Donald Rauch

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Donald L Rauch, age 91, passed away at 8:01 am, Friday, October 11, 2019 at his home after a sudden illness.

Donald was born December 12, 1927 in Labette County, KS. His parents were Clarence J and Mary (Strickland) Rauch. He was a lifetime resident of Oswego.

He was a farmer. He worked at the Oswego COOP for 20 years while he also farmed in Labette and Cherokee Counties. He last worked with Albert Strickland until his retirement in 2015.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Oswego, KS. Donald used to play guitar in a band with Carl Carton. He enjoyed bowling and hunting with his brother.

Donald was married to Zelma Mae Houston on July 10, 1987 in Oswego. She survives.

Additional survivors include one step-son, Bill Snyder (wife, Rena) Chanute, KS; two step-daughters, Judy Nading, Frontenac, KS and Joann Smith (husband Jory) Jackson, MO; 4 step-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Richard Rauch and one sister, Wilma Epler.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 -7:00 pm, Monday, October 14, 2019 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Oswego, KS.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, Oswego, Pastor Bob Conway will officiate. Burial will be in Oswego Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home.

Teri Lacher

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

Terrance Jerome (Teri) Lacher, 61, of Girard, Kansas lost his battle with brain cancer after over a year of battling on September 30th, 2019 at University of Kansas Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born on March 15th, 1958 in Bismarck, North Dakota, the son of Ed and Donna (Naumann) Lacher. He was united in marriage to Colleen Silva and she survives of the home.

Teri worked as a mason/bricklayer his entire career. He was the masonry foreman for several area projects including the skybox seating at Pitt State’s Carnie Smith Stadium, R.V. Haderlein Elementary School addition, the Ronald McDonald House and the YMCA, both of Joplin, Community National Bank in Frontenac, and several others. He also restored the state capitol steps in Bismarck a few years ago.

Teri loved coaching for several sports teams that his children participated on when they were younger. He enjoyed golfing, spectator sports, and auctions. Teri also had a passion for cooking, especially old German recipes.

Additional survivors include his mother, Donna Lacher, of Bismarck N.D.; his daughter, Jessi Lacher; his son, T.J. Lacher; his granddaughter, Taylor Lacher, and one stepson, Matthew Mabin (previous marriage); his brothers, Jeff Lacher (Linda) of Denver, Colorado , Tom Lacher and Gordie Lacher, both of Bismarck; his sisters, Mary Knudson (Bill) of Bismarck and Valerie Richards (Gary) of Minot, North Dakota; numerous nieces and nephews.

Teri was preceded in death by his father, Ed Lacher.

We will celebrate Teri’s life on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 2410 S Broadway St., Pittsburg, Kansas.

We will celebrate Teri’s life on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019 from 10:00 am until noon at the Jay Cee Leadership Hall at 321 E Century Avenue in Bismarck.

Memorials are suggested to Teri’s Granddaughter’s Education Fund, and these mailed to Colleen Lacher at 725 N Leonard Street, Girard, Kansas 66743.

Jim Miller

(From Carson-Wall Funeral Home)

James “Jim” Walter Miller, 85, of Parsons, died at 10:49 A.M., Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the Presbyterian Manor.

He was born December 24, 1933 in Chamois, MO, a son of Jesse James “Buck” LaFavor and Minnie Amos. His father died before he was born and he was raised by his mother and in later years by his step-father, Ralph A. Miller. Growing up, his family lived in Cheyenne, WY, Kansas City, MO, St. Louis, MO and later moved to Parsons, where he graduated high school. Following high school Jim attended Wichita State University, receiving his construction engineering certificate.

Continuing residence in Parsons, he worked as a Union Card Holder, Journeyman Contractor for LaForge and Budd Construction, and later Art Hill Sr. Other career highlights included helping to build the Parsonian Hotel and the KG&E Power Plant. He then operated Jim Miller Construction for over forty years, building and remodeling homes and commercial buildings. Jim was a masterful finish carpenter, specializing in custom cabinets. He was President of the MKT Rod and Gun Club in Moran for several years, where he and his wife, Nancy, enjoyed spending time at their cabin. An avid fisherman, he acquired many awards and recognitions.

On October 24, 1954 he was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Norton at the First Baptist Church in Parsons. She preceded him in death on September 24, 2018. Jim was a member of the First Christian Church in Parsons. In early years, he was a member of the Jaycees and had been a troop leader with the Boy Scouts where he assisted many young men in earning their Eagle Scout Awards. He had also been a member of the Young Democrats with aspiring efforts in politics. His greatest joys were spending time talking with family, friends and his beloved wife, Nancy. His grandchildren knew him as “One Crazy Grandpa” as he brought so many smiles as he shared his lessons of life with them that they’ll treasure forever.

