By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
John Russell Bright 1926 2015
Placeholder Image

ST. JOHN — John “Russell” Bright, 88, passed away Feb. 2, 2015 in Hutchinson. Born on Nov. 24, 1926, in Longton, he was the son of John Riley and Lola (Hughes) Bright. A resident of St. John since 1948, he was an Oil Field Consultant. On June 27, 1948, he married Norma Lee (Parten) in Beaver,
Mr. Bright was a member of the First Baptist Church, IOOF Lodge, past president of the JC’s, lifetime Veterans of Foreign Wars member while also serving his country in the US Navy during World War II. He was involved in the development of Brown Memorial Park by the VFW in the 1950’s and with Little League baseball all in St. John.  
Survivors include his wife, of the home; two sons, Mike Bright (Alicia), Napa, Calif. and Keith Bright (Kathleen), of Salina; four daughters, Connie Carey (Bruce), of Sterling, Carol McLeod (Don), of Oswego, Coette Lewis (Robert), of Wichita, and Carmen Hamilton (Steven), of Northville, Mich.; a brother, Willard Bright of Independence; a sister, Margaret Vestal of Independence; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Wilbur Bright; and sisters, Claudine Wells, Twila Morris and Treva Bright.  
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the First Baptist Church in St. John, with Pastor Roland Broeder presiding. Burial will follow at the Fairview Park Cemetery in St. John. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, with family present from 4 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church or the Ida Long Goodman Library in care of the funeral home.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel*
P.O. Box 34
St. John, KS  67576
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Feb. 5, 2015

Theresa Lavona Dietz 1931 - 2025
obits_lgp_dietzpic
Theresa Lavona Dietz

Theresa Lavona Dietz, 93, passed away April 2, 2025, at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend, Kan. She was born Aug. 25, 1931, daughter of Wilhelm “Bill” and Olinda (Schwartzkopf) Popp. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Reformed Church, which was located 1 mile west of Hwy 281 and 2 miles north of the Galatia blacktop. Growing up on the family farm northwest of Susank, Theresa attended grade school at District #91, then graduated from Hoisington High School in 1949.

Emil S. Dietz and Theresa were married on Nov. 27, 1949, in Milberger, Kan. He preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 2017. Theresa worked alongside her husband on the farm. But her greatest accomplishment was being homemaker for her husband and five children. Her talent knew no bounds with baking, quilting, and gardening. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a 4-H Leader for the Fairview Scouts. 

Survivors include son, Ron Dietz (Debbie) of Dallas, Texas; daughters, Donna Wilhelm (Steve) of Galatia, Jane Steinert (Dennis) of Galatia, Laura Bryant (Daniel Wedermyer) of Rio Rancho, N.M., and Nancy Thiel (Mark) of Lenexa; grandchildren, Justin Steinert (Lauren), Kristi Engle (Cody), Todd Bryant (Cassie), Emilie Dietz and Mena Thiel; great grandchildren, Claire Engle, Gwen Engle, Kelsey Bryant, Kyler Bryant and Sophia Steinert; and sister, Shirley Maier. She was preceded in death her parents; beloved husband of 68 years, Emil; brother, Vernon Popp; sisters, Delores Dewald-Hanhardt, LoRee Dietz; and granddaughter, Andrea Bryant.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia with Reverend Wayne Baldyga presiding. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Galatia. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Fairview Cemetery or St. Paul Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.



Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Road 

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 5, 2025