dora L. Griffith Sanders. He grew up in Lawrence, attending Lawrence Public Schools and was a 1953 graduate of Liberty Memorial High School. He attended Pittsburg State Teacher's College and University of Kansas as a business administration major.
He married Virginia R. Fleer in June of 1956 in Lawrence. She survives.
He had a career in typesetting and printing. He worked for other printing houses before owning his own company, Topeka Typeshop and later Sanders Photocomposition. He was a member of Oil Savior's Lutheran Church and past president of the Topeka Printing House Craftsman Association.
After his retirement he was able to devote more time to music. He was a member of the Topeka Polka Band, the KU Alumni Band, and the New Dimensions.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Badwey of El Dorado and Marie King of Lincoln, Neb.; one son, John C. Sanders of Topeka; and eight grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the Diabetes Association or Our Savior's Lutheran Church. These may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
El Dorado Times, 14 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SCHMUTZ, ALBERT R.
Albert R. "Bert" Schmutz, 62, of Eureka, died Thursday, March 2, 2000. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 6, at the Campbell-Kelley Funeral Home in Eureka with the Rev. James Bush, pastor of the Eureka First United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.
He was born Sept. 17, 1937 at the family's farm home at Madison. The second of three children born to Richard and Margret Estellene (Todd) Schmutz, he was raised in the country near Lamont. He attended grade school there and was a 1955 graduate of Lamont High School. Following graduation he was employed by S.E. Seed in Madison.
On June 14, 1958, he married Carol Joyce Keith at El Dorado. They lived in the Madison and Eureka areas.
On March 23, 1984, Bert married Carol Griffitts Lacy at Eureka where they made their home. She survives.
He worked most of his career in the construction industry, working for Russell and Sons Company of Eureka, beginning in 1964 until the time of his death. He took a leave of absence in 1976 to work for the Flour Arabia Gas Project in Saudi Arabia.
He had a gift and passion for working with his hands and mind. His talent created many wonderful projects and homes.
In addition to his wife Carol, he is survived by three daughters, Joanna Hofman of Newark, Del., Jolie Bilson of Eureka and Kelly Lacy-Cline of El Dorado; three sons, John of Osawatomie, Jay of Ottawa and Jeremy of Kansas City, Mo.; one sister, Marjorie McIlvain of Madison; a brother, Richard of Destin, Fla. and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice, Inc. of Wichita, Greenwood County Home Health Care or the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home.
El Dorado Times, 4 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SCOBEE, ALVIE O.
Alvie O. Scobee, 81, of El Dorado, died Monday morning, March 20, 2000 at a local nursing home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Kirby-Morris Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Burns Cemetery.
He was born July 1, 1918 in Cottonwood Falls to George W. and Maude (Sawyer) Scobee. He grew up in the Pineville, Mo. area. He married Anna M. Koester on Feb. 12, 1942 in El Dorado. She survives.
He served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.
He was knowledgeable auto mechanic, becoming the owner and operator of A&W Auto Service in El Dorado. When he was not busy underneath a car, his real love was to find his favorite fishing hole.
He was a member of the V.F.W. Fred Priestly Post #1174.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, John W. Scobee and Alvin D. Scobee, both of El Dorado; two daughters, Pat Tucker and Nancy Kasper, both of El Dorado; two sisters, Nora Spurgeon of Pratt and Ruby Long of Bucklin; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Frank, Harold, George, Dick and C.W. "Doug" Scobee; and one sister, Eva Randle.
A memorial has been established with the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be sent in care of the Kirby-Morris Funeral Home.
El Dorado Times, 24 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SCRIVNER, NEVA (BAKER)
Neva Scrivner, 74. of Wichita, died Sunday, May 21, 2000 in Wichita. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 23, 2000 from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bob Lamb Funeral Home in Whitewater. Family will greet friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Bob Lamb Funeral Home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2000 at Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple, Wichita. Interment will be at McGill Cemetery, Potwin.
She was born June 23, 1925 at Topeka, to Clyde Everett Baker and Ethel Gordon. On Jan. 1, 1953 at Pleasanton, Calif., she married Paul Scrivner.
She was a homemaker and had lived in Wichita since 1993. She was a resident of Wheat State Manor, Whitewater.
Sue is survived by: husband, Paul Scrivner of Wichita; sons, Dennis Redden of Wilton, Calif., and Sammy Redden of Hayward, Calif.; daughter, Debra Larson of Potwin; brothers, Joe Baker of Hayward, Calif. and Guy Baker of Manteca, Calif.; and four grandchildren.
