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Debbie Spence
February 3, 1957 - March 3, 2022
Debra May “Debbie” Spence passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born, February 3, 1957, in Liberal, the daughter of Merle L. Skinner Sr. and Isabel May (McCord) Skinner.
Debbie attended Hugoton Public Schools and graduated in 1975. She attended Wichita State University and graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Debbie met Lee Spence while attending Emporia State University. They were married May 26, 1979, in Liberal, and were blessed with three children, Dixie, Dustin, and Alex. Debbie thrived in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, supporting them in all their activities.
Debbie’s faith was strong, and she was a current member at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson. She was the Hutchinson Middle School 7th grade Family and Consumer Science teacher for several years. In addition, Debbie was involved in the 4-H Foundation, serving as past president and treasurer. She was also involved in 4-H as a food, clothing and style review judge and as a Kansas State Fair judge for food. In her spare time, she was a water aerobics instructor at the Hutchinson YMCA and took quilting classes. Debbie was also involved at Trinity United Methodist Church as a leadership coach, and as a member of the Genesis Sunday school class.
Debbie is survived by: her husband of almost 43 years, Lee Spence of Hutchinson; sons, Dustin (Megan) of Olathe and Alex of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Eliza (4) and Jameson (6 months); sister, Cindy Louis of Pine Bluff, AR; brother, Sam Skinner of College Station, TX; father-in-law, Dwight Spence; and brother-in-law, Steve Spence.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dixie May Spence, and her parents.
Debra May “Debbie” Spence passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born, February 3, 1957, in Liberal, the daughter of Merle L. Skinner Sr. and Isabel May (McCord) Skinner.
Debbie attended Hugoton Public Schools and graduated in 1975. She attended Wichita State University and graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Debbie met Lee Spence while attending Emporia State University. They were married May 26, 1979, in Liberal, and were blessed with three children, Dixie, Dustin, and Alex. Debbie thrived in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, supporting them in all their activities.
Debbie’s faith was strong, and she was a current member at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson. She was the Hutchinson Middle School 7th grade Family and Consumer Science teacher for several years. In addition, Debbie was involved in the 4-H Foundation, serving as past president and treasurer. She was also involved in 4-H as a food, clothing and style review judge and as a Kansas State Fair judge for food. In her spare time, she was a water aerobics instructor at the Hutchinson YMCA and took quilting classes. Debbie was also involved at Trinity United Methodist Church as a leadership coach, and as a member of the Genesis Sunday school class.
Debbie is survived by: her husband of almost 43 years, Lee Spence of Hutchinson; sons, Dustin (Megan) of Olathe and Alex of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Eliza (4) and Jameson (6 months); sister, Cindy Louis of Pine Bluff, AR; brother, Sam Skinner of College Station, TX; father-in-law, Dwight Spence; and brother-in-law, Steve Spence.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Dixie May Spence, and her parents.
Frederick William Johnson
August 1, 1945 ~ January 25, 2022 (age 76)
Frederick William Johnson, 76, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, January 25, 2022. He was born in Ellsworth, KS August 1, 1945 the son of Leon and Bernadette (Warta) Johnson.
Fred graduated from Ellsworth High School and retired from the Union Pacific Railroad. He was a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kansas Air National Guard, Central Kansas Corvette Association, Sports Car Club of America and the United Transportation Union.
His love of cars and racing took him many places and he met some great people along the way. He cherished his family, many wonderful friends, and especially his two amazing granddaughters and all the adventures they shared.
Fred was united in marriage to Jean Stephen in Ellsworth in 1967. From that union two beautiful daughters were born. Surviving are his wife, Jean of Salina; daughter, Nichole (Phil) Kennedy, granddaughters, Fiona and Ryle Kennedy; daughter, Jessica Johnson (partner Wake Mitchell) all of Kansas City, MO; sisters, Rosemary Spain of Gulf Breeze, FL, Janice (Vern) Lueker of Clay Center, KS; brothers, Lionel (Pat) Johnson of Hastings, NE, Frank and Judy (Stephen) Toman of Ellsworth; and many nieces and nephews, all very special to him.
Frederick William Johnson, 76, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, January 25, 2022. He was born in Ellsworth, KS August 1, 1945 the son of Leon and Bernadette (Warta) Johnson.
