Beckwith Mortuary/Funeral Home

11/05/2026

Ronald G. Fredrickson

Jetmore, Kansas – Ronald (Ron) G. Fredrickson, 92, passed away on November 2, 2026, at the Kansas Soldiers' Home in Fort Dodge, Kansas.

Ron was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to Gilmore and Marion Loken. Ron was later adopted by Fritz and Marie Fredrickson. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 and enjoyed a long career in engineering and design, including helping design the first Bobcat and teaching Engineering Drawing and Design to disabled students at the Vo-Tech (Mitchell Technical College) in Mitchell, SD. Ron moved to Dodge City in 1990, where he later retired from National Beef in Dodge City.

On July 14, 2004, Ron married Paula Holt, and they became residents of Jetmore. She preceded him in death.

Ron's memory and excellent craftsmanship will forever carry on. His favorite hobbies were fabricating doll cradles, toy trucks, sconces, and bowls. These handmade gifts remain cherished reminders of him and the care he put into his work. He worked at Dakota Manufacturing, designing trailers, and engineered grain bins and augers.

One of his many impressive accomplishments was designing and building his very own sailboat, combining his engineering knowledge with his love of sailing and adventure. Ron also enjoyed building model airplanes, painting, dancing, and collecting antiques. Whether he was working on a new project, sharing his knowledge, or simply enjoying time with those he loved, Ron approached life with curiosity, determination, and a desire to make the most of every opportunity.

Ron will be forever cherished and remembered by his brother, Pete Fredrickson (wife Deb), Washington. His sister, Linda, preceded him in death. His sons include Keith Fredrickson, Texas, and Mark Fredrickson, who preceded him in death; daughter-in-law Laura Fredrickson-Sena; and grandchildren Autumn Clemons (husband Thaddeus), Shawn Fredrickson, and Robert Sena (fiancée Shawna Thompson). Ron may be gone from their sights, but never from their hearts. His great-grandchildren include Staysha and Thaddeus Clemons, Jayla Fredrickson, Easton, Journi, Nyomi, and Taytum Sena, all from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In the hearts of those who loved Ron: Jeff Robinett (wife Vickie), Jodi Robinett (husband Paul Blanton), and Joel Robinett (wife Christy), children of Paula Holt, along with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Paula Holt.

Among his friends whom Ron called family were Jean Osborn and Shelly Jones (husband Chad).

A visitation with family present will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Beckwith Funeral Home, 121 W. Bramley St., Jetmore, Kansas 67854. Memorials may be given to the Hodgeman County High School Woods/Industrial Education Class in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 663, Jetmore, Kansas 67854.

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10/29/2026

Julene Fern Wilson

Jetmore – Julene Fern Wilson, 93, passed away October 29, 2026 at Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore.

She was born July 25, 1933 in Quinter, KS, the daughter of William Sanford and Gladys Fern Williams Powers. Moving from Gardner, KS, she has been a Jetmore resident for 49 years. Julene was a homemaker, substitute teacher, and the original coordinator for the Parents as Teachers program for Hodgeman County.

She was a member of the Jetmore United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school. Julene was also a member of United Methodist Women and the Jetmore Library Board. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, playing games, crocheting, walking, playing the piano at the Hodgeman County Long Term Care Center, and she loved spending time with her family.

On November 30, 1952, she married Loyd Glen Wilson in Gove, KS. He passed away December 25, 2014.

Survivors include: four sons, Marvin (Helen) Wilson, Louisburg, KS, Darrel (Shawn) Wilson, Ottawa, KS, Richard (Glenda) Wilson, Paola, KS, Roger Wilson, Gove, KS; daughter, Susan (Fred) Dierksen, Dodge City, KS; four brothers, Ronald Powers, Quinter, KS, Ramon (Eva) Powers, Topeka, KS, Roger Powers, Gove, KS, Leland (Sharon) Powers, Gilbert, AZ; twenty grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Wilson; great grandson, Gage Wilson; granddaughter, Laura Scherman Park; sister, Dorene Jennings; two sisters-in-law, Berniece Powers and Dee Powers.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026 at the United Presbyterian Church, Jetmore, with Pastor Mark Durham presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026 with family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2026 at Gove Cemetery, Gove, KS.

Memorials may be given to the Hodgeman County Health Center ISB or Jetmore Library in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854. Condolences may be left at www.beckwithfuneralhome.com.

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10/28/2026

Clinton E. Russell

Belpre – Clinton E. Russell, 90, passed away October 27, 2026 at Parkwood Village, Pratt.

He was born January 10, 1936 at home, just outside of Fellsburg, the son of Laureston “LS” and Marie Higbie Russell.

