Obituaries

Find a Loved One

CHARLENE (ROWLAND) BUNCH

CHARLENE (ROWLAND) BUNCH

May 8, 2026

Nona Charlene Bunch, 78, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 8, 2026. Charlene was born on October 21, 1947, in Graysville, Missouri to James Jackson “Jack” Rowland and Maddie Rebecca Mae Rowland.

Charlene grew up on a farm in Missouri. She had a wonderful mom and dad, and 7 sisters (2 died in infancy). She enjoyed...

KAREN (POLLOCK) BONTRAGER

KAREN (POLLOCK) BONTRAGER

May 7, 2026

Karen Sue Bontrager, 86, formerly of Holton, passed away May 7, 2026 at home in Valley Center, Kansas. Karen was born October 13, 1939 in Topeka, Kansas to Allan and Mabel (Smith) Pollock. Karen grew up in Holton, and graduated from Holton High School in 1957.

On October 20, 1957 Karen married Jerry Bontrager in Holton, Kansas. They shared 50 years...

DONALD W. PETERS

DONALD W. PETERS

May 6, 2026

Donald Wayne Peters was born Friday, July 9, 1948 to Melvin and Wilma Peters. He passed away at the age of 77 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. He married Freddie Brunner and together they raised four children, Richard, Shawn, Adam, and Julie. He served in Vietnam as an Army sergeant and paratrooper for the 173rd Airborne and worked for Boeing...

JAMES A. GORDON

JAMES A. GORDON

May 6, 2026

James A. Gordon, 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. He was born Tuesday, October 28, 1947.

James was a proud husband, veteran, and retired glassmaker who spent many years working in California. He was known for his strong work ethic, devotion to family, and caring heart.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Gordon,...

MARK E. HERRON

MARK E. HERRON

2026

Mark Edwards Herron, 71 was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at home with his wife by his side. Mark was born in Wichita, Kansas to Wilbur "Willie" and Ruth "Sally" Herron on July 28, 1954.

He worked as a mechanic until his retirement. He loved being a husband, father,...

RICKY J. NORMAN

RICKY J. NORMAN

Apr 25, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ricky Junious Norman, who left us on April 25, 2026, at the age of 72.

Rick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who meant so much to those around him. He was known for his deep love of his family and sports. He loved playing basketball and watching the game—especially cheering...

MATHIAS "MATT" SCHOMMER JR

MATHIAS "MATT" SCHOMMER JR

2026

Mathias "Matt" Schommer Jr passed on April 25, 2026. He was born September 24, 1935 in Kingman, Kansas to Matt and Alice (Klee) Schommer. He for two years in the U.S. Army. He then married Monona Lynn Cummings.

He is survived by his son Matt "Bud" and wife Lynda, daughter Chris "Sis" and husband Tim; sister Kathleen Polzin of Emporia, sister-in-law...

PATSY (BOOTH) FORGEY

PATSY (BOOTH) FORGEY

Apr 18, 2026

Patsy Ann Booth‑Forgey, age 82, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at the home of her youngest son in Kansas, surrounded by her family.

Patsy was born on November 16, 1943, in Hamburg, Illinois, to Loami H. Booth and Eva M. Hunter‑Booth. She was raised on Hamburg Hill overlooking the Mississippi River, a place that always held a special place...

LESLIE 'LES' D. PRITCHARD

LESLIE 'LES' D. PRITCHARD

2026

After a year-long fight with cancer, Leslie Pritchard passed away at Hospice House of Hutchinson, Kansas on April 15, 2026.

Born to Juanita and Claudie Pritchard on October 15, 1959 in Hutchinson, KS.

Les was a mechanic for the last 30+ years, enjoyed going to dirt track races and watching westerns. He would also get bossed around by his daughters cats during...

RICKEY W. PHILLIPS

RICKEY W. PHILLIPS

Apr 10, 2026

Rickey Wayne Phillips Sr., 71, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on Friday, April 10th, 2026.

