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

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.

04/16/2026

Judith Aileen (Milton) Brown
(August 17, 1951 – April 14, 2026)

Judith Aileen Brown, 74, of Ellinwood, KS, passed away peacefully at the Ellinwood
Hospital and Clinic, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. She was born August 17, 1951, in Mendota, CA, the daughter of George and Betty Milton. Judy was raised in Fresno, CA, and after high school, married William Gerald Brown on December 23, 1969. They were married for 54 years before his death in November 2024. They traveled and lived all across the country and in 1982, decided to settle down in Oklahoma for 42 years. After her husband’s death, she resided with her daughter,
Tammie Buckbee, in Ellinwood, KS. Judy was a sheet metal worker and retired from Air System Components in Ponca City, OK. She had many hobbies and interests. She loved gardening and canning and tending to her flowerpots. Collecting antiques was also a year-round activity. But the two things she will be remembered by the most are her never-ending faith in our Lord and her love for her family. Even with all her energy devoted there, she still found more to help anyone in need. Her life has touched so many and words cannot express how
much she will be missed.

Survivors include her son, Jerry and wife Shelly Brown of Kaw City; daughter, Tammies and husband Brian Buckbee of Ellinwood, KS; five grandchildren: Trey and Tyler Brown, Zach Williams, Garrett Buckbee, and Kaitlyn Albers; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Jeanette and Gary Hopper of Fresno, CA; one brother, Rick and Diane Milton, of Kalispell, MT, many nieces and nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Betty Milton, and her husband, William Gerald Brown.
Graveside services will be held at noon on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Grandview
Cemetery in Kaw City, Oklahoma. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend to so many,
and her memory will be cherished by all who loved and knew her.

04/12/2026

Karen Hamby, 87, passed away at Sterling Village in Sterling, KS on April 11th, 2026. Born in Carydon, Indiana on August 24, 1938 to parents Eugene M. and Mary L. (Sampson) Frank she grew up in Hutchinson, KS graduating from Hutchinson High in 1957. Karen married John Ray Hamby on August 24, 1956 in Hutchinson, KS, they later moved to Ellinwood where she worked at Great Bend Manufacturing, Fuller Brush and Rice Engineers. Later they moved to Stockton, MO for four years before returning to Ellinwood to be closer to her family. Karen was a dog lover especially Weiner dog's and an incredible made from scratch cook. She also loved Royals baseball and crochet which allowed her to shower her family with gifts. Mostly she loved spending time with family and friends playing cards or just visiting.
Survivors include children, Elva Mitchell, Ellinwood, KS, Kevin Hamby and wife Jennifer, Great Bend, KS, and Connie Jenks and husband, Jack, Ellinwood, KS. Additional survivors include 10 beloved Grandchildren and multiple Great-Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by Husband, John Ray Hamby (1995); Son, Abel Hamby; Sister, Regina Lynch; and Great-Grandchild, Kyra Mitchell.

Graveside service will take place 10:30 AM on Wed., April 15th at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place at Minnis Chapel from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, April 14th. 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

04/08/2026

Ellinwood, KS

Phyllis Marie (Alpers) Miller, 94, of Ellinwood passed away peacefully at Ellinwood Country Living on April 6, 2026. She was born June 22, 1931, to Elmer Leo and Laura Matilda (Hullman) Alpers at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend. Phyllis attended German Valley Grade School, graduated from Hudson High School in 1949, and Hutchinson Community Junior College. After college, she taught 1st through 3rd grades at Wheatland School, District 105 south of Ellinwood for two years. Phyllis married George Miller Jr. at Peace United Church in Hudson on May 29, 1954. They enjoyed 65 years together on their farm in rural Ellinwood. He passed away July 3, 2019. Phyllis’ faith and positive attitude never wavered despite the valleys in her life from losing son, Kelly Miller; grandson, Colin Miller; siblings, Wayne “Red” Alpers, Florene Kallaus, and Robert Alpers; niece, Jill Alpers; and numerous Alpers and Hullman cousins and close friends. Phyllis was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Ellinwood. She joined when she married George. In addition, she was a member of Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League, Church Altar Guild, charter member of Tri-Circle Club (which started shortly after Kelly was born), Ellinwood Historical Society, Ellinwood Heritage Club, Barton Farm Bureau, Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce, and the Barton County Cougar Foundation. Phyllis and George were proud to be part of the Ellinwood Community, always wanting to support and give back to their community to ensure it thrived. They were named the outstanding citizens of Ellinwood one year and served as the grand Marshalls of the After Harvest Parade. They loved antiques, owning the local antique shop “Our Mother’s Treasures” for 10 years. In addition, at onetime, they owned eight buildings in Ellinwood and were former part-owners of the Ellinwood Underground Tunnels, with Phyllis volunteering to give tunnel tours. Phyllis loved to play cards, and took pride in her immaculate home. Every year, Phyllis would put out a large garden, growing lots of cucumbers, which she would make and can pickles-sweet, dill, and red. Phyllis and George were blessed to have many close friends they enjoyed traveling with to various states. Every winter, for 20 years, they looked forward to venturing with friends to Laughlin, NV.

