ELLINWOOD — Beatrice Honomichl, 91, of Ellinwood and formerly of Larned, died Feb. 7, at the Ellinwood District Hospital. She was born Jan. 15, 1923, in Osborne County, the daughter of the late Hynek and Anna (Sita) Brant.  
Beatrice was born and raised on the Brant family farm north of Lucas. During her early years she moved to the city of Lucas to care for her grandmother. After high school she moved with a friend to Wichita, where she met Clarence Pike. He was soon sent overseas to serve in World War II. They maintained contact, writing each other almost daily. After the war, Clarence returned and asked Beatrice for her hand in marriage. Two children were born to this union, Billy and Betty. Clarence was tragically killed in a car and train accident in Kinsley in 1947. Later, Beatrice married LaVern Honomichl at McPherson. Two children were born to this union, Trudy and Kevin. They divorced in 1964. Beatrice retired from the Larned State Hospital where she worked in the Laundry Department for more than 20 years.
Beatrice did beautiful crochet work making many tablecloths, table runners and doilies for family members. She was an avid Kansas City Royals fan spending much of her time during the summer keeping track of their statistics. She loved to work puzzle books and test her luck on lottery tickets. She loved to garden, her yard receiving many compliments in the spring when her irises were in full bloom. She enjoyed family visits especially those involving marathon Yahtzee games. Beatrice was a very independent woman. However, she never drove a car, but managed to get what she needed and had wonderful friends who were willing to give her rides to work. She took care of her four children and herself, living in her home until a year ago when she had a bad fall and needed full time care.
Beatrice is survived by her son, Bill Pike and wife, Renee of Great Bend, daughter, Betty McGinnes and husband, Jim of Great Bend, daughter, Trudy Racette and husband, Larry of Allen, Texas, son Kevin Honomichl and wife, Dianne of De Soto; one sister, Martha Letsch of Luray; eight grandchildren, Stacy Pike, Janae Denny, Ben Pike, Erick McGinnes, Arlyn McGinnes, Brian Racette, Julie Rembold, and Mikolas Honomichl; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Clarence Pike; sisters Emilie Lynn, Anna Gardner, and Vera Lewis; and brothers Vaclav Brant, Anton Brant, and Stanley Brant.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, at the Lucas Methodist Church, with burial at the Lucas cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. that day at the Church. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, should be made to the Lucas Area Community Theater or the Lucas Library.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Rodrick & Minear Funeral Home**
111 S. Fairview Avenue
Lucas, Ks. 67648
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Feb. 11, 2014