Minnis Chapel Inc

09/03/2025

Cheryl Marie (Meier) Isern, age 62, of Ellinwood, KS, unexpectedly passed away on her family’s farmland on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025.

She was born on October 4th, 1962 in Claflin, to Lowell “Red” Meier and Carolin Sue (Redding) Meier, where she grew up and attended high school. After school, Cheryl went to work for Garvey Elevator (later Gavilon Grain) where she would meet her husband Carl and continue to work off and on for 30+ years. Cheryl is survived by Carl, her husband, her “rock” of nearly 40 years; whose love kept her going all these years, their children Christopher (Morgan) Isern, CayLee Isern, Cody (Anna) Isern, and her beloved grandchildren Warren and Isla. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Byron and Rick, and her dear cat Clyde.

Despite her battle with depression, Cheryl was the best at making others feel loved. She was always the first to send a heartfelt, handwritten card or pick out a thoughtful keepsake and she truly found her calling as a mother and as “Grandma Cherlos.” No one was a stranger to Cheryl, as she welcomed everyone with a place to stay, a home cooked meal, and her genuine friendship. She loved hosting for her family and friends, especially during tailgates for the K-State Wildcats. She and Carl loved to travel and adventure together, whether it be near or far, with family or friends, to a concert or a football game.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 10:30 AM at St. John Lutheran Church. Following, friends and family are invited to celebrate Cheryl’s life at the Ellinwood American Legion. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Humane Society, and St. John Child Development Center.

09/03/2025

Melvin George Urban, 95, of Ellinwood, Kansas. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and Great-Grandfather(Great Papa) went to his heavenly home on September 2nd, 2025. He was born April 15th, 1930 at home in Loretta Kansas to Joseph and Josephine(Pfannenstiel)Urban. He grew up in the Hays area before moving to Hoisington and graduated from Hoisington high school. He served in the Korean war from 1951 to early 1953 earning the rank of Sergeant. He married Helen Beck on August 31st, 1953 and shortly thereafter moved to Ellinwood where he and Helen raised their four children and he resided until his death. She preceded him in death January 27th, 2019. He started working in the oilfield, initially as a roustabout and working his way up to Production Superintendent for Alladin Petroleum Company, and then in the same role for DR Lauck Oil Company before retiring at the age of 84. He was well respected in the Kansas oil and gas industry and was consulted by many for his knowledge and opinion on oil and gas production matters. He was a member of the Grove Park Golf Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, and St Joseph Catholic Church all of Ellinwood. Melvin was a devout Catholic, he loved his Lord and was a Grandfriend to many children at St Joseph School. He loved having a good time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cards (5 point pitch and pinochle). His most enjoyable moments were the times he spent making memories with family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years Helen, his brothers Julius Urban and Ervin Urban, his sisters Lillian Beck, Dolores Harris, Virginia Zimmerman, Lorraine Wedman, and Johanna Brodie. He is survived by his children Mike(Robin) Medicine Lodge, JaNan Rader Wichita, Chris(Pam) Silver Lake, and Brad(Theresa) Wichita, brothers, Arsenius Urban and Joseph Urban Jr, sisters, Alberta Klein and Twilla Kush, 9 Grand-children Jenny(Rich) Slivocka, Katie(Quentin) Berner, Ashley(Damon) Thompson, Josh Urban, Ryan(Marlisa) Rader, Austin(Ashley) Urban, Scott(Sarah) Rader, Corey(Kelsey) Urban, and Haley(Tyler) Nance, 16 Great Grand-children, Taelyn and Trace Thompson, Everly, Emma, and Ellie Berner, Maclin and Oakley Rader, Kinzie Urban, Noah and Molly Rader, Atzie and Eli Urban, Wade Nance, Carson and Claire Urban, Lucy Slivocka and two more who are on the way. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Funeral Mass will be September 5th 10:30 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will be September 4th 12-5 PM with family receiving friends from 3-5 PM at Minnis Chapel Ellinwood. Rosary/Vigil service will be 7 PM September 4th at St Joseph Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St Joseph Catholic School or Ellinwood Hospital Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be posted at www.minnischapel.org

08/27/2025

Patricia "Joelene" Bryant died August 26th, 2025 peacefully.
She was born July 23, 1931, at rural Pawnee Rock, Ks. Joelene was the daughter of Wayne and Leola (Eggerman) Cossman of Larned, Ks. She graduated from Pawnee Rock High School and later married Oliver Bryant, Jr. from Ellinwood, Ks. She was a resident of Ellinwood since that time and was a member of the Immanual United Church of Christ of Ellinwood. Joelene was secretary for the Ellinwood Women's Bowling Association for many years and did clerical work for the Great Bend Livestock Sales, Richardson Auction Service and was a tax preparer for H & R Block. As someone who lived a great life of traveling, working on the farm, taking care of her beautiful gardens, doing puzzles, volunteering in her community, showing love & compassion for everyone who crossed paths with her, Joelene lived a full life and left a great impact on many.

