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James Marion Johnston (aka the old goat), of Casper, Wyoming, died October 5, 2023, while in hospice care at Casper Mountain Rehab and Care Center. He had just celebrated his birthday and had turned 83 years old a few weeks before. James was born on September 27, 1940, in Wellington, Kansas. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1957. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He later continued his military service by joining the Air National Guard. At the same time, he continued his education at Wichita Business College. James was one-in-a-million, as the title of an article in the Wichita Eagle Beacon newspaper alluded to. This article highlighted the fact that he had a rare negative O blood type that only one-in-a-million people have. The article went on to praise him for donating his 21 st unit of blood. Said unit of blood along with two units of red frozen cells were shipped to San Francisco at the request of the Rare Donor Registry. James’s cells aided in the successful birth of “a healthy and pink baby girl,” as the unborn fetus had been receiving intrauterine transfusions since the 20th week of pregnancy because of past difficulties experienced by the mother-to-be. Jimmy, as many friends and family members called him, was also known in later years as the old goat. This name was given to him by his granddaughter Ursula and her mother Mary. They did this after seeing the name printed on the bib overalls worn by goat figurine. Said figurine was given to him, as a birthday present and became one of favorite gifts. It traveled with him to both assisted living and then the nursing home. James was predeceased by his father, John Robert Sr.; mother, Josephine Arline; brothers, John Robert Jr. and Jerry Lee. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his son, John; stepson, Michael; two grandchildren Morgan Henry, and Ursula Urban; and his brother, Justin. Funeral services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Casper, Wyomin

Billie Jane (White) Keller, age 68, of Wellington, KS., passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Billie was born December 16, 1954, in Liberal, KS to Edwin L. White and R. Katherine (Harris) White. In 1972, Billie graduated from Liberal High School and continued her education at Seward County Community College graduating with an associate degree. Billie married Allen E. Keller on December 21, 1974, in Liberal, KS. To this union four beautiful children were born: Adam, Erin, Allison & Evan. During their married life, opportunities took them to Minnesota, Wyoming, and California before ultimately settling in Iola, Kansas. Billie graduated from nursing school in 1991 and began her career at Allen County Hospital. She moved to a clinic setting at the Family Med Center working for Drs. Hull, Walter, and Stone. During her ten years there, Billie developed lifelong friendships. In 2005, she and the family moved to Wellington, KS. She retired from Sumner Regional Medical Center, Wellington, KS after 24 dedicated years as a Registered Nurse. Billie enjoyed reading, playing cards, antiquing, and traveling, especially cruising. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life. She never missed an event. Billie’s family and friends will remember her humor, generosity, and love for others. She will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her husband Allen of 48 years, her children: Adam Keller (Jennifer), Goddard, KS, Erin Fenn (Bob), Derby, KS, Allison Patton (Erick), Goddard, KS, and Evan Keller, Kansas City, MO. Beloved grandchildren: Makayla Keller, Isaac Keller, Easton Fenn, Carter Fenn, Carson Fenn, Brooke Patton, and Paige Patton. Sisters: Priscilla Taggart, Kay Hatfield, Jolyn Apsey, and Sonja Sutherland. She was loved by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Billie is preceded in death by her parents. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the First Baptist Church in Protection, KS. Viewing will be held from 12:00 until service time

DEC. 25, 1932 - SEPT. 8, 2023 Jean Davidson Nichols, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on September 8, 2023, in Conroe, Texas, at the age of 90. Born on Christmas day in 1932 in Wellington, Kansas, Jean was the daughter of Herb and Helen Davidson, and she was the youngest of three siblings. She attended Wellington Junior and Senior High School and graduated with the Class of 1950. During her high school years, Jean’s life took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Ron Nichols. Their love story spanned an incredible 71 years, beginning with their wedding on June 21, 1952. After Ron’s graduation from college, he enlisted in the Air Force, leading them to various locations, including Georgia and Kansas. Through these early years, they forged lifelong friendships, and Jean cared for their daughters while supporting Ron’s Air Force career. In 1957, Ron and Jean joined Virgil and Margaret Nichols in the family business back in Wellington. Nichols Electric was established in 1926, and was known for its exceptional service, offering Frigidaire appliances, Zenith electronics and Lennox heating / air conditioning to the community. Jean took charge of bookkeeping responsibilities while attending to the needs of customers. After 64 years in business, Ron and Jean made the decision to close Nichols Electric in 1990 to follow their shared passion of camping and travel. The couple sold their home and embarked on a 17-year journey as full-time RVers, traversing the country, creating cherished memories, and forging enduring friendships. Their adventures took them to the far reaches of the western United States, Alaska, Canada, and New Brunswick. During most summers, they enjoyed being campground hosts at Lightner Creek Campground in Durango, Colorado, where they had the opportunity to spend time with their daughter and her family. Eventually, they settled in Cottonwood, Arizona, just south of the beautiful Sedona re

Grandma Cornelsen’s Buttermilk Chocolate Cake 2 cups sugar ¼ cup cocoa ½ cup shortening 2 eggs ½ cup buttermilk 2 ¼ cup flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 teaspoons baking soda in 1 cup hot water Mix together. Bake at 350 degrees until done.