Larry L. Chambers, age 86, of Rexford, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
He was born on June 12, 1938, in Colby, Kansas, to Herman Chambers and Lily Owens Chambers (later Plummer). He graduated from Levant High School in 1958 and proudly served in the U.S. Army, attending basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and then serving at Fort Riley.
On February 27, 1960, Larry married the love of his life, D. Dorine Alleman. They built their life together, raising three daughters: Dori, Dawn, and Larisa.
Donald “Don” Wayne McLaughlin, age 79, of Stockton, Kansas, peacefully passed away on April 28, 2025, at Smith County Memorial Hospital in Smith Center, Kansas.
He was born on April 22, 1946, in Concordia, Kansas, to Elmer Wayne and Thelma Evelyn (Donaldson) McLaughlin.
On August 7, 1966, Don married Mary Ann Fix, who tragically passed away 11 days later. Finding love again, Don married Linda Lou Wagner on September 7, 1968, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Together, they built a beautiful family, welcoming three daughters: Diana, Laurie, and Dawn.
Former Plainville resident Lonnie Keith Wise of Russell passed away on February 8, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 77.
He was born on June 15, 1947, to Norman Keith and Ietta Mae (Hrabe) Wise in Hays, Kansas. He married Kathy M. (Berens) Wise in Russell on September 29, 2018.
Helen Mary Smith, formerly of Plainville, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the Locust Grove Village Nursing Home in LaCrosse at the age of 81.
She was born on November 7, 1943, to Aldemore M. and MaryRose B. (Plante) Tremblay.
Coleen Elaine (Ratliff) Gale, 88, passed away at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson, Kansas, on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
She was born on March 13, 1937, right before her twin brother Kenneth, to Wayne Ratliff and Pearl (Gutzman) Ratliff, in rural Kensington, Kansas.
Coleen graduated from Kensington High School with the Class of 1955. She attended the University of South Dakota for two years, living with her uncle, Wayne Gutzman, and his family. That formed a bond that lasted a lifetime.
Kathleen O. Fischer, of Plainville, passed away on April 23, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 80.
She was born on December 31, 1944, to Timothy and Mildred (Write) Fischer in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was married to Timothy S. Boyd.
Former Plainville resident Elvera Holzhauer Beiker passed away on April 25, 2025, in Salina, where she resided since 2023. She was 105 years old.
She was born on April 14, 1920, on the family homestead in Rooks County, Kansas, to Paul and Emma (Keller) Holzhauer. Elvera, the eldest of three daughters, grew up helping with the daily chores on the farm and attending a one-room schoolhouse nearby. She graduated as salutatorian of Palco High School’s Class of 1938 and pursued a career in cosmetology, graduating from Steward Beauty School in 1940.
Nita Johnston, 79, of Stockton, passed away on April 25, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital in Wichita, surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Nita was born on August 6, 1945, to Kimber and Eldred (McDonald) Chard in Osborne County, Kansas. On November 19, 1961, she married Merrill Johnston in Stockton, where they made their home and raised their family.
