Connie Hale (Rhodes)

Barb don’t worry about the 70^th BD party… when you get here (providing gatherings are lifted) I will personally through a big back yard party for you with open invitation to whoever can come. It will be a blast! Good shared food, great company, and many hardy laughs guaranteed.

Tomorrow 31^st marks Wes’ fourth year passing. Time goes by so fast and still my heavy heart hurts. John says the best way to go through such situations is to think about all the good and positive things. And he’s right! Remember: When we’re down, stop and smell the fragrance of Rose-of-Sharon’s and enjoy the beautiful Lilies-of the-Valley. And when we’re up… Take a deep breath, spread your arms wide and soar a moment or two with the Eagles.

Martin... our little doggie loves having us here at home.

Please take care my friends, stay safe. Connie

Barbara Gabel (Gabel)

Connie, you're such a blessing!! I'm so looking forward to all the fun we'll share in the years to come. Yes, I'm coming down so this virus garbage had better get out of my way!!

C-ya all soon!

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

I still believe things happen for a reason. I believe God had a hand in not having enough classmates responding about having a 70th birthday party. I don't believe in "coincidences". 

However I do know we will have one heck of a party when all this is over! I am so looking forward to having you back in our area Barbara! It sure gives me something to look forward to!

Connie, March is always a hard time for me also. It doesn't matter how many years pass, the memories are always there, especially the wonderful good memories! You have been in my thoughts and prayers. You are so fortunate to have John to keep you positive about everything.

Stay well everybody!!!

Glenda Magee (Miller)

Veronica Camargo

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Thank you Martin Libhart for posting the tshirt on the home page! Thank you Lee Buller for passing the info to Martin.

When I saw this tshirt on a facebook page I thought it would be a good idea for our class to buy these as a way to celebrate our 70th birthdays this year since we are not planning a party. I shared the idea with Barbara Gable and Becky Davis and we are excited about this. I hope everyone else likes the idea too.

Stay safe and stay well everybody!

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Vicki Daily Chambers, 

My heart goes out to you and your family on the loss of your dad. I always enjoyed visiting with him at the VFW and the American Legion. He was an important part of this community for many years. It is especially tough with not being able to have friends and family be able lean on one another and have services because of the coronavirus. My prayers are with you and your family.

Veronica Camargo

Vicki Daily (Chambers)

Thank you, Terry for your kind words about Dad.  It really is a difficult time right now and we really appreciate your prayers. 

Nancy Cravens (Hillman)

Vicki, So sorry for the loss of your dad.  Hopefully your family can get together to celebrate his life soon. 

Nancy

Vicki Daily (Chambers)

Thank you Nancy-we sure hope we can sometime this summer. 

Connie Hale (Rhodes)

At 97+ Mom knows where and how the COVID-19 has affected our world.

Being in lock down is understandable but not appreciated. However, the staff works hard to keep the spirits up through creative activities etc. The other day they handed out little packets of colored pencils and coloring books.

Then I got a call from the office saying that all resident complaints are to be reported, and that my mother turned in a very unhappy complaint against their activity director because the colored pencils and coloring book was made in China. She threatened to break up the pencils and burning the coloring book in her bathroom sink… she is now in the process of ram-sacking her room getting rid of everything with a China label, including underwear. Well, what could I say except… please check her room for matches!

God Bless all the people that take care of my mother.

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Connie,

I know it isn't funny but I laughed anyway because MY MOM WOULD HAVE REACTED THE SAME WAY!!!

It is very difficult not to be able to visit our loved ones in the nursing homes. I only hope and pray my sister Peggy will remember me the next time I see her. My niece Mary talked to her thru the window and she still remembers me. 

Good luck with your Mom and keep us posted on what happens.

Martin Libhart

Thinking of you Connie. We are sorry for your loss. -Martin

Marie E. Hale

by petersenadmin | May 11, 2020 2:01 pm

Marie E. (Ransford) Hale, 97, passed away on Saturday May 9, 2020. She was a resident at Halstead Health and Rehabilitation where she enjoyed friendships and appreciated the many staff members that took good care of her needs in so many ways.

Marie was faithful and supportive wife over seventy years. She loved her children, family, and cared deeply for so many others. She was a WWII traveling bride until Preston was stationed overseas. She supported her church, American Legion Auxiliary #2, Eastern Star, and many   other organizations. Her home and heart from beginning to end was always opened to anyone and everyone with unconditional love. Knowing that her life was good and full and now gently resting in the arms of Jesus gives family and friends her legacy filled with joyful inner peace.

