Obituaries

Peggy Ann Korinek Cantrell, 76, of Glendale, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.Peggy was born in Ellsworth, Kan., on Aug. 14, 1948, a daughter of the late Frances and Myles Korinek.Peggy was a draftsman for approximately 40 years with various companies throughout her career.

Allen James Worcester, 88, passed away Jan. 12, 2025, at Country Living, Larned, Kan. Allen was born June 30, 1936, in Hill City, Kan., to Vernon and Pauline (Walker) Worcester. He attended Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University. Sept.

Mary Jane Vondra, 92, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Salina, Kan. She was born Feb. 6, 1932, in Kanopolis, Kan., to L.M. “Hank” and Helen (Hysell) Herrington. Mary Jane married Leon Peterson on Feb. 24, 1951.Following Leon’s passing in 1971, she married Frank Vondra on Aug. 5, 1977.

Rebekah Lee Nelson, 74, of Oskaloosa, Kan., formerly of Topeka, Kan., and Ellsworth, Kan., died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Heritage Gardens Health Care, Oskaloosa. She was born Dec. 29, 1950, in Ellsworth, the daughter of Gerald and Winona Wheeler Henry.

Ruth Frances (Vopat) Hulse passed from this life on Jan. 20, 2025, at Brookdale McPherson, at the age of 96 years old. She was born on Dec. 28, 1928, in Emporia, Kan., to Arthur and Rosa (Stepanek) Vopat. Ruth graduated from Ellsworth High School in the Class of 1947.

Carol F. Shannon, 86, of Hutchinson, Kan., died Jan. 16, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie, Kan. She was born Sept. 18, 1938, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Ralph and Mildred (Vodraska) Vopat.Carol graduated from Ellsworth High School with the class of 1956.

Lewis Edward “Lew” McAtee, 88, of Ellsworth, Kan., passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on Nov. 6, 1936, in Ellsworth, Lew lived a full and meaningful life dedicated to his faith, family and community.

Norma (Nora) Jean Krier, age 83, passed away Jan. 10, 2025, at Ellsworth County Medical Center, surrounded by her five daughters. Norma was born Feb. 26, 1941, to Norman and Catherine Mason in Pittsburg, Kan.She attended Arkansas City High School where she graduated in 1959.

Carl Steven Johnson, 74, of Ellsworth, Kan., passed away on Jan. 17, 2025, surrounded by his four children. He was born on April 1, 1950, in Salina, Kan., to Carl and Gail Johnson, the second of three sons.On May 23, 1971, Carl married the love of his life, Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Hudson.

Darcy Lynn Hubka-Vopat, 37, of Russell, Kan., and former Wilson, Kan., resident, died on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, Kan.Darcy was born on Sept. 1, 1987, in Salina, Kan., the daughter of Ronald J. and Virginia E. “Ginny” (Lawrence) Hubka.