Obituaries
Geary County, Kansas
Below are some obituaries pertaining to folks from Geary Co. All obituaries described as "abstracts" are from the Junction City Union, unless otherwise noted. If you have any to contribute to this list, please email me, Sheryl McClure, at: mkat72@aol.com Obituaries published after 1922 will be abstracted (i.e., only pertainent facts extracted from the article) to avoid copyright infringement.
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Funeral for Mrs. Wm. Ascher will be held tommorrow (Feb. 10, 1927) at the German Lutheran Church on Clark's Creek and burial will be at the Government Hill Cemetery, (abstract, Feb. 9, 1927)
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Douglas Bernard Barksdale Jr. of Junction City died Nov. 9, 2003, in Concord, Calif; born Sept. 21, 1926, in Dover, Del., to Douglas and Pauline Mary (Gray) Barksdale, he was the son of a Buffalo Soldier from the 9th Calvary. Barksdale first married Odeaner Summerville, with whom he had four children. He married Kazuko in 1984 and gained four step-children. Preceded in death by his parents and one son; Douglas Orville Barksdale, he is survived by his wife; two sons, one daughter, one stepson, three step-daughters, two sisters, and 24 grandchildren. Burial in Highland Cemetery.(abstract)
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Bartell-In this city, Saturday evening, April 6, of sarcoma, Ethel Annie, daughter of C. A. and C. A. Bartell, aged three years, five months, and six days. Funeral services were conducted on Sunday by Rev. Stanford, at the Congregational church, Milford, where the parents formerly resided.(Junction City Tribune Monday, April 8, 1889)
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John Clapsaddle, of Riley, died last Saturday of pneumonia after a brief illness. He was an old soldier and a member of the G.A.R. He was shot through the upper part of the left lung at the battle of Antietam and the wound evidently caused the fatal termination of his disease. He was buried at the Riley cemetery. He was a highly respected citizen and a consistant member of the M. E. church. He leaves a wife, his aged father and mother, sisters and other relatives and friends to mourn his loss. (Leonardville Monitor, April 4, 1889)
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Death of Mrs. Coonrad--Mrs. Emily Coonrad died Dec. 29, 1915 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. J. Kramer, near Skiddy. Mrs. Coonrad was in her ninetieth year and was well known in this city ("Junction City Republic" Dec. 28, 1915)
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Frances "Kingie" Cowan died on Jan. 16, 2004 in Junction City; she was born Jan. 16, 1929, in Kansas City, Mo., to Edwin and Geraldine (Larrick) Grant, and was a graduate from Mt. St. Scholastica (Benedictine College) in Atchison. Married Ray Cowan in June 1951 in Kansas City, Mo., who survives her, along with three sons, one daughter, one sister, eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Cowan was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Kevin C. "Casey" Cowan on Aug. 28, 2003.(abstract)
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Kevin C. "Casey" Cowan, 44, of Junction City died Aug. 28, 2003. Born Sept. 17, 1958, in Junction City, to Ray and Kingie (Grant) Cowan, he graduated from Junction City High School in 1977 . Survived by his parents, three brothers, and one sister. He will be buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Junction City.(abstract)
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JUNCTION CITY UNION,
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 1918.
DEATH OF HORACE HURLEY
WELL KNOWN RESIDENT PASSED AWAY
SUDDENLY THIS MORNING
Horace Hurley, a retired businessman and resident of Junction City for more than a
quarter century, passed away suddenly this morning at the home of his son-in-law, George Barker, on west Ninth street. Death was due to heart failure. Mr. Hurley was in average health during the morning and only a short time before his demise had been mowing the lawn.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters, Mrs. George Barker of this city, Mrs. R. L.
Withenbury of Chicago, and Mrs. James B. Walton of Colorado Springs, Colo. The funeral
arrangements will be announced later.
Mr. Hurley was about 71 years of age and came to Kansas from Ohio many years ago.
He resided for time on a farm near Dwight, later moving to this city, where he engaged in the
harness business. He retired from business a few months ago. Mr. Hurley was veteran of the Civil
war, entering the service at the age of 17 and remaining in until the close of the war. He was
prominent in church work and in former years took a considerable interest in city affairs. His many
friends will regret to learn of his sudden death.
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JUNCTION CITY UNION,
JUNCTION CITY, KANSAS, MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1905
WILLIAM W. HURLEY DEAD.
One of the City's Old Residents Died Saturday Evening
Saturday evening at 5 o'clock William W. Hurley died at the home of his son, Horace
Hurley, on east 8th street. Mr. Hurley was over eighty years old. His death resulted from Bright's
disease. He had been ill two weeks and his condition Saturday afternoon up until a few minutes
before he expired was such as to give hope to the family and friends who had been near him
during his illness. To them his death was unexpected.
