John Orlando Ross, of Hays, Kansas, passed away on December 23, 2022, at Rush County Memorial Hospital swing bed unit in LaCrosse, Kansas.
He was born July 9, 1955, in Plainville, Kansas to Emmett Alvin Ross and Julia Sarah (Smith) Ross. He graduated from Stockton High School and Salina Area Vocational Technical School where he studied electronics.
A full obituary is pending.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. A book signing will be available on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Plainville.
Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663, is in charge of arrangements.
Theresa L. “Tressie” Koehler, of Plainville, passed away on December 25, 2022, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, at the age of 90.
She was born on May 20, 1932, to Thomas and Matilda (Weigel) Phlieger in Plainville. She married Fred Koehler on January 15, 1952, in Plainville. They were blessed with 7 children: Thelma, Thomas, Rebecca, Claire, Andrea, Gretta, and Daniel.
William E. “Bill” Thompson, age 83, of Schoenchen, Kansas died Monday, December 19, 2022, at Hays Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
He was born March 11, 1939, in Bristow, Oklahoma, the son of Ben and Faye (Blackmore) Thompson. Bill graduated from Codell High School in 1957.
Gregory A. Balthazor passed away on December 23, 2022, at his home in Stockton, at the age of 77.
He was born on April 26, 1945, to Philip Paul and Dorothy Ellen (Warren) Balthazor in Hays. He married Karla Smith-Tripe on November 5, 1977, in Stockton. They were blessed with 7 children: Germaine, Jeffry, Darrick, Michelle, Layn, Shayn, and Adam.
Our beautiful and talented mother, Wanda Sammons, 94, of Kansas City, Kansas passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 at The Piper in Kansas City, Kansas.
She was born December 11, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Everett and Vivian (Foster) VanHorn. Wanda spent her young childhood years on a farm near Stockton until her father was elected Rooks County Sheriff and the family moved into town. She graduated from Stockton High School in 1946.
Gary Austin, age 70, of Hays, Kansas, died Monday, December 12, 2022 at his home in Hays.
He was born in Hays, Kansas, on March 26, 1952, to Jackie Eugene and Mary Eloise (Hillegiest) Austin. He attended and graduated from Ventura High School in Ventura, California. He enjoyed spending time with his family, was an avid fisherman, and could be found making models, mainly historical replicas of military ships, tanks, and airplanes—he loved history. He will be remembered for his commitment to hard work, especially as a roughneck in the oil field.
Rita J. Avila, 65, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at her home in Russell.
Rita was born on December 3, 1956, in Plainville, Kansas, the daughter of Stanley L. and Mary Lou (Simons) Richmond. She grew up in Plainville, Kansas, and graduated from Plainville High School. She worked for many years with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas for many years as a caregiver.
Surviving family include her brother Allan Richmond of Codell, Kansas; as well as many cousins and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Donald C. “Don” Malin, of Plainville, passed away December 16, 2022, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, at the age of 84.
He was born on May 20, 1938, to Francis P. and Maxine (Colvin) Malin in Codell. Being born on Cyclone Day, Don came into this world early at only 2 lbs. 6 ounces and wasn’t expected to live through the night. At 16 years old, Don escaped another demise when a car accident landed him in a body cast for six months resulting in a leg amputee.
