Onaga Obituaries Ra-Ri
Back
Obituaries Main Index
Home
Next

 

Obituaries
Ra-Ri

 

Below is a list of available names in alphabetical order.
To view obituary, click on selected surname.

 

Rairdon,
Esther
E.
Rand,
Lloyd
Randall,
Cecil
Merl
Randall,
Edna
Pearl
Burt
Randall,
George
Mrs.
Randall,
Henry
Randall,
Lettie
M.
Randall,
Madelan
Randall,
William
Franklin
Randel,
Doris
L.
Randel,
Edna
K.
Randel,
Garrett
Bud
Randel,
George
V.
Randel,
George
A.
Randel,
Raymond
D.
Randel,
Richard
G.
Randel,
Worth
E.
Rash,
William
Clifford
"Bill"
Ratcliff,
Frank
Ratcliff,
Ralph
S.
Ray,
William
"Uncle Bill"
Reb,
Pearl
Havens
Smith
Reboul,
Mary
Reed,
Harvey
C.
Regar,
George
W.
Reichert,
John
Reid,
Ann
Reckling
Reisinger,
Jerold
W.
Rezac,
Bernice
L.
Rezac,
Clayton
Rezac,
Matthew
Martin
Rice,
Everine
Rice,
Helen
Rice,
Hugh
E.
Richardson ,
Agnes
Mary
Bell
Richardson ,
Annis
Pearl
Richardson ,
E.
F.
Dr.
Richardson ,
Elsa
Forrest
Richardson ,
Kreth
Richardson ,
Lester
Lyle
Richmond ,
Chester
L.
Richmond ,
Cora
Pearl
Riederer,
Velna
Riley,
John
D.
Ringleman,
Andrew
Ristow,
August
F.
Ristow,
Frank
F.
Ristow,
Ida
O.
Ristow,
Lena
Ristow,
Walter
Frederich
Ralph, Paula    

 

To Top

 

 

RICHARDSON, KRETH (NO DATE)

Memorial services were at 10 a.m. Saturday at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center for Kreth Richardson, 83, formerly of Onaga. He died June 2, 1999, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Mr. Richardson worked for the Coca-Cola Company for 25 years and later owned and operated the Trolley Lunch Café in Cheyenne. He retired in 1979 from his job as cafeteria operator at the Wyoming State Capitol Building Cafeteria in Cheyenne. He earlier delivered papers for the Topeka Daily Capital from the age of eight until he graduated from high school in Onaga.

He was born March 28, 1916, in Onaga, the son of Lester and Louise Richardson.

Mr. Richardson was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite Bodies, all in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Other survivors include two sons, Kreth K. Richardson, Norman, Oklahoma, and Tom M. Richardson, Casper, Wyoming; a daughter, Freddie Lou Foy, Cheyenne, Wyoming; a brother, L.J. Richardson, Lakin, Kansas; six grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Inurnment was at Rose Meron Cemetery in Clay County.

To Top

 

RANDEL, WORTH E. (NO DATE)

Services for Worth E. Randel, 71, West Point, Nebraska were Thursday, October 14, 1993, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. Rev. Steve Emanuel officiated with burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery in West Point, with military rites by American Legion Post 70 and the VFW Post 4912.

Mr. Randel died Monday, October 11, 1993, at Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital in Omaha.

He was born in American City, Ks., January 25, 1922, to George and Elsie Meyer Randel. He graduated from Corning High School in Kansas and served in the Nay during World War II.

He married Alma Block, June 16, 1945, in Richmond, Va.

He attended watch-making school in Kansas City and was in the jewelry business in West Point for many years. He retired and worked part-time for Randel Jewelry Store.

Mr. Randel was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the West Point Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post No. 70, VFW Post No. 4912, and a past member of the West Point Jaycees.

Survivors include his wife, of West Point; three daughters, Karen Welding, West Point, Connie Going, Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Elizabeth Watson, Santa Rosa, California; a son, glenn Randel of West Point; three sisters, Bess Brunner of Onaga, Kansas, Dorothy Bottom of Havensville, Kansas; and Helen Haldeman of Topeka, Kansas; three brothers, Vernet Randel, Seal Beach, California, Arthur Randel of Santa Ana, California and George Randel of Onaga, Kansas; eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and six brothers, Wayne, Robert, Paul, Garrett (Bud), Richard and Raymond.

To Top

 

RAND, LLOYD (WRITTEN DATE 1984)

Lloyd Rand, 66, Wamego, died November 12 at his home.

Mr. Rand was a farmer and had retired from construction work in 1978.

He was born October 3, 1918 north of Wamego. He spent his life in the Wamego community. Mr. Rand was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church at Wamego and Operating Engineers Local Union No. 101 in Topeka.

He was married to Inez B. Honig July 15, 1940 at Duluth.

Mr. Rand is survived by his wife, of the home; one daughter, Barbara Torrey, Wamego; two sons, W. Dean Rand and William F. Rand, both of Wamego; two sisters, Elsie Johnson, Portland, Oregon; and Mabel Condry, Santa Ana, California; and seven grandchildren.

Services were November 16 at the Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Burial was in Wamego City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego or to the American Heart Association.

To Top

 

RICHMOND, CHESTER L. (NO DATE)

Chester L. Richmond, 91, formerly of rural Onaga, died Tuesday, November 1, 1988, at Community Hospital in Onaga. He had been a resident of Golden Acres Nursing Home for the past two years.

Mr. Richmond was a retired farmer and stockman. He also had operated the Vienna Township road maintainer several years.

He was born September 7, 1897, at Laclede, in Pottawatomie County, the son of Andrew J. and Emily Deiter Richmond, and spent his life in Pottawatomie County.

He was married to Cora Pearl Henderson July 5, 1920, in Wamego. She died in January 1976. An infant son and daughter also preceded him in death.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Lois Jean Nolte, Colorado Springs; a son, Gerald D. Richmond, Topeka; a sister, Mrs. June Miller, Burlington, Washington; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Services were a 2 p.m. Thursday, November 3, at Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Burial was in the Wamego City Cemetery.

To Top

 

RICE, HELEN (NO DATE)

Helen Rice, 93, Emporia, formerly of Onaga, died Tuesday, August 27, 1991, at an Emporia rest home.

Mrs. Rice was a homemaker.

She was born January 3, 1898 in Fort Scott, the daughter of John W. and Hattie Holliday Sievert.

Mrs. Rice was a member of Onaga Chapter No. 71 Order of Eastern Star and the Grace United Methodist Church in Emporia.

She married Hugh Rice in Emporia. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include a step-son, Hugh Rice, Jr., Lincoln, Nebraska; a sister, Mazie Trail, Emporia; and several step-grandchildren.

Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Friday, August 30, at Onaga Cemetery.

To Top

 

RATCLIFF, RALPH S. (WRITTEN DATE 4 December 1975)

Onaga – Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Onaga Congregational Church for Ralph S. Ratcliff, 69, Onaga, who died Thursday in a Topeka hospital.

He was born August 28, 1906, in Carrolton, Arkansas, and spent most of his life in Onaga. He was employed by Union Pacific Railroad for 35 years until he retired in August 1971.

He was married to Florence Purrussel on August 18, 1928. She survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Gene Ratcliff, Oklahoma City, Dwane Ratcliff, Wichita, Leon Ratcliff and Verne Ratcliff, both of Onaga; a sister, Mrs. Ruth Stepp, Wilson; two brothers, Frank Ratcliff and Clyde Ratcliff, both of Wichita.

Burial will be in Onaga Cemetery. Mr. Ratcliff will lie in state Saturday at Tessendorf Mortuary, Onaga.

