For more information, see the Sept. 17 issue of the Labette Avenue. To locate previously posted death notices, enter the decedent’s last name in the archive search box on Labette Avenue’s home page. Labette Avenue publishes death notices free of charge. Paid obituaries ($20) are printed in their entirety in the Labette Avenue and online at taylornews.org.

Maxine Mansfield

McCUNE—Maxine Mansfield, 87, of rural McCune, Kan., died at 11:13 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Labette Health in Parsons.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 12, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in McCune Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the McCune United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Maxine was born Sept. 25, 1920, to Harv and Roberta Ann (Hoover) Claxton in Sherman City, Kan. As a young girl, she grew up and attended school there. She was a graduate of West Mineral High School and continued her education by attending Parsons Jr. College.

On March 2, 1940, she married Bernard E. Mansfield in Sherman City. Following marriage, they made their home on a farm south of McCune where they were engaged in farming and raising dairy cattle. He preceded her in death in July 1983. She continued to live on the family farm until December 2007. At that time, due to ill health, she moved to the Parsons Good Samaritan Society where she had resided since.

She was a member of the McCune United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s group there, McCune Lady Lions, Quilting Club, McGown’s Swim Class and the McCune Coop. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities, family gatherings, and visiting with friends and neighbors.

Those surviving are one son, James Mansfield and wife Elsa, Rancho Cordova, Calif.; two daughters, Sally McKinzie and husband Ron, Altamont, Kan.; and Patty Dick and husband Melvin, Independence; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Joe Mansfield and Max Mansfield; five brothers, Hiram Carson, Rollie Carson, Johnnie Claxton, Jim Claxton and Joe Claxton; and five sisters, Alta Hawley, Hazel Lovelady, Nellie Czapansky, Lela Shaw and Elma Bennett.

Rita M. Meeks

ALTAMONT—Rita M. Meeks, 77, of rural Altamont, Kan., passed away at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at her home. She had been in ill health for the past few weeks.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Mound Valley Christian Church. Burial will follow at the Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Friday at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont.

Memorials are suggested to the USD 506 Foundation, Inc., or the Mound Valley Christian Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home,P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Rita was born May 30, 1931, in Earlham, Iowa, to Pernal E. and Mildred L. (Cottle) Sandusky. As a young girl, she grew up in Cummings, Iowa, area until moving with her family to rural Mound Valley in 1947. She was a 1948 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont.

Through the years, she worked at Lee Manufacturing Company in Cherryvale, Brodericks, in Parsons, and was a bus driver for Unified School District 506 in Altamont for 33 years.

On Sept. 16, 1950, she married Eugene Meeks in Dearing, Kan., in the home of the Reverend Joe Brown. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on the 16th of this month. Mr. Meeks survives of the home.

She enjoyed cooking, canning and taking care of her animals, especially the chickens and the pigs. She was a member of the Mound Valley Christian Church.

Additional survivors include two sons, Michael L. Meeks, rural Altamont; and Roger A. Meeks, rural Altamont; one daughter, Carol D. Meiwes and husband Charles , rural Edna; six grandchildren, Teri Kinyon, Steve Meiwes, LeaAnn Myers, Mandy Lantz, Roger Meeks, II and Travis Meeks; nine great-grandchildren; four brothers, Burl Sandusky, Lovelock, Nev.; Vernon Sandusky, Edna; Johnny Sandusky, Altamont; and Ron Sandusky, Coffeyville.

She was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Kenton D. Rife

OSWEGO—Kenton D. Rife, 88, of Oswego, Kan., died Saturday, Sept.13, 2008, at Elm Haven West in Parsons, Kan.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the First Methodist Church in Oswego with Pastor Bob Conway and Rev. Paul Wiand officiating. Friends may call at Murdock Funeral Home, Oswego, after 2 p.m. Tuesday, with visitation from 7 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Oswego Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Methodist Church of Oswego or Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Kenton was born Dec. 9, 1919, to Harvey Henry Rife and Ada Mae (Boore) Rife in Rice County, Kan., where he grew up and graduated from Lyons High School. In 1940, he moved with his parents to Labette County and farmed with them for several years.

