Obituaries

Vaughn Dale Koehn

A sweet baby boy, Vaughn Dale Koehn, a first born, came into the home of Ervy and Elizabeth Becker Koehn on May 14, 1946, at Moundridge, Kansas. He was received with joy and anticipation. Soon it became apparent that normal development was not to be, and that Vaughn Dale was one of God’s special children. He never spoke his first word or walked his first step. Our parents diligently sought all available medical help and finally accepted the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. He was lovingly cared for at home for seven years. Then as more children joined the family, the State of Kansas provided excellent care in other facilities through out his life. His later years were spent in a group home in Newton, Kansas. He almost always had a cheerful grin when we greeted him, which told us he was happy. We often wondered if he recognized us.

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Todd Scott Akers

NEWTON - Todd Scott Akers, age 57 died Friday January 28, 2022 at his home in Newton, KS. He was born on Au He was born on August 28, 1964 in Newton, KS to Eldon and Marian (Orpin) Akers.

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Gary Dale Eis

NEWTON - Gary Dale Eis, 56, passed away on January 25, 2022, at his home in Newton, Kansas. He was born on August 12, 1965, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Charles Eis III and Roberta (Greever) Heckman.

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Kenneth Buhler Schmidt

Kenneth Buhler Schmidt, most beloved husband of Linda Larkin Schmidt, died unexpectedly Monday, January 24, 2022. He is survived by his mother, Betty Ann Schmidt; two sons, Phillip Ward-Schmidt (Jesica) and Bradley Schmidt; four step-children, Augustus, Avery, Bradley and Cricket Geldermann; siblings, Rebecca Schmidt Dick (Gary), Brian Schmidt (Debra Medellin) and Karen Schmidt Richards (Kent); former spouse, Jennifer Baughman Flood; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

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Lela Ruth Wenger

HESSTON - Lela Ruth Wenger, 92 of Hesston, KS passed away at Schowalter Villa on January 26, 2022 after an extended illness. Lela was born on August 7, 1929 to George Ezra Bentch and Minnie Opal (McDavitt) Bentch in Lick Creek, Missouri.

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Kathryn (Kathy) Sue Johnston Sears

Kathryn (Kathy) Sue Johnston (Sears) passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the age of 70. Born to Alvin and Virginia (Knott) Johnston in Newton, KS. At the age of 27, Virginia passed away leaving Alvin with three children, Roger, Kathy, and Karen. Alvin married Pearl (Froese) in 1962, she had three boys Steve, Tom, and Dick. Together Alvin and Pearl had two more children Lisa and Jan. Kathy graduated from Heston High School Class of 1970. She was a resident of Newton, KS for a majority of her adult life, spending the last several years in Killeen,TX. She is survived by her children David Sears Jr. of Newton,KS, Millie Stockard of Killeen,TX, and Garrett (Victoria) Clark of Wichita,KS, 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, all 7 of her siblings and their spouses, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by all three of her parents.

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Shirley Marie (Killfoil) O’Neil

Shirley Marie (Killfoil) O’Neil was born to Fred and Lyla Killfoil in Newton, KS on October 6, 1945. She met the love of her life Sean O’Neil in 1981 and they were married on June 25, 1988. She worked at Kidron Bethel Retirement Services as a CNA for over 25 years. She loved her job and made lasting friendships with coworkers and families that she took care of. She always helped with daycare for her grandchildren and was known as“Grandma Shirley” to all the neighborhood kids throwing summer bash parties at her house with pizza, ice cream, and water balloon fights. She volunteered as a “grandma” at Apple a Day preschool for two years until her eyesight wouldn’t allow her to do so any longer. She was a loving woman with the biggest heart that never met a stranger. At her heavenly homecoming was her husband Sean O’Neil, Parents brother Elton Lee Killfoil, sister Mary Hanke and 2 granddaughters Natalie Savage and Lanna Redger. Her family left to mourn her are her 4 children Larry (Mary) Savage of Soldier, KS, Susan (Rick) Redger, Alvin (Tena) Savage, and Tammie (Jim) Schmidt all of Newton, Brothers Jerry Killfoil of Newton Jim Killfoil of Grand Forks, ND Sisters Jane Carrell Newton, KS and Carolyn Smith Pleasentview FL 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

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