Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home

10/22/2026

In Loving Memory
William "W***y" Varner

William “W***y” Harris Varner, 69, of Norton, KS passed away October 18, 2026, at his home in Norton. He was born on November 1, 1956, in Sacramento, CA, to John Harris Varner and Gladys Marie Morthole.

W***y grew up in Broderick, CA, where he graduated from Washington High School in 1974. He joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He served for five years and was stationed in Sacramento, CA as a generator engineer, later transferring to the Philippines where he completed his service. After serving in the military, he became a Merchant Seaman and traveled the world for about six years. W***y returned and settled in Sacramento, married, and had his son Matthew Harris Varner. For 10 years he worked for United Grocers and was a member of the local Warehouseman Union. After that he was a warehouse manager and journeyman tile setter.

When W***y met Laura, he didn’t just find love with her; he gained a family in her four boys. He welcomed them into his heart and loved them as his own. They moved to Norton, KS in 2011. W***y and Laura were together for 31 years, they married on July 17, 2021, in Norton. W***y worked for Jamboree for 15 years, his last position was the Manager of the Dairy Dept.

W***y was an accomplished athlete. He played Little League and was selected for the All-Star team several times. As a sophomore, he competed in the two-mile events for the Huskies track and field team, setting a school record and earning many victories. He also played junior varsity and varsity basketball, served on the Student Council, and was student body president during his senior year. As an adult, he remained an avid golfer and made two holes-in-one.

W***y was the neighborhood Paperboy from age 12 to 15, then went to work as a busboy at the Sutter Club in Sacramento a private establishment for the California Legislature. W***y lived a life full of adventure, to mention one, at 13 he and his brother, John, once hitchhiked from California to St. Louis, MO. He traveled the world during his Merchant Seaman career from Hawaii, through the Panama Canal and many countries along the way. He enjoyed collecting things, especially baseball cards, coins, and antiques. W***y loved collectables and making deals. In his spare time, he loved watching sports, especially RAMs, Sacramento Kings and going to River Cats games. W***y was a very social person; he never met a stranger.

W***y is survived by his wife, Laura of the home; son, Matthew Varner of Levittown, PA; stepsons: RC Compton of Almena, KS, Kenny (Tiffany) Compton of Almena, KS, Phillip (Sidney) Compton of Sacramento, CA, and Johnny (Estella Cox) Compton of Hays, KS; mother, Gladys and (stepfather) Gary Morthole of Broderick CA; 12 grandchildren and one on the way; siblings: Debra (David Fuhs) Varner Gibbs of Chico, CA, Jo Ann (Stephen) Varner Goodwin of Aptos, CA, Tina Steele of Elk Grove, CA, Gina Fontinella of Glendale, CA, and Karen (Julian) Bustillos of West Sacramento, CA and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. W***y was preceded in death by his father and siblings: James Eddie Fairfield, John B. Varner, and Candi Lee Tynes.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the W***y Varner Memorial Fund and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

10/16/2026

In Loving Memory
Patricia "Patty" Kauten

Patricia Ann Kauten, 67, of Norton, KS passed away October 14, 2026 at the Norton County Hospital. She was born November 11, 1958 in Ft. Bragg, NC to Gilbert M. Courtain and Carol J. (Miller) Strickland.

Patty grew up in Norton, KS and graduated from Norton Community High School in 1976. She attended Ft. Hays State University for one year. Patty married Jim Kauten on August 27, 1977 in Norton, KS. She was a teller at First Security Bank and then United Northwest Federal Credit Union until her retirement in 2024. Patty enjoyed reading and working on puzzles. She had a caring heart and would often take in animals that needed a home. Patty loved being at home but if her “Jive Five” friends’ group from high school got together she loved spending time with them doing crafts and other activities. Most of all, Patty loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Patty is survived by her husband, Jim of the home; children: Brandy Kauten of Norton, KS, Logan (Ashley) Kauten of Ellis, KS, and Morgan (Spencer) Reeves of Atwood, KS; grandchildren: Landen Ediger, Mason Rohleder, Benjamin Reeves, Jordyn Reeves, and Myah Kauten; second mom, Ila Marble of Norton, KS; sister, Cindy (Randy) Linner of Norton, KS; sister-in-law, Sue (Ed) Stacey of Bentonville, AR, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gil Courtain; mother, Carol Strickland; twin daughters, Kandis and Kayla; brother, Gilbert Courtain, II, and sister, Kim Linner.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in the Norton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Public Library or Second Chance Homeless Pets Society and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

10/08/2026

In Loving Memory
William "Jeff" Spradlin

William Jeffrey Spradlin, 68, of Norton, KS passed away October 5, 2026 at his home. He was born March 12, 1958 to Willie G. and Lillian (Snipes) Spradlin.