Fred graduated from Ellsworth High School and retired from the Union Pacific Railroad. He was a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Kansas Air National Guard, Central Kansas Corvette Association, Sports Car Club of America and the United Transportation Union.
His love of cars and racing took him many places and he met some great people along the way. He cherished his family, many wonderful friends, and especially his two amazing granddaughters and all the adventures they shared.
Fred was united in marriage to Jean Stephen in Ellsworth in 1967. From that union two beautiful daughters were born. Surviving are his wife, Jean of Salina; daughter, Nichole (Phil) Kennedy, granddaughters, Fiona and Ryle Kennedy; daughter, Jessica Johnson (partner Wake Mitchell) all of Kansas City, MO; sisters, Rosemary Spain of Gulf Breeze, FL, Janice (Vern) Lueker of Clay Center, KS; brothers, Lionel (Pat) Johnson of Hastings, NE, Frank and Judy (Stephen) Toman of Ellsworth; and many nieces and nephews, all very special to him.
Member Lawrence (Larry) Parsons
January 12, 1940 - September 17, 2021
Lawrence Marion Parsons, 81, died September 17, 2021, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born January 12, 1940, in Hays, to George Marion and Nora (Batman) Parsons. Lawrence graduated from Collyer High School, Collyer, KS, in 1957. He worked in grounds and maintenance for Willowbend Golf Club, Wichita, and Prairie Dunes Country Club, Hutchinson. Lawrence loved watching NASCAR, and especially liked Corvettes. He was a member of the Corvette Club, Hutchinson, and was a HUGE Haven Wildcat basketball fan. Lawrence attended Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, and served in the United States Air Force.
On February 9, 2001, he married Cynthia “Cindy” Kay Ziegler, in Hutchinson. Lawrence is survived by: wife, Cindy of Hutchinson; stepdaughter, Megan Bland (Justin) of Hutchinson; granddaughters, SenaKay Bland of Rose Hill, Carlee Bland, and Austyn Bland, both of Hutchinson; and brother, Steve Parsons of El Cajon, CA.
Lawrence Marion Parsons, 81, died September 17, 2021, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born January 12, 1940, in Hays, to George Marion and Nora (Batman) Parsons. Lawrence graduated from Collyer High School, Collyer, KS, in 1957. He worked in grounds and maintenance for Willowbend Golf Club, Wichita, and Prairie Dunes Country Club, Hutchinson. Lawrence loved watching NASCAR, and especially liked Corvettes. He was a member of the Corvette Club, Hutchinson, and was a HUGE Haven Wildcat basketball fan. Lawrence attended Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, and served in the United States Air Force.
On February 9, 2001, he married Cynthia “Cindy” Kay Ziegler, in Hutchinson. Lawrence is survived by: wife, Cindy of Hutchinson; stepdaughter, Megan Bland (Justin) of Hutchinson; granddaughters, SenaKay Bland of Rose Hill, Carlee Bland, and Austyn Bland, both of Hutchinson; and brother, Steve Parsons of El Cajon, CA.
Member Sally E. Bond
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August 21, 1946 - August 27, 2021
Sally Elvira Bond, 75, died August 27, 2021, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born August 21, 1946, to Orval Harry and Elvira Elda (King) Andereck. Sally graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1964, Hutchinson Community College in 1966, and Emporia State University in 1968. She retired after 34 years of service as a machinist at Cessna/Eaton. Sally was a member of Mid State Street Rods, Central Kansas Corvette Association, and Tenth Avenue United Methodist Church. On November 22, 1968, she married Steven Louis Bond, at Tenth Avenue United Methodist Church. They shared almost 39 years of marriage before his death on September 5, 2007. Sally is survived by: son, Jeffrey Bond of Fort Worth, TX; sisters, Dotty Mount (Paul) of Sanibel, FL, and Nancy Frank (Dan) of Hutchinson; and brother, Dean Andereck (Becky) of Hoisington. |
Member Dean Bontrager
Dean Jay Bontrager, born June 7, 1945, passed away on the evening of Sunday, March 28, 2021, surrounded by family and friends, in Hutchinson, KS, after a valiant three year battle with cancer. He finally took the checkered flag into the great beyond.