Memorials in her memory may be made to the Motivator Sunday School Class, Central Community Church, 6100 W. Maple, Wichita.
El Dorado Times, 21 May 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SEGRIST, NORA LILLIAN (MOORE)
Nora Lillian Segrist, 68, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2000.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at Bob Lamb Funeral Chapel in Whitewater. Interment will follow at McGill Cemetery in Potwin.
She was born Feb. 5, 1931 at Potwin to Thomas and Zipsy (Petty) Moore. She was a retired homemaker.
She is survived by a son, Fred Segrist of Tiffin, Ohio; a brother, Stan Swogger of El Dorado; and a sister, Vickie Arnold of Towanda.
El Dorado Times, 17 February 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SEWELL, HAZEL MARIE (HEDWORTH)
Hazel Marie Sewell, 83, of Rogersville, Mo., formerly of El Dorado, died Thursday, April 6, 2000 at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield. Graveside services were held Saturday, April 8, at Smith Cemetery in Rogersville.
She was born April 23, 1916, in Nashville, Mo. to Bruce and Birdie Hedworth. She married Maurice Edward Sewell in 1938. He survives.
She retired from Beech Aircraft in Wichita and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Donald Sewell and his wife Lola of Springfield, Bobby Sewell and his wife Tokiko of El Dorado, and Gary Sewell of El Dorado; a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Ron Benscoter of Springfield; 10 grandchildren, including Marcia McCoy of El Dorado; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials have been established for the Oldfield Opery, 3337 Highway 125 South, Sparta, Mo. 65753.
El Dorado Times, 14 April 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SHAFFER, FRANCES NADINE (SHERROD)
Frances Nadine Shaffer, 84, of Brownwood, Texas, died Monday, March 6, 2000, at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 9 at Coggin Ave. Baptist Church in Brownwood, Texas. Interment will follow in Jorden Springs Cemetery in rural Brown County. Visitation will be held at Davis-Morris Funeral Home in Brownwood, Texas from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8.
She was born June 5, 1915 in rural Brown County, Texas, to Henry Lee and Martha Conzadie (Crow) Sherrod. She was a retired bookkeeper and had worked for Lewis Wheat and Son, an oil and butane company.
She had lived in Brownwood since 1977 moving back there from Abilene, Texas where she had lived for several years.
She married Bayard A. Shaffer and he preceded her in death in 1980.
She was a member of the Coggin Ave. Baptist Church, the Brown County Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Jorden Springs Community Association of which she was secretary, and Senior Friends.
She is survived by one son, Malcolm S. Shaffer of El Dorado; two grandchildren, Douglas Shaffer of Kansas City, Kan. and Cynthia Shelden of Wichita; and five great-grandchildren, Rachel, Amy, Stephanie and Jane Shelden of Wichita and Isobel Nadine Shaffer of Kansas City.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister.
A memorial has been established with Coggin Ave. Baptist Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Davis-Morris Funeral Home or Carlson Funeral Home, which is in charge of the local arrangements.
El Dorado Times, 8 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SKAER, ETHEL (VARNER)
Mrs. Ethel Varner Skaer, wife of W.W. Skaer, died early yesterday of pneumonia after only a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Varner. The Rev. J.C. Fisher will be in charge of the services.
Mrs. Skaer was born on the farm of her parents south of Augusta, January 18, 1898, and has lived here all her life. She was married to W.W. Skaer November 20, 1920. She was a member of the M. E. church, the Order of the Eastern Star, the P.E.O. chapter, the Round Table club and the Delta Delta Delta sorority of Manhattan.
She is survived by her husband; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Varner; two brothers, R.B. Varner of Augusta, and Cecil Varner, of Kansas City; and one sister, Velma, now attending the University of Kansas.
The pall bearers will be relatives, Bensil and Lisle Carr, Dr. James Alley, F.G. Spencer, and Floyd and Walter Skaer. A trio composed of Mrs. Harry White, Mrs. Helen Etnire and Mrs. Ruth Foxworth will sing "Abide With Me" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" at the funeral. Mrs. White will sing "City Four Square". Burial will be made at the Elmwood cemetery.
Augusta Gazette, 13 May 1930
Contributed by Marland Boucher

SMITH, ELMA L. (BLAIR)
Elma L. Smith, 91, or El Dorado died Monday morning, May 1, 2000 at Lakepoint Nursing Center. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2000 at Sunset Lawns Cemetery. Dr. Dennis Kuder will officiate.
Elma was born April 17, 1908 in Douglass to William L. and Eva (Coburn) Blair. She attended schools in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1926. She was united in marriage to J. Dorr Smith on June 4, 1938 in El Dorado. He preceded her in death on Feb. 8, 1990.
