HOISINGTON — Beth L. Ummel, 81, died Jan. 27, 2020, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. She was born Jan. 15, 1939, in Hoisington, Kan., the daughter of Wilbur J. and Emma (Sherrill) Humphrey. Beth graduated from Hoisington High School in 1957. She was united in marriage to Dennis Demel on Oct. 6, 1958, they later divorced. She then married Kenneth Ummel on March 27, 1981, in Hutchinson, Kan. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2019.

Beth worked various jobs through her life and eventually began working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1970 as the trainmaster’s clerk. Working with many different railroads throughout her career retiring in May of 2001 from the Central Kansas Railroad. 

While living in Wichita, Beth was active in her church and their ministries, including the United Methodist Open Door, Food Ministry, Methodist Clothes Closet, and the United Methodist Women. Upon returning to Hoisington, Kan., in 2017, she was active in the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Clerks Union.

Survivors include a daughter, Denise Schreiber and husband Bob of Hoisington; stepson, Gary D. Ummel of Kansas City, Mo.; two grandchildren, William Demel of Otis, and Shani Stout and husband Kyle of Hoisington; and three great grandchildren, Ryker, Dahlia, and Osiris Stout. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Ummel; son, Craig Demel; and three sisters, Bonnie Stratton, Betty Mogavero, and Alberta Spaeny.

Friends may call 1-8 p.m., Wednesday, with family to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service will be Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at 10:30 a.m., at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Seong Lee presiding. Burial will follow in Hoisington Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Hoisington, The United Methodist Open Door, or Donor’s Choice, all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 29, 2020