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Rory Cedric Hoover 1984-2011
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Rory Cedric Hoover
Rory Cedric Hoover, 26, passed away May 17 at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City.
He was born Sept. 20, 1984, in Hays, the son of Randall and Dora (Harbers) Hoover. He grew up in Larned, and had lived in Great Bend for the past 10 years.
Survivors include his daughter, ‘My Little Angel,’ Hannah Ellen Riggs; his parents, Randall and Dora Hoover, Great Bend; a sister, Amy Turner, and husband, Marshall Turner II; a niece, Andrea Turner; two nephews, Garrett and Carter Turner, Hays; grandmothers, Wilma Hoover, Hays; and Erma Soodsma, Phillipsburg; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Bruce Hoover, and his maternal grandfather, Albert Harbers.
Cremation has taken place, and Rory will return to Great Bend. No formal funeral or memorial arrangements have been made per Rory’s wishes. His family would ask that all who knew him remember him in their own way. He knew and cared, and loved so many.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Hannah Ellen Riggs education fund, in care of Charter Funerals, 2115 Washington, Great Bend, KS, 67530.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 19, 2011*

Theresa Lavona Dietz 1931 - 2025
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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