She worked many years as a social worker for Butler County. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado and a former member of the El Dorado Country Club.
She is survived by: nephew, Ralph W. McCann of St. Peters, Mo.; grandniece, Colleen Vanderbilt of Flower Mound, Texas; and grandnephew, Donald Ray McCann of Shawnee. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Sara McCann.
A memorial has been established with the First United Methodist Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Kirby-Morris Funeral Home.
El Dorado Times, 8 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SMITH, ERICA LEIGH (BOUCHER)
Erica Leigh (Boucher) Smith, 20, homemaker of Augusta, died Thursday, April 26, 2001.
Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a. m. Monday. April 30, in First Christian Church, 1600 State. Pastor Paul Andrews of the Ministry of Jesus World Outreach Church will officiate and burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be possible at the Dunsford Funeral Home of Augusta, 201 E. Fifth, from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 29.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband, Shawn; son, Logan of the home; daughter, Taylor of the home; parents Greg and Lean (Cummings) Boucher of Augusta; brother Bevan Boucher of Augusta; sister Cassie Boucher of Augusta; grandmother, Pat Cummings of Leon; grandparents, Jim and Vickey Cummings of Augusta; Rolly and Louise Boucher of Sun City, Texas, Leon and Nancy May of Noel, Mo.; great-grandparents, Jim and Ann Howard of Andover; great-grandmother Willie Opal May of Anderson, Mo.
A memorial fund has been established for Logan and Taylor Smith at Commercial Federal in Augusta.
Dunsford Funeral Home of Augusta is in charge of arrangements.
Augusta Gazette, 27 April 2001
Contributed by Marland Boucher

SOMMERS, ALFRED PAUL
Alfred Paul "Bill" Sommers, 98, of El Dorado, died Saturday, Private services will be held. Cremation has preceded the services.
Sommers was born March 26, 1902 in Canton, the son of William Carl and Bertha (Mattus) Sommers. He was a graduate of Canton High School. He was united in marriage to Ivy Clareen on June 26, 1933 in Lindsborg. She preceded him in death.
He was a retired telegrapher/agent for the Atchison/Topeka/Santa Fe Railroad Company. He started his long career with the railroad in Augusta in 1919. He worked in Salina, as well a working many years in Florence. He moved to the El Dorado area in 1996 from Salina.
During his earlier years his real passion was for fishing. Through his love of he sport, he was able to meet Harold Ensley, and appeared on one of his Canadian fishing shows. Later on, he developed a love for stamp collecting. Several of his friends would meet in Lindsborg and share their love of stamps. He was a member of the Shriners of Salina, where he was awarded the Knights Commander Court of Honor, and the Scottish Rite.
He is survived by: grandson, Brad Sommers of Kansas City, Mo.; granddaughter, Sonja (Sommers) Milbourn of El Dorado; great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Brookes, and Molly Milbourn, all of El Dorado; and nephew, Wilbur Johnson of Wichita. He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Paul Sommers; two brothers and two sisters.
A memorial has been established with the Shriner's Childrens' Hospital Burn Center. Contributions may be left with Kirby-Morris Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.
El Dorado Times, 21 May 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SONTAG, WILLIAM M., SR.
William M. "Bill" Sontag, Sr., 93, of Derby, died Saturday, April 22, 2000. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, at First Presbyterian Church in Derby.
He was born March 9, 1907 on a farm outside of Latham to Louis S. and Theodosia M. (Thompson) Sontag. He attended a one-room school in Latham as a child and graduated from the Pittsburg State Teachers College.
He was a lifetime midwestern Stainless Steel Cookware Co. franchise owner and cattle rancher. He served during World War II in the United States Army where he achieved a rank of Master Sergeant. He served four years in China and India.
He is survived by two sons, David Sontag of Wichita and William Sontag, Jr. of Derby; four daughters, Greta Sontag of Cripple Creek, Colo., Theresa Sontag of Derby, Charlotte Strouse Dallas and Stephanie Haney of Derby; and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Oliver Sontag; and three sisters, Hazel Baldwin, Louise Doxsee and Ida Faye Sontag.
A memorial has been established for the First Presbyterian Church of Derby.
Contributions may be sent in care of Smith Mortuary in Derby.
El Dorado Times, 24 April 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

SPEERE, SARA DELANEY
Sara Delaney Speere, eight days old, Augusta, died Thursday, March 14 (2002).
