Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home

12/24/2025

In Loving Memory
Wava E. Conard

Wava E. “Shorty” Conard, 93, of Norton, KS passed away December 18, 2025 at the Andbe Home. She was born May 8, 1932 in Cactus, Kansas to Claude E. and Ellen M. (Withington) Archer.

Wava grew up on a farm in Cactus, KS and graduated from Almena High School. After high school she married Corky Conard. They moved to Lincoln, NE then back to Norton. During that time, they travelled all-around, mainly in Florida, so Wave could drive stunt cars and Corky was the mechanic. They then moved their family to California where they both drove trucks delivering sailboats. Wava and Corky also owned a golf course for years in California before retiring and moving closer to family in Norton. She also co-owned Power and Performance in Norton with her son, Terry. In her spare time, Wava enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

Wava is survived by her son, Terry Conard of Lenora, KS; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Corky; sons, Corky Conard Jr. and Mert Conard; grandson, Elliott Conard, and great granddaughter, Theresa Ciccarelli.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654 to help with expenses. 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

12/23/2025

In Loving Memory
Clifford “Lil Grizz” Wayne Pope

On December 21st, 2025, the trail grew quiet as Lil Grizz, master hat maker and keeper of old-world craftsmanship, hung up his tools for the last time. Clifford “Lil Grizz” Wayne Pope was born August 22, 1951 in Taylor, AR to Darrell Pope and Betty Gannon.

He attended high school in Spring Hill, Louisiana. At a young age he received his pilot’s license. After high school, he went on to receive a degree in Forestry. Grizz worked at various places including construction, manufacturing, oil field services, and at a lumberyard. He began working at Dogpatch USA doing old time photography and then later ran the Old-Time photo stand at the Territorial Park in Laramie, WY. He lived life joyfully and went on many adventures. His greatest one was when he went canoeing on the Red River and its major tributaries with his friend, Kelley Haynes. The trip was 900 miles in 90 days. Grizz also enjoyed white-water rafting, hiking, fishing, and trail riding. One year he bought a mechanical bull and travelled around setting it up at various events in Texas and across the South.

Lil Grizz met the Joy of his life at 1838 Rendezvous, 2012, and they married and lived happily ever after. …. Well not really but you get the picture!!

For over 50 years, Hats by Grizz shaped more than felt and brim, he shaped legacy. Each hat bore the mark of his hands, his heart, and his heritage. They weren’t just worn, they were lived in, passed down, and remembered.

Grizz didn’t just make hats. He made stories. He stitched grit into every crease, carved character into every curve, and crowned generations with dignity, humor, and soul. His workshop was a sanctuary of steam and felt, where tradition met artistry and every visitor left a little taller.

Now, he resides on ahead to the eternal cowboy/skinner camp, where the fire never dies and the coffee’s always hot. He’s sittin’ with Jesus under a sky that never dims, holding his favorite hat and smiling that wide, weathered grin. The angels wear brimmed crowns today that are hand-shaped, of course.

We’ll miss the man, the myth, the maker. But we’ll carry his spirit in every shadow cast by a well-worn brim. Rest easy, Lil Grizz. You’ve earned your place by the fire.

Grizz is survived by his wife, Joy Morris of New Almelo, KS; step-children that he loved dearly: Duncan Hugh Palmer of New Almelo, KS, Maudina Rose (Sean) Palmer-Aldair of North Hollywood, CA, and June Elizabeth Palmer of Minneapolis, MN; children: John Thomas Pope of Chicago, IL, Jesse Lee Wales of Ottawa, ON, Canada, and Alexander Jude Hanna (fiancé Hayley Woebse) of Bangor, PA; sisters, Genae (Myron) Herrick of Sarepta, LA and Charlotte “Chuck” Pope of Sarepta, LA; stepbrother, James Gannon of Falcon, AR, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family has chosen cremation per his wishes. Memorial activities will be announced at a later date on the “Hats By Grizz – Made With Joy” page. Memorial contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/cf01ee0f0 Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com

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

12/17/2025

In Loving Memory
Gaspar Reynoso Mejía

Gaspar Reynoso Mejía, nacido el 18 de septiembre de 1982 en San Sebastián, Retalhuleu, Guatemala, falleció el 8 de diciembre de 2025. Criado en Aldea Ocosito, Guatemala, construyó una carrera digna y respetada como técnico, reconocido por su dedicación, ética de trabajo y su habilidad para resolver problemas con precisión y destreza. Su espíritu alegre, su sonrisa cálida y su amor por la música vallenata reflejaban la personalidad vibrante que lo hacía inolvidable.

