Obituaries

Helen Pearl Ketchum, of Wichita, passed away in her home Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, surrounded by her family, at the age of 100.Helen was born the daughter of Louie and Lou (Shank) Wacker on July 31, 1926, in Wichita.

Joyce Clara Mourning, 85, passed away on Aug. 25, 2026, in Garden Plain. She was born in Conway Springs on Oct. 14, 1940, to George and Bernetta Wolke. Joyce married Glen Mourning on Oct. 12, 1968, and together they had three children, Lori, Vicki, and Eric.

Pete (Pedro) Montanez, age 87, passed away on Sept. 1, 2026.Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Escopulas and Dolores Montanez, and his siblings, Mary, Gloria, Florencia, Martha, Dorothy, and Carlos Montanez.He is survived by Gayle Montanez, his wife of 46 years; his children, Monica...

Jimmy Dale Wise, 91, of Conway Springs, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at Park West, Wichita.Jim was born March 3, 1935 in Rogers, Ark., the son of Walter Wise and Marie Langston. He grew up in Helena, Okla., where he attended local public schools.

Michael William Pokorney went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Aug. 31, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. He was born to Charles and Velma (Stickney) Pokorney in his grandmother’s house in Ravenna, Neb., on Jan. 28, 1944.

Daryl Dean Lorenz was born on Aug. 1, 1937, to Elmer and Ruth (Wulf) Lorenz on the family farm at 343rd Street West and Old Highway 54.

Michael Bernard Ahne, 78, of Conway Springs, died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at Spring View Manor, Conway Springs.Mike was born Aug. 5, 1948, at Little Rock, Ark., to Bernard James “Ben” Ahne and Angeline Barbara “Angie” (Newman) Ahne.

Roberta C. Swinehart, 96, retired registered nurse, of Norwich, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at Avena Living of Clearwater.

Vernon Gerhart Ast, 83, of Verona, Mo., passed away on Aug. 3, 2026, in Springfield, Mo. He was born on March 16, 1943, in Cheney, Kan., the son of the late Francis Ast and Margaret (Hermes) Ast. Vernon was a beloved figure in his family and in his community.

On July 30, 2026, Donald (Don) Lynn McElroy, 64, passed away following a many years long battle with Multiple System Atrophy – Parkinson's disease. Don was born on Feb. 2, 1962, to James Steven, Sr., and Evelyn (Catron) McElroy in Wichita. Don graduated from Wichita North West High School in 1980.