Loretta ‘Jean’ Baker, 82, passed away January 22, 2019, at her home of natural causes. She was born November 11, 1936, in Hutchinson, to Thomas and Ottie Pearl (Wyer) Geist.

Jean graduated from Plevna High School in 1954 and Wichita State University in 1970 with a degree in education. She was a long-time teacher, assistant volleyball coach, and Stuco sponsor at Haven High School.

Jean was a loving grandmother who loved spoiling her 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was a constant supporter of activities and sports games of all her children and grandchildren. ‘Grandma Baker’ was a wonderful cook and enjoyed having her family together.

On June 20, 1954, Jean married James Wesley Baker in Sylvia. They had five children and lived the majority of their married life in Buhler.

She is survived by: her husband, Jim, of 64 years. Also surviving are: daughter, Susan Baker of Hutchinson; son, Wayne Baker (Anita) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughters, Crystal Petty (Tim) of De Soto, Debra Baker of Hutchinson, Robin Verhulst (David) of De Soto; grandchildren, Angela Hein (George), Amber Farha (Garrett), Andrew Hein (Kendra), Jennifer McMillin (John), Tyler Baker, Brandi Tanksley (Jesse), Amy Farmer (Tyler), Shelbi Southworth, Quinton Verhulst, Dalton Verhulst, Ashton Verhulst, Payton Verhulst, Kirston Verhulst, Addiston Verhulst; great-grandchildren, Charles Hein-Lobb, Maxwell Hein-Lobb, Ryleigh Hein, Grayson Farha, Baron Farha, Nash Farha, Dawkins Farha, Vivien McMillin, Eva McMillin, Roan McMillin, Gunnar Gegan, Aubrey Tanksley, Madilyn Tanksley, Lincoln Tanksley, Jackson Tanksley, Makenzie Farmer, Ethan Farmer, Rory Southworth, Quincy Southworth; sister, Eula Kittle of Liberal; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jean was preceded in death by: her parents; sisters, Evelyn Walker and Wreatha Blasdel; brothers, Virgil Geist, Edward Geist, and Arnold Geist.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 25, 2019, at Buhler Mennonite Church, 220 W. Ave. B, Buhler, with Pastor Willmar T. Harder officiating. Following a meal at the church (to which everyone is invited), burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, with family present to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.

Memorials are suggested to Buhler Mennonite Church or Cause for Paws, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Beverly Darlene Friesen, 70, of Hutchinson, died January 19, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born August 22, 1948, in Ellsworth, the daughter of Joe and Betty Jo (Campbell) Birka. Bev graduated from Little River High School in 1965. She was a homemaker who loved spoiling her grandchildren. Bev also enjoyed interior decorating and gardening and yard-work.

On October 4, 1968, she married George W. Friesen in Lyons. He survives.

Also surviving are: son, George R. Friesen and wife Tammy of Wellington; stepdaughters, Sheri K. Barr of Hutchinson, Susan D. Sloyer and husband Scott of Lawrence; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister-in-law, Connie Neuburger and husband Art of Lawrence.
Bev was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Garland Birka.

A private family service will be held. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.  Memorials are suggested to the Beverly D. Friesen Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Darlene J. Owen, 90, of Hutchinson, died Saturday, January 19, 2019, at Good Samaritan Center. She was born November 3, 1928, in Wichita to A.C. ‘Bert’ and Della (Cox) Merrill.

Darlene graduated from Greenland High School in Arkansas in 1946. She was of the Christian faith. Darlene was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

On March 27, 1946, she married Wayne Lee Owen in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He died January of 1993.

She is survived by: son, Michael Owen and wife Jan of Hutchinson; daughter, Sandy Lankford of Castle Rock, CO; grandchildren, Weston M. Owen of Kansas City, MO, Emily Kennedy and husband Chris of Fox Island, WA, and Lindsay Herrera and husband Matt of Pueblo, CO; and five great-grandchildren.

Darlene was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; and son-in-law, Don Lankford.
Cremation has taken place. A private family inurnment will take place at Great Bend Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hutchinson Animal Shelter or Cause for Paws, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501

Doris Jean ‘Dee’ Jerde, 70, of Hutchinson, died Thursday, January 17, 2019. She was born March 29, 1948, in McPherson to Aubrey ‘Tom’ and Gloria (Johnson) Thompson.

She worked as a secretary at Steven’s and then Sturgeon Plumbing and Air Conditioning, both for over 40 years. Dee graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1966, then Adela Hale Business College.

On November 23, 1967, she married Richard Lee Jerde in Hutchinson. He died August 31, 2011. Survivors are: son, Rick of Hutchinson; sister, Linda Richardson (Don) of Wichita; sisters-in-law, Tammie Hazell (Johnnie) and Mary Dove, all of Hutchinson; brother-in-law, Gary Morris of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jerilyn ‘Kay’ Morris.

Cremation has taken place. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2019, at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through service time at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson.  Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of, Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Chongsuk ‘Cookie’ Pak Jones, died Sunday, January 20, 2019, at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie, Kansas. She was born February 1, 1943, in Japan to Pak Sang kil and Yi So Kyong.

Cookie was a homemaker, an excellent cook, seamstress and flower gardener. She was of the Baptist faith.

On July 6, 1962, she married Dan Jones in Seoul, Korea. Dan, her husband of 56 years survives. Also surviving are: brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Darlene Jones of Green Valley, AZ; and nephew, Dale Jones of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and Dan’s parents, Richard and Gail Jones.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2019, at Lerado Cemetery with Pastor Darrel Grubbs presiding. Friends may sign her book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, Hutchinson.

Kenneth A. Keefer, 82, of Hutchinson, died January 19, 2019, at Hospice House. He was born January 24, 1936, in Hutchinson, the son of Kenneth H. and Aleene (Gano) Keefer. Ken was a 1954 graduate of Hutchinson High School and attended the University of Kansas. He married Barbara J. Wilkinson April 4, 1959, in Hutchinson.

Ken was the retired Director of Advertising and Public Relations for Dillon Stores, a 40-year career working there 1958-1996. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a United States Army veteran, served as past president of Prairie Dunes Country Club and Hutchinson Town Club, and served on the boards of the Hutchinson Art Association and the Reno County Historical Society.

He is survived by: his wife, Barbara; sons, David and wife Susan of Shawnee, Steve Etzel and wife, Laura of Webster Grove, MO; sister, Connie Bula and husband, Mick of Monument, CO; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.Ken was preceded in death by his daughter, Krista A. Williams and his parents.

Friends may sign the guest register book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, at Elliott Mortuary. Private family graveside services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hutchinson Art Association or Hospice of Reno County, both in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.