Survivors include her beloved daughter, Sandra of Ponca City, Ok; two grandsons, Jason and wife Sara Bryant and Chad Bryant and fiancée Melissa; sister, Vaudene Hiller; great-grandchildren Kiley Bryant, Kaylee, Olivia and Makynna.
Joelene was greeted with open arms by husband of 62 Years, Oliver Bryant, Jr. (2011) and her son Darwin Bryant (2024).

As Joelene loved purple, her family welcomes attendees to wear their favorite purple colored items in honor. Funeral Service will take place 10:00AM, September 2nd, at Ellinwood Community Church with Pastor Sam Ryan officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. Memorials are suggested to the family to Ellinwood Community Church or Donor’s Choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

08/21/2025

Ellinwood, KS
Thomas Joseph Vander Meer, 82, passed away at Azria Woodhaven in Great Bend, KS on Aug. 18, 2025. Born June 19,1943 in Le Mars, IA he was the son of Petar and Margaret (Tuynman) Vander Meer. Tom grew up in Le Mars graduating from Gehlen High School in 1961. Later he graduated from Ft. Hays State University with a Master’s in Business. Tom also graduated from Iowa State University with an Associate’s Degree of Electronics. He married Barbara A. Grosenheider on Nov. 26, 1966 in Le Mars she passed away in 2013. Tom later Married Lynda Osteen Dec. 24, 2016 in Ellinwood, KS.
He grew up baking later owning Donut World from 1967 until 1979 in Yankton, SD. Tom then worked for Yankton Police Dept. until 1981 before moving to Great Bend, KS and the Great Bend Police Dept. from 1981-1983. Later he worked at Great Bend Industries until retirement. Tom was also an avid HAM radio operator.
Survivors include spouse, Lynda Vander Meer, Ellinwood, KS; siblings, Mary Conry, Wankee, IA, William Vander Meer, Ankeny, IA, Evely Albrect, Burnsville, MN, Anna Savage, Sarasota, FL, Dorothy Kelly, Boston, MA; sons, Peter (Cynthia) Vander Meer, Ellinwood, KS, Mike Vander Meer, Olathe, KS, and Paul (Patricia) Vander Meer, Oronogo, MO. Other survivors include many Grandchildren and Great- Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by previous spouse, Barbara A. Vander Meer; and siblings, Peter Jr. Vander Meer and James Vander Meer.
Cremation has taken place inurnment will be scheduled at a later date at Lakin- Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67626.

07/21/2025

Blake Allen Peters, 35, of Ellinwood, Ks, passed away on July 19th, 2025 after a tragic accident ultimately leading the Good Lord to call him home. He was born in Great Bend, Ks on November 12th, 1989 to Kerri Elsen (Peters). Blake married Madison Kilgore and had two beautiful children and later divorced. Then, met and married his soul mate Kymberle (Kymie) Peters with whom brought two children to the marriage and is expecting their first child together. Blake graduated from Great Bend High School in 2008. Then, he went and got his welding certification in Salina. Besides work, Blake loved to hunt, fish, be at the river, play softball, and most of all loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Kymberle Peters; daughters Graceleigh Peters and Brooklynn Jackson of Ellinwood, Ks; sons Rhett Peters and Owen Jackson of Ellinwood, Ks; mother Kerri (James) Elsen of Ellinwood, Ks; father Bill Bird of Kanopolis Lake; sister Emily (Wade) Honomichl of Great Bend, Ks; stepsisters Jessica (Nolan) Hoffman of Hays, Ks, Erica Manning of Ellinwood, Ks, and Becky (Oscar) Montes of Ellinwood, Ks; grandfather Benjamin (Benny) McCaskey of Great Bend, Ks; nephews Kohan, Kelton, and Briggs Honomichl; niece Brailyn Honomichl He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sheryl McCaskey. Memorial service will be held Thursday July 24th @ 10am at Heartland Community Church in Great Bend, Ks. In lieu of flowers family requests memorials to Minnis Chapel, Po Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Private inurnment in McCracken Cemetery will take place at a later date. Service will be recorded and posted at Minnis Chapel facebook.

07/20/2025

Ellinwood, KS

Blake Peters, 35, died tragically on July 19th, 2025. Services are pending with Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood.

07/11/2025

Join us tomorrow 10:30am @ Minnis Chapel- Ellinwood for the memorial service of: Sharilyn Kaye Maberry

Passed away June 25, 2025 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. She was born in Ellsworth,Ks, March 29, 1950 to George and Gertrude (Zorn) Loper. She was baptized and confirmed in the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell, KS. She graduated from Luray High School Luray KS in 1968. June 12, 1970, she married Leonard Gene Maberry in Russell, Ks. To this union they had a daughter, Taunya Kaye Maberry. They lived in Ellinwood since 1973. She worked at different jobs, Travenol in Hays, Ks, Fuller Brush in Great Bend, Ks, Woodhaven, in Ellinwood, Ks and Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood, Ks until she retired. She enjoyed working outside with her flowers and garden. She was a collector of many things. She enjoyed going on shopping trips. She was a big fan of antiques stores, flea market, and watching True Crime shows.