Gaspar y Glavia Mariza Tamu Pérez fueron bendecidos con dos hijas, Lesly Maritza Reynoso Tamu y María Reynoso Tamu, quienes fueron el centro de su corazón.

Lo recuerdan con amor su padre, Sebastián Reynoso Mejía, su madre, María Mejía Ramos, y sus hermanos: Edin Roberto Reynoso Mejía, Jesús Reynoso Mejía, Santos Reynoso Mejía y Sebastián Reynoso Vicente. Cada uno de ellos guarda recuerdos de la generosidad de Gaspar, su buen humor y la alegría que llevaba a cada lugar que visitaba.

Conocido por ser una persona verdaderamente alegre, Gaspar vivió su vida con gratitud y un corazón lleno de bondad. Su risa, su naturaleza cariñosa y su forma de hacer sentir valorados a los demás serán siempre recordadas por quienes tuvieron el privilegio de conocerlo.

Los servicios funerarios se llevarán a cabo en San Sebastián, Retalhuleu, y su sepelio será en el Cementerio General de San Sebastián. La música que amaba—especialmente el vallenato—acompañará su despedida, honrando el espíritu alegre que definió su vida.

Gaspar Reynoso Mejía deja un legado de amor, felicidad y momentos inolvidables. Su memoria será siempre una bendición para su familia, sus amigos y todos aquellos tocados por su hermosa esencia.

***

Gaspar Reynoso Mejía, born on September 18, 1982, in San Sebastián, Retalhuleu, Guatemala, passed away December 8th, 2025. Raised in Aldea Ocosito, Guatemala, he built a proud and respected career as a technician, known for his dedication, work ethic, and ability to solve problems with skill and precision. His joyful spirit, warm smile, and love for vallenato music reflected the vibrant personality that made him unforgettable.

Gaspar and Glavia Mariza Tamu Pérez were blessed with two daughters, Lesly Maritza Reynoso Tamu and María Reynoso Tamu, who were the center of his heart.

He is lovingly remembered by his father, Sebastián Reynoso Mejía, his mother, María Mejía Ramos, and his siblings: Edin Roberto Reynoso Mejía, Jesús Reynoso Mejía, Santos Reynoso Mejía, and Sebastián Reynoso Vicente. Each of them carries memories of Gaspar’s generosity, humor, and the happiness he brought into every room.

Known for being a truly joyful person, Gaspar lived his life with gratitude and a heart full of kindness. His laughter, his caring nature, and his ability to make others feel valued will remain cherished by all who knew him.

Funeral services will take place in San Sebastián, Retalhuleu, with burial at the Cementerio General San Sebastián. The music he loved—especially vallenato—will accompany his farewell, honoring the joyful spirit that defined his life.

Gaspar Reynoso Mejía leaves behind a legacy of love, happiness, and unforgettable moments. His memory will remain a blessing to his family, his friends, and everyone touched by his beautiful spirit.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm Friday, December 19, 2025 at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. A visitation will follow the service until 7:00 pm. 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

12/03/2025

If you are looking for a meaningful gift to give this holiday season we have a great option for you. Our beautiful hand-blown glass angel memorial ornaments are the perfect gift. For questions or to order please call Alyssa at 785-877-5135. Happy Holidays!

11/29/2025

In Loving Memory
Robert P. Speer

Robert Po***ck Speer, 86, of Norton, Kansas passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, at the Andbe Home. He was surrounded by the people he loved most, his family.

Bob was born on December 4, 1938 in Denver, Colorado to Robert W. and Helene (Kelly) Speer. After graduating from South High School in Denver, he studied sociology and theology, earning his Master of Divinity in 1966 from Chicago Theological Seminary. With a deep love of learning and helping people, he later earned his master’s degree in counseling from Fort Hays State University.
A great devotee of anecdotes and story telling, Bob frequently shared, “a young man once told me that there are two major decisions we make: what we do with our lives and with whom we do it. I got both of them right.”

The first of those two decisions was when Bob married “the most beautiful woman I ever saw," and the love of his life, Rita D. Winbolt, on June 9, 1963 in Hastings, Nebraska, with whom he raised three children, Becca, Allison and Matt.

