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60th MHS Class of 1965 Reunion?

Our next scheduled class reunion would be Old Settler's Day 2030 - September 27 & 28. That's four years from now. We're all nearly 80, and that seems like a long time away. If you will be in Marion for OSD 2026 and would like to get together, let's plan to have lunch together in Central Park after the parade -- probably in the picnic shelter area toward the back of the park. Please let Larry Ensey (ensey.larry@yahoo.com), Neval Hett (nevahett@gmail.com) or Don Westerhaus (djwesterhaus@gmail.com) know. Let's look for each other, maybe sit together, and catch up!


This web service is hosting our site free. Please excuse the pop-up ads. If you have problems or questions and need help, two of us are set as administrators who can dig into the programming and try to fix issues you may have. Email either Don Westerhaus (djwesterhaus@protonmail.com) or Byron McCarty (byronmccarty@gmail.com) with your questions or comments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Frances Kay Sanders, August 6, 1947 -- June 21, 2026

Frances Kay Sanders, 78, of Newton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Newton Medical Center.

She was born on August 6, 1947, in Marion, Kansas to parents Lyle and Esther (Bredemeier) Sanders, who preceded her in death.

Frances was a member of Marion High School’s class of 1965. While raising three daughters, she earned her EMT-I certification and worked for the Emergency Medical Services in Greensburg, Kansas. Frances then spent the rest of her working years at Northern Natural Gas Company in Mullinville, Kansas. She started as a maintenance worker, then worked in operations, until she became the gas plant’s first female shift foreman. Frances retired from Northern Natural after 25 years.

Frances enjoyed growing flowers, spoiling her little dogs, knitting scarves, and crocheting kitchen scrubbies. She also enjoyed family get-togethers and volunteering at Marion Christian Church. She made many loaves of banana bread and a countless number of frosted Christmas sugar cookies, which eventually became “frost your own cookies.” She was also a big fan of Elvis Presley and had a large collection of Elvis memorabilia. Frances loved her family and was a loyal friend. If anyone was in need, she would help if she was able.

Frances is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Scott Spicer of Newton, Kansas; daughter and son-in-law, Kris and David Page of McPherson, Kansas; daughter and son-in-law, Kelli and Craig Yost of Wilmore, Kansas; grandchildren: Erin (Mark) Griger, Quinten (Kelsey) Spicer, Archer Page, Madison Yost, Ethan Yost, Elleson Yost, and Cy Yost; and three great granddaughters: Jenna, Julia, and Allison. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Harvey and Betty Sanders; nephew, Doug (Jennifer) Vogel; niece, Debbie (Greg) Finley; niece, Carol Laue; and niece, Christine Laue.

Besides her parents, Frances was also preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Sonja and Roland Vogel.

A celebration of Frances’ life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Marion Christian Church in Marion, Kansas. Burial will follow at Marion Cemetery. Memorial donations can be payable to Marion Christian Church, and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas.

All who are able to attend are invited to wear a touch of the color yellow, Frances’ favorite color.

Sad Class of '65 news times two:

Barbara Helmer Bessel passed away February 25, 2025. Here's a link to her obituary.

https://www.ryanmortuary.com/obituary/Barbara-Bessel

 

Robert (Bob) Raleigh passed away February 28, 2025. Here's a link to his obituary.

https://www.yazelmeglifh.com/obituaries/robert-raleigh

Dear Classmates,

We received corrected information about Sherman Kelsey. An early posting mentioned that he had resided in Texas. However, according to his widow, Wanda, the last five years of his life he lived in Augusta, KS. Here's a link to his obituary. Sorry for the error.

https://www.cornejofuneralhome.com/obituaries/Sherman-R-Kelsey?obId=4340151

Don Westerhaus

Death of Classmate

We have learned of the sudden death of classmate Judy Lee Inlow in the last few days. We have no further information at this time but will update this website when we learn more. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.



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