She was born December 30, 1922, in Kit Carson Colorado to the daughter of Agnes Young and William L Baldwin, later adapted by her Aunt Flossie Bell (Baldwin) and Uncle Roy Ransford of Newton.

July 5, 1941, she married Preston S Hale of Newton until his passing in September 2011.

Survivors include a son, Leonard S. (Jacqueline) Hale of Halstead: A daughter, Connie R (John) Rhodes of Newton; grandson Corey Hale (TX); five great-grandchildren Madison& Shelby Rhodes (Newton), Stephanie Werdiwatz (CA), Preston and Parker Hale (Austin Tx).

She was preceded in death by two brothers William Bill Baldwin/Ransford and Jess Baldwin; sister Dorris (Baldwin) Patterson; Grandson Wes D. Rhodes.

Cremation has occurred, and there will be a graveside memorial service at Greenwood Cemetery to be announced later date, followed by a meal for family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, in care of the Petersen Funeral Home of Newton.

Source URL: http://petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/marie-e-hale/

June Nicodemus (Peters)

I have fond memories of Marie.  I remember when she would make hobo stew on cold winter nights after Connie and I got back from sledding behind their car.  Yep, Preston would pull us behind the car down the street in front of Guadalupe Church and on country roads.....you could do that back then....at least we didWe would put our frozen, snowy gloves on their floor furnace and drink the best hot chocolate EVER!

Good memories

Cheryl Unruh (Ferris)

Connie - so sorry to hear this.  We were just talking about her last week!  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Cheryl Unruh Ferris

Veronica Camargo

Barbara Gabel (Gabel)

Connie: I'm saddened by the news of your mom's passing. I know she gave you many precious memories through the years. We all enjoyed the moments you shared her with us. The tears flow now, but soon the joy of seeing her again will lift the sadness. Wishing I could be there to give you hugs. Know that we're all thinking and praying for you.

Barb

Kay Beutler (Enz)

Connie, so sorry about your Mom. She was very nice and I know she gave joy to everyone. It is hard to think of life without her but she shared her talent with you and you will always have her in your heart. Know she is happy now.

K 

Barbara Gabel (Gabel)

Here's to happier times in the future - Happy Birthday Connie! Hope you have a smashing good time today. Will be seeing everyone in about a months time to celebrate life together! I'm looking forward to all the fun and antics legally possible even if we are kinda old.

Barbara Gabel (Gabel)

Ladies (classmates and wives): It's time for us to unite!  We can not allow the men to have all the fun while we stay home. Please join Connie and I for a weekly luncheon at designated restaurants around Harvey Co and in Wichita. We'd like to have our first luncheon at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant on the patio at 11am next Thursday, Oct 1st. RSVPs would be nice, but I'll make reservations for a good crowd. We can make more solid plans for future weeks there. If you don't want to respond here, please email me at bgabelak@gmail.com.

This will be so much fun!!

Barb

Terry Bernowich (Schmitz)

Sounds great Barbara and Connie! Looking forward to it!

Susie Ashcraft said she wouldn't be able to make the one on Oct 1st but is planning on going to as many as she can. They are having company from out of town the next 2 weeks. Lord willing and the creek don't rise Barbara Smith and I will be there Oct 1st. 

Thanks for heading this up! Love you girls!

Martin Libhart

I am sorry to say that we have lost another classmate. Dean Lehrman passed away last Friday, September 25th at his home in Wichita. We will be sharing his obituary here on our "In Memory" page.

Barbara Gabel (Gabel)

Ladies: Just a friendly reminder of our luncheon tomorrow (Thur, Oct 1) at the Acapulco Mexican Restaurant on Broadway across from Grabers Hardware at 11 am. Look for us out on the patio! Can't wait to see everyone again!!

Barb

Barbara Gabel (Gabel)

More news from the Ladies Luncheon group! It's been decided that we will meet on the first Thursday at 1 pm once a month since so many of us have mutiple engagements to attend. We will move location and restaurant each month to share the wealth and make it easier for all to join in on the fun. So, we will see everyone in Hesston on Nov 5th at 1 pm. Restaurant TBD. Keep watch here for all details!!

May I also be so brazen as to announce that Connie and I will have a booth at the Newton Rec Center Craft Bazaar on Nov 14th from 8am-2pm. Please come see us there!!