Melva Rae (Barker) Law, 83, died on October 14, 2017 at Mennonite Friendship Communities in South Hutchinson. She was born on May 25, 1934 in Colby, KS to Howard Lewis and Wilma Estelle (Dean) Barker.
Melva worked outside the home as an Order Clerk for the Spiegel Catalog.  She enjoyed her time with her family. Her hobbies included crocheting, needlepoint and sewing.

She was a member of the former North Minister Presbyterian Church and had more recently attended church with her son at the First Assembly of God in Hutchinson.

Preceding her in death were her parents, a brother and his wife,   Dean A. (Marsha) Barker and a niece, Heather Barker.

Survivors include her three sons and their wives, Aaron K. (Susan) Law, Wichita, Bradley P. (Lisa) Law, Mesa, AZ and Brian L. (Koi) Law, Hutchinson; seven grandchildren and  5 great grandchildren and one bundle of joy on the way.

Cremation has been effected. The family will plan a private gathering at a later date.

Harvey A. Starke died on October 12, 2017 in Hutchinson. He was born in Medicine Lodge, Ks, June 22, 1963, the son of Burnett Starke Sr. and Janice (Hatcher) Tipton.

Harvey had a love for classic music and as a young boy loved to draw. He was quite the artist.

Survivors include his sister, Darla (Richard) Perry, and Crystal Wilson, a brother Burnett Starke Jr., and aunt, Linda Hatcher.

Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and Aunt Sissy.

Funeral service will be held at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel on Monday, October 16th at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Hutchinson Ks.

Memorials may be made to Harvey A. Starke Memorial Fund in care of funeral home at 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, Ks. 67502

Loren W. ‘L.W.’ Cook, 90, died Saturday, October 14, 2017, at his home.  He was born April 13, 1927, in Wichita, the son of Willis and Gladys (Headley) Cook.
L
oren worked for KPL for 41 years, retiring as a line foreman in 1989. He was a member of I.B.E.W. Local 304, Hutchinson American Legion Lysle Rishel Post 68, Hutchinson Reno Masonic Lodge #124, Wichita Scottish Rite, and Wichita Midian Shrine. Loren was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting and was happiest at Lake Kanopolis. But what he cared about most of all was family and being ‘Papa Loren’ to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

On February 6, 1948, Loren married Phyllis J. Brack in Hutchinson. She died July 2, 1987. He is survived by: son, Ted Cook and wife Jerri of Hutchinson; daughter, Barbara Harper and husband Sean of Hutchinson; brother, Doug Cook of Hutchinson; grandsons, Ryan Cook and wife Staci, David Cook, John Mullen, Michael Mullen, Mason Mullen, Spencer Mullen; great-grandchildren, Marisa Cook, Weston Cook, Ellie Cook, Tinsley Cook; and several nieces and nephews.  Loren was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Norma Hayes; and sister-in-law, Carol Cook.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, October 19, 2017, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present to receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to TECH or No Youth Left Indoors, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Earl Lloyd McAdams, 86, died October 14, 2017, at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Hutchinson.  He was born June 19, 1931, in Kingman, KS, the son of Ray and Glenna (Buchanan) McAdams.

After graduating from high school, he served in the Army from August 1952 through August 1954 with a tour of duty in Korea.  Upon his return he worked as a mail carrier for the U. S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1990.  He also operated his own lawn service and umpired softball on evenings and weekends.

He enjoyed playing and watching sports, having pitched for several fast pitch softball teams before, during, and after his military service, including for the American Legion.  Subsequent to his playing days, Lloyd coached his daughters’ softball teams and then took up golf after retirement.  In addition to his involvement in sports, Lloyd spent countless hours meticulously tending to his lawn and vehicles, while at the same time proving to always be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He married Mildred ‘Ticky’ Lindblade on December 15, 1951 in Hutchinson.  Lloyd is survived by his daughters; Karri McAdams of Hutchinson, Sharon Wetzel (Orville) of Topeka, Susan Webb (Tim) of Cleveland, Ohio; grandchildren, Sara Corella (Deven) of Houston, Texas, Adam Wetzel of Kansas City, Rachel Webb, Clayton Webb, both of Cleveland, Ohio; sister-in-law, Betty Hoefer of Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Bill Gentry of Tribune; numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers Eugene and Virgil McAdams.

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation with family present will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Elliott Chapel, with military honors conducted by Ft. Riley Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with his love of nature and animals, memorial gifts may be made to the Hutchinson Zoo, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.

Debbie Sue ‘Susie’ Smith, 57, of Hutchinson, died Friday, October 13, 2017, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born November 28, 1959, in Greeley, Colorado, the daughter of Robert L. and Reva J. (Sechler) Dickson Jr. Debbie graduated from Lyons High School in 1978 and worked as a waitress at Mom’s Café, Brenda’s Café, and the Anchor Inn. She attended New Harmony Baptist Church.