Jeff grew up in Michigan and graduated from Albion Senior High School. He later moved to Georgia and then moved to Kansas in 1997. Jeff was a mechanic for most of his life, but it wasn’t just a job to him, he loved fixing up cars. He played in a band when he was young and still loved playing music, mainly guitar.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Lillian (JR) Butler of Springport, MI; son, Aaron (Ginger) Spradlin of Jackson, MI; daughters, Stephanie (Jerrad) Lewis of Eudora, KS and Maggie (Stephen) Kirk of McCook, NE; grandchildren: Caden Spradlin, Kenzie Marie (Bryan) Sussex-Calvert, Samantha (Brad) Crum, Payton and Max Lewis and Odesza, Dylan, and Ollie Kirk; great grandchildren: Lexi, Greyson, Taylen, and Cameron, and half-brother, Joe Spradlin of Albion, MI. Through his relationship with Allie, Jeff developed a bond with her daughter, Kerri Sumner and her children, Cody, Jordyn, Dallas, and Austin.

He was preceded in death by his father; son, Dylan Spradlin in 2016, and fiancé, Allie Whitt.

The family has chosen cremation. Arrangements by: Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654 Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

10/08/2026

In Loving Memory
Judith J. Wyatt

Judith Jane Wyatt, 89, of Norton, Kansas passed away October 7, 2026 at the Andbe Home in Norton. She was born October 31, 1936 in Oberlin, KS to Edwin R. and Gladys L. (Griffith) Hitchcock.

Judith spent many years growing up in Salina, KS, where her dad was an educator and coach. In 1950, they moved to Mount Vernon, IA where her dad accepted the head wrestling and assistant football coaching position at Cornell College. At the young age of 41, her dad passed away suddenly, and they moved back to Kansas. She graduated from Great Bend, Kansas High School in 1954.

Judith married Darrel J. Wyatt on March 27, 1956 in Oberlin, KS. They farmed northwest of Norton for many years until their divorce. To this union, four children were born: Rebecca, Robert, Russell, and Randall. Judith enjoyed the farm life, especially her cats and dogs.

Judith is survived by her daughter, Rebecca A. (Charles) Abels of Norton, KS; sons: Robert D. (Jane) Wyatt of Norton, KS, Russell J. (Lisa) Wyatt of Wichita, KS, and Randall L. (Tiffany) Wyatt of Washington, KS, grandchildren: Alisha Stark, Jillian Bredfeldt, Matthew Wyatt, Darrel Patton, Zach Patton, Andrew Ables, Samantha Wyatt, Cody Wyatt, Brady Wyatt, Jordan Wyatt, Whitney Bargman, and Lauren Wyatt, and twelve great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Alma Johnson.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in the Oberlin City Cemetery, Oberlin, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Judith Wyatt Memorial Fund to benefit the residents of Andbe Home. Donations will be used to help provide personal items and other necessities for residents who may not have the financial means to purchase these things for themselves. In Judith’s memory, these gifts will help bring comfort, dignity, and a little extra joy to those who need it most. Arrangements by: Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

10/07/2026

In Loving Memory
Gerald W. Wright

Gerald Wayne Wright, 87, of Golden, CO, passed away on October 1, 2026. He was born March 7, 1939 in Norton, KS to Steward Grant and Hazel Alza (Howell) Wright.

Gerald grew up in Norton and graduated from Norton Community High School. He was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning a popcorn bowl in California, a company that delivered snacks to bars, and a tow truck company. Gerald was a member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed collecting coins, old cars, traveling, reading, and meeting new people.