She is survived by her husband Leonard of 55 years of the home. Daughter Taunya Maberry and Grand Dog Kirby of Great Bend Ks. Sister Sherith Zelenka of Wilson Ks. Brother in-law Larry Newton and wife Norma of Neosho, Mo. Uncle Larry Hoke and wife Julia of Russell, Ks. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Preceded in death by parents, brothers, Larry Don, Marvel Dean, and Keith Allen. Sister Betty Newton, Brother in-law Loren Zelenka, & Niece Cindy Johnson.

Celebration of Life Service to be held at Minnis Chapel Ellinwood, Ks, at 10:30 A.M. July 12, 2025. Casual dress is requested. Private inurnment at Lakin-Commanche Cemetery in Ellinwood at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Kans for Kids or Donor’s choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, Ks 67526.

06/29/2025

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06/28/2025

Ellinwood, KS

David Marlin Reser, 67, passed away on June 19, 2025 in Ellinwood, KS. Born in Ellinwood, KS on October 16, 1957 he was the son of Robert Byron and Betty Lou (Elliott) Reser. David graduated from Ellinwood HS in 1976 where he excelled as an athlete even holding a record in Pole Vault until recently. He found work as a machinist in the area. Memberships include Sons of the American Legion, Shriners Organization, and Free Masons.
Survivors include daughter, Suziee Ham ( Nickolas); Brothers, Tommy Reser and Robert Scott (Lisa) Reser; Sisters, Claudia (Richard) Jones and Kala (Chris) Chaney; Grandchild, Ian Ham. David was preceded in death by his Parents and Brother, Steve Reser.
Cremation has taken place and private family burial will take place at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Donor's Choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. The experienced funeral directors at Minnis Chapel Inc. will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and res...

06/27/2025

Sharilyn Kaye Maberry, 75, passed away at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS on June 25, 2025. Services are pending with Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, KS.

06/20/2025

Our beloved father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Duane Lee Dewerff, age 87,
was peacefully welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on June 17, 2025.
Born on July 12, 1937, Duane was raised in Ellinwood, KS and graduated with the Ellinwood
Rural High School Class of 1955. He attended the University of Kansas as a member of the
Triangle Fraternity where he served as Battalion Commander in the Navy ROTC, graduating
with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree in 1959. Upon graduating, Duane dutifully
served in the US Navy (LTJG) aboard the USS Wilkenson (DL-5), ultimately transferring and
completing his service at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. There, he began a 33-year career
with Sandia National Labs and further earned a master’s degree from the University of New
Mexico before retiring in 1997.
Duane married Margery Carol Plumb in 1960, and together they raised two daughters, Cheryl
(Cheri) and Debra (Debi). In 1986, he married Charmaine Coughenour and welcomed her two
children, Kimberly and Douglas, into his heart and family. He and Charmaine were devoted
members of Faith Lutheran Church in Albuquerque and generously shared their faith and talents
to support their community. They further shared a passion for musical theater and both served
on the board of the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association (ACLOA) where Duane also
served as President and occasionally enjoyed the opportunity to perform.
Deeply rooted in his Kansas heritage, Duane spent many years helping his parents work the
family farmland handed down over more than eight generations, and his sense of commitment
and care carried into all aspects of his life.
After retiring from Sandia Labs, Duane liked to be outside exercising his green thumb and
practicing his golf swing. For 22 years, Duane enjoyed part-time work marshaling at
Albuquerque’s municipal Arroyo del Oso Golf Course.
Duane will be remembered for his steadfastness, his love of the land, and his devotion to his
family and friends. He is survived by his daughters Cheri LaCounte (husband Chris) of Ruidoso,
NM; Deb Williams (husband Forrest) of Albuquerque; his stepchildren Kimberly Schwartz
(husband Bill) of La Quinta, CA and Douglas Coughenour (wife Jennifer) of Scottsdale, AZ; his
brother Glen DeWerff (wife Mary) of Kansas City, KS; sister Linda (husband Keith) of Scott City,
KS; his grandson Brendan (wife Meghan) and great-grandsons Isaac and Benjamin of Rio
Rancho, NM, who brought him deep joy and enormous pride in his later years. Duane is further
survived by treasured friend Jim Gosler—a man he considered a brother for much of his life.
Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children. Duane was preceded in
death by his cherished wife Charmaine as well as his parents, Harvey and Doris DeWerff, his
brother Lloyd, and many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A funeral service for Duane will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church,
Albuquerque, NM, Pastor Mark Behenna officiating. On Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. June
25, Duane will be laid to rest in Lakin Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kansas, beside his
parents, bringing him home to the land and community that shaped his life; family and friends
are lovingly welcome.

06/07/2025

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