To Top

 

REED, HARVEY C. (NO DATE)

Harvey Chalmer Reed, 87, Topeka, formerly of Holton, died Tuesday, October 12, 1993, at a Topeka nursing home.

Mr. Reed was a farmer and stockman. He also had worked several years at Bayer Stone Co. in St Marys.

He was born September 19, 1906, in Gridley, the son of Chalmer and Cora Maud Chapman Reed. He was graduated in 1926 from Onaga High School and later from Conley Electrical School in Chicago, Illinois. He had lived in the Havensville and Fairview areas before he moved to the Holton area in 1978.

Mr. Reed was a member of First Baptist Church in Holton. He also had been a Boy Scout leader and board member of Fairview, Havensville and Onaga schools.

He was married to Edna Marie Schilling June 30, 1934 in Topeka. She survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Leona Roberts and Sherry Reed, both of Topeka; and Audry Reed, Tecumseh; a son, Steve Reed, Topeka; a sister, Lola Berry, Herington; six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.

Services were at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 14, in Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial was in Havensville Cemetery.

To Top

 

RIEDERER, VELNA (NO DATE)

Velna R. Riederer, 88, Holton, died Monday, March 13, 1995, at a Holton nursing home.

She was born October 1, 1906, in Onaga, the daughter of Austin and Helena Wagner DeGraw. She was graduated from Park College in Missouri and spent most of her life in the Holton community.

She was a member of Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton and Order of Eastern Star and was a 60 year member of PEO Sisterhood.

She was married to John H. Riederer September 10, 1930, in Holton. He died in 1970.

Survivors include a son, John E. Riederer, York, Pennsylvania; and two granddaughters.

Services were at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial was in the Holton Cemetery.

To Top

 

RAY, WILLIAM (Handwritten date 9-11-49)

END COMES TO OLD RESIDENT – Onaga’s oldest and only colored citizen was taken Sunday morning, when Bill Ray passed away at his home.

William Ray was born near Lexington, Kentucky, about a hundred years ago, of slave parents. Not very much is known of his early life, except that he remembered the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. He was married in early life.

More than 50 years ago he came to Kansas and worked in the country about Irving for a short time, later moving to Onaga where he has resided until his death, September 11, 1949.

“Uncle Bill,” as he was known to all, was a kind, honest and industrious man, liked and respected by all. A friend said, “I never heard anyone speak ill of him.”

He was converted and became a member of the Nazarene church in Onaga, attending services as long as his health permitted, and was always happy to have Christian friends offer prayer in his home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon at the Tessendorf Chapel. Rev. Ruth Campbell, former Nazarene pastor in Onaga, conducted the service, as had been requested by Mr. Ray, and his favorite hymns were sung by Kenneth Bureman. Burial was in the Onaga Cemetery.

Card of Thanks –

We wish to thank the many friends and neighbors, who were so kind to Bill Ray during his illness and death, and also for the floral offerings.

P.B. Clayter

Minnie Clayter and family.

To Top

 

REICHERT, JOHN (Handwritten date JAN 27, 66)

Mr. John Reichert, 84, of Onaga, passed away Sunday at Community Hospital here after a short illness.

He was born March 23, 1881 in Germany and moved to the United States in 1894. He lived in Nebraska before moving to Kansas in 1904; and in the Kelly and Wetmore communities for many years before coming to Onaga in 1950. He was a retired farmer. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Theresa Reichert of the home; four sons, Ed Reichert, Herbert Reichert and Raymond Reichert all of Denver, Colorado; two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy McGreevey of Lawrence and Mrs. Helen Paulsen of Onaga; a sister, Mrs. Mary Bokeren of Falls City, Nebraska and 17 grandchildren.

Rosary was recited at 8 o’clock Tuesday evening at Tessendorf Funeral Chapel. Funeral services were held at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga with interment in St. Bede’s Catholic cemetery at Kelly.

To Top

 

REB, PEARL HAVENS (NO DATE)

Mrs. Louis C. Reb, a former highly respected resident of this city, passed away March 14 th, after a short illness. For the past year she had been making a home for her son and children in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Pearl Havens Smith was born in Havensville, Kansas, February 4 th, 1878. She was a teacher for twelve years in the schools of Pottawatomie and Marshall Counties. In 1913 she was married to Louis C. Reb, to which union two children were born, Christine Lenore and Everett Louis. She made her home on a farm near Frankfort and in Frankfort until 1930, when they moved to Baldwin City, Kansas, so that their children might attend Baker University. While in Frankfort, she was active in the Methodist Church, when she taught the Win One Class and organized the Win One Circle.

For the past several years, Mr. and Mrs. Reb and daughter have been living in Riverdale, Illinois, but they all had spent the last few months in Hyattsville. Besides her husband and children, she is survived by two grandchildren, Roberta and Richard and one brother, E. R. Smith of Topeka.

Interment was in Baldwin City, Kansas.

___________

Pearl Havens Smith was born in Havensville, Kansas, February 4, 1878, the daughter of Henry J. and Francina Smith. She was a teacher for twelve years in the schools of Pottawatomie and Marshall Counties. In 1913 she was married to Louis C. Reb, to which union two children were born, Christine, Lenore and Everett Louis. She made her home on a farm near Frankfort and in Frankfort until 1930, when they moved to Baldwin, Kansas, so that their children might attend Baker University.

For the past several years her home was in Riverdale, Illinois, with her daughter, but the past year she was keeping a home for her son and children in Hyattsville, Maryland. She passed away there on March 14, 1952, after a brief illness. Surviving are her husband, Louis C., daughter Christine, son Everett, grandchildren Roberta and Richard, and brother, E. R. Smith of Topeka.

Interment was at Baldwin, Kansas.

To Top

 

REGAR, GEORGE W. (NO DATE)

Turlock, California – March 26 – George W. Regar, 81, a resident of the Hughson district for the last 30 years, died today in the family home after an extended illness. A native of Indiana, he went to Onaga, Kansas, when a boy and lived there until locating in the Hughson district.

He leaves three sons, Olin and Lawrence, of Hughson, and Kenneth of Banning; four daughters; four daughters, Bertha Regar of Oakland, Izilah Regar of Modesto, Mrs. Helen Adams of Hughson, and Carolyn Regar of Stockton; a sister, Mrs. Henrietta Regar of Santa Ana, and 3 grandchildren. His wife, Fannie Regar, died in January 1937.

Funeral services were held in the J. W. Guy Chapel in Turlock Friday afternoon, Rev. John Young of Hughson officiating. Interment was in the Turlock Cemetery.

To Top

 

RICHARDSON, LESTER LYLE (Handwritten date 1935)

L. L. Richardson Passes Away – Prominent Citizen Taken Very Suddenly In Hospital At Topeka Sunday Morning. The community was saddened Sunday morning by the untimely death of L. L. Richardson, who passed away at a hospital in Topeka following an operation. Lester’s jovial disposition and whole-hearted interest in the welfare of the city where he was born and spent all of his life will be sadly missed.

Lester Lyle Richardson was born September 29, 1888, at Onaga, Kansas, and passed away at St. Francis hospital in Topeka, Sunday, March 17, 1935, aged 46 years 5 months and 18 days. His entire life was spent at Onaga with the exception of a short time he lived at Marysville, Kansas. He was the son of Mrs. Agnes Richardson and the late Dr. E. F. Richardson. He was converted in 1916 and has since lived the life of a true Christian.

On November 9, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Louise Kreth of this city. To this union three sons were born: Lyle, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Kreth and Lester Junior of the home address, who together with the widow, survive. He also leaves his mother, Mrs. Agnes Richardson, one brother, E. Forrest Richardson, of Kansas City Kansas, three sisters, Mrs. Kersey Miller, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Mrs. Mayme Wegner and Mrs. Helen Swishes, both of Onaga besides numerous other relatives and friends.

