Gilbert E. “Gil” Ferland, age 84, Hays, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2022, at HaysMed.

He was born September 9, 1938, at home in Damar, the son of Euclide and Marie (Benoit) Ferland.

For 60 years, Gil worked in the oilfield, starting out driving the water truck for his brother when he was 16. He worked on drilling rigs, cable tool for oil and gas wells, and was a pumper. He swathed and baled for local farmers and delivered mail to Nebraska at night.

Former Hays resident, Ruth Elaine Miller, age 93, Stockton, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton.

She was born February 28, 1929, in Webster, the daughter of Charles J. and Eunice (Selby) McCormick.

She was a graduate of Webster High School, and on December 11, 1947, was united in marriage to Charles A. “Buck” Miller in Osborne. They were married over 45 years before he preceded her in death on April 5, 1993.

Thomas Ray Hammersmith, a gregarious and genuine personality who had the ability to instantly connect with others and never met a stranger, died November 22, 2022, surrounded by the love of his wife and three children, his mother, his siblings and their families, and all of his friends. He was 50.

Please join us at https://www.elliottmortuary.com/obituary/thomas-hammersmith to celebrate Tom’s life by leaving memorial notes, prayers, photos, and other remembrances.

Kenneth E. “Kenny” Riffe, 81, passed away on November 6, 2022.

He was a farmer and a veteran.

Kenny suffered a series of health issues in 2022, but fought a valiant effort to overcome them despite adverse conditions.

He is survived by his three children: Yvonne, Patrick and Kent; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.