Mr. Hurley was born August 6, 1824. He came to Kansas in 1866 and located at Council Grove. In 1876 he came to Junction City and all the time during his residence here he was in the harness business. His son Horace Hurley was his only descendant. His wife died here four years ago.
Mr. Hurley was one of the most highly esteemed men of this city. He was honored and
respected by all. He lived an upright life. He never incurred the ill will of any one as long as he lived here. On all sides concern was expressed regarding him during his illness and all who knew him had much good to say of him. Mr. Hurley was a Mason and one of the oldest in the state.
The funeral was held this afternoon from the first M. E. church. The services at the church were conducted by Dr. S. A. Bright. After these services, the Masons took charge and conducted the burial.
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TreVeont J. Johnson died Jan. 13, 2004, at the Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo. Born June 11, 2000, in Junction City, to Corey and Jacqueline Johnson Rice, he is survived by his parents; two brothers, and his maternal grandparents. Burial at Highland Cemetery. (abstract)
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Paul L. Kerr son of former J. C. Judge J. I. Kerr died Oct. 2, 1964 in a Carlotta, CA hospital; born Aug. 10, 1889 in J. C.; married first Lillian Ray with whom he had two daughters, Mrs. Sharon Toole and Mrs. Sarah Kline; married 2nd Dorothy Berggren; survived by wife, daughters and grandson, Keith Kline of Orangeburg, S.C.; burial in Carlotta.(abstract Oct. 5, 1964)
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James Albert Kerby, 81 died July --, 1963 after an illness of 10 years; born March 20, 1882 in Dickinson Co.,; married Clara B. Snow April 4, 1914 in Junction City; survived by his wife, son Albert Dillard of Chapman, sister Mrs. Mary Smith of J. C., brother Martin of Chanute and four grandchildren; burial in Highland Cemetery.(abstract, July 1963)
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Obituary-- S. D. Kerby was born in Park county, Indiana, on the 2nd of March, 1833, and passed away at his home in Junction City, Dec. 27, 1915. He leaves to mourn his death a wife and five children, Mrs. Rachel Kerby, Mrs. T. O. Miller, Mrs. J. W. Smith, Martin Kerby, Albert Kerby, John W. Kerby(Junction City Republic, Dec. 28, 1915)
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Donald Franklin Koerwitz died March 26, 2003, at Good Samaritan Center in Junction City. Born Jan. 8, 1932 at Deshler, Neb.to Franklin Arnold and Alma Emma (Eickmann) Koerwitz, he graduated from St. Peter's Lutheran High School, then attended St. John's Lutheran College at Winfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife maria in 1986, and one brother, Gene Arthur Koerwitz. Suvivors include one brother and two grandchildren. Burial will be in Deshler (Neb.) City Cemetery.(abstract)
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Joseph Leone, 80, of Junction City died May 30, 2001, at his home, with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery of Junction City.(abstract)
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Died, at Acme, Saturday, Feb. 9, Nora, daughter of C. L. and Fannie McDonald, aged 7 months. (Wakefield Avertiser, Feb. 13, 1889)
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Regina D. Mayginnes, 86, of Junction City died Nov. 6, 2003. Born Jan. 19, 1917, in Herington to Martin F. and Helen "Nell" E. (Lynch) Dolan, she married Abner Marion "Mac" Mayginnes July 4, 1944. She preceded in death by her husband April 26, 1979, and by her parents; three brothers, Frank Dolan, Jack Dolan and Gerald Dolan; and one sister, Rita Troudt; survived by two sisters.(abstract)
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Doris Marie Marks, 71, of Junction City, died on Sept., 10, 2003 in her residence. Born Aug. 23, 1932, at Kingsland, Ark., to Emmitt and Ollie B. (Berry) Smith, she married Sammy Ray Marks Sr. in 1951 at Flint, Mich. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1974, her parents and one son, Ruebin Marks; survived by one son, three daughters, two sisters, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Burial in Fairview Cemetery.(abstract)
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Robert G. Montgomery, age 75, of Milford, died Sept. 13, 2003, in Topeka. Born to Howard and Lorna (Hauserman) Montgomery on December 16, 1927, at Junction City, he graduated from Junction City High School in 1945, and graduated from ERTI at Omaha, Neb., in Communications. He married Beverly Joy Luthi May 7, 1950, at Wakefield. Preceded in death by two brothers, Howard (Bill) and Col. (Ret) Jack Montgomery, and two sisters, Phyllis Crisp and Jeanette Carlson, he is survived by his wife, two sons, one sister, and four grandchildren. Services Madura Congregational Church in Wakefield.(abstract)
