Keithley Funeral Homes

10/26/2025

Ronald Dinkel

Ronald “Ron” Dinkel, age 77, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

He was born February 11, 1938, in Hays, Kansas to Elmer J. and Irene (Dreiling) Dinkel. He Married Diane (Dreher) on June 9, 1967, at Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Gorham, Kansas.

Ron grew up Northeast of Victoria on the family homestead. He built his own family farm there and spent his working days farming and raising cattle. He enjoyed seeing his grandkids on weekends, working on puzzles and his collections, reading and talking about pastimes.

His survivors include his wife, Diane; his children, Medesa (Randy) Sander; John (Patti) Dinkel; Jennifer (Brad) Wilson; his grandchildren, Rita Dinkel; Kate and Jake Wilson; his brothers, Bobby; and Larry; his sisters, Carol; Mari; his sister-in-law, Wanda and her husband, Todd.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Irene; his brother, Steve; his sister, Wanda; and baby granddaughter, Shelbie Lynn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Gorham, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Daryl Olmstead. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Saint Mary Cemetery Fund in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

View Ronald Dinkel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/25/2025

Lawrence Locker, Sr.

Lawrence Locker, Sr., age 95 of Ellis, Kansas died Saturday October 25, 2025, at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital - WaKeeney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 703 Monroe Street Ellis, Kansas 67637. Viewing and visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM prior to services with a Rosary service beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow the mass in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Ellis Nutrition Center - Meals on Wheels, in care of the Funeral Chapel.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.

A complete obituary is pending and will be published upon completion.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Lawrence's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

View Lawrence Locker, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/25/2025

Today, we recognize Kirk P. "Cookie" Cline and his extraordinary dedication to our communities as a Funeral Director.
For over 45 years, Cookie has been an invaluable part of the Keithley Funeral Homes family, serving several generations of families with unparalleled compassion and professionalism.
His long-standing commitment and comforting presence have provided guidance and support during countless difficult times. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service.

10/22/2025

Ruth Firestone

Ruth Firestone, age 89 of Hays, Kansas died Monday, October 20, 2025 at HaysMed - Hays. She was born in 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland, to Ruth and John Hartzell, she spent her early years in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania—a suburb of Philadelphia—in a house that was part of the historic Underground Railroad.

She studied music at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia with the intention of becoming an opera singer; however, she soon discovered that her true love was linguistics and the German language. She earned her bachelor's degree in German and linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school.

During her time at the University of Pennsylvania, she met and married Robert Rentz. Although they divorced soon after, she often said that he had been the funniest person she had ever known.

In 1963, newly divorced, she moved with her two young children, Susan and Mark (Andrew), to Boulder, Colorado, to pursue her master’s degree in German and linguistics. During her studies, she met the true love of her life, Robert Todd Firestone. They married in 1970, and in 1973, after being awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder, she became an assistant professor at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She eventually gained tenure and became chair of the Germanic and Slavic Languages Department, a position she held for many years.

In the late 1980s, she moved to Hays, Kansas, where she became chair of the Modern Languages Department at Fort Hays State University, a position she held until her retirement. In 2000 she was awarded the Fort Hays State University President’s Distinguished Scholar Award, a prestigious award that is given to only one faculty member each year, recognizing her excellence in research within her field of study.

She leaves behind two children: Mark Andrew and Susan (Doug); one grandchild, Katharine Abdoo (Sean); and two great-grandchildren, Brie and Will Abdoo. Her brother, John (Patricia), predeceased her.

She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish and a supporter of its food pantry, she also was very involved in community theater, appearing in many plays alongside her husband, Robert. A strong supporter of the Fort Hays State University theater and music departments, she also supported local artists and was an active member for many years of the Friends of the Hays Public Library. She firmly believed that every child should have at least one book of their own.

She wrote many articles for the Hays Daily News and The Hays Post, reviewing local plays and musical events. In the early 2000s, she was awarded a grant to attend an institute in New York for individuals who write entertainment reviews.

She traveled to Germany many times and was deeply grateful to have lived to see the fall of the Berlin Wall and to visit East Germany. She and her husband, Robert, were generous philanthropists who supported many organizations through their charitable donations.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Ruth's family will receive guests from 12:00 until service time with Inurnment following the mass in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery - Hays.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to: The St. Joseph Food Pantry and/or Friends of the Hays Public Library in care of the Funeral Chapel.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

Memories and words of comfort can be shared with Ruth's family on her tribute page via www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

View Ruth Firestone's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/20/2025

Meet Ron Keithley, our dedicated Owner and Funeral Director, and the heart of Keithley Funeral Homes.

With nearly three decades of experience, Ron upholds a simple philosophy: treating every family with the same compassion and respect he would want for his own. His deep roots in Ellis County means he understands the unique needs and traditions that matter most.

Ron’s passion is providing a steady, comforting presence, creating meaningful, personalized services that cover everything from traditional funerals and cremations to pre-planning.

When you trust Keithley Funeral Homes, you’re choosing Ron and a team who genuinely cares. Stop by and say hello—he's always ready to connect! Keep following as we introduce you to the rest of our team members!

