Obituaries

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.

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.

Mary Alice Shaffer, 71, of Bushton, Kansas, passed away Jan. 11, 2025, at Riverview Estates, Marquette, Kan. She was born Feb. 5, 1953, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Mervin “Dutch” and Grace (Red) Shaffer. Mary graduated from high school in Grand Island, Neb.

Willis C. Schultz, 87, passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at his home in Ellsworth, Kan. He was born May 28, 1937, in Ellsworth to Gerhardt and Lucina (Schwerdtfeger) Schultz. Willis was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth, where he married Fern Nienke on June 14, 1959.

Neva Louise Chastain, 97, passed away on Jan. 6, 2025, at Riverview Estates in Marquette, Kan. Neva was born July 6, 1927, at home outside of Greensburg, Kan., the daughter of Ellis Lyndon and Nettie Irene (Shuck) Peck.

Shirley May Worcester, 91, died Dec. 11, 2024, at the Graham County Hospital. A lifetime resident of Graham County, she was born Oct. 16, 1933, to Vernon and Pauline (Walker) Worcester in rural Graham County. Shirley attended Rosco Country School and Hill City Memorial High School.