Gerald is survived by his children: Bruce (Bernadette) Wright of Roseburg, OR, Susan (Todd) Cosselman of Aurora, CO, and Colleen Austin Wright of Lakewood, CO; stepchildren: Marion, Gordon, Hans, Mike, and Michelle; 5 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; significant other, Ursula Mix, and siblings: Wilma, Leo, Omar, and Earl.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in the Norton Cemetery, Norton, KS. Arrangements by: Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

10/02/2026

In Loving Memory
Walter M. Dicks

Walter Mann Dicks, 72, of Norton, KS passed away September 30, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE with his family by his side. He was born May 16, 1954, in Colby, KS to William “Bill” Dicks and Rosella (Rall) O’Connell.

Walter grew up in Hoxie and attended school there until his freshman year when he moved to live with his sister in Hill City. He met his future wife, Marilyn in Selden. Walter married Marilyn Kleinsorge on July 26, 1975, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Selden. They moved around until settling in Norton in 1984. He has worked various jobs; including cooking at the Town & Country kitchen and truck driving. Walter later retired from Wesco. In his early days, Walter enjoyed fishing and woodworking. More recently, he loved watching Western TV Shows and Movies and looked forward to his daily puzzles in the Salina Journal.

Walter is survived by his children: Amy Dicks (Todd Johnson) of Norton, Stacy Field (Andrew Keith) of Norton, Brian Dicks of Norton, and Taylor (Derek) Tomjack of Beatrice, NE; grandchildren: Shayd Dicks (Celia McDole) of Red Cloud, NE, Kolton Field (Paisley Smyth) of Hays, KS, Kody Field (Hannah Swanson) of Loomis, NE, Jayci Johnson of Norton, KS, and Berkley and Atley Tomjack of Beatrice, NE and sisters: Eileen Sample of Hoxie, KS, Grace Sonntag of Hoxie, KS, and Teri Geringer of Fowler, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Marilyn in 2024.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Walter Dicks Memorial Fund and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

10/01/2026

In Loving Memory
Wayne Jones

Wayne A. Jones, 72, of Clayton, KS passed away September 15, 2026 at Smith Center Health and Rehab. He was born June 17, 1954 in Winnebago, IL to Robert and Deloris (Hatfield) Jones.
Wayne grew up in Minnesota but moved around a lot as a kid. On February 4, 1978, he married Donna Carter in Norton, KS. He spent his life farming on several different farms to help provide for his family when his father got sick. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting with his cousin Timmy, and helping people however he can. Wayne loved spending time with Donna, whether it was him taking her to appointments, going shopping, or just spending quality time at home.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Donna of Smith Center, KS; brother, Johnny Jones of Salina, KS; aunt, Rose Hatfield; cousins, Timmy and Eldon Hatfield, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Deloris Jones.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses or the Norton Christian Church. Arrangements by: Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654 Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

09/28/2026

In Loving Memory
Phillip D. Loughry

Phillip Dean Loughry, 79, of Norton, KS passed away September 26, 2026 surrounded by his family at the Norton County Hospital. He was born July 22, 1947 in Norton, KS to Alvah Edward and Ivelyn (Satter) Loughry.

Phil grew up in Norton and was a 1965 graduate of Norton Community High School. On February 5, 1967, Phil married Geraldine Mae Rogers at the Norton Christian Church. He was a lifelong farmer. Farming wasn’t just a job to him; it was his passion and something he took a lot of pride in. Phil served on several boards including the Norton Rural Fire Dept., FSA, and Credit Union. He was an Elder for the First Church of God and an FFA Alumni. Phil loved playing with toys with his grandkids and great grandkids.

Phil is survived by his wife Geraldine of the home; daughters: Pamela Mae (Mike) Blochlinger of Concordia, KS and Melinda “Mindy” (Chris) Harting of Norton, KS; 6 grandchildren: Kolton (Lauren) Harting of Edmond, KS, Wyatt (Jordan) Harting of Norton, KS, Weston (Amy) Harting of Norton, KS, Shelby (Cole) Amlong of Norton, KS, Kristie (Jeffrey) Anderson of Jewell, KS, and Karlie (Thomas) Campbell of Concordia, KS; sister, Joyce (Doyle) Brooks; sisters-in-law, Doris Nelson and Donna Bittel and brother-in-law, Charles Alexander.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvah and Ivelyn Loughry; parents-in-law, Asa and Marvel Rogers; brothers: Darwin (Alice) Loughry and Alan Loughry; sister-in-law, Daloris Alexander and brothers-in-law, Harold Bittel and Bill Nelson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Friday, October 2, 2026 at the First Church of God in Norton. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God or Norton Rural Fire Dept. and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at

Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Norton, KS provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding a... Learn More

09/23/2026

In Loving Memory
Joy Johnson

Joy Louise Johnson, 85, of Norton, passed away September 20, 2026 at the Andbe Home in Norton, KS, with her close family by her side and her only grandchild holding her hand. She was born March 27, 1941 in Oberlin, KS to Nicholas C. and Josephine (Johnston) Bosler.