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Margaret Mae Neil, 73, of Grandview Plaza died June 5, 2003, at Geary Community Hospital. She was born on April 22, 1930, in Cache, Okla., the daughter of Leonard and Verda (King) Wimple; she married Lacy MacArthur Neil on July 13, 1964, who preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 1968. She was also also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Roger Jacobs; one brother, Rocky; and one sister Bernice; survived by her ex-husband, two sons, two brothers, two sisters. Burial in Highland Cemetery in Junction City (abstract)
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Anne "Dolly" M. Covino Newhall, 87, of Junction City died June 24, 2003, at Midland Hospice Care in Topeka.Born Nov. 11, 1915, at Boston, Mass.to Eugene and Rachel (Marruzzi) Covino, she attended Peabody High School in Peabody, Mass. Oct. 23, 1937, she married Orlando Newhall at Peabody, Mass; she was was preceded in death by her husband, one brother, Sammy; and one sister, Nancy. She is survived by one daughter, one brother, seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery of Junction City.(abstract)
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Clay Center Times, June 2, 1908
RAY:--Guy Ray was born near Leonardville, Riley Co., Kan., July 22, 1888, died June 22, 1908, from gun shot wound. He was accidentally shot about noon on the 21 and died at 5 o'clock the next morning. While removing a Winchester rifle from
the spring wagon he took hold of the muzzle and pulled the gun toward him when it exploded. The bullet passed almost through his right arm, and lodged in his back but was removed. He was conscious until the end and said he was prepared to
die.
When the accident occurred he was working for his brother-in-law, Jas. Bradley, near Calumette, Okla. His father, Samuel Ray, formerly of Industry but now of Junction City, Kan., went down and brought the body back. He was buried in the
family lot at Greenridge cemetery east of Industry.
The deceased leaves a father, two sisters and one brother to mourn their loss.
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Junction City Republic, 2-10-1927, pg. 1, col. 3:
RAY, Samuel Enoch; died 2-9-27 at his home in J.C., aged 75 years; survived by two children, Mrs. J. H. Bradley of Oklahoma and Charles Ray of Smith Center, Kansas; three sisters, Mrs. Oma (Naomi) Green of Missouri, Eva Warnock of Oregon, Mrs. Rachael Kerby of J.C.; brother, John Ray of J.C.; buried Hope Cemetery, Ottawa KS. (abstract, Junction City Republic, 2-10-1927)
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Junction City Republican, 4-29-1920:
RAY, Mrs. John S., died 4-25-1920. Survived by her husband and four children.She recently moved to Junction City from Western (?) Kansas.
Also in same issue:
MRS. J. S. RAY
Mrs. J. S. Ray of east Chestnut Street died Sunday evening after a long illness. Her children were called here by her severe illness and were all with her at the end. Her husband and four grown children survive her. The family only recently
moved here to this city from Western Kansas.
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William P. Ray , 57, died Sunday in Junction City after a year's illness. He was born May 19, 1888 in Clay County, near Industry, where he lived until 1907, when he moved to J. C.; married June 21, 1912 to Pearl Belle Estes; survived by his wife; one son, William B. Ray, of Junction City; two daughters, Mrs. Beatrice Shelton, Junction City and Mrs. Evelyn Jones, Minneapolis, MN; the following brothers and sisters; A.M. Ray, Junction City, B.E. Ray, Cheyenne Wyoming, Cecil Ray, Boulder Colo., Mrs. Elmer Ward, Loveland Colo., Mrs. James Reidy, Coffeyville, and Mrs. Gerald King, Junction City; burial was made in the Highland Cemetary.(abstract, The Clay Center Times, April 2, 1946)
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James Huntington Reidy,a pioneer of eastern Geary was born in Tipperary, Ireland, Nov. 19, 1838; died September 22, 1929 at his son's home in J. C.; married February 10, 1886 to Bridget Flanagan and to this union were born 3 children, Mrs. George E. Thompson of Manhattan, Mrs. J.J. Gazda of Chicago, Ill. and James Reidy of Junction City.
He served 14 years in the Army, enlisting in 1870 in Boston, Mass. and took part in the Indian Wars and was detached with General Currie in command to reinforce General Custer but arrived after the massacre but helped to carry the dead to the trenches. Six soldiers from Fort Riley acted as pall bearers at the burial in St. Mary's Cemetery. (Junction City Republic, Sep. 24, 1929)
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Loving Memory of
ELVIRA ROGERS
May 13-1946-April 5-2006
Family and friend will gather at the American Legion Post 45 on Thursday Aril 13th 2006 from 6 to 8 p.m. for Elvira Rogers 59 of Junction City Kansas. She died in her home April 5th 2006. No visitation is planned and private family inurenment will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made at the donors choice and sent to the care of Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel , 203 N Washington St. Juntion City Ks 66441.