Survivors include her parents, Shawn and Cynthia Speere, of Augusta, paternal grandparents, Larry and Shirley Speere, Russell, maternal grandparents, Bob and Eileen Philipi, Augusta; and great grandparents, Nora Howard, Ozark, Missouri; Joe and Jo Philipi, El Dorado, Tilli Speere, Russell, and Albert and Erna Kruger, Everett, Washington.
Visiting hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, at Hillside Funeral Home of Augusta.
Service time will be at 2 p.m. Monday, at Elmwood Cemetery, Augusta.
Russell Daily News, 14 March 2002
Contributed by Glenda Brack

SPENCER, BERTHA (WALKER)
Augustans were saddened yesterday afternoon when the news was released that Mrs. Fred Spencer (Bertha) had died. Although in failing health, the news of her death came as a shock.
Mrs. Spencer was a woman devoted to her home. She was a homemaker and only recently moved with her husband into their new home on North State street. The home was a "dream house" her idea of what one should be. She enjoyed the last months of her life - before ill health in the past few weeks caused her much pain and discomfort. She will be missed greatly by a large group of friends and relatives.
Bertha Walker Spencer was born January 2, 1886, in Augusta, the daughter of Henry B. Walker and Mollie Carr Walker. Her marriage to Fred G. Spencer took place in Shawnee, Okla., April 20, 1910. She was a member of the Methodist church, Chapter AF of the P.E.O., Sisterhood and Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include her husband, a half-brother, Charley Walker of Augusta, an aunt, Mrs. Mattie Hanes, of Shawnee, Okla. and several cousins.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Dunsford Funeral Home. Rev. Victor A. Major will conduct the services and burial will be made in the Elmwood mausoleum.
Active pallbears will be Cecil Varner, R.A. Cox, Noah Morris, O.R. Fowler, Lisle Carr, Charles Spencer, Guy B. Johnson and Harol D. Harrison. The honary pallbears are R.A. Haines, Dr. Harry Lutz, George Smith, W.D. Thomas, W.W. Cron, Dexter Congdon, Ralph Varner, ward Smith and Edward Safford.
Augusta Gazette, 4 June 1952
Contributed by Marland Boucher

SPENCER, FRED
A former mayor of Augusta, Fred Spencer, died yesterday at the age of 93 at the Augusta Medical Complex after a long illness.
Mr. Spencer, who was born and raised in Augusta attended rural country schools and Augusta High School until 1904 when he went to California to work for the postal service and the Santa Fe railroad.
He returned to Augusta in 1914 to take ownership of a blacksmith shop previously owned by his father-in-law.
With the oil boom just getting underway Mr. Spencer employed seven blacksmiths to accommodate the needs of the Augusta area. He soon after began making trailers, which were in large demand on the oil fields.
The trailer manufacturing business continued to grow until 1950 when he sold his interest in it and it was renamed Loadcraft, Inc.
Mr. Spencer was mayor of Augusta from 1947 until 1950. He served on the Augusta Housing Authority from its inception in 1966 until the present.
He was a charter member of the Augusta Rotary Club since 1918 and on the board of directors of the Prairie State Bank since 1920.
He was also a member of The Mystic Tie Lodge number 74, the AF and AM Wichita Consistory and the Midian Shrine Temple.
Mr. Spencer was active in the area Boy Scouts Quevera Council, the United Fund and the Augusta Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in the construction of the Augusta Medical Complex.
He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Carrie Long, of Oklahoma City Oklahoma, and his sister - in - law, Mrs. Ethel Spencer of Augusta.
His wife, Bertha died in June 1952.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Dunsford Chapel in the Dunsford Funeral Home. The Reverand John Saville will be in charge of the services.
Interment will be in the Elmwood Mausoleum, Augusta, Kansas.
Augusta Gazette, date unknown
Contributed by Marland Boucher

SPENCER, MARION OSBORN
Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Dunsford Funeral Home Chapel for Marion Osborn Spencer, 80, who died Tuesday at the Augusta Medical Center. The Rev. John Saville will conduct the services. Entombment will be in the Elmwood mausoleum. Masonic services will be conducted at the mausoleum.
Marion Spencer was born March 29, 1894 at Augusta. The son of James Henry and Sophia (Grassley) Spencer. He was married to Ethel B. Downing in the Methodist parsonage at Augusta on July 21, 1917.
He retired in 1962 as production manager of the former Spencer Loadcraft trailer firm in Augusta. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and V.F.W.
Survivors include a brother, Fred Spencer of Augusta and a sister, Mrs. Carrie Long of Oklahoma City, Okla.
All Master Masons are asked to be at the lodge at 2:15 Thursday to attend the services.
A memorial has been established with the First United Methodist church.
Augusta Gazette, 8 January 1975
Contributed by Marland Boucher