Joy grew up in Oberlin and was a 1959 graduate of Decatur Community High School. She married Von Johnson on June 17, 1958 in Oberlin. They lived in Oberlin until 1966 when they moved to Norton. Joy began working at the Norton Hospital in the medical records department until they briefly moved to Iola, Kansas and then on to Atwood, KS. She began working at the ASCS office in Atwood and for a short time at the Oberlin location. Working in the hospital environment sparked Joy’s interest in the medical field, so she decided to go to college to pursue a career in nursing. She attended Colby Community College and then Fort Hays State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Around this time Joy and Von decided to go their separate ways and were divorced. She started out her nursing career working at the Colorado State Hospital in Pueblo. She then spent 4 years working at the Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital in Sun City West, AZ, before returning to the Colorado State Hospital in 1996 where she worked until she retired in late 2006. On February 6, 1998 Joy and Von were reunited in marriage. Soon after retirement Joy and Von moved to Norcatur, KS and then settled in Norton, KS to be closer to family.

Joy always looked forward to having conversations with her son Byron regarding computers and how she could use her computer for personal productivity. She also enjoyed physical fitness, a passion she shared with her other son Todd. Joy loved playing cards with her granddaughter Jayci. She was an avid reader, with a focus on Bible scripture especially in her last several years of life. She also enjoyed cooking, going to garage sales, and interior decorating. Her dogs were also very special to her.

Joy is survived by her husband, Von of the home; sons: Byron Johnson of Hays, KS and Todd Johnson (Amy Dicks) of Norton, KS; granddaughter, Jayci Josephine Johnson of Norton; step-grandson, Shayd Dicks (Celia McDole) of Red Cloud, NE; sister, Carolyn Wallace of Ardmore, OK, and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Beatrice (Harry) Krening, Gordon (Nancy) Bosler, Berniece (Stan) Czuk, and Wayne (Linda) Bosler, and brother-in-law, Bennett Wallace.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the First Church of God in Norton, Ks. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday October 2, 2026 at the funeral home. Private family inurnment will be held in the Norcatur Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joy Johnson Memorial Fund and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St. Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

09/17/2026

In Loving Memory
Betty Ann Sheley

Betty Ann Sheley

December 16, 1935-July 30, 2026

Betty Ann Sheley, 90 years old, of Missouri City, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep, on July 30, 2026, surrounded by her family at home.

Betty was born on December 16, 1935, in Peru, Indiana, to Clarence Oldham and Katherine Graham. She spent most of her life in Norton, Kansas, where she and her husband, Jack Sheley, raised their family. Betty and her husband owned Sheley’s Janitorial Service. She also worked at the Andbe Home Nursing Facility, as a nurse’s aide. Her caring nature and quiet dedication touched many lives.

Betty loved a good game of Bingo, was always up for an old movie, and found joy in crocheting, and crafting-a hobby that let her creativity shine and gave her hours of contentment.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Sheley, who passed away in 2004, her brothers Floyd Oldham, Donald Oldham of Peru, IN, and Frankie Oldham of Dallas, Tx, her sisters Ruth Oldham, Mildred Phillipe, of Peri, IN., Mary Curry of Indianapolis, IN and Rebecca Oldham of Florida and son-in-law, Donald Ray Fowler.

She is survived by her children Nadine Fowler (George Shewey) of Norton, KS, Joyce Sheley (Arthur Johnson), of Missouri City, TX, and Jack Laverne Sheley of Norton, KS. Her grandchildren, Curtis Fowler, Brendan Fowler, Amanda Johnson, Jacqueline Johnson, and Justin Davis, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson: and her half brothers Boyd Ribble of Seattle, WA and Kenneth Ribble of Tennessee.

Betty will be remembered for her warmth, her steady presence and the love she poured into her family throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2 PM at the Church of God in Norton, KS where she was a member for many years.