Dean grew up in Hutchinson, KS, and graduated from Hutchinson High in 1963. He served in the Army National Guard during Vietnam. Dean loved all things racing, especially Sprint Cars. Dean was involved in racing in some form or fashion throughout his entire life, beginning just after high school when he and lifelong friend, Jay Wilbeck, built a drag car they raced for several years before his service in the National Guard.
Dean later raced Corvettes in the 70’s and began dirt track racing in the 80’s with Clay Bontrager. They raced Late Models in the early 80’s and Sprint Cars from the late 80’s to late 90’s, and won the Hutch Nationals in 1995, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Dean continued racing with Mike Woodruff and won the NCRA Sprint Car Championship in 2004, another major racing highlight. He always said he was lucky enough to live through the golden age of hot rodding and was consistently called on to build race engines for everything from dirt cars to land speed cars.
Dean became fast friends with nearly everyone he met. His signature humor endeared him to the many nurses that treated him during his fight with cancer. Dean found a way to laugh and joke, even through the pain, right up to the end. He was a loving father, son, brother, grandfather, and a mentor to the next generation of hot rodders.
Dean grew up in Hutchinson, KS, and graduated from Hutchinson High in 1963. He served in the Army National Guard during Vietnam. Dean loved all things racing, especially Sprint Cars. Dean was involved in racing in some form or fashion throughout his entire life, beginning just after high school when he and lifelong friend, Jay Wilbeck, built a drag car they raced for several years before his service in the National Guard.
Dean later raced Corvettes in the 70’s and began dirt track racing in the 80’s with Clay Bontrager. They raced Late Models in the early 80’s and Sprint Cars from the late 80’s to late 90’s, and won the Hutch Nationals in 1995, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Dean continued racing with Mike Woodruff and won the NCRA Sprint Car Championship in 2004, another major racing highlight. He always said he was lucky enough to live through the golden age of hot rodding and was consistently called on to build race engines for everything from dirt cars to land speed cars.
Dean became fast friends with nearly everyone he met. His signature humor endeared him to the many nurses that treated him during his fight with cancer. Dean found a way to laugh and joke, even through the pain, right up to the end. He was a loving father, son, brother, grandfather, and a mentor to the next generation of hot rodders.
1957 C-1
Member David Friesen
David Lee Friesen, 75, of Partridge, died December 20, 2020, at his home. He was born November 9, 1945, in Hutchinson, to Leonard and Mildred (Nickel) Friesen.
David graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1963. He then served in the United States Army as a military police officer. David belonged to the Central Kansas Corvette Association and Pretty Prairie Saddle Club. He loved fishing, noodling, hunting, especially coyotes, and visiting the casino.
He is survived by: daughters, Cari and Traci Friesen; companion, Georgia Hardesty; step son, Rob Mattox; brother, Mark ‘Butch’ Friesen; grandchildren, Bailee Weilert, Taylor Friesen, Huntter Friesen, Shayla Brown, Brynlee Brown, Cailyn O'Neal, Brayden O'Neal; great-grandchildren, Payton Friesen and Jaxton Cooper, all of Hutchinson.
David was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Jim and Larry Friesen; and grandson, Jakob Dakota Kinney.
David graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1963. He then served in the United States Army as a military police officer. David belonged to the Central Kansas Corvette Association and Pretty Prairie Saddle Club. He loved fishing, noodling, hunting, especially coyotes, and visiting the casino.
He is survived by: daughters, Cari and Traci Friesen; companion, Georgia Hardesty; step son, Rob Mattox; brother, Mark ‘Butch’ Friesen; grandchildren, Bailee Weilert, Taylor Friesen, Huntter Friesen, Shayla Brown, Brynlee Brown, Cailyn O'Neal, Brayden O'Neal; great-grandchildren, Payton Friesen and Jaxton Cooper, all of Hutchinson.
David was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Jim and Larry Friesen; and grandson, Jakob Dakota Kinney.
Member Dennis Nicklin
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Dennis Lee Nicklin, 75, died November 5, 2020, at his home. He was born September 30, 1945, in Great Bend, to Robert Cogswell ‘Nick’ and Nadine Orpha (Helm) Nicklin.