10/20/2025

Robert Gerhardt

Robert Gerhardt, age 70, of Ellis, Kansas died Friday October 17, 2025 at The Good Samaritan Society - Ellis.

Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.

Contributions to assist Robert's family with final expenses can be made via tribute pay by clicking here.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Robert's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

View Robert Gerhardt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/20/2025

Darlene (Dinkel) Braun

Darlene (Dinkel) Braun age 83, of Victoria, Kansas, left to greet our Lord on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, after a brief illness. She was born February 18, 1942, in Hays, Kansas, to Andrew and Felicitas “Flitz” (Hertel) Dinkel.

She was born the eldest to a twin sister, Marlene, and 11 years later they were given the gift of their baby brother, Floyd. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary School in Ellis, Kansas, and graduated from Ellis High School in the class of 1960. After graduation, she moved to Hays and worked at St. Anthony Hospital for two years and did some babysitting on the side for some very dear friends. It was through them that she met and fell in love with LaVern J. Braun of Victoria. They were married on May 4, 1963, at Ellis, Kansas, and moved to Victoria to work and raise a family. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2013.

This union blessed them with two ornery boys, Richard (Rick) and Terry. Darlene worked at St. John‘s Rest Home for 23 years as a cook, housekeeper, and as the office manager, where she met many wonderful staff, residents, and family members who became lifelong friends. But Darlene felt she needed a change, and in 1998, she opened the Hungry Haus Cafe in Victoria, where she provided home-cooked German meals and desserts until closing in Dec. of 2000. She then went to work at Sunflower Bank in Victoria where she worked as a teller until her retirement in May 2013. Darlene never knew a stranger and always greeted everyone with a smile and a story of how they knew each other. Though she loved her work-family and friends, her true love was her own family. She was lucky enough to celebrate 50 years of marriage with LaVern, her best friend who always kept her on her toes. Together, they raised those two ornery boys into two hard working men who learned the value of prideful work and the willingness to jump in and help others when needed. They moved to the farm in 1979 where the boys began learning to live the life of the land by farming with their dad and grandparents.

Rick married Janice (Zerr) in 1985, and they were blessed with a daughter, Jenna, and son, Lane. Terry married Krista (Rathbun) in 1996, and they were blessed with two boys, Jacy and Walker. Darlene loved spending time with her grandchildren, and later, great-grandchildren, watching them in 4-H and sporting activities throughout their careers.

Of course, her favorite sport was football, and she was a proud Victoria Knights fan cheering in the stands for years. Even when she didn’t have grandchildren playing, that did not stop her from watching or listening to all the football games! Darlene was blessed with two great-grandsons, Gentry and Braxton Dempewolf, and adored all their hugs and kisses, but especially enjoyed sharing her Kindle with them for some fun Grammy screen-time. She was also blessed with one great-granddaughter, Gracie, who loves to smile, wave, and say, “Hi Grammy!” She is survived by her sons, Rick Braun and wife, Janice, Victoria, KS; Terry Braun and wife, Krista, Victoria, KS; her grandchildren, Jenna Dempewolf (Andrew), Gorham, KS; Lane Braun (Arrica), Victoria, KS; Walker Braun (Kayla), Victoria; KS; her great grandchildren, Gentry and Braxton Dempewolf; and Gracie Braun; her sisters-in-law, Pat Dinklel, WaKeeney, KS; Louise Robben, Victoria, KS; Rosie Dinkel, Victoria, KS; Doris Robben, Victoria, KS; and numerous caring nieces and nephews.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew J, and Felicitas Dinkel; her loving husband LaVern; her grandson, Jacy Braun; her infant twin brothers: her twin sister Marlene Dinkel and husband Leland; her brother Floyd Dinkel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave, Victoria, Kansas with Celebrants, Father John Schmeidler and Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. Burial will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, Vincent, Kansas

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, all at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas. A St. Boniface Christian Mothers rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. Friday, both at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Victoria, Kansas.

Darlene’s faith was always very important to her, and she spent many hours a day praying for family, friends, and people she never even met. Because of her strong faith, the family suggests memorials made payable to St. Boniface Catholic Church or Concerned Descendants of Vincent Cemetery Association or Masses in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

View Darlene (Dinkel) Braun's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/18/2025

Today Keithley Funeral Homes had the honor of serving the family of Alan Gottschalk. Alan was also a friend of ours who has truly served his community selflessly for the 32 years I have been a part of the Ellis County community.

Alan was a Purple Heart recipient and also a Medical Infantry Badge recipient. Both are truly impressive awards to say the least.

I want to thank ALL of the Hays VFW Honor Guard members who for years have offered their volunteer services not only to Hays residents but all over the region. If you see any of these individuals please let them know that they are appreciated.

Today they honored one of their longest active members. Rip Alan.

Keithley Funeral Homes
Ron Keithley
Mark Heiner
Kirk P. Cline

10/17/2025

October is a time to both raise Breast Cancer Awareness and remember those we've lost.
At Keithley Funeral Homes, we honor the resilience of every fighter and survivor. And we cherish the memories of loved ones whose spirits remain a beacon of courage. 💕

10/16/2025

There is no greater privilege than serving the families who live here, our neighbors and friends, during life's most challenging times.

