If you have any obituaries published before 1923 that you would like to contribute to the page, please send them to me and I will add them. Obituaries published after 1922 will be abstracted to avoid copyright violations.
About a mouth ago Miss Lillie M. Quinn arrived here from California where she went early in the spring, hoping to gain relief from that terrible scourge, consumption. She had been
but little benefitted and not feeling able to continue her journey to her home, Bloomington, Ill., she, with her sister who accompanied her, stopped off in Abilene where they remained until today with a married sister, Mrs. W. F. Blanden, on West Fifth street.
The stricken one has been growing steadily weaker and at 12 o'clock Thursday night breathed her last. The deceased was a fine-natured, cultured young lady, 22 years of age,
just blossoming into the wealth of womanhood. It seems almost cruel to have such snatched from us, when they might do so much for the world and for themselves.
Short funeral services were held Friday at the house, Dr. J. L. McKeehan officiating, and at noon the remains, carefully embalmed, were placed on the east bound train and accompanied by G. W. Quinn, a brother, who arrived from Bloomington Saturday evening to
be at the bedside of his dying sister, and Miss Quinn, the sister who has been with the deceased during her illness, were started on their long journey to Bloomington where the interment will be made.
The sorrowing group at the depot enlisted the sympathies of all. The bereaved sister in this city will have the condolence of all who know of the sad death of her young relative. (Abilene Reflector, Aug. 2, 1888)
Richard Rader, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rader of Carlton, died Saturday, Nov. 25, 1962, in a one-car accident west of Elmo. Services will be Tuesday at the Carlton Presbyterian church, with burial in the Elmo Cemetery.
(abstract Abilene Reflector Chronicle)
Everett Charles "Chuck" Randall, 51, formerly of Chapman, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, in West Sacramento, Calif.; born Oct. 14, 1950, in Junction City, the son of Wendell Omer and Margaret Jean Sleeth Randall; survived by his mother, Margaret Jean Zumbrunn, Chapman; and three sisters, Elainea Cynova, Junction City, Betty Stevenson, Hope, and Kate Boyd, Chapman; burial in Mount Vernon Cemetery near Oxford
(abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Marjorie M. Rech, 87, a longtime Woodbine resident, died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003, at Salina; born June 19, 1915, at Woodbine, the daughter of Ora O. and Agnes E. Westrup Kohler; married H. Allen Rech on Dec. 5, 1936, in Wichita. He died Aug. 21, 1963. She also was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Leigh Ann Eddy; survived by two daughters, D'Anne Gugler, Chapman, and Lynette Eddy, Houston; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; burial in Woodbine Cemetery.
(abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Monday morning about half past 4 o'clock S. G. Reed, a prominent citizen of Sutphens Mills, died after a short illness. Mr. Reed was 46 years old, a native of New York and had resided in Kansas about sixteen years, most of the time in Dickinson county. He has been engaged here as a school teacher and farmer, having been successful in both avocations. He had a pleasant farm home and was surrounded by a happy family and all that goes to make life worth living. The family consists of a wife, a son and two daughters, who are thus bereft of a good husband and kind father. Miss Bertha, the eldest of the children, is an esteemed teacher
of our county and she and her father each had a school engaged for the coming year.
Mr. Reed was highly thought of by all who knew him and many will be the sincere expressions of sorrow over his
decease.
The funeral services will be held tomorrow at 10 a. m. at the residence, Rev. O. L. Cook, of Chapman, officiating; interment in Zion cemetery. (Abilene Weekly Reflector, Sep. 6, 1888)
Tho family of L. A. Rees, Cheever township, was made sorrowful yesterday by
the death of their
11-month-old son,
Ralph, on Christmas Day. The funeral services will be
held tomorrow Dec. 27 at the house,
the interment being in the Prairiedale
cemetery. (Abilene Reflector, Dec. 27, 1888)
Florence LaVerne Reese, 76, Peoria, Ariz., died Friday, April 14, 2006; born May 9, 1929, in Abilene, the daughter of Mearl and Flossie Yorgensen; survivors include her husband, Donald Reese; two daughters, Kathleen Mitchell of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Sharon Murphy of Holyoke, Mass.; one son, Donald Reese Jr. of Puyallup, Wash.; four sisters, Helen Ervin of Junction City, Judy Jones of Surprise, Ariz., Delores Sharp of Cedar Ridge, Iowa and Lois Yorgensen of Peoria, Ariz.; three brothers, Floyd Yorgensen of Abilene, Bernard Yorgensen of Mayer, Ariz., and Mearl Yorgensen Jr. of Paylo, Iowa; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Peterson; and a brother, Fred Yorgensen; no burial informnation.
