March 2023

Alma Ellen Foster Merrifield (83) went to her eternal home with her Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka KS after a sudden and intense illness with an infection,

Beatrice June Herring, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2023, at the age of 82. Born on January 14, 1941, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Beatrice was the daughter of Wesley C. and Marie L. Stillwell. She married Otis F. Herring on May 13, 1963, and together they had three children. Beatrice is survived by her children Bryan Herring (Jennifer), Keith Herring, and Whitney Nieman (Ron), her nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and her loving husband of 60 years. Beatrice had a passion for reading and was often found with a book in hand. She loved sharing her love of books and stories with her family and with the children in her neighborhood. Beatrice was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton, Kansas, where she found solace and comfort in her faith. Beatrice will be remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and her deep love for her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be 5-9pm, Wednesday, March 22nd at Petersen Funeral Home. Graveside service will be Thursday, March 23rd at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

Robert Ray (Bobby) McGee was born on April 24, 1981 in Wichita, Kansas to his mother, Letizia McGee. He died on January 25, 2023 in Berlin, Germany.

Peabody - Cheryl Fredrick, 77, passed away March 2, 2023 in Peabody. She was born November 22, 1945 in Berkley, California to Eugene and Raedeane (Fairchild) Clover.

December 27, 1927 to January 10, 2023 Grace was born to George and Helena Abrahams in Goessel, KS. Memorial servcie will be 11 am Saturday March 25th, at Bethel College Mennonite Church North Newton.

Hillsboro - Ernest J. Dirks, 90, passed away March 16, 2023 at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro.

Franklin A. Callaway of Newton, Kansas, passed away March 18, 2023, at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas. He was born to Frederick L. and Lola M. (Bowman) Callaway on March 18, 1938, in Norton, Kansas. Attending school in Norton, Kansas, until 1955, Frank joined the Kansas National Guard, transferring to the U.S. Army in 1959. After retiring from the military in 1965, he continued with 36 years on the railroad, retiring in 2001. In 1959, Frank married Barbara White in Phillipsburg, Kansas. They were blessed with two sons, Frank and Scott and a daughter, Tamara. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Joyce, Maxine, and Ruth. Frank is survived by his wife Barbara; sons, Frank L. (Debra) and Scott (Gloria); daughter, Tamara Merkwan (Michael). He went to be with his Lord and Savior. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 5-9pm, with the family present from 6-8pm. The funeral service will be at 2pm on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.