Obituaries

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anthony Domenico Kruse, Wichita, passed away on December 6, 2022 at the age of 48. He was born in Plainville, Kansas on February 27, 1974. He graduated from Plainville High School as Co-Valedictorian in 1992.

Nancy Ann (Pantlik) Davis of Plainville earned her angel wings at the age of 87 on December 13, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy Ann (Spears) Earl, age 62, of Stockton, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at her home, with her husband and daughters by her side. She was born on April 6, 1960, to Charles Sr. and Bernice (Burba) Spears in Springfield, Ohio.

Harold Marion Jordan, age 89, of Hays, Kansas passed away Friday, December 2, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi, Hays.