(abstract Abilene Reflector Chronicle)
Betty H. Reissig, 94, Sacramento, Calif., formerly of Hope, died Friday, June 9, 2006; born Jan. 2, 1912, in Hope, the daughter of George Andrew and Anna (Peters) Martin; survivors include one daughter, Mary Ann Rienti of Sacramento; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; preceded in death by one sister, Ann Margaret Givens of Hope in 2004; burial in the Hope Cemetery.
(abstract Abilene Reflector Chronicle)
Dorla Dee Reilly, 74, died Tuesday, May 3, 2005, in Abilene; born July 26, 1930, at Industry, the daughter of
Rudolph and Alda (Carlstrom) Bletscher; married Harold Earl
Reilly Feb. 4, 1950 at her parents home in Detroit, Kan.; preceded in death by her husband Jan. 11,
1999; also preceded in death by one brother, Wendell Bletscher; survivors include one son, Ronald Reilly and wife Annette of rural
Abilene; one daughter, Rhonda Reilly of Salina; two brothers, Chris
Bletscher of Raymore, Mo. and Rudy Bletscher of rural Wakefield; and
one grandson; burial at the Greenridge Cemetery.
(abstract Clay Center Dispatch)
Marvin D. Reilly, 78, died Thursday, July 12, 2001,
at Abilene; born Dec. 11, 1922, near Industry, the son of
Tom and Ethel (Bass) Reilly; preceded in death by a brother; survivors include a brother, Duane Reilly of Abilene; and a
sister, Marjorie Coulson of Clay Center; inurnment in Athelstane Cemetery north of Industry.
(abstract Clay Center Dispatch)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A telegram received at noon announced the death of Col. Richardson,
father of Mrs. J. C. Lyeth, at Tucson,
Arizona, this morning. Mrs. Lyeth
was with him, having been called to
his bedside some days ago. The body
will be taken to the old home,
Carthage, Mo.,
for burial starting this afternoon. Mr. J. C. Lyeth and niece,
Miss Wilber, leave tonight for
Carthage to make arrangements for the
funeral. Mr. Richardson had been in
Arizona for his health. The body will
arrive at Carthage Friday night. (Abilene Reflector, May 2, 1889)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obituary.
Mrs. Richardson, wife of Col. John C. Richardson, a prominent citizen of Carthage, Mo., died yesterday morning at about half past ten o'clock, at the residence of her son-in-law Mr. John C. Lyeth on Buckeye avenue. She was in her sixty-eighth year.
As the family wished to bury her at their old home, funeral services, conducted by Rev. F M. Torch, assisted by Rev. S. O. Humphrey, were held at their residence last evening at 8 o'clock and at half past nine they left over the Santa Fe for Carthage, Mo. The Arion Quartette, whose singing the deceased had enjoyed so much during her illness, conducted the song service which was
most beautiful and impressive.
Mrs. Richardson's death was a sad one, she having stopped off on her way home to visit her daughter, Mrs. J. C. Lyeth. During the past winter, attended by her faithful and loving granddaughter, she had lived at Tucson, Arizona, hoping that the climate would
benefit her health. But not finding relief there she was on her way home when the desire to see her daughter in her Abilene home caused her to alter her plans. Exactly three months from the day she came to Abilene she left it for her brighter and happier home
above.
For a period of a few days after her arrival here she enjoyed comparatively good health, after which she took her bed, never to arise. During her final illness she suffered untold physical agony, but she bore it with the fortitude and patience of a true christian; never a murmur of complaint escaped her but with a hopefulness that encouraged even her physician; she cheered those who waited on and loved her.
