Marjorie Marie Graham, 80, of Russell, Kansas, died on Friday, February 08, 2019, at Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell, Kansas. Marjorie was born on December 03, 1938, in Rural Paradise, Kansas, the daughter of James and Helen (Naylor) Pooley.  She grew up in the Paradise, Bunker Hill and North Wilson Lake area and lived in the Russell County area all her life.  She graduated from Bunker Hill High School in the class of 1957.  She was married to Phillip S. Madden on November 29, 1957, and from this union they were blessed with 4 daughters Cindy, Kimberley, Cathy and Penny. 

Anna Martha (Scholz) Klema, 102, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, February 06, 2019, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in Russell, Kansas. Anna was born on April 19, 1916, in Huron, Kansas, the daughter of George F. and Anna Dorathea (Buttron) Scholz.  She grew up in Huron, Kansas, and graduated from Huron High School in 1933.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Kansas State University in 1940.  After college she worked as a extension agent for 2 years.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Dell Klema on February 14, 1943. 

Francis J. “Frank” Ptacek, 85, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Kansas Soldiers’ Home in Dodge City, Kansas, surrounded by family. Frank was born June 25, 1933 in Dorrance, Kansas.  He was one of ten children born to Frank C. and Anna (Kepka) Ptacek.  He grew up on a farm near Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1951.  He then attended one year at Kansas State University before needing to return home and help on the family farm. Frank served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.  Throughout his service, he served

Teresa J. “Terri” (Vestring) Hamlin, 63, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Teresa was born August 6, 1955 in El Dorado, Kansas.  She was one of three children born to James W. and Delores “Dode” (Murray) Vestring.  She grew up in Burns, Kansas and attended school there, before moving to Wichita and graduating from South East High School.  She then attended a year at Kansas University. Teresa was united in marriage to Christopher Hamlin on February 7, 1981 in Wichita, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three children; Jennifer,

Ila Frances (Markley) Siemers, 94, of Lindsborg, Kansas, and formerly of Russell County, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Bethany Home in Lindsborg. Ila was born in Luray, Kansas on March 4, 1924 to Roy and Thelma Markley. She grew up in Luray and graduated from Luray High School in 1942. She married Vinton Siemers on June 15, 1947, and had five children. Vinton died January 13, 1968.  Ila grew up in the Luray area, moving to Russell, Kansas in 1970. Ila was known for her talent as a seamstress. She spent her last year at Bethany

Betty Lou (Goetz) Wagner, 84, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Betty was born March 21, 1934 in Victoria, Kansas.  She was one of five children born to William and Helen (Herman) Goetz.  At age 8, the family moved from Victoria to Russell.  She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1951. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Paul J. Wagner on April 8, 1969 in Russell.  This union was blessed with four children:  Melanie, Kevin, Michelle and Paul.  Betty’s

Joyce Ellen (Rounkles) Mello, 79, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 4, 2019 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. Joyce was born April 7, 1939 in Russell.  She was one of five children born to Chester L. and Elsie V. (Killian) Rounkles.  She grew up in Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Paradise High School in 1957. Joyce was united in marriage to John Joseph Mello, Jr. on April 23, 1960 in Topeka, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two children; John and Mary.  They made their home in Russell County. Joyce was a devoted wife and homemaker.