On Feb. 1, 1942, he and Ruth M. Goodrich of Lyons, Kan., were married at Murdoch, Kan. They lived on their farm south of Oswego until he entered a nursing home in December 2003.

Kenton’s life’s work was farming but his interests included may activities. He was a life long member of the First Methodist Church, serving on boards and teaching Sunday school. He was active in his community, serving as a school board member of both Stice and Sunnyview schools. He served as a board member of Farm Bureau, Agriculture Extension, ASCS, and 14 years on the Labette County Fair board. He also served as president of the State Association of County Fairs and was inducted into the Kansas Master Farmer Association in 1980.

In addition to farming, he had jobs at Oswego Co-Op, measured wheat ground for ASCS, was a guard at Kansas Army Ammunition Plant and worked at razing the old Labette County courthouse and jail. He enjoyed a life full of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He liked hunting, fishing, bowling and square dancing.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth, of the home; two sons, David A. and wife Jo Ann, Grove, Okla,; Ronald K. and wife Linda. Oswego; two daughters, Susan Bates and husband Lee, Oswego; and Karla Cook, Oswego; daughter-in-law, Terri Rife, Carl Junction, Mo.; 12 grandchildren, Randy A., Lawndale, Calif.; Ronda Knapp, Grove, Okla.; Nicki Tomlinson and husband Jim, Oswego; Tina Johnson and husband Kevin, McCune; Nolan D., Oswego; Jeffrey R., Oswego; John D. and wife Jaci, Oswego; Chris L. Bates, Parsons; Drew A. Bates, Altamont; Brady M. Bates, Pittsburg; Joni Cook and Kimberly Cook, both of Oswego; 14 great grandchildren; and a sister, Lowella Day of Colorado.

Preceding him in death were a son, Stanley D. Rife of Carl Junction; two brothers, Stewart Rife of Lyons; Lt. Arthur D. Rife, USAF of Lyons, killed in a training flight in 1943; three sisters, Bernadine Rolfs, Lorraine, Kan.; Arlene Martin, Oswego; and Janice Brubaker, Lyons.

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Garrett

PALESTINE, Texas—Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Garrett, 91, of Palestine, Texas, formerly of Chetopa, Kan., died at 6:13 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, at Cartmell Nursing Home in Palestine, Texas. She had been in failing health.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at the Chetopa United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to Chetopa United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Betty was born March 12, 1917, in Chetopa, Kan., to George L. and Mary Ann (Rhoten) Emert. As a young girl, she grew up and attended schools in Chetopa.

She and Earl C. Garrett were married Aug. 31, 1933, in Oswego, Kan. He preceded her in death Jan. 14, 1997.

Betty was an active member of the Republican Party for a number of years, a life member of the Order of Eastern Star where she also served as Worthy Matron, and Mother Advisor of Chetopa Rainbow Girls. She was also a member of Chetopa Chamber of Commerce and Senior Home Culture Club in Chetopa. She was a lifetime member of the Chetopa United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, was pianist, served on the board and participated in United Methodist Women.

For a number of years, she served as Clerk of Municipal Court for the City of Chetopa, and retired as city librarian from there. She also assisted her husband, as caretaker, of Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa. She and her husband enjoyed going to Grand Lake, boating, playing pitch, and in earlier years, she was an avid bowler.

Those surviving include one son, Earl C. Garrett, II, Ashburn, Va.; two daughters, Earlene Stokesberry, Coffeyville, Kan.; and Audrey Ann Tatum, Palestine, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by three sisters.

Elizabeth J. Boyer

PARSONS—Elizabeth J. Boyer, 60, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at Labette Health.

A private memorial service will be held by the family at a future date. Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons is in charge of arrangements.

