Jeanette Huff Reidel was born on February 12, 1935, in Strong City, Kansas, to Howard and Alma Jeter Huff. She lived in Strong City, Topeka, and Florence, before starting school in Peabody, but moved to Matfield Green in 1948 and finished high school there. She studied business at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. While there she was a baton twirler in the marching band. She also played drums in the orchestra and was in a stage production. She also took night classes at U of...

Davy Sharp, 52, died October 1, 2020, at his home in Strong City. He was born June 25, 1968, in Claremore, OK, to Stanley and Suzanne (Wiley) Sharp. Davy graduated from Jay High School in Jay, OK, in 1988. He started working at Tyson Foods in Emporia on October 9, 1995, just short of 25 years. Davy enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and all of his “adopted” children. He enjoyed shooting firework shows, coaching his children and their friends in wrestling and...

James Kirk Luder, 87, died September 24, 2020 at the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire, Kansas of a rare form of leukemia.  He was born December 26, 1932 to Jacob “Pop” and Clemmer (Knapp) Luder in Waldo, Kansas.  Jim is survived by Loretta, his wife of 65 years.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother Noel, and grandson Edward “Rob” Koger, Jr. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colwich,...

Juanita R. “Timmie” Starkey, 96, died September 14, 2020, at Morris County Hospital, Council Grove. She was born October 24, 1923, in rural Cedar Point, to Sidney J. “S.J” and Anna Belle (Riley) Cahoone. Timmie graduated from Chase County Community High School as co-valedictorian and was a homemaker and farmed alongside her husband. She was a member of Cottonwood Falls United Methodist Church, Rainbow Garden Club and United Methodist Women. Timmie was also involved...

Dan Potter, 78, died September 4, 2020, at his home in Cunningham. He was born May 6, 1942, in Cottonwood Falls, to William H. and Katherine (Marlett) Potter. Dan was owner and operator of his own over the road trucking business. On October 27, 1971, he married Barbara Lou Thompson in Cottonwood Falls. They shared almost 48 years of marriage before she died on April 22, 2019. Dan is survived by: children, Leslie Scholes of Cunningham, Allen Scholes of Akron, CO; 10 grandchildren; 19 great...

Irene Swift, 84, died August 29, 2020, at Chase County Care and Rehabilitation Center, Cottonwood Falls. She was born June 23, 1936, in rural Bazaar, to Arthur E. and Clara Lois “Jonas” (Russel) Baker. Irene graduated from Cottonwood Falls High School. She was an active member of Strong City United Methodist Church until it closed. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, going to ball games and any other community event, and attending the Flint Hills Rodeo. Irene married...

Nadine M. Bastin, 81, died August 24, 2020, at her home in rural Emporia. She was born November 29, 1938, in Americus to Kenneth and Juanita (DeWeese) Kennison. Nadine attended Madison High School and worked in environmental services at Newman Regional Health. On April 4, 1955, she married John H. Bastin in Emporia. They shared 59 years of marriage before he died on May 8, 2014. Nadine is survived by: children, Kenneth Bastin of Lamar, CO, Patricia Jacob and husband Steve of rural Emporia,...

D. Alvin Hailey, 83, died August 16, 2020, at Newman Regional Health, Emporia. He was born May 3, 1937, on the family farm in rural Elmale, to William H. and Mary Elizabeth (Ramsey) Hailey. Alvin graduated from Elmdale High School. He was a life-long farmer and carpenter. Alvin enjoyed wood working; he made bear chairs for little kids and furniture for his family. He loved fishing and hunting and taught his grandchildren how to hunt, fish, and shoot. Alvin would volunteer at the Flint Hills...

Leola Conklin, 72, died June 29, 2020, at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie. She was born May 1, 1948, in Marion to John and Lela (Ohlert) Lutt. Leola was a dental assistant and a para-educator. She loved rodeos, dancing and volunteering. She married Frank E. “Pete” Conklin on June 1, 1964. He died May 16, 2011. Leola is survived by: children, Terry Conklin and wife Jocelyn of Emporia, Marcia Reilly and husband Bob of NE, Deanna Conklin, Frances Potter, both of Harper; 12...

Karen J. Crichton, 84, died June 27, 2020, at her daughter’s home in Cottonwood Falls. She was born December 24, 1935, in Wagner, SD, to John and Dorothy (Nolan) Finwall. Karen attended school in Ravinia, SD, until 1951, when her family moved to Nebraska. She graduated from Ravenna, NE, High School in 1953. She returned to South Dakota in 1954 and was employed by Southwestern Bell Phone Company. Karen started working in the Chase County Treasurer’s Office in 1976. She was...