Minnis Chapel Inc, 113 N Main Street, Ellinwood, KS (2026)

08/07/2026

Ellinwood, KS

Robert F. “Bob” Lee, 79, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 5th, 2026 at Ellinwood District Hospital. Bob was married to his devoted wife, Gearldine “Geri” Lee, with whom he shared many happy years. He especially treasured spending time with Geri and their two beloved dachshunds, who brought him constant joy. Bob had a passion for collecting and took pride in the many treasures he gathered over the years. He was an avid tinkerer who could often be found in his garage, working with his hands. In his quieter moments, he loved watching classic westerns.

Bob was preceded in death by his son, Chris Lee, as well as his sisters, Claudia Ann, Debbie Lee, Nadine Lee, and Karen Carnahan.

Bob is survived by wife, Gearldine Lee, Ellinwood, KS; daughters: Shandra Woody and husband Jim Woody, Lawrence, KS, along with their children Ashlee and Chelsie McBee, Lawrence, KS, Kristen and Kala Woody, Wichita, KS, Payton Woody, Lawrence, KS; and Sonya Hammonds, Manhattan, KS, along with her children Brooke and Dex Simonis, Council Grove, KS, Tiffany Cook, Topeka, KS, Sara Cook, Manhattan, KS, Darian and Devin Julian, Manhattan, KS. Other survivors include 7 great-grandchildren and 22 nieces and nephews; and siblings, Darwin “Snook” Lee and wife Kathy; Allen “Sweed” Lee and wife Diane; Wanda Lanchberry all of Post Falls, Idaho; Vonetta Smith, Winnemucca, Nevada; Kathy Eisch, Great Falls, Montana, Jackie Carver and husband, Teiney, Paulsbo, Washington.

Bob will be remembered for his steady presence, his love of simple pleasures, and the deep affection he had for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cremation has taken place and private services will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left for the family at minnischapel.org

07/16/2026

Karen Elaine (Thacker) Proffitt, 77, passed away July 15, 2026 surrounded by loved ones at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood, KS. Born in Anadarko, OK on Nov. 12, 1948 she was the daughter of Harold and Annie Jo (Jordan) Thacker. She grew up in Oklahoma graduating from Eisenhower High School, Lawton, OK. Karen was an Ellinwood resident since 1989 formerly of Sterling. She married Cap Proffitt in 1969 they later divorced. Karen worked for the Dodge City Daily Globe, Barton Co. Feeders, 10th Street Eyecare, and Southwind Drilling before retirement in 2020. Memberships include Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Ellinwood Community Church, and the Altar Guild Society.

Survivors include Daughter, Jennifer (Kent) Crawford, Elmdale, KS; Son, Spencer (Amanda) Proffitt, Ellinwood, KS; Grandchildren, Daulton (Brooke) Crawford, Elmdale, KS, Daryn Crawford, Galveston, TX, Cooper Proffitt, Ellinwood KS, Aliyah Proffitt, Ellinwood, KS; great-Grandchild, Stetson Crawford, Elmdale, KS; Brother, Steve (Tamera) Thacker; Sister, Cathy (Larry) Keyes; Sister-in-Laws, Teresa (Keith) Harmon and Sherry (Ryan) Culpepper; Brother-in-law, Daniel (Toni) Proffitt; Uncle, Roy Lee (Pam)Thacker and numerous nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her Parents, Harold and Annie Jo Thacker and in laws, Jacquelyn (Crockett) and Gayle Proffitt.

Funeral service will take place 10:00 AM, Tues., July 21 at Ellinwood Community Church with Pastor Samuel Ryan officiating. Interment will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Rice County, KS. Visitation will take place Mon., July 20 from 1-7 PM with family receiving friends from 5-7 PM at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Community Church or Ellinwood Hospital Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences to the family may be left at www.minnischapel.org

07/02/2026

***Livestream will be available at First Baptist Church Youtube page.

Luke John Knop, son of Chris and Jennifer Knop, was born on April 10, 2026, at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He went home to be with Jesus on the afternoon of June 27, 2026, held in his parents’ arms and surrounded by family.

