Obituaries

Gary Dean Dechant, 64, of Hays, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi Saint Francis in Wichita, Kansas. Gary passed away with family at his side. At his request, he will be laid to rest next to his mother.

Rocky Lynn Hamblet, of Plainville, passed away on September 10, 2026, at The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 70. He was a devoted husband, father, Papa, uncle, and friend, and his family was at the center of everything he did.

Sheryl Lynn (Westhusin) Steece passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the UMSC Hospital in Charleston, S.C., at the age of 60.She was born on March 14, 1966, to Marvin (Gene) and Carol ( Mayes) Westhusin.

Mark William Lee, of Plainville, passed away on June 17, 2026, at his home, at the age of 69.He was born on August 31, 1956, to Wayne and Virginia (Weaver) Lee in Denison, Texas.

Alice Rose Lytle, 90, of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on August 30, 2026, in Hays, Kansas.She was born to Omar and Olive (Roberts) Roy on April 20, 1936. She grew up on the family farm outside of Damar, Kansas. Her mother died in childbirth when Alice was very young.

Frank James Schafer passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 82, at his home in Littleton, Colorado, with family by his side.Frank was born on May 1, 1944, to Frederick and Katherine Elizabeth (Prester) Schafer in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Grayson William Stewart, age 38, of Stockton, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Hays.He was born April 2, 1988, in Hays to Kelly Stewart and Karla Desbien.Grayson was raised in Stockton and graduated from Stockton High School in 2006.

Howard Anthony Garvert, 88, of Plainville, passed away on August 24, 2026, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, surrounded by his family.He was born on November 12, 1937, in Plainville to Adam and Susan (Adam) Garvert.

Leola Finnesy passed away in Hays on Thursday, August 19, 2026, at the age of 91.She was born on January 10, 1935, to Francis and Lilly Finnesy of Natoma, Kansas. Leola loved hiking and traveling.

Laura Jeanne Fellhoelter, age 57, of Rexford, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, in Colby, Kansas, surrounded by family.She was born on July 12, 1969, in Norton, Kansas, to Junior and Loretta Niblock. She grew up in Logan and graduated from Logan High School in 1988.