Yesterday morning, surrounded by her family and free from pain, she peacefully and calmly entered her final rest. Scarcely had the church bells ceased pealing forth their joyful summons when her spirit taking up the glad refrain joined that happy chorus above
in their service of love about the throne of her Master. It was the joyful termination of a busy and eventful life, and as a true disciple of Christ she has gone to enjoy the reward of the faithful; faithful to her husband, faithful to her children, faithful to her God. (Abilene Weekly Reflector, Aug. 23, 1888)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mrs. Julia M. Rider, 86, of Salina, died there Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1956. She was born Aug. 31, 1870 in the Industry
community in Clay County, and had lived in Salina for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Alfred F. Rider, on Nov. 7, 1944. She is survived by two sons, Noah L. and Heah W., both of Salina; a daughter,
Mrs. Lawrence Serrault, of Salina; 12 grandchildren, 25 g-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Stella Miles,
Abilene. Burial will be Saturday at the Indian Hill cemetery, Chapman.
(abstract Clay Center Dispatch)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Richard E. Rider, 75, died Thursday, Jan. 6,
2005, at Abilene; born May 9, 1929, in the Industry
community, the son of John Luther and Daisy Louisa (Keys)
Rider; married Delores
Kolling April 12, 1953; preceded in
death by three brothers, Vernon in 1986, Raymond in 2004
and Ralph Rider in infancy; one sister, Helen Yarrow in
2003; survivors include his wife, Delores Rider of the home;
two daughters, Janice and husband Ronnie Strunk of
Loveland, Colo. and Donna and husband Martin Geisert of
Fort Collins, Colo.; one son, Gary and wife Louise Rider
of Wichita; and four grandchildren; burial in the Union (Livingston)
Cemetery.
(abstract Clay Center Dispatch)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Donald L. Riffel, 74, died Feb. 8, 2004, at Abilene; born Jan. 10, 1930, south of Enterprise the son of Jesse and Leah Deines Riffel; July 31, 1949, he married Ladell Oblander; preceded in death by one grandson; one sister, Leah Riffel; and three brothers, Elmer, Orville and Leon Riffel; survived by wife, Ladell Riffel of Enterprise; two daughters, Gwenda Bohannon of Double Springs, Ala., and Marguerite Riffel of Enterprise; two sons, Rowland Riffel of Big Sandy, Mont., and Randy Riffel of Enterprise; one foster son, Terry Neustrum of Olathe; one sister, Diane Beecham of Woodbine; eight grandchildren; and Jesse Riffel Jr. of Chapman; burial in the Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
(abstract Junction City Daily Union)
George L. Riffel, 92, Woodbine, died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000, at an Abilene hospital; born May 1, 1908, near Woodbine, to Isaac Ira and Julia Longhofer Riffel; married Sophia K. Sader on June 18, 1933, in Ramona. She died June 23, 1982; survived by a son, Eugene Riffel, Woodbine; four daughters, Carol Troisi, Somerville, N.J., Janis Bell, Wichita, Rose Beneke, Winchester, Va., and Patricia Gilbert, Topeka; a brother, Clayton Riffel, Hope; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; burial in Woodbine Cemetery. (abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Irene E. Riffel, 86, Herington, died Monday, April 22, 2002, at Manhattan; born July 7, 1915, near Lost Springs, the daughter of Frederick and Katherine Bernhardt Hanschu; married Sylvester P. "Pete" Riffel on Nov. 15, 1936, near Lost Springs. He died Dec. 4, 2000; survived by a son, Larry Riffel, Junction City; two daughters, Kathleen Ludden, Omaha, Neb., and Sheryl Coup, Hays; two brothers, Ted Hanschu, Marion, and Leonard Hanschu, Harlingen, Texas; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; burial in Woodbine Cemetery. (abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Nell Riffel, 83, Abilene, formerly of Woodbine, died Monday, April 2, 2001, at Abilene; born April 30, 1917, in Frederick, Okla., to Joseph DeMosie and Margaret Emma Dotson Moore; married Ephra Nolan Riffel, on March 15, 1945, at Woodbine. He died Jan. 11, 1993; survived by two daughters, Barbara Funston, Abilene, and Brenda Kay Dreier, Harveyville; three sisters, Mildred Louise Archer and Marjorie Jo Paris, both of Fort Worth, Texas, and Mary Tenny Black, Oklahoma City, Okla.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; burial at the Woodbine Cemetery.
(abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Rhiney Riffel, 90, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Junction City; born Jan. 25, 1912, in Woodbine, to Jacob and Ollie Longhoefer Riffel; married Doris Brehm on Aug. 3, 1935, in Kansas City, Mo. She died March 3, 1987. He married Mildred Soyez in 1990; she survives, along with a son, Thomas Riffel, Jonesboro, Ga.; a daughter, Judy Langvardt, Bridgeton, Mo.; a sister, Lavina Fick, Abilene; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; also was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Joan Elizabeth Riffel; burial in Woodbine Cemetery.
(abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Sylvester P. Riffel, 84, died Monday, Dec. 4, 2000, at Herington; born Oct. 22, 1916, in Woodbine, the son of Isaac I. and Julia Longhofer Riffel; married Irene E. Hanschu on Nov. 15, 1936, in Lost Springs. She survives; other survivors include a son, Larry Riffel, Junction City; two daughters, Kathleen Ludden, Omaha, Neb., and Sheryl Coup, Hays; two brothers, George Riffel, Abilene, and Clayton Riffel, Hope; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; burial in Woodbine Cemetery.
(abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Waldemar E. "Rusty" Rindt, 81, White City, died Wednesday, April 24, 2002, at Enterprise; born Oct. 21, 1920, in Woodbine, the son of August and Anna Kandt Rindt; married Iola Irene Ozbun on Aug. 4, 1942, in Junction City. She died March 30, 2002; survived by a daughter, Sheryl Poister, Manhattan; two sons, Stephen Rindt, Abilene, and Richard Rindt, Maple Hill; a sister, Emalyne Terry, Wichita; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; burial in Fort Riley Post Cemetery. (abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
From Solomon-Mrs. John Riordan was buried Thursday morning from the Catholic church.
Mr. and Mrs. Riordan are old inhabitants and the large number in attendance at the funeral was an evidence of
the esteem in which the deceased was
held. (Jan. 19, 1888)
Kenneth Eugene Roach, 62, Salina, died Monday, April 10, 2006; born June 8, 1943, in Abilene, the son of Kenneth Ralph and Dorothy Marie (Steffan) Roach; married Vera Mae Murrison on June 19, 1963, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Chapman; survivors include his wife, Vera Mae of the home; two sons, Curtis Eugene Roach of Gypsum and Carl William Roach of Salina; his mother, Dorothy Roach of Chapman; and one grandchild; preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ralph Roach; burial in Greenridge Cemetery.
(abstract Abilene reflector Chronicle)
Alzora Rogers, 97, formerly of Abilene, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at Shawnee; born May 5, 1903, in Stillwater, Okla., the daughter of William and Lottie Barr Wright; married Seth Rogers on Nov. 25, 1934; he preceded her in death Sept. 11, 1996; survivors include two daughters, Janis Grace, Overland Park, and Kay Myer, Omaha, Neb.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; burial in the Abilene Cemetery.
(abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Mr. Roher (Rohrer ?), an aged man, died at his
home in this township last Saturday,
and his funeral services were held in
the German Reform Church last Monday. Mr. Roher was one of the oldest
settlers of this county, and he leaves a
large circle of acquantances to mourn
their loss. He was in the 63d year of
his age. (Abilene Reflector 3-6-1884)
Alvin C. Rohloff, 90, lifelong resident of the Herington and Woodbine area, died Dec. 30, 2003; born on the family farm (where he lived all of his life) south of Woodbine, on Nov. 29, 1913, the son of Herman and Mary Bertha (Gruber) Rohloff; preceded in death by his first wife, Violet, on Aug. 23, 1956; his second wife, Annie, on July 26, 1995; two brothers, Paul on May 16, 1909, and Wilbur on Dec. 27, 1962; and two sisters, Ruby Koepsel on Feb. 1, 1954, and Helen Fox on Sept. 20, 1983; burial Sunset Hill Cemetery, Herington.
