June 2023

Janis Kaye Ellis, 72, of Lindsborg passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Bethany Home, Lindsborg, KS. Janis was born September 16, 1950 in McPherson, KS to the late Aldon Wesley and the late Retha Lucy (Anderson) Scott. She married William A. “Bill” Ellis on April 4, 1971 at Roxbury, KS. Janis was a Lindsborg High School graduate and worked as a beautician. She is survived by children: Chad Ellis of Galva, KS , Chase Ellis of Lindsborg, KS, Chelsea Ellis (Erick Taskinen) of Lindsborg, KS, Chandler “Chip” Ellis (Carrie) of Lindsborg, KS, and Jaron Watkins (Brandon) of Lindsborg, KS; sisters: Jolene Hilty of McPherson, KS and Jazell Bersuch (Dennis) of McPherson, KS; as well as eleven grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Janis is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Bill, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 daughter-in-laws; and a niece. Visitation will be from 5 p.m to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS. The funeral will be held 10:00 am on Monday, June 19 at Roxbury United Parish, 110 W South, Roxbury, KS with Pastor Nancy Modin officiating. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Roxbury following the funeral. Memorials may be made to Bethany Home for upkeep and supplies for the beauty shop. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456. For more information or to leave condolences online, please visit www.crick-christiansfuneralhome. com..

Colleen Joan (Vsetecka) Sharp, 68, formerly of McPherson, KS and Ellinwood, KS, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023, surrounded by family in Hesston, KS. Colleen was born on October 22, 1954, in Great Bend, KS, the daughter of William and Dolores (Suchy) Vsetecka.

Brett Whitenack, 60, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on Sunday, June 18, 2023, surrounded by family at Ascension Via Christi-St. Francis RMC, Wichita. Brett worked full time as a Curator and Director of Daily Operations for the McPherson Museum since 1997. Brett was born on February 22, 1963, in Wichita, KS, the son of William “Bill” H. and Ina Jane (Berry) Whitenack. Brett graduated from McPherson High School in 1981 and later furthered his education at McPherson College, graduating in 2009, with degrees in Biology and Philosophy/Religion. On November 26, 1983, Brett was united in marriage to Jeanne Horn in McPherson, KS. This union was blessed with two children, Jake and Bethany. Since 1980, he was a member of the McPherson Gem & Mineral Club and currently was the web master and historian. He was the Vice President of the Kansas Academy of Science. He attained membership to the Honor Society of the Tri-Beta Biological Science Iota Chapter in 2008. He worked with 4-H Clubs by attending rock field trips and gave talks about rocks and fossils to the schools and clubs around the McPherson area. For many years, he led tours at the McPherson Museum for school kids. Brett received the Burkholder Research Award from McPherson College for outstanding achievement in student research in the Natural Sciences. Survivors include: his loving wife of 39 years, Jeanne of the home; a son, Jake (Sarah) Whitenack of McPherson, KS; a daughter, Bethany (Josh) Flemming of Lawrence, KS; three grandchildren, Curtis Landrum, Cali Whitenack, and Crew Whitenack, all of McPherson, KS; his father, Bill Whitenack of Shawnee, KS; a brother, Stuart (Jeannie) Whitenack of Olathe, KS; sister-in-law, Julie (Bob) Feurer; brothersinlaw, Alan (Bonnie) Horn and Tim Horn; nieces & nephews, Olivia Whitenack, Cade, Courtney & Bram Feurer, Erin & Brandon Van Burkleo, Andrea Horn, Kelsey Horn, Seth Horn, Adam Horn, and Kyle Horn; and many loving cousins and their

Bethel Jane (Tucker) Westervelt, 89, of McPherson, KS, formerly of Pittsburg, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at McPherson Health and Rehab. She was the only child born to Howard and Thelma (Sewell) Tucker, of Independence, on December 2, 1933. She attended Independence High School, graduating in 1951. On July 13, 1952, Bethel married Robert Earl Westervelt.