His sudden death came as a shock to his many friends who have known him as a home-loving and faithful husband and father. He was always interested in the welfare of others and strived to make life more pleasant for those with whom he came in contact. His wife and family were his first and last thought even during his last hours when he was making a desperate fight for his life.

The hundreds of friends who attended the services which were held at the Baptist Church in charge of Rev. Wright Horton, of Rossville, Kansas, showed the high esteem which his fellow friends and neighbors held for him.

Accompanied by Mrs. Young, Lair Richardson, of Centralia, a cousin of the deceased, sang “In the Garden” which he dedicated to the widow; “Face to Face” in memory of the deceased father, Dr. E. F. Richardson; and “No Night There” which he sang for Mrs. Agnes Richardson, mother of the deceased.

A. G. Eddy, Charles Myers, Kenneth Taylor, Herbert Taylor, Evan Haughawout, and Sidney Taylor acted as pallbearers. The service at the grave in the Onaga Cemetery was in charge of the A. F. and A. M. Lodge No. 188 of Onaga, of which the deceased was a member.

To Top

 

RICE, HUGH E. (NO DATE)

Hugh E. Rice, born April 29, 1891, at Pratt, Kansas, and died at Community hospital, Onaga, Kansas, Saturday, May 3, 1958. He had lived in Kansas most of his life.

He moved to Onaga in November 1937, where he made his home. He was manager of the Gurtler Implement Company, Onaga.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; two sons, Herbert of San Bernardino, California; Hugh, Jr., of Lincoln, Nebraska; two daughters, Marie Fisk of Victor, Colorado; Betty Lou Sims, Wichita, Kansas; his mother, Mrs. Ida Rice of Eureka, Kansas; two brothers, Bert of Reodosa, New Mexico; and David of Hathaway Pines, California; two sisters, Ines Marshall of Eureka, Kansas and Marie Gould of Wichita, Kansas; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

To Top

 

RICHMOND, CORA PEARL (Handwritten date Jan 12, 1976)

Mrs. Cora Pearl Richmond, 74, of Route 1, Onaga, died Sunday at her home about 11 miles southwest of Onaga from an apparent heart attack. She had a heart ailment for a number of years.

She was born March 24, 1901 in Wabaunsee County and lived in Vienna Township, south of Onaga since 1926.

She was married to Chester Richmond July 5, 1922, at Manhattan.

Survivors include her husband, of the home; a son, Gerald Richmond, Topeka; a daughter, Mrs. Lois Nolte, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a brother, Eugene Henderson of Yucca Valley, California; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services are being held at 2:00 p.m. today (Thursday) at Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, with burial in the Wamego City Cemetery.

To Top

 

RINGLEMAN, ANDREW (Handwritten date NOV 24, 1960)

Andrew Ringleman, 64, passed away suddenly last Thursday afternoon, November 17, following a heart attack earlier in the day. He was stricken about nine o’clock in the morning and passed away in community hospital at 12:35 p.m.

Andy was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1896 and came to the United States in 1913, settling at St. Marys, later moving to the Onaga vicinity. He received his papers and became a citizen of the United States in 1919, the same year of his marriage to Carrie Williams.

He was an employee of the Union Pacific Railroad on bridge construction for seventeen years prior to 1949. In 1949 he contracted an infection which resulted in the amputation of a limb, forcing his retirement from the railroad.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth and the men’s club of that church. He was an active member of the Onaga Lions club and gave his full support to all the club’s projects.

Survivors include his wife, Carrie of the home; one daughter, Mrs. Victorine Wilson of Conception Junction, Missouri; two sons, Clarence Leo of Fairborn, Ohio, and Fredrich of the home; six grandchildren; one brother, Leo, of Berkeley, California, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Sunday, November 20 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth with the Reverend J. W. A. Becker officiating. Interment was in Onaga Cemetery.

To Top

 

RISTOW, FRANK F. (Handwritten date 1981)

Funeral services were held January 29 from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Duluth for Frank F. Ristow, who died January 27.

Mr. Ristow, 92, Onaga, died at an Onaga Hospital. He was born February 27, 1888, west of Onaga, the son of William and Lois Schroeder Ristow, and spent his life in the Onaga community. He lived at Golden Acres Nursing Home, Onaga, since January 21, 1976.

Mr. Ristow was a farmer and was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in the Duluth community near Onaga.

He was married to Lena Wrosch January 11, 1912. She died January 25, 1975.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Viola Wienstroer, Mrs. Gladys Florence and Mrs. Iverna Most, all in Onaga; and Mrs. Audrey Maupin, Silver Lake; seven grandchildren; a step-grandchild; nine great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

Burial was in Onaga Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Onaga Community Hospital or to the Lutheran Hour radio program and sent in care of Tessendorf Mortuary, Onaga, 66521.

To Top

 

RISTOW, IDA O. MRS. (Handwritten date January 28, 1971)

Funeral services for Mrs. Ida Ristow, who died very suddenly on Thursday morning, January 21, at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas, were conducted Saturday afternoon at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wheaton, with the Rev. Martin Yauk and Rev. F. C. Fellbaum officiating.

Burial was in Home Cemetery west of Onaga.

Ida O. Ristow, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wrosch, was born near Onaga on March 4, 1895. On August 7, 1912, she was united in marriage to August Ristow and they spent their lives farming in the Onaga and Wheaton communities. She was preceded in death by her husband on November 23, 1952 and also by a son, Walter, on December 31, 1939.

After the death of her husband, she made her home with her two daughters.

Surviving are the daughters, Mrs. Elsie Winters of Overland Park and Mrs. Lucille Sitton of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Mrs. Lena Ristow, Onaga; four brothers, Emil Wrosch and Otto Wrosch of Everett, Washington, August Wrosch of Onaga and George Wrosch of Wheaton; a foster brother, William Ladwig of Wheaton, five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

To Top

 

RISTOW, LENA L. (Handwritten date January 25, 1975)

Services for Mrs. Lena L. Ristow, 82, of Onaga, were at 2:00 p.m. Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth with interment in the Onaga Cemetery. Mrs. Ristow died Saturday at community hospital where she was admitted Friday.

She was born May 12, 1892 on a farm near Onaga and spent most of her life in the Onaga Community. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth.

She was married January 11, 1912 to Frank Ristow, at Duluth. He survives.

Other survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Viola Wienstroer, Mrs. Gladys Florence and Mrs. Iverna Most, all of Onaga, and Mrs. Audrey Maupin, Silver Lake; a brother, Otto Wrosch, Everett, Washington; a foster brother, William Ladwig of Onaga; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

To Top

 

RISTOW, WALTER FREDERICH (NO DATE)

Walter Frederich Ristow, son of Mr. and Mrs. August Ristow, was born on August 18, 1912. He was baptized on September 22, 1912, and confirmed on July 6, 1930. He passed away December 31, 1939, having reached the age of 27 years, 4 months and 13 days. After having attended school a few years, the disease, muscular atrophy, became noticeable and made him an invalid during the greater part of his life, his strength slowly ebbing away until he finally passed away. His departure is mourned by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. August Ristow; two sisters, Mrs. Elsie Winters and Lucille, both of Kansas City, Kansas; one brother in law, Mr. Clark Winters; a grandmother, Mrs. Wilhemine Wrosch, and other relatives and friends.

The burial service was held on Tuesday afternoon, January 2, Pastor O. H. Hornbostel officiating. The mortal remains were laid to rest in Home Cemetery, south of Duluth.