(abstract Junction City Daily Union)
Mary E. Rohloff, 74, Herington, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006; born April 4, 1932, in the Shady Brook community; daughter of Charles Fredrick and Mary Ellen (Strickbine) Rohloff; survivors include one brother, Earl Rohloff of Herington; preceded in death by one brother, Robert "Bob" Rohloff, on June 18, 1994; burial in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
(abstract Abilene Reflector Chronicle)
Ethel M. Rohrer, 86, died Feb. 9, at Chapman; born July 21, 1917, at Thomas, Okla., the daughter of Samuel and Mary Book Switzer; March 15, 1940, she married Levi Rohrer; he preceded her in death Nov. 27, 1991; also preceded in death by one brother, Charles Switzer; and two sisters, Ida Bucher and Lear Zook; survived by two sons, Nevin of Topeka and Kenneth of Wakefield; one sister, Anna Switzer of Thomas; two brothers, Wilbur Switzer of Oklahoma City and Maurice Switzer of Boise City, Okla.; 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; burial in the Union (Livingston) Cemetery.
(abstract Junction City Daily Union)
DEATH IN THE WATERS.
Adam and Fred Rohrig, Father and Son, Two of Abilene's Citizens, Lose Their lives in the Smoky Hill River While Bathing-- A Peculiarly Sad Accident.
We are called upon today to chronicle one of the saddest accidents that has ever occurred in this city. By it a happy home is made desolate by the loss of a father and son, and a poor wife and daughter driven almost frantic with sorrow.
It seems that about 2 o'clock in the afternoon yesterday Mr. Rohrig and his son went
to the river for a swim. They went to a place just below what is known as Humbarger's ford, and were accompanied by J. E. Brown, Geo. W. Loyd, Chas. W. Hill and L. Lipps, with whom they took a bath and swim in the river.
What took place can perhaps be best told in the language of the four survivors who gave their testimony before the coroner's jury this morning:
J. E. Brown: "The river was muddy on the north side and two of us, Fred Rohrig and myself, swam to the south bank where the water was not so deep and was clear. We were on that side for some time when Fred said, 'Let us go and get my father and, Mr. Hill and bring them over.' We went across, wading all the way. While returning with; Mr. Rohrig we stepped into a hole and lost our balance. Mr. Rohrig caught me around the neck and called
for Fred who at once came to his assistance. He then let loose of me and caught Fred and both went under. They were seen no more until found at the bottom of the river. When Mr. R. let go of me I was almost exhausted and could scarcely get to the bank. Fred was found within a few feet of where he went down and his father about thirty feet farther down stream. It was about half past three when the drowning took place. I was on my back when Mr., Rohrig seized me so I could not aid him."
Lewis Lipps: "I stayed on the north side with Mr. Loyd, who could not swim, for fear of an accident while bathing. The others came across and when we saw the three start to return we left the river and started to dress. On looking around we saw them within perhaps ten feet of the bank and heard Mr. Brown cry for help. I ran to the bank but when I got there, not a ripple could be seen. Mr. Brown afterward came up and swam to shore but the other two did not. We were the best of friends and there had been no harsh words that afternoon. Mr.
Rohrig was found lodged against a log; Fred against a snag, about four feet from the bottom."
Chas. Hill: "I was about 90 feet up stream when the accident took place. Could not help them as am a poor swimmer and had all I could do to get across myself.
Mr. Loyd gave similar testimony, corroberating the story given by Mr. Brown and Mr. Lipps, in every particular.
The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of death by accidental drowning.
As soon as the news was brought to the city yesterday afternoon, hundreds drove to the scene of the accident. The bodies were carried to Eicholtz's undertaking rooms where they have remained until today.
The news was carried to the home on Vine street. The wife and mother, a delicate natured lady, upon hearing the sad tidings, fainted away and has spent the hours ever since then groaning and weeping, in half delirious manner over her great sorrow. Grave fears are
expressed lest the blow may prove dangerous to her life.
The whole burden of the grief thus falls upon the oldest daughter at home, Katie, who, with a brave spirit seldom witnessed in one of her years, is carrying the load of grief and caring for the little ones of the family and watching over the stricken household.
Adam Rohrig was 53 years old. He was born in Baden, Germany and had lived in this country about 30 years. For 25 years his home was in Griggsville, IIl., being married in that State. Then in 1886, he moved to Abilene, where has since resided, carrying on one of the principal barber shops in the city. He leaves a family of nine children, two of them married. There are at home to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent father of three girls and three boys, the younger members of the family being aged six, ten, fifteen and sixteen years respectively.
