Geraldine Kaye ‘Geri’ Decker, 75, of Hutchinson, died September 9, 2019, at her home. She was born February 24, 1944, in Stafford, to James Lloyd and Velma Ruth (Chambers) Petering.

Geri graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1962, and was a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon. Her greatest passion was her family, especially her kids and grandchildren, watching their plays, games, concerts, performances, and graduations. She was known for her warm hospitality and making everyone she came into contact with feel special.
Geri retired from Hutchinson Floral, after 26 years of service.

On June 15, 1962, she married Joseph Frank Decker. Her husband, Joe, of 57 years, survives.

Also surviving are: children, James Decker, Renee Robinson and husband Kerry, Michael Decker, all of Hutchinson, and Kristy Welchons and husband Scott of San Marcos, CA; mother, Ruth Petering of Haven; brothers, Jim Petering and wife Janelle, and Mike Petering; sister, Donelle Conner and husband Chuck, all of Hutchinson; 19 grandchildren, Katelynn Robinson of Topeka, Steven and wife Abby of Denton, Texas, Andrew Robinson of Emporia, Shelby Robinson, Kiersten Robinson, Matthew Robinson,  Kaydee Welchons, and Mackinzie Blake and husband Trevor, all of Hutchinson, Daniel Welchons of Lincoln, Nebraska, Allison Welchons, Douglas Welchons, David Welchons, Christopher Welchons, Rachel Welchons, Dillon Welchons, Kyle Welchons, Aaron Welchons, and Caleb Welchons, all of San Marcos, California, Lindsey Henning and husband Steven of DeLand, Florida; one great-granddaughter, Rylee Henning (daughter of Linsey and Steven); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Geri was preceded in death by  her father and a nephew, Patrick Neufeld.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 E. 25th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Craig Waetke and the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church.

Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory.

Memorials are suggested to Cancer Council of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Maxine Elizabeth Dewhirst, 99, of South Hutchinson, died September 7, 2019, at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson.  She was born December 1, 1919, in Arma, KS, to Fay E. and Nannie E. (Deemer) Dewhirst.

Maxine attended schools in Girard and graduated from Girard High School.  After graduation, she taught in a one room school house for several years and then moved to Wichita where she attended Wichita Business School and worked.  She was an executive secretary for Boeing Company and retired in 1982.

Maxine is survived by:  nephews, Bill Dewhirst, Pittsfield, MA, Ron Davied, Dean Davied and Dennis Davied, all of Farlington, KS; nieces, Rose Ann Morrison, Des Moines, IA, Mary Wilson, Hutchinson, KS, Barbara Davied, Seneca, MO, Martha Akins, Lenexa, KS, and Nancy Rusher, Pittsburg, KS.

She was preceded in death by:  her parents; sisters, Pearl M. Pacropis, Florine M. Craft, Mary L. Davied and Ellen R. Dewhirst; brothers, George E. Dewhirst and Victor E. Dewhirst; infant brothers, Paul and Freddie Dewhirst.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019, at the Girard Cemetery, Girard, KS, with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Kay Diane Bontrager, 72, died September 4, 2019, at her home. She was born February 17, 1947, the daughter of Bill L. and A. Frances (Hampton) Repass. Kay was a 1965 graduate of Hutchinson High School and homemaker.  She also worked at the Boy Scout office in Hutchinson. Kay loved spending time with her family and watching movies. She was active in Girl Scout Troop #220 when she was younger and remained friends with several of them until later in life.

On December 21, 1968, Kay married Gary Lloyd Bontrager in Hutchinson. They shared 50 years of marriage.  He survives.

Also surviving are: daughters, Joni Bontrager (Brian Devers), Olathe, Jill Wasinger (Travis), South Hutchinson, and brother, Rex Repass, Wichita.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Billy Greg Repass.

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Matt Stafford officiating.  Cremation will follow. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Helen Ruth Havercroft, 82, of Hutchinson, died September 2, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born April 4, 1937, to Ralph and Marjorie (McIver) Rush.

Helen graduated from Abbyville High School in 1955, retired from Dillons Warehouse and was a member of Countryside Baptist Church, Hutchinson.

On June 12, 1955, she married Delbert ‘Bud’ Havercroft in Abbyville. Helen is survived by: husband of  64 years,  Bud Havercroft of Hutchinson; daughters, Shannon Lewis of Marquette, Linda Thiessen of Sedgwick, Patty Morris and husband Greg of Wichita, Cindy Rowe and husband David of Newton; twin sister, Ellen Mitzner,  sisters, Beulah VanHoose  and husband Wiley, Marian Rank and husband Kenneth, all of Abbyville,  and Vivian Ogburn of Hutchinson; brother, Edward Rush of Abbyville; sister-in-law, Janice Rush of Davenport, OK;  five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers, Donald and wife Penny, Marvin Rush; sister-in-law, Lena Rush; and son-in-law, Brad Lewis.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Ron Kyker officiating.  Her memorial book will be available to sign from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitation with family present will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Countryside Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.