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Veramae Henre 1932 - 2025Veramae Henre, 93, passed away Oct. 10, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, in Hays, Kan. She was bor...
10/24/2025

Veramae Henre 1932 - 2025

Veramae Henre, 93, passed away Oct. 10, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, in Hays, Kan. She was born April 15, 1932, in Russell, Kan., to Herman and Pauline (Funk) Boxberger. She married Bob G. Henre Oct. 4, 1953, in Russell. He passed away Dec. 30, 2011.
Veramae had been a Great Bend resident since 1961, coming from Beloit and Hoisington. Alongside her husband, they owned Zarah Prescription Shop for many years plus various rental properties and she kept the books for their business ventures. After selling the shop, she worked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield as an administrative assistant. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, where she loved to be of service and found herself volunteering her time. She also volunteered at Central Kansas Medical Center then at St. Rose Medical Pavilion. Veramae looked forward to spending time with friends in her bridge clubs and loved to bake and share her creations with friends and family, always adding, and eventually sharing, her secret ingredients.
Survivors include her daughter, Dianne Lance of Olathe; son, Roger Henre of Wichita; brother, Gerald (Shirley) Boxberger of Russell; grandchildren, Kyle Lance and Kelsey (Jose) Valdez; and her great grandchildren, Skylinn Lance, Aiden Valdez and Calvin Valdez. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and brothers, Wilmer Boxberger and Richard Boxberger. The family wishes to extend a heart felt Thank You to Veramae’s daughter of the heart, Debbie Munz, who has been a longtime friend, and for the last four years a trusted caregiver and companion. Plus thank you to the River Bend staff and community, who created a caring and safe home away from home for the last two years.
Cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family has requested memorials be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or the Great Bend Zoological Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 25, 2025

Barbara Jean Espinosa 1942 - 2025Barbara Jean Espinosa, 83, passed away Oct. 15, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kan...
10/24/2025

Barbara Jean Espinosa 1942 - 2025

Barbara Jean Espinosa, 83, passed away Oct. 15, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kan. She was born on Feb. 16, 1942, in Great Bend, Kan., to Melvin Clay and Frances Elizabeth (Jackson) Simpson. On May 9, 1972, she married Robert “Bob” Espinosa in Riverside County, Calif. He survives.
A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Barbara was a reflexologist and herbologist, owning and operating Specials Herbs and Vitamins. She also worked as a waitress at the Holiday Inn and other area restaurants. Barbara was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed flower gardening, crafts, baking, fishing, and hunting. Barbara loved spending time with her friends and family, including her long-haired dachshund, Deliah.
Survivors include her husband of the home; son, Paul Frazier of Springfield, Ill.; daughters, Natalia Espinosa of Great Bend, and Tammy Gilbert of Ava, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Patrick Gilbert and wife Danielle, Chris Gilbert and his wife Emily, Rileigh Wagner, Dylan Frazier, Dalton Frazier, Scott Frazier, and Bobbi Jo Frazier; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother, Kenny W. Simpson and wife Denise; sister, Ruby Feil of Great Bend; numerous nieces and nephews; and witness and friend, Roy Mitchell of Houston, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Michael Gilbert; brother, Melvin W. Simpson, Jr.; sisters, Doris Case and husband Glenn, and Nelta Jones and husband Jerry; and brother-in-law, Ron Feil.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, with Roynold Mitchell presiding at Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 28, 2025

10/24/2025

Heartland Farm’s celebration of its revitalized, meditative prairie labyrinth that was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, has been canceled due to the weather forecast. It will probably be rescheduled to a spring date.

10/24/2025

Send photos of your Halloween decorations, costumes, huge stacks of candy, etc. We might use them in the newspaper. Include pertinent info.

10/23/2025

Diane Kay (Disque) Taylor

Taylor, Diane Kay (Disque) age 68 of Percy, Ill. passed away Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.
Diane is survived by her mother, Theresa Hall; sisters Debra Rosenberg, Cindy Disque, LaDawn Stegman; and step-sons Leslie J. Taylor III, Raymond Taylor and Timothy Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband Leslie Joseph Taylor, Jr.; her father Marlin Disque; and a sister Sandra Disque.
A service will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Pechacek Funeral Homes
839 Lehmen Drive
Chester, Il. 62233
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 25, 2025

Kershner serves OT patients at Pawnee Valley Community HospitalAnyone facing limitations while trying to perform day-to-...
10/23/2025