“Beloved, ‘It is well,’ God’s ways are always right; and perfect love is o’er them all, though far above our sight.”

“Beloved, ‘It is well,’ though sorrow clouds our way; T’will only make the joy more dear that ushers in the day.”

To Top

 

RICE, EVERINE MRS. (Handwritten date 1986)

Emmett – Mrs. Everine Rice, 91, Emmett, died late Monday, April 14, at an Onaga nursing home.

Mrs. Rice was a registered nurse and had worked at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka before she was married.

She was born March 16, 1895, at Clay Center, the daughter of William F. and Bonnettie Heikes Carls. She moved with her parents to Wakarusa in 1900 and was graduated from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Topeka.

She was married to Murry E. Rice June 6, 1921, at Wakarusa. They farmed near Delphos from 1921 to 1926 and later in the St. Clere community. He died October 2, 1974. A son, William Rice, died in 1944.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Florence Bottom, Havensville, and Mrs. Murrine Suttles, Emmett; two sons, Maaurice Rice, Emmett, and Louis Rice, Havensville; a sister, Mrs. Edna Spear, Topeka; a brother, George Carls, Wakarusa; 16 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

To Top

 

RISTOW, AUGUST F. (NO DATE)

August F. Ristow passed away at the Onaga Hospital Sunday morning, November 23. He became ill about a year ago and had been under the doctor’s care since. On August 18 he entered the Onaga hospital but recovered to the extent he was taken to his farm home three miles south of Wheaton, where he remained until the day prior to his death.

August Friedrick Ristow, son of William and Louise Ristow, was born on a farm west of Onaga on February 8, 1890 and passed away November 23, 1952 at the age of 62 years, 9 months, and 15 days. He was baptized May 18, 1890, and on April 16, 1905 he promised to remain faithful to the word of God and the church in the sacred rite of confirmation, which promises he kept faithfully until the end.

On August 7, 1912 he was united in marriage to Ida Wrosch. This union was blessed with three children, Walter, Elsie and Lucille. His son, Walter, his parents, and two sisters preceded him in death. His departure is mourned by his widow, Mrs. Ida Ristow; two daughters, Mrs. Elsie Winterws of Kansas City and Mrs. Lucille Sitton of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren; two sons-in-law, Clark Winters and Elmer Sitton; one brother, Frank, of Onaga; one sister, Mrs. Anna Schneider of Topeka; other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held at the St. Lukes Lutheran Church at Wheaton on Tuesday afternoon, November 25, Pastor Middendorf officiating. The mortal remains were laid to rest in the Home Cemetery, south of Duluth.

To Top

 

RICHARDSON, ELSA FORREST (NO DATE)

Elsa Forrest Richardson, son of Mrs. Agnes Richardson and the late Dr. E. F. Richardson, was born February 1, 1892 at Onaga, Kansas, where he spent his childhood and attended the grade and high schools. On October 11, 1916 he was married to Pearl Alice Ray, at Junction City, Kansas.

He had been an employee of the Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years, the past ten years as a conductor. He passed away suddenly of a heart attack December 27, 1944 at Marysville, Kansas, at the age of 52 years, 10 months and 26 days.

He is survived by his wife; his mother, Mrs. Agnes Richardson; three sisters, Mrs. Kersey Miller, Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Mrs. Mayme Wegner, Onaga and Mrs. Helen Swisher, Topeka; and many other relatives and friends. His father and a brother, Lester L. preceded him in death. He was a member of the Onaga Baptist Church, also the AF&AM and OES lodges, and a member of the Brotherhood of Railway trainmen.

Funeral services were held in Kansas City at the George H. Long Funeral Home, Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. DeWeese of the First Christian Church of Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. Charles Simmons sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden”. The pallbearers were Ray Culver, A. J. Renfro, John Keating, H. N. Coleman, Will Young and Ernest Cummins, all Union Pacific conductors. The floral offerings were beautiful and showed the high esteem in which he was held. He was laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery of Kansas City.

Those from here who attended the funeral were: Mrs. Agnes Richardson, Mrs. Louise Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Walter K. Wegner, Mrs. Mary McElroy and Mr. and Mrs. Herb Knipp and son, Larry.

To Top

 

RICHARDSON, ANNIS PEARL (NO DATE)

Annis Pearl Richardson was born October 7, 1887, in Havensville, Kansas, the daughter of John and Margrete Day. Havensville was her home throughout her life. She was married to Walter C. Richardson on June 29, 1910. To this union was born three children, two boys and a girl. She passed away January 15, 1955, while visiting her son Dale in Albany, Oregon. Her age was sixty-seven years, three months eight days.

She had been an active member of the Christian church of Havensville all of her adult life.

She is survived by her children: Dale W. of Albany, Oregon; Glen A. of Ames, Iowa; and Lois D. Olyslager of Rochester, New York and Charlotte Lee Richardson of Ames, Iowa; two brothers, Walt Day of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Wallace Day of Grand Junction, Missouri; six sisters, Mrs. E. Z. Brown, Kansas City; Mrs. C. J. Graves, St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. George Hayes, Topeka, Kansas; Mrs. Gladys Pfeiffer, Ponca City, Oklahoma; Mrs. J. T. Rose, Brea, California; and Mrs. George W. Springer, DeSoto, Kansas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at Havensville Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

To Top

 

REBOUL, MARY (Handwritten date 1901)

Mary Reboul died Tuesday evening, aged 81 years. She was born in France, and came to the United States in 1865, first locating in Pennsylvania. She has resided in this community for the past 31 years. She was one of the old settlers, and they are fast passing away. Peace to her.

To Top

 

REZAC, MATTHEW MARTIN “MATT” (NO DATE)

Matthew Martin “Matt” Rezac, 92, of rural Onaga, died Monday, April 15, 1991, at his farm home.

He was born October 16, 1899 on a farm southwest of Emmett, a son of Matt and Mary Nedved Rezac. He attended Emmett public schools and later attended Kansas State Agricultural College at Havensville(?).

He married Bernice Wilson of Havensville on July 12, 1926 at Marysville. In 1936 they moved to their farm in the Victory community south of Onaga.

Mr. Rezac was a past member of the Victory School Board, past member and chairman of the Pottawatomie County Commission for eleven years and was a lifetime member of Onaga Masonic Lodge 188 AF&AM.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Bob Rezac, St. Marys, and Don M. Rezac, Emmett; four daughters, Mrs. Marjorie Gail Wilson, St. Joseph, Missouri; Mrs. Rheva Bernice Boswell, Onaga, Mrs. Rosalie Clymer, Council Grove, and Mrs. Linda Sue Price, Grantville; 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. A son, Clayton Dale Rezac, preceded him in death in 1945.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 19, at the Congregational Church in Onaga. The family will receive friends at Tessendorf Mortuary from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Apr9l 18. Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Masonic graveside services will be conducted at St. Clere Cemetery north of Emmett.

Memorials may be made in favor of the Onaga Senior Center, the Congregational Church of Onaga or to the charity of the donor’s choice, and left at Tessendorf Mortuary.

To Top

 

REID, ANN RECKLING MRS. (NO DATE)

Mrs. Ann Reckling Reid, 81, of Onaga died Sunday, April 5, 1992 at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Onaga.

She was born April 17, 1910 at Fresno, California a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Reckling.

She worked as a sales clerk in a clothing store in Ventura, California. She later moved to Onaga where she had made her home since 1989.

She was married to Roy Edward Reid in 1929. He died in 1982. A daughter, Mrs. Joyce Reid Grossnickle, preceded her in death December 29, 1991. Other family members preceding her in death were a sister, Marie Holdworth, and two brothers, Walter and John Reckling.