A lifetime area resident, he was a farmer. He graduated from Trousdale High School in 1954 and attended Oklahoma State University diesel mechanic school. He was president of Edwards County Farm Bureau, member of Lewis Coop Board, Trousdale Fire Department, Trousdale Community Church Board, Santa Fe Trail Auto Club, and Masonic Lodge. He was the 2001 Kansas Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year, an Asgrow Seed Salesmen, and helped coordinate the rebuild of the Trousdale Community Church after the Greensburg tornado.

On June 14, 1959 he married Bonnie Marie Murray at Larned; she survives.

Other survivors include: daughter, Diane Winter, Wichita; son, Ryan (Julie) Russell, Belpre; eight grandchildren, Robyn (Adam) Love, Drew (Erikka) Russell, Luke (Olivia) Winter, Adam Winter, Ashton Winter, Brigdon (Jaden) Russell, Jenna (Nick) Lucas, Mayce Russell; six great grandchildren, Parker and Landon Love, Dawson and Briar Russell, Wrenley Russell, and Grady Lucas; and sister, Juanita Lowe, Manhattan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Craig Russell, grandson Matthew Russell, and sister Arlene Rapp.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2026 at Trousdale Community Church, Trousdale, with Pastor Teresa Wynn presiding. Visitation will be 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2026 with family present from 2-4 p.m. Burial will be in Belpre Cemetery, Belpre.

Memorials may be given to Trousdale Community Church or Trousdale Fire Department in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

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10/24/2026

Bonnie Lou Bird

Garfield - Bonnie Lou Bird, 84, passed away October 23, 2026 at Diversicare of Larned.

She was born December 20, 1941 in Great Bend, the daughter of Merwyn “Red” and Nadine (Nauert) Deets.

A longtime area resident of Garfield and Larned, she was a member of the Garfield United Methodist Church. Bonnie drove the grain truck during harvest every year, enjoyed cooking, gardening, and playing cards. Her greatest joy came from visiting with family and friends.

On August 10, 1969 she married Russell Dean Bird SR. in Garfield; he preceded her in death on May 20, 2008.

Survivors include: four children, Russell Dean Bird Jr. of Plains, Charles Russell “Buggy” (Tina Keeler) Bird of Larned, Randall Reid (Megan Mawhirter) Bird of Larned, Alan Lynn (Melissa) Bird of Kinsley; three siblings, Don (Tania) Deets of Hays, Diana (Dennis) Echard of Moore, Oklahoma, Mona Johnson of Angel Fire, New Mexico; ten grandchildren, Taylin Bird, Jurney Bird, Cody Bird, Allissa Bird, Brayson Bird, Camden Bird, Kennedy Bird, Bradley (Maelynn) Walker, McKayla Walker, and Rebekah Walker; two great grandchildren, Taytum Bird, and Waylon Walker; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; children, Debra Sue Bird, and Michael Dean Bird; sister, Janet Deets; and grandson, Richard A. Traylor.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Pastor Ryan Webster presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery, Garfield.

Memorials may be given to Garfield Fire Department in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at beckwithmortuary.com.

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10/23/2026

Reminder: Grief Support Group will be meeting Monday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 here at Beckwith Mortuary.
We would love to have you join us!

10/21/2026

Lavera Ethel Beard

Larned – Lavera Ethel Beard, 87, passed away October 18, 2026 at Diversicare of Larned.

She was born March 4, 1939 in Liberal, the daughter of Elmer and Vivian M. Mattews Burnett.

A longtime area resident, she was a member of First Southern Baptist Church of Larned. She was a Nurse’s Aide for many years. She loved to crochet animals and dolls, repairing dolls, sewing, and reading.

She married Marvin “Bud” Ray Lawrence, she later divorced. On June 6, 1992 she married Lyndon Ray Beard in Larned; he preceded her in death on August 25, 2000.

Survivors include: daughter, Marletta (Ron) Shelton, Larned; son, Randy (Stacy) Lawrence, Lewis; honorary daughter, Jacqueline Myrvik, Larned; six grandchildren, Rendelle (Kyle) Vagle, Alley (Evan Masterson) Lawrence, Lynaye (Adam) Kreutzer, Symantha (Jacob) Janzen, Isaac Lawrence, Ian Lawrence; and four great grandchildren, Zephaniah, Eliza, Uriah, and Selah.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lyndon; son, Mark Allen Lawrence; sisters, Vida North, Wilma Pitzer, Avis Burnett; brothers, Robert Burnett, Kenneth Burnett, and Lowell Burnett.

Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026 at First Southern Baptist Church, Larned, with Pastor Cecil Dale presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial in Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be given to First Southern Baptist Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at beckwithmortuary.com

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10/20/2026

Greg Camarena

Larned – Greg Camarena, 74, passed away October 8, 2026 at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita.

He was born May 9, 1952 in Salina, the son of Rudolph and Mary Flores Camarena.

A longtime area resident, he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Larned. He was a Dillon’s butcher for many years. He loved bowling, walking, gambling and going to the casino with friends.