Survivors include: one son and daughter in-law - Gary Lee and Jodie Miller, Ozark, MO; two daughters and sons in-law – Pamela Ann and Trent L. Alexander, Ft. Worth, TX, Jeanette and Vince Horton, Parsons, KS; eight grandchildren – Adie Williams, Springfield, MO, Jimmy Miller and his wife, Julie, West Plains, MO, Sam Miller, and his wife, Kayla West Plains, MO, Sydney Miller, St. Louis, MO, Drew L. Alexander, Amarillo, TX, Vanessa S. Stanfield, and her husband, Devin, London, England, Allison Garcia, and her husband, Rich, Weston, FL, Scott Horton, Dallas, TX; ten great-grandchildren; one brother and sister in-law – Dwayne and Clara Miller, Huntsville, AL; one sister in-law – Pat Norton, Torrance, CA; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one sister – Elaine Hempen and one brother in-law – Don Norton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Laurie Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 Tuesday evening at the CARSON-WALL FUNERAL HOME. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.

Gail Wade

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Gail Ann Wade, age 65, passed away at 11:03 am Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospital, Springfield MO following an illness.

Gail was born June 10, 1954 in Hayward, CA. Her parents were Alwin and Loyce (Lyerla) Freudendahl. She had lived in Galena since 1969, moving from Hayward, CA.

She graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1972. She worked a few years as the office manager for Mediacom in Galena. She last worked as a police dispatcher for the City of Galena, a position she held for 20 years.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Galena, KS. Her greatest joy was her granddaughters.

Surviving is her husband of 50 years, Alvin Wade, Galena; one daughter, Blair Reed, Galena; three grandchildren, Hunter Reed (wife, Sierra) Valley Center, CA, Maycee Reed, and Keeley Reed, both of Galena; one half brother, Gary Freuendahl, San Berdino, CA and one niece, Tracy Freudendahl , San Berdino, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one daughter, Brooke Wade Murray.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 -5:00 pm, Monday, October 14, 2019 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.

A Memorial service will be held at 5:00 pm, Monday at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Pastor Mike Huffman will officiate.

Dale Roberts

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Kenneth Dale Roberts, age 63, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at his home. He was born May 8, 1956, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Kenneth Ray Roberts and Joanne Lloyd Roberts.

Dale attended school in both Fort Scott and Pittsburg and graduated from the Pleasanton High School. 

He married Cynthia Ann Hickman on April 8, 1983, at Miami, Oklahoma. Dale worked for Ward-Kraft in Ft. Scott for fifteen years. He later served as Vice-President of Ross Martin and Corporate Express a printing company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dale and his wife later owned and operated Comfort Keepers, an in-home care service in Owasso, Oklahoma. 

Following retirement, Dale and his family returned to Ft. Scott. He enjoyed woodworking as well as hunting, fishing and traveling. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include his two children, Brett Roberts and Danielle Roberts, both of Ft. Scott; his mother and stepfather, Joanne and Ralph Bradley, of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; two brothers, Kevin Roberts, of Pleasanton, Kansas and Kurt Roberts, of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; and a sister, Penny Talmage, of Ottawa, Kansas. Also surviving is his father-in-law, Herb Hickman, of Pittsburg and a close family friend, Matt Nelson, of Owasso, Oklahoma.

His wife, Cynthia, preceded him in death on June 17, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ray Roberts and an infant brother, Scott Roberts and his mother-in-law, Shirley Hickman.

Following cremation, Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct a memorial service at 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 21st at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 21st at the Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Grace Baptist Tabernacle and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Mary Hall

(From Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel)

Mary Elizabeth Hall, age 84, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, October 10, 2019, at her home. She was born February 27, 1935, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Tom Lee Bolan and Alean Benskin Bolan.

She married Edward LeRoy Hall on May 1, 1951, in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death on September 16, 1995. Mary enjoyed crafts, crocheting, sewing and making blankets and clothing. She was always there for her family no matter the need. She also had a big heart for animals.

Survivors include 3 sons, Eddie Hall, Jr. and wife Kathy, Tom Hall, and Fred Hall and wife Cindy, all of Ft. Scott; 3 daughters, Carol Edwards and husband Archie, Ft. Scott, Karen Hall, Ft. Scott, and Sharla Hall, Nevada, MO; a brother, Tom Lee Bolan Pittsburg, KS; 2 sisters, Ella May Saker, Ft. Scott, and Wanda Whiteaker, Pittsburg, KS; ex-daughter in law Liz Hall, Ft. Scott; 14 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. 

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Charlie Hall; a half-brother, George Omar Redfern; and her parents.

Rev. Rod Hillhouse will conduct funeral services at 10:00 Friday, October 18th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Memorials are suggested to the Mary Hall Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

To send flowers to the family of Mary Elizabeth Hall, please visit Tribute Store.Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit Mary Elizabeth Hall Tribute Fund.

Joseph Natalini

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Joseph Louis Natalini, Jr. 57 of Pittsburg, KS died October 9, 2019 after a lengthy illness.

Joseph was born May 15, 1962 in Pittsburg to Joseph and Judith (Stumfoll) Natalini.

He attended area schools and graduated from Pittsburg High School with the class of 1980. He was employed at Consumers until its closing and then Hix Corporation for 26 years.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Pittsburg.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father on April 12, 2014. 

He is survived by his mother, Judith of Pittsburg KS, brothers, Brian (Susie) Natalini, Columbus, KS, Stephen (Leta) Natalini, Scammon, KS, Mark (Shanna) Natalini, Pittsburg, KS, sister Dr. Brenda (Randy) Robinson, Pittsburg, KS, girlfriend Lorre Beasley and nieces and nephews.

Services will be planned at a later date.