Kershner serves OT patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

Anyone facing limitations while trying to perform day-to-day activities might be a good candidate for Occupational Therapy, said Addie Kershner, who recently joined the rehabilitation team at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).
“These limitations could result from injury, illness, developmental delays or other challenges,” said Kershner, a Rush Center native. “When someone struggles with getting dressed, eating or working, we can focus on improving functional skills and participating in meaningful activities.”
As an Occupational Therapist, Kershner’s main responsibility is helping people of all ages participate in activities through evidence-based practices to achieve functional independence.
This includes: evaluating patients’ challenges; developing treatment plans; and providing interventions to improve overall function and general well-being.
OT also provides rehabilitation for shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands.
“These OT services can make a real difference in a person’s daily life,” Kershner noted. “It is rewarding to help people live more independently and safely, while enjoying a meaningful life.
“This is why I chose this career path. It allows me to help improve the quality of patients’ lives.”
Kershner continues to be impressed with the staff and services at PVCH. “Everyone is extremely welcoming and supportive. It is a great environment to step into because everyone strives to provide high-quality services with comprehensive and personalized care.
“In addition, PVCH offers up-to-date, evidence-based, and tailored equipment and services to meet the diverse needs of patients for optimum recovery.”
The new OT earned a bachelor of science education degree, majoring in community health and minoring in applied behavioral science at The University of Kansas. She then earned her entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy at The University of Kansas Medical Center.
Kershner served as a therapy technician for three years in an orthopedic outpatient clinic. She has hands-on OT clinical experience with inpatient, outpatient, community-based and mental-health services.
Her parents are Bruce and Ellen Kershner of Rush Center. She and her fiancé, Kody, recently bought a home in Larned and “are thrilled to be part of the local community.”
Jason Rath, rehabilitation manager, said “Addie is a great addition to our rehab team. Her personality fits in great with her colleagues and her compassion for patients is obvious. Addie is a hard worker and has hit the ground running.
“We are lucky to have her knowledge and expertise as we enhance our specialties at PVCH. I am eager to watch her grow in her profession, while providing excellent patient care.”
Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

10/22/2025

Share photos of your Halloween costumes, home decorations and huge piles of candy. Photos may be printed in the Great Bend Tribune.

Great Bend Tribune Serves as Food Bank Drop-Off Site Amid SNAP UncertaintyWith a possible lapse in SNAP benefits expecte...
10/22/2025

Great Bend Tribune Serves as Food Bank Drop-Off Site Amid SNAP Uncertainty

With a possible lapse in SNAP benefits expected to begin in November, the Great Bend Tribune is stepping up to help local families in need. The Tribune is now serving as a drop-off location for non-perishable food items to support the Barton County Food Bank.

Community members are encouraged to bring donations of canned goods, boxed meals, and other non-perishable items to the Tribune office at 2012 Forest Ave. during the following hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Cash donations are also welcome. If writing a check please make it payable to the Barton County Food Bank.

All contributions will go directly to the Barton County Food Bank to help ensure that local families continue to have access to nutritious food during this uncertain time. Every donation, large or small, makes a difference.

10/22/2025

It’s been nearly two months since Norma Ramirez gave a testimonial at Recovery Out Loud in Great Bend and she is still hearing from individuals, churches and other entities.

Deon Louise Lupton 1929 - 2025Deon Louise Lupton, 96, passed away Oct. 21, 2025, at Medicalodges in Great Bend, Kan. She...
10/22/2025

Deon Louise Lupton 1929 - 2025

Deon Louise Lupton, 96, passed away Oct. 21, 2025, at Medicalodges in Great Bend, Kan. She was born June 7, 1929, at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend to Lewis and Ruth (Miller) Rankin. Deon married Gail Lupton Dec. 20, 1948, at Peace Lutheran in Albert. They built a legacy together for 49 years until his passing Jan. 30, 1997.
Deon graduated from Otis High School. She attended Fort Hays State University and taught in a one room school for several years. After raising her children, she substitute taught. Deon had a playful spirit and loved to tell jokes. Many would find themselves at the receiving end of a good practical joke and her good-natured teasing. She loved to golf with the LGA at Lake Barton. She was an accomplished seamstress. Deon loved to get together with friends and play Bridge. She loved to read anything and everything; there was not a book on the shelf she had picked up that she did not enjoy. She played an active role in the area beautification projects and took pride in making Great Bend that much more “great.” She was active with RSVP, the Blood Mobile, and TLC Discoveries. Deon was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Trinity Lutheran Church.
Survivors include daughters, Susan Weaver and her husband Brad of Springfield, Mo., Paula Lupton of Great Bend; daughter-in-law, Anita Lupton of Kingwood, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Weaver (Marissa), Megan Weaver (Gahan Fallone), Jennifer Garcia (Frank), Kevin Lupton (Laura), Kathryn Cox (Justin), Gregory Lupton, Lexi Held (Ryan); and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband; daughter, Jan Nelson and her husband Curtis; son, Brent Lupton; brother, Duane Rankin; and grandson, David Nelson.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Chaplain Jeffrey Owen presiding. Burial will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be available from noon to 8 p.m., with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home. Additional visitation will be available from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials have been designated to RSVP, or TLC Discoveries, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 23, 2025

Donaciano ‘Don’ J. Torrez 1939 - 2025LARNED — Donaciano (Don) J. Torrez, 86, of Larned, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 15, ...
10/22/2025

