Obituaries

Roxann Marie Revert was born on April 2, 1950. Roxann died very suddenly and unexpectedly after a brief illness and passed away at Stormont-Vail on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Roxann had had multiple significant health issues, but those who loved and cared for her hoped for many more treasured years. She had lived with her daughter and family for two and half years in Horton, Kansas. Roxann had many careers throughout her life, but the job she treasured most was working with people in nursing and school. Much later in life, she worked in log cabins. Roxann had many hobbies, one of her favorites being the Gold Club and all associated activities. She loved to read and watch Christmas Hallmark movies. She was devoted to caring for people. Roxann was preceded in death by her husband and life partner, Robert Joseph Pesl, her son, James Leslie Fowle Jr., and many beloved fur babies. She is survived by her daughter Lynn Marie and Umair and her children Zachary James, his children: Benjamin James and Judy Margaret, Courtney Marie, Abigail Hope, Kevin Travis, Alexander, and Holly Miller, Rebecca and Roxann’s beloved Chihuahua, Chimmy. She is also survived by her brother William “Bill” and Penny, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Roxann is survived by her Aunt Adella, who she lovingly called “Aunty Mom,” and many extended family members. There will be no funeral services at this time as Roxann wished that those who loved her to celebrate her life, so in honoring her final requests, she has been cremated. A special request for popcorn was honored as Mom wanted to go out with a ‘bang.’ Loved ones will gather for a celebration of her life. a special message may be left for the family at www. chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Lorene Austin passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2024, at the remarkable age of 101. Born July 10, 1923, the third of six children to Carl and Elda (Krey) Felts, Lorene grew up in rural Robinson, graduating with the Cardinal class of 1941. Following the United States’ entry into WWII, she and a friend traveled by train to California to aid in the war effort. She spent the duration of the war years as a real-life “Rosie the Riveter”, assembling P-51 Mustang fighter plans. She was united in marriage to Emery Austin, Jr. in September of 1946. Together they made their home in Robinson until moving to Topeka in 1957 for his job with the National Guard. During their 57 married years, they enjoyed traveling throughout the country, attending many of his military reunions. He passed away on October 16, 2003. In 2018, Lorene sold her long-time home on Twiss Street and relocated to Hiawatha to be closer to family. She remained active and self-reliant well into her late nineties. Known for her assertive personality, independence, and kind heart, she will be remembered and dearly missed by all. In addition to Emery, she was preceded in death by her parent, brothers Dwight and Lloyd Felts, and sisters Dorothy Steele and Ruth Schuetz. Lorene is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Hathaway of Raymore, MO, and several nieces and nephews. At her request, no public service is planned. Private inurnment in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson will occur at a later date. Those wishing to leave a remembrance for the family may do so at www. chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Drusilla “Dru” Ann Boos was born September 19, 1952. Dru passed away at the age of 71, at KU Medical Center- Kansas City Friday, August 2, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, John Boos of Hiawatha, KS: her daughter Ashley Morrow (D.J. Cattrell, Jr.) of Falls City, NE, their children Daly Martin, Ashton Martin, Eli Cattrell, Kaydence Cattrell, and Orion Cattrell: and her son Michael Fleming of Oakland, CA. There will be no funeral services at this time. Loved ones will gather for a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowersplease consider monetary donations to the unpaid lunch balances of USD 415 students c/o Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., 66434. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Kathryn Joan Schmutz (known to all as Joan, pronounced “Jo-Anne”) passed away on July 23, 2024. She was born on January 5, 1936, to Albert and Grace Legler of Robinson, Kansas.

Paul Joseph Becker, 93, of rural Purcell, Kansas, passed away in the company of his loved ones at his home on July 25, 2024. He was born on August 24, 1930, in Baileyville, Kansas, the second son of 11 children of Henry and Esther (McLaughlin) Becker. In his early teen years, the family moved to Purcell, where Paul worked on the family farm and learned many organizational and leadership skills for his lifelong trade in agriculture. At the onset of the Korean War, Paul joined the US Marine Corps where he engaged in combat on foreign soil, was promoted to sergeant, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was extremely proud of his country and service and maintained a lifelong kinship with many of his comrades. On May 5, 1954, Paul married the love of his life, Mary Margaret Ruhlman, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Atchison, Kansas. He began a 70-year union that provided eight children, 27 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren. Paul was known by his family and friends as a stalwart and loving leader with the ability to set an example and expectation for life. As a successful farmer, Paul took pride in a well-manicured farm and enjoyed working with his family and employees, where he had an unmatched skill at keeping everyone productive yet feeling a strong sense of accomplishment. Paul was an 80-year member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Purcell and was strong in his faith and gracious with his time devoted to the church. He also belonged to many organizations, serving in American Legion Post #288 for 66 years, as a Grand Knight and 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus, and as a member of the Huron volunteer fire department. He was a member of St Mary’s Parish Council, where he promoted and obtained State and National Historic Society status for St. Mary’s church. He also enjoyed competing in State and National Corn Husking contests for 26 years and won several events. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Emmett, Leo, and Joe; and his s

Thomas “Tom” Henry Hansen, 88, of Hiawatha, Kansas; formerly of Hinton, Iowa, passed away at Anew Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Hiawatha on July 27, 2024. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m.