He was born on Tuesday, September 21, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas to Harvey Lee and Clarris Lee Phillips. Rick spent the majority of his working years working at Apartment Movers and was known for his strong work ethic...

HELEN PHILLIPS

HELEN PHILLIPS

2026

Helen Louise Phillips, born on New Year’s Eve in 1940, passed away on April 1, 2026. A woman of boundless dreams and an unyielding spirit, she met every challenge with a smile and fought with courage until the very end.

A master of her craft, Helen found peace and joy in woodworking. Her intricate intarsia pieces were a testament to her...

Phyllis (Davis) Stoops

Phyllis (Davis) Stoops

Mar 28, 2026

Phyllis M. Stoops, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, died peacefully on March 28, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on November 21, 1933, in Wichita, Kansas, to Faye and Hazel Davis, Phyllis's life was a testament to love, resilience, and a deep commitment to her family and community. Phyllis shared a remarkable journey with...

Goldie (Clark) Robinson

Goldie (Clark) Robinson

Mar 28, 2026

Goldie Ruth Robinson, 79, of Valley Center, Kansas, passed away on March 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as bright and spirited as the name she carried throughout her life.

Born on July 23, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas, to Myron and Mary Clark, Goldie lived a life defined by strength, wit, and an...

Todd C. Leinen

Todd C. Leinen

Mar 25, 2026

Todd Leinen, 55, passed away on March 25, 2026 at his home in Valley Center, KS.He was born on March 4, 1971 in Wichita, KS to Warren and Jeanne (Peterson) Leinen.  He was a lifelong resident of Valley Center, and was a graduate of Valley Center High School and Friends University.  After graduation he worked as a...

Katherine (Gardner) Doll

Katherine (Gardner) Doll

Mar 21, 2026

Katherine Doll, 54, of Valley Center, Kansas, passed away on March 21, 2026. After 10 months battling cancer, it had finally overtaken her but not without a big fight. She will be remembered for her caring and loving life she had with us. She always wanted us to experience life as a family, in the last 5...

Rickey 'Rick' J. Weaver

Rickey 'Rick' J. Weaver

Mar 21, 2026

Rickey (Rick) Jake Weaver, 82 of Little River, KS passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family and friends.

He was born on Feb. 14, 1944 to Jake and Gwen (Goodin) Weaver.  He was a proud graduate from Ravanna High School, Ravanna, MO in 1961.

Visit Obituary

Bradley J. Giessel

Bradley J. Giessel

Mar 17, 2026

Bradley Joseph Giessel, age 50, of Valley Center, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from a stroke.

'Brad' was born on Monday, April 14, 1975 in Dodge City, Kansas to Samuel Eugene Giessel and Kathryn Lucy (Kasselman) Giessel.  He attended Valley Center schools, after graduation he spent his career in the...

Bonny J. Ballinger

Bonny J. Ballinger

Mar 16, 2026

Bonny Ballinger, 91, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. Born to Bernard R. and Hazel Zang in Oil Hill (El Dorado), Kansas where she was raised and attended school.  She had a deep love for her family, enjoying all the time she had with them. Bonny always said "our soul never dies we only move on...

Angela (Hilpert) Sawyer

Angela (Hilpert) Sawyer

Mar 14, 2026

Angela Renee Sawyer of Sedgwick, Kansas, a spectacular, Jesus Loving, kind hearted, warm, gentle and empathetic woman went into the loving arms of Jesus Christ March 14th, 2026. She has been made whole again after a prolonged battle with chronic illness and complications. She is no longer bound to her earthly suffering.

Affectionately...

Kathryn M. Daniels

Kathryn M. Daniels

Mar 9, 2026

Kathryn M. Daniels, of Valley Center, Kansas, passed away on March 9, 2026. A respected engineer, educator, mentor, and dedicated volunteer, Kathryn devoted her life to advancing manufacturing engineering and supporting the next generation of professionals in her field.

Kathryn built an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades in the aerospace and...