ELLINWOOD — Bernice Catherine Petz, 96, passed away peacefully on Nov. 19 at Olathe Hospice House having spent the day with her children. Born Aug. 28, 1927, in Menlo, Kan., she was the daughter of Frank and Rose (Mannebach) Moos.

Bernice graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1945 and from Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kan. She married Raymond Petz on Dec. 30, 1947, in Ellinwood and they were married nearly 63 years. He passed away Oct. 5, 2010.

A four-year resident of Olathe, Kan., Bernice was a longtime Ellinwood resident. She enjoyed a successful career as a legal assistant with G.I. Robinson, Attorney at

Law; and later retired as an Executive Assistant to the President of Barton County

Community College. 

Bernice enjoyed spending time with her family and friends as well as watching and attending sporting events including the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, and the Salina Liberty. She also followed her grand and great-grandchildren’s activities.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ellinwood; a member of the Altar Society; and the Daughters of Isabella, recognized for 75 years of service, including having served as Regent and State Regent.

Survivors include sons, Kenneth (Jean) Petz, Thomas (Susan) Petz, Merle Petz, and Carl (Melinda) Petz; daughters, Kay (Larry) Thompson, Carmen (Francis) Flax, and Melba (Dan) Detmer; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great, great-grandchildren; and sister Thelma (Moos) Cole; and several nieces and nephews. Bernice was preceded in death by husband Raymond Petz; her parents; brothers Gene, Richard and Larry; sisters Ermina Moos, Velma (Moos) Wornkey, and Delores (Moos) Bressler.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 27 at St. Joseph Church, Ellinwood with Father Terrance Klein officiating. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 26 at Minnis Chapel, Ellinwood; with family present from 2 to 4 p.m.; and an Altar Society Rosary at 3 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph School in care of Minnis Chapel, P.O. Box 246, Ellinwood, KS.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

P.O. Box 246 

Ellinwood, KS.  67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 23, 2023