Survivors include two brothers, Jack Reckling, Ramona, California and Alex Reckling, Bishop, California; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A memory service for family and friends was held Monday evening at the John Grossnickle home. Graveside services were at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Onaga Cemetery.

To Top

 

RANDEL, RICHARD G. (NO DATE)

Graveside services were Tuesday at America City Meme south of Corning for Richard G. Randel, 68, Kansas City, Kansas. He died Saturday, July 9, 1988, at his home. He had been ill.

Mr. Randel was a chef in Kansas City area restaurants 35 years before he retired in 1982. He was co-owner of the Carousel Cafeteria in Kansas City, Missouri 1 ½ years. He worked in the Redman Club and Apple Jack’s restaurant in Mission.

He served in the Army during World War II.

He was born April 29, 1920, at Corning, the son of George A. and Olive Meyers Randel. He lived in the Kansas City area 40 years. Mr. Randel was a member of Disabled American Veterans.

His wife, Mrs.Doris L. Randel, survives. Other survivors include three sons, Richard D. Randel, at home, Mark S. Randel, Tonganixie, and David V. Randel, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; seven daughters, Diann Clayton, Morman, Oklahoma, Cheryl Gerber and Odette Daily, both of Blue Springs, Missouri; Karla Mar, Canon City, Colorado; Sheila Randel, Tacoma, Washington; Lori Randel, Kansas City, Missouri and Linda Davis, Topeka; four brothers, George Randel, Corning, Arthur Randel, Santa Ana, California, Vernet Randel, Long Beach, California, and Worth Randel, West Point, Nebraska, three sisters, Bess Brunner, Onaga, Dorothy Bottom, Havensville, and Helen Haldeman, Topeka, and 16 grandchildren.

To Top

 

RANDEL, RAYMOND D. (NO DATE)

Raymond D. Randel, 67, Route 1, Frankfort, died late Sunday, December 27, 1987, at his home.

Mr. Randel worked for Seymour Foods in Topeka nd later held the sanitation contract for Blue Rapids, Frankfort and Vermillion before he retired for health reasons in 1981.

He served in the Navy Seabees on the Hawaiian Islands during World War II.

He was born April 27, 1920, at America City in Nemaha County, one of 13 children of George A. and Elsie Myer Randel. He attended America City schools and was graduated from Corning High School.

Mr. Randel was a member of Leo McMinimy Post No. 181 of the American Legion and Frankfort Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1359, both of Frankfort.

He was married to Gwendolyn Irene Cassity on January 6, 1940, at Seneca. She survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Vonda Johnson, Kansas City, Kansas, and Mrs. Denise Swander, Manhattan; seven sons, Gale Randel, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Eldon Randel, Scranton, Stephen Randel and Tony Randel both of Topeka. Mike Randel Redwood City, California and Dennis Randel and John Randel, both of Frankfort; three sisters, Mrs. Bess Brunner, Onaga, Mrs. Dorothy Bottom, Havensville, and Mrs. Helen Halderman, Topeka; five brothers, George Randel, Corning, Arthur Randel, Santa Ana, California, Vernet Randel, Seal Beach, California, Richard Randel, Kansas City, Kansas and Worth Randel, West Point Nebraska and seven grandchildren.

Services were at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 31 at Padden Funeral Home in Frankfort. Burial with a flag folding ceremony conducted by Leo McMinimy Post No. 181 will be in America City Cemetery north of Havensville.

To Top

 

RATCLIFF, FRANK (Handwritten date October 1952)

Frank Ratcliff, retired employee of the Union Pacific Railroad, died Tuesday night at his home at 1184 Wayne in Topeka. He was born February 10, 1875 at Bangor, Iowa and was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as roadmaster out of Onaga for many years. When he retired 15 years ago he was roadmaster at Ogden, Utah, and returned to Onaga to make his home until six years ago when he moved to Topeka.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice Cunningham Ratcliff of the home; two daughters, Mrs. L. H. Vance, Montrose, Colorado;and Mrs. C. A. Peterson, Kansas City; one granddaughter, Mrs. C. I. Frieze Jr. Kansas City, and one grandson, James R. Comstock, Santa Barbara, California.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Wall-Diffenderfer Mortuary in Tope with burial in Mt. Hope cemetery.

To Top

 

REZAC, CLAYTON DALE (NO DATE)

Clayton Rezac Killed In Accident – The community was greatly grieved Sunday morning to learn of the passing of Clayton Rezac, one of its promising young farm boys and 4-H club leader.

Clayton was riding in his car with a cousin, Matt Loftus, of Belvue, on the streets of Wamego late Saturday night. Matt was driving. In turning onto highway 40 west of main street, the car collided with another car, throwing Clayton to the pavement with such force that he received a fractured skull and died shortly afterward.

Clayton Dale Rezac was born on a farm near Emmett, Kansas on November 28, 1926 and departed this life on November 25, 1945, aged 18 years, 11 months and 28 days. He spent his early childhood on this farm and attended school at Emmett the first four years of his school life. He moved with his family to the farm south of Onaga at the age of 9. He attended Victory school, and the Onaga High School from which he graduated with the class of 1944.

He was very much interested in farming and became a State Farmer in the Future Farmers of America. He was a member of Victory 4-H Club for the last 8 years.

He leaves to mourn his death, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rezac, two brothers, Robert and Don and four sisters, Marjorie, Rheva, Rosalie, and Linda.

Funeral services were held at the Onaga Congregational Church, Monday afternoon in charge of Dr. Thomas C. Hinkle. Interment was in the St. Clere Cemetery.

To Top

 

RICHARDSON, AGNES MARY BELL (NO DATE)

Agnes Mary Bell Richardson, wife of the late Dr. E. F. Richardson, was born December 12, 1868 at Shetland, Ontario, Canada. She came with her parents to Kansas in the year 1877 and settled near Havensville where she grew to womanhood. She attended the Havensville school, and Campbell College at Holton.

On December 28, 1887 she was married to Dr. E. F. Richardson, and came to Onaga where she has resided until her death which occurred at the Onaga Hospital on July 25, 1951.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Kersey Miller of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Mrs. Maybe Wegner of Onga, with whom she made her home, and Mrs. Helen Riley of Topeka; also one brother, Charles L. Bell, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Her husband and two sons, Lester L. and E. Forrest, preceded her in death.

For many years she was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, and a charter member of the Royal Neighbors of America.

Her kindness, hard work and patience was an inspiration to many. Until the last she took an active interest in the lives of her family and friends.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Earl Caryl. Burial was in the Onaga Cemetery.

The pallbearers were: William B. McElroy, O. N. Buckles, Herb Knipp, Jack Swisher, Wayne Swisher and Bob Bullock, all grandsons of the deceased.

Those from out of town who attended the service were: Mrs. Kersey Miller, Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Riley, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Swisher, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Swisher, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bullock, all of Topeka; Mr. and Mrs. O. N. Buckles and Mr. and Mrs. William B. McElroy of Cheynee, Wyoming; Mrs. Pearl Stansbery and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Comfort, Kansas City, Missouri; and Tom Comfort and daughter Penelope of Hiawatha.

To Top

 

RANDALL, CECIL MERL (Handwritten date 1980)

Cecil Merl Randall Succumbs April 10 – Cecil Merl Randall was born April 25, 1896 on a farm southeast of Onaga. He died at the Community Hospital in Onaga on April 10, at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 16 days

 

He was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Onaga. He attended Lone Tree School and lived in the Onaga community most of his life except for two years in Oklahoma when a child.

Mr. Randall worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for about two years and was engaged in farming until his retirement in 1969 because of cancer.