Dennis graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1963. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy, serving from 1963-1966. Dennis retired as a glazier. He loved to travel, and enjoyed going on many trips. Dennis was the founding member of the Central Kansas Corvette Association (CKCA). He LOVED his corvettes! Dennis is survived by nieces and nephews, Nicole Barnes (Tod) of Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Kimberley Nicklin of Falls Church, VA, Shaun Nicklin of Golden, CO, Allison Nicklin of Philadelphia, PA; great-nephew and great-niece, Keagan and Carys Barnes of Korea; and his faithful companion, Karen Ukens of Windom. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Robert ‘Bob’ Nicklin and Craig Nicklin. |
Member Connie Jo Essells
Connie Jo (Ary) Essells, 71, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family Friday evening, Oct. 7, 2016, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She is survived by: her husband of 45 years, Gary Dean Essells of Hutchinson; her daughter, Gina Long and grandson, Andrew Ysac of Hutchinson; her son, Timothy Long and wife Holly and grandson, Noah of Englewood, Ohio; her mother, Betty Ary, Buhler; sisters, Phyllis Howard (Mike),Vicki Demoret (Bob), Paula Davis (Larry), Becky Long (Carl), and Tracey Ary; her brother, Ron Ary (Linda), all of Hutchinson. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Ary.Connie Jo was born April 5, 1945, in Hutchinson, to Paul and Betty (Milhon) Ary. She graduated from Lewis, Kansas, High School in 1963. She attended Grace Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with an RN Degree in 1965. She worked in Surgery at both Grace and St. ElizabethHospitals for two years before joining Dr. Jack Schroll at the Hutchinson Clinic as his Office Nurse.In 1976, she moved to North Platte, Nebraska, when her husband Gary took employment with the Union Pacific Railroad.Connie Jo worked briefly in nursing and retail, before joining a paging and cellular company, Total-TelePage of Nebraska, retiring as General Manager in 2006. She and Gary returned to reside in Hutchinson in September of 2006.
Connie Jo was a loving wife and mother, always putting others before herself. She was a member of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce Hostesses, volunteered for 18 years with the Nebraksaland Days Rodeo Dance Committee, hosted crew members of the nuclear submarine USS Nebraska during their annual visits to Nebraskaland Days and was awarded the Dale Studley “Best in the West” Memorial Service Award in 2000. She opened her home to dozens of foreign and American students and was deeply involved in the Mid-Plains Community College Basketball Host Parent Program for almost 20 years.She will be remembered as a most special sister, wife, mother and friend to all those whose lives she touched.
Connie Jo was a loving wife and mother, always putting others before herself. She was a member of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce Hostesses, volunteered for 18 years with the Nebraksaland Days Rodeo Dance Committee, hosted crew members of the nuclear submarine USS Nebraska during their annual visits to Nebraskaland Days and was awarded the Dale Studley “Best in the West” Memorial Service Award in 2000. She opened her home to dozens of foreign and American students and was deeply involved in the Mid-Plains Community College Basketball Host Parent Program for almost 20 years.She will be remembered as a most special sister, wife, mother and friend to all those whose lives she touched.
Member Jerry Allen Gross
Jerry Allen Gross, 71, died June 13, 2016, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born May 10, 1945, in Hutchinson, the son of Reinhold William and Mildred Jane Rayl Gross. He was a graduate of Macksville, Kansas, High School and served in the Kansas National Guard. On March 5, 1967, Jerry married Janis Kay Spangler in Hutchinson. He was a VW mechanic at the former Boyd Motor Company, owned and operated the Larkland Champlain Service Station, and was theretired owner of Jerry’s Lawn and Landscape. Jerry was a member of Hutch Bunch Radio Control Club, Central Kansas Corvette Assoc. and the AMA League of Silent Flight. He is survived by: his wife, Janis of the home; daughters, Vickie (George) Hoskins of Hudson, Ohio, Julie (Viktor) Tarm of Wichita; brothers, Bill of Larned, Bob of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sisters, Barbara Cook of Hutchinson, Allene Leach of Texhoma, Okla.; and five grandchildren, Mikayla, Shelby and Elijah Hoskins, Marley and Kal Tarm. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jerry and his wife Janis have been members since 2015
Member Duane Louis Ukens
Duane and his wife Karen have been members since 1983.
