Carmella L. Thyfault, 92, Hays, died Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Harry Hynes Hospice Center in Wichita.

She was born on December 19, 1932, in Hoxie, Kansas, the daughter of Fremond and Lucilla (DesMarteau) Comeau.

Carmella attended school in Damar and Fort Hays State University and worked at USD 269 as a special education teacher. On June 12, 1950, she was united in marriage to Mose E. Thyfault, and he preceded her in death on September 5, 1996. They had seven children.

Andrew Lee Engling, 55, of Natoma, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, surrounded by his children and family.

Peggy Lynn Benedick, 76, of Plainville, passed away on June 6, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays.

She was born on March 17, 1949, in Missoula, Montana, to Alvin and Eileen (Butler) Benedick.

She spent most of her life in Plainville, where she was raised, and later graduated from Plainville High School in 1967. Following high school, Peggy pursued higher education and earned her bachelor's degree, which led to a fulfilling career as a Laboratory Technician. She held various roles over the years, consistently bringing diligence and care to her work.

Peggy Lynn Benedick, 76, of Plainville, passed away on June 6, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays.

She was born on March 17, 1949, in Missoula, Montana, to Alvin and Eileen (Butler) Benedick.

She spent most of her life in Plainville, where she was raised, and later graduated from Plainville High School in 1967. Following high school, Peggy pursued higher education and earned her bachelor's degree, which led to a fulfilling career as a Laboratory Technician. She held various roles over the years, consistently bringing diligence and care to her work.

Judith “Judy” Marie Munsell, 82, of Natoma, passed away on June 5, 2025, at her home in Natoma.

She was born on October 24, 1942, to Jess and Eleanor (Starlin) Thompson in Winfield, Kansas. She married Donald Wayne Munsell on August 1, 1969, in Winfield, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 3, 2025. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, known for her warm heart, strong work ethic, and talented hands.

Ida Mae (Hamel) LeSage, age 95, of Hays, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Pinnacle Park Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Salina, Kansas.

She was born on January 26, 1930, on the family farm four miles north of Damar, Kansas, to Alex and Elsie (Thibault) Hamel and was the youngest of 16 children. Dr. Peterson, who delivered Ida Mae, later delivered three of her children, Mark, Alan, and Denise.

Alma Jean Keller, 97, of Denver, Colorado, and a former Russell, Kansas, resident, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Woodland Estates Assisted Living in Denver.

She was born on January 22, 1927, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of Paul and Clara (Koehler) Rostocil. She grew up on the family farm near Stockton, Kansas, and graduated from Stockton High School. After high school, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Kansas State University.

Lucille Marjorie Prater, of Plainville, passed away on June 1, 2025, in Hays, at the age of 98.

She was born on February 4, 1927, to Carl and Barbara (Schauer) Pfannkuch in the family farmhouse in Phillips County, Kansas.

Raised during the Great Depression, Lucille learned the value of hard work at a young age. Whether it was harvesting wheat with scissors, milking the family's famously temperamental cow before school, or helping at her parents' business after classes, Lucille's industrious spirit remained steadfast throughout her life.

Patrick "Pat" Lane Muir, 59, of Stockton, passed away unexpectedly on June 1, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones. His sudden passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

Marsha Ann Haines, 78, of Stockton, passed away on May 26, 2025, at the Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton.

She was born on January 8, 1947, to Russell and Leta (Veverka) Bouchey in Hays.

Marsha grew up in Stockton and graduated from Stockton High School in 1965. She continued her education at Kansas State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and later completed a master’s degree in Speech Pathology at Fort Hays State University.