Elvira Rogers was born May 13 1946 in Ashbach Germany. She had lived in Junction CIty Kansas since 1986, as a homemaker. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 45 and had worked the Bingo Kitchen for 13 years. She was also a member of the VFW and The Eagles.
She was married to Glenn R. Rogers in 1970 in Viernheim Germany, he survives. Survivors include Andreas P.Rogers of Junction City Ks, Alexandra I. Rogers-Everett of Tennessee, and Peter M. Rogers of Linton Indiana, and 9 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother Hildergard Balzer, her father Heinerich Schmiedel, a sister Iris Balzer, and a son Christopher B. Rogers.
Contributed by her daughter
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Margaret W. Rosey, 92, of Alta Vista, died Sept. 13, 2003. Born June 18, 1911, in Geary County, to John and Lena (Erichsen) Moyer, she married Edwin A. Rosey on March 4, 1930; he died Oct. 25, 1995, after 65 years of marriage; survived by two sons, one daughter, two sisters, 16 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Don Rosey; one brother, Leonard Moyer; and three sisters, Angeline Adams, Dorothy Shandy and Hazel Heller; burial St. Mary's Cemetery in Topeka.(abstract)
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Ralph Lee "Bud" Schmedemann died May 28, 2001, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. Born July 5, 1923, in Geary County to William and Rose (Thoes) Schmedemann, he graduated from Alta Vista High School in 1941. Married June 13, 1956, to Etta L. Root; she preceded him in death May 20, 1996. Survived by two daughters, two step-daughters, one son, one step-son, one sister, 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Burial June 1, 2002 in Humboldt Cemetery.(abstract)
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Delmer V. Schwartz died June 9, 2003, at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City Born Jan. 2, 1917, at Pretty Prairie to Jacob C. and Anna Schwartz, on July 17, 1938, he married Frieda H. Boese at Lamar, Colo. Survivors include his wife; one son, one daughter, eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Phillip, Albert, Cleo and an infant; and three sisters, Sarah Stucky, Lena Stucky and Ida Schroeder. Burial in Milford Cemetery.(abstract)
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Willie Mae Smith, 75, of Junction City, died Nov. 4, 2003; born on Nov. 27, 1927, in Muskogee, Okla.to Willie and Alice (Officer) Underwood; married to Silas Smith Sr. on July 12, 1947, he preceded her in death on Nov. 17, 2002. Also preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, Curtis and Carl Jones. Survived by her sons and daughters, Burial In Highland Cemetery, Junction City.(abstract)
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Died at the residence of G. Washburn on Thursday, Feb. 7, Elsie, daughter of Lottie Southwell, aged 3 years.(Wakefield Advertiser, Feb. 13, 1889)
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Margaret "Margie" E. Clennan Spittles, 69, of Junction City, died Dec. 19, 2003; born Jan. 7, 1934, in Chapman, to Vincent and Marie (Kelley) Clennan, she graduated from Chapman High School and married Paul F. Spittles Feb. 9, 1963, in Junction City. Preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Mark and John Stewart; one daughter, Paula Spittles; and one sister, Barbara McClatchey, she is survived by her husband; two sons, two daughters, five brothers, five sisters, and two granddaughters; burial St. Mary's Cemetery.(abstract)
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Wesley Joseph Stearns died June 6, 2003, at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City. Born Jan. 13, 1918, at Lansing, Mich., to Morris Lane and Ida (Andre) Stearns, he graduated from Grandville High School in Kent County, Mich., and attended college at the University of Boston in Massachusetts, Grand Rapids Community College, and Washburn University in Topeka.Aug. 12, 1944, he married Mary Jane MacDonald at Chicago, who preceded him in death Jan. 26, 1989. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery of Junction City.(abstract)
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Dorothy M. Turner, 70, of Junction City, died, Sept. 14, 2003. Born Feb. 6, 1933, at Tupelo, Miss., to Jack and Mary Francis (Parplow) Clark. she married Louis Henry Turner in 1948 at Tupelo. Her husband preceded her in death, on March 21, 1976; survived by her mother, two sons, four daughters, four brothers, five sisters, 26 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Burial will be at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis. (abstract)
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Died, in this city on Tuesday, Feb. 5th of typhoid pneumonia, Harriet, wife of Thomas H. Washburn, aged 70 years. The funeral was held at the Congregational church.(Wakefield Advertiser, Feb. 13, 1889)
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