Linn County News
Published March 1, 2023
Maribelle L. “Mary” Wiles, 79, of Grand Island, Neb., passed away peacefully at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, Neb., on Feb. 21, 2023. Mass of Christian burial was Feb. 27, 2023, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. William J. Dendinger presided with Rev. Jorge Canela co-celebrating with interment in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic. You are welcome to sign Mary’s guestbook at www.curranfueralchapel.com under her obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Mary was born the daughter of Alfred Burke and Mary Catherine (McKee) Wiles on March 27, 1943, in Pittsburg, Kan. After growing up on a family farm in Pleasanton, Kan., she graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1961. She went on to study English and Education at Pittsburg State University and continued to study Philosophy, Theology, English, and Education at Marymount College in Salina, Kan., where she graduated. She was a beloved Religion Teacher at Grand Island Central Catholic from 1976-2014 after teaching at Cure’ of Arts Catholic School in Leawood, Kansas for 10 years. After retirement Mary proclaimed, “Being at GICC was like a completion of her prayer!”
Mary adored her students and loved teaching them about their faith. She loved to take adventures throughout the United States with her dear friend Sr. Mary Jo, which often included camping and hiking especially in Colorado. She loved to garden, and grow flowers. Her family, students, and friends were close to her heart. She lived happily in her home with the park pond behind her house while taking joy in watching the geese, rabbits, and squirrels going about their day. Her favorite spring outing was to drive to out-of-town fields to watch and listen to the Sandhill Cranes. Within her finest moments, she shook hands with Pope John Paul II at Estes Park, Colo. in 1993 and was welcomed into the home of the family of Martin Luther King when she drove to Atlanta, Ga. after hearing about his death.
Mary is survived by her brother, Alfred A. Wiles of Leavenworth, Kan.; and sister Kathleen M. Matthews of Harrisonville, Mo.; niece Michelle A. Wiles, nephew Alfred J. Wiles, three grandnieces, one grandnephew, and one great-grandnephew.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Teresa Wile
OBITUARIES
Debra Dale Wolf ~ 04-03-1954 to 03-22-2023

Linn County News Published March 29, 2023 Debra Dale Wolf, age 68, Linn Valley, Kan., passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Graveside funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Trading Post Cemetery. Memorial contributions... [More]
Jessica Erin Cox ~ 11-15-1979 to 03-20-2023

Linn County News Published March 29, 2023 Jessica Erin Cox, beloved daughter, and granddaughter, passed away at her home in Lawrence, Kan., March 20, 2023. Jessica was born Nov. 15, 1979, at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She was a graduate of Shawnee... [More]
Larry Ray Oliver ~ 07-12-1953 to 03-22-2023

Linn County News Published March 29, 2023 Larry Ray Oliver, age 69, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Funeral service will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Visitation... [More]
More Obituaries
- Buford Wayne “Bud” Lindsey ~ 11-21-1934 to 03-15-2023
- Vance Laverne Bruner ~ 07-01-1959 to 03-17-2023
- Curtis Eugene Virgin ~ 09-09-1944 to 03-14-2023
- Janice Ann Leasure Woodrum ~ 05-04-1948 to 03-05-2023
- Lewis Michael Wilson ~ 08-13-1952 to 03-05-2023
- Janet Dean Robinson Staton ~ 02-16-1939 to 03-08-2023
- Margaret Ellen McRae ~ 01-30-1932 to 03-06-2023
- C.H. Parker ~ 08-24-1942 to 03-06-2023
NEWS
SPECIAL: National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 5th

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 5th by inviting the public to come out and walk with a ranger for a preview of our new trail. The Visitor Center and new exhibits will be open form 4-6 PM and... [More]
SPECIAL: Drug operation ends with six arrests in Miami and Linn counties

MIAMI & LINN COUNTY – On Wednesday morning, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Osawatomie Police Department, and the Pleasanton Police Department arrested six individuals... [More]
Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission says no to windmills

After meetings discussing the Linn County Comprehensive Plan and where the county should be as to allowing wind turbines, the Linn County P&Z said no 5-3 to allowing any turbines in the county. P&Z Commission Chair Richard Morrell brought the subject up after several... [More]
More News
- Heartland REC introduces possible Linn County solar field
- County appraiser reports on valuation increases
- One-cent sales tax coming on Pleasanton ballot
- SPECIAL: Pleasanton One-Cent Sales Tax Questions
- Commissioner’s discussion on wage options gets heated
- County discusses options for Pleasanton meal site
- Parker leaders consider truck route
- Council approves land grant for riding academy
SPORTS
2022-23 All County Boys’ Basketball team

The season for the Linn County high school boys’ basketball teams is over and it’s time for this year’s All County Boys’ Basketball team. This year, there is a first and second team with five players on each team from the three local high schools, Prairie... [More]
2022-23 All County Girls’ Basketball team

The season for the Linn County high school girls’ basketball teams is over and it’s time for this year’s All County Girls’ Basketball team. This year, there is a first and second team with five players on each team from the three local high schools,... [More]
More Sports
- Linn County Twisters takes 13 to State, 5 place
- Lady Buffs win 1, fall in semifinals
- Pleasanton basketball falls in the first round of Sub-State
- White places sixth for Jayhawk wrestling at State
- Kline and Cox-Halliburton represent Prairie View at State
- Prairie View basketball splits against Anderson County
- Lady Hawks double up Altoona
- Pleasanton basketball defeats Bronaugh, falls to Cherokee

OBITUARIES POLICY
• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Cost: $30 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com