NESS CITY — William Robert “Bob” Stutz, 86, passed away on Aug. 11, 2019, at the Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kan. He was born on Sept. 29, 1932, on Peach Grove Farm near Utica, Kan. the son of W. V. and Elma (Weber) Stutz.

Bob was a Utica High and K-State graduate and served in the U.S. Army. He married Patricia Ann Hill on Feb. 6, 1955, in Carthage, Mo. She died on Aug. 27, 2014. They resided near Utica where he was a rancher/farmer. Bob was a proud, life-long member of the Utica First Christian Church, was very active as a  4-H leader, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Music was a major part of his life. While in Missouri, he sang bass in choirs and with the quartet “Fishers”. Bob also participated in and supported many area music events.

Survivors include three daughters, Cheryl Stutz of St. Joseph, Mo., Joy Hembree  (Steve) of Great Bend, Melody Stutz of the home; two sons, William R. Stutz, Jr. (Lynne) of Kingman, Greg Stutz (Michelle) of Weatherford, Texas; a half-sister, Gwendolyn Salmans (Walt) of Hanston; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers; and three sisters.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., at the Utica First Christian Church, with visitation at 9:30. Respecting the family’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, they request you do a Random Act of Kindness. Memorials may be made to The Humane Society or PBS/Smoky Hills. Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Fitzgerald Funeral Home

207 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Ness City, KS 67560

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 15, 2019