On their lifelong journey together, Bob and Rita worked in their respective ministries in Glenwood, Iowa; Chicago, Illinois; Hudson, Kansas; and Lenora, Kansas before settling down in Norton, Kansas where Bob made the second great decision of his life - working for Valley Hope. He worked there as chaplain, counselor, and in public relations from 1968 until he retired 43 years later in 2011.

During his decades of ministry, he also served various churches as pastor, including several churches in Western Kansas.

Aside from his time with Valley Hope, Bob committed his energy to the people and projects of Norton, serving on various boards, including the Andbe Home and the Norton Library, as well as being a member of the local Lion’s Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of artistic hobbies including reading, writing, photography, painting, and drawing. His favorite pastimes also included deep thinking and philosophical and religious conversations for hours on end. Bob cared deeply for people and in recent years told Rita that he simply wanted to be kind to others.

Robert is survived by his wife Rita of 62 years; daughters, Rebecca (Lance) Arterburn of Brady, Nebraska, and Allison (Brandon) Winzurk of Acworth, Georgia; son, Matthew (Michelle) Speer of Basehor, Kansas; grandchildren: Christian (Jordan) Arterburn and their children, Brooks, Greyson, and Whitlee; Kaleb Arterburn; Madyson (Quinten) Chancellor with their expected baby; Annabella and Lillyanne Speer; Jordan Winzurk and Zac (Aleah) Winzurk and their son Noah; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dick and Terri Winbolt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helene Speer.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30am Friday, December 5, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Norton with lunch following in the Catholic Parish Hall. A private family inurnment will be held at the Norton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hope or Care Beyond the Boulevard and may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, Kansas 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.

“The angels are welcoming one of the best: Robert Speer. Beloved Pastor and friend.” -Nancy Hagman

11/11/2025

In Loving Memory
Dixie J. Hejny

Dixie Joyce Hejny (Hawks) born March 21, 1935, age 90, of Norton, KS, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025. Born on March 21, 1935 in Almena, KS, she was the daughter of John and Mabel (Drommer) Hawks, Almena, KS. Up until the end, Dixie maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty, love of family and friends, and expressed gratitude for her long life, full of wonderful and varied experiences.

Dixie had a long and successful career as a telephone operator. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed watching sports, especially KU basketball, traveling with her friends, and teaching songs and language games to her grandchildren. Dixie was married to George "Blackie" Hejny, who passed away on February 14, 2024. They were married for 38 years.

Survivors include son, Deyton Hager, Cambridge, NE; daughter-in-law, Julie Campbell, Norton, KS; sister, Georgie Rorabaugh, Salina, KS; stepchildren: Doug Hejny, Daniel (Jenny) Hejny, Robert Hejny and Gina (Howard) Cartmill; grandchildren: Bill (Souk) Campbell, Chantille (Katie) Campbell, Dixie Star (Kyle) Campbell, Derick (Holly) Campbell, Stephanie (Jesse) Hilburn, Alec (Audrey) Hager and Mason Hager; great grandchildren: Asheton, Rory, Kaylee, Jance, Stetson, River and Delaney, and many beloved, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Debra Sue Campbell, Salina KS; son, Darin Campbell, Norton, KS and grandson, Riley Hager.

Graveside inurnment will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Almena. Memorial contributions may be made to Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654 to help with final expenses. Condolences may be left at

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

10/30/2025

In Loving Memory
Brian Dean Hunter

Brian Dean Hunter passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the age of 59. He was born on May 20, 1966 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Jerald and Betty (McCormack) Hunter.

Brian grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Northeast High School. He worked for Fleming Foods as a truck driver and Sapp Bros and Shoemakers as a fuel delivery driver. In 2011, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa to work for the Phillips 66 terminal and later went to work at the Wichita, Kansas terminal. He lived in Wichita until he moved to Norton, Kansas and passed away at Norton County Hospital. Brian started the Little Sahara Sand Rats group and page in 2017 in Waynoka, Oklahoma. They currently have over 21,000 members. Brian had a rare gift of connecting with others — he never met a stranger and was known for his warmth and easy-going nature. Whether you were a longtime friend or someone he had just met, you could always count on Brian to make you feel welcome and valued. His sense of humor was enjoyed and will be missed by all who knew him.