Frederick Rohrig was aged 25 years and six months. He was born in Illinois and came west with the family two years ago this month, after the father had got the business started. He was a partner with his father in the shop, the "Gem," the firm name being A. Rohrig and Son.
Mr. Rohrig was a pleasant, agreeable, upright business man whom all will miss from our streets. He was a most kind and indulgent father and the family ties were much stronger than are often found.
Fred was a well-liked young man. He was quiet, unobtrusive, yet attentive to business, and was idolized by the fond mother and sisters.
Miss Katie, who is left as the mainstay of the family, has been the leading saleslady in the Daylight store for some months.
The funeral services will be held tomorrow at the home at 9:30 a.m., Rev. Dr. J. L. McKeehan officiating. Mr. Rohrig was a member of several secret societies, etc., whose members will attend in a body.
Mrs. H. C. Wendorf, of Perryville, Ill., and Miss Lillie Rohrig, who is visiting at Griggsville, Ill., have been telegraphed for and are expected in the morning. (Abilene Reflector, Aug. 2, 1888)
The four-months-old daughter, Ada,
of George and Nellie Roland, died of
pneumonia and was buried Tuesday
afternoon from the residence of the
parents. Rev. Hargett officiated at the
services and the interment of the frail
tenement of clay in which the little
life lived so short a time was made in
the Abilene cemetery.
(Abilene Reflector, Apr. 25, 1889)
Dean Roles, 77, Junction City, died Thursday, March 15, 2001, at his home; born March 16, 1923, in Junction City, the son of Olin H. and Ida W. Sautter Roles; married Marilyn Baer on Aug. 6, 1950, at Alida. She survives, along with a son, Steve Roles, Junction City; a daughter, Sharolyn Adams, Beloit; two sisters, Edra Faidley, Wakefield, and Marcene Allison, Junction City; two grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren; burial in Alida Zion Evangelical Cemetery.
(abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Hon. O. A. Root, of Dickinson
county, died on the 16th inst., at the
age of 60 years, 5 months and 23 days.
He was a representative in the Legislature from his county during the years 1874-75. (Saline County Journal, Mar. 1, 1883)
News was received here today of the
sudden death of Mrs. N. Rothenburg (Rothenburger?),
the wife of a prominent farmer living
a mile south of New Basel. It seems
that the lady retired Thursday night,
apparently in ordinary health. About
10 o'clock she complained of feeling ill
and told her husband that she felt inclined to vomit arising, she commenced to do throw up a large
amount of blood, and in ten minutes
was dead. The sorrowing husband
will have the sincere sympathy of a
large number of friends and acquaintances in
their peculiarly sad bereavement
The funeral will be tomorrow. (Abilene Reflector, Dec. 6, 1888)
Mrs. August Rubin, one of the oldest
settlers of this county, died at her home
on Lyons Creek, Dec. 31, '84. She
leaves a bereaved husband and many
warm friends to mourn their loss.
(Abilene Reflector, 1-29-1885)
Delmar Quentin Rufener, 86, Sonora, Calif., died Tuesday, June 20, 2006; born Jan. 12, 1920, in Abilene; survivors include his wife, Ruby Rufener of Sonora; two sons, Stanley Rufener of San Jose, Calif., and Ronald Rufener of Sonora; one daughter, Nancy Rufener of Jackson, Wyo .; one brother, Melvin Rufener of Abilene; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; cremation.
(abstract Abilene Reflector Chronicle)
Maude Alice Ruhnke, 95, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at Junction City; born Jan. 26 1908, in rural Dickinson County to Edward A. and Harriet Thomas Schmutz; married Webster A. Gugler in 1929. He died in January 1934. She married Milton B. Ruhnke on June 8, 1939. He survives, along with two daughters, Wanda Swanson, Des Moines, Iowa, and Linda Ruhnke, Junction City; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; burial in Lyona Cemetery. (abstract Topeka Capital Journal)
Roy R. Ruhnke, 90, formerly of Lyona Community, died June 2, 2002, at Abilene; born May 3, 1912, in the Lyona Community, son of Benjamin and Lydia Oesterreich Ruhnke; April 22, 1936, he married Ronelda Buhrer; survivors include his wife, of Abilene; one daughter, Judy Gooch of Houston, Texas; one brother, Milton Ruhnke of Lyona Community; and one granddaughter; preceded in death by one brother and three sisters; burial in Lyona Cemetery.
