Obituaries

Body Judith Kay Leiker, 77, Hays, died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at HaysMed after a courageous battle with cancer.She was born September 3, 1947, in Hays, the daughter of Everett J. “Corky” and Rosalind (Staab) Urban.

Body Lucy Lee Bischoff, of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on March 14, 2025, at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton at the age of 95. She was born on June 26, 1929, to Walter R. and Elva (Eaton) Bates in Alton, Kansas.

Body Ruth Ann Roy, 91, of Erie, Colo., formerly of Stockton and WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Erie, Colorado, at the home of her daughter, Joyce. She was born on February 6, 1934, to Alfred “Jack” and Mary Rosena (Hunter) Jackson in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Body Neil LeRoy Lexow, 88, passed away on March 11, 2025, at the Stormont Vail Hospital in Junction City.He was born October 11, 1936, to Raymond and Pearl (Altwegg) Lexow.

Body Richard Pywell, of rural Palco, passed away on March 10, 2025, at his home at the age of 85.He was born on January 24, 1940, to Percy and Effie (Ouderkirk) Pywell in Zurich, Kansas. He was married on June 23, 1962, to Carol June Mayhew in Plainville.

Body Gordon Scott Austin, 61, of Macksville, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025.He was born on February 16, 1964, in Ojui, Calif. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose sarcasm and humor touched the lives of all who knew him.

Body Omer Aloysius Knoll, age 90, a very well-known artist, sculptor, teacher, and a friend to many, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Redbud Village Care Center in Plainville.He was a former Ellis County resident who lived his later years in Palco.

Body Jerry Lee Jackson, 84, passed away on February 27, 2025, at his home in Great Bend, Kan.  He was born on October 15, 1940, in Stockton, to Alfred "Jack" and Rosena (Hunter) Jackson. Jerry married Shirlee Ann (Hutton) on August 6, 1961, in Stockton.

Body Pastor Luke William Wise, of Plainville, passed away on February 27, 2025, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, at the age of 41. He was born on March 10, 1983, to Ronald "Ron" Duane and Mary Beth (Hargrave) Wise in Hays, Kansas.