He was married June 12, 1921 to Anna Elizabeth McCloughan of Havensville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Franklin and Lois E. Randall; a daughter, Vivian Rose Rice, and two brothers, Chester Floyd Randall and George Everet Randall.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Maxine Blanchard, Blackwell, Oklahoma; two brothers, L. B. Randall, Shawnee Mission, and Wallace F. Randall, Seattle, Washington; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services were at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the First Baptist Church of Onaga with the Rev. Seymour Bruce officiating. Burial was in Onaga Cemetery.

To Top

 

RANDALL, EDNA PEARL BURT (NO DATE)

Edna Pearl Burt was born February 10, 1895 near Onaga, Kansas and departed this life August 7, 1963 at Abilene, Kansas, after an illness of seven weeks at the age of 68 years, five months and 27 days. She was married October 28, 1914 to Chester Floyd Randall of Onaga, and to this union was born one daughter, Ione, now Mrs. Virgil L. Potter.

The deceased was the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Burt of Onaga. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Elmer Orion Burt, Jr. and one sister, Mrs. Ethel Brunkow. Those remaining to mourn her departure are her husband, her daughter, Mrs. Ione Potter of Clinton-Sherman AFB Oklahoma, three sisters, Mrs. Ella Flinn of Abilene, Kansas, Mrs. Nona Kelly of San Leandro, California, Mr. Myrtle Leach of Fort Smith, Arkansas, one brother, Earl Burt of Junction City, Kansas and many other relatives and a host of friends.

She was always a kind and loving mother, wife and neighbor. She took a great interest in home and family and was always willing to go beyond her strength to be of help to others.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church at Onaga, Friday, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Ross Thornton and Rev. Seymour Bruce officiated. Interment was in the Onaga Cemetery.

Music was provided by Mrs. Hazel Wyss and Mrs. Mary Jean Handley, accompanied by Mrs. Phyllis Gendre.

Casket bearers were Cecil Cole, Milton Tillotson, Basil McKee, Dallas McKee Wayne Stallard and Walter Rice.

To Top

 

RANDEL, GARRETT “BUD” (NO DATE)

Garrett “Bud” Randel, son of George A. and Elsie Myers Randel, was born June 1, 1916, at America City and died March 23, 1979 at his home in Boise, Idaho at the age of 62 years, 9 months and 22 days. He had been ill with cancer for the past 15 months.

He attended the America City Grade School and the Corning High School.

During World War II he served with the United States Army, serving part of that time in the South Pacific area.

He was married to Laura Flood.

Survivors include his wife, of the home; three sons, Gary, with the U. S. Marines and living in Virginia, Bob and Tom, both of Boise; a daughter, Susan Holland of Las Vegas, Nevada; three sisters, Mrs. Bess Brunner of Onaga, Mrs. Dorothy Bottom of Havensville, and Mrs. Helen Haldeman of Topeka, six brothers, George Randel of Arthur Randel of Santa Ana, California, Vernet Randel of Seal Beach, California, Raymond Randel of Frankfort, Richard Randel of Kansas City, Kansas, and Worth Randel of West Point, Nebraska and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Paul, Bob and Wayne.

Funeral services and burial were Tuesday at Boise.

To Top

 

RANDEL, GEORGE A. (Handwritten date 1973)

George A. Randel, 94, Succumbs Monday – George A. Randel of America City, died November 19 at Community Hospital here after a short illness. The son of Robert and Orpha Randel, he was born August 20, 1879.

He was married to Elsie Olive Myers of Arcadia, Ohio on September 22, 1900 and they were the parents of 13 children. He was a farmer in the America City community his entire life, retiring at the age of 81.

Survivors include seven sons, George V. Randel of the home at America City; Arthur S. Randel, Santa Ana, California; Garrett Randel, Boise, Idaho; Vernet Randel, Long Beach, California, Richard Randel, Kansas City, Kansas; Raymond Randel Frankfort, and Worth Randel, West Point, Nebraska; three daughters, Mrs. Bess O. Brunner, Onaga, Mrs. Dorothy Bottom, Havensville, and Mrs. Helen Haldeman, Topeka; 46 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Randel was preceded in death by his wife January 5, 1923; and by his three oldest sons, Robert C. on April 3, 1965, Paul D. on August 19, 1965, and Wayne A., November 1965.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 24, at the United Methodist Church in Havensville. Burial will be in the America City cemetery.

To Top

 

RANDALL, HENRY (Handwritten date 1968)

Mr. Henry Randall, 95, Dies in Hospital Here – Henry Randall, son of Ziba Randall and Elizabeth Dickerson Randall, was born August 4, 1873, near Circleville, Ohio, and died at Community Hospital, Onaga on August 22, 1968, having celebrated his 95 th birthday only 18 days before.

At the age of 12 he accompanied his parents to settle in Kansas at Avoca, a small community in west Jackson County. Later the family moved to the Fairview community southeast of Onaga.

He was married to Lettie M. Slater on January 22, 1896. For several years he was foreman of the J. O. Benton ranch and then he purchased a farm near the Fairview school where he and Mrs. Randall built the house now owned by John Graf.

Mr. Randall served the Fairview community in many capacities. He helped organize and build the Fairview Methodist Church. For many years he was the Lincoln Township trustee. He was active in the Fairview Grange and served as its treasurer.

Mr. and Mrs. Randall retired from their farm home in 1950 and moved to Onaga. Mrs. Randall died in 1962 and following her death Mr. Randall made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Minor Stallard at their farm home.

Mr. Randall was a member of the Fairview Methodist Church and later transferred membership to the Onaga Congregational Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Faye Stallard; his son-in-law, Minor Stallard; a grandson, Wayne M. Stallard and his wife, Wanda; three great-grandchildren Deborah Sue, Carol Jean and Bruce Wayne Stallard all of Onaga; one brother, Mack Randall, Salem, Oregon; and several nieces and nephews.

To Top

 

RANDALL, MADELAN (NO DATE)

Mrs. Madelan Randall, 77, Holton, died Wednesday night in the Holton hospital. She was born February 2, 1881, in Indiana and lived in the Soldier c9mmunity 35 years ago. She was a member of the Christian Church. She is survived by her husband, George, Randall, of the home; a daughter, Mrs. Loren Albin, Leadville, Colorado; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and a half-brother, John Sholty, Topeka. Mercer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To Top

 

RANDALL, GEORGE MRS. (NO DATE)

Mrs. George Randall Succumbs at Holton – Mrs. George Randall, Holton, died January 14 at the Holton Hospital following a brief illness. She was 77 years of age. Mrs. Randall was the sister-in-law of Mrs. Rose Nemnick and Mr. Henry Randall, Onaga.

Besides her husband, of the home, she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Christine Alban of Leadville, Colorado, and three grandchildren. Another daughter, Flossie, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Tuesday January 20, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with burial in the Soldier Cemetery.

To Top

 

RANDALL, LETTIE M. (NO DATE)

Funeral services for Mrs. Henry Randall of Onaga were held at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon in the Congregational Church with the Rev. Robert E. Williams officiating. Interment was in the Onaga Cemetery.

Lettie M. Randall, daughter of James W. Slater and Lydia Gilmore Slater, was born October 15, 1873, near Aledo, Illinois and passed away on October 6, 1962 at Community Hospital, Onaga.

Her family moved to Kansas in 1876. She, her sister, Lois, now deceased, and her mother came by train to Corning and were met by Mr. Slater who took them to their new farm home three miles southeast of Onaga – the farm now owned by Alpha Hayes.

She was united in marriage to Henry Randall on January 22, 1896. Most of her married life was spent in the Fairview neighborhood and the Onaga community.

She was a member of the Fairview Methodist Church and later transferred membership to the Onaga Congregational Church.