Josephine L. Walker

PARSONS—Josephine L. Walker, 85, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Labette Health, where she entered on Sept. 3. She had been in failing health for several months and had resided at the Presbyterian Manor the past year.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at East Bethany Cemetery, north of Parsons. In the event of rain, the service will be moved to Carson-Wall Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8 p.m. today.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Educational Foundation and may be left at or sent to the funeral home, Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

James C. ‘Cliff’ Diediker

PARSONS—James C. “Cliff” Diediker, 89, of rural Parsons, Kan., died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at Woodridge Estates in Parsons.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Valley Cemetery north of Parsons. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice Care of Kansas and may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Ramona M. Reeves

COLUMBUS—Ramona M. Reeves, 63, of Columbus, Kan., formerly of Mountain Grove, Mo., passed away Tuesday night, Sept. 9, 2008, at the Medicalodge of Columbus, after a sudden illness.

Visitation will be 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus, Kan. Graveside funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12at the Denlow Cemetery in Denlow, Mo.

Donald Lee Chenoweth

WELCH, Okla.—Donald Lee Chenoweth, 77, of Welch, Okla., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Craig General Hospital in Vinita, Okla.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Welch. Burial will be in Welch City Cemetery, Welch, with military rites performed by the American Legion Post #147, Veteran’s Funeral Detail. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Thomas Funeral Home, Welch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Welch.

Services are under the direction of Jim Thomas, Thomas Funeral Home, Welch.

Elizabeth E. ‘Betty’ O’Hara

PARSONS—Elizabeth E. “Betty” O’Hara, 77, of Parsons died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, in the emergency room at Labette Health.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The Daughters of Isabella will recite the rosary at 6 p.m. Monday, and the parish rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, both at the church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic School Endowment Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Laura (Stevenson) McKelvey

PARSONS—Mildred Laura (Stevenson) McKelvey, 95, of Parsons, Kan., died Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Parsons.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at the Wesley United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends at the church following the service. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery at Paragould, Ark., on Tuesday.

Friends may call at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons on Sunday. Memorials are suggested to the Wesley United Methodist Church. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

Tommy J. McCollugh

COLUMBUS—Tommy J. McCullough, 73, of Columbus, Kan., died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center in Pittsburg, Kan

Private family services will be at a later date. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 104 W. Main St., Weir, Kan. Friends may call the funeral home after 3 p.m. on Sunday. E-mail condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com.

The family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorials to the Cherokee Little League Ball Park in Cherokee, Kan. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Bath-Naylor Funeral of Weir, Kan.

Carolyn L. Busker

COLUMBUS—Carolyn L. Busker, 55, of Columbus, Kan., co-owner of Lighthouse Cafe, passed away Thursday, Sept. 10, 2008.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery, Granby, Mo. Arrangements are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, Mo.

Thomas J. Crispell, DVM

PARSONS—Thomas J. Crispell, DVM, 79, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, Sept 14, 2008, at Elmhaven East Nursing Home in Parsons. He had been in failing health.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept 19, at the First Presbyterian Church in Parsons. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorials are suggested to “The Rock” or Unified School District No. 503 Foundation. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Larry L. Holtz

OSWEGO—Larry L. Holtz, 74, of Oswego, Kan., died Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Labette Health in Parsons.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, at the Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Syd Smith, Rev. Paul Wiand and Rev. Fred Gates officiating. Mr. Holtz was cremated.

Murdock Funeral Home of Oswego is in charge of arrangements.

The complete obituary can be found in the May 7 edition of the Labette Avenue.

Manny Walker

OSWEGO—“Manny” Maurice C. Walker, 83, a lifetime member of the Oswego, Kan., community died Sunday, May 4, 2008, at his home.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 8, at the Oswego Cemetery with Rev Paul Wiand officiating. Friends may call at the Murdock Funeral Home from 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7.

Murdock Funeral Home of Oswego is in charge of arrangements.

The complete obituary can be found in the May 7 edition of the Labette Avenue.