Luke’s parents chose his name in honor of God and the grace He has shown. Luke means “light bearer,” and John means “God is gracious.” Together, his name means to bear the light of God’s grace—and that is exactly what he did.

From the very beginning of his life, Luke touched more people than his family could have imagined. Nurses, doctors, other NICU families, relatives, friends, and even strangers who followed his story were impacted by his life. Through Luke, his family was given countless opportunities to show the love of Jesus and share their faith. He reminded them how precious and fragile life is and pointed them toward what matters most.

Luke was deeply loved by his big brothers, Ryan, Cody, Levi, and Ezra, and he brought so much joy to his family in his short life. He was known for his full head of hair, his sweetness, and the strength he showed from the very beginning. Luke was a strong fighter, surrounded every day by love, prayers, and the arms of the family who treasured him.

Luke John Knop was a precious gift from God, and his family prays that the light he brought into their lives will continue to shine for generations.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

Luke is survived by his parents, Chris and Jennifer (Robl) Knop of Ellinwood; his older brothers, Ryan, Cody, Levi, and Ezra; his grandparents, Lawrence and Norma Robl of Ellinwood and Paula Knop of Ellinwood; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dale Knop.

A celebration of Luke’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 11, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Ellinwood, Kansas, with burial to follow. Memorials may be made to assist with expenses, in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

06/24/2026

Chase, KS

Rusty Rheinard Standlee, 45, passed away on June 24, 2026 in rural Chase, KS after his long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born July 2, 1980 in Great Bend, KS he was the son of Curtis and Florinda (Schwartz) Standlee. A lifetime resident of Chase, KS Rusty graduated from Chase High School in 1998. He worked as a farmer, rancher, and later a truck driver for Lacrosse Skillet and Sons Trucking in Lacrosse, KS. He also worked at the Lyons salt plant. Rusty loved motorcycles, playing guitar, and was an accomplished helicopter pilot. He also loved dove hunting and fishing with close friends.

Rusty leaves behind a Mother, Florinda Standlee, Chase, KS; Siblings, Jenilyn (Jacob) Moon, Ellinwood, KS, Tony Standlee, Larned, KS; Grandmother, Joan Schwartz, Chase, KS. Other survivors include 8 Aunts and Uncles. He was preceded in death by Father, Curtis Standlee; Uncles, Kim Maser and Rod Schwartz; and Grandparents, Rheinard Schwartz, Ken Standlee and Helen Standlee.

Memorial service will be Friday, July 10th at 10:30 AM at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, KS. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Gentiva Hospice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences to the family may be left at www.minnischapel.org or Minnis Chapel Ellinwood page.

06/17/2026

Clarence E. Marker, 89, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026.

Born on June 14, 1936, in Ellinwood, Kansas, Clarence lived a life marked by service, hard work, humor, and deep devotion to the people he loved. He spent many years in Casa Grande, Arizona, before recently relocating to Santa Maria, California.

Clarence proudly served his country in the United States Army and later enjoyed a long and successful career with the Southern California Gas Company. He was respected for his strong work ethic, practical skills, and his ability to connect with others through humor, quick wit, and a steady, dependable presence.

He married the love of his life, Sally Gaudette Marker, and together they shared many happy years. Although Clarence had no children of his own, Ron and Sally Anne Smith of Nipomo, California, and Don McKinnon of Downey, California, were family to him in every sense of the word. He was also blessed with many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.

Clarence shared close bonds with his nephews, Kevin and Cindy Blevins of St. George, Utah, and Doug and Karen Blevins of Osage Beach, Missouri, as well as his niece, Diane Barker of Osage Beach, Missouri. He treasured his relationships with their children, remaining a loving and steady presence across generations.

In his free time, Clarence enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, RV camping, playing table games, and working on old cars. He especially loved restoring and repairing classic automobiles and greatly valued time spent with his good friend, Harold "Mac" McMullen. Known for his humor and storytelling, he could light up any room with a joke or clever remark.

Clarence will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery beside his beloved father, Clarence "Shorty" Marker, and his mother, Vineta Marker.