Duane Louis “Uke” Ukens, 74, died April 8, 2 015, at his home in Windom. He was born June 7, 1940, in Stafford, to Edwin W. and Norma P. (Hoskin) Ukens. Duane graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1958 and attended classes at Barton County Community College. He was owner and operator of Ukens Welding and Windom Dozer Service. He worked for Morton Salt, in South Hutchinson, as a mechanic. Duane had worked several manufacturing jobs before he became self-employed. He was a member of Windom Church of Christ. On Oct. 1, 1965, he married Karen Marlyne (Neel) Cordell at her parents’ home in Windom. She survives.
Other survivors include: son, René Cordell; daughter, Lené Krause; grandchildren, Nathan Cordell,
Jennifer (Cordell) Altwegg, Karen Jo (Krause) Hudson, Robert “Bobby” Krause; half-sister, Jolene
(Chet) Miller; half-brother, Wally Ukens; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. He
was preceded in death by: his parents; stepfather, Carl Myers; stepmother, LaVeda Ukens; and halfbrother,
Rick.
Burial has taken place in Windom Cemetery.
Duane Louis “Uke” Ukens, 74, died April 8, 2 015, at his home in Windom. He was born June 7, 1940, in Stafford, to Edwin W. and Norma P. (Hoskin) Ukens. Duane graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1958 and attended classes at Barton County Community College. He was owner and operator of Ukens Welding and Windom Dozer Service. He worked for Morton Salt, in South Hutchinson, as a mechanic. Duane had worked several manufacturing jobs before he became self-employed. He was a member of Windom Church of Christ. On Oct. 1, 1965, he married Karen Marlyne (Neel) Cordell at her parents’ home in Windom. She survives.
Other survivors include: son, René Cordell; daughter, Lené Krause; grandchildren, Nathan Cordell,
Jennifer (Cordell) Altwegg, Karen Jo (Krause) Hudson, Robert “Bobby” Krause; half-sister, Jolene
(Chet) Miller; half-brother, Wally Ukens; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. He
was preceded in death by: his parents; stepfather, Carl Myers; stepmother, LaVeda Ukens; and halfbrother,
Rick.
Burial has taken place in Windom Cemetery.
Member Mike Neuway
Michael Lee 'Mike' Neuway
Michael Lee "Mike" Neuway, 48, died Dec. 18, 2012, at his home. He was born Aug. 14, 1964, in Hutchinson, the son of Robert Lee and Earlene Lavern Findley Neuway.
Mike was a 1983 graduate of Burrton High School, an avid cyclist, a member of CKCA Corvette Club and a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. He was a Navy veteran, serving from 1988 to 1996, including a tour in Desert Storm. Mike was a business executive and owner of Pipeline Testing Consortium, National Compliance Management Service, American Medical Review Officers, Neuway Investments and Bluing Products, Inc.
Michael Lee "Mike" Neuway, 48, died Dec. 18, 2012, at his home. He was born Aug. 14, 1964, in Hutchinson, the son of Robert Lee and Earlene Lavern Findley Neuway.
Mike was a 1983 graduate of Burrton High School, an avid cyclist, a member of CKCA Corvette Club and a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. He was a Navy veteran, serving from 1988 to 1996, including a tour in Desert Storm. Mike was a business executive and owner of Pipeline Testing Consortium, National Compliance Management Service, American Medical Review Officers, Neuway Investments and Bluing Products, Inc.
In Memory of
ROBERT WATSON
1942 - 2013
Robert “Bob” G. Watson, 70, died September 5, 2013 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born September 15, 1942 in Wichita, the son of Garland and Anna Davis Watson. He was a 1960 graduate of Hutchinson High School. A resident of Hutchinson most of his life, he had worked for DCI and later worked as a contract programmer. He was a past President of the Mid State Street Rods and had been a member of the Corvette Car Club, both of Hutchinson. He married Susan Thompson in1962. They later divorced. Survivors include 2 sons, Michael Watson, Baldwin City and Mackie Watson, Sterling, a brother, John Watson, Joplin, MO, a sister, Anita Peckham,Texas, 7 grandchildren, and a good friend and companion, Merna Sanburn. He was preceded in death by his parents.