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FEBRUARY 6 - 15, 2024

Daniel Robert Gonzales, 81, passed away on January 30, 2025. He was born the son of Benny and Jennie (Alcantor) Gonzales on December 27, 1943. Known for his generous spirit and thoughtful nature, Daniel, a lifelong resident of Wellington, was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He carried a radiant smile that could light up any room and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Daniel found joy in life’s simple pleasures, like music and traveling, especially to California to visit family. Daniel was a loving brother to his sisters, Dora Gonzales, Priscilla Lara, Cecilia Gonzales, and Teresa Caudillo. He is remembered by his surviving sisters and their families as a man full of kindness and love, whose generosity knew no bounds. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Jennie Gonzales, his brothers, Benny “Buddy” and Frederick Gonzales, and his sister, Caroline Lara. He was a beacon of love and joy in their lives, and though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. In respecting Daniel’s wishes, a private family service will be held. His final resting place will be with his mother at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, Kansas. We encourage all who knew him to share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall atwww.cornejofuneralhome.com. Let us remember Daniel Gonzales, not with sadness, but with the joy he brought into our lives. Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas.

David Leroy Hunt, 80, of Frontenac, Kansas, passed away on January 20, 2025, Mercy Hospital- Pittsburg. David was born on July 13, 1944, in Edison, Nebraska, to Doris David Hunt and Leslie Hunt. He grew up in Lincoln, Kansas, and graduated from local schools before attendi ng Emporia State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He later earned a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 6, 2024

It is the life of the crystal

Oraleen Urban passed away on December 18, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born the daughter of Ora John and Mary Elizabeth (Larsen) Merritt on June 30, 1929, at her grandparent’s home in Caldwell, Kansas, and grew up in rural Grant County, Oklahoma. Oraleen was a 1947 graduate of Caldwell High School and went on to graduate from Northern Oklahoma Junior College. She married Ervin Urban on June 6, 1950, at the Caldwell Methodist Church, and after their marriage, they lived in the rural Caldwell and Corbin areas where Ervin began farming and Oraleen taught school in Corbin. In 1954, they moved to the Wellington area after living in Trieste, Italy while Ervin served in the United States Army. This is when she developed her love of being a farmwife alongside Ervin. Family, music, and being involved in church were important to Oraleen. She liked planning, cooking for, and hosting family gatherings and always looked forward to the next one. Oraleen enjoyed playing the piano and accordion and was a member of the Bellaires, the Wellington First United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, since 1980. She volunteered as a pianist at a local nursing home starting in 1994. Over the years, she volunteered in many ways at her church including serving on the Library, Building, Sanctuary, and Fellowship committees, and continued playing handbells with Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield until her death. She loved to research and write about family and church history. She was especially interested in the symbolism of the stained-glass windows, crosses, and religious symbols in the church. She wrote a paper on the subject called, Symbols, Learn the Language, as therapy after her husband died. She was a member of United Methodist Women where she served as a District Officer for 4 years and a Conference Officer for 9 years. She was also a member of Ruth Circle and the Searchers Sunday School class. Oraleen is preceded in death by her husband, Ervin; grandson, Jeremy Urban; parents, Ora and Mary Merritt; brother, Roy Merritt; sister-in-law, Wynell Merritt. Survivors include her sons, David (Shelly) Urban, and Mark (Gail) Urban; daughter, Pam (Rich) Granger; grandchildren, McKenzie (Charlie) Wagner, Chelsea Urban, Mitch Urban, Katie Urban, Tyson (Cayce) Hibbs, Erin Hibbs and Kayley (Grant) White; brothers, Bob Merritt, Max (Lynn) Merritt; sister, Ruth (George) Sanford; sister-in-law, Marilyn Merritt. Visitation at 9:00 am followed by Funeral service for Oraleen will begin at 10:00 am on December 21, 2024, at the Wellington Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens, Wellington, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be given in her name and loving memory to the Wellington Methodist Church P.O. Box 189, Wellington, KS 67152 to support the library and the Bellaires or to the Grace United Methodist Church, 320 College St, Winfield, Kansas 67156 to purchase new bell music.

The Yule Log

DECEMBER 19 - 26, 2024

Almetta “Dutch” Iverson passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born the daughter of Orville R. and Anna Evelyn (Ferguson) Wirtz on July 7, 1937 in Caldw ell, Kansas. On December 6, 1968, she and Dennis Iverson were united in marriage in Wellington, Kansas, and joined their families together. They celebrated nearly 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2023. Known for her witty humor, compassionate heart, ambitious drive, and spirited personality, Dutch led a life filled with love, laughter, and service to others. She retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company following an over 40-year career, showcasing her dedication and hard work. Dutch was a craftswoman at heart, her hands always busy creating and painting intricate woodworking pieces. Baking was another of her joys, especially creating one-of-a-kind wedding cakes for anyone who asked. Her love for games brought about the formation of a local Bingo group, which continues to meet every third Thursday. Dutch’s adventurous spirit found her traveling across the USA with the Telephone Pioneer Campers Club. She was a cancer survivor and was passionate about her involvement with the annual Relay for Life. Her faith was deeply important to her, reflected in her active involvement in her church, where she served meals and helped with decoration. But above all, what mattered most to Dutch was her family. Survivors include her son, Gregg Elkins and his wife Susan; daughter, Tammy O’Neal all of Wellington, Kansas; step-son, David Iverson and his wife Colette of Ohio; step-daughter, Denise Ferenbaugh and her husband Albert of Ohio, 12 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren, and her sister, Dessie Scott and her husband Randy of Caldwell, Kansas. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2024, with her family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thomas E. Burkhart, born on November 20, 1950, in Wellington, Kansas, passed away on December 10, 2024. For most of his life, Thomas made his home in South Haven, Kansas, where he was known and loved by many. He dedicated 20 years of his life to the Army National Guard, an experience that brought him great pride and took him on travels as far as South Korea. Upon retiring from his career in maintenance as a custodian, he found joy in the simple pleasures that life on his farm offered. Thomas was a devoted member of the South Haven Baptist Church and was known for his unwavering faith. Thomas is survived by his sister, Mary Hibbard and her husband Jimmie; his nieces, Michelle Hibbard, Jennifer McBath, and Angela Hibbard; and his greatnieces and great-nephews, Brianna Hibbard, Bryan Green, Bradley McBath, and Ciera McBath. Their memories of Thomas will be cherished and his spirit will live on through them. Thomas joins his parents, Elvin and Mary Burkhart, in eternal rest. He is also preceded in death by numerous beloved uncles and cousins. While they may no longer be with us, their memories continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved them. A visitation for Thomas will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cornejo Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas, 67152. The family will be present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. His funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the South Haven Baptist Church, located at 100 Frederick Street, South Haven, Kansas, 67140. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the South Haven Baptist Church. Donations may be mailed or left with the funeral home. Share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall atwww.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, Wellington, Kansas. To keep Thomas’s memory alive, we invite you to upload photos and share your cherished memories of him on his memorial page. His life was filled with love and devotion to his farm, family, and church. His legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew him.