She is survived by her husband, Henry Randall; a daughter, Mrs. Faye Stallard; a son-in-law, Minor Stallard; a grandson, Wayne M. Stallard and his wife, Wanda; two great- granddaughters, Deborah Sue and Carol Jean Stallard; two sisters, Lulu B. Fields of Topeka and Clara Amy Maze of Charleston, South Carolina.

To Top

 

RANDALL, WILLIAM FRANKLIN (NO DATE)

William Franklin Randall was born September 7 th, 1871, in Pickaway County, Ohio, and departed this life March 6 th, 1956, at the age of 84 years, 5 months and 29 days. He had been in failing health the past year.

When he was 14 years old he came with his parents from Ohio to Kansas. The family stopped first at Soldier and then moved to Avoca. From there they moved to the home place 6 miles south of Onaga. As a boy he helped his father and neighbors with the farm work.

On April 26 th, 1893 he was united in marriage to Lois Electra Slater. To this union were born five sons, George Everet died in infancy.

He continued farming near Onaga except for a short time they lived in Oklahoma. In 1926 he moved to Onaga and began his carpentering career which continued until a year ago.

Mr. Randall has been a devoted member of the First Baptist Church for 45 years. During that time he served for 25 years as Superintendent of the Sunday School.

He leaves to mourn his passing four sons: Chester Floyd of Abilene; Cecil Merle of Wheaton; Luie Bernard of Kansas City; and Wallace Franklin of Wichita; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves three brothers and three sisters: John Helry Randall of Onaga, George Z. Randall of Holton, B. M. Randall of Salem, Oregon, Julia M. Brill of Holton, Cynthia Ann Jury of Clay Center, Kansas, and Rosie Nemnick of Onaga.

He will be greatly missed by his church, his relatives, his neighbors and all his many friends.

To Top

 

REISINGER, JEROLD W. “JERRY”(NO DATE)

Jerold W. “Jerry” Reisinger, 52, Havensville, died Saturday, August 3 1996 at his home. He had heart valve replacement surgery on July 25, 1996, at Topeka and had returned to his home on Tuesday, July 30.

The son of Paul and Helen Hinrichsen Reisinger, he was born August 31, 1943, on a farm northeast of Havensville. He was a 1961 graduate of Havensville High School.

Mr. Reisinger worked at the Havensville Lumber Yard and attended Washburn University for a year.

He was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in the earth mover tire section at Topeka from May 1966 to May 1983, and also farmed.

Mr. Reisinger was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga. He was also a member of the Havensville Volunteer Fire Department and was on the Fire Department Board at the time of his death. He had also served on the Havensville City Council. He was a former member of Local #307 of the United Rubber Workers Union.

In May of 1983 he and his wife opened Jerry’s Service Station at Havensville. His son, Dan, joined them in the business in April of 1985. The Reisingers purchased a farm southwest of Havensville in 1970 and moved to their current residence in Havensville in 1986.

He was married to Linda Niehues on June 26, 1965, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Corning. They lived in Topeka for a year before moving to Havensville. She survives at the home.

Other survivors include two sons, Jerold “Jake” Reisinger, Jr., Topeka, and Daniel Reisinger, Havensville; his parents, Paul and Helen Reisinger, Onaga; three brothers, Fred Reisinger, Bates City, Missouri, James Reisinger, Topeka, and Tim Reisinger, Onaga; a sister, Pat Breitschwerdt, Buena Park, California; and two grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 6, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga. Rosary was prayed at 7:00 p.m. Monday at Lauer Funeral Home, Seneca. Burial was in the Havensville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Havensville Volunteer Fire Department and sent in care of the family.

To Top

 

REZAC, BERNICE L. (NO DATE)

Bernice L. Rezac, 91, died Monday, September 23, 1996, at Onaga Community Hospital.

She was born February 8, 1905 in the Fairview c9ommunity southeast of Onaga, the daughter of Ora O. “Bud” and Emma Bellows Wilson.

Mrs. Rezac was a graduate of Havensville High School, class of 1921, and attended Pittsburg State College and Emporia State Teachers College. She taught school for four years, first at the Vienna School, and then at the Old Stone School, both south of the Onaga and Havensville communities.

She had attended the Fairview Methodist Church as a child. She served on the Vienna-Victory School Board and was an organizer and leader of the Triple-V 4-H Club. She was a member of the Onaga Homeworkers EHU, the Bid ‘N Bye Card Club, and the Onaga Senior Center.

She married Matt M. Rezac July 12, 1926, at Marysville. He died April 15, 1991.

She was preceded in death by a son, Clayton Dale Rezac, who died in infancy, and a brother, Henry Clay Wilson.

Survivors include two sons, Robert W. Rezac, St. Marys, and Don M. Rezac, Emmett, four daughters, Marjorie Wilson, St. Joseph, Missouri, Rheva Boswell, Onaga, Rosalie Clymer, Council Grove, and Linda S. Price, Grantville; 22 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the First Congregational Church UCC in Onaga, with burial in the St. Clere Cemetery north of Emmett. Mrs. Rezac will lie in state at the Tessendorf-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga where family and friends will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. She will also lie in state an hour before service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Onaga Senior Center or the Onaga Historical Society and sent in care of the funeral home.

To Top

 

RAIRDON, ESTHER E. (NO DATE)

Esther E. Rairdon, 89, Havensville, died Monday, October 21, 1996, at Community Hospital in Onaga.

She was born September 11, 1907 at Havensville, the daughter of William Claude and Emma Venneberg Rairdon.

Miss Rairdon was a graduate of Havensville High School. She attended Fort Hays State College and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Kansas State University.

After college, she worked as a Harvey Girl throughout the United States. She then taught in the Navaho Missions in Farmington, New Mexico, and later was interim pastor at the Methodist Church in Red Bluff, Nebraska. She then served as Deaconess at a church in Newark, New Jersey. She worked in the Treasury Department for the U. S. Government, then worked for over 30 years as a claims agent for the Railroad Retirement Board. She was the first woman to travel for the board, covering parts of four states. She retired in 1969 and moved back to Havensville.

She was a member of the Havensville United Methodist Church until it closed. She has since been a member of the Buck’s Grove Methodist Church. She was also a member of United Methodist Women and the Havensville Historical Society.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Everett Scott Rairdon, who died May 20, 1985.

Survivors include three sisters, Marie McClain, Kenya, Africa Olive Eichman, Arvada, Colorado, and Leanora R. Jansen, Moline.

Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m. today, Thursday, at the Buck’s Grove United Methodist Church with burial in the Havensville Cemetery.

Tessendorf-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga is in charge of arrangements. Miss Rairdon will lie in state an hour before service time at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Buck’s Grove United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.

To Top

 

RANDEL, GEORGE V. (NO DATE)

George V. Randel, 88, of 20530 Onaga Road North, died of natural causes Monday, November 11, 1996, at Golden Acres Nursing Home in Onaga.

Mr. Randel was born to George A. Randel and Elsie O. Myers on January 16, 1908, in Corning. He had lived in Corning and Onaga since 1952.

Mr. Randel, a member of Corning American Legion Post #37, served in World War II and the Korean War. After leaving the military, he worked for Chrysler Motor Co. in Detroit, Michigan, and then moved to Boise, Idaho, where he owned and operated a cabinet shop.

In 1952 he moved to Corning to farm and work for Bays Motor Co. in Onaga as a mechanic. He retired in 1975.

Mr. Randel married Janice K. Hardin on August 8, 1975, in Centralia. She survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Elsie Randel, Marysville; one son, Georege E. Randel, Holton; three sisters, Bess Brunner, Onaga, Dorothy Bottom, Havensville, and Helen Haldeman, Topeka; and two brothers, Vernet Randel, Seal Beach, California, and Arthur Randel, Costa Mesa, California.