We are deeply honored by the trust you place in us. Every day, we commit ourselves to providing the compassionate and dedicated service that this incredible community deserves.

10/15/2025

Minnie Krannawitter

Minnie Lou Krannawitter, 93, former Hays, KS, resident, died Monday, October 13, 2025, at Otterbein-Springboro Senior Life in Centerville, OH. She was born January 6, 1932, in Selden, KS, to Oliver A. and Elsie I. (Bosworth) Shrader. She married Wilfred W. Krannawitter in Hoxie, KS, on October 28, 1950. He died in 1970.

Minnie grew up during the Great Depression and learned the importance of hard work and frugality. She and her husband Wilfred farmed near Hoxie for several years. When he became seriously ill and could no longer farm, she had to take care of him and raise her sons by herself; they later moved to Hays.

After Wilfred’s death, she worked as a ward clerk at St. Anthony Hospital, as an assembler at the Travenol factory, as a cook at Thomas More Prep high school, as a nurse assistant at the Good Samaritan Society nursing home, and later at Hays Medical Center, where she obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant training and license. Minnie will be remembered as a kindhearted, generous, and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her two sons Michael J. Krannawitter (Maria Sarratud) of Kettering, OH, and Jon W. Krannawitter (Kathleen Mar) of Garden City, KS, as well as three grandchildren: Angela M. Krannawitter (Joshua Weinstein) of Kettering, Josue E. Krannawitter (Addison Heptig) of Wichita, KS, and Amy L. Krannawitter (Jaron Zamarripa) of Garden City. Minnie is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: David A. Weinstein, Elizabeth M. Weinstein, Marcus G. Krannawitter, William J. Krannawitter, Zaylyn N. Krannawitter, Geddy Zamarripa, and Benmont Zamarripa. Also left to mourn her passing are her sister Margaret Tripp, sister-in-law Marie Bjorklund Shrader (widow of James Shrader), and many nieces and nephews.

Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a grandson David J. Krannawitter, and her siblings Al Shrader (Barbara Stegman), Frances Pryor (William), Katherine McKinzie (Vergil), James Shrader, and Mabel Wells (Wayne). She was also predeceased by all of Wilfred’s siblings and their spouses.

Graveside services and inurnment will be at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hays, KS.

Local arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601.

View Minnie Krannawitter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/14/2025

Andrew James Kieffer

Andrew James ‘Andy” Kieffer, age 50, of Hays, Kansas Hays passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He was born July 19, 1975, at Hutchinson, Kansas to James Stephen Kieffer and Joan Margaret (Tieking).

He was a devoted husband, loving father, son, nephew, uncle, and brother. He was married to his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Michele (Kippes) for 18 years. They were married on September 2, 2007, at Boulder, Colorado. Together they raised their beautiful daughters, Avery (14) and Macie (6). He was a constant source of strength for his family.

Before Andy turned two, the family moved to Colorado, but returned to Kansas in 1982. Hays was home for Andy from that point on. He graduated from TMP-Marian High School in 1993. After graduation, he began his 31 year career with S & W Supply where he made lifelong friendships with his coworkers and customers. They stood by Andy and his family during the toughest days.

Andy will be remembered for his loyalty to his family, friends, the KC Chiefs, KU Jayhawks and KC Royals. He took great pride in everything he did. He was an expert handyman, a talented artist, a self-taught guitarist, an accomplished cook, an excellent mechanic, a beer enthusiast, and a well-known prankster. He found joy in working on his Nova wagon, but most enjoyed spending time with his family. He dabbled in photography, which left us with snapshots of his family that we will always treasure. He was a devoted husband, loving father, son, nephew, uncle and brother.

Andy is survived by his wife, Michele; his children, Avery and Macie; all of the home; his mother, Joan and step father, Larry Perkins, Hays, KS; his stepmother, Dixie Kieffer, Rancho Murietta, CA; his mother-in-law, Margaret Kippes, Hays, KS; his brothers, Brad Kieffer and wife, Sandra, Bella Vista, AR; Eric Kieffer and wife, Janya, Dallas, TX; Todd Kieffer and wife, Christina, Kansas City, MO; his sister, Lynette Mullinax and husband, Mike, Silver Lake, KS; his step sisters, Celeste Clelland and husband, Chris, Lees Summit, MO; Marianne Nelson and husband Greg, Rawlins, WY; his brothers-in-law, Kurt Kippes and wife, Kellie, Fenton, MI; John Kippes and wife, Mariel, Colorado Springs, CO; his sisters-in-law, Janelle Limon and husband, Richard, Colorado Springs, CO; Renee Downey and husband, Brian, Jetmore, KS; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 20, 2025, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Joe Popelka officiating. Inurnment will be at Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M.

Monday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made payable to: Children’s Mercy Heart Center Research; the Cancer Council of Ellis County; or to Michele Kieffer {the Andy Kieffer family} in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

View Andrew James Kieffer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.