Debbie is survived by: daughter, Sammi Smith of Hutchinson; son, Daniel Shipman of Hutchinson; mother and stepfather, Reva and Mervyn Rife of Hutchinson; father and stepmother, Robert and Sonya Dickson Jr. of Mount Vernon, Texas; grandson, Yasuhiro Smith of Hutchinson; sisters, Sandi Dickson-Owston and husband Damon of Hutchinson, Deborah Dickson and husband Jeffrey of Hot Springs, Arkansas; stepbrother, Brian Rife and wife Teresa of Sterling; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: grandparents, Robert Dickson Sr., Kattie Lee Dickson, Wellington W. Sechler, Elvoda F. Sechler; and brother, James H. Dickson.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Elliott Chapel, with Bishop Quintin Moore officiating. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, with the family present to receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Thaine L. Woolsey, 96, of Hutchinson, died October 12, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society, Hutchinson Village. He was born July 10, 1921, on a farm near Randall, Kansas. He graduated from Randall High School in 1938 and Swallow Institute in 1939, which was an aircraft and engine school. Thaine served in the United States Navy from June 28, 1944, to March 8, 1946. He retired as Vice-President and General Manager of Cessna Fluid Power Division. Thaine was very involved in the community. He served on the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center Board for 25 years, serving 10 years as chairman, and was a volunteer CEO for Space Works. Thaine also served on the board of Hutchinson Hospital, Hutchinson Clinic, and Commerce Bank. In addition, Thaine was a member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68, Loyal Order of Moose #982, and the Highlands and Prairie Dunes Country Club. He was also a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church.

On October 18, 1944, he married Mercedes Warner in Roxbury. She died October 24, 2015.

Survivors include: sons, Dennis Woolsey (Cindy) of Hutchinson, Terry Woolsey (Anne), of Wichita; granddaughter, Rose Woolsey of Kansas City, Kansas; grandson, Tim Woolsey (Janet); and great-grandson, Vaden Woolsey, all of Hutchinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2017, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, with Pastor Craig Waetke. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Entombment will follow in the Fairlawn Mausoleum, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to New Covenant Presbyterian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Benjamin J. ‘Ben’ Zerger, 90, of South Hutchinson, died Thursday, October 12, 2017, at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson. He was born January 7, 1927, in McPherson, the son of Benjamin and Mary (Krehbiel) Zerger. Ben graduated from Moundridge High School and then served in the United States Army for almost two years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Bethel College, and a master’s degree in chemistry from Emporia State University. Ben taught chemistry at Preston and Salina high schools, and then for Hutchinson Community College until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of Hutchinson Civitan Club, Mennonite Men’s Chorus, and First Mennonite Church, Hutchinson.

On June 8, 1957, Ben married Joyce M. Ward in Hutchinson. They celebrated 60 years of marriage.

He is survived by: his wife, Joyce; sons, Ward and wife Shelly of Olathe, Brent of Los Angeles, CA; grandsons, Tyler and Zachary of Olathe; brothers, Rueben of Kearney, MO, Ted and wife Vera of Salina; sisters, Kathleen Wedel and husband Kermit of Minneapolis, KS, Carol Jenner and Ed Altman of Colorado; sister-in-law, Marjean Stucky of Moundridge; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ben was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Robert, James and Melvin; sisters, Luella Loganbill, Anne Schrag, and Margaret Ellen Zerger.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2017, at First Mennonite Church, 52 Rambler Rd., Hutchinson, with Pastors Nathan Koontz and Tonya Ramer Wenger officiating. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. The family will receive friends one hour before service time Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Friendship Communities or Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Wyatt Sean Hughes, 20, died October 10, 2017, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born October 7, 1997, in Hutchinson, to Sean A. and Jenny (Jackson) Hughes. Wyatt graduated from Buhler High School in 2016 and attended Hutchinson Community College. He was a delivery driver for Papa Johns’ Pizza. Wyatt enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing football, and spending time with his friends.

He is survived by: parents, Sean and Jenny Hughes; brother, Dakota Hughes, all of Hutchinson; aunt, Denise Miller (Monte) of Greenville, NC; maternal grandfather, Butch Jackson and wife Mary of Great Bend.

He was preceded in death by: his paternal grandparents, Dale and Carol Hughes; maternal grandmother, Brenda Johnson and husband Ray.

Parish rosary will be 7 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2017, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson, with Father Ned J. Blick officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, with family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Wyatt Sean Hughes Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Wyatt gave the gift of life after his death by being an organ and tissue donor.

Vera A. Ummel, 68, of Hutchinson, died October 10, 2017, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born June 8, 1949, in Hutchinson, to Bernard and Arlie (Taylor) Hiebert. Vera graduated from Partridge High School in 1967 and attended Hutchinson Community College. She was a loving and supportive homemaker who adored her grandchildren. Vera was a member of TECK Club, Bunko group, Red Hat Society, and Serendipity Sams Camping Club.

On September 29, 1982, she married Jerry G. Ummel, in South Hutchinson. They shared 35 years of marriage.
Vera is survived by: husband, Jerry of the home; son, John and wife Dawn; grandson, Brandon Ummel; granddaughter, Katie ‘Little Vera’ Ummel; all of Hutchinson; siblings, Betty Greever and husband Richard of Hutchinson, Ardith May of South Hutchinson, Paul Hiebert and wife Patty of South Hutchinson, Ralph Hiebert and wife Toni of Hutchinson, Glennys Tedder of Hutchinson, Phyllis Balzer and husband Tom of South Hutchinson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; nieces and nephews; and cousins.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Crossroads Christian Church, 43rd and Monroe, with Pastor Lee Keele officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorials may be made to Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.