Brian is survived by his parents, Jerald and Betty of Lincoln, NE; one sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Hunter) Arehart and Don Arehart; two nieces, Megan Arehart and Jessica (Arehart) Ninemire, all of Norton, KS; one nephew, Scott Arehart of Lincoln, NE and their families.

The family would like to thank the Norton County Hospital staff and Dr. McKinley for their wonderful care. Also, thank you to all of Brian’s friends for the calls and visits over the past two years. A special thank you to the ones who took Brian on trips, Dune rides, and welcomed him into their homes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Monday, November 3, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5:00 pm Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brian Hunter 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 commun... Learn More

10/11/2025

In Loving Memory
Suzann F. Maddy

Suzann Fern (Sidman) Maddy passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025 in her home in Greeley, Colorado surrounded by family members.

Suzann F Maddy was born May 4, 1934 at their farm home near Oronoque, KS and was the daughter of Paul Sidman and Dorothea Faye (Burd). She was raised on a farm 7 1/2 miles West and 1 mile south of Norton, Kansas. Her siblings include Gene Sidman (deceased), Warren Sidman and Eric Sidman.

Her father Paul, who loved music, instilled that love for music in Susie as she learned to play the piano and clarinet. In 1951 she graduated from Norton Community High School and in 1952 married James A. Maddy of Norton, KS at a church in Selma, Alabama. They lived together while Jim served in the air force at Craig Air Force Base near Selma. In 1954 Jim was discharged from the Air Force and they moved back to the Maddy family farm with their first son, Steve. The family grew quickly to 5 kids including Steve, David, Cindy, Duane and Rod.

Susie was fun loving and a hard worker, as she helped with all the family operations including farming, livestock and later their growing family custom harvesting business. As their harvesting business grew, she would stay home in the summer and take care of the farming and cow-calf operation while handling all the family record keeping. She was also a great cook delivering many homemade meals to their crew and family members working in the field.

Together with her family, she participated in 4-H, pheasant hunting, taught piano lessons, all while keeping the family members on schedule with their activities. Her interests included playing classical and ragtime music on her Wurlitzer piano. She enjoyed traveling the world sometimes with her best friend Marlene Wilmot and daughter Cindy.

In 2011, She moved to Greeley, Colorado and spent much of her time traveling the southwest to Bluegrass Festivals with her two corgis, Charlie and Phoebe. She would travel many times back and forth from Greeley to her Norton home and visit her beloved friend Shirley Newell.

She is survived by sons: Steve, David and wife Patsy, Duane, Rod and wife Tammy and daughter, Cindy Abend; 9 grandchildren including: Kara Miller and husband Aaron, Lucas Maddy, Katie Gualtieri and husband Charles, Christopher Maddy and fiancé Savannah Smith, Marisa Maddy, Molly Thrailkill and husband Ryan, James Donahey and wife Amelia, Kelly Donahey and husband Zebulon Zang, Ryan Maddy and wife Angel, Kristen Fahrenbruch and husband Kiel and Cassandra Padia and husband David Sanchez; great grandchildren: Olivia, Madeline, Jacob and Charlotte (parents Kara and Aaron Miller), Hayden, Logan, Lincoln and Ledger (parents Katie and Charles Gualtieri), Caroline and Colin (parents Kristen and Kiel Fahrenbruch), Antonella and Beckham (parents Ryan and Angel Maddy), and Caleb, (parents Cassandra Padia and David Sanchez). She is also survived by her brothers: Warren Sidman and wife Iona, Stuttgart, KS and Eric Sidman and wife Beverly, Norton, Kansas.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 2, 2025 in the Norton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton County Historical Museum, 105 E. Lincoln, Norton, KS 67654. Arrangements by: Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, Norton. Condolences may be left at

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

10/10/2025

Many of us have or know loved ones with dementia. Caregiving can be tricky. The article below address some good ways to become an effective caregiver.

It’s a tough job, but there may be more help than you think

10/07/2025

Make time today to start planning your final wishes. Call us today to begin.

10/03/2025

Thinking of all those who have fought, have beat and are still fighting breast cancer.

09/30/2025

Whether moving or just looking to clean up a house or space, decluttering can be a good thing. The following article gives some best practices and places to start.

Whether your loved one is moving to a smaller home, transitioning to senior living or simplifying their lifestyle, it's important to be empathetic and supportive during this often emotional process.