Graveside service will take place on Sat., June 20th, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Cemetery in Great Bend, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a local Alzheimer's organization, a cause that was important to Clarence throughout his lifetime

06/09/2026

Ellinwood, Kansas

Nellie A. Campbell Hamby, 97, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital on June 5th, 2026. Born on Nov. 25, 1928 in Arnica, Missouri she was the daughter of Elmer and Cora (Estes) Rains. Nellie grew up in Polk Country Missouri. She married Ray Campbell on Jan. 15, 1940 in Cedar County, Missouri he passed away on Oct. 24, 1962. She later married Leland Hamby on May 18, 1966 in Oklahoma. He passed away Nov. 23, 2000. Nellie was an Ellinwood, KS resident since 1976 formerly of Aldrich, MO. She will always be remembered as an excellent wife, homemaker, Mother, and Grandmother and will be deeply missed.

Nellie was preceded in death by two husbands; seven children, Raylene Keith, Barbara Carstens, James Hamby, Dale Hamby, Linda Stevens, Elaine Pyle, Dorothy Alumbaugh; and five siblings, Marvin Rains, Frances Rains, Loren Rains, Burl Rains, and Arlene Houston.

Survivors include children, Terry Hamby, Waco, Texas, Billy Hamby, Missouri, Kathleen Cox (Howard), Adrian, Missouri, Hazelene Clayton, Apalachiola, Florida, Donna Crow, Ellinwood, Kansas; 23 Grandchildren, 37 great-Grandchildren, 23 great-great Grandchildren, and 3 great-great-great Grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services with private inurnment at Alder Cemetery in Stockton, Missouri will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested towards funeral expenses in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

06/08/2026

Catherine Anderson Hammeke, 101, died Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood, KS.

She was born on May 6, 1925, in Virgil, Kansas, to Arthur Peter and Mary Ellen Berthot Anderson.

After graduating from Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Kansas, in 1943, she was employed by Material Distributors, a subdivision of Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. In 1944, she moved to Ellinwood and was employed by Wolf Milling Company. Later, she worked at several oil companies, including Pan American, and founded her own secretarial service during the 1960’s. She also worked as the secretary for the Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company and at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Rectory.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s Altar Society, and of the First Diocesan Pastoral Council of Dodge City, Kansas.

Some of her greatest joys were spending time with her grandchildren, painting ceramics, sewing, baking, playing rummy, raising beautiful gardens, and attending many, many Ellinwood High School musical events.

On November 27, 1945, she married Paul LaVern Hammeke. He died on November 25, 1996. She was preceded in death by her sons Arthur Thomas and Gregory Wayne, son-in-law Dale Knop, her parents, her eight brothers: Leon, Albert, Louis, Earnest, Raymond, Floyd, Clyde Thomas, and Roy Patrick, and a sister, Mary Ellen.

She is survived by her daughter Paula Knop and daughter-in-law Carol Hammeke; 10 grandchildren: Kara (Brady) Mills, Kathy (Cary) Steiner, Mark (Christine) Knop, Lisa (Mark) Circle, Audra (Shawn) Richardson, John Knop, Julie (C**t) Oberle, Christopher (Jennifer) Knop, Arthur (Kerry) Hammeke Jr and Maria Hammeke; 19 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and her sister, Bettie Sauber.

Minnis Chapel of Ellinwood is handling all arrangements. Visitation will be from 12-5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Minnis Chapel, Ellinwood, KS. Family will receive visitors on Wednesday, June 10th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and after the vigil and rosary, 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellinwood, KS. The funeral mass will be on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by interment in the Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s School Endowment Fund, or to the donor’s preference in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

05/05/2026

** Click for LifeTribute Video link : https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NNGN82L5LBBHRD2Y?e=1

** SERVICE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED AT: Ellinwood Community Church page - https://www.facebook.com/ImmanuelUnitedChurchofChristEllinwood

Ellinwood, KS

Donita J. Goosen, 85, passed away May 2, 2026, at Azria Health Woodhaven, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born August 15, 1940, in Bison, Kansas, to Clarence Henry and Naomi Kathryn (Reichel) Gisick. On December 27, 1959, she married Roy Robert Zoellner at the Bison Methodist Church in Bison, Kansas. He passed away May 1, 1994. She later married Leonard Goosen at the United Methodist Church in Ellinwood. He passed away on October 17, 2019.