On March 22, 1975 he married Joy Seagrove in Salina; she preceded him in death on February 18, 2015.

Survivors include: three step sons, Robert Reason, Sedalia, MO, David Reason, Larned, Ricky (Jolene) Reason, Larned; three siblings, Cathy, Maria, and Robert; five grandchildren, Kaleb (Kim Pope) Reason, Nathan Reason, Joshua Reason, Teresa Reason, Matthew Reason; eleven great grandchildren, Rayven Reason, Cash Garven, Deyton McDonald, Alexia-Jayne Reason, Aiden Reason, Jaeda Reason, Karter Reason, Phoenix Reason, Ember Reason, Greyson Reason, and Rowen Reason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and step-son, Billy Reason.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Personal Condolences may be left at www. Beckwithmortuary.com

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10/15/2026

Gloria Alice Crane

Gloria Alice Crane, 94, passed away October 13, 2026 at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned.

She was born June 18, 1932 in Larned, the daughter of Ledru S. and Helen Barstow Umberger.

A lifetime area resident, she attended Pawnee County schools and later became a farm wife. She chartered the Kansas chapter of W.I.F.E. (Women involved in Farm Economics) and was the first president. She was also a member First Southern Baptist Church, Great Bend, D.A.R., and Larned Garden Club where she was the president and spearheaded the creation and installation of the rose garden near the Larned swimming pool. She was an accomplished pilot, enjoyed painting, gardening (both flower and vegetables), golfing, playing tennis, knitting, working the polls on election day, and playing Bridge. She loved a bedazzled shirt or jacket and was happiest at big family gatherings surrounded by family eating great food, playing games, and laughing. She was famous for her unique and delicious apple pie. Please enjoy her recipe below.

On May 27, 1949 she married A.G. Crane at Syracuse, Kansas; he preceded her in death on February 2, 2014.

Survivors include: two sons, Alan (Rosalind “Roz”) Crane, Larned; E. David (Janet) Crane, Lawrence; daughter-in-law, Kathie Case, Windom; six grandchildren, Shawn (Karen) Crane, Larned, Jessica (Josh) Conner, Lawrence, Zachary (LaTasha) Crane, Henderson, Nevada, Rachel (Edward Howard) Crane, Glendale, California, Clay (Becky) Crane, Medicine Lake, Minnesota, Natalie (Dane) Murray, Eudora; nine great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Chris C. Crane; three sisters, Elaine (Albert) Vratil, Pauline (Dillon) Knupp, and Marilyn (David) Dryden.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, with Pastor Tim Singleton presiding. Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026 in Point View Cemetery, Radium. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with family present from 5-6 p.m.

Memorials may be given to Salvation Army or the First Southern Baptist Church in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

GLORIA CRANE’S APPLE PIE

Crust

Slightly less than 2 C. sifted flour (237 grams)

1 tsp. salt

½ C. oil

¼ C. milk

Filling

5-6 granny smith apples

lemon juice

½ C. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg

3 Tbs. flour

3 pats of butter

extra sugar

Instructions

Sift salt with flour into small mixing bowl. Measure oil and milk together in a glass measuring cup and pour over sifted flour. Fold together gently until soft dough forms. Split dough in half and roll one half between two sheets of wax paper. Flip bottom dough into pie pan and press down slightly.

Recipe fits a 9” disposable pie pan perfectly. For a larger glass pie dish, make two batches. You will need about ¾ of a batch for each crust. Roll left over dough out and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, slice into strips and bake on a cookie sheet for 7-10 minutes at 350 degrees for yummy elephant ear treats to eat while you wait for your pie to bake!

Peel and thinly slice apples. A Johnny Appleseed peeler or Cuisinart work best to get nice thin slices. Mix in a sq**rt with lemon juice and set aside.

Mix sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour in a small bowl. Pour over sliced apples and mix. Fill pie crust with apples, arranging them so everything fits. Slice and dab three pats of butter on top of the apples. Roll second pie crust out. Slash top with knife a few times for air holes before flipping over to cover the apples. Press down the edges to seal in the juices and flute the edges. Sprinkle the top with sugar.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-60 minutes. Make sure to put aluminum foil or a sheet pan under the pie on the next rack in case juices bubble out. Check crust and cover edges if they are getting too dark. Cook until the apples are fork-tender but intact and not completely soft or mushy.

A 9” aluminum pie pan freezes great in a large Ziplock bag. If cooking from frozen, bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes first. You can watch an instructional video of Gloria’s granddaughter, Rachel, making this pie here: https://tinyurl.com/yey5acyx

ENJOY!

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10/07/2026

Mary Alice Skelton

Larned – Mary Alice Skelton, 93, passed away October 6, 2026 at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence.

She was born May 12, 1933 in St. John, the daughter of Chester F. and Elma W. Cubbage Hole.