Survivors include grandson, Saul Miller and wife Colbi; her two precious great-granddaughters, Brooke Monet and Blaire Marie Miller; daughter in law, Fawnia Miller, all of Ellinwood; sisters-in-
laws, Dorothy Lester and Pat Conner; cousins, Marion Alpers, Jerry Tieperman, and Marvin Sittner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, 512 N. Wilhelm Avenue, Ellinwood, with Pastor Kenton Abbott officiating. Burial will follow in Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. Friends may call from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, with the family present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Minnis Chapel, 113 N. Main St., Ellinwood.
Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Country Living, St. John Lutheran Church, or Peace Church, Hudson, in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org The family wishes to thank Gentiva and the staff at Ellinwood Country Living for all their love and support given to Phyllis.

04/01/2026

Joseph Leonard Birzer
November 2, 1944 – March 1, 2026

Joseph “Joe” Leonard Birzer, 81, of Maize, Kansas, passed away in his home on March 1, 2026, on what would have been the 57th anniversary of his marriage to his beloved wife, Marilyn. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, known for his quiet strength, generosity, and lifelong ability to fix and build just about anything. Joe was born on November 2, 1944, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Catherine Wendel Birzer and Robert Birzer. He was raised in Ellinwood, Kansas, alongside his four sisters: Bobbie, Judith, Donna, and Sandra. Growing up as the only boy in a house full of sisters helped shape his caring and steady nature. After graduating from Ellinwood High School, Joe served in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas, he met Marilyn Jo Bell. They were married on March 1, 1969, beginning a loving partnership that lasted a lifetime. Joe earned a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Kansas State University. He and Marilyn made their home in Harper, Kansas, where they raised their two children, Corrinne and Jeremy . Joe worked as an Electrical Distribution Engineer, dedicating his career to serving his community. Joe had a lifelong appreciation for staying active and involved. He enjoyed cycling and swimming and was a hands- on, devoted father who was always present and engaged with his children. He also had a deep love of astronomy, often taking his children out to view the night sky. In retirement, he volunteered at Lake Afton Observatory, participated in the Kansas Astronomical Observers, and spent time at Make ICT, sharing his knowledge and love of learning with others. Joe was known for his willingness to help anyone in need, his knack for repairing anything, and his love of storytelling. He enjoyed gaining an understanding of how things worked and helping others do the same.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn Bell Birzer; and his sisters, Bobbie Birzer Oberle and Donna Birzer Jones. He is survived by his daughter, Corrinne Birzer, and grandson Octavio Chiunti Birzer; his son, Jeremy Birzer, daughter-in-law Sandra Willson Birzer, and grandsons Brennan and Karsen Birzer; and sisters Judith Birzer Komarek and Sandra Birzer Choitz; and many extended family members and friends.

Memorial services will take place on Sat., April 11th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood with Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and Mass starting at 10:30 a.m followed by a graveside at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. A meal for family and close friends will follow the graveside service at St. Joseph Parish Center. Memorials are suggested to MakeITC of Wichita or Lake Afton Public Observatory in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

03/09/2026

Ellinwood, KS

Patricia (Pat) Ann Rager, 84, passed away at Ellinwood Country Living on the 6th of March 2026. Born in Columbus GA on November 21st, 1941, she was the daughter of Jesse Blanford Holiman and Lillian Gaynell Roberts Holiman, Yelverton. After high school Pat attended Milledgeville Business College, an all-girls college in Milledgeville Georgia. Pat married Robert G Rager on November 8th, 1979, in Columbus GA. Pat’s career with the US Government extended 46 years in different capacities. During her career, she traveled to several US locations and a few abroad. Patricia loved to bowl and competed throughout the years in various leagues and tournaments even making it to Nationals one year. Pat called Ellinwood KS home for the past 3 years after moving there from Junction City, KS. She previously lived in Colorado Springs, CO, Cheyenne, WY, Rapid City, SD, and Columbus, GA.
Patricia is survived by her son Christopher Michael Burgess, daughter Donna Robin Halzle, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert G Rager, grandson Christopher Lee Reagan, sister Lillian Ladell Holiman Zimmer, brother Blandford Ray Holiman, and brother Charles Wayne Yelverton. Cremation and a private family interment beside her husband Robert will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD at a later date. Memorial service will take place Sat., Apr. 18th 3:00 PM at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, KS.

Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Country Living in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS, 67526. Condolences to the family may be left at www.minnischapel.org

03/03/2026

Ellinwood, KS
Ann Marie Kimmel, 94, passed away at Country Living in Lyons, KS on February 28, 2026. Born in Kingman, KS on March 6th, 1931 she was the daughter of Francis and Maude (Anderson) McEvoy. She married Elster Erwin Kimmel in Kingman, KS on Nov. 23, 1949 he passed away May 9, 2017. Ann worked as a tailor for JC Pennies in Great Bend, KS for nearly 15 years. She enjoyed many hobbies including working with stained glass.
Survivors include daughters, Diana (Dan) Soeken, Ellinwood, KS and Colleen Turcotte, Great Bend, KS; Grandchildren, Dana Haynes, Dedra Goodenough; Great-Grandchildren, Corbin Lawrence, Dilana Goodenough, Caden Goodenough, Elsie Haynes; Great-Great-Grandchildren, Rhett and Lane Lawrence. She was preceded in death by husband, Elster Erwin Kimmel; and Sister, Teresa Grennan.
Memorial service will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 10th at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, KS with Father Bob Pinninti officiating. Inurnment of Elster and Ann will follow the service at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church Altar Guild in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at

01/15/2026

Yvonne Marie Brenn, 101, of Ellinwood, KS. Yvonne Marie McCullough was born on August 23, 1924, to Herbert and Genevieve McCullough in Minneapolis, KS. As a young girl, her parents moved to Ellinwood, KS, so her father could assume the position of Chief Engineer at the Ellinwood Electric Plant. She graduated from Ellinwood High School in May 1942.
She attended secretarial school at Hutchinson Technical School,
Hutchinson, KS, where she met James Stevenson, a naval officer stationed there. They married in 1944. Yvonne moved with her husband to Corpus Christi, TX, while he served as a naval pilot in the South Pacific during World War II. Later, she moved back to Ellinwood and raised her daughter, Jamee, and cared for her parents as they aged.
She worked for both Republic Natural Gas and then the City of Ellinwood as a secretary before eventually entering the banking industry. She retired as an Assistant Vice President at Peoples State Bank of Ellinwood.
In 1987, she married Clarence Brenn, whom she described as the love of her life. He passed away less than a year into their marriage. She remained close to his daughter, Sharon DeBusk, and her family over the years, which helped keep his memory alive.
Independent as she had always been, Yvonne lived alone until the age of 93, finding joy in her church, friends, and family. She was a past officer and active with both the Ellinwood Community Historical Society and Eastern Star. She later resided at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood, KS, and then at Azria in Great Bend, KS, until her death.
She is survived by her daughter, Jamee (Larry, deceased) Dannebohm; her grandchildren, Jon (Erin) Dannebohm, Laura (Charles Cercone) Dannebohm, and foreign exchange granddaughter Hanka (Bas) Borst Brouns; two great-granddaughters, Miriam Atteberry and Hannah Atteberry; two step-great-granddaughters, Ashley (Ben) Blair and Courtney Seever; and five great-great-grandchildren, Elijah, Doutzen, Thea, Layla, and Ella. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Larry Dannebohm, and step-great-grandson, Cody Seever.
Memorial service will be Monday, March 9th at 11 AM at Ellinwood Comminity Church. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Historical Society or Ellinwood Community Church in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

01/13/2026

Marian J. Witcraft, 101, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood, KS on Jan. 13, 2026. Born in Staunton, IL on Sept. 10, 1924 she was the daughter of Walter Paul and Edna Bley (Williams) McAfee. Marian graduated from high school in Fairfax, OK before moving to Kansas where she lived in Russell and Great Bend before making her home in Ellinwood where she stayed for over 70 years. Throughout the years Marian worked at Marlette Mobile Homes and the Sears store in Great Bend before finding her calling as a babysitter. She developed close ties with these children throughout the years and came to be an honorary Grandmother or “Mimi” to many kids. Marian also loved to read, needle working, and chocolate. She loved to root on her beloved Jayhawks, Chiefs, Royals, and Wildcats. Former memberships include Grove Park Golf Club, former Methodist Church in Ellinwood and former UCC Church in Ellinwood.
Survivors include son, William P. Witcraft (Carol), Dallas, TX; Daughters, Debra L. Witcraft, Ellinwood, KS and Pamela K. Witcraft (Jim Harrison), Sheridan, WY. Other survivors include many beloved honorary Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by siblings, Helyn M. Haun, Donald E. McAfee, and Oseil McAfee.
Funeral service will take place 10:30 AM, Sat., Jan. 17 at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Visitation will take place 1-7 PM Fri., Jan. 16 with family present from 5-7 PM. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, KS. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Hospital ER or Ellinwood Public Education and Library Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, Po Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org

Minnis Chapel Inc

05/05/2026

04/28/2026

04/18/2026

04/16/2026

04/12/2026

04/08/2026

04/01/2026

03/09/2026

03/03/2026

01/15/2026

01/13/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category