Obituaries

Mary C. Rodriguez, 86, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Wichita, Kan. She was born Dec. 17, 1934 in Lyons, Kan. to Cresencio and Felisitas (Coronado) Martinez. Mary married Joe Rodriguez in Ellsworth, Kan. in 1967.

Harold E. “Butch” Hanson, 85, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at his home in Osage City. He was born Aug. 18, 1935 in Ellsworth, Kan. Graveside services are at 1 p.m. April 24 at the Ellsworth Cemetery.

Rodney “Rod” Dean Buchholz, 66, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at his home in Ellsworth, Kan. He was born July 26, 1954 in Sioux Falls, S.D. to Verlin and Lois Jean (Johnson) Buchholz. Rod married Mary Krog in Sioux Falls June 20, 1981.

Donald N. Walker, 80, passed away April 10, 2021, after a battle with cancer. He was born July 21, 1940, north of Carniero to Ray C. Walker, Sr. and Evelyn M. (Sheridan) Walker. Don grew up near Carneiro and graduated from Brookville High School in 1959.

Oliver Edward Wacker, 86, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in Lincoln, Kan. He was born Feb. 27, 1935 in Ellsworth, Kan. to Edward and Anna (Hildebrandt) Wacker.

On Good Friday, April 2, 2021, Eugene R. Bucciarelli passed away from a battle with cancer. He was in the company of his loving wife, Patricia Bucciarelli, who survives him. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Bucciarelli of North Tonawanda, N.Y. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Benjamin O. Kootz, 45, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Garden City, Kan. He was born on Jan. 15, 1976 in Great Bend, Kan. to Lloyd and Linda Kootz. Ben was a graduate of Ellsworth High School, a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Holyrood, Kan.

Rosemary A. (Murray) O’Donnell, most recently of Monument, Colo., was born Aug. 29, 1922 and died April 3, 2021. She was the oldest of three children born to Joseph and Estelle Murray (both deceased) of Abilene, Kan. She grew up in Abilene during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression.

Shirley B. Raney, 85, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021, in Ellsworth. She was born Nov. 13, 1935 in Wilson, Kan. to Joe and Rhea (Hurlbut) Bednasek. Shirley is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Raney of Ellsworth; sons, Robert Raney, Jr. (Eva) of Fontana, Calif.

Allison Mikulecky, 53, passed away March 30, 2021 in Remington, Ind. She was born Dec. 19, 1967 in Ellsworth, Kan. to Richard Fosbinder and Sarah Lynn (Hulse) Bechard.