Obituaries

Dec 17, 2025

Mary Ann Conklin, 92, died December 17, 2025, at Thorne Care Center, Hutchinson.  She was born July 5, 1933, in Leavenworth, to Arthur and Alma (Kloepper) Kaaz.

Mary Ann graduated from Leavenworth High School and KU, with her bachelor's degree in accounting. She spent numerous hours working on genealogy, walking, and tending to her roses. Mary Ann...

Dec 16, 2025

Darick Dee Navarro, 47, died December 16, 2025, in rural Reno County.  He was born December 6, 1978, in Lyons, to Jesse J. and Connie L. (Otto) Navarro.

Darick graduated from Nickerson High School and attended Southwestern College, Winfield.  He served two years in the Kansas Army National Guard.  Throughout Darick's working career, he was employed at...

Dec 16, 2025

Dixie Lee Hayes, 86, of Hutchinson, died December 16, 2025, at Reflection Living in Hutchinson. She was born September 20, 1939, in Oberlin, to Dorce L. and Elsie E. (Wurm) Hayes.

Dixie graduated from Hutchinson High School and Wichita State University. She was the bookkeeper at Hayes Sight & Sound for many years before retiring. Dixie was...

Dec 16, 2025

Mary Helen Webb, 96, of Hutchinson, died December 16, 2025, at Reflection Living in Hutchinson. She was born December 12, 1929, in Hutchinson, 1 of 14 children born to Anthony and Viva (Howard) Urban.

Mary graduated from St. Teresa Catholic School in 1948, where she was the valedictorian of her class. Described as resilient and prayerful, Mary...

Dec 15, 2025

Thomas L. Powell, 90, died December 15, 2025, at Hester Care Center in Hutchinson. He was born June 7, 1935, in Hutchinson, to Ralph Thomas and Marguerite Lucille (Smithheisler) Powell.

Thomas graduated from Nickerson High School in 1952, and proudly joined the United States Army right after graduation. After serving his country he dedicated his life to...

Dec 15, 2025

Gillian Diane "Gill" Ledbetter, 47, died unexpectedly December 15, 2025, at her home in Buhler. She was born March 9, 1978, in Hutchinson, to Robert Allen "Bob" and Christine May "Chris" (Hayman) Seefeldt.

Gill graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1996, where she was involved in cheerleading, track, and band.  Later, Gill graduated from Hutchinson Community...

Dec 15, 2025

Johnathan Patrick "John" "Patch" McConnell, 57, died December 15, 2025, at Meridian Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Wichita. He was born June 26, 1968, in Hutchinson, to Dale Elden and Donna Sue (Ruble) McConnell.

John graduated from Nickerson High School in 1986. He attended a vo-tech auto mechanic school, Hutchinson, between 1986 and 1987, earning his certification...

Dec 15, 2025

James "Jim" Alan Ledin, 68, died December 15, 2025, at Diversicare of Hutchinson. He was born April 4, 1957, in Moline, IL, to Charles Roger and Lillian Ruth (Hauge) Ledin.

Jim graduated from Junction City High School in 1976 and earned his associates degree from Hutchinson Community College in 2000. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined...

Dec 14, 2025

Delores D. "Dee" Lowe, 49, died December 14, 2025, at her home in Hutchinson. She was born February 28, 1976, in Hutchinson, to Ruth Ann (Lowe) Striplin.

Dee was currently working on finishing her high school diploma through Hutchinson Community College. She worked as a meat processor for Tyson, South Hutchinson. Dee also worked at a soft...

Dec 13, 2025

James "Jim" R. Rome, 83, of Hutchinson, died December 13, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born January 10, 1942, in Victoria, Kansas, to Richard and Laurinda (Staab) Rome.

Jim worked as a mechanic his whole life. He worked at Belco, Ultra Van, and Collins Industries before becoming a self-employed mechanic. Jim's love of cars...

Dec 12, 2025

Howard Dale Smith, 71, of Hutchinson, died December 12, 2025, at his home. He was born September 27, 1954, in Hutchinson, to Paul E. and Verna M. (Loftis) Smith.

Howard graduated from Hutchinson Community College with a degree as a computer support specialist in networking, of which he as very proud. His career was well-rounded, including Mama's...

Dec 10, 2025

Phyllis May Barton Sheahan, 90, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at Hospice House of Reno County.

She was born October 13, 1935, in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, the daughter of Bonnie May (Ferguson) Barton and John Allen "Pat" Barton. Phyllis grew up in Pretty Prairie and graduated from Pretty Prairie High School.

Dec 10, 2025

Kathy Damme, 74, passed away at her home December 10, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was born to Ralph and Frieda Curley Holaday on August 8, 1951, in St. Joseph, MO.

Kathy attended school in St. Joseph, MO.  On September 6, 1988, she married Howard Damme.  They celebrated 37 years of marriage.

Kathy...

Dec 10, 2025

Regis Yager Jr., 76, of Nickerson, KS, died December 10, 2025, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS. He was born March 8, 1949, in Hutchinson, KS, to Regis and Mary Joan (Collins) Yager Sr.

Regis was a 1967 Nickerson High School graduate and shortly after graduating, he joined the United States Army, and proudly served as a...

Dec 10, 2025

Elizabeth Louise Gordon, 79, died December 10, 2025, at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson. She was born May 2, 1946, in Hutchinson, KS, to Ray Eugene and Emla Louise (Parker) Swank.

Elizabeth dedicated herself fully to her family and her unwavering faith. Her family was her pride and joy and she cherished every moment spent with them,...

Dec 10, 2025

Tod Vernon Page, 62, died December 10, 2025, in Protection, KS. He was born May 20, 1963, in Dodge City, to Vernon Wayne and Annabelle Jean (Jarvis) Page.

Tod attended Nickerson High School. He worked in construction for many years, most recently for MBC Construction. Tod was an avid fan of music. He enjoyed listening to music,...

Dec 9, 2025

Ralph Eugene "Gene" Lentz, 98, died December 9, 2025, at Legend of Hutchinson. He was born July 7, 1927, at Grace Hospital, Hutchinson, to Ralph and Hazel E. (Royce) Lentz.

Gene graduated from Buhler High School in 1945. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University, graduating in 1951, and Wichita State University in 1957. He served in the United...

Dec 8, 2025

Michael Allan DiNitto, 64, cherished son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on December 8, 2025 at his home in Overland Park, Kansas after a sudden illness. Mike was born to Joseph and Joan (Halfmann) DiNitto on July 21, 1961 in Hutchinson, KS. Mike attended Haven public schools, Hutchinson Community College and the University of Kansas, where he earned...

Dec 8, 2025

Willard "Buddy" Ray, Jr., 75, died December 8, 2025, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.  He was born January 18, 1950, in Manila, AR, to Willard D. and Virginia "Jenny" (Lilly) Ray.

On June 17, 1978, Buddy married the love of his life Brenda K. Zahn, in Hutchinson. They had three amazing children: Brandi Mechelle, Heather Marie and Justin...

Dec 7, 2025

Gerald George Polreis, 65, of Nickerson, died December 7, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born October 7, 1960, in Parkston, SD, to Joseph W. and Hildegard C. (Smith) Polreis.

Gerald was raised on a dairy farm with his eleven siblings. He was a Journeyman Tuck Pointer for over 42 years at Mid-Continental Restoration. Gerald...