Donaciano ‘Don’ J. Torrez 1939 - 2025

LARNED — Donaciano (Don) J. Torrez, 86, of Larned, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.
Born May 24, 1939, in Larned, Kan., the son of Silbestre and Isabelle (Reece) Torrez. Graduated from Larned High School and up to eighth-grade year, attended Sacred Heart Catholic School.
He was employed by the city of Larned, until his retirement in 2002.
Don was a member of the Larned Jaycees and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Don married Delores M. Ortega on Sept. 16, 1958, in Larned, Kan. She preceded him in death on Oct. 18, 1999. He is also preceded in passing by his parents; son, Tobias Torrez; siblings, Phillip, Bobbie Duarte, Jane Devinney, Phyllis Aldrete, Jess, Manuel and grandson Kaiden Reed.
He is survived by a brother, Frank Torrez; son, Anthony (Francis) Torrez; daughters, Jayne Torrez (Sandi Edmonds), Vanessa (Travis) Reed, and Marta Hudson; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren, and various nieces and nephews.
Don always enjoyed visits with family and friends. He loved his grandchildren, and they hold many fond memories with him. He was an avid K-State/KU football and basketball fan and the Green Bay Packers.
Memorial mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larned with Father Patrick Otor, MSP presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Beckwith Mortuary with a rosary at 7 p.m. Inurnment will take place at the Larned Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Anthony Torrez, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550 to be used according to the families wishes. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Beckwith Mortuary
PO Box 477
Larned, Kansas 67550
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 23, 2025

Arvid Lee Unruh 1943 - 2025BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — In Loving Memory of Arvid Lee UnruhArvid Lee Unruh, age 82, beloved hus...
10/22/2025

Arvid Lee Unruh 1943 - 2025

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — In Loving Memory of Arvid Lee Unruh
Arvid Lee Unruh, age 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, coach, and friend, passed peacefully on Sept. 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A gentle, kind, and honest man, Arvid dedicated his life to serving others and had a deep love for the Lord.
Born on April 15, 1943, to Virgil and Ruth (Polson) Unruh at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend, Kan., Arvid was raised in Pawnee Rock and Larned, Kan. He cherished his childhood days on the farm, spending time with his cousins, fishing, hunting, and playing with his dog, King. A talented athlete, Arvid graduated from Larned High School in 1961, where he excelled in basketball and football, and discovered his passion for pole vaulting. After high school, he attended Kansas State University to study engineering.
Arvid in, 1965, enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees, serving two tours in Vietnam as part of a construction battalion responsible for building and repairing vital infrastructure. After his honorable discharge, he found his true love, Marilynn Bachler Chamberlain, and they were married on July 20, 1968, at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard, Calif. They established their first home in Ventura, where Arvid worked for Boyle Engineering.
In 1973, after encouragement from friends, Arvid and Marilynn moved to Fallbrook, Calif., the avocado capital of the world. They became partners in Southwest Irrigation, designing irrigation systems and installing avocado orchards and horse ranches throughout San Diego County and Temecula. Fallbrook became their home for 25 years, where they raised their four children, Michelle, Nicole, Jeff, and Tiffany. Arvid was actively involved in his children’s sports, coaching teams and cheering from the sidelines. His commitment to community extended to being a member of the Fallbrook Ag Boosters and supporting the Fallbrook FFA and 4-H Chapter. His faith was important to his life, and Zion Lutheran Church became a place of lasting friendships.
In 1998, Arvid and Marilynn found their forever home in Bakersfield, Calif. Arvid worked as a field engineer for Grimmway Farms for 17 years, continuing to design and build water systems. He enjoyed a close relationship with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, attending their sports events and activities.
After retirement, Arvid loved to travel with Marilynn and friends, visiting cousins across the U.S. and attending K-State football games, proudly donning his purple attire. He cherished adventures, including an Alaska cruise with dear friends and memorable fishing and hunting trips with the boys.
Arvid’s greatest joy came from spending time with his nine grandchildren, Emily, Carlee, Liam, Colleen, Hunter, Alison, Cannon, Ryder, and Madison. He delighted in their sports games, often laughing and playing cards with family, going on adventurous family trips, and reminiscing about cherished memories of time spent with his cousins and friends.
Arvid is survived by his loving wife, Marilynn; his children and their spouses, Michelle and Dave Hansen of San Rafael, Nicole and Cliff Lauritzen of Chowchilla, Jeff and Katie Unruh of Bakersfield, and Tiffany Unruh of Bakersfield; his nine grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Ruth; and his stepmother, Beda Unruh.
Services will be held Friday, November 7, 2025. There will be a formal Military Burial at 1:15 p.m. Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203. Celebration of Life at 4:30 p.m. with a dinner reception to follow
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Arvid Unruh’s memory be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 4500 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311.

Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Oct. 23, 2025

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Great Bend Tribune Facebook promotion/contest rules: 1. Winners are drawn randomly from all post “Likes” or "Reacts". Comments and shares are encouraged but in no way increase your odds of winning. 2. Entrants may only win once every 3 months. 3. Prize winners will be notified in the comments of the post they entered and, if available, by message on Facebook by one of our staff members. 4. Prizes must be picked up within one (1) month of winning. Prizes that are not picked up within the allotted time will be redistributed at the Great Bend Tribune’s discretion. 5. Our promotions/contests are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering our promotions/contests entrants agree to release Facebook of all liability.