Mr. Randel was cremated. A military graveside memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 15, 1996, at America City Cemetery north of Havensville.

Kufahl Funeral Home is Wheaton is in charge of services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospital of Onaga Home Health Care.

To Top

 

RANDEL, EDNA K. (NO DATE)

Edna K. Randel, 87, Havensville, died Saturday, September 20, 1997, at a Topeka hospital.

She was born July 28, 1910, in Havensville, the daughter of Edgar L. and Susan R. Shumate Pitcher. She had been assistant postmaster at Havensville in the early 1940’s.

She was a member of Christian Church in Havensville, the Silver Circle at the church, and the Kansas Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary.

Her husband, Paul D. Randel, died August 19, 1965.

Survivors include two sons, Wayne C. Randel, Topeka, and Roger V. Randel, Havensville; two daughters, Elaine Keeney, Topeka, and Dorothy McDougal Havensville; two daughters, Elaine Keeney, Topeka, and Dorothy McDougal, Havensville; 10 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Services were Tuesday at the Christian Church in Havensville and burial in the Havensville Cemetery.

To Top

 

RICHARDSON, E. F. DR. (NO DATE)

Dr. E. F. Richardson was born in Smith County, Virginia, July 21, 1862, and passed away at his home in Onaga, after a brief sickness Saturday morning, at the age of 45 years, 7 months and 16 days. With his family he moved from Virginia to Kansas, locating at Havensville in the fall of 1881. After taking a course in medicine at Kansas City he moved to Onaga in September of 1887 and entered the medical profession. In December of the same year he was married to Miss Agnes M. Bell. To this happy union have been born five children, two sons, Lester and Forest, and three daughters, Kersey, Mayme and Hellen.

Deceased leaves besides his wife and children, one sister, and four brothers of his immediate family. Of these, the sister, Miss Jennie Swaveity and one brother, J. V. Richardson, still live in Virginia. Chas. E. Richardson in Arkansas; Dr. W. F. Richardson in Paxico, Kansas and T. J. Richardson in Havensville, Kansas. Dr. Richardson was a member of each of the following orders: Masons, Woodman, Workmen and Eastern Star.

The funeral services were held at the Congregational Church Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock and burial was made in the Onaga cemetery. There was not near enough room in the church for the large attendance and fully 200 people were outside. Rev. Bayles had charge of the services.

Probably no man in Onaga or vicinity is more widely and favorably known than was Dr. Richardson. He made no pretense to public life, but many offices of trust were thrust upon him, because of his hearty and sincere interest in all public affairs. He has been a member of the school board for a number of years; served several years most faithfully as mayor of the city; and at the time of his death was Representative from this district.

His wide successful practice as a physician has at some time or other brought him into touch with almost every home in Onaga and vicinity. The universal cry that went up from the hearts of the people during his sickness was, “Dr. Richardson cannot die.” Speaking physician, Dr. Richardson is ****tower of strength was in his h****** is ever the case, so it was with *** the man that loved and cared for his home was loved and cherished by the whole community. His greatest care even in the hour of death was for the loved ones of the home. As one man remarked on the street a day or two ago, “If it is possible for one man to love another I love Dr. Richardson”. Few wives *********a nobler, truer, kinder and *******husband. F******cherish the memory of *****indulgent father ******.

As to Dr. Richardson ******he was converted and *****Christian church at Havensville ****fourteen others were baptized *** 14, 1887. Since going to Onaga he has not identified himself with any one of the churches, there, but while he has been broad enough to help all the religious organizations of the city, his main work has been with the Baptist church where most of his family are members. For several years he has served the church faithfully as one of its trustees and has always stood for the best interest and progress of the church.

The people of Onaga and from all over the county joins in extending to the bereaved family their most sincere sympathy in their crushing sorrow. The vast congregation in attendance at the funeral was a noble tribute to the character of the man, and spoke w*********of him. “He saved others, himself he could not save.” While his skill, his untiring zeal and patience have snatched many from the jaws of death and given them years of health and happiness, he had so undermined his own physical strength that he fell an easy victim to the dread disease he had been ****** to overcome in others. Ma*******can look up through tears of ********and say, “If it hadn’t been for *******would be where he is today.”

To Top

 

RILEY, JOHN D. (SEPTEMBER 1995)

John D. Riley, 82, Topeka, died Monday, September 4, 1995, at his home.

Mr. Riley was a contractor and a salesman in the construction field. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and in the Air Force in the Korean War. He retired from service in 1958 with the rank of major.

He was born July 16, 1913, in Mansfield, Arkansas, the son of William Moore and Dessa M. Phillips Riley.

Mr Riley was a member of First Congregational Church, the Republican Party of Kansas, The National Retired Officers Club and had done volunteer work for various community organizations.

He was married to Mary Helen Pierson on October 3, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri. She survives.

Other survivors include two sons, John Riley, Dayton, Ohio, and Mark Riley, Topeka; two daughters, Anita Frank and Joyce Gassen, both of Topeka; two brothers, William Riley, Woodland, California and Thomas Riley, North Little Rock, Arkansas; three sisters, Laura Ann Stough, Longview, Texas, and Euretta Aurelio and Mildred Brown, both of Knoxville, Tennessee; and three grandchildren.

Services were at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 7, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Topeka. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka.

Mr. Riley was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Dorothy Brimer, Onaga.

To Top

 

RASH, WILLIAM CLIFFORD “BILL” (NO DATE)

William Clifford “Bill” Rash, 83, Havensville, died Sunday, July 16, 1995, at the VA Medical Center in Topeka.

He was born January 17, 1912, in the America City community north of Havensville, the son of Allie Maurice and Emma Pansy Higgins Rash and spent most of his life in Havensville. He was a farmer and a school bus driver and was a janitor at the Havensville school for 14 years. He owned and operated a service station 14 years before he retired.

He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Post No. 303 of the American Legion in Havensville.

He was married to LaVerne L. Feek July 20, 1946. She survives. A son, Dale Eugene Rash, died July 1, 1971.

Other survivors include four sons, Maurice Lynn Rash, Sabetha, Donald Lee Rash, Falls City, Nebraska; Ronald Vern Rash, Morrill, and Richard Dean Rash, Havensville; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Rash was cremated. Memorial services were at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Christian church in Havensville. Private inurnment was in Havensville Cemetery.

To Top

 

RANDEL, DORIS L. (NO DATE)

Doris L. Randel, 69, northeast Kansas City, Missouri, died March 7, 1995, at Truman Medical Center West. Graveside services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the America City Cemetery near Havensville.

She was born July 25, 1925, in Kansas City, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Randel, in 1988.

Survivors include three sons, Richard D. Randel, Kansas City, Kansas, Mark S. Randel and David Randel, both of Tonganoxie; six daughters, Diann Clayton, Harlingen, Texas, Cheryl Gerber, Blue Springs, Missouri Odette Wilkinson, Independence, Missouri, Karla Mar, Canon City, Colorado, Shelia Randel, Tacoma, Washington, and Lori Esteban, Kansas City, Missouri; 24 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Randel was a sister-in-law of Dorothy Bottom, Havensville, and Bess Bruner and George Randel, Onaga.

To Top

 

RALPH, PAULA (WRITTEN DATE 27 February 1992)

Receives Word of Death – Leona Nolte, Westmoreland, received word recently that her daughter-in-law, Paula Ralph, 44, passed away in Ventura, California. She leaves two daughters, LeAnna and Shannon, of the home. She was married to the late David Ralph who was reared in Onaga.

 

To Top