Betty Jeanne Thompson, age 90, passed away on November 3, 2024, at Larksfield Healthcare Center in Wichita, KS. She was born on April 11th, 1934 on the family farm south of Oxford, KS to Eugene Louis Gardiner and Lela Martha (Lodge).
Lori Jean Gragert passed away on November 6, 2024, at the age of 49. She was born in Arkansas City, Kansas on March 25, 1975, to Stephen Mark Gragert and Jean Gragert.
Rosie Smith, born Laura Rose Keithline on December 13, 1935, in Wellington, KS, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024, at the age of 88. She was the youngest of 7 children. Known to her friends, family, and colleagues as Rosie, she was a caring, compassionate, and devoted individual, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives she touched. Rosie dedicated her life to the field of healthcare, starting with her graduation from the College of St. Teresa Department of Nursing in Kansas City, MO. Her ambition and dedication led her to become the Director of Nursing at St. Luke’s Hospital, which later became Sumner Regional Medical Center. She served in this position for over 20 years, setting an example of professionalism, empathy, and commitment to her staff, physicians, and patients alike. Beyond her professional commitment, what mattered most to her was the family that she and her husband of 64 years, Jack Smith, created together. Her passion, dedication, and commitment to serving her family and community were all reflections of her kind and loving character. She was also a board member of Panhandle Federal Credit Union and Mission Thrift Shop. Survivors include her five children, Andrew W. Smith and his wife Margaret of Leawood, KS, Bradford L. “Bazie” Smith and his wife Valerie of Orange, CA, Cary P. Smith and his wife Tara of Bedford, TX, Danny P. Smith and his wife Cassandra of Wellington, KS, and Evonna J. “Sissy” Nichols and her husband Scott of Wichita, KS; 12 grandchildren, Kyle Smith, Randon Harvey, Carley Smith, Morgan Arriola and her husband Victor, Hayden Smith, Taylor Smith, Garrett Smith and his wife Kelsey, Ross Nichols and his wife Caroline, Elizabeth “Libby” Hoffman and her husband Jason, Ashden Smith, McKlaine Nichols, and Jackson Nichols; 10 great-grandchildren, Evelyn Hinton, Benjamin Smith, Ellis Arriola, Julian Arriola, Ryan Smith, Otto Nichols, Walker Nichols, Lawson Nichols, Sawyer Smith, and Sullivan Smith. Not only a grand
Irene Ann Bauler, 85, passed away peacefully with her family at her side and with the sounds of Elvis filling the room on September 24, 2024. She was born the daughter of Mary Hanely and Paul Loefke on February 2, 1939, in Anthony, Kansas but was adopted by her loving parents, Henry and Joan Bellinghausen when she was almost a year old. Irene attended a country school and later joined the Wakita public schools, graduating from Wakita High School in 1957. She went on to attend Northwestern State College in Alva, Oklahoma for two years and then transferred to Oklahoma College for Women (OCW) in Chickasha, Oklahoma, graduating in 1961. On May 31, 1961, she and Edward Bauler were married in a small, country church called the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in rural Manchester, Oklahoma. She also made her home in both Ford and Burden, Kansas before moving to Wellington, Kansas for good in 1969. She ran a daycare center in her home from 1969 to 1980. Irene then worked at TG&Y from 1980 to 1986. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Mission Thrift Shop for 30 years. Irene lived a great life and lived for her beloved grandchildren along with her treasured pets including cats, dogs, fish, lizards, and especially her rabbits. Survivors include her husband Ed Bauler of the home; son, Phillip Bauler (Jackie) of Sumter, South Carolina; son, James Bauler (Tammy) of Wichita, Kansas; daughter, Ellen Golden (Terry) of Wellington, Kansas; daughter, Susan Doherty of Wellington, Kansas; daughter, Mary Butler (Brett) of Salina, Kansas; daughter, Jennifer Bauler of Burden, Kansas, 11 grandchildren: Matthew Bauler (Elizabeth) of Wichita, Kansas, Kristi Bauler (Travis Adams) of Winfield, Kansas, Adam Bauler (Abigail Bowman) of Burden, Kansas, Tyler Treft (Sarah) of Wellington, Kansas, Austin Treft (Shelby) of Bel Aire, Kansas, Sharon Bauler of Hazelton, Kansas, Andrew Bauler of Sumter, South Carolina, Jessica Curry (Luke) of Salina, Kansas, Zachary Butler of Salina, Kansas, Hannah Ethe
OCTOBER 3 - OCTOBER 10, 2024 Major Robert Eugene “Bob” Happy, 86, passed away September 27, 2024. A viewing will be held from 6-8pm on October 3rd, at the First Baptist Church, 612 N.
SEPTEMBER 26, - OCTOBER 3, 2024 Rita Kay Carroll, 77, passed away on September 16, 2024. Memorial services were held on September 24th at Church of Christ A private interment will take place at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield, KS.
Garnett Helen Popplewell was born on August 30, 1928, in South Haven, Kansas to Paul and Lula Popplewell. She attended the Methodist Church there and accepted Christ as her personal savior at the age of 9 years. She graduated from South Haven in May 1946. On Sept. 23, 1946, she married Billy Gene Craig and to this union were born with 3 children; Terry Nixson, Jerry Gene, and Shelley Garnette. They moved to Wellington in 1956 where she transferred her membership to the First Baptist Church. She was a member of the choir and served on many committees through the years. Garnett was also a member of V.F.W. Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary as well as a life member of Wellington PTA. In 1981 she was presented with the Business and Professional Women “Woman of the Year” award and served as their president in 1983 and 1984. She was a life member of Soroptimist International, a life member of the Historical Society of Sumner Co., and a member of Pioneer Families of Sumner Co. After her retirement she enjoyed selling Avon and worked in visitation for the Day Funeral Home. Outside of her home, she worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist for over 30 years but her greatest joy was raising her 3 children and enjoying her grandchildren. They spent their winters in Aransas Pass and traveled to many states as well. Garnett also loved music; her favorites were gospel, country western, and big band sounds of the 40’s. Her later years were spent with her dear friend Charlie Tibbs; enjoying trips and dining out. Preceding her in death were her parents Paul and Lula Popplewell her two brothers; Theron and Merle Popplewell and her sisters; Pauline Robinson and Anna Mae Coggins. Survivors are her two sons: Terry Nixson Craig and Jerry Gene Craig, and his wife, Fran Craig. One daughter; Shelley Garnette and husband Jeff Deschaine. Her grandchildren are Troy Craig and their wife Kelli; Trisha Craig Torpey and their husband Josh; Ebony Deschaine and fiancé Shannon Hudson; Camer
SEPTEMBER 19, - SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 Garnett Helen Popplewell Craig, 96, passed away on September 11, 2024. A celebration of life was held on September 16th.
Trevor Martin Rusk, 36, of Wellington, Kansas, passed away at his home. Born December 18, 1987, in Wellington, he was the son of Kelly L. Ford and Martin Ray Rusk. He was raised and received his education in Wellington and