(abstract Junction City Daily Union)
Died in Abilene, March 25, 1888,
Robert Miller, only child of Alfred L.
and Jennie M. Russel, and grandson of
Robert F. Russel, aged 16 months and
16 days.
The funeral services, held at the residence yesterday afternoon, were conducted by Rev. Dr. McKeehan, and
many sorrowing friends and neighbors
assembled to sympathize with the bereaved. The sad faces of the children
testified to their love for "the baby"
who was the pet of the neighborhood.
Four boys bore the little white casket
to its last resting place, and mourning
relatives left their precious dead, committed to the earth - dust to dust to
await a glorious resurrection.
Little Robert was an unusually
bright and attractive boy, winning the
love of all who knew him; he was remarkably healthy, being free from the
usual ills of infancy, until his last sickness. And fond parents and friends,
who watched the development of his
sparkling intellect, looked forward to
a grand unfolding of this bud of
promise - too rare, too fair for earth!
(Abilene Reflector 3-29-1888)
Robert "Bob" Rutz, 78, of Enterprise, died Feb. 13, 2002, at Salina; born June 16, 1923, at Chapman, son of Arnold and Erma Heller Rutz, and grew up in the area. On March 18, 1946, he married Uvella Sween in Junction City; she survives, along with three sons, Jerry Rutz of Clovis, Calif., Rick Rutz of Lincoln, Neb., and Rob Rutz of Abilene; two daughters, Judy Morgan of Branson, Mo., and Janie Blixt of Chapman; two brothers, Hank Rutz of Enterprise and John Rutz of Jackson, Miss.; one sister, Vergene Hayter of Junction City; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Bud Rutz; burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
(abstract Junction City Daily Union)
Wayne F. Rutz, 68, of Enterprise, are set for 11 a.m. Saturday . Pastor Joan Thayer will officiate. Mr. Rutz died May 28, 2002; born Aug. 4, 1933, at Hope, son of Jacob Henry and Valene Elizabeth (James) Rutz; July 14, 1956, he married Lina Arlene Lee in Blackwell, Okla.; she preceded him in death Jan. 4, 1973; survivors include two sons, Jacob Wayne Rutz of Solomon and Ronald Courtney Rutz of Abilene; five sisters, Katherine Holdridge and Elizabeth "Betty" Riffel, Carol Lindsay and Joyce Gaston, all of Abilene, and Gloria Riffel of Hope; three brothers, Willis Lee Rutz of Enterprise, Jim Rutz of Goodland and Ray Rutz of Channel View, Texas; one grandson; and his companion, Billie R. Copeland of the home; preceded in death by his parents; burial in New Basel Cemetery. (abstract Junction City Daily Union)
John W. "Jack" Ryan, 86, Solomon, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006; born Oct. 28, 1919, in Solomon, the son of Patrick F. and Mary E. (Ruth) Ryan; married Dorothy Greene on Dec. 29, 1945, in Solomon; she preceded him in death in 2003; survivors include three sons, Bill Ryan of Lake Wales, Fla., and Francis Ryan and John Ryan, both of Salina; three daughters, Mary Kay Kuntz, Ann Haden and Betty Rush, all of Salina; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and other relatives; preceded in death by one brother, Francis; and one sister, Genevieve Schneider; burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Solomon.
(abstract Abilene Reflector Chronicle)
George Ryff, 74, rural Hope, died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006; born July 24, 1932, near Hope, the son of Henry and Erma M. (Winchell) Ryff; married Rosetta Kandt on April 8, 1951; they later divorced; survivors include four sons, Larry Ryff of Hope, Dennis Ryff and Phil Ryff, both of Ramona and Tim Ryff of Herington; one daughter, Diane Schultz of Great Bend; two brothers, Kenneth Ryff of Hutchinson and Gordon Ryff of Hope; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; preceded in death by one brother, Marvin Ryff, in 1979; burial in New Basel Cemetery.
(abstract Abilene Reflector Chronicle)