A resident of Ellinwood since 1969, Donita was a devoted follower of Christ, wife, mother, homemaker, and servant of others. She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Ellinwood, where she played the organ and piano for over 40 years. She loved flowers and was known throughout the community for her kindness, hospitality, empathy, and compassion.

Donita was employed as a business manager and interim administrator with Woodhaven of Ellinwood for many years, and later with Kimple Furniture and Funeral Home of Ellinwood.

Survivors include sons Kyle Zoellner of Ellinwood and Kirk Zoellner and wife Sandra of Mokena, Illinois (Chicago), as well as stepdaughter Gwen Marian of Peyton, Colorado and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, and brother Rodney Gisick.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Ellinwood Community Church in Ellinwood, with Pastors Sam Ryan and Tom Reazin presiding. Interment will follow at Lone Star Cemetery north of Bison, Kansas at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 11, with the family receiving guests from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorials have been designated to the donor’s choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

04/28/2026

Ellinwood, KS

Mary L. Herter, 83, passed away Apr. 26, 2026 after a nine month courageous battle with cancer. Born Apr. 29, 1943 in Dresden, Maine she was the daughter of Otis L. and Evelyn (Lamarre) Carver. She worked at several different jobs Parts Store, Laundry Mat, Shoe Factory, waitressing, and housekeeping among others. Mary moved from Arizona to Ellinwood in May 1995 where she worked for and helped her sister, Melody open a restaurant "Taste of Country". That is where she met future spouse Howard Herter. They were married Nov. 21, 1998.

She is survived by her spouse, Son, Danny and Daughter Julie; 4 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren; Brothers, Ron Carver, Arizona and Ted Carver, Maine/Florida; Twin Sisters, Donna, Maine and Doreen, Pennsylvania. Other survivors include many Nieces and Nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; Brothers, Bruce and Junior Carver; and Sisters, Martha, Gladys, Pearl, and Melody.

Private inurnment will take place Sat. May 9th at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery followed by a come and go Celebration of Life from 4-7 PM at Knop Event Center, 305 E. Santa Fe, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place Fri., May 8th at Minnis Chapel from 1-7 PM with family receiving friends from 6-7 PM. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood EMS or St. Jude's Children’s Hospital in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

04/18/2026

Ellinwood, KS
Marilyn (Ackley) Frydendall, 96, passed away at Good Samaritan Society in Hutchinson, KS on Apr. 17, 2026. Born in Portis, KS on Apr. 11, 1930 she was the daughter of G.W. and Dorthea (Schlott) Ackley. Marilyn graduated from Portis High School later marrying Charles "Chuck" Frydendall in 1949. They lived on a farm near Portis until they moved to Wichita in 1955. In 1970 the family moved to Ellinwood. They were blessed with 65 years together many of which were in the Ellinwood community. Marilyn was an active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood, Heritage Senior Center, and Meals on Wheels.

She was preceded in death by children, Michael, Curtis, and Mary Jane; husband, Charles in November 2014; brother, Bill Ackley; brothers-in-law, LeRoy & Merrill Frydendall; and nephew, David Frydendall.

She is survived by nephew, Dick (Macy) Ackley and niece Kyanne (Roger) Andersen, all of Port Townsend, WA; sisters-in-law Pat Frydendall, Smith Center, KS; Karen Frydendall, Mankato, MN; Sue (Larry) Geiger, Salina, KS; Gay (Dwight) Wiehl, Hutchinson, KS; and brother-in-law Larry (Dronda) Belleville, KS. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews and their children.

Funeral Service will take place 10:00 AM, Wed., Apr. 22 at Ellinwood Community Church in Ellinwood, KS with Pastor Samuel Ryan officiating. Interment will follow at Downs Cemetery in Downs, KS. Visitation will take place 1-6 PM Tues., Apr. 21 at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, KS. Memorials are suggested to Heritage Senior Center or Ellinwood Community Church in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

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