A lifetime Larned resident, she worked as an R.N. for Dr. M.G. Kirby. She was an active, lifetime member of First Chrisian Church, Larned, where she taught Sunday school. She was a member of Larned Garden Club, LiArMu (Literature Arts Music), and was also a part of the Sunday Night Card Club group. She was a very talented artist and created many paintings and murals throughout Larned and the surrounding communities for many years. Mary Alice also taught art classes and was a baton instructor for the summer rec. program for many years. She was a former member of Larned City Council, and thoroughly enjoyed attending and made time for every sporting event for each one of her grandchildren throughout the years.

On June 11, 1952 she married the love of her life, Charles Harlan “Ske” Skelton at Larned; he preceded her in death on May 24, 2022.

Survivors include: son, Jay (Beth) Skelton, Perry; daughter, Karan R. (Keith) Rudolph, Montgomery, Alabama; son-in-law, Steve Soeken, Ellinwood; two brothers, Chester F. Hole Jr., Peoria, Illinois, Brian Hole, Hawaii; two sisters, Lois Parrish, Ft. Meyers, Florida; May Jane Hutson, Eureka Illinois; seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her daughter, Janene L. Soeken; sister, Lola Mae Eberle and her brother, Dalton Annan.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Pastor David Spare presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, with family present from 5-7 p.m. Burial in Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be given to Prairie Arts Unlimited in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com

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09/30/2026

Lee Cheryl Durler

Lee Durler lived a life defined by creativity, family, and a dedication to education and learning. She was born in Great Bend, Kansas, in 1951 as the oldest daughter of Pat and Del Barlow. Because her father worked in the oil fields, the family moved frequently, instilling in young Lee a resilient, adventurous spirit, a deep and lifelong love of reading, and an appreciation for people from all walks of life.

In high school, Lee was active in art, band, and building close friendships, she graduated Great Bend High School in the class of 1969. After high school, though she earned a scholarship to KU, she chose to attend the brand-new Barton County Community College only partially because her father promised a car if she helped christen the new campus. That decision shaped the rest of her story: she became the college yearbook's very first editor, played in theater productions, and then, playing Pitch at the student union, met Stan Durler, the love of her life and her partner for the rest of her days.

Together, Lee and Stan embarked on a grand adventure. They married in 1971. They raised two daughters, Jamie and Jodie, and held close in their hearts the memory of a beloved daughter, Sharen Jo, and several angel babies.

Family vacations were sacred traditions. Lee packed up the car and drove her family out of state on camping excursions. Evenings on those trips were filled with laughter, campfires, and legendary rounds of Jenga on wildly wobbly tables—though her family always knew that beating Lee at cards or Jenga was a challenge.

In 2010, her only grandson, Kaden Brice, was born. She loved spending time with him, whether they were playing Nerts, gathering with family each Fourth of July at Lake Eufaula, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

Lee’s professional life was a natural extension of her generous heart and her creative skill. She graduated from Fort Hay State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education in English and Journalism. Through her 44-year career in education, she taught English, journalism, and theater, and worked with students K-12. She taught in several places, but her longest tenure was at Sacred Heart School, where she worked for years—starting as a teacher’s aide and culminating as lead teacher, after Sacred Heart, she worked for the Larned public school district. Then, she finished her career at Pawnee Heights High School. She believed in the power of education. She loved her students and celebrated their successes long after they left her classroom.

Outside the classroom, Lee was a creative. She enjoyed making something out of nothing, whether it was crafting gorgeous bouquets out of wrapping paper for wedding showers, a life-size camel for prom pictures, or writing stories like Erin O’ Dare. She brought that same energy to community theater in Larned, where she loved building sets and shining on stage. In the summers, she established TOYS (Theater of Young Stars) and worked with young people to produce plays for the community.

Music was the soundtrack to Lee's life. As a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church, she loved all of her choir family and the music they made together. She believed in making a joyful noise, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now right at home singing with the chorus of angels.

Lee is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Stan Durler of Larned, her daughter Jamie Durler of Garden City, her daughter Jodie Brice, son-in-law Phillip Brice, and grandson Kaden, all of Leavenworth, Kansas. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Sharen Pflughoeft of Eufala, OK and Larned; her brother-in-law Steve Durler (Janice) ,Larned, her brother-in-law Mike Durler (Debbie), Alamogordo NM, and her loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Jo Barlow; her parents, Pat and Del Barlow; her daughter, Sharen Jo; several angel babies, and her dear friend, Jo Molleker.

Lee’s warmth, creativity, intellect, and love will live on in the hearts of her family, her former students, and all the lives she touched along the way.

Funeral mass will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned, with Father Patrick Otor, MSP presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with a vigil service and rosary at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Larned Cemetery, Larned.

Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Pawnee Heights High School, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

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