Obituaries

 Virginia I Groves (Jeannie), 77, of Leavenworth KS, passed away on 10/07/2022 from late stages Alzheimer’s. Jeannie was born on 08/11/1945 to John P Groves, Sr and Irene (Caton) Groves…

Deeis (Dee) Duttweiler, 96, Atchison passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Medicalodge of Atchison, KS. Masonic services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, October 17, 2022, at St.

Larry Gene Rutter, 84, of Meriden passed away on September 16, 2022. He was born to Orville Rutter and Faye Robertson on October 15, 1937, in Leavenworth, Kan.

Merle Orval Nicks, 90, of Leavenworth died Saturday, October 8, 2022. He was born August 18, 1932, in Pomona, Calif., to Glenn Thomas and Esther Eugenia (Nolte) Nicks.

On Sunday, October 9, 2022, Durand K. Dickerson fell asleep in death. He was 68 years old. He was born to James and Wanda Dickerson. Durand was a dedicated husband for 48 years. Durand was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 46 years. Above all else, he was dedicated to his ministry. He loved talking to others about the Bible. He ministered at the prison and was a mentor to many. Durand owned and managed Dickerson Recycling for many years and provided service in Leavenworth, Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City, St. Joseph and other locations. He was passionate about doing his part to ensure that others benefited from his work locally, nationally, and internationally. He also volunteered in food distribution at The Leavenworth

Blake Russell Hobbs, 28, of Easton, KS died unexpectedly on October 8, 2022, as a result of a tragic accident. He was born March 31, 1994, the son of Russell Schmalstieg and Michelle Hobbs. Blake was a member of the graduating class of 2012 from Pleasant Ridge High School. Since high school, Blake has held a variety of jobs in the construction and concrete area and other blue-collar trades. The most recent being in the oil well industry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Michelle, and a cousin Kaitlyn Schmalstieg. Blake is survived by his grandparents, Rudolph “Buddy” Schmalstieg, Sandra Schmalstieg (Lewis), and David and Agnes Hobbs, three uncles Randy Schmalstieg (Jo), Robby Schmalstieg, and Destry Hobbs, two aunts Stephanie Herken (Scott) and Marigrace Hobbs, and his first-cousins Derrick (Kelsie) Winkler, Daniel (Ariel) Winkler, Dillon Herken, Taylor Herken, Jessica (Ray) Runge, William Schmalstieg, and Colton Mullins, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends he considered as family. From a young age, Blake fought many obstacles and demons in his life. He was able to overcome those and he lived his life as only Blake knew how to and that was with a lot of humor. He was known for always having a smart-ass comment and sending pics, memes, or who knows what through social media or text. Blake never had any children but he had many friends and family that did. He was known for the way he loved and treated those kids as if they were his own by bringing gifts, playing with them, teaching them his bad habits, taking tons of pictures, and just loving them. Blake had a huge heart, would always try to cheer you up, and was the type of person that if you needed something he would not hesitate to be right there. Blake was entrusted to Barnett Family Funeral Home in Oskaloosa, KS and he has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held at Scott and Stephanie Herken’s house, 31001 235th Street, Easton, on November 13, 2022, at 2 p.

Louis “Marty“ Thomas, 70, of Leavenworth, Kan. passed away on Thursday October 6, 2022, at Perry Lake.