June 2023

Delbert Guy Hayes, 87, of Little River, Kansas, passed away May 27, 2023, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, with his family by his side. He was born October 18, 1935, in Ellsworth, Kansas, the son of William Kermit and Edith (Bechtelheimer) Hayes. Delbert was a lifelong Little River area resident. He graduated from Little River High School with the class of 1953 and received his bachelor’s degree in history from McPherson College. Delbert described himself as a left-handed farmer, raising crops and livestock. He carried on his family farm and received the Farm Bureau “Century Farm” award in 2018. Delbert was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Little River, and a member of the Lions Club. He served on the Rice County Extension Council and Little Arkansas Watershed Board. Delbert was a United Methodist Youth Fellowship sponsor and volunteered his time sharing the word in prison ministry at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility. He was known for his gentle and compassionate soul. On August 11, 1957, Delbert was united in marriage with Joyce L. Flory at the Church of the Brethren in McPherson, Kansas. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2018. He is also preceded in death by his parents. Delbert is survived by his two children, Michael Hayes (Kristine Hopkins) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Charlotte Loewen (Stan) of rural Geneseo, KS; two brothers, LeRoy Hayes (JoNelle) of Little River, KS, and Byron Hayes (Anne) of McPherson, KS; sister, Patricia Mais (Tom) of Emporia, KS; two grandchildren, Thad Hayes (Nicole) of Austin, TX, and Annie Rios (Zachary) of Round Rock, TX; and two great-grandchildren, Sage Isabella Rios and Avery Grace Rios both of Round Rock, TX. A visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Private family burial will be at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Celebration of life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the First

Esther M. Cotton, 90, of McPherson, KS, passed away June 2, 2023.

Keith “K.O.” Fuller, 88, of McPherson, KS, passed away June 1, 2023, at McPherson Hospital. Funeral arrangements are with Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson.

Florene D. Schmidt, 90, of Galva, Kansas, passed away Friday, June 2, 2023, peacefully at her home in Galva, Kansas. She was born August 7, 1932, in rural Galva, the daughter of Tobe D. and Martha (Unruh) Koehn. For many years, Florene worked at Ensz Furniture and Appliance and later at The Buttonhole, both of McPherson. Florene was a lifelong homemaker with a love for quilting, embroidery work and anything she could make with her many sewing machines. Florene loved sewing creations for her family and friends. Many cherished quilts will live on forever. Florene was a member of First Mennonite Church of McPherson and church quilting circle. She was united in marriage to Chester L. Schmidt on January 13, 1952 in Galva. Florene and Chester celebrated 70 years of marriage. In their earlier years, Florene & Chester enjoyed visiting with family and friends, near and afar. In their later years they had the joy of raising two grandsons, Nicholas and Ryan Schmidt. One would also find them out every Saturday night, enjoying dinner with close friends. Surviving is daughter, Jane (James) Boeckner of Hiawatha, KS; six grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren; sister, Minnie Nightingale; and brother, Dennis (Adele) Koehn, all of Galva. Florene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Chester Schmidt and son, Stephen Schmidt. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m.Thursday, June 8, 2023 at First Mennonite Church in McPherson. Burial will take place after at Lone Tree Cemetery, rural Galva. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 7th with family greeting friends